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Welcome to Day 2771 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday –The Prayers of Christ and the Destiny of the Faithful.   Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2771 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2771 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled The Prayers of Christ and the Destiny of the Faithful.   When Jesus prays to the Father in the Gospels, He does so as the Incarnate Son, fully God and fully man. His prayers are not signs of weakness or inequality, but expressions of true humanity. They reflect His relationship with the Father within the limitations of flesh and blood, taken on voluntarily to accomplish the redemption of mankind. Yet Christ's prayers do more than model dependence. They reveal His mission, not merely to forgive sin, but to lead those united to Him into eternal fellowship with Yahweh, where they will be glorified through their relationship with Him. In His High Priestly Prayer in John seventeen, Jesus says: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one” (John seventeen verse twenty-two). This is not poetic exaggeration. It is a clear expression of Christ's intent to raise His followers into the glory that He shares with the Father, restoring and transforming them in the process. The first segment is: Jesus's Prayers as Revelation of His Mission. In John seventeen verses one and two, Jesus prays: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.” Christ's authority includes granting eternal life, an existence defined not merely by duration, but by nature: incorruptibility, righteousness, and unending communion with God. Later in the same prayer, He says: “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory…” (John seventeen verse twenty-four) Though Christ is fully divine, He chose to humble Himself. As Paul writes in Philippians two verses six through eight, though existing in the form of God, He did not cling to His divine status but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. Hebrews two says He was made for a little while lower than the angels, not because He lost divinity, but because He embraced full humanity. His prayers reflect this self-imposed humility and His desire to elevate those He redeems. The second segment is: The Resurrection Body and the Nature of Glorified Transformation. Scripture consistently affirms the transformation of the faithful, not merely morally, but ontologically. Psalm eight states that man was made “a little lower than the heavenly beings,” but destined to be crowned with glory and honor. Hebrews two applies this to Christ and, by extension, to all who belong to Him. First Corinthians fifteen declares that believers will be raised with glorified, incorruptible bodies. Paul...

Have you ever wondered what happens inside a person when they're born again? In John 3, Jesus shows Nicodemus that salvation is a miracle of the Spirit—a new heart, a new life, and a brand-new direction. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace as he continues All Things New and explains how believing in Christ changes everything.

What does it really mean to start fresh with God? In John 3, Nicodemus discovers that true newness isn't about trying harder—it's about being born again. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace as he begins the series All Things New and explores the life-changing power of a brand-new beginning in Christ.

Scripture Reading: Revelation 11:15-19 In the middle of the horrendous judgments that John is describing in Revelation, he gives his readers a glorious preview of what will take place after God's justice has been fully meted out on the inhabitants of the earth.  It is a foretaste of the coming kingdom of Christ, in His reign on this earth. In John's wondrous declaration, there is a stark contrast between the present kingdom of collective humanity and the future kingdom of the King of kings.  "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" (Rev 11:15). Ever since Babel, collective humanity has sought to establish a government without God … whether it is Egypt or Babylon or Rome.  John says, "The nations raged," perhaps echoing the language of Psalm 2:1.  "The kings of the earth set themselves . . . against the LORD" (Psa 2:2). But one of these days, the rule of humanity on the earth will give way to the rule of the Creator of all things.  This is reason for hope and joy and gratitude in our souls.  "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign" (Rev 11:17).

In a world obsessed with what's next—new technology, new trends, new answers—it's easy to feel worn out and spiritually hungry. But what if the most important question isn't what will change, but what will never change? In John 6, Jesus makes the first of His great “I Am” statements: “I am the Bread of Life.” Not bread to give—but bread to be. In this sermon, we explore why the crowd followed Jesus, why many eventually walked away, and what it really means to come to Him not just for what He can do, but for who He is. Along the way, we discover how Jesus meets our deepest hunger, why our identities are shaped by His, and how surrender—not self-improvement—is the path to real life. Whether you feel spiritually full, quietly empty, or somewhere in between, this message invites you to come, believe, and be fed. About the series. . . Everyone is looking for something: Meaning. Direction. Security. Life. Jesus didn't just point the way—He said, “I am the way.” In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven bold “I Am” statements that tell us exactly who He is and why it matters. Each one speaks to a real human need and offers hope that still holds up in real life. In the "I Am" series, Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., helps us explore these powerful words of Jesus and discover what it means to trust Him—not just with our beliefs, but with our everyday lives.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

William Taylor - It is easy for us to shape our own views of who Jesus is such that he becomes a comfortable figure who fits nicely into our agenda for him. In John 6 Jesus challenges such ‘plastic Jesus' images. He is greater and more wonderful than anything we could invent…and less cosy!

William Taylor - It is easy for us to shape our own views of who Jesus is such that he becomes a comfortable figure who fits nicely into our agenda for him. In John 6 Jesus challenges such ‘plastic Jesus' images. He is greater and more wonderful than anything we could invent…and less cosy!

This week, Pastor Chris launched the 2026 Greater Things Fast with a compelling teaching on the power of fasting. In John 14, Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do greater works through the power of the Holy Spirit, and we explored fasting as one of the God-given ways we are invited into that deeper, Spirit-led life. Rooted in Scripture, fasting is presented as a grace-filled practice that humbles us, realigns our desires with God, and awakens our hunger for righteousness. As we fast and pray, we make space for God to speak, to break strongholds, and to empower us to walk more fully in His will and power.

In John 10 Jesus says that, “The shepherd of the sheep…calls his own sheep by name and leads them out…He goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice…I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” He's saying the normal expectation of being one of his sheep is that we hear and recognize his voice. The problem is, many serious and committed followers of Jesus live without the experience of regularly hearing his voice, and even if they do they might not have a good sense for recognizing it. And what a tragedy this is, because the voice of God has the ability to sort us out, fill us with vitality, put us on the right path, fortify us, give us patience, cut through lies we are believing, put us in our place (if that's we need) or lift us up (if that's what we need), and much more. It's the greatest force in the world, and it's how God intends to lead us to our destiny as Jesus followers. In this series, we're going to tackle what it looks like for John 10 to not be just a nice verse to put in a picture frame on our wall but to be a mantra we live every single day.

In John 12 Jesus comes to Judea as He begins His final week of ministry before His crucifixion. Two very important acts take place in this chapter. Jesus is anointed by Mary of Bethany and He rides into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilling a prophecy from Zechariah. Both actions powerfully declare what kind of king Jesus would be! Join us as we begin the New Year looking to King Jesus! There are so many powerful lessons in John 12 for you and me!

In John 6:66–69, many turn away from Jesus when his teaching becomes difficult,but Peter responds with a confession that stands at the heart of the Christian faith: “Lord, to whomshall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” The words of Jesus are unlike any other wordswe hear because they carry divine authority, perfect wisdom, deep compassion, and saving graceand truth. Jesus does not merely speak about life; he IS the Word of Life who gives eternal lifethrough his sacrificial death and resurrection. Though his words confront our sin and demand aresponse, they are accompanied by the Holy Spirit, who sustains our faith and draws us to Jesus.In a world full of competing voices, this passage calls us to remain with Jesus, trusting that onlyhis words can truly give life.

When we think about New Year’s resolutions, what probably comes to mind is a list of lofty ambitions we rarely achieve (80 percent of New Year’s resolutions are already abandoned by mid-February). Author Amy Wilson suggests a better idea might be to reject entirely “the idea that we have to fix ourselves before our lives can get better.” Wilson suggests that, instead of adding commitments, we see the new year as an opportunity to do less, to finally “start saying no” to some of the “oversized and ongoing commitments that take our time and energy without giving us much in return.” In a world of constant pressure to do and be more, it can be easy to miss the radically different rhythm of life Jesus invited His disciples into—one of abiding in Him. In John 15, Jesus described Himself as “the true vine” (v. 1) and His disciples as the branches (v. 5). Vine branches don’t grow through working harder but through the nourishment received from the vine. So too the growth we long for can only be experienced when we let go of self-reliance in exchange for resting in and finding nourishment in Christ, for “apart from [Him] you can do nothing” (v. 5). Through Jesus, we have hope for a life of less anxiety. Less striving. And more resting in God’s love and letting it flow to those around us (vv. 12, 17).

Today’s Bible Verse – John 5:7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me. - John 5:7 In John 5:7, we hear the voice of a man who has been stuck—physically and emotionally—for 38 years. His words reflect a deep sense of helplessness and isolation, but they also open the door for one of Jesus’ most powerful miracles. This verse is a reminder that even when we feel unseen, unsupported, or left behind, Jesus sees us. He meets us in our waiting, our longing, and our weariness—and invites us to healing that goes beyond what we imagine.

Patrick fields pressing questions from listeners, sharing candid thoughts on funerals, Catholic liturgy, and the discomfort that comes with boundary-crossing moments at Mass. He takes questions about marriage struggles, the reality of affordable housing fears for seniors, and clears up confusion about saints interceding in our lives, using both scripture and Church tradition as his compass. Between updates on a centuries-old monastery’s closure, playful nods to Taco Tuesday, and nuanced guidance on canon law, Patrick blends gravity and warmth, meeting faith and daily life head-on. Peggy (email) - I was recently at a funeral Mass where "words of remembrance" were shared before the Liturgy of the Word (00:41) Patrick reads and responds to an email about struggling marriages and he hopes marriages can be saved and improved (03:32) Bunny (email) – I heard a homily where the bishop said that saints might not be able to hear us or help us (08:02) Michael - Affordable housing for seniors: what is our Christian perspective for this? (20:27) Matt (email) - If a couple, after years of marriage, become aware of an impediment that was present on their wedding day, but have no interest in separating, would their attempt at marriage be invalid and require being married again? (33:18) James (email) - In John 14:27, Jesus says: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you." Could you help me understand what kind of peace Jesus is offering us here? How is His peace different from the kind of peace we often seek or experience in the world? And how can we truly attain this kind of peace in our daily lives? (39:51) Last living grandson of 10th U.S. President John Tyler, dies at 96 (43:34) Egypt Closes St. Catherine’s Monastery: Confiscates Its Property and Evicts the Monks (46:56) Originally aired on 06/03/25

It's Tuesday, December 30th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Trump bombed Nigerian ISIS camps It was a first in United States history. President Donald Trump authorized US military action against ISIS-linked camps in northwestern Nigeria for the purposes of defending Christians who have been the brunt of a genocide that's taken place over the last decade. At least two camps, run by the Muslim terrorists, were hit by 18 precision missiles last Thursday on Christmas Day, reports The Guardian. Nicaragua banned Bibles Nicaragua has banned Bibles at the border.  Tourists may not carry Bibles in any form into the country, according to new regulations. Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the list of forbidden items now includes Bibles, newspapers, magazines, books of any kind, drones and cameras. The Nicaraguan government has also shut down 1,300 religious organizations since April 2018. Repression has picked up since the 2021 election when Daniel Ortega was elected for a fourth consecutive term in office.  Leading opposition candidates were jailed before the sham election.   Nicaragua has the fourth worst economy in South America, just above Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti. Scottish pro-life grandmother arrested outside abortion mill A 75-year-old grandmother is the first to be arrested in Scotland for coming within 656 feet of an abortion mill. This comes after an anti-protesting law was passed last year.   The Times reported that Rose Docherty was holding a sign that simply stated: “Coercion is a crime. Here to talk, only if you want.” In John 3:20, Jesus said, “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” Puerto Rico recognizes pre-born baby as a person Puerto Rico will now recognize the human fetus as a natural person from conception. That's the substance of a new law which is intended to provide the unborn child with dignity, rights of inheritance, and legal recognition. Sadly, the country still allows abortion for reasons connected to the alleged “life and health of the mother.” Iran's skyrocketing inflation and war with U.S., Israel, & Europe External and internal pressures are increasing on nations worldwide. Iran has edged up into 53 percent year-on-year inflation. That's the fifth worst in the world.  The economy is exasperated by water and energy shortages. And the nation is dealing with rising numbers of protests and strikes. In a published interview late last week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was in a "full-scale" war with the U.S., Israel and Europe. Russia's unrelenting attacks on Ukraine And Russia continues its war on Ukraine. Russia Today reported an additional 32 settlements in the Donbas area came under Russia control in December. United States sold $11 billion of arms to Taiwan Following the U.S. sale of $11 billion of arms to Taiwan, the Chinese armed forces have initiated an aggressive military exercise in the South China Sea.  It's the largest scale blockade and attack simulation ever conducted to date. The communist nation is conducting live-fire exercises extremely close to the shores of Taiwan.  The official People's Liberation Army news site announced that the drills include “task forces of bombers, amphibious assault ships, and anti-ship missiles.” But keep in mind Isaiah 40:15. The prophet wrote, “The nations are as a drop in a bucket and are counted as the small dust on the scales; [The Lord]  lifts up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.” U.S. blocks Venezuela's oil exports Things are heating up in Venezuelan waters — as the U.S. military continues its blockade of the nation's oil exports.  Tankertruckers.com reports  about $1 billion of oil, or about 8-10 tankers, have been held up in the Caribbean by the current blockade.   The Venezuelan government relies on oil exports for about two-thirds of its financing. Venezuela is pushing 250 percent inflation, year-over-year. That qualifies as the absolutely worst conditions in the world. Private Texas schools applying for $10,000 government grants Now, in stateside news, private schools in Texas are signing up for state funding. At least 600 private schools have applied for grants under a new law, for the 2026-27 school year, according to Center Square.  The pilot program is offering $10,000 grants to 100,000 students in the Lone Star state. U.S. dollar less desirable Will the dollar retain supremacy in the world market? The U.S. dollar is less and less desirable by national banks around the world.  The percent of the world's foreign exchange reserve, held in U.S. assets, has dropped off from 72 percent to 57 percent since 1999.  Oklahoma college teacher fired for penalizing Biblical worldview The teacher at the University of Oklahoma who had given a Christian student a zero score on her paper for advocating a biblical view of gender has been fired.  The university issued a statement charging the teacher assistant, by the name of William Curth, with arbitrary grading. The student, Samantha Fulnecky, had appealed to the Bible in her essay, noting that, “God created men in the image of His courage and strength, and He created women in the image of His beauty. He intentionally created women differently than men.” Dad rescued daughter from kidnapper on Christmas And finally, a Texas dad rescued his daughter from a kidnapper on Christmas Day, reported WDBJ7.com.   The 15-year-old was walking her dog, when she was abducted at knife point. Her father traced her location by the phone — and found his daughter in the suspect's truck, rescued her, and called the authorities. Praise God she was not physically harmed.  What a courageous father! Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, December 30th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

As we step out of Christmas and toward a new year, we're reminded that what's at the center of our lives shapes everything. In John 10:10, Jesus names the reality we all face, thieves that steal, kill, and destroy, and then offers a different way: “I have come so that they may have life, and have it in abundance.” This week we explore what abundant life actually is (a God-filled, God-led life), why it's found on a narrow path, and how we experience it by centering our lives on Jesus and learning to trust and obey His voice as the Good Shepherd.⚫CONNECT WITH US:

In John 7:32-36, religious leaders dispatch officers to arrest Jesus as He teaches openly in the temple. But Christ calmly announces His imminent departure to a place His opponents cannot follow. This isn't mere geographical relocation: it's eternal separation. Jesus warns that those who reject Him will one day desperately seek Him but find nothing except God's righteous wrath. Like Esau, who sought repentance with tears but found none, there comes a point when seeking is too late. This isn't hypothetical; it's the terrifying reality awaiting all who die in unbelief. But why can't the crowd understand Jesus's words? Because spiritual truth requires spiritual life. The natural person cannot comprehend the things of the Spirit. Apart from God's regenerating work, we remain dead, unable to respond to Christ's call. But for those whom the Spirit awakens, there is glorious hope. Salvation belongs to the Lord from beginning to end. Christ's finished work provides certain refuge for all who trust in Him alone. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.

What does real spiritual fruit actually come from?In John 15:1–17, Jesus reminds weary disciples, and weary believers, that lasting fruit, deep joy, and genuine love do not come from striving harder, but from remaining connected to Him, the true Vine. In this sermon, we explore how life flows from union with Christ, how obedience is meant to protect joy rather than diminish it, and how love for one another becomes the visible fruit of a life rooted in grace.This message is an invitation to stop performing, stop hustling for spiritual results, and return to the only place where life and fruit truly grow—abiding in Christ.

In John 4, Jesus intentionally meets a Samaritan woman at a well and offers her something no other source ever could, living water that never runs dry. In this message, Pastor Andrew Fish explores how the source that we draw from matters. If we are relying on other sources then we will end up always thirsty but if we rely on the living water then we will find true satisfaction and life.  As we go into 2026, we must leave behind temporary sources that never satisfy and draw from the true source of Life in Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

In John 15, Jesus presents Himself as the true vine and believers as branches, emphasizing that spiritual life and fruitfulness are only possible through abiding in Him. The sermon unfolds a pastoral call to examine one's spiritual condition by identifying the works of the flesh—such as lust, pride, hatred, envy, and self-indulgence—that hinder the natural outpouring of the Spirit's fruit: love, joy, peace, gentleness, and self-control. It underscores that these fruits are not achievements to be worked for, but byproducts of a life rooted in Christ's Word, obedience, and love, and that their absence points not to God's failure, but to personal resistance to divine pruning. The preacher then turns to the Father as the husbandman, who diligently tends the vineyard, pruning and refining branches for greater fruitfulness, and warns that while Christ intercedes for believers, continued barrenness invites divine evaluation. The message concludes with a sobering challenge to self-examination before the new year, urging each person to prepare for spiritual growth so that Christ will not need to plead for more time, but will find a harvest of fruit that glorifies God.

What if the biggest danger for believers isn't opposition from the world… but silence from the church? What if you've learned the language of faith, but sidestepped the mission of faith? In John 1, ordinary people meet Jesus—and immediately start bringing others to Him. This message is a challenge to start the year doing the same: know Him personally, invite someone boldly, and stay consistent—one simple “come and see” at a time.

Even after Christmas is over, the hunger remains.In John 6:1–40, Jesus confronts a crowd that has full stomachs but empty hearts—and He reveals Himself as the only One who can truly satisfy. This sermon explores how Jesus exposes our misplaced desires, invites us to look to Him by faith, and promises resurrection life to all who believe.Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger—it's about the Bread of Life who came down from heaven to give Himself for sinners and raise them up on the last day.Where are you looking for life?

Welcome to Day 2761 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Coequality of the Trinity: An exploration through Biblical Verse and Early Church Writings. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2761 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2761 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled The Coequality of the Trinity: An exploration through Biblical Verse and Early Church Writings.   The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the central tenets of Christian theology, establishing the belief in God as three-in-one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery, at its core, asserts that these three Persons are coequal. This belief has not been accepted without contention. However, by studying the Bible and the writings of the Early Church Fathers, a clear thread of supporting evidence emerges. To begin with, let's explore the Scriptural evidence for the co-equality of the Trinity. The first segment is: THE HOLY BIBLE. In the New Testament, the Gospel of John provides substantial support for the Trinitarian concept. In John one, verse one, it states: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse speaks to the preexistence and divinity of the Word, or the Son (Jesus Christ). The Word is not a creation of God, but God himself. In the same vein, John ten, verse thirty quotes Jesus as saying, “I and the Father are one.” This not only illustrates the unity of the Father and the Son, but also their equality, as Jesus identifies himself on the same level as the Father. Matthew twenty-eight, verse nineteen is a critical verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Here, Jesus himself authorizes baptisms in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing their co-equality and unified nature. In 2 Corinthians thirteen, verse fourteen, Paul gives a blessing in the name of all three Persons of the Trinity: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Paul's blessing highlights the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but also their inseparable unity and co-equality. Colossians two, verse nines ays, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” The ‘fullness of Deity' indicates Christ's full and equal participation in Godhood. For the Holy Spirit, we see in 1 Corinthians two, verses ten and eleven, “these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” This verse highlights the Holy Spirit's intimate knowledge and participation in the Divine, further emphasizing His co-equality in the Trinity. Finally, in Acts five, verses three and four, when Peter accuses Ananias of lying to the Holy Spirit, he states, “You have not lied just to human...

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 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 invites us into the December 23rd reading—day 358 on our year-long journey through Scripture. Together, we explore John chapters 15 through 18, where Jesus prepares his disciples for what's to come, sharing timeless wisdom about staying connected to the true Vine, loving one another, and embracing courage in the face of trials. As Hunter reminds us, this isn't just about reading the Bible; it's about experiencing real transformation from the God who is with us and who is love, fully revealed in Jesus. Today's episode weaves together the words of Jesus with Hunter's thoughtful reflections and heartfelt prayers, encouraging us to hold tightly to faith—even when we face sorrow, confusion, or fear. We're reminded that though life brings hardships, we can take heart knowing Christ has overcome the world. Join us for Scripture reading, practical spiritual guidance, and a time of prayer that aims to deepen your faith and bring peace to your heart. Let's journey together and remember: you are loved—no doubt about it! Certainly! Here is the requested devotional section transcribed, matching the tone, style, and format of your example: TODAY'S DEVOTION: Do you really believe? In John 16, we see Jesus trying to describe his relationship with the Father. He's preparing his disciples for what is about to happen, trying to help them see, but they struggle to understand. And finally—perhaps unsure, perhaps overwhelmed—the disciples say, "Yes, Lord, now you're speaking plainly. Now we understand." But did they really? I can't help but think that Jesus knew they did not truly understand. In fact, he gently calls them out, asking, "Do you really believe?" He tells them that the time is coming—even now—when they'll be scattered, each going his own way, leaving him alone. If they really understood, would they do that? And yet, Jesus says, "I am not alone, for the Father is with me." In this moment, Jesus is being honest with his disciples—and with us. Sometimes we think we believe, but when troubles come, we run and hide. Jesus is inviting us into something deeper than a moment of affirmation. He's inviting us into a life that stands firm when trials come. He tells his disciples—he tells us—what a heart of faith truly looks like: "I've told you these things so that you may have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world." Troubles are real. Hardships will come. Sometimes there's a pandemic. Sometimes there's loss or fear. But Jesus says take heart, have courage, because he has overcome the world. We don't need to flee. We need to remember that Jesus is with us, and his very presence is enough to see us through whatever troubles we face. So let me ask you, as I ask myself: Do you really believe, or are you running and hiding? Have we learned to hear and receive his word—"Take heart! I have overcome the world"? Let's not run or hide but walk with him, through all of our troubles, knowing he has the power to overcome and that he is always with us. That is my prayer for my own soul. It's a prayer I have for my family, for my wife, daughters, and son. And that is a prayer I have 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  

Todaywe are moving into a new section of Ephesians 4:25-32. In these verses, theApostle Paul gives us very practical applications for how to live out what hehas already taught in the earlier part of the chapter. That is why verse 25begins with the word “therefore.” This is the fourth “therefore” in thischapter. Paul follows a familiar pattern: he establishes a spiritual principle,reminds us of our position in Christ, and then says, because of this, here ishow you are now to live. Since we are no longer to walk as the Gentiles walk,and since we have been taught to put off the old man and put on the new man inverses 20 through 24, Paul now shows us what that looks like in everyday life. Paulalways applies truth to specific areas where the power of the Word and Truthmust be worked out. And in this passage, he is not afraid to name sins—specificsins. Can you imagine a pastor or preacher naming sins that people in thecongregation might actually be committing? Paul was not afraid to do that, andneither was God. These things are in Scripture for our instruction. InEphesians 4:25–32, Paul identifies five specific sins: Lying, Anger, Stealing, CorruptSpeech, and Bitterness. These are serious sins because they destroy unity,damage fellowship, and ruin a church's witness. Paul names them plainly becausethey must be dealt with honestly. Thefirst sin he addresses is lying and is found in verse 25: “Therefore,putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with hisneighbor," for we are members of one another.” Now, what is a lie? Alie is a statement that is contrary to fact and is spoken with the intent todeceive. Some people lie so regularly that all you have to do is see their lipsmoving to know deception is taking place. In some cases, people believe theirown lies because they themselves have been deceived by the evil one. Letme give you an example. If I tell you it is noon, and later discover that mywatch was wrong, I did not lie—I was mistaken. But if I tell you the wrong timebecause I want to deceive you, perhaps to make you late for a meeting so itbenefits me, then I have told a lie. The difference is intent. My friend, Satanis a liar. In John 8:44, Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You are of yourfather the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murdererfrom the beginning, and abode not in the truth… for he is a liar, and thefather of it.” Whatis interesting is that Satan wants us to believe that God is the liar. The veryfirst lie in the Bible appears in Genesis chapter 3, when Satan said to Eve,“Yea, hath God said?” He implied that God did not really mean what He said andwas holding something back. Satan was saying, in effect, “God is the liar, notme.” That was a lie. And Satan continues to deceive people into believing thatGod cannot be trusted. Wheneverwe speak the truth—to others or even to ourselves—the Holy Spirit is at work.But whenever we speak a lie, Satan goes to work, using that deception to leadpeople into sin and destruction. Sometimes people think they are helping othersby lying, but that is never true. The consequences may not show up immediately,but they will come. Deception always leads to trouble. That is why it is soimportant that we know—and live—the truth. Yearsago, I read a helpful book titled “Telling Yourself the Truth” by WilliamBackus. He later wrote another companion book called “Telling Each Other theTruth”. Both emphasize the importance of truth grounded in the Word of God. Itall begins with telling ourselves the truth as God defines it. Oh,my friend, when you know the truth—who is Jesus Christ—and when you live thattruth, it makes all the difference in the world. We will continue our study onlying tomorrow, because there are many powerful Scriptures that go along withthis subject. Until then, God bless you and may you have a wonderful day as youlive in the truth of God's Word. Godbless!

In first-century Jerusalem, confusion swirled around Jesus's identity. The crowds thought they knew Him—the carpenter from Nazareth, whose parents they recognized. But their assumptions blinded them to the truth standing before them. In John 7:25-31, Jesus confronts their false confidence: "You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know." Yet many believed when they saw His miraculous signs. The question still echoes today: Will you believe? Jesus is the promised Messiah, sent by the Father to redeem His people, not from political oppression but from sin itself. Through His atoning sacrifice and vindicating resurrection, Christ offers what our religious activity never could: forgiveness, righteousness, and reconciliation with God. The same Jesus who divided crowds in Jerusalem still demands a response. Who do you say that He is?

Hearts Made Ready Through Hope | John 1:29–42 | The Lamb of GodWelcome to our Hearts Made Ready Christmas series at Divine Savior Church Doral. Join us every Sunday at 9:30am as we prepare our hearts to receive Christ through God's Word.In John 1:29–42, John the Baptist points to Jesus and boldly declares, “Look—the Lamb of God!” With this powerful testimony, John directs weary and waiting hearts to the One who truly takes away guilt and sin. Jesus is not only the promised Savior—he is the source of real hope, lasting peace, and a future we can trust.This message, Hearts Made Ready Through Hope, reminds us that Christmas is about more than anticipation—it is about recognition. Like the first disciples, we are invited to look to Jesus, discover the hope he offers, and follow him with trust. Through Christ, God brings forgiveness for our past, peace for our present, and confidence for our future.As our hearts are made ready through hope, we are also called to share that hope with others. Whether you are exploring faith, seeking encouragement, or growing as a disciple, this message will help you see Jesus more clearly and trust him more deeply this Christmas season.Support the showMoved to give? http://dschurch.link/givedoralFor more info about our church please visit our website: https://divinesaviorchurch.com/dscdor/

Jesus spoke many times about light and darkness. In John 8, Jesus claims to be the light of the world. Why is that such a big deal? And what does that mean for Jesus followers today?

In John 15:11, Jesus' purpose for sharing His words of life is for every believer to obtain FULLNESS of joy! Not a fleeting happiness or some kind seasonal contentment, but a lasting joy that doesn't come from our circumstances. This is a joy that peacefully rests completely in the hope of Jesus Christ!

In John 8, Jesus claimed to be “the light of the world” who reveals the truth about our existence. In today's message, pastor Dan explains how wonderful it is to be imperfect creatures, perfectly loved by our Creator. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Sermon by Ant Frederick on December 21, 2025.Key scripture: John 13:1–17, Philippians 2:5-7, 1 John 1:9Jesus, knowing the cross was hours away, bent low to serve, even the one who would betray Him. In John 13, we see not just an act of love, but a pattern for how His grace transforms our posture toward others.

Introduction: I Want to Belong to Jesus… (John 1:4–13) Because He gives me an UNBEATABLE HOPE. (John 1:4–5) Because He gives me a MEANINGFUL MISSION. (John 1:6–8) Isaiah 40:3 – A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” John 3:30 – He must increase, but I must decrease. Because He gives me a SPOT IN HIS FAMILY THAT I CANNOT EARN. (John 1:9–13) John 3:19–20 – And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead John 1:4-13What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Who or what do you often set your hopes on? Why can't these people and things satisfy you as Jesus can?What excuses are holding you back from bearing witness to the light? How will you bear witness to the light this week and next?How does Jesus give us the right to become children of God? Why can't this right be deserved or earned?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Well, as you turn to John chapter one, I want to ask you the same exact question that youjust heard in the video.I want to ask you a question that Pastor Jeff brought to your attention last week in hismessage.It's probably a question that you're tired of hearing and asking this holiday season.What do you want for Christmas?With Christmas being so close, you have asked and heard the answer to that question manytimes over the past several weeks.The questions you've, the answers you've heard and the answers you've given include an O'Wallahwater bottle.Isn't that popular?That's still popular.I don't really know.A red light therapy mask.Anybody want that?That's popular on Instagram, isn't it?A massive Lego set, a Nintendo switch to new AirPods, a smart ring, which I guess is kindof like an Apple Watch, but a ring on your finger.I don't really know.Or fancy golf clubs.But there are many things that you want for Christmas that you cannot write down on a wishlist.There are many things you want for Christmas that cannot be bought or wrapped.Maybe you want that big promotion.Maybe you want that bonus this year that you aren't sure is coming.Maybe you want healing in your own body or in the body of a loved one.Or here's a big one.Maybe you want to feel like you belong.You want to not be rejected.That is a desire that every single person in this room shares.It's a desire that starts when you're young and it continues on for the rest of your life.As a kid and then a teenager, every single one of us was desperate to fit in and havea group of friends to belong to.Rejection is painful.It leaves lasting memories, especially when you're a kid.You know, growing up, my friends and I used to have a sleepover almost every single Fridaynight.And during 11th grade, there was a month-long stretch where there was no sleepovers.And I was really confused.I didn't know why this routine had been broken.So one day at the lunch table, I said to my friends, "Hey, guys, we haven't had a sleepoverin a while.Do you guys want to come to my house this Sunday?"And whenever I said that, everyone at the table erupted in uncontrollable laughter.And I was, again, just very, very confused.After they were all done and calmed down, I said, "What's so funny?"They then proceeded to tell me that they thought it would be hilarious to not invite me tosleepovers for a while to see how long it would take me to notice and say something.I missed a whole month of sleepovers with my friends.And to be honest, in that moment, externally, I tried to laugh it off.I tried to act like it wasn't a big deal.But internally, I felt rejected.I felt like I didn't belong.You ever felt that way before?A friend stopped talking to you.A family member cut off communication for seemingly no reason.A boyfriend or girlfriend ended the relationship without warning.Your spouse chose to give up on the marriage and leave.You have felt rejected before.You have felt like you don't belong.You feel that way right now?Maybe you couldn't care less about what gifts you're going to get under the Christmas treethis year.Maybe you don't want anything from Amazon or the mall.More than anything this year, you just want to experience that sense of belonging.You want to know that there are people who love you, who care about you, and will neverlet go of you no matter what you do.I can't guarantee you that sense of belonging with your family and with your friends thisChristmas.I wish I could, but I can't.But I can guarantee there is someone infinitely greater who will give you that sense of belonging.I can guarantee there is someone who will not reject you, who will not turn away fromyou if you truly turn to him.That person is Jesus Christ.There is no one better to belong to.There is no one better to be loved by.There is no one with a tighter grip in all of existence than him.I want you to walk out of this service this morning if you're a believer with a greatersense of confidence that you were loved by Jesus Christ.That you are safe and secure in his steady hands.There is no better gift than that.And if you're not a Christian this morning, I want you to know that the invitation hasbeen extended to belong to Christ.He commands you to follow him.He invites you to enjoy his acceptance and not fear others' rejection.More than anything, I want all of you in this room to want to belong to Jesus this Christmas.So before we continue any further, let's go to the Lord and ask for His help.Please pray for me that I will faithfully represent God's Word and I will pray for youthat you will faithfully receive it.Father, we come to you and we bring all of our pain to you.All of our fears are all of our deepest, darkest worries that we're afraid to admit to otherpeople.Lord in this room, I'm sure there's many, many stories of rejection.Many, many stories of feeling like we don't belong and I'm sure if we brought everybodyup on stage to share how they feel that there wouldn't be a dry eye in the house today.Lord, we ask that you bring the comfort that only you can.That you would challenge us, you would tear us down so that you can build us back up again.Lord, I do ask for myself, Lord, your Word is perfect, but I am not.I do not feel up to the task of proclaiming such a glorious passage, but Lord, give meyour strength, give me your wisdom.I pray for everyone in this room that you would give them the faith to receive your Wordtoday.I pray that you would seek and save the lost.Thanks for the rest of us, Lord.We would walk out of this room with a greater sense of confidence in who we belong to.We ask all this in Jesus' mighty name.Amen.Was a quick refresher.Let's reread the verses that Pastor Jeff covered last week.This will set the table and help us to understand the context of our passage this morning.So John chapter one, verses one through three.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.He was in the beginning with God.All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.These verses are all about who Jesus is.He is the Word of God who created all things.Without Jesus, this universe would not exist.This world would not exist.You would not exist.Jesus is the source and sustainer of everything that you can see and everything that you cannotsee.Jesus isn't just the Word of God.John says that He is God Himself.Verses one through three focus on who Jesus is, while verses four through thirteen focuson what Jesus gives.If you properly understand who Jesus is and what Jesus gives, you will want to belongto Him.You will want to belong to Him because no one can compare to who Jesus is, and nothingcan compare to what Jesus gives.So outline for this morning, I want to belong to Jesus.I want to belong to Jesus, first reason, because He gives me an unbeatable hope.Because He gives me an unbeatable hope.Let's read chapter one, verse four.In Him, in Jesus was life, and the life was the light of men.Life was and is found in Jesus and Him alone.As we already discussed, Jesus made all things.He is the source of all life on earth.He is the cause of everything.But He's not just the cause of physical life.He is the only supplier of eternal life as well.There is no other viable option to turn to or to search for besides Jesus.But that doesn't stop us from trying, does it?Millions have tried, and billions have failed in trying to find true life apart from Jesus.And you and I have tried our hand at this pointless search as well.Trying to find life in our jobs, in our finances, in our status, our stuff, and even our families.Life cannot be found in your job.You realize that one day you will have to retire.You may let go from that job.One day that job will belong to someone else.Your life is not found in how much money you have.Let me ask you a question.How much of the money in your various accounts will you be able to take with you when youdie?Do we not know the answer?Not a single dime.Life is not found in your status and popularity.There will always be someone bigger and better than you.In 150 or 200 years, how many people on this planet will be thinking about you?The most likely answer is not a single soul.Life is not even found in your family.As great as your spouse, your kids, your relatives might be, they cannot meet the deepest needsof your soul.Can your spouse forgive you of your sins?Can your kids give you that unbeatable hope that you're looking for?No.Can your family guarantee your eternity?No.All of those needs can only be met by Jesus Christ, who is the only source of life.And John goes on to say that this life was the light of men.That sounds pretty cool, right?But what does that actually mean?The life was the light of men.I'm no scientist, but let me give you a quick pop quiz in astronomy.What do all the plants in this solar system orbit around?You're all really tired this morning.What is it again?All right, very, very good.Could we survive without the sun?What does the sun do for us?Is the major source of life because it is the major source of light and heat on thisplanet without the sun shining as it does, we would all freeze to death without the sunshining as it does.We would not be able to see anything.We would be lost in the darkness without the light of Christ shining as it does.We would not be able to see and understand the truth without the light of Christ shiningas it does.We would not know how to be saved.We would not know how to have a relationship, a friendship with God without the light ofChrist shining as it does.We would be hopeless and lost in the darkness of our sin without the light of Christ shiningas it does.None of us would have any spiritual life.Who is the light of the sun offered to?The 8.3 billion people on this planet.Who is the light of the sun of God offered to?Same exact answer, the 8.3 billion people on this planet.As we'll see in a few minutes, many choose to hide from this light and by doing so, theymiss out on the life that he offers.But that does not stop Jesus from shining his light, which we see in verse 5.Read that with me."The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it."The word "overcome" in this verse can also be translated as "comprehended" or "understood."And many scholars believe that John picked this word for a very specific reason.He chose this word because it has a double meaning.Each of these words makes sense in context or flip sides of one another.Let's cover one side of the coin first.Let's cover the light, shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.I walk my dog Murdoch almost every single night at 10 p.m. after the family is asleep.And my wife hates this plan because she thinks I'm going to get pan-kicked by a car.It hasn't happened yet, so please just pray for me that this trend continues and I'm ableto be safe.But there is this one house in my neighborhood that fascinates me.This house has a lamppost in the front yard that shines brightly for about 10 to 20 seconds,then it just shuts off.And it comes back on a few seconds later and it happens every single night for the pastyear.And this may sound strange to you, but I think about that lamppost almost every single day.Every single time I exit the house to go take Murdoch on this walk, I wonder, is tonightgoing to be the night when that light is extinguished?Is tonight the night when darkness will overcome that person's yard?Because there's something wrong with that lamppost.There's something wrong with the bulb.There's something wrong with the wiring.It's just a matter of time.I don't have much faith in that lamppost.I don't think you would have much faith in that lamppost if you took a field trip tomy neighborhood and drove past it.But do you know who you should have total and complete faith in?Do you know whose light you should never wonder or worry about being extinguished?Jesus Christ.The light of His glory never flickers.The light of His gracious love never turns off.He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.No matter how dark this world gets, no matter how bleak your life looks, Jesus Christ isshining just as brightly as He always has.Sin, injustice, and evil cannot lower the intensity of who He is and what He has done.Nothing and no one can turn the dimmer switch down on the light of the world.Let's flip over to the other side of the coin.The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not understood it.You know, Satan and his demons are crafty.I'll give them that.They are intelligent.But at the same time, these evil forces are complete morons in comparison to the all-knowingall-wise God of the universe.The devil and his demons are fighting a losing battle because they cannot figure out a wayto extinguish the light of Christ.They're like a bunch of roided-up bodybuilders trying to push over a mountain with theirbare hands.It's just not going to happen.Their attempts to snuff out the light only fan it into flame even more.The harder they try, the harder they fail.No matter what they do, Jesus keeps forgiving more and more people.No matter what they try, the church keeps getting built up.No matter what scheme they hatch, the kingdom of God keeps advancing.Satan and his workers have already been defeated by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.They know that eternal judgment awaits them.Are they going to go quietly without a fight until Jesus returns?No, they are kicking and screaming like bratty children.And I know that they're kicking and screaming causes a lot of pain and hardship to everysingle person in this room.But they cannot change the ending that God has already written.The light will win because the darkness cannot overcome it or understand it.That is certain.That is a fact.Maybe you've been a believer for months, for years, and maybe even for decades.And you know the truths of verses four and five intellectually.You have a very hard time believing these truths emotionally and experientially.You're in a tough season right now and you feel like the darkness is winning.You feel like the light is losing.You feel like the darkness understands how to overcome the light just fine.You feel like you cannot have victory over that sin pattern in your life.You feel like there is more sin in you than there is mercy in Christ.You feel helpless.You feel hopeless.If that's how you feel right now, my heart goes out to you because I've been there before.And I'm sure I'll be there again.If that's how you feel, I want to challenge you to stop looking at you.Stop looking at your circumstances.Fix your eyes on Jesus.Focus your attention on what He has given to you.Root your confidence in the new and everlasting life that has been given to you.Ask the Holy Spirit to re-energize you with the light you see when you open up the pagesof this book during your daily quiet time.You understand your hope is not found in you.You understand that your hope is not even found in your circumstances changing.Your hope is found in belonging to Christ.When you belong to Christ, you are given an unbeatable hope from an unbeatable Savior.I want to belong to Jesus because He gives me an unbeatable hope.I want to belong to Jesus because He gives me a meaningful mission.That's the second reason on your outline, because He gives me a meaningful mission.In verses 4 through 5, John talks about the message of the light.In verses 6 through 8, John talks about the messenger of the light.Let's read these verses together.There is a man sent from God whose name was John.He came as a witness to bear witness about the light that all might believe through Him.He was not the light that came to bear witness about the light.To be clear, John is referencing a totally different John here.It's kind of confusing.What John is he talking about?John the Baptist.Why couldn't they have had a different name?Why couldn't it have been like Bill the Baptist or Baron the Baptist or whatever?Why did it have to be John?Well, don't worry.We'll make it work.We'll deal with it.John the Baptist was sent by God as a messenger to prepare the way for the promised Messiahand Savior who was prophesied about all throughout the Old Testament.John was prophesied of in the Old Testament as well.Isaiah 40 verse 3, "A voice cries in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord,make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'Malachi 3, 1, 'Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.'"John the Baptist came to roll out the red carpet for the coming king.He didn't come so that others would believe in him and believe in his greatness.He came so that others might believe in Christ through him.John the Baptist's followers once came to him to give him the news that a lot of peoplewere following Jesus.He was getting more popular and his disciples were even baptizing people, which is kindof like John's main thing.It's his name, right?John the Baptist.Like, John, don't you realize that all this is happening?Jesus is getting more popular than you.Is this frustrate John?Was he jealous?Not at all.He was actually really, really excited because he was successfully carrying out the meaningfulmission that God had entrusted to him.Here's the response he gives his disciples.He says, "He, Jesus, must increase, but I must decrease."That was the slogan of John's life in ministry.That should be the slogan of your life in ministry as well.He must increase, but I must decrease.You realize you're not the point of anything.Jesus is.John the Baptist wasn't the point of anything either.Jesus was.His mission was to point everyone to Christ, to bear witness to his light.I know what some of you serious students of the Bible may be thinking right now.You're internally objecting a bit.Hold on a minute, Pastor Taylor.You're saying that Jesus is the light and John the Baptist wasn't.But later on in this gospel, didn't Jesus say that John was like a lamp that was shining?And doesn't Jesus tell us that all Christians are the light of the world?How does this all make sense?Yeah, Jesus does say that in Matthew 5, 14, and then John 5, 35.To help answer those great questions, let me slip on my lab coat again and give you anotherpop quiz in astronomy.When you look up in the night sky and you see the moon shining bright.Does that moon actually have any light of its own?Where does its light come from?The sun, the light of the moon is shared and reflected.It's the same for John and it's the same for you and me.We have a shared and reflected light that is given to us by Jesus Christ.All throughout John chapter one, verses four through 13, the Greek word "phos" is usedin reference to Christ and "phos" is the essence of light.In John 5, 35, the Greek word "looknos" is used to describe John.A looknos is a portable lamp.Jesus is the light while John is the lamp that displays the light.A candle cannot shine on its own.It needs to be given the light of a flame.A lamp in your house cannot shine on its own.It needs to be given the light of a bulb.Jesus Christ is the sun and you are the moon.Jesus Christ is the flame, you are the candle.Jesus Christ is the bulb and you are the lamp.You are here on this earth to display His light to everyone, to shine His light in thedarkness, to bear witness about His light because you have none of your own.And I know what some of you were thinking at this point.Okay, Taylor, I know I need to buckle down and share the gospel.I need to make disciples.I need to shine His light everywhere.I'll do that as soon as the holidays are over.Whatever Christmas is in the rear view mirror, I'll get right on that.No, you won't.And you're thinking, where is your Christmas cheer, Pastor Taylor?What do you mean, no, I won't.I mean, you won't.If you will not bear witness the light of Christ today, what makes you think you'lldo it tomorrow?If you were unwilling to bear witness the light of Christ at the end of 2025, what makesyou think you'll be willing to do it at the start of 2026?Do you understand that Christmas is the perfect time to bear witness to the light of Christ?This is the time when you're around people, you're not usually around.This time of season is all about joy, but most people are miserable.Most people are looking for something that they cannot find because they're looking inthe wrong place.Right now is the perfect time to bear witness to the light.Grab a bunch of the Christmas Eve invite cards at the back table and hand them out as ifyou were given $100 for each one you handed out.I'm not going to give you $100, but the rewards you get in heaven for that will be infinitelygreater.Grab one of those invites, put it in an envelope, put money in that envelope, put a personalnote in that envelope and give it to your mailman tomorrow.Take it upon yourself to read scripture, your family get together this week and talk aboutwhy you're even celebrating Christmas, why Jesus came in the first place.Stop putting off that gospel conversation with that unsafe family member at Christmas.Finally do it.Invite that unbeliever who has no family in the area to your Christmas dinner.Buy them a Bible.Write a note in that Bible and give it to them.I keep going and going and going.There are so many ways to bear witness to the light of Christ this week.Don't make excuses for why you can't.Don't point to your calendar and say you're too busy.This is the reason why you're here, isn't it?To bear witness to the light.If anything, there's other things getting the way of the most important thing on your calendar.Don't justify your fear and laziness by saying you don't want to stir the pot this Christmas.You just want to have a calm Christmas.Shouldn't you care more about sharing the peace of Christ with your family and friends?When you belong to Christ, you recognize that you've been given a meaningful mission.When you belong to Christ, you value your calling way more than your comfort.When you belong to Christ, you make disciples, you don't make excuses.When you belong to Christ, you bear witness to his light because the darkness is everywherethat you go.I want to belong to Jesus because he gives me an unbeatable hope.I want to belong to Jesus because he gives me a meaningful mission.I want to belong to Jesus, final reason, because he gives me a spot in his family that I cannotearn.Because he gives me a spot in his family that I cannot earn.We talked about the message of the light and the messenger of the light.Now we're going to wrap up by talking about the two responses to the message of the light.The first response is in verses 9 through 11.The true light which gives light to everyone was coming into the world.He was in the world and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.He came to his own and his own people did not receive him.As I said earlier, the light of the Son of God is offered to everyone.Anyone is welcome to step into the light.Anyone is welcome to receive the life of Christ and be forever changed.But most choose to step out of the light rather than do it.Most choose to reject the life of Christ that is offered.And this is proven by verse 11.He came to his own people and his own people did not receive him.And this verse has two different focuses.When you zoom out, John is talking about mankind.Statistically and biblically, there are way more non-Christians than Christians.There are way more people who reject Christ than receive him.We all agree on that basic fact of life.But if you zoom in, John is talking about Israel.Many of Jesus' fellow Jews rejected him, hated him, called for his crucifixion.Many of the Jews rejected the message of Christ when it was shared by the apostles.Even to this day, many Jewish people refuse to accept that Jesus is the light.That's not always going to be the case.All does say in Romans that one day all Israel will be saved.Do you have time to talk about that right now?As Pastor Jeff often says, "Buy me some Pantera bread or Chick-fil-A."We'll talk about it across the street sometime.Here's an important question.Why do most people reject Jesus?Why do most people not receive the light of Christ?John gives us a very simple yet sad answer.Later on in this Gospel in chapter 3 verses 19 through 20, he writes, "And this is thejudgment.The light is coming to the world, and people love the darkness rather than the light, becausetheir works were evil.For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light,lest his works should be exposed."Have you ever been sleeping or laying in a dark room and suddenly someone turns thelights on?Are you overjoyed by this?Are you really excited by this?What's your natural human response?What do you do?You close your eyes, you cover your face with your hands and your blanket, you yell, "Turnthat light out!"That is the natural human response, physically and spiritually.It is far more comfortable to lay in the darkness than be in the light.It's simpler to be oblivious and not see yourself for who you really are.It's effortless to do nothing about your greatest problem, which is your sinful nature.It's easy to lash out at those who try to pull you into the light.That is why most people do not receive Jesus.They'd rather lay in the darkness.They love their sin more than Him.That's the first response to the message of the light.John says there's only one other response, and that's in verses 12 to 13, the best partof this entire passage.But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become childrenof God, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will ofman, but of God.The first and wrong way to respond to Jesus is rejection.The second and right way to respond to Jesus is receiving and believing.You reach out to receive the gift of eternal life by believing in the name of Jesus Christ.We say that all the time, but what does it mean to believe in the name of Jesus?Well a name represents all of who a person is and all that a person does.When you believe in the name of Jesus Christ, you are believing that He is who the Biblesays that He is.That He has done all the Bible says He has done.You wholeheartedly believe that He is the Word of God who created all things.You have faith that He is the light of the world.He is your only source of hope.You trust that He is the Savior who died on the cross for your sins, who took the punishmentthat you deserve.You submit to the reality that He is the Lord of your life, who has the divine right totell you what to think, say, and do.When you receive Jesus and believe in His name, John says that you are given the rightto become a child of God.There are only two children in this entire world who have the right to claim that theyare my kids.I love all the kids in this church, but I love two of those kids the most.Only two of those kids have a legal right to say that I am their father.Only Samuel and Emmy Brown have that legal right.What's the evidence of this?Well, Kate and I have their birth certificates at home as proof that those kids belong tous.When you belong to Christ, your spiritual birth certificate is signed and sealed by His ownblood.You are given the right to claim God as your father and Jesus as your big brother.You have given the right to declare that you belong to the greatest family imaginable.Can you earn this right?Can you work your way into the family of God?Not according to John at the end of verse 13, he says, "Who were born not of blood northe will of flesh, nor the will of man, but of God."You are not given the right to become a child of God because you're a good person who doesnice things for other people.You are not given the right to become a child of God because your parents are great Christiansand raised you in the church.You are not given the right to become a child of God because you come to church every oncein a while.You pray regularly and do community service projects.You are not given the right to become a child of God because of your track record and yourgood works.You are given the right to become a child of God because of the gracious work of God inChrist.That's it.That's the only source.How do you respond to Jesus?Do you reject Him or do you receive Him?Do you believe in His name, His work, and His reputation, or do you believe in your name,your works, and your reputation?One response leads to eternal destruction while the other leads to eternal life.One response leads to everything being taken away from you and the other leads to everythingbeing given to you.Please don't leave this room without considering who Jesus is and what He is offering you.Everything hinges on your response to Him.What do you want for Christmas?Do you want to belong to the world or do you want to belong to Jesus?Do you want to settle for the flickering hopes of this sinful culture or do you want theunbeatable hope of an unbeatable Savior?Do you want to lead a meaningless existence or do you want to carry out the meaningfulmission of pointing others to the point of life?Do you want to be a child of the devil who absolutely hates you or do you want to bea child of God who unconditionally loves you?If you have not yet believed and received Jesus, now is your chance.Now is your opportunity.You don't know if you're getting another opportunity past this one, so don't waste it.The life of Christ is being offered to you right now.Don't slap the gift away.The light of Christ is shining in this moment.Do not step back into the darkness once again.Now is your time.Now is your chance.You're alive right now.You're not guaranteed tomorrow.Life is hard.Discouragements and disappointments are all around us.It's so easy to lose track of what's important in the darkness.And we need the light of biblical reminders to let us know what is true, what is real,and what is right.This ring I wear on my left hand is a symbol that I belong to my wife.I'm taken.I'm out looking for anybody else to give me that feeling right to belong to.The Lord's Supper is a powerful symbol that you belong to Christ and no one else.You're spoken for by the Son of God and you're not looking for anyone else to give your life meaning.You're not looking to anything else to give your life meaning.

Is Jesus really the Messiah—or just a good teacher? In John 10:22–42, a group of Jews confront Jesus demanding to know Who are You, really. Jesus' response leaves no room for neutrality as He points to His works, His identity, and His unity with the Father. Why does the same truth lead some to worship and others to pick up stones? What keeps people from believing when the evidence is clear? And what does recognizing Jesus as the Messiah mean for your life right now? Join us as we explore this powerful moment and wrestle with the question every person must answer: Who do you say Jesus is?

God's ways are higher than ours—His methods often unexpected, yet always perfect. In John 1, we see the miracle unfold: the eternal Word became flesh, entering our world not with fanfare, but with purpose. His sovereign plan brought light into darkness, adoption to the broken, and grace to the guilty. Jesus didn't just arrive—He assimilated into humanity to redeem it. Through Him, we're not only absolved of sin but given full access to the Father. This Christmas, we celebrate the wonder that God's method was a manger—and His mission was our salvation.

In John 14:6 Jesus declares that He alone is the way to God. A "way" is a passage that makes the unreachable reachable, and without a way, no one can arrive at the destination. Sin separated man from God, leaving mankind lost and unable to find its way back. Jesus did not merely point to a way—He Himself is the way. There is no knowledge of God, no access to the Father, and no hope of eternal life apart from Him. Men are skilled at making roads, bridges, and paths in the world, but spiritually they cannot build a way to God. All human religions, efforts, and self-made paths lead to destruction. Only Christ bridges the great gulf between sinful man and a holy God. To know Jesus is to know the Father; to see Jesus is to see the Father. The Christian life is a journey, not mere observation. Seeing truth is not enough—one must enter the way and follow it. This requires dying to self, abandoning all other ways, and submitting fully to Christ. The way is narrow, simple, ancient, and unchanged, and few find it because few are willing to give up their right to rule their own life and follow Jesus. Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy, the revelation of God, the mediator between God and man, and the only safe place for the soul. To be "in the way" is to continually look to Jesus, follow His steps, and trust Him through every trial. Salvation and life are found only by looking to Christ, believing Him, and walking in Him.

I was treating my relationship with God as if it was a contract and not a covenant. A contract can be broken, one can walk away from a contract - in a covenant, you cannot.This is what I meant when I was talking about the scars:In John 20, Jesus never actually says the word “scars,” but the wounds are clearly described. Thomas says, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25).When Jesus appears to him, He responds by repeating Thomas' own words: “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe” (John 20:27). The language assumes the marks are still there, the nail wounds in His hands and the pierced side from the crucifixion (John 19:34).Scripture doesn't label these wounds as “scars,” but it clearly presents them as visible, identifiable marks in Jesus' resurrected body. The risen Christ still bears the evidence of suffering.all for his glory──────────────FOLLOW JUDITH:Judith Rios: TikokJudith Rios: InstagramGoodness Club: ServicesGoodness Club: Instagram──────────────All Promo CodesAMAZON STOREFRONT

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: John 5-6 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, we're joining Hunter, your host and Bible reading coach, for the December 19th journey through the Scriptures. Just ten days away from completing the year-long reading, we explore John chapters 5 and 6—reflecting on Jesus' miraculous healings, his powerful teaching that he is the bread of life, and the deep spiritual transformation that comes from encountering the God who is present and who is love. Hunter leads us not only through the text, but also in thoughtful prayer and personal reflection, drawing us closer to the hope, peace, and joy found in Christ. Whether you're an everyday listener or joining us for the first time, get ready to experience the transformative power of God's word as we seek to follow and partake in the bread from heaven—Jesus himself. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He is the bread from heaven. What is it that you're looking for? Where do we go when we hunger for life, when our souls thirst for meaning, hope, and transformation? In John 5 and 6, we encounter Jesus in the midst of crowds who search for healing, wholeness, and something that fills more deeply than the loaves and fishes on a hillside. He meets a man longing for restoration after thirty-eight years of brokenness, speaks words that defy the boundaries of the Sabbath, and calls himself equal with God—upending what people thought they knew about the source of life. Jesus invites us to receive something beyond the ordinary: union with the living God. "I am the bread of life," he says. "Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." This bread is not simply sustenance for the body but the very life of Christ offered for the whole world. He is the true bread—the one who has what we're truly longing for. We do not draw near to Jesus because we are especially good or worthy. We come, hungry and broken, because the Father draws us. In this season, we remember the bread, the Word, that comes down from heaven—Jesus himself. He offers his flesh so that we might share in his life, be transformed by his love, and partake in his victory over death. The Father is at work, drawing us to the one who fills our deepest need. Let us open our hearts to see Jesus for who he is—the bread from heaven, our sustainer, our source of life. Let us receive what he has offered. Let us follow him, be united to him, and find transformation in his love. This is my prayer: for my own soul, for my 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  

In John 13, Jesus demonstrated to his disciples what role they have with one another and how they should live. We live on a dirty earth and we need to serve one another by confessing our sin and metaphorically washing each other's feet. As Christians we live in humble obedience to Christ and we look to Him who humbled Himself on the cross for our sins. We trust & believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Have you done that in your life?

Todaywe're continuing our study in Ephesians 4:20–24. These powerful verses remindus that we are no longer to walk as the Gentiles walk, or as the lost worldwalks. Paulsays in verse 20, “But ye have not so learned Christ.” Then he goes onto say, “If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, asthe truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21). My friend, everything changes whentruth is being absorbed into your mind and into your heart. For many years—overfifty years of counseling and talking with people as a pastor—I have observedthat the core problem in most lives is this: people have listened to the liesof the devil. They have listened to the lies and philosophies of the worldwhile trying to figure out what to do about life, about problems, and aboutdifficult decisions. As a result, they make choices based on deception,thinking they are making good decisions when in reality they are being ledastray by a lie. My role as a pastor is to bring people back to the truth ofGod's Word so they can make decisions based on truth. Whatis the truth? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John14:6). The truth is found in God's Word. Jesus also prayed, “Sanctify themthrough thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The Word of God is thetruth of God revealed to us—in the person of Jesus Christ and in the Scripturesof the Bible. That is why Paul says, “If indeed ye have heard him, and havebeen taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus.” Have you heard Him? WhenJesus speaks, He calls us by name. In John 10, we are told that the Shepherdknows His sheep and calls them by name. And what is the evidence of thatrelationship? We hear His voice. When He calls us, we follow Him. We are notforced to follow Him—we desire to follow Him. Why? Because we are His sheep,and we belong to His fold. Jesus cares for His sheep. That's why we can trulysay, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). He leadsus in paths of righteousness—that is, paths that are right, paths that pleaseGod, paths that align with the principles and truths of God's Word. Those pathslead to life, and to life more abundantly (John 10:10), a life that isdistinctly different from the world around us. Iget excited when I think about this truth—that we have been taught by Him. Notonly does He speak to us and call us, but He also teaches us. And the truth Heteaches is found in Himself. Then in Ephesians 4:22–24, Paul tells us what thattruth looks like in daily living: “That ye put off concerning the formerconversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; Andbe renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, whichafter God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”  Throughoutthe New Testament, Paul explains this process in his letters to the churches atEphesus, Colosse, and Rome. In Romans 5 through 8, he teaches us that, becauseof our salvation in Jesus Christ, we now have a new identity. We can livedifferently—because we are different. We have been made new creatures.We have put off the old man. Like Lazarus, we have been raised from the dead.The spiritual death that once consumed us, condemned us, and weighed us downwith guilt no longer has power over us. We were once condemned to eternity in aplace called hell, but now we have been set free. Weare alive in Christ. Because He lives, we live. And because of that, we canlive a different life. Oh, I encourage you today—study these verses carefully.We will come back to this truth of putting off the old man and putting on thenew man in the days ahead. But I trust you will be encouraged today to knowthat you have life in Christ. You learn the truth in Him and from Him. Hespeaks to you. He walks with you. He is your friend, and He desires to walkwith you every day. Today,will you let Him walk with you? That choice is up to you. Godbless!

It's Thursday, December 18th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Syrian Christians are suffering Christians in Syria are facing new challenges and growth. The Middle Eastern country is now ruled by a transitional government after the autocratic rule of Bashar al-Assad ended a year ago. Freedom of expression seems to be increasing; however, Christians still suffer persecution. Christian students, women, clergy, and business owners face insults and threats in public. Despite this, one pastor told Open Doors, “After all the violence in the country, some non-Christians are now more open to hear about Christianity, because they see that Christianity brings peace, and we hope that God will touch their hearts.” In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Two U.S. soldiers and U.S. civilian interpreter killed in Syria Two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter were killed in an attack in Syria over the weekend. The U.S. military blamed the attack on the Islamic State group.  Hundreds of American troops are in eastern Syria as part of a coalition to fight the Islamic State. U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on X, “This was an ISIS attack against the U.S. and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them. … There will be very serious retaliation.” Citizens in 39 countries are prohibited from traveling to U.S. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation further restricting the entry of foreign nationals to the U.S.  Thirty-nine countries are now affected by U.S. travel restrictions. The proclamation added full restrictions and entry limitations on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. Individuals holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents also face full restrictions.  Defense bill gives 4% raise to soldiers The U.S. Senate passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act yesterday. The $901 billion military spending bill provides support for Europe, Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.  The bill also gives service members a 4% raise and addresses social issues for troops. For example, the bill prohibits men, pretending to be women, from participating in women's sports programs at military academies. And the bill does not expand coverage for in vitro fertilization for military families.  The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill last week, and President Donald Trump is expected to sign it.  Hegseth restores miliary chaplains as moral anchors U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced plans on Tuesday to restore the military chaplaincy to its full strength. Hegseth said chaplains have been minimized by secular humanism to being viewed as therapists instead of ministers. He said, “I have a directive right here that I will sign today to eliminate the use of the Army Spiritual Fitness Guide effective immediately. These types of training materials have no place in the War Department.” Hegseth added, “In well over 100 pages, it mentions God one time. “That's it. It mentions feelings 11 times. It even mentions playfulness—whatever that is—nine times. There's zero mention of virtue.” Listen to other comments from Hegseth. HEGSETH: “There will be a top down-cultural shift, putting spiritual wellbeing on the same footing as mental and physical health. As a first step toward creating a supportive environment for our warriors and their souls, we're going to restore the esteemed position of chaplains as moral anchors for our fighting force.” Will Supreme Court block church's million dollar COVID fine? A church in California is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court in a case involving government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. California officials previously fined Calvary Chapel in San Jose over one million dollars. The church simply did not require members to wear masks at services during the pandemic.  Advocates for Faith & Freedom is representing the church. Erin Mersino, vice president of the group, said, “Government officials may not weaponize emergencies to suspend the First Amendment. California imposed some of the most aggressive restrictions on churches in the country, and this case is about ensuring the government never does this again.” When commanded not to preach, Peter and the apostles said in Acts 5:29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” 234th anniversary of Bill of Rights And finally, this week is the anniversary of the U.S. Bill of Rights which comprise the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.  The United States of America ratified the Bill of Rights on December 15, 1791, two hundred thirty-four years ago. The First Amendment famously protects freedom of religion and freedom of speech. The Second Amendment protects the individual right to keep and bear arms.  The amendments drew from English law to protect the rights of citizens and limit the power of government. Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, December 18th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Light in the darkness is one of the ways that throughout history, Christmas has been celebrated. Lighting candles, and lights on trees, and lights at night. What is that all about? In John 1, John talks about Jesus coming into the world. It's his way of talking about the meaning of Christmas. And in this very famous passage, the word “light” shows up seven times. Let's look at how this tells us that 1) human beings need light, 2) there is a light, and 3) how we can connect to it and receive it. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on November 27, 2016. Series: Jesus, Mission, and Glory: Advent. Scripture: John 1:1-11. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen How do you define abundance? A quick search will tell you abundance in life is experiencing a state of more than enough in all aspects which includes but is not limited to wealth, relationships, health, joy, and fulfillment. Further defined as a mindset, abundance in living focuses on feelings of inner peace and gratitude regardless of external circumstances. Now, this is an AI overview based on a basic google search, and I would argue this isn't a far-off definition from what we are to expect from an abundant life through our salvation in Jesus Christ. True abundance isn't external at all. It is an inner feeling. Paul knew this feeling well. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13). In these verses, Paul points to this inner abundance that isn't reliant on a state of experiencing more than enough. His secret? Paul's deep abiding and faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, later in Philippians 4, Paul states, And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Jesus himself gave us many examples of how abundance in the world meant much less than a relationship with him. If we consider the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, we can see how Judas's worldly seeking never led to abundance at all. In John 12:1- 8, we read the account of Mary taking expensive ointment and anointing Jesus' feet, wiping his feet with her hair. Judas confronted Jesus and asked why the ointment had been wasted and not sold to give money to the poor. He said this not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to whatever was put in it (John 12:6). Knowing Judas' heart, Jesus tells him to leave Mary alone since he will not always be with them. We all know Judas then betrays Jesus for a bag of 30 pieces of silver that he later tries to give back realizing what he had done. He ultimately takes his own life. This need for monetary abundance cost Judas his life.

Christmas is full of lights, but the original Christmas story is really about Light entering darkness. In John 12, Jesus says, “I have come as light into the world,” so that we would not remain in darkness. This week, we explore what that means, how darkness isn't God leaving but us moving away, and how Jesus invites us to abide in His light, face to face, for real life, healing, and hope.⚫CONNECT WITH US:

In a world marked by anxiety, unrest, and brokenness at every level—personal, familial, national, and global—peace feels increasingly elusive. Yet on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus speaks words of comfort and assurance to His troubled disciples, offering something the world cannot give: His peace.In John 14, Jesus addresses fearful hearts with a promise rooted not in circumstances, but in His own nature, His finished work, and the sovereign purposes of God. This message explores the contrast between the fragile, fleeting peace offered by the world and the lasting, supernatural peace found in Christ alone. As Jesus prepares to leave the upper room and walk toward the cross, He bequeaths a gift without which His followers could not endure—a peace secured through His sacrifice, sustained by trust, and guarded by God Himself.Key Verse: John 14:27-31Key Points: 1. The Promise of Peace 2. The Provision of Peace 3. A Prerequisite to Peace 4. The Pursuit of Peace 5. Prohibitors of PeaceThis sermon calls us to consider where true peace is found, how it is received, and what threatens to rob us of it, inviting believers to live under the ruling peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

Jesus' first miracle and first Passover declare that the Messiah has arrived. In John 2, we encounter Jesus turning water into wine and then stepping into the temple with a whip as the Son of God who is zealous for His Father's house. There is an invitation into a life of joy, holiness, and purity. He can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary.

When I led a ministry for moms of preschoolers, we hunted for an image to describe the unending demands that mothers experience. Changing diapers. Wiping noses. Picking up toys. It turns out the image was right in front of us: a disposable juice box, collapsed in on itself. Moms can feel like empty juice boxes. That ministry served moms by leading them to the Source of living water that can fill them to the full—Jesus. In John 7, Jesus went to the Festival of Tabernacles (v. 12), commemorating God’s provision during the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings. This festival included a water-pouring rite symbolizing the fruitfulness that only moisture produces and foreshadowed the spiritual rain the Messiah would bring. Jesus fulfills what the ancient festival anticipated. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (vv. 37-38). At times, we can feel like empty containers. Weary from caregiving. Worn from working. Exhausted by everyday responsibilities. The unending demands draw us dry! But when we live in relationship with God, He provides springs of living water within our heart to refresh and refuel us no matter how many cares and concerns try to drain us.

Send us a textEverlasting Father Dr. Jessica Fernandez December 14, 2025For many, the word “father” brings up wounds of absence, pain, abandonment, or unmet expectations. But Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus our Everlasting Father, the Father-hearted Savior who came to heal every place where earthly fathers fell short. Join us as we discover how the child in the manger displays the heart of a Father who is constant, compassionate, and eternally present.DISSCUSION QUESTIONS 1. Take a moment to reflect on your own experience with the word father. How has your understanding — whether positive, painful, complicated, or absent — shaped the way you view God? In what ways has it helped you, and in what ways has it created barriers or misconceptions? Share how this message challenged, corrected, or deepened your perspective of God as your Everlasting Father.2. Out of all the ways Jesus revealed the Father's heart — His compassion, His mercy, His provision, His sacrifice, His desire to adopt you, or His protection — which one impacted you the most and why? Can you think of a time in your life when you personally experienced one of these aspects of God's heart? What did it teach you about who He truly is?3. In John 6, Jesus fed thousands with five loaves and two fish, showing that the Father provides abundantly and not sparingly. Where do you struggle to trust God's provision in your own life? What “small loaves and fish” — your time, resources, abilities, or obedience — are you holding onto tightly? What might it look like this week to place those things into His hands and trust Him to multiply them?4. The NICU illustration showed how fragility, instability, and weakness are met with a parent's steady presence. In your life right now, where do you feel most fragile, overwhelmed, or under pressure? What would it look like to stop “trying harder” and instead “draw near” to the Everlasting Father? Where do you sense God inviting you to rest, to breathe, and to let Him hold what you cannot regulate on your own?5. Scripture teaches that God didn't just forgive you — He adopted you (Galatians 4, Ephesians 1). What does it mean to you personally that the Everlasting Father claims you as His child with full belonging and full access? How does this identity shift the way you approach prayer, insecurity, or daily life? And what step can you take this week to grow in intimacy with your Father?

The holiday season often carries a tension between joy and heaviness. While we celebrate the birth of Christ with wonder, expectations, busyness, grief, and change can steal our peace. In John 14:27, Jesus reminds His disciples that true peace doesn’t come from a perfectly executed holiday or a trouble-free life—it comes from Him alone. When our hearts feel overwhelmed by demands or sadness, we are invited to return to the Prince of Peace and receive the rich, lasting calm only He can give. This season, peace becomes possible not by doing more, but by turning our focus back to Jesus, who is always with us. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why the holiday season can feel both joy-filled and burdensome—and how Christ meets us in both. Discover how Jesus’ promise in John 14:27 offers a peace deeper than anything the world can provide. Understand how hurry, expectations, and grief can steal peace—and how to reclaim it through Christ. Gain practical ways to plan for peace this season through rest, margin, and time in God’s presence. Reflect on how focusing more on Jesus than on holiday pressures brings renewed joy and spiritual grounding. Bible Verse References John 14:27https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/14-27.html Your Daily Prayer Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace, and I long to experience Your presence in a deeper way this season. When the holidays feel heavy, rushed, or overwhelming, quiet my spirit and calm my fears. Remind me that true peace does not come from accomplishing more, but from resting in You. Help me release the expectations I carry and receive the peace You freely give. Let Your presence steady my heart and fill my days with renewed joy as I celebrate Your birth.Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily Scripture reflections and encouragement. Leave a rating or review to help others discover this podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christian podcasts and devotional content. Explore more daily devotionals and Bible study resources at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes by Keri Eichberger Scripture study resources: BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/14-27.html Faith and spiritual growth content:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Presented by Julie Busteed Do you like to work in the garden? I love to see the results of all the work—planting, watering, weeding and pruning. In John 15, Jesus teaches the Father is the gardener who lovingly tends the vine. Part of that tending is pruning. Pruning is essential to the life of a vine, and Scripture uses that imagery to help us understand our own life with Christ. In a vineyard, pruning renews the vine and shapes it. Without pruning, a vine grows wild. It will produce many shoots and leaves but far fewer grapes. The gardener cuts back healthy branches—not to harm the vine, but to help it focus its energy so it can thrive. Pruning makes room for new growth and greater fruitfulness. Pruning happens when the vine is dormant, after the harvest season. Even in dormancy, the vine is still alive and still supplying what the branches need. This resting period isn't wasted time; it's preparation. The vine is strengthening its core, preserving its energy, and getting ready for the next season of growth and fruitfulness. In the same way, God prunes us. Seasons of pruning might feel like cutting back, slowing down, or letting go. God may remove distractions, attitudes, habits, or commitments that keep us from bearing fruit. Sometimes he even prunes good things so better things can grow. These seasons can feel quiet—almost dormant—but God is still at work, nourishing, shaping, and preparing us. Pruning is so important because it leads to even greater fruit. Jesus says, every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit (John 15:2). Pruning isn't punishment—it’s intentional care from a Father who wants our lives to flourish. When we remain connected to Christ, the true Vine, we can trust his pruning is purposeful. It clears away what hinders us, renews us, and positions us for greater growth in the seasons to come. For the Christian, pruning is a mark of God's love and his desire to make our lives fruitful, meaningful, and deeply rooted in him. When we stay connected to Christ, every season—even the dormant ones—becomes part of his transforming work in us. Joseph's life in the Old Testament is a powerful picture of pruning before fruitfulness. He endured deep hardship—sold into slavery by his own brothers, then falsely accused and imprisoned. Yet through every season of suffering, God was shaping his character and preparing him for a greater purpose. In time, Joseph was elevated to second-in-command under Pharaoh, where he used his God-given wisdom to save Egypt and ultimately rescue the very family who had betrayed him. His story reminds us seasons of pruning often precede seasons of remarkable fruit. May you and I remain faithful—connected to the true Vine—even during the dormant times. Even when we are being pruned. Because God is a loving Gardner and is doing this for even greater fruit in our lives.

In episode three of "The Holy Spirit," Duane Sheriff explores the two roles of the Holy Spirit, using metaphors of a well and a river to illustrate His ministries. In John 4, Jesus offers the Samaritan woman "living water," symbolizing a personal well of living water within believers that springs up to eternal life. This well represents salvation and a personal relationship with God.Click for FREE offer ➡️https://pastorduane.com/landing/the-holy-spirit/In John 7, Jesus promises something more for believers - a "river" of living water flowing out of them. Unlike a well that serves believers personally, a river has power and flows outward to bless others. This river represents the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a separate experience from salvation.A well meets spiritual needs, while a river empowers believers to minister to others. Every believer has the well, but God wants to provide a river too - His supernatural power flowing through them to touch the world around them.