Podcasts about in john

Welcome to ALIVE with Fr. Jonathan Meyer. This weekend the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Corpus Christi—the Body and Blood of Christ. In John 6, Jesus makes an astonishing promise: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life within you.” These words reveal the incredible gift of the Eucharist. Where sin brought death into the world, Jesus now offers His very life to us through Holy Communion. In this reflection, Fr. Jonathan shares: The beauty of Corpus Christi and Eucharistic devotion Why the Eucharist is the heart of Catholic life A touching story about children counting their Communions How gratitude can transform our relationship with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Take some time this week to sit with John Chapter 6 in the presence of the Eucharist. Allow the Lord to deepen your love for this great gift and to renew your gratitude for His Real Presence. “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” Discussion questions for this week's readings can be found at:

In John 14:15-27, Jesus reminds us that he will leave us with an Advocate who will keep us connected to God, guide us into truth and give us peace in a troubled world.  If you prefer to listen, stream, and/or watch, join us and subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingwoodmethodist

A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli with Foundry UMC, May 24, 2026, Pentecost Sunday. “We Know Who We Are” series. ​​​​Texts: Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-22​​​​   Last Tuesday evening, I found myself seated at a table listening to live jazz in the nave of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC. The occasion was the celebration for my mentor, Rev. Dr. Serene Jones upon her retirement as president of Union Theological Seminary after an extraordinary 18-year tenure. It was such a gift not only to be in the room with and for Serene, but to reflect on her influence upon my life through her words, actions, and friendship. And when she rose at the end of the evening to address the crowd, she urged all of us to pay attention to the prompting of Spirit and to follow God's call on our life.   It was a gift to receive this charge: to ponder, remember, and honor God's call upon my life and how Spirit has been falling afresh on me at every age and stage of my journey. Sometimes Spirit's meddling and God's call have felt aggravating, disruptive, heavy, and even painful. But, with every twist and turn along the way, God has brought me through and Spirit has stirred me to keep going.   And the truth is, I didn't always recognize Spirit's presence while it was happening. Sometimes it was only later, looking back, that I could see how God had been nudging and guiding and sustaining me all along. Maybe you know something about that too. Maybe Spirit has shown up in your life in ways you didn't fully recognize at the time—in a relationship that changed you…a burden you couldn't shake…a moment of courage you didn't know you had…a conviction that kept growing in you…a grief that opened your heart…or a persistent tug toward compassion, justice, mercy, or love.   And it makes me think about how we focus just one day of the liturgical year on the miraculous story of Spirit blowing into the community of Jesus's disciples and setting them on fire to move out into the streets to tell God's deeds of power. But, really, Spirit is at work in all sorts of ways all the time.   I get it, though, why we make a whole day out of Pentecost. It is a powerful story, the church's origin story really, of the moment when the disciples realized that Jesus' promises would be kept—that the Holy Spirit would baptize them and empower them to continue the saving work of God in the world. That very day they did things that seemed impossible—they spoke in ways that people from all over the known world could understand. And in that moment Peter recognized and proclaimed the fulfillment not only of the promise of Jesus, but the prophecy of Joel. That God would pour out Spirit upon all flesh, empowering all to have visions and dream dreams and prophesy. It's very dramatic—like a sci-fi movie that brings unlikely people together acrossunimaginable odds to do extraordinary things—with the bonus of great special effects. And I love it! But I also recognize that Pentecost wasn't the first time Spirit showed up among the disciples. Maybe it was the first time they recognized so clearly the Spirit who had been carrying them all along.   How else were they able to have the courage to leave their familiar lives to follow Jesus? How else were they able to go into villages and tell the good news and care for the sick and those struggling with their demons? How, apart from Holy Spirit, did they feed the five thousand? How did they stay together after the trauma and terror of crucifixion?   And maybe that's why I love the quieter story in John chapter 20 so much. The disciples have had the wind knocked out of them. By grief, fear, trauma. By watching everything they thought was going to happen collapse before their eyes. They are huddled behind locked doors, trying to figure out what comes next.   And then Jesus comes among them—not first with demands or instructions, but with peace. “Peace be with you.” And then he breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” And honestly, I need to receive this right now and am pretty sure I'm not alone. I believe many people have had the wind knocked out of them. By grief. By fear. By the cruelty and chaos of this moment. By exhaustion. By disillusionment with the church. By watching Christianity so often get presented as domination instead of service, exclusion instead of welcome, certainty instead of compassion.   And on this Memorial Day weekend, many of us are carrying grief not only for lives lost in service, but also for the deep fractures in the country those lives sought to protect.   Many of us wonder whether the church can still mean something beautiful. Whether faith can still sound like Jesus.   We need the story we tell today! John and Acts tell it differently—but perhaps they are showing us two movements of the same Spirit. In John, Spirit comes like breath in a fearful room—restoring peace, courage, and life to weary people. In Acts, Spirit comes like wind in the streets—pushing those same people beyond fear and beyond every barrier to bear witness in a broken world.   But it is the same Spirit. The Spirit who restores breath to weary people. The Spirit who revives people who have had the life knocked out of them. The Spirit who reminds fearful people who they are.   And only then comes the sending. Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you…” Notice that Jesus does not come into the room and say, “Once you've resolved all your fear…once you feel confident…once you fully understand everything…THEN I'll send you.”   No. The doors are still locked. The disciples are still afraid. And yet Jesus breathes Spirit into them anyway. God's mission doesn't wait for us to feel ready. Spirit meets us in the midst of fear, uncertainty, grief, and confusion—and sends us anyway.   What does it mean to be sent by Jesus as Jesus is sent by his Father? If the accounts of Jesus' life are our guide, then it means that we, like Jesus, are sent into the world to bring healing into places of suffering, hope into places of despair, mercy and forgiveness into places of sin, comfort into places of grief, peace into places of violence, love into places of hatred. To be sent as Jesus is sent is to be bearers of God's life in the world, to put our lives on the line for the sake of justice, and to stand in solidarity with those who are hurt by the systems of the day.   As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are a people who are not only gathered into the family of God—those who “go to church”—but we are also, inherently, a sent people, called to BE the church all the time and in every place we are.   Think for a moment of the life-giving rhythm of our bodies breathing in and breathing out. A healthy body needs to do both. The in-breath of the Body of Christ—the church—is the Spirit gathering us in to be loved, supported, fed, strengthened, and given purpose through sacrament and worship and study and community. Every Sunday or whenever we gather, the Body breathes in, takes in God's grace and power. And the out-breath is like the Spirit of God blowing out across the chaos of the world at the very beginning, bringing peace and new life. The “sent-ness” of the church is like that—the church moving out into the chaos and brokenness of the world to bring love, mercy, healing, and hope. Every day between Sundays the Body exhales, breathing the Spirit into places thirsty for life and hope and kindness.   As the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, famously said: Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.   I remember during the painful debates and divisions of the United Methodist General Conferences of 2016 and 2019, one of the pieces of legislation brought to the floor proposed changing the United Methodist mission statement—which is “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”—by dropping the second half: “for the transformation of the world.”   I was aghast at the idea. It felt like a vision of discipleship focused only inwardly, as if Jesus followers were meant to crowd back into locked rooms and focus only on their personal “disciple” ticket. It sounded like a church withdrawing its prophets from proximity to the powers and principalities that so desperately need their voice. It sounded like a church trying to hold its breath. I'm happy to say the legislation didn't pass. Because the story of this day—the story of Pentecost, the story of the work of Holy Spirit in and through disciples across the ages—is clear: Spirit always exhales—sending us into the world to embody the love and justice of Christ. The way we say it at Foundry is “Love God. Love each other. Change the world.”   And so I want to extend to you the same charge I received from Serene: pay attention to the prompting of Spirit who is always at work and respond to God's call on your life. Every day. In all the ways and places and by whatever means you can. And if you aren't sure where to begin, I invite you to decide right now on one act of service or outreach you will do this week, even small, for the wider community. Just do one concrete act of service beyond your usual routine. It could be running an errand for a friend who needs a hand. Or calling your state or federal representatives. Or paying for someone's meal. Or any other thing that Spirit prompts.   Because Spirit has been nearer than you realized all along. And Spirit will keep giving you breath—and wind at your back—to move beyond yourself and into the wondrous, love-fueled mission of God.

Pain may be loud, but it doesn't get the final word. In “Help Is on the Way,” Sarah Jakes Roberts reminds us that God never asks us to ignore our pain, but He invites us to bring it into His presence. Gratitude and grief can exist in the same heart, and trusting God in the process is how we walk through it with Him. In John 14 and Lamentations 3, we discover how hope is born in the middle of hardship, why pain doesn't have to paralyze your praise, and how the Holy Spirit serves as your advocate, helper, and guide. When Jeremiah's soul was sinking, God's faithfulness lifted his perspective, and He can do the same for you. If you're navigating disappointment, grief, uncertainty, or simply waiting on God, this message will strengthen your faith and remind you that His mercy is still at work. Message: “Help Is on the Way” Scripture: John 14:25-26, Lamentations 3:20-24 (NKJV) Speaker: Sarah Jakes Roberts Date: May 31, 2026 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.

In John 12, Jesus returns to Bethany and is welcomed by friends whose responses reveal very different hearts. Martha serves, Mary worships, and Judas criticizes. Mary pours out costly perfume at the feet of Jesus in an act of sacrificial devotion while Judas reveals a heart driven by self-interest. This episode reminds us that worship always costs something, and our response to Jesus reveals what we treasure most.

In John 6, Jesus says something so difficult that the crowd leaves, then the core leaves, and He is left asking a handful of people if they are leaving too. In this message, we explore what happens when Jesus does not give us what we want, or when following Him comes at a real cost, and how we respond in those moments reveals everything about the kind of faith we actually have. Peter's answer to Jesus cuts through the noise: recognize Him as Lord and remind yourself of everything you have already seen Him do. When you consider your options, where else would you go?

What do you do when you've built the career, made the connections, and done everything "right"—and still feel completely empty? In John 4, we meet a powerful man who ran out of options, and in desperation, comes to Jesus. But this isn't a bad thing. In this story, we discover that Jesus does his best work when we finally stop trying to save ourselves. Bible Passage(s): John 4:43-54 Speaker(s): Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills), video (RWC)

Douglas Stuart is one of the most successful writers in Britain today. He is celebrated globally for his honest portrayals of human relationships and working-class life. In 2020 he won the Booker Prize for his debut novel Shuggie Bain, a searingly honest novel set in 1980s Glasgow about a boy named Shuggie trying to save his mother, Agnes, from alcoholism and poverty. His second novel Young Mungo, a story of the dangerous first love of two young men, was released in 2022 and became a number one Sunday Times Bestseller. In May 2026, Stuart joined us live in London for an evening on identity, resilience, and the themes of his new novel John of John. In John of John, Stuart returns to the themes of class, family, masculinity, and sexuality. It is the story of John-Calum Macleod, who returns to his childhood home on the island of Harris. Out of money and with little to show for his art school education, he sinks back into his old life, caught between the two poles of his childhood: his father John, a sheep farmer, weaver, and pillar of their local Presbyterian church, and his Glaswegian grandmother Ella, who has kept a faltering peace with her son-in-law for decades. --- This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Douglas Stuart is one of the most successful writers in Britain today. He is celebrated globally for his honest portrayals of human relationships and working-class life. In 2020 he won the Booker Prize for his debut novel Shuggie Bain, a searingly honest novel set in 1980s Glasgow about a boy named Shuggie trying to save his mother, Agnes, from alcoholism and poverty.  His second novel Young Mungo, a story of the dangerous first love of two young men, was released in 2022 and became a number one Sunday Times Bestseller.  In May 2026, Stuart joined us live in London for an evening on identity, resilience, and the themes of his new novel John of John.  In John of John, Stuart returns to the themes of class, family, masculinity, and sexuality. It is the story of John-Calum Macleod, who returns to his childhood home on the island of Harris. Out of money and with little to show for his art school education, he sinks back into his old life, caught between the two poles of his childhood: his father John, a sheep farmer, weaver, and pillar of their local Presbyterian church, and his Glaswegian grandmother Ella, who has kept a faltering peace with her son-in-law for decades. --- If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever looked at a problem and just done the math — and the math didn't work? The need was too big, the resources too small, the odds too long. So you either froze up or gave up. In John chapter 6, Jesus's disciples are staring down exactly that situation: a massive crowd, no food, no budget, and no plan. And what happens next is one of the most famous miracles in all of Scripture — but Pastor Jeff Thompson isn't just here to tell us a great story. He's here to show us what the disciples got wrong, and what we get wrong in the same ways today. Our math is too small. Our little feels too insignificant. And our view of what Jesus can do is far too narrow. We're in John 6, verses 1 through 21 — Bread, Baskets, and Boats . . . Oh, My! Let's get into it. Executive Producer: Dave Putnam Speaker: Pastor Jeff Thompson Sound design, mixing, and editing: Bryan Tripp Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US: • Website: https://www.harvestbible.org/ WE INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @harvestbiblechapel • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestbiblechapel/

What happens when people spend their lives searching for answers while missing the One who truly satisfies the soul? In John 7, confusion fills the city, confrontation exposes hearts, and Jesus stands in the middle of it all, declaring that He alone is the living water we've been searching for all along.

What if the greatest blindness isn't physical, but spiritual?In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind and reveals a deeper truth: true sight comes from seeing Him. As the Light of the World, Jesus doesn't simply expose darkness—He opens eyes. This powerful encounter moves from blindness to belief, from rejection to worship, and challenges us to examine whether we are truly seeing Jesus.Join us as we continue The Beloved Gospel through John 9.Scripture: John 9:1–41 (ESV)www.overflowdfw.comSupport the show

In John 11, Jesus receives word that Lazarus is sick, yet He delays before going to him. What appeared to be absence was actually preparation for a greater display of God's glory. This episode reminds us that God's delays are never without purpose, and His timing is always perfect.

What would it be like to meet God? In John 1, Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael all find out. In this message, Kurt Mach, pastor of Peninsula Christian Fellowship, unfolds the story of how these four disciples of Jesus first met the man they came to love, serve, and even die for, and what it was about Him that made Him so irresistible. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include John 1:18-51; 14:8-9.

In John 10, Jesus declares that He is the door and that true life is found only through Him. The world offers empty substitutes that ultimately steal and destroy, but Jesus offers abundant life marked by peace, purpose, and eternal security. Salvation is not found through religion or self-effort, but through Christ alone.

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com Garth Heckman VERY FAMILIAR STORY -   *TIED TO MY NOTES TODAY   THE BUILD UP and DEMISE OF ISRAEL    THE PEOPLE WANTED A MAN OVER GOD (They wanted a King)… Here is an old quote: when more than one votes… you can assure its the wrong decision. It wasn't a King that was truly the problem -  BUT RATHER following a man, that was the problem. It was the peoples desire to follow a King over a prophet who followed God.      ***No one voted a prophet in.         ****People choose a King, God chooses a prophet.    Saul offers false sacrifices Saul chooses to disobey Gods orders to wipe out the Amakalites  Saul becomes erratic and tormented by demonic spirits  Saul now operates out of fear  *Israel and the army now saw their enemies the way their leader did - IN FEAR.   The battle of David and Goliath was never really about David and Goliath. It was the culmination of Israel's spiritual decline under Saul, and the first visible sign that God had already been at work preparing a different kind of leader — one after His own heart.       1 Samuel 17 41 Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, 42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. 43 “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. 44 “Come over here, and I'll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled. 45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven's Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord's battle, and he will give you to us!”     David's arrival on the battlefield was jarring precisely because of the contrast. He was young, unarmored, and inexperienced — but he carried something the entire army had lost: a reference point for who God was.         David doesn't call out the enemy, he calls out his tactics… His weapons of choice.  WHY?      In 1 Samuel 17:45, David identifies a three-fold physical threat.  In John 10:10, Jesus identifies a three-fold spiritual threat. They map onto each other in a way that shows how the enemy operates:   | Goliath's Arsenal (1 Samuel 17:45) | The Thief's Mission (John 10:10) | The Spiritual Parallel    -  The Sword.  |  To Steal   | Goliath relied on his sword to strip Israel of their land, their freedom, and their identity. The enemy wants to rob you of your peace and purpose.    The Spear.  |   To Kill | A spear is designed for a direct, fatal strike. Goliath's   Literal goal was to end David's life; the thief's goal is total spiritual death.   The Javelin   |   To Destroy   |  A javelin is thrown from a distance, bringing unexpected, widespread ruin. The enemy aims for complete devastation of your life and relationships.    The Core Contrast: Flesh vs. Spirit The real tie-in between these two passages is the **source of victory** that both David and Jesus point to. Both stories set up a stark contrast between reliance on worldly power and reliance on divine power.    * **David's Answer:** Right after naming Goliath's weapons, David says, *"But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts."* He acknowledges the physical threat but completely bypasses it by relying on God's authority.    * **Jesus' Answer:** Right after naming the thief's three-fold threat, Jesus says, *"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."*     Bears and Lions can't call you out. They can't mock you, cast verbal jabs and doubt at you.      Historical Context His defiance of Israel's armies was also a taunt against their God. Your problems, issues, fears, is a taunt against God!   Goliath's relys on human technology, political position and physical power.   David invokes God's character and power, not his own resources. This echoes the idea that God's name represents His active intervention (similar to Exodus 3 or the Psalms).     It wasn't the weapon David had it was the Worship.  Slingers were common;   -  Tribe of Benjamin 700 warriors ambidextrous        -    Sling a stone up to 95 MPH              -   At over 200 yards…  They were so confident they would inscribe words on their stones… MINE WOULD BE “ROCK ON”      David contrasts Goliath's weapons with the invisible but superior heavenly host. This title appears frequently in prophetic books but here underscores early recognition of God's military sovereignty. "Whom you have defied [cheraf-ta]": The verb charaf means to reproach, taunt, or blaspheme. Goliath's challenge is personal against Israel's God, making this a theological battle, not just military. YOUR PROBLEMS ARE A THEOLOGICAL PROBLEM…  i.e. Your problems are a “who is your God Problem”       Do you know who my father is?   - a. No   - b. Yes and I don't care   - c. Yes and I will leave you alone BUT WHAT IF THE QUESTION WAS THIS IN THAT SITUATION… “I wonder who my father is?”     Jehovah Jireh (יְהוָה יִרְאֶה) "The LORD will provide" — revealed when God provided a ram as Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. Genesis 22:14. Jehovah Rapha (יְהוָה רָפָא) "The LORD who heals" — revealed after God sweetened the bitter waters of Marah for Israel in the wilderness. Exodus 15:26. Covers physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Jehovah Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי) "The LORD is my banner" — declared by Moses after Israel's victory over the Amalekites. A banner was a military standard — the rallying point in battle. Exodus 17:15. God Himself is the flag Israel fights under. Jehovah Shalom (יְהוָה שָׁלוֹם) "The LORD is peace" — spoken by Gideon after encountering the angel of the Lord and fearing he would die. Shalom is not just the absence of conflict but wholeness, completeness, and flourishing. Judges 6:24. Jehovah Rohi (יְהוָה רֹעִי) "The LORD is my shepherd" — the opening of Psalm 23. One of the most intimate names — depicting God as the one who leads, feeds, protects, and restores. Jehovah Tsidkenu (יְהוָה צִדְקֵנוּ) "The LORD our righteousness" — a prophetic name pointing to the coming Messiah who would be the righteousness of His people. Jeremiah 23:6. Deeply connected to the New Testament doctrine of justification. Jehovah Shammah (יְהוָה שָׁמָּה) "The LORD is there" — the name given to the restored Jerusalem in Ezekiel's vision. Ezekiel 48:35. God's presence dwelling permanently with His people — echoed in Revelation 21 with the New Jerusalem. Jehovah Sabaoth (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת) "The LORD of Hosts" or "The LORD of Armies" — one of the most frequently used names in the prophets. It pictures God as the commander of vast heavenly armies. Used powerfully in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Malachi. Jehovah Mekoddishkem (יְהוָה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶם) "The LORD who sanctifies you" — Exodus 31:13. God as the one who sets His people apart and makes them holy. Sanctification as His work, not ours alone. Jehovah Gmolah (יְהוָה גְּמֻלּוֹת) "The LORD of recompense" or "The God of vengeance" — Jeremiah 51:56. God as the one who repays — both in justice against enemies and in vindication of His people.   The Compound El Names El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) "God Almighty" or literally "God of the mountains" or "the all-sufficient one." First used with Abraham in Genesis 17:1 when God renewed His covenant. It speaks of God's absolute sufficiency — He is enough for every need. El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) "God Most High" — used by Melchizedek blessing Abraham in Genesis 14. It emphasizes God's supremacy above all other powers, rulers, and so-called gods. El Olam (אֵל עוֹלָם) "The Everlasting God" or "God of eternity" — Genesis 21:33. He has no beginning and no end. Time exists within Him, not the other way around. El Roi (אֵל רֳאִי) "The God who sees me" — spoken by Hagar in the wilderness after she fled from Sarah. Genesis 16:13. One of the most tender names — God seeing the forgotten, the marginalized, the one who thinks they are invisible. El Gibhor (אֵל גִּבּוֹר) "Mighty God" — Isaiah 9:6, in the famous messianic prophecy. One of the titles given to the coming Messiah — pointing directly to Christ. El Hannun (אֵל חַנּוּן) "The gracious God" — Nehemiah 9:31. God whose grace prevents Him from completely destroying even a rebellious people.   New Testament  Abba (אַבָּא) "Father" — an Aramaic term of deep intimacy, closer to "Daddy" than formal address. Jesus used it in Gethsemane. Paul says believers are given the Spirit of adoption by which they cry "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15. Emmanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל) "God with us" — Isaiah 7:14, fulfilled in Matthew 1:23 with the birth of Jesus. Perhaps the most staggering name of all — the eternal God choosing to be with humanity in flesh.     Why This Matters Each name was not invented by theologians — it was revealed in a moment.  God didn't introduce Himself as Jehovah Rapha in a lecture. He revealed it when Israel was thirsty and the water was bitter. He revealed Jehovah Jireh when a father was about to lose his son on an altar. The pattern is consistent throughout Scripture: Every name of God was born out of a human crisis that God personally entered. That means the names are not just theological categories — they are a record of God showing up. And for anyone studying or teaching these names, the invitation is not just to know them but to discover which name corresponds to the specific place of need you are standing in right now.       Lets end on this:  1 Sam. 17:40 40 He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd's bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd's staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine. WHY FIVE STONES? Because Goliath had 4 brothers!  Ishbi-Benob, Saph, Lahmi AND SIX FINGER FRANK     …THERE WILL ALWAYS BE GIANTS… But who is your God? He is the one who crushed satans head and gives us the victory!    CALL ON HIS NAME AND HE SHALL ANSWER. 

In John 1:8 the Bible says John the Baptist was a witness of the Light. In this podcast Pastor Simpson expounds on the word "witness."

Most of us move through life listening to more voices than we realize with expectations, anxieties, opinions, pressures, distractions. Some are loud. Others quietly shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us.In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as a Shepherd whose sheep know His voice. Not perfectly, but personally. A voice that leads instead of pushes. A voice that brings peace instead of pressure.Maybe that's the invitation this week: to pause long enough to notice what's been shaping our hearts lately, and to listen again for the steady voice of the One who knows us by name.“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” — John 10:14

In John 3, John the Baptist's words—“He must become greater; I must become less”—become an invitation to step out of a self-centered story and into the larger story of God. This teaching explores why Jesus is greater, why earthly things can never fully satisfy our deepest longings, and how the Spirit of God gives us everything we actually need. Bible Passage(s): John 3:22-36 Speaker(s): Glenn Packiam (Saratoga), Video (South Hills), Video (Redwood City)

In John 4, Jesus has the longest recorded conversation found anywhere in Scripture — and he has it with the most unlikely person imaginable: a Samaritan woman with a broken past. In this episode, we unpack why Jesus went out of his way to find her, what "living water" really means, and why he lovingly confronted her sin before offering salvation.Whether you feel too good to need a Savior (like Nicodemus in John 3) or too far gone to deserve one — this passage is for you.

In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind and reveals that spiritual blindness is far more dangerous than physical blindness. As the religious leaders reject the truth standing before them, the healed man begins to see clearly who Jesus truly is. Real sight begins when we step into the light of Christ.

In John 15, Jesus tells us that He is the vine and we are the branches. The goal of the Christian life is not to grit our teeth, try harder, and force ourselves to produce fruit. The goal is to remain connected to Him. When we abide in Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to produce the character of Christ in us, not because we are perfect, but because we are learning to follow Him one step at a time. In this message, Pastor Josh continues the From The Vine series by looking at the road between two dangerous ditches: religion and rebellion. Religion makes faith all about rules, rebellion makes life all about us, but relationship keeps us walking with Jesus. Through John 15, Psalm 143, Galatians 5, and Philippians 2, we are reminded that God is not asking us to manufacture spiritual fruit on our own. He is inviting us to trust His Spirit, surrender every part of our lives, and let Him lead us forward on firm footing.   Did you accept Christ today? Fill out our digital connection card: https://churchontherock.net/connect-card  

In John 15:1-11 we see that the path to a meaningful life and lasting joy is found in remaining connected to Jesus and abiding in His Word.

Today we come to the climax of the magnificent passage weread in Philippians 2:11: “that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christis Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Paul has taken us from the heights ofheaven to the depths of the cross, and now back to the throne of grace. What isthe result of it all? It is all to the glory of God the Father. Oneday every voice in the universe will declare the same truth: Jesus Christ isLord. The word confess here means to openly acknowledge, to declare, toagree upon. There will be no atheists then. There will be no skeptics then. Nofalse gods then. No competing kingdoms then. Every tongue will declare whatheaven already knows: Jesus Christ is Lord! Thinkabout what that means. The baby born in Bethlehem is Lord. The carpenter fromNazareth is Lord. The rejected Savior is Lord. The crucified Lamb is Lord. Therisen Christ is Lord. The coming King is Lord. This confession will notdiminish the glory of the Father. It will magnify it, because it is all to theglory of God the Father. Thisis important for us to think about. Jesus never competed with the Father forglory. Everything Jesus did ultimately honored the Father. In John 17:4, inJesus' prayer, He said, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finishedthe work which You have given Me to do.” The entire life of Jesus Christwas centered on the Father's glory. This is the purpose of our lives too. FirstCorinthians 10:31 says, “Whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, doall to the glory of God.” We often ask, “What will make me happy? What willmake me successful? What will make me comfortable?” But the better question is:What will glorify God? When we start asking that question, everything changes. Themind of Christ is not self-centered. It is God-centered. Jesus did not come tobuild an earthly empire for Himself. He came to glorify the Father throughperfect obedience. Now God has exalted Him forever. This is the great purposeof salvation—that we as redeemed sinners would glorify God. Ephesians 1repeatedly mentions that the saved are saved to the praise of His glory.  Whenwe forgive others, God is glorified. When we serve humbly, God is glorified.When we obey in difficult circumstances, God is glorified. When we worshipChrist sincerely, God is glorified. Even suffering can glorify God whensurrendered to Him. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:16, “If anyone suffers as aChristian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” Oneof the clearest evidences of spiritual maturity is a growing desire for God'sglory instead of our own. Pridewants recognition. Humility wants God honored. The flesh says, “Notice me.” TheSpirit says, “Magnify Christ.” That is why John the Baptist expressed this sobeautifully when he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Weknow this is the heartbeat of Philippians 2: Jesus willingly humbled Himselfbefore the Father so that the Father would be glorified through His obedienceand exaltation. Now, as believers, we are called to live our lives the sameway. Imaginewhat would happen if every Christian began each day by saying, “Lord, glorifyYourself through my life today.” This could transform marriages, churches,conversations, workplaces, and ministries. Because the focus would shift fromself to Christ. Today, let your words glorify God. Let your actions glorifyGod. Let your attitudes glorify God. Remember this: the day is coming when allcreation will unite in one great confession: Jesus Christ is Lord, to the gloryof God the Father. What a moment that will be. Are you living today in thelight of that future reality? “Father, thank You that one day every tongue will confess that JesusChrist is Lord. Forgive us for living for our own glory instead of Yours. Helpus to magnify Christ in our words, our attitudes, and our actions. May ourlives point others to Jesus and bring glory to Your throne alone.InJesus' name, amen.” 

In John 8, the scribes and Pharisees drag a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, expecting condemnation. Instead, Jesus exposes the sinfulness of every heart in the crowd and extends grace that transforms. This episode reminds us that while sin is serious, the mercy of Jesus is greater still.

In John 11, we walk through one of the most powerful moments in all of Scripture — the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Why did Jesus wait? What does His response teach us about suffering, faith, grief, and the glory of God? And what did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life”?In this Bible study, we break down the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus verse by verse and look at the deep spiritual truths found in this chapter. We also discuss one of the shortest yet most meaningful verses in the Bible: “Jesus wept.”Whether you're walking through a difficult season, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or simply wanting to grow deeper in your understanding of Scripture, John 11 is filled with hope and encouragement.

Monday, 25 May 2026   And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?' Matthew 20:6   “Around, also, the eleventh hour, having exited, he found others having stood inactive. And he says to them, ‘Why, here, you ‘having stood all the day' inactive?'” (CG)   In the previous verse, it said that the housemaster went out at the sixth and ninth hours to hire more people. Jesus next says, “Around, also, the eleventh hour.”   There is an emphasis in these words with the inclusion of the article before “eleventh.” In the other instances, there was no article. This emphasizes the fact that it is right at the end of the day, about 5 pm. Twilight would be coming, and the day would be complete.   In John 11:9, Jesus says, “Are there not twelve hours in the day?” Though probably not specifically talking about a workday, it would signify the duration of a day where work could be accomplished. As Jesus next says in John 11:9, “If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.” That builds upon what Jesus said in John 9 –   “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4, 5   Because the housemaster is hiring day laborers, they would be hired out for the full day. As there is still more light, it says the housemaster, “having exited, he found others having stood inactive.”   These guys had been standing around the market, ostensibly, for an entire day. It is true that some of them may have gotten up later, had things to do at the house, took the morning off for some reason, etc., but for the most part, the next verse indicates they would be people who have come early for the sole purpose of finding work. Because of this, it next notes, “And he says to them, ‘Why, here, you ‘having stood all the day' inactive?'”   He seems incredulous that they had been lolling around all day doing nothing. What is to be done with such people?   Life application: Imagine being a day laborer today. You have a bike to get you to the office, where day laborers go. In the early morning, someone comes in and says he has work digging out stumps. It is a very labor-intensive job. You know, because you did it before. You decide to pass on taking that job.   Throughout the day, people keep getting assigned to jobs, but every time someone comes by, you have missed the call. One time, you went to the bathroom. The next time you went outside to stretch your legs, after that, your wife called and said little Johnny is sick. While trying to console her, two other guys are selected. Each time, a job has slipped past you.   Toward the end of the day, nobody else has come by to hire anyone. Just as you are getting up to get back on your bike and head home, someone walks in and asks why you have been sitting around all day. Do you take it as an insult? Do you take it as light humor? Do you consider it an indictment concerning your skinny frame?   Or does his tone ring of sincerity, really wanting to know why you weren't selected for work, as if he might be able to help out next time you come for work? The scenario is possible, and it doesn't just apply to work. Some people are looking for marriage in their lives, and it keeps eluding them.   Others may be looking for the opportunity to buy a home, but each time one becomes available, something always comes up to interfere with it coming about. It seems like life is against you in this regard. The thing is, we all have to continue on with life.   Are we going to bear a grudge against God? Will we think we are destined for failure? Do people perceive us as incapable? People go through such times questioning their situation. If you are a believer in God, you should remember that at one time you were not saved and now you are.   You had the greatest change a person can ever experience. And it was solely by God's grace that it came about. If you can remember that truth, clinging to it through the trials, you will be able to hold fast to the fact that God was with you, is with you, and will never abandon you. It doesn't matter what people may think about you, and it is one hundred percent certain that you are not destined for failure.   God selected you through the gospel to be his. Whatever trial you are facing, He is there with you as you go through it. So hold fast to Him. If the house is meant to come, it will. If not, you still have an eternal home ahead. If a husband or wife comes along, that is great, but if not, you are a part of the bride of Christ, the church.   The temporary lives we live are a blip in the eternal scheme of things. Eyes on Jesus! You are His. Everything else falls behind that as a reason for being joy-filled at all times.   “For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2   Lord God, we have needs in this life that You are faithful to tend to. We also have desires as we walk in this world. Search us out and help us as we strive for what we want. It may be that such things are not meant to come about, but we can still pray for them, knowing that You are tending even to the desires of our hearts according to Your wisdom. Thank You that You are always with us in this walk of life. Amen.  

question: how do we get salty and stay salty?In John 15, Jesus teaches that fruit is not produced through striving, image, or performance, but through abiding in Him. Before we can reflect Jesus publicly, we have to remain connected to Him privately.This message is a reminder that connection produces fruit, while disconnection produces performance. The invitation of Jesus is not to try harder, but to remain closer.

“What’s my birthmother’s name?” My seven-year-old daughter’s sincere question pierced my heart. Ours had been a private adoption where we were provided only the most basic of information about her parents: height, weight, age, color of hair and eyes. How was I to respond? The question felt impossible! I drew in a breath and prayed, “God, what do I say?” A sentence tumbled out of my mouth, “What would you like her name to be?” She beamed at me and proclaimed, “Madeline!” “Then, Madeline it is!” I declared. In just a few minutes, I believe God had provided an answer when I didn’t have one. In the years after His death, Jesus’ followers would encounter great challenges where they needed God’s answers in seemingly impossible situations. In John 14, Jesus promised He would not leave them alone but would come to them with help (v. 18). Further, God would provide an ongoing flow of help: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (v. 26). Sometimes the questions we face seem impossible to answer. We need God’s help and answers with our children, our work, our neighbors and our world. When we don’t have the answers, He can provide them.

ABOUT THIS MESSAGE: What does authentic faith actually look like? In John 4, a desperate father teaches us that genuine faith obeys the words of God before seeing the work of God. ABOUT THE HEIGHTS CHURCH: We are a church making disciples of Jesus for the renewal of Denver. Have a question or want more information about The Heights Church? Learn more by visiting: theheightsdenver.com FIND US ONLINE: Website: theheightsdenver.com YouTube: @theheightschurchdenver Instagram: @theheightsden

In John chapter 6 a little boy's lunch is transformed into one of Jesus' most famous miracles (the feeding of the 5,000). In today's edition of “On Our Side,” pastor Dan reminds us that when we need a miracle, we only have to focus on the who, not the how! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

You can be busy for Jesus…and still be disconnected from Jesus.In John 15, Jesus reminds us that real life isn't found in performance, pressure, or pretending — it's found by staying connected to Him.If your soul feels dry, exhausted, distracted, or empty…Jesus isn't calling you to do more. He's inviting you closer.

Jesus refused to let unbelief, skepticism, or pressure rush Him ahead of the Father's timing. In John 7, His patience teaches us to rest in the Lord when evil seems to prosper and obedience feels delayed. This episode calls us to stop fretting, trust that God will act in His time, and keep sowing godly seeds while we wait.

In John 15, Jesus tells his disciples to abide in him. But what exactly does Jesus mean by "abide"? And how does he expect his disciples to do that? How does abiding in Christ relate to faith and works? In this episode, Matthew takes listeners through these questions, explaining in practical terms this well known passage. +++Pre-order Matt's newest book: Sightings and Secrets: UFOs, Eyewitness Testimonies, and How Christians Can Make Sense of the Unknown:  https://a.co/d/0eD0cGtz Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheBibleUnmutedMatthew's blog: https://matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!

Read Online“Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.”  John 17:11In the ancient world, a name was not only a means of identification but also an expression of the authority and power that the person possessed. For instance, when a king or ruler issued a decree, it was done “in the name” of the king, meaning with his full authority and power behind it.In the Bible, the “name” of God is much more than a simple designation or label; it signifies the full revelation of God's identity, character, and power. The concept of God's name is deeply tied to His nature and His actions in the world. His name represents who God is and His relationship with His people.In the Old Testament, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and instructed him to go to Pharaoh to bring His people, the Israelites, out of Egypt. Moses inquired, “But... if I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is His name?' what do I tell them?” God replied to Moses: “I am who I am.” Then He added: “This is what you will tell the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:13–14).God's mysterious name—“I AM WHO I AM” or simply “I AM”—is also His identity. It expresses God's eternal existence and His self-sufficiency. He is the one who exists by His own nature, without beginning or end, having sovereignty over all creation.In John's Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself with the divine name numerous times: “I am he;” “I am the Bread of Life;” “I am the Light of the World;” “Before Abraham was, I AM;” “I am the Gate;” “I am the Good Shepherd;” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life;” “I am the True Vine;” and “I told you that I AM.” Therefore, when Jesus prayed to the Father, “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me…,” His prayer was authoritative, by which the Father's will is implemented, because Jesus is I AM, and in that name, He prays.Jesus' prayer was “that they may be one just as we are one.” This prayer should give us great hope. To “be one” with God, just as the Father and Son are one, reveals that we are called to share in God's very life, to be united to Him in a way that goes beyond intellectual agreement or friendship. We are invited into God's unity, taking our identity in Him, sharing in His very essence and life. We become members of Christ's Body, the Church, acting in Him, with Him, and through Him. This is why Jesus said three times during the Last Supper that whatever we ask the Father in His name, He will give us.In 2 Peter 1:4, we read that God's power has enabled us to escape corruption and evil desire and has bestowed upon us “precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature.” This foundational Scripture has led many Church Fathers to speak of our high calling to “divinization.” As Saint Athanasius of Alexandria famously said, “For He was made man that we might be made God; and He manifested Himself by a body that we might receive the idea of the unseen Father; and He endured the insolence of men that we might inherit immortality” (On the Incarnation, 54:3).Reflect today on the high calling you have received. You are invited to share in God's life, to take your identity in Him, to live and act in God's divine name, exercising His authority and manifesting His sacrificial love. This is only possible when we are united to Christ as He is united to the Father. We become one with God, by His will, with His authority and grace. What high dignity we have received to act in His name and with His authority! Have hope in the ability to be drawn into this high calling, taking on this new identity, so that Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper becomes a reality in your life. My divine Lord, the great I AM, You have existed from all eternity as the one and eternal God. You invite me to share in Your life by uniting me with You in Christ through His humanity. I accept this high calling and pray, as You prayed during the Last Supper, that I may be one with You—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and live and act in Your Name. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

When the disciples saw scarcity, Jesus displayed abundance. In John 6, He fed thousands with five loaves and two fish, revealing His creative power and His overflowing grace. This episode encourages us to obey even when we do not understand, trust Christ with what seems impossible, and remember that His grace is always more than sufficient.

What happens when your identity is no longer built on attention, success, or comparison? In John 3:22–36, John the Baptist gives one of the most powerful statements in the Bible: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This sermon dives into humility, pride, comparison, identity, and the freedom that comes when Jesus becomes the center of your life. If you've ever struggled with jealousy, insecurity, ego, or constantly comparing yourself to others, this message is for you. Discover how John the Baptist found joy in making Jesus greater and why true fulfillment is found in surrender, not self-promotion. Scripture: John 3:22–36

This guide covers the readings appointed in the Revised Common Lectionary for the Day of Pentecost, Year A, falling on May 24, 2026. Pentecost is the fiftieth day of the Easter season — the Sunday on which the church remembers the coming of the Holy Spirit. The lectionary offers several choices at three of the four reading positions this day, which can be confusing. The note below explains the options, and this guide covers all of them.A note on the options (just so you'll know): The lectionary for Pentecost offers these choices. (1) First Reading: Acts 2:1–21 or Numbers 11:24–30. (2) Epistle: 1 Corinthians 12:3b–13 or Acts 2:1–21 (Acts moves to the epistle slot when Numbers is used as the first reading, so Acts is read either way). (3) Gospel: John 20:19–23 or John 7:37–39. The Psalm (104:24–34, 35b) has no alternative. Most congregations will use Acts 2 as the first reading; this guide treats Acts 2 as primary and gives full coverage to all the alternatives.The ReadingsActs 2:1–21First Reading (Primary Option) — The Day of PentecostSummaryOn the day of Pentecost, the followers of Jesus are gathered together when the Spirit arrives with the sound of rushing wind and what looks like fire resting on each of them. They begin speaking in languages other than their own. A crowd gathers — devout Jewish pilgrims in Jerusalem for the festival from many different countries — and to their astonishment each person hears the disciples speaking in their own native language. Some are amazed; others mock the disciples as drunk. Peter stands up and addresses them, explaining that what they are seeing is the fulfillment of the prophet Joel's promise: in the last days God will pour out the Spirit on every kind of person, crossing the usual lines of age, gender, and social status, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.Pentecost by Kseniya LaptevaKey Ideas for Preaching1. The miracle at Pentecost is, very specifically, a miracle of communication across difference. The disciples do not all speak one universal language that everyone somehow understands. They speak many languages — the actual languages of the people standing in the crowd. The Spirit does not erase cultural and linguistic differences; it crosses them. What might it look like for your congregation to take this seriously? Real welcome is not everyone becoming the same. It is everyone being met in their own voice.2. Peter's quotation from the prophet Joel insists that the Spirit is poured out on everyone: sons and daughters, young and old, those at the top of the social order and those at the bottom. Every line that might limit who has access to God is named and crossed. Which of those lines does your congregation still tend to observe, even without meaning to? Where might the Spirit be inviting you to cross one?3. The crowd's first reaction is mockery. When the Spirit moves, it sometimes produces confusion and ridicule before it produces understanding. That is worth naming honestly for a congregation that might expect a movement of God to look tidy. What if your people's discomfort with something new is not a sign that God is absent, but a sign that something is actually happening?4. The text begins by saying the disciples were all together in one place. That gathering is named as the setting in which the Spirit arrives. The Spirit is not poured out on scattered individuals here — it comes upon a gathered community. What does this say about why it still matters to show up, to be present together, in a culture that often treats faith as a private matter?Significant Cautions• Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the church. That phrase can give the impression that God was not at work among people before this moment, or that the Jewish community from which the church grew has somehow been left behind. Neither is true. Peter grounds the whole event in Jewish prophecy. The church does not replace something old; it grows out of it.• The mockers in the crowd are easy to dismiss as villains or to use as a foil for the faithful. But they are not really villains — they are genuinely confused by something they have never seen before. Be careful about setting up a sharp us-versus-them dynamic between the believers and the skeptics.• The promise that everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved is a quotation Peter draws from Joel and applies to this specific moment. Be careful about lifting it out of the story and turning it into a simple formula that ignores the communal witness and the changed lives that surround it in the rest of Acts.Numbers 11:24–30First Reading (Alternative Option) — The Spirit Shared with the EldersSummaryMoses, worn down by the burden of leading Israel through the wilderness, has cried out to God for help. God tells him to gather seventy elders at the tent of meeting and shares some of the spirit resting on Moses with them, and they begin to prophesy — though only this one time. Two of the elders, Eldad and Medad, had stayed back in the camp rather than coming to the tent, and the spirit comes upon them there too. Joshua, Moses's assistant, is disturbed and asks Moses to stop them. Moses refuses, saying he wishes all of God's people were prophets and that God would put the Spirit on every one of them.Key Ideas for Preaching1. Moses's wish — that all the Lord's people would be prophets — is exactly what Pentecost finally delivers. If you are preaching both this text and Acts 2, you can draw that line clearly. What Moses longed for, the Spirit at Pentecost gives. The Spirit is no longer reserved for a few special leaders. What might change in your congregation if people actually believed that the Spirit had been given to all of them, not just to the clergy?2. Eldad and Medad receive the Spirit out in the camp, away from the official gathering, without having done the expected thing of showing up at the tent. The Spirit moves where it wants. Joshua wants to stop them; Moses refuses. Where in your congregation, or your community, is the Spirit clearly at work in places or people you would not have predicted? Are you paying attention, or are you trying to call them back to the tent?3. Moses's response to Joshua shows a kind of leadership that is not threatened by other people receiving what he has. He does not protect his role; he gladly shares it. Many leaders in church and elsewhere quietly fear that empowering other people will diminish them. What would it look like to lead the way Moses leads here?Significant Cautions• The seventy elders prophesy this one time and never again. It is a moment, not an ongoing gift. Be careful about treating Moses's story as a straight preview of Pentecost in a way that flattens out the genuine newness of what happens in Acts. The connection is real and worth drawing; the two events are not identical.• Joshua is not condemned for wanting to stop Eldad and Medad — he is acting out of loyalty to Moses. Be gentle in using him as a negative example. The instinct to protect structures and proper channels is not always wrong. It is just sometimes misapplied.Psalm 104:24–34, 35bThe Psalm — The Spirit That Renews the Face of the EarthSummaryThis part of the great creation psalm marvels at how varied and abundant God's creation is. Every living thing — from the countless creatures of the vast sea to all the rest — looks to God for food and receives what it needs in its time. When God withdraws, creatures are troubled; when God takes back their breath, they die and return to dust. But when God sends out the divine Spirit — the same word that means breath or wind — they are created again, and the face of the earth is made new. The psalm closes with a vow to sing to God for as long as the singer has life, and a prayer that God will be pleased with the song.Key Ideas for Preaching1. The word for Spirit in this psalm is the same word for breath and wind (ruach )— the same creative power that hovered over the waters at the beginning of Genesis. On Pentecost, this image reaches back across the whole Bible and grounds the coming of the Spirit in something much older than the upper room in Jerusalem. The breath of God has been animating creation from the beginning. (Genesis 1:2) What does it do for your congregation to hear that the Spirit who came at Pentecost is the same Spirit who breathed life into the first creatures?2. The line about God sending out the Spirit so that creatures are created and the face of the earth is renewed is one of the most hopeful sentences in the whole Bible. Renewal is what the Spirit does. How might this widen the frame of your Pentecost sermon beyond the church alone? The Spirit who renewed the earth is the same Spirit poured out on the disciples.3. The mood of the psalm is wonder — delight at what God has made. Could Pentecost be an occasion not just to explain the Spirit but to invite your congregation into that same posture: paying attention, giving thanks, being astonished at what God is doing?Significant Cautions• The psalm describes creatures dying when God withdraws breath. It is part of the rhythm of creation in the psalm, but it can land hard in a congregation where someone is grieving. Be careful not to use this image casually in a way that suggests God has withdrawn from a person's loved one.• The poetry of the psalm is expansive and imaginative. Resist the urge to flatten it into a proof text for a particular view of how creation happened or how it works scientifically. The purpose of the psalm is praise, not explanation.1 Corinthians 12:3b–13The Epistle (Primary Option) — Many Gifts, One SpiritSummaryPaul is writing to a church in Corinth that has been arguing about spiritual gifts — specifically, about who has the more impressive ones. He begins with a basic test of authenticity: only the Holy Spirit enables someone to say Jesus is Lord. Then he describes the wide variety of gifts in the church — wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous works, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation — insisting that all of them come from one and the same Spirit, who distributes them as the Spirit chooses, and all are given for the good of the whole community. Paul closes with the image of the body: just as a body is one but has many parts, so it is with Christ. We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body — Jews and Greeks, enslaved and free — and we all share in the one Spirit.Key Ideas for Preaching1. The gifts Paul lists are not awards for spiritual achievement. They are given by the Spirit, however the Spirit chooses, and they are given for the benefit of the whole community rather than the prestige of the recipient. This cuts both ways. It speaks to the person who quietly believes their gift makes them important. It also speaks to the person who quietly believes they have no gift at all. Neither of those positions matches the text. What might happen if your congregation actually believed that every person in the room had been given something for the good of everyone else?2. The body image at the end of the passage looks simple but carries real weight. Every part of the body is needed. No part can opt out, and no part can claim to be more important than another. What does the body of your congregation actually look like? Which members get treated as more important? Which members feel like they barely belong? What would change if everyone took Paul at his word here?3. Paul is not writing a peaceful, theoretical description of an ideal community. He is writing pastoral correction to a real church that is fighting about exactly this issue. That makes the passage more useful, not less. Where is your congregation tempted to rank one another — by gift, by giving, by visibility, by status — and what would Paul have to say about it?4. The last line of the passage says that the unity Paul is describing is already a reality. It happened in baptism. The congregation is not being asked to build unity from scratch; it is being asked to live into something that has already been given. How does it change the way you preach about unity when you stop treating it as a goal and start treating it as a gift to be received?Significant Cautions• Lists of spiritual gifts have sometimes been used to rank Christians, or to claim that one particular gift — often speaking in tongues — is the real sign that the Spirit is present. Paul's whole argument here runs against that use. The Spirit gives whatever the Spirit chooses to give. No person and no group gets to decide which gifts count the most.• Paul mentions the categories of “enslaved or free” alongside Jews and Greeks. He does not, in this letter, challenge slavery as an institution. Be honest about that. The image of being one body in Christ did not, on its own, end the social and economic injustices of the ancient world. Speaking of unity in Christ should not be used to suggest that hard questions of justice take care of themselves.• The unity Paul describes is not uniformity. The whole point of the body image is that the body has many different parts that do different things. Be careful not to use the language of one body to pressure a diverse congregation into one cultural or stylistic expression of worship.John 20:19–23The Gospel (Primary Option) — Peace and the Breath of the SpiritSummaryOn the evening of the first Easter Sunday, the disciples are huddled together behind locked doors because they are afraid. Jesus comes and stands among them and says, peace be with you. He shows them the wounds in his hands and his side, and they are overjoyed. He says it a second time: peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you. Then he breathes on them and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit. If they forgive anyone's sins, those sins are forgiven; if they hold them against someone, the sins remain.Key Ideas for Preaching1. Jesus breathes on the disciples and gives them the Spirit. The image deliberately echoes the moment in Genesis when God breathed life into the first human being. This is presented as a kind of new creation. How might it shift the meaning of Pentecost for your congregation to see it as part of God's long pattern of creating and renewing life, rather than as an isolated, one-time event?2. In John's telling, the Spirit is given on Easter evening — not fifty days later. That is a different account than the one in Acts 2. Rather than smoothing over the difference, what would it look like to be honest with your congregation that the two accounts are doing different theological work? John ties the Spirit directly to the resurrection. Acts ties it to the Jewish festival of Pentecost. Both are saying something true about who the Spirit is.3. The commission and the gift come together. As the Father has sent me, Jesus says, so I am sending you — and then he gives them the Spirit. The Spirit is not given for a private spiritual experience. It is given for a sending. What does it mean for your congregation to receive a gift that, from its very first moment, is pointed outward?4. Jesus places in the hands of this community the responsibility of forgiving sins, of releasing one another from what binds. This has caused real argument in the church about authority. But at the very least, what would it look like for your congregation to take seriously the practice of concrete, embodied forgiveness — not as an abstract idea but as something this community is actually called to do?Significant Cautions• The difference between John's account and Acts is real. John puts the Spirit on Easter evening, and Acts puts it fifty days later at Pentecost. Resist the temptation to harmonize them or explain the difference away. Sermons that name the difference honestly tend to land better than sermons that pretend it is not there.• Jesus says that if the disciples retain sins, those sins are retained. Throughout history, this line has been used to justify exclusion, punishment, and harsh church discipline. Be clear that the main direction of what Jesus says here is toward forgiveness — the releasing of what binds people — not toward the exercise of power over those who are kept out.• The locked doors and the fear of the disciples can be used to make the post-Easter community look like a failure. But these are still the people Jesus comes to and the people he sends. Their fear is the starting point of the story, not the verdict on them. Take care not to shame your congregation's own fear when you preach this scene.John 7:37–39The Gospel (Alternative Option) — Rivers of Living WaterSummaryOn the last and most important day of the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus stands up in the temple courts and cries out, inviting anyone who is thirsty to come to him and drink. Whoever believes in him, he says, will have rivers of living water flowing from within. John then adds a note explaining that Jesus was speaking about the Spirit, who would be given to believers later — after Jesus had been glorified.Key Ideas for Preaching1. The image of rivers of living water flowing from inside a person is one of the most vivid pictures of the Spirit in any of the Gospels. It is not a trickle. It is not a reservoir you fill up once. It is an ongoing, outward flow. The Spirit is not given to be stored. What would it look like for your congregation to think of the Spirit not as something they have, but as something that flows through them on its way to someone else?2. Jesus makes this announcement on the last day of the Festival of Tabernacles, when water was being poured out as a ritual prayer for rain. The crowd would have felt the weight of the image right away. Could your congregation feel what it means to be genuinely thirsty — not mildly curious about God, but actually in need?3. John explains in a brief note that the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified. The coming of the Spirit is tied directly to the cross and the resurrection. How does it deepen a Pentecost sermon to remind the congregation that the Spirit they celebrate today comes as the fruit of what happened at Easter?Significant Cautions• The phrase about living water flowing from within can sound as though the Spirit is essentially a private inner experience of abundance. But the setting here is a public festival, and Jesus is shouting in the middle of a crowd. The water flows outward, not just inward. Be careful with a reading that turns this into a purely personal experience.• Jesus says the scripture has said something about rivers of living water, but no single passage in the Hebrew Bible is a clear match. Different scholars suggest different texts. Avoid confidently pointing to one specific passage as the source without acknowledging that no one is sure.Thematic ConnectionsEvery text appointed for Pentecost points toward the same central claim: the Spirit of God is now given freely, widely, and without the restrictions that once limited who could receive it. * In Acts, the Spirit crosses every linguistic and cultural line in Jerusalem. * In Numbers, it escapes the official gathering and finds two men out in the camp. * In Psalm 104, it is the breath that renews the whole face of the earth. * In 1 Corinthians, it distributes gifts to every member of the body for the good of the whole community. * In John, it is given on Easter evening to a group of frightened disciples and turns them into a sent people — or it is the living water that flows outward from whoever believes.Acts 2 is the natural center for Pentecost preaching. It is the story the day is built around, and its images of wind and fire and languages are difficult to displace. But 1 Corinthians 12 offers a strong complementary angle for congregations that need to hear about the practical, community-shaping work of the Spirit rather than just its dramatic arrival. And for congregations that preached Acts 2 last year and want something different, either John 7:37–39 or John 20:19–23 opens a distinctive door. The psalm works best in worship as a spoken or sung response rather than as the main preaching text, though its image of the Spirit renewing the face of the earth is worth a sentence or two in almost any Pentecost sermon. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com/subscribe

In John 14:15-31 we see that Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and empower us to follow Him. 

God Gives a Jesus Follower's Life Meaning and Purpose, Satisfies their Hunger to Know Their Life's Purpose, and Forgives Their Sins MESSAGE SUMMARY: As Jesus tells us in John 15:12-14, that you, as His follower, are His “friend: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends.". God became flesh, and He dwelt among us. God became human to draw you into a personal relationship with Him. In John 1:14, the Apostle John identifies Jesus as the “Son of the Father”: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.". God alone can satisfy the meaning and purpose of your life. God alone can satisfy your hunger to know your life's meaning. Most importantly, God alone can give you forgiveness of your sins as Paul tells us in Colossians 2:13-14: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.". Jesus' life, miracles, death, and His Resurrection are invitations to a life-long personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe. Our personal relationship with God is through His gift, to Jesus Followers, of the Holy Spirit.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen.       Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Loneliness. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Presence. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 1:10-13; Colossians 2:10-15; Psalms137:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Are You Filled with the Holy Spirit?”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In John 8, Jesus makes one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture: “I am the light of the world.” But this chapter is more than a statement. It is a revelation.From the woman caught in adultery to the religious leaders challenging Jesus, John 8 shows us what happens when light enters darkness. Light reveals. Light exposes. Light guides. Light divides.In this message, we explore:• Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles• The illumination ceremony and its connection to Christ• Why people resist the light• What spiritual darkness really looks like• How truth leads to freedom• What it means to live in the lightJesus did not simply come to improve our darkness. He came to overcome it.Scripture References:John 8John 11 John 1Hebrews 7–8Psalm 119Isaiah 60If this message encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.Overflow Church exists to lead people to encounter the reality of Jesus.Support the show

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32 Sometimes we use polite, little lies to try to be kind or avoid being rude. We might say, “Yes, I can tell you've lost some weight.” Or, “You have not aged a bit.” Or, “Wow, you almost scored a goal on that play.” But our passage here is talking about truth and lies at a more profound level than the social niceties we practice.Are you a slave to sin and death, or are you free from them? In John 8:34, Jesus says that “everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” That certainly includes me—and you too. If we wish to be free from that slavery, we must embrace the truth that is Jesus. Only he can liberate us from the sin that enslaves us.Which sins enslave you? Are you a slave to anger, or lust, or greed, or envy, or sports, or beauty, or money? We are all slaves to something. We might tell ourselves that we will be truly happy once we get this or that thing, or when we reach a certain goal. But only faithful followers of Jesus have a real shot at freedom from slavery to sin. All other plans for liberation just end up in a new form of slavery.An example of this is political revolution. In Nicaragua, for example, the Sandinistas overthrew an oppressive oligarchy led by Anastasio Somaza. Now, under the Sandinista leaders Daniel and Rosario Ortega, things are worse than ever before.Let's not flip from one slave master to another. We can find freedom by following Jesus. Only then will we be free. Lord, we keep enslaving ourselves. Give us the desire to be free, and free us to live fully in you, we pray. Amen.

What happens when Jesus gives you what you asked for, but then invites you into something deeper? In John 5, Jesus meets a man who has been unable to walk for 38 years, lying near the pool of Bethesda and waiting for someone to help him reach the water. Then Jesus asks him a question that seems obvious, but goes far deeper than physical healing: “Do you want to be healed?” What follows is a miracle, a controversy, and a warning. The healed man can walk, but the passage leaves us asking whether he actually sees who Jesus is. The religious leaders think they are defending God's law, but they completely miss the renewal God is bringing right in front of them. Today Pastor Jeff Bucknam is walking us through John 5:1–17 in our series Believe! The Gospel of John, and this passage asks a crucial question: when Jesus calls us beyond what we first wanted from him, will we keep following, or will we take the off-ramp? This is a sermon about healing, renewal, and the danger of stopping short of Jesus himself. Let's get into it.   Executive Producer: Dave Putnam Speaker: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Sound design, mixing, and editing: Bryan Tripp Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US: • Website: https://www.harvestbible.org/ WE INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @harvestbiblechapel • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestbiblechapel/

When life gets rough, it can feel like you're rowing as hard as you can and still getting nowhere. In John 6, Jesus meets His disciples in the middle of a storm and reveals something deeper than a way out. This message looks at what it means to trust Jesus when the future is unclear, control is gone, and the miracle you need may not come the way you expected.

In John 3, John the Baptist's words—“He must become greater; I must become less”—become an invitation to step out of a self-centered story and into the larger story of God. This teaching explores why Jesus is greater, why earthly things can never fully satisfy our deepest longings, and how the Spirit of God gives us everything we actually need. Bible Passage(s): John 3:22-36 Speaker(s): Glenn Packiam (Saratoga), Video (South Hills), Video (Redwood City)

In this episode I share a person application from the content of Galatians we have studied so far, and then we move into some new verses and answer the question, "Who are the true children of Abraham?"Scriptures referenced:John 14:6Romans 5:1-2Hebrews 12:5-112 Corinthians 5:21Proverbs 1:7Proverbs 9:10Romans 12:2Ephesians 5:10Hebrews 5:12-14Galatians 3:1-9Galatians 2:16, 21Genesis 15:1-6Genesis 12:1-3Matthew 1:1-17Matthew 3:7-9John 8:39-47Matthew 8:5-13Romans 3:23Matthew 11:28-30**CORRECTIONS**When quoting Galatians 3:7, I accidentally omitted the word "the". Here is the passage verbatim: "Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham."In John 8:40, I said "that" when the verse actually says "this". It makes no interpretive difference, but here is the quote verbatim: "This is not what Abraham did." Similarly, later in the passage I added the word "you" in one place it wasn't. The verse says, "...If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?" (John 8:46).BibliographyUtley, Bob. "GALATIANS 3." Free Bible Commentary. Accessed on May 14, 2026. https://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL07/VOL07A_03.htmlFeel free to email the podcast at ijustwanttotalkabout@gmail.com, and we will respond as soon as we are able!I WANT TO BE DISCIPLEDI am on staff with another ministry called Mentoring Men for the Master (M3). M3 is a discipleship ministry; so, if you are interested in being discipled and having someone come alongside you to invest in you and your walk with Jesus, or if you would like to do this in someone else's life, feel free to email us at info@mentoringmen.net. You can also check out M3's website by clicking "I want to be discipled". Also note that despite the ministry's name, M3 disciples both men and women; so, the offer is open to all!I WANT TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTERIf you would like to sign up to receive newsletter updates, simply click "I want to sign up for the newsletter" and fill out the form. Also, feel free to check out our most recent newsletter.I WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf you feel so led, you can support the podcast by clicking "I want to support the podcast". I Just Want to Talk about the Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means that any donations made are tax-deductible. Thank you so much for giving as the Lord leads!...

The man at Bethesda was helpless, hopeless, and unable to heal himself—until Jesus spoke. In John 5, we see sovereign grace at work as Christ brings healing where human effort and superstition could not. This episode reminds us that spiritual healing begins with our helplessness and Christ's power, and that religious people should never resist the joy of God's work.

Why does the crucifixion of Jesus feel strangely familiar? In John 19, ancient prophecies, foreshadowings, and God's sovereign plan collide at the cross — proving Calvary was never an accident. From Abraham and Isaac to “Tetelestai — It is finished,” this episode explores the power, purpose, and fulfillment found at Calvary.BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 19:17-30 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | GENESIS 22:1-19 | ISAIAH 53:1-12 | MARK 11:2-6 | LUKE 1:27-28 | MATTHEW 1:21 | PSALM 22:18 | 1 PETER 1:18-20 | PSALM 139:1-3 | LUKE 2:25-32 | PHILIPPIANS 4:19 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-25 | MATTHEW 6:33 | PHILIPPIANS 4:16-19 | ROMANS 6:23 | PSALM 22:15 | PSALM 69:21 | *Music tracks by Blue Dot Sessions titled “Glass Beads” and “Come As You Were” were featured in this episode

At the well, Jesus crossed every social, religious, and cultural barrier to engage a Samaritan woman with grace and truth. In John 4, He shows us what faithful evangelism looks like: be intentionally relational, recognize the superiority of Christ, and speak the truth with humility. This episode calls us to offer living water to thirsty people.

Jesus is the Light of the world, but sinful hearts often prefer darkness because the light exposes what we want to hide. In John 3, we see that judgment is tied to how we respond to Christ. This episode calls us to stop running from the Light, confess our sin, and come fully into the grace and truth only Jesus provides.