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It's Tuesday, June 16th, A.D. 2026. 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 and Timothy Reed Two pastors killed in Manipur State, India Two pastors -- Pastor Kenpibou and the Rev. Manu Thiumai -- and at least two others were found dead in India's Manipur State last week, reports The Christian Post. The victims of ethnic and religious violence were found with their hands tied and their bodies mutilated in this northeastern state. The Economic Times quotes a Manipur home minister who described the killings as “a heinous crime against humanity.” 74% of Israelis support sexual perversion today The Jerusalem Post reports that more than 100,000 persons participated in this year's so-called “gay pride” parade in Tel Aviv, Israel. A new study conducted by the Israel Institute for Gender and LGBT Studies found that 74% of Israel supports “full and legally enforced equal rights for the LGBT community.” That's up from 61% just three years ago. Additionally, 89% of secular Israelis support equal rights for homosexuals and transgenders compared to 75% of traditional Israelis, 53% of religious Israelis, and 25% of ultra-Orthodox Israelis. Judges 3:12 says, “Once again, Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” Brazil's attendance at sexually perverted “pride” event cut by 50% In related news, one of the world's largest sexual perverted so-called “pride” events has been held in São Paulo, Brazil. However, a university drone count found that the peak attendance fell off from 73,600 in 2024, to 36,800 in 2026. Organizers say the total attendees topped one million, but that's down from three to five million in recent years. Isaiah 2:10-11 promises this: “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.” Trump scored elusive peace deal with Iran The United States and Iran have reached a deal aimed at ending the war that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the American naval blockade, reports NBC News. A signing ceremony is set for Friday in Switzerland. Global markets soared after the tentative deal was announced, while oil prices fell more than $4 a barrel on the news that shipping may soon be restored through the key trade route, according to Just The News. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” However, the memorandum of understanding leaves some key issues unresolved, setting up potential future tensions. The deal gives the two sides 60 days to resolve what to do about Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its nuclear program. Supreme Court sides with pro-abortion public school This just in. The U.S. Supreme Court came down on the side of the pro-abortion lobby, to disallow a pro-life club from posting signs in a public school which would have denounced the abortion giant Planned Parenthood. Only Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented. Justice Alito pointed out that the “Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment constrains censorship.” Many U.S. Christian denominations have lost members American denominations have lost church attendance since 2007. Pew Research breaks it down by denomination. Only the Reformed Churches and non-denominational groups have recovered or gained members since 2007. By percentage, Holiness churches have lost the most members, followed by Methodists, Adventists, Restorationists, and Baptists. In raw numbers, Baptists have lost 11 million members, Methodists have lost seven million members, Lutherans have lost four million members, and Holiness groups have lost 1.6 million members since 2007. Meanwhile, the non-denominational churches gained 10.5 million members, and reformed churches gained about 150,000 over this 14-year period. Overall, the decline of faith in America has leveled off since 2019, largely due to an increased interest in church attendance on the part of Gen Z men between the ages of 14 and 29. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was not reauthorized On June 11th, Congress did not reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. The vote was 198-218. FISA 702 has been used to spy on American citizens, and it actively circumvents the Fourth Amendment which prohibits the government from spying on Americans without a warrant. Almost all Democrats voted against reauthorization of FISA 702, but it took 19 Republicans to officially defeat the spying measure. Establishment Republicans signaled their disappointment that the measure was defeated, but Republican Congressman Tim Burchett of Tennessee explained, “The Fourth Amendment is there for a reason.” Trump saved 146,000 migrant children trafficked under Biden The Trump administration has rescued 146,000 migrant children who were trafficked into the country during the Biden administration. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin explained the situation and the conditions under President Biden. Listen. MULLIN: “We're going to right the wrongs that the Biden administration turned a blind eye to. It's because of President Trump's leadership. It's horrific what's happening right in our own country because of four years of a blind eye that allowed unvetted sponsors to come pick up 450,000 kids on our borders, knowing their reports. While the Biden administration was in office, their own reports reporting that over a third of the females, regardless of age, were sexually assaulted before they made it to the border.” Cleveland Clinic to invest $2 million to help de-transitioners In another domestic victory, the Trump administration reached a massive deal with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation which agreed to stop transitioning minors. The clinic also agreed to commit $2 million to help de-transitioners, following in the footsteps of Texas Children's Hospital, which set up a $10 million fund for that purpose. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward stated, “The Department of Justice is steadfastly committed to protecting America's children. Just as the resolution with Texas Children's, today's resolution with Cleveland Clinic furthers that commitment and puts these providers on notice that this Department will vigorously enforce federal law where children are put at risk.” In Mark 9:42, Jesus said, “But whoever causes one of these little ones, who believe in Me, to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” Artificial Intelligence can now clone your voice in a scam Please be aware! Artificial Intelligence can now clone your voice with only three seconds of audio taken off of your voicemail greeting. Artificial Intelligence scams increased twelve-fold in 2025. Recent surveys have found one in four adults have encountered an Artificial Intelligence voice scam. New York Knicks are world champions after a 53-year drought And finally, on June 13th, the New York Knicks became basketball world champions once again. ANNOUNCER: “It's over. Knick fans: This is not a dream. Your long, long wait has ended. Go ahead and cry. After 53 years, the Knicks are finally NBA champions once again.” During Game 5 of the NBA Finals in the Alamo City, the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 94-90, capping off a stunning playoff run. Knicks star Jalen Brunson scored 45 points in the victory, which earned him the nomination of Finals Most Valuable Player. But even more special for Jalen was the fact that his Dad, Rick Brunson, was his coach. Amazingly, Rick, himself a former NBA player, made the finals for the New York Knicks back in 1999, also playing against the San Antonio Spurs in that series. Rick and Jalen continue to maintain a close relationship, which Jalen elaborated on in a Good Morning America interview on ABC. BRUNSON: “Our relationship is unique. People may think just because he pushes me a certain way that we don't say things to each other, but I wouldn't trade anything for the world. We have the best relationship, even when it looks like we're fighting. That's just a coach and player trying to get over, to get to the Promised Land.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, June 16th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
When Jesus and his disciples encountered a storm on the sea of Galilee they knew that it was no ordinary storm. In Mark 4 Pastor Chad will show how this storm was a demonic storm and how we can withstand and even calm the storms in our own life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29?v=20251111
Have you ever felt unseen, forgotten, or lost in the crowd? In Mark 5, we encounter a woman who suffered for 12 years—physically, emotionally, and relationally. Desperate for hope, she pushed through the crowd to reach Jesus. What happened next reveals a powerful truth: Jesus doesn't just see crowds—He sees individuals. In this message, we explore how Jesus notices the overlooked, restores the broken, and invites us out of hiding and into healing. If you've been carrying shame, struggling in silence, or wondering if God sees your pain, this message is for you.
In the jaws of a trap, Jesus utters 10 simple words that changed the world. In Mark 12:13-17, the Pharisees and Herodians unite in an attempt to force Jesus into an impossible choice: oppose Caesar and face execution, or support Roman taxation and lose the support of the people. Instead, Jesus responds with ten simple words that transformed the world's understanding of government, authority, and allegiance. And it was impossible to argue against. How should Christians relate to government? What rights does God give secular governments? What demands are they free to make, and where are the limits? And what belongs only to God? How do believers faithfully live in two kingdoms without divided loyalty? If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson
In the one-hundred-and-ninety-fifth episode, we look at the Exact Definition Fallacy, starting with Trump pretending he doesn't know what DEI means, and pretending Biden doesn't know what carbon means, then we hear Marsha Blackburn try to dunk on Ketanji Brown Jackson.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Catherine McKinnell and Jacob Rees-Mogg's very different definitions of fairness, and Michael Gove questioning existence.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from A Few Good Men and Jordan Peterson.Jim and Mark go head-to-head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which of three Trump quotes was made up by Jim.Then we talk about the new acting Director of National Intelligence.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft195 You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSubscribe to Fallacious Trump to make sure you never miss a logical fallacy. Rather than just mindless anti-Trump rhetoric, we apply skepticism and critical thinking to our Donald Trump analysis by exploring his liberal use of logical fallacies and cognitive biases, along with a bit of humor and news about US politics. (But there is also some of that much needed anti-Trump rhetoric.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
How do you respond when you feel like an outsider?In Mark 7:24–37, Jesus encounters a desperate mother who seems to have every strike against her - she's a Gentile, an outsider, and someone many would have considered unworthy of God's attention. Yet her humble, bold, and persistent faith becomes one of the most remarkable examples in the Gospel of Mark.In this message, we explore what Jesus is really looking for in the human heart, why belonging in God's Kingdom isn't determined by your past or your pedigree, and how even "a crumb" of His grace is enough to change a life. Along the way, we'll confront prejudice, discover the power of intercessory prayer, and be reminded that Jesus welcomes all who come to Him in faith.// SCRIPTURE REFERENCES //Mark 7:34-40, Deuteronomy 30:6, Psalm 51:10, Ezekiel 36:26, Mark 12:30-31, More info at the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/mark/ // TAKE A NEXT STEP //Want to visit or discover more about Columbia View? Made a decision to follow Jesus or get baptized? Looking to get involved in growing and serving? VISIT HERE: https://columbiaview.org/ // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA //Youtube Instagram Facebook
In Mark 15:6-15, Barabbas stands as one of the most unexpected figures in the story of Jesus' crucifixion. Though guilty and condemned, he was set free while Jesus, the innocent one, was led to the cross. This message explores the biblical theme of substitutionary atonement and the grace of God displayed throughout Scripture. Barabbas received what he did not deserve because someone else took his place. The same is true for us. Listen in as we consider what Barabbas teaches us about sin, grace, and the sacrifice of Christ.
In Mark 8:34 Jesus says that "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Jesus is stressing the cost of discipleship and it is a high cost. Jesus calls us to come to him and die. For many people this cost seems too high.However, this passage is not only about the cost of following Jesus. In the next 4 verses, Jesus gives us 4 reasons why we should follow him, and they all highlight the cost of not following him. Jesus is concerned not only that we understood how costly it is to follow him, but even more so he wants us to know how costly it is to not follow him.
In Mark 3 the Bible introduces us to a man with a withered hand. In this sermon Pastor Chad puts us in the story and helps us identify the withered hand of our lives and how we can obey Christ's command to stretch forth our insecurities, our anxieties and whatever else is a withered hand in our life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29?v=20251111
The people of Nazareth grew up with Jesus. They knew His family, His hometown, and His trade. Yet the people who knew Him best were the ones who missed Him most. In Mark 6:1-6, we discover how familiarity can blind us to who Jesus really is. Are you still amazed by Jesus, or have you reduced Him to someone you've already figured out? The greatest obstacle to seeing Jesus may not be ignorance. It may be thinking you already know everything there is to know about Him.Need Prayer?
Everybody loves the idea that Jesus meets us where we are. The harder question is: what happens when He calls us somewhere new? In Mark 3, Jesus leaves the crowds behind, climbs a mountain, and calls a handful of ordinary people to come closer. They could have stayed comfortable. They could have stayed hidden in […]
What matters most in life? In Mark 12, Jesus answers the biggest question we could ever ask—and His answer changes everything. This message challenges us to move beyond surface-level religion into whole-hearted surrender. Because “near the Kingdom” is not the same as “in the Kingdom.” Today is the invitation to come all the way in!
Deen Salami | Guest Pastor Standing Firm: A Look at Stephen Check out the weekly sermon here or on our SRBC podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. While you're at it, check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. Like what you hear? We'd love to know.At South Run, we read every message personally. Whether you have a question, want to share how God is moving in your life, or are thinking about visiting in person, this is the place to start. If you click the link below, Pastor Eric will personally reach out to you. Listening online? Let us know. Sermon Transcript Standing Firm: What Stephen's Martyrdom in Acts 6–7 Teaches Us About Faith Under Fire — Sermon TranscriptSouth Run Baptist Church | Springfield, VA Guest Preacher: Deen SalamiActs 6:8–7:60June 7, 2026This is a full sermon transcript from South Run Baptist Church in Springfield, Virginia. In this message, guest preacher Deen Salami preaches on the martyrdom of Stephen from Acts 6–7. This sermon addresses how Stephen — an ordinary believer full of faith and the Holy Spirit — stood firm against hate and persecution before the Sanhedrin, what his conduct, his defense, and his death reveal about the cost of following Jesus, and why the church's first martyr was not a tragic accident but a catalyst for the spread of the gospel. Opening: A Passage That Can Almost Preach ItselfI am a little excited today about the message. We've got a lot of ground to cover. There's a large section of scripture that I want us to go through. I'm going to act as your guide. It's not very often that there are passages of scripture that actually can preach themselves. This passage just might be one of them. So what I'd like to do is just to act as your guide. I'll read through big chunks of scripture and I'll just make a couple of observations for us to consider as we do. To do that, though, I'll only need about another hour. Are you guys good with that? I know better than to get in the way of lunch, so I'll make sure that I'll get through this thing in a reasonable amount of time, and I promise we'll survive the experience, all right? All right, why don't you join me in prayer? Gracious God and Father, behold this time. It is you who have called all these people here. None are here by accident. You have assigned me to this task for this day and this hour, and I just pray, Lord God, that you would act and move. Empower now your servant to be able to bring forth this majesty for your people's benefit and for the glory of your great name. May everything that be said and done would be pleasing to you. We pray all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. Context: Who Was Stephen, and Why Does He Matter?Now, we've already had the first section of our passage read to us. We're going to look at the first martyr of the early church. If you guys know, that is a follower by the name of Stephen. Before he was crucified, Jesus warned the disciples that the world would hate them because of him, and as a result, they would suffer persecution. So how do we stand firm against the hate and persecution? Well, Stephen is going to help us answer that question because he experienced exactly what Jesus said he would. How he handles the hate is a great example for us to follow. Now, again, we've already read that first section in Acts 6:1–8, but as we go into the commentary of it, I want you to consider three simple things: the charges brought before Stephen, his conduct throughout this whole trial, and what it costs him at the end. Three things — charges, his conduct, and the cost. The gospel was being preached early on. It's the early part of the church's existence. The gospel was being preached, and after an early reception by the masses, opposition began to rise, specifically from the religious leaders. Stephen was a Hellenistic Jew, which means that his native tongue was not Aramaic, but it was Greek. He was also a Diaspora Jew, meaning that he was not born and raised inside Israel proper. He was born and raised outside of Israel. He came to Jerusalem, heard the gospel, and became a believer. He was not one of the original 12. He had no special place of prominence. In fact, when we first learn of Stephen a few verses earlier, he was in charge of food distribution for the church. In other words, Stephen was a simple, normal person, just like any one of us. His only desire was to serve and to be used by God. Now look at how he was described in this section. It says that he was full of God's grace and power, and he performed great signs and wonders. Up until this point, that description was only made of the apostles. But he ran into his fellow Diaspora Jews, and they could not withstand him in debate, because the Spirit of God had given him great wisdom. Since they were unable to defeat Stephen in debate, they slandered him, brought him up on trumped-up charges, and dragged him before the Sanhedrin. And this, by the way, is the third time that a follower of Jesus was dragged before the Sanhedrin. The first time it was Peter and John for healing a lame man. But because the crowds were praising God, they let them go. The second time was with all 12 apostles. They were beaten and sternly warned no longer to preach the gospel. This time, the Diaspora Jews were mobilized as a mob against Stephen, and if you were hearing properly and paying attention, you noticed that Stephen is alone. Incidentally, this is the same council that sentenced Jesus to death. The Charges Against Stephen: Disrespecting Moses and the TempleSo let's hear the charges brought against Stephen. It was the disrespect of the law — which is referred to as Moses — and the disrespect of God, the temple, because they believed that God's presence was in the temple. But Stephen is going to take these two charges and turn them on his accusers. But for now, I want to draw your attention to how Luke describes Stephen as he stands before the Sanhedrin. He says that he has the face of an angel. Now, I doubt very much that the Sanhedrin thought Stephen was hot, right? But what is it that made his appearance unmistakable? The question I want us to consider is, how is it possible that a normal person like Stephen — who was not part of the inner circle of Jesus — is able to do the things that Stephen had done and was described the way Luke describes him? Acts 6:5 — Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit: What That Actually MeansAnd I believe that the answer is found in verse 5 of chapter 6. This is the very first description we have of Stephen: he's a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. But the question is, what does that mean exactly? Let me start with full of faith. Because there are three aspects of faith that we see in Stephen. First, there's an intellectual determination. What do I mean by that? It simply means that he's asking himself, is the gospel true, and do I believe it? Am I a sinner, like the gospel says, and do I need a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ? Stephen's answer is yes. The second is, do I trust Jesus? Will I submit my life to him and proclaim him as my Lord? Again, Stephen answers, yes. But finally, will I commit everything to him, even if it means my death? And as we will see, Stephen will answer that question yes as well. But let me ask us all a question here. How are we doing in these three aspects? For most Christians, they're okay intellectually up here. Do I need a Savior? Yes. But it's the other two that they stumble at. Is he actually Lord? Am I running my own life? Do I just need Jesus as an advisor — I'll call on him when I need to? Or is he actually Lord? Do we actually commit our lives to him, willing to die? Because Stephen was all in with Jesus, it gave the Holy Spirit free reign to use Stephen any way he wanted. Not like a puppet, but as an active and willing partner in the work of advancing the kingdom. It's like the Fellowship of the Ring. Do you guys remember the Fellowship of the Ring? Remember when Frodo said he was going to go and take the ring to Mordor? Aragorn said to him, if by my life or death I can protect you, I will. Why? Because the fate of Middle Earth hung in the balance, right? But for us today, it's the souls — the eternal souls of people — that hang in the balance. And the only hope for them is Jesus Christ. Amen? If by our life or death, if we have the opportunity to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ, will we? Are we all in like Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit? What the Sanhedrin saw in Stephen was the very presence of the divine emanating from him. But let's move on and see what happens next. Acts 7:1–16: Stephen's Defense Begins — Summarizing Genesis 12 Through Exodus 1 from Memory I'm going to read from chapter 7, verse 1. "Then the high priest asked Stephen, are these charges true? To this he replied, brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran. Leave your country and your people, God said, and go to the land I will show you. So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no children. God spoke to him in this way, for 400 years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, God said, and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place. Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later, Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace. Then a famine struck all of Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit. On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was. And Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, 75 in all. Then Jacob went down to Egypt where he and our ancestors died. Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money. And as the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die." Now, for those of you who may have picked up on it, Stephen just summarized Genesis 12 all the way through Exodus 1. Genesis 12 is where we have God's promise to bless the world through Abram. Stephen starts there and ends in Exodus chapter 1. That is approximately 39 chapters that he summarized from memory under pressure. Now, if you were on the Sanhedrin, what would you be thinking right now about the charge of disrespecting the law? At least at this point, it looks like that charge is on kind of shaky ground. In fact, some of the Sanhedrin might be looking at Stephen and secretly giving him a thumbs up. Way to go, bro. Good job, all right? Why Stephen Uses Geography and the Stories of Joseph and Moses StrategicallyWhat I don't want you to miss, though, is how Stephen is telling this story. I want you to notice the way Stephen is making use of geography — Mesopotamia, Haran, Israel, Egypt. He is summarizing what God did in those places, but why is he doing this? Also, I want you to keep in mind what he says about Joseph and his brothers. I'm going to develop that here in a minute. Just be patient, okay? Now, before we move on, I want to highlight how Stephen addresses his adversaries. To the mob, he refers to them as brothers. To the Sanhedrin, he refers to them as fathers. This mob who dragged him forcefully before the Sanhedrin, and this council that not only sentenced Jesus to death but beat the 12 apostles — the question on the table is, why is Stephen so cordial? A few observations. First, he does not seem to be taking their behavior toward him personally. The moment is not lost on Stephen. He's acutely aware of the danger he is in, but he remembers his mission, which was the same as Jesus. He does not want to condemn them. He wants them to know the truth. So he speaks to them in a way fitting that purpose. He does not retaliate against them for mistreating him. Second, Stephen understands that their behavior is symptomatic of a bigger issue. He knows what the Apostle Paul will later go on to understand and share with Timothy. As we read in 2 Timothy 2:25–26, Paul says this: "Opponents must be gently instructed in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil who has taken them captive to do his will." Stephen understands that these people have been taken captive by the devil so that they would do his will. But Stephen hopes that they will come to their senses. So he begins by instructing them gently. And in his approach, Stephen is reflecting the very heart of God. Back in Ezekiel 33:11, we hear God say this: "As surely as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways. Why will you die, people of Israel?" Stephen does not clap back at them. Third, he is gentle because he is focused. He knows it's not about him. This encounter is much bigger than Stephen, and he is keenly aware of it, and we can tell by the way he conducts himself. It's a powerful lesson for us today, isn't it? If we're going to stand firm against hate and persecution, we will resist the urge to take people's behavior toward us personally. We remember that their behavior is symptomatic of a bigger issue. They are captives of the devil, and what we want to stay focused on is our mission to be active agents in freeing them through spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now one last point before we move on. We are 19 verses into Stephen's speech and in all his words, Stephen is not trying to defend himself. He has not yet answered the question that was put before him: are these charges true? He hasn't quite answered that question, at least not directly. Acts 7:20–43: Moses, the Burning Bush, and the Pattern of Rejected MessengersBut let's get back to the rest of Stephen's speech, because I think we'll find some more for us to consider. "Now at that time, Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months, he was cared for by his family. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. When Moses was 40 years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. The next day, Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, men, you are brothers. Why do you want to hurt each other? But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday? When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. After 40 years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say, I am the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt. This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, who made you ruler and judge. He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for 40 years in the wilderness." Once again, Stephen has done an excellent job in summarizing that next section. He pretty accurately brings the story to the lawgiver himself, the man Moses. But let me begin to tie some pieces of this puzzle together for us. Stephen brings up Joseph and Moses very strategically. Joseph, with his dreams, and Moses, even at his birth, were both marked by God for God's use and for the good of his people. But in both cases, they were originally rejected. In other words, our ancestors, says Stephen, missed God's messengers the first time. Even though the signs were there, they rejected their God-appointed leaders the first time. And Stephen is about to be very clear about the implications of this for them. He mentions God being with Moses in Midian and in Egypt. All the geographical references that Stephen has made is the point he's taking aim at — the misunderstanding of the temple. They refer to the temple as this holy place. But yet Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin that when Moses was in Midian on Mount Sinai, Moses was commanded to remove his sandals because where he was standing was holy ground. So which is it? Is it the holy ground that Moses was standing on in Mount Sinai in Midian? Or is it this holy place, the temple in Jerusalem? Wherever the presence of God touches down becomes holy. What Stephen is saying is that God is not bound by any single location. This is what the Sanhedrin failed to see in their attempt to defend the temple. And it is a pattern that Stephen is pointing out for them. In addition, Jesus sternly rebuked the religious leaders when he turned over the tables of the money changers and called the temple a den of thieves, because they were keeping people from God. God had left the building, and they were completely oblivious. Let me highlight the wisdom Stephen is using here. First, he knows the word and how to apply it to the situation he is presently in. Second, he understands the charges brought against him and how to use those same charges to highlight the error of his accusers. And finally, he does not lose focus of his mission. And the question on the table for us is, if we were under this pressure, could we do the same? Acts 7:44–53: Stephen Flips the Script — You Are the Ones Who Violated the LawNow Stephen is about to end his time with the Sanhedrin, and it's going to be a colossal end. Let's finish reading. "This is the Moses who told the Israelites, God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people. He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our ancestors, and he received living words to pass on to us. But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him, and their hearts turned back to Egypt. They told Aaron, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him. That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in it in what their own hands had made. But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon, and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: did you bring me sacrifices and offerings 40 years in the wilderness, people of Israel? You have taken up the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your God Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore, I will send you into exile beyond Babylon. Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him. However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says, heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build me, says the Lord? Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things? You stiff-necked people, your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You were just like your ancestors. You always resist the Holy Spirit. Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him. You who have received the law that was given through angels, but have not yet obeyed it." Stephen ends his speech with a powerful rebuke of the Sanhedrin and this mob. The history of the Jewish people had been one of rebellion, culminating in the murder of Jesus, their long-awaited Messiah. Just as they did with Joseph and Moses, they missed Jesus the first time. I want you to underline verse 53. Stephen courageously tells the truth and provides a proper diagnosis of their problem. In so doing, he flips the script. So you accuse me of violating the law and desecrating the temple? I'm not guilty of either one of these, but you are. The evidence he provides is rightly in the law of Moses, and he records the embarrassing incident with the golden calf. This was abject idolatry, which got them exiled, and it's clear that their stubborn rebellion continued to blind them. Making the Means the End: The Sanhedrin's Fatal Error with the Law and the TempleThe inherent problem the Sanhedrin and the mob suffered from was that they made the means the end and did away with the end itself. What do I mean by that? Well, in Galatians 3:24–25, Paul says this: "So the law was our guardian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." The law was the means by which we would be ready for Christ, who was literally the end of the law — he was what the law was preparing us for. But they made the means, the law, the end, and did away with the end itself, Jesus. Jesus says the same thing about the temple. In Mark 11:17, Jesus says this: "My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." The temple was the means by which all the nations would come to know who God is and pray to him. They turned the temple into a money-making machine, and they did away with God altogether. It's the same pattern. Acts 7:54–60: The Stoning of Stephen — Dying Like His LordLike all who stubbornly live in rebellion and refuse to hear the truth, they go after Stephen. "When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of the young man named Saul. And while they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of their killing." Stephen took a bold stand and it cost him his life. But here's the beauty of this passage. Stephen died in the same way his Lord did. He dies praying for the forgiveness of the people stoning him, just like Jesus. And because Stephen was so faithful to his call, the heavens opened so that Stephen sees the Lord Jesus rise from his throne to welcome his faithful servant home. How to Stand Firm Against Hate and Persecution: Look Up, Not AroundHow do we stand firm in the face of hate and persecution? First and foremost, we look up, not around. We look to Jesus. We need to be focused on Jesus because he is all he's asking us to be, and he has done all he's asking us to do. That includes suffering for his sake. Second, we need to remember one important thing. We're not simply spectators or victims. We are active agents of change. In other words, we do not lose sight of the mission, because this is why we are here. You know, I know some people — I've spoken to some people about this passage — and they seem to think that it's unfair for Stephen to have died. After all, why couldn't God have saved him? He saved the apostles. He saved John and Peter. Why couldn't he have saved Stephen? But if we read Acts 1:8, where Jesus told the disciples that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and in the uttermost parts of the world, we begin to realize one important thing. Up until this point, guess where the church was localized? Jerusalem. Guess where they had their small groups? Jerusalem. Guess where they had their worship time? Jerusalem. But where were they supposed to go? But after Stephen was killed, we read this: "On that day, a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." Stephen's death was the catalyst for the advancement of the gospel outside of Jerusalem. Remember, our faith is not a faith that we simply talk about. Our faith is a full contact sport. If by my life or death I can advance the gospel, I will. Stephen did it by his death. Closing: Active Agents of God's Redemptive WorkLet me read you one quote as I close. It says, "Suffering becomes the ongoing evidence that creation awaits restoration. And believers, bearing God's image and indwelt by the Spirit, participate in that redemptive work. Rather than passive victims of evil, they become agents through whom God's original creative intention progressively reasserts itself against the disorder introduced by sin." Will you be a part of that? Because this is our purpose. And once we understand our purpose and totally embrace it, then we look at the world very differently. We can stop asking why the world is the way it is. Because that's really the wrong question. The right question is, what are we going to do about it? Because we are supposed to be the active and willing participants in God's redemptive work. Is this work dangerous? Yeah. Stephen found that out very clearly. Remember, Jesus died for us first. So it is not like God is asking us to throw away our lives cavalierly. Far from it. Stephen understood the stakes and was keenly aware of the moment. But he determined that his life was worthy of sacrificing for the gospel. He stood firm. Can we? Let me pray. Our gracious God and Father, we thank you for this time that we can be in your word. We are reminded, Lord, that it's you who preserved your word, lo, these 2,000 years for us, this generation of believers, to learn and glean from. I pray, Father, for whatever lessons that may have been brought out here, that those seeds would be scattered in the hearts of your people and that they would grow into folks that would stand firm for the advancement of the gospel. Our only desire, Lord God, is like Stephen. We ask humbly that you would use us as we serve, and that you would be glorified. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. South Run Baptist Church | 8712 Selger Drive, Springfield, VA 22153 | Sunday Worship at 11am Serving Springfield, Burke, West Springfield, Lorton, Alexandria, Fort Belvoir, and Franconia, Virginia. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
In the one-hundred-and-ninety-fourth episode, we look at the Appeal to Definition, starting with Trump relying on specific definitions of MAGA and 86.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Boris Johnson and Theresa May relying on specific definitions .In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from Taskmaster, Autechre, and Bill Clinton's deposition.Jim and Mark go head-to-head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which of three Trump quotes was made up by Jim.Then we talk about the incredible prosecutorial misconduct in the Broadview Six case.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft194 You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSubscribe to Fallacious Trump to make sure you never miss a logical fallacy. Rather than just mindless anti-Trump rhetoric, we apply skepticism and critical thinking to our Donald Trump analysis by exploring his liberal use of logical fallacies and cognitive biases, along with a bit of humor and news about US politics. (But there is also some of that much needed anti-Trump rhetoric.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In Mark 3, Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand…but the real miracle may not be what happened to the man’s hand. It's what the story reveals about the human heart. While one man stretched out the broken thing and found healing, a group of religious leaders hardened their hearts and walked away even […]
In Mark 6:45–52, the disciples find themselves stuck in the middle of a storm - exhausted, afraid, and straining against the wind - when Jesus comes walking toward them on the water. In this episode, Ken reflects on this story through the lens of his own experience of following Jesus into uncertain and difficult waters.Together, we explore the tension of faith and fear, the reality of life's “wind and waves,” and what it means to trust Jesus when obedience feels risky and the storm feels very real. This conversation looks honestly at discipleship, courage, surrender, and the invitation of Jesus to step out of the boat - not because the waters are safe, but because He is present in them.// SCRIPTURE REFERENCES //Mark 6:45-52More info at the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/mark/ // TAKE A NEXT STEP //Want to visit or discover more about Columbia View? Made a decision to follow Jesus or get baptized? Looking to get involved in growing and serving? VISIT HERE: https://columbiaview.org/ // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA //Youtube Instagram Facebook
Many people approach God with the wrong questions, focusing on what they can get away with or what they must do to earn salvation. In Mark 10, both the Pharisees and the rich young ruler made this mistake, treating their relationship with God as a transaction rather than pursuing genuine intimacy. Jesus redirected them to God's original design and calling. Instead of asking rule-based questions, we should focus on what God is calling us to. When we fix our eyes on Jesus rather than on regulations, we discover the transformative power of relationship over transaction.
Jesus Followers Practice a Weekly Time of Worship and Rest through Their Sabbath and a Daily Time Alone with God in Prayer MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus said, in Mark 2:27-28, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”. Therefore, we are to practice a weekly Sabbath – worship and rest. Also, we are to build into our lives a time alone with God each day. In Mark 1:35, Mark tells us about Jesus: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.". If Jesus needed to spend time in prayer, doesn't it make sense that we need to spend time in daily prayer as well? TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). 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): Mark 2:27-28; Mark 1:35; John 16:33; John 10:10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Day of Pentecost – The Promise Fulfilled ”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
In Mark 4:26–29, Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God grows in ways we cannot always see or control. This sermon reminds us that the Kingdom is animated by God, not human performance, and calls us away from striving, control, and self-reliance into surrender, trust, patience, and dependence on the Spirit.
Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our series on Mark.In Mark chapter 2, Jesus walks past a tax collector — one of the most despised men in town — and says two words: Follow me. No conditions. No get-his-act-together required. Just an invitation.Then Jesus goes to his house for dinner. And the religious leaders lose it.Jesus gravitates toward exactly the people everyone else avoids, which reveals the nature of the gospel: Jesus only heals people who know they're sick. Which means the real danger isn't being too far gone. It's thinking you're already fine.If you've been a Christian long enough to forget what it felt like to need saving, this message will challenge you. And if you're not sure Jesus would want anything to do with you, this one's for you, too.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on May 24, 2026, at 10:30am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments(00:00) Welcome(1:10) Memorial Day Prayer & Church Announcements(4:52) Scripture Reading: Mark 2:13–17(6:26) Truth #1: Jesus Loves People We Love to Hate (Levi the Tax Collector)(15:09) Levi Becomes Matthew: The Power of Transformation(18:21) Truth #2: The Temptation to Talk About People Behind Their Backs(23:46) Truth #3: Jesus Only Heals Those Who Know They're Sick(26:27) The Tree Story: Remembering the Weight of What You Were Saved From(31:44) Closing: Living in the Tension of Sickness and Healing
10/10 Minute Bible Study and Prayer Daily (SafeHouse Church)
In Mark 4:35–41, Jesus and His disciples are caught in a violent storm while crossing the sea. The waves are crashing, the boat is filling with water, and fear begins to take over. Yet in the middle of the chaos, Jesus is asleep—resting in authority while everyone else is panicking in uncertainty. This episode, “God Got It From Here,” reminds us that storms do not mean God is absent. Sometimes the greatest test of faith is not whether we can stop the storm, but whether we can trust the One who is in the boat with us. When Jesus speaks, the wind obeys, the waves settle, and fear has to make room for faith. No matter what you are facing—pressure, uncertainty, loss, transition, or spiritual exhaustion—this message is a reminder that you are not alone. The same God who calmed the sea is still able to bring peace to your situation. When you have done all you can do, rest in this truth: God got it from here.
In Mark 10, Jesus encounters religious leaders, a wealthy young man, his own disciples, and a blind beggar - all revealing different forms of spiritual sleep. While the Pharisees used God's mercy for comfort, the rich ruler trusted in his possessions, and James and John sought status, only blind Bartimaeus truly saw Jesus for who he was. When Jesus asks 'What do you want me to do for you?' our answer reveals whether we're living in false stories of self-sufficiency or nightmares of hopelessness. The goal isn't spiritual self-sufficiency but deeper dependence on God, recognizing that Jesus creates loving tension to wake us from spiritual sleep.
In the one-hundred-and-ninety-third episode, we look at the Definist Fallacy, starting with Trump redefining profit, temperament, and his opponents.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at definitions of socialism from Jeremy Corbyn, Mick Lynch, Kier Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Jonathan Reynolds, and James Cleverly.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from Friends, Babylon 5, and Andy Ngo on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.Jim and Mark go head-to-head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which of three Trump quotes was made up by Jim.Then we talk about the insane "settlement agreement" between Trump and the DoJ.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft193 You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSubscribe to Fallacious Trump to make sure you never miss a logical fallacy. Rather than just mindless anti-Trump rhetoric, we apply skepticism and critical thinking to our Donald Trump analysis by exploring his liberal use of logical fallacies and cognitive biases, along with a bit of humor and news about US politics. (But there is also some of that much needed anti-Trump rhetoric.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In Mark 4:35, the disciples found themselves caught in the middle of a violent storm while Jesus slept peacefully in the boat. What's powerful is that it wasn't the storm that woke Jesus — it was the sound of His disciples' voices crying out to Him.In today's episode, we talk about what it means to trust God in the middle of life's storms. Jesus wasn't afraid of the wind or the waves because even creation obeys Him. Sometimes the storm around us feels overwhelming, but our faith is not built on understanding God's activity — it's built on confidence in God's character.Romans 10 reminds us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. So wherever you are today — whether you feel exhausted, uncertain, stuck, or tossed around by circumstances — we pray this episode reminds you that Jesus is still present in the storm, and He is still speaking, “Peace, be still.”We also share a trauma-informed message for women who may feel pressure to leave difficult situations before they are emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or physically ready. Healing is not linear, and shame has no place in your story. There is grace for the process, and your life has immeasurable value.You are loved by your Creator.You are not forgotten.And the storm does not get the final word.If you need support:National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888Text “BEFREE” to 233733
Today we're continuing our series on doubt. We're in part three of five. Because there's so much easy access to information and ideas today, we can take in a huge amount of stuff. The downside is that much of it is just noise, and a lot of it simply isn't true. What we hear, even if it sounds good, is not always good for us, especially when we're talking about spiritual doubt. There are many opinions floating around out there on the subject. For instance, some will say that doubt is really something to wrestle with continually, never finding a satisfying answer. While at the other end of the spectrum, some will say that if you doubt, you are permanently cut off from God. Both of those extremes are not helpful at all.The Bible is clear that God gives us a choice whether to believe in Him or not. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Within each person is a longing to understand our place in the world and to know if there is something or someone beyond this life. The Bible says that “He has set eternity in our hearts,” that “curiosity is in all of us.” And if you're wondering about God, then your curiosity is a good starting point. A bedrock truth for Christians is that God sent Jesus in human form to atone for the sins of mankind. This is not an easy concept to grasp honestly, but it's what is known as the Gospel, the foundation of our faith.Christianity's exclusive claims are too much for some seekers. In Mark chapter 10, the Bible describes a wealthy young man who asked Jesus what he had to do to be saved, and Jesus replied that besides following the 10 Commandments, he should give his money to the poor, and the story ends with that man sadly walking away. It's likely that Jesus was helping him to see that his heart was not yet ready to receive anything that would require any sacrifice on his part. In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Believing in the true God is not a bed of roses, but if you can make the search for God your starting point, you'll likely find what you're looking for. Let's pray. Father, you've given us the knowledge of saving faith in your word. Thank you for giving us a free choice to decide our path in life. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.
In Mark 10:15, Jesus says that anyone “who does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” This text has been misunderstood in different ways through the years since Jesus has said it. One listener who had grown up with the King James Version (which translates this verse, “whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” The word “as” can mean “like”, but in this sentence it can also mean “when”; in other words, “whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God when a child…”. Within the context of the New Testament, this clearly different meaning makes no sense, because many adults come to faith in Jesus and enter God's kingdom long after their childhood is over. But our listener remembers preachers and teachers in their church putting pressure on young children to make a declaration of faith for Christ before it was too late and they missed their childhood's chance. This sort of emotional pressure is, of course, unbiblical. But so is the misunderstanding of this verse's theology. Jesus is teaching his disciples that the only way to come to him is the way a child does - with simple faith that one can receive a gift without doing anything to earn it, and an equally simple faith that Jesus meets our almost selfish need for his love and affection. Hosts: Aaron Mueller and Chuck Rathert Subscribe to the show at https://cacg.saintjamesglencarbon.org. To comment on this episode, visit https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/cacg-ep144.
Get Transformed: Transformation Christian Fellowship Podcast
Some breakthroughs require deeper surrender. In Mark 9:28, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast out what they were facing, revealing that certain victories require a greater level of prayer, fasting, and spiritual authority. In The Power Of Fasting & Prayer, Pastor Brandon Hill teaches how fasting quiets the flesh, sharpens spiritual focus, and positions us to experience God's power in a greater way. This powerful message will challenge you to seek God deeper, strengthen your faith, and believe for breakthrough through prayer and consecration.
We continue in Mark 15 verses 38-47.Here our Lord, having died, Mark records that the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. This points to its divine origin. This veil was at least 4” thick and very heavy. Our Lord died crying out with a loud voice, not a weak one. The roman centurion, in seeing and hearing Him, made this confession “Truly, this man was the Son of God”. How did this soldier hear that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Later in this passage, we see Joseph of Arimathea, asking for the body of Jesus in order to bury Jesus in his own new tomb also recorded in Matthew 27:57-60.Our Lord's burial fulfilled Isaiah 53:9 He “was with a rich man in His death..” In Mark 15:38, here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.
Most of us know what it feels like to not be enough. In Mark 6, Jesus takes five loaves, two fish, and a group of exhausted disciples and feeds thousands, not because they had enough to offer, but because they offered what they had. In this message, Lead Pastor Aaron Brockett teaches how you can take whatever you are carrying right now, and bring it to the One who turns not enough into more than enough. Aaron Brockett • The Urgent Kingdom • Mark 6:30-44 CONNECT WITH US! Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messages Visit our website: https://tpcc.org We believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@traderspointcc
Most of us know what it feels like to not be enough. In Mark 6, Jesus takes five loaves, two fish, and a group of exhausted disciples and feeds thousands, not because they had enough to offer, but because they offered what they had. In this message, Lead Pastor Aaron Brockett teaches how you can take whatever you are carrying right now, and bring it to the One who turns not enough into more than enough. Aaron Brockett • The Urgent Kingdom • Mark 6:30-44 CONNECT WITH US! Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messages Visit our website: https://tpcc.org We believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@traderspointcc
Pastor Micah discusses the another aspect of faith that can be helpful along the journey; the practice of being WITH Jesus. In Mark 3:7-14, Jesus calls his disciples to “be with him” and THEN he sends them out. How do each of us uniquely experience the divine? Micah invites us into a practice of being present with God in whatever ways are most accessible to us.
In Mark 9, Peter's response to Jesus' transfiguration reveals how we often interrupt holy moments by trying to control them instead of simply receiving them. When faced with God's overwhelming glory, Peter defaulted to familiar religious practices, missing the point that Jesus had already chosen to dwell with humanity permanently. We make similar mistakes when we answer questions nobody asked or try to manage divine encounters rather than sit in wonder. God wants us to recognize that Jesus is in a category by Himself, above all other good things. Holy moments happen when the divine enters our reality - during worship, prayer, Scripture reading, or everyday experiences. Instead of trying to control these encounters, we need to learn to receive them with gratitude and allow them to transform our thinking.
Speaker: Robert ConnEverybody loves the idea of following Jesus...until Jesus leads them into a storm. In Mark 4:35-41, the disciples discover that faith is not pretending storms don't exist, it is declaring that Christ is greater than the storm. Fear, anxiety, uncertainty, grief, and suffering are real, but so is the Savior in the boat. The storm may shake you, but it cannot overcome the One who commands the wind and the waves.Need Prayer?
In Mark 14, we learn about a woman who was wholeheartedly committed to Christ. She pursued his presence, and gave a extravagant sacrifice to him that had an unknown extremely prophetic purpose. We are called to be obedient and leave the results up to God, and that's what this woman did as she anointed Jesus for burial!Welcome to the Liberty Church online experience!_If you would like more information about Liberty, get on our email list or just simply want to get better connected, text "INFO" to 478.217.7563 _Have you made a decision to follow Jesus? You may be wondering what's next on your journey. We want to help or answer any questions you may have. Let us guide you to your next steps in your walk with Christ: https://lbcdublin.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/133/responses/new_Looking for a place to serve and partner with us? Click here: https://lbcdublin.com/serve_Want to give online or set up automatic giving? Click here: https://lbcdublin.com/give
In Mark 11, Jesus tells his disciples they can hurl mountains into the sea, and in the very same week prays, "Not my will, but yours." What is the balance between approaching the throne with bold, impassioned prayers and surrendering to God's will above our own? Was Jesus promising Christians the power to move literal mountains? Why didn't the apostles ever do it? And why does Jesus connect mountain-moving faith with forgiveness? Jesus' teaching in this passage shows the answers rise from understanding one of God's more underappreciated attributes—his eagerness to answer your prayers. He loves saying, "yes" to his children! If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson
What if the thing standing between you and peace isn't failure… but success? In Mark 10, we encounter the rich young ruler: a man who seemingly has everything, yet still comes running to Jesus restless and empty. Together we'll explore the deeper question underneath his story: What are we really looking to for rest, security, and significance? Series: The Gospel of Mark Speaker: Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Downtown, visit hopecc.com/downtown.
“If you are willing…” That question sits underneath more of our lives than we realize. In Mark 1:40–42, a man everyone else avoided comes to Jesus—and instead of stepping back, Jesus steps in. He doesn't just speak healing…He touches what everyone else calls unclean. “I am willing.” If you've ever felt like you have to […]
In Mark chapter 7, Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their obsession with ceremonial hand washing, revealing that true cleanliness comes from the heart, not external rituals. He explains that evil thoughts and actions originate from within a person, making outward ceremonies powerless to address the real problem of sin. Jesus then demonstrates this truth by performing miracles for Gentiles - those considered outsiders - while the religious insiders who demanded more signs remained spiritually blind. Only Christ can perform the inside-out transformation needed to truly cleanse our hearts from sin.
Speaker: Robert ConnMotherhood can feel like constant effort with little visible result. In Mark 4, Jesus shows that the Kingdom of God doesn't grow instantly or obviously. It grows quietly, over time, in ways we cannot control. What feels small and insignificant is often exactly what God is using. You are not responsible for the outcome. Stay faithful in the small things and trust that God is growing something you cannot yet see.Need Prayer?
In the one-hundred-and-ninety-second episode, we look at the Didactic Fallacy, starting with Trump talking about assassinations and tariffs.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Jacob Rees-Mogg reminiscing about the Empire, Boris Johnson waxing lyrical on Thatcher, and Kemi Badenoch missing the point of Bloody Sunday.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from Brooklyn Nine Nine, Babylon 5, historian Margaret MacMillan, and journalist Eva Ladipo.Jim and Mark go head to head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which of three Trump quotes was made up by Jim.Then we talk about the latest insane filing in Trump's ballroom lawsuit.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft192 You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSubscribe to Fallacious Trump to make sure you never miss a logical fallacy. Rather than just mindless anti-Trump rhetoric, we apply skepticism and critical thinking to our Donald Trump analysis by exploring his liberal use of logical fallacies and cognitive biases, along with a bit of humor and news about US politics. (But there is also some of that much needed anti-Trump rhetoric.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
If we want the life of Jesus, we must adopt the lifestyle of Jesus. If we desire His public power, we must first embrace His private practices. That means stepping away while others rush in, listening when others are speaking, and moving forward when others settle for comfort. In Mark 1:35–39, Jesus revealed the rhythms that lead to a life of faithfulness and fruitfulness: solitude, resistance, and purpose.I. The Rhythm of SolitudeII. The Rhythm of ResistanceIII. The Rhythm of PurposeLearn Your Bible: Using your favorite Bible dictionary or concordance, study the idea of solitude. If you're able, access our new Guided Meditations at cabq.us/gm to start practicing the rhythm of solitude in your life.Love Your Neighbor: Create the opportunity to sit and listen to a friend or family member you haven't connected with recently.Live in Freedom: Which of these rhythms do you need to practice this week?
We long for deep connection and lasting security, yet often settle for what is easiest rather than what is true. In Mark 10, Jesus cuts through the noise of legal debates about marriage to reveal something far greater—God's original design and his unwavering commitment to his people. This passage ultimately points us beyond earthly relationships to the good news of a Savior who does not walk away but holds fast to us forever. Series: The Gospel of Mark Speaker: Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Downtown, visit hopecc.com/downtown.
In Mark 14, we've come to the last Passover meal Jesus has before his crucifixion. The disciples learn that a place has been prepared for their preparation, Jesus predicts his betrayal, and identifies himself as the fulfillment of the Passover as he institutes the Lord's Supper.
What does it actually mean to follow Jesus? In Mark 1:16–20, Jesus doesn't call perfect people—He calls ordinary people into an extraordinary mission. “Follow me, and I will make you…”—following comes first, then He does the transforming. If you've ever felt like you don't fit, or like you're just watching from a distance, this message […]
Every one of us has prayed for healing - and experienced different answers. In Mark 5:21–37, Jesus meets both a desperate father and a suffering woman, revealing His power over sickness, delay, and even death. This sermon unpacks why healing is real but not predictable, and invites us into a simple, approachable way of praying for healing as a church family.// SCRIPTURE REFERENCES //Mark 5:21-37, Mark 1:1, Mark 1:40–42, Mark 2:1–12, Mark 3:6, Mark 4:35–41, Mark 5:21–37, Mark 5:27–34, Mark 5:35–43, Mark 8:22–25, Mark 10:52, Matthew 8:5–13, John 4:46–52, John 11:43–44, Acts 13:13, Acts 15:37–39, 2 Corinthians 12:7–9, 1 Timothy 5:23, 2 Timothy 4:20, 2 Timothy 4:11More info at the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/mark/ // TAKE A NEXT STEP //Want to visit or discover more about Columbia View? Made a decision to follow Jesus or get baptized? Looking to get involved in growing and serving? VISIT HERE: https://columbiaview.org/ // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA //Youtube Instagram Facebook
In Mark 8, Jesus asks His disciples the most important question ever posed: "Who do you say that I am?" This pivotal moment marks a shift from public ministry to intimate discipleship preparation. Through three powerful miracles - feeding 4,000 people, healing a blind man in stages, and the profound questioning at Caesarea Philippi - Jesus reveals His sufficiency for all people and challenges partial spiritual vision. Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, but struggles when Jesus explains His coming suffering. Jesus calls His followers to pick up their cross and follow Him, demonstrating that discipleship means dying to self and allowing Him complete access to every area of life.
Mark 13:1-37: Join us this Sunday as we explore Christ's return. In Mark 13, we will highlight what Jesus teaches about His impending return.
Why would Jesus kill a tree—on purpose? Why was he crying during his triumphal entry? Why did he cleanse a temple that was about to be destroyed? And what do those events teach us about how to have a productive, fruitful life that brings pleasure to God? In Mark 11, we see how these seemingly strange actions come together to show us how to fulfill God's wonderful plan for his people. If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson
Most of us think we understand Jesus, but what if getting him slightly wrong is why so much else feels off? In Mark 9, the disciples are close to Jesus, yet still completely confused about who belongs, how serious sin is, and what really matters. This passage exposes how easy it is to miss him and why seeing him clearly changes everything. Series: The Gospel of Mark Speaker: Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Downtown, visit hopecc.com/downtown.
In today's special episode, Guy and four former show guests talk with callers about how they can prove the value of their products—and themselves.First, Meagan from Vermont questions whether an experiential pop-up concept for her reusable gift wrap and bags is worth the effort. Then, Amanda from Wisconsin seeks new ways to explain her deck of dog enrichment activities to potential customers. And finally, Mark from New York looks for a complement to help grow his artisanal pesto business.Thank you to the founders of Shiki Wrap, Woofsie, and In Mark's Kitchen for coming on the show. Also thanks to WeWork co-founder Miguel McKelvey, Paperless Post co-founder Alexa Hirschfeld, and Chomps co-founders Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali.If you'd like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode—where Guy and former show guests take questions from early-stage founders—leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you'd like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298.This episode was produced by Alex Cheng with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Robert Rodriguez.You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com or on Substack.To hear our returning guests' previous episodes:Miguel's original episode: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-wework-miguel-mckelvey/Miguel's HIBT Lab episode: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-hibt-lab-wework-miguel-mckelvey/Miguel's Advice Line episode: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-advice-line-with-miguel-mckelvey-of-wework/Alexa's original episode: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-paperless-post-james-and-alexa-hirschfeld/Alexa's Advice Line episode: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-advice-line-with-alexa-hirschfeld-of-paperless-post/Pete and Rashid's original episode: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-chomps-pete-maldonado-and-rashid-ali/Pete and Rashid's Advice Line episode: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-advice-line-with-pete-maldonado-and-rashid-ali-of-chomps/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.