Podcasts about is christ

Our May live event took a look at the Lord's Supper. Is Christ really present? Why are Christians divided over it? What is transubstantiation? And much more!

In Part 14 of the Sermon on the Mount series, Matt and Top continue their verse-by-verse study of Matthew 6:5–8, examining Jesus' teachings on prayer, hypocrisy, secret devotion, and the danger of vain repetitions. What did Jesus mean when He warned against praying like the hypocrites? Is Christ condemning repetitive prayer, memorized prayers, or something deeper? The discussion explores the difference between genuine communion with God and religious performance, why prayer is meant to be directed toward the Father rather than an audience, and what it means to pray in secret where God sees and rewards openly. This episode also examines the meaning of "vain repetitions," the practices of the heathen, God's foreknowledge of our needs, and how believers should approach prayer with sincerity, humility, and faith. Topics Covered:Matthew 6:5–8 explainedSecret prayer vs public performanceWhat are vain repetitions?Why Jesus warned against hypocritical prayerDoes God already know our needs?Prayer and the fear of GodBiblical worship and sincerityThe Sermon on the Mount verse-by-verse studyChristian discipleship and spiritual growthHow Jesus taught believers to prayMatt Hepner – The Standard Coffee:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/StraightBible Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAgp1gB32gBCjFKkJSh7Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StraightBibleFL Instagram: @straightbibleWebsite: https://www.thestandardclcl.com/   Email: straightbiblefl@gmail.com TopLobsta:X: https://twitter.com/TopLobsta Instagram: https://instagram.com/TopLobsta Merch: https://TopLobsta.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NephilimDeathSquad X: https://twitter.com/NephilimDSquad Instagram: https://instagram.com/nephilimdeathsquad Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AscxBNoH4/   Sponsors/Affiliates:Weld Protein Energy Drink: ​​Drink WeldLittle Palm Coconut Water: Little PalmMilk & Honey Coffee co: Milk & HoneyEllas Popcorn: ellaspopcorn.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com. Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.

From the foundation of Hebrews 13: 5-6, Tom addresses the terrible problem of discontentment that assails us all. The love of money is more than just coins and accounts, but a deep-rooted desire for that which God has not given us. Is Christ sufficient for you? Do you lean on his promises? Free yourself now from the love of money. 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Reading 03:37 The Love Of Money 08:44 The Command 23:06 The Promise 42:25 Closing Prayer

Ignatius of Antioch lived so close to the time of the apostles that his life serves as a bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed.In this episode, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston introduce listeners to Ignatius of Antioch, an early church leader whose courage, writings, and final journey to Rome continue to challenge and encourage Christians today.Ignatius was arrested for being a Christian and sentenced to die in the Roman arena. Yet instead of responding with panic or bitterness, his letters reveal confidence, joy, and unwavering hope in Christ. Through his story, we see the importance of church unity, the danger of false teaching, and the eternal perspective that has sustained believers through suffering for nearly 2,000 years.Chapters:01:00 Who Was Ignatius of Antioch?Ignatius of Antioch was one of the earliest and most influential leaders in church history. His life serves as a bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed.02:00 Antioch and the Early ChurchAntioch was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire and a major center for early Christian discipleship, missionary work, and church growth. It was also the city where followers of Jesus were first called Christians.05:15 Ignatius as Bishop of AntiochIgnatius served as the third bishop of Antioch, overseeing a network of house churches spread throughout the city and surrounding region. 07:00 Ignatius' Final Journey to RomeAfter being arrested for his faith, Ignatius was taken from Antioch to Rome to face execution in the arena. Along the way, believers came out to meet him, and hoped to rescue him from his fate.11:30 The Letters of IgnatiusDuring his journey to Rome, Ignatius wrote seven letters that still offer a valuable glimpse into the life of the early church. In them, he addressed church unity, false teaching, faithful leadership, suffering, and perseverance.13:30 Why Church History Still MattersStudying Ignatius reminds Christians that many of the challenges we face today are not new. The early church also dealt with fear, division, doctrinal confusion, cultural pressure, and suffering, yet Christ faithfully sustained His people.17:00 What Ignatius Teaches Us About Eternal HopeIgnatius' final journey points believers to a deeper question: Is Christ truly our greatest treasure? “Ignatius understood something profound; Death is not the end for the believer, and he submitted wholly to the will of God.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

The UK's stagnant economy is about to have a huge injection of growth, because Elis has got a big idea and a big observation. Strap in and let's make millions.Whilst becoming billionaires is in the air, you know what are also in the air? Questions. Questions such as would you rather be a long boy or a boxy boy or a baggy boy? Is Christ going to be on Jools Holland? And do you have to ask what John's mood is before you offer him a nice thing?We also discover the most expensive substance on earth by weight.Have you got something more precious per gram? Well let us know via hello@elisandjohn.com.For lots of exclusive EJJR #content including the upcoming brand birding new Elis and John Adventure, join our Patreon at patreon.com/elisandjohn.For weekly visual highlights, head to youtube.com/@elisandjohn.For everything else, head to elisandjohn.com.The Elis James and John Robins Show is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For centuries, Christians have wrestled with one of the most important questions in theology: when Jesus says, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him,” what exactly does He mean? Is Christ describing an irresistible act of divine selection given only to a predetermined few, or is He revealing the gracious provision of God through the very person and work of Christ Himself?As we look at the Bread of Life discourse in John 6, is there an emphasis on an unconditional decree, or does the instruction reveal an all-sufficient Christ who satisfies the deepest hunger of mankind? Whether you are firmly committed to Calvinism, deeply opposed to it, or simply trying to understand the text more clearly, today's episode aims to challenge assumptions, sharpen biblical thinking, and ultimately point listeners back to the beauty and sufficiency of Christ.For this conversation, we are joined by Leighton Flowers, professor of theology at Trinity Seminary and host of the Soteriology 101 podcast. Leighton has recently written a book called Drawn by Jesus, a direct engagement with the Calvinistic interpretation of John 6 and a response to the arguments popularized by James White.For more information, follow the link to read the notes for Episode 271.Purchase Dr. Flowers' book Drawn by JesusVisit Dr. Flowers site at https://soteriology101.com/Visit https://www.lfbi.org/learnmore

The Tragedy of Unbelief Before the Revealed Christ - Isaiah 53:1 Isaiah 53:1 opens with a profound lament over the widespread unbelief that meets the greatest report ever proclaimed—the gospel of Christ, the suffering and exalted Servant who bore sin and secured salvation. The sermon emphasizes that this divine message, though clear and powerful, is met with spiritual blindness and rejection not due to lack of evidence, but because of the heart's rebellion against God's grace. It underscores that true faith is not a natural human response but a supernatural work of God's sovereign power, as the 'arm of the Lord' must be revealed to awaken the dead in trespasses. The tragedy of unbelief is not merely ignorance, but a moral refusal to embrace the Savior, leading to eternal condemnation, and thus calls for urgent repentance, heartfelt evangelism, and dependence on divine grace. Ultimately, the passage calls every listener to personally respond: Have you believed the report? Is Christ your Savior?

Is Christ really present with His Church — or has He withdrawn to heaven until His return?This Ascension Sunday sermon tackles one of the most misunderstood doctrines in the Christian life. Using the powerful image of a "green room," Pastor unpacks Ephesians 1:22–23 to show that Christ's Ascension is not His departure from the Church — it is His enthronement for the Church.In this Lutheran sermon you will discover:Why the "green room" view of Christ is dangerous and unbiblicalHow Christ actively rules His Church through Word and Sacrament right nowWhat Galatians 2:20 reveals about the presence of the ascended ChristWhy the Ascension is the greatest comfort for every struggling congregationPerfect for: Lutheran theology, Ascension Sunday, LCMS preaching, Reformed theology discussions, and anyone asking "Where is Christ in my suffering?"If this sermon blessed you, consider supporting this ministry: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee ☕ buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphFive Hashtags#AscensionSunday #LutheranSermon #HeadOverAllThings #ChristReigns #LCMSPreaching

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. 1 Corinthians 1:10-2:5 Isaac Hill Download TranscriptWell, good morning again. If you have been with us on Sunday mornings, you'll know that we have been working our way through the book of Second Samuel. But we are actually going to take a pause this morning. It just so happened to be that in terms of calendaring, if we had stayed in 2 Samuel today, it would have been a rather emotionally heavy and difficult topic to discuss. And on Mother's Day, we figured that maybe wasn't the best approach. And so with Chet and Spencer out of town, they asked if I would preach. And they said the choice is yours. You get to choose, which is great for me. So for those that maybe don't know, we have been in the process of sending and planting a church out in Lexington. And as somebody who is committed to going and to serving in a leadership capacity, we over there, that has kind of been where my mental space and where my heart has been drawn as of late. And so what I wanted to do is share some encouragement with you that I have been receiving from the opening chapters of First Corinthians. And so that's where we're going to be this morning. As we're gearing up as a church to enter into this time, in this season of transition, there's going to be a lot of change. And change can kind of be frightening and scary. If you don't like change, I'm sorry, but it's coming to us. And whether or not you're going or whether or not you are staying, things will look different and there'll be a lot of things that have to be done and there'll be a lot of little tasks and a lot of little stuff that we're trying to work at. There's a way that in the middle of all of that, we could start to forget what is essential and we could start to focus too much of our attention on what is non essential. In the letter of First Corinthians, right out of the gate, Paul is helping point out to this church some ways that they specifically have been getting caught up in non essentials. And he wants to remind them of what is the main thing. And so that's what I want to remind us of this morning. What is the main thing. So let me pray and then we'll dive in.Father, we, we thank youk for your word, the way that it instructs us. And would you'd be instructing us this morning, would you'd word not return void in Jesus name. Amen.If you will open up your Bibles and turn To First Corinthians, Chapter one. I actually don't have any on the slides behind me. There won't be any text there. We're trying out some new stuff. Instead of having the text on the screen, you can open up a physical Bible. We are blessed to live in a time and a space where we have physical Bibles available to us. So if you didn't bring yours with you, you can grab one that is provided in the seat racks in front of you. If you're using one of those Bibles, it's going to be on page 1102. And as you're turning there, since we're jumping right into the middle of a book, I figure I'd give a little bit of context to help position us. First Corinthians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. And what we read in Acts 18 is that Paul actually was at the forefront of spreading the gospel and helping start the church in Corinth. And so this letter is written about three to five years after his time there. Now, a little bit of brief context on the city itself. Corinth was a port city, which really, the only reason that's important to know is that port cities often grow and become prosperous because there's a lot of trade that's going through there. If you can kind of visualize the setting of what this church was started in, in this city, if you think maybe like a Charleston or a Savannah or maybe Virginia beach area, that's kind of the space where the church is in. That's the culture that is around them. Paul, he's writing to them, and at the beginning, he's trying to remind them of what he preached to them when he first came. We're going to pick up in chapter one, verse ten and the first six verses that we read, we're kind of. We're going to go kind of quickly through them because they're also still just helping build some context for us. So verse 10.> I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.> For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.> What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."> Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?> I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,> lest anyone should say that you were baptized in my name.> (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)> For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.Paul, he's concerned about some quarreling, about some bickering that's coming up in the church. He's received a report about this Chloe, we don't know her. We don't know what it means to be Chloe's people, but we assume it means something to the people at Corinth. This is the report that is given to Paul about the issue, the quarreling that's showing up.What I mean is that each one of you says, I follow Paul, or I follow Apollos, which he was a teacher that came after Paul in Corinth, or, I follow Cephas, that would be the apostle Peter, or I follow Christ. The picture that we get here is that it appears that the people in the church have almost kind of like been forming factions where they're grabbing on to kind of important figureheads in the church at the time, and they're claiming them as some sort of way for, like, status and position. You're like, paul, Paul is my guy. And as if that's supposed to communicate something about my importance, my intellect, my ability to know what's going on. It's a very interesting one as well. The very last one where he says, I follow Christ. Because you might think, well, that's the good crowd. They're the ones figuring it out. You're supposed to follow Christ. But it doesn't seem that he's really saying that because he's batched them in with the rest of this group. And it seems that there's a way in which the people have even started to say, I follow Christ as some kind of way to try to jockey for position and kind of power and strength in the church. And so that's the situation that Paul is finding himself riding into here, is that the people are beginning to miss the main point because they're needing in their own cells to try to hold on to some kind of strength.> For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.> For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."> Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?> For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.> For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,> but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,> but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.> For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.When you're reading Scripture, paying attention to repetition is a good hint at what's being pointed, pointed out as important. You have this idea of wisdom and its opposite folly coming up over and over again in a very short time. The image that we're getting here is that we have the wisdom of the world and we have it stacked up against God. That's what Paul is beginning to do here, building these ideas.> For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.> But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;> God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,> so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.> And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,> so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."If you can use your imaginations, with Paul here, you would consider a spectrum where on one end you had wisdom and power, wisdom and strength, and then on the other side of the spectrum, you had weakness and foolishness. Paul says, wherever you put the message of the cross, he's been talking about it as weakness and foolishness. He said, wherever you put it, it's wiser and it's stronger than you and I. Consider for a moment what is the message of Christ crucified? It begins with Jesus coming to us, condescending to us, taking on flesh, like you and I. I would assume that all of us here in the room know the limitations of your body. You know the weakness that we are. And that's all just before we even get close to what is the cross, and you start to approach it, and you have the night before Jesus is betrayed, he's stabbed in the back by a friend, and then he's turned over to be arrested. When he's arrested, all of his close friends now leave him and he's left on his own. Then he goes. The crowds who once just a couple days earlier were shouting his name are now scorning him. They're saying, release for us a guy who we know, he's rotten, he's a criminal, but we'd rather have him than this Jesus guy. Then he's handed over to random soldiers who beat him within an inch of his life. Then he's taken out to the entrance of the city and he's hung on a tree next to common thieves. This is the message of Christ crucified. Such weakness, such foolishness. How weak and foolish we must be. But deep in this truth is precisely where we find the wisdom and where we find the power.> And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.> For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.> And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.> My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,> so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.This is the same as us here, unless some of you have a kingly line that I didn't know about. God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not to bring to nothing, things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. This is the wisdom. That it would be such a way where you and I couldn't boast in ourselves. We're torn. We have two sets of desires. On one hand, we really want to boast in ourselves. We really want to be able to tell you, I've got it figured out. But on the other hand, deep within you, your soul aches for what is true in Jesus, the message of this cross. Because do you really want to boast in yourself? Do you know what kind of weight that is that you have to carry to boast in yourself? You don't have to. You get to boast in Christ. You get to boast in his weakness, in his foolishness at the cross. And the weight can be lifted because it's about him, it's not about us.And because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that as it is written, let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.Now, it's not been until recently, in the last several months of sitting in and meditating on this passage, that I've come to understand what I think Paul is actually getting it here when he says the phrase demonstration of spirit and of power. Every time I've read this passage, I've just assumed that as a great apostle, at the birth of the church, he's talking about some kind of sign, some kind of miraculous work. I mean, it happens all over the book of Acts as the church is getting going. And it even happens now and today that you can go to something like Acts 3. You can see Peter and John, they heal a lame man. Or maybe in Acts 9, where Peter raises Tabitha from the dead. Or Paul himself, he does miraculous work. He exercises a demonic spirit out of a man, and then he's thrown in prison for it. And then there's this miraculous work of him being broken out of jail. That's in Acts 16. And so I've always just assumed that, well, this is what he means here. And then that's always created a disconnect between me and Paul because that's not really what my lived experience is. I wrote it off and just continued on. But if you go and read Acts 18, which gives the account of his time in Corinth, not one time is there an instance of a mention of some miraculous work. There's not some big sign. If we just stayed inside of 1 Corinthians, he said that Jews demand signs. Why would he go and flip what he was saying? He just said, I decided to only know Christ and him crucified. Why would he turn around and start talking about something different? This is what I've come to understand. Paul hasn't changed the subject at all. He's still saying the same thing he's been saying the whole time, that the power of God, the demonstration of the Spirit, is Christ crucified at work in you. That's power, us coming to life in him. Paul says in verse five why he wanted to stay out of the way of the message so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Paul didn't want to come and try to sound intelligent and eloquent. He simply wanted to share the message of Christ crucified because he had tasted the power of God in his life. He knew he didn't want people saying, I follow Paul. He wanted people to say, how great is God, that his power would be at work within me to bring me new life. I boast in him and him alone. That's what he wants.Now, I want to share some encouragement for us as a church, specifically as it relates to the season that we're in, as we're about to send a church, and some of us are about to go and begin a new work out in Lexington. One of the reasons that we're doing this work, aside from the fact that we think God has said, go, so we're going to go, but it's because we want to create more seats at the table. We use that language all the time when our groups multiply. What we're trying to accomplish is create more seats at the table. We want to see others welcomed in and joined in to what we are doing. Very specifically, we want to see those who do not know the hope of Christ join us at the table. The reality is those people come to join us because we, as his people, are faithful to share the message. Just like Paul. The church in Corinth is the church at Corinth because Paul went and he declared the message.The specific encouragement is that Paul says he was in weakness and in fear and in trembling. If I had to guess, when we talk about the idea of evangelism or sharing the message that for all those believers in the room here now, myself included, if you have ever been at that precipice of sharing the message of Christ crucified, you've been afraid. You, like Paul, have trembled. As I've reflected on my own life, I've thought, why is it. Why is it that we can stand here in this room and say, oh, the cross of Jesus Christ, it's the reason that I am alive. And then I'm there in that moment where a friend, a neighbor, who doesn't know Christ, and there's a part of me that wants to. It's terrifying. I think the reason why is exactly what Paul has been saying here in First Corinthians, that the message of the cross is a stumbling block and it's foolishness. If I'm going to share the message of Christ, it's not about pointing to me and how great I am. If I do that, then I've emptied the cross of its power. When you're in that moment, what you're afraid of is exactly what Paul has come to experience. There are some people, oh, they get tripped up. That's pretty tense, awkward conversation. When you're in that moment, somebody gets tripped up like that and we don't want to be there. Or maybe you just get written off as a silly, foolish person. You're one of those weird Christians. The encouragement is that what Paul offers to us is not that we have to go and hone our skill into perfection, to be able to say it just right, to make it work, that we can be just like Paul. You can be weak, you can be afraid, you can tremble. Because it might be getting tense when I talk about this. But the message is not just foolishness and not just weakness, but for those who are called, those who the Lord is working in their heart. This message is power. Christ crucified is power and wisdom for new life. Some of us in the room here, you're already in the position. You already have the relationship with a neighbor or a co worker or a friend. You've been in Paul's spot, you know exactly, you've heard them talk about their life and you have in your head thought, if you only knew the gospel of Jesus. But you stopped at fear and trembling. My encouragement to you is take the next step of faith and share the message of Christ crucified. Your fears might be realized, but this message that while I was an enemy in my disobedience in love, Christ came to go to the cross to absolve the guilt of my rebellion and to give to me the right standing with the Father. That's a message that has power and wisdom to bring about new life. And that is worth it. It's worth it to share. That's what Paul has found to be true. May we find it to be true as well as a church. Whether you are somebody who is staying and going, those of us who are going, or whether you're packing it up and you're going. May we share this message. May we share in fear and in weakness and in trembling. And may we not use eloquent words of wisdom so that the cross would be empty. But may we simply share.Father, we thank you for the cross of Jesus that though it is weakness, though it is foolishness, it is power and it is wisdom. We have felt it because our eyes have been opened and we have been made alive in you. Father, you know us and where we are at. You know the fear and the trembling we that we feel and we face as we consider the notion of sharing this weak, foolish message with those around us. Would you'd empower us in the middle of that weakness and fear to simply say, christ crucified, we love you, praise you. Amen.I'm going to transition into a time of taking the Lord's Supper. Matt's going to come up and prepare to sing for us. In a moment when we have a moment of reflection, I want you to consider, take a moment to consider the cross of Christ. Specifically. Think about the power and the wisdom that it has been for you. Remember the work that the Lord has done in your life. And then when you're up and you're at the table, look around, look around this table and see your brothers and sisters. Remember, the power of the cross has been at work in them too. What joy. And then for a moment, just consider that there are people in this city that the Lord right now is working in their heart and in their life. And when they hear the message of Christ crucified out of our mouths, they will join us at the table and the cross will become power and wisdom.> For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,> and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."> In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."> For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.When you're ready, come to the table and proclaim the Lord's death. Need gluten free bread? It'll be in the back corner as well in the balcony.

Ephesians Series – 06 – Ephesians 2:11-22 – Sam Barnes Questions from Paul’s Prayer (3:14-20) 1. How deep do your spiritual roots go? 2. Is Christ “at home” in your heart? 3. When was the last time you got lost in the love of Christ? 4. When people look at you, how much Christ do they see?

Is Christ truly Lord of your life according to His Word of Truth? Or do you call Him Lord, Lord, and continue to live for yourself? Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Luke 6:45-49)!å

Truth of the Week – “He Must Increase” (John 3:30)In this week's Truth of the Week, we dive into one of the most powerful and humbling statements in all of Scripture: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”John the Baptist had every opportunity to take credit, build his own name, and elevate himself, but instead, he chose humility. He chose Christ.This episode challenges us to examine our own lives:Is Christ truly increased in our daily walk?Or are we still holding onto pride, recognition, and control?We'll break down what it really means to let Christ increase in every area, family, work, and relationships, and what it costs to decrease. Because let's be honest… dying to self isn't easy. It means less spotlight, less credit, and less of “me.”But it also means more of Him, more glory, more purpose, and more eternal impact.If you're serious about your walk with Christ, this truth will confront you, but it will also free you.He must increase. I must decrease.All glory to God.If you have any comments or questions, feel free to reach out via email: Highercausepodcast@gmail.com or Instagram

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Our shout-out today goes to Jay Oldendorf from Blair, WI. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. We cannot do this without donors like you. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 12:1-3. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit. — 1 Corinthians 12:1–3 Can something feel spiritual—and still lead you away from Jesus? The answer is yes. Not every felt spiritual experience comes from the Holy Spirit. Remember, before the Corinthians became believers in Christ, they were not irreligious. They were deeply spiritual. Passionate. Expressive. Immersed in worship. But Paul reminds them where all that felt spirituality once led them — to mute idols. Mute or dumb idols. Gods that could not speak. Gods who could not reveal truth. Gods who could not command allegiance. These gods stirred emotion but offered no revelation. They moved people, gave them goosebumps and emotional jolts, but those reactions were generated by human psychology and cultural pressure—not by the living, speaking God. Spiritual sensationalism does not always equate to spiritual truth. I have seen spiritual sensationalism, and sometimes it is unsettling because it leads to individual manifestations that drive groups into disunity rather than unity. Notice Paul's correction. He does not say, "True spirituality feels different." He says true spirituality says something: "Jesus is Lord." That confession declares allegiance. Submission. Public identification. But it also makes a further claim—that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This is not simply a declaration; it is an identification. It declares our regeneration. The Spirit does not merely rouse enthusiasm — he produces allegiance. He opens blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:6). He reveals the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10–12). He bears witness to Christ (John 15:26). This Trinitarian thread runs quietly under the chapter. The Spirit's primary work is not sensationalism based on feeling; it's the exaltation of Jesus based on fact. And this may come with some good feelings. So here is Paul's test for every spiritual experience: Is Christ being exalted? Is this experience leading me (and others) toward deeper submission to Christ — or merely toward a heightened internal sensation? Is the voice I believe I am hearing aligned with the revealed Word of God — or is it untethered from Scripture and fueled primarily by emotional intensity? This is where discernment becomes difficult. Emotional responses are real. They can be powerful. But not every powerful emotion is produced by the Holy Spirit. Some are stirred by personality, atmosphere, repetition, or group momentum. Mute idols stir emotion without anchoring it in divine authority or revealed truth. The Holy Spirit, by contrast, never operates independently of the Word he inspired. He does not contradict Scripture, bypass Scripture, or add revelation that competes with Scripture. He speaks through it, reveals its meaning, convicts by its truth, and leads us to confess and live under the lordship of Jesus. Spiritual maturity is not measured by volume, novelty, or emotional intensity. It is measured by truth-rooted allegiance to Christ. So the next time something feels spiritual, test it by the Word—and bow your heart to Christ, not the feeling. DO THIS: Pay attention to the voices shaping your spiritual life. Ask whether they consistently lead you to deeper submission to Christ — or merely stir emotional intensity. ASK THIS: How do I discern the difference between being emotionally moved and being spiritually led? What spiritual influences most shape my thinking — and do they magnify Christ? What does it practically mean for me to live as though "Jesus is Lord" this week? PRAY THIS: Holy Spirit, guard me from being impressed by what feels spiritual but is disconnected from Christ. Lead me into truth that exalts Jesus and deepens my obedience to him. Amen. PLAY THIS: "I Speak Jesus"

Does the Gospel need a sidekick? In this Midweek Check-in, Nathan reacts to a t-shirt he recently spotted that read "Jesus + Therapy." While the world—and even much of the modern church—embraces this duo, Nathan argues that this "ampersand theology" actually undermines the sufficiency of Christ. We're discussing why suggesting we need "Jesus plus something else" for human flourishing is a dangerous departure from the Blueprint. Is Christ the Great Physician, or just a consultant in the room? Check out the full Midweek Check-in here:

By Scott Delamater - We don't need much to divide us—sometimes the smallest differences are enough. But what if the real issue isn't what separates us, but how we form our identity in the first place? Paul's question still confronts us today: Is Christ divided?

Many people assume that the teachings of Jesus Chrits form the basis of Christianity. But this is a serious error. Christianity is not merely a set of teachings and principles- it is a person. The essence of Christianity is Jesus Christ himself and his redemptive work on behalf of needy sinners. Is Christ at the center of your Christianity? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

Many people assume that the teachings of Jesus Chrits form the basis of Christianity. But this is a serious error. Christianity is not merely a set of teachings and principles- it is a person. The essence of Christianity is Jesus Christ himself and his redemptive work on behalf of needy sinners. Is Christ at the center of your Christianity? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

Many people assume that the teachings of Jesus Christ form the basis of Christianity. But this is a serious error. Christianity is not merely a set of teachings and principles -- it is a person. The essence of Christianity is Jesus Christ himself and his redemptive work on behalf of needy sinners. Dr. Barnhouse asks, "Is Christ at the center of your Christianity?" To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

In this episode, Mike and Tim ask a provocative question: Is "Christ is King" becoming blasphemy? They begin by analyzing recent political rhetoric, specifically a speech by Pete Hegseth, to discuss how biblical language can be hijacked for coercive power rather than reflecting the character of Jesus. The hosts argue that proclaiming theological truths while living in opposition to the way of Jesus is a distortion of "faith and politics." The conversation then shifts to a deep exploration of the Lord's Prayer and the petition, "Your Kingdom come." Mike and Tim unpack the concept of the "anti-kingdom," explaining that Jesus preached the Kingdom of God in enemy-occupied territory. They explore "theology" regarding the "powers and principalities," looking at the Divine Council in the Psalms, the "heavenly host" in Genesis, and how the biblical authors understood the spiritual forces behind structural evil and injustice. This isn't just about ancient myths; it is about understanding "the role of the church in society" when facing systemic corruption. By contrasting the "cruciformity" of the Gospel with the power dynamics of empire, the guys offer a framework for "navigating cultural challenges" with wisdom. They highlight that true "Christianity" recognizes the spiritual battle at play—not just in individuals, but in cultural patterns and ideologies. As the hosts discuss the "seen and unseen" realms, they emphasize the importance of prayer and "justice" in a world that is both beautiful and broken. We encourage and would love discussion as we pursue these complex topics, so please engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 02:17 - Living with Purpose Daily 05:46 - Pete Hegseth Biblical Analysis 09:55 - Spiritual Warfare and Authority 10:54 - Defining the Anti-Kingdom 18:07 - Mark 1:21-28 Bible Study 23:43 - Jewish Beliefs About Demons 26:04 - Jesus Appoints Twelve Disciples 26:50 - Understanding the Unforgivable Sin 30:57 - Spiritual vs Physical Realms 31:59 - Biblical Identity of Satan 36:30 - The Heavenly Host Explained 46:18 - Psalm 82 Divine Council 49:29 - Principalities and Spiritual Powers 51:01 - Spiritual Powers Unjust Rulers 52:49 - Spiritual Powers Popular Culture 54:09 - Idols and Sacrificed Meat 56:10 - Judgment of Spiritual Powers 57:28 - Satan and Cosmic Powers 1:01:55 - Overcoming the Anti-Kingdom 1:06:46 - Spiritual Reflection Poem 1:09:14 - Support and Partnership 1:09:19 - Connect and Follow Us What It Looks Like To Us and the Words We UseBy Ada Limón All these great barns out here in the outskirts,  black creosote boards knee-deep in the bluegrass. They look so beautifully abandoned, even in use. You say they look like arks after the sea's dried up, I say they look like pirate ships, and I think of that walk in the valley where J said, You don't believe in God? And I said, No. I believe in this connection we all have to nature, to each other, to the universe. And she said, Yeah, God. And how we stood there, low beasts among the white oaks, Spanish moss, and spider webs, obsidian shards stuck in our pockets, woodpecker flurry, and I refused to call it so. So instead, we looked up at the unruly sky, its clouds in simple animal shapes we could name though we knew they were really just clouds— disorderly, and marvelous, and ours.   Copyright Credit: Poem copyright ©2012 by Ada Limón, whose most recent book of poems is Sharks in the Rivers, Milkweed Editions, 2010. Poem reprinted from Poecology, Issue 1, 2011, by permission of Ada Limón and the publisher.   As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! Etsy Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

IntroductionMost things that bring us comfort are only appropriate in proper situations. For instance, a warm blanket, a favorite flannel shirt, a pair of pajamas. Each has its place. You do not wear a blanket or pajamas in public settings. You do not wear an old comfy flannel shirt to a wedding. But the Heidelberg Catechism opens with a striking claim: that there is a single comfort appropriate in every circumstance. In fact, this is a single comfort in life and in death. This raises an honest question: can any comfort truly be that universal? So we look at the claim of Heidelberg Catechism Question and Answer 1. What is our ONLY comfort in life and in death? "I Give Them..”At first glance, Christ's claim to give eternal life sounds more like an imposition than a comfort. If it's not something we opt into, is it really a gift? To answer this, the catechism points us to a hard truth: we are not neutral recipients. Like those enslaved by debt or victims of war, we are slaves. We are either slaves of sin or slaves of righteousness. We are slaves. (Romans 6:18) The catechism reminds us that Christ is a faithful savior and not a tyrannical master. It's the portrait of a redeemer who pays the debt we couldn't pay and frees us from a master, the tyranny of the devil, who sought to destroy us. We learn that the Devil's marketing pitch for Adam and Eve did not end well. It turns out that it is a good thing that Christ is overbearing, that he overwhelms us with His grace, as He gives us eternal life. This is the gift that we do not naturally want, but the gift that we need to live life to the fullest in this age. Truly, living life for Christ is the highest and greatest thing we can do rather than pursuing our own independence. "They Will Never Perish" This promise seems false. We go to Christian funerals, which means that Christians do die. Is Christ overpromising and underdelivering? When we look deeper into Scripture, we see that "perish" implies something deeper than a mere physical death. In Mark 1:24, Christ encounters demons. They cry out, inquiring if Christ is going to destroy them/perish them. To perish is to be undone, destroyed, stripped of your identity and purpose. It is much more than death. What Christ promises is that the forces that assemble against his people will not succeed. We think of our sin or the sins that tempt us outside of us. We think of Satan and his satanic army. We think of any influence that pulls us from Christ. The assurance is that we will not be undone or overcome. We will never perish."No One Can Snatch Them”We hear the promise that he knows all the numbers of the hair on our heads. This might sound creepy or overbearing. But when we read this statement in light of Christ as faithful Shepherd, it becomes something else entirely: an assurance that nothing in our lives escapes his notice or his care. He is not the hired hand who flees when the wolf appears. He is the Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. The high priestly prayer in John 17 reminds us that he intercedes on behalf of his people. The fourth servant song promises that: “yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.” So when Christ promises that no one will snatch them out of the Father's hand, he is assuring us no one will seize us from our shepherd. The "snatching" language describes a forcible seizure against one's will. Christ's answer is that even this cannot prevail. The same one who prayed for his disciples on the eve of the cross still intercedes for those who believe through their word, two thousand years later.We cannot see Christ as a creepy stalker. Rather, we need to see him as the empowering savior who protects his people. He does not empower us to live for ourselves, but to live for him. It is only as we live in communion with our Savior that we truly have life. ConclusionSo, can there be only one comfort that is appropriate in every situation, season, and circumstance? Yes! The catechism's opening answer assures us of our value. Our value doesn't rest in our accomplishments, our reputation, or our self-determination. It rests on the fact that we bear the image of God. Our value rests in the fact that Christ has redeemed us. Our joy is living as slaves of righteousness as we walk in the Holy Spirit. We have been redeemed by Christ. The communion we once pushed away has been restored because the Good Shepherd sought us. He shepherds us through this life, through death itself, and into the age to come. The comfort of belonging to Christ isn't a soft sentiment for easy days. It is the one comfort sturdy enough for every circumstance because his sheep will not be undone. His sheep will never perish. His sheep will never be snatched. Let us proceed in the confidence that our Lord is our definitive redeemer.

Effective Evangelism: 1. Starts with prayer 2. Relies on God's Power to Save 3. Is Christ-centered 4. Is Opposed 5. Is Clear 6. Is Wise 7. Is Urgent 8. Is Always Gracious 9. Is Often Responsive

Romans 10:14-17 — In this sermon on salvation from Romans 10:14–17 titled “Preaching and Salvation,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones dives into some of the fundamental questions of Christianity: How does one receive salvation? What is the eternal position of those who have not heard? How should the gospel be preached? These questions are important to faith and occur frequently in the mind of the believer. They may be a prevailing source of uncertainty or perhaps doubt. But Dr. Lloyd-Jones quenches these points of uncertainty by focusing on this passage and the interpretation of Paul's discourse. He goes back to the basics, proclaiming that salvation comes to those who cry out to the Lord. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the dynamic role of preaching and says that it is important because, as Paul writes, believing comes through hearing the good news. The world today is filled with doubt regarding the path to heaven. Is Christ the only way? Dr. Lloyd Jones answers this by drawing upon Scripture and other Christian theologians and shedding light onto the unbeliever's path, specifically those who have never heard the gospel. Are they beyond the reach of salvation? Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones returns to the Christian fundamentals. Hear the good news preached again and be reminded of God's sovereign power and incredible love. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Why are large numbers of people in Minneapolis, many educated, choosing to do things that to many of us just don’t make sense? Is Christ, the prophet to His Church, revealing something to His people? If so, what is it? Is the answer something more than "Sinners sin"? I think so. My answer may be controversial, but I think it affects the "strategy" we need going forward?

Why are large numbers of people in Minneapolis, many educated, choosing to do things that to many of us just don’t make sense? Is Christ, the prophet to His Church, revealing something to His people? If so, what is it? Is the answer something more than "Sinners sin"? I think so. It may be controversial, but I think it affects the "strategy" we need going forward?Support the show: https://www.factennessee.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are large numbers of people in Minneapolis, many educated, choosing to do things that to many of us just don’t make sense? Is Christ, the prophet to His Church, revealing something to His people? If so, what is it? Is the answer something more than "Sinners sin"? I think so. My answer may be controversial, but I think it affects the "strategy" we need going forward?

Reading 1Isaiah 8:23—9:3First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulunand the land of Naphtali;but in the end he has glorified the seaward road,the land west of the Jordan,the District of the Gentiles.Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness:for there is no gloom where but now there was distress.The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light;upon those who dwelt in the land of glooma light has shone.You have brought them abundant joyand great rejoicing,as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,as people make merry when dividing spoils.For the yoke that burdened them,the pole on their shoulder,and the rod of their taskmasteryou have smashed, as on the day of Midian.Reading 21 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,that all of you agree in what you say,and that there be no divisions among you,but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters,by Chloe's people, that there are rivalries among you.I mean that each of you is saying,“I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,”or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.”Is Christ divided?Was Paul crucified for you?Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel,and not with the wisdom of human eloquence,so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.GospelMatthew 4:12-23When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,he withdrew to Galilee.He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea,in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,that what had been said through Isaiah the prophetmight be fulfilled:Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,Galilee of the Gentiles,the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by deathlight has arisen.From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.He said to them,“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”At once they left their nets and followed him.He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their fatherand followed him.He went around all of Galilee,teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom,and curing every disease and illness among the people.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012526.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC addresses one of the deepest wounds of our time: division. Scripture asks plainly, “Is Christ divided?” (1 Cor 1:13; NABRE). The answer is no. Yet division arises when truth is rejected and replaced with opinion. Christ Himself warned that His coming would cause division—not because division is good, but because some would refuse the truth He reveals.Father Chris explains that unity is not built on compromise or competing viewpoints. True unity can exist only where truth is shared. Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6; NABRE). When individuals or societies abandon objective truth, division becomes inevitable. Violence, confusion, and unrest are symptoms of a deeper problem: the refusal to stand on what is true.The Church, established by Christ and entrusted with His authority, exists precisely to safeguard and proclaim that truth. While her members can fail in their human weakness, the Church cannot err in her divine teaching when she definitively proclaims matters of faith and morals. As the Catechism teaches, “It is part of the Church's mission to pass moral judgments even in matters related to politics, whenever the fundamental rights of man or the salvation of souls require it” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2246).Father Chris reminds us that division ends only when we surrender our will to God's will. The first commandment is not merely about avoiding false gods; it is about refusing to make ourselves the arbiter of truth. When we submit to Christ through the teaching of His Church, unity becomes possible—not a shallow peace, but a peace grounded in truth.This call is demanding, but it is also merciful. Truth is not meant to crush us; it is meant to free us. Only by standing together on the truth can the divisions of our world begin to heal.To deepen your understanding of how Christ guides His Church and communicates saving truth through the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. The argument started small. They always do. A comparison here. A subtle jab there. Then suddenly the whole church in Corinth was splintering into camps — Paul's camp, Apollos' camp, Peter's camp, even a "we only follow Christ" camp said with a smug twist. Division never screams at first. It whispers. Then it fractures. I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else. For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. — 1 Corinthians 1:10–17 Paul doesn't tiptoe around the problem. He hits the heart of the issue. Because when people start attaching their identity to personalities rather than to Christ, unity dies. And Paul slices through the noise with one sharp question: "Is Christ divided?" Of course not. But when Christ isn't at the center, people start choosing sides. Here's the truth Corinth needed — and we need: When Christ is at the center, we won't take sides. Pastors don't unite the church. Preferences don't unite the church. Personalities don't unite the church. Only Jesus does that. So why are the names of your pastor, your preferences, and your personalities so important to you? But when Christ becomes the main thing again. The sides disappear. Comparison fades. Pride quiets. Unity rises. So let this settle deep today: If Christ stays at the center, division loses its power. And said another way — because we need the reminder — When Christ is truly at the center, we refuse to take sides. DO THIS: Reach out to one believer today — someone outside your usual circle. Send encouragement. Build a bridge where a wall once stood. ASK THIS: Where have preferences quietly replaced Christ as the center? Who do you tend to "follow" more closely than Jesus? Is there a person you need to reconcile with for the sake of unity? PRAY THIS: Jesus, keep me centered on You alone. Quiet my pride, crush my comparisons, and make You the center of everything I follow and everything I love. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Make Room"

Misunderstanding what Moses was trying to tell us; And Melchizedek and Abraham; "Abimelech"; "Burnt offerings"; Altars of lively stones; Rightly dividing bread from house to house; Tens, hundreds and thousands; Straying from righteousness; "Shemites"; Charity aspect of government?; John's baptism; "Corban" = oblation/offering; "Legal Charity"; Leading society into sin; Blaming world problems on other groups; Blind guides with darkened eyes; Manipulating facts; Leviticus offerings (oblation); "Israel"; "Iranians"; Spirit of sacrifice; Looking for light - whole truth; Saving the bad guys too; Lack of obedience; Lev 3:1 oblation/offering; "Without blemish"; "female" in nature; "Wood"; "Unhewn stones"; Welfare that strengthens?; Bondage of Egypt; Precepts of the LORD; Repentance; Killing the offering; Levites; Harlot riding the beast?; Public Religion; No exercising authority; Kidneys?; "Sweet savor"?; Two sons parable; Giving junk?; Intentional giving; Intent of Christ; Corruption; Hating Christ?; Is Christ your king?; Letting go of covetousness; Public flagellation?; Subtlety of Satan; Sprinkling of blood; Trees are sources; Distributing wealth?; Beginning of repentance; The faith of Abraham - living by it; aleph-hey-resh-vav-nun (Aaron); dwelling: mem+vav-shin-biet+tav+yod+mem; Ancient paths; "New Deal" of Satan; Heb 2:13; Lack of faith; Putting away idolatry; Ministers of government; Trust altars; Statutes and ordinances; Exclusively freewill offerings; Willingness to see the light; "Sin"; Protection draws subjection; Setting sheep on fire; Counterfeit Holy Spirit; Isaiah 1:1; Socialism; Citizens of the United States; Understanding the system you are in; Isa 1:10; "Gomorrah"; People bound together as merchandise; Sodom = socialist state; Creating the wrong system?; Unpayable debt; Required sacrifice; Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness; Praying that everybody is saved; Samuel's warnings; Network in love; Right reason; Do something!

This week at Venture, Pastor Morgan concluded our Journey Through Ephesians series with a powerful and deeply practical message from Ephesians 5–6 on what it means to build a Spirit-filled home. Paul teaches that the truest test of our spiritual maturity isn't found on Sundays, in small groups, or in public — it's found in our homes. Pastor Morgan unpacks how the Gospel should transform our marriages, our parenting, and even our work relationships. A Spirit-filled home is built on:• Mutual submission• Christlike love• Godly order• Every relationship submitted to Jesus From marriage roles to parenting with gentleness, to representing Christ in the workplace, this message challenges us to invite the Holy Spirit into the center of our homes and everyday relationships. If your home feels chaotic, heavy, or dry — there is hope. The same Spirit who fills us in worship can fill our homes with peace, unity, and transformation. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Venture Church Online00:06 – “Tell us where you're watching from!”00:14 – Christmas vibes + Yule log jokes00:34 – Pastor Morgan begins + series conclusion01:12 – Recap: Armor of God (previous series)01:35 – Christmas season officially begins01:54 – Thanksgiving leftovers mourning02:14 – Hosting 12 people + refreshing the home02:46 – What a “reset” does for a house03:06 – Physical home vs. spiritual home atmosphere03:54 – Losing your holiness at home04:12 – Making Jesus famous at work vs. at home04:39 – Chaos, Legos, Costco flannels & sanctification05:17 – The home as the true test of spiritual maturity06:12 – Review of Ephesians: spiritual blessings, identity07:05 – From mountaintop truths to family relationships07:24 – If the Gospel doesn't change your home…07:48 – Instructions for Spirit-filled households08:03 – Reading Ephesians 5:21–3309:25 – Main point: A Spirit-filled home is built on mutual submission10:08 – Context: Greco-Roman household codes11:08 – How Christianity revolutionized the home11:32 – Centering all relationships on Jesus11:56 – Giving dignity and value to every family member12:23 – Calling those with power to sacrifice the most12:48 – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”13:03 – Definition: Voluntarily placing others above yourself13:32 – A Spirit-filled posture says: “Christ is Lord of this home”14:24 – Submission isn't weakness — Jesus modeled it15:20 – The Spirit submits to the Son — equality within submission15:46 – Submission = Christlikeness16:12 – Marriage roles begin with mutual submission16:46 – Wives: honor your husbands (own husbands!)17:11 – Misuse of this text addressed18:18 – Submission is not inferiority, silence, or passivity18:56 – Proverbs 31: strong, wise, capable women19:26 – Honor creates atmosphere for husbands to thrive19:50 – Husbands: love like Christ loved the Church20:13 – Wives submit, husbands sacrifice20:41 – Your wife doesn't need a king — she has one21:20 – Husbands set the tone of the home21:49 – Pilot illustration — calm leadership22:40 – Your marriage preaches a sermon daily23:06 – Spirit-filled parenting begins23:40 – Children: obey and honor your parents24:06 – The promise that comes with obedience24:24 – Teaching youth the value of honor25:09 – Parents: do not provoke your children25:39 – Don't crush your kids with criticism26:13 – “Bring them up” — nurture, don't intimidate26:37 – Parents + pastors = partnership (NextGen vision)27:37 – Children are like wet cement — everything leaves a mark28:08 – Spirit-filled work relationships28:18 – Working as unto the Lord29:04 – Christians should be the most reliable workers29:48 – Your work is worship30:13 – Leaders: use influence to bless, not manipulate30:35 – Business owners leading with Christlike character31:01 – Spirit-filled relationships submit to Christ31:17 – Taking inventory of our own homes31:44 – Is Christ the center of your home?32:01 – What atmosphere greets people in your house?32:50 – The Spirit can transform your home33:13 – Harshness, sarcasm, avoidance — and hope33:42 – Husbands, wives, children, parents, leaders — all worship34:36 – The Spirit who fills you at church can fill your home35:02 – God can heal marriages and restore families35:29 – Response moment: invitation to be Spirit-filled36:14 – Prayer for homes and families36:50 – Corporate closing prayer37:49 – Venture sign-up reminders + Winter Camp38:26 – Subscribe + learn more about Venture Church

Send us a textWhat if the turning point of your life arrived the moment you finally ran out of ways to cope? That's where Cody's story begins to change—at the end of self-reliance and the start of grace. We walk through a childhood marked by divorce and distance, the learned art of compartmentalizing pain, and the slow magnetism of church that didn't fully land until years later. The drift into rebellion felt inevitable; the way out did not. Then came an unexpected school pivot, a steady love in Brittany, and the painful realization that even good gifts can become idols when asked to do what only God can.The conversation opens up on addiction, relapse, and the quiet questions that make or break transformation. Cody shares how Scripture and sermons moved from background noise to a lifeline, and how the daily fight against sin shifted once he asked, “Is Christ not enough?” We talk through the humility of waiting for calling instead of chasing titles, the joy and risk of serving youth and young adults, and the power of a local church that looks you in the eye, knows your name, and invites you into real community.We also go where many avoid: miscarriages, the loneliness of grief, and carrying a son with anencephaly to term. You'll hear about costly faith that chooses presence over convenience, two radiant hours with a child who changed everything, and a church that showed up with letters, meals, and a love that felt like oxygen. It's a tender, unhurried look at suffering that refines, marriage that matures, and leadership that grows out of repentance, not performance.If this story gives you courage, share it with someone who needs hope. Subscribe for more conversations like this, leave a review to help others find the show, and tell us: where do you need a second chance right now?New episodes every Mondaywww.lifehousemot.cominfo@lifehousede.com Join us Sundays at 9 & 11 AM Intro music by Joey Blair

A different look at the bible; Heretics?; Soundbite catechism; God without good?; Why pain in the world?; Suffering?; Choice to be cruel; Joseph's brothers; Haters of truth; Intellect = Tree of Knowledge; Source?; What are yours?; Gen 37:19; Information overload; Tree of Life - seeking it; Walking as Israel; Which "Jesus"?; First Christians; Messiah; Joseph in Egypt; Walking with the LORD; Gen 39:2 messiah?; Anointing; "Dungeon"?; Interpreting dreams; Gen 40:1; Prison of the Pharaoh; Butler and baker; Translating the bible; Reading with Holy Spirit guidance; Butler's dream; Joseph's interpretation; Wine maker?; What God wants you to do; Cutting yourself off from Holy Spirit; biet-vav-resh (separated from authority); Seeing ourselves; Losing your faith; Another dreamer - Baker; Stinking?; Statues for identification; Nissi of Sumer - goddess of social welfare; False-accusers; Fathers of nations; Forgetting Joseph; Is Christ in you?; Still small voice; Atheists; Religion of socialism; Relieving peoples' suffering; "Daily Ministration"; "Meat" offering; Levites and their offerings; Burying idols; Abimelech vs Melchizedek; Father King vs King of Righteousness; Existence of Jesus Christ; Christ's family; Titles vs names; Genesis 21 study; Assembling the puzzle; Seeing others as individuals; Walking with the spirit of life; Imhotep; Freewill offerings; "Butler" variations; mem-shem-kuf-hey; Joseph stolen?; "Shearing"; Covetous practices; Democratic socialism; Why pain and suffering?; Caring about others; Killing care; Sacrifice yourself for others

Text us your questions!Is the drive to be better than others making us worse? We talk with theologian Miroslav Volf about his book The Cost of Ambition and explore why comparison-based striving saturates our schools, churches, workplaces, and politics. Volf separates healthy aspiration from superiority-seeking and makes a compelling case for excellence without domination, rooted in agape, i.e., unconditional love that affirms people beyond performance.We dig into the Christ hymn of Philippians 2 and why self-emptying is not weakness but a different kind of strength. Volf shows how resurrection and ascension empower humility rather than feed triumphalism and why honoring everyone is both a spiritual discipline and a democratic necessity. From the academy's “one-up” culture to the marketplace's imitation traps, he argues that obsessing over competitors blinds us to our unique gifts and corrodes joy. Even stalwart capitalists like Warren Buffett warn against competitor-fixation. Volf adds a deeper moral and theological critique as well, drawing on Paul's piercing question: What do you have that you did not receive?We also test his claims against Nietzsche's will to power, happiness research on social comparison, and the rise of Christian nationalism. Is Christ a moral stranger to our priorities? Volf challenges both sides of the aisle to recover mere humanity—Kierkegaard's vision of belovedness before achievement—and to practice agape toward others and ourselves. The result is a bracing, hopeful vision: strive for truth, craft, and contribution, not for status; pursue excellence as stewardship, not self-exaltation.If you're weary of the status treadmill yet still hungry to do meaningful work, this conversation will give you categories, language, and practices to recalibrate your aims. Listen, reflect, and share with someone who needs a healthier way to win. If the episode resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and let us know your thoughts.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal. Other important info: Rate & review us on Apple & Spotify Follow us on social media at @PPWBPodcast Watch & comment on YouTube Email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com Cheers!

I recently heard a theologian say that he has stopped trying to discern whether people he meets and knows are believers by asking them, “Are you saved?” Instead, he asks them this question: “Is Christ living in you?” He explained this switch by saying that many people today look back on a particular church service or camp experience where they raised their hand or went forward at the invitation to commit their lives to Christ. Sadly, while they no longer pursue a relationship with Christ, they believe that they are indeed Christians. Rather than falling on the good soil we read about in the Parable of the Sower, these are seeds that have fallen on the stony soil where the initial joy fades quickly and withers under pressure. This distinction should drive us to nurture our kids into understanding that the Christian life is not captured in a momentary decision, but is marked by a life of sanctification, where every square inch of their lives is lived with gratitude to the glory of God!

1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. DON BASHAM MINISTRIES 1,000,000,000 GIVE SEND GO:https://www.givesendgo.com/bas... PAYPAL: spiritforce01@gmail.com BITCOIN: 3H4Z2X22DuVUjWPsXKPEsWZmT9c4hDmYvy VENMO: @faithbucks CASHAPP: $spiritforcebucks Zelle: faithbucks@proton.me PATREON: Michael Basham HOME BASE SITE: faithbucks.com

1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Join Jacobs Premium: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/membershipThe book club (use code LEWIS): https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/offers/aLohje7p/checkoutThis week we're taking a look at the seven ecumenical councils of the early Christian church, from Nicaea (325 AD) to Nicaea II (787 AD). Dr. Jacobs traces how each council addressed Christological controversies while establishing foundational theological and philosophical positions. Topics include Trinitarian theology, the nature of Christ's divinity and humanity, the concept of eternal generation, and the distinction between essence and energies. The analysis demonstrates how seemingly disparate theological disputes form a unified narrative centered on the question "Who do you say that I am?"All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs00:00:00 Intro 00:00:22 Christianity's philosophical commitments 00:03:21 What are the Ecumenical Councils? 00:11:19 Keys for understanding the councils 00:20:59 The Council of Nicaea: is Christ fully God? 00:29:20 How is the Son begotten?00:35:18 Council of Constantinople: three persons, one nature 00:48:32 Are Christians monotheists? 00:55:50 Is Christ fully human? 01:04:50 Council of Ephesus: one person with two natures 01:12:14 Council of Chalcedon: unconfused & unmingled 01:24:31 The remaining councils01:26:39 The icon controversy 

In this sermon Pastor Chad tries to answer many questions concerning the Millennial reign of Christ. Is Christ's Kingdom a literal 1000 years? Has it already taken place or is it to come? Who will be deceived by Satan during this time? You will discover answers to these and many more questions in Part 6 of All Things New. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29

In this sermon Pastor Chad tries to answer many questions concerning the Millennial reign of Christ. Is Christ's Kingdom a literal 1000 years? Has it already taken place or is it to come? Who will be deceived by Satan during this time? You will discover answers to these and many more questions in Part 6 of All Things New. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29

Are you producing fruit? Is Christ dwelling in you and impacting others through His love to them through you?

Introduction: Philippians 2:3-7 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 3 Reasons I Want to Fight for Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) Because I Am RESPONSIBLE for the Church's REPUTATION. (1 Cor 1:11) John 13:35 – By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 17:20–21 – I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Because FIGHTING is FOOLISH. (1 Cor 1:12–13) Because DISUNITY DISTRACTS from the Mission. (1 Cor 1:14–17) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 1:10-17What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What are some specific doctrines church members must agree on (1 Cor 1:10)? What are some doctrines that are okay to not all agree on? What makes the difference?What are some ways people overly attach themselves to certain preachers today (1 Cor 1:12)? Why do you think many Christians do this?Why was Paul thankful that he didn't baptize the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:14)? Is Paul saying baptism isn't important? Why or why not?How exactly do “words of eloquent wisdom” end up “emptying the cross of its power” (1 Cor 1:17)? What does this say about how we should evaluate a sermon?BreakoutPray for one another. Pray for unity at HBC among elders, staff, ministry leaders, and members. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open up those Bibles.The first Corinthians in chapter 1.But as we turn to God's Word, I'm going to ask,we just pause for a second and please pray for meto faithfully communicate what God has said in His Word,and I will pray for you to have a heart open to receivewhat it is that the Lord wants to teach us from His Word today.Alright, let's pray.Father, just now we're turning to Your Word,and I pray that our minds and hearts would be just so focusedon what You said,and that we are eager to obey what it is You've laid out for usin Your Word.We pray in Jesus' name.And all of God's people said,"Amen."The first Corinthians, chapter 1.You know, every so often at harvest Bible chapel,we do a Q&A day where we take questions from the congregationand answer them,and I think it was the last Q&A day.We had a very - a question that kind of threw me for a loop.I was wondering who asked it and why.But the question was, do the leaders of the church like each other?Well, you know, we're working on seeking the Lordon building a church building on a piece of propertyup in New Sewickley.And there is wind of opposition to building,which probably means building is of the Lord,because that's what happens, right?Read the book of Nehemiah.But in our staff meeting,in my office around the conference tables,we were in a staff meeting,and our children's director, Missy Howes,I got permission to tell this story, by the way.But our children's director was telling us aboutone of the individuals who is sort of against us buildinga building on that property.And then Missy capped off her updateby turning to Pastor Rich,and she said, "Yeah, she's really going after you people."And I said, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.You people."I said, "Well, at what point, Melissa,did you go from staff memberof the biggest demographic of our churchto now it's you people?"And we have been laughing about that ever since.And if you know Missy, it's even funnier.But how quickly some people actually seriouslydetached themselves from the church?How quickly people detach themselves,and they don't see themselves as part of the body,don't see themselves as wanting what's actually bestfor the body as a whole.How many people show of handshave ever been involved in a churchwhere there's been fighting?Raise your hand.All right?How many people have ever been involved in a churchwhere there was a split?Raise your hand.Way too many of you.All right? Way too many.But listen, it's nothing new.It's been happening from the very beginning of the church.And it just seems common nowbecause there's more churchesand there's easier ways to communicate in our day.But it happens.Fighting and divisions in the churchis unfortunately one of the sinsthat the church has been dealing with since day one.Last week as we started 1 Corinthians,the Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church,look, the foundation for unityhas to be in knowing your salvation.That has to be the foundation.You have to know the grace of Godby which you're saved.You have to know that He has gifted you to serve.You have to know that you are guiltlessin the day of Christ Jesus.He will sustain you.That's how Paul starts the letter.In Jesus Christ.Now, act like it.And that's the theme of the whole book of 1 Corinthians.You know, the Corinthian church,they had a lot of problems.Have you read this book?They had a lot of problems.They had a lot of problems concerning sexualityand marriage and libertyand worship and spiritual giftsand the resurrection of Jesusand money.And Paul wrote this book.He wrote them this letter to correcttheir sinful problems.But you know,Paul must have thoughtthat their biggest problemwas disunity.The fighting.Because this is what he addresses firstin the letter.Look at verse 10.And really, verse 10 could have beenthe only thing he wrote in the whole book.And this is like the point.He says, "I appeal to you brothersby the name of our Lord Jesus Christthat all of you agreeand that there be no divisions among youbut that you be united in the same mindand the same judgment."Now, verse 10 obviously flows from verse 9.And verse 9, he tells the church that they,by extension, we are called into the fellowshipof His Son.And that's a foundation herefor the Corinthian church and for Harvest Bible Chapel.This is not my church.This is not Pastor Taylor's church.Corinth was not Paul's churchor Apollos' church.Harvest Bible Chapel,it's not your church.Whose church is it?It's God's church.And you're like, "Man Pastor Jeff,if only there was a way that you could remind us of thaton the regular."What do you think this is?Do you know what this is?It's an arrow.That's all it is.It's a fancy arrow.But that's, people ask me,"What's this symbol mean?"It's just an arrow.And this is to remind us why we're here.We're here for God.We're here to exalt His Son.We're here to proclaim His Word.That's all that is.It's a constant reminder.It's not about me.It's about Him.So Paul says he's appealing that what?He says that all of you agree.Like, "All right, agree."Agree on what?Agree on politics.Agree on who is the best football team.Agree on who makes the best pizza.What are we agreeing on?Well, there's two things, church,that we have to absolutely agree on.And number one is doctrine.We should all agree on what we believe.Now listen, we might have different viewson things like an eschatological timelineor the doctrine of election or whatever, whatever.But on the major points of doctrine, we must agree.If you're like, "I'm not sure if I should agree on thisor if I should fight about this."Well, there's things that there are hills to die on.Things like the authority of God's Word.That's something we should all agree on.Things like the person and work of Jesus Christ.We should all agree on that.He is God who became man, who died to take away sin,who rose from the dead to give eternal life,who is coming again.We should all agree on that.Speaking of, we should all agree on salvation.How does somebody get saved?It's through faith in Jesus Christ.It's receiving the gift of eternal lifethat God has given through Jesus.We should all agree on that.All the stuff we talked about last week,we should all agree that is how a person gets saved.We should all agree on the mission of the church.We're not here to scratch itchy ears.We're not here to make a nice social club.We are here to make disciples.Those are things we should agree on.And that's what Paul goes on to say,that there will be no divisions among you.Literally, divisions in the Greekcan be translated no difference of opinion.Paul says, you should not have a difference of opinion.We should all have the same opinion.And you're like, what? Jeff, yours?No.We should all have God's opinion.See, that should be the mindset of this church.It's like, well, what do you think about abortion?What does God think about abortion?What do you think about marriage?What does God think about marriage?That should be our opinion too.What do you think about work?What does God say about work?What should share His opinion?What do you think about parenting?You got any opinions about parenting?Yeah, I do got opinions about parenting.It's God's opinion about parenting.What does the Bible say?We should all be agreeing on doctrine.And another thing we should all be agreeing on is submission.Look at verse 10.He says that you be united in the same mindand the same judgments.You see, doctrine speaks to what we believe.Submission speaks to how we act.In other words, unity - listen, unity will occur naturallywhen we agree on doctrine and live in submission to one another.Now, I hesitated to even bark up this treebut I felt like we had tobecause this could be a whole other sermon series.But look at what Paul told the Philippian church.What is the attitude that we're supposed to have,this attitude of submissionthat's going to result in unity?He tells the Philippians,he says, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.Each of you look not only to his own interestsbut also to the interests of others.Have this mind among yourselveswhich is yours in Christ Jesus.Though he was in the form of God,did not count equality with God, a thing to be grasped.He got emptied himself by taking the form of a servantbeing born in the likeness of man."That's saying a lot.There's a couple of things I want to highlight from that.Regarding submission that unifies us,unity is destroyed when we start thinking,"It's all about me.My ideas are the best.My ideas are the smartest.Everyone should do what I want in the churchand the church will be good."He says, "Each of us, we have to humble ourselvesthat we consider others more important than you.That you walk in the doors and you're like,"Everybody here is more important than me."Unity comes when we all share that mindset.How do we do that?Well, he tells us in Philippians,"We have to have the mind of Christ."He says a lot like I said.We've preached on this a couple of times in past time.Look at that next to last statement.That's the one that really jumps out to me.Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, took the form of a servant.This is where the attitude of submission comes.When you walk in the doors, not to say,"Okay, things need to happen my way.I'm going to set everything straight.You need to walk in the doors and say,"I'm here to serve.I'm a servant."If God was willing to make Himself a servant,as an example, I should have the same mindset, right?So are you?Are you a servant?Well, we'll know when somebody treats you like one,whether you are or not.We'll know when you don't get your own wayif you really see yourself as a servant.Really, Paul could have stopped it.Verse 10 says so much here in 1 Corinthians 1.He could have stopped there.But he goes on to lay out three reasons whywe should each do our part for unity.So on your outline, I want you to jot some things down.Three reasons I want to fight for unity.Like, you want to fight about something?You want to fight? Okay.Let's fight for unity.Let's fight for that.You're like, "Well, why do I want to do that?"Well, Paul tells us, number one,because I am responsible for the church's reputation.Because I am responsible for the church's reputation.Look at verse 11.He says, "For it has been reported to me by Chloe's peoplethat there is quarreling among you, my brothers."There are Chloe's people.Do you know what we call them today?Whistleblowers. Right?Do you know what we called them when I was a kid?Do you know what we called whistleblowers when I was a kid?A "nark."How many people remember "nark"?Okay, somebody tattles to the teacher on you."You nark."They weren't getting. They weren't being narks.They weren't being narks. No.I don't know who Chloe's people are.The Bible doesn't really tell us.But here's what we do know.They were so concerned over the fighting that was happening in the churchthat they had to get a message to Paul.And it would have been a lot harder in that day.They couldn't have just posted something on Instaor sent Paul a text. Right?So Chloe's people were concerned.And Paul's like, "This is the reputation that's getting back to me."Chloe's people says, "All you do is fight."Not good.I heard a commercial just the other dayfor a product that I didn't even know existed.It's called the Reputation Defender.How many people have heard of the Reputation Defender?Okay, Randy. Okay, me and Randy.Okay, so only a few of us heard that commercial.All right? The Reputation Defender.Do you know what this is? I had to look it up online.I was so intrigued by the commercial, Randy.I had to look it up online.Since 2006, a leader in online reputation management.What they do is they - and again, this is from their website -they fix online search results and remove personal information.Meaning, if there's bad stuff about you on the Internet, they erase it.If somebody, you know, whether you're applying for a jobor you just want to sort of clean up your reputation,it's just, whoop, it's erased from the Internet.It's gone. Like, that part of you no longer exists.It's just, whoop, gone.And I heard that commercial.And I'm like, man, I wish we had this for other things.You know what I mean?You know what I mean? Like, I do something stupid at homeand I upset Aaron.I wish that I could just be like, whoop, gone.Or, have you ever been like at a partyand you meet somebody and you say something really awkwardand stupid and you're like, why did I say that?Wouldn't it be nice to just be like, whoop, now nobody remembers that?Right?Or you got ejected from the church softball gamebecause you lost your temper.Whoop.Well, you know, there is no such service for the church.I think with the church more than probably just about any organization on the planet,the reputation sticks.For better or for worse, the reputation sticks.And if you're like, well, I really don't care what people think about me.Okay, do you care what people think about Jesus?Because this unity doesn't just affect the church's reputation.It reflects on Jesus himself.Look at John 13.35 here. We're going to have it on the screen.Jesus said, by this all people will know that you are my disciplesif you have love for one another.Now, you know what I want to think Jesus said here?My mind wants to make it say that Jesus was like,the world is going to know that you love the worldby the way that you love the world.That's not what he said.He said the world is going to know that we are disciples of Jesus,not by how we love them,but by how we love each other.Our reputation for unity, according to our Lord,confirms our discipleship to the world,and it also directly affects our witness.Jesus, again, you jump over to John 17.Jesus praying specifically for us, for Harvest Bible Chapel.You see it right here. Jesus is praying.I do not ask for these only,but also for those who will believe in me through their Word.That's us.We believe through the Word.He says that they may all be one,just as you, Father, are in me and I and you,that they also may be in us.Why does Jesus want us to be one?Here's a reason.He says so that the world may believe that you have sent me.Our witness church is directly affected by our oneness.I mean, that just makes sense, doesn't it?I mean, it just follows.I mean, if you're talking to your neighbor about churchand you say things like,"Well, you know what at Harvest Bible Chapel,our worship leader can't stand our children's director."I mean, our children's director is constantly throwing fire at staff meetings,and the worship leader just has had enough.And then you tell your neighbor,"Oh, he is way too aggressive with people."And you're like, "Well, how's the youth group?"And they say, "How's the youth group?"You're like, "Well, youth group is nice, but you know what those youth group moms,all they do is fight."That's all they do.They're just constantly fighting and arguing and bickering about everything.And then you turn to your neighbor and say,"Hey, would you like to come to our church sometime?"And they're like,"Not a chance.Why would I want to walk into that circus?"Our witness is affected by our reputation.Jesus prayed that we would be one.He died so that we would be one.So our reputation that we should have is that we are one.So, nix the clicks.Alright?Nix the clicks.Why?Because you're responsible for our reputation.You're responsible for our reputation.Number two, why I want to fight for unity?Why I want to nix the clicks?Number two, because fighting is foolish.Fighting is foolish.Look at verses 12 and 13.Paul is calling them out on their foolish immaturity.He says, "What I mean is that each one of you says,'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,'that's Peter, or 'I follow Christ.'"Is Christ divided?Was Paul crucified for you?Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?See what he's doing?He's pointing out how stupid this is.Why are you fighting about this stuff?Verse 12, he says, "Each one of you,each one of you, you should have that underlined."Why?Because when there's this unity, who do we blame?Everybody else, right?Paul's like, "This is not an everybody else problem.This is a you problem."Stop blaming everybody else.What are you doing for unity at the church?And you see, they were boasting about which ministerthey identified with.Some people were like, "I follow Paul."I mean, Paul was pretty great, huh?Like, what an awesome missionary, right?Apostle to the Gentiles and endured so much hardshipand was so faithful in his ministry.And it's easy to see why there were people that loved Paul.But some maybe overly attached to him, right?But then you have the people that were like, "Paul, okay."Paul's okay.But you know who really is the best minister is Apollos.Apollos was known for his eloquence.Apollos was a fantastic speaker.We learned about that in the book of Acts.And I'm sure that there were people here that were like,"You know what? Paul might have good theology,but there ain't nobody that preaches a sermonas beautifully as Apollos.He is the best preacher I've ever heard."And then you had people that are like,"You both are whack."Paul?Apollos?No, no, no, no, no, no.Cephas.That's Peter, right?Like, how can we even be arguing about this?Peter!OG!Peter!Right?Like, he wasn't just like one of the disciples.He was like one of Jesus' besties.And he was there for all of it.And he had some ups and downs.And look at what, look at like Pentecost.And Peter is the man.And then you had people that just had the Jesus Duke, everybody,that are like, "Oh, you like human ministers?"Well, I follow Christ.Doesn't that just sound so pious?I follow Christ.You see what the Corinthian church was doing?It was the adult version, the church version,of, "My dad can beat up your dad."Right?It's, "My pastor cannot preach your pastor."Aren't all four of these men preaching the same gospel?Oh, by the way, the last group there, I follow Christ.You're like, "Wait, wait, wait.Isn't that who we want to follow?"Yes.Jesus.Obviously.But somehow they turned even thatinto an occasion for fighting.And you're like, "Well, how in the world could somebody pull that off?"Well, people still do it today.People still do that today.Like, what do you mean?You heard these people that are like,"Oh, I don't need to go to churchbecause I have a relationship with Jesus.So I don't need church."You can't defend that biblically.There is no such thing as a Christian detached from a church body.There is no such thing.Several years ago, there was the whole short-lived15 minutes of fame of the whole,"I love Jesus but hate the church."You remember that?"I love Jesus but I hate the church."Doesn't that just sound so pious?It sounds so obnoxious."I love Jesus but I hate the church."Bad idea.You know what the church is?The church is the bride of Christ.And if you came to me and you said,"I love you, Pastor Jeff, but I hate your wife,"we're going to have some problems.I think that's what was going on here.That there were people that were like,"Oh, I don't need churches and preachersbecause I have Jesus."And look, there are some things,as we said earlier, that are worth fighting for.There are some things I will fight to the death for.Things like preaching the Word of God.Things like biblical music.Things like confronting unrepentant sin.Those are the things that the church should be fighting for.But sadly, when there's fighting in the church,those aren't usually the kinds of thingsthat people are fighting over.Honestly, church, we find weird things to divide over,just like the Corinthians.We just come up with all kinds of stupid things to fight about.You want to hear some examples of some of the stupidest things?I don't have time to give all of them.But over the years, I've heard so many stupid thingsthat people fight about.Here's one.I had a friend that attended a church.And I'm like, "Hey, how things are going at your church?"And he goes, "Oh, Jeff, we're really in a bad spot right now.Everybody's fighting."Like, what's the problem?People are really upset with each otherand people are not talking to each other.And it's gotten really ugly.I'm like, "What are we fighting about at this church?"He says, "Well, when you walk in the entryway,there's a bulletin board.And they're fighting about how to divide it up among the ministries.Because the Sunday school thought they were getting all of it,and they were told they can get half,and they wanted to divide it this way.But no, no, no, the mission department wanted to divide it this way, blah, blah, blah."And he goes, "It is nasty."I'm like, "Are you serious?"He's like, "Yeah."He goes, "What do you think we should do?"I said, "I think you should rip that bulletin board off the walland throw it in the garbage.That's what I think you should do."He's like, "Well, that's evangelism."I said, "No, it's not.The only people are seeing itare the people who are walking in the door."I said, "If it's causing that much division, trash it."Isn't that dumb?Here's another one.My old church, there was a familythat had four daughters at the timethey were early adolescents to teenage years.And there were people at the churchthat were upset with this family.They said, "Those girls are a clique.Those girls are a clique.Those girls are sisters."And now we're demonizing thembecause they like each other?There were people angry at thembecause they got along.Isn't that stupid?This might be the stupidestthat I have a pastor friend.He was a pastor for a church up in Canada.Every Christmas they had a tradition.Like, for years,at the end of the Christmas service,this is true, and I can't say without laughing,but this is true,at the end of the Christmas service every year,they sang "Feliz Navidad."You know that horrible song?You know the one I'm talking about?"Feliz Navidad.""Feliz Navidad."Oh, that's so cringe.Well, this new pastor cameand he's like, "You know what?There's not really spiritual contentin that song,and let's really focus our attentionof worship towards, I don't know, Jesus."So let's not sing that song this year.It caused a church split.And my pastor friend said,"I've never seen people so angry."Over one of the worst songs ever written.Isn't that dumb?We find such weird things to divide over.That was the Corinthians.They had their dumb thing too.He was the best preacher.That's why in verse 13,Paul gives some questions that we can unify here, right?Because these questions require us allto give the same answer.Right? Let's try it.Let's see if we get the same answer.Question number one.I'm going to ask the question,you shout out the answer.Is Christ divided?No. Obviously not, right?Christ is not divided.Alright, question two.And now they get harder.Was Paul crucified for you?No.Alright, final question.Were you baptized in the name of Paul?No.Meatballs.Alright, look.I want you to hear me very closely here.There is nothing wrong with having a favorite preacher.I do.There's a preacher who's podcast I listen to all the time.There is nothing wrong with that.Okay? We clear on that.There's nothing wrong with that.I encourage you to do that.But can we at the same time admitthat some people get strangely attachedto preachers and messengers?Like go back a generation to the Bill Gawthard people.Look, I used to go to Bill Gawthard conferences all the time.And you know what I saw there?There were people that were very strangely attached to him.They were like the "I follow Apollo's" people.Alright?And there were people that are like that with John Piper.There were people that are like that with Jack Hibbs.That we attach to these people so much so that we saythe gospel isn't the gospel unless you gospel their way.And when we do that,we're just as foolish as the Corinthians.So these men that you're attached to on what basis are you attached?Right? Paul would say,"Was Jack Hibbs crucified for you?"Were you baptized in the name of John Piper?No.Our union is in Jesus and with Jesus.So Nick's the Clicks.Paul shows us fighting is foolish.Fighting is foolish.And finally, number three.Why do I want to fight for unity?Because this unity distracts from the mission.This unity distracts from the mission.Look at verse 14.Paul says,"I thank God that I baptize none of you,except Christmas and Gaius,so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name."I did baptize also the household of Staphanos.Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.Listen, Paul is not diminishing baptism.Paul's not saying baptism isn't important.This is all Paul is saying.Corinthians, if you're going to fight about this stuff,I am so glad I didn't baptize more of you.If you're going to act like childrenbecause of who baptized you,I'll thank you God that I didn't baptize more of you.In verse 17, he says,"For Christ did not send me to baptizeto preach the gospel and not with words of eloquent wisdom,lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."Paul is saying, "I was sent to preach to make men one in Christ,not baptize to make teams."When you praise the messenger,you miss the message.When you praise the missionary,you miss the mission.And harvest Satan would want anything,anything to distract us from the mission of making disciples.Nothing's changed.Read the book of Acts.In the book of Acts, the church is born.Satan tried to destroy the church from the outsidethrough Acts chapter 4.From the outside attacks.What happened to the churchwhen Satan tried to attack from the outside?What happened?It got bigger and stronger.Kind of like the Charlie Kirk thing that happened recently.The outside attack resulted in getting bigger and stronger.But do you know Acts chapter 5, Acts chapter 6,Satan changes his strategy.Instead of attacking the church from the outside,he attacks the church from the inside,and he found out to be so much more effectiveto distract the church from the mission.And Satan will do that to us.You see, if Satan can get us dividedand fighting with each other,then we're distracted from doing what we're supposed to be doing.The gospel of Jesus Christhas to be the core of everything that we do here.It has to be the cause of everything that we do here.It has to be the motivation of everything that this church does.A pure focus on a pure gospel.Not with words of eloquent wisdom.In other words, we're not sugarcoating it.We're not dressing it up.We're not making it a performance.The power is in the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.So next the clicks.Why?Because disunity distracts from the mission.Our worship team will make their way forward.I'd like you to just buy your heads for a moment.Excuse me.I'd like you to just buy your heads.As we said at the onset,when there's any kind of disunity,when there's any kind of fighting,it's so easy to blame the other guy.God's Word tells us that we need to look at ourselves first.I just want you to buy your heads.I just want you to do a little self-examination.I want you to consider your role in this church,your interactions with people in this church.And I want you to ask yourself,am I an agent of unity or disunity in this church?Am I trying to bring people together?Or am I dividing people?Oh, another question that goes with that.Ask yourself this.If everyone in the church acted like I do,what kind of church would this be?And then finally ask yourself this.Am I committed to the pure doctrine of the gospeland submission to our Lord and to one another?Or have I really made lesser things my focus?Father in heaven,you have called us to unity.Father, it's real easy for us to sit in this roomand sort of laugh at the foolishnessthat was happening in the Corinthian church,bragging about which preacher is the best.It just seems so silly to us,but Father, we fight about thingsthat are much more silly than that.Father, I just pray for the unity in this church.We believe, Father, that Christ died to make us one.And I pray, Father, that we would do everything we canon our part to strive for unity in the body of Christ.Father, if there's any complaining,negative, divisive attitude within any of us,Father, I pray that you would grant repentanceand bring us to the place that we care moreabout your reputation and the ministryto reach the lost and to build up the saved.I pray that we would be so focusedon what you've called us to,that we're not distracted with personal preferences.So thank you, God.Thank you, God, for what you've clearly laid outfor us in your Word.Have us faithful to do it, Father.We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Is Christ living in us just symbolic? My wife wants a divorce. What's my next move? Should we wish evil or destruction on unbelievers?

The irony here is that we are posting this, in fact, on the internet. In a world where everyone's talking but few are truly listening, this conversation about Paul's letter to the Corinthians – a church divided by pride, preference, and personality – sounds awfully familiar to what our culture is walking through now.Paul's big question, “Is Christ divided?”, still speaks directly into our modern noise.

Because of the manner of his preaching over time, it is not unusual to find Spurgeon creating his own connections, contrasts, and counterpoints. You may find little sermon ‘runs' as he works through, for example, the stages of Christian maturity in 1 John 2. Sometimes he will say something like, “A few Sabbaths ago we looked at that, but today we must consider this so that we do not lose sight of either.” In this sermon, he is building on a previous sermon, seeking to lift up a particular aspect of truth already addressed and press it home in a particular direction. Is Christ the Beloved of the Father? Then what does it mean for us to accepted in the Beloved Son? Spurgeon suggests that this is more a matter for sweet meditation than for didactic instruction, and so proceeds to unpack his text in a series of thoughts which invariably focus on Christ the Beloved, and what it means for God to receive us for his sake. A note of joyful wonder permeates the sermon, as the preacher—ranging far and wide through Scripture and nature for illumination and illustration—digs ever deeper into the delight of being accepted by the Great Father for the sake of his Beloved Son. Read the sermon here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/accepted-of-the-great-father Check out the new From the Heart of Spurgeon Book! British: https://amzn.to/48rV1OR American: https://amzn.to/48oHjft Connect with the Reading Spurgeon Community on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ReadingSpurgeon Sign up to get the weekly readings emailed to you: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/from-the-heart-of-spurgeon. Check out other Media Gratiae podcasts at www.mediagratiae.org Download the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app #spurgeon #podcast #fyp #preacher #reformed #Christian #sermon #history #churchhistory #pastor

Because of the manner of his preaching over time, it is not unusual to find Spurgeon creating his own connections, contrasts, and counterpoints. You may find little sermon 'runs' as he works through, for example, the stages of Christian maturity in 1 John 2. Sometimes he will say something like, "A few Sabbaths ago we looked at that, but today we must consider this so that we do not lose sight of either." In this sermon, he is building on a previous sermon, seeking to lift up a particular aspect of truth already addressed and press it home in a particular direction. Is Christ the Beloved of the Father? Then what does it mean for us to accepted in the Beloved Son? Spurgeon suggests that this is more a matter for sweet meditation than for didactic instruction, and so proceeds to unpack his text in a series of thoughts which invariably focus on Christ the Beloved, and what it means for God to receive us for his sake. A note of joyful wonder permeates the sermon, as the preacher—ranging far and wide through Scripture and nature for illumination and illustration—digs ever deeper into the delight of being accepted by the Great Father for the sake of his Beloved Son.

In this sermon, we learn that nothing in this world compares to the joy of knowing Jesus, and we must beware of the people and ideas that would threaten this joy. Knowing Jesus leads to joy and this must be fought for (Phil. 3:1). Those who truly know Him worship by the Spirit, glory in Him and put not confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3). Knowing Jesus is more valuable than anything else in this world (Phil. 3:8). In order for a person to know Jesus they must come to him by faith (Phil. 3:9). And growing in our relationship with him means that we continue to trust him, pursue Him (Phil. 3:10-13) and obey his word (Phil. 2:12, Colossians 2:6-7). Reflection Questions Are you relying on Christ alone for righteousness? Is Christ your source of joy? Is Christ and his cross your point of boasting? Do you value knowing Jesus more than anything else in this world? How do you handle the temptation to trust in your strengths or successes and find your confidence in them? Prayer Lord, I want to know you! I want to know you more accurately and intimately. May I not settle for merely knowing about you. May my relationship with you transform every area of my life; how I see myself, others and the world. May I live as a citizen of Heaven with my life pointing others to gospel! Forgive me for where I have settled for earthly things, hoping that they would satisfy or bring significance to my life. Teach me to live like the Apostle Paul, who said “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

In this sermon, we learn that nothing in this world compares to the joy of knowing Jesus, and we must beware of the people and ideas that would threaten this joy. Knowing Jesus leads to joy and this must be fought for (Phil. 3:1). Those who truly know Him worship by the Spirit, glory in Him and put not confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3). Knowing Jesus is more valuable than anything else in this world (Phil. 3:8). In order for a person to know Jesus they must come to him by faith (Phil. 3:9). And growing in our relationship with him means that we continue to trust him, pursue Him (Phil. 3:10-13) and obey his word (Phil. 2:12, Colossians 2:6-7). Reflection Questions Are you relying on Christ alone for righteousness? Is Christ your source of joy? Is Christ and his cross your point of boasting? Do you value knowing Jesus more than anything else in this world? How do you handle the temptation to trust in your strengths or successes and find your confidence in them? Prayer Lord, I want to know you! I want to know you more accurately and intimately. May I not settle for merely knowing about you. May my relationship with you transform every area of my life; how I see myself, others and the world. May I live as a citizen of Heaven with my life pointing others to gospel! Forgive me for where I have settled for earthly things, hoping that they would satisfy or bring significance to my life. Teach me to live like the Apostle Paul, who said “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

In this sermon, we learn that nothing in this world compares to the joy of knowing Jesus, and we must beware of the people and ideas that would threaten this joy. Knowing Jesus leads to joy and this must be fought for (Phil. 3:1). Those who truly know Him worship by the Spirit, glory in Him and put not confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3). Knowing Jesus is more valuable than anything else in this world (Phil. 3:8). In order for a person to know Jesus they must come to him by faith (Phil. 3:9). And growing in our relationship with him means that we continue to trust him, pursue Him (Phil. 3:10-13) and obey his word (Phil. 2:12, Colossians 2:6-7). Reflection Questions Are you relying on Christ alone for righteousness? Is Christ your source of joy? Is Christ and his cross your point of boasting? Do you value knowing Jesus more than anything else in this world? How do you handle the temptation to trust in your strengths or successes and find your confidence in them? Prayer Lord, I want to know you! I want to know you more accurately and intimately. May I not settle for merely knowing about you. May my relationship with you transform every area of my life; how I see myself, others and the world. May I live as a citizen of Heaven with my life pointing others to gospel! Forgive me for where I have settled for earthly things, hoping that they would satisfy or bring significance to my life. Teach me to live like the Apostle Paul, who said “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

X-Space discussions; Why hate Charlie Kirk; "Judeo-Christian" ideas; Nicolaitans?; Baalam?; False accusations; What are Judeo values?; Christian values?; Doers of the word; Califates; Importance of context; Translation; "Abimelech"; vs "Melchizedek"; Sycamore tree?; Luke 19 parable; Zacchaeus; Taxation; Perils of electing rulers; Pure religion vs public religion; Jesus hailed as king - of peace; Firing moneychangers; Both king and high priest; Tithing; Freewill offerings; Abraham's altars; "Communities"; Tesserae?; "Logos" = "The Word" = Right reason; vs "Rhema"; Mt 4:10 Worship and serve; Dictates of the LORD thy God; Cloaking the bible in mindless rituals; Corban; Serving God from home; Blessing of Abraham; Understanding your bondage; Willingness to communicate/converse; Gen 32:1; mem-chet-nun-yod-mem (Mahanaim); Gen 28:12; mem-lamad-aleph-kof-yod Angels; Prov 16:11 (Messenger); Unjust weights; Righteousness; "Leaven" = oppression; Two ways to rule a nation; Gifting Esau?; hey+mem-lamad-aleph-kof-yod+mem messenger? "Host" of God?; Messengers, angels; Herod's recognizing messiah; Values of God; Laban's ways; Covering Abraham's wells; Symbolism; Freedom of choice; Altars of charity; Covetous practices = idolatry; Anti-Christ; Is Christ really your king?; Well of satisfaction; Augustus Caesar - son of God?; Welfare snares; Egyptians leaving Egypt; "Shem"ites; "Fear not!"; Is your church taking care of all the needy?; Making Christians "peculiar"; Seeking the fullness of the kingdom; Jacob's procession of gifts; Consistent Christianity; Jacob wrestled a man = mem-lamad-shin-kuf; Gen 32:28 "strive"; Prince having power; Listening to Holy Spirit; Need to pray; Setting others free; Consistency of living in faith, hope and charity; Trusting God; Respecters of persons; pey-nun-yod-aleph-lamad (Peniel); Becoming Israel; Face of God?; Walking with God; What was Esau doing differently?; What about Jacob's sons?; Making Jacob stink; Seek His kingdom and His righteousness.

Emma and Suzanne discuss the Inductive Bible Study Method and how you can apply this method to a 15 minute Bible study routine.    Inductive Bible Study Method: Observe Observe = What does the text say?  Pick 1-2 of these to observe in the text:  Attributes of God Repeated words Lists Comparisons/contrasts Questions Commands Transition words Unfamiliar words Interpret Interpret = What does the text mean?  Interpretation looks at: Historical Context Literary Context Metanarrative of the Bible Redemptive History Ask yourself these questions in interpretation: What questions do you have about the text?  Tip: This is where study Bibles and commentaries are really helpful! If you were to summarize the passage in one sentence, what would you say? Apply Apply = What does the text mean for me today? Ask yourself these questions:  What does this passage teach us about God? What does this passage teach us about humanity?  Is there a command I need to obey? How does this point to Christ?  Tips for finding the Christ connection:  Does it show a need for Christ?  Is there a promise or prophecy about Christ? Is Christ present in the text? Resources:  The Bible Study Handbook Subscribe to our Podcast Newsletter!   Favorite Things: Suzanne: Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe  Emma: Going to Nashville for Baby Shower! Connect with us:  The Daily Grace Co. | Facebook | Instagram | Daily Grace Blog |