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Courageous faith can lead to extraordinary victories—but sometimes it also leads straight into danger, suffering, and persecution. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to Hebrews 11:30–40, where Scripture remembers men and women who trusted God even when obedience cost them dearly. Some conquered kingdoms and defeated enemies. Others endured imprisonment, rejection, torture, and death. Yet both groups were commended for the same thing: faith. From Rahab and Gideon to Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, these Biblical heroes demonstrate that God works powerfully through people who trust Him. They were not flawless. They failed, sinned, and needed repentance just as we do. But when they turned to Almighty God in faith, He received them and used them for His glory. Their courage was rooted not in their own strength but in confidence that God would remain faithful to His Word. They trusted that He would ultimately deal with sin, provide righteousness, and fulfill His promises. Looking forward to Christ by faith freed them to obey God even when the cost was great. Whatever hardship, opposition, or uncertainty you face today, remember: courageous faith is not confidence that nothing painful will happen. It is confidence that God will be faithful through it all. The question is whether we are ready to trust Him enough to say, “Here I am, send me.” Prayer: Father, help me to have courageous faith. During times of persecution, danger, or hardship, help me to stay committed to You because I know that You have the ultimate victory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. . . . the world was not worthy of them” (Hebrews 11:36, 38). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, The Warring Faith: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
Help Is On The Way - Judges | Out Of Chances | Pastor Jon Adams Judges 11-12 This Sunday in our Help Is On the Way series, we'll be looking at Judges 11-12 and the tragic story of Jephthah. Israel is once again caught in their familiar cycle of turning away from God, experiencing the consequences, and crying out for help. After years of this rebellion, it would seem reasonable for God to say, “Enough!” Yet, He responds with mercy, raising up Jephthah to rescue His people. Unfortunately, while securing victory for Israel, Jephthah makes a reckless vow with devastating consequences. Join us as we consider Jephthah's story and discover what it reveals about the incredible patience and faithful love of a God who continues to reach for His people, even when they wander. #Renew #Judges #Rebel #motorcycle #sermon #sunday #onlinechurch
Never meet your heroes: Jephthah - Judges 11:29–35Andy JuddRidley College Chapel Sermon (Semester 2/Week 3/Thursday 2026)
These judges show us that faith can go hand in hand with weakness, insecurity, and pride. Our faith can begin imperfectly, and it seem awkward as it grows. But God assures us He focuses on what our faith can accomplish in His kingdom.
Hebrews 11:32-34 ESV By Faith 32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. For more information about Redeemer Church Lubbock visit our website at redeemerlubbock.org.
Jephthah the Judge was a man who had a poor start in life, but he proved to be a man of faith who saved the people of Israel.
Pastor Robert looks at the example of Jephthah to see the Bible's teaching that our circumstances both come from the Lord and are designed to make us more like Jesus.
Sunday Sermon 7/19/26 - Rev. Jimmy Choi
Help Is On The Way - Judges | Jephthah Faith | Pastor Chris Heller Judges 11-12 Join us this Sunday as we continue our Help Is On the Way series by exploring the remarkable life of Jephthah in Judges 11–12. This sermon explores the story of Gideon from the book of Judges, examining how God works through weak faith to accomplish His purposes. The central message focuses on God's non-negotiable requirement that all idols must come down before freedom can be found. Through Gideon's story, we address the "rebel cycle" of sin, consequences, repentance, rescue, restoration, and relapse that characterizes the book of Judges. We are challenged to identify modern-day idols—anything we claim as "my" (my freedom, my identity, my safety, my comfort, my future)—and surrender them to God. The sermon emphasizes that compromise gradually allows what should never be allowed, destroys what should never be destroyed, and threatens who should never be threatened. Despite Gideon's weak faith and repeated requests for confirmation (the fleece test), God remained patient and faithful, demonstrating that divine assurance is more important than self-assurance. The message concludes with an invitation to trust God completely, allowing Him to transform what we once used for ourselves into instruments for His purposes. #Renew #Judges #Evil #motorcycle #sermon #sunday #onlinechurch
When facing the consequences of our own bad choices, it can become easy to simply seek an escape from the pain we've caused ourselves instead of slowing down to ask ourselves what was underneath those actions. God isn't after our behavior, He's after our hearts and our behavior is usually just a sign of what we really love. Repentance means to turn one's heart back to God, relationally. As we discuss the life of Jephthah, we will get a clear picture of what false repentance looks like, and ask ourselves how we can practice true repentance.
We invite you to study with Jacob about 9th Judge of Israel from the Book of Judges.You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.The U.S. Copyright Office protects this video and its contents under section 107 of the Fair Use Copyright Act 1976 which can be found here: can be found here: https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107.While we do encourage comments, all are held for review before posting. We ask that you please focus your posts on the video and it's topic. Keep it relevant to the message; and of course showering us with love is always welcome. We do appreciate you and thank you for caring enough to speak up and speak out.Please note: Posts that are longer than a short paragraph, contains hate, or disrespectful comments, or links to websites or other videos will be deleted. Comments determined to be inappropriate, obscene, disrespectful or with links to pornographic material, will get you banned. All decisions on comments are at our discretion.
Discover the harrowing tale of Jephthah, where a thoughtless vow turns a triumphant victory into a devastating personal tragedy.In this episode, we delve into the tragic story of Jephthah, a mighty warrior whose rash oath leads to unforeseen and heartbreaking consequences. As he rises to lead Israel against their enemies, Jephthah's vow tests his integrity and faith, revealing the complexities of human promises and divine expectations.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 5:37, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Not all cursing is sin, and not all oaths are forbidden. Lesson 35 continues the study of the third commandment and moves into cursing and swearing.Teacher Dave Rich distinguishes between sinful cursing, calling for someone's harm out of personal anger or vindictiveness, and the legitimate cursing found in Scripture, including the imprecatory psalms, Paul's warnings against false teachers, and church discipline. Rich shows that a curse becomes sin when it serves personal vengeance rather than God's glory, and that treating words like damn and hell lightly undermines the seriousness of what they actually mean.Rich then turns to swearing and oath taking, working through Matthew 5 and James 5 to argue that Jesus and James were not forbidding all oaths but the dishonest, manipulative oath taking common among the Pharisees. He traces examples of legitimate oaths from God's own promise to Abraham, Christ's testimony before the high priest, and Paul's letters, then walks through categories of prohibited swearing, including dishonest oaths, oaths to sin, and foolish oaths like Jephthah's vow.The lesson closes with practical guidance on the vows Christians do take, including wedding vows, baptism, communion, and oaths of office, and the call to take our own words seriously before God. ★ Support this podcast ★
Father's Day Jim Licharowicz
Punto por punto, ipagtatanggol natin ang pananampalatayang Katoliko gamit ang Bibliya. Ilang beses nga ba pumatay ang Diyos sa Bible? Catholic apologetics, Bible study, at depensa ng pananampalataya — lahat sa isang episode. Mahigit 2.8 million ang direktang pinatay o inutos patayin ng Diyos sa Bibliya — mula sa Lumang Tipan hanggang sa Bagong Tipan. Sa video na ito, tatalakayin natin ang pitong pinaka-grabeng kamatayan sa Bibliya: ang anak na babae ni Jephthah na inialay bilang handog na sinusunog (Judges 11), ang rebelyon ni Korah kung saan nilamon ng lupa ang buong angkan (Numbers 16), sina Nadab at Abihu na tinupok ng apoy dahil sa maling handog (Leviticus 10), si Uzzah na pinatay matapos saluhin ang Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6), ang mag-asawang Ananias at Sapphira na bumulagta sa harap ng Simbahan (Acts 5), ang 42 batang lalaki na pinunit ng dalawang oso matapos insultuhin si Propeta Elisha (2 Kings 2), at ang Canaanite Conquest kung saan inutusan ng Diyos ang Israel na paslangin ang bawat lalaki, babae, bata, at sanggol sa pamamagitan ng espada (Deuteronomy 7, Joshua 6). Bakit pinapayagan ng Diyos ang mga ito? Masama ba ang Diyos? Sa dulo ng video, ibibigay ko ang limang teolohikal na dahilan — mula sa divine authority, hanggang sa divine judgment.
Today we explored the challenging story of Jephthah in Judges 11:29–40 with CY Yan. Far from being a simple “hero of faith,” Jephthah is a broken, insecure leader whose rash vow and tragic sacrifice show what happens when we try to manipulate God and borrow the world's ways instead of trusting God's character and Word. We are reminded that God provides mercy even for foolish vows—calling us today to examine our own motives and refuse to sacrifice people on the altar of success. We must not let the pursuit of success or security lead us to compromise God's ways, but instead examine our motives and align our lives with God's truth.
Pastor Jesse continues our series walking through the book of Judges. As we get into the story of Jephthah, Pastor Jesse raises the question, 'What if our view of God has been formed with errors?'
Building Christian community is one of the hardest things we are engaged in. The relative progress we have made in this venture is one of the greatest signs of God's blessing. Only the Holy Spirit can knit people like us together.But it also requires great wisdom, constant vigilance, and addressing sin. Bitterness and envy are not little sins that can be ignored. They are cancers that destroy families and churches and nations.The Text: “And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire…” (Judges 12:1-15)King's Cross Church is a member congregation of the CREC in Moscow, ID. Visit our website at https://kingscrossmoscow.com.Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/kingscrossmoscow.
ScriptureI could speak more of faith; I could talk until time itself ran out. If I continued, I could speak of the examples of Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah, of David and Samuel and all the prophets. 33 I could give accounts of people alive with faith who conquered kingdoms, brought justice, obtained promises, and closed the mouths of hungry lions. 34 I could tell you how people of faith doused raging fires, escaped the edge of the sword, made the weak strong, and—stoking great valor among the champions of God—sent opposing armies into panicked flight. Hebrews 11:32-34 (VOICE)The GistNo, it isn't a typo. We didn't mean Rise and Shine, we really meant Rise and Found! After reading once again about all the unexpected Heroes of Faith or Champions of God, we were reminded of how none of them felt capable, prepared, or strong enough. BUT God chose them and equipped them. The phrase: Found strength rising out of weakness stood out. This episode, Allison & Melissa talk unscripted about which word stood out, drew them in, and what God revealed. You won't want to miss what they discovered and share in this episode. Melissa: FoundAllison: RisingDigging DeeperFound strength rising out of weakness. What world draws your attention? Found? Strength? Rising? Weakness?Find a quiet spot, sit, and linger with this question and see what God reveals to you. Be sure to share with a friend.
It is amazing how often in life we come to points where we are faced with our own mistakes and we have the chance to admit that we are wrong and turn from what we are doing or be defensive, double down and dig in. In this message, we look at a tragic character from the Bible who after a great start in life ends up at a critical moment when everything rides on admitting that he's wrong. Sadly, he stands as a stark warning of what not to do. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 7, 2026
It is amazing how often in life we come to points where we are faced with our own mistakes and we have the chance to admit that we are wrong and turn from what we are doing or be defensive, double down and dig in. In this message, we look at a tragic character from the Bible who after a great start in life ends up at a critical moment when everything rides on admitting that he's wrong. Sadly, he stands as a stark warning of what not to do. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 7, 2026
It is amazing how often in life we come to points where we are faced with our own mistakes and we have the chance to admit that we are wrong and turn from what we are doing or be defensive, double down and dig in. In this message, we look at a tragic character from the Bible who after a great start in life ends up at a critical moment when everything rides on admitting that he's wrong. Sadly, he stands as a stark warning of what not to do. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 7, 2026
It is amazing how often in life we come to points where we are faced with our own mistakes and we have the chance to admit that we are wrong and turn from what we are doing or be defensive, double down and dig in. In this message, we look at a tragic character from the Bible who after a great start in life ends up at a critical moment when everything rides on admitting that he's wrong. Sadly, he stands as a stark warning of what not to do. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 7, 2026
www.michaelbasham.com Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2 For by [faith—[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible. 4 [Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking. 5 Because of faith Enoch was caught up and transferred to heaven, so that he did not have a glimpse of death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. For even before he was taken to heaven, he received testimony [still on record] that he had pleased and been satisfactory to God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. 7 [Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world's unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness ([c]that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith). 8 [Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. 9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God. 11 Because of faith also Sarah herself received physical power to conceive a child, even when she was long past the age for it, because she considered [God] Who had given her the promise to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word. 12 So from one man, though he was physically as good as dead, there have sprung descendants whose number is as the stars of heaven and as countless as the innumerable sands on the seashore. 13 These people all died controlled and sustained by their faith, but not having received the tangible fulfillment of [God's] promises, only having seen it and greeted it from a great distance by faith, and all the while acknowledging and confessing that they were strangers and temporary residents and exiles upon the earth. 14 Now those people who talk as they did show plainly that they are in search of a fatherland (their own country). 15 If they had been thinking with [homesick] remembrance of that country from which they were emigrants, they would have found constant opportunity to return to it. 16 But the truth is that they were yearning for and aspiring to a better and more desirable country, that is, a heavenly [one]. For that reason God is not ashamed to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob], for He has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was [d]still in progress], [e]had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God's] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son, 18 Of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your descendants be reckoned. 19 For he reasoned that God was able to raise [him] up even from among the dead. Indeed in the sense that Isaac was figuratively dead [potentially sacrificed], he did [actually] receive him back from the dead. 20 [With eyes of] faith Isaac, looking far into the future, invoked blessings upon Jacob and Esau. 21 [Prompted] by faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and bowed in prayer over the top of his staff. 22 [Actuated] by faith Joseph, when nearing the end of his life, referred to [the promise of God for] the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his own bones. 23 [Prompted] by faith Moses, after his birth, was kept concealed for three months by his parents, because they saw how comely the child was; and they were not overawed and terrified by the king's decree. 24 [Aroused] by faith Moses, when he had grown to maturity and [f]become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life. 26 He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense). 27 [Motivated] by faith he left Egypt behind him, being unawed and undismayed by the wrath of the king; for he never flinched but held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly as one who gazed on Him Who is invisible. 28 By faith (simple trust and confidence in God) he instituted and carried out the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [on the doorposts], so that the destroyer of the firstborn (the angel) might not touch those [of the children of Israel]. 29 [Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried to do the same thing they were swallowed up [by the sea]. 30 Because of faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encompassed for seven days [by the Israelites]. 31 [Prompted] by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace [without enmity]. 32 And what shall I say further? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 Who by [the help of] faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions, 34 Extinguished the power of raging fire, escaped the devourings of the sword, out of frailty and weakness won strength and became stalwart, even mighty and resistless in battle, routing alien hosts. 35 [Some] women received again their dead by a resurrection. Others were tortured [g]to death with clubs, refusing to accept release [offered on the terms of denying their faith], so that they might be resurrected to a better life. 36 Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith]; they were sawn asunder; they were slaughtered by the sword; [while they were alive] they had to go about wrapped in the skins of sheep and goats, utterly destitute, oppressed, cruelly treated— 38 [Men] of whom the world was not worthy—roaming over the desolate places and the mountains, and [living] in caves and caverns and holes of the earth. 39 And all of these, though they won divine approval by [means of] their faith, did not receive the fulfillment of what was promised, 40 Because God had us in mind and had something better and greater in view for us, so that they [these heroes and heroines of faith] should not come to perfection apart from us [before we could join them].
The book of Judges gives us some of the most intriguing and tragic characters in all of the Hebrew Bible: Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah and Samson. But what did it mean to be a 'judge' in ancient Israel? To find out, Helen and Lloyd take a trip in the Biblical Time Machine with Dr Brandon Hurlbert.Dr Brandon Hurlbert (PhD, Durham University) is a teaching fellow in Hebrew Bible and Ethics at Durham University. His thesis explored the possibilities of reading the book of Judges as Christian Scripture. He is a research associate at the Centre for the Study of Biblical Violence and co-host of The Two Cities Podcast, and his other research interests include the Bible and Film and biblical reception history. If you would like access to our bonus episode and the chance to be a backstage guest, consider joining our Time Traveller's Club at patreon.com/biblicaltimemachine for just $5 a month (think of it as $1.25 per episode).Support the showTheme music written and performed by Dave Roos, creator of Biblical Time Machine. Season 4 produced by John Nelson.
Speaker | Dr. Jim Bradford JUDGES: GOD'S UNUSUAL HEROES - Jephthah's Rejection and Recklessness Sunday May 31, 2026 Sermon Slides | YouVersion
Does it really matter what you believe? In Week 3 of Binge The Bible Season 5, Pastor JC Worley unpacks one of the most disturbing stories in the Book of Judges—the story of Jephthah. It's a powerful reminder that passion, sincerity, and good intentions are not substitutes for truth. After generations of compromise, Jephthah believed in God but had a distorted view of who God was. His story reveals how culture can slowly shape our thinking, influence our decisions, and pull us away from God's truth without us even realizing it. In this message, you'll discover: • Why passion doesn't always equal truth • How bad theology impacts real people • The danger of letting culture shape your beliefs • What is forming your heart and mind every day • Why Jesus frees us from trying to earn God's love The question isn't whether you're being formed. The question is: Who or what is forming you? No matter your past or how far you've drifted, it's never too late to turn back to God. ⛪ ABOUT GO CHURCH GO Church exists to love people to life by helping people take their next step with Jesus. With multiple locations and an online campus, GO Church is a place where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover your purpose.
Does it really matter what you believe? In Week 3 of Binge The Bible Season 5, Pastor JC Worley unpacks one of the most disturbing stories in the Book of Judges—the story of Jephthah. It's a powerful reminder that passion, sincerity, and good intentions are not substitutes for truth. After generations of compromise, Jephthah believed in God but had a distorted view of who God was. His story reveals how culture can slowly shape our thinking, influence our decisions, and pull us away from God's truth without us even realizing it. In this message, you'll discover: • Why passion doesn't always equal truth • How bad theology impacts real people • The danger of letting culture shape your beliefs • What is forming your heart and mind every day • Why Jesus frees us from trying to earn God's love The question isn't whether you're being formed. The question is: Who or what is forming you? No matter your past or how far you've drifted, it's never too late to turn back to God. ⛪ ABOUT GO CHURCH GO Church exists to love people to life by helping people take their next step with Jesus. With multiple locations and an online campus, GO Church is a place where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover your purpose.
Does it really matter what you believe? In Week 3 of Binge The Bible Season 5, Pastor JC Worley unpacks one of the most disturbing stories in the Book of Judges—the story of Jephthah. It's a powerful reminder that passion, sincerity, and good intentions are not substitutes for truth. After generations of compromise, Jephthah believed in God but had a distorted view of who God was. His story reveals how culture can slowly shape our thinking, influence our decisions, and pull us away from God's truth without us even realizing it. In this message, you'll discover: • Why passion doesn't always equal truth • How bad theology impacts real people • The danger of letting culture shape your beliefs • What is forming your heart and mind every day • Why Jesus frees us from trying to earn God's love The question isn't whether you're being formed. The question is: Who or what is forming you? No matter your past or how far you've drifted, it's never too late to turn back to God. ⛪ ABOUT GO CHURCH GO Church exists to love people to life by helping people take their next step with Jesus. With multiple locations and an online campus, GO Church is a place where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover your purpose.
Today, we're going to look at Jephthah, a seriously flawed leader that God uses to rescue His people from the Ammonites—and what that means for us today. If you've ever wondered whether God can use imperfect people who made foolish decisions, this powerful and tragic story has an answer.Welcome to Antioch Georgetown! We are a church in Georgetown, TX, and our mission is simple--We lead people to follow Christ in a life-changing way.Get Connected:
In this episode, we tackle the raw and unfiltered Book of Judges. We step into an era where "there was no king in Israel" to see what happens when a society—and an individual—abandons prophetic boundaries and begins to substitute personal preference for divine law. The Pride Cycle: We analyze the text's relentless pattern of prosperity, pride, sin, suffering, supplication, and salvation. We look at why God preserves this cycle as a warning for our day. Gideon's Reduction: We explore why God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 down to just 300 men. We learn why the Lord intentionally puts us in positions where we cannot boast in our own strength. The Leadership of Deborah: We study the courage of Deborah and the unexpected heroism of Jael, illustrating how God raises up faithful individuals to do what others are too fearful to attempt. The Descent of Samson: We map out the tragic, literal "downward" geographical and spiritual journey of Samson, looking at how a man of such high potential fell victim to low achievement because of weak self-discipline. Doing Right in Our Own Eyes: We conclude with the sobering final verse of the book, confronting the modern trap of moral relativism and discovering why true freedom requires submitting to the King of Kings. Call-to-Action: Gideon needed a fleece to confirm his faith, but eventually had to move forward in the dark. What is a "strange strategy" the Lord is asking you to trust in your life right now? Let's share our thoughts on overcoming personal spiritual cycles in the comments below. To keep your faith "Unshaken" through every round of life's trials, please like, subscribe, and share this video! Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to the Book of Judges 3:01 The Pride Cycle 14:46 An Incomplete Conquest 23:29 Making the Rounds of Righteousness & Wickedness 43:25 The First Minor Judges 51:24 Deborah & Jael 1:08:06 The Song of Deborah & Mothers in Israel 1:31:45 Gideon's Doubt & Faith 1:54:49 The Sword of the Lord & of Gideon 2:17:28 Gideon's Aftermath 2:29:33 Abimelech's Reign & the Parable of the Bramble 2:44:07 Justice & Mercy, Goodness & Grief 2:52:11 Jephthah & His Daughter 3:16:15 Samson: Child of Promise 3:26:18 Samson's Strength and Weakness 3:57:39 Samson & Delilah 4:07:33 Bind and Blind 4:16:15 Micah and the Problem of Priestcraft 4:33:42 The Levite's Concubine and the Price of Virtue 5:00:52 Conclusion
Today's Scripture passages are Judges 11 - 12.Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPWORD40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeTo reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Ryan and Brian reunite in person at "Bistro East" (Ryan's home in Indianapolis) to celebrate Ryan's 45th birthday and dive back into their ongoing Sermon on the Mount series. This episode covers Jesus' teaching on oaths and vows — what the Old Testament commanded, where things went wrong, and what Jesus calls his followers to instead.In This EpisodeA birthday dinner recommendation: Bodhi Thai restaurant in Indianapolis (reservations required — book 7 days ahead!)Milestone: Episode 202 of the podcastMain text: Matthew 5:33–37 — Jesus on oaths and swearingKey Scripture ReferencesLeviticus 19:12 — Do not swear falsely by God's nameNumbers 30:1–2 — A man must fulfill every vow made to the LordDeuteronomy 23 — Do not delay fulfilling a vow; silence is better than a broken promiseJudges 11:29–31 — Jephthah's hasty vow and its tragic consequencesJudges 21:1 — Israel's rash oath regarding Benjamin, leading to further tragedyMatthew 5:33–37 — Jesus: "Do not swear at all... let your yes be yes and your no be no"James 5 — "Let your yes be yes and your no be no" (parallel teaching from Jesus' brother)Matthew 23:16 — Jesus rebukes the Pharisees as "blind guides"Numbers 15:26 — Unintentional sins and forgiveness for the communityMain TakeawaysThe Old Testament law was clear: if you make a vow, you must keep it. Breaking an oath meant profaning God's name and incurring serious consequences. But the stories of Jephthah and the tribe of Benjamin illustrate the danger of hasty vows — rushed promises that lead to devastating outcomes.Jesus cuts through all of this with a radical simplification: don't swear at all. His point isn't legalistic — it's about the kind of people his followers should be. Kingdom people should have such consistent integrity that oaths become unnecessary. When your word is always good, there's no need to back it up with a sworn guarantee.The deeper issue: swearing an oath implies your normal words can't be trusted. If your yes always means yes and your no always means no, the whole system of oath-taking becomes redundant.Interesting Side Note: The Kol NidreBrian discusses the Kol Nidre, a prayer chanted at the opening of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) in Jewish tradition. Rooted in Aramaic for "all vows," it essentially declares any inadvertent oaths made in the coming year null and void — a fascinating reflection of how seriously Jewish tradition has wrestled with the problem of broken vows.Coming UpNext, Ryan and Brian will continue in Matthew 5 with Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek.Find More Episodes & Series Visit the Bible Bistro website for full series archives including studies on Zechariah, Daniel, and more — useful for personal study, teaching, and preaching.
Insecurity is more than self-doubt.It's more than low confidence.Left unchecked, insecurity becomes a trap.In this message, “The Hidden Costs Of Insecurity: Don't Let Your Insecurity Become A Trap,” we look at the story of Jephthah in Judges 11 and see how unresolved wounds can quietly shape our decisions, relationships, and view of ourselves. Though Jephthah was empowered by God and used mightily, his insecurity still led him into destructive choices that carried painful consequences.This message reveals how insecurity doesn't stay hidden for long. What begins internally eventually affects the way we speak, react, lead, and make decisions—and often impacts the people closest to us.In this sermon, you'll hear about:How rejection and wounds can distort our identityWhy insecurity leads us to make unhealthy promises and decisionsWhat happens when we don't deal with the root of our painHow insecurity not only costs us, but can deeply affect othersThis message challenges us to stop normalizing insecurity and bring our wounds before God—and asks a searching question: Are we allowing God to heal what's beneath the surface, or are we letting insecurity shape our lives without realizing it?Because if we don't deal with the root of insecurity,we'll eventually have to face the fruit of it.
→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(06:25) The pride cycle explained.(11:29) The pride cycle illustrated in the Book of Judges.(15:56) Successive generations of Israelites forget God and the things he has done for them.(17:56) The theme of denigrating the northern tribes of Israel.(21:33) Othniel is the first judge. Ehud, the second judge, brings a “gift” to Eglon, the fat king of Moab.(27:24) Deborah is the third judge. How her story compares to the Ishtar myth.(36:51) Gideon is the fourth judge and humbly trusts in God.(47:43) Gideon refuses the invitation to be the king of Israel and teaches that Israel should make God their King.(53:20) Samson is the 7th judge and is blessed with great strength. His ultimate destruction is symbolic of the descent of the House of Israel. Other myths of the ancient world, those of Nergal and Oedipus, may indicate that Samson's story contains recontextualized tropes from older times.(1:11:00) Abimelech is the 5th judge and slays his seventy brothers.(1:14:15) Jephthah is the 6th judge and makes a rash vow and sacrifices his only daughter.(1:17:47) In the first epilogue Micah sets up a false religion.(1:19:59) In the second epilogue a Levite woman is horribly violated and killed. Civil war ensues among the Israelites. We see that if Christ isn't our King, we will be without civilization. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 373 | Judges, Come Follow Me 2026 (May 25-31) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.
May 10, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class This episode surveys the women of the book of Judges and centers on Deborah — Israel's fourth judge and a prophetess — to draw practical lessons for Christian living. Neal opens by noting the worshipful setting and surveys a range of women in Judges: Aksa (Caleb's daughter), Jael (who killed Sisera), Jephthah's daughter, Samson's Philistine wives, the Levite's concubine, the unnamed woman who killed Abimelech with a millstone, Manoah's wife, and other contemporaries like Ruth, Naomi, and Hannah. These stories show a spectrum of character: faithful and faithless, passive and active, righteous and unrighteous. The bulk of the message focuses on Judges 4–5 and Deborah's leadership: her role as a judge sitting under the palm tree, her husband Lapidoth, her prophetic voice, and her victory song in chapter 5. Neal draws four practical applications for women (and for listeners generally): 1) use your tongue properly — speak words that encourage, glorify God, and avoid gossip; 2) be a good influence whose life deserves respect and leads others closer to Christ; 3) cultivate the right Christlike attitude — peaceable wisdom, not arrogance or divisiveness; and 4) be active in service — encourage others, participate in ministry, and model faithful living for younger believers. The episode weaves scripture references throughout (Judges, 1 Timothy, Philippians, James, 1 Peter, Titus, Proverbs) and applies both cultural observations and pastoral encouragement: women's influence in society and the church, the importance of godly speech and attitude, and the value of active service in home and congregation. It ends with an invitation to repentance and public response to the gospel for those who have not yet obeyed Christ, and an exhortation for believers to use their gifts and influence for God's kingdom. Duration 28:19
Send us Fan MailIs blind faith really what God wants?In this episode, we examine the dangerous consequences of following people without discernment. Jesus warned in Matthew 15:14 that when the blind lead the blind, both fall. But how does that apply today? In church leadership, spiritual authority, and generational belief systems?We unpack:The difference between biblical faith and blind faithWhy titles and credentials don't equal truthThe story of Jephthah in Judges 11 and the cost of ignoranceWhat we can learn from the BereansHow to develop spiritual discernment in a culture of blind trustIf you've ever questioned leadership or felt something wasn't right but couldn't explain why, this conversation will challenge and equip you.God doesn't want blind followers. He wants discerning believers.JOIN THE MOVEMENT:Faith to Launch – A community for Christian women ready to build with purpose (coming soon) https://faithtolaunch.lovable.app/FAITH-DRIVEN WOMEN WHO LAUNCH SERIES: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfkkBA4-h1A6681JOJBa0KVRteD9urz7I&si=xTIv62BRH4ril_8BUY THE BOOK: HOW TO LIVE AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE, WITH OR WITHOUT MR. RIGHT BOOK AND WORKBOOKWebsite: https://withorwithoutmrright.com/books/Book: https://amzn.to/3ZjtBJJWorkbook: https://amzn.to/4guXFYAAudiobook: https://withorwithoutmrright.com/books/Leave a review about the book: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?asin=B0DMVP65PRLISTEN TO CHAPTER ONE FOR FREEhttps://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/3228c79f-0dea-4f6b-a428-d7fcfd1f72f5/signupActivate Your Calling: Create, Build, & Promote Your Gift Workshop Replay Video: https://hustleinfaith.gumroad.com/l/activatePlease join me in my YouTube only series, 30 Days to Becoming a Stronger, More Confident You in Christ: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfkkBA4-h1A56MxObeO__s873pdUnnWQ5
This week's talk is from a Bible Class by Brother Ben Hole on the subject of Jephthah, which was given at the East Coventry Ecclesia in the UK in 2024.We hope this strengthens your Faith and brightens your day!Thank you for listening, God bless, and talk to you next week.Send talk suggestions or comments to: GoodChristadelphianTalks@gmail.comFor Show Notes, visit our website: GoodChristadelphianTalks.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram
When we consider what Jephthah's daughter faced, it's natural to question why she didn't opt for her own freedom and carve out the life she desired, don't you think? The generation we're living in seems to lean towards a different path, doesn't it? What Jephthah's daughter did was viewed as an act of obedience in the eyes of God. Sometimes in life, you find yourself facing a tough choice that you didn't really want to make. Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to stay true to your promises to God. Even if it brings challenges your way, always choose to do what's right. God will honour you in just the right way at the right time!
Two judges of Israel follow the death of Abimelech, and we know little about them, except that they each judged Israel for over 20 years with no ruckus to speak of. When Israel turns to idols yet again, they suffer under the Philistines & the Ammonites. They cry out to the Lord, but he rejects their pleas. When they confess sin and burn their idols, God begins to become weary of their misery. Later, God appoints a ne'er-do-well named Jephthah to deliver Israel from the Ammonites. Sadly, Jephthah doesn't truly know the Lord or His commands, and he makes a vow to the Lord that is abominable in the Lord's sight, standing in direct conflict with the statutes handed down through Moses. Thinking that he is being faithful to the Lord, he makes a heartbreaking decision. Judges 10 - 1:02 . Judges 11 - 5:00 . Judges 12 - 13:19 . Psalm 80 - 16:18 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Today, Will Carlisle is joined by Chris Smith as we continue our study through the book of Judges. Whether you're on a walk, driving to work, or doing chores around the house, we hope you join us today on “Our Daily Rhythm.”
Two judges of Israel follow the death of Abimelech, and we know little about them, except that they each judged Israel for over 20 years with no ruckus to speak of. When Israel turns to idols yet again, they suffer under the Philistines & Ammonites. They cry out to the Lord, but he rejects their pleas. When they confess sin and burn their idols, God begins to become weary of their misery. Later, God appoints a ne'er-do-well named Jephthah to deliver Israel from the Ammonites. Sadly, Jephthah doesn't truly know the Lord or His commands, and he makes a vow to the Lord that is abominable in the Lord's sight, standing in direct conflict with the statutes handed down through Moses. Thinking that he is being faithful to the Lord, he makes a heartbreaking decision. Judges 10 – 1:15 . Judges 11 – 4:56 . Judges 12 – 13:24 . Psalm 74 – 16:27 :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Today's readings are Judges 9-11, Ruth 4, and Psalm 137. In the reading from Judges, we hear about the rise and fall of Abimelech, as well as the misguided and heartbreaking vow Jephthah makes to God in return for victory over the Ammonites. We also conclude the book of Ruth with the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In this Bible Story, Jephthah makes a promise to God that he would sacrifice the first thing he saw after his battle. Little did he know it would be his daughter. So Jephthah mourned, and was remembered for his foolishness. This story is inspired by Judges 10:6-11:40. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Judges 11:34 from the King James Version.Episode 65: After 18 Years of oppression by the Ammonites and the Philistines, the people of Israel once again cry out to God for rescue. Answering in accordance with their constant rebellion and refusal to learn, God says they should ask their gods, the idols they are worshiping to save them. But when they show true repentance, God shows up and chooses an outcast named Jephthah to lead them into victory and relief from their enemy.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.