Podcasts about Jephthah

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

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.

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.

This powerful exploration of Judges chapters 10 and 11 confronts us with an uncomfortable question: Are we shaping the world around us, or is the world shaping us? Through the story of Jephthah, an outcast turned deliverer, we discover profound truths about God's heart for His wandering people. The Israelites had drifted so far from God that they committed spiritual adultery right before His eyes, yet when they cried out in genuine repentance, we get a rare glimpse into the divine heart. The scripture tells us that God's soul could no longer endure their misery—not because He needed them, but because He deeply loved them. This same God who grieved over Israel grieves over our struggles today. The message challenges our tendency to bargain with God, to rely on our own strength even when His Spirit is upon us. Jephthah's tragic vow serves as a sobering reminder that we don't need better strategies or promises—we need a better Savior than ourselves. Jesus Christ is our anchor, the one who entered behind the veil for us, ensuring we won't drift away when life's storms rage. The call is clear: total and radical repentance, not just seeking God to solve our problems, but surrendering to Him as the Lord of our livesChapter 1: The Problem: Israel's Repeated Adultery Against God0:00 - 11:34We examine how Israel repeatedly turned away from God to worship false gods, doing evil in His sight, and how God allowed them to be oppressed for 18 years to draw them back to genuine repentance.Chapter 2: The Heart of God: Divine Compassion for His Wandering People11:34 - 18:40We discover God's tender heart as He grieves over Israel's misery and cannot endure seeing them suffer, revealing that He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in faithful love.Chapter 3: God's Provision: An Unlikely Deliverer Named Jephthah18:40 - 30:25We meet Jephthah, an outcast son of a prostitute who becomes Israel's deliverer when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, demonstrating that God uses unlikely people to accomplish His purposes.Chapter 4: The Warning: The Danger of Foolish Vows and Self-Reliance30:25 - 43:32We learn from Jephthah's tragic vow that bargaining with God reveals our tendency toward self-reliance rather than trusting in His provision, and that we need Jesus as our true anchor, not our own performance or promises.

Judges 11 29-40 Watch online: https://youtu.be/QYm-h00_gHQ

History is covenantal. This means that Christ is Lord of history, and this means that history is demonstrating the covenant faithfulness of God – that God keeps His promises. This also means that history is the story of God's personal dealings with people, families, and nations based on how they respond to God. It is not an impersonal machine churning through time; it is the story of God's dealings with His creation. All of it is designed to make us worship Him, to stand in awe at His wisdom, and to trust Him through our chapters in His epic tale. The story of Jephthah underlines these themes.The Text: “Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah…” (Judges 11:1-40)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.

→ 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

Samson was a forerunner of Jesus Christ. He was a brutally violent man who wrote not books and preached no sermons. The angel of the Lord visited a barren woman and told her she would bear a savior of Israel.  Samson was full of the Holy Spirit. The parallels between himself and the Story of Jesus Christ are too big to overlook. Samson was a man of violence.  He, and Jephthah, were unconventional men with unconventional methods yet both were profoundly Christian man and full of the Spirit of God. Like Ireland and England today, ancient Israel was overrun with pagan illegal aliens. They needs Christian warriors to drive out the invaders and to destroy the traitors in the heart of our White and Christian countries. Fritz Berggren www.bloodandfaith.com

Jephthah's victory was overshadowed by a foolish vow and the loss of his only daughter. In this study of Judges 11-12, we learn... What happens when we are indecisive? How did Jephthah end up leader of Israel? Who has land rights in Palestine? Did Jephthah really offer his daughter as a human sacrifice? Should we be making vows at all? Thanks for listening. Click here to view other sermons in this series plus other sermons I've preached.   

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

Jephthah makes a difficult vow to God

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

Jephthah and the Minor Judges | Judges 12: 1-15 by The Journey Southern Illinois

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

Few things cut deeper than rejection, especially from those closest to you. Parents, friends, spouses or family members who turn away can leave you questioning your worth, your self-esteem, and even your faith.In this episode, we get honest about the pain of being pushed away.We explore why rejection happens, from sinful patterns and a broken world to standing for the truth and past wounds. But we don't stay in the pain. We look at biblical examples like Joseph, Jephthah, and even Jesus Himself, people who were rejected yet ultimately used by God for incredible purposes. Rejection hurts, but it doesn't have to define you. Read more: https://kuzaapp.com/handling-rejection/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuzaappInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuzaappTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kuzaappBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kuza--3674993/support.

What happens when rejection shapes your identity more than God does? In this episode of the Nomad Pastor Podcast, we walk through the story of Jephthah in Judges 10–12—a powerful and difficult passage that exposes the danger of broken identity, insecurity, and reckless spiritual decisions. Jephthah was rejected by his family, driven out, and forced... The post Judges: When Broken Identity Leads to Reckless Faith first appeared on The Nomad Pastor.

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 Judges chapters 10–21 and Ruth chapters 1–4, Israel repeatedly turns away from God and experiences oppression, and though God raises up judges like Jephthah and Samson to deliver them, the nation falls deeper into moral and spiritual chaos, ending with civil war and the statement that everyone did what was right in their own eyes. In contrast, the book of Ruth shows a story of faithfulness and redemption, as Ruth remains loyal to Naomi, marries Boaz, and becomes part of the family line that would lead to King David.Read the WHOLE Bible with me! Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. If you appreciate what is happening on this channel, please like, comment and most importantly, share this everywhere you can so we can bring as many people as possible with us on this Bible reading journey. GOD IS SO GOOD!Here is a link to all of the worship songs I have finished the Bible readings with. Worship with me!https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0l3ExigVUcMr6ja88bC607BoR1EaQuF&si=e1HfJdRXr4LSdU7WHere is the link to read the WHOLE Bible with me on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0l3ExigVUdyHEiJ2X2tFvXNINmLMs7O&si=FM_Od_qVefeWU1kYDo you want a Bald Headed Country Boy t-shirt? You can find them on my website with the link below.https://baldheadedcountryboy.com/

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Judges 11-12, Psalm 50, 2 Corinthians chapter 1 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Episode Introduction Welcome to Daily Radio Bible on this first day of April—day 91 in our journey through the scriptures. Today's episode traverses the Book of Judges, chapters 11 and 12, exploring the story of Jephthah: a mighty warrior rejected by his family, leading Israel to victory and facing heartbreak through a tragic vow. We move next to Psalm 50, where God invites us to deeper gratitude and true worship, beyond mere ritual. The episode concludes in Second Corinthians chapter 1, as Paul reflects on suffering, comfort, and learning to rely fully on God amidst life's hardships. Join us as we read, pray, and meditate together, opening ourselves to God's presence and strengthening our souls—because, as we are reminded, you are loved and you are not alone. Let's start the month with hope, faith, and joy. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Letting go of the death grip. Given the option, I'll rely on myself every time. Given the choice, I'll hold on to control with a death grip until I reach the point of death. My guess is you know that grip well. It's that instinct inside us, that urge to handle every pressure and problem, every sorrow and uncertainty, by our own strength. But God invites us into something entirely different—a life that is not clinging in fear but open in trust. As Speaker B reflects on 11:00, God sometimes brings us to the end of ourselves so that we would learn, like Paul, to stop relying on ourselves and instead trust in God—the One who raises the dead. The power of the resurrection, the very presence of Christ with us and in us, is what loosens our desperate hold and gives us something far more certain to cling to: Him. Suffering is impossible to avoid in this life, and the meaning of it is often beyond our understanding. We won't always have clean answers, even as we walk through heartache and questions that won't relent. What we do have is this: a Savior who suffers with us, a God who meets us in the depths of our loss, shame, and wounds, and who brings comfort and hope beyond our suffering—hope strong enough to give us joy even in life's hardest places. This is the mystery and the gift: God is the radically forgiving, co-suffering One. The love of God in Christ reaches us at the lowest point, mends what's been torn, and not only heals us but enables us to comfort others. As Speaker B paraphrased Paul at 17:33, "for when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you." Suffering becomes a meeting place of love—God's love to you and, through you, for others. So if you feel your grip tightening on all that brings pain and fear, hear this invitation today: open your hands to His. Yield your need to control, your drive to endure everything for yourself, and receive the love that suffers with you, heals you, and never lets you go. That's a prayer I have for my own soul. That's a prayer I have for my family, for those I love. And that is a prayer I have for you today. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Where does God bless Ishmael? Why did Jephthah keep his vow in slaying his daughter in Judges 11? Where did the people come from to build the city for Cain? In Leviticus 25:28-30, why is country property redeemable at any time and a city property is not? Did the devils die also who were cast into the swine? Have you recently decided to follow Jesus? Take your next step with Jesus: https://cbcgb.co.uk ⛪ ABOUT CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCHES: We believe that our Calvary Baptist Churches are a movement for all people to know God, Reaching Others, Building Lives, Honouring God and Make a Difference.

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.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jillian Ross, professor of biblical studies at Liberty University, to discuss her article in JETS titled “Let Mercy Triumph Over Judgment: A Theology of Law in Judges.” Together, they explore why the book of Judges is so ethically and theologically unsettling—and how the Torah itself provides the interpretive framework that makes sense of it. Many Christians read Judges and walk away confused: Why are leaders celebrated who seem morally compromised? Why does the narrator often remain silent when horrifying actions occur? Why does a story like Jephthah’s vow feel so wrong, and yet go uncondemned in the immediate narrative? Dr. Ross argues that Judges depicts a decline of spiritual and moral formation among Israel’s leaders and people. What remains consistent is not Israel’s faithfulness, but God’s merciful character. As the book progresses, leaders become increasingly untethered from the Word of God, and their actions grow more lawless—especially in the way they treat human life and human dignity. A key theme of the conversation is that biblical law contains internal moral priorities: some violations are not simply “mistakes,” but abominations, particularly when human dignity is destroyed. Judges highlights what happens when leaders treat sacred vows, warfare, and worship as tools for self-interest rather than acts of obedience shaped by mercy. James and Dr. Ross walk through major figures—Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson—to show how self-interest replaces communal responsibility and why even divine empowerment does not equal divine endorsement. They also discuss why Judges must be read with the Torah in hand: often the text expects the reader to recognize what is wrong without explicitly saying it. The episode closes with practical guidance for reading Judges faithfully, including Dr. Ross’s memorable framework: warfare, worship, women, and waning leadership—a set of themes that help modern readers track the book’s downward spiral and theological purpose. Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Join us for our midweek study through the book of Judges.

Are You Creating Your Own Religion? | The King We Need (Judges 17)Description:Are we worshipping God, or a version of ourselves we've labeled “God”?In the powerful finale of our "Flawed" series, we dive into one of the messiest and most revealing stories in the Book of Judges: Micah and his personal shrine in Judges 17.This ancient tale holds a compelling mirror to our modern, consumerist approach to faith. We all have that one area of our lives where we subtly say, “I've got this under control,” and start building a 'Designer Deity' that never challenges, never corrects, and always agrees with us.Join us as we explore the danger of "DIY Religion" and identify the subtle ways we "cherry-pick" our faith—embracing the comfort but avoiding the cost, seeking a divine therapist rather than a Sovereign King.In this final message, we cover:The Micah Moment: The chaos of "Doing what is right in your own eyes."** transactional vs. Covenantal Faith**: Why we bargain when we don't trust His character.The Cost of the Bargain: Lessons from the tragic vow of Jephthah (from image_16.png).Tearing up the Contracts: How to move from self-rule to true rest in the King who is more than enough.You were never meant to carry the crown. This message is a final invitation to resign from the throne of your own life and find the true peace that comes only through whole-hearted surrender to the King we need.Intro music:Cantina Blues Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Music promoted by https://freemusicbg.comand https://www.chosic.com

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Larry Powers Question Timestamps: Veronica, email (3:47) - Why did Jesus say "be perfect as your father in heaven is perfect?" Enoch, NY (6:33) - Does a believer that dies go straight to heaven, or do they sleep? John, email (9:29) - Why is the tribe of Dan missing from the 144,000 in Revelation 7? Lucinda, YouTube (13:02) - Do we go straight to heaven when we die? Will I recognize my loved ones in heaven? Elena, email (17:17) - Can you explain slander? Does it relate to pride? Mike, NJ (20:10) - Do I have to be married in a church? Does it have to be in front of a pastor? Chris, NJ (23:06) - When John 21 verse 7 says Peter is "naked," what does that mean? Lynnette, TX (33:35) - Should I be cremated when I die? Lucinda, YouTube (38:13) - How should Christians respond to current events and the persecution of Jews and Christians? Sam, PA (41:20) - How did the split of nations and languages take place in Genesis 10? Corinne, email (45:03) - Can you explain Jephthah's vow in Judges 11? Was his daughter literally sacrificed? Jeffery, email (48:29) - What should I believe about aliens? What should I say to my friend when he brings them up? Steve, NY (53:23) - How do you balance your responsibility to share the gospel with your interactions with people that do not want to hear it? Steve's Daughter (54:41) - Who was the first person who wrote in the Bible? Ask Your Questions: Call: 888-712-7434 Email: Answers@bbtlive.org

"The God of the Old Testament is a monster." If your teen or adult child has said something like this, you know how it feels. And if you're honest, part of you might wonder the same thing. Today Brandon sits down with Old Testament scholar Adam Hensley to tackle the hardest questions head-on. How can the God who commands "utterly destroy" be the same God who says "love your enemies"? What do we do with passages like the Canaanite conquest or Jephthah's daughter? Is the OT really about law and judgment while Jesus is about love and grace? This isn't about winning an argument with your kid. It's about understanding what they're wrestling with, and finding real answers you can hold onto yourself. Honest. Compassionate. Hopeful. Your child's hard questions might be an invitation for both of you. Links: Called to be God's People by Andrew Steinmann Join us for an event: https://www.signpostinn.org/events Donate to Signpost Inn: https://www.signpostinn.org/donate ——————— Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SignpostInn and Instagram www.instagram.com/signpostinn/. Check out our website www.signpostinn.org for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

It's important to have knowledge about God and also have a love-centered relationship with Him. This week, we continue our series in Judges with a look at someone who obeyed God's commands but had a tragic misunderstanding of God's character. Jephthah was a mighty warrior and accomplished amazing things, but his bad theology had terrible consequences for him and his family. It is possible to be deeply and sincerely devoted to God, but also be completely wrong about what He wants from us. Our emotions can mislead us if we don't subject them to the truth God has revealed about Himself. Diving deeper into Scripture can help us love Him more deeply and follow Him more passionately. This week, our hosts continue their discussion on the book of Judges, some of the talking points were, Jephthah's negotiations with the king of the Ammonites, why Jephthah didn't seek council concerning his vow, and what was Jephthah expecting to come out of his house. Oh and tune into the beginning to hear our hosts talk about some instances in their parenting journey that they wish they could do-over.If you would like to watch the video podcast, find us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhDfGn0zfzi6XjcKkSVcFAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertbcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/topekabiblechurchWebsite: https://www.discovertbc.com/

Judges 10-11 explores Israel's repeated cycle of idolatry — abandoning God to serve false gods like Molech and Chemosh — and God's response of tough love followed by compassion when they genuinely repented. The core message is that idolatry means seeking from other things what only God can provide, and true repentance requires destroying those idols, not just setting them aside. The story of Jephthah illustrates how a flawed, unlikely person can be used by God, but also warns against treating God transactionally — making bargains rather than trusting His character. The sermon closes with a call to move from an "if/then" mindset to a "because/now" faith rooted in trust that God is fully committed to our good.

The Tragic Vow | Judges 11What do you do when your past feels like it has disqualified you from your future?In this message, we explore the life of Jephthah, a man who was pushed to the margins, rejected by his family, and forced to live in the shadows. Yet, when the people of Israel faced an impossible crisis, God reached into the "land of Tob" to call upon the very man they had cast out.The Pain of Rejection: Understanding Jephthah's background and how our wounds often shape our identity.God's Surprising Selection: Why God chooses the "outcasts" and "mighty warriors" that society often overlooks.The Complexity of Faith: Navigating the triumphs and the tragic vows of a man despite his deep flaws.Your pedigree doesn't determine your purpose. Join us as we see how God's grace reaches into the most broken circumstances to find leaders for His people."Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah..." — Judges 11:29Visit the Website: Find more sermons and resources at charlesrgrimes.comRead the Book: If you're interested in stories of running from and returning to God, check out my book, Jonah: Following God's Call When You'd Rather Run Away, available now on Amazon.Subscribe: Hit that subscribe icon to be notified of our weekly teachings from the Book of Judges.#Judges11 #Jephthah #Sermon #BibleStudy #GodsGrace #FaithInTheFlaws

No Excuses | Following God Without Compromise In this Sunday morning message, we are challenged to live with total allegiance to Jesus Christ, refusing to drift, compromise, or make excuses in a culture that increasingly resists biblical truth. The sermon opens with Jesus' words from the Beatitudes and John 15, where He clearly teaches that those who follow Him will face persecution, rejection, and misunderstanding. Rather than being surprised by opposition, believers are called to rejoice, knowing that faithfulness brings divine favor and eternal reward. Christianity, the message emphasizes, is not about comfort or popularity — it is about obedience, surrender, and standing for Christ regardless of cost. The message then turns to the powerful Old Testament example of Jephthah. Born into rejection and driven away by his own family, Jephthah had every reason to become bitter, quit on God, or live defeated. Instead, he remained faithful, sought the Lord, and grew in wisdom and knowledge of God's Word. When Israel later faced defeat, the very man they had rejected became the one God raised up as their deliverer. Jephthah's life reveals a central truth: background does not determine destiny — faithfulness does. Though rejected by people, he trusted God completely, gave God credit for every victory, and depended on the Lord rather than his own strength or position. The sermon highlights how Jephthah boldly confronted Israel's enemies with God's truth, demonstrating deep understanding of Scripture and unwavering confidence in God's authority. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, God brought overwhelming victory through his obedience. A deeply moving moment follows with Jephthah's vow and his daughter's remarkable devotion to honoring God above personal loss. Their story powerfully mirrors the greater sacrifice of Christ and underscores the cost of true obedience — placing God first no matter the outcome. Throughout the message, believers are repeatedly called to reject self-pity, spiritual drifting, and half-hearted faith. Whether facing persecution, hardship, or temptation, God's people are reminded that excuses weaken faith — but surrender releases God's power. The sermon closes with a stirring reminder of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and a call to “see Him who is invisible” — living by faith rather than by circumstances. Just as God used an outcast like Jephthah to bring deliverance, He can use anyone who chooses faithful obedience. Key Takeaway There are no excuses for half-hearted faith. God honors those who remain faithful through hardship, persecution, and rejection — and He uses surrendered lives to accomplish His purposes.  

Pride can divide families, destroy communities, and even bring nations to their knees. Dr. Tony Evans explains how acknowledging God as our only Source opens the door to restoration and how His plans often begin in unexpected ways.

Pride can divide families, destroy communities, and even bring nations to their knees. Dr. Tony Evans explains how acknowledging God as our only Source opens the door to restoration and how His plans often begin in unexpected ways.