Podcasts about Jephthah

So far, we may have been surprised by some of the inclusions in Hebrews 11 - complicated men like Samson, Jacob, and Gideon - and men we may not know a lot about, like Jephthah.But today's man of God, David, comes as NO surprise. Here is a man after God's own heart, a man who sought to honor God and from whom Jesus Himself would one day come!And yet, David is himself a man of many shortcomings and complications. David sinned with Bathsheba, when he lied and murdered to cover up that sin, when he numbered the people, and when he failed to address issues within his own family (as with Tamar and Absalom, for example). Turn with me to 1 and 2 Samuel and Psalm 51, as we learn just as much from David's failings as we do from his successes in our quest to walk by faith through Hebrews 11!(RAR2025EP42)

This episode features a full length Bible study taught by Pastor Jack Abeelen of Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California.If today you prayed with Pastor Jack to receive the Lord, we'd love to hear about it and get you started on the right foot. Visit us online at: https://morningstarcc.org/born-again/To see more of Pastor Jack's Bible studies, visit our Morningstar Christian Chapel channel at https://www.youtube.com/@morningstarcc.To subscribe to our Podcast newsletter go to http://eepurl.com/iGzsP6.If you would like to support our electronic ministry, you may do so by going to our donations page at https://morningstarcc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/podcast.Visit our church website at https://morningstarcc.org.

Just after Jephthah's great victory he, like Gideon is confronted by the tribe of Ephraim for the slight to their honor of not being invited to the war. Unlike Gideon, Jephthah decides to escalate the confrontation into war, and the reason is clear. Jephthah is still in pain from what he forced himself to do to his only daughter, and the way that Ephraim confronts him triggers him into a violent response. And in the end, Ephraim pokes the proverbial bear and pays the price for their own pride.

In this episode, we follow Jephthah, the outcast turned warrior, as he leads the people of Gilead against the Ammonites. From his unusual vow to the shocking consequences that follow, we explore how one man's faith, mistakes, and leadership shaped Israel during a turbulent time. We'll also see the deadly civil war with Ephraim and the first recorded use of dialect as a tribal distinction. History, faith, and the human cost of vows collide in a story that still resonates today. Highlights Jephthah's rise from exile to military leader The vow and its controversial fulfillment Battle against the Ammonites Civil war with Ephraim Lessons from Israel's tribal conflicts If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow The History of the Bible on your favorite podcast platform. Your ratings and reviews help others discover the show and support the creation of future episodes. If you'd like to support The History of the Bible, visit our Patreon Page. Follow us on Facebook: The History of the Bible to join the conversation and stay updated. #Jephthah #BookOfJudges #Ammonites #Gilead #BiblicalHistory #IsraeliteHistory #BiblicalVows #AncientWarfare #CivilWar #TribalConflicts #Shibboleth #Ephraim #OldTestamentStories #BibleStudy #FaithAndLeadership #HistoricalInsight #BiblicalCulture #JudgesOfIsrael #AmmoniteConflict #BiblePodcast Sources ESV Study Bible ESV Archaeology Study Bible Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (NIV) New Spirit-Filled Life Bible (NLT) BiblicalArchaeology.org Chabad.org Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines Satellite Bible Atlas by Schlegel Bible Mapper Atlas My Jewish Learning Bible Hub

You probably have never heard of this guy, but don't turn the program off yet!Jephthah! Try to say THAT name three times fast!Jephthah is the next "hall of faither" whom God mentions in Hebrews 11:32, and is called a "mighty man of valor" in Judges 11. And yet, his childhood is fraught with bullying, sorrow, and rejection. Despite Jephthah's bumpy start, God had great plans for Jephthah, proving yet again that the Lord is a God of great plans and mercy.Turn in your Bibles to Hebrews 11 and Judges 11, as we learn about this little-known but mighty character, Jephthah.(RAR2025EP41)

#630 Jephthah's Victory and Failing, Devotional Life with Paul and Jeanne

The functional path of oneness is not an abstract unity but a lived encounter of utter dependence. Western thought, enslaved by the grammar of the Anglo-Saxons, treats the human as an individual: a self-contained atom, an object unto itself. It imagines freedom as isolation, and isolation as freedom. But this supposed independence becomes sterility: the atomized person, cut off from the Shepherd's breath, is lost in a sea of thorns, choked by its own irrelevance.True independence lies not in the language of atoms but in the biology of divine anatomies, in the irreducibility of God's living functions. The Semitic root does not define a solitary “one” but a functional, dependent, and connected one. Every creature is undoubtedly one, yet cannot sustain itself any more than a cell can live apart from the body.As the body cannot live without its head, the tree without the earth withers.The triliteral root—three consonants binding the Tree of Life to the Master who gives it breath—embodies this living unity. Each consonant functions only in relation to the others; none can speak alone. Like branches drawing life through hidden roots, utility flows from dependence on him, not autonomy.In this linguistic body, the Semitic scrolls convey the unity of divine oneness: connection without possession, coherence without control. To be yaḥid is to be fragile, dependent, and open without self-reference: the earthen vessel through which the breath of ha-ʾEḥad flows.Western language, by contrast, breeds an unconscious polytheism of the self. When every person becomes an independent atom, the world fills with gods. Each will asserts its own dominion; each word competes for sovereignty. Polytheism, at its base, is war: the multiplication of possessive wills in endless collision. The Lukan crowd becomes a pantheon of thorns, a battlefield of competing gods. The soil of faith is twisted into a field of confrontation, where the multitude gathers against the Lord and his Christ to suffocate the one who brings the life-giving breath of his instruction.Yet within that suffocating crowd stands the yaḥid, Jairus, whose “only daughter”—his yeḥidah—lies dying. His lineage collapses; his name withers. Yet in this desolation, he does not press or grasp; he kneels before the “one.” There, in the stillness of dependence, the breath returns, and the Shepherd that the cares of this life cannot choke breathes life into the earthen vessel that has ceased to strive.μονογενής (monogenes) / י־ח־ד (yod-ḥet-dalet) / و-ح-د (wāw-ḥāʾ-dāl)One and only; single of its kind; only-born; only, only one, solitary, unique.“She was his only one [יְחִידָה (yeḥidah)]; he had no other son or daughter.” (Judges 11:34 )Here יָחִיד (yaḥid) expresses the fragility of the earthen vessel. In verse 34, the human line rests upon a single, irreplaceable life. Jephthah's entire legacy depends on his yeḥidah; when she is offered, the limits of family and human continuity are laid bare. The father's grief, bound to his only daughter, exposes the futility of lineage and the inevitability of dependence on God. The yaḥid becomes the mirror through which the insufficiency of man encounters the sufficiency of God.“Deliver my life from the sword, my only one [יְחִידָתִי (yeḥidati)] from the power of the dog.” (Psalm 22:21) LXX 21David cries from the edge of annihilation. His yeḥidati (“my only one”) refers to his only life (nefeš). He stands surrounded by predators, stripped of every defense, holding nothing but the breath that God alone can sustain. In that setting, ha-yaḥid encounters ha-ʾEḥad; the singular human breath encounters the One God who gives it breath. The weakness of the individual, the threatened “only life”, is the functional context of י־ח־ד (yod-ḥet-dalet) where triliteral replaces human vulnerability with God's sufficiency.“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am alone [יָחִיד (yaḥid)] and afflicted.” (Psalm 25:16 ) LXX 24Here, yaḥid is not emotional loneliness but martial isolation: the condition of a soldier or supplicant with no human ally, no support, no constituency. The psalmist is cut off from every network of defense; he stands as the yaḥid before ha-ʾEḥad. His solitude is not inward melancholy but strategic exposure. He is a man encircled and undone, left with no strength but God's. In that position, the oneness of God supplants the weakness of the individual, and dependence itself becomes the ground of divine action.“Rescue my life from their ravages, my only one [יְחִידָתִי (yeḥidati)] from the lions.” (Psalm 35:17) LXX 34The psalmist again names his life (nefeš) his yeḥidah: his one, irreplaceable self surrounded by devouring forces. This cry is not heroic but helpless; the yaḥid has no shield, no strength, no tribe. He stands as the fragile earthen vessel awaiting rescue from the ʾEḥad who alone grants and restores the breath of life.“They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords besides God and the Messiah, son of Mary; yet they were commanded to worship One God [إِلَـٰهًۭا وَاحِدًۭا (ʾilāhan wāḥidan)]. There is no god but he. Glory be to him above what they associate with him.” (Qurʾan, Surat al-Tawba سورة التوبة “The Repentance” 9:31)The yaḥid stands before al-Wāḥid as a fragile vessel, emptied of pretense, whose worth lies not in possession or inheritance but in exposure. To be yaḥid is to stand alone—not because one has chosen solitude, but because every other support has failed. It is the state of Jairus in Luke 8:42, David in Psalm 22:21, and Jephthah in Judges 11:34—each reduced to dependence, each holding a single, irreplaceable life before the one who gives it.Yet the religious mind, ancient and modern alike, mistakes the vessel for the seed. It clings to fleeting human breath instead of to the one who gives breath. This is what Qurʾan 9:31 exposes in its indictment of clericalism: those who mistake the earthen vessel, which passes away, for the words of God, which do not.This is also the folly of the crowds in Luke 8. They gather not to hear the divine instruction but to choke it—to smother the seed because it threatens their economy of possession. They are the ʿedah, the swarm around death. They handle Jesus like a toy, fascinated with what can be held, pressed, traded, and measured; they prefer the earthen vessel to the living seed. They worship the perishable container rather than the imperishable Word, the finite dust rather than הָאֶחָד (ha-ʾEḥad), the one from whom all life flows.But the yaḥid—the one left with nothing—sees through the mirage. Standing before al-Wāḥid, Jairus discovers that what endures is not clay but command. The earthen vessel passes away; but the Word of God abides forever.συμπνίγω (sympnigo)To press in so tightly that one can barely breathe; to crowd around or press hard against; to suffocate.“The one sown among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke [συμπνίγει (sympnigei)] the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)

Jephthah is a Biblical character that is often trotted out as the epitome of the tragic hero. A man who gives his all, including those he loves, for the success that he so desperately craves. The tragedy of Jephthah is a profound lesson on unintended consequences, rash vows, and difficult choices, and how all three can bring a man who is on top of the world, down to the lowest place that a man can go while still alive.

#629 Jephthah Called by The Lord, Devotional Life with Paul and Jeanne

A new MP3 sermon from Rockport Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jephthah: A Messy Story of Faith Subtitle: Family Camp 2025 - Heb 11 Speaker: Warren Kesselring Broadcaster: Rockport Baptist Church Event: Camp Meeting Date: 9/26/2025 Bible: Hebrews 11:32; Judges 11:1-12:7 Length: 35 min.

Equipping Hour - Caleb

Most of us like happy stories, or at least stories with a happy ending. Jephthah's story is neither. Bracketed by lust and pride at the start and brutal judgment at the close, you could almost class it as a tragedy. Yet the misery of this story is bracketed by mercy as Jephthah rescues his people and serves as a signpost pointing us to the real hero of the story. Trusting in our Savior, we can adjust our expectation of his people and appreciate that faith does not need to be perfect to be real.

Judges 11 -Lawson Harlow

Pastor Greg Barkman continues his expositional series in the book of Hebrews.

This is our weekly live show where we take questions from email and our live audience.Questions and Timestamps:How political should a Christian be, especially in response to major events like assassinations? 10:21Should pastors address tragedies like the Charlie Kirk assassination from the pulpit? 31:56What guidance does the Bible give for governing? 36:15Did the early church misunderstand Christianity for hundreds of years? 46:35
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The Israelites fully abandon the Lord, leading to 18 years of Ammonite oppression. On the east side of the Jordan, the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh are subjugated. The Ammonites are organized, militarily strong, and expanding their territory. Seeing the crisis, the elders of Gilead call Jephthah from the land of Tob, where he had been exiled. Jephthah, a skilled warrior but born of a marginalized family, is made leader to confront the Ammonite threat. He first attempts diplomacy, sending messengers to the Ammonite king, disputing their historical claim to the land, setting the stage for the battle and the vow that will define his leadership. Highlights: Israel abandons the Lord → oppression begins Ammonites crush Israel, east of the Jordan Jephthah's exile in Tob → rise as mercenary leader Elders of Gilead recruit Jephthah Diplomatic message sent to the Ammonite king Support & Engagement: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow The History of the Bible on your favorite podcast platform. Your ratings and reviews help others discover the show and support the creation of future episodes. If you'd like to support The History of the Bible, visit our Patreon Page. Your feedback is valuable to us! Share your thoughts and insights via our feedback form. Let us know how our podcast has impacted you or someone you know by filling out our impact form. If you have concerns about any information presented, please inform us via our correction form. Hashtags: #Judges #Ammonites #Jephthah #Gilead #BibleHistory #BiblicalStudies #Israelites #AncientHistory #MiddleEastHistory #BiblicalLeaders #Mercenaries #TribalConflict #EastJordan #BiblicalWarfare #FaithAndObedience #BiblicalNarrative #OldTestament #AncientIsrael #HistoricalContext #BiblePodcast Sources: ESV Study Bible ESV Archaeology Study Bible Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (NIV) New Spirit-Filled Life Bible (NLT) BiblicalArchaeology.org ArmstrongInstitute.org Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines Satellite Bible Atlas by Schlegel

On this episode, Paul White talks about Jephthah. Accompanying scripture: Hebrews 11:32. 

Taylor shares some exciting parenting news & we dive into some Fr. Anthony lore from his time in seminary. Taylor shares a baseball story that made him think of the end times & asks Fr. Anthony about a passage from Scripture that made him angry. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! YouTube Check out the show and other exclusive videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/fortecatholic Connect

What is faith? Faith is letting God be the judge. In the life of Jephthah, we see his faith in God by submitting to the Lord's judgment. The Spirit of the Lord came on him and allowed him to conquer the enemies of Israel. His secret? He yielded to the righteous judgment of the Lord!If you got saved watching the broadcast today, need prayer, would like to connect with us, or you would like to give into this ministry please visit here:https://www.gospeltabernaclechurch.com/connect

The outcome of Jephthah's tragic vow. More judges. A child is born miraculously to Manoah and his wife.

Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time IAugust 21, 2025 – Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope Hello and welcome to the Word, bringing you the Good News of Jesus Christ every day from the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province. I am Fr. Karl Esker from the Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, NY. Today is Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of Pope Saint Pius X.A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew.           Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast,but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”' Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.           Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.' The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.' Many are invited, but few are chosen.”The gospel of the Lord.Homily Our readings today begin with the joy of living in God's grace, but end with a sad commentary on fruits of human pride and weakness. In the first reading we begin with the warrior judge Jephthah and his successful campaign to free the tribes of Israel from their enemies; and in the gospel we just heard, Jesus compares the Kingdom of heaven to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. Wedding feast are usually joyful occasions; they certainly are in my family. And we enjoy getting together on other occasions to share food and each other's company. Jesus was no different. He often accepted invitations to dine with saints and sinners alike. And at the Last Supper, he left us a memorial of his loving presence, when he said: “Do this in memory of me.” So, we join together weekly, or even more often to hear the word of God and partake of this ritual meal through Holy Communion, in anticipation of the banquet that awaits us in the Kingdom of heaven. Saint Pope Pius X is remembered for encouraging frequent communion and for lowering the age of First Communion to seven or eight years old. However, Jesus' parable is not about peace and joy. The king is hurt when those invited ignore his invitation and then enraged when he sends a second invitation and some mistreat and even kill his servants. The parable, as told by Matthew, includes a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem for its rejection and crucifixion of Jesus. Joy returns when the king sends his servants out into the streets to invite all they can find, good and bad alike, and the hall is filled with guests, which signifies the Church's mission to all the world. But even then there is a discordant note. One guest refuses to accept the wedding garment, and is cast into the darkness outside. Not all who call themselves Christian accept to live love of God and neighbor as Jesus taught. And not all appreciate the Eucharist for the great gift that it is. Some ignore it, and others, more interested in their farm or business, make no attempt to fashion their life according to the one they receive. And poor Jephthah from the first reading? The joy of his victory was cut short, because of a foolish vow he had made. He had promised: “whoever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites shall belong to the LORD. I shall offer him up as a burnt offering.” To his dismay, his only daughter was the one who came out to greet him. Sadly, so as not to lose face, Jephtah did as he had vowed; but the sacred author later noted that those who truly know the Lord, know that God dos not accept human sacrifice. We claim not to believe in human sacrifice today, but how many families are still being sacrificed on the altar of greed, war and cruel government policies. Today's scriptures offer us a promise and a warning: God is always ready to offer his people life and grace, but we often let our misconceptions and prejudices get in the way. The kingdom of heaven is not just about heaven, but the joy of living the way of the Lord here on earth.May God bless you.Fr. Karl E. Esker CSsRBasilica of our Lady of Perpetual HelpBrooklyn, NY

Abimelech defeated. The Israelites backslide again. Jephthah of Gilead chosen to come against the Ammonites after God relents and decides to have mercy on His people again.

Pastor Kevin teaches from Judges 12 on the conflict between Jephthah and the men of Ephraim, showing how pride can take root and cause division. Through biblical examples from both the Old and New Testaments, we see how an inflated view of ourselves damages relationships with God and others. The call is to stop complaining, start working faithfully with what God has given, and humbly seek His help to remove any pride that hinders us from reflecting His character.

The book of Judges shows God's sovereignty to choose whom He will to accomplish His purposes.  Jephthah is the example of one rejected in man's eyes, but chosen by God as a savior for the people. He kept his vow to God, even to his own hurt, and God honored his faith. VF-2012 Nehemiah 9:27, Judges 11-12 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

In this powerful and sobering episode, Jaime Luce takes us deep into the Word, examining the story of Jephthah in Judges 11 and the seriousness of making vows to God. From Old Testament covenant culture to personal testimony, Jaime emphasizes the weight of our words, the spiritual consequences of broken promises, and the blessing of obedience. This isn't milk... it's meat. It's a spiritual workout designed to grow your faith, sharpen your awareness, and deepen your reverence for the God who hears every word you speak. Key Scriptures: Judges 11:1–40 (The story of Jephthah and his vow)Ecclesiastes 5:4–8Deuteronomy 23:23Matthew 5:33–37Numbers 30:2Acts 5:1–10 (Ananias and Sapphira)Proverbs 18:21 Main Takeaways: Your words have power. Life and death are in the power of the tongue.God takes vows seriously. A careless promise can bring unintended consequences—even when made in desperation.Even believers in moral decline understood the seriousness of vows. The closing chapters of Judges reveal that even wayward Israelites wouldn't break an oath.Personal testimony affirms biblical truth. Jaime shares a powerful story of how her husband made a vow to God—and what happened when they delayed fulfilling it. Words shape your future. Whether spoken to God or over your own life, words matter. Jaime shares the inspirational story of marathoner Jesse Itzler and Navy SEAL Chad Wright to illustrate how declaration fuels endurance.

This message examines Judges 11 and the story of Jephthah, a skilled warrior rejected by his family but called to lead against the Ammonites. It highlights his trust in God, his attempt to seek peace, and the serious vow he made before battle. The sermon emphasizes the importance of integrity in speech, the role of peacemaking, and the weight of promises to God. Jephthah's story reminds listeners that true devotion is shown more in actions than in words alone.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Judges. Jephthah makes a grave error in declaring a vow to the Lord that is completely unnecessary. There was no King in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. This is a sad commentary for the people of God both then and now. Scripture text is Judges 11:29 - 12:15.

Jephthah needs help and makes an infamous promise.Text: Judges 10:6-11:40Players: YahwehElishaKing Joram/JehoramA grieving mother Four lepersWhat's Spooky: ProstitutionBattleHuman sacrifice (implied)Credits: Research, Writing, Narration, Sound Editing: Justin GerhardtManuscript Editing: JL GerhardtProduction: Hazefire StudiosLinks:—Join the team of listeners who give to make Holy Ghost Stories possible—Sign up for The Latest, an email Justin sends twice a month with behind-the-scenes info about each episode and interesting things from around the internet. —Become a Patron of Holy Ghost Stories (it's tax-deductible!) and get stuff like bonus episodes, remixed scenes, full scripts, discussion guides, and—above all—the joy of partnering with Justin to tell good stories.—Find out about Holy Ghost Stories or contact Justin Gerhardt at holyghoststories.org

Alastair Moyer teaches through the story of Jephthah as found in Judges 10-12. Here we find a man who was disregarded and hurt as a youth. Later in life he is called by God's people to lead them to victory over their oppressors, yet the un-dealt-with hurt from his youth, as well as his lack of true knowledge of and intimacy with the God of the Bible, leads him to hurt his family and God's people in some horrific ways. We see a man who tried to bargain with his version of God for a limited, earthly victory instead of submitting himself to the grace, mercy, and wisdom of the true God of the Bible.

As we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Judges, we are introduced to a mighty warrior named Jephthah, a son of Gilead. The most striking feature of this portion of the story is the way in which it point us directly toward Christ, the Messiah. Scripture text is Judges 11:1-28.

Judges 10-11 tells the unsettling story of Jephthah, a rejected warrior raised to deliver Israel from Ammonite oppression. Israel, having abandoned God for seven foreign gods, is enslaved, and their idolatry deepens as they seek deliverance from false gods. Jephthah, influenced by pagan culture, makes a rash vow to sacrifice whatever comes out of his house for victory. Tragically, his only daughter greets him, and he fulfills the vow, revealing a faith mixed with cultural idolatry, misunderstanding God's grace.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Biblically speaking, faith and faithfulness stand to each other as root and fruit.”~J. Hampton Keathley (1939-2002), American pastor and writer “The world might stop in ten minutes; meanwhile, we are to go on doing our duty. The great thing is to be found at one's post as a child of God, living each day as though it were our last, but planning as though our world might last a hundred years.”~C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) “The road to the Kingdom is not so pleasant, and comfortable, and easy, and flowery, as many dream. It is not a bright sunny avenue of palms. It is not paved with triumph, though it is to end in victory. The termination is glory, honor, and immortality; but on the way, there is the thorn in the flesh, the sackcloth, and the cross. Recompense later; but labor here! Rest later; but weariness here! Joy and security later; but here endurance and watchfulness – the race, the battle, the burden, the stumbling block, and oftentimes the heavy heart.”~Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), Scottish poet and hymnodist “He is not looking for heroics. He's looking for those who are willing to follow him down that road of sorrows no matter how tiny the form that cross may take.”~Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015), Christian missionary, author, speaker “Thanks be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given me, for all the pains and insults which you have borne for me. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.”~Richard de Wych (1197-1253), English bishop “Faith, if it is to be sure and steadfast, must lay hold upon nothing else but Christ alone, and in the conflict and terrors of conscience it has nothing else to lean on but this precious pearl Christ Jesus.”~Martin Luther (1483-1546)SERMON PASSAGEHebrews 11:1-2, 32-12:2 (ESV)Hebrews 11 1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2 For by this our ancestors were approved. 32 And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received their dead, raised to life again. Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. 38 The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. 39 All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.  Hebrews 12  1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

In this sermon, Larry speaks from a place of wisdom, experience, and heartfelt concern for relationships. Drawing on decades of pastoral ministry and premarital counseling, he shares one of eight key principles he believes are essential for building, strengthening, or healing relationships: the incredible power of our words. Larry begins by pointing out how many relationships feel like they control us, dragging us along rather than us leading them. But biblically, especially through Jesus' example, we are meant to lead in our relationships—not by force, but with service and intention. One of the most powerful ways to lead, he says, is through our words. Larry emphasizes that words have the power to create or destroy. From the opening verses of Genesis, where God speaks creation into being, to Genesis 3, where Satan uses words to usher in destruction, Larry shows how scripture affirms this power. He uses two stories from the book of Judges to contrast wise, humble speech (Gideon's response to angry tribesmen, which prevented conflict) with rash, defensive speech (Jephthah's reaction, which led to war and 42,000 deaths). The message is clear: how we speak matters—deeply. Citing both Paul (Ephesians 4) and Peter (1 Peter 3), Larry teaches that words can either invite the Holy Spirit's presence and blessing or open the door to evil. He underscores that our speech is never neutral—it brings either life or death (Proverbs 18). Words of comparison, belittling, shaming, lying, and arrogance corrode relationships, while words of encouragement, truth, blessing, and humility bring healing. Larry shares personal insights about how being a “non-mentioner” (someone who doesn't naturally share feelings or thoughts) can inadvertently harm loved ones. He urges everyone—especially those who find verbal expression difficult—to speak anyway. Love and trust can only grow when people know each other's hearts, and hearts are revealed through words. He closes with practical wisdom: avoid “death words,” don't tarnish people's dignity, don't lie (even in the name of kindness), and intentionally speak life-giving words—words that build, heal, and express love. Even if we struggle to use words well, Larry encourages us to start speaking anyway—clumsily if necessary—because silence cannot communicate love or truth. Discussion Questions Reflect: What kinds of words do I most often use in my closest relationships—life-giving or life-taking? How do others experience my speech? Apply: Can I recall a time when someone's gentle, wise words de-escalated a conflict in my life? What made their words so effective? Repent: Are there “death words” I've used recently that need to be confessed and repaired? Who might I need to apologize to this week? Act: What are some specific ways I can be more intentional about speaking life-giving words to my spouse, kids, friends, or coworkers? Grow: If I struggle with verbal communication, what are one or two small steps I can take to begin expressing my heart more openly?

Welcome to the opening message of our new "One Hit Wonders" series, where we dive deep into the untold stories of obscure biblical figures who appear briefly but carry life-changing lessons. In this challenging message, Pastor Stephen Mizell explores the tragic yet inspiring story of Jephthah's daughter from Judges 11 - a nameless young woman whose father's rash vow changed everything. This isn't a comfortable story with clean edges, but it reveals powerful truths about obedience, worship, and the weight of our words. In This Episode You'll Discover: Why making emotional promises to God can be dangerous How unnecessary vows can lead to devastating consequences The difference between obedience from weakness vs. obedience from worship Why we must consider what obedience is worth, not just what it costs How every biblical story ultimately points to Jesus Christ Featured Scripture: Judges 11:29-40 Whether you're struggling with keeping promises, wrestling with obedience, or want to dive deeper into lesser-known biblical accounts, this message will challenge and encourage your faith journey. Listen & Subscribe: Don't miss future episodes in this series! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join us as we uncover the profound lessons hidden in Scripture's brief encounters.

This week we dive deep into the story of Jephthah, a man scorned by his community for being the son of a prostitute but recognized by God as a mighty man of valor. The narrative explores themes of judgment, redemption, and the resilience of faith against adversity. As Israel turns away from God, worshiping multiple false gods, they face prolonged oppression from the Ammonites. In a twist of fate, Jephthah is called upon to lead the Israelites into battle against their oppressors, despite being previously cast out. The latter part of the episode transitions to the rule of several subsequent judges, highlighting the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness and rebellion against God. Finally, we are introduced to the birth of Samson and the beginnings of his tumultuous journey as a Nazirite. Interspersed with personal reflections, the episode calls listeners to examine their own faith journeys, encouraging them to seek God's truth and embrace true repentance. 00:00 Introduction to Jephthah: The Gileadite 01:21 Israel's Rebellion and God's Response 02:33 Jephthah's Leadership and Negotiation 03:47 The Ammonite Conflict and Spiritual Lessons 05:15 Personal Reflections on Faith and Salvation 07:54 A Prayer for Salvation 09:35 The Consequences of Victory and Obedience 11:47 The Ephraimite Confrontation 17:17 The Test of Dialect and Speech 21:17 Quiet Faithfulness of Israel's Judges 23:13 The Quiet Life of Service 24:30 Review of Judges and Transition to Samson 25:00 Introduction to Samson's Birth 28:18 The Nazarite Vow and Its Significance 33:46 Manoah's Encounter with the Angel of the Lord 44:47 Samson's Birth and Early Life 45:06 Preview of Samson's Story

Do you trust God? This week, our Lead Pastor, Miles Fidell, unpacks the story of Jephthah, challenging us to do the inner work necessary to truly surrender our story to Jesus—instead of clinging to control and facing consequences that were never meant to be ours.

In J is for Jepthah's Daughter, we take on another text of terror that shows the worst parts of humanity. Pastor Jacob guides us through the terrible decisions by Jephthah to make and keep a vow that takes his own daughter's life and reminds us that our faith does not ask us to worship our religion or its rules, but instead our faith asks us to commit ourselves to living out the unconditional love of God.

God used Jephthah—an outcast born of a prostitute—to deliver Israel, showing how he empowers flawed people for great purposes. Jephthah's faith and leadership set him apart, as did his strength. Not just physical strength, but deep theological understanding. Though he made a controversial vow, it appears he honored it in obedience without violating God's law, possibly dedicating his daughter to lifelong service rather than offering a physical sacrifice. This narrative draws attention to how God refines and uses the imperfect—those with scars, mistakes, and unlikely origins—as instruments.

In this message from Judges 11, Adrian Rogers tells the story of Jephthah, a mighty man of valor, who is an inspiration for all who want to be men and women of strength. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29

In this message from Judges 11, Adrian Rogers tells the story of Jephthah, a mighty man of valor, who is an inspiration for all who want to be men and women of strength. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29

What are the scariest stories from the Bible? Today we specifically explore the haunting stories in the book of judges, including Ehud and the assassination of Eglon, the butchery of Sisera, Abimelech's bloodthirsty rise and brutal death, Jephthah's sacrifice of his daughter, and other terrifying stories…WELCOME TO Religion CAMP

Jephthah vs. Ephraim? Come Bible Study WITH ME through Judges 12 and ask all the questions!

What happened to Jephthah's daughter? Come Bible Study WITH ME through Judges 11 and ask all the questions!

How do you respond when someone says your "Christian Nationalism" goes against everything Jesus taught in the Bible? And why are so many Christians preoccupied with LGBTQ+ issues--don't they have their own sinful behaviors to worry about? In this midweek episode, Frank responds to a listener email from Australia related to these and other hot-button issues by answering questions like:How does "Christian Nationalism" compare to secular internationalism?Why should the government care about marriage?Did Jesus believe in equity?Do you call out your own sin or just the sins of others?What are the 3 BIG temptations John 1 warns us about?According to Paul, what kind of person isn't welcome at church?Is God just a cosmic killjoy?What's the difference between torture and torment and which one is found in Hell?What's the deal with the story of Jephthah and his daughter in the Book of Judges?If you have a question you'd like Frank to answer on a future episode, be sure to send it to hello@crossexamined.org and don't forget to download the CrossExamined app where you can access every single episode of 'I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist' organized by date, subject content, or guest(s)!Resources mentioned during the episode:Jesus vs. the Culture self-paced online course - https://bit.ly/3Zp02G8Podcast: When Is Love Evil? - https://bit.ly/4mnA5RqThe BIBLE and SLAVERY Explained! - https://youtu.be/qWvwkHKWAfEThe Big Book of Bible Difficulties - https://bit.ly/4dp32s5Is God a Moral Monster? by Paul Copan - https://bit.ly/4jdGgV8Is God a Vindictive Bully? by Paul Copan - https://bit.ly/3HjdvsM

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.