Podcasts about Jephthah

The fourth Bible talk given at the 2025 Athelington summer camp run by Grace Baptist Mission These talks are from the book of Judges and the speaker is James Hammond, a GBM missionary serving in Bordeaux, France. #GraceBaptistMission #Judges10v6-11v40  #Jephthah #Athelington2025

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.

View this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_oleQFhiRY

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.

Join us for a message from TE Ken Thurman from Judges 12

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

Join us as Rev. Ken Thurman shares with us from Judges

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!

Lessons from Judges Chapter 10 In this episode, we dive into Judges Chapter 10, exploring God's selection of leaders to deliver Israel from their disobedience and oppression. The script recaps the tragic story of Abimelech's self-appointment as leader and the consequences of Israel's choice to forsake God. Contrasting Abimelech's reign, we discuss the faithful service of judges Tola and Jair, whose seemingly uneventful years of leadership still offer valuable lessons. Through vivid analogies and historical context, the teaching highlights the importance of repentance, God's endless capacity to forgive, and the dangers of idol worship. The episode concludes with a call to embrace Jesus's sacrifice and a preview of the forthcoming exploration of Jephthah's leadership in the next chapter of Judges. 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Lessons 00:40 The Rise and Fall of Abimelech 04:58 The Call to Repentance and Salvation 10:24 The Story of Tola and Jair 19:13 Israel's Cycle of Rebellion and Idolatry 22:04 God's Perspective on Israel's Choices 23:46 Israel's Distress and Cry for Help 24:21 The Concept of Rock Bottom 25:02 God's Response to Israel's Plea 28:07 The Importance of True Repentance 31:41 The Battle Against the Ammonites 35:08 Peter's Faith and Doubt 39:03 Conclusion and Next Steps

This week, we explore the tragic and complex story of Jephthah in chapters 10-12 of Judges—a man rejected for his past, yet chosen to lead Israel in their time of need. Pastor Jesse opens with a look at the recurring cycle that defines Judges: sin, oppression, desperate cries, Spirit-empowered deliverance, and fleeting peace. But Jephthah's […] The post Judges 10-12 – When Pain Shapes Your Faith appeared first on Sierra Bible Church.

Sometimes life leaves us wondering how a good God could allow painful or perplexing things to happen. The story of Jephthah is one of those moments. A man with authority, facing pressure and fear, made a vow to God that came from emotion, not understanding. No matter how strong our feelings are they aren't always rooted in truth.Too often, we do the same. We act on what we feel, assuming it must be right or even spiritual. But emotions can be misleading, and decisions made from pressure can carry lasting consequences. Jephthah's story invites us to slow down, to seek God's Word instead of rushing into vows or choices driven by impulse.God isn't asking for dramatic promises. He's asking for quiet obedience. His Word offers a clarity that emotions can't provide. When we ground ourselves in truth, we walk in peace, wisdom, and freedom. Faith isn't about how we feel. It's about who we follow. And when we follow Jesus, we find a better way.Subscribe to Our Channel! New to LifeRock? Click here: liferockchurch.org/get-connectedTo support this ministry and help us reach people in our community. Click here: liferockchurch.org/giveDo you need someone to pray for you? We will pray for you. Click here: liferockchurch.org/online-prayerFollow: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeRockColumbiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LifeRockChurchX: https://x.com/LifeRockChurch

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series through the book of Judges. This week we look at Jephthah. The story of Jephthah is a tragic and horrible story in the book of Judges. It reveals just how easy it is to have blind spots which cause us to compromise on what is right. Passages: Judges 10:6-12:7; Deuteronomy 12:31

Send us a textWelcome:Have you ever seen a disagreement spiral—not because of what was at stake, but because of how it was handled?In this short but sobering episode, we open Judges 12 to examine the tragic story of Jephthah and the Ephraimites—a civil war sparked not by justice, but by ego, exclusion, and pride. What unfolds is a confrontation where spiritual language masks carnal motives, and people use power, relationships, and wealth for personal gain rather than godly service.But this isn't just ancient history.It's a mirror. And it asks us hard questions: — How do we respond when we feel overlooked? — Are we serving quietly and faithfully like Elon—or chasing applause? — Do we lead with humility, or dominate in disguise?This chapter shows us the dangers of being conformed to the age we live in—and the call to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).Join us as we trace these themes through the stories of Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon—and learn what true spiritual leadership, grace, and quiet faithfulness look like.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

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What happens when God's people forget who He really is? In week four of the Judges: Spiritual Siestas series, Pastor Fred examines the story of Jephthah from Judges 10:6-12:7. As Israel's rebellion deepens into a spiritual spiral, Jephthah's tragic story shows how badly they've blurred the lines between God and the gods of the Canaanites. Even the “rescue” is flawed, pointing us to our deep need for a better Rescuer. Thank God, His mercy still prevails.

BOOK OF JUDGES Wounded Leaders 6.15.25 Judges 11:1-3 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. 2 And Gilead's wife also bore him sons. And when his wife's sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, “You shall not have an inheritance in our father's house, for you are the son of another woman.” 3 Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob, and worthless fellows collected around Jephthah and went out with him. Judges 11:29-33 Then the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, 31 then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” 32 So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the Lord gave them into his hand. 33 And he struck them from Aroer to the neighborhood of Minnith, twenty cities, and as far as Abel-keramim, with a great blow. So the Ammonites were subdued before the people of Israel. Judges 11:34-35 Then Jephthah came to his home at Mizpah. And behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 And as soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow.” Passion or zeal for God, if not rooted in the truth of God's character and the authority of Scripture, can lead to disastrous outcomes. Jephthah reasons with God like a warrior, not a worshipper. Jephthah shows us the consequences of operating in our own wisdom and strength rather than trusting God's character and faithfulness. When a leader carries deep insecurities and unhealed hurt, that pain doesn't remain internal. It leaks into their decisions, relationships, and the culture they create. God's Spirit may empower someone, but that doesn't mean all their actions are good or Spirit-led.

Join us this weekend as we learn that the legacy you received doesn't have to be the legacy you leave, and discover how your true legacy is defined not by your achievements but by the relationships you love. We'll explore the tragic story of Jephthah who sacrificed what mattered most in pursuit of personal glory.

Happy Father's Day to all of our dads today. Whether you're a first time dad or a seasoned vet by now, we love you all the same.

Folks! It's Holy Smokes: the comedy podcast where we smoke w33d and tell Bible stories. Hosted by Scoochie Boochie. This week our hilarious guest is Laurel Krabacher, a veteran of the Second City Mainstage.In this ep:Due to a mix-up, Laurel has to randomly pick a new story and it turns out to be the most devastating story in the Bible: Jephthah's daughter. Plus hilarious improv scenes about your dad being the Principal, and a bible-times guy in therapy.We're giving you 50% off your first month on the PatreonUse code: NIFTYFIFTYpatreon.com/holysmokespodIt's got bonus episodes, unreleased Scoochie Boochie songs, and discounts for Scoochie Boochie merch and vinyl.

Join us as Rev. Ken Thurman shares with us from Judges 10:1-11:11

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 IVPOD25 for 25% off 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 LeeDisclaimer: 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.

When faced with obstacles in life, it's easy to want to throw in the towel and quit. In this message called, OVERCOMING OBSTALES, Pastor Jeff Schreve shares from the life of Jephthah, a judge who faced many obstacles in his life, but overcame them with a heart full of faith. Discover how like Jephthah, you can overcome whatever life throws at you as you whole-heartedly trust in the Lord with this message from the series, BEFORE THERE WERE KINGS.

When faced with obstacles in life, it's easy to want to throw in the towel and quit, but God enables us to overcome the obstacles, just as he did with Jephthah. In this message, Pastor Jeff Schreve shares from the life of Jephthah, a judge who faced many obstacles in his life, but overcame them with a heart full of faith. It's called, OVERCOMING OBSTACLES and it's from the series, BEFORE THERE WERE KINGS.

In a time when everyone did what was right in their own eyes, Jephthah rose from rejection to leadership — but never healed from the wound of being unwanted. This week, we'll confront the orphan spirit that still haunts so many of us today and discover that everything we build or break will hinge on what we believe about God's goodness and our belovedness in Him.

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

Well kids, this one's a doozy! This week we're talking about a controversial Biblical practice that is still done by many today (and the truth is that it should probably be more controversial than it is). That's right, this week we're talking circumcision! It's such a strange practice, if you think about it, cutting off a piece of your child's flesh. And it leaves us with a load of questions: Where did it come from? Why did God command it? Who was supposed to do it? But before that, we're diving into one of the Bible's most confusing stories. Jephthah was a powerful commander who, with the Lord's help, was able to defeat his enemies and become one of the judges of Israel. But to get it all done, he made a deal with God that ended tragically. How did this happen? Why didn't God stop it? Is this a story of a haughty man making a foolish promise, or is there more to it? ---- HEY! TICKETS TO THE SECOND LEG OF THE DATA OVER DOGMA TOUR ARE STILL ON SALE! To get yours, go here: Second leg (Atlanta, Philly, DC): Regular tickets: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/HDYV2ZNUMQLLE VIP Tickets (Reg tickets PLUS entry into VIP After-party): https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/YXZYR9ZXCSEHL For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma⁠⁠⁠⁠      Follow us on the various social media places: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have you ordered Dan McClellan's hit book ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bible Says So⁠⁠⁠⁠ yet??? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/bible-says-so-9781250347466/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGLTkpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQY4Ahs0Hi289IcnsQMh_0OAVf3oGefyUsWkLjhfB8OF8nio1fmroJbXxA_aem_v_4sISp8Zt43zsKfDjx1aA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hebrews 11:32-40 NIV 1. Faith's Power through Scripture 32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets…..Earlier in this chapter the author commends multiple biblical heroes including Noah, Abraham, Moses and others. Here at verse 32 he says there's not enough time to continue although there are many more. The goal of the writer of Hebrews is to provide examples of those who displayed the power of faith. This provides us readers with education and inspiration from the Scriptures.There is power available to us as we are educated in what God has done through people like us, and we are inspired by what God can do through people like us. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬.  “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”There is education and inspiration available to us through the Scripture to empower our faith!These are not characters from fables, these are real stories about real people and more so they are our faith ancestors. Our relation is not in blood but by faith.Example: What one man can do another man can do (movie the edge)These people of God, our faith ancestors, had sins and struggles. They experienced difficult times and struggled with tears, sweat and even blood. They made mistakes, major mistakes. But they are commended here because of their faith. It is amazing what the Lord can do in us and through us when we trust him. What does it mean to trust the Lord…….leads us to point 2…2. Faith's power when we trust the Lord's plans and promises39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, Again our faith ancestors are commended for their faith not perfection. Only Jesus is perfect, amen! No one at any of our campuses is perfect. Cut that out. Stop being a poser. Be real and God will mature you and lead you in righteousness but don't act like you are farther than you are and don't look down on others. They are commended for their trust in the Lord's plans and promises, especially the promise of home. As verse 16 says earlier in the passage, they trusted in the promise of God to bring them to their heavenly country.3. Faith's power when we accept we are part of a larger family40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.Our God is larger than we realize but also we are part of a larger family than we often realize.  It's not all about YOU! Your struggles, your experiences, your gifts, your blessings. They are not all about you; they fit into a larger family context. The family is to grow up into the maturity of Christ TOGETHER. Us locally, us generationally, and us universally as part of God's big C Church!Have you ever had a terrible thing happen and thought why does God hate me? Have you ever had an amazing thing happen and thought God loves me!Have you ever had either an amazing thing or terrible thing happen and thought God is doing a work for his people? Having an understating that we are part of a larger family actually empowers our faith. It allows us to think big, not small. And it is true this life we live is part of something bigger!What would you say to Abraham? You'd say you gotta go because what God does in your life through the good bad and ugly it launches the beginning of God's people. What would you say to Paul? You'd tell him about his impact on the “future” of the church. So we can say more than anyone before us with great clarity of how God works that what happens in our Christian lives is significant not only for today but the future of our families, local church, and the future of the church.

Two judges of Israel follow the death of Abimelech, and we know little about them, except that they each judged Israel for over 20 years with no ruckus to speak of. When Israel turns to idols yet again, they suffer under the Philistines & Ammonites. They cry out to the Lord, but he rejects their pleas. When they confess sin and burn their idols, God begins to become weary of their misery. Later, God appoints a ne'er-do-well named Jephthah to deliver Israel from the Ammonites. Sadly, Jephthah doesn't truly know the Lord or His commands, and he makes a vow to the Lord that is abominable in the Lord's sight, standing in direct conflict with the statutes handed down through Moses. Thinking that he is being faithful to the Lord, he makes a heartbreaking decision.Judges 10 – 1:15 . Judges 11 – 4:56 . Judges 12 – 13:24 . Psalm 74 – 16:27 :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today's readings are Judges 9-11, Ruth 4, and Psalm 137. In the reading from Judges, we hear about the rise and fall of Abimelech, as well as the misguided and heartbreaking vow Jephthah makes to God in return for victory over the Ammonites. We also conclude the book of Ruth with the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.