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In 1212, thousands of children set out across Europe believing God would part the Mediterranean and lead them peacefully to Jerusalem. (Spoiler alert: God didn't.) Their impossible journey became one of the strangest and most hotly debated events of the Middle Ages, blurring the line between history, myth, religious fervor, and mass delusion. It's also wildly entertaining. For Merch and everything else Bad Magic related, head to: https://www.badmagicproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On Thursday's Mark Levin Show, Tucker Carlson and Matt Gaetz are lying again – accusing Mark of pushing for ground troops in Iran. On March 28, 2026, Mark discussed the possibility of special forces or elements of the 82nd Airborne securing Iran's enriched uranium if it could not be destroyed or altered, which is a specific, sophisticated mission rather than any call for hundreds of thousands of ground troops or regular infantry. Mark never advocated for large-scale ground forces. Carlson and Gaetz deliberately editing his remarks. They trash Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, the U.S., its military, and President Trump while rarely criticizing the Iranian regime, and aligning with Islamists. Also, Gov Kathy Hochul and Zohran Mamdani are excited that local law enforcement will not work with ICE to deport criminal illegal aliens. Are New Yorkers happy about this? How could anyone vote for a Democrat given this reality? Later, Rep Jim Jordan calls in and explains the substantial overlap between the Democratic Socialists of America and the modern Democratic Party, which has shifted from the party of FDR and JFK to one that is anti-Israel, antisemitic, and socialist while opposing common-sense policies such as supporting the police, ICE, and opposing sanctuary jurisdictions. Finally, the family of 15-year-old American Malki Roth, killed in the 2001 Sbarro restaurant bombing in Jerusalem that claimed 15 lives and wounded about 122 others, has filed a civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against Ahlam Aref Ahmad al-Tamimi, the Hamas operative who planned and executed the attack. Malki Roth's father, Arnold Roth, calls in and explains that the terrorist remains free in Jordan, is celebrated as a national hero and expresses no regret beyond not killing more people, while Jordan refuses extradition despite a treaty. Roth explains the civil lawsuit which is under the Anti-Terrorism Act seeking to seize her assets and make her life less comfortable, with any recovered funds directed to the Malki Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In Day 191 of The Ways of the Righteous (Gate of Fear of Heaven), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains that while human beings are given dominion over creation, that authority carries responsibility. Animals were created to serve mankind—not because they are unimportant, but because humanity possesses something infinitely greater: an eternal soul. We are commanded to treat animals with compassion and even feed them before ourselves, yet our unique role is to elevate creation through our relationship with Hashem.Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes the extraordinary greatness of the neshamah. Before birth, the soul exists in a realm of perfect spiritual clarity, but at birth it becomes enclosed within a physical body. The crying of a newborn symbolizes the soul's transition from unlimited closeness to Hashem into a world of confusion and physical limitations. Throughout life, the soul longs to return to that closeness, while the body constantly seeks physical gratification. Our task is to allow the soul—not the body—to direct our choices.Using the metaphor of a rider and a horse, Rabbi Wolbe teaches that the neshamah must hold the reins while the body serves merely as its vehicle. The body is necessary to perform mitzvot and acts of kindness, but it must remain subordinate to the soul's higher purpose. When the soul guides the body, every physical action becomes elevated into something eternal.The lesson also explores why Judaism teaches the future resurrection of the dead. Both the soul and the body contribute to a life of righteousness: the soul inspires holiness, while the body performs the mitzvot. Therefore, both ultimately share in the eternal reward when they are reunited in the World to Come.Finally, Rabbi Wolbe explains that the vast universe—the sun, moon, stars, and all of creation—exists not for the temporary body but for the eternal soul. Every aspect of creation is designed to inspire us to recognize Hashem's greatness and draw closer to Him. The purpose of enjoying this world is not indulgence but elevation: to use every blessing Hashem gives us as a means of strengthening our relationship with Him._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on August 14, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #FearOfHeaven, #YiratShamayim, #Nefesh, #Ruach, #Neshamah, #JewishSoul, #MindOverEmotion, #YetzerHara, #SelfControl, #InnerBattle, #LiveWithPurpose ★ Support this podcast ★
Here in Revelation 22, we understand more about Israel's eternal home and her place of glory on the new earth in the new Jerusalem, from where the Lord Jesus Christ will rule and reign. This lesson looks into the vision of the new Jerusalem as a living city where “a pure river of [the] water of life” flows from “the throne of God and of the Lamb” and “the tree of life” yields monthly fruit, symbolizing eternal provision and restoration. The curse from the Fall will be removed, God's throne will be established there, and the redeemed will experience the joyful, active service and reign of God's people in the renewed creation, centered on intimate fellowship with the Lord. https://bereanbiblesociety.org/tbg-episode/216-the-city-of-life/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LdihfNhDGJ0 Buy episode on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-single-episode-1-dvd-201-232/?attribute_pa_episode=216-part-10-the-city-of-life Buy series on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-series-scenes-from-the-final-act/
August 13, 2026"Winners & Losers | The Daily MoJo Ep:081326"This episode of The Daily Mojo delves into a range of compelling topics, from the staggering implications of a billion-dollar Powerball win to the intricacies of divorce settlements and legal proceedings. The discussion also touches upon significant news events, including plea deals, archaeological discoveries, and political commentary, offering a comprehensive overview of current affairs.Phil Bell's Morning Update - Phil returns to The Daily MoJo Monday!Brandon Morse - Redstate Author & host of The Brandon Morse YouTube channel- Discusses his latest YouTube video about Bible lore and why people are mad at him for it! Brandon's latest video: HEREBrandon's LinktreeSave The Daily MoJo! HEREWATCH: TheDailyMoJo.comRUMBLE: HERESPONSORS:GetMojoCBD.comCODE: 'dailymojo' 40% OFF!MoJoLaserProsFreaking Lasers customize EVERYTHING!SmellMyMoJo.comClean up and smell your best! CODE: 'dailymojo' 15% OFFMoJoMyPillow.comMike Lindell is a patriot. If you'd like a great deal and also support him, just do it!PrepareWithMoJo50.comBe prepared for life's emergencies!
HEALTH NEWS Turmeric Extract CLE Improves Orientation and Attention in Middle-Aged Adults, Study Finds Healthy midlife habits linked to longer dementia-free years Industrial Chicken Farming Is Supercharging the Spread of a Dangerous Foodborne Bacterium How folic acid may protect a baby's developing brain and spinal cord Study: Exercise Prompts Liver Enzyme That May Protect Brain Barrier Turmeric Extract CLE Improves Orientation and Attention in Middle-Aged Adults, Study Finds August 10 2026 (Natural News) A 24-week clinical trial published in Frontiers in Nutrition has found that a non-curcumin turmeric extract known as CLE (curcuma longa extract) improved two cognitive functions – orientation and attention – in healthy adults aged 40 to 69. The study tested 35 cognitive measures and reported statistically significant improvements on only two: awareness of time, place and surroundings (orientation) and the ability to focus and ignore distractions (attention). Alzheimer's disease affects about 5.3 million Americans, making it the leading cause of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. The CLE extract tested in this trial contains different compounds – turmeronols A and B and bisacurone – which have shown anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory models. The trial enrolled 40 participants with subtle cognitive changes still considered within the normal range. They were randomly assigned to take either two CLE capsules daily or a placebo for 24 weeks. Cognitive assessments were administered at baseline, at 12 weeks, and at 24 weeks using standard screening tools and an eye-tracking platform. After six months, participants in the CLE group scored higher on orientation compared with the placebo group, according to both an eye-tracking cognitive test and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment – Japanese version (MoCA-J). The CLE group also demonstrated better attention – the ability to focus and ignore distractions – based on the eye-tracking assessment. Healthy midlife habits linked to longer dementia-free years New York University Langone Health, August 6 2026 (News-Medical) Having normal blood pressure, no diabetes, and not smoking from age 48 to 68, are associated with nearly 13 additional years on average of dementia-free life, a new study shows. Led by NYU Langone Health researchers, the new work also found that, no matter how many risk factors they had, women lived longer without dementia than men, and that white study participants had more dementia-free years than Black participants. The findings argue that people need to actively avert these factors in midlife as a strategy for preserving brain health for more than a decade. The current study looked at 12,409 people with an average age of 56 who were free of dementia. Participants were assessed for three risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. They were then followed for an average of 26 years. Those who had no risk factors lived without developing dementia nearly 13 years longer than people with the three risk factors (30 years total after the study's start versus 17 years). The team also sought to determine how cardiovascular risk factors in midlife influenced dementia-free survival across demographics. Women with all three risk factors lived an average of 18.1 years from the start of tracking without developing dementia, compared to 16.6 years for male study participants. White participants with all three risk factors lived an average of 19.6 years without developing dementia, compared to 16 years for Black participants. Industrial Chicken Farming Is Supercharging the Spread of a Dangerous Foodborne Bacterium Oxford University, August 10, 2026 (SciTech Daily) Commercial poultry farms now hold billions of chickens, creating a vast habitat where bacteria can move, mix and adapt. An analysis from the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research at the University of Oxford found that industrial poultry production has increased the movement of Campylobacter more than 100 times, allowing strains once associated with wild birds to circulate widely among farmed chickens. Campylobacter is the world's most common bacterial cause of diarrhea. Treatment is also becoming more difficult as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the ability of bacteria to withstand drugs intended to kill them, continues to rise. Researchers analyzed nearly 2,800 Campylobacter genomes collected from chickens and wild birds in 30 countries (including the UK and USA) between 1979 and 2024. Their study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), indicates that the global growth of chicken production has given different strains more opportunities to spread, exchange genetic material and acquire traits that support survival. Chickens now represent about 70% of all bird biomass on Earth. The findings suggest that enormous, densely packed flocks may function as ecological ‘pathogen sponges,' taking in bacterial strains from different sources and amplifying them. How folic acid may protect a baby's developing brain and spinal cord Hebrew University of Jerusalem, August 11 2026 (Medical Xpress) For more than 30 years, one piece of pregnancy advice has been remarkably consistent: Take folic acid. The reason is clear. Folic acid, or vitamin B9, can lower the risk of neural tube defects, serious birth defects that happen when the early structure that becomes the brain and spinal cord does not close properly. What has been much less clear is how folic acid works. Now, researchers may have found an important part of the answer. In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists discovered that folic acid appears to rely on an enzyme called ALDH1L1. That enzyme helps produce retinoic acid, a powerful developmental signal made from vitamin A. Scientists have long known that folic acid can help prevent many of these defects. But the vitamin seems to be doing more than simply supplying nutrients. The new research suggests that folic acid helps switch on ALDH1L1, a gene that makes the ALDH1L1 enzyme. That enzyme can then help turn a vitamin A-related molecule called retinaldehyde into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid acts like a set of instructions, telling developing cells when to grow, what to become, where to go and when to stop dividing. Study: Exercise Prompts Liver Enzyme That May Protect Brain Barrier University of California at San Francisco, August 10 2026 (Natural News) Researchers at the UC San Francisco Bakar Aging Research Institute have found that exercise prompts the liver to release an enzyme that travels through the bloodstream to the brain and repairs the blood-brain barrier, according to a study published in the journal Cell. The enzyme, called GPLD1, removes a protein called TNAP that accumulates on blood-brain barrier cells over time, the report stated. The findings describe a direct liver-to-brain pathway that partly explains how physical activity protects the brain. The study identified TNAP as a protein that builds up on blood-brain barrier cells over time, according to the researchers. GPLD1 acts to remove TNAP, restoring the barrier's ability to admit nutrients and oxygen while blocking toxins, pathogens, and inflammatory molecules. The findings suggest that consistent, moderate exercise may trigger GPLD1 release, according to the report. Activities such as walking, cycling, and yoga may support cognitive health through this liver-brain connection, the researchers said. Discussion about this episode
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
The Torah commands in Parashat Shoftim (Debarim 23:15), "Ve'haya Mahanecha Kadosh" – "Your camp shall be sacred." The Gemara (Shabbat 150a) interprets the word "camp" in this verse as a reference to any place used for prayer or Torah study, such that the Torah here instructs us to ensure that any such place must be clean, without filth, to preserve the sanctity of our prayers and Torah learning. Accordingly, it is strictly forbidden to even silently think Torah matters in an unclean place, such as the restroom. It goes without saying that one may not speak Torah matters in the restroom. The severity of this prohibition is expressed by the Gemara elsewhere, in Masechet Berachot (24b), in regard to the prohibition against reciting Shema in a place with exposed sewage. The Gemara applies to a person who does not discontinue his reading when encountering filth a number of harsh warnings in the Prophets, condemning those who desecrate the Misvot. Conversely, the Gemara teaches, those who observe this command, and refrain from engaging in sacred matters when in the presence of filth, are rewarded with longevity. In order to avoid thinking of Torah matters in the restroom, it is proper for one to actively think about other matters, such as his finances, his business or his work responsibilities. On Shabbat, when one must avoid thoughts about such matters, as they induce stress, one should try while using the restroom to think of pleasant matters such as aesthetically pleasing things that he has recently seen, and the like. One must not think about or study in the restroom things that may evoke thoughts of Torah. Thus, for example, one must not study Hebrew grammar in the restroom, as this will invariably lead to thoughts about the Biblical origins of different words. It is likewise forbidden to read Hebrew poetry in the bathroom, as much of Hebrew poetry draws upon passages from the Tanach and rabbinic literature. One may read secular newspapers in the restroom. Religious newspapers may be read only if they do not contain words of Torah. For this reason, some religious newspapers in Israel present Torah materials in a separate insert, so the paper itself may be brought into the restroom. The Poskim debate the question of whether one may contemplate the six constant Misvot while in the restroom, such as the belief in G-d, the oneness of G-d, and the fear of G-d. The Lebusheh Mordechai (Rav Mordechai Yehuda Leib Winkler, Hungary, 1844-1932) ruled that this is forbidden. The Sitz Eliezer (Rav Eliezer Waldenberg, Jerusalem 1915-2006) agreed with this ruling, asserting that although one must certainly have these beliefs in one's mind at all times, he should not consciously think about them while in the restroom. By contrast, the Hochmat Shlomo (Rav Shlomo Kluger, 1785-1869) allowed contemplating G-d's existence while in the restroom, and Rav Haim Kanievsky concurred with this ruling, adding that one must avoid thinking about any verses or Torah texts in the process. Ideally, one should spend his time in the restroom contemplating his own lowliness. These moments are a perfect opportunity for a person to work on his humility, as he recognizes his limitations. Indeed, the Maggid – the angel that taught Torah to Maran Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulhan Aruch – instructed him to contemplate his lowliness while using the restroom. If one is the middle of studying a complex, intricate Torah topic when he experiences a need to use the restroom, he should go to the restroom without delay, and make an effort to avoid thinking about the material he is studying. If one enters a public restroom and sees his fellow doing something forbidden, he may tell him that he must discontinue the behavior. One example might be seeing somebody trimming his hair in the restroom during the afternoon of Ereb Pesach, when haircutting is forbidden. Telling the person to stop cutting his hair does not violate the prohibition against speaking Torah matters in the restroom. The Mishna Berura writes that in such a case, one should not state explicitly that the action is forbidden, as he would then be articulating a Halacha in the restroom. He should instead say, "This is not done," or "You must stop," etc. Other Poskim, however, allow explicitly stating that the act is forbidden, and the Mishna Berura himself brings this lenient position. One may rely on this lenient view, especially if otherwise the fellow might not understand that he is acting in a forbidden manner. When designing a synagogue, care should be taken to ensure that the restroom is not near the sanctuary or study hall, for two reasons – so that the odor from the restroom does not reach the sanctuary or study hall, and so that people using the restroom do not hear the prayers or words of Torah. If, for whatever reason, the restroom is situated near the sanctuary or study hall, a person who needs the restroom may nevertheless use it, and should make an effort to divert his attention away from the prayers or words of Torah that are being spoken nearby. This discussion is important not only for the actual Halachot that must be observed, but also because of the underlying assumption that one's mind is naturally inclined to think about Torah matters. The Poskim addressed this topic at length precisely because they deemed it natural for a person's mind to be occupied with Torah thoughts, thus necessitating a concentrated effort to avoid such thoughts in the restroom or in the presence of filth. The requirement to avoid Torah thoughts in the restroom should remind us of the requirement to keep our minds occupied with Torah the rest of the time, to make Torah study a priority in our lives and devote our free time to Torah learning, so that it is what fills our mind.
In Day 190 of The Ways of the Righteous (Gate of Fear of Heaven), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues exploring the three dimensions of the human soul: the nefesh, ruach, and neshamah. While animals possess the drives of the nefesh and ruach, only human beings are endowed with the neshamah—the uniquely Divine intellect that enables us to discern truth from falsehood, develop wisdom, and elevate ourselves spiritually. Unlike the physical body, the wisdom acquired by the neshamah accompanies a person beyond this world.The central message of the lesson is that our lives are shaped by whichever part of ourselves we choose to nourish. Rabbi Wolbe compares the neshamah to a vacuum cleaner that is constantly searching to be filled. If we fail to satisfy it with holiness, Torah, mitzvot, and acts of kindness, it will desperately seek fulfillment elsewhere through material pursuits that can never truly satisfy. Wealth, pleasure, fame, and possessions may entertain the body, but only closeness to Hashem nourishes the soul.Rabbi Wolbe also explains that although the neshamah originates in the intellect, its goal is to transform the heart. The heart is the source of both positive and negative inclinations, and every person chooses which side to strengthen. By allowing the mind and the neshamah to guide the heart, a person redirects powerful emotions and desires toward holiness rather than selfish gratification. The same passion that can drive destructive behavior can also become the engine for tremendous righteousness.Finally, the lesson teaches that wisdom is the key to understanding both the physical and spiritual worlds. Torah enables a person to distinguish between what merely appears attractive and what genuinely brings eternal value. Every advancement, talent, and technology can be used either for holiness or for destruction. The responsibility lies with us to allow our neshamah to lead our choices so that, when we ultimately stand before Hashem, we can answer that we invested our lives in what truly mattered._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on August 13, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #FearOfHeaven, #YiratShamayim, #Nefesh, #Ruach, #Neshamah, #JewishSoul, #MindOverEmotion, #YetzerHara, #SelfControl, #InnerBattle, #LiveWithPurpose ★ Support this podcast ★
2nd Samuel Series Message: 22 Episode: 1 of 3 Broadcast: August 13, 2026 Key Verses: 2nd Samuel 19:24-43 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through 2 Samuel 19:24–43 in a message titled "Complicated Relationships." As David returns to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion, he encounters a series of difficult relationships marked by loyalty, misunderstanding, generosity, and division. Through the stories of Mephibosheth, Barzillai, and the people of Israel, this passage reveals how complicated relationships can test our character, wisdom, and ability to extend grace. Pastor Michael unpacks these encounters to help believers understand the importance of listening carefully, showing mercy, and pursuing peace even when relationships are messy or difficult. This practical teaching will help equip you to walk through life as a Christian with wisdom, humility, and grace, applying God's truth to your relationships and trusting Him to guide you through life's complicated circumstances. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture. Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com
In this episode, we learn that in the new Jerusalem, gold will be so plentiful it will be the pavement on which people will walk! The closing verses of Revelation 21 portray the new Jerusalem as a radiant, gold paved holy city that needs no sun or moon because “the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” The passage emphasizes the city's interior splendor—streets of pure gold like transparent glass—and that its open gates welcome the saved nations and their kings who bring honor into the city. The new Jerusalem is Israel's eternal capital on the renewed earth and celebrates God's presence, perpetual light, and the purity of the city, where nothing that defiles will ever enter. https://bereanbiblesociety.org/tbg-episode/215-the-city-of-light/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NJHe94ufWkA Buy episode on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-single-episode-1-dvd-201-232/?attribute_pa_episode=215-part-9-the-city-of-light Buy series on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-series-scenes-from-the-final-act/
Who will “fear and tremble”? What will be the cause? We follow on from yesterday's thoughts and read and reflect on the remarkable latter day prophecy given to Jeremiah while he is “shut up in the court of the guard” [33 v.1] His situation was a real trial of his faith – and we should ponder what kind of desperate situations we might experience in the “time of trouble, such as there has never been … But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.” [Dan. 12 v.1] How long before this time? God has not provided a calendar, but he has provided signs! Israel regathered and turmoil in and around the Holy land! The verses at the end of Daniel 11 are but one place where the signs are described.. Jesus said, “for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short” [Matt 24 v.22] About his people, now in terrible trouble, Jeremiah is told, “I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security, I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel … and this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.” [ v.6,7,9] God then tells Jeremiah, “In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness … Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called, ‘The LORD is our righteousness.” [v.15,16] Imagine the feelings of the prophet as he, in his anxieties over all that is happening, and his personal situation, receives this divine message. Now switch the perspective to the 21st Century and the potential, before Christ comes when “they shall fear and tremble…” [v.9] but while those who do not know God's word will do so out of great anxiety, those who do know – and most surely believe his word, shall, says the Lord to Jeremiah, “fear and tremble because of all the prosperity I provide … there shall be heard again the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride …” [v.10] Let us make sure we are part of the bride; meditate on Rev. 19 v. 7-9.
A @Christadelphians Video: **[Actual, provable Bible Truth]** We are living in the most prophetic generation since the first century. The Times of the Gentiles—that period when Jerusalem would be trampled underfoot by foreign powers—has concluded. In 1967, a miraculous event unfolded that fulfilled the 2,300-day prophecy of Daniel 8:14, marking the end of this era and ushering in the final countdown to the Kingdom of God.We explore the remarkable fulfilment of Bible prophecy unfolding before our eyes. From the Jewish return to the land and the revival of Hebrew, to the extraordinary events of the Six-Day War and the recapture of Jerusalem, we witness God's hand moving in history. Even more remarkably, we examine the awakening spiritual revival taking place in Israel today—a fulfilment of Ezekiel's prophecy that God would first bring His people back to the land, then sprinkle clean water upon them through the Word.## Chapters00:00 - Introduction: The Prophetic Unravelling05:44 - The Olivet Prophecy and Jerusalem's Destruction08:15 - Daniel's Vision: The 2,300 Days Explained13:56 - The 1967 Miracle: End of the Times of the Gentiles17:28 - The Danger of Complacency in Miraculous Times20:20 - The Mountains of Israel and God's Promise25:34 - The Revival of Torah Study in Israel Today30:04 - Spiritual Transformation Since October 7th36:27 - Ezekiel 36: God's Cleansing of the Nation43:50 - Romans 10: Faith Comes by Hearing47:56 - Peace and Prosperity: The Abraham Accords52:39 - Walls, Bars, and Gates: Prophetic Removal55:47 - The Russian Restraint and Current Events1:07:46 - Our Response: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem1:11:41 - The Lord Stands at the Door## Bible Verse Category
In this teaching we conclude our study through the Book of Jeremiah, picking up in chapter 51, verse 47 and continuing through chapter 52. As God's judgment upon Babylon and Jerusalem unfolds exactly as He foretold, we're reminded that His Word never fails. And even as Jeremiah closes with judgment, it also closes with hope—a hope ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Study Outline (Word) Study Outline (PDF)
Discover profound insights into human behavior, resilience, and the quest for the meaning of life with therapist and author Bryan Blakney in this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You.Host Ashutosh Garg explores Bryan's journey from studying social psychology to writing his book, Top Secret: Declassifying the Meaning of Life. The conversation delves into the transformative power of emotional and spiritual intelligence, the 9 Keys to navigating anxiety and uncertainty, and why love and unity are essential to a fulfilling life.Bryan shares personal stories, including a formative childhood experience in Jerusalem, as well as wisdom gained through decades of experience as a therapist. Whether you are feeling lost, searching for purpose, or seeking to understand what it truly means to succeed, this conversation offers practical insights and deeper reflections on personal growth and leadership.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful discussions on leadership, self-discovery, and wisdom from global thought leaders.
Isaiah 11 paints one of Scripture's most beautiful pictures of the coming reign of the Messiah. But when we read the entire chapter carefully, an important question emerges: When do the events of Isaiah 11:10–16 actually occur?In this episode, we explore why these verses cannot be describing the eternal state of Revelation 21–22, where sin, rebellion, war, and hostile nations have already passed away. Yet they also do not comfortably fit the period before Christ's return, because Isaiah explicitly connects them to "that day"—the same day in which the Messiah establishes universal peace and his righteous rule in Isaiah 11:6–9.This leads us into an important principle of biblical prophecy: the prophets often present the future in interconnected snapshots rather than complete chronological timelines. Like mountain peaks viewed from a distance, events that appear side by side in one prophecy are often separated by periods of time that become visible only as other prophetic passages fill in the landscape. Isaiah, Zechariah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the New Testament writers together provide a fuller picture than any one prophet alone.From there we explore how Scripture portrays the Messiah's millennial kingdom as a progressive and incremental expansion of His reign. Rather than appearing instantaneously in its final form, Christ's kingdom ripples outward from Jerusalem, progressively bringing the nations under His righteous rule. This framework helps illuminate the surviving nations described in Zechariah 12 and 14 and explains why the Messiah's reign involves the ongoing subjugation of peoples who remain from the rebellion preceding His return.We then turn to Romans 15, where Paul quotes Isaiah 11:10 to demonstrate that God's plan has always included both Jews and Gentiles united in worship under Israel's Messiah. Paul sees Jesus as the promised Root of Jesse who gathers the nations to Himself and reigns over them in fulfillment of Isaiah's vision.Ultimately, this episode is about hope. God's purpose in revealing the future is not merely to satisfy our curiosity about prophecy but to shape the way we live in the present. Isaiah's vision reminds us that evil, injustice, violence, and war will not have the final word. That future gives us confidence, endurance, and hope today.Key Passages: Isaiah 11:10-16 Romans 15:7-13Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.orgLeave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
What one city continues to make the front page of newspapers and websites and will continue to be the centerpiece of history until Jesus comes again? Yes, Jerusalem. Follow in Jesus' footsteps through the Gospel of Matthew as He moves steadily toward Jerusalem with one purpose—to die for us.
DESCRIPTION Biblical leadership and spiritual warfare were never meant to be separated. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture repeatedly connects godly authority with the responsibility to guard, protect, preserve, and advance what God has established. In this powerful Biblical Life teaching, Dr. Michael Lake examines a truth the modern Church desperately needs to recover: Every legitimate biblical leader is called to stand under God's authority—and biblical authority carries with it the responsibility to resist darkness. The shepherd's staff provides a powerful picture of this principle. It steadies the leader's walk, guides those who follow, and can become a weapon when the flock is threatened. That pattern begins in Genesis. Adam was commissioned to exercise dominion, guard what God entrusted to him, and extend God's order throughout the earth. Yet the spiritual conflict was already underway. Leadership was necessary precisely because there was something that needed to be guarded. This principle continues throughout Scripture. · Noah protected humanity through obedience. · Abraham defended the covenant family. · Moses confronted Pharaoh. · Joshua led Israel against the corruption of Canaan. · David defended Israel from its enemies. · Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem while preparing the people to fight. And Jesus Christ—the perfect Shepherd, Leader, and Warrior—came "doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" (Acts 10:38). The modern Church has often separated leadership from spiritual warfare. The result has been weakened families, passive believers, exhausted pastors, confused authority structures, and Christians who have never been taught how to stand their ground spiritually. That must change. Dr. Lake examines how biblical leadership establishes God's order, while spiritual warfare protects it. You will discover why: · Leadership begins with submission to God's authority. · The home is one of the first places biblical leadership must operate. · Husbands and wives were designed to function together under God's order. · Spiritual warfare did not begin in Genesis 3—the conflict was already present in Genesis 1. · Adam was commissioned to rule, guard, and preserve what God entrusted to him. · The shepherd's staff symbolizes both leadership and warfare. · Satan consistently targets leaders because destroying leadership scatters those under its protection. · The fivefold ministry carries specific responsibilities in the spiritual conflict. · Truth, holiness, prayer, obedience, discernment, and forgiveness are powerful weapons of biblical leadership. · Spiritual authority grows as believers themselves submit to the authority of Christ. · The name of Jesus must govern us before we presume to exercise His authority against the enemy. One of the most important principles in this teaching is simple: · Because I am under authority, I can move in authority. · Spiritual authority is not bravado. · It is not yelling at demons. · It is not religious theatrics. It flows from submission to Jesus Christ, obedience to the Word of God, holiness, covenant faithfulness, and a life increasingly governed by the character of Christ. The days ahead will require believers who know how to lead themselves, protect their households, discern deception, stand on biblical truth, and resist the kingdom of darkness. It is time to take up the shepherd's staff again. It is time to LEAD. It is time to GUARD. It is time to STAND. And when necessary, it is time to FIGHT. The Bible is not merely a devotional book. It is also a war book. And God is preparing His remnant to understand how biblical leadership and spiritual warfare function together. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ HELP US REACH AND EQUIP THE REMNANT If this teaching strengthens you, please: ✓ LIKE this video—it helps YouTube recommend this teaching to others. ✓ SUBSCRIBE to Biblical Life TV and turn on notifications so you don't miss future teachings. ✓ SHARE this message with pastors, fathers, husbands, ministry leaders, intercessors, and believers who understand that the Church must recover biblical leadership. ✓ COMMENT BELOW: What area of biblical leadership do you believe the Church most urgently needs to recover? Your engagement helps these teachings reach believers who might otherwise never discover them. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ BECOME A MINISTRY PARTNER Biblical Life TV and Kingdom Intelligence Briefing are made possible by friends and ministry partners around the world who believe in preparing and equipping the remnant for the days ahead. Your prayers and financial partnership help us continue producing biblical teaching, research, podcasts, and resources designed to strengthen believers in the Word of God. To learn more, access teaching resources, or support the ministry, visit: KingdomIntelligenceBriefing.com Online Giving: https://store.biblicallifeassembly.org Mailing Address: Biblical Life P.O. Box 160 Seymour, MO 65746-0160 Thank you to every partner who stands with us. Your partnership enables Biblical Life TV to continue proclaiming biblical truth and preparing the remnant worldwide. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SCRIPTURES & BIBLICAL THEMES DISCUSSED · Genesis 1:1–28 — Creation, dominion, separation, authority, and spiritual conflict · Genesis 2:15 — Adam commissioned to work, guard, and preserve the Garden · Genesis 3:1–24 — The failure of leadership and the entrance of sin · Genesis 6:1–4 — Rebellion and the corruption associated with the Genesis 6 event · Joshua 24:15 — "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" · Zechariah 13:7 — Strike the shepherd and the sheep scatter · Matthew 24 — Deception, false teachers, and false prophets in the last days · Luke 10:19 — Authority over the power of the enemy · Acts 10:38 — Jesus destroying the oppression of the devil · Ephesians 4:11–16 — Fivefold ministry and the equipping of the saints · Revelation 21:1–27 — The ultimate removal of darkness and chaos under God's restored order TIMELINE 00:00 — Introduction 01:30 — Opening Prayer & the Crisis of Our Generation 05:00 — Why the Church Needs Biblical Leadership 09:00 — The Shepherd's Staff: Leadership & Warfare 14:00 — Dominion and Authority in Genesis 20:00 — Adam, Eve & Kingdom Leadership 28:00 — Spiritual Warfare Begins in Genesis 1 37:00 — Guarding What God Entrusts to You 44:00 — Authority Against Spiritual Chaos 53:00 — Restoring Leadership in the Home 59:00 — Moses, David & the Staff of Authority 1:02:00 — Jesus: Shepherd, Leader & Warrior 1:08:00 — Fivefold Ministry as Spiritual Warfare 1:11:00 — Why Satan Targets Leadership 1:17:00 — David, Goliath & Growing in Authority 1:20:00 — The Name of Jesus and Submission to Christ 1:23:00 — Forgiveness, Healing & Spiritual Authority
Welcome to Day 2925 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2925 – Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 1:1-7 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2925 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2925 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Master Compass – Unlocking the Purpose and Foundation of Wisdom On our previous expedition, on Day Two Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty-Three, we stood at the soaring, galactic summit of Psalm One Hundred Fifty, listening as every created thing that has breath lifted one unified, thunderous crescendo of praise to the Sovereign King of heaven! For many months, we traveled through the sacred sanctuary of the Psalter, learning how to worship, how to pray, and how to bring our rawest emotions into the celestial courtroom of the Almighty. Today, as we step onto Day Two Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty-Five of our ongoing trek, we are crossing a monumental threshold! We are stepping off the high mountain of praise and crossing over onto the practical, dusty trails of the Book of Proverbs. If the Psalms taught us how to look upward in awe at the heavenly council, the Book of Proverbs teaches us how to look outward—giving us a time-tested, practical field guide for how to walk with integrity, navigate complex relationships, manage our resources, and leave a living legacy. Having personally walked through a chapter of Proverbs every single day for over forty years, I can tell you with absolute certainty that this book is not merely a collection of isolated fortune-cookie maxims; it is an inspired, life-giving ecosystem designed to shape your character from the inside out. Let us open our hearts to the foundational header of this magnificent royal manual, as recorded in the New Living Translation, starting in Proverbs chapter one, verse one. These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel. In this opening line, Solomon introduces himself with his full royal pedigree: “These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel.” To fully grasp the profound weight of this verse, we must view it through the fascinating lens of the Ancient Israelite divine-council worldview. In the ancient Near East, kingship was never viewed as a mere secular administrative office; the king of Israel was understood to be the earthly representative—the unique viceroy—of Yahweh Himself! When Solomon inherited the throne from his father David, he stood as Yahweh's anointed representative on earth. When Yahweh appeared to young Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and asked what he desired, Solomon did not ask for military conquest, vast personal wealth, or long life. Instead, he asked for a discerning mind to govern God's people with cosmic justice. God granted him divine wisdom that surpassed all the sages of the ancient world. Therefore, when we read Proverbs, we are not just reading human philosophy; we are entering into royal court curriculum! This was the training manual used in the Jerusalem palace to train young leaders, princes, and administrators how to rule in harmony with the divine order established by the Creator Himself. Having established his royal authority, Solomon immediately unveils the primary mission statement of the entire book, grouping together the deeply connected thoughts in verse two and verse three. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. Look at the rich, multi-layered vocabulary Solomon utilizes here! He declares that the purpose of these proverbs is to impart “wisdom and discipline,” and to help people lead “disciplined and successful lives,” doing “what is right, just, and fair.” In the original Hebrew, the word for wisdom is chokmah—which does not mean abstract academic knowledge or a high IQ. Chokmah literally means applied skill! It is the practical craftsmanship of living life well according to divine design. Solomon pairs chokmah with musar, which translates as “discipline,” “instruction,” or moral correction. True wisdom requires the humility to be trained, shaped, and corrected when we wander off the trail. Notice, too, the ultimate fruit of this discipline: it enables us to practice what is "right, just, and fair." In Hebrew, these three words—tzedek, mishpat, and meisharim—form the precise triad used throughout the Old Testament to describe the foundation of Yahweh's own heavenly throne! When we live lives characterized by righteousness, justice, and fairness, we are actively bringing the moral order of heaven down into our everyday earthly relationships. Solomon now expands the scope of his audience, demonstrating that this royal curriculum is designed for every single traveler on the road of life, weaving together the logical thoughts found in verse four, verse five, and verse six. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Consider the marvelous, universal inclusivity of these three verses! Solomon identifies two distinct groups of people who desperately need this wisdom. First, he speaks to "the simple" and "the young." In the Hebrew mind, "the simple"—the pethi—does not mean someone who lacks intelligence; it describes someone who is open-minded, uncommitted, naive, and easily led astray by the loudest voice in the marketplace. The "young" lack life experience and battle-tested discernment. For them, Proverbs functions as a protective shield, offering instant discernment, practical knowledge, and foresight before they make catastrophic mistakes. But then, look at verse five! Solomon pivots and says, "Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser!" No one ever graduates from the school of wisdom! Whether you are a young person just stepping onto the trail, or a seasoned trekker who has walked with God for decades, there are always deeper layers of insight to uncover. Solomon invites us to become spiritual detectives, exploring the deep meaning, parables, and riddles—the chida—woven into the fabric of creation and scripture. Finally, Solomon reaches the majestic, unshakeable cornerstone of the entire Book of Proverbs—the ultimate motto that governs all true knowledge—as recorded in verse seven. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Here stands the master compass of human existence: "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline!" This single verse serves as the theological hinge upon which the entire book swings. In the ancient Near Eastern world, people lived in constant dread of volatile pagan gods, attempting to manipulate spiritual powers through magic and superstition. But "the fear of Yahweh"—Yirat Yahweh—is something entirely different! It is not a paralyzing, cowering terror. Rather, it is a posture of profound reverent awe, holy wonder, submission, and absolute alignment with the Supreme Creator of the universe. It is recognizing that God is God, and we are not! When you begin with the fear of the Lord, your mind is properly calibrated to reality. You recognize that Yahweh sits enthroned over the celestial assembly, and that His laws reflect the true nature of reality. In stark contrast stands the ewil—the "fool." In Proverbs, a fool is not someone with a low intellectual capacity; a fool is someone who is morally arrogant, someone who despises instruction, rejects discipline, and arrogantly insists on being the master of their own fate. The fool tries to navigate the treacherous trails of life with a broken compass, while the wise trekker anchors every step in the reverent fear of God. As we set out on this exciting new series through Proverbs, let us resolve to be humble, eager learners. We are not just collecting ancient trivia; we are acquiring the divine skill set needed to live disciplined, successful, and honorable lives that leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Keep your heart open as wisdom calls out to us at the very start of our journey, and let the fear of the Lord be your guiding star every single day. If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of, ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a...
NO OTHER NAME - ACTS 4:1-12 - BRIAN SUMNER - 2026ACTS 4:1-12 "Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.Addressing the Sanhedrin5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like. Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW
"Good morning, Mr. Phelps." If you were a fan of the old school classic TV series, "Mission: Impossible," you would know those words always began a riveting adventure. Jim Phelps was the head of all the Mission Impossible Force before all the big movies, you know. He would listen to this tape, outlining this assignment that seemed, well, impossible. Key word–seemed. And even in more modern times when it's not a tape anymore, and when it's Tom Cruise who's doing Mission: Impossible, it's still sort of the same idea. You begin building a team of specialists, you concoct this elaborate, perfectly-timed plan to do what couldn't be done, and every time they get it done. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "No Such Thing as Mission Impossible." That's the conclusion you reached after watching that show for a while. For them, there's just no such thing as mission impossible. That's great fantasy stuff. It's a much greater reality when it comes to rescue missions undertaken by the One of whom the Bible says, "For with God, nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). That might be important for you to know right now, because there's a person in your life that seems beyond His reach. Well, wait a minute! There's no such person. The living proof of that is our word for today from the Word of God. Saul, the man leading the crusade to eradicate the early Christians. He is on the way from Jerusalem to Damascus to round up more of those hated believers. Acts 9:3 says, "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting...'" After this dramatic encounter with Jesus, the Bible says, "Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind..." You probably know that this persecutor of Jesus' followers will ultimately become the greatest proclaimer of Jesus in the world; the world-changing Apostle Paul. I cannot imagine anyone in the world of the early Christians whom they would have considered a greater "mission impossible." But there's no such thing when it comes to God, including that person in your life who seems to be so hard, so far from God, so antagonistic, so impossible to get through to. In fact, maybe you've almost stopped believing, stopped seeking opportunities to point them in Jesus' direction. Maybe you've even stopped praying very much for them. Please, don't stop going to God on their behalf. Ask God, "Lord, do whatever it takes within Your will to get through to their heart." That's a powerful prayer...the "whatever it takes" prayer. He may have to knock them off their high horse, as He did Paul. He may have to bring them to a position where they're helpless, as He did with Saul. He may have to show up dramatically in front of them, but Jesus didn't die for them just to give up on them now. As you pray, this very moment, Jesus the ultimate Mission Impossible Man, is moving people, He's moving events to bring someone you love face to face with Him. You may not even be here for the answer to your prayers, but God has this promise for you in Galatians 6:9, "we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Mission Impossible? For Jesus, there's no such thing.
In this lesson from the Gate of Fear of Heaven (Shaar Yirat Shamayim), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the deeper structure of the human soul through the concepts of nefesh, ruach, and neshamah. Drawing from the teachings of Orchot Tzaddikim, he explains that the nefesh is associated with physical desire, the ruach with emotion, honor, and ego, and the neshamah with the intellect and our highest spiritual aspirations. These three forces operate simultaneously within every person, creating the lifelong struggle between immediate physical gratification and the soul's desire for closeness to Hashem.Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that reality extends far beyond what our physical eyes can perceive. Spiritual causes and consequences may exist even when they are hidden from us. Through a story involving a businessman who sought guidance from a Kabbalistic sage, he illustrates the Torah perspective that our spiritual choices can influence aspects of life in ways that are not visible on the surface. The broader lesson is that Judaism asks us to look beyond the purely material world and recognize that our actions affect both the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence.The lesson then focuses on the central battle between intellect and emotion. The heart may crave what feels pleasurable in the moment, even when the mind knows that the choice is harmful. Rabbi Wolbe uses the example of someone warned by a doctor to avoid unhealthy food who nevertheless places himself in a tempting environment and gradually rationalizes giving in. Spiritual maturity requires training the mind to govern the heart rather than allowing emotions and impulses to dictate our choices.Rabbi Wolbe concludes by describing life as an ongoing contest between the physical forces that pursue pleasure, wealth, honor, and comfort and the neshamah that continually asks a deeper question: What will bring me closer to Hashem? Whichever side we strengthen becomes more powerful. When physical desires dominate, spiritual sensitivity weakens. When the neshamah leads, humility, wisdom, and closeness to God flourish. The struggle itself is the purpose of life—and every choice gives us another opportunity to allow the highest part of ourselves to lead._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on August 12, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #FearOfHeaven, #YiratShamayim, #Nefesh, #Ruach, #Neshamah, #JewishSoul, #MindOverEmotion, #YetzerHara, #SelfControl, #InnerBattle, #LiveWithPurpose ★ Support this podcast ★
Join us for a powerful Sunday message from Pastor Marcus Mecum as he reveals what Jerusalem's elevation teaches us about the Church. God chose His Church, placed her on a hill, and called her to rise above the things that would keep her down. The journey isn't always easy, but the Church is beautiful for her situation, her purpose, and what God has called her to do.
Join us as we dig deeper into last Sunday's sermon from Pastor Gabe Kasper "The Gospel for the Gentiles" and hear from Amy Duncan and Nate Zuellig on "Praise The Lord Forever". Digging Deeper Questions: Who is someone that helped you grow in your faith? Has there been a time where you felt clear on what God was calling you to do? How did you respond? How did it go? Jesus is the God who comes to us. Where have you seen Jesus meet you? Scripture Reading: Acts 10:1-16, 34-48 1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius." 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea." 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." 14 But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common." 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven. 34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." 44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. Intro/Outro Song: "Only One" Nate Zuellig ULC Artist In Residence "Praise The Lord Forever" Pat Barrett CCLI Song # 7260101 CCLI License # 11254293
"And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand." Romans 15:14-21
The different symbols and spiritual attributes of a Hebrew month usually offer multiple perspectives on a common theme. Elul is different. Its permutation of Hashem's Name, letter, mazal, tribe, faculty, and bodily faculty unfold as a sequence, creating a practical step-by-step framework for teshuvah. Together, they show us how to recover the energy that became misdirected in the past year and redirect it toward growth in the year ahead.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.
If the Book of Ezra begins with the return of the remnant to restore the Temple and the Law, the Book of Nehemiah records the physical and civil secured existence of that same fragile community. Where Ezra brings the spiritual architecture of Torah, Nehemiah arrives with the practical blueprint for survival. The ruin of Jerusalem was not merely a physical catastrophe; in the ancient Near East, an unfortified city was an open target for enemies, a mockery to surrounding nations, and a visible reproach to the God whose name it bore. Nehemiah enters history to turn a desolate heap of stones into a holy, defended dwelling place. Covering the third major return from Babylon, the narrative centers on Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, who trades the luxury of the imperial palace for the dust of Jerusalem. Upon receiving news of the city's broken walls and burned gates, his instant response fuses deep intercessory prayer with decisive administrative leadership. Anchored in God's covenant promises, Nehemiah pleads God's own words: though His outcasts are scattered to the uttermost parts of heaven, He will gather them if they return and keep His commandments. Equipped with royal letters and timber from the king's forest, Nehemiah leads the remnant in rebuilding the walls in a staggering fifty-two days, despite relentless psychological warfare and political conspiracies from regional adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah. This post-exilic landscape is shared by the prophet Malachi, whose contemporaneous ministry voices the very heart of this covenant dynamic. Malachi's prophetic cry, "Return to Me, and I will return to you" (Malachi 3:7), operates as the thematic twin to Nehemiah's prayer and labor. While Nehemiah builds external security and executes civic reforms, Malachi confronts the internal lethargy, corrupt priesthood, and cold formalist worship that threaten the remnant from within. Together, governor and prophet press the same urgent reality: physical restoration is hollow without a true return of the heart to the place where God has chosen to make His name dwell. Nehemiah demonstrates the essential union between persistent prayer and active duty, showing that spiritual reliance and practical organization belong together in God's service. Yet, the book ends with a clear sense of anticipation. Though the physical perimeter is secured and the temple sacrifices are maintained, the stubborn tendency of human hearts to wander persists. The combined testimony of Nehemiah and Malachi leaves the reader looking past the restored walls of Jerusalem toward the ultimate Shepherd-King who would come to gather the true outcasts, cleanse His people from within, and establish an unshakable kingdom forever. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. (Malachi 4:2)
Wednesday, 12 August 2026 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Matthew 22:3 “And he sent, the ‘servants, his' to call those having been called to the nuptials. And not they inclined to come.” (CG) In the previous verse, it was noted that the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son. Jesus next says, “And he sent, the ‘servants, his'.” Various suggestions are given for who these servants represent: “...the servants, are John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.” Expositor's Greek Testament “...the servants represent the aggregate work of the prophets up to the time of the Baptist.” Ellicott “The servants here are John the Baptist, the twelve apostles, the seventy, who first preached the gospel to the Jewish people.” Pulpit Commentary “...representing all preachers of the Gospel.” Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary Verse 8 will use the word tote, then, after the burning of the city. Therefore, the wedding finally takes place after the destruction of Jerusalem. As this is the time for the wedding invitation, it could include John the Baptist, even if he was not to be a part of it. However, this even seems unlikely. The parable looks to the post-resurrection time of Israel's interaction with God's offer of Jesus. The main substance being referred to, therefore, concerns those who were believers in Jesus, meaning the disciples and apostles. This is seen in the next words, “to call those having been called to the nuptials.” There is a play on words, twice repeating the same word, kaleó. The use of the perfect participle in the second instance refers to a group that had been called in the past, with the call still in effect in the present. As such, it refers to Israel, the nation – “You must hear unto Me, Jacob, and Israel, My ‘being called', I – He, I – First, indeed I, Afterwards.” Isaiah 48:12 (CG) Israel was called to be the Lord's people through the time of the law. They were the “being called.” When the time came for the law to end and the new dispensation of grace to be ushered in, they were the “having been called.” However, at that time, Jesus says of them, “And not they inclined to come.” The nation, as a whole and particularly as represented by its leaders, was uninterested in what Jesus offered. They wanted the old ways of law, seeing that it allowed them a privilege that no one else was entitled to. Life application: Once, while reading a devotional from a reformed theology source that accepted the doctrine of preterism, it essentially said that at some point, the author believed that a new approach to various aspects of Scripture would come along and be so incredible to those who read it, they would not be able to accept the teaching, even though it would be correct. He felt confident that biblical interpretation, as it was at the time, left various points incomplete. Think that one through. A person who believes Bible prophecy is fulfilled in its entirety, except for the second coming of Christ, understands that there was a gap in his understanding of Scripture. A person who believes the church has replaced Israel knew there was something incomplete in regard to his view of biblical interpretation. The sad part of his analysis was that he was right. His view of biblical interpretation and his understanding of Scripture were deficient. He was also correct that a view would be proposed that would answer his deficiencies, and it would be rejected by many who heard it. He was wrong, however, that it would come at some point in the future. It had already arrived in the form of dispensationalism. That developed until it was complete. It now answers the innumerable inaccuracies of views by scholars stuck in the reform ideas of preterism, “spiritual Israel,” etc. Sometimes, we can be so sure something is wrong that we reject it outright, even when we know that what we currently believe may have serious deficiencies. To understand the Bible, dispensationalism is a must. But it was not really introduced by “early proponents” like John Darby. Rather, it stems from the writings of Paul, as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Check things out. Compare them to the word. And be sure to make sure that what you believe conforms to the word. If it doesn't, be sure to keep searching. Don't just sit fat, dumb, and happy in a church that does not adequately resolve the difficulties that are found in Scripture if they have already been resolved elsewhere. Lord God, lead us to proper instruction in Your word. If there is a deficiency in the teaching we receive, help us to be alerted to this and to seek out an answer that will adequately satisfy the need. May we be properly schooled in Your word as we seek to honor You. Amen.
This message examines the new Jerusalem as Israel's eternal, divinely prepared capital—a vast, cube-shaped city descending from heaven, radiant with God's glory and built of precious stones and pure gold. It emphasizes the city's perfect, orderly design and its symbolic features of twelve gates and twelve foundations. The city is presented as the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel and a place of honor for the prophetic saints, while the Church retains its heavenly citizenship, but will still have access to the earth and the new Jerusalem as part of the family of God. https://bereanbiblesociety.org/tbg-episode/214-the-city-of-gold/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y_cxQ3zEcYk Buy episode on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-single-episode-1-dvd-201-232/?attribute_pa_episode=214-part-8-the-city-of-gold Buy series on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-series-scenes-from-the-final-act/
What if a prayer you pray today becomes part of an answer God is still revealing generations from now? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards explores the power of persistent prayer, revival, intercession, and building a legacy of faith that can continue long after our lifetime. Jesus taught His disciples to always pray and never give up. But what might that kind of prayer actually look like in our lives, our churches, our youth ministries, and our families? Drawing from Mark Batterson's Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge, Doug reflects on the extraordinary story of believers who committed themselves to around-the-clock prayer and a prayer movement that continued for generations. He also shares the story of Corrie ten Boom and a long-term prayer effort connected to Jerusalem, along with the powerful promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14. These stories lead to an important question: What is God calling you to keep praying for? In this episode, you'll be encouraged to: • Pray consistently instead of giving up • Believe that your prayers can have an impact beyond your lifetime • Pray intentionally for revival in your home, church, community, and nation • Include students and children in a culture of prayer • Model prayer for your children and grandchildren • Help the next generation experience prayer instead of only hearing about it • Trust God even when you cannot yet see the answer • Build prayer habits that can influence generations Doug also challenges youth pastors, volunteers, parents, and grandparents to think bigger than individual prayer requests. What if the students watching you pray today become the adults who lead prayer movements tomorrow? Children understand trust in a powerful way. When they see adults praying, depending on God, and recognizing His answers, they learn that prayer is not simply something Christians talk about—it is part of how we live. Maybe God is calling you to pray differently. Maybe He is calling you to pray more consistently. Or maybe He is simply telling you: Keep praying. Don't underestimate what God can do with a prayer you refuse to stop praying. Find your prayer rhythm. Pray for revival. Bring the next generation with you. And build a prayer legacy that can continue long after your lifetime. Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _________________________________________________________________________________
Recompense on the Beast and Harlot (1) (audio) David Eells, 8/12/26 Destruction Comes for Apostate Leadership B. A. - 06/23/2015 (David's notes in red) I dreamed that I found myself in Jerusalem, back in Jesus' day, and I was looking up at the temple (a temple made by man's hands which God does not inhabit). Act.17:24 The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; (Church buildings are not holy, the people must be.) 25 neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us: 28 for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. 30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commanded men that they should all everywhere repent: 31 inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. There were stone steps leading down from the temple, and on the steps stood Pharisees and Sadducees (Representing those of our day.). I was standing with a crowd of people in an open area a little ways from the temple and the stone steps, and just as I was looking around me in this crowd of people, I saw a man come forward out of the crowd who began to sternly address the men who were standing up (or exalting themselves) on the stone steps of the temple. I knew that the man speaking was Jesus. (Representing those in whom He lives by Word and Spirit in our day.) Mat.23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted. As Jesus began to speak, I began to recognize the “Word” He was speaking to these men, since I had heard these same words before. Here is what I heard: Mat.23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is become so, ye make him twofold more a son of hell than yourselves. When Jesus spoke the first “Woe”, I heard a loud pop-like sound and what sounded like a crackling sound. I looked down upon the stone steps of the temple where these Pharisees and Sadducees were standing, and I noticed a large, deep crack had run right up through the middle of those stone steps, and they were beginning to crack and crumble. I noticed that the deep crack was between the feet of a rather large and extremely overweight man. (This represents the apostate leadership of our day overcome by their own flesh.) 16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor. Then, when Jesus spoke the second “Woe”, I heard another much louder pop-like sound and more of the crackling sound. I looked around to see where this sound was coming from, and I saw that a large, deep crack had gone all around the temple foundation, and it was cracking up and crumbling as well. (Everything that can be shaken will be.) 17 Ye fools and blind: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that hath sanctified the gold? 18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor. 19 Ye blind: for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? 20 He therefore that sweareth by the altar, (The crucified life.) sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. 21 And he that sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. 22 And he that sweareth by the heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. 23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law (So tithing is of the law. This is the leaven of the Pharisees Jesus warned about.), justice, and mercy, and faith: but these ye ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, that strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel! (Making unimportant things important.) 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full from extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside thereof may become clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and garnish the tombs of the righteous, 30 and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we should not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31 Wherefore ye witness to yourselves, that ye are sons of them that slew the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell? 34 Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: 35 that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of Abel the righteous unto the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem (John said Jerusalem is the Bride but there is a false bride.), that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. (Devoid of God) 39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Just as Jesus had finished His Words to these men, the stone steps gave way, and all of those men standing on the crumbling stone steps fell down into a deep pit that had opened up under them. And just after that happened, the entire temple came crashing down on top of them and covered them up. I noticed that from Matthew 23:15 through verse 39, there are “six” woes -- “six” being the number of man. Also, I found it interesting that there is a “Woe” in Mathew 23:23, and the date of this revelation is the 23rd, and 23 means “death”. (This is clearly a reprobation of today's apostate leadership and their fake temples, as Jesus pronounced in His day, and is now a repeat of history.) The Recompense on the Wicked Anna Stewart - 7/24/25 I dreamed that a few others and I were at a safari ranch. There was a ten-foot-high impenetrable wall of dead-looking grass going around the perimeter of where we were. (“All flesh is as grass,” said Peter, representing the flesh of the beast people, the Dragon devouring in Rev 12. Judgments are spreading over the world from these people.) We were told to get back into our vehicle because the grass was full of lionesses (representing the curse and judgment) just waiting to jump out and grab someone. I wasn't afraid, but I did get back into the vehicle. My father (representing THE Father) was driving the vehicle. I was in the front passenger seat (the bride), but someone behind me had left their door open. Three times, with authority, I commanded them to “SHUT THE DOOR.” I knew they were primarily endangering themselves, but also putting the rest of us at risk, as well. (The vehicle represents sanctification, and we must all keep our own doors shut, for ourselves, but also for the sake of the body.) We began to slowly drive down a narrow, one-way dirt road lined by that tall grass. A woman I know, who represents the harlot, was walking alongside us on the left of our vehicle. It wasn't safe to be outside, and she began to nervously knock on the door of the vehicle and say, “Let me in, let me in.” The woman was not afraid, just slightly nervous, not realizing how very real the danger was. Rom.3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. To my surprise, my father continued driving slowly along, completely ignoring her. I said, “We need to let her in,” but still he didn't stop. Luk.13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are; Then I saw a huge, fierce-looking male lion (Satan) behind the vehicle on the right side. I said, “In the name of Jesus—” to pray for the woman's safety, but the Lord didn't even allow me to pray. In an instant, without warning, the lion pounced onto the woman, and there was a graphic spray of blood and body parts. It was horrific. I wailed, “Jesus!” Not just for the gore I had just seen, but because I knew that no repentance had happened. Mercy had run out, and there was not so much as a second for her to repent. And now it was too late. Pro.6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; On a sudden shall he be broken, and that without remedy. End of dream. I knew the Lord was speaking of this woman as a group of people. What I saw was His recompense that is before Him. Their time had run out. This is a warning, but the apostates this woman represents must confess their sins and run to the Lord now, or they won't escape. Let's continue to pray and believe for them. Apostates Neglect Their Spiritual Man Sam Paguaga - 12/10/2012 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was in a large house with a lot of people around. There seemed to be a lot of rooms and a lot of stuff going on. People were talking and hanging around and doing their own business. I saw my mother (representing the apostate Church we were born from). (In reality, her name is Iris. (Which means “rainbow” in Greek. This could represent grace God wants to give to the Church of all nations.) She had a small child with her who seemed like a kid from a third-world country. He was very dark-skinned (representing her spiritual man in darkness), like from India, wearing worn-out clothes (not putting on the works of Christ). He seemed to be sick, and she didn't seem to be tending to him. (Representing the fruit of the apostate church's spiritual man, which they are not feeding and clothing.) If I had to say, he looked around three years old. (The fruit of their spiritual man is very immature.) My mother then gave him to me. (Those who minister to the mother Church will care for and feed their spiritual man.) I took him to a room, like a toddler room, where I was going to clean him up and put new clothes on him. (Cleanse him from sin and dress him up in the works of Jesus.) When I changed his shirt, I noticed what looked like a tumor on the side of his face by his right ear. (His hearing is under the curse. He hasn't heard truth.) Without a thought, I placed my hand over it and began to pray, “Dear Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, heal him, heal his sickness, in the name of Jesus. Be healed. Be well. Thank You, Lord. God, thank You”. As I began to say, “thank You”, I felt under my hand something like bones cracking. (the bones of the inner ear, representing spiritual hearing) They were going back in place and the tumor was diminishing. (“Faith cometh of hearing and hearing by the Word”.) I continued to thank God. I knew he was being healed, so I left my hand over his face until I was sure he was all healed. (Their face needs healing: 2Co.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.) I noticed one of my sons was there looking. (My firstborn, whose name is Eliasaph (“God has increased or added”). We call him Eli.) I told him, “Look. God healed him”. Then, full of gladness for the boy, I grabbed the little boy's hand and walked him over to where my mother was. She was sitting in some type of large living room, on some couches. She was talking to somebody else and some other people. I was trying to get her attention and said, “Look. He's healed! Look, Mom. He's healed”. (They must believe the Gospel that their spiritual man is healed in Jesus' name.) But she just kept talking to the other person, like I wasn't even there. I tried one more time. “Look, Mom. Look. He's healed”. I'm not sure what happened to the little boy by that point. But my gladness turned to rage because she (as the apostate Church) was ignoring the work God had done. (In the natural, my mom is not at all like that. She is very caring and loving. And I have a good relationship with my mother and father. The mother in the dream is like the apostate church, not looking for God's will and rejecting God's spiritual work, in pursuit of earthly things and the entertainment of followers for money. Why did I want my mother to see? The latter rain will be rejected by the apostate church because it will lack the earthly treasures they value, but true treasure is in Heaven.) I picked up a wooden chair that was close by and threw it on the floor and it smashed. (The harlot church cannot rest from their own works, just as was seen in the example of the Jews in the Gospels and Acts. Heb.4:3 For we who have believed do enter into that rest; even as he hath said, As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.). Everyone looked. I felt like I was furious. I started walking down the hall. I picked up another chair and threw it toward them. I wasn't trying to hit them, but it landed right in front of them. (So they could see that they had no rest from the curse and sin through unbelief. Jesus crashed the money changers party for the zeal of God's house.) Then I started going up the stairs to the second floor, as I smashed another chair. (They are not graduating from kindergarten to higher levels.) Then I woke up. I wondered to myself why I had gotten so upset. I'm really not the kind to lose control in anger and in a fit of rage. (This was an expression of God's rage that the apostates care only for the world and not for their own souls or those of others. Heb.2:3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard. Rev.3:16 So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.) Devastation of Charismatic Christianity P. O. - 08/03/2009 (David's notes in red) In a dream, a man is walking the earth as if he is checking things. He comes upon a scene of violent disarray. (The best way to describe this scene is that it puts one in mind of how a car accident would look, but there's no car.) It's his bride, his wife. She's dead, but beautiful and at peace. Her luggage, apparel, and various items are in disarray around her. Many of these items are marked “The Enrique Hotel”. Also, she is dressed in a way that is reminiscent of the time the historians called “The Roaring Twenties” (which occurred right before the Great Depression). Then I heard a voice that said, “She's been lied to every day, every step of her life”. (Even though they will enter the Kingdom and be at peace, being lied to by false leaders will cost many Spirit-filled Christians their lives and possessions, at the hands of the violent beast. Hos.4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...) When I woke up, I researched the name “Enrique”. It is derived from Spanish or Portuguese, meaning “Charismatic Ruler”. Another site mentioned that it is similar to the English “Henry”, which means “Home Ruler”. (The hotel represents the Church, which, according to Eph.2:19-22, is many houses built together into one Temple for God. Each individual house represents a person. The Spirit-filled people have the position of bride, even though many will not manifest this. The Charismatic leadership, typed by Judah, has gone far astray and is more guilty than the northern 10 apostate tribes because they have had the presence of God's Spirit in their midst to lead them, but have refused to follow His Word.) I also asked the Lord for something in His Word that would coordinate or connect what He was giving me. He laid on my heart a page number in my very first study Bible. When I turned to it, I discovered that He had taken me to 1 Thessalonians 2. The verse that seemed emphasized was: “For ye, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus: for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen even as they did of the Jews...” End of Dream. (I interpreted the top part of this dream before I saw Judea and the rest of this verse. Truly, the Charismatics have imitated the churches, rather than the Scriptures, and they will suffer the same violent attack of the Beast as the Jews did from their countrymen.) One of the reasons why I knew the dream meant something was that I would never, in the natural, dream about something named “Enrique”. I live in Indiana, and there's very little Spanish influence here. I thought this dream was meant for me personally, for the Lord to show me that I was part of the Bride, that I had died to the flesh and was now at rest in Him. I have suffered some persecution from family over the past year. As a personal dream, I was not going to pass this on to anyone. But this morning, I noticed that there is news now on the Internet, originating three days after my dream, regarding the latest Hurricane or Tropical Storm of the year. It, too, is named Enrique. Living in the Midwest, I do not follow hurricanes or keep track of what storm names are coming, so this was a total surprise. I'm not a mathematician, but for a Hoosier, English-only speaker, to dream a name that three days later hits the national news as the newest coming storm seemed to me to be 'up there' in the range of improbability, so that's why I've sat down and now typed it for you, thinking this may be for the larger body of believers. A violent storm is now coming straight for the Charismatic Church, most of which believe they will fly away and so are not preparing to escape the Beast. What is it that we should know and do to escape this Beast? The president of scripture over traditions of men. The Harlot's Fire Is Coming Apostate Church Cut Up and Cooked Like a Goose Cal Spinner - 08/07/2007 (David's notes in red) I dreamed I was in the person of the Son of Man. I was in a giant library or bookstore with many books (I.e., religious teachings) and many, many rooms. I met a beautiful woman who seemed Western. She was dressed quite modernly and was wearing makeup, gold and diamond jewelry. We began to converse, and I invited her to come with me. As we began to go, we met another woman who was dressed more Eastern in a plain white dress, with a head covering over her head. She had no jewelry or makeup, just a thin gold belt that was like a rope. She was wearing plain sandals, whereas the other woman wore stockings and high heels. It seemed we all knew each other, and I invited her to come with me as well. (This seems to contrast women of the world and their fake persona, with humble women of the Word to show who is the qualified Bride. 1Ti.2:9 In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; 10 but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works.) We then walked out of the library and into what seemed like a honeymoon suite of some hotel. The room had a good view of the ocean and elaborate wicker furniture. It was very beautiful and was all decorated in very pure white. There were two king-size beds side by side. I said to the women, “See, there is plenty of room; you both can stay”. They agreed, and both presented me their feet (representing their walk), which became like reeds. It seemed like reeds for making baskets, although I had an impression of water as well, like certain reeds that grow in the water. I took shears and clipped their feet off. Then the beautiful Western woman became jealous of the other woman when I gave her attention. (As the Lord will) I said to the Western woman, “You can't get away because you cannot stand on your own”. I then laid the woman with the head covering in the bed. (The sign of submission to the Lord as husband.) Then the scene suddenly shifted to a kitchen, and I was placing the other woman in the oven. She had the left arm and leg missing, and the right arm and leg were bound with a string. She was on a tray and had an apple in her mouth. She was weeping as I placed her in the oven and shut the door and turned it on to cook her like a goose, but the apple in her mouth reminded me she was a pig. (full of flesh) Then I woke up very disturbed and asked the Lord for interpretation. I am still, at the time of this writing, quite shaken by the vividness of this dream and the quickness with which the interpretation came to me. This is a terrible warning! This is the interpretation the Spirit revealed to me, although there may be more. The great hall with many rooms and the many books represents all the many doctrines of man and his religions. There were many people there partaking of the various books. The Son of Man is in the store or library with all the other doctrines of the world, but only invites some to go with Him. The two women represent the church -- those invited to wed the Lord. The woman dressed more plainly with the head covering represents the true Bride. The head covering symbolized willingness to submit to authority and headship of the bridegroom. The modern woman who was selfish and jealous and dressed in jewelry and fakeup represents the apostate church. (Who believe they are the bride.) The clipping of the feet is when we come to the Lord. We agree not to stand on our own but to be carried by the Lord. (Although both groups acknowledge they cannot stand on their own but by grace, the true Bride will be made to stand by grace because of true faith.) The cutting up represents the denominations of the apostate church that are one-sided, missing one arm and one leg. (The left side [goats] being missing will mean that through their own works they will have no power to escape and be saved. The right side [sheep] represents that they are unable to do the works or walk of the Lord, but are only bound by a string, symbolizing that they could be free if they really wanted to.) The Lord will judge them for being worldly and self-absorbed and put them in the oven Himself. They will cry out, but He won't hear them and will send them to be baked. He won't hear them because they are like pigs concerned with only themselves, rejecting His authority and headship. They will not allow Him to carry them to His bedchamber (where His seed is sown in them to bear His fruit), but instead, they will try to do things their own way, being more concerned about what the world thinks of them than the Lord. It will be grievous to them, but those who are truly the Lord's will be saved through the fiery trial that will cause them to give up their self-works of wood, hay, and stubble. 2Ti.2:19 Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness. 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work. 22 after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Those who truly are the Lord's will lose the wood, hay and stubble of their self-works and any reward they thought they would have from this, but it is here that they will be saved from themselves. 1Co.3:12 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.) We should all take heed with great fear and trembling and submit ourselves to the Lord's authority with all haste. The time is at hand to come out of Babylon or be destroyed by the east. The Righteous Offend the Beast and Harlot Vincent Xavier 1. I am coming to do great injury and wrong to that which is not of My Father. My nature contends with the nature of the beast. This nature of the beast is in the heart of men who have not been sanctified by My Spirit. That which has not been fully sanctified remains an offense to me and I will be an offense to it! Yes, I will offend the Beast in this hour! I will release a shockwave of glorious power that will cause the Beast to reel to and fro like a drunken man! The nature of the Beast has cleverly entrapped MY people and has caused them to err in their hearts concerning what is acceptable to My Father. A learned practice of what is acceptable to men has been the standard by which men have been judged, yet that standard shall be fully violated in this DAY. Religious leaders have led My people into complacency and have lulled them to sleep with their fairytales and ideas that originate in their own minds. Their words are not My words for their words carry no sanctifying power. Their words carry no influence in the realms of darkness to the liberating of the captives. The nature of the Beast is empowered by sin and the message of the religious leaders has not emancipated the conscience of those who believe in me. It is the SIN CONSCIENCE that must be dealt with. It is the SIN ISSUE that must be fully realized as the open door to Satanic power in the souls of those who believe. My nature will make war with the Beast within the soul of men and will execute judgment upon the Beast. Be prepared, for many shall be offended in the last days and it will be I Who is causing the offense! Those who are righteous indeed will be an offense to those who are religious indeed. 2. I am going to exceed all bounds of decency and reasonableness. Follow My life! Look at me! Was I approved and acceptable to the approved social order of My day? Was I subject to those who were in control of the day? Was the Roman government My head? Were the religious leaders of Judaism My head? NO! My only supreme was My Father and I always did what My Father told me to do, even at the risk of upsetting the standard order of the times. Yes, it was I who entered into the temple and turned over the tables of the moneychangers. This was an acceptable practice for those Jews at that time, but their practices were not ordained of My Father. It was I who caused outrage in the hearts of those who would take me to the cliff to throw me down the mountain! It was I who stirred the crowds into chaos and confusion, causing divisions among men! It was I who upset the religious mindset of the day when healing on the Sabbath and doing good to those who were in need. It was I who caused offense in the hearts of the hypocrites! Yes, it was I, and I say unto you that I am going to upset the world again, and I am going to turn it upside down. I am going to shake the world of all its social graces and practices that are an offense and abomination to My Father. Two thousand years ago, I sent a people into the world and they, according to My will, TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN! So it is on this, the THIRD DAY, that I am going to release My people once again from the caves of obscurity who have hid from the religious leaders of this Day and bring them out into the open, and oh what an offense they shall be to all the social orders men have labored so hard to erect and put in place. Consider My servant David and the men who went out to meet him in the caves of Adullam. These were not the kind of men who were subjected to the religious order of Saul, and neither will these be those I release in this hour. Surely I say to you that they will enter into your places of worship and contend with all that is not of My Father. They will be an offense to many and will reveal the hate and control in the hearts of the leaders who have refused to LET MY PEOPLE GO! Consider My servant Joseph. He was thrown into prison by his OLDER brothers. Surely he shall arise in the earth having great authority and will rule over those older brothers in the days to come. Yes, those who were an insult to them because of their pride and jealousy will bow their knees to them and will acknowledge their authority and will know of a truth that I have loved them with an everlasting love from before the eons of time, or else they shall perish without a word. Let it be known that I AM an offense to the world, for the world is surely an offense to me! I have watched the world and have watched My people in the world and those who claim to be Mine. I ask, what have you learned since you believed? Have you not yet departed from that which is an offense to me? Have you not read that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of Mine? You have not yet COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE! Therefore, you shall incur judgment against yourselves for I have determined to destroy Babylon! I am not speaking of the Babylon in the Middle East, but the Babylon in the middle of your heart! I am speaking to your Babylonian ways and mindsets! When I walked upon the earth, I did not call attention to the Roman authorities but to the condition of men's hearts! Yes, I am coming to topple that which appears before men as most religious. That which is so acceptable today is an abomination to me! That which has become the social order of the day, the acceptable form of worship, is coming to an end! For I have determined to FINISH the house that has been in building for two thousand years. Yes, out of the ashes will arise a new building, complete and perfect, a people who are in the exact image of My Father! I am not concerned with social graces and what is acceptable to men; I am only concerned with that which belongs to my Father! How will I come? I will come to you in the form of men and women! I will come to you with great power and anointing when once I release My reserved ones. I come! I come in them to stand before the multitudes in order that I may bring truth to My temple! I come! Surely I come! 3. My presence will be very shocking and offensive in this DAY. A heavy blow will come to the earth! For heaven has witnessed the actions of men in the earth and their actions have been weighed in the balance. I will cause to stagger all nations by the news they shall hear. What men have deemed as “good taste” shall surely become bitter by what I am about to do. Indeed, that which was once approved of men and acceptable in the eyes of the admirers shall become a revolting offense, even disgusting. My people, who are seated with Me in heavenly places, are prepared to appear in the earth before the eyes of men. These shall be the reason for the “shock syndrome” that will come. For that which was once accepted in My house by men shall be seen as a detestable thing in comparison to the holiness that My sanctified ones shall walk in. Their presence shall reveal the disgusting abomination that has been hidden in the hearts of men while doing many outward works of righteousness. I say that those works of outward righteousness shall be seen for what they truly are, mere religious robes covering the filth of an unsanctified life. My pure presence within My beloved ones shall cause the heart to fail in those who are unrepentant. 4. My appearing shall be violent in action and disposition. When I come, I will come with a violent disposition that will cause men to pale and pine away. For I will take the nations by violence, and I will destroy that which is false with a strong overthrow. How will I come? I will appear through My servants, the prophets! Their words shall be as a hammer violently breaking in pieces that which is an abomination to My Father. A destroying fire shall come out of their mouths to the burning up of all chaff in the hearts of men! There will be no arrogance when they come. Those who would oppose their words will come under swift judgment. For these are My battle axes, My weapons of war, who have been reserved for a time such as this, yet it is I who am working in them beyond their own understanding! They have yielded to My will and have surrendered their lives so that I may live in and through them. It will be I who am contended with by those who would oppose them. I have said that violent men take the Kingdom by force, and it will be at this time that the Kingdom shall be taken by those full of divine energy and power. Satan shall be cast out of the heavenlies and thrust down into the pit. I am speaking to the hearts of men. For it is within the heart that all evil comes. Not outwardly in the skies above but within the very soul of man that Satan has taken his seat along with the Beast and the false prophet. These evil spirits have held the dominion, but shall now come under a violent blow that shall shake them from their high places in order to release My Kingdom in the hearts of those who believe. 5. Because I am going to exceed all bounds of right, morality, and decency known to man, I will be INTOLERABLE to the modern religious and social leaders of this day. My people, hear me! What has been erected as decent, moral, and acceptable to men is truly an abomination to me. You live in a time where men call evil good, good evil, bitter sweet and sweet bitter. It is a DAY wherein light is called darkness and darkness is called light. Because of these conditions, I will come as an INTOLERABLE force of emptying magnitude. I will so completely overturn that which is hypocritical that nothing will remain. Understand that what I have tolerated for so long will no longer be tolerated. In My intolerance, I will lead a militia of chosen warriors through whom I will shake the earth! Many will find My ways intolerable from behind the pulpit in these moments of time, for many in the congregation shall be offended because of the righteousness that flows from the minister's lips. Yes, I have ministers, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Teachers and Pastors who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal, who will demonstrate My glorious power in these days. To them shall many flock. For the true shall know My voice in and through them and will know them by their fruits. Man has played with power greater than himself and by so doing has opened the gate to a great flood of evil. But no man has ever witnessed the magnitude of My intolerance as what shall be witnessed in these days. My presence will become unbearable to the wicked. My words will be too severe for the hypocrites! I will appear as a cruel one to those who have been cruel! Many will not be able to bear with me. Yet to My beloved shall I appear with an intolerable love and grace! Yes, many will not be able to bear My love, mercy and grace that I will bestow upon them, and these shall be swept away in rapturous moments in My glory. These shall be overwhelmed with My love and blessings! Many great and wonderful blessings shall abound to their account, and their inheritance shall be released unto them. These are those who have come to maturity and have grown up beyond the mere religious practices of many. These are My sons and daughters who will set the creation free, even as I did when I walked upon the earth. He came as a Lamb but comes as a Lion!
God Where God Calls, Not Just When Man Asks Acts 13:13 13From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.
In this Bible Story, the remnant of Judah struggles to regain stability. Some leaders desired to serve Babylon and make peace. Others desire to rebel. As a result, brother turns against brother. The remnant of Judah is torn, and many of them flee to Egypt despite Jeremiah's warnings. This story is inspired by 2 Kings 25:22-30 & Jeremiah 40–44, 52:31-34. Go to https://www.BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Jeremiah 44:28 from the King James Version.Episode 160: Judah had been captured, Jerusalem ruined, and Gedaliah son of Ahikam had been appointed as governor over the land. Gedaliah wanted peace for the people and constantly negotiated for their welfare peacefully submitting to Babylon. However, as he was traveling among the towns of Judah, he was murdered by one of his friends, Ishmael. This led to more and more chaos as Johanan killed Ishmael in revenge and the remnant of Judah was faced with a choice, flee to Egypt or stay and submit to Babylon. 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.This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.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 Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Was Jesus mistaken when He said, "This generation will not pass away until all these things take place" (Matthew 24:34)? In Episode #1 of our Top Ten Most Controversial Verses: Eschatology Edition series, Tim Bushong examines one of the most debated statements in the entire Olivet Discourse. Did Jesus predict His final return within the lifetime of His disciples? What did He mean by "this generation"? And how should Christians understand the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 in relation to biblical prophecy? This episode explores Matthew 21–24, the context of the Olivet Discourse, and the parallel accounts in Mark and Luke to uncover what Jesus was actually teaching—and why this verse remains one of the most controversial passages in eschatology.
Welcome to Day 2924 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2924– “Exchanging What's Good for What's Best.” – Luke 10:38-42 Putnam Church Message – 08/02/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Exchanging What's Good for What's Best.” Last week, our message was “What About My Neighbor's Neighbor?” and we learned that we need to become the neighbor and get back to the basics: Love God, Love Neighbor, Show Mercy. Today, we continue with our thirtieth-second message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “Exchanging What's Good for What's Best.” Our core passage today is Luke 10:38-42, on page 1613 of your pew Bibles. At the Home of Martha and Mary 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, but also with honest hearts. We confess that we are often busy, distracted, worried, and upset about many things. We serve, but sometimes we serve with anxious hearts. We work, but sometimes our work pulls us away from the One we are working for. Lord Jesus, invite us again to sit at Your feet. Teach us that good things must never replace the best thing. Help us learn the difference between faithful service and frantic busyness, between loving hospitality and anxious striving, between doing for You and being with You. Holy Spirit, quiet our minds, soften our hearts, and help us hear the voice of Christ today. Amen. Introduction: Real People in Real Homes One of the endearing qualities of the Bible is its down-to-earth approach to life. The people in Scripture are not presented as plaster saints, polished statues, or untouchable heroes who never lose patience, never misunderstand, never get tired, and never say the wrong thing. They are real people. They have real homes, real families, real personalities, real frustrations, and real disagreements. Abraham gets afraid. Moses gets overwhelmed. David falls terribly. Elijah gets discouraged. Peter speaks too quickly. Thomas doubts. James and John want to call down fire. And Martha gets irritated with her sister in the kitchen. That is one reason the Bible speaks so deeply to us. It does not pretend life is neater than it is. I sometimes wonder if the people in the Bible knew their family moments would be preserved for centuries of readers around the world. If Martha and Mary had known that one brief household squabble would become one of the most famous family scenes in Christian history, they might have said, “Luke, could you please leave that part out?” But the Holy Spirit preserved this moment not to embarrass Martha or elevate Mary as though one sister is good, and the other is bad. This story is much wiser and much more gracious than that. Luke places this scene immediately after the parable of the Good Samaritan. Last week, in “What About My Neighbor's Neighbor?” we heard Jesus say, “Go and do the same.” We were reminded that mercy crosses the road. / Love sees need. / Mercy moves. / Grace sends. / That is important because we might now think, “Then Christianity is all about doing, serving, helping, feeding, bandaging, paying, visiting, giving, and going.” And yes, those things matter. / But now Luke gives us a balancing scene. /After showing us mercy in motion, Luke shows us worshipful attention. / After showing us the Samaritan crossing the road, Luke shows us Mary sitting at Jesus' feet. / After showing us love in action, Luke reminds us that action must flow from relationship. / The point of this passage is not that serving is bad and listening is good. The point is that even good service becomes disordered when it pulls us away from Jesus. Today's message title is: “Exchanging What's Good for What's Best.” And the central truth is this: Jesus does not call us away from service; He calls us to serve from the strength of being with Him. Our passage is Luke 10:38–42 in the New Living Translation. Jesus and His disciples enter a village, and Martha welcomes Him into her home. Her sister Mary sits at the Lord's feet, listening to what He teaches. Martha becomes distracted by the preparations and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus answers with compassion, saying, “My Dear Martha,” and then tells her that she is worried and upset over many things, but only one thing is truly necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken from her. We have four truths in our bulletin insert today to illustrate this lesson. Main Point 1: Martha Welcomed Jesus, But Busyness Pulled Her Away From Him Luke tells us that as Jesus and the disciples continued on their way, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. John's Gospel tells us that Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Bethany was close enough for Jesus to travel into Jerusalem, yet far enough away to provide rest from the pressure of the city. This little home appears to have become a place of refuge for Jesus. In Luke 9, He set His face toward Jerusalem. He is moving toward the cross. Opposition is increasing. The road is heavy. And here, in Bethany, He is welcomed into a home. Do not miss the beauty of Martha's action. / Martha welcomed Jesus. / That was not a small thing. In the ancient Near East, hospitality was sacred. Travelers depended on the kindness of households. There were no modern hotels on every corner, no drive-through restaurants, no refrigerators full of leftovers, no grocery delivery service. To welcome guests meant real labor. Water had to be brought. Bread had to be prepared. Food had to be gathered, cooked, and served. Space had to be made. Hospitality was not merely social courtesy. It was a moral responsibility. / And Martha does it. She opens her home. She takes responsibility. She sees what needs to be done. Many of us should be thankful for Marthas. Every church needs people who notice what needs doing. Every family needs people who remember the details. Every ministry needs people who prepare, plan, cook, clean, organize, schedule, unlock doors, make coffee, set tables, print bulletins, and quietly keep things moving. Without Martha-like people, many good things would collapse. So, Martha's problem is not that she served. Her problem is that her service became a distraction. Luke says she was “distracted” by all the preparations. The word carries the idea of being pulled away, dragged in different directions. Martha is not simply busy. She is divided. Her attention is stretched thin. She is working for Jesus, but she is being pulled away from Jesus. / That can happen to us too. We can serve the Lord and slowly lose sight of the Lord. / We can work in the church and become irritated with the people in the church. / We can prepare meals, teach lessons, lead committees, visit the sick, give generously, and still grow resentful because the work has become disconnected from worship. Object Lesson: The Full Tray Imagine carrying a tray filled with cups of water. At first,...
We could never feel as strongly about our own home towns as the Jews felt about the city of Jerusalem. It was Israel's capital and the spiritual center of the nation. But Jerusalem was just an earthly city, and—while believers are called to pray for its peace—we await a far better place. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reflects on God's city and points us to the New Jerusalem. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111
The father-daughter duo behind the heartwarming moment at Little League Softball World Series championship live in Studio 1A. Also, Jill Martin launches the start of our big summer blowout, with savings up to 80% off. Plus, chef Omi Hopper shares her love for Puerto Rican home cooking. And, researchers are making some astonishing new discoveries at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this lesson from the Gate of Fear of Heaven (Shaar Yirat Shamayim), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the powerful parable of the royal soul. The human neshamah is compared to the daughter of a king—pure, precious, and lofty—yet placed inside a physical body filled with earthly desires. The body wants comfort, food, pleasure, materialism, and immediate gratification, while the soul longs for holiness and closeness to Hashem. This tension between body and soul is not a defect in creation; it is the very arena in which human greatness is achieved.Rabbi Wolbe explains that our mission is not to reject the physical world, but to elevate it. Physical experiences can become extraordinarily holy when directed properly. He illustrates this through marriage and intimacy: what the outside world may treat as merely physical can, within the sanctity of a Jewish marriage, become one of the holiest expressions of Divine service. Torah awakens the soul to remember its royalty and teaches us not to “sell ourselves cheaply” by living beneath our spiritual dignity.The lesson then turns to the unique privilege and responsibility of the Jewish people. Hashem gave us Torah and mitzvos as the means through which we recognize His greatness, develop Yirat Shamayim, and draw closer to Him. Looking at the heavens, the earth, the sun, moon, and stars can awaken awareness of the Creator—but Torah gives that awareness clarity and direction. Through learning and mitzvah observance, we begin to understand not only that Hashem exists, but what He wants from us.Rabbi Wolbe concludes by describing Yirat Shamayim as Hashem's greatest treasure. Gold, silver, possessions, and worldly success cannot compare to the clarity of knowing our relationship with God. The more we invest in Torah, mitzvos, and Hashem's wisdom, the more we awaken the royal soul within and recognize how privileged we are to live in a personal relationship with the Creator._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 16, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on August 11, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #FearOfHeaven, #YiratShamayim, #SpiritualGrowth, #Faith, #AweOfGod, #RelationshipWithHashem, #LoveOfHashem, #LiveWithPurpose ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode Jeff Shepard presents a theoretical, evidence-driven interpretation tying together the Noahide framework, Kabbalistic influence, and Donald Trump's political role as a potential forerunner to a centralized global authority centered on Jerusalem. Shepard traces the Noahide laws from their rabbinic codification in Tractate Sanhedrin 56a through Maimonides and cites historical sources (including the 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia) on their enforcement provisions. He highlights Public Law 102-14 (1991) and subsequent presidential proclamations that recognize the seven Noahide laws as foundational to Western civilization and notes the public honors extended to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The episode surveys Chabad-Lubavitch as a primary institutional driver, explaining its Kabbalistic theology (Lurianic concepts such as tzimtzum, tikkun olam, and nitzotzot) and its global reach. Shepard connects those theological currents to Western esotericism and thinkers like Alice Bailey, arguing a continuity between mystical Kabbalah, Western occult streams, and plans for an externalized spiritual hierarchy. Focusing on Donald Trump, Shepard outlines documented links—public records, personal acknowledgments, and associates (Eitan Yerdeni, Jared Kushner's family ties, Michael Cohen's red string)—and discusses invitations from nascent Sanhedrin bodies and a proposed international court grounded in Noahide principles. He interprets these ties as part of a normalization process that could shift legal and geopolitical authority toward Jerusalem, including preparation for Third Temple developments (red heifers, reconstituted Sanhedrin). The core argument presents a three-layer architecture for what Shepard terms the BEAST system: Layer 1 (technological — neural interfaces, AI, CBDC-ready identification and surveillance networks), Layer 2 (financial and governance — central banking, CBDCs, regional governance models, Great Reset actors), and Layer 3 (legal-theological enforcement — Noahide law as a religious-legal mechanism to justify exclusion and capital enforcement). Shepard explains how these layers interlock to control commerce, monitor compliance, and supply theological justification for punitive measures. In the closing segment Shepard addresses responses for the Christian remnant: documenting institutions, building resilient off-grid communities, refusing coercion, and maintaining testimony in the face of potential legal classification of Christian confession as idolatry. He frames the analysis biblically (Daniel, Revelation, Isaiah) and calls listeners to study, test the evidence, and stand with faith. Episode details: host Jeff Shepard; topics include Noahide law history and enforcement, Public Law 102-14, Chabad-Lubavitch and Kabbalah, Alice Bailey and Western esotericism, Trump's documented connections and potential institutional role, the three-layer BEAST architecture (technological, financial, legal-theological), and practical spiritual and community responses. A study through the bible verse by verse and chapter by chapter. with host Jeff Shepherd. Want to Understand and Explain Everything Biblically? Click Here: Decoding the Power of Three: Understand and Explain Everything or go to www.rightonu.com and click learn more. Use coupon code Summer50 for $50. value savings until August 31st.. Thank you for Listening to Right on Radio. Prayerfully consider supporting Right on Radio. Click Here for all links, Right on Community ROC, Podcast web links, Freebies, Products (healing mushrooms, EMP Protection) Social media, courses and more...https://linktr.ee/RightonRadio Live Right in the Real World! We talk God and Politics, Faith Based Broadcast News, views, Opinions and Attitudes We are Your News Now. Keep the Faith
Was Jesus mistaken when He said, "This generation will not pass away until all these things take place" (Matthew 24:34)?In Episode #1 of our Top Ten Most Controversial Verses: Eschatology Edition series, Tim Bushong examines one of the most debated statements in the entire Olivet Discourse.Did Jesus predict His final return within the lifetime of His disciples? What did He mean by "this generation"? And how should Christians understand the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 in relation to biblical prophecy?This episode explores Matthew 21–24, the context of the Olivet Discourse, and the parallel accounts in Mark and Luke to uncover what Jesus was actually teaching—and why this verse remains one of the most controversial passages in eschatology.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere
Christian kids, do you recall all those old warnings against fantasy fiction?[1. Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash.] Some people implied that if you made up too much stuff, you'd lose track of reality. Alas. For some cases, they’re absolutely right. Too many people are abusing God's gift of imagination. They cast people they do not know as villains in a fantasy world in which they are the big moral heroes. This habit is taking over social platforms and podcasts. How can Christian fans respond with wisdom? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter's Dawn by Morgan L. Busse Realm Makers fundraiser for ongoing defamation lawsuit The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder King Justice: The Legend Begins by Evelyn M. Exley Mission update New at Lorehaven: Conqueror of Shadow and Light review Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Concession stand Some “conspiracy theories” are issues of wisdom, not sin. And in fact, some ideas labeled “conspiracies” turn out to be true! For more, listen to our episode How Can Christians Engage Wisely With Conspiracy Theories? | with Mike Duran Or read Mike's article: Christians Who Engage Conspiracy Theories Must First Believe God's Sovereign Rule Yet we've always had seen conspiracy theories based on fiction. And today more people are building bigger and worse idols. This makes the problem more than foolishness. It's actual sin. And this false accusation hurts true people we know and respect. It also hurts people who still struggle after real abuse and lies. Maybe you've been hurt by a real offense by a trusted someone. In that case, you don't need people weaponizing your empathy. We'll give you strong Bible tools to defend your calling and time. 1. False accusers are hurting true people. By now you may know about the Realm Makers defamation suit. Our friends and allies, Scott and Becky Minor, are suing a defamer. Two weeks ago, they released their need for legal cost support. So far, they've reached nearlry $20,000 of a $50,000 funding goal. We support them with 20 percent of new Lorehaven sponsors. But first, about the opponent, don't just speculate. Donate! Scott and Becky's open letter with the fundraiser: Defamation Against Realm Makers & the Minors Standing Together for Truth: Protect the Realm Makers Community Dear Realm Makers Family, Authors, and Friends, If you've ever sat in a Realm Makers keynote, chatted on the RealmSphere, or exhaled once you found “your people” at our annual conference, you know how much creative Christians benefit from being a part of our community. Realm Makers has always sought to be a safe haven for Christian writers of speculative stories. Today, we're coming to you with hearts heavy with a burden that impacts many members of our creative family. For the past year, we have been fighting a devastating battle to protect not just ourselves, but all of you. But we've reached a point where we can no longer carry the weight alone, and we desperately need our community to stand with us. The Attack on Us All Since early 2025, our authors, Realm Makers, and we (Scott and Becky personally) have been the targets of a malicious campaign of online defamation. A podcast organization has published dozens of episodes leveling unthinkable accusations against us that include fabrications of child trafficking, cyberbullying, running a cult, and engaging in criminal conspiracies. THESE CLAIMS ARE CATEGORICALLY UNTRUE. If you want to take the deep dive into the events that precipitated the battle, we have created a page that should answer most questions here: https://www.realmmakers.com/lawsuit/ Initially, we hoped these claims were too outlandish to be taken seriously. We chose to monitor the situation and proceed prudently through the legal system rather than engage in a public online war. But despite our efforts to do things legally and with level heads, our attackers have only doubled down. New videos continue to be published—with one posting as recently as the end of June 2026—directly threatening not just Realm Makers' reputation, but also questioning the character of prominent members of the Christian writing community. The more we researched, the bigger we realized the issue was–we were just the most recent targets in our accuser's “information” campaign against a growing list of Christian authors. The repeated contact with or calling out of people we know and love goes back to 2012 or earlier. Exclusive statement from author Bryan Davis David Solomon has used multiple aliases over the years, but he has always been consistent in his demonizing of people whom he thinks have crossed him. Ever since I declined meeting with him at my home more than ten years ago because I had to go out of town, he has used various media to publicly accuse me of everything from an alliance with former VP Mike Pence to traffic hundreds of children internationally, to trying to bomb a church, to grooming children in a church I supposedly pastored, to conspiring with famous murderers across the country, and on and on and on. If anyone tries to do anything to stop him or even speak against him, that person becomes a fellow trafficker in his mind and joins in the circle of those he attacks. That's what happened to Scott and Becky Minor of Realm Makers. When David and his allies joined Realm Makers, they started spreading lies about me to other members, so Scott rightfully banned them from the group. Of course, that action made Scott and Becky targets for David's lies, and he found a podcaster who was willing to be a platform for a new round of absurd claims. Hoping to keep Realm Makers safe from attack, Scott started civil legal proceedings against David and the podcaster. As you all know, such action costs a lot of money, but Scott and Becky have stepped up to try to stop this lying grifter from hurting them or anyone else, which is why I support their fundraiser and I am thankful for their efforts. I would like prayer for myself and other authors who have been maliciously attacked by David, that people would not be deceived by him and that he would stop his evil actions. 2. Scripture condemns a malicious witness. This is a real problem, as grown-up people treat slander as truth. Even professing Christians repeat clear lies about whole groups. Whatever their motives, they're crossing into our business: fiction. Yet we know the difference between made-up stories and reality. They don't. Or they pretend they don't. They claim it's all true. These defamers raid reality for spare parts to fit in their narrative. They adapt real people, groups, and plotlines for their “fanfiction.” Who's the star? Often themselves. Or “you,” the faithful listener. But this episode isn't for or even about any specific false accuser. Nor is it about similar accusations, at scale, all over the world. Our audience: anyone who wonders if we must hear “both sides.” And anyone who thinks “better safe than sorry” in wrong ways. So now, let's explore how Scripture condemns all such figures. God’s word says Christians who accuse others have two options. First, if the offense is a personal sin issue, talk with the person. Or then try 2-3 witnesses. Or take the conflict to church leaders. Their job is to attempt to bring reconciliation (Matthew 18). Second, if the offense is about law, you need two-plus witnesses. And you need to take the matter before diligent judges. “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15) Our own justice systems often reflect Old Testament principles. That's because God has ordained the civil magistrate (Romans 13). He also gives stern warnings against “a malicious witness.” “If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing, then both parties to the dispute shall appear before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days. The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. And the rest shall hear and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Deuteronomy 19:16–21) Defamers, even professing Christians, ignore these biblical laws. Instead they follow (and don't even argue for) a third option. They go onto podcasts to hire you as a backup “elder” or “judge.” But is that our job? To be a church elder or judge over this “case”? Jesus Christ Himself refused to get dragged into that (Luke 12:14)! So before we even listen to an accuser's words, we should ask: Did you take this to your church? Or to the civil magistrate? And if the reply is no: “Who appointed me a judge or an arbiter?” We can also discern a malicious witness who denies plain reality. Some accusers go further and have ulterior motives, like Sanballat. 3. Biblical heroes reject bad actors' attacks. Many biblical prophets and kings faced false accusations. And yet one man comes close to the Christian creator: Nehemiah. Here's a professional, a diplomat, a creative leader of exiled Jews. His book is mainly about his quest to build something new. Nehemiah longs to rebuild Jerusalem's wall and guard his people. Also, he's one of the few biblical authors to speak in first-person! Quick recap: the secular king sends Nehemiah to do this work. Nehemiah's position and calling are legitimate by all authorities. This quickly attracts jeering and slander by several villains. But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:19–20) What's their first tactic? False accusation of breaking the law. Nehemiah doesn't record a long defense. Just a quick rejoinder. Here he doesn't record their motives. Maybe people already knew. Commentaries like this one reveal his possible political rivalries. So keep that in mind with all his strategies. None are sincere. One chapter later, the enemies return. What do they do now? Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” (Nehemiah 4:1–4) No more legal threats now. Instead they just troll the builders. Watch now how Nehemiah responds. He knows not to feed them. Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders. (Nehemiah 4:5) What's next for Sanballat and co.? He escalates from trolling. But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. (Nehemiah 4:7–8) Today's similar tactics: death threats, doxxing, and swatting. Nehemiah responds with both prayer and wise self-defense. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night. (Nehemiah 4:9) So after legal threats, trolling, and violence plots, they get sneaky. Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. (Nehemiah 6:1–2) Today false accusers try this tactic: “I just want to meet with you.” “I think we got off on the wrong foot. Now let's talk. On my terms.” And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner. (Nehemiah 6:3–4) Nehemiah responds professionally and brushes them aside. He avoids distractions. He focuses on the work he's called to do. This doesn't feel very “Christian.” After all, Sanballat needs God! And yet Nehemiah knows he's a proven bad-faith manipulator. Sanballat repeats the attempt. Nehemiah just repeats himself. No need for new arguments or attempts to persuade the accuser. He sticks to what he knows, grounded on the truth, and says no. What's next? They try the old “people say this about you” trick! In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.' And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.” (Nehemiah 6:5–7) It's not Sanballat who says this. It's those other people out there! This is a flagrant appeal to our desire to protect our reputations. And it is “spiritual” concern-trolling of the worst possible sort. Frankly, Sanballat should have led with this one. It's fooled many. Important background: Nehemiah's people did sin against God. So he could have been vulnerable to “spiritual” accusations. Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands. (Nehemiah 6:8–9) He didn't buy it. He simply states they made all this up. We get another quick prayer in-narrative. Before one final trick. Now when I went into the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home, he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple. Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you by night.” (Nehemiah 6:10) Again, Sanballat should have tried this strategy earlier. It sounds so spiritual. The house of God! Only it's misused. It's almost persuasive, mixes truth with lies, and appeals to fear. But I said, “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.” And I understood and saw that God had not sent him, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. (Nehemiah 6:11–12) Our hero doesn't attempt some “spiritual” argument to Shemaiah. In fact, he refers to his own character and gives a simple refusal. That's because he knows this isn't a spiritual attack. It's political. Nehemiah's enemies resorted to cold hard cash as a motivator. In modern terms, we would say he recognizes foreign collusion. For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me. Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid. (Nehemiah 6:13–14) Deftly our hero avoids the trap. And prays to God for divine justice. He even calls out unnamed prophets who tried to intimidate him. One can only imagine the “spiritual” language they may have used. In all cases, Nehemiah knew none of the strategies were sincere. And in the end, he avoids every trap and keeps to the project. Today, similar villains will try any tricks to stop people of integrity. And today they may use what plays well: accusations of abuse. Not even Sanballat knew to try that tactic. It's often effective. That's because Scripture does warn about abusive leaders. But God's word equally warn about the malicious false witness. Against false accusations, apply biblical justice and wise rebukes. One way or another, they will be defeated. And hopefully repent. Com station Top question for listeners Have you had a “Nehemiah” moment of standing up for your calling? Next on Fantastical Truth Now that we've talked the tough topics, let's talk about subjects more epic and fun. Like dragons! Possibly ones in our midst! The author we mentioned earlier, Bryan Davis, doesn't even have time to run all these conspiracies. That's because he'd been too busy with bestselling novels. So next week, we'll finally invite Bryan into the studio to share more about the castle walls he's built over the last many decades.
What does a bullfrog dissection have to do with understanding the church? More than you might think. Just as examining anatomy requires zooming in on individual organs and then stepping back to see how they all work together, understanding the church God is building requires the same approach. The book of Acts gives us a sweeping, 32-year narrative of how God structured and grew his church from a small gathering of apostles in Jerusalem all the way to congregations spread across the known world. As we zoom out and take in that full picture, we discover something remarkable: the way the church was organized was never accidental. It was deliberate, progressive, and deeply rooted in Scripture. We see authority shared among a plurality of leaders, never concentrated in one person alone. We see the mission of the church carried not just by its leaders but by every single member of the body. And we see a pattern of humble, biblical leadership that still speaks directly to how we do church today. If you have ever wondered why churches have pastors, elders, and deacons, or what your role as a church member actually means, this is the message that answers those questions with clarity and conviction.
If the Book of Ezra begins with the return of the remnant to restore the Temple and the Law, the Book of Nehemiah records the physical and civil secured existence of that same fragile community. Where Ezra brings the spiritual architecture of Torah, Nehemiah arrives with the practical blueprint for survival. The ruin of Jerusalem was not merely a physical catastrophe; in the ancient Near East, an unfortified city was an open target for enemies, a mockery to surrounding nations, and a visible reproach to the God whose name it bore. Nehemiah enters history to turn a desolate heap of stones into a holy, defended dwelling place. Covering the third major return from Babylon, the narrative centers on Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, who trades the luxury of the imperial palace for the dust of Jerusalem. Upon receiving news of the city's broken walls and burned gates, his instant response fuses deep intercessory prayer with decisive administrative leadership. Anchored in God's covenant promises, Nehemiah pleads God's own words: though His outcasts are scattered to the uttermost parts of heaven, He will gather them if they return and keep His commandments. Equipped with royal letters and timber from the king's forest, Nehemiah leads the remnant in rebuilding the walls in a staggering fifty-two days, despite relentless psychological warfare and political conspiracies from regional adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah. This post-exilic landscape is shared by the prophet Malachi, whose contemporaneous ministry voices the very heart of this covenant dynamic. Malachi's prophetic cry, "Return to Me, and I will return to you" (Malachi 3:7), operates as the thematic twin to Nehemiah's prayer and labor. While Nehemiah builds external security and executes civic reforms, Malachi confronts the internal lethargy, corrupt priesthood, and cold formalist worship that threaten the remnant from within. Together, governor and prophet press the same urgent reality: physical restoration is hollow without a true return of the heart to the place where God has chosen to make His name dwell. Nehemiah demonstrates the essential union between persistent prayer and active duty, showing that spiritual reliance and practical organization belong together in God's service. Yet, the book ends with a clear sense of anticipation. Though the physical perimeter is secured and the temple sacrifices are maintained, the stubborn tendency of human hearts to wander persists. The combined testimony of Nehemiah and Malachi leaves the reader looking past the restored walls of Jerusalem toward the ultimate Shepherd-King who would come to gather the true outcasts, cleanse His people from within, and establish an unshakable kingdom forever. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. (Malachi 4:2)
This episode begins by noting the proximity of two of the most significant events of the twentieth century, one archaeological, the other political: the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 and the founding of the modern State of Israel in 1948. What do they have to do with each other? A lot, it turns out, at least when it comes to archaeology's role in Israeli nationalism, from justifying their claim to "Judea and Samaria" to using the legal and bureaucratic aspects of protecting "heritage sites" as a way to seize territory to the draw for Christian Zionists of Israel's supposed stewardship of "the Holy Land." Throughout the conversation, we draw on our guest Jasper Nathaniel's years of reporting on these matters, and especially his heroic work documenting the brutality of Israeli settlers — and their enablers— in the West Bank. Support Jasper's essential work by subscribing to Infinite Jaz. Listen: Johnny Cash, The Holy Land (1968) Sources: Jasper Nathaniel, "In Ruins: Archaeological Warfare in the West Bank," The Drift, Dec 16, 2024 — "Israel's Archaeological Apartheid: An Update," Dec 19, 2025 Rachel Poser, "Common Ground: The Politics of Archaeology in Jerusalem," Harper's, Sept 2019 Bezalel Smotrich, "Israel's Decisive Plan," 2017 James Genn, "'Grandpa, Look What We Found': Huckabee Family Uncovers Ancient Coins in West Bank Caves," The Jerusalem Post, Jan 6, 2026 Gary Rendsburg, "The Dead Sea Scrolls," Great Courses lecture series, July 2013 ...and don't forget to subscribe to Know Your Enemy on Patreon for access to all of our bonus episodes!
In this Bible Story, Jeremiah witnesses the downfall of Judah. King Nebuchadnezzar uses the Chaldean army to lay waste to all of Jerusalem. Hundreds of thousands of people are taken captive, and the remaining rulers of Judah are beheaded and trampled. Jeremiah, however, is spared from the Babylonians, and is given a choice to go to Babylon and live comfortably, or remain with his people. This story is inspired by 2 Chronicles 36:15-21 & 2 Kings 25:3-21 & Jeremiah 32, 33, 38, 39, 40:1-6, 52. Go to https://www.BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Jeremiah 38:20 from the King James Version.Episode 159: Jeremiah, still captive in the courthouse of Judah, was praying to God when he received a Word from Him that Hanamel would soon be coming to sell him his land in Anathoth. But this was about more than relieving his uncle of a burden, it was God's way of showing the people what He would do for them. So Jeremiah continued to preach the Word of God to the people and he continued to receive beatings from them. One day, he was summoned by King Zedekiah to give him the truth of the situation and though he spoke honestly to the King, he did not follow Jeremiah's advice. Yet even as the gates of the courthouse were being broken down, God protected Jeremiah and gave him mercy.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.This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.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 Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Brit Olam Noahide World Center just announced the first International Congress of Noahides in Jerusalem this November. What exactly are the Seven Noahide Laws? Are they even biblical? Will Christians be beheaded for breaking them? What's the US Government's role in all this? We're breaking it down on today's edition of the Endtime Show! 🦅🇺🇸: Discover America's destiny in The Wings of a Great Eagle and reserve your America 250 Heritage Collection today: https://store.endtime.com/products/the-wings-of-a-great-eagle-pre-order-collection ⭐️: True Gold Republic: Get The Endtime Show special on precious metals at https://www.endtimegold.com 🚰: Sentry H2O: You prepare for everything else. Why not your water? Use code ENDTIME for 10% OFF at https://www.sentryh2o.com/endtime 📱: It's never been easier to understand. Stream Only Source Network and access exclusive content: https://watch.osn.tv/browse 📚: Check out Jerusalem Prophecy College Online for less than $60 per course: https://jerusalemprophecycollege.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to Day 2922 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2923 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 150:1-6 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2923 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2923 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Cosmic Crescendo – Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord! On our previous expedition—on Day Two Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty-Two—we explored the fourth movement of the "Final Hallel" in Psalm One Hundred Forty-Nine. We marveled at the powerful, revolutionary posture of God's faithful ones, who sing a new song of victory, rejoice on their beds of rest, and carry both the high praises of God in their mouths and the two-edged sword of divine truth in their hands to execute the written judgments of heaven. Today, on Day Two Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty-Three of our trek, we reach the ultimate summit, the grand finale, and the absolute crown of the entire Book of Psalms: Psalm One Hundred Fifty, verses one through six. This brief, six-verse hymn is the grand crescendo toward which all one hundred forty-nine preceding psalms have been steadily marching. The tears of lament, the pleas for rescue in dark caves, the struggles against deceptive enemies, the prayers for direction, and the celebrations of royal victory all dissolve into one uninhibited, all-encompassing, galactic explosion of pure praise. In this final psalm, we are given the ultimate masterclass in worship, answering the four fundamental questions of praise: where to praise, why to praise, how to praise, and who should praise. The Dual Sanctuary: Praise in the Heavenly and Earthly Courts Let us open our ears to the thunderous opening salvo of this final psalm, as recorded in the New Living Translation, grouping together the logical, contiguous thoughts found in verse one and verse two. Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! The psalmist launches this final doxology with an explosive series of commands, shouting, “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!” He then immediately provides the unshakeable foundation for this worship, declaring, “Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!” Notice how verse one answers the critical question of where God is to be praised! The psalmist points to two interconnected locations: "in his sanctuary" and "in his mighty heavens." To fully appreciate the spiritual magnitude of this pairing, we must view it through the Ancient Israelite divine-council worldview. In ancient biblical theology, the earthly sanctuary—the tabernacle, and later the temple in Jerusalem—was understood to be a physical micro-copy and Earthly anchor of the true, celestial temple in heaven. When the psalmist calls for praise in both the earthly sanctuary and the "mighty heavens"—or literally, the raqia, the radiant dome of the sky—he is calling for a complete synchronization of the two realms! He is summoning the human worshipper on earth to lift their voice in perfect harmony with the angelic hosts, the seraphim, and the heavenly assembly gathered around the supreme throne of Yahweh. Then, in verse two, the psalmist answers the question of why we offer this praise! We praise Him for two distinct reasons: His actions and His character. We praise Him for His "mighty works"—His tangible, historical acts of creation, deliverance, covenant-keeping, and redemption. And we praise Him for His "unequaled greatness"—His inherent, infinite, unsearchable majesty that sets Him completely apart from every created entity, every earthly monarch, and every rival spiritual power in existence. He stands entirely without equal! The Full Symphony of Sacred Sound: The Heavenly Orchestra The narrative now transitions into a magnificent, detailed blueprint answering the question of how God is to be praised, weaving together every category of musical instrument in verse three, verse four, and verse five. Praise him with a blast of the ram's horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud, clanging cymbals! The psalmist unleashes a dizzying, symphonic array of instruments, commanding, “Praise him with a blast of the ram's horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud, clanging cymbals!” Look at the astonishing variety and sensory richness of this worship band! The psalmist intentionally gathers instruments from every sphere of Israelite life to create a total, unrestricted environment of praise. He begins with the shofar—the ram's horn—whose piercing, resonant blast was blown by priests to announce sacred assemblies, signal royal coronations, and sound the charge on the day of battle. He then adds the delicate, melodic elegance of royal court music: the lyre, the harp, wind flutes, and plucked stringed instruments. Furthermore, he brings in the joyous, rhythmic percussion of village celebrations: the tambourine, expressive communal dancing, and the metallic, reverberating crash of loud, clanging cymbals! In the ancient world, different instruments were often reserved for specific social classes or localized rituals. The elite played the lyre; the priests blew the shofar; the women danced with tambourines. But here, in the grand finale of the Psalter, all artificial boundaries are completely demolished! Every sound, every rhythm, every melody, every instrument, and every cultural art form is recruited into one massive, glorious, roaring avalanche of sacred sound, dedicated entirely to the King of kings. The Universal Anthem: Everything That Has Breath Having established where to praise, why to praise, and how to praise, the psalmist reaches the final, climactic verse of the entire Book of Psalms, answering the ultimate question of who should praise in verse six. Let everything that lives and breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! With one final, breathless, cosmic shout that echoes across the centuries, the psalmist closes the entire collection, commanding, “Let everything that lives and breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” What a staggering, magnificent climax to this multi-month journey through the psalter! The Hebrew phrase used here for "everything that lives and breathes" is kol ha-neshamah—literally, every single breath! This single line brings the entire biblical narrative full circle. Way back in Genesis chapter two, Yahweh bent down into the dust of the earth and breathed the neshamah—the divine breath of life—into human nostrils, animating humanity to become living souls. Now, at the end of the Book of Psalms, the purpose of that breath is fully disclosed! Every lungful of oxygen you inhale, every pulse of air that moves past your vocal cords, and every breath taken by every living creature across the entire planet is designed for one supreme purpose: to return to its Creator in grateful, joyous adoration! Notice how this final verse connects seamlessly with the journey we have taken together through the "Final Hallel," from Psalm One Hundred Forty-Six through One Hundred Fifty. In Psalm One Hundred Forty-Six, the psalmist vowed, "I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath." In Psalm One Hundred Forty-Eight, he called upon the stars, the stormy winds, the sea monsters, and human kings to praise the Lord. Now, here in Psalm One Hundred Fifty, all individual voices, all instruments, all celestial beings, all earthly creatures, and all breathing life unite into one final, eternal Hallelujah! As we stand at the summit of this magnificent book today, let us carry this ultimate legacy of wisdom into our daily lives. Whatever wilderness you are trekking through, whatever dark caves you have lived in, and whatever mountains you must climb, remember the ultimate destination of your story. You were created by an infinite, loving God; you were redeemed by His mighty works; and your very breath belongs to Him. Take a deep breath right now, lift your heart to the heavens, and join the cosmic choir in shouting: Hallelujah—Praise the Lord! If you found this podcast insightful,...
Psalm 121 has rightly been called, “The Travelers' Psalm”. It's a psalm the ancient pilgrims sang as they crested the ridge overlooking Jerusalem, and it's a psalm that's comforted many modern-day travelers and refugees. Join us for The Bible Study Hour as we explore the psalm that's encouraged generations to lift up their eyes--not to the hills, but to the Lord who created them. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111
In Can We Keep the Biblical Pilgrimage Festivals Today?, we explore whether believers outside Jerusalem can faithfully keep Unleavened Bread, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Torah provides accommodations for unavoidable circumstances, and both diaspora Jews and early Christians honored these festivals wherever they lived. Scripture ReferencesDeut 16:16; Ex 23:14–17; Num 9:6–13; Deut 14:22–25; 1 Cor 5:7–8; 1 Cor 16:1–4 TakeawayYHWH desires faithful obedience. Even when literal pilgrimage is impossible, we can honor the festivals by keeping every commandment we are able to fulfill and directing our hearts toward His chosen place.
Recorded live on August 9, 2026, this Land of Israel Fellowship with Ari Abramowitz and Jeremy Gimpel explores the powerful themes of this week's Torah portion, Re'eh. What happens when we stop asking, “Hashem, what can You give me?” and start asking, “Hashem, what do You want?” Ari and Jeremy explore the mystery of “the place that I will choose,” why God waited hundreds of years to reveal Jerusalem, and what King David teaches us about aligning our hearts with God's will. Along the way, they share remarkable stories of divine providence, Israel, prophecy, and a deeply personal story about sapphire, marriage, children, and Isaiah's promise of redemption. The delay is not the denial. Sometimes the journey is preparing us for the promise.
Obadiah addresses Edom, the nation descended from Esau. When Babylon sacked Jerusalem, Edom stood at the crossroads and watched his brother burn, then gloated, looted, and cut down the refugees who ran. Safe on the high rock, Edom asked, "Who will bring me down to the ground?" God, through the prophet Obadiah, answers him. The answer widens past Edom to every nation and ends on Mount Zion, where the kingdom belongs to the LORD. The Rev. Dr. Richard Davenport, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Smith, AR, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the prophet Obadiah. To learn more about Our Redeemer in Fort Smith, visit OurRedeemerFortSmith.360unite.com. Edom stands at the crossroads and watches his brother Judah dragged off in chains, and Obadiah announces that the day of the LORD is coming for the bystander, too. Joel sees a locust swarm strip a nation bare in a single season, calls the people to rend their hearts and not their garments, and promises a Spirit poured out on all flesh. Nahum returns to Nineveh a century after Jonah's revival, and this time the superpower does not repent. Zephaniah spends two chapters on the day of wrath and then ends with the Lord singing over the people He has rescued. This series on Thy Strong Word works through these selected books of the so-called "minor" prophets verse by verse, showing how the Lord judges the nations while also keeping his promises to gather His people home. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.