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This week we’re diving into one of the wildest and most hope-filled stories in the Gospels: Mark 5:1–20. It starts in absolute chaos—darkness, fear, and a man everyone had given up on—and ends with a life completely changed by Jesus. Discussion Questions: When Jesus steps onto the shore in verses 1–6, what details stand out about the man’s condition? Any questions that come about from this? After the man is delivered, verse 15 gives a clear picture of who he becomes. What stands out to you about this transformation, and why do you think Mark wants us to see the contrast so plainly? The townspeople beg Jesus to leave (v. 17), while the man begs to go with Him (v. 18). What does this contrast show about the different ways people respond to Jesus’ power and mercy? How do you see similar responses today? Jesus sends the man home to tell others “how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you” (v. 19). What has the Lord done for you, and who is one person you can intentionally share that with this week?
TOPIC: Accepted - ChosenEphesians 1:3-4What do you think is God's attitude toward you? If it's indifference, annoyance, or worse, what would flip that script? Would that change the narrative in your mind about how God feels about you? Jesus is the gift that flips the script. In Jesus we are accepted, not just tolerated. He's the gift that makes us acceptable to God. He's the only one who can truly change us. That's something to celebrate this Christmas!#NorthRidge #Jesus#churchonline WELCOME PAD / MY RESPONSE -- Use this link to respond to the sermon, request prayer, or to give tithe/offerings online: https://northridgefellowship.churchce...I'M SAYING YES TO JESUS!https://northridgefellowship.churchce... MORE SERVICE INFO AND INTERACTION: https://northridgefellowship.org/watch/
Pastor Matt Ewert preaches on Hope for this first week of our Advent series, "Jesus Changes Everything: Advent."
"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus..." - Luke 19:1-10 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Turkeys and Eagles, Part 5: Following Jesus Changes Everything in Our Families MESSAGE SUMMARY: Series Overview: This Series has been looking at Paul's letter to the Ephesians to point out “Turkeyisms” – those things of our culture and some worldviews by which we may have been duped into beliefs inconsistent with the Gospel of Jesus or behaving in a manner that is not what Christianity is all about. This Series has pointed out some changes in our thinking needed to be like “Eagles” so that we can be the people that God wants and expects us to be. Today's Sermon: A look into Ephesians 5 provides a perspective on many “Turkeyisms”; however, the focus today is just on one: Turkey Thinking – “My Christianity has no effect on my family relationships, but my upbringing does”; but Eagle Thinking – My Christianity places me in the Kingdom of God with a radically different view of family relationships”. Being in the Kingdom of God Changes everything for those that follow Jesus. Marriage in America is having a rough time, and we can't say that Christian marriage is different. Too many of us, who say that we follow Jesus today, don't let Christianity follow us through the front door as we live our secular lives. In the First Century of the Ephesians, both Jewish and Greek laws greatly diminished the roles, respect for, and value of women. In the Roman world, of the same period, women and children were just passed around – women had many husbands. It was into this world of Judaism and Greco Roman culture that Jesus walked in; and we found Jesus respecting and honoring women. Jesus raised the status of women – Jesus brought a whole new way of thinking about family, marriage, children, and divorce into First Century culture that has provided an ethical context for two thousand years. In the same period and culture, Paul came along; and he set up churches. He wrote letters, which were written in the culture of this period, to the Christians in churches like the church in Ephesus. These early Christians were a part of the Kingdom of God – the blessed followers of Jesus – they were called to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to be imitators of Jesus. Therefore, followers of Jesus were to be vessels of His light to the world. Followers of Jesus were to be different from this culture of the period. By being different in their families, followers of Jesus would transform the culture (which, eventually, they did!!!). From Ephesians 5:21, we are to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”. “Submitting” is treating others like you wish to be treated. In Ephesians 5, Paul applies this principle of Christianity to the family (i.e. wives, husbands, and children) and to the workplace (i.e. employees). The Kingdom of God calls us to loving family relationships; therefore we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be different and not a part of the culture. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 5:21-33, 6:1-4; John 4:25-28; Mark 10:6-10; Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.; Psalms 73a:1-14. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “For Jesus Followers, Fasting, with Food, Will Symbolize a Victory Over Oneself and Solidify a Personal Relationship with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Turkeys and Eagles, Part 5: Following Jesus Changes Everything in Our Families MESSAGE SUMMARY: Series Overview: This Series has been looking at Paul's letter to the Ephesians to point out “Turkeyisms” – those things of our culture and some worldviews by which we may have been duped into beliefs inconsistent with the Gospel of Jesus or behaving in a manner that is not what Christianity is all about. This Series has pointed out some changes in our thinking needed to be like “Eagles” so that we can be the people that God wants and expects us to be. Today's Sermon: A look into Ephesians 5 provides a perspective on many “Turkeyisms”; however, the focus today is just on one: Turkey Thinking – “My Christianity has no effect on my family relationships, but my upbringing does”; but Eagle Thinking – My Christianity places me in the Kingdom of God with a radically different view of family relationships”. Being in the Kingdom of God Changes everything for those that follow Jesus. Marriage in America is having a rough time, and we can't say that Christian marriage is different. Too many of us, who say that we follow Jesus today, don't let Christianity follow us through the front door as we live our secular lives. In the First Century of the Ephesians, both Jewish and Greek laws greatly diminished the roles, respect for, and value of women. In the Roman world, of the same period, women and children were just passed around – women had many husbands. It was into this world of Judaism and Greco Roman culture that Jesus walked in; and we found Jesus respecting and honoring women. Jesus raised the status of women – Jesus brought a whole new way of thinking about family, marriage, children, and divorce into First Century culture that has provided an ethical context for two thousand years. In the same period and culture, Paul came along; and he set up churches. He wrote letters, which were written in the culture of this period, to the Christians in churches like the church in Ephesus. These early Christians were a part of the Kingdom of God – the blessed followers of Jesus – they were called to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to be imitators of Jesus. Therefore, followers of Jesus were to be vessels of His light to the world. Followers of Jesus were to be different from this culture of the period. By being different in their families, followers of Jesus would transform the culture (which, eventually, they did!!!). From Ephesians 5:21, we are to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”. “Submitting” is treating others like you wish to be treated. In Ephesians 5, Paul applies this principle of Christianity to the family (i.e. wives, husbands, and children) and to the workplace (i.e. employees). The Kingdom of God calls us to loving family relationships; therefore we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be different and not a part of the culture. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 5:21-33, 6:1-4; John 4:25-28; Mark 10:6-10; Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.; Psalms 73a:1-14. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “For Jesus Followers, Fasting, with Food, Will Symbolize a Victory Over Oneself and Solidify a Personal Relationship with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Ephesians 2:19-22
Reading Plan: Old Testament - Ezekiel 11-12Psalms - Psalm 125Gospels - John 8:39-47New Testament - 1 John 3:11-24Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
What happens when Jesus changes everything about you? In Week 1 of our series Follower – Learning from the Life of Peter, Pastor CJ Ward unpacks John 1:35–42, where Jesus meets Simon and gives him a new name — Peter. In one encounter, Jesus transforms his identity and sets the tone for what it means to follow Him. Scripture: John 1:35–42 | 2 Corinthians 5:17 | Ezekiel 46:9 | Romans 2:4 In this message, you'll discover: Why every follower of Jesus experiences real change. How to surrender control and trust what God wants to transform. The difference between letting Jesus change “something” and letting Him change “everything.” Why open hands are the posture of a true follower. ️ You can't encounter Jesus and leave the same. Watch now and ask the question: What if Jesus changes everything? #FollowerSeries #NewLifeGillette #CJWard #JesusChangesEverything #Discipleship #LifeOfPeter Chapters (00:00:00) - What Does It Really Mean to Follow Jesus?(00:03:41) - The Bible is Odd(00:06:04) - The Strange Life of Simon(00:10:15) - Jesus Changes Everything About All of Us(00:15:34) - Could You Tell Who Was A Skater Or A Pretender?(00:18:06) - Does God Need Everything Changed in Your Life?(00:24:51) - "I Want to Change Everything"(00:29:47) - Will I Let Jesus Change Anything About Me?
Until you understand how Jesus changes everything, you are at risk of wasting your life. This podcast will remind you what you gain when you have Jesus. Discussion Questions: How can we unleash real joy in our life in difficult seasons? What do you think it means to “put no confidence in the flesh?” What does it mean “to know the power of his resurrection”? What does it mean “to share in his suffering”? What are some ways you can do that today? Paul had one goal in life. Do you know what it was? What is your one goal for your life? What are some ways to grow your desire for a deeper knowledge of Christ? ABOUT: Lina AbuJamra is a Pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she's passionate (and allegedly funny) about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life's hardest questions. When she's not speaking or creating content, she's providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda. Learn more about her at LivingWithPower.org. Follow on Insta: linaabujamra Follow on Facebook: Lina Abujamra
Transformed - How Following Jesus Changes Everything (Week 2) | Groundswell Online Oct 26th, 2025This series has been all about discipleship—which simply means becomingmore like Jesus in our everyday lives.We've been asking a foundational question: “Who or what is forming me?”Because we're all being shaped—by culture, by stress, by social media, byour past—but our deep desire at Groundswell is that we would be formedby Jesus.Sign up to participate in Next Steps:https://groundswell.churchcenter.com/...Fill out our online connection card: https://groundswell.churchcenter.com/...-If you would like to GIVE towards the mission of Groundswell:https://groundswellchurch.ca/index.ph...-You can also connect with us on social media, @GroundswellNS / groundswellns / groundswellns -If there's any way that we can be praying for you, get in touch with our prayer team: prayer@groundswellchurch.ca
In this message from our Living Well on the Way Home series, Stu Crawshaw preaches from 1 Peter 2:13–3:7 on how gospel relationships are generative — they grow, transform, and bring new life.Stu explores how the gospel changes how we relate to one another, to authority, and to the world around us. Christianity is not passive — it's a radical, world-changing way of life that responds to evil with good and transforms oppressive systems through love.He reminds us that we don't go to church; we are the church — a community of people who live for Jesus each day as living sacrifices, drawing others to Him through gentleness, courage, and grace.
We're continuing our series called This Changes Everything! This week, Pastor Daniel reminded us that a moment in the presence of Jesus can change everything. GET CONNECTED + PRAYERNew to EDEN? We'd love to pray for you, too! Let us know at https://eden.church/connectLEARN ABOUT EDEN CHURCHEDEN is a startup church in Silicon Valley. Learn more at https://eden.churchFIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFB:https://www.facebook.com/edenthechurchIG:https://www.instagram.com/edenthechurch/GIVE TODAYhttps://eden.church/give
Mark 2:18-22. As people notice that the disciples are not fasting, while John's disciples and the Pharisees were, Jesus points out that with his arrival everything changed.
Series: It's All About Jesus Title: Jesus Changes Everything Speaker: Lead Pastor Ken Primeau Date: October 26, 2025 Paul's letter to the Colossians, written around AD 60–62 from prison to a church he had never visited, calls us to re-center our lives on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus. In a world where false teachings threaten to diminish Christ's deity and elevate secret knowledge or religious add-ons, Paul proclaims that Jesus is everything: fully God, creator and sustainer of all things, and the mystery now revealed, Christ in us, the hope of glory. Colossians invites us to see Jesus as the exalted Messiah, sufficient for salvation and supreme over every power, idol, or tradition. His indwelling presence transforms every aspect of life, including our worship, suffering, daily choices, and even our households, calling us to live as a new humanity under His lordship. In this four-week series, we'll discover that Jesus is not just part of our faith; He is the center of it all, and when He is at the center, everything changes. STAY CONNECTED Website: https://mrne.info/church Mercy Kids: https://mrne.info/kids Mercy Students: https://mrne.info/students Mercy Road Northeast Facebook: https://mrne.info/facebook Mercy Road Northeast Instagram: https://mrne.info/instagram HELPFUL LINKS Connect Card: https://mrne.info/getconnected Prayer: https://mrne.info/prayer Give Online: https://mrne.info/giving Outposts: https://mrne.info/outpost Subscribe to MERCY ROAD CHURCH - NORTHEAST YouTube channel to watch this message again later this week! https://www.youtube.com/@mercyroadnortheast
Transformed - How Following Jesus Changes Everything (Week 1) | Groundswell Online Oct 20th, 2025This series has been all about discipleship—which simply means becomingmore like Jesus in our everyday lives.We've been asking a foundational question: “Who or what is forming me?”Because we're all being shaped—by culture, by stress, by social media, byour past—but our deep desire at Groundswell is that we would be formedby Jesus.Sign up to participate in Next Steps:https://groundswell.churchcenter.com/...Fill out our online connection card: https://groundswell.churchcenter.com/...-If you would like to GIVE towards the mission of Groundswell:https://groundswellchurch.ca/index.ph...-You can also connect with us on social media, @GroundswellNS / groundswellns / groundswellns -If there's any way that we can be praying for you, get in touch with our prayer team: prayer@groundswellchurch.ca
A Study of Colossians 1: 3-8
Pastor Matt Ewert speaks on our fourth Discipleship Component, Transformed Character, as we conclude our series titled "Jesus Changes Everything."
"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus..." - Luke 19:1-10 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Pastor Matt Ewert speaks on our third Discipleship Component, Costly Obedience, as we continue a series titled "Jesus Changes Everything."
Pastor Matt Blackaby speaks on our second Discipleship Component, Steadfast Devotion, as we continue a series titled "Jesus Changes Everything."
In this powerful message from the Jesus Changes Everything series, we explore how Jesus offers eternal security to those who believe in Him. Preaching from John 8:48–59, we see how Jesus confronts misunderstanding with truth, brings assurance to those who keep His Word, and fills hearts with joy through faith. Ultimately, this passage reveals the unshakable security found only in Christ.
What happened to these 4 men we see at the end of chapter 1 of the Gospel of John? How can we in 2025 also encounter Jesus and walk away differently?
Pastor Matt Ewert speaks on our first Discipleship Component, Commitment to Biblical Truth, as we begin a series titled "Jesus Changes Everything."
What we focus on forms us. It forms us mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and communally. Join us as we focus on the One who changes everything... Jesus!For this week's Outline and Community Group questions, download our app or visit hillsidefellowship.org, click on Resources, and find today's sermon.
Pastor Matt Ewert speaks on Forest Grove Community Church's new tagline: "Jesus Changes Everything."
Lisa and I, in this classic episode, speak what should be obvious but is too often missed, the vital importance of not speaking ill of our spouse with others.
Do you feel like your out of options? Have you tried to put the pieces of your heart back together only to end up worse than you started? Take heart Jesus can work on what's working on you if you'll let Him. Have you cleaned up your life without handing over your life to Jesus?
KNOWING JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING
Welcome to the 1st sermon of season 11. "WRECKED" dives into how Jesus "wrecks" our lives when we choose to follow Him. We look at Peter and how a series of events left him devastated, but still drawn to Jesus. We learn that following Jesus is about a covenant relationship, and not a try it before you buy it relationship. We are not immune to our past, but redeemed for the future. Thank you for listening and sharing this podcast! #LetGodWork Sermon Notes:[Luke 9:18-27]1) When we choose Christ to be our Lord & Savior, it is a covenant relationship.2) If we don't "wreck" our cultural views, we miss the entire point. [Matthew 26:33-35] | [Mark 14:46-47]3) Jesus Changes Everything.[Mark 14:66-72] | [Luke 22:61-62]Follow us on Instagram: @imperfectchurchpodcastWant to be on an episode or have a topic? email us: imperfectchurchpodcast@gmail.com
"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus..." - Luke 19:1-10 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.
We tend to have pockets of our lives dominated by the flesh and driven by cultural wisdom. For many, sexuality is one of those pockets. On the next Susie Larson Live, Dr. Juli Slattery joins me to share from her book, “Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes... Everything.” Dr. Slattery also mentions her book, "God, Sex, and Your Marriage." Her ministry is Authentic Intimacy. Find out more here Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here
Today's classic episode from 2020 includes the story of my first trip to the golf course with my father. WE also consider the thief on the cross and the call to clean up our ethics.
In thi classic epiode we consider as our "ism" plagiarism and why it matters. Plus, the confidence that drives youth and the best way of defining disciples.
In this classic episode I consider the folly of reductionism, and the impossibility of reducing reality down to one thing. I give thanks for forever friend Ted Bell and reveal the real me.
"The Chosen" star Nick Shakoour had a radical faith encounter that changed everything. He's here to share the details and discuss his new book, "TRANSFORMER: Awakening From A Spiritual Coma - A Nick Shakoour Autobiography." FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
Jesus changes everything. As Christians, we might understand that Jesus came and paid the penalty for our sins and through faith we are forgiven and receive the gift of eternal life. Yet there is more. Jesus is also our Lord and this truth penetrates every area of our lives.
Today's conversation is a bit of a departure from our usual worship leader/worship industry conversation. I'm talking with Stanley Hauerwas. Here's his bio: Stanley will turn 85 this year. I'm new to Stanley's work but absolutely devoured his new book Jesus Changes Everything as well as his landmark work, Resident Aliens. I find his thinking […] The post #360: The Church, Culture, & How Jesus Changes Everything with Stanley Hauerwas appeared first on Beyond Sunday Worship.
The Second sermon in our series: "Strangers in a Strange Land"Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-21Dr. Ronnie FloydPastor Emeritus
What if I told you the resurrection of Jesus isn't just something we celebrate—it's everything we stand on? In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I'm breaking down one of the most powerful lines of the gospel creed:“Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving He is the Son of God.” We'll look at why the resurrection is not just a comeback story—but confirmation that every claim Jesus made was true. I unpack what Scripture says in Romans 1:4 and 1 Corinthians 15:17, and why the resurrection isn't optional for our faith—it's foundational. But more than that, I share how the resurrection changes what's possible for us right now. Because He rose, you don't have to stay stuck in your guilt, shame, or spiritual death. There's new life available. Not just someday—today. This is the turning point of history… and the starting point of hope. Let's walk it out together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when the lies we've believed about ourselves collide with the truth of who God says we are? In this powerful episode, Megan Schimmel sits down with SeaJay, Erika, and Deborah to share her journey from questioning where she fit into God's story to embracing her identity in Him. Born with physical challenges, she once believed her struggles were the result of sin, but through God's radical pursuit of her, she discovered they were a reflection of His glory. Megan opens up about overcoming false identity, navigating hardship without bitterness, and leading the next generation with confidence. Her story is a powerful reminder that success isn't the absence of struggle but the decision to live authentically in God's truth. To learn more about our Authentic You women’s community, check out our website https://jesusculture.com/sacramento/communities/authentic-you/ For access to helpful resources visit https://jesusculture.com/ Stay connected with us on social media for episode highlights, updates on upcoming releases, and news about the Authentic You women’s community: https://www.instagram.com/authenticyou.ay. Episode Guest Megan Schimmel https://www.instagram.com/mrsmeganlittle/
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Sam 21-23; 1 Thess 1 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, host Hunter invites us to journey through day 133 of our adventure in the Scriptures. We dive into the dramatic and moving stories of 2 Samuel chapters 21–23, witnessing the final days of King David, including the resolution of a long-standing famine, the tales of his mighty warriors, and David's heartfelt songs of praise to God. We also begin a new journey in the New Testament with 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, where Paul's words challenge and inspire us to see others through the lens of God's love. Hunter reflects on how an encounter with Jesus can transform our hearts and perspectives, encouraging us to embrace a love that reaches beyond our own borders and communities. Closing with thoughtful prayer and the Lord's Prayer, this episode is both a deep dive into Scripture and a gentle invitation to let God's joy and love shape our day. Stay tuned for encouragement, insight, and a reminder that you are truly loved—no doubt about it. TODAY'S DEVOTION: God's love changes everything—including how we see others. Here in 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul makes a remarkable declaration. He looks at this young, Gentile church in Thessalonica—people so different from him, people who didn't keep kosher or follow all the right traditions—and he says with conviction: “We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.” For someone like Paul, who had grown up believing gentiles were outside the fold, excluded from God's love and promises, this was a radical shift. What happened? Paul had encountered Jesus. And when you meet Jesus, you begin to see people the way God sees them. That's what Jesus does: he changes how we see and love others. He broadens the boundaries of our hearts. Our natural tendency is to draw circles around those who look like us, those who think or act or believe like us. But when we encounter Christ, our eyes open to just how big God's love really is. Suddenly, we see neighbors, strangers, even those we once called outsiders, as loved and chosen—just as we are. Paul says, “now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere.” Transformation ignites a ripple effect. The Thessalonians, having received and experienced this all-inclusive love, became living messengers, carrying God's welcome everywhere they went. They became an example of what God's love can do in a community—and for the world. Let's make that our prayer and our posture: that the boundaries of God's love would expand in our own hearts, and that our encounter with Christ would cause us to see all people as loved and chosen. Let the word of the Lord ring out from us—our families, our churches, our very lives—declaring that God's invitation is for everyone. May every day be a day when our vision is shaped not by old ways of seeing, by fear or favoritism, but by the revolutionary grace that Jesus brings. That's a prayer I have for my own soul, for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son, and that's a prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Loving God, you have knit us together in the body of Christ from every nation and tongue. Make us a vessel of your peace today. Where hatred stirs, let us bear your love. Where wounds run deep, let us be agents of pardon. Where fear grips hearts, may we speak faith. Where sorrow hangs heavy, may we carry joy. Teach us to listen more than we speak, to understand before we are understood, to love. For in surrender, we find abundance. In mercy, we discover grace. And in dying, we rise into your life. In the name of Jesus. Amen. And now as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
We serve God best when we have more confidence in Him than the things that frighten us. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses the despair and hopelessness Jesus' friends experienced on Easter, how they overcame that discouragement—and how we can, too. Apostles Thomas and Peter both stumbled in their faith after years of walking with Jesus, but He didn't let them sit in their shame. Pastor Allen shows how Jesus took His friends' burdens and replaced them with hope and courage, and he invites us to the same relationship with our Savior. The Church in the earth needs to be reawakened to the holiness of God, and that begins with us deciding to honor Him with our lives. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, visit this link: allenjackson.com/podcastdonate