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What the Faithful 5K Proved: It's Time for the Body of Christ to Get in Shape“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…” — Hebrews 12:1–2The inaugural Faithful 5K is over—but I don't think what happened in Greenbrier was really about running 3.1 miles.We had 165 people register, families running together, churches serving side by side, businesses investing in their community, volunteers pouring themselves out, and virtual racers participating across seven different states.And underneath all of it was something deeper:God is doing something in His Church that has to do with the body—both our physical bodies and the Body of Christ.In this episode, I'm taking a short break from the Menopause in the Light series to reflect on what the Faithful 5K taught me about fitness, faith, community, endurance, and why I believe it's time for the Bride of Christ to get in better shape.We'll talk about:Why people are hungry for something deeper than sets, reps, macros, and aestheticsWhat happened when multiple churches and Christian organizations chose to serve together without needing their own name at the centerWhy the Faithful Cross became one of the most meaningful parts of the morningWhat it means to recognize your body as something through which you live your callingWhy Christian fitness was never supposed to be an isolated pursuitThe unexpected power of an out-and-back race where runners continually encouraged one anotherWhy your body does not have to be impressive to glorify GodWhat this event reminded me about the mission of Faithful FitnessAnd I'll tell you about Mr. Roy.When we first started working together more than five years ago, Roy had battled heart disease, multiple surgeries, pain, and a body that made something as simple as walking my driveway difficult.Saturday, he finished a 5K.He finished last. He refused rides. Men went back onto the course to walk beside him. Police stayed with him. His family waited. Racers who had finished long before stayed at the finish line because they wanted to see him cross it.And when someone asked how he was able to keep going, his answer was basically:Get a good coach. Walk with God. And be stubborn enough not to stop.That'll preach.Because Hebrews doesn't tell us, “Let me run with endurance.” It says:“Let us run with endurance.”Maybe you're crushing it right now.Turn around and encourage somebody behind you. Maybe you're struggling. Keep going. But either way, stop trying to do this fitness thing alone. Your Next Faithful Step -If you want to get honest about where you are and identify your next step, take the Faithful Fitness Assessment. https://faithfulfitness.co/assessmentYou'll assess yourself across the four areas we use in Faithful Fitness:Integrity. Grit. Growth. Awe.The goal isn't a perfect score. It's clarity. And completing the assessment will also reserve your place for our upcoming LIVE Faithful Fitness seminar on September 2nd, where we'll continue this conversation together.Take the Faithful Fitness Assessment and find your next faithful step. Make the most of the body God's given you.Train Hard. Pray Harder.—Coach AlexBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-with-coach-alex-vanhouten--5150768/support.
Caleb Clardy teaches from Hebrews 12 :1-3 on August 9, 2026Support the show
Today we will be looking at the book of Hebrews (SUNDAY 08/09/26) Today's Sermon will look at Hebrews 10:23 "How are We to Respond to So Great a Salvation in Christ? Holding Fast our Hope In Jesus"
It's easy for us to become distracted by the things of the world, fill our busy schedules, and lose sight of the most important things of life. We conclude Hebrews 9 by examining the reasons Jesus gives us to fix our eyes on Him and eagerly wait for his second coming.
Pastor Derrick preaches the next message in our series through the book of Hebrews.
Series: N/AService: You Are From GodType: You Are From GodSpeaker: Scott Taylor & Tyler HallYou Are From God is a podcast dedicated to the teaching of the Bible and the Christian faith. This YouTube series follows a Bible reading plan for 2026 curated by the West Mason Church of Christ. Our mission is to help Christians or anyone who wants to learn about about the love of God and root their identity in Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone seeking:A deeper relationship with GodA clearer understanding of an identity in ChristDaily Bible reading guidanceBiblical teaching on purpose and spiritual transformationHope, meaning, and truth in a broken worldWhether you are new to the Christian…
Consider Jesus - Hebrews 3_1-3 - Ps Jeff Pitman - 19th July 2026 by The King's Way Christian Fellowship - Glen Waverley
Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected!New To Faith? Visit our New To Faith page!Learn more about Pastor Derek NeiderFollow Derek on Instagramor FacebookSubscribe to email.Subscribe to the daily devotionalExplore recent messagesThis podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas. Visit our website!We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.
Sunday July 12, 2026. Jesus is Supreme: Studies in Hebrews. "Resting in Jesus," a sermon on Hebrews 4:1-13 from Dr. Sean Lucas.
Get your copy of our 2026 Annual Read: Tozer on the Son of God by A.W. Tozer.First Time?Start Here: https://bit.ly/MarinersconnectcardCan we pray for you? https://bit.ly/MarinersPrayerOnlineYou can find information for all our Mariners congregations, watch more videos, and learn more about us and our ministries on our website https://bit.ly/MarinersChurchSite.FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinerschurch• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marinerschurch• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marinerschurch• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinerschurchSupport the ministry and help us reach people worldwide: https://bit.ly/MarinersGive
Jason Hansen continues our series on Hebrews.Learn more about us at anchorchurchgilbert.com.Do you have any questions about the sermon? Text them to 480-660-3828.
Welcome to our online Sunday morning worship service!Please let us know you're watching by liking or commenting below.Please share and invite friends so others can watch also!Sunday Bible Groups at 9:30 | Worship at 10:50 | Wednesdays at 6:30Come Grow With Us! #ALLinForChrist @ #GlendaleCaveMill ⚓️#FindYourCalling #ComeHome #OneMore #Relaunching
Jason Hansen continues our series on Hebrews.Learn more about us at anchorchurchgilbert.com.Do you have any questions about the sermon? Text them to 480-660-3828.
Life is full of uncertainty. Nobody knows what a day or a year will bring. In this uncertain world, we need stability. We need Christ. So consider Jesus and hold fast to Him in hope.
Jason Hansen continues our series on Hebrews.Learn more about us at anchorchurchgilbert.com.Do you have any questions about the sermon? Text them to 480-660-3828.
The fastest way to drain joy out of your faith and your marriage is to turn grace into a scorecard. We talk about legalism and performance not as an abstract doctrine, but as a daily trap that reshapes how we see God, how we see ourselves, and how we treat our spouse. When acceptance feels like something we have to earn, the bar keeps moving, fear starts driving obedience, and the home begins to reflect it through anger, frustration, isolation, and a quiet loss of hope. We take a hard look at the “me-centered” questions many believers carry around and why they keep us looking inward instead of fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Then we lay out a clear, practical path out of the bondage: four steps from defeat to freedom, knowing, owning, offering, and walking. Along the way, we ground everything in key gospel passages like Romans 5 and Romans 6, showing what it means to stand in “undeserved privilege,” to move from Adam's legacy to Christ's new life, and to stop trying to grow through sheer willpower. This is Christian sanctification with the Spirit in the lead, not a spiritual to-do list. We also speak directly to spouses who see legalism taking root at home. We share warning signs to watch for, how performance can show up as approval-seeking in marriage, and why encouragement is rarely a one-time talk but a daily commitment to keep the gospel close. If you want a biblically healthy marriage shaped by grace, not grind, this conversation gives you language, Scripture, and next steps you can take together. Subscribe, share this with a friend who feels stuck, and leave a review so more couples can find hope, and what step do you need to take next?Support the showFor episode transcripts, click HERE.For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FBApple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.
Sunday May 19, 2026. Jesus is Supreme: Studies in Hebrews. "Consider Jesus," a sermon on Hebrews 3:1-6 from Dr. Sean Lucas.
Get the notes!Unlocking the Depth of Hebrews 1:1–3 | Complete Masterclass CurriculumFor many believers, the opening verses of the Book of Hebrews are familiar, yet their profound theological weight is often left unexamined. In just three verses, the author packs an astonishing amount of covenant history, original Greek wordplay, and high-priestly imagery to establish one undeniable truth: Jesus Christ is supreme over all.If you are looking to take your church, small group, or personal study past surface-level readings and into a rigorous, substantive exploration of scripture, our newly released Hebrews 1:1–3 Complete Masterclass Curriculum provides the ultimate professional-grade framework.The Core Lesson: The Supremacy and Sufficiency of the SonThe letter to the Hebrews was originally written to first-century Jewish Christians who were enduring intense social persecution and alienation. Under immense pressure, many were tempted to abandon their faith in Christ and retreat to the familiar, comfortable rituals of the old temple system.To counter this danger, the author of Hebrews builds an unshakeable, “better than” defense of the Christian faith, starting with the very nature of divine revelation:1. From Fragmentary Past to Final PresentIn the Old Covenant, God spoke polymerōs (“in many portions”) and polytropōs (“in many ways”). For over a millennium, revelation unfolded fragment by fragment through visions, types, and the lived object lessons of mere human prophets. But “in these last days,” God has spoken a final, definitive word to us en huiō—“in a Son”. This isn't just a change in message; it is a massive qualitative upgrade in the status of the Messenger.2. The Essential Deity of ChristJesus is explicitly revealed as the apaugasma (the absolute radiance and outshining) of God's glory and the charaktēr (the flawless, exact representation) of His essential nature. Because God does not share His glory with created beings, these precise terms establish Christ's absolute equality with the Father. He is not a lesser duplicate; He is God manifest in bodily form, actively upholding the entire cosmic order and the laws of physics by His powerful word.3. The Finished Work of the High PriestPerhaps the most revolutionary insight for a Jewish audience was the declaration that Christ “sat down” after making purification for sins. In the ancient Tabernacle and Temple structures, there were no chairs. The Aaronic priests could never sit because animal sacrifices only covered sin, meaning their work was never finished. Jesus, operating under the eternal order of Melchizedek, offered His own blood once and for all, completely removing sin and sitting down to signal that our redemption is eternally complete.Packaged for Your Ministry: What's Inside the Curriculum BundleTo help you seamlessly transfer these rich theological truths to your congregation or study circle, we have packaged this exhaustive study into a clean, publication-ready digital download. Built with structural outlines and indentations, the text copies perfectly into Microsoft Word for effortless printing and distribution.The complete package includes: Teacher's Instructional Guide: A strategic blueprint featuring an instructional roadmap, critical Greek linguistic breakdowns, historical context explanations, and engaging classroom discussion starters. Student Study Guide: A comprehensive student companion complete with a detailed vocabulary tracker (propitiation, apaugasma, charaktēr), a structural outline, and targeted reflection questions for personal life application. Evaluation Quiz: A clean, standalone, 10-question multiple-choice assessment sheet designed to reinforce student comprehension without spoiling the answers. Answer Key & Detailed Explanations: A thorough grading asset that provides paragraph-length theological defenses for every correct answer, turning evaluation into an additional teaching opportunity.Elevate Your Biblical Teaching TodayStop settling for surface-level curriculum. Give your students the substantive, mature, and objective biblical instruction they are looking for.Whether you are preaching from the pulpit, leading a Sunday school class, or guiding a home small group, the Hebrews 1:1–3 Complete Masterclass Curriculum will bring academic rigor and deep spiritual assurance to your study.[Click Here to Download the Full Hebrews 1:1–3 Curriculum Pack Now]Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Sunday May 3, 2026. Jesus is Supreme: Studies in Hebrews. "We See Jesus," a sermon on Hebrews 2:5-18 rom Dr. Sean Lucas.
Sunday May 3, 2026. Jesus is Supreme: Studies in Hebrews. "The Supremacy of Jesus," a sermon on Hebrews 1:5-2:4 rom Dr. Sean Lucas.
Renewed Men is a four-week series wherein we confront the crisis of modern manhood and recover God's design for what a man is meant to be.Christ Jesus brings renewal in order to form men who know God, love sacrificially, and lead courageously."The Man Who Loves Like Jesus" is a sermon based on Hebrews 7:22–27 preached by lead pastor Billy Glosson.This sermon was preached at Mission Church — a church in Morganton, North Carolina in the heart of Burke County.Join us in person on Sundays, 10 AM221 Herron St.Morganton NC, 28655
Sunday April 26, 2026. Jesus is Supreme: Studies in Hebrews. "The Supremacy of Jesus," a sermon on Hebrews 1:1-4 from Dr. Sean Lucas.
Are you feeling spiritually distracted or slowly drifting from God? In this episode of Legacy - A Mom Podcast, Tina and Britt talk honestly about the subtle “drift” that happens when prayer becomes occasional, Scripture feels optional, and faith starts to slide into the background of everyday life. Using Hebrews 2:1 as a foundation, they unpack how drifting isn't usually loud rebellion—it's gradual neglect fueled by busyness and distraction—and why it matters so much for yourhome and the legacy you're building as a mom.What “drifting” looks like in real life (and why it's so easy to miss)How distractions and a packed calendar cool your spiritual focusWhy spiritual consistency impacts your kids and your family cultureThe remedy: fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2)Practical encouragement to return to intentional time with the LordKeywords: Christian mom podcast, faith and motherhood, spiritual drift, drifting from God, Hebrews 2:1, fix your eyes on Jesus, spiritual disciplines, prayer and Bible study, Christian parenting, legacy, discipleship at home, distraction and busyness, grow closer to GodListen to the Raising Kids on Your Knees Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/4Aq5n5wbY3FcQNEH488o90?si=6989f6eccf5848a1Flying Arrow Productions
Wednesday night teaching by Pastor Darryl Hall of Lifewell Church in Garland, TX.www.lifewellchurch.comView Full Streamhttps://www.youtube.com/lifewelldGive Onlinewww.lifewellchurch.com/donate.htmlDaily Biblehttps://lifewell.flocknote.com/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/lifewelld
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Monday, April 6, 2026
This discussion features: Judah Thomas, David LaManna, Lenny Selgado, Johnny V., Ben Cossette, Mike McHugh, and James Gowell. Edited by: Tim Nicholson.In Week 15 of Thriving in the Word, we begin exploring Hebrews 11 and the biblical meaning of faith as the evidence of things not seen. We talk about real questions, the search for truth, and why the evidence in creation, reality, and Scripture points to Jesus Christ.This faith-based podcast episode is for anyone asking hard questions about the Bible, Christian faith, God, and the reason believers trust in what they cannot see. If you're searching for a Christian podcast about faith, evidence, apologetics, truth, and Jesus, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.Help us spread the word about Thriving in the Word—and thanks for being part of the family.Have a blessed day.More info: https://www.thrive.church Give: https://www.thrive.church/give/ Need prayer? prayer@thrive.churchThis is a presentation of Thrive.Church. © All Rights Reserved.
https://anchorbaptist1611.com/
Scripture calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus—not people—because He alone is perfect and unchanging. This devotional reminds us that when our faith is rooted in Christ, it remains steady even when others fall short. Highlights Focus Matters: Faith falters when placed in people instead of Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Human Leaders Fall: Even trusted spiritual leaders are imperfect and can fail. Follow Christ Alone: We are called to follow Jesus, not build our faith around individuals (Matthew 4:19). Guard Your Heart: Hiding God’s Word in our hearts protects us from stumbling (Psalm 119:11). Discernment is Key: Jesus calls us to recognize truth by the fruit people produce (Matthew 7:16-20). Unshakable Foundation: A faith rooted in God remains steady despite circumstances (Hebrews 12:28). Intersecting Faith & Life When leaders fall, it can feel disorienting and discouraging. But these moments are an opportunity to realign our focus. Jesus is the only perfect example, the only Savior who endured the cross, and the only one worthy of our complete trust. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Keep Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:2 Recent and ongoing scandals involving pastors, churches, and ministries—leaders who fail and fall short in their service and devotion to God—have been devastating for many believers in Jesus Christ. This is especially true for those who closely followed these leaders, hanging on their every word, listening, trusting, and at times valuing what they said as more important than the Word of God itself. The exposure of immorality, misconduct, dishonesty, and deception takes a terrible toll on those who once placed unwavering faith in these men and women who positioned themselves as spokespersons for God. When these leaders’ sinful activities are uncovered, it rattles some followers to their spiritual cores. Faith begins to stumble when it has been placed more in people than in God. In many cases, it reveals that instead of focusing on the Lord, their eyes, ears, and attention were centered on the leaders they admired. Yet none of those leaders suffered and endured the cross or experienced separation from God on our behalf. When tempted, they were not willing to lay down their human desires and sinful impulses, much less their lives, for us. Called to Be Fishermen, Not Establish Our Own Kingdoms God never intended for us to be followers of men. We are called to be fishers of people, but followers of Christ alone. As Matthew 4:19 records: “‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’” He calls us to follow Him and to hide His Word in our hearts. When we do, it protects our hearts and minds from stumbling. It guards us against falling into unbelief because of another person’s sin. Psalm 119:11 reminds us of this safeguard: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” The Apostle Paul further explains in 2 Corinthians 3:3 how God writes His Word on our hearts when we yield to Him: “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we do not collapse like a line of dominoes when trusted spiritual leaders fail. Our hearts may grieve over their sin, but our faith remains steady. Hebrews 12:28 reminds us that when our focus is on God, we stand on an unshakable foundation: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Jesus warned us to remain watchful. In Matthew 7:15, He cautions: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” He also assures us that we can discern the difference between genuine followers and deceivers. As He explains in Matthew 7:16-20: “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you been devastated by a spiritual leader’s sin? Has your faith been shaken by their failings? If so, ask God to help redirect your focus on Him and fix your eyes on Jesus. Further Reading: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Monday, March 16, 2026
In this episode, Pastor Rachel breaks down what it actually means to live as a "believer" instead of just surviving the world's version of reality. She dives into why March is a designated "month of miracles" and how we can tap into the divine power already working inside us, as highlighted in Ephesians 3:20,. The message gets really practical by outlining "six roads to healing," which range from using natural methods alongside faith to operating in the gifts of the Spirit and understanding the authority we carry as representatives of Jesus (Mark 16:15-18),. Whether it's through properly discerning the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28-31) or literally taking the Word of God as daily medicine (Proverbs 4:20-22), the goal is to stop settling for a "low life" and start letting God's "super" mix with our "natural". Pastor Rachel also features a powerful guest word on the unchanging nature of Jesus (Hebrews 13:8) and shares a wild story about a creative miracle for a burned leg, reminding us all that we're part of a spiritual symphony where everyone needs to show up with their instrument.
Friday, March 13, 2026
Why choose Jesus? There are so many worldviews and so many religions. Why should we choose Jesus? We begin this series looking at what it means to be a follower of Jesus instead of simply a casual fan. Which are you?
Staying to the End: Lessons From the Sufferings of Jesus (Hebrews 12:3) | Women's Retreat 2026 | Carlynn Fabarez
What are you drawing on for strength—your circumstances, your abilities, or the power of Christ?In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that only Christ's resurrection power can truly satisfy the empty heart, defeat temptation, and exchange our weakness for His strength. Earthly assets and “wins” may look impressive, but they're nothing compared to the transforming power of Jesus.This devotional also sounds a loving warning: when life is going well, it's easy to drift back into independence and forget the Source of real joy. That's why we must stay alert to spiritual stagnation and choose growth—even when growth stretches us.You'll be encouraged by Scripture's call to keep pressing forward:Run with perseverance, throwing off sin and fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2).Press on toward the goal, forgetting what's behind and straining toward what's ahead (Philippians 3:13–14).If you've been tempted to coast, quit, or rely on comfort instead of Christ, this episode will re-center your heart on the One whose power never runs out—and whose grace meets you in the struggle.Scripture Focus: Psalm 147:5 The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected!New To Faith? Visit our New To Faith page!Learn more about Pastor Derek NeiderFollow Derek on Instagramor FacebookSubscribe to email.Subscribe to the daily devotionalExplore recent messagesThis podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas. Visit our website!We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Thursday, 19 February 2026 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5 “Yet he speaking, you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them. And you behold! Voice – from the cloud, saying, ‘This, He is My Son, the Beloved in whom I approved! You hear – Him!'” (CG). In the previous verse, Peter said to Jesus that it was good for them to be there and that he and the others would build tabernacles for Him, Moses, and Elijah. Matthew next records, “Yet he speaking.” Peter was in the process of what was essentially an idol-fest. He was star-struck with the audience gathered with Jesus. However, his thoughts were misdirected and unsuited for the situation. Remember what he himself had proclaimed just a short while before – “You, You are the Christ, the Son of God, the living.” Matthew 16:16 Therefore, his words were cut off as he spoke, and “you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them.” Two new words are seen here. The first is nephelé, cloudiness, or concretely, a cloud. It is from nephos, a cloud. The second new word is the verb episkiazó, to overshadow. It is from epi, upon or over, and skia, a shadow. Saying that this cloud was lustrous may be because of the brilliant light radiating from Jesus, like when one is in fog and shines a light. The light is gathered into all of the fog particles, and the entire area turns lustrous. If a cloud overshadowed them, even a regular cloud, this would be the result. This appears to be what is conveyed in the thought because of what continues to transpire. Next, it says, “And you behold!” The excitement rushing from Matthew's pen is palpable as he introduces a second thought in a row this way. The inspired word of the Lord is asking us to really pay heed to what is being conveyed. First, the group was overshadowed, blocking out Moses and Elijah. Understanding this, it continues with, “Voice – from the cloud.” Within the cloud itself is a voice. Like the burning bush on Mount Horeb, there was a physical demonstration of the presence, and yet, there is a concealing of the Source of the voice at the same time. Thus, the One speaking can only be understood by what He states, not by actually seeing Him. Understanding this, He was “saying, ‘This, He is My Son.'” The voice, being derived from eternity itself, calls out who He is, God the Father. As He is in the eternal state, the words were prepared from before the creation of a single atom to occur at this moment. Having indicated who Jesus is in relation to Him, He continues with, “the Beloved in whom I approved!” The words are repeated from Matthew 3:17 when Jesus was baptized – “This, He is, My Son – the Beloved in whom I approved!” God had ordained Jesus to initiate His ministry. He was pleased with Him at that time. Now, after Jesus has told His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, and be killed, meaning His ministry was on its downward trajectory, the Father affirms His relationship with Him. Because of His pleasure in His Son, He next calls out, “You hear – Him!” The point that the Father was making was that they were no longer to look to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) for their spiritual guidance. They were to listen to Jesus, the Fulfiller of everything spoken of in the Law and Prophets. It is an admonition from God that has not changed since then – “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,' Jesus” Hebrews 12:2 (CG). This is the directive from God for all people, meaning to focus on Jesus. Nothing else will do. All else will lead to a sad end. Life application: Although there are innumerable doctrines set forth in Scripture, the main point of doctrine for one's life conduct in the presence of God is understanding the matter of law versus grace and being obedient to the latter. The Bible's first recorded words of God speaking to man are words of grace versus law. From that point on, because Adam disobeyed the law he was given, the violation of that law has been the source of every problem that mankind has ever faced. Adam failed to understand that he had been given grace. In Genesis 2:17, it said – “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat.” Adam was given everything, though he had done nothing to earn it. God lavished upon the man His goodness in a variety of tastes, textures, and physical sensations as he experienced each new fruit. At the same time, and in the same sentence, the Lord gave Adam law – “...but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” This set forth a choice that has been set forth again for the people of the world. Will we choose to trust God and accept His grace, or will we ignore that, choose law, and perish apart from the grace? It is what Paul calls “a different gospel, which is not another” in Galatians 1. God, in His words concerning Jesus, is setting forth that choice by telling the disciples, and thus us, because the words are recorded in Scripture, that we are to focus on the grace. That grace could only come through the crucifixion of Christ. When we return to the law, we crucify again for ourselves the Son of God. In this, we put Him to open shame. May we never presume to have such an attitude. Lord God, thank You for the grace that is poured out on us through the giving of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
In this episode, Bryan and Layne explore how the Bible teaches direct access to God through Jesus, not through prophets or religious institutions, using the torn temple veil as the key turning point. Drawing from Layne's journey out of Mormonism, they explain why trusting the Holy Spirit over human authority leads to true freedom.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Torn Veil, Open Access Layne (a former Mormon of 40 years) and Bryan talk about what access to God looks like in Mormonism compared to biblical Christianity. The big contrast: Mormonism tends to route access through an institution and its leaders, while the Bible teaches direct access to God through Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit.They anchor the whole conversation in a key moment from the crucifixion: when Jesus died, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). That wasn't just a detail in the story—it was God's way of saying, “The separation is gone. The way is open.”What This Episode CoversAccess to God: simple vs. structuredLayne describes growing up Mormon with a built-in ladder of authority—bishop, stake president, prophet—where “hearing from God” felt filtered through leadership. Bryan points out that the idea of having a personal relationship with Jesus often feels like “Christian language,” not the normal relational emphasis inside Mormon culture.Why the torn veil changes everythingIn the Old Testament temple system, the veil represented a barrier between people and God's presence. Only the high priest could pass through, and only once a year, with a sacrifice.But when Jesus died, God tore the veil Himself—from top to bottom—showing that man didn't open the way; God did. The cross didn't just pay for sin. It also removed the whole structure of “you need someone else to get you to God.”Prophets then vs. the Holy Spirit nowThey walk through the New Testament idea that God used prophets “in times past,” but something changes after Jesus (Hebrews 1:1–2). Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide believers into truth (John 16:13). Layne puts it plainly: dependence on a prophet is replaced by direct access through Jesus and the indwelling Spirit.Why people prefer a prophet anywayEven if it's not biblical, a prophet can feel comforting because he's visible, official, and “safe.” Bryan compares it to legalism: rules feel helpful because they're clear and controllable—but clarity isn't the same thing as truth. Layne agrees: when a system is built on control, it can't survive if people learn they can truly hear and trust God directly.“What about chaos?” Pastors vs. prophetsThey address a common objection: If you don't have a prophet, won't everything fall apart? Their answer: biblical Christianity still values church, leadership, and community—but a pastor isn't a prophet, and no leader gets to trump Scripture. The moment any person