Podcast appearances and mentions of jesus john

Weekly live worship service from Cornerstone Church, North Gower (Ontario) FOLLOW US #northgowercornerstone WEBSITE https://www.knowgrowshow.ca/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/northgowercornerstone/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/northgowercornerstone/ LINKTREE https://linktr.ee/knowgrowshow The Passage: John 16:12-15 The One Thing: The Trinity at Work in Us Growgroup Discussion Starters KNOW CHRIST AS KING Why do you think the Spirit's main role is to glorify Jesus (John 16:14)? What does that teach us about who Jesus is? Jesus says “All that belongs to the Father is mine” (John 16:15). How does this shape your understanding of Jesus' divine authority and kingship? GROW IN GROUPS Jesus told his disciples there were things they could not yet bear. What are some truths you've only come to understand later in your faith journey? What does it mean in practice for the Holy Spirit to “guide you into all truth”? How can your community encourage each other to listen well? Have you ever sensed the Spirit prompting you to do or say something? How did you respond? How can we grow in discernment together? The sermon spoke about the “Divine Economy”—the relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit. How does this image of God as a loving community impact how we do community with one another? SHOW UP AND SERVE If the Spirit is still speaking and sending, where might He be calling you to “show up” and serve right now—with your time, gifts, or presence?

Faith is Essential to Believe in Jesus | John 12:35–50 1. By faith, you must believe that Jesus is the Light of the World. 2. Believing requires faith; we walk by faith, not by sight. 3. Believing in Jesus is rewarded with salvation.   Jesus performed signs, fulfilled prophecy, and spoke truth straight from the Father—so why did so many still not believe? In this message, we unpack why faith is essential to truly believe and follow Jesus. Evidence matters, but faith is what brings it to life. If you've ever wrestled with doubt or wondered what it really means to trust Jesus, this message is for you.

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.

The fuller sermon title would be THE CURE TO A CRUMBLING CHURCH IS THE SAVIOR & THE SCRIPTURE. This is true in Crete and Lenoir City and every other place on the globe. The modern church in America is consumed by the social instead of the spiritual. Transformation comes from Christ not cultural change. I. The Attitude of Evangelism - 1. Jesus - John 4 2. Peter - Acts 4:12-13 3. James - Luke - John - Hebrews 4. Paul - Romans 9; 22 & 26 • Romans 1:14-16 (duty + desire) • Ephesians 3:8 (God's gift to us) • SALVATION & PASTORAL EPISTLES: I Timothy 1:1, 15; 2:1-6; Titus 1:1-4; 2:8-11;II. The Actions of Evangelism - Titus 3 • Titus 3 - 7 virtues 1. What we do = Remind them (not a new thought) to be: I Timothy 2:1-5; I Peter 2 & 3; I (salvation, suffering, submission). = Submit, Obey, Be Ready - v. 1 (Jesus said “pay taxes” - Matt 22) = To Speak, To Avoid, To Show - v. 2 1. What we were (humility) - v. 3 2. What God does (regeneration) - vv. 4-7

My latest reading in the Gospel of Luke

AT THE FEET OF JESUS John 12:1-11 I. Mary Anoints Jesus; vs.1-3 II. Jesus Defends Mary; vs.4-8 III. Priests Plot Against Lazarus; vs.9-11 Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with costly perfume. Jesus comes to her defense when it's suggested that her offering was wasteful.

The fuller sermon title would be THE CURE TO A CRUMBLING CHURCH IS THE SAVIOR & THE SCRIPTURE. This is true in Crete and Lenoir City, and every other place on the globe. The modern church in America is consumed by the social instead of the spiritual. Transformation comes from Christ, not cultural change. Disciples of Christ vs Discipline of men Spiritual Justice vs Social Justice Christlikeness vs Cultural Change Eternal vs Temporal Titus 3 is focused on three groups: believers, unbelievers, & God! Consider each group as you refocus the church. Acts 2:42-47; 20:28-31Believers - Unbelievers - God - Father, Son, Holy Spirit I. The Attitude of Evangelism - Jesus - John 4Peter - Acts 4:12-13James - Luke - John - Hebrews Paul - Romans 9; 22 & 26Romans 1:14-16 duty + desireEphesians 3:8 God's gift to usSALVATION & PASTORAL EPISTLES: I Timothy 1:1, 15; 2:1-6; Titus 1:1-4; 2:8-11; II. The Actions of Evangelism - Titus 3Titus 3 - 7 virtues What we do - = Remind them (not a new thought) to be: I Timothy 2:1-5; I Peter 2 & 3; I (salvation, suffering, submission). = Submit, Obey, Be Ready - v. 1What we were (humility) - v. 3 What God does (regeneration) - vv. 4-7

In a world that often tolerates fear, timidity, and passivity, God is calling His people to rise with boldness—not a boldness rooted in personality or pride, but one fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel was never meant to be consumed quietly, but to be proclaimed powerfully.In June, Pastor Josh, Will lead us as we discover what it truly means to walk in Holy Ghost Boldness—the kind of courage that shakes rooms, opens doors, and speaks truth no matter the cost. We'll explore what it looks like for men, fathers, and leaders to rise with Bold Courage, how to walk with Bold Faith that defies circumstance, and how to have a Bold Approach to God—confident, unashamed, and full of expectation.“When they had prayed… they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” – Acts 4:31It's time to get BOLD. Because Power is not a thing of the past—God is moving today.#bold #sermonseries #overflowdfwSupport the show

Amazing Grace (How's that for an original title?) John 8:2- 11 Grace Described Key attribute of God  Psalm 145:8 Personified in Jesus  John 1:14,17 Basis of salvation   Ephesians 2:7-9 Grace Absent Total setup Testing   Verses 4,6 Trapping Jewish law Roman law Accusation and condemnation The crowd disgraced her; Jesus graced her. We disgrace ourselves when we walk in shame. We disgrace others when we remind them of their past sin We disgrace ________, when we _____________.     Grace Displayed Brilliant response Mind your elders The more grace you know the more grace you show. How can she be let off? He bore her sin 1 Peter 2:24 His mission   John 3:17 Mercy trumps judgment   James 2:13 Sin is a big deal. Grace is a bigger deal.

Sometimes we give our all and still feel like the nets are coming up empty. But Jesus shows up, invites us to listen again, and calls us to cast the net where we hadn't thought to try. When we follow his lead—especially in unfamiliar ways—we experience power, joy, and real impact. And in the end, he's not just after the tasks… he's after relationship with us.

6/1/25 - Drew Tarwater - https://youtu.be/reXrQjBNJdA

Would you slap Jesus in the face? Did you know that when you pray it is possible to backhand God? In today's podcast, we discover a key principle of how to listen to God when we pray. And we will talk about the danger of slapping God in the face. Hear this engaging discussion! #DailyBibleStudy, #Prayer, #HowToPray Stephen Mizell is joined by Jay Rivenbark and Sharon Schwartz as we look at a passage from John 18:19-23. Tyndale's Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 14:1–15:22 John 18:1-24 Psalm 119:97-112 Proverbs 16:8-9

We welcome Rev. JJ Matandika to our pulpit while Rev. Lindemulder enjoys a week off.

On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: President Trump confronts South African President Ramaphosa over attacks on white farmers in a tense Oval Office moment. Plus, Trump unveils a sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” a $175B missile defense system, and vows to cut benefits for illegal immigrants. FOCUS STORY: Joe Rogan is back in the spotlight — this time for his spiritual curiosity. A new guest appearance and some recent comments reveal he may be more open to Jesus than you think. MAIN THING: The Federal Trade Commission is taking a closer look at the transgender medical industry. Brandon Showalter with The Christian Post joins Billy Hallowell to break it all down. LAST THING: John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” SHOW LINKS Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth JESUS AND THE PROPHECIES OF CHRISTMAS : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jesus-and-the-prophecies-of-christmas/id1783607035 NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 DC DEBRIEF POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/d-c-debrief/id1691121630 CBN News YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CBNnewsonline CBN News https://www2.cbn.com/news

Dennis and Benedicta discuss John 3:22-36.Send us a textTo find out more about Dennis & Benedicta Pollock please visit the Spirit of Grace website, where you can find other wonderful resources such as videos and articles. You will also find out how you can support the work of Spirit of Grace by becoming a Friend of Grace .Please send questions, comments, and feedback with us at grace@spiritofgrace.org.

Psalm 65:1-13, 1 Samuel 8:1-10:8, John 12:12-36. Governments reflect the mix that is in us all of what is good and true alongside what is sinful and flawed However, be assured that one day there will be a new type of government – the kingship of Jesus (John 12:12–36)

Psalm 65:1-4, 1 Samuel 8:19-22, 10:1-7, John 12:12-33. Governments reflect the mix that is in us all of what is good and true alongside what is sinful and flawed However, be assured that one day there will be a new type of government – the kingship of Jesus (John 12:12–36)

Psalm 65:1-4, 1 Samuel 8:19-22, 10:1-7, John 12:12-33. Governments reflect the mix that is in us all of what is good and true alongside what is sinful and flawed However, be assured that one day there will be a new type of government – the kingship of Jesus (John 12:12–36)

|  Scripture Passage: John 4:1-42  |  Guest Preacher: Kyle Bateson (Living Stones Reno)  |  Sermon Date: May 18, 2025 

"No one comes to the Father except through Me." Jesus (John 14:6)

Rev. Joe Dentici

Dr Thurman Hayes Jr. Preaching on John 9:1-41, Sunday May 18, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Suffolk, VA.

This week Pastor Mike continues our series looking through John's Gospel, as we do so we wrestle with the extraordinary claims of Jesus, that he is the only way, that all who come to him have been given to him by the Father.

Series: Signs & GloryTitle: “Why Do People Reject Jesus?”Subtitle: Scripture: John 7:1-52 Isaiah 55:1-7Jeremiah 2:13Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Acts 3:20-22Matthew 10:34-35Look for the drama in scriptureBottom line: People reject Jesus for many reasons, but He still calls the thirsty to come and receive real life.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDOpening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONSome people in history seem to split the world in two. Say their name, and you immediately stir debate. Martin Luther King Jr.—hero of justice or dangerous disruptor? Galileo—scientific genius or arrogant heretic? Nelson Mandela, Joan of Arc, Malcolm X—each one beloved by some, opposed by others. But history's most polarizing figure? Jesus. No one sparked more debate, division, or devotion. And in John 7, we see that clearly. The question is: Why do people reject Him—and could we be doing the same?John Bunyan knew all about that and wrote, "There was a man, the world did think him mad, the more he gave away, the more he had."Feast of Tabernacles...Originally a harvest festival coming at the end of the last major harvest of the year (grapes). They celebrated God who brought the rain.Became a celebration of God's deliverance of Israel through the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness where God had to supernaturally supply them water for the whole nation in the desert.It had eschatological hopesFor the restoration of the nation of IsraelFor the ingathering of all nations under GodJesus presents himself as God's agent to make these end time events a reality. He does this as the source of life--abundant (like being celebrated during this festival) and eternal (like living water).Bottom line: People reject Jesus for many reasons, but He still calls the thirsty to come and receive real life.In his last 6 months, Jesus enters Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles surrounded by confusion, debate and division over who he is and why he matters. This is the context around his famous teaching about the Holy Spirit's role when he ascends and why he's called living water. OUTLINE (input from ChatGPT)1. Some reject Jesus because He doesn't follow their expectations.(John 7:1–10)Jesus' own brothers didn't believe because He didn't fit their agenda or timeline.We still wrestle with disappointment or control when Jesus won't do what we want, when we want.2. Some reject Jesus because His truth exposes their hypocrisy.(John 7:11–24)Jesus confronts those judging Him wrongly, especially for healing on the Sabbath.We resist truth when it challenges our comfort, image, or self-righteousness.3. Some reject Jesus because of assumptions and incomplete knowledge.(John 7:25–36)The crowd “knows” where Jesus is from and assumes He can't be the Christ.Spiritual blindness often comes from thinking we already understand everything.4. Some reject Jesus because they fear people more than God.(John 7:40–52)Division rises. Leaders pressure, mock, and dismiss. Nicodemus is silenced.Following Jesus means risking disapproval—but silence is a choice too.5. But Jesus still calls: If you're thirsty, come to Me and drink.(John 7:37–39)On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus invites all to receive living water—the Holy Spirit.Rejection isn't the end of the story. Jesus still offers Himself to anyone willing to come in faith.CONCLUSION Bottom line: People reject Jesus for many reasons, but He still calls the thirsty to come and receive real life."For decades one of the first places immigrants to America landed was Ellis Island. They came hoping for a better life, longing for a chance to find happiness. Near Ellis Island was a statue, and the statue was an invitation. A poem by Emma Lazarus captured the invitation:"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"What a beautiful invitation. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses." Jesus extends a better invitation. "Come, weary and broken. Come, thirsty and dying. Come to me and find life."" -Carter, p. 181The Lion"How are we to drink this water? Although the offer is free and open to all, there are yet some terms to be met. C. S. Lewis in his children's novel The Silver Chair puts his finger on this in the clearest of terms. Jill, seeing a lion, is scared out of her wits and runs into the forest. She runs so hard that she wears herself out and is just about to die of thirst, or so she thinks, when she hears the gurgling of a brook in the distance. She approaches it and is almost ready to go to the brook when on the grass before her is the same lion."Are you not thirsty?" said the Lion."I'm dying of thirst," said Jill."Then drink, " said the Lion."May I— could I-would you mind going away while I do?" said Jill.The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience. The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic."Will you promise not to — do anything to me, if I do come?" said Jill."I make no promise,'" said the Lion.Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer."Do you eat girls?" she said. "I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and em-perors, cities and realms," said the Lion. It didn't say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it."I daren't come and drink," said Jill."Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion."Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer."I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.""There is no other stream," said the Lion.It never occurred to Jill to disbelieve the Lion —no one who had seen his stern face could do that-and her mind suddenly made itself up. It was the worst thing she had ever had to do, but she went forward to the stream, knelt down, and began scooping up water in her hand. It was the coldest, most refreshing water she had ever tasted.Do you see what Lewis is saying? When you come to the water, you are coming to a Lion, you must come on the Lion's terms, and you have to yield yourself by faith in order to get the water. Some of us need to realize that we are thirsty, that we need that water so badly that we are going to die without it. We need to step out on faith, yielding to the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and receive the water of eternal life.INVITATIONWhat about you?Are you paralyzed by the confusion, division and debate over who Jesus is and what he came to do?““Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David. See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations. You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.” Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTESJesus' brothers believed in Jesus but not the biblical Jesus; we see this all the timeJesus recognized that his brothers didn't believe in him as the Messiah yet though they'd lived with him for 30+ years; never sinned; Mary knowing who he was; favorite son; perfect son; resentment and sibling rivalry aboundsDoes Jesus divide people? (Yes)Family can be the toughest mission fieldFamily misunderstands when they don't believe in the biblical JesusReligious leaders miss the leader of their religion due to their self-righteousness, ambition and unbelief"Christ did not want to bring division. But because of the sinfulness of our hearts, because of our fallenness, because of our unwillingness to repent and bow to him, the Prince of Peace is Christ the Divider.When snow descends upon the Continental Divide, it melts and flows off either to the west or to the east, never to meet again. Christ is the continental divide in our lives. We will either go up with the morning stars or, to use Eliot's phrase, join the valley of the dying stars. Christ brings division to everyday life." -Hughes, p. 226Water"On the seven days of the Feast, a golden flagon was filled with water from the pool of Siloam and was carried in a procession led by the High Priest back to the temple. As the procession approached the watergate on the south side of the inner court three blasts from the shôphar - a trumpet connected with joyful occasions - were sounded. While the pilgrims watched, the priests processed around the altar with the flagon, the temple choir singing the Hallel (Pss. 113 - 118). When the choir reached Psalm 118, every male pilgrim shook a lulab (willow and myrtle twigs tied with palm) in his right hand, while his left raised a piece of citrus fruit (a sign of the ingathered harvest), and all cried 'Give thanks to the LORD!' three times. The water was offered to God at the time of the morning sacrifice, along with the daily drink-offering (of wine). The wine and the water were poured into their respective silver bowls, and then poured out before the LORD. Moreover, these ceremonies of the Feast of Tabernacles were related in Jewish thought both to the LorD's provision of water in the desert and to the Lord's pouring out of the Spirit in the last days. Pouring at the Feast of Tabernacles refers symbolically to the messianic age in which a stream from the sacred rock would flow over the whole earth." -Carson, p. 321-322"In general terms, then, Jesus' pronouncement is clear: he is the fulfil-ment of all that the Feast of Tabernacles anticipated." -Carson, p. 322OUTLINESee aboveQUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWhat do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it?What do I want them to do?Why do I want them to do it?How do they do this?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent HughesExalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh WredbergThe Gospels & Epistles of John, FF BruceJohn, RC SproulJohn, KöstenbergerThe Gospel According to John, DA CarsonThe Light Has Come, Leslie NewbiginThe Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.orgThe Bible Project https://bibleproject.comNicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersionClaude.aiChatGPT Google Gemini

Today’s Bible Verse: "Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." - John 20:21 “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ MEET OUR HOSTS at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pastor Philip Jeffries Meadowthorpe Baptist Church http://www.meadowthorpebaptistchurch.com 330 Larch Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 523-3815

Remaining connected to Jesus: John 15:1-5

Kevin Vantongeren's Sermon on John 15:1-3, from April 27, 2025.

Verse by verse study through the book of John Chapter Twenty and Verse Fourteen

You are viewing the sermon given at Reformed Baptist Church of McKinney, Texas on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 10:30 am. The weekly live stream of the Worship service begins at 10:30 am (US Central Time) every Lord's Day Sunday on facebook, youtube, and our website. For more information about the life of our church, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rbcmckinney.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To support our ministry and give of your tithes and offerings, click on the link below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rbcmckinney.churchcenter.com/giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook/Instagram/X: @rbcmckinney McKinney, Texas

Part 29: Prophecy and Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:1–25)In this live teaching recorded during our weekly Zoom gathering, we explored the powerful truths behind Paul's instruction on prophecy and tongues in the assembly. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 14:1–25, we examined the purpose and proper use of spiritual gifts — not for chaos or spectacle, but for edification, understanding, and order in the Body of Messiah.Old Testament ConnectionWe began with Moses' heart in Numbers 11:29 — “Would that all the Lord's people were prophets!” — connecting it to the prophetic promise of Joel 2:28 and its fulfillment in Acts 2. This shows God's desire that His people speak by the Spirit for the strengthening of the community.Purpose of the GiftsPaul makes it clear:• Tongues = personal prayer and praise (1 Cor 14:2, 4),• Prophecy = encouragement, edification, and comfort to the assembly (v. 3).The goal is not emotional hype, but spiritual clarity. "Let all things be done for edification" (v. 26).Interpretation – Two ViewsWe discussed the two primary views on interpretation of tongues:1. Communication to God – interpreted tongues as public praise or prayer (1 Cor 14:2, 16–17).2. Message from God – interpreted tongues as prophetic messages (v. 5, 12), similar to prophecy.Biblical Conclusion: Both views find harmony in Scripture. Tongues are directed to God, but the Spirit may interpret or redirect them as edifying words for the Body — just as Hannah's prayer (1 Sam 1) became a prophetic catalyst. We used a detailed comparison chart to highlight how tongues, interpretation, and prophecy intersect from a Hebraic perspective.Christ-Centered InsightWe connected this to Acts 2:1–4 where tongues at Pentecost were a sign of the Spirit's outpouring. Paul later notes in 1 Cor 14:21–22 that tongues are a sign to unbelievers, while prophecy brings conviction and glorifies Messiah. The Spirit always points us to Jesus (John 16:13–14).Link to Firstfruits and ResurrectionEven though our passage is chapter 14, Paul's broader flow leads us into chapter 15. Just as Messiah is the firstfruits of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:20–23), the gifts of the Spirit are firstfruits of our inheritance (Rom 8:23; Eph 1:13–14). They are signs of the coming Kingdom — we live in the “now but not yet,” awaiting full redemption.Questions:• Why is prophecy more beneficial in public worship than tongues without interpretation?• How do the gifts today reflect the “firstfruits” of what is to come in Messiah's Kingdom?• How can our gatherings reflect God's peace and order, not confusion (1 Cor 14:33)?Spiritual gifts are not the goal — they are tools that build up the Body and point us toward resurrection life in Messiah. Let's use them in order, humility, and love.

Rev. Tim Udouj

Anytime we see Jesus start a sentence with the words, “Truly, truly” it means that what he's about to say is really important and it'd be good for us to just hear this again. So, John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”Now it was Jesus saying things like this that (in one sense) got him killed on Friday. But because what Jesus says here is true is why he was raised on Sunday.Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This is the core creed of Christianity. We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made.For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried.[But on the] the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end. …These are facts about Jesus and the Gospel of John makes them clear to us, and I wanna repeat to you what Pastor David Mathis said last week — we see it here in verse 27 — it's that the Father has so exalted Jesus that he has made him the final judge of all humanity. The Nicene Creed just affirms what Jesus says. One day every single human being will stand before Jesus and answer to him. This is not theoretical! This is not symbolic! This is heart-pounding literal.One day, a day like today, a moment in time, each of us will look at Jesus, right in his face. We're going to look at his human face … which he has right now — and we're going to see his eyes. We're going to see his nose. We're going to read his lips as he speaks. And we will absolutely know that the Divine Judge is a man like us, who became like us to save us. Everybody will know that on the Last Day — even those who reject Jesus will know then that they have rejected their only hope of salvation.We're all gonna see him one day. You are going to see Jesus, and for what it's worth, I believe that my job mainly is to help prepare you for that moment. There's a trillion things going on in our lives, and they all matter, but the thing that matters the most is that you are ready to meet Jesus.And so to that end, for this Easter sermon, looking at John 5:24, I wanna repeat to you three truths about reality I hope you always remember.1. You can hear Jesus today.Look at that word “hear” in verse 24: Jesus says, “whoever hears my word.” And the nice thing about the word “hear” is that it can have a couple of meanings. At the most basic level, it means to literally, audibly hear something. To hear involves sound waves entering the ear canal and causing the eardrum to vibrate, and then these vibrations are transferred through tiny bones in the middle ear to the inner ear where they're turned into electrical signals that then travel to the brain which then interprets the meaning. That's what it means to hear. But that's not what Jesus is talking about in verse 24. That's also not what my mom ever meant when she used the word. I don't know if this is a Southern Mom thing or if all moms do this, but often growing up when my mom would give me instructions, she would end her instructions with “Do you hear me?” I can promise you that when she said that she was not thinking about my ear canal. What was she saying then? She was talking about obedience. She wanted to make sure I was gonna do the thing she said. She wanted me to heed the words, to take action on the words — and that's what Jesus means in verse 24. To hear the words of Jesus is to believe. Jesus is saying the same thing two different ways in verse 24: to hear his word is to believe God the Father who sent him.Jesus is talking about faith, and we've already seen that our faith is the purpose of this Gospel. John wrote this Gospel so that people would read it and believe in Jesus (John 20:31). And that was not just the purpose in the year 80 when John first published this Gospel, but that's the purpose today, every time we open this book. Because all these years later, we can still not just ‘hear' the words of Jesus, but really hear him.You can hear Jesus today. That goes for all of us, and look: we should hear him. We should do what he says. And Christians, isn't that what we want?! We have his word, and everyday we wanna say: Jesus, we hear you!But for those who don't yet believe, if you don't yet hear Jesus, I hope you can hear him tomorrow. And if you don't hear him tomorrow, I hope you get a chance to hear him the next day, but there's no guarantee. This is what's called the urgency of the gospel. It means that there will come a time, at some point, when you won't be able to hear Jesus anymore. But you can hear him today. And so today (as the Bible says, Hebrews 3) — today, while it is called “today,” don't harden your heart toward Jesus, but really hear him. Believe him. On his behalf, I'm calling you to believe him right now.You can hear Jesus today. 2. If you hear Jesus you have eternal life.Now there are some grammatical details in verse 24 that I'm gonna make a big deal about.For the first one, I want you to notice the first time the word “has” is used, right before the words “eternal life.” This is in verse 24, and it's one of those things that I wanna make sure you really see it, so help me out. Verse 24, everybody find the word “has” right before “eternal life.”“…whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life…”That's a present active verb. It means not that you have had it, or that you will have it, but you actively have it now. You possess it now. It is yours in this moment.John repeats this for us: John 3:36, “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” John 6:47, Jesus says, “Whoever believes has eternal life.” And John 11:25, Jesus with the same point says, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, though he die…” — which means this physical body here over, there's a flatline — Jesus says “yet shall he live.”Believer in Jesus, listen — you have, right now, the resurrection life of Jesus in you and it is inextinguishable, it's indestructible, it's irrepressible, it's unfading, unfailing, unyielding — even though, look, tribulation will come for you, and distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword — they're coming for you, but the resurrection life of Jesus in you is ever-bright, ever-true, ever-new. It does not drift, it does not dim, it will never die. Happy Easter! This is what it means to be a Christian! Because of what Jesus has done, we will live forever. You have that life now and the best is yet to come.If you hear Jesus you have eternal life. 3. If you have eternal life you have been changed.Again, let me show you another word in verse 24: The one who believes in Jesus has eternal life, which means, the end of verse 24:“He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” I want you to focus on that second time the word “has” is used at the end. The end of verse 24: the believer in Jesus “has passed” from death to life. “Has passed” is in the perfect tense, which means this is an action that has been completed in the past. It still has an ongoing effect, but we look back on the perfect tense. At some point in the past, this action has happened. What action?Passing from death to life. That word “passing” means literally to change, or to transfer. It means to move from one place to another. And when Jesus says death and life here, he's referring to spiritual death and spiritual life, and he's saying that for those who believe in Jesus — who have eternal life and don't come into judgment — they have in the past been changed. The theological word for this is the word “conversion” (which means to change or transfer). And conversion happens at a moment in time, it's the moment of saving faith. When someone puts their faith in Jesus, when they really hear him, when they believe him, the Holy Spirit is at work in that moment to make that person spiritually alive — or to use the phrase from John Chapter 3, this is to be born again. It means we are converted/transferred/changed from spiritual death to eternal life.Last month when I was at my grandmother's funeral, her pastor (who used to be my pastor) said something I thought was amazing. My grandmother was a godly woman. I never knew her when she was not a Christian, and most people would say the same thing. She grew up in the same church her entire life — she's buried right by the only church she's ever been part of.But there was a time in her life when she was spiritually dead. And her pastor, Preacher Billy, said “When people tell me they've been a Christian their whole life, I tell ‘em that's too long.” He's right. Nobody is born a Christian. You have to be changed to be a Christian!Now this doesn't mean that every detail in your life is completely different just like that — that's what discipleship is about; for the rest of our lives we learn together to obey all that Jesus has commanded us — But there is a change.There is a decisive move from facing condemnation to no condemnation, from hopeless to hope, from without God to having God. There's a change from spiritual death to eternal life. And it all starts with hearing Jesus. You can hear Jesus today. If you hear Jesus you have eternal life.If you have eternal life you have been changed.And I want you to know this church believes in conversion. We believe that it's a necessity and we believe that God the Father is working until now, and Jesus is working, and he's still saving people. Which is why this morning there are ten individuals who are coming to be baptized, as a symbol of their conversion.By our faith in Jesus we become united to him in his death and resurrection, which means that when Jesus was crucified, our old selves that were destined for death, were crucified with him. The cross of Christ was the death of our death. Baptism shows that as the person is buried under the water. But just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we are now raised with him as new creatures, on a new path, toward a new destiny. We have come out of the grave of spiritual death and we have new life. Baptism shows that too. And in just a few minutes, I'm eager for you to witness the baptisms of ten people who each have different stories and the same story — they heard Jesus, they have eternal life, they have been changed.Father in heaven, thank you for Jesus and his word. Thank you that you are working right now, in this room, in these cities, in our world — you are at work for your glory and our good, and we praise you. With everything we've got, we praise you. Magnify your glory this morning, we ask, in Jesus's name, amen.

CONNECT WITH USWeb: https://churchwithoutwallsinternational.orgPodcast: https://cwowi.buzzsprout.comVimeo: https://vimeo.com/cwowiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwowiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CWOWInternationalBooks: https://churchwithoutwallsinternational.org/product-category/books-and-audio-books/Translations: http://www.cwowi.eu

Perhaps you've been disenfranchised how you've seen the church or Christians or pastors engage with politics. As humans, we're enamored with “The Empire.” We're attracted to power and influence. We're fascinated with authority and control. Sometimes it's been used for good and sometimes it's been abused for evil. But what happens when The Empire comes up against The Eternal? It turns out…they're not even speaking the same language.  Learn more about Mountaintop Church at https://mountaintopchurch.com 

Friends of the Rosary,Today, before the Holy Week begins, the Catholic Church in various countries, following the Roman Rite, observes the devotion of Friday of Sorrows, or ‘Passion Friday', Viernes de Dolores in Spanish.Spanish-speaking countries, and particularly the Philippines, hold processions on this day to honor the Seven Sorrows of Mary.Currently, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is paired with the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross in September. The general liturgical calendar lists September 15 as the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.We reflect upon the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary in contemplating the Passion of Christ. We journey with Mary as she remains with her Son amid agonies and pains. We also pray for those who are going through their own sorrows and trials.These are the Seven Sorrows of Mary:The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13)The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem (Luke 2:43-45)The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on his Way to Calvary (traditional)Standing at the Foot of the Cross (John 19:25)Jesus Being Taken Down from the Cross (Matthew 27:57-59)The Burial of Jesus (John 19:40-42)We pray today's Rosary from Las Vegas.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will. Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠April 11, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

This episode is going to be a little different. No background music. No closing summary and calls to action. Why? Because we're grappling with the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” in this conversation. Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson do an incredible job calling out how everyone involved in Christ's final moments sinned against Him. From the betrayal to the power dynamics to the self-preservation, every single person called for Jesus to be crucified. Why did Jesus have to die? Because everyone demanded it. Including you. God repeatedly tells us His name is mercy. We don't believe Him. The only way you'll believe it is if His blood is on your hands. John 18:1–19:42: 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” 9 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Does the thought of change thrill or concern you?Personally, I am a woman who craves order and consistency. I enjoy my normal habits (good and bad), for instance, my morning cup of coffee or time to decompress from daily stresses. I desire a known rhythm to count on for happiness (on any scale) amongst change and unknown circumstances.If not vigilant and aware of my tendencies, I will guard my habits and miss opportunities to respond to whatever the Holy Spirit reveals as the better thing. I wonder what my response would have been if Jesus had unconvincingly invited me to “follow me” before anyone knew who He was, as with His initial 12 disciples (Matthew 4:19). Would I have been the one to miss Jesus because He was inviting me to something unfamiliar?Would you follow this unknown Man?!What about now? He still invites us to “follow me”. The act of following is to surrender. Counter to the distorted truth of the gospel in progressive Christianity, it's implied to follow in totality. Surrendering our life includes our heart and mind: Jesus wants all of us.Jesus invites us to cease identification with our former selves and to abandon reliance on tendencies and personalities. Jesus wants to be at the center of our lives, yet our unique temperaments and life experiences have shaped our journey and worldview. How do we both understand ourselves and surrender that revealed person to Jesus?The clear answer in scripture is to remain connected to Jesus (John 15:4-5), as a branch is connected to the tree trunk. There isn't one productive, fruit/leaf-bearing branch that thrives without the tree. Likewise, we nestle all of us, the parts that should be cultivated and the things that need to be pruned, in the One who made us.Whether our tendencies lie in going ahead of God's eternality or leaning too much into doubt of Him without a clear answer to all of the “Wh” questions, both tendencies reveal our sin and limitations.As disciples, we are more than our habits, strengths, and personalities. We are clingers of Jesus, who is greater than anything else we attempt to identify ourselves with. The resurrection of Jesus is our motivational coach, personal spiritual trainer, and foundation by which anchors our hope. Our life navigation GPS will frequently reroute to destinations we cannot see, through some low valleys and high mountain peaks. But, wherever the day or season takes us, our anchor to thrive is solely Jesus. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. -1 Corinthians 15:57-58Be wherever Jesus is. Imagine an umbilical cord connecting us to Him—wherever He moves, we move. When He stays, we stay. If life is great, we worship. When life is crumbling, we praise. The essence of our lives is grounded on the basis of the resurrection. If you live by your planner (this is me), thrive on structure, and find comfort in organizing chaos, this will be both difficult and a burden reliever. When our systems start functioning like the god of our lives, we no longer leave room for Yahweh, the LORD. Challenge Question:If a relationship needs your presence and compromises productivity, how can Jesus's peace comfort you as you pivot to respond?Cheering for you,-Brittany This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courageousradiance.substack.com

Define gaslighting: A psychological tactic used to manipulate someone into doubting their reality, memory, or perception.Why this matters for Christians? God calls us to walk in truth, and deception is a tool of the enemyKey Scripture: John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”John 8:44 reminds us about the father of lies….You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  Questions to think about… Have you ever felt like someone made you question your reality?How did you recognize it?Biblical Examples of Gaslighting The Serpent in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-5)How Satan gaslighted Eve by twisting God's words: “Did God really say…?”Application: Recognizing when someone distorts God's truth to control or deceive. Jacob Deceives his father Isaac to trick him in giving the first born blessing to him (Genesis 27)Application: Manipulation leads to broken trust and division. Pharaoh & the Israelites (Exodus 5:6-9)   Pharaoh increases the Israelites' labor but blames them for being lazy. Application: When leaders or people in power gaslight others to maintain control.The Pharisees and Jesus (John 9:24-34)  The Pharisees try to gaslight the healed blind man into denying his healing.  Application: When religious leaders use authority to suppress truth.Advice - Question to ask in your relationships?     Have you ever been pressured to believe a lie despite knowing the truth?     How did you respond?How Gaslighting Affects Us Spiritually and Emotionally Creates confusion and doubt (James 1:6-8 – A double-minded person is unstable.)  Destroys trust in relationships (Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips.”)Leads to emotional and spiritual exhaustion (Psalm 55:21 – “His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart.”)Breaks identity and self-worth (Psalm 139:14 – “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”) Reflect: Have you ever felt emotionally or spiritually drained after interactions with a certain person?How to Respond to Gaslighting Biblically  Stand firm in God's truth (John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”)  Set boundaries against manipulation (Matthew 7:6 – “Do not give dogs what is sacred.”)  Seek wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, people fall.”)  Pray for discernment (1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”)  If needed, walk away (Luke 4:28-30 – Jesus left when people rejected the truth.)Challenge -       •   Identify one situation where you need to stand firm in truth.      •   Ask God for wisdom to set healthy boundaries.God is a God of truth, not confusion (2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.”)      •   Share this episode with someone who may need encouragement.https://rocksolidfamilies.orgSupport the show#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Jesus used his influence to teach his disciples humility, to teach them how to serve. and to show them what it looks like to put others before yourself. When you leverage your power and influence for the benefit others, you reveal a kind of character that is uncommon in most people. How we use our time, our energy and our gifts reveals a lot about who or what we love.Learn more about Mountaintop Church at https://mountaintopchurch.com

Watch as Pastor Josh dives into Matthew 9:35-38 to discover what Jesus really meant when He talked about the harvest. It's not just about blessings and abundance... it's about PEOPLE!We'll explore:* Jesus's Rapid-Fire Ministry (Matthew 9): From healing the paralyzed to calling Matthew and healing the sick, Jesus was on a mission!* People are the Harvest: Are we seeing people with the same compassion as Jesus?* We are the Laborers: As Easter approaches, how can we step into the harvest field and share the Good News?* Learning from Jesus (John 4): Discover practical steps to break through barriers, listen, respond authentically, and extend an invitation to those around us.Key Takeaways:* Break Through Barriers: Like Jesus going through Samaria, we must overcome our prejudices and comfort zones.* Learn to Listen: Show you care by truly hearing others.* Respond Authentically: Be real and share your faith with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).* Extend an Invitation: Sharing your faith is like passing out invitations to a party – Jesus's party!Learn how to:* Engage your friends, family, co-workers, and even your barista with the Good News.* Invite people to experience the life-changing power of Jesus.* See the harvest through Jesus's eyes and be a part of His mission.Ways to Invite:* Grab an invite card at church.* Share this video on social media.* Send a text message to a friend right now.Let's step into the harvest field together!

John Eldredge is an author, counselor, and speaker best known for his book Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul, which explores biblical masculinity and the deep desires of a man's heart. Born in 1960, Eldredge has dedicated much of his work to spiritual formation, healing, and calling men and women to a more intimate relationship with God. He is the founder of Wild at Heart Ministries (formerly Ransomed Heart), which offers resources, retreats, and teachings on the restoration of the soul. His writing blends storytelling, theology, and personal experience, often drawing from literature, adventure, and nature to illustrate spiritual truths.