Podcast appearances and mentions of John Mark

Paul and Barnabas had one of the closest partnerships in the early church, and then they had a fight sharp enough that they went in separate directions. In Acts 15, their disagreement over John Mark ends the pairing, but the gospel keeps multiplying. This week we look at why God seems to prefer partnerships to solo callings, how our need to be right can become its own idol, and why dishonor is so often the language of division. We're left with three questions worth carrying with us: whether we've shut the door on someone who left, whether there's someone who needs a second chance, and how we speak of the people who no longer walk with us.

Discover what it means to grow into spiritual maturity through the lives of two very different followers of Jesus: John Mark, who failed and found restoration, and Timothy, who faithfully grew into a leader. Walking through key passages from Acts, 1 & 2 Timothy, Colossians, Philemon, 1 Peter, and Galatians, this message explores how God uses discipleship, grace, and community to shape us into people who make disciples. Whether you've stumbled in your faith or you're looking to help others grow, this sermon offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for moving forward with Christ.

June 24, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class This episode is a classroom-style exploration of Barnabas, the New Testament figure known as the "son of encouragement." Recorded as part of a summer teaching series, the speaker walks listeners through key passages in Acts (chapters 4, 9, 11, 13, and 15) to trace Barnabas' life, ministry, and influence on the early church. Topics covered include Barnabas' background (Joseph the Levite from Cyprus), his generosity in selling land to support believers, and his defining role encouraging and strengthening the church at Antioch. The episode looks closely at how Barnabas bridged the gap between the church and Saul (Paul), advocated for second chances (notably with John Mark), and helped develop emerging leaders—demonstrating humility, courage, and sacrificial support. Listeners will hear Scripture readings and practical illustrations, including personal anecdotes from the class (camp mailboxes of encouragement, Devo leadership) and contemporary analogies (nicknames and team roles) to highlight how encouragement functions as ministry. The class discusses why churches struggle to accept changed people, how encouragers see potential rather than past failures, and the risks and sacrifices involved in standing with the rejected. Contributors and voices in the discussion include the class leader and responses from members. The episode emphasizes five practical lessons: encouragement changes lives; godly people look beyond a person's past; great leaders develop other leaders; encouragers also need courage; and godly people help restore failures. Expect a study grounded in Acts with clear, applicable takeaways for church life—how to give hope, mentor others, offer second chances, and use generosity and courage to advance spiritual growth in your community.   Duration 37:50

What happens when two leaders in the early church clash over forgiveness and second chances? Discover the powerful lesson from Paul and Barnabas's disagreement in this episode.In this episode, the focus is on the biblical teaching of "Judge not, that you be not judged" and explores how Paul and Barnabas navigated a significant disagreement about including John-Mark in their mission. The prayer emphasizes humility and the need for grace, while the story highlights the tension between Paul's mistrust and Barnabas's willingness to offer a second chance.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 7:1, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reading Acts 12:12-19 where after being released from prison by an angel, Peter visits the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, but no one believers it's actually Peter. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Join us as John Mark Troyer and Rakesh Gupta break down what AI observability actually means once agents leave the demo and hit production - and why the old playbook for monitoring doesn't cut it anymore. John Mark and Rakesh walk through why errors and latency are just the starting point for agents, how quality became a much harder thing to measure once bots went from answering questions to taking autonomous action, and why token-based costs are creating a confusing new economics problem for engineering teams. You'll learn the difference between online and offline evals, why a new engineering role has emerged just to build testing harnesses for agents, how trace data works differently when every prompt is its own trace, and what teams are doing to catch prompt injection and other AI-specific failure modes before they become expensive mistakes. Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction 3:20 Full Disclosure - Observe, Snowflake, and How This Conversation Started 7:07 From Developer Concerns to Boss's Boss's Boss - Spending Out of Control 8:29 What Actually Gets Measured - Errors, Latency, Quality, and Cost 10:30 The Casino Chip Problem - Confusing Token Pricing Models 13:47 Defining Quality When the Task Itself Is Nebulous 18:41 The New Role - Engineers Who Just Build Testing Harnesses 22:00 Non-Determinism and Why Testing Agents Is Expensive 32:10 Trace Data, Tool Calls, and What Observability Tools Actually See 55:08 Prompt Injection, Zero-Width Characters, and Real World Failures How to find John Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmarktroyer/ How to find Rakesh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rg0/ Links from the show:

Have you ever wondered if you've missed God's purpose because of a mistake, failure, or season of walking away?In Part 3 of The Acts of the Disciples, Pastor George Sawyer reminds us that God isn't just the God of new beginnings, He's the God of restoration. Through the life of John Mark, we discover that our worst chapter doesn't have to become our final chapter.Beginning in Ecclesiastes 7, Pastor Sawyer challenges us with a timeless truth: it's better to finish well than simply start well. He then follows John Mark's remarkable journey through the book of Acts, from growing up in a godly home, serving alongside Paul and Barnabas, and walking away from ministry, to eventually being restored and becoming one of Paul's most trusted ministry partners. The same man Paul once refused to take on a missionary journey was later described as "helpful to me in my ministry."This message is for anyone carrying regret, wondering if God can still use them, or believing their past has disqualified them. Through biblical teaching, practical application, and a powerful invitation to surrender again, you'll be reminded that God still writes redemption stories.If you're searching for biblical answers about restoration after failure, John Mark in the Bible, overcoming regret, finding your purpose, spiritual growth, discipleship, finishing well, or God's second chances, this message offers hope rooted in Scripture.In this message you'll discover:* Why how you finish matters more than how you start* The complete story of John Mark's restoration* How God uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes* Why failure doesn't cancel God's calling* The danger of living on someone else's faith* How to move from regret to restoration through Jesus ChristIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for weekly biblical teaching from Calvary, share this message with someone who needs hope, and leave a comment letting us know how God has been restoring your life.Digital Connect Card: www.calvaryassembly.org/new Giving: https://calvarylive.churchcenter.com/giving Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryLiveAL/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvary_live/ Need prayer? https://www.calvaryassembly.org/prayer Want to take your next step in faith? Https://www.calvaryassembly.org/next Calvary Assembly exists so that people can experience life at the highest level through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Located at 4839 Calvary Blvd., Tanner, Alabama 35671 Two miles west of I-65 & I-565 Intersection on HWY 20 Service Times: Sundays 10AM Contact us at (256) 355-7440 or email us at calvary@calvaryassembly.orgLearn more at our website: calvaryassembly.org00:00 The Acts of the Disciples: Every Believer Matters01:43 Why Your Life Has Kingdom Purpose03:30 God's Promise of Restoration04:34 Ecclesiastes 7: Finishing Strong Matters Most07:19 Revival Is More Than Nostalgia08:45 Who Was John Mark in the Bible?10:20 Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison12:36 The Prayer Meeting at Mary's House14:56 John Mark Joins the Missionary Journey17:18 Why John Mark Walked Away18:10 Why Believers Sometimes Quit21:50 The Danger of Secondhand Faith22:53 Building a Personal Relationship with Jesus23:12 Fear, Faith, and Following God's Will23:40 David's Failure Didn't Define Him25:13 Your Identity Is Greater Than Your Mistakes26:32 Consequences, Conflict, and God's Grace28:37 How to Finish Your Faith Journey Well29:03 John Mark's Restoration and Reconciliation30:24 From Failure to Faithful Ministry32:10 What's Still in Your House?35:50 The Widow's Oil: God Uses What You Already Have38:04 God's Calling Is Still on Your Life39:10 Invitation to Surrender and Prayer42:49 Believe God One More Time

Paul and Barnabas were as close as it gets: ministry partners, spiritual brothers, proven friends. Then they disagreed so sharp that Scripture says they parted ways for good. So what do you do when two people who love God can't agree?In this episode, Alan Blackmon Sr., Director of Discipleship at Purpose City Church, continues our Unstoppable series with a message from Acts 15:36 through 16:5 called "Unity Is Not Uniformity." Alan unpacks the real, human conflict between two founding leaders of the early church and pulls out a truth we all need: disagreement doesn't have to mean division, and a friendship can survive even when a partnership can't.You'll learn why conflict actually reveals the true nature of a relationship, what a "conflict of interest" has to do with Barnabas advocating for his cousin John Mark, and why the church doesn't need everybody to think, lead, or do things the same way to stay unified. Alan also shares personal stories from his marriage, his job, and yes, an ongoing Chicago pizza debate, to show what it looks like to disagree without demonizing.If you've ever walked away from a relationship because of one hard conversation, this episode will challenge you to reconsider what unity was always meant to look like.

Share a commentFailure has a way of making life feel like a desert, silent, exposed, and endless. We lean into three of Scripture's most relatable “blown it” moments and ask a different question than “How did they mess up?” We ask: What did God build in them afterward, and what can He build in us when we're tempted to quit, hide, or numb the guilt?We walk through John Mark's story in Acts, the young helper with every advantage who deserts the mission and becomes a point of sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. From there we widen the lens to the pressure points most of us actually face: fear of ridicule, the ease of keeping quiet about Jesus, and the moment where convenience starts to look like wisdom. It's a practical conversation about Christian perseverance, courage, and why spiritual potential means little without endurance.Then we turn to David, not as a coward but as a man crushed by moral failure, and we sit with the raw honesty of Psalm 32 and the turning point of Psalm 51. Finally, we revisit Moses, trained for leadership yet forced into Midian's obscurity, where self-sufficiency dies and dependence on God is born. A surprising thread ties it all together: God often speaks in the desert through another believer, a Peter, a Jethro, a timely voice you're meant to hear.If you're walking through regret, disappointment, or spiritual dryness, this is a reminder that the desert doesn't have to be the end of your story. Subscribe for more, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so more listeners can find the conversation.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Share a commentFailure has a way of making life feel like a desert, silent, exposed, and endless. We lean into three of Scripture's most relatable “blown it” moments and ask a different question than “How did they mess up?” We ask: What did God build in them afterward, and what can He build in us when we're tempted to quit, hide, or numb the guilt?We walk through John Mark's story in Acts, the young helper with every advantage who deserts the mission and becomes a point of sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. From there we widen the lens to the pressure points most of us actually face: fear of ridicule, the ease of keeping quiet about Jesus, and the moment where convenience starts to look like wisdom. It's a practical conversation about Christian perseverance, courage, and why spiritual potential means little without endurance.Then we turn to David, not as a coward but as a man crushed by moral failure, and we sit with the raw honesty of Psalm 32 and the turning point of Psalm 51. Finally, we revisit Moses, trained for leadership yet forced into Midian's obscurity, where self-sufficiency dies and dependence on God is born. A surprising thread ties it all together: God often speaks in the desert through another believer, a Peter, a Jethro, a timely voice you're meant to hear.If you're walking through regret, disappointment, or spiritual dryness, this is a reminder that the desert doesn't have to be the end of your story. Subscribe for more, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so more listeners can find the conversation.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Back from a wet Fourth of July weekend — Brian From opens by reflecting on what unexpected circumstances (a flooded basement, a broken sump pump, a car with no airflow) reveal about how poorly we handle the loss of control, and where our theology has to meet us in those moments. Then a genuinely surprising Gospel Coalition piece arguing that Nashville — the buckle of the Bible Belt — may actually be a harder mission field than secular London: not because of hostility, but because of comfort. When the question isn't whether God exists but what the church will do for you, and when churches line up like thirty-one flavors on a single street, something gets lost. Two uplifting weekend stories: a Phoenix police officer who rented a movie theater for a hundred middle schoolers and asked only that they pay it forward someday, and John Krasinski's moving account of how his mother's three-year deadline — and last-minute extension — put him on the path to booking The Office. A challenging Tim Challies piece on why small sins may actually reveal our rebellious hearts more clearly than big ones. Brian preaches on the story of John Mark — the disciple who deserted Paul, was written off, and ended up being called "useful" decades later — as a picture of how God redeems failures. Science inches closer to a cancer "kill switch." Americans of all ages are spending measurably less time socializing. And a closing meditation on rest — why God himself rested not from weariness but to set a pattern, and why Christians who feel guilty resting may be missing one of God's best gifts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul and Barnabas disagreed over giving John Mark a second chance, leading them to part ways. Yet God used their separation to expand the mission, reminding us that His purposes are never hindered by imperfect people. Our confidence rests in Christ, whose grace restores failures and faithfully builds His church.

Acts 15 reminds us that God is still at work in unfinished people. Even in the middle of conflict between Paul and Barnabas, God continued advancing His mission and redeeming John Mark's story. Rather than defining ourselves or others by a single failure or season, we're invited to see every story through the lens of God's redeeming grace, trusting that he is faithful to complete the work he has begun.

Acts 15 reminds us that God is still at work in unfinished people. Even in the middle of conflict between Paul and Barnabas, God continued advancing His mission and redeeming John Mark's story. Rather than defining ourselves or others by a single failure or season, we're invited to see every story through the lens of God's redeeming grace, trusting that he is faithful to complete the work he has begun.

Who believed in you before you believed in yourself? This week in Their Story, Our Lesson, we close the series with Barnabas, the man who vouched for a newly-converted Saul when no one else would, and who later refused to abandon John Mark when everyone else had written him off. Encouragement isn't cheerleading. It's believing in someone at the cost of your own comfort. And this week, we're making the case that it might be the most underrated act of courage in the church. Support the show

A popular tarot card reader with nearly a million followers deleted her entire platform after coming to faith in Christ, saying simply, "Jesus Christ has saved my life." She lost 30,000 followers overnight, and Brian From holds her story up as evidence that God is still doing the kind of dramatic, costly transformation we read about in the book of Acts. As America's 250th birthday approaches, Brian digs into what proper Christian patriotism actually looks like, drawing on Augustine and Daniel Darling's guidance: love your country, give thanks for it, work for its renewal, but keep that love rightly ordered beneath love for God. Meanwhile in England, King Charles is redefining his role from "Defender of the Faith" to "protector of space for faith" — a shift Albert Mohler calls a window into where post-Christian secularization eventually leads. Two pieces wrestle honestly with the gap between the Christianity we market and the Christianity we actually live: one on why Christians should stop pretending faith is easy, and another making the case that doubt, far from disqualifying you, can actually deepen and strengthen genuine faith. Venezuelan churches step up to fill gaps the government can't after the devastating earthquake. And Brian closes with a personal reflection on John Mark — the disciple who failed, was written off by Paul, and was later called "useful" by that same Paul — as a picture of how no one's worst moment has to be their final chapter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if God is found as much in the ordinary as in the extraordinary? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser take us into the days of the medieval church, highlighting the emphasis in that period on bridging the seen and unseen realms through architecture and the sacraments, showing how our faith can be enriched by the ordinary.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Vilma from Vilnius, Lithuania; Danae from Temple, Texas; Eric from Fenton, Missouri; Mark from Gig Harbor, Washington; and Devin from New Braunfels, Texas. Thank you all very much.If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

John Mark Eager serves as Executive Director of The Mailbox Club, a ministry founded by his father to help children grow in their understanding of the gospel through long-term discipleship. Although John Mark trusted Christ as a child, a season of spiritual renewal during his school years deepened his walk with the Lord and gave him a lasting burden for missions. Over the past several decades, God has used that calling to expand The Mailbox Club far beyond its original model, opening doors to partner with churches and local Believers around the world. In this conversation, John Mark shares how God has grown the ministry from reaching millions of children to discipling more than 17 million annually across 110 countries, while keeping the focus on evangelism, discipleship, and stewardship. He discusses the importance of empowering indigenous leaders, investing in young people who are discipling the next generation, and refusing to limit what God can do through ordinary Believers. Along the way, he offers practical wisdom on leadership, generosity, and trusting God to provide for opportunities that seem far beyond human capacity. Listen to discover how God is using children, youth, and local churches to advance the gospel in some of the world's most strategic and least reached places. Major Topics Include: Embracing a child-focused Great Commission Pairing evangelism with long-term discipleship Empowering indigenous leaders for Kingdom growth Releasing authority and trusting capable teams Refusing to limit what God can do Balancing data-driven stewardship with Spirit-led dependence Developing youth leaders through active ministry Building scalable systems without losing mission focus Prioritizing unreached children and frontier regions Involving families and children in ministry exposure QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The most unreached people group is children.” “We celebrate what God's done in the past, but we're forward thinking and we push ourselves and each other.” “Children make great missionaries. Children are the most responsive to the gospel.” “We really can't have a conversation about world evangelization without talking about children.” “I think we can track numbers and pursue excellence in stewardship and be led by the Holy Spirit. I don't think those are competing ideas.” “The Mailbox Club is just a vehicle for the gospel.” “I think we're supposed to reach kids. I think we're supposed to reach kids anywhere and everywhere for Christ.” “I'm ultimately serving Christ. And that's the highest honor we can have, to be a bondservant of Jesus Christ.” “God delights in impossibilities.” “I do believe in simple faith that God isn't bringing these opportunities just to frustrate us.” “My job is just to advocate on behalf of kids.” “We're stewards of everything we have to reach the world for Christ.” “If He can use me, He can use anybody.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW John Mark Eager, Executive Director of The Mailbox Club (see our past interview here) Child Evangelism Fellowship Operation Christmas Child, the shoebox ministry of The Samaritan's Purse ROI Ministry (see our interview with founder, Tim Barker) MacLellan Foundation (see our interview with Director of Generosity, John Cortines) BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Psalm 71:15-16 | God's Boundless Salvation “My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.” Matthew 28: 16-20 | The Great Commission Matthew 9:36-38 | The Laborers Are Few “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'”  Matthew 19:14 | Jesus Loves the Little Children “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'” John 14:12-14 | Greater Works  “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me[a]anything in my name, I will do it. Acts 2:41 | Three Thousand Added “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 | All Things to All People “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 15:31 | I Die Every Day “I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!” TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime.   But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What's that next step look like for me?” That's exactly why we've launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we've shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you've been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

World Cup visitors have discovered something unexpected about American culture: ranch dressing. Brian From opens with that lighthearted detail before diving into heavier territory — a record 25 million adults under 35 are now living with their parents, driven primarily by housing affordability rather than unemployment, and what that means for a generation's sense of independence and identity. A Twitter debate erupts after a pastor suggests young children are too distracting in worship services and should stay in kids' ministry, sparking pushback from those citing research on family worship and faith retention — Brian lands in the middle, advocating for excellent kids' ministry without mandating it. A deep dive into Barnabas, arguably the most underrated figure in the book of Acts — trustworthy with people and resources, an advocate for the overlooked like Paul and John Mark, and a leader who knew exactly when to step back and let others surpass him. Former President Obama's reflections on George Washington's contradictions spark a broader conversation about how to hold both admiration and honest critique of flawed people, including ourselves. A local church's closing after losing its theological grounding prompts sober reflection on what happens when churches drift from scripture and mission. Relevant Magazine examines how social media is quietly terrorizing Christians' prayer lives by making true silence nearly impossible to access. And the Buffalo Bills' decision not to honor OJ Simpson in their new stadium becomes a pointed challenge to the church: do we honor character, or just platform and results?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Amos 1-3, Psalm 80, 2 Timothy 4 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible for June 28th, day 180 in our journey through the scriptures. Today, we'll begin in Amos chapters 1 through 3, move into Psalm 80, and conclude with 2 Timothy chapter 4. Join Hunter, your Bible reading coach, as we gather with sisters and brothers around the world to warm our hearts by the fires of God's love and listen for the One who is the living Word. As we reflect on the wisdom and encouragement found in the Word—seeing Paul nearing the finish of his race and seeking simple comforts like a coat, a book, and a friend—we're reminded of our own deepest needs and the presence of Christ through every season. Settle in for prayer, teaching, and encouragement as we step into another day rooted in God's promises and grace. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Paul is nearing the finish line. We see a man who has run well—he's poured out his life, held nothing back, and now gives us a snapshot of wisdom for the race we're all running. At the end of this letter, Paul asks for a coat, a book, and a friend. These humble requests hold surprising depth. A coat, because this world gets cold and harsh, and we need covering, warmth, assurance that we'll make it through. Christ offers us this warmth—his presence in a broken world. Galatians reminds us that we are to clothe ourselves with Christ, putting him on like new clothes, for he alone can break the chill and revive us. Paul also asks for the letters, the book—God's Word. To run the race well, we need the constant encouragement and instruction that God's word brings. It shapes, sustains, and strengthens us for each step. Finally, Paul desires a friend—John Mark. Even those who have struggled together, even parted ways before, are brought back by the reconciling power of the gospel. We see that we cannot run this race alone. We need community. In the company of others, we learn to overcome, to forgive, to serve, and to love. The gospel restores estranged friends and draws us back into friendship and fellowship. Paul's wisdom echoes for us today: we need a coat, a book, and a friend. All three are gifts God offers. Christ covers us, his word directs us, and friends sustain us. Let us wear the warmth of Christ, pick up his word, and be a friend—journeying together to the very end. That's the prayer I have for my own soul. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  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 tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  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  

The sermon analyzes the conflict between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15 to highlight the critical role of local church accountability in sending missionaries. It argues that John Mark's departure from the first missionary journey resulted from a lack of proper vetting and recommendation by the Antioch church, rather than merely personal disagreement. The speaker emphasizes that ordination and sending must be a corporate act of the congregation, not solely the pastor's decision. This process ensures that those sent out are spiritually mature and supported by the body of Christ. The message calls for believers to build deep relationships and mutual accountability to prepare for future ministry assignments.

JD Vance said that if Watergate happened today, it would barely be a 12-hour news story — and Brian From's response isn't relief, it's concern, because he thinks Vance is probably right, and that says something troubling about how far the character bar has fallen in American politics. Brian takes a surprising position on a hot debate: Texas is poised to require millions of public school students to study Bible stories, and as an evangelical pastor, he argues this is a bad idea — public schools shouldn't be infusing curriculum with any religion's teachings, his own included. Gambling disorder diagnoses have spiked over 60% in states that legalized sports betting since 2018, a sobering data point on the real cost of expanded access. Asbury Theological Seminary was removed from the United Methodist Church's approved ordination list over its traditional stance on marriage, a sign of widening fractures between evangelical and mainline institutions. A viral TikTok from a 21-year-old whose "hobby" is lying in bed for eight hours sparks a conversation about what leisure has become for Gen Z. Amazon Prime Day sales were down 16%, and Brian connects it to a simpler explanation than marketing failures: people just have less money. And two deeply practical spiritual pieces close out the hour — why no one drifts into godliness (spiritual growth requires intentional habits, not passive churchgoing), and the story of John Mark, whose public failure didn't define the rest of his life, and whose later faithfulness made him "useful" again in Paul's own words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Marine and former Sheriff's Deputy John Mark Dougan rejoins the program to discuss the controversial biolabs in Ukraine that he investigated and reported on years ago. In 2021, Dougan published reports detailing the existence of biolabs operating in Ukraine, only to be aggressively dismissed by mainstream media and labeled a Russian disinformation asset.Now, following the June 12th release of recently declassified documents by the Director of National Intelligence showing U.S. funding connected to approximately 120 biolabs in 30 countries—including roughly 40 in Ukraine—Dougan argues that the evidence validates key aspects of his earlier reporting.In this discussion, Dougan shares what he uncovered, why the topic became so politically charged, and how media organizations responded to those who questioned official narratives. He explains the smear campaigns directed at journalists and researchers who investigated the issue and discusses what these newly released documents reveal about government transparency, public trust, and the information war surrounding Ukraine. What really happened with the biolabs in Ukraine? Were legitimate questions deliberately dismissed? And what does this mean for the public's ability to separate truth from propaganda in an increasingly polarized media environment?You can follow John Mark Dougan's work at https://badvolf.com/See the Deep Dive Peptide Replay at https://sarahwestall.substack.com/p/replay-deep-dive-peptide-webinar

What does it take to turn a high school side hustle into a thriving retail brand, wholesale business, and nationally recognized name? Ashley Alderson sits down with John Mark Sharpe (John Mark Enterprises) as he shares the incredible journey from selling wreaths out of a guest bedroom to building a multi-location business, launching a successful wholesale ribbon line, and leading a team of nearly 40 employees. Along the way, he learned one of the most important lessons in business: sustainable growth happens when you're willing to start small, stay consistent, and keep reinvesting in what works. You'll learn: How a simple wreath business sparked an entrepreneurial journey Why he believes most business owners overthink growth How a mission trip to India led to a successful ribbon line The mindset change that helped him rethink debt and growth Join The Boutique Hub Get Swym John Mark & John Mark Enterprises: Instagram:@JohnMarkEnterprises Website: JohnMark.com  The Round Top Collection: shop.thertc.com                       ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

How different can the church be and still be one? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser discuss the development of Christianity in the East, highlighting its cultural diversity, historical divisions and what we can learn today despite the differences that marked that time.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Allison from Grandville, Michigan; Savannah from San Clemente, California; Leah from Appleton, Wisconsin; Ruby from Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Hoyt from Quincy, Massachusetts. Thank you all very much.If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

Part 2 of "Rough Patches in Ministry."  Acts 15:36-41. Ministry is awesome when you view it from a distance. Sometimes, ministry is messy when you zoom in to a particular circumstance.

Barnabas is one of the most important yet least talked about figures in the entire New Testament. His name means son of encouragement, and his life changed the course of Christian history in ways most people never realize. Without Barnabas, there may have been no Paul as we know him. Without Barnabas, John Mark may never have written the Gospel of Mark. Barnabas himself wrote nothing in the New Testament, yet his fingerprints are all over it.This message explores who Barnabas was, why he matters so much to the early church, and what his life teaches us about becoming encouragers today. Drawing from Acts 4, Acts 9, Acts 11, Romans 16, and more, we look at three defining marks of a true encourager and how ordinary believers can become the kind of spiritual fathers and mothers who fan revival into flame.Topics covered include: the meaning of the name Barnabas and its connection to the Holy Spirit as Paraclete, how Barnabas vouched for Saul when the entire church was afraid of him, why Barnabas left a thriving revival to go find and invest in Paul, how Barnabas gave John Mark a second chance after he failed, the role of Phoebe as a female example of this same encouraging spirit, and what it means to be a spiritual father or mother regardless of age, gender, or family background.If you have ever wondered how to encourage others in a meaningful way, how to recognize God-given potential in the people around you, or how to become the kind of person who builds others up rather than tearing them down, this message is for you.Whether you are a new believer or have been walking with Christ for decades, the call to become an encourager is for every follower of Jesus. The church grows not through the loudest voices or the most dominant personalities, but through people with a heart for others.Keywords: Barnabas in the Bible, who was Barnabas, son of encouragement, how to encourage others, spiritual fathers and mothers, early church Acts, Paraclete Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas, John Mark second chances, Phoebe Romans 16, Christian encouragement, how to build others up, spiritual mentorship, Acts 4 Acts 9 Acts 11, New Testament figures, church growth, discipleship, Christian community, walking in the Way, revival in Antioch

In Acts 15:36–16:5, Paul and Barnabas prepare to return and strengthen the churches, but a sharp disagreement over John Mark leads them to separate. Even in this difficult moment, the mission of the gospel continues as Paul chooses Silas, Barnabas takes Mark, and Timothy joins the work.This passage reminds us that being on mission together does not mean we will never face conflict, make hard decisions, or sacrifice personal rights for the sake of others. Yet through it all, God continues to strengthen His church and grow His people.

What rocks are you carrying? Are past hurts or attitudes about sin hindering you from closeness with God and His Church? In today's lesson, John Mark turns to John 8 for a powerful picture of what happens when community fails to embrace grace.

We are happy to have you with us! If there are any issues with the stream feel free to message us.

Discover the inspiring story of Barnabas, the unsung hero of the early Church, in this captivating episode of Who's Who in the Bible. Join Fr. Juventius Andrade, C.Ss.R., as he unveils the life of the “Son of Encouragement.”Learn how Barnabas's radical generosity, courageous mentorship of Saint Paul, and his pivotal role in launching the missionary work of John Mark shaped Christian history. Fr. Juventius masterfully explores themes of humility, team-building, and the power of affirming others—even amidst disagreement. Whether you're seeking personal spiritual growth or looking to better support those around you, this series offers profound life lessons. Watch now to be heartened, encouraged, and inspired to become a true Barnabas in your own life today!

How do you spend your time? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser continue exploring the desert movement as it became more organized in monastic communities, and specifically how these communities related to one of humanity's most valuable commodities: time.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Aaron from Huntsville, Texas; Sheryl from Auburn, California; Jane from Oxford, Oxfordshire; Eleanor from Eugene, Oregon; and Alexandra from Atlanta, Georgia. Thank you all very much.If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

Ever feel like you've messed up so badly there's no coming back? John Mark's story will change your perspective. This young disciple abandoned Paul and Barnabas mid-mission, causing a split between two great church leaders. He probably thought his ministry was over before it began.But here's the beautiful truth: our God specializes in second chances. The same Mark who failed became the author of one of the four Gospels, recording Peter's memories of Jesus. And years later, Paul—the very man who once rejected him—wrote from prison: "Get Mark and bring him with you because he is helpful to me in my ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11).

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

The connection between Danno Hanks and John Mark Karr stems from an episode of the true-crime podcast The Opperman Report, titled "Danno Hanks returns - John Mark Karr," which aired on May 31, 2026. [1, 2]Key Contextual BreakdownDanno Hanks: A prominent, former celebrity private investigator and regular guest on independent investigative podcasts. He frequently provides insight into high-profile criminal cases, dark underworld networks, and intelligence leaks.John Mark Karr: An American former schoolteacher who gained global infamy in August 2006. He was arrested in Bangkok, Thailand, after falsely confessing to the 1996 murder of six-year-old child beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey. [1, 2]The Podcast Topic: In this specific broadcast, Hanks joins host Ed Opperman to dissect the background, psychology, and lingering anomalies surrounding Karr's infamous false confession. [1, 2]Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Jonathan is out for the summer on sabbatical but John-Mark & Brad are keeping things cool in the studio for Midweek. This week's episode features an interview with SVCC member Courtney Bryant! JM's Album Of The Week: Dave Matthews Band: Take Me Back: Live At The Gorge Bradford's Book Club: On Social Justice: St. Basil The Great by C. Paul Schroeder & Gregory P Yova

Good morning. For followers of football, this is an important day. The FIFA men's World Cup begins, and all around the world, fans are preparing themselves to cheer on their favourite team. Although the real stars of the competition are the talented players and their coaches, we should not underestimate the importance of supporters. Numerous pieces of research have shown that the presence of fans does have a positive impact on how well a team plays. So much so, in fact, that they're often called the twelfth player. This became particularly clear during covid when football matches were played without anyone else present. When this happened, the home team advantage melted away. Without a crowd in the stands to cheer them on, the footballers struggled to play their best. The sudden lack of the presence of supporters at games highlighted that fans really do make a difference to how teams play. Today, churches around the world celebrate the feast of St Barnabas. Born in Cyprus, he was originally called Joseph but was renamed Barnabas by the earliest Christians, a name which means ‘son of encouragement'. Stories in the Acts of the Apostles show that Barnabas dedicated his life to encouraging others. He was generous and supportive, brave and compassionate, so much so, in fact, that he is the patron saint of encouragement. This doesn't mean that Barnabas spent his life simply being nice to people. He was courageous. When the apostle Paul first converted, many other Christians were frightened of him and Barnabas stood up for him; but when Paul later fell out with John Mark, for abandoning his missionary journey and returning to Jerusalem, Barnabas supported John Mark against the more powerful Paul. An encourager stands up for you when you need it most. Everyone needs encouragement. We all need people on our side, cheering us on and giving us hope, confidence and the strength to continue. The people who have been most important my life are not the ones who have, entirely correctly, pointed out the many things I've done wrong, but the ones who have given me the vision of who I could be and the things I could do. We need people to believe in us; it is what enables us to do our best. Over the next five weeks, whether you are a football fan or not, perhaps you can take a moment to pause and give thanks for the people who have been your biggest fans in life, and to remember that no matter what form it takes, encouragement really does make a difference.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle Lectionary: 580/362 The Saint of the day is Saint Barnabas Saint Barnabas' Story Saint Barnabas, a Jew of Cyprus, comes as close as anyone outside the Twelve to being a full-fledged apostle. He was closely associated with Saint Paul—he introduced Paul to Peter and the other apostles—and served as a kind of mediator between the former persecutor and the still suspicious Jewish Christians. When a Christian community developed at Antioch, Barnabas was sent as the official representative of the church of Jerusalem to incorporate them into the fold. He and Paul instructed in Antioch for a year, after which they took relief contributions to Jerusalem. Later Paul and Barnabas, now clearly seen as charismatic leaders, were sent by Antioch officials to preach to the gentiles. Enormous success crowned their efforts. After a miracle at Lystra, the people wanted to offer sacrifice to them as gods—Barnabas being Zeus, and Paul, Hermes—but the two said, “We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God” (see Acts 14:8-18). But all was not peaceful. They were expelled from one town, they had to go to Jerusalem to clear up the ever-recurring controversy about circumcision, and even the best of friends can have differences. When Paul wanted to revisit the places they had evangelized, Saint Barnabas wanted to take along his cousin John Mark, author of the Gospel, but Paul insisted that since Mark had deserted them once, he was not fit to take along now. The disagreement that followed was so sharp that Barnabas and Paul separated: Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus, Paul taking Silas to Syria. Later they were reconciled—Paul, Barnabas and Mark. When Paul stood up to Peter for not eating with gentiles for fear of his Jewish friends, we learn that “even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (see Galatians 2:1-13). Reflection Saint Barnabas is spoken of simply as one who dedicated his life to the Lord. He was a man “filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby, large numbers were added to the Lord.” Even when he and Paul were expelled from Antioch in Pisidia—modern-day Turkey—they were “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Subscribe at: https://takingthelandpodcast.comWhat do Nick Foles, John Mark, Peter, Samson, and a runaway slave named Onesimus all have in common?Failure.PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION for WORLD EVANGELISM:• NO ADS, Early releases, Full-Length Testimony Tuesdays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Subscribe for only $3/month on Supercast⁠: https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Subscribe for only $3.99/month on Spotify⁠: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taking-the-land/subscribe• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $4.99/month on Apple Podcasts⁠: https://apple.co/4owjo5ZIn this unforgettable sermon from the 2018 Tempe Conference, Wayman Mitchell preaches on “The God of Hope” and delivers one of the most encouraging messages for discouraged disciples, redirected workers, and anyone carrying the sting of failure.Using the story of Eagles quarterback Nick Foles alongside powerful biblical examples, Pastor Mitchell shows that failure is not final when you keep the right attitude, stay faithful, and remain available for God's purpose.Key themes: • Failure vs. restoration • Why attitude matters in ministry • Staying ready when you're “on the bench” • The danger of pride and success • Why God still uses imperfect people • John Mark's comeback story • Peter's restoration after denying JesusChaptersShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at:• Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b• Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369v

White Flag Series | Week 4: All Out of Options — Motion Church Podcast This is it — the final week of the White Flag series, and it closes with perhaps the most relatable expression of surrender yet. Over the past four weeks we've looked at surrender from every angle. Week one: surrender costs something — namely, your rights. Week two: surrender gives something — rest for your soul. Week three: the hard question — have you actually surrendered, or are you just looking the part? And now, week four brings it all home with this: surrender is when you're all out of options. The image is simple. Think about two armies in battle. One side reaches the moment where they realize — there's nothing left. No ammunition. No strategy. No path forward. And the only option left is to wave the white flag. Not because they want to. But because they finally understand there's no better choice. That's the version of surrender that tends to hit closest to home. The message anchors in John 6, where many of Jesus' own followers walked away after hearing hard truths. Jesus turned to the twelve and asked, "You don't want to leave too, do you?" And Peter — impulsive, complicated, human Peter — said something that still rings with power today: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." That's someone who has run out of options and found the best one. The story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10 adds the contrast — a man who came to Jesus asking the right questions, checked all the religious boxes, and still walked away sorrowful because he wasn't willing to let go of the one thing Jesus put his finger on. He thought his options were good enough. He refused to surrender. And he left empty. The message is also deeply personal — not every road to surrender looks like rock bottom. Sometimes it's quieter than that. Sometimes it's just the slow realization that everything you were told would make you happy, satisfied, and full... didn't. You checked the boxes. Hit the benchmarks. Achieved the status. And still felt empty. That emptiness isn't a dead end. It's an invitation. Because when you're out of options, you're actually eligible for the best option. And from a 7-year-old boy named John Mark in Haiti with almost nothing, to someone in America with every option available — two completely different people, two completely different paths — both found the same answer. "If you feel like you're out of options, you're really just opening yourself up to the best option."

How far will we go to discover God more deeply? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Gerald Sittser take us into the desert movement of church history and explore how the desert fathers and mothers embraced hardship in pursuit of a deeper life with God.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Lori from Cleves, Ohio; Karen from Tulare, California; Thomas from Bow, New Hampshire; Lillian from Sussex, Wisconsin; and Caitlin from Wake Forest, North Carolina. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

With season 1 and 2 complete we move into Acts: Season 3. The narrative shifts to Antioch and the focus is on Paul - previously called Saul - as he shares the gospel in Gentile areas. ___ As Paul & Barnabas continue their first missionary journey, John Mark makes the decision to leave and head home to Jerusalem (more on that later) but Paul and Barnabas carry on to Antioch in Pisidia - which is also in the region of Galatia. As is their custom, Paul and Barnabas begin in the Synagogue and Paul recognizes that the Jews had been hearing the same Scriptures and prophecies for generations but had missed Jesus. He gives a prophetic warning that we should heed as well - look to see the work of God not just in the past but in the present. He is still working.

Acts 13:1-13 - The First Missionary Journey Begins - Pastor Dan PlourdeMESSAGE NOTES:http://www.calvaryword.com/Acts2026/a1460.pdf

In this powerful message from Acts 15:36–16:10, Dr. Dan Reinhardt explores one of the greatest challenges every believer faces: knowing when to press forward, when to pivot, and how to hear God's voice at life's crossroads. Through the stories of John Mark, Timothy, Paul, and David, this sermon reveals that clarity comes when we surrender ourselves completely to Christ. If you're facing a difficult decision about your future, career, marriage, family, ministry, or faith journey, this message will help you discover how God guides those who seek Him.

What difference can being different make? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Gerald Sittser uncover how the early church functioned as a genuine, lived community against the backdrop of the dense and challenging environment of Roman cities, and explore why that counter-cultural life drew people in.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Stephen from Torrance, California; Jordan from Galena, Ohio; Kathy from Corsicana, Texas; Matthew from Williamsburg, Michigan; and Larry from Bradenton, Florida. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Throughout church history there has always been an interesting tension between creativity and functionality. What is more important? Creating beautiful things or getting a certain message across? What is more important to worship? Right theology or beautiful art that displays the glory of God? Do we need better theology in our songs or more honesty? We intuitively know this is a tension to manage, not a problem to solv  e. No one would argue that theology doesn't matter. But has our pursuit of rightness caused us to lose some imagination? Some humanity? Has our church culture fixation on efficiency, productivity, and uniformity formed us to forget the mystery and wonder of singing together as people? My guest today is John Mark McMillan. John Mark is a brilliant artist, singer-songwriter, and lyricist. He has existed at this interesting intersection of artistry that most people don't understand while also writing some of the most popular worship songs of the last 30 years. We talk about a lot of things. We talk worship. We talk church. We talk spiritually formative practices. We dive into guitar tone, abuse in the church, and the real story behind the infamous line, “sloppy wet kiss.” Topics Covered: What JMM loves about life right now Reading and listening to records Why it’s helpful to listen to music different than the music you make How worship music is uniquely positioned to serve our society How we’ve missed the point of worship music The tension between creativity and serving our congregations Why you should make art for yourself and not an audience How JMM created the guitar tone on “Daylight” Why art is never safe Spiritual formation habits and practices Viewing church as a spiritual practice How to process abuse and injustice in the church The story behind “sloppy wet kiss” Resources Mentioned: Show Sponsor: Dwell Bible App Show Sponsor: Planning Center 1996 by Ryuichi Sakamato Playing the Piano by Ryuichi Sakamato The Way to Love by Anthony de Mello Awareness by Anthony de Mello How Music Works by David Byrne Show Sponsor: Dwell Bible This episode is brought to you by dwell bible app. In our busy lives finding quiet moments to read the Bible can be challenging. I get it. Traditional, reading focused apps demand undivided attention. You have to carve out specific time and space in your day but this also means missing opportunities to engage with scripture in your car or during workouts, or while you're just doing stuff around the house. And that's where Dwell Bible app comes in, offering a unique way to engage with Scripture. Unlike reading apps, Dwell is audio-based. It allows the truth of Scripture to be read over you throughout your day. Imagine hearing the Bible while driving to work or running in the park or cooking dinner. You don't always need to find a quiet corner. The word is with you wherever you are, filling your every day, mundane moments. So give Dwell a shot— it's a no-brainer. You'll get to experience a whole new way to connect with God through the Bible. To get started listening, head to dwellbible.com/beyondsunday for up to 50% off today! Show Sponsor: Planning Center This episode is brought to you by Planning Center, helping you sync all your ministry details across your whole church. Planning Center has become so essential to how I manage a team, that it's almost impossible to consider local church ministry without it anymore. Today, I want to leave you with a PCO pro-tip. Does this sound like a familiar situation? It's the end of the week. You're about to leave the office when you suddenly think: Did all of our volunteers confirm for Sunday? You scroll through the schedule and sure enough—there's a gap. Instead of allowing yourself to spiral into a panic, try this: In Services, Planning Center has gap alerts. Turn them on, and you'll get a heads-up days before service if positions are still unfilled or unconfirmed. No more end of the week scrambling. Speaking of less scrambling, did you know you can access everything you need for rehearsals right from the Service media player on your phone? Lyrics, chord charts, arrangement notes—it's all right there, so you're not hunting for files in the middle of hitting those power chords. To see what else you can do to make your Sundays easier, go to planningcenter.com/blog. The post #392: Spiritual Formation, Art, And The Beauty And The Tragedy of Worship Music with John Mark McMillan appeared first on Beyond Sunday Worship.

Important Links:Today's Sponsor: Heavenly Heat SaunasDad Tired Annual RetreatHost A Dad Tired Conference at your churchJoin the FREE Family Leadership ProgramShop the Dad Tired store for best-selling gearWhat if the life you've built to survive is keeping you from the life God actually made you for?In this episode, Jerrad sits down with songwriter, worship leader, recording artist, and author John Mark McMillan, best known for writing “How He Loves.” Together, they talk about identity, family, creativity, contemplation, and what it looks like to peel back the layers of survival to rediscover the person God created you to be.John Mark shares about nearly quitting music, moving toward writing, raising teenagers, finding beauty in ordinary family life, and learning to create from a place of honesty instead of performance. The conversation also explores how distraction, phones, addiction, and the noise of modern life are shaping our souls, and how the church might become one of the last places where people can truly be present together.This is a deep, honest conversation for any man who feels tired, distracted, unsure of who he is, or hungry for a more meaningful life with God and his family.Important Links:Today's Sponsor: Heavenly Heat SaunasDad Tired Annual RetreatHost A Dad Tired Conference at your churchJoin the FREE Family Leadership ProgramShop the Dad Tired store for best-selling gear

What happens when our faith comes under pressure? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Gerald Sittser discuss the marginalization and persecution of the early disciples of Jesus, and how their faithfulness—rather than their safety—defined the first years of the Christian movement.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Heather from Littleton, Colorado; Gail from Fillmore, California; Tayler from Cleveland, Utah; Tonya from Ooltewah, Tennessee; and Hannah from Fort Collins, Colorado. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

How has Christian spirituality evolved throughout history? Welcome to a brand-new series of conversations between John Mark and Dr. Gerald Sittser called “Water from a Deep Well.” This series explores the rich history of Christian spirituality and the wisdom of the early followers of Jesus across twelve different eras of the Church.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Tina from Franklin, Tennessee; Emma from Santa Monica, California; Darby from Huntsville, Alabama; Alicia from Beaverton, Oregon; and Zachary from Ventura, California. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.