English Anglican priest and theologian (1921–2011)
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When a faith built to bless the nation gets quietly diverted into power, the most dangerous act left to the church may be refusing to whitewash the story and choosing instead to become a communion of genuinely unlike people. On the eve of a national prayer rally rededicating America to God, Mark Labberton joined The Jim Wallis Podcast to ask whether Christians who invoke the nation's name are following Jesus or drifting from him. Together with Jim Wallis, Mark reflects on what it means to choose Christ alone, love the neighbour, and refuse a faith fused to national power. They discuss the evangel versus "evangelicalism," the church as a communion of unlike people, worship in a black church, American exceptionalism as theological crisis, and racial gerrymandering after recent court rulings. Episode Highlights "I want to be evangel-centric and not be caught up in the icalisms of a history, a pattern, a habit, a sociology that has often been diverted from the evangel into power—political, social, economic, racial power." "Paul's giving us a vision of the church that's a communion of unlike people. We know a lot about a communion of like people. But a communion of unlike people is meant to be one of the hallmarks of the church." "I can't be a Christian alone, but I also can't be a Christian that matures if I'm a Christian only with people who are like me." "Worship of our country, or the exceptionalism of leaders of our country—these are completely foreign to the body of Christ and to the theology of the kingdom." "It's really like subverting reality by renaming it in a way that's euphemistic, that's literally whitewashing." Helpful Links and Resources The Dangerous Act of Loving Your Neighbor, by Mark Labberton https://www.ivpress.com/the-dangerous-act-of-loving-your-neighbor Called, by Mark Labberton https://www.ivpress.com/called The False White Gospel, by Jim Wallis https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250291899/thefalsewhitegospel/ Jim Wallis, Center on Faith and Justice https://faithandjustice.georgetown.edu/about-jim-wallis/ God's Politics with Jim Wallis (Substack): https://jimwallis.substack.com/ Show Notes Recorded on the eve of the Rededicate 250 prayer rally Loving your neighbour as a dangerous, costly act Gratitude for America alongside a "far more complicated story" of suffering "Christ alone"—Jesus, not any nation, party, or president, is Lord "The evangel is the good news of Jesus Christ"; nothing can rival it "A communion of unlike people is meant to be one of the hallmarks of the church." White allies, Black solidarity, and Supreme Court rulings on Louisiana and Alabama A friend's anniversary in African garb—living fully "on good days, maybe two-thirds" Detroit, Black churches, and faith as joyous rediscovery Worshiping at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland every Sunday Saying yes to the evangel, no to the "icalism" of evangelicalism John Stott as mentor; the Lausanne Covenant and Global South Stott's wartime pacifism; a father who stopped speaking for four years American exceptionalism as a theological crisis, not just left-versus-right "America's original sin," erasing history, and "literally whitewashing" First citizenship in the kingdom; the moral arc bends toward justice #MarkLabberton #JimWallis #Conversing #ChristianNationalism #ChristAlone #LoveYourNeighbor #PublicTheology #FaithAndPolitics Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary. Acknowledgements Special thanks to Jim Wallis and Paul Woodhull.
In 1982, theologian John Stott predicted that as electronic networks made personal relationships "ever less necessary," the fellowship of the local church would become increasingly important — not less. Brian From reads that quote in 2026 and can barely believe how precisely it describes this moment. That thread runs through this entire hour. Pope Leo's new statement on AI warns that the real danger isn't machines becoming too human, but humans becoming more like machines — efficient, optimized, and stripped of transcendence, mystery, and community. Can we be friends across political lines? Jimmy Kimmel choking up at Adam Carolla's Walk of Fame ceremony suggests maybe yes. A sweet story about an eight-year-old girl who tossed a paper airplane over her fence asking her neighbor to play Taylor Swift — and Taylor Swift herself showing up with signed guitars. Brian's son's playoff baseball team hangs on for another game as graduation weekend approaches and the emotions start arriving. A practical look at what it actually means to flee from sin — and why the Bible makes it so active: be alert, avoid, strive, throw off, run. And a word for everyone navigating change: God is immutable, and that changes everything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Join us this week as we tackle the topic of false prophets. What does it mean to enter the Kingdom of God by the narrow gate? And how should we respond to any false teaching we encounter? Tune in today to hear more! Mentioned in this episode – Little Pilgrim's Big Journey: https://lithoskids.com/products/little-pilgrims-big-journey-complete-boxed-set We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Join us this week as we discuss how Jesus instructs us to relate to one another and to our Heavenly Father. What does Jesus mean when he says not to judge others? And why does he invite us to persist in prayer to the Father? Tune in today to hear more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
Mike & Ben explore the 5th and 6th blessing Jesus calls his apprentices to embody to experience a life that is fruitful and not-average! Mike quotes a prayer from John Stott - which you may find useful; Good morning heavenly Father, good morning Lord Jesus, good morning Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, I praise you as the creator and sustainer of the universe. Lord Jesus, I praise you, Saviour and Lord of the world. Holy Spirit, I praise you, sanctifier of the people of God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in your presence and please you more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Amen. Leave us a comment or drop us an email on exploremore@kingschessington.org
The Praise O'Clock Show (also known as The Praiseworld Podcast) is the breakfast show of Praiseworld Radio.Host: Goodness Ezeh, Kanyinsola OmojolaQuote of The Day: “Even when we feel alone, we are never beyond the reach of God's presence.”— John Stott
The Praise O'Clock Show (also known as The Praiseworld Podcast) is the breakfast show of Praiseworld Radio.Host: Goodness Ezeh, Kanyinsola OmojolaQuote of The Day: “Even when we feel alone, we are never beyond the reach of God's presence.”— John Stott
We live in a culture that worships sex. And honestly? So did Ephesus. Temple prostitutes. Sensual parades. Fertility rituals. The city Paul was writing to wasn't so different from the billboards lining the highway today. And into that world, he writes: be imitators of God. That's an impossible standard. And that's exactly the point. In this message, Pastor Jimmy walks through Ephesians 5:1–16 and does something most sermons on this topic don't do - he refuses to give you a line. Because this isn't about how close you can get to the edge. It's a heart issue. A worship issue. What does it look like to imitate God in the way we treat our bodies, the words we speak, and the jokes we laugh at? And what does wisdom actually look like when the days are evil? In this message: Why the church of Ephesus and our culture are not as different as we think Two caveats that frame everything: no line-drawing, and this is about us - not them What porneia actually means - and why it's bigger than most people think Why crude joking degrades image-bearers of God (and why that matters) What "no inheritance in the kingdom" means - and what it doesn't How sanctification, struggle, and the gospel all fit together Key Scriptures: Ephesians 5:1–16 • Genesis 1–2 • Matthew 5:27–28 • 1 Corinthians 5:9–13 • John Stott on vulgarity and thanksgiving
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Join us this week as we explore Jesus' teaching on Christian ambition. What's the true treasure that we're to seek? And how does it serve as the antidote to worry and anxiety? Tune in today to hear more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
Mark Meynell talks to Ros Clarke about 'Uncle John', his life, ministry and ongoing legacy around the world.
This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Join us this week as we discuss Jesus' instructions for prayer. You may know the Lord's prayer by heart—but have you pondered what it means? How can we ensure that our prayers are not mechanical but thoughtful? Tune in today to hear more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Join us this week as we talk about how Jesus distinguishes between true and hypocritical religion. What does it look like to give, pray, and fast in a way that honors the Lord? And how do we avoid hypocrisy? Tune in today to hear more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
Join Pastor Chuck Maher as he kicks off a new series, The Sermon On The Mount. John Stott called Jesus' longest documented sermon, “The closest thing to a manifesto that He ever uttered”. It's an invitation to live our lives so otherworldly that our lives put the kingdom of Heaven on display.
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Join us this week as we discuss Jesus' teaching on non-retaliation and active love. Why is loving our enemies so hard to do but so vital to our spiritual well-being and witness? Tune in today to hear more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
In this introduction to a new series on the Sermon on the Mount, we explore Jesus' revolutionary "Kingdom Manifesto"—a blueprint for what it looks like when God's rule and reign are lived out in our daily lives. With just 107 verses, this sermon has influenced history more than any other teaching, challenging figures from Gandhi to Tolstoy. But as John Stott noted, it remains "the most well known, the least understood, and the least obeyed" of all Jesus' teachings. This message sets the stage for understanding that the Sermon on the Mount isn't how we achieve salvation—it's how we demonstrate it. Jesus calls us to a monumental paradigm shift from the world's definition of success to life under His Kingdom rule. Over this series, we'll move beyond merely hearing Jesus' words to actively putting them into practice, discovering what it means to live as citizens of God's Kingdom here and now. For more information about our church, visit npfcc.org To help support the ongoing work of NPFCC and our mission partners around the globe, you can make a donation at npfcc.org/give
On Good Friday, we continued to unpack the meaning of Christ's crucifixion using a different New Testament word mentioned in John Stott's “The Cross of Christ”, and this year the word was reconciliation. Through humanity's rebellion, our relationship with God was fractured. And yet, it was God who initiated our reconciliation which was achieved by Jesus Christ on the Cross rather than requiring us, the ones who broke the relationship, to fix things, as detailed in Mark 15:1-41 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.April 3, 2026
This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! This week, Wes and Noah are joined by Associate Pastor Ben Fasano as they discuss Jesus' teaching on faithfulness in marriage and honesty in speech. Today also marks a special milestone — the 200th episode of the Harvest Beyond Sunday Podcast! Thank you so much for your steadfast support and engagement. We pray it continues to edify and enrich you in the seasons to come! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
Show NotesEd has recently recorded an Unbelievable? Show with Dr Denis Alexander who is an evangelical Christian, a biologist and author of books like “Creation or Evolution: Do We Have to Choose?”. Denis fully embraces evolution. While these ideas are fresh, we took the time to think through how a deep thinking Christian reconciles evolution and faith as it informs theology on suffering, God's intervention in the world, salvation, the soul and Adam & Eve. Links:Denis uses John Stott's idea that Adam was “Homo Divinus”. Here is a fairly short Stott quote: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/thepangeablog/2009/01/13/quote-to-ponder-john-stott-on-creation-and-evolution/Creation Or Evolution: Do We Have to Choose?https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creation-Evolution-Do-Have-Choose/dp/1854247468Doubts Aloud Links:Please give feedback and ask questions using: doubtsaloud@gmail.com
What does it cost to pastor faithfully in a city shaped by both beauty and deep injustice? Corey Widmer has spent twenty years navigating race, politics, and the gospel in Richmond, Virginia. "We're living in an extraordinary moral and spiritual crisis that we will either look back and say the American church was an accomplice, or the American church was a prophet." In this episode with Mark Labberton, Widmer reflects on bridging divided communities and the spiritual practices that can sustain pastors as they serve their congregations and communities. Together they discuss pressures facing pastors in a polarized era, the prophet-priest-king calling, Richmond's racial history, pastoral burnout, John Stott's legacy, and the contemplative life. Episode Highlights "We're living in an extraordinary moral and spiritual crisis that we will either look back and say the American church was an accomplice, or the American church was a prophet." "No political party could possibly align with the ethic of the radical upside down kingdom of Jesus." "Bridges are stretched between two points and bear tremendous weight." "At the heart of the universe is not power. At the heart of the universe is communion, is love." "You know when you're really not a prophet is when after you say the hard word, you leave the room and say, I hope they still like me." About Corey Widmer Corey Widmer is senior pastor of Third Church, a Presbyterian congregation in Richmond, Virginia. Corey has served as a pastor in Richmond for over twenty years, both at Third Church and at East End Fellowship, a multi-racial neighbourhood congregation. Corey has an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary and a PhD in theology and missiology from the Free University of Amsterdam. He is married to Sarah, a public health nurse, and they have four daughters. Helpful Links and Resources Corey Widmer on Substack: https://coreywidmer.substack.com Third Church, Richmond: https://www.thirdrva.org Corey Widmer on X: https://x.com/coreywidmer For Richmond Immigration Statement (full text): https://www.forrichmond.org/recent-news-blog/immigration Richmond Faith Leaders on Immigration (Virginia Public Media): VPM News James Davison Hunter, Democracy and Solidarity (Yale, 2024): https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300284898/democracy-and-solidarity/ David Whyte, Crossing the Unknown Sea: https://davidwhyte.com/store/book/crossing-the-unknown-sea/ Lausanne Covenant: https://lausanne.org/about/the-lausanne-covenant John Perkins, Let Justice Roll Down: https://ccda.org/product/let-justice-roll-down/ Barna, State of Pastors: https://www.barna.com/trends/pastoral-flourishing/ Show Notes Introducing Corey Widmer—lead pastor, Third Church, Richmond Describing the moment: fraught, volatile "Every pastor in every time has a similar calling—to shepherd the people of God under the supremacy of Jesus's lordship" Christian message used in ways antithetical to Jesus "Where am I?"—the pastor's constant calibration John Stott's bridge-building model Richmond: Patrick Henry, slave markets, Confederate capital John Perkins' call to relocation and reconciliation Thirteen years co-pastoring multiracial church plant "Bridges are stretched between two points and bear tremendous weight" Transition to lead pastor of suburban congregation Emotional containment—absorbing conflict George Floyd, Confederate monuments, Richmond reckoning Stott and Lausanne Covenant: justice at center of mission "No political party could possibly align with the radical upside down kingdom of Jesus" Lent and the cruciform way vs. pursuit of power Hunter's Democracy and Solidarity: erosion of common moral center "The American church was an accomplice, or a prophet" Prophet, priest, king—framework for preaching Pastoral letters, teaching classes, Deuteronomy on immigration Richmond clergy coalition on immigrant dignity Pastoral burnout, isolation, friendship crisis David Whyte: "The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness" Centering prayer and contemplative life "You're not a prophet when you leave the room and say, I hope they still like me" #PastoralMinistry #ChurchLeadership #RacialReconciliation #ChristianNationalism #PastorBurnout #CruciformLife #RichmondVA #JohnStott #LausanneCovenant Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.
QUOTES FOR REFLECTIONQuestion 31: Why is he called “Christ,” meaning “anointed”?Answer: Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our deliverance; our only high priest who has delivered us by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually pleads our cause with the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the freedom he has won for us. Question 37: What do you understand by the word “suffered”?Answer: That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might deliver us, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.~Heidelberg Catechism (1563) “When Christ entered into Jerusalem the people spread garments in the way: when He enters into our hearts, we pull off our own righteousness, and not only lay it under Christ's feet but even trample upon it ourselves.”~Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778), English clergyman and hymn writer “God, of your goodness, give me yourself; you are enough for me, and anything less that I could ask for would not do you full honor. And if I ask anything that is less, I shall always lack something, but in you alone I have everything.”~Julian of Norwich (c.1343-c.1416), medieval anchoress and author “By thus riding through the streets in state, Jesus Christ claimed to be a king. That claim had been to a great extent kept in the background until now; but ere he goes to his Father, when his enemies rage has reached its utmost fury, and when his own hour of deepest humiliation has just arrived, he makes an open claim before the eyes of all men to be called and acknowledged a king.”~Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892), famed London preacher “Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.”~John Stott (1921-2011), English clergyman and theologian SERMON PASSAGELuke 19:28-40 (ESV) 28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?' you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.'” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.
Considering Sparrows: What Birds teach us about Who we Are, Where we’re Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus ... GUEST Kevin Burrell ... is a pastor and an orni-theologist — a word penned by the theologian & birder John Stott … Kevin is convinced that every one of us should make an effort to attend toward some aspect of God's creation; and he has chosen birds … he lives in NC. Time and eternity and "it is finished" … GUEST Kathy Keller ... formerly served as assistant director of communications for Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC ... She is the author of "Jesus, Justice, & Gender Roles: A Case for Gender Roles in Ministry" and co-author with her husband, Tim, of "The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God” … new book based on Tim’s sermons is coming out, “What Is Wrong with the World?: The Surprising, Hopeful Answer to the Question We Cannot Avoid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Getting started w your Spring garden (St. Paddy’s day pea planting with the grand kids … + … planting outdoors now, dangers of starting too early … + … indoor seed starting … + … planning now for fall planting? … GUEST Doug Oster … Editor, Gardening with Doug. Considering Sparrows: What Birds teach us about Who we Are, Where we’re Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus (new book) ... GUEST Kevin Burrell ... is a pastor and an orni-theologist — a word penned by the theologian & birder John Stott … Kevin is convinced that every one of us should make an effort to attend toward some aspect of God's creation; and he has chosen birds … he lives in NC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! This week, Sonia and Noah are joined by Austin Hamilton, Lead Pastor of Harvest Fayette, as they explore Jesus' warnings about anger and lust. Why is anger so dangerous for our spiritual health? And why does Jesus use the startling imagery of tearing out an eye and cutting off a hand to avoid lust? Tune in today to hear the answers! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Join us this week as we discuss Jesus' teaching on the true nature of righteousness. What does Jesus mean when he says, "Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven"? And how should we view Old Testament law in the light of Christ? Tune in today to learn more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! This week we're joined by Harvest member Rich McGhee as we explore what it means for Christians to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world—the two images that Jesus employs to describe the influence of his followers on the world. How should Christians engage the world? How should the world be different because we're a part of it? Tune in today to learn more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.
Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! This week we're joined by Junior High Director Jackson Munyon as we tackle the rest of the Beatitudes, where Jesus describes the unique character of his followers. What are the defining qualities of a Christ-transformed heart? And what does Jesus mean by his people being "blessed"? Tune in today to learn more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.
Click to viewWe will find that the gospel reveals God's righteousness at the cross of Christ. Here mercy is made known to all the world. God is seen to be righteous and just. At the same time, He is the justifier of all who have faith in Christ. John Stott called the ending of Romans 3 “the most important paragraph ever written in human language.”
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Join us this week as we begin to unpack the Beatitudes, where Jesus describes the unique character of his followers. What are the defining qualities of a Christ-transformed heart? And what does Jesus mean by his people being "blessed"? Tune in today to learn more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI
This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.
Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.
Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Today we're kicking off our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shows us in vivid and specific terms what it means to obey him from the heart and how to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. This week we're answering the question, "What exactly is the Sermon on the Mount?" Tune in to learn more about the history behind the sermon and why it remains relevant for believers in every time and place.We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZIOther resources mentioned in this episode:D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://bit.ly/46d9MXEOswald Chambers, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: God's Character and the Believer's Conduct: https://bit.ly/4cCjs1A
QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “Christ pervades all Scripture, as salt all waters of the sea, as light the brightest day, as fragrance the garden of choice flowers.”~Henry Law (1797-1884), Cambridge-educated Dean of Gloucester in Christ is All “The righteousness of God is God's righteous initiative in putting sinners right with himself, by bestowing on them a righteousness which is not their own but his. The righteousness of God is God's just justification of the unjust, his righteous way of pronouncing the unrighteous righteous, in which he both demonstrates his righteousness and gives His righteousness to us.” ~John Stott (1921-2011), British Anglican pastor and theologian “The righteousness of God is not that by which God is righteous but that with which he clothes man when he justifies the ungodly”~ Augustine (354-430), North African church leader, explaining Paul's understanding of “righteousness” in the Letter to Romans (A Treatise on the Spirit and the Letter) “God allowed his Son to suffer as if a condemned sinner, so that we might be delivered from the penalty of our sins. This is God's righteousness, that we are not justified by works…but by grace, in which case all our sin is removed.”~John Chrysostom (c. 347-407), Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians “He Himself took on Him the burden of our iniquities, He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for them that are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! that the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors!”~The Epistle to Diognetus (c. 150AD) 9:2-5. “The operation of the Church is entirely set up for the sinner; which creates much misunderstanding among the smug.” “Don't expect faith to clear things up for you. It is trust, not certainty.”~Flannery O'Connor (1925-1964), American authorSERMON PASSAGERomans 1:14-17 (ESV)Romans 1 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 321 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 4 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.
Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.
Segment 1 • John Stott's cautious support for annihilationism sparked theological tension. • The church, historically, has rejected annihilationist views. • Reinterpreting hell marks a break from church history and doctrine. Segment 2 • Our view on hell should be guided by God's word, not emotion. • Bible examples show instant judgment for “small” sins—divine justice is deadly serious. • Hell's eternality, rather than compromising God's justice, magnifies it. Segment 3 • Annihilationism's survival is more cultural than biblical because it speaks to modern sensitivities. • Enlightenment and Victorian culture softened God's justice to adjust for human tastes. • Theological liberalism grew where a biblical fear of God faded. Segment 4 • Each generation reshapes God, in some way, to fit its comfort level. • Vatican II and modern psychology blurred the lines on judgment and accountability. • As God becomes more “sentimental,” hell disappears—and so does the gospel. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!
Allie tackles the explosive hell debate ignited by Kirk Cameron in which he wades into annihilationism, which is a belief that sinners in hell do not suffer eternal torment but will eventually be forever destroyed. She contrasts it with the traditional view of eternal conscious punishment, exploring Scripture's imagery of destruction, balancing God's characteristics of justice and mercy, and referring to key theologians, such as John MacArthur, John Stott, Edward Fudge, J.I. Packer, and many more. At the end of the day, sharing the gospel to all unbelievers is the most important because separation from God is horrific. Plus, Allie asks for your prayers over Megan Basham, who is battling cancer at this moment. Join us for thoughtful theology, biblical clarity, and renewed passion for souls. Buy Allie's book "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": https://www.toxicempathy.com --- Timecodes: (00:00) Intro (08:40) Annihilationism (16:50) Conditional Immortality (21:30) Eternal Conscious Torment (32:20) Is Annihilationism Heresy? (43:00) Praying for Megan Basham (47:55) New Release Schedule --- Today's Sponsors: Patriot Mobile | Go to PatriotMobile.com/ALLIE or call 972-PATRIOT and use promo code ALLIE for a free month of service! Crowd Health | Join CrowdHealth to get started today for $99 for your first three months using code ALLIE at JoinCrowdHealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance. Opt out. Take your power back. This is how we win. Olive | Olive is a food scanning app that exposes what labels don't — seed oils, dyes, additives, even hidden toxins. Download Olive now and instantly see what's hiding in your groceries! Good Ranchers | To support a company that's committed to honoring America's past, present, and future, visit GoodRanchers.com today. And if you subscribe to any Good Ranchers box of 100% American meat, you'll save up to $500 a year! Plus, if you use the code ALLIE, you'll get an additional $25 off your first order. Shopify | Sign up for your $1-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/ALLIE. We Heart Nutrition | Check out We Heart Nutrition at WeHeartNutrition.com and use the code ALLIE for 20% off. --- Episodes you might like: Ep 1274 | Predestined to Hell? Calvinism Explained https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000739569811 Ep 1218 | Why John MacArthur's 56-Year Ministry Shook the World https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1218-why-john-macarthurs-56-year-ministry-shook-the-world/id1359249098?i=1000717561591 Ep 618 | Kirk Cameron on Homeschooling & Raising Godly Kids https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-618-kirk-cameron-on-homeschooling-raising-godly-kids/id1359249098?i=1000561947796 Ep 906 | Time to Boycott Scholastic Books | Guest: Kirk Cameron https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-906-time-to-boycott-scholastic-books-guest-kirk-cameron/id1359249098?i=1000634689361 --- Buy Allie's book "You're Not Enough (and That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love": https://www.alliebethstuckey.com Relatable merchandise: Use promo code ALLIE10 for a discount: https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices