Podcasts about kingdom of god

The kingdom of god in essence is about manifesting the beauty of God's reign. You and I are to be the place where that beautiful manifestation of God's reign is to continue to be displayed until the whole of the cosmos is filled with the knowledge of the glory of God!   The Homestead Mobile - June 12th, 2026

What does the Bible say about patriotism?As Americans celebrate Independence Day, many Christians find themselves reflecting on an important question: How should believers balance love for their country with their ultimate allegiance to the kingdom of God?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard explores the relationship between patriotism and Christian faith. Drawing on biblical principles, he explains how believers can appreciate and support their nation while ensuring that their highest loyalty remains with Jesus Christ.Dr. Bernard discusses the difference between healthy patriotism and misplaced devotion and offers practical guidance for navigating the tension between national identity and heavenly citizenship.Whether you are celebrating Independence Day, wrestling with questions about faith and politics, or seeking a biblical perspective on Christian citizenship, this episode provides thoughtful and balanced insight grounded in Scripture.Apostolic Life in the 21st Century is the weekly podcast where Dr. David K. Bernard answers questions about Scripture, theology, Christian living, and current issues from an Apostolic Pentecostal perspective.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

On June 14th, 2026, Kris shared a powerful message on Bethel's apostolic distinctions and the values that have shaped the culture of the church for decades. What happens when believers move beyond attending church and embrace their calling as a royal priesthood? Are we called to simply gather, or are we called to be equipped and sent? In this message, Kris unpacks key themes including worship as a lifestyle, living from your identity as a new creation, the role of the fivefold ministry, and the call to bring the Kingdom of God into every sphere of society. Connect with Kris Vallotton: Website: https://www.krisvallotton.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kvministries/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvministries/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kvministries Additional Resources by Kris Vallotton: https://shop.bethel.com/collections/kris-vallotton-ministries/Book About Kris Vallotton: Kris Vallotton is the Senior Associate Leader of Bethel Church, Redding, and is the Co-Founder of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) and Spiritual Intelligence Institute. He is also the Founder and President of Moral Revolution and a sought-after international conference speaker. Kris and his wife, Kathy, have trained, developed, and pastored prophetic teams and supernatural schools all over the world.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus  (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ ⇒Check out all of Carey's books - for adults and kids, fiction and non-fiction : https://CareyGreen.com/books ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 21:33–46 - “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. [34] When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. [35] And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. [36] Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. [37] Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ [38] But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ [39] And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. [40] When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” [41] They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” [42] Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? [43] Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. [44] And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” [45] When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. [46] And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Underwrite one daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: Subscribe to the SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish Subscribe to the CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com   

The church at Rome was guilty of making the kingdom of God small. Walking into their church, one would have thought the kingdom was about eating and drinking. The apostle Paul forcefully corrects this misunderstanding. But if the kingdom is not of meat and drink, what is it about? In this sermon on Romans 14:17 titled “The Kingdom of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones enters into a great debate among commentators on this passage. While some preeminent theologians say righteousness refers to the righteousness written about earlier in Romans 1–3, others suggest Paul has changed the meaning to an ethical righteousness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to adjudicate the alternative positions and ultimately comes to a mediating position. He follows the immediate context, noting Paul's deliberate challenge to the Romans preoccupation with minutiae and attitudes towards conduct. Paul's argument, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, has been that the kingdom of God is much bigger than moral conduct. Righteousness is clearly much more than ethics in Romans. It refers to our standing before God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that Paul is interested in holiness, not morality. Holiness affects the whole person as they are declared righteous by faith. The truly righteous person is no longer preoccupied with minutiae as the Romans were, but is far more concerned with a life pleasing to God. Follow Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he wrestles through this passage in Paul's letter to the Romans.

The church at Rome was guilty of making the kingdom of God small. Walking into their church, one would have thought the kingdom was about eating and drinking. The apostle Paul forcefully corrects this misunderstanding. But if the kingdom is not of meat and drink, what is it about? In this sermon on Romans 14:17 titled “The Kingdom of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones enters into a great debate among commentators on this passage. While some preeminent theologians say righteousness refers to the righteousness written about earlier in Romans 1–3, others suggest Paul has changed the meaning to an ethical righteousness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to adjudicate the alternative positions and ultimately comes to a mediating position. He follows the immediate context, noting Paul's deliberate challenge to the Romans preoccupation with minutiae and attitudes towards conduct. Paul's argument, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, has been that the kingdom of God is much bigger than moral conduct. Righteousness is clearly much more than ethics in Romans. It refers to our standing before God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that Paul is interested in holiness, not morality. Holiness affects the whole person as they are declared righteous by faith. The truly righteous person is no longer preoccupied with minutiae as the Romans were, but is far more concerned with a life pleasing to God. Follow Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he wrestles through this passage in Paul's letter to the Romans. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus  (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 21:28–32 - “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ [29] And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. [30] And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. [31] Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. [32] For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Underwrite one daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: Subscribe to the SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish Subscribe to the CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com   

Christians are part of the kingdom of God and it is big. However, sometimes Christians can give the opposite impression. They can be guilty of emphasizing an aspect of the kingdom at the expense of the whole, making the kingdom seem small and negative. The church at Rome had given the impression that the kingdom was about eating and drinking. They had made the kingdom tiny and petty. In this message on Romans 14:17 titled “A Sense of Balance (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks the contemporary church what impression they give the world about the kingdom. What do they say is essential to Christianity? Is Christianity merely about being moral? Is it about abstaining from certain things? Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggests that Christians become trapped into making the kingdom of God about small matters because they do not know how to think in terms of the kingdom. Since the kingdom of God is completely different than anything humans have experienced, they must learn a new way of thinking. Christians are tempted to think in earthly terms rather than the kingdom controlling our thoughts. People are looking for something big, not small. Learn from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones about faithfully witnessing to the kingdom of God in one's daily life.

Christians are part of the kingdom of God and it is big. However, sometimes Christians can give the opposite impression. They can be guilty of emphasizing an aspect of the kingdom at the expense of the whole, making the kingdom seem small and negative. The church at Rome had given the impression that the kingdom was about eating and drinking. They had made the kingdom tiny and petty. In this message on Romans 14:17 titled “A Sense of Balance (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks the contemporary church what impression they give the world about the kingdom. What do they say is essential to Christianity? Is Christianity merely about being moral? Is it about abstaining from certain things? Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggests that Christians become trapped into making the kingdom of God about small matters because they do not know how to think in terms of the kingdom. Since the kingdom of God is completely different than anything humans have experienced, they must learn a new way of thinking. Christians are tempted to think in earthly terms rather than the kingdom controlling our thoughts. People are looking for something big, not small. Learn from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones about faithfully witnessing to the kingdom of God in one's daily life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Are you looking for a biblically-grounded albeit easy-to-read introduction to theology? Well, look no further, because I’m excited to announce the publication of Pastor Will Barlow’s book, Explore What We Believe. He goes through what the Bible teaches about God, humanity, covenants, the kingdom of God, Jesus, salvation, Israel, the church, the spirit of God, the spiritual realm, death, and immortality. He also includes appendices on foreknowledge, time periods, and baptism. Although you can certainly read this book on your own and benefit from it, Barlow designed Explore What We Believe as a discipleship tool for two or three people to work through together. This is perfect for helping Christians of other traditions to learn about what WE believe. It’s also ideal for training your teenagers in the faith. In this interview I ask Barlow about the content of the book and how he sees it being used.   Listen on Spotify   Listen on Apple Podcasts —— Links —— Get Will Barlow’s book, Explore What We Believe Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Facebook group, follow on X @RestitutioSF or Instagram @Sean.P.Finnegan or Threads @sean.p.finnegan Leave a 90 second voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play it out on the air Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here Get Finnegan’s book, Kingdom Journey to learn about God’s kingdom coming on earth as well as the story of how Christianity lost this pearl of great price. Get the transcript of this episode Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library.

I was inspired while reading a historical fiction account of the life of Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman college. The stories of her determination and care for others led me to read more about her. One account tells how in the early 1900s she “described” the buildings at her school for young African American women to a wealthy businessman. But when he visited the “campus,” he found only one building. She’d described her dream to him, hoping that he would invest in the school. Her faith and vision worked together to secure funding. Her school eventually became—and still is—a four-year college. Bethune is credited with saying: “Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” Her quote is similar to what Jesus told the astonished disciples who were asking questions about salvation. They were trying to figure out how people could “enter the kingdom of God” or heaven (Matthew 19:24). They wanted to know “who then can be saved?” (v. 25). Jesus shared with His followers that faith in God was the only way; because “with God all things are possible” (v. 26). Faith is rooted in a belief in God and His abilities. Faith prompts us to believe in the possibility of things we don’t see yet—like a dream of a school for the underprivileged or an eternal home for those who accept Christ. May God help us see what He sees.

Lopsided Christianity is an unappealing religion. Divisions and fracturing over minutia have severely harmed evangelism and the church's witness to the world. The apostle Paul's battle cry in Romans 14:17 is that the kingdom of God is not about minutia such as meat and drink. Following Paul's teaching in this sermon on Romans 14:17 titled “A Sense of Balance (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones applies this point to the contemporary church. Today's Christians are just as guilty of making the kingdom of God about minutia – subsidiary doctrines, church government, particular church leaders. It is vitally important, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, to preserve a sense of balance in all areas of the Christian life. While not advocating unity at all cost, Dr. Lloyd-Jones does challenge the contemporary church over unnecessary denominational divisions. He is not merely concerned in this message of affirming church unity, but seeks a diagnosis of church division instead. Beyond denominations, Dr. Lloyd-Jones scrutinizes the usefulness of “movements” within evangelical Christianity which isolate a particular part of the faith (i.e. evangelism) from the whole. This can equally lead Christians to lose their sense of balance. Finally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones remarks about the nature and character of theological education and the propensity of institutions to isolate the study of Scripture away from its intended context of worship. In all this, trouble arises when Christians forget what the kingdom of God is about.

In this message, Pastor Seth unpacks what it truly means to pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Through Scripture and practical application, he reveals that the Kingdom of God is not just a future reality—it is advancing right now wherever God's will is obeyed. Discover how prayer is more than asking God to move; it's an invitation to participate in bringing Heaven's reality into every area of life, from our families and churches to our cities and culture. This message will challenge you to reject passive Christianity, embrace your God-given assignment, and become an active part of God's Kingdom coming to earth.

Lopsided Christianity is an unappealing religion. Divisions and fracturing over minutia have severely harmed evangelism and the church's witness to the world. The apostle Paul's battle cry in Romans 14:17 is that the kingdom of God is not about minutia such as meat and drink. Following Paul's teaching in this sermon on Romans 14:17 titled “A Sense of Balance (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones applies this point to the contemporary church. Today's Christians are just as guilty of making the kingdom of God about minutia – subsidiary doctrines, church government, particular church leaders. It is vitally important, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, to preserve a sense of balance in all areas of the Christian life. While not advocating unity at all cost, Dr. Lloyd-Jones does challenge the contemporary church over unnecessary denominational divisions. He is not merely concerned in this message of affirming church unity, but seeks a diagnosis of church division instead. Beyond denominations, Dr. Lloyd-Jones scrutinizes the usefulness of “movements” within evangelical Christianity which isolate a particular part of the faith (i.e. evangelism) from the whole. This can equally lead Christians to lose their sense of balance. Finally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones remarks about the nature and character of theological education and the propensity of institutions to isolate the study of Scripture away from its intended context of worship. In all this, trouble arises when Christians forget what the kingdom of God is about. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Garth Heckman The David Alliance  TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com  th grade… lets make a snowman… just a huge snowball… we push it up a large hill… lets roll it down and see how fast it can go… Im going to let it roll over me at the bottom… BIG MISTAKE. IT PICKED UP MOMENTUM, SUCKING UP EVERY PIECE OF SNOW IN ITS PATH… FASTER, BIGGER, FASTER, BIGGER….        Introduction: God Has Always Been Moving Momentum. It is the principle that a body in motion tends to stay in motion.  In physics, it is a law.  In the kingdom of God, it is a promise.        God Is the Source of All Momentum The Spirit Moved First   The very opening of Scripture shows us a God in motion:   "In the beginning-MOMENTUM- God created-MOMENTUM- the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering-MOMENTUM- over the waters."  — Genesis 1:1–2 The Hebrew word for 'hovering' is rachaph — it means to flutter, to brood, to move with energy and intention. This is our God. He does not wait passively. He moves first. He initiates. Momentum in the kingdom always begins with Him, not with us. You did not choose momentum. Momentum chose you.   Once the world was formed it was called to multiply and be fruitful = momentum!      In him is the momentum… where is his Spirit leading?  "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself."  — Exodus 19:4       WHAT IS GOD SAYING… I BUILT MOMENTUM TO CARRY YOU OUT OF EGYPT. The build can be hard, the waiting, the build up… But when they left - they were begged to leave, given treasure, given favor, provided miracles of crossing the red sea!      The eagle does not flap its wings furiously —  it spreads them wide and rides the thermal currents. The question is not: 'How hard am I working?' The question is: 'Am I in alignment with what God is already doing?   An eagle will carry its young on its wings after pushing them out of the nest…  Not only that they will remove the soft lining of the nest to get them to step out…  IF THEY DON'T THEY WILL PUT THORNS IN THE NEST… The eaglet will be forced out only then to have the mother fly with it, catch it if need be and teach it to catch the thermal waves of momentum.  Maybe things are uncomfortable because God is trying to move you into momentum. 

The gospel is not merely about getting people to heaven—it is about the renewal of all things under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In this episode, Joseph Mattera explores how biblical faith impacts every sphere of society and why believers are called to be agents of transformation in their homes, communities, workplaces, and culture. Discover how God's redemptive plan extends beyond individual salvation to the restoration of lives, families, cities, and nations. Learn why the Church must move beyond survival and embrace its calling to reflect the Kingdom of God in every area of life.

If you're a Christian, spiritual maturity isn't about becoming more self-sufficient; it's about becoming more childlike.In today's episode, we continue our sermon series from the archives, The Gospel According to Mark, as Paul explores why Jesus welcomed little children to come to him and what their faith teaches us about entering the kingdom of God.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons

Welcome to Day 2889 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2889 – “A Shocking Agenda”  based on Luke 9:12-27 Putnam Church Message – 05/24/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “A Shocking Agenda.”   Last week's message was “Welcome to the War,” in which we learned that as we go about our daily lives, we go in the name of Jesus Christ, who has already won the decisive victory. Today, we continue with our twenty-fourth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: A Shocking Agenda.” Our core passage today is Luke 9:12-27, which is found on page 1608 of your pew Bibles. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand 12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” 13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah 18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” 19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” 20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God's Messiah.” Jesus Predicts His Death 21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22 And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” 23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today with open hearts and honest minds. We thank You for the Good News of Jesus Christ, but we confess that sometimes we want the blessings of Your Kingdom without the surrender of discipleship. We want provision, but not dependence. We want victory, but not the cross. We want comfort, but not transformation. Lord Jesus, teach us today. Show us who You truly are. Help us receive Your provision with humble gratitude, confess You with courage, and follow You with obedient hearts. May we not merely admire You from a distance but walk behind You daily as faithful disciples. In Your holy name, amen. Introduction: When Jesus' Agenda Shocks Us This passage begins with one of the most familiar miracles in the ministry of Jesus: the feeding of the multitude. In fact, this is the only miracle of Jesus — aside from the resurrection — recorded in all four Gospels. That alone should make us pause. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all say, “You need to see this.” But they do not merely want us to see bread multiplied. They want us to see who Jesus is. They want us to see what kind of King He is. And they want us to see what it means to follow Him. In the previous message, “Welcome to the War,” we saw Jesus send the Twelve out with power and authority. / They proclaimed the Kingdom of God. / They healed the sick. / They cast out demons. / They came back excited, exhausted, and full of stories. / They had stepped into the battle. / They had tasted ministry. / They had seen God work through them. But now, before they can fully rest and process what happened, the crowds find Jesus again. Thousands of people come into the wilderness, bringing hunger, sickness, confusion, and need. The disciples had just returned from weeks of powerful ministry, but suddenly they face a need they cannot meet. They can preach. They can heal. They can cast out demons. But they cannot feed thousands of hungry people with five loaves and two fish. And Jesus uses this moment to teach them — and us — something vital: The disciple is not the source. /The disciple is the servant. / Jesus is the supply. But then the passage turns sharply. After feeding the crowd, Jesus asks, “Who do the people say I am?” Peter answers correctly: “You are the Messiah sent from God.” But then Jesus shocks them. He says the Messiah must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and be raised. That was not the agenda they expected. They expected victory. Jesus speaks of suffering. They expected a throne. Jesus points to a cross. They expected power over Jesus calls them to deny themselves. This is why the agenda is shocking. |We will see this agenda in our four truths today. Found in the Bulletin Insert on the side that says “A Shocking Agenda.” Main Point 1: Jesus Uses Our Inadequacy to Reveal His Sufficiency The disciples had gone with Jesus toward Bethsaida for rest. They needed it. Mark tells us that so many people were coming and going that they did not even have time to eat. Can you relate to that feeling? Maybe you have had days when you never quite get to sit down. The phone rings. Someone needs you. A problem appears. A plan changes. One need gets handled, and three more show up. The disciples were tired. They had been ministering. They had been traveling. They were probably physically drained and emotionally full. - Then the crowd arrives. Luke tells us Jesus welcomed them. He taught them about the Kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing. That fits everything we have seen in Luke so far. Jesus welcomed the sinful woman in Simon's house. He welcomed the desperate touch of the suffering woman. He welcomed the cries of Jairus. He welcomed the man tormented among the tombs. He welcomed the crowds even when they interrupted rest. But as evening approaches, the disciples see a practical problem. / The crowd is hungry. / They say, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.” That seems reasonable, doesn't it? They are not being heartless. They are being practical. They are looking at the sun going down, the size of the crowd, the remoteness of the place, and the emptiness of their hands. Then Jesus says something shocking: “You feed them.” Now imagine the disciples looking at one another. “Us?” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,”  “Do You see how many people are here?” “Even if we had money, where would we buy that much bread?” “Lord, we just came back from ministry. We are tired too.” John's Gospel tells us that Jesus already knew what He was going to do. He was testing them. / Not tempting them to fail. Testing them to grow. /He wanted them to confront the difference between their resources and His sufficiency.   Object Lesson: The Empty Basket ...

Full Text of Readings Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Lectionary: 586, 587 The Saint of the day is Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Story of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Jesus called John the greatest of all those who had preceded him: “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John….” But John would have agreed completely with what Jesus added: “[Y]et the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28). John spent his time in the desert, an ascetic. He began to announce the coming of the Kingdom, and to call everyone to a fundamental reformation of life. His purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. His baptism, he said, was for repentance. But one would come who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. John was not worthy even to untie his sandals. His attitude toward Jesus was: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). John was humbled to find among the crowd of sinners who came to be baptized the one whom he already knew to be the Messiah. “I need to be baptized by you” (Matthew 3:14b). But Jesus insisted, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15b). Jesus, true and humble human as well as eternal God, was eager to do what was required of any good Jew. Jesus thus publicly entered the community of those awaiting the Messiah. But making himself part of that community, he made it truly messianic. The greatness of John, his pivotal place in the history of salvation, is seen in the great emphasis Luke gives to the announcement of his birth and the event itself—both made prominently parallel to the same occurrences in the life of Jesus. John attracted countless people to the banks of the Jordan, and it occurred to some people that he might be the Messiah. But he constantly deferred to Jesus, even to sending away some of his followers to become the first disciples of Jesus. Perhaps John's idea of the coming of the Kingdom of God was not being perfectly fulfilled in the public ministry of Jesus. For whatever reason, when he was in prison he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah. Jesus' answer showed that the Messiah was to be a figure like that of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah. John himself would share in the pattern of messianic suffering, losing his life to the revenge of Herodias. Reflection John challenges us Christians to the fundamental attitude of Christianity—total dependence on the Father, in Christ. Except for the Mother of God, no one had a higher function in the unfolding of salvation. Yet the least in the kingdom, Jesus said, is greater than he, for the pure gift that the Father gives. The attractiveness as well as the austerity of John, his fierce courage in denouncing evil—all stem from his fundamental and total placing of his life within the will of God. The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist shows us the way to purity and graceSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk the World Cup, the kingdom of God in the New Testament, and much more! 0:00 Intro 2:22 Sports Roundup 20:41 Summer Read - Return of the Kingdom Part 4 41:30 This Day in Sports History 47:38 One Thing We Liked

What does "Kingdom of Heaven" mean in Scripture, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew? Dr. John Genter (outgoing Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University—Nebraska and incoming Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the phrases "Gospel of the Kingdom" or the "Kingdom of God" mean, the differences in these phrases between the Gospels and Matthew's unique take on it, how Jesus' disciples would have understood and not understood this phrase to mean, the significance of the particular phrase "Kingdom of Heaven," what "heaven" means in Matthew's Gospel, and how Matthew uses this phrase throughout the book. Hear Dr. Genter studying Matthew 1:1 on Sharper Iron (the episode that inspired this episode) at kfuo.org/2026/06/01/sharper-iron-the-reign-of-heaven-stands-near-060126-matthew-11-the-genesis-of-jesus. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

In this episode, Michael Rhodes claims the gospel is inherently political, and "the Lord reigns" was never just a private comfort but a statement about who actually runs the world. We name the two instincts that keep so many of us stuck: retreating into a safe bubble or chasing the halls of power, and why a more holistic approach is necessary. And we get practical: city council meetings, speed bumps, a libertarian business owner whose whole politics quietly rearranged once he started hiring single moms. In a moment when faith and politics have collapsed into the culture war, this feels like a third way, or a faithful way - a politics you can practice this week, on your own street, as a small taste of the beauty of the Kingdom of God.Michael J. Rhodes (PhD, Trinity College / University of Aberdeen) is lecturer in Old Testament at Carey Baptist College in Aotearoa New Zealand. He is the author of several books, including Reimagining Biblical Politics, Just Discipleship, Formative Feasting,and Practicing the King's Economy (with Robby Holt and Brian Fikkert). Rhodes (an ordained EPC pastor) and his family currently live in South Auckland, where they are part of an intentional community engaged in Christian community development.Michael's Book:Reimagining Biblical PoliticsConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeSupport the podcast and the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Support the show

Episode Title: The Rich Young Ruler: What Celebrating his 25th year on the radio, Brother Mike returns to the airwaves with an immersive look at the story of the Rich Young Ruler. Broadcast from Phoenix, Arizona, this episode dismantles the common misconception that material wealth itself is the ultimate pitfall. Instead, Brother Mike focuses on the underlying issue: the emotional affection, greed, and security we attach to worldly possessions. By analyzing original New Testament Greek terms and exploring Christ's calls to ministry across the Gospels, this study serves as a timeless, urgent reminder to look inward, recognize the "crosses" we carry, and make a change before time runs out. Key Takeaways The Heart Problem vs. The Money Problem: Material items are neutral. The true spiritual danger is philagoria (the emotional affection for wealth), which anchors the soul to earth rather than heaven. The Pattern of True Repentance: To successfully overcome a persistent sin, one must stop the behavior, actively do the exact opposite, and completely renew the mind. The Cost of Discipleship: Christ's call to ministry is frequently inconvenient, unconventional, and demands total focus. Looking back or letting modern distractions intervene can render us unfit for the work ahead. Scripture References Highlighted Mark 10:17-27 – The profound encounter with the rich young ruler, his deep emotional sorrow (stugnazo), and Jesus' powerful words on how hard it is for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom. Luke 9:57-62 – Three separate potential followers who chose comfort, tradition, or family approval over the immediate call to preach the Kingdom of God. H.C.C. is a non-denominational, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation specializing in counseling, healing, teaching, ministering in the Spirit and deliverance. It is based on Matthew, Mark, Luke & John and patterns its practice after the Book of Acts. It’s board members include one licensed Assembly of God pastor and one former Arizona prison chaplain. The ministry also operates the House of Healing and the Charity Counselor’s Association in central Phoenix. The Biblical theme of the ministry is Acts 10:38: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost & power. He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." One of the main services provided by the ministry is to provide free counseling services to the poor. https://hardcorechristianity.com/ Support the show: https://hardcorechristianity.com/donations/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Biblical Success and Prosperity Program: For Zion's Sake Hosts: Shelly and June Volk Episode Description When you hear the words "success" or "prosperity," what is your very first thought? For most of us, our minds instantly drift to financial security, material possessions, prestigious career titles, and what the world calls "the good life." But as believers, we are called to look at things through a vastly different lens. In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelly and June Volk break down the stark contrast between secular achievement and true, biblical prosperity. Pulling from foundational scriptures in the Old and New Testaments, they remind us that God's definitions are uniquely His own. Discover how spiritual prosperity isn't about the size of your bank account, but about the posture of your heart—delighting in God's instruction, meditating on His Word day and night, and having the courage to step out in radical faith. Key Scripture & Verses Covered The Divine Lens: Isaiah 55:8–9 – Setting the stage with a vital reminder that God's thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are infinitely higher than ours. The Planted Tree: Psalm 1:1–3 – Looking at the ultimate recipe for prosperity: refusing to walk in the counsel of the wicked, delighting purely in the law of the Lord, and becoming like a tree firmly planted by streams of water. David's Charge to Solomon: 1 Kings 2:3 – Reviewing King David's dying words to his son, instructing him to walk in God's ways and keep His statutes so that he may succeed wherever he turns. The Covenant of Blessing: Deuteronomy 29:9 – Moses' clear message to the people of Israel to keep and do the words of the covenant in order to prosper in all things. Joshua's Key to Success: Joshua 1:1–8 – Unpacking the only time the word "success" appears in the King James Version of the Bible. God commands Joshua to be strong and very courageous, promising that meditation and obedience to the Book of the Law are what make a person's way truly prosperous. Connect with For Zion's Sake Website: Visit shellyandjunevolk.com to find resources, listen to more broadcasts, and connect with the ministry. Mailing Address: If you would like to get in touch or support the program, write to P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082. Sponsorship: This episode is proudly sponsored by the Psalm 127 Fund. Shelly has served the body of Christ as a Pastor for over 35 years. He is a bible teacher and conference speaker on the subjects of The Kingdom of God, The Mystery of Israel & The Church and for God’s people to be prepared in their hearts for the end of this age. https://shellyandjunevolk.com/Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Biblical Theology, Episode 07 Today's episode is with Sam Emadi about a theme in Biblical theology that you may think you know a lot about: the kingdom of God. Sam gives us a masterclass in both the theological and practical ways we see God's kingdom in his Word and here on earth, and this is such an amazing conversation. We hope this episode moved your heart to praise our King Jesus and to desire to tell everyone you know about him and his kingdom. 4:00 Defining the Kingdom  7:15 Tracing the Kingdom  11:30 Kingdom Fulfilled in Christ  19:00 David in God's Kingdom 26:00 Jesus in God's Kingdom  30:00 Living in the Kingdom  35:00 The Church in the Kingdom  40:30 The Hope of the Kingdom ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FULL SHOW NOTES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ journeywomen.org/episode/king-and-kingdom DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What part of this episode did you find most interesting? Were there passages of Scripture that Sam helped you understand differently? Perhaps read those passages more deeply this week. What sticks out to you when you think about how Jesus spoke about his “upside-down” kingdom? How does thinking about sharing in Christ's rule change how you go about your daily life? How did listening to this episode grow your affection for God's Word? What might you do or implement based on what you learned in this week's episode? FOR MORE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to Journeywomen Ministries: Journeywomen.org/give  Listen on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Android⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating & review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interviews do not imply Journeywomen's endorsement of all writings and positions of the interviewee or any other resources mentioned.  On the Journeywomen podcast, we'll help you know and love God through his Word, find your hope in the gospel, and invest deeply in your local church as you go out on mission for the glory of God.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (06/22/26), Hank shares his thoughts on the widow's mite as well as the overwhelming generosity of the Macedonian Christians who gave beyond their means. In contrast to this, Americans today, despite the increase in income, are giving less and less. In light of this, Hank encourages listeners to support CRI's life-changing outreaches during the month of June.Hank also answers the following questions:Is Jesus God, or the Son of God, or the Messiah? Leeroy - Garland, TX (5:35)Can a Christian be a practicing homosexual? Rose - Blaine, WA (15:12)Is the kingdom of God something different from heaven? If someone continues in sinful practices, will they not inherit the kingdom? John - St. Louis, MO (20:28)

What's one thing you've been carrying that God never asked you to carry?Maybe it's pressure. Maybe it's expectations. Maybe it's the opinions of others.Give it to Jesus today.Have you ever felt exhausted from carrying responsibilities, expectations, pressure, and the opinions of others?In this message from Acts 6, we discover what happens when we say yes to too many things and no to the assignment God has actually given us. God never called you to carry everything. Learn how to:* stop living for people's approval* protect your calling* trust God with your reputation* stand strong when criticism comesNo matter what you've been through...You can still be standing.Key Scriptures:* Acts 5* Acts 6* Romans 12* 1 Peter 2GIVING To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://authenticchurch.com/give GET CONNECTED Ready to check out Authentic Church in person? We can't wait to meet you in person. Simply fill out the form below and we'll make sure to give you the VIP treatment upon your first visit. https://authenticchurch.com/plan-a-visit ABOUT AUTHENTIC CHURCH Authentic Church exists so that people will have an authentic encounter with God, be set free, and grow in Christ. Our mission is to help each person at Authentic believe in Jesus, belong to family, inspire true worship, walk in God's Spirit, and build the kingdom of God.

9:33 - Is it possible to hear demons audibly/ am I being attacked? / 20:14 - Do animals go to heaven? / 30:00 - Followup on animals in heaven. / 35:24 - What does it mean to 'not inherit the Kingdom of God'? / 42:05 - Psalms 141:5-7, what does this mean? / 49:41 - Matthew 25, what does the Parable of Talents look like today?

Welcome to Day 2888 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2888 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 136:17-26 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2888 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2888 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Cosmic Land Transfer – Inheritance, Remembrance, and the God of Heaven In our previous episode on this grand, historical expedition, we marched through the dramatic midsection of the Great Hallel: Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Six, verses ten through sixteen. We stood alongside the liberated community of Israel as they witnessed the devastating, courtroom judgment executed against the Egyptian pantheon. We watched the Divine Warrior split the primordial chaos waters of the Red Sea, carving a dry, safe highway right through the abyss, and effortlessly shaking off the arrogant, imperial army of Pharaoh like an annoying insect on His sleeve. We closed our trek by following our heavenly Shepherd into the terrifying, uncreated wilderness wasteland, discovering that His Hesed—His fierce, unyielding, and covenant-keeping faithful love—is uniquely durable enough to sustain us through our most parched, desperate chapters. Today, we have arrived at the magnificent, soaring crescendo of this ultimate liturgical masterpiece. We are completing our journey through Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Six, by exploring verses seventeen through twenty-six, in the New Living Translation. The antiphonal chant of the temple choir continues to ring out across the stone courts of Jerusalem, with the massive congregation roaring back the rhythmic drumbeat of faith after every single line. The historical narrative now shifts from the survival of the wilderness, to the violent, supernatural conquest of the Promised Land. The psalmist pulls back the cosmic curtain to show us that our ultimate inheritance was secured by a God who systematically dismantles giant rebel kings, remembers us in our deepest human weakness, and universally sustains every living thing from His heavenly throne room. Let us step onto the final ridge of this specific trail, adjust our cosmic lenses, and listen to the final chords of the Great Hallel. The first segment is: Dismantling the Giant Proxies of the Underworld Stronghold Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Six: verses seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, and twenty. Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings. His faithful love endures forever. He slaughtered powerful kings. His faithful love endures forever. Sihon king of the Amorites. His faithful love endures forever. Og king of Bashan. His faithful love endures forever. The final historical movement of the psalm opens with a thunderous, dual celebration of military and cosmic triumph. “Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings... He slaughtered powerful kings... Sihon king of the Amorites... Og king of Bashan.” To fully unlock the massive, explosive spiritual warfare embedded in these specific names, we must integrate the profound insights of the Ancient Israelite divine council worldview, as masterfully taught by Doctor Michael S. Heiser. To a modern reader, the mention of Sihon and Og can feel like a repetitive, boring footnote from an ancient Near Eastern border dispute. We might wonder why a psalm focused on the eternal love of God would spend so much time naming dead kings. But to the ancient Israelite pilgrim marching up Mount Zion, these names were filled with holy terror, and monumental cosmic victory. These were not ordinary human rulers; they were the terrifying, giant gatekeepers of the cosmic rebellion. We must look back to the foundational blueprint of cosmic geography recorded in Deuteronomy, chapter thirty-two. When the Most High disinherited the seventy nations at the Tower of Babel due to their rebellion, He placed them under the jurisdiction of lesser spiritual beings—the sons of God, the territorial elohim. These principalities subsequently mutinied, demanding worship for themselves, and establishing dark, spiritual strongholds across the earth. But the most concentrated, defiant center of this rebellion was located in the north, in the region of Bashan, at the foot of Mount Hermon—the exact geographic site where the rebel watchers originally descended to stage their coup against the Almighty. Sihon, the king of the Amorites, and Og, the king of Bashan, ruled over this demonic geography. According to the historical records of Moses, Og was a literal remnant of the giant Rephaim, possessing an iron bedstead that was over thirteen feet long! In the ancient mindset, the Rephaim were the physical, and spiritual, anomalies produced by the corruption of the Watchers—the Nephilim lineages designed by the rebel gods to contaminate humanity, and permanently block the chosen family of Yahweh from ever establishing the Kingdom of God on earth. Bashan was poetically recognized as the "place of the serpent," and the literal gate of the underworld. When the psalmist declares that Yahweh “struck down mighty kings” and “slaughtered powerful kings,” he is describing a spectacular, cosmic cleansing of the geography. The Divine Warrior marched directly into the teeth of the underworld stronghold, confronted the most monstrous, intimidating avatars of the rebel council, and completely obliterated them. He proved that giant physical stature, demonic lineages, and ancient spiritual fortresses are absolutely nothing but chaff before the wind when the High King of the cosmos extends His hand. And why did He slaughter these terrifying giants? The congregation roars the answer after every name: “His faithful love endures forever.” Love for the covenant family required the violent, total eradication of the supernatural forces that sought to destroy them. The second segment is: The Cosmic Land Transfer and the Realignment of Geography Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Six: verses twenty-one and twenty-two. He gave their land as an inheritance. His faithful love endures forever. A special possession to his servant Israel. His faithful love endures forever. Having executed the giant kings and cleared the spiritual contamination from the landscape, the True King performs a monumental, legal act of property reallocation. “He gave their land as an inheritance... a special possession to his servant Israel.” This section of the liturgy celebrates the glorious, geographic reversal of the Tower of Babel. The Hebrew word used for inheritance here is nachalah, which refers to a permanent, legally binding family allotment that can never be sold, or stolen. In the cosmic courtroom, the land of Bashan, and the territories of Canaan, had been illegally occupied by the rebel elohim and their corrupt proxies. They had turned the earth into a playground of idolatry, violence, and darkness, claiming that Yahweh had no authority within their boundaries. But Yahweh executed a magnificent, sovereign eviction notice. He took the very land that the giant kings had fortified, completely stripped the rebel gods of their titles, and transferred the property deeds over to His segullah—His private, prized, and treasured possession, the family of Israel. The text notes that He handed it over to His “servant Israel.” This language of servitude is beautiful; it implies that Israel does not own the land as an autonomous empire, but holds it as a sacred trust, acting as the loyal stewards of Yahweh's earthly estate. By turning the land of the giants into an inheritance for Israel, the Creator successfully reestablished a beachhead of Eden right in the middle of a disinherited world. Mount Zion became the centralized command center where heaven and earth intersected, a sacred space where the laws, the justice, and the true cosmic order of the Almighty could safely flourish. When the congregation chants, “His faithful love endures forever” after these verses, they are recognizing that their physical homes, their fields, and their security are the direct, tangible evidence of a love that can redefine the boundaries of the planet to protect the family of God. The third segment is: From Cosmic Warfare to Intimate Grace and Universal Provision Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Six: verses twenty-three, twenty-four, and twenty-five. He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever. He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love endures forever....

It was one of those unforgettable, milestone moments for our family. Our firstborn child was holding her firstborn child. Wow! What a moment! And we got to join them in the delivery room just moments after the little guy's arrival. And I knew this presented a shocking development. My wife was a grandmother! Could you believe it? Me, living with a grandmother! Yes, I was living in denial. And then after becoming a grandmother more than once, well finally, I had to accept that disturbing reality and glorious reality. I am a grandfather! I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Why God Will Never Be a Grandfather.” All through the Bible, God introduces Himself to us as our Father in heaven, but never as our grandfather. God never has been and never will be anyone's grandfather. See, He only has children. He doesn't have any grandchildren. That might be some very important information for you to consider - eternally important - because you might be one of the many people who could be counting on the faith of their family to qualify them for heaven. If you've got a Christian mom or dad, that might help you know about Jesus. It won't do a thing for you when it comes to knowing Jesus personally though. You can't "osmote" a relationship with Jesus from your Christian parents or your Christian husband or your wife, or from the Christians you've been with your whole life. Unless there's been a personal transaction between you and Jesus to have your sins forgiven, you've never been born into God's family, and you'll never see heaven. God has no grandchildren. Jesus described the essential qualification for going to heaven when He said, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3). A couple of chapters earlier, the Bible describes just how that birthing into God's family takes place. It's in John 1:12, our word for today from the Word of God. Speaking of Jesus, it says, “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” What does it mean to “receive” Christ? Well, it's consciously opening the door of your heart and welcoming Jesus in. So, has there ever been a time when you did that for yourself? This verse talks about “believing in His name.” What's that about? When you check out “believe” in the original language of the New Testament, it's clear that it's a lot more than just agreeing with all the facts about Jesus dying for your sin. It's about total trust in Jesus like He's your only hope. “His name” literally means, “Jehovah rescues.” That's what He died for—to pay for your sin so you don't have to. To rescue you. Just picture that you're desperately drowning and Jesus has come like the rescuer. You've got to grab onto Him like He's your only hope. Has there ever been a time when you did that with Jesus? You say, "I'm not sure." Well, if you don't know you have, I'd say you probably haven't. When you've grown up in a Christian home, spent a lot of time in a Christian environment, it's easy to feel like, "Man, I must have picked up Jesus somewhere." Well, no, not unless there's been a time when you consciously put all your trust in Him for yourself and you told Him that. That's when your sins get erased from God's records. That's when you get born into God's family. It may be God has you listening today so He could whisper to your heart, “Take care of this now. Look, you've known a lot about Me all these years, but you've never known Me. Don't wait another day to begin your personal relationship with Me.” You know, you could do that by telling Jesus, “Beginning this day, I'm Yours.” This what could be your Jesus day, this would be a great day for you to go visit our website. It's ANewStory.com. From now on, this date can be your new birthday—your second birthday. The day you got God as your Father. You got Jesus as your Savior—your personal Savior!

Minimalism isn't about removing the things you love. It's about removing the things that distract you from the things you love. That insight from Joshua Becker gets to the heart of a much deeper issue than messy closets or crowded garages. Clutter competes for more than our space. It competes for our attention, affection, time, energy, and generosity. Joshua Becker, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and founder of Becoming Minimalist, joined the show today to talk about his book, Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World.  His message is not that every Christian needs bare walls, a tiny home, or a life stripped of beauty and enjoyment. Rather, it's an invitation to ask a better question: Are the things we own helping us live faithfully, or are they quietly distracting us from what matters most? Minimalism Is Not One-Size-Fits-All For many people, the word “minimalism” brings to mind stark white rooms, empty shelves, or getting rid of nearly everything they own. But Becker is quick to point out that minimalism will look different from one person to another. Some may enjoy a simpler aesthetic. Others may not. Some may feel called to live with very little. Others may simply need to become more intentional about what they own and why. Becker defines minimalism as “the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing anything that distracts us from it.” That definition moves the conversation from rules to purpose. The goal is not to own less for its own sake. The goal is to make room for what God has called us to value most. When Possessions Begin to Possess Us Becker's journey began on an ordinary Saturday morning. He set out to clean his garage while his young son wanted him to play. Hours later, still surrounded by stuff, he realized he had spent his day maintaining possessions instead of investing in his son. That moment became a turning point. He and his wife began removing unnecessary possessions from their home, eventually giving away or discarding 60 to 70 percent of what they owned. With each step, Becker noticed practical benefits. Their home became easier to maintain. Their lifestyle costs less. They had more time and energy. They also found new opportunities for generosity. As a pastor, Becker began to see the connection between simplicity and faith. Jesus had been inviting His followers into this kind of life all along—not as deprivation, but as freedom. He calls us away from storing up treasures on earth and toward a life oriented around the Kingdom of God. Consumerism Shapes Us More Than We Realize We live in a culture that constantly tells us more is better. Advertisements, social media, algorithms, and comparison all work together to convince us that the next purchase will make us happier, more secure, more admired, or more complete. The message is subtle but powerful: your life will be better if you buy what we're selling. Over time, that message shapes our desires. We begin to define success by accumulation. Bigger homes, newer cars, fuller closets, upgraded technology, and constant consumption start to feel normal. But normal is not always wise. And common is not always faithful. Scripture repeatedly warns us that riches and possessions can deceive us. In Luke 8, Jesus describes the seed choked by “the cares and riches and pleasures of life,” keeping it from bearing mature fruit. Possessions are not evil in themselves, but they can become thorns when they crowd out our attention to God, neighbor, and calling. Simplicity Is Not Deprivation Biblical simplicity does not mean rejecting every comfort or refusing to enjoy God's gifts. 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” Money can be used for celebration, hospitality, beauty, rest, and meaningful experiences with family and friends. Those are good gifts from a generous God. The issue is not whether we enjoy what God provides. The issue is whether those gifts become idols. When possessions begin to promise identity, security, comfort, or joy in ways only God can provide, they no longer serve us. They master us. That is why simplicity can be a path toward abundance. When we own less of what distracts us, we gain more of what matters: time, margin, focus, generosity, relationships, and availability to God's work. Clutter Steals Margin Many people today feel hurried, anxious, and stretched thin. While clutter is not the only reason for that exhaustion, it often contributes more than we realize. The more we own, the more we must clean, organize, protect, repair, insure, store, and pay for. Possessions require attention. They make demands. They quietly add weight to already busy lives. A less cluttered life can create margin—space to pray, rest, serve, listen, give, and be present. It can help us become more attentive to God and to the people He has placed before us. Becker shared the story of a woman named Trish, whose grandmother modeled a simple and faithful life. Her grandmother gardened, gathered eggs, sat on the porch, and lived with a peaceful attentiveness that left a lasting mark. Trish remembered that example as the kind of life she wanted to cultivate in her own family—not disconnected from the world, but less rushed by it. That kind of legacy is often caught more than taught. Owning Less Can Free Us to Give More One of the clearest connections between simplicity and faith is generosity. When we spend less on accumulation, we have more freedom to give. For someone in debt, owning less may create room to pay down what is owed. For someone living paycheck to paycheck, it may provide breathing room. For someone already financially stable, it may open the door to greater generosity. This is not merely a financial principle. It is a spiritual one. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our spending and giving reveal what we value. And as we direct our resources toward God's Kingdom, our hearts are shaped in the process. Generosity helps loosen the grip of materialism. It reminds us that money is not our treasure, our protector, or our purpose. It is a tool entrusted to us by God for His glory and the good of others. A More Faithful Question The goal of an uncluttered faith is not to make everyone's home look the same. It is not to shame people for enjoying good gifts. And it is not to create a new form of legalism around how much a Christian should own. The better question is this: What is God calling me to make room for? Maybe it's more time with your children. Maybe it's more generosity. Maybe it's less anxiety. Maybe it's a greater availability to serve. Maybe it's simply the freedom to stop chasing what the world says you need and begin living more deeply in what Christ has already given. Owning less is not the treasure. Christ is. But when we remove what distracts us, we may find ourselves freer to love Him, love others, and make an impact with what He has entrusted to us. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Can I borrow from my 401(k) instead of taking out a loan from the bank? My house is paid off, but I'm considering moving and may need funds available for a bridge loan. As the primary beneficiary of my late husband's IRA, do I have to move the full account into my name, or can I transfer part of it directly to my children since they're listed as contingent beneficiaries? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World: A Minimalist Book by Joshua Becker Becoming Minimalist Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If the kingdom of God is already here, what does that actually mean for how we live today? This episode dives into the original, often-overlooked instructions that Jesus and the apostles gave for kingdom living—stripping away the layers added by centuries of tradition. Discover a simpler, more powerful vision of faith rooted in love, forgiveness, service, and authentic community. If you're ready to rethink what it really means to be a kingdom citizen, this episode will both challenge and inspire you."The kingdom comes first. Everything else finds its place after that." - Tim WindersAccess all show and episode resources HEREEpisode Resources:NT90 Hub – This is the central website for the 90-day New Testament reading plan, with downloadable, printable plans, background information, and links to all episodes and resources.Episode Highlights:00:00 Kingdom Is Here 00:35 NT90 Reading Journey 02:44 Episode 12 Setup 04:32 Layers Over Scripture 07:44 Simplify Kingdom Living 09:45 Love God Love People 11:02 Make Disciples 13:01 Forgive Relentlessly 14:54 Serve Not Dominate 16:21 Seek Kingdom First 17:58 Be Peacemakers 19:07 Bear Spiritual Fruit 21:38 Real Kingdom Community 26:09 Steward Your Gifts 27:39 Justice Mercy Humility 28:55 Peter's Growth Trajectory 29:36 Final Letter Context 30:54 Faith to Love Ladder 31:39 Self Control Hinge 33:20 Progress Not Arrival 34:37 Drift Toward Decay 35:56 Stewarding Toward Love 37:22 Church Metrics vs Kingdom 40:47 First Century Lived Faith 42:02 Modern Misread of Fruit 42:33 Kingdom Today Politics Work 45:43 No Buildings Required 48:21 Next Episodes and Invite

In this episode, we wrestle with one of Jesus' shortest promises and one of our biggest temptations: turning the Gospel into a formula we can control. As Jesus says, “Whoever receives you receives me,” we explore how the kingdom of God comes not through our activity, but through Christ being received in the preaching of his Word—a passive gift that creates faith where and when it pleases God. The law is always long and always getting longer, but the Gospel is wonderfully short: God is for you, and even the smallest signs of faith are evidence that Christ's promise has already taken hold.GOSPEL Matthew 10:40-42 40 "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple -- truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward." CARE OF SOULS: DEATHIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss.Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death:How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of SoulsSupport the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The crowd called Paul a god. Then they stoned him, dragged his body outside the city, and walked away. And just when that quiet ditch should have been the end of the story, Paul opened his eyes, pulled himself up out of the dirt, and walked right back through the same gates where the stones had flown.That is the anatomy of endurance.If you have been doing exactly what God called you to do and still taking hit after hit, this message from Acts 14 is your word for this season. Lead Pastor Talaat McNeely unpacks Paul and Barnabas in Lystra to reveal three of the most dangerous traps believers fall into when the pressure refuses to let up.In this episode, you will discover:✅ How we instinctively try to domesticate God's power the moment it disrupts our comfort, and exactly what that habit costs our faith.✅ Why the same crowd that drapes garlands around your neck on Tuesday will pick up stones by Friday the moment you refuse to perform for them.✅ Why endurance is never a solo mission and how the body of Christ is designed to lift you when you cannot lift yourself.A frictionless path creates a fragile faith. The Kingdom of God is not advanced by smooth roads. It is forged through unshakeable endurance.Scripture: Acts 14:8-20 (NLT)Series: Unstoppable: A Journey Through the Book of ActsPurpose City Church | Aurora, IllinoisIf this message hit home, share it with someone who needs to hear it this week. And subscribe so you never miss a word from the house.

Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:37–38 may be one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible.What does it really mean to "judge not"? Does Jesus forbid discernment? Why do we find it so easy to excuse our own failures while condemning the failures of others?In this message from our Kingdom Way series, we explore how judgment, condemnation, forgiveness, and generosity reveal the true condition of our hearts. Jesus exposes our tendency to demand mercy for ourselves while withholding it from everyone else—and then invites us into a radically different way of living.The Kingdom of God is built on mercy, forgiveness, and grace. The question is: will we live that way?

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.151 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. 1."Annoyance is the price you pay for community." Do you think that's an accurate statement? How do you personally navigate that tension? 2.Paul tells the strong to restrain their freedom for the sake of a tender brother or sister, even when they're right. Is there an area where you've had to hold a freedom loosely for someone else's sake? What did that cost you? 3.RC Sproul called it "the tyranny of the weaker brother" when someone tries to make their personal conviction everyone else's law. Have you seen that happen — or done it yourself? What does it look like when a disputable matter gets treated as indisputable? 4.It seems there can be a tension between living out the kingdom of God vs having the modern optimized, maximized life. Do you see that tension in your life and if so, where?5.Mrs. Leonard's whisper — "I wish you were my little girl" — is offered as a picture of what it feels like to really be welcomed by Jesus. Have you experienced Jesus' welcome? When/how?6.How can the gospel make you and our community more welcoming?

We're not just a church. We're a Family.Our Vision is clear, simple, and unique. Our vision is Jesus in you. Our vision is for the people of God to have a faith that holds them. The kind of faith that vanquishes doubt, verifies identity, and voraciously contends for inner peace. A faith that removes the past, clarifies the present, and breathes life into the future. Our vision is the Kingdom of God built within the people of this obscure, yet mighty generation. A kingdom so great that its purpose destroys the common lack of self worth. A kingdom that sharpens the eyes, tenses the muscles, and readies itself for the battle against darkness. A Kingdom that brings purpose and healing to those who have failed more than succeeded, who are sinners more than saints, and who have known more pain than pleasure. Our vision is to challenge the weak and unproductive church of our day. To step beyond those who are religiously immature and search out those who for their love for Christ cannot be offended. Our hope is to raise warriors instead of those who think God only exists to keep bad things from happening. To raise those who know that following Christ means suffering loss yet gaining all things. Our vision is clear, simple, and unique…. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

THIS IS A SEASON TO TRUST GOD • Sunday Service To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org The Freedom Found in Surrender One of the greatest battles every believer faces is the battle for trust. We want answers. We want timelines. We want clarity. We want to know how everything is going to work out. Yet God often calls us to walk by faith before He reveals the full picture. I believe we are in a season where the Lord is teaching His people to trust Him at a deeper level than ever before. Not trust in circumstances. Not trust in governments. Not trust in our own understanding. But trust in Him. The beautiful reality is that trust produces freedom. When you truly trust God, you stop carrying burdens you were never designed to carry. Point 1: Trust Releases Divine Direction Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Point 2: Trust Removes Anxiety Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Point 3: Trust Allows God to Carry the Weight Psalm 55:22 (NKJV) “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Point 4: Trust Produces Stability Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Point 5: Trust Unlocks God's Strength Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles.” Point 6: Trust Frees Us from Fear Psalm 56:3-4 (NKJV) “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.” Point 7: Trust Opens the Door to God's Provision Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV) “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?'… But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Point 8: Trust Is Developed Through Trials Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV) “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Point 9: Trust Brings Rest Hebrews 4:9-10 (NKJV) “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” Point 10: Trust Leads to Freedom John 8:31-32 (NKJV) “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Closing I believe one of the greatest invitations God is extending to His people right now is simple: Trust Me. Trust Me with your future. Trust Me with your family. Trust Me with your finances. Trust Me with your ministry. Trust Me with the unanswered questions. Trust Me with the things you cannot fix. The enemy wants you burdened, worried, anxious, and exhausted. But Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” There is incredible freedom available right now. Freedom from fear. Freedom from striving. Freedom from anxiety. Freedom from needing to control everything. The more you trust God, the more freedom you will experience. And perhaps the greatest lesson you'll ever learn is this: You don't have to carry what God has already promised to carry for you. Trust Him. He's faithful. He's good. And He's already working on your behalf.  

What does life in the kingdom of God actually look like? In the Beatitudes, Jesus paints a surprising portrait of the people who belong to His kingdom. They are poor in spirit, mournful over sin, meek rather than self-promoting, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and committed to making peace. These qualities may seem weak in the eyes of the world, but Jesus calls them blessed.In this message, we'll explore how the Beatitudes are not merely a list of virtues to achieve, but a vision of the kind of people Jesus forms by His grace. As followers of Christ living between the arrival of the kingdom and its future fulfillment, we are invited to embrace the tension of the “already and not yet” and become people who make the kingdom visible wherever we go.

Episode Summary:In this message, Pastor Brad continues The Gospel Of series by teaching on the gospel of the Kingdom. Using Mark 1:14-15, he shows that Jesus did not only come to secure heaven for us later; He came as King, bringing a present Kingdom that gives believers purpose, authority, and power now. This message invites us to repent from performance-based thinking, believe what Jesus has finished, and live as people who carry His righteousness, peace, and joy into the world around us.Main Scripture:Mark 1:14-15Isaiah 9Ephesians 2:10Big Idea:The gospel of the Kingdom is the good news that Jesus is King, His Kingdom is present now, and believers are empowered to live from His authority and purpose.In This Episode:Why the gospel is more than a message of salvation later and includes purpose, identity, authority, and life in Christ now.How Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and announced that the Kingdom is at hand because the King has come.Why repentance means changing the way we think, especially when we drift back into performance, fear, pressure, or religious striving.How the Kingdom of God confronts the ways of the world by serving instead of forcing, humbling instead of dominating, and transforming hearts instead of merely changing appearances.Why the Kingdom must never be separated from the King, because principles may change behavior, but only Jesus changes the heart.How the Kingdom reveals purpose and empowers believers to bless others, change environments, and walk out the good works God prepared for them.Reflection Questions:Have I understood the gospel mostly as going to heaven later, while missing the Kingdom purpose Jesus gives me now?Where do I need to repent from old ways of thinking rooted in performance, pressure, fear, or self-effort?Am I trying to advance God's Kingdom with old kingdom methods such as force, control, image management, or comparison?Do I see the Kingdom as a present reality, or have I pushed it off until heaven or the afterlife?Where do I need to stop asking God to do what He has already empowered me to walk in through Christ?Have I made the Kingdom more about principles than about the King?What environment has God placed me in where I can bring righteousness, peace, joy, encouragement, patience, and love?Next Steps:Read Mark 1:14-15 this week and ask God to renew how you think about His Kingdom.Identify one area where you have been living from performance, and choose to trust the finished work of Jesus instead.Pray, “Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven,” over your home, workplace, family, and daily responsibilities.Look for one practical way to serve someone this week as a reflection of the upside-down Kingdom of Jesus.Stop carrying the pressure of being the center of your world, and intentionally make your life about the King.Walk into one environment this week believing that Christ in you can make it better because you are carrying His life and power.Closing Line:Listen in, share this message with someone who needs encouragement, and subscribe for more gospel-centered teaching from The Gospel Unfiltered.

A lot of times we hear a mixed message surrounding the kingdom and wealth. Here is a well rounded look at money and how to look at resources in light of the kingdom of God.

The Mount // Week 10 // - Prejudice, Planks and Pearls Matthew 7:1-6 NIV 1“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. 6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Prejudice Matthew 7:15-20 NIV  15  “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Luke 6:43-45 NIV 43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Galatians 5:19-25 NIV 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 1 John 4:1 NIV  1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Matthew 7:3-5 NIV  3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Prejudice Planks Pearls Matthew 7:6 NIV   6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 15:21–28 NIV 21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David,have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” 23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” 25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.” 27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 7:6 NIV   6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:7-8 NIV  7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Romans 2:1-4 NIV  1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Prejudice Planks Pearls

Matthew 13v31-33 with Phil HughesJesus rarely responded to questions with straightforward answers. Instead, he told stories—stories about farmers and feasts, lost coins and generous employers, unexpected neighbors and extravagant grace. In this series, we'll explore some of Jesus' most memorable parables and discover how these ancient stories continue to challenge, comfort, and transform us today. Together, we'll learn what the Kingdom of God is like and what it means to follow Jesus in the ordinary moments of everyday life

Baptism has profound effects upon the baptized: “purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.” The Catechism shows us that the graces of Baptism are so deep that—for the newly baptized—“nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God.” Fr. Mike relates to us the hard teaching that we are born mere beloved creatures of God—but through Baptism, we become adopted sons and daughters of God. Today's readings are paragraphs 1262-1266. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In John 3, Jesus has an encounter with an influential, religious elite named Nicodemus. Nicodemus represents many of us today - religious, influential, educated, and yet all of this is still not enough to be right with God and see the kingdom of God. Jesus is clear that one must be born again. What does it mean to be born again? Join us today to learn more.

Pathfinder Church | June 21, 2025 | Dion GarrettWhat is the Kingdom anyway?The Kingdom of God was Jesus's most talked-about topic, but it looks nothing like the castles, crowns, and conquest we might imagine. It's not a nation-state, a political movement, or even the afterlife — it's something far more personal and immediate. Jesus himself is the Kingdom, and according to Luke 17, it's already "in your midst," freely available right now. So why do so many of us who believe in Jesus never truly experience it? What did Jesus mean when he talked about the Kingdom of God — and is it something you can actually experience today?Website | https://pathfinderstl.orgOnline Giving | https://pathfinderstl.org/givePodcasts | https://pathfinderstl.org/podcastsFacebook | https://facebook.com/pathfinderstlInstagram |  https://instagram.com/pathfinderstlSt. John School | https://stjls.orgContact Us | churchinfo@pathfinderstl.org

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus  (NOT a Morning Mindset resource)   ⇒ BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER: (not tax-deductible) You can find out how to become a monthly partner including how to receive your "thank you" gift - our bonus podcast called "Digging Deeper." Go to: https://mm-partners.supercast.com/  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 19:23–25 - And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” [25] When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Underwrite one daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: Subscribe to the SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish Subscribe to the CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com   

Original Post Date: June 22, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 6:24-34 Jesus said to his disciples: "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” Reflection It's interesting how many people base their relationship on God by how quickly and how effectively he answers their prayers. Jesus says, pray and I will give you whatever you ask. But you know and I know that what that means is that we have in God the one who will be there for us always. He will always be what we need, but not necessarily what we think we need or what we want. So along with this beautiful promise of abundance in our life, there is still things that we would call not what we want. Evil things. Things that break down. Things that don't work. And you can't live in the kingdom without accepting both the fullness of that kingdom and the times when we feel that it's empty and not enough. Closing Prayer Father, we ask for wisdom. We don't always know what to pray for, what to ask for, how to deal with the things going on in our life. But if we are filled with you, your Spirit living in us is the spirit of wisdom, and it's there to enable us to give in to everything that you ask of us, and to rejoice in what is good and what is not. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Read Online“So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?' or ‘What are we to drink?' or ‘What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” Matthew 6:31–34In the fifth century, Saint Augustine wrote The City of God, one of the most important works in Catholic thought and Western philosophy. In it, he contrasted the Christian “City of God” with the pagan “City of Man,” responding to those who blamed Christianity for the decline of the Roman Empire. He writes: “Thus, two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly city by a love of self to the point of contempt for God, and the heavenly city by a love of God to the point of contempt for self. The former glories in itself, while the latter glories in the Lord.” (XIV.28)At the time, the once-mighty Roman Empire was in steady decline, and many falsely attributed its downfall to the rise of Christianity. Augustine, however, defended the faith, offering a profound theological and philosophical exposition of history, divine providence, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. By contrasting these two fundamental orientations of civilization—the City of Man, built on self-love and earthly glory, and the City of God, founded on divine love and eternal truth—Augustine illuminated the true path to human flourishing and salvation.Augustine's words echo Christ's teaching in today's Gospel, offering clarity and encouragement to the faithful of his time who labored to build up the growing Catholic Church. Today, his insights remain just as relevant, guiding the Church amid a world increasingly consumed by materialism and secular values.Which “city” is more attractive to you? If we are to truly build the City of God—or the Kingdom of God, as Jesus calls it—we must remain vigilant against the many secular influences that pull us away from the Gospel and the work of building God's Kingdom.As Jesus teaches, the pagans seek and worry about the things of this world, often at the expense of what is eternal. Yet our Heavenly Father knows our needs, and so we must cultivate an interior disposition of trust in His providence. While we are called to act responsibly, providing diligently for ourselves and our families, we must ultimately recognize that it is God who sustains us when we cooperate with His will. We must do so without fear.Jesus does not condemn responsible stewardship of material goods; rather, He warns against worldly anxiety. As a fundamental disposition, we must always “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” When we do so, “all these things will be given you besides.” In other words, if our greatest love is to build God's Kingdom in our hearts, our families, and our society, we can trust that He will provide for our needs, freeing us to focus entirely on His divine work.Jesus concludes today's Gospel with consoling words: “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” This is not a license for imprudence or irresponsibility, as if we are called to live a carefree life without foresight. Rather, it is an invitation to trust in divine providence, living in confidence that when our primary concern is God and His will each day, He will provide for our needs in due measure.Reflect today on whether you truly “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The best way to discern this is to prayerfully examine the deepest desires of your heart. When your desire is for God's Kingdom, you will experience peace and interior order. When your heart clings to worldly concerns, you will be anxious and burdened by many things. Strive to order your desires properly, and God will lavish upon you all that is good and necessary for a joyful participation in the glorious and eternal City of God.Most glorious King, You came to establish Your Kingdom in our hearts, our families, and our world. Too often, I fail to recognize its glory and instead labor to build an earthly city of passing pleasure, wealth, and comfort. Draw me ever closer to You, Lord, and open my eyes of faith, that I may seek only Your will and become a true instrument of the Kingdom You desire to establish. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount, by August MüllerSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Topics:  Skydiving, Hansen 2042, Contentment, Remember, Breaking Animal News, Attractiveness, Searching BONUS CONTENT: Attractiveness Follow-up, Who's A Christian   Quotes: "I think children are welcome in the kingdom of God as they are." "God's grace is wider than ours." "Contentment. A lot of people don't like it when you're content, but it is the best way to live." "Remembering: putting together the big picture again." . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook!