Podcasts about kingdom of god

In today's episode, we're getting real about what it actually looks like to live on mission with your spouse — not just talk about it, but truly build a marriage centered on the Kingdom of God. But before we dive deep, we're starting with some hilarious (and slightly dramatic) marriage fight stories — because let's be honest… marriage isn't always easy.

Read OnlineThen the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Matthew 20:20–21What a bold move by the mother of the sons of Zebedee! A common misconception at that time was that the Messiah would usher in a new political and earthly kingdom and those who held positions of power in this kingdom would bask in earthly glory. However, Jesus' mission as the Messiah was to establish a far superior Kingdom through His Passion and Resurrection. These two disciples, along with their mother, did not yet understand this.Just before this passage, Jesus took the Twelve aside and prophesied His Passion and Resurrection: “...the Son of Man will be handed over… they will condemn him to death… be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” This is the third time in Matthew's Gospel that Jesus predicts His Passion. It's surprising that, immediately after this prophecy, the mother of the sons of Zebedee asks Jesus to give her two sons the most prominent positions in His Kingdom. Jesus initially responds, “You do not know what you are asking.”In many ways, Jesus says the same to us. When we pray and seek to grow closer to God, we don't always understand what we are truly asking for. Like these two disciples and their mother, we might think that growing in holiness means God will protect us from all illnesses, difficulties, crosses, and problems—replacing them with consolations, a comfortable life, family unity, success at work, notoriety, and even wealth. But that's not the Gospel. The Gospel always points us to the Cross, while promising God's grace to carry it, not avoid it.As Jesus said to these two disciples, He also says to us when we pray for greater holiness: “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” In other words, the path to holiness is the Cross. It's the only way. Jesus tells us this in many ways, just as He told His disciples three times. They did not understand or chose not to believe what He was saying. The same is true for us. When we seek holiness, our Lord tells us that we must be willing to be “handed over,” “condemned,” “mocked and scourged and crucified,” so that, with Jesus, we can be raised up. Each person's path to the Cross will be unique, but we all must accept it if we want to share in Christ's Kingdom. It is the only way.Reflect today on Jesus looking at you with love and asking, “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” Try to understand what that means. What does the Cross look like in your life? Often, when we encounter crosses, we flee from them, presuming they are bad, and even pray for them to go away. Yet our Lord lovingly tells us to carry that cross with His strength, peace, and joy. That is the only way to authentic holiness and the only way to true greatness in the Kingdom of God. Do not fear Christ's Cross. It is the answer to all you long for in life.My gentle Lord, like Your disciples, I often want my crosses removed from my life rather than carry them with the aid of Your grace. I desire to drink from the Sacred Chalice of Your Passion so that I may share in Your Resurrection and glory. Give me courage when I encounter the crosses You wish me to carry and the wisdom to discern Your path to glory. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ meeting the wife and the sons of Zebedee by Paolo VeroneseSource: 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.

In the United States today, there is no faith more dominant than Christianity. In Chosen Land, historian Matthew Avery Sutton chronicles Christians' five-hundred-year endeavor to turn North America into their version of the kingdom of God, revealing the fruitful and dynamic entanglement between the history of America and the history of American Christianity.In the centuries after Christianity first arrived on American shores, colonizers and colonized from New England to Spanish California practiced many varieties of the faith. After the founding of the United States, the nation's lack of a state religion forced new and evolving strains of Christianity to battle for potential adherents, as they still do to this day. As American Christianity has bent, fractured, and adapted to changing times, Christian belief has shaped everything from the promise of Manifest Destiny to Ronald Reagan's approach to the Cold War, the rise of the Southern Lost Cause narrative to the triumphs of the civil rights movement.Buy the book HERE.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial

In this third episode, Kimberly walks us through the third mystery—the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God—helping us understand Jesus's mission, His role as preacher and Lord, and His divine power and authority. Furthermore, Kimberly guides us in Christ's teaching on pleasing God through faith and obedience. Whether you're watching on your own, with daughters and friends, or leading a parish study, this series is an invitation to grow as a woman of faith and grace, reflecting on the Luminous Mysteries of Jesus.   ✨ Join the largest group Bible Study in America—Bible Across America ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.com/america Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconfere...

When we individually speak up and stand up for truth, we're collectively building the kingdom of God. Today's guest, Tammy Uzelac Hall, shares her experience learning that as we pay the price to study the doctrine of the gospel and really know the stories of the women in scripture who came before us, our spiritual confidence grows and our declarations of truth become even more powerful. With this kind of faith, we're able to boldly share testimony, and like they did, accomplish what the Lord needs of us. "Sisters, we need your voices teaching the doctrine of Christ. We need your ability as women to detect deception and to articulate truth. We need your inspired wisdom in your family, ward, and stake councils, as well as in other places of influence throughout the world. Your family, the Church, and the world need you!" President Russell M. Nelson, "The Influence of Women" Our voices are needed—and they matter! Tammy Uzelac Hall is the host of the Sunday On Monday podcast. She loves all things scripture and is a lifelong student of the Hebrew language. Both her bachelor's and master's degrees are from BYU. Notes: "The Influence of Women," 2024 Relief Society Devotional address by President Russell M. Nelson Sunday on Monday is a weekly Come, Follow Me podcast where Tammy and guests dig into the scriptures together. It is a Deseret Book Bookshelf+ exclusive. Full episodes can be accessed with a Bookshelf+ subscription. Start your free 30-day trial! Listen to other Magnify podcast episodes with Tammy! Joy Brings us Mission and Purpose You are on the brink of something wonderful! How to count it all for joy Cheering for Peace

Divorce is common. But is it casual?In a culture where marriage is often treated as temporary, what does the Bible actually say about divorce? Is it a minor issue — or something God views much more seriously?In this message, Pastor Bobby Chandler breaks down Scripture's perspective on marriage, covenant, and commitment — and why this conversation matters more than ever.

Monday March 2, 2026 II Week of LentToday's readings reveal how God raises the humble, confronts pride, and calls ordinary people into extraordinary purpose.In **Genesis 41:14–45**, Joseph is suddenly lifted from prison to the palace. Brought before Pharaoh, he does not claim brilliance for himself: “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer.” The years of hidden faithfulness now give way to public responsibility. Promotion comes—but Joseph's posture remains humble, anchored in God as the true source of wisdom.In **1 Corinthians 4:8–21**, Paul challenges the Corinthians' spiritual pride. While they see themselves as strong and reigning, Paul reminds them that apostolic leadership looks more like weakness, endurance, and fatherly correction. The kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power—power marked by humility, sacrifice, and transformed lives.And in **Mark 3:7–19**, crowds press in from every direction, drawn by Jesus' authority and healing. Yet from the multitude He appoints twelve—to be with Him and to be sent out. Before influence comes intimacy. Before mission comes relationship.This episode invites us to stay humble when God elevates us, to reject shallow pride for kingdom maturity, and to draw near to Jesus—so that being with Him shapes how we are sent by Him.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the themes of kingship and the kingdom of God as presented in the scriptures. As we wind down our series, "The Last Kingdom," we explore the prophetic words of Isaiah and their fulfillment through Jesus Christ, the ultimate King. Join us as we discuss: - The historical context of Isaiah's proclamations during a tumultuous time for Israel. - The significance of Jesus' announcement in the synagogue and what it means for us today. - How the kingdom of God is advancing, often in ways that seem imperceptible or insignificant. - The importance of understanding Jesus not just as a Savior but as the King who invites us to participate in His kingdom here and now. We also reflect on the challenges of recognizing God's work in our lives and the world around us, especially during times of doubt and uncertainty. As we conclude, we share a powerful communion moment, reminding us of the sacrifice of our King and the call to live out His kingdom values in our daily lives. Whether you're a long-time follower of Jesus or just curious about the faith, this episode offers insights that can transform your understanding of what it means to live as part of God's kingdom. Read along with our chosen scripture: Isaiah 42:1, 4–6; 45:23; Luke 4:17–21; Matthew 13:31–33; 16:18; 25:14, 19; 28:18–20 The Main Idea: Jesus's kingdom is not advanced by force, but over time through transformed lives. We are invited to participate in its expansion. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

Even the greatest prophet had a moment of uncertainty. But rather than condemn John, Jesus gave a response that may surprise some of us. Notes: Luke 7 John, in a moment of doubt, sent a message to Jesus,“Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Doubt is a sign that someone is thinking. A French proverb says, “He who knows nothing doubts nothing.” “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” #1 Moses was ready to quit. Numbers 11:14–15"I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me now." #2 Elijah was ready to quit.(1 Kings 19:4) #3 Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. #4 Paul the Apostle was deeply discouraged.(2 Corinthians 1:8) #5 David wrote half the Psalms while angry, confused, or feeling abandoned by God. #6 John the Baptist was discouraged and entertained doubts. Read Luke 7:18–28 John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. John was in prison because of his bold preaching to King Herod. In John’s mind, Jesus the Messiah would organize a revolt. John was expecting political deliverance.Jesus was bringing spiritual deliverance. Sometimes we misunderstand God and His word. Jesus understood John’s questions and his doubt. Jesus answered John’s doubt with evidence and clarification, not condemnation. Galatians 5:15But if you are always biting and devouring one another,watch out! Beware of destroying one another. It is easier to critique than create.It is easier to tear down instead of build up. Jesus loves you and understands your questions, too. Psalm 10:1Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:16 (a)The LORD is king forever and ever. Jesus defended John publicly,when John criticized Jesus privately.(Luke 7:24) You have immeasurable value because you are God’s creation.(1 Peter 2:9) Ephesians 2:10For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross so you could have a relationship with Him. Doubt is a matter of the mind. Unbelief is a matter of the will. John was doubting, but he still believed. Jesus refocused John’s priorities. John’s doubts were answered by Scripture.(Luke 7:22) Stay the course when you don’t see the plan.(Luke 7:23) Luke 7:28I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is! John was a part of the Old Testament economy.You are a New Testament believer. John was a friend of the Bridegroom.You are the bride of the Bridegroom. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even the greatest prophet had a moment of uncertainty. But rather than condemn John, Jesus gave a response that may surprise some of us. Notes: Luke 7 John, in a moment of doubt, sent a message to Jesus,“Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Doubt is a sign that someone is thinking. A French proverb says, “He who knows nothing doubts nothing.” “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” #1 Moses was ready to quit. Numbers 11:14–15"I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me now." #2 Elijah was ready to quit.(1 Kings 19:4) #3 Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. #4 Paul the Apostle was deeply discouraged.(2 Corinthians 1:8) #5 David wrote half the Psalms while angry, confused, or feeling abandoned by God. #6 John the Baptist was discouraged and entertained doubts. Read Luke 7:18–28 John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. John was in prison because of his bold preaching to King Herod. In John’s mind, Jesus the Messiah would organize a revolt. John was expecting political deliverance.Jesus was bringing spiritual deliverance. Sometimes we misunderstand God and His word. Jesus understood John’s questions and his doubt. Jesus answered John’s doubt with evidence and clarification, not condemnation. Galatians 5:15But if you are always biting and devouring one another,watch out! Beware of destroying one another. It is easier to critique than create.It is easier to tear down instead of build up. Jesus loves you and understands your questions, too. Psalm 10:1Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:16 (a)The LORD is king forever and ever. Jesus defended John publicly,when John criticized Jesus privately.(Luke 7:24) You have immeasurable value because you are God’s creation.(1 Peter 2:9) Ephesians 2:10For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross so you could have a relationship with Him. Doubt is a matter of the mind. Unbelief is a matter of the will. John was doubting, but he still believed. Jesus refocused John’s priorities. John’s doubts were answered by Scripture.(Luke 7:22) Stay the course when you don’t see the plan.(Luke 7:23) Luke 7:28I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is! John was a part of the Old Testament economy.You are a New Testament believer. John was a friend of the Bridegroom.You are the bride of the Bridegroom. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend, we're journeying through Mark 10 to identify some areas where we must "unlearn" the habits of the world to fully receive the kingdom of God and the mercy of Christ.Join us next weekend at The Branch Church and invite your friends and family!Find out what's going on at The Branch here: https://thebranch.org/eventsTo support this ministry, click here — https://rb.gy/rc53uxDownload Our App – http://thebranch.org/appCheck In — https://rb.gy/htq0qySermon Notes —https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=Skg6-EROWxSermon-Based Bible Study — https://thebranch.org/studyRequest Prayer — http://thebranch.org/prayerLike and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube — https://rb.gy/atpff4Like and Follow on Vimeo — https://rebrand.ly/d1ibt93Website — https://thebranch.org/Facebook — https://rb.gy/m4vhz6Instagram — https://rb.gy/p8g1blTwitter — https://rb.gy/xiwg68YouTube — https://rb.gy/icv7x2

By Tim Martens - Built into the New Testament mission of the church to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, bringing in disciples of Christ, and preparing them for the return of Jesus, is the instruction on how to respond to naysayers, providing wisdom in how the church carries out that mission.

Send a textIn this real and honest conversation, I sit down again with Christian artist The Dreamr (Drew Smith) to talk about faith, fatherhood, marriage, and what it really means to obey God — even when it's uncomfortable.We dive into the importance of purity before marriage, the responsibility of fatherhood, and the challenges that come with living out your faith in real life. We also discuss hard moments in ministry, including what it looks like to confront sin with love and stay faithful to God's instructions even when it's misunderstood.This episode is raw, honest, and centered on what it means to truly follow God — not just in words, but in action.If you're trying to grow in your faith, lead your family well, and learn how to listen when God speaks, this conversation is for you.Featuring: Drew Smith (The Dreamr) Christian Artist | Worship Leader | Kingdom VoiceTopics Covered:Fatherhood and spiritual leadershipPurity and waiting for marriageObeying God when it's difficultHard conversations in ministryMarriage and commitmentFollowing God's voiceLiving out real faithSubscribe for more real conversations about faith and life.Follow OneFaith: YouTube: @weareonefaith Instagram: @weareonefaith TikTok: @weareonefaithSupport the showThank You for Listening! When you like, share, subscribe & follow us on social media, you help advance the gospel to people we are targeting! You play a HUGE part in helping us build the Kingdom of God through the message he has given us! Help us build up God's Kingdom by following us @weareonefaith as we follow Christ! "One Lord One Faith One Baptism" - Ephesians 4:5

In this episode, we see Jesus telling his followers that the Kingdom of God has been hidden from the wise and learned and give to children!

Chapter 4 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus with Dr. Tony Evans is inspired by the Gospels. This is My Son - The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry. This story is the beginning of Christ’s ministry here on earth. This story begins with the heavens splitting open to showcase Jesus as the beloved son of God, and it ends with a battle of mind and emotions between Jesus and Satan. Today's opening prayer is inspired by Mark 1:15, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/ Learn more about Dr. Tony Evans at https://tonyevans.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dismantling of the Religious Self Four Lenten Reflections on Delusion, Abandonment, and the Life That Remains in God “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24 The fathers speak very little about religious success. They speak constantly about religious delusion. Not because religion is false, but because the ego can survive inside it indefinitely. It can pray. It can fast. It can obey. It can sacrifice. It can appear humble. It can appear faithful. It can appear entirely given to God. And yet never cease to exist as the center of its own life. The religious self is the final refuge of autonomy. It is the last structure to collapse. Christ did not come merely to forgive sin. He came to destroy the self that lives apart from Him and to raise the person into a life that is no longer his own. This destruction does not occur all at once. It occurs in stages. First, the destruction of false fulfillment. Then, the destruction of false righteousness. Then, the destruction of the self that believed it belonged to God. And finally, the revelation of the life that remains when the self that lived has died. This is not metaphor. It is the path. First Reflection The False Light That Feeds on Devotion On Seeking Fulfillment in Religious Things Instead of God “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?” Psalm 41:3 (42:2) Evagrios of Pontus returns again and again to the command of the Lord because he knows the tragedy of the human heart. The command is heard. It is repeated. It is admired. But it is not yet obeyed. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Matthew 6:33 This is not because the man refuses God. It is because he does not yet know how to live from Him. The soul seeks life with a desperation deeper than thought. It cannot endure emptiness. It cannot endure groundlessness. It must drink from something. And until it drinks from God Himself, it will drink from what surrounds Him. This is the beginning of the spiritual life for nearly every man. He turns away from obvious sin. He enters the life of prayer. He begins to fast. He reads the Scriptures. He studies the Fathers. He orders his days toward obedience and repentance. He removes himself from the chaos of the world and places himself among holy things. Everything outwardly moves toward God. But inwardly, something subtle and terrible begins to form. The man begins to live not from God, but from religious life itself. He begins to draw life from proximity. From belonging to the Church. From serving others. From participating in sacred rhythms. From being known as faithful. From being recognized as someone who has given his life to God. These things give him structure. They give him identity. They give him continuity. They give him the sense that his life has weight and meaning. And this feels like life. But it is not yet life in God. Christ did not say blessed are those who surround themselves with religious things. He said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4 The branch may rest against the vine. It may touch the vine. It may appear connected to the vine. But unless the life of the vine flows into it, it remains dead. St. Isaac the Syrian speaks with terrifying clarity about this condition. He writes that the soul seeks rest relentlessly, but until it rests in God, it will rest in created things. Even in holy things. Even in prayer itself. Because prayer can become a place where the ego hides. St. John Climacus warns of this when he writes that vainglory attaches itself to every virtue like a parasite. It feeds on fasting. It feeds on prayer. It feeds on silence. It feeds on obedience. It feeds on tears. It feeds on devotion itself. It is possible to pray constantly and remain centered in oneself. It is possible to serve constantly and remain untouched by God. It is possible to build an entire life around God and never yet have surrendered one's life to Him. Christ speaks of this with devastating simplicity. “Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you.” Matthew 7:22–23 He does not deny their works. He denies their communion. They lived around Him. They acted in His name. They built their lives in His presence. But they did not live from Him. This is the great danger of religious life. It offers proximity without union. The ego adapts itself to religious structure because religious structure can sustain its existence indefinitely. The ego does not resist religion. It colonizes it. Abba Macarius the Great said, “The heart itself is but a small vessel, yet dragons are there, and lions are there, and poisonous beasts are there, and all the treasures of wickedness are there. But there too is God.” Both realities coexist for a long time. The man prays, and the ego remains. The man fasts, and the ego remains. The man serves, and the ego remains. The ego does not fear religious activity. It fears death. Because Christ did not come merely to improve the ego. He came to crucify it. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20 This is not metaphor. It is ontological violence. The ego can survive prayer. It cannot survive crucifixion. This is why the ego draws life from religious participation rather than from God Himself. Because participation strengthens its continuity. Communion destroys its autonomy. Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou writes that God allows the man to labor in the life of the Church for years while this hidden foundation remains intact. Not because God is absent, but because the man is not yet capable of bearing the loss of himself. So God permits him to live from secondary things. From belonging. From service. From stability. From identity. These things are not evil. They are merciful accommodations to weakness. But they cannot give life. The prophet Jeremiah speaks with words that cut through every illusion. “They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13 The tragedy is not that the cisterns are wicked. It is that they cannot sustain life. They leak. They empty. They must constantly be refilled. The man must constantly reaffirm himself. He must remain useful. He must remain faithful. He must remain visible. He must remain necessary. Because his life depends on these conditions. But life in God does not depend on conditions. Life in God survives abandonment. It survives obscurity. It survives uselessness. It survives the loss of identity itself. This is why God begins, at a certain point, to remove the cisterns. Not as punishment. As mercy. He allows the man to lose what sustained his sense of himself. He allows him to lose position. He allows him to lose recognition. He allows him to lose certainty. He allows him to lose the emotional consolations that once accompanied prayer. Prayer becomes dry. Service becomes empty. The structures that once gave life now give nothing. This is the beginning of truth. St. Silouan the Athonite describes this moment as the withdrawal of grace that reveals to the man the true poverty of his soul. He writes that when grace withdraws, the soul sees its own weakness and learns that it cannot live without God. Not without religious life. Without God. The distinction becomes absolute. The man discovers that he does not yet know how to live from God Himself. He only knows how to live from what surrounds Him. This revelation feels like death. Because something is dying. The false center. The imagined continuity. The self that lived from participation instead of communion. Christ spoke of this death when He said, “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25 This loss is not symbolic. It is experiential. It is terrifying. Because the ego experiences the loss of its foundations as annihilation. Abba Moses said, “Go, sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” What does the cell teach? It teaches the man that he does not yet live from God. It removes distraction. It removes affirmation. It removes reinforcement. And what remains is his poverty. His inability to give himself life. His inability to sustain himself. His inability to exist without drinking from God. This is the beginning of real prayer. Not prayer that expresses devotion. Prayer that expresses need. Not prayer that affirms identity. Prayer that arises from groundlessness. The publican understood this when he stood at a distance and said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Luke 18:13 He had nothing left to sustain himself. And Christ says he went home justified. Because justification begins when illusion ends. God does not remove the false light to harm the man. He removes it to save him. Because whatever the man cannot lose without losing himself has become his god. God removes every false god. Even the religious ones. Until only God remains. St. Isaac the Syrian writes that the man who has learned to live from God alone becomes free from all fear. He can lose everything and remain alive. Because his life no longer depends on created things. It depends on the uncreated God. This is the passage from religious life into real life. The passage from devotion into communion. The passage from illusion into truth. It begins in loss. It ends in God.

Welcome to Heart Dive's Heartbeat of God, where we are finding how God's heart beats throughout His Word so we can find Him in the world. Today we are studying 1 Samuel 13-14 in the Old Testament.Help keep our Bible study resources free by supporting as a Heartkeeper here: heartdive.org/giveTODAY'S HEARTBEATS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t1U5VY6fJ9OzOIKBn8M7X12X9aoA6fXq/view?usp=sharingTODAY'S HEART WORK: PHASE 1: heartdive.org/startHEART DIVE LOBBY (Facebook Community): https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BK2GvLZbo/?mibextid=wwXIfrVISIT OUR SHOP: heartdiveshop.comFREE RESOURCES: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/mobile/folders/1Tvms_gB-OWMum61DiCXvFV8R8jKXpIVIMy Bible Notes: https://heartdive.org/daily-notes-with-kanoe/Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kanoegibson/list/1ED3COSB79TAQ?ref_=aipsflistLOGOS Software affiliate link: http://www.logos.com/heartdiveFree Reading Plan and Daily Newsletter sign up: http://heartdive.org/newsletterLink to recommended Bibles: https://heartdive.org/recommendations/ 

What do church work students experience at Concordia University, Irvine? The Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer (Associate Professor of Theology and Bioethics, Concordia University, Irvine) and the Rev. Dr. Paul Elliott (Professor of Theology, Christ College, Concordia University, Irvine) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what they love about their work at Concordia University, Irvine, what drew them to their areas of expertise and how these areas of expertise help form students, what students can expect academically and socially at Concordia Irvine, how students are fed spiritually, and what makes CUI a unique place for church worker formation. Learn more about Concordia University, Irvine at cui.edu. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Are sheep and goats really that different? In Matthew 25, Jesus paints a powerful vision of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned. But is this story about sorting good people from bad people—or something much deeper?In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate reframes the “sheep and goats” passage not as a moral scoreboard about heaven and hell, but as an unveiling of God's heart for compassion. What if this isn't about fear of judgment—but about living with a bigger heart right now?What You'll Learn:Why this passage may not be a classic parable at allHow Jesus challenges rule-focused religionWhat “apocalyptic” really means in the BibleWhy compassion is central to the Kingdom of GodWhat sheep and goats biologically reveal about the messageChapters: 00:00 Are sheep and goats really that different? 00:40 Rethinking the “parable” of Matthew 25 02:00 Is this about heaven and hell? 02:45 Pharisees, rules, and missing compassion 05:00 What “apocalyptic” actually means 06:30 Jesus' vision of the Kingdom of God 08:30 A judgment for now—not just eternity 10:15 Why sheep and goats are so similar 12:00 The surprising difference: bigger hearts 13:30 What this means for us todayIf this episode gave you a new way to see a familiar passage, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who grew up hearing this story a different way.Connect with Bethany:

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.

A Few Minutes in The Gospel of Mark  Part 23:  A Camel and The Eye of a Needle  -  English only.   Yeshua said that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.  What does that mean? Based on Mark 10:23-27.  This is a rebroadcast of a podcast originally recorded December 7, 2022. 

Isaiah Saldivar preaches on biblical deliverance, spiritual authority, and walking in the freedom of the Kingdom of God during revival week.

Send a text In this episode of BuddyWalk with Jesus, we slow down over Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus isn't promoting paranoia, a victim mindset, or picking fights—He's preparing apprentices for what happens when Kingdom life collides with the values of the world. We explore what “persecuted” means in the original language, why Jesus qualifies it as suffering for righteousness (not for being difficult), and why He repeats the same promise as the first Beatitude: “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This episode helps you discern persecution versus consequences, resist bitterness or performative martyrdom, and remain rooted in the present-tense reality of God's Kingdom—even when faithfulness costs you. Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia

We are all guilty of this. Even the most tolerant people if they dig deep down, they can find prejudices mostly likely towards those people they deem to be intolerant. As Pastor Ricky continues to examine the way that Jesus moved the church forward following His ascension, he challenges us to start moving toward the unifying love and grace that characterizes the kingdom of God. Stop building walls between yourself and “those” people and instead try inviting them to the table with you.

Overcomer Covenant Church exists to advance the Kingdom of God, locally and globally, by preaching the Gospel, partnering with other ministries, and planting churches. To support Overcomer and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://overcomercc.org/give If you've just made a decision for Christ, click the link today - https://overcomercc.org/saved If this is your first time joining us, click the link today - https://overcomercc.org/newhere —— Stay Connected! Website: https://overcomercc.org YouTube: https://youtube.com/@overcomercc Instagram: https://instagram.com/overcomercc Facebook: https://facebook.com/overcomercc

In this episode David, Mike, Ruthie and Jeff talk about the Kingdom of God. The discussion centers on the Kingdom of God in the physical and spirt.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 26th of February, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Numbers 11:16: “So the Lord said to Moses: “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them;…” Then we go straight to the Gospel of Mark 6:7: “And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two,…” Moses realised he just could not cope anymore. He was directing a whole nation of people in the wilderness and he had no help. He was doing it on his own, and the people were getting restless and complaining, “We need meat to eat. In Egypt, we had meat and fish and melons and all those things, and now we have nothing.” Moses was beside himself. You can read it in Numbers, just a few verses before. He said, “Rather kill me. I can't do this anymore.” And God said to him, “Call seventy men, good men, leaders, and I will anoint them, and they will help you to take the nation of Israel through the wilderness and into the promised land.Then we see Jesus, when he was sending the disciples out to preach the Gospel and heal the sick and set the captives free, he sent them out two by two, not one at a time, two by two. There are no lone-rangers in the Kingdom of God, no one-man shows. Why did He send them out two by two? I will tell you why - so that they could protect one another and there was accountability so the devil could not tempt them. I want to say to you, I will not go anywhere to preach the Gospel on my own. We go in a group. You know that if you know me. Why is that? So that we can watch over one another, help one another, pray with one another, protect one another. It's how God made us.I remember speaking to a young man. I love him dearly. He is a great preacher. He was on his way to Ethiopia, just for the weekend to speak at a conference. I said, “Who is going with you?” “No, no”, he said, “It is a short trip. I am going on my own.” And I had to speak to him firmly, and I trust that he has listened. I said, “Don't do that.” Do not go anywhere on your own when you are doing God's work. You need to go two by two so that you can look after each other. Not only preachers, I am talking to ladies here as well as young people. When you go out, you do not go on your own. God never created us to do that. We go together and in that is the comfort and the love and the peace of God.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day.Goodbye.

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.

Trump's 2026 State of the Union was the longest ever — packed with political traps, hero moments, and viral chaos. We break down the highlights, the Democrat reactions, and the memes that took over the internet. All this and more on the LOOPcast!Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line — and FREE SHIPPING — with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-CharityMobile 00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast06:57 Trump's 2026 SOTU Address 39:09 Democrat Reactions48:06 Good News57:56 Twilight Zone 1:14:14 Closing Prayer Watch Tom Across America Minnesota ice fishing episode: https://youtu.be/OC3FsI84s60 EMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer Daily Prayer for America 250By Raymond Leo Cardinal BurkeO Sacred Heart of Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth,I place today my nation, the United States of America,into Your Heart pierced for love of us.On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,I acknowledge that true liberty is Your gift,and that our lasting homeland is the eternal Kingdom of God.Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas,and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart,bless my homeland anew,purify her from sin,and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace,so that she may safeguard all human life,respect the integrity of marriage and the family,and honor the practice of religion.Reign in my home and in my nation.Draw every heart into communion with You,that Your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumphin America and throughout the world.Amen.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study  “The religious needs and capacities of older children are no less great or essential than those of younger children. Their religious potential is no less strong; rather, it is expressed through the new capacities of their own stage of development.” - Sofia Cavalletti, The History of the Kingdom of God, Part 1, Pg. 173  Rebekah joins us on the podcast today to discuss the Spiral Method and how it applies to our work in CGS.   Rebekah Rojcewicz is a catechist and formation leader in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd having completed her training in 1981 in Rome with Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. She has translated several of their books and articles from the original Italian and has written and edited various parts of the CGS core texts. She is also the author of Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues. Rebekah is a catechist at her parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, and for the Missionaries of Charity atrium in Memphis, Tennessee. She serves on the formation advisory council for CGSUSA, as well as on the International Board for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.    Characteristic #3 - The atrium is a community in which children and adults live together a religious experience which facilitates participation in the wider community of the family, the church, and other social spheres.  The atrium is a place of prayer, in which work and study spontaneously become meditation, contemplation, and prayer.  The atrium is a place in which the only Teacher is Christ; both children and adults place themselves in a listening stance before his Word and seek to penetrate the mystery of the liturgical celebration.      “The pilgrimage of faith is not a journey in a straight line with death waiting at the end, but a kind of spiral through which progress is made only in successively deeper experiences of death and rebirth.” - Mark Searle    Books you might be interested in:  The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds  History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa  History of the Kingdom of God Part 2: Liturgy and the Building of the Kingdom  Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues    Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:  Episode 42 – The Mystery of Time  Episode 57 – Celebrating the Life of Tina Lilig      TINA LILIG MEMORIAL FUND  During the month of February, we remember our first national director, Valentina Lillig, and we honor her legacy by encouraging generosity to the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund.     The mission of the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund is to support the growth and development of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd through catechist formation, missionary outreach, and the work of the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGSUSA). To these ends, the TLM Fund offers a source of financial aid (in the form of partial scholarships) to applicants who would find paying the full tuition of a course to be a hardship.    If you or your community needs scholarship or grant support for formation, please visit our website and apply [this could be a link in the show notes]. The next deadline for applications is April 30. Thank you to all the donors who have generously supported the TLM Fund and made formation courses possible for catechists across the US and the world.      BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER          AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

This week Jason Farley helps me lay the final jurisdictional footer for building a Christian understanding of God's law, its purpose, and how it informs the way Christian use the jurisdiction God has given them in the legal and policy spheres. Find out why the key to understanding the two objectively real dominions we must deal with in those spheres --that of sin and of grace -- is, in Jason's words, that "everything is connected."Support the show: https://www.factennessee.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. When believers forget who they are, they start acting like who they were. That's exactly what was happening in Corinth. The lawsuits, the fighting, the mistreatment, the "me-first" mindset—none of it fit who they had become in Christ. So Paul brings them back to the foundation: Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. — 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 Paul's list is not gentle. He names sins the Corinthians once embraced—sins they preferred not to talk about—sins that defined how they lived, what they desired, and who they believed they were. Then he hits them with four words that change everything: "Such were some of you." Past tense. Former identity. Old life. Dead self. Not who you are anymore. The Corinthians were living as if their old identity still held power over them. Paul reminds them of the supernatural reality that reshaped their entire existence: First | You were washed. Your filth is gone, not managed. Christ didn't rinse you—He cleansed you. Second | You were sanctified. Set apart. Made holy. Placed into a new category of belonging. Third | You were justified. Declared righteous. Given a new standing before God. Not because you earned it, but because Christ secured it. This was Paul's entire point: Believers acting unrighteously had forgotten they had been made righteous. Their behavior didn't match their identity. Paul is not saying, "Try harder." He's saying, "Remember who you are." Identity fuels obedience. Identity kills sin. Identity restores relationships. Identity corrects foolishness like lawsuits, bitterness, pride, and division. And identity always begins with what Christ has done—not what we achieve. Paul drags the Corinthians out of their petty battles and back into their eternal status: Washed from who you were Sanctified for who you are Justified for who you're becoming The gospel didn't just change your destination. It changed your definition. And when you remember who you are, you start living like who you truly are. DO THIS: Slow down today and say these three truths out loud: Washed. Sanctified. Justified. Let your identity shape your obedience. ASK THIS: Which part of my old identity tries to pull me back the most? Which truth—washed, sanctified, or justified—do I struggle to believe today? How does remembering my identity change how I treat others? PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for washing me, sanctifying me, and justifying me in Christ. Help me live from this identity, not from my past. Let my life show who You've made me to be. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Who You Say I Am"

In this episode, Jesus shares some words about his cousin John the Baptist and the Kingdom of God!

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.

Looking for real community in a disconnected world? Discover what the early church knew about belonging, healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit. In this teaching from the book of Acts 2:42–47, we explore how 3,000 new believers formed a thriving church community rooted in the apostles' teaching, fellowship, prayer, generosity, and daily worship. What does true biblical community offer today? Through the framework H.E.L.P.S., you'll discover how God's design for the church brings: • Healing for spirit, soul, and body • Encouragement that knits hearts together in love • Leadership and purpose that equips you to live on mission • Patience and unity through the active work of the Holy Spirit If you've ever felt alone, lost, or unsure where you belong, this message will help you engage in the kind of Christ-centered community that transforms lives. Watch now to discover how God uses community to restore hope, build faith, and add to His church daily.

In the final message of our "What Now?" series, Pastor Jared speaks on how we will be a church that makes an eternal impact for the kingdom of God.

Send a textDr. Randy Davis, Pastor of Zion Word Church USA and Founder/Overseer of Zion Word Ministries International USA brings a message on being a citizen of the Kingdom of God.  Only those that have given their lives to God have been granted citizenship in heaven.  There are no memberships only citizenship.  We are to continue forward in this life to one day be transferred into the literal Kingdom.To hear more inspiring messages by Dr. Randy Davis visit and subscribe to:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zwmiusaTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@zwmiusaPodcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/40604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zion_word/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionwordministriesint

Gospel  Matthew 6:7-15 Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Reflection We remember the story of the Tower of Babel and how it was that when God saw people working together he said, I want to create different languages so that they can't understand each other. Calling that a babble. So what he's saying is that when you speak just words without intention, just to repeat them over and over again, there is no way that there's any kind of communication with God. No, the way we communicate with him is yes, saying certain words. But the intention of those words have to be in our hearts as we pray them. The way Jesus taught us to pray is to recognize who He is, to work for what He longs to establish. To know that it will happen. And most especially, to be nurtured with the power to do something that's so essential. A core teaching. Forgive. Forgive one another. And as you do that, your father is in that very action, forgiving you. Closing Prayer Father, make our hearts one with your heart, our eyes like your eyes. Help us to see what is needed to do what you call us to do so that we can establish the Kingdom of God and dwell in its healing presence. The presence of a God in us growing, developing into a kingdom of love and forgiveness. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Health Show, I talk with registered dietician, nutritionist, and certified eating disorder specialist Liesel Maddox about GLP-1s. Are they a magic pill for weight loss, and what are the concerns around taking these medications? We are answering your questions, and as always, striving to bring you a grace-centered discussion on conversations that matter. We'll discuss: What are GLP-1s and how do they work? Can we safely use them to lose 10-15lbs? Can you take a GLP-1 indefinitely? We believe you are free in Christ to make informed decisions about your health. May this episode serve to give you more fuel for prayer as you consider the role of GLP-1s in your life. "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Romans 14:17-19 Let's break it down: 05:51 What are GLP-1s?12:36 Side Effects and Malnutrition Risks16:50 Can Vitamins Replace Food20:21 Stopping the Drug and Regain32:10 Peptide Therapy Explained37:17 Christian Discernment Framework41:36 Healing Food Noise50:44 Prayer And Sendoff

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    What do you want for your kids? Happiness? Great life? Money? Health?    Proverbs 24:16 For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again,   Rising After the Fall: The Resilience of the Righteous Scripture: “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”(Proverbs 24:16)   1. The Reality of the Fall - the gun will go off, someone will get shot The first thing we notice in this verse is a sobering honesty: the righteous fall. Many people operate under the misconception that a life of faith is a life of perfection or a shield against gravity. But Solomon doesn't say the righteous might fall; he says they fall "seven times." In biblical terms, the number seven often represents completeness. This suggests that the righteous will face complete, repeated, and sometimes exhausting setbacks. The Fall is not a Failure of Faith: Falling is simply part of the human condition. Whether it is a moral lapse, a financial collapse, or an emotional breakdown, being "righteous" does not mean being “bulletproof." I love Mauy Thai because you get kicked and punched and elbowed and kneed and that is the real world… most people don't like to fight because they don't want to feel pain… but once you get over that you become deadly.  2. The Definition of Righteousness If both the righteous and the wicked face "calamity," what is the difference between them? The difference isn't found in the descent, but in the response. The Wicked: When they stumble, they stay down. Their foundation is built on circumstances, so when circumstances crumble, they are undone. The Righteous: Their righteousness isn't based on their ability to stand perfectly; it's based on their relationship with the One who pulls them back up. Righteousness is a matter of orientation, not just performance. 3. The Grace of the "Again" The power of this verse lies in two words: "rise again." This is the theology of the second chance (and the third, and the seventh). God is more interested in your recovery than your stumble. The "rising" is an act of grit fueled by grace. It implies that as long as there is breath in your lungs, the story isn't over. "Failure is not the opposite of success; it is a stepping stone to it. In the Kingdom of God, failure is often the classroom where we learn the most about God's strength and our own weakness."   Application: How Do We Rise? Acknowledge the Fall: Don't waste energy pretending you didn't trip. Honesty is the first step toward upward mobility. Reject the Label: You may have fallen, but you are not "a failure." You are still "the righteous" because of whose you are. Lean on the Lifter: We don't rise by our own bootstraps. We rise because we serve a God who reaches down into the pit. Conclusion: If you find yourself on the ground today—spiritually, mentally, or professionally—take heart. The "seven times" you've fallen are not a tally of your defeat, but a setup for your next rising. Dust yourself off; your Storyteller isn't done writing yet.   Would you like me to expand on this with some specific modern-day illustrations or perhaps draft a concluding prayer to go with it

Featuring Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, and Matt Scott "The parables confront us with a question: Kingdom of God or kingdom of earth?" - Steve Macchia In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast (Season 39, Ep 02), Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, and Matt Scott reflect on six parables that share one compelling invitation: be all in for the kingdom of God. Through the practices of lectio and visio divina, they explore the recurring theme of Jesus inviting us to labor and live for the Kingdom of Heaven rather than the kingdom of earth. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  

Pastors, ever feel like your phone has a spiritual gift for ringing at the worst possible moment? In this episode, we dive into the holy art of becoming—brace yourself—radically unavailable. Yes, we're talking about saying “no,” ignoring notifications, and trusting that the Kingdom of God will not collapse if you take a nap. Join us as we talk with Michael Forney, COO of the Free Methodist Church USA. Together we explore how stepping away (without guilt) might just save your sanity, your family, and your ministry.

Are we majoring in the minors as parents? In this episode, Terry challenges families to slow down, seek first the Kingdom of God, and build homes centered on Christ rather than constant busyness. What we prioritize today shapes who our children become tomorrow.

Today's speaker is Dr. Chris Moles, pastor, biblical counselor and author. Dr. Moles describes the importance of the local church in holding people accountable when they sin, and comforting those who have been hurt.

In this episode, Mike and Tim ask a provocative question: Is "Christ is King" becoming blasphemy? They begin by analyzing recent political rhetoric, specifically a speech by Pete Hegseth, to discuss how biblical language can be hijacked for coercive power rather than reflecting the character of Jesus. The hosts argue that proclaiming theological truths while living in opposition to the way of Jesus is a distortion of "faith and politics." The conversation then shifts to a deep exploration of the Lord's Prayer and the petition, "Your Kingdom come." Mike and Tim unpack the concept of the "anti-kingdom," explaining that Jesus preached the Kingdom of God in enemy-occupied territory. They explore "theology" regarding the "powers and principalities," looking at the Divine Council in the Psalms, the "heavenly host" in Genesis, and how the biblical authors understood the spiritual forces behind structural evil and injustice. This isn't just about ancient myths; it is about understanding "the role of the church in society" when facing systemic corruption. By contrasting the "cruciformity" of the Gospel with the power dynamics of empire, the guys offer a framework for "navigating cultural challenges" with wisdom. They highlight that true "Christianity" recognizes the spiritual battle at play—not just in individuals, but in cultural patterns and ideologies. As the hosts discuss the "seen and unseen" realms, they emphasize the importance of prayer and "justice" in a world that is both beautiful and broken. We encourage and would love discussion as we pursue these complex topics, so please engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 02:17 - Living with Purpose Daily 05:46 - Pete Hegseth Biblical Analysis 09:55 - Spiritual Warfare and Authority 10:54 - Defining the Anti-Kingdom 18:07 - Mark 1:21-28 Bible Study 23:43 - Jewish Beliefs About Demons 26:04 - Jesus Appoints Twelve Disciples 26:50 - Understanding the Unforgivable Sin 30:57 - Spiritual vs Physical Realms 31:59 - Biblical Identity of Satan 36:30 - The Heavenly Host Explained 46:18 - Psalm 82 Divine Council 49:29 - Principalities and Spiritual Powers 51:01 - Spiritual Powers Unjust Rulers 52:49 - Spiritual Powers Popular Culture 54:09 - Idols and Sacrificed Meat 56:10 - Judgment of Spiritual Powers 57:28 - Satan and Cosmic Powers 1:01:55 - Overcoming the Anti-Kingdom 1:06:46 - Spiritual Reflection Poem 1:09:14 - Support and Partnership 1:09:19 - Connect and Follow Us What It Looks Like To Us and the Words We UseBy Ada Limón All these great barns out here in the outskirts,  black creosote boards knee-deep in the bluegrass. They look so beautifully abandoned, even in use. You say they look like arks after the sea's dried up, I say they look like pirate ships, and I think of that walk in the valley where J said, You don't believe in God? And I said, No. I believe in this connection we all have to nature, to each other, to the universe. And she said, Yeah, God. And how we stood there, low beasts among the white oaks, Spanish moss, and spider webs, obsidian shards stuck in our pockets, woodpecker flurry, and I refused to call it so. So instead, we looked up at the unruly sky, its clouds in simple animal shapes we could name though we knew they were really just clouds— disorderly, and marvelous, and ours.   Copyright Credit: Poem copyright ©2012 by Ada Limón, whose most recent book of poems is Sharks in the Rivers, Milkweed Editions, 2010. Poem reprinted from Poecology, Issue 1, 2011, by permission of Ada Limón and the publisher.   As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! Etsy Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs. What did the Court actually say, what happens to all that tariff money, and where does the Trump Admin go next? Meanwhile, Mexico plunges into chaos after the Mexican army kills a major cartel leader. And finally, Team USA hockey wins its first gold since the Miracle on Ice era. All this and more on the LOOPcast!00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast03:54 SCOTUS and Tariffs19:54 Chaos in Mexico28:54 Good News41:43 SOTU Predictions51:17 Twilight Zone1:13:10 Closing PrayerSubscribe to Tom Across America and watch the new episode where Tom goes ice fishing in Minnesota! https://www.youtube.com/@Tom-Across-AmericaEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer Daily Prayer for America 250By Raymond Leo Cardinal BurkeO Sacred Heart of Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth,I place today my nation, the United States of America,into Your Heart pierced for love of us.On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,I acknowledge that true liberty is Your gift,and that our lasting homeland is the eternal Kingdom of God.Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas,and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart,bless my homeland anew,purify her from sin,and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace,so that she may safeguard all human life,respect the integrity of marriage and the family,and honor the practice of religion.Reign in my home and in my nation.Draw every heart into communion with You,that Your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumphin America and throughout the world.Amen.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

In a culture that builds relationships on butterflies and emotions, what happens when the feeling fades?This message dives into what real, biblical commitment looks like. Love isn't just chemistry. It's not just attraction. And it's definitely not just a vibe. According to Scripture, love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Marriage wasn't created by culture — it was created by God.Authentic Church 2416 N Center St Hickory, NC 28601 (Beside Planet Fitness) GIVING 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.

https://nicoleunice.kit.com/Today we’re in Mark chapter 3, and I’m calling this episode “The Secret to Being Yourself,” because this chapter shows us how Jesus moves through intense pressure without losing His center. The crowds are pressing in, the religious leaders are watching Him like hawks, and even His own family shows up thinking He’s out of His mind. And yet—Jesus doesn’t get pulled around by expectations, fear, or public opinion. He stays anchored in one thing: obedience to the Father. We watch Jesus heal on the Sabbath and expose what really matters in the kingdom of God—mercy, restoration, and full life. We also see how quickly opposition escalates, and how willing people are to protect power when Jesus disrupts their system. But the comfort in all of it is this: when following Jesus costs you approval, you’re not alone. Jesus shows us that belonging isn’t just about bloodlines or popularity—it’s about being part of a new family formed around God’s will. And I want us to walk away asking: Am I willing to trust God’s timing and obey Him—even when it disappoints other people? What We Cover: - Understand what Mark 3 reveals about Jesus’ priorities: mercy, restoration, and life—not legalism. - See why Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath becomes a flashpoint and what it teaches about “the higher law” of love. - Notice what makes Jesus righteously angry: stubborn hearts that miss opportunities to love and heal. - Learn why opposition escalates so quickly—and how people will unite across differences to protect power. - Grasp the “Messianic secret” idea (Jesus repeatedly limiting publicity) and how expectations about the Messiah shaped reactions. - Reflect on discernment: the danger of calling good evil (and evil good) when you’re spiritually misaligned. - Be encouraged that Jesus understands relational pressure: even family misunderstanding doesn’t derail Him. - Take away a defining principle: Obedience to the Father is the pathway to your most free, grounded self. - Leave with two heart-questions: Do I trust God’s timing? Am I living from obedience—or from approval? Resources mentioned: Check out Nicole's website and subscribe to her weekly newsletter: https://nicoleunice.kit.com/ Nicole’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.” (