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“What is hard about marriage is what is hard also about facing the Christian God: It is the strain of living continually in the light of a conscience other than our own, being under the intimate scrutiny of another pair of eyes.”— Mike Mason, The Mystery of MarriageWhat is the fruit of a decade given over to apprenticeship, to the slow work of excavation, and to the painful but promising transformation within the Kingdom of God? More precisely, what is the fruit born from the tender soil of our closest relationships?Over twenty-five years spent investing in the shaping of leaders, I have found one of the deepest and most gladdening sources of confirmation to be the voices of the wives of Become Good Soil men. It is one thing, after all, for a man to speak of his own progress—but it is quite another, and perhaps of far greater weight, when a spouse dares to offer her own candid reflections on what it is to share life with one who has set his whole heart upon the precarious path of becoming.As we prepare to launch into an extended BGS Podcast series—a deeper dive into the central truths of Becoming a King—it seems only fitting, indeed right and good, and more than a little risky, to let this voyage begin with the voices of women. These are women who generously offer their honest and loving observations from a deep well of intimate relationships.This episode features the voices of four remarkable women whose husbands have been engaged with the message of Become Good Soil for a decade or more. Join me as they share about the joyous, transformative effects they've witnessed in every dimension of their husbands' lives, their marriages, and their families.For the Kingdom,Morgan and Cherie
Welcome to Session Seven of our spring audio Bible study! We're studying The Gospel on the Ground, and we're so excited to join Kristi McLelland as she unpacks the life of the early church in the book of Acts and shows us that the kingdom of God is always on the move, always looking outward to bring meaning and joy to a world searching for true fulfillment and hope. Each week, we'll release the next teaching session, and we'll leave the audio up for all seven sessions through June 16.In the seventh and final session, Kristi explains how the testimony of Christians who have come before us, as seen in Hebrews 11, and the eternal hope we have in Christ fuel a love for God and help us press forward in spreading passing the good news of His Kingdom along to others. She reminds us that God is preparing a place for us in heaven where we'll enjoy Him for all eternity—the hope of glory that spurred on the early church and beckons us to obey God even to this day.LINKSThe Gospel on the GroundMore from KristiRECOMMENDEDRead Kristi's prayer for peace on the Lifeway Women blog. MARKED is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.Hosted by Elizabeth Hyndman and Andrea Lennon.CONNECT WITH US!Follow Lifeway Women and Kristi McLelland on Instagram.Learn more about the More Than Enough Bible study at lifeway.com/morethanenough. Learn more about Feast at lifeway.com/feast. Learn about the In the Word event at lifeway.com/intheword.
To enjoy and operate fully in the Kingdom of God, you have to know the language of the Kingdom, the Language of Visions and Dreams.
Send us a textHave you ever done something pretty terrific and someone else gets the credit for it? It can frustrate us, and even sometimes make us mad. But Joseph Scriven reacted neither way, even when his beautiful hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," was credited to someone else. Scriven was a completely selfless and loving man, who happily sacrificed all he had to further the Kingdom of God. His story is one of tragedy and sadness, but ultimately a story of triumph as God used Joseph Scriven in mighty ways!Introduction Song - To God Be the Glory performed by Julia Gavin Holmes with permissionWhat a Friend We Have in Jesus - The Worship Zone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9Yx06camvUThanks for tuning in! Be sure to check out everything Proverbs 9:10 on our website, www.proverbs910ministries.com! You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Rumble, YouTube, Twitter, Truth Social, and Gettr!
“Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” — Matthew 12:50 When you hear the word family, what usually comes to mind? Where I grew up, a family was generally made up of a husband and wife and their biological children. Some families also had adopted children. Some couples did not have children, and some parents were divorced. But the most common family in that time and culture was the nuclear family. In the Bible and in today's world, though, it's less common to find families fitting that description. When Jesus' family tried to get a message to him as crowds gathered around him, he saw an opportunity for a teaching moment and said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus was helping his followers to describe a new kind of family, a community bound by something more powerful than the blood in our veins. This is not a rejection of the biological family. It's an invitation to a bigger, richer family—the family of God, with whom we live in the kingdom of God. This month you are invited to meet family members in the Roseland community where I work and live, in my biological family, and in other family groups that I am a part of. May God's Spirit work in us all to recognize the beautiful gift of his family in the relationships and communities we are a part of—no matter how different or diverse they might be. Father, thank you for the gift of our broader family in Christ. May we keep growing together in faith and grace. Amen.
Send us a textIn this episode, Pastor Dom continues teach about the relevance of Jesus's crucifixion to communion. Luke 23:43-4643 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” 44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened,… 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.' ” Having said this, He breathed His last.Matthew 27:5151 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,Hebrews 9:77 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance;Hebrews 10:19-2019 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,Matthew 27:54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”Romans 1:2020 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,Luke 23:48And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned.Luke 18:13And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!'Matthew 27:54So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”John 10:3030 I and My Father are one.”Matthew 1:2323 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”Mark 2:77 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”2 Corinthians 5:2121 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.John 1:11 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 19:31-34Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.Mark 15: 42-46Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. 45 So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46 Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.Isa
Reading IActs 1:1-11In the first book, Theophilus,I dealt with all that Jesus did and taughtuntil the day he was taken up,after giving instructions through the Holy Spiritto the apostles whom he had chosen.He presented himself alive to themby many proofs after he had suffered,appearing to them during forty daysand speaking about the kingdom of God.While meeting with them,he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem,but to wait for “the promise of the Fatherabout which you have heard me speak;for John baptized with water,but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”When they had gathered together they asked him,“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasonsthat the Father has established by his own authority.But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,throughout Judea and Samaria,and to the ends of the earth.”When he had said this, as they were looking on,he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going,suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.They said, “Men of Galilee,why are you standing there looking at the sky?This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heavenwill return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”Reading IIEphesians 1:17-23Brothers and sisters:May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelationresulting in knowledge of him.May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,what are the riches of gloryin his inheritance among the holy ones,and what is the surpassing greatness of his powerfor us who believe,in accord with the exercise of his great might:which he worked in Christ,raising him from the deadand seating him at his right hand in the heavens,far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,and every name that is namednot only in this age but also in the one to come.And he put all things beneath his feetand gave him as head over all things to the church,which is his body,the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.GospelLuke 24:46-53Jesus said to his disciples:“Thus it is written that the Christ would sufferand rise from the dead on the third dayand that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins,would be preached in his nameto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.You are witnesses of these things.And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you;but stay in the cityuntil you are clothed with power from on high.”Then he led them out as far as Bethany,raised his hands, and blessed them.As he blessed them he parted from themand was taken up to heaven.They did him homageand then returned to Jerusalem with great joy,and they were continually in the temple praising God.
As believers, we should have an expectation to grow in every area and in every way. The reason being, is God expects us to grow! There is an expectation and demand in the Kingdom of God that everything MUST grow! There is a way that God makes things grow. When we follow God's direction, we will have growth which will lead to God's desire – fruitfulness! In this Faith for My Generation Podcast Episode we discuss how God makes things grow, why growth is expected, and most importantly how to grow!If you prayed the prayer of Salvation please fill out this form so that we can mail you a free gift!https://gospeltabernacle.breezechms.com/form/salvationIf you would like to check out all our resources, send a message, or sow a seed into the ministry work please visit:www.faithformygeneration.com
In this enlightening sermon, we dive into the transformative power of recognizing and utilizing our spiritual gifts. Journey with us as we explore the dynamic interplay between the Holy Spirit and our unique callings, as described in Galatians, Corinthians, and Ephesians. Pastor Ryan and spiritual gifts teacher, Jill Lipe, share her personal journey of discovering her own spiritual gifts, shedding light on how these God-given abilities can bring joy and fulfillment.Through the teachings of 1 Corinthians 12:4, we learn about the diversity of spiritual gifts, each essential and tailored to serve God's purpose within the church community and beyond. Jill guides us through a practical understanding of how to identify and activate these gifts using assessments and reflection, emphasizing that these gifts are not for personal glory but to lift others and glorify God. Whether you are a new believer or a seasoned Christian, this message inspires you to open the box and find the profound joy in serving with your spiritual gift, transforming not only your life but the world around you.--------We are growing the Kingdom of God through the lives of everyday people by reaching UP to God, IN to Grow, and OUT to GiveJoin us on Sundays at 8:30 in person and 10:30 in person and online!FBC Nokomis Youtube: www.youtube.com/@FirstBaptistChurchofNokomisFBC Nokomis Facebook: www.facebook.com/firstbaptistnokomisSupport the show
The Parable of the Ten ServantsLuke 19:11-27 Guest Preacher: Bruce GreenoughBruce is the Associate Pastor at our sister ECO church in town, Community Presbyterian Church. Bruce is an experienced pastor who has served several churches. The Parables of JesusJesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. Orchard Community Church8180 Telephone RdVentura CA 93004www.OrchardVentura.orgContact us at Info@OrchardVentura.orgOrchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190
Topical style teaching of Matthew CH 13:17-46 addressing some of the most well-known yet controversial parables regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. This teaching aims to take a pointed look into these parables within the overall context of the message, allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. In addition, we will be expressing the fact that what was being spoken was revealing a mystery associated with a period of time, where a series of events would take place prior to the establishing of the Kingdom of God. Taught by Assistant Pastor Mac at Calvary Kaneohe Hawaii.
Social MediaProphecy Website: :Mobile/TV Apps: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appChurch Website: http://www.calvarychapelkaneohe.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFaragInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag
Expositional style teaching of Matthew CH 13:10-16 looking into the reason why parables began and how they introduced an era in history that was a mystery within the Kingdom of God. This teaching will also expound on each verse to extract applicable spiritual truths, while discussing the rejection of the kingdom by the nation of Israel and review the specific unpardonable sin as captured in the Scriptures. Taught by Assistant Pastor Mac at Calvary Kaneohe Hawaii. Social MediaProphecy Website: http://jdfarag.orgMobile/TV Apps: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/app Church Website: http://www.calvarykaneohe.churchTwitter: https://twitter.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFaragInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag
Topical style teaching of Matthew CH 13:17-46 addressing some of the most well-known yet controversial parables regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. This teaching aims to take a pointed look into these parables within the overall context of the message, allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. In addition, we will be expressing the fact that what was being spoken was revealing a mystery associated with a period of time, where a series of events would take place prior to the establishing of the Kingdom of God. Taught by Assistant Pastor Mac at Calvary Kaneohe Hawaii. Social MediaProphecy Website: http://jdfarag.orgMobile/TV Apps: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/app Church Website: http://www.calvarykaneohe.churchTwitter: https://twitter.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFaragInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag
Jesus sends, He promises, and He glorifies. To be a disciple is to follow Christ in complete dependence, knowing that He is equipping us to go into the plentiful harvest. Therefore we are to be prayerful and obedient to both being disciples and making them for the kingdom of God.
What do you know about the kingdom of God? One interesting and exciting insight is that it was the central teaching of Jesus. “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” Matthew 4:17. Despite the kingdom of heaven (or God) being so central, many Christians have no idea of its significance. In this new sermon series called The Shift, we are going to look at the gospel of Matthew, who focused more on this subject than any of the other gospel writers. We will discover that the Kingdom of God is at odds with our world, and one of power, beauty and radical worth, ruled by Jesus Christ the King of all kings. Yet living under the rule of a king, even if it is God, strikes against our instincts. After all, we are Americans, liberated from the English Monarchs. What freedom awaits the Christian who begins to shift their focus and allegiance to live for the kingdom that endures forever. We begin by looking at the birth of the King of this kingdom and learn to sit at His feet as His disciples. Follow us as we follow the disciple Matthew who shows us the majesty of King Jesus and the radical life of living in His kingdom!
What does it really mean to step into the calling God has prepared for you? In 2 Kings, we witness the powerful transition from Elijah to Elisha, where true discipleship requires unwavering commitment and the courage to embrace God's greater purposes. Elisha's bold request for a double portion reveals how we can step into the spiritual inheritance available to each of us. Listen now and be inspired to follow Jesus with that same wholehearted enthusiasm.
This morning Greg continued our series in 1 Thessalonians, reminding us of a key question that we must be asking ourselves throughout our Christian walk - Are You Ready? - He shows us the example of Timothy and how we can follow it as we seek to take ground for the kingdom of God around us. Join us again next week as we continue our series at our 9:30 and 11:30am services at UWL, or at our 6:30pm service at The Hub. Find out more at redeemerlondon.orgIf you would like to contact our prayer team during the week you can do so by emailing prayer@redeemerlondon.org. To find out more about the Seeing Jesus Together bible study resource mentioned in today's message, visit seeingjesustogether.com
Jesus said that no man knows the hour that He will come back. Pastor Andrew reminds us this week because we don't know the hour. We need to keep watching and stay busy doing the Lord's work. Luke 19:11 Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.'
Are you bold enough to make yourself available to God? Today, Joyce teaches on the importance of understanding the value of the small things you can do to further the kingdom of God.
In a season of Stillness—but I'm still here. ❤️
The Lord has placed eternity in our hearts and has called us to live within another dimension. In the first episode of this new series, The Lens of Eternity, Rabbi stresses the importance of living beyond the here-and-now as we work to gain an eternal perspective of the Kingdom of God. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate **** TEACHING NOTES - https://djj.show/nkb Visit our website at DiscoveringTheJewishJesus.com
Presented by Lauren Stibgen As women at work, we are still faced with many challenges despite all the progress that has been made. More than ever, women have excelled and held leadership positions. Pay equity has improved but surely isn't perfect, and there is still bias in the workplace as seen in how people respond to men presenting an idea versus women. What does this have to do with being an ambassador? Well, if self doubt creeps in, your role as an ambassador can feel diminished or difficult. But we would be remiss if we didn't look to an amazing example in the Bible of how the women who followed Jesus were walking counter culturally for their time. After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3). Again, we see women with imperfect past lives were following Jesus and providing for the ministry! What is significant about this? Mary Magdalene. In John 20:11-18 we find Mary at the tomb looking for the body of Jesus. He appears to her first as the resurrected Christ and tells her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her (John 20:17-18) In Mark 16:11, we learn that when they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. This did not stop her from serving as an ambassador to Jesus in the resurrection! She boldly went to them and proclaimed he had risen. To me, Mary is an encouragement. Despite her likely knowing she would not be taken seriously, she still did as Jesus commanded her. How can you follow Jesus' command today even if you are feeling self-doubt? Surely, he will equip you for every good work!
Do you ever wonder what you have to offer? Today, Joyce teaches on doing what you can do with the gifts you have and making a difference in the kingdom of God.
Read Online“When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.” John 16:21This truth can certainly be extended to any form of anguish we experience for a good reason. Note that the pain experienced in childbirth is pain for a good and holy reason. Therefore, the pain is forgotten, in a sense, when the mother sees and holds her newborn child. That suffering is forgotten in the sense that it is transformed into joy by the birth of a child.There is much in life that can cause anguish. In today's Gospel, Jesus goes on to say to His disciples: “So you also are now in anguish.” He says this because He had just finished speaking to them about His coming departure to the Father and about the suffering that they would all experience in the form of persecution. But then He says to them that after He departs and they no longer see Him, they will then see Him again and will rejoice. And He says, “On that day you will not question me about anything.” This is an important line to understand.Anguish, or any form of suffering, can tempt us to question our lives and even to question God. It is clear that after Jesus was killed, the disciples questioned everything. They were confused and frightened. All appeared to be lost. Then, to a lesser degree, after Jesus ascended into Heaven and prior to Him sending the Holy Spirit, the disciples would have also experienced confusion. Why did Jesus leave them? Why didn't He stay longer? Who was going to lead them now? These and many other similar questions would have arisen in their minds.So also with us, when things do not go as planned, or when things take a painful turn in our lives, we can immediately question and even doubt the perfect plan of God. If things fall apart because of our sin, then repentance is the remedy. But if things fall apart, in the sense that life becomes difficult, then we should especially listen to the words of Jesus today.When anguish in life happens because we are fulfilling God's will, we must see that anguish as a means to a much greater good. Just as the pains of childbirth lead to the gift of a child, so the pains of bringing forth God's will in our lives will lead to the presence of God Himself. Patient endurance is a virtue that is especially important in this case. For example, the anguish of overcoming an addiction, or of praying when we don't feel like praying, or of forgiving someone who hurt us are all examples of anguish turning into blessings. Very often, combatting our own selfish will is difficult. But the fruit of engaging in such a battle within us is joy. There is joy found in victory over sin. Joy is found in persevering in prayer. Joy is found in every difficulty we endure for the Kingdom of God. But the joy is not always our first experience. It is only experienced when we patiently endure the situation.Reflect, today, upon any form of anguish you are currently enduring for the glory of God, or anything you are currently avoiding because it seems difficult to do. Do not shy away from these difficulties. See them as a means to a glorious end. Endure the “labor pains” of the purification and mission God is calling you to by looking beyond the difficulties you initially experience so that you will see the end result that awaits you.My glorious Lord, You endured Your passion with perfect virtue. You never wavered from fulfilling the will of the Father, and the fruit of Your perseverance was the glory of the Resurrection. Please help me to patiently endure the crosses in my life and give me hope to see that from them You will bring forth the good fruit of eternal joy. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Is expecting a “heavenly reward” the same thing as the prosperity gospel?In this episode of the podcast, we explore what the Bible says about heavenly rewards and why living with an eternal perspective changes everything.When life is hard, obedience feels costly, and your faith goes unnoticed—God sees it all. The pain you endure and the faithfulness you choose are not wasted. There is a purpose beyond the temporary, and Scripture promises that eternal rewards in heaven are waiting for those who don't give up.If you've ever wondered, “Is it worth following Jesus?” or “Does God reward us for staying faithful?”—this episode will encourage you to live for what matters most.
All we do is win in the Kingdom of God. God math equates to winning with God, because as Ps. Caleb exclaims, "In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." The sword is ours!
Welcome to Grace Community Church on demand, the weekly podcast from the Sunday services at Grace Community Church in Rupert, Idaho. At Grace we believe in building the Kingdom of God one person at a time. We are passionate about loving God, loving people, and following Jesus. Visit www.graceid.org to get involved. Join us on Facebook live Sundays @ 845am MST and 1045am MST and Wednesdays @ 630pm MST at www.facebook.com/gracechurchidaho
All we do is win in the Kingdom of God. God math equates to winning with God, because as Ps. Caleb exclaims, "In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." The sword is ours!
“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. . . .” — Mark 4:26 When Jesus came to live and teach among us, it was common for a farmer to sling a bag of seed over his shoulder and to walk through his fields scattering handfuls of seed onto the freshly tilled soil. As Jesus explains the process of the seed sprouting and growing in this parable, we can see that the seed symbolizes the good news of salvation, bringing the potential for new life. As Paul explains similarly in Romans 1:16, “The gospel . . . is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” The gospel is a potent force, capable of transforming lives and entire communities. Like seed hidden beneath the surface, its message takes root out-of-sight, deep within the human heart. There it grows and matures, eventually yielding a harvest of righteousness. Rather than hoarding the seed of the gospel, we are called to scatter it generously as we journey through life. We scatter seed by supporting missionaries or mission organizations, volunteering for a community service project, inviting a neighbor over for coffee, and more. We sow gospel seed when we nurture spiritual conversations with our family members and friends. We sow seed with colleagues at work. When we spread the good news of Jesus, we participate in the process of bringing forth spiritual fruit. Lord, you have shared the good news with us and have given us new life. Help us to share it with others, knowing you will make it grow and bring forth a bountiful harvest, to your glory. Amen.
Is the sacrament of Confirmation really found in Scripture? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we tackle one of the most common questions about Catholic sacramental theology. Karlo Broussard explains the biblical roots of Confirmation, where it shows up in the New Testament, and how early Christians understood the laying on of hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit. If you've ever wondered how to explain Confirmation to your Protestant friends—or just want to understand it better yourself—don't miss this segment! Help us reach our goal by donating! Catholicanswersradio.com Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:15 – If it was revealed to John the Baptist that Jesus was the Messiah, then why did he later send one of his disciples to ask Jesus? 07:33 – Why do Catholics primarily receive the Body of Christ (the bread) vs. the Body and Blood (bread and wine)? 11:45 – If a married protestant pastor converts, can he seek the priesthood? 13:03 – What does Jesus mean by the Kingdom of God? 17:21 – How biblical is Confirmation? 21:07 – What authority does the magisterium have over changing the TLM and what’s the current rule? 23:05 – Was Jesus in the Garden of Eden? When Genesis refers to “Our image”, is this referring to the Trinity? 31:22 – Based on Genesis, is the world flat? Is there firmament in the sky keeping us from falling off? 33:59 – Why do some people still blame the Jews for the death of Christ? 37:45 – Why would God ask Moses to build a bronze serpent if the serpent is the symbol of Satan? 42:12 – My coworker got arrested and I went around asking to know what happened. Did doing this cause me to commit the sin of detraction? 49:53 – Why are baptisms outside the faith valid even though they don't share the same beliefs? 52:13 – I was raised non-denominational and I want to know what the difference is between the Jesus I know and what Catholics believe.
In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Dr. Joseph Boot is joined for another ReformCon Dialogue by Pastor of Apologia Church, Jeff Durbin, to talk about the promise, power, and principle of the Kingdom of God, which supplies Christians with the unshakable hope of the triumph of the Gospel in history. Tune in for this candid conversation. Episode Resources: Apologia Studios: https://apologiastudios.com/; Apologia Church: https://apologiachurch.com/; End Abortion Now: https://endabortionnow.com/. NEW!!! PRE-ORDER Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: Developing an Undivided Mind, today!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind; Get your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide today!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; UPCOMING EVENTS:Spark Conference: Toronto, ON | May 20, 25: https://sparkconference.org/;Worldview Youth Academy (WYA):USA | July 11-17, 2025: https://ezrapress.ca/products/worldview-youth-academy-usa;Canada | July 20-26, 2025: https://ezra-institute.square.site/product/worldview-youth-canada/122;Family Camps:Texas | August 14-17, 2025: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstituteusa/familycamp2025-texas/593861;Canada | August 23-30, 2025: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/family-camp-canada/;Minnesota | August 24-27, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ezra-institute-family-camp-august-24-27-tickets-1203965305639?aff=oddtdtcreator; For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book, “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885;Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.
Dr. Joseph Boot is joined by Pastor of Apologia Church, Jeff Durbin, to talk about the promise, power, and principle of the Kingdom of God, which supplies Christians with the unshakable hope of the triumph of the Gospel in history.
Inspired by a friend's question, today we're exploring the complex concept of "the Kingdom of God." Reflecting on Matthew 6:31-34, Dot and Cara unpack the biblical meaning and implications of God's kingdom—both here and now, and in the future. Grab a cup of coffee and learn what it looks like to seek the Kingdom of God with us.Got a question about today's episode or something else you'd like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! Episode recap:Start by writing down Matthew 6:31-34 (0:13)What does the phrase “kingdom of God” mean? (3:38)The Kingdom of God was in the past, it can be in the present, and it will be in the future (9:49)We need to seek the things that matter to our King (12:36)We have a King who promises to take care of us (16:15)We can live victoriously in this present world because we have the King's power (24:30)What does it look like practically to live out the Kingdom? (25:48)Through the Holy Spirit, the Kingdom exists in our lives (28:48)The Kingdom of God is when we allow our lives to be under the authority of Christ (32:00)Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at hello@dotbowen.com.Watch Write this Down! on YouTubeFind Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook Scripture Verse: Matthew 6:31-34 (ESV) “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and 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 added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Daily Dose of Hope May 28, 2025 Day 3 of Week 8 Scripture - Matthew 5:38-48 Prayer: Almighty Father, Thank you for loving us despite our many faults. Thank you for showing us a different way of doing life. Help us seek holiness in all we do. Help us become the people you desire us to be. As we work through today's Scripture and devotional, I pray that you speak to our hearts. Help us see things differently. We want to hear from you. In Your Name, Amen. Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts. Today, we are back in the Sermon on the Mount and learning more about what it means to live in the Kingdom of God. We are finishing up Matthew 5. The first portion of this Scripture is regarding an eye for an eye. It was said an eye for an eye, but now I tell you to turn the other cheek. I want to be clear, Jesus is not saying that we should never resist those who are trying to harm us. He isn't say to be Christian doormats. The Old Testament law about taking an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth actually promoted justice rather than vengeance. If someone gives you a black eye, you can't then break their leg or kill them. Jesus was also all about justice. What exactly is he requiring of us? Let's talk about what it means to turn the other cheek. We think of a slap as a pretty terrible thing. If someone slapped me, I would really be taken aback and consider it an assault. Not so much in Jesus' day. A slap on the cheek would have been an insult but not an assault. Jesus specifically mentioned a right-cheek slap, which would have indicated a backhand slap. That was a real insult, it was the kind of slap someone would give to a person beneath them. It was patronizing and demoralizing. By turning the other cheek, it challenged the offender to now strike the left cheek with an open palm. And open palm slap, at that time, was something done to an equal. Basically, turning the other cheek means that the victim is not taking the backhanded slap as a form of condescending shame. They will face their offender face on, forcing them to either back down or treat them as an equal. Then, we have Jesus saying that if someone wants to sue you for your shirt, give them your coat as well. The shirt would have been the inner garment and the coat the outer garment. The Old Testament law allowed someone, usually a poor person, to use their coat as collateral for a loan. But it also required the lender to give it back by nighttime in case they get cold. To give up the coat voluntarily would have been extraordinary. Jesus is challenging people to think creatively in responding to an evildoer. It forces the greedy person to confront what they doing. It also provides a stark contrast between the one who is greedy and the one who is exceedingly generous. In God's Kingdom, generosity is the virtue. This is the thing: In God's Kingdom, things are turned upside down. We don't respond to violence with more violence or greed with more greed. We resist those things in creative ways. This does not mean being victims or getting walked all over. It means asserting power differently. One of the most intriguing of the teachings is to love our enemies. This would have been unheard of in first-century Palestine. Love your enemies? What? Jesus' basis for this teaching is founded in God's own nature. God is, first and foremost, a God of love. He gives sun and rain to the good and the evil alike. He does not discriminate. Nor should we. The Pharisees cast judgment on others but we are not to do the same. We should seek to be perfect, as God is perfect, to have a heart willing to love those who seem to be unlovable. Be honest with yourself. Who have you deemed unlovable? Spend some time with God reconciling this. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
1 And after these things the Lord appointed also other seventy-two: and he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come.Post haec autem designavit Dominus et alios septuaginta duos : et misit illos binos ante faciem suam in omnem civitatem et locum, quo erat ipse venturus. 2 And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send labourers into his harvest.Et dicebat illis : Messis quidem multa, operarii autem pauci. Rogate ergo dominum messis ut mittat operarios in messem suam. 3 Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves.Ite : ecce ego mitto vos sicut agnos inter lupos. 4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way.Nolite portare sacculum, neque peram, neque calceamenta, et neminem per viam salutaveritis. 5 Into whatsoever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.In quamcumque domum intraveritis, primum dicite : Pax huic domui : 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you.et si ibi fuerit filius pacis, requiescet super illum pax vestra : sin autem, ad vos revertetur. 7 And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house.In eadem autem domo manete, edentes et bibentes quae apud illos sunt : dignus est enim operarius mercede sua. Nolite transire de domo in domum. 8 And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.Et in quamcumque civitatem intraveritis, et susceperint vos, manducate quae apponuntur vobis : 9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.et curate infirmos, qui in illa sunt, et dicite illis : Appropinquavit in vos regnum DeiSt Augustine of Canterbury, sent by Gregory the Great to the Anglo-Saxons, is the great Apostle of England and the first Archbishop of Canterbury. He died A.D. 604.
“To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3) It is inte... More...
Emma and David Stark get personal as they share their journey with God into unchartered waters. Learn about birthing churches, closing churches and following the Spirit of God into brave and bold experimentation. If you have ever had a dream or urge to build or open something for the kingdom of God, you'll want to listen to this episode!Want to step into the next level of the prophetic? Visit https://www.propheticscots.com/shop to buy Emma's powerful new book Becoming the Voice of God, and receive the Biblical instruction and training you need to fully step into your anointing.We're building a home for our growing movement of prophetic warriors like you! Will you join us financially in creating a visionary resource centre? This centre will serve as a broadcast and recording facility, creating cutting edge content of truth and training to the world. Visit www.propheticscots.com/give to donate today.
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel John 16:5-11 Jesus said to his disciples: "Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.” Reflection The disciples had learned to lean on the presence of Jesus as their teacher. And he's now telling them that he's going to leave them, and they're distraught and worried and afraid. And what he reminds them is that his promise has always been to be with them, and he will be with him as the Holy Spirit. The third person of the Blessed Trinity. And the most exciting thing that he's saying to his disciples, is that now that Jesus has died and returned to the father and sent the advocate, the Holy Spirit, sin has been condemned. Exposed. Revealed. And we are much closer now than ever to the Kingdom of God being established. Closing Prayer Father, there's a way in which we hear so much about all that is going on in the world that is negative. And it's easy to fear that the world is getting worse when in truth it is getting better. It is continuing to move in the direction of light and life. That's the promise that God has made to the disciples and to each of us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it truly mean to pursue God? In this kickoff message of our Pursuit series, we dive into the powerful call to seek God first and wholeheartedly. Using foundational scriptures like Matthew 6:33 and 1 Chronicles 16:11, we explore what it looks like to run after God with passion, trust, and devotion.
Daily Dose of Hope May 27, 2025 Day 2 of Week 8 Scripture - Matthew 5:13-37 Prayer: Holy God, We rejoice and give praise for the ways you care for us. We rejoice and give praise for how you continue to forgive us and give us second and third chances. Help us seek lives characterized by your holiness. Help us seek pure hearts. Lord, in these next few moments of silence, hear our prayers and help us bring together all our scattered thoughts and focus on you...It's in your name we pray, Amen. Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts. Today, we are working on part 2 of Matthew 5, as we continue to discuss the Sermon on the Mount. Today's portion of Scripture begins with a discussion of salt and light. Jesus tells his followers, “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” During Jesus' time, salt was extremely important. It was a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a component of ceremonial offerings, and because of its value, it was even used as a unit of exchange. So what is Jesus saying here? He is telling his followers that God's people should add some flavor and value to this world. If salt loses its saltiness or flavor, then it's useless. If we lose our ability to change or influence the world, then are we useless? Well, we certainly lose what is at the heart of being a Christ-follower - making a difference for the Kingdom. We are meant to change the world around us for the better in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus continues, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” Salt improves food because it tastes different from what its being placed on. In the same way, light is useful to have because it is different from darkness. Light casts out darkness. Light makes a difference. If light is hidden, it loses what makes it valuable. Likewise, if we fail to be different in a positive way from the culture around us, then we are Christians in name only. So what does this mean in practical ways? Well, we are to be change agents, going out and doing all we can to bring God's Kingdom values here, right now. Remember what we say in the Lord's Prayer, “His kingdom come, his will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The disciples and the early Christian church took these words seriously. The early Christian church lived in a way, lived a lifestyle, that was so distinctly different from the world, that the world could not help but notice it. They lived out the values of the Kingdom. Acts 2:42-47 reads, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, the the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” The earliest Christians were completely transformed by the teachings of Jesus Christ and his values. They were salt and they were light, they added true value and made a significant difference. Here's several questions for us to consider today. How are we, as modern-day Christians, salt and light for a hurting world? How are we similar to the early church and how are we different? What are some concrete steps you can take today to be salt and light in your world? Then, Matthew chose to include Jesus' teaching on the fulfillment of the law. He came not to change the law but to fulfill it. But what does that mean? Jesus is not talking about the law in the sense of the 613 rules that must be followed by faithful Jews. If we think about this teaching being in the context of the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus in giving his followers specific guidelines for what it means to relate to God and others in the Kingdom, then that helps. Afterall, the law and the prophets have long described relating to God and other people in a loving, just way. Here, Jesus is saying that he will obey the law, but he really is fulfilling it by fulfilling the whole Biblical story. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, God was on a mission to redeem his creation. The law couldn't do it because humans couldn't keep it. We are just too sinful. The law demonstrated to us just how messy and broken we are. Jesus was the solution to our brokenness. Jesus was the solution to humanity's deepest problems. He was the final sacrifice for sin – he very much fulfilled the law, he fulfilled the whole Biblical story, by providing a solution to our sin and victory over death. The law wasn't intended to be the end all be all. Jesus was intended to be the end all be all. I want to leave a little time to cover what Jesus said about murder and adultery. Both of these teachings show some unique aspects of life under the Kingdom of God. They follow a similar pattern. It was said...but now I tell you this... Jesus is presenting his followers with a whole new way of looking at the world. He isn't dismissing the Old Testament teaching, he is simply reinterpreting it. In the case of murder, it was said that you should not commit murder, but Jesus is saying that you shouldn't even be angry with a brother or sister. Don't call someone names, forgive frequently, and settle disputes quickly. That is the way of life in God's Kingdom. If we act differently, then it's not God's Kingdom we are part of. In the case of adultery, it was said you should not commit adultery, but Jesus is saying that you can't look at another person lustfully if they aren't your spouse. And then there is this really hard teaching about gouging out an eye if it causes you to sin or lopping off a hand if it causes you to sin. I'm quite sure this was hyperbole because we don't have too many reports of one-eyed, one-handed believers of Jesus in the first century. But in all of these things, Jesus is making a point. What is in your heart matters. It isn't just outward behavior that matters to God, but the purity of your heart. So, here are our final questions for us today and they are not easy ones. What is the state of your heart? Are you harboring anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness, toward someone? It is time to spend some time with God and work through that. Is lust something you struggle with? It is time to spend some time with God and work through that too. Our hearts matter, friends. They matter a lot. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
"At the feet of Jesus, a 'sinful' woman found forgiveness, while a 'righteous' man missed the point. Her tears washed His feet. Her hair dried them. Her perfume anointed Him. Her love poured out extravagantly. Why? Because she knew how much she'd been forgiven. The religious leader saw only her past. Jesus saw her heart. Which are you? The one proudly keeping score, or the one humbly pouring out gratitude? Join us Sunday's 8:15 | 10:00 | 11:45 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.
Welcome to Session Six of our spring audio Bible study! We're studying The Gospel on the Ground, and we're so excited to join Kristi McLelland as she unpacks the life of the early church in the book of Acts and shows us that the kingdom of God is always on the move, always looking outward to bring meaning and joy to a world searching for true fulfillment and hope. Each week, we'll release the next teaching session, and we'll leave the audio up for all seven sessions through June 16.In Session Four, we continue to discuss the witness of the early church in the world, the godly Kingdom of Abundance moving into an Empire of Scarcity. Members of the early church set themselves apart in the way they loved others, their refusal to worship the emperor and their willingness to lay down their lives for the kingdom of God. Kristi encourages us to follow God's call on our lives because He alone is worthy of our worship.LINKSThe Gospel on the GroundMore from KristiRECOMMENDEDRead this article by Kristi on the Lifeway Women blog about partnering with God in prayer. MARKED is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.Hosted by Elizabeth Hyndman and Andrea Lennon.CONNECT WITH US!Follow Lifeway Women and Kristi McLelland on Instagram.Learn more about the Daring Joy Bible study at lifeway.com/daringjoy. Learn more about Feast at lifeway.com/feast.
Topical style teaching utilizing Genesis CH 14:18 in order to establish an aspect of God's divine mediation that was provided for man prior to the law. This teaching will also use passages from Galatians CH 3 to show the primary purpose of the law, and how that ties into the overall mediation process in our favor. Furthermore, we will attempt to show how our obedience should be love driven because of our Divine Mediator our coming King. Taught by Assistant Pastor Mac at Calvary Kaneohe Hawaii.
Expositional style teaching of Exodus CH 19:6-6 addressing the divine purpose of the nation of Israel called out to be a Kingdom of Priests. We will expound on our text looking into some of the historic implications regarding to this calling, as well on how this tie into our calling as Christians to be a Royal Priesthood, in the hopes to graciously stress the importance of our walk today, for the future Kingdom to come. Taught by Assistant Pastor Mac at Calvary Kaneohe Hawaii.
Expositional style teaching by Pastor Mac of Exodus CH 19:6-6 addressing the divine purpose of the nation of Israel called out to be a Kingdom of Priests. We will expound on our text looking into some of the historic implications regarding to this calling, as well on how this ties into our calling as Christians to be a Royal Priesthood, in the hopes to graciously stress the importance of our walk today, for the future Kingdom to come.Social MediaProphecy Website: http://jdfarag.orgMobile/TV Apps: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/app Church Website: http://www.calvarychapelkaneohe.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFaragInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag
Topical style teaching by Pastor Mac utilizing Genesis CH 14:18 in order to establish an aspect of God's divine mediation that was provided for man prior to the law. This teaching will also use passages from Galatians CH 3 to show the primary purpose of the law, and how that ties into the overall mediation process in our favor. Furthermore, we will attempt to show how our obedience should be love driven because of our Divine Mediator, our coming King.Social MediaProphecy Website: http://jdfarag.orgMobile/TV Apps: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/app Church Website: http://www.calvarychapelkaneohe.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFaragInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag
What will happen to humanity and the entire universe at the end of time? Fr. Mike shares with us the joyous hope of the new heaven and the new earth that awaits us after the Last Judgment. We learn that “at the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness,” and all of creation will be redeemed and renewed. There will be no more weeping, mourning, nor pain, for death shall be no more. Fr. Mike invites us to hold on to this hope as we struggle on this side of heaven and await this great promise. Today's Catechism readings are paragraphs 1042-1050. 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.