Podcasts about kingdom of god

In this episode, Tim Whitaker engages in an insightful interview with Dr. Tamice Spencer-Helms about their journey through faith, race, sexuality, and spirituality. They explore the intersections of whiteness, queerness, blackness, and the kingdom of God, challenging traditional narratives and advocating for a radical, love-centered faith. Dr. Tamice's Website | Blackmodernmystic.com Chapters 01:26 Journey of Faith Reconstruction 06:03 Intersectionality of Identity 17:55 The Nature of Power and Love 30:16 Navigating Whiteness and Competition 43:39 Living in Trust and Abundance ____________________________________________________ TNE Podcast hosts thought-provoking conversations at the intersection of faith, politics, and justice. We're part of the New Evangelical's 501c3 nonprofit that rejects Christian Nationalism and builds a better path forward, rooted in Jesus and centered on justice.  If ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work or get involved, visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thenewevangelicals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Original Post Date: June 17, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.” Reflection The transition between the Old and New Testament is very clear here. In the Old Testament, because of the condition of human beings, the most that they were asked to do was to be fair. If someone hurt you, you could hurt them back. If someone took something from you, you could take something back from them. But here Jesus begins to reveal the new kingdom, the kingdom of God. It is based not in justice, but in service. In love. And what he's simply asking you to do is consider first the needs of someone else before you consider your own. Closing Prayer Father, when we seek to be more generous, we need to realize how you have promised your spirit dwelling within us. We cannot be who God wants us to be without God living within us, loving through us, those that are in need. Bless us with this conviction and this understanding of the Kingdom. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been 18 years of marriage for The Pod Ninja and the Peaches! They spent the day carting the fruit of their marriage to various activities...How long does a parrot live? (And, should we buy one to incorporate in the Peaches' pirate costume?) Also, hopefully our children don't get devoured by bugs at camp. THEN: John thought he had a thing he wanted to mention... Should we listen to people who "just want someone to listen"?LATER: Certain Christians genuinely feel BAD when we start spreading the Gospel and winning converts successfully. Why? Because, when we grow the invisible Kingdom of God, it starts to have an impact on the visible nations here on earth. And we have been told it's BAD to have political power. Contact the Comedian's Family by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com

In Genesis 11, the people of Babel said, “Let us make a name for ourselves.” That ancient temptation is still alive today. It can surface in seasons of success, when achievement becomes less about serving God and others and more about building a monument to ourselves. Success is not inherently wrong. Scripture commends diligence, wisdom, excellence, and faithful stewardship. But prosperity also brings spiritual danger. It can reveal what is already happening in the heart. That was the focus of today's conversation with Jim Wise, Senior Partner, Senior Private Wealth Advisor, and Director of Ministry Services for Blue Trust in Orlando. Jim is also a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), bringing both financial expertise and a deep commitment to biblical stewardship. Jim recently gave a presentation to Kingdom Advisors titled, “My Practice: A Ministry to My Clients or a Monument to Myself?” While the message was directed to financial advisors, the question applies to all of us. Are we using what God has entrusted to us for His glory, or are we quietly building a name for ourselves? The Warning of Saul Jim's message grew out of his study of King Saul. Early in Saul's life, we see humility and dependence on God. He did not begin as a man obsessed with power or reputation. But as he experienced success as king, something changed. What began as humility slowly gave way to pride, arrogance, and self-protection. Eventually, Scripture tells us that Saul went to Carmel and “set up a monument for himself” (1 Samuel 15:12). That image stayed with Jim. Saul's story is not merely an ancient warning about a fallen king. It is a mirror for anyone who has experienced influence, achievement, wealth, or vocational success. Success often does not create pride as much as it exposes it. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Prosperity has a way of bringing hidden desires to the surface. When Pride Replaces Humility Many people begin their careers with a deep sense of dependence on the Lord. They pray for guidance, wisdom, provision, and open doors. But over time, success can distort our vision. We may come to believe that the results are mainly due to our talent, intelligence, discipline, or strategy. Jim described this as “believing our own press clippings.” In a culture that celebrates wealth, platform, and achievement, even a small measure of success can bring attention and praise. That attention is spiritually dangerous if it leads us to forget the Source of all we have. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” Everything we have comes from God and belongs to God. Our abilities, opportunities, influence, and resources are entrusted to us. They are not ours to use however we please. Choosing an Advisor: Character Matters This conversation also has practical implications for those choosing a financial advisor. Credentials, experience, and technical knowledge matter. But according to Jim, character matters even more. A highly competent advisor who lacks character may not lead to the kind of relationship or results a client needs. For Christians, it is especially important to find someone who shares a biblical worldview and understands generosity, stewardship, and accountability before God. A faithful advisor does not merely ask, “What can we accumulate?” but “What has God entrusted to you, and how can it be used wisely for His purposes?” That kind of counsel requires more than financial knowledge. It requires wisdom, humility, and a heart submitted to the Lord. Asking the Right Question: Why? Success itself is not the issue. The deeper question is why. Why has God entrusted this platform, business, income, influence, or opportunity to me? What are His purposes for it? What does faithfulness look like in this season? Jim emphasized that successful Christians should not feel guilty for working hard or pursuing excellence. In fact, when resources are stewarded for the kingdom of God, success can become a powerful means of blessing others and advancing the gospel. But we must continually return to the Owner and ask, “What do You want me to do with what You have entrusted to me?” Without that question, success can easily turn inward. Goals become centered on personal achievement, business growth, accumulation, comfort, or reputation, while generosity and kingdom purpose become afterthoughts. When Ambition Replaces Kingdom Purpose One warning sign is when selfish ambition begins to replace kingdom purpose. That may show up in the goals we set. We may have detailed plans for growth, income, retirement, lifestyle, or advancement, but no meaningful goals for generosity, discipleship, service, or eternal impact. That imbalance reveals something important. Our goals often show what we treasure. The issue is not whether we are successful. The issue is whether we are surrendering our success to God. Are we asking how our resources can serve His kingdom, or are we simply trying to secure our own comfort and reputation? Naming the Danger Honestly Words like materialism and idolatry can sound strong, but Jim believes we need to name these dangers honestly. We cannot repent of what we refuse to confront. If someone who loves us sees us drifting toward pride, selfish ambition, or materialism, it is an act of love for them to speak the truth. That kind of accountability is not judgmental when it is rooted in concern for our souls and desire for God's glory. The human heart is remarkably skilled at turning good gifts into ultimate things. That is why we need Scripture, prayer, community, and wise counsel to help us see clearly. Success as a Platform for God's Glory The goal is not to reject success. The goal is to receive it rightly. Every opportunity, every dollar, every relationship, and every platform is entrusted by God. The question is whether we will use those gifts to make a name for ourselves or to make much of Him. The people of Babel wanted to build upward for their own glory. Saul built a monument to himself. But followers of Christ are called to a different path. Real success is not ultimately measured by what we gain, but by who we are becoming in Christ. So as God entrusts us with work, wealth, influence, or opportunity, we should keep asking: Is this becoming a ministry to others, or a monument to myself? That question may be uncomfortable, but it is also a gift. It can help us remember that all we have is from God, belongs to God, and is meant to be used for His glory. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: A couple of years ago, my wife and I enrolled in a debt relief program after medical issues and job loss led us to rely heavily on credit cards. I didn't fully understand that the company would let accounts go to collections before negotiating settlements, and now I'm seeing the downsides—including tax consequences from forgiven debt. Today, my wife was served with papers for one account that hasn't been settled. Do we have to stay in the debt relief program, or can we get out and switch to credit counseling? And what should we know now that a lawsuit is involved? My mother is almost 80 and still has a mortgage. Should I pay it off and put the house in my name in case she needs nursing home care, or should I leave everything as it is and handle it through her estate when she passes? I'm also the executor of her will and want to know what steps, if any, I should take now. Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Blue Trust Breaking the Cycle by John Rinehart (Article in Issue 1 of Faithful Steward Magazine) Christian Credit Counselors Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you still waiting for the Kingdom of God to arrive, or could it have been here all along? This episode challenges everything you thought you knew about the Kingdom, religion, and leadership—revealing how much of what we've built is based on missed expectations and outdated systems. Dive in to discover why Jesus's vision of the Kingdom flips the world's definitions of power, greatness, and success upside down, and how this could radically change the way you live, lead, and build community today. If you've ever wondered what it truly means to be a citizen in a Kingdom that's already present, this is the conversation you can't afford to miss."The kingdom of God is here—not as a religion or institution, but as a foundation that holds everything together." - Tim WindersAccess all show and episode resources HEREEpisode Resources:NT90 Hub – This is the central website for the 90-day New Testament reading plan, with downloadable, printable plans, background information, and links to all episodes and resources.Episode Highlights:00:00 The Kingdom Already Here 01:09 NT in 90 Days 02:21 Four Episode Arc 03:46 Kingdom Arrived First Century 06:27 Upside Down Kingdom Values 10:36 Why We Miss It 15:38 End Times Anxiety Cycle 17:59 Jesus Plus Church Models 22:42 Celebrity Leadership Trap 26:26 Plural Elders Alternative 27:07 Elders by Character 28:03 Jesus Inverts Power 31:35 Strength in Weakness 32:38 Quiet Faithful Endurance 33:42 Kingdom Holds All 36:44 Blueprint in the World 39:33 Knowing the King 42:51 Kingdom Multiplies Scattered 45:55 Modern Misread Exposed 48:54 Love Ladder and Self Control 49:57 Politics Work and Stewardship 51:31 Build on the Foundation 52:34 Next Episode and Invitation

Intention is almost always followed by distraction and disruption. This is especially true when it comes to the business of the kingdom of God! Why should we be intentional? To defeat the effects of disruption and distraction, and to arrive at the place of consistency and obedience. Let's talk about it today on Light on the Hill through a study in Mark chapter one. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1459/29?v=20251111

Send Us Your Questions/CommentsJesus sends seventy-two ordinary disciples into ordinary towns and tells them to do something that still challenges our modern instincts: pray first, then go in dependence. Luke 10 is not a hype speech for “big ministry,” it is a clear blueprint for Christian discipleship, evangelism, and gospel mission that happens in homes, conversations, and daily life. We walk through Jesus' instructions and ask what it looks like to represent Him with humility when we feel underprepared, outnumbered, or afraid of rejection.We talk about the harvest being plentiful and why Jesus tells us to pray for workers, not for the harvest. We dig into the posture of going as “lambs among wolves,” the wisdom of being sent two by two, and the simple opening line that sets the tone of the kingdom: “Peace to this house.” Along the way, we connect the dots between hospitality, mercy, and proclamation, because the kingdom of God is often seen through compassion before it is explained with words.Then we face the hard part: not everyone will receive the message. Jesus teaches us how to handle rejection without bitterness or pressure and reminds us that faithfulness is our call, while outcomes belong to God. Finally, when the seventy-two return excited about authority, Jesus re-centers their joy on what cannot be taken away: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” We close with a practical tool for sharing your faith through your testimony: before Christ, how you met Christ, and what is different now.If you want a clearer, calmer, more faithful approach to sharing the gospel, this conversation will help. Subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the Life Talk Podcast.New episodes every Mondaywww.lifehousemot.cominfo@lifehousede.comJoin us Sundays at 9 & 11 AMIntro music by Joey Blair

Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com   The book of Philemon raises one of the most difficult questions in all of Scripture: What does the Bible actually say about slavery?   In this episode of the Determine Truth Podcast, Rob and Vinnie begin a two-part discussion on Philemon, Onesimus, and the complicated relationship between slavery, biblical interpretation, and Christian history. Along the way, they explore how Scripture has been used throughout history to justify slavery, segregation, antisemitism, colonialism, war, and other harmful practices—and why careful, humble interpretation matters.   The conversation examines: The historical context of Philemon and Onesimus Slavery in the ancient world versus American chattel slavery How Christians have used the Bible to defend harmful systems Why biblical interpretation requires humility The relationship between truth, Scripture, and Jesus The trajectory of justice and human dignity throughout the biblical story Why Philemon remains one of the most important and challenging books in the New Testament Whether you're wrestling with difficult passages in Scripture, questioning how Christians have interpreted the Bible, or seeking a deeper understanding of Philemon, this discussion offers thoughtful engagement with one of Christianity's most challenging topics.   William Webb, Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals  https://www.amazon.com/Slaves-Women-Homosexuals-Exploring-Hermeneutics/dp/0830815619/ref=sr_1_1?crid=G03LUOVZW64P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WYgYVxQLdH4xNWPaz4aWpQ.LubOEzSZ3E4qQhhZgLwEjl1ZCdSyTbW0Q3mYZRicjV0&dib_tag=se&keywords=William+Webb%2C+Slaves%2C+Women%2C+and+Homosexuals&qid=1781461982&sprefix=william+webb%2C+slaves%2C+women%2C+and+homosexuals%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-1 Bible Project with Carmen Imes https://bibleproject.com/classroom/exodus-overview-carmen-imes/sessions/20 Christopher Wright, Ethics and the OT People of God https://www.amazon.com/Old-Testament-Ethics-People-God/dp/0830839615/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=186429966876&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.L76EmsYb3BNGoNWLdKSW6lx6FfiWzFfEcEb-ezDBjeyTJ6e7NTUBf4PEtyjarevYvxFAx6eKja_WP99vwZVljZmg1_teuBfFAOyzwKM8m7hjkKV-O73Sr8vCU8-x2cjsjiozLeZxB6vav7R67tKI1a4INf7gQfd3TtK4eyTgNuh78MBibWUyeXRrYGCTt0K0Lb9J18jng5uppFFtjDSI9vxJwA7M_DY11BxD_udWnlM.TUqwwxZwIg1ExcKPNoyL-uGQp409hKN8feiluQ4RMzc&dib_tag=se&hvadid=792918667589&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=1014081&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=2282925062319380072--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2282925062319380072&hvtargid=kwd-375817568813&hydadcr=2931_13892005_2446146&keywords=old+testament+ethics+wright&mcid=1a98bc646a1a37088de45a45a662907c&qid=1781462073&sr=8-1 FOLLOW THE PODCAST Subscribe to be notified of our new episodes (each Monday).  Want to help us expand the Gospel of the Kingdom? Leave a review, “like” the podcast, or share it with others.   CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES The Determinetruth Podcast is a ministry of Determinetruth Ministries. We offer free resources to equip pastors, leaders, and the body of Christ in the US and worldwide for service in the kingdom of God. You can visit us online at https://www.determinetruth.com   SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES Determinetruth is a non-profit 501(c)(3), and relies completely on the financial support of our partners around the world.  Please consider partnering with us and making a tax-deductible donation https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/3648601   Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob's latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth.   https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets) #megachuch #churchgrowth #churchhurt #abuse #trauma #deconstruction #exvangelical #thechurch #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #pastors #authority #housechurch #vinnieangelo #robdalrymple

Whose kingdom are you advancing in your life? Are you praying for the Kingdom of God to come while making decisions and living a life focused chiefly on bringing about your own kingdom? It's a common error for many believers. In today's message, Pastor Ricky emphasizes the importance of praying for God's Kingdom. Even if we find ourselves stuck living for ourselves, praying this way from the heart will lead us toward a life that reflects the desire for that Kingdom over our own. "Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.

Is the God of the Old Testament a rigid judge, while the God of the New Testament is entirely about grace? This week, Shelley and June Volk tackle this common church misconception head-on by dedicating five days to exploring a single, life-altering Hebrew word: Chesed ($C-H-E-S-E-D$). Appearing over 250 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, chesed is so rich that it takes a beautiful tapestry of English words to define it—encompassing kindness, loving kindness, mercy, goodness, favor, and compassion. It is the very word used for "grace" when the New Testament is translated back into Hebrew. Join the Volks as they journey from the desert of Arizona straight into the wilderness of Psalm 63, uncovering how to move past transient, temporary circumstances and anchor your soul to eternity through the faithful, enduring chesed 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.

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: 1. The Book of Revelation is Christ's special message to our generation. It is a prophecy which tells us of major events from AD96 in the apostle John's time - leading up to the coming of the Kingdom of God. [Inspiring] **An outstanding and thought-provoking introduction to the book of Revelation!** We embark on a wonderful, expositional journey to uncover the Lord's direct message for our generation. This revealing and insightful presentation explores how God has provided prophetic encouragement for every age – from Adam to the apostles – and how the book of Revelation specifically bridges the gap from John's day all the way to the second coming of Christ. We examine the fascinating structure of seals, trumpets, and vials, showing how believers throughout history have located themselves in God's unfolding purpose. If you've ever wondered whether Revelation speaks to *our* time, this video will transform your understanding. Prepare to be inspired as we discover how to be not just servants, but friends of Christ.###

We are now in the liturgical season of Trinitytide, also known as Ordinary Time. But this Ordinary Time is far from mundane or common as our culture understands ordinary. It speaks to the "ordinary" life of those living in the realized and manifest Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven. It is in Trinitytide that our Lord disciples us as to how we should live in His Kingdom for our salvation and the salvation of the world. On this first week of Trinitytide, we are taught that we are to become love by our encounters with Christ our God and become the expression of that same love to one another and to the world.

It has been 18 years of marriage for The Pod Ninja and the Peaches! They spent the day carting the fruit of their marriage to various activities...How long does a parrot live? (And, should we buy one to incorporate in the Peaches' pirate costume?) Also, hopefully our children don't get devoured by bugs at camp. THEN: John thought he had a thing he wanted to mention... Should we listen to people who "just want someone to listen"?LATER: Certain Christians genuinely feel BAD when we start spreading the Gospel and winning converts successfully. Why? Because, when we grow the invisible Kingdom of God, it starts to have an impact on the visible nations here on earth. And we have been told it's BAD to have political power. Contact the Comedian's Family by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com

Pastor Mike will be speaking on The Future. He will be reading out of Isaiah 2:1-5. And the kingdom of God will march on with you or without you. Are you gonna follow? Are you willing to take on the challenges that are before us? But the most important kingdom, church, listen to me, the […] The post The Future first appeared on Hope Worth Having.

Putting God First Is Hard Sometimes Matthew 6:33 “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” “Strive first for the kingdom of God.” This sounds easier than it is. Of course we want the kingdom of God. Of course we want to go to heaven. Yet there are so many distractions competing for our attention every day. When I was younger, if you had a favorite TV show, you had to wait a whole week between episodes. Now you can watch an entire season in a day. Between streaming services, social media, games on our phones, and endless entertainment, it is easy to fill our days with things of this world and leave very little room for God. How are we spending our time? Are we putting God first, or are we fitting Him in wherever we can? Someone at my prayer group received this word from the Lord: “My children, I tell you if you seek first my kingdom, I will bring order into your life. I will share my wisdom with you. I am always your God; there is none other like me. Seek not anything else. I tell you again, seek my kingdom, seek my will, place it first in your life, and you will have found less strife. My children, I love you. Imprint that deeply in your heart. I am your God, and I am to be placed first.” After sharing the word, she said she sensed that the Lord was almost sorrowful because so many things are being placed ahead of Him. She could feel how deeply He desires to be first in our lives. When I heard that, it cut right through me. I knew God was talking to me. Lately I have been putting other things ahead of Him. I will sit down and watch several episodes of a TV show even though I know I haven't finished writing my podcast. If I haven't finished writing it, then I certainly haven't recorded or edited it. That isn't putting God first. That is fitting Him in when I can. It makes me sad to think that God may be hurt by that. When we think about it, it makes sense. How do we feel when our spouse, children, parents, or friends continually put everything else ahead of us? God provides for me every day. He answers prayers. He comforts me. He guides me. He helps me write these episodes. He never takes a day off. Yet how often do I give Him whatever time is left over? The first step is recognizing where we are putting other things ahead of God. The answer will look different for each of us. For me, it is often sleep, television, and distractions on my phone. I'm not saying these things are bad. Sleep is important. Rest is important. Entertainment is fine in moderation. The problem comes when I give my best time and energy to those things and then give God whatever is left. The reason I am telling you this is because I want to be honest with you. I struggle with the same things I talk about in these episodes. When I heard that word from the Lord, I knew I wasn't the only one who needed to hear it. Living the life God calls us to live is not always easy. Sometimes we have to choose what God wants over what we want. A while back, Tony and I had friends visiting for the weekend. We had such a great time together. On Sunday morning, our friends left just in time for us to make Mass. The church is only a few minutes from our house. Instead of going, we sat on the couch, ate breakfast, and watched television. I still can't believe we did that. Actually, I can, because doing the right thing isn't always easy. And when we aren't in the habit of putting God first, it becomes easier and easier to choose something else instead. I didn't really want to tell you that story, but the Holy Spirit kept bringing it to mind. Maybe someone listening needs to know they aren't alone. Maybe someone else struggles to put God first too. I truly want to put God first. Yet every time I fail, I think of what St. Paul says in Romans 7:15: “For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do.” I know I want to live the way God wants me to live. I also know that when I fail, that is not who I am. It is simply something I did. The good news is that we can always begin again. I don't think God is looking for perfection. I think He is looking for effort, persistence, and hearts that keep turning back to Him. When we fail, we repent and try again. When we get distracted, we turn back to Him. When we put something else first, we ask for His help and start over. I am going to keep trying to put God first. Will you keep trying with me? Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that you bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord, we hear you. We understand how it may hurt you when we place everything else ahead of you, and we want to stop doing that. Please give us the wisdom, strength, and courage to put you first. Help us place your will above our own. We are sorry for the times we have been too busy for you while making time for everything else. Thank you for all that you do for us. We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen. Thank you for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you've been feeling distant from God lately, but you're not sure why, I created a free quiz called "What's Quietly Blocking Your Connection With God?" In just a few minutes, you'll discover one of four common obstacles that may be affecting your relationship with God. At the end, you'll receive a personalized result, a short podcast episode, and a mentoring replay chosen specifically for your result. CLICK HERE  for the quiz. I look forward to spending time with you on Monday. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed weekend. Today's Word from the Lord was received in October 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Wash away your doubts. They have no place in me. Your doubts cloud your vision and are a product of the evil one. Be not fooled.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

In this message, Tope takes us through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) to reveal what Jesus really came to teach—not rules and religion, but the kingdom of God and the heart of the Father who gave His word. Through the Beatitudes, the call to be salt and light, and profound teachings on forgiveness, worry, and generosity, Tope shows us that we are kingdom royalty who must learn how to live as the Father intends, with responses (like rejoicing in persecution) that are radically different from the world's way. As you listen, consider: Am I building my life on the solid rock of Jesus' words and actually doing them, and am I willing to let the kingdom reshape how I live at work, in my relationships, and in my daily choices?

A gathered church becomes an outpost of heaven when it learns to see the world through God’s perspective rather than through fear, anxiety, and manipulation. Fear seeks to convince people that their future is doomed, but the gospel announces that Jesus Christ has conquered death and secured a greater future for those who belong to Him. Because Christ reigns, believers can live with confidence even when the world around them appears unstable. A gathered church lives under a different King and interprets the world through a different story. After Peter and John were threatened by the authorities, the believers responded by praying Scripture. They recognized that earthly rulers may appear powerful, but they remain subject to God’s purposes. As the church prayed Psalm 2, they saw that opposition against God’s people was not evidence that God had lost control. It was confirmation that God’s plan was continuing exactly as He had declared. A gathered church hosts a different presence than the world. When the believers prayed for boldness, God responded by shaking the place where they were assembled. The emphasis was not on a sacred building but on a gathered people among whom God’s presence was active. “This becomes the embassy of heaven.” In God’s presence, fear loses its grip, minds are renewed, and people begin to see reality through the lens of His kingdom. A gathered church receives fresh empowerment for mission. The believers who were already filled with the Holy Spirit were filled again and began speaking God’s Word with boldness. The Spirit’s power is not given merely for personal experiences but for serving others, proclaiming the gospel, and drawing people into the kingdom of God. The church becomes an outpost of heaven when ordinary believers carry God’s presence into the world and invite others to encounter the living Christ. The post An Outpost of Heaven appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.

What does it really mean to declare, “Jesus is Lord”? In this powerful and personal message, Don shares how the Lord's authority extends into every area of life—from physical healing and financial challenges to emotional struggles and spiritual battles. Through inspiring testimonies of God's faithfulness in the midst of tragedy, illness, and uncertainty, you'll be reminded that Jesus is not the source of our suffering—He is our help, hope, and victory in the middle of it.Drawing from Luke 10 and the message of the Kingdom of God, Don challenges believers to embrace the authority Jesus has given them, reject fear and defeat, and rediscover the heart of a loving Father who delights in His children. This message is a call to move beyond religion and into a deeper understanding of God's goodness, His Kingdom, and the truth that Jesus is Lord over every circumstance we face.Join us as we learn to walk in His authority, rest in His love, and live with confidence in the goodness of our Heavenly Father.

This message reminds us that no act of obedience is insignificant in the Kingdom of God. God is not limited by your circumstances, your past, your weaknesses, or your obscurity. He is looking for hearts willing to trust Him and say yes.This message explores:• Why God often begins great works through small beginnings• The faith of Samson's mother and her simple response to God• The difference between seeking explanations and seeking revelation• How obedience impacts future generations• Why no one is insignificant in the Kingdom of God• The power of daily faithfulness and small steps of obedience• How God works on our behalf before we even ask

Tired of looking to AI, YouTube "experts," or the next side-hustle for answers about your finances? In this message, Pastor Jerry Dirmann reveals God's SUPERNATURAL strategy to break the cycle of debt — and shows that the SOURCE of your financial provision is closer than you think. (Hint: Jesus said you CANNOT serve two masters.)In this powerful, practical message, Pastor Jerry unpacks Matthew 6:24 and 6:31-33 — "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and mammon... But seek first the kingdom of God... and all these things shall be added to you." This isn't just a moral choice — Jesus said it's a spiritual reality. Your daily actions, not your words, reveal who your true source really is: God, money, self, or even AI, YouTube, and "experts" who want you to pay into their system. (To be clear — this isn't a message against technology. It's an invitation to make sure technology, side-hustles, or "the system" never become the god we serve.)

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

New Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville Strong Christians Have Close Relationships Introduction: In our men's weekend with Jacob Hudgins, he asked a very important question about Samson. The question was this: “Who were Samson's close friends?” It was a question that most, if not all of us had never considered. Samson not only did not have close friends, there is no evidence that he had anyone that could be considered a friend. Samson doesn't believe he needs anyone. He is a one man wrecking crew. From the very first, “Get her for me, she pleases me well,” to “…strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes,” Samson lived life his way.  Does that sound familiar? Do we really need anyone else to be very close to us? Oh sure, we can use some help from time to time, but we just take care of our responsibilities. Let's be honest, most of us have a very independent nature and can easily live independent lives. But that is far from what God has asked of us. When we read the book of Acts, we should suddenly be struck with three major messages, the growth of the kingdom of God, the persecution of Christians in the midst of a dark and idolatrous world, and the fact that everywhere the gospel is preached a church came into being—a group of Christians dedicated to working together and helping each other attain an eternal goal. And they weren't just a “group” holding “services” together, they were deeply interconnected.  In fact, when we consider the 27 writings of the NT, every single letter stresses the love and concern that is to be evident among brethren in each church. The letter that says it more than any other is 1 John. John's letter will be our primary text. Overall Context At the end of the first century, Christians were dealing with individuals in the churches that had turned aside from the teachings of the apostles and instead believed they received inspired messages from spiritual beings. Their claim of super knowledge led them to exalt themselves above other Christians, cause divisions by establishing new churches, and cause doubt among Christians who had not received these same “revelations.”  John defeated these teachings with the emphasis on three primary truths: Those who truly know God keep his commandments by following the teaching of the apostles.  Practicing sin is not living righteously, and one who practices sin is not of God. Those who exalted themselves above the brethren and “went out from us” based on their own teachings, do not love the brethren, nor do they love God.  Our concern will be the emphasis John puts on this last point. We might look at these three messages of John and give our attention more to “keeping the commandments of God” and refusing to “practice sin” than we do to “loving the brethren.” But you may be surprised that is not how John presents his message.  Before we read these verses, a reminder: You may be thinking, “We all know that we are to love each other, and we do love each other. Why this sermon?” Two reasons: We all have difficulty thinking of love much beyond how we feel about each other and our ability to be friendly with each other. What we are missing is that the slightest offense instantly destroys those kind, friendly feelings. That is obviously not the kind of love the Lord is talking about. Because we struggle to obtain and maintain the love defined by John in his letter, we easily retain a suspicion about each other: “Can I really trust you to be gentle, kind, and patient, and that my welfare is a top priority for you?” If you are honest, you know you cannot say that about just anyone, even those you say you love!  Highlighting John's Message of Love (1 John) 2:6-11 An old commandment that has now become new. 3:9-23  9-10: Loving one another is on the same plane as “practicing righteousness.” 14: “We have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.” 16: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” Jesus defined love by lying down his life, which defines for us whether or not we are loving one another.  18-19: “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him…” Our assurance of salvation has to do with whether or love goes beyond “word and talk.”  21-23: “Whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what is pleasing to him. And this is the commandment that…we love one another…”  4:7-8 Whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  4:10-12 God's love is perfected in us when we love one another. It is the way the God who has not been seen, can now be seen.  4:17 “By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for he day of judgment…” 4:20-21 “…he who does not love is brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”  5:1-2 “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.”  Throughout these texts we have seen time and again the absolute necessity of loving one another in the same way Jesus has love us if we expect to be saved. Serious historical problem among churches: stressing doctrinal correctness to the point that how we behave and whether we love each other as John has defined does not even enter the picture of our own salvation. That is a perfect description of the Pharisees!  Beyond “Feeling” Love: Deepening Our Connections We mentioned at the beginning of the lesson that a good test of love between one another is when suspicion is removed and trust is the foundation of the relationship. Consider Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Therefore, instead of asking, “Do you love the brethren,” ask, “Who do you know that will love at all times regardless of the challenges and difficulties? Who do you trust that will always “be there?”  Here's another challenge: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Who could you confess your sins to? It is a matter of love and trust, isn't it? Hebrews 3:12-13 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Exhorting one another every day is the key to avoiding the deceitfulness of sin and an evil heart.  Hebrews 10:24-26 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately…” Our assembling together is a matter of loving and protecting each other from slipping and falling in our faith. If we do not have love that trusts and lacks suspicion, we cannot obey this command.  The critical use of time to build trusting love: (Story of the El Cajon men who met once on Wednesday night after class) The love God expects of us that sacrifices self, protects and encourages, stirs up to more love and good works, is not attained simply by potlucks. There must be intentionality and purpose in the togetherness.  Examples: One couple together with another couple discussing marital and spiritual challenges in marriage and raising a family. A group of men discussing how we can enhance our love for our wives and our children. Mixed groups of singles and married discussing the spiritual needs of each and how we can help one another and make deeper connections. How can this happen? What are possible objections? “No one invites me.” — Do you respond to the invitations give to the whole church? Take advantage to what is already in place so that you are more visible and accepting. Create your own connection. Invite others.  Start small with a “safe” small group, or even just one person. Add to that and build on it. Step up to the plate as a shepherd/leader. All of us can find people we can mentor, show concern for, and be vulnerable with. Conclusion: The goal is deepening our love for someone else and their love for us. We need to be more than a family, we need to be God's family. You will be surprised that within a short time you can establish and trusting love with your brother and sister in Christ. Don't be a “Samson!” That's victory over the devil! Berry Kercheville The post 1 John: Strong Christians Have Close Relationships appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.

Join Stephen Streett as he explores the themes of compassion, mission, and the call to serve others in his sermon 'Be the Blessing'. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, Streett emphasizes the importance of seeing, praying, and going with courage to bring the kingdom of God closer to those in need. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, this sermon serves as an inspiring call to action for all who wish to be a blessing in their communities.

Faith struggles and spiritual disappointment are universal experiences that many believers face but rarely discuss openly. This message explores why faith journeys sometimes feel broken and how God uses these difficult seasons for divine transformation. Discover the true meaning behind Jesus' call to repent and why the kingdom of God is closer than you think. Learn about the five stages of spiritual transformation that mirror Christ's own journey from suffering to ascension, and understand how all suffering is designed to lead us into deeper oneness with God. Explore practical techniques for accessing God's presence through stillness, conscious breathing, and turning inward rather than seeking external solutions. Find hope in seasons of spiritual dryness and discover how to practice the presence of God through simple breathing exercises. This teaching reveals how the Hebrew name of God is connected to our breath, making every moment a sacred opportunity for prayer and divine connection. Perfect for anyone experiencing doubt, spiritual burnout, church hurt, or feeling disconnected from God. Learn why suffering isn't punishment but preparation for greater intimacy with the Father, and discover practical steps for finding peace through inner stillness rather than external circumstances.This sermon was recorded at a Sunday morning gathering at Church of the Lookout in Longmont, Colorado.Speaker: Walt RobersonSeries: StandaloneScripture: John 17 YouTube: https://youtu.be/k6PmuPiEvJwVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

All of us are searching for happiness in one form or another. some of us seek wealth or pleasures of this age and some seek fulfillment in family or work. However, the way of Jesus flows in the opposite direction. In Matthew 5, Jesus gives his "Sermon on the Mount" and lays out the way of the Kingdom of God. The first section of his sermon is often known as "the beatitudes" and lists those who are "blessed" (or "happy"). Can we find true happiness and fulfillment following the ways of this world and its age, or should we seek the counter-cultural way of Jesus?

Contrast the domination system against the kingdom of God: our faith gives us a vision of the world organized around love and justice rather than power and domination — a vision in tension with the kingdoms of this world. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804

Merlin Miller continues the Gospel of Mark series with this 38th sermon titled Upside down kingdom, taken from Mark 10:13-16. Jesus continues to use daily interactions with the disciples to illustrate principles of God's kingdom that seem backwards, or upside down, to us. The focus once again is on children, used to demonstrate the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God.

Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share Publicly Your Relationship with Jesus? (Resurrection Anglican Church; Woodstock, GA) To what extent are you willing to share with others your relationship with Jesus? What price are you willing to pay, personally, so that others may know the good news of Jesus – the Gospel? What are you willing to go through to advance the Kingdom of God? In Ephesians 3:1-2, the Apostle Paul summarizes the price that he joyfully accepts to carry the news of the Gospel to the Nations: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentile -- assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.". In Acts 26:19, Paul gives his public testimony, in his hearing before King Agrippa; and told the King and everyone in attendance that he, Paul, felt privileged to testify, to the Nations, about his conversion and his relationship with Jesus: “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.". Paul was in prison facing a trial by the despotic Emperor of Rome, Nero. However, you may never have to go to prison or face death to communicate the Gospel; but you will face both physical and emotional discomfort as you become a visible follower of Jesus. While articulating the Gospel to others is important, the most effective way to communicate the Gospel is not by what you say but how you live – walk the talk and let others see Jesus in you. The world, the country, your friends, and your family have so many issues and hurts for which Jesus and His Gospel are the answer; but we keep this good news a secret by our unwillingness to live a visible life walking the talk of the Gospel and sharing the Gospel. Do you have the faith and courage and are you willing to share the Gospel? If you do, then pray for God's guidance to you for His will and role for you.     TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 3:1-21; Acts 9:15; Acts 26:12-23; Psalms 124:1-8. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “God Sees Jesus Followers as “In Christ”: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is often seen at a table—eating with tax collectors, sinners, and people others avoided. When Levi hosted a dinner for Jesus, it became a powerful picture of grace: the kingdom of God welcoming those who knew they needed mercy. Jesus used meals to bring people together, break down barriers, and invite people into a new life. This week, we see how following Jesus means extending the same kind of welcome to others.

Powerful message about the Kingdom of God and its principles

Jesus is not condemning farming, buying or selling, or marriage. Fields, oxen, and wives are gifts of God, given from His own hand. Abraham had fields. Jacob had livestock past counting. God Himself instituted marriage in Eden. The sin is not in the things. The sin is in the ranking. Each man looked at the gift in his hand and the Giver at his door, and he feared losing the gift more than he feared the Giver.

Min. Eshema Momoh led a timely and insightful discussion titled Raising Kingdom Influencers: Little Lights, Big Impact. Drawing from Matthew 5:14–16 and Deuteronomy 11:18–21, we explored God's call for parents to intentionally raise children who shine as lights in their generation. She focused on four strategic pillars for raising Kingdom influencers. First, we must recognise that Kingdom influencers are intentionally built at home through consistent, daily discipleship. Second, parents must actively guard their children's influences, paying close attention to what enters their hearts and minds. Third, we are called to discover and develop their spiritual and natural gifts early, giving them opportunities to grow and thrive. Finally, we must intentionally teach contentment, confidence, and a secure Kingdom identity rooted in Christ. By establishing these foundations, we position our children to become strong, resilient disciples who reflect Christ, stand firm in their convictions, and positively influence their generation for the Kingdom of God.

In this message, Michael explores how gratitude acts as a transformative force that displaces entitlement and pride, shifting our perspective to acknowledge and receive God's grace. He unpacks a self-replicating cycle where the acknowledgement of blessings leads to empowerment and joy, equipping individuals to become effective and fruitful ambassadors for the kingdom of God.

A lawyer asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life, and the answer is “love.” Love God and love neighbor. But because the lawyer is practiced in manipulating the law, he follows this up with a question we all secretly ask: who can I exclude from my love? Jesus answers with a story that inverts everything. Not only is the Samaritan the neighbor, he is the very one who does the heart of the law by loving the neighbor, and by virtue of this fact, it is assumed that he is the one to inherit eternal life. Jesus' point is this: if you want to walk the path of abundant life now and eternal life in the future, you must learn to love. Dr. Eric J. Gilchrest | June 14, 2026 The Good Samaritan Download Check out the weekly sermon here or on our SRBC podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. While you're at it, check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. What We'll CoverWhy eternal life begins now, not in the next lifeWhy "Who is my neighbor?" is really a question about exclusion and why Jesus refuses to answer it on those termsHow you can tell whether you actually love God (hint: it's not about your feelings on Sunday morning; its about how you love your neighbor)Why love is a verb, and the difference between the right words and the right worksWhat the Samaritan teaches us about empathy and compassionWhy self-giving love isn't a rule we're forced to keep but the design we were made to live Like what you hear? We'd love to know.At South Run, we read every message personally. Whether you have a question, want to share how God is moving in your life, or are thinking about visiting in person, this is the place to start. If you click the link below, Pastor Eric will personally reach out to you. Listening online? Let us know. Sermon Transcript The Good Samaritan and the Age of Life: Love, Eternal Life, and the Narrow Road of Luke 10 — Sermon TranscriptSouth Run Baptist Church | Springfield, VARev. Dr. Eric GilchrestLuke 10:25–37June 14, 2026 This is a full sermon transcript from South Run Baptist Church in Springfield, Virginia. In this message, Rev. Dr. Eric Gilchrest preaches on the Parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25–37. This sermon is part of the ongoing "The Jesus Way" transformation series and addresses what eternal life actually means in the original Greek, why love and life are inseparable in Jesus' teaching, and how the Good Samaritan parable reveals that walking the narrow road means active, costly, others-centered love. Opening Prayer: A Church on MissionHeavenly Father, we come today offering you thanksgiving for Ian and for Emma, the great work that they're doing at GW, but also for this church and for the work that those who are in these walls do for those who are outside of these walls. We, Lord, desire to be a church on mission, and we need to keep that front and center. And so, Lord, plant it in each of our hearts that as we go where we go throughout the week on Monday and Thursday and random points on a Saturday afternoon, that we be reminded that we bear your image, we bring your word to the world, and we make new disciples. And so, God, we pray all of this in Christ's holy name. Amen. Where We Are in The Jesus Way SeriesWe are in a series on two ways, right? There is the narrow way that leads to abundant life, and this morning we are talking about that way, and the way that Jesus teaches us to walk — a way that leads to abundance and to life eternal. And then the other way we'll get back to next week, and that's the broad way. It's the easy way, frankly, and it's the way that leads to death and destruction. On Father's Day next week, we will cover the lovely topic of gluttony, so you definitely won't want to miss that, dads. You're welcome. For today, though, we are in a parable that you are probably familiar with. Whether you've been around the church much or not, you definitely know what a Good Samaritan is. We even have like Good Samaritan laws, right? Well, I want to dive down deep, and I'll say this whole framing for me — the whole like two ways, the life, death — has become clarifying, we'll say, in ways that I've not anticipated and I have quite enjoyed as we've gone throughout this series. And I almost think of it as like this lens that I take and then I put it over top of the scripture that we're reading and then I kind of see what pops out, like what's new. And so here we are in a very familiar passage and it is, well, it came as a little bit of a surprise to me, exactly how Jesus frames this. So I hope you have a Bible with you. If you don't, go ahead and grab the one that's in front of you — we definitely want to turn to Luke 10 together. Luke 10:25–28: A Lawyer Asks About Eternal LifeSo again, Luke chapter 10, starting in verse 25. It starts this way as you're turning there. "Behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test." Here we have lawyers doing what lawyers do, right? A lawyer, though, you should know in this day and age is not what you're thinking of as a lawyer. He does not work for the IRS. He does not do like tax law or something like this. He is a lawyer of the Torah, the Jewish law, right? And so this is a man who knows his law well, but very specifically the first five books of our Bible. And this is going to become important because Jesus is going to say to him, like, what does the law say? Like, what does our Bible say, the one you and I share together, right? And so this lawyer, he has spent lots of time in the law, as we'll see, as good lawyers often do. They know the law in order to kind of skirt through it, and he's trying to do this in this passage, but he actually knows what he's talking about. So the passage goes on, and he says, "Teacher" — rabbi, this is Jesus here, our rabbi, the one we should be listening to and following — "what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And as I'm pulling that lens, remember, and I'm putting it on and I see this phrase, eternal life, I think to myself, well, here it is. This is part of what we're trying to do for this season of our church history — looking at ways that lead to life and ways that lead to death. And here Jesus is being asked like the exact question I'm asking you and I'm trying to get us all talking about, and that I think is of utmost importance. We might even say a matter of life and death. And he says, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Now, if you were asked this question, if somebody on the street came to you, it's worth asking, like, what would you say? How would you answer that question? What "Eternal Life" Actually Means in the Greek: The Age of Life vs. The Age of Death Backing up just a minute, this phrase eternal life needs just a little bit of clarification. The word for eternal here is not exactly the platonic, like, eternal sense that you and I often use it. Now, it might mean that to a degree, but only in like a secondary sense. It actually comes from a Greek word, eon — or the English version is eon. Eon is an age, right? There's one eon, and then there's the next eon, there's one age, and then there's the next age. And he's asking him, well, how do I get myself into the age of life? It's important that you know that there is an age of death — or as Paul calls it, the evil age, right? This age actually is that, right? It's the age that ultimately we all know is hovered over by these two things of sin and death and evil, and it lurks about, and none of us get out of here alive, right? That's why this age is the age of death. And this is why the Bible speaks to this matter over and over and over again. And this is the final enemy, death. And so the man is asking a very good question, which is, how do we make it out of the age of death and then make it into the age of life? And he has in mind — he thinks like a good first century Jew — and I need you to think this way for a second so that we can maybe make it a little more complicated. His timeline goes like this. There's the age in which we live, the age of death. There's then an ending to that, and there is a resurrection that happens of all people, good and bad. And then there's a judgment that happens, and the people are either judged good or bad. And then there is the age of life. That might be how you're thinking of things right now, in fact. But here's the important wrinkle. A resurrection has already happened. A resurrection has already happened. And so when Jesus is resurrected, the timeline gets shoved into the present. And then also, with that happening, there is a real sense in which judgment has also happened, and yet is also going to happen. It's a both-and. And Paul, if we had time, he gives us both of these. But the point is actually this — what Jesus does is he drags eternal life and he puts it smack dab into this life. And this life is where eternal life begins. And he'll say things like, "the kingdom of God is in your midst, is among you." He's referring to himself. He's saying, through me starts this eternal life. It's here and it's now. And so when Jesus is being asked this question — what must I do to enter into this age of life? — he doesn't say it out loud, but he is saying, well, it starts right now. It's not something we're pushing off to the future. We don't just kind of do all the right things now and then punch a ticket and then we get into the thing. No, you're in it right now. Jesus Tosses the Question Back: How Do You Read the Law?And so he says to this lawyer — well, he refuses to answer his question, actually. What does he do? He tosses it right back to him. And he says to him, well, you tell me, you lawyer, you know the law. What's written in the law and how do you read it? I actually love that last question — the "how do you read it" — that is so important. I don't have time to dig down deep here, but just know that we should all be asking, like, how do we read this scripture? Like, how do you read it? We all read it slightly differently, but Jesus wants to teach us how we read our scripture. And so the man says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." And Jesus, maybe to his shock, certainly to my shock, says, wow, you're correct. You got it right. Like, that is the answer. And in fact, in the other Gospels, Jesus is the one to say these things. Who knows? Maybe this lawyer got it from Jesus. And he says, you're supposed to love God. And by the way, all of those categories — that just simply means your whole being, everything you are. You're just supposed to love God with like every last ounce of who you are. And then love your neighbor as yourself. And this is the simplification of all things. It's the simplification of the law, the scriptures, what God is trying to do with the world. It is just love, right? Love God, love your neighbor. Now, I'd add this. When we talk about loving our neighbor, the Bible breaks down for us to love God with our souls and our minds and our strength and all these various aspects of who we are. And I would say, well, that's just a description of how to love. And we should do the same with the people in our lives. We should love them in similar kinds of ways, with our whole being. "He said to him, you have answered correctly. Do this and you will live." Again, there's our word — life, right? Well, how do we live a life? And how do we do it right? And how do we stay on that narrow path? He says, well, do this. The guy gets it. "Who Is My Neighbor?" — The Question Jesus Refuses to Answer DirectlyAnd if we stopped there, we would feel really good about this passage and it'd all be done. But the man, remember, he's a lawyer and he knows his law. And the job of the lawyer is to get around the law and to kind of sneak through it. And so he says the follow-up. He wants to justify himself and says to Jesus, well, excuse me, who is my neighbor? Jesus does not answer this question. I'll just go ahead and say that very clearly here. Jesus does not answer who the neighbor is. He pulls up the example of somebody being a good neighbor — that is the Samaritan — treats the robbed man that we're going to meet here as the neighbor, but the Samaritan is not actually technically the neighbor here. He's the one who's doing it right, who is loving his neighbor well. All of this explodes the boxes that this lawyer no doubt has, and it should explode ours too. And I can't go into exactly what a Samaritan is, but I assure you, the lawyer is thinking the Samaritan is not one of us. Whoever the "us" is for you — not one of us. He's over there. He's one of them. And Jesus is saying, well, look at the them. Whoever your "them" is, they're doing it right. They're the one who's loving well. And it should cause us to stop in our tracks and to ask, well, if they're able to love well, and they're finding what Jesus is calling eternal life or abundant life in this life that's leading to this eternal life, well, maybe I've got some work to do. Jesus replies to the question that the lawyer asks. He doesn't answer it. He, of course, does what Jesus does, which is to either ask a question — which is what he did the first time — or to tell a story, which is what he does this time. Luke 10:30–32: The Priest and the Levite Pass ByAnd so he says, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance, there was a priest going down the road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Well then likewise, a Levite came to the place, saw him, passed by on the other side." I assure you, the Levite knows the law too, right? And the priest, well, he knows the law too. And Jesus is saying, do the priest or the Levite do the law? That is, do they love their neighbor? And the answer is very clearly no, right? They do not. Luke 10:33–35: The Samaritan and the Meaning of CompassionNow the Samaritan, whether or not he knows the law is actually not exactly clear, and in some ways not even to the point. The Samaritan does the law. He does the thing that should be done here, which is he sees the man half dead, and he goes to help him. I would stop here for just one minute and point out this word to you — compassion, at the end of verse 33. Compassion. This word shows up only three times in your gospel of Luke. It shows up in the following ways. The widow of Nain — Jesus encounters this woman who already is a widow. She's lost her husband. She then loses her son in the story that is being told. And Jesus looks at this woman who has lost her husband and her son, and he has compassion. Which is to say, the word itself means like his insides are like turning outside, and he's like physically in pain watching this woman and is feeling her pain, right? It also shows up in the passage we're going to talk about next week as you join us for gluttony, which is the story of the prodigal son, actually. When the prodigal son returns home from his gluttonous encounters, the father is there and he looks at him from afar and he has compassion on him. His insides are turned outside. And then here, the Samaritan — he looks at this man and he has compassion on him. I would say if we are going to love at all, we need compassion. If we are going to love our neighbor as ourselves, it is going to require us to put ourselves into the very shoes of the neighbor, to walk the mile with them, to see ourselves as the dead man on the side of the road who needs help, and to ask the question, if I were that dead man, what would I want this priest to do for me? If I were that dead man, what should that Levite do? I'm crying out for him, and he walks right on by. That is not keeping the law. But the Samaritan — the Samaritan sees him and is able to put himself into his place and to see the position that he's in, which is helpless, and he has the ability to do something, and he does. Interestingly, this idea of love is then here for the next few verses explained not as a feeling the Samaritan has — because we all have the feeling when we see something bad happen, and we're like, oh, that's awful, oh man, I feel so bad for this person — love requires action. It requires actually doing something, which is precisely what the Samaritan does in the verses that follow. In verse 34, "He went to him, to the man dying on the side of the road, and he bound up his wounds, he poured on oil and wine to heal them, and then he set him on his own animal, and he brought him to an inn, and he took care of him." This doesn't even account for the fact that he took time out of his own, no doubt, busy schedule to stop and to help this man and to assist him to a place. And he probably missed a really important meeting. And I'm sure some friends and some family were probably upset with the Samaritan who was supposed to be home for dinner. And he missed the kid's soccer game. But he did this very important thing that was in front of him. But it doesn't even stop there. "The next day, he took out two denarii. And he gave it to the innkeeper. And he said, take care of him. And if you spend more, keep track of that, because I will repay you when I come back." This is a man who loves in a way that goes above and beyond, and it is active. It's not just a man who walks and says, oh, there's a person that is almost dead over here, and that's tragic, as he keeps walking on by. This is the kind of love that God is calling us into as well, and this is the narrow road that leads to life. You might understand why now it's a narrow road, because it's difficult to walk. It's the road less traveled. It's the one that requires something of you. "Go and Do Likewise": Love and Life Are InseparableAnd then Jesus finishes up. He says, "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" And the lawyer has to confess, well, I guess it's the one who showed mercy. And then Jesus says again, well, you got it right. "Go and do likewise." Go and do likewise. When I think about this passage and this idea that we are to walk down this narrow road that leads to life — life and love, in my mind, are almost like one in the same. They all come together, these two come together in ways that are almost impossible to pull apart as you dig down deeper and deeper and deeper into what a full life is. I was trying to wrestle with the question, why does this road lead to life? Like, why does loving someone lead to life? And here's what I think Jesus is doing. Remember, Jesus has pulled eternal life into this life. The very one that you're in now, listening to me speak. And love in this life, this eternal life we're hopefully, prayerfully in — it is the substance of it all. Love is the design of humanity. It is what we were made for. In Eden, when we were created, we were created to love God. And then it was not good for man to be alone. So he creates Eve, and we were meant to love one another. And then he looks at the first couple and he says, multiply, make more of you, and then love them too. And this is what it's all for and all about. The God who made us is in himself self-giving love — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If the Trinity means one thing, it means pouring out love one to the other to the other. And we are made in that kind of image, which means the great commandment — love God and love neighbor — this is not a rule that gets bolted onto the side of life, as if it's like some sort of external hope that you might do this at some point. It is the manufacturer's description of how this whole thing runs. Withholding love doesn't keep you safe, and spending love doesn't drain your life. Jesus, in fact, says, do these things and you will have life. Jesus Is the Good Samaritan: He Crosses the Road to Find Us Half DeadWe see this love most clearly in the person of Jesus. When he pours himself out on the cross, he redeems us. He snatches us out of death and delivers us into an age of life, eternal life. If Jesus has done this for me, well, then he must love me, right? And if Jesus has done this for you — and he has — then he must love you. But Jesus has loved the whole world and God has sent his son that we all might have eternal life, that we all might be entered into the age of life. And why love? Because God loves you, and he wants us to love one another and to love him as we were intended to do. Communion: The Table as the Place Where Love and Life MeetAs we come to the table this morning, it is important that we recognize that this two-fold command of love — to love God and love our neighbor — it is kind of one thing. I would suggest to you that when God says to us that we are to love him, what he does not mean is that we have like a really nice worship service together and I have all the feels and it's just me and God and I'm loving every minute of it. And I don't even think he means like, well, I love God and therefore I pray every day and I love God and I'm reading my Bible every day. These are all very good things and they actually do lead you to God. So don't misunderstand me. But what I think he means is he pairs that with love your neighbor, because that is the ultimate understanding of whether or not you love God well. Because every person in this room around you right now and every person you've ever met in your life is bearing the image of God. And if you can't love them well, it is worth asking whether you're loving God. And so this morning as we come to the table, we are reminded that Jesus has poured himself out for us. He has shown us what love looks like. He literally puts his hands on the cross like this, and he opens himself up for humanity. And he takes the penalty that was due to us, and he offers us a way to God. I find Jesus directly in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In fact, many interpreters have. It turns out he's not the priest, he's not the Levite, he is the Samaritan, though. He is the outsider, the despised one, yet the one who actually does the law of love. And he comes to our roads where we are lying half dead and he has compassion on us. He looks at us in our estate and he is moved. His insides turn outside. He says, I want something better for this child of mine. I want them to live a full life now, and eternal life forever. This is what I want for them. And so what does he do? He binds up our wounds. He pours the oil and the wine on them. He pays the price. And he promises he will come back to pay the rest of it. And this is what the table is. On the night before Jesus died, he took bread and a cup and he said, this is my body and this is my blood. And it is poured out for the forgiveness of your sins. We have all been robbed by the age of death. But we have also participated in the age of death. And we need forgiveness from that. So Christ, he crosses the road and he offers us a hand up and out of it. And this morning we get to participate in the forgiveness of sins that he offers to each and to every one of us. Our Call: To Be the Samaritan for OthersHe then expects something of us. As people who are walking down that road with him, the dust of the rabbi getting all over us — you remember that? — as we walk that way of love, we then too must take up the role of the Samaritan for the others who are around us. Our job in this world is to bandage those who are hurt and broken and to pour whatever oil and wine Jesus has given to us onto their wounds too. And we're to lift them up out of their estate. And this, this is what it means to be a follower of Christ. Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit, you are self-giving love, perfected. God, we have fallen short of your glory, no doubt. We have sinned and are in need of a Savior. And so, Jesus, this morning, we come asking one more time for your salvation. Some of us, this might be the first time, saying, I need a Savior. I need someone to bandage up the wounds that are just too deep. I can't do it myself. Or somebody is lying there saying, I am half dead. I can't do this by myself. And Jesus, we know you are saying to them right now, I am here for you. I am here to bind those wounds and to raise you back to life again. So God, as we prepare our hearts for the communion table, we ask that we do so with sincerity and with gravity, knowing the cost that you have paid — your very life. And that out of this should flow for all of us gratitude, a thanksgiving. And for all this and more, we give you thanks and praise. In Christ's holy name we pray. Amen.‍ ‍South Run Baptist Church | 8712 Selger Drive, Springfield, VA 22153 | Sunday Worship at 11am Serving Springfield, Burke, West Springfield, Lorton, Alexandria, Fort Belvoir, and Franconia, Virginia. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

In this sermon on John 3:1-8, Pastor Rockhill considers Jesus' nighttime conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews. His central burden is the absolute necessity of the new birth: unless one is born again, he can neither see nor enter the kingdom of God. Pastor Rockhill sets the passage against the close of John 2, where many believed because of Jesus' signs, yet Jesus did not commit Himself to them because He knew their hearts were unchanged and still dead in sin. Working carefully through the text, Pastor Rockhill explains that to be born again is to be born from above, a spiritual birth wrought by the Holy Spirit alone. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but only the Spirit of God can impart new spiritual life. Drawing on Ezekiel 36 and 37, he shows how the sprinkling of clean water and the breath upon the dry bones picture regeneration, the sovereign transformation of a dead heart of stone into a living heart of flesh. The doctrine pressed home is the sovereign, gracious work of God in regeneration. Like the wind that blows where it wishes, the Spirit falls upon whomever God has appointed unto salvation, so that they truly believe in Christ. Salvation is therefore a gracious gift, entirely to God's glory. Pastor Rockhill applies this as both encouragement to true believers seeking assurance and a warning to false professors who rest in heritage, ritual, or works. He calls hearers to examine their hearts, cling to Christ, and boldly proclaim that sinners must be born again.

Read OnlineAt the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36As Jesus went “to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness” (Matthew 9:35), He was moved with deep compassion for the crowds. The Greek verb splagchnizomai is often translated as “moved with pity” or “moved with compassion.” It appears twelve times in the Gospels—eight times describing Jesus' own compassion and four times illustrating divine mercy in parables or related contexts (the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Unforgiving Servant, and the plea of a father for his demon-possessed son). This verb conveys not just an emotional response but a profound stirring of His entire being, compelling Him to act with divine mercy—engaging His mind, will, body, and emotions.Understanding this verb is essential because it unveils the very heart of Christ's mission, where His divine mercy is fully manifest in His humanity. Though His mercy originates in His divinity, He fully lived and expressed it in His human nature, allowing it to consume Him entirely and drive Him to shepherd His people.Jesus' all-consuming compassion should profoundly console us. God does not love us out of mere divine obligation; His love is deeply personal, intimate, and relentless. He is not distant or impersonal, aloof in His perfection. In Christ, God's mercy is made visible—His human heart is stirred to action, doing everything He can to draw us closer to Himself. This is why His compassion is such a source of reassurance: He is not a distant or angry God, standing far off to condemn. Rather, He is the God who, in Christ, allows Himself to be consumed with mercy, driven by compassion, and moved to act for the salvation of each one of us.That same profound mercy continues to flow from the Sacred Heart today. In Heaven, Christ's human heart remains inseparably united to His divinity, pouring forth the love of the Father and the Holy Spirit upon the world. His compassion is made present to us through His Church, especially in the Sacraments and in the lives of saintly men and women. This same compassion must become the driving force behind all we do for the Kingdom. We are called to be His living instruments of mercy, reflecting His Sacred Heart in our actions, words, and love for others—so that each of us might be reassured of God's unfailing love.We see in today's Gospel that Jesus' compassion moved Him to send out twelve of His disciples as His Apostles, entrusting them with His divine authority to proclaim the Kingdom of God, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and drive out demons. They were to be His chosen instruments of mercy, reaching out to the lost sheep of the house of Israel—those in dire need of God's truth and healing grace.Today, Jesus sends each of us forth in a unique way to be a beacon of light and mercy to others. He first calls us to love those closest to us—our family and friends—not in an ordinary way, but in a radical self-giving that mirrors His own love. We must allow our whole beings to be moved with divine compassion for them, reassuring them of both our love and God's love. But our mission cannot end there. After loving our families, we must extend that same compassion to all whom God places in our lives, offering the same depth of mercy that filled Jesus' Sacred Heart long ago.Reflect today on Jesus' divine compassion from two perspectives. First, gaze at His overflowing love for you. There is no way to overestimate that love. Second, allow that love to transform you so that His mercy flows through you into the lives of others. Do not hold back the love of God—let it pour forth freely and abundantly. Let His divine compassion move your entire being so that you become a true instrument of His mercy, drawing souls to Him through the power of love and all-consuming compassion. Most loving Lord, when You gazed upon the people of Israel's troubles and abandonment, Your Sacred Heart was stirred with deep compassion. Pour forth that same compassion upon me, O Lord, and make me an instrument of Your mercy in the lives of others. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The mosiac of Sermon on the mount in churchSource: 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.

Phil's perfectly timed movie blooper at the Colosseum gives the guys a hilarious opening to a much bigger point: empires rise, empires fall, but Christ's kingdom never shakes. Al, Zach, John Luke, and Christian connect ancient Rome's paganism to modern America's idols, from power and politics to screens and the new “religions” people build around personal freedom. Through Rome's ruins, modern America's chaos, and the steady faith of the early church, the guys point back to the kingdom of God as the only power that survives every age. In this episode: Daniel 7; Hebrews 12; Daniel 2; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Joshua 24, verse 15; 1 Thessalonians; Matthew 5. Today's conversation is about Lesson 9 of Ancient Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale Professor of History Kenneth Calvert. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about Ancient Christianity: Christ entered the world during the reign of Caesar Augustus. The tensions between Christianity and the Roman Empire shaped the daily practice of the Christian faith and led many Romans to distrust and persecute the early Christians. But Christianity also benefitted from the Roman world. And when Rome collapsed in the West, Christianity provided the hope for preserving civilization. In this free, eleven-lecture course, Professor Kenneth Calvert will explore: How the Jewish, Greek, and Roman cultures all contributed to preparing the world to hear the Gospel. Why many Romans distrusted and persecuted the early Christians. The inspiring stories of Christ, His apostles, and faithful ones throughout the first four centuries of Christianity. The arguments of key early Christian apologists—Ignatius, Irenaeus, Justin, Athanasius, and more—who defended and defined the Christian faith amidst the animosity of the Roman world. The conversion of Constantine and how he brought stability to Rome, and how the rivalry between his sons almost returned Rome to paganism. How Augustine's writings helped preserve the message of Christianity during the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West. You will discover the uncertainties, trials, and triumphs of the earliest Christians as they confronted controversies within the faith and persecutions from outside it. Join us today to discover the improbable and miraculous story of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters 00:00 The Power & Ruins of the Roman Empire 04:44 Phil's “Torchbearer” Blooper at the Colosseum 11:05 Constantine Changes the Future of Christianity 16:05 Christians Shouldn't Downplay the Miraculous 20:40 Constantine's Vision and the Sign on the Shields 24:10 When Church and Politics Get Tangled Together 28:00 The Council of Nicaea and the Trinity 33:45 Why Doctrine Still Matters 37:20 Constantine, Paganism & Religious Freedom 41:05 The Bible Wasn't Invented by a Committee 44:15 Ancient Rome Looks Like America Today 48:00 The Meek Inherit the Earth — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Romans 14 focuses on Christian liberty, love, and unity within the church, and faith, love, and conscience shape our actions and relationships as believers. Christ's death and resurrection establish His Lordship over all, and love and conscience should guide our actions toward others. While we avoid passing judgment and causing others to stumble, our actions should reflect faith and gratitude to God. Our faith is personal but should be expressed in love. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Unity in Christ requires patience and understanding, and avoiding unnecessary disputes preserves church unity. The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins guest host the Rev. Sean Daenzer to study Romans 14:1-23. Why does doing the right thing sometimes feel impossible? Why do feelings of guilt follow us even when we've been forgiven? These aren't new questions. St. Paul wrote his letter to the Romans for a church he had never visited, and yet he addressed the struggles every Christian knows firsthand: the weight of the law, the persistence of sin, the sufficiency of what God has done in Christ. Romans covers enormous ground. Paul moves from the universal problem of sin through justification by faith, the role of baptism, the war between flesh and spirit, God's faithfulness to Israel, and the shape of life together in the body of Christ. There's a reason the Reformation was born in this letter. Join us on Thy Strong Word as we open up Romans, weekdays at 11am or on-demand anytime, at KFUO.org.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Hello, I'm Jeff Shepard. Welcome back. We have reached part 9 of 10 in this series. Over the past several episodes, we have traced one single lie from the Garden of Eden through every layer of deception that has entered the church. You will be like God. We saw how Helena Blavatsky and Alice Bailey laid the occult foundation. We examined Azusa Street and the Ladder Rain movement, where signs and wonders were mixed with chaos, extra-biblical revelations, and the elevation of man. Then we heard modern teachers openly declare that we are little gods, that Jesus was not fully God until his baptism or resurrection, and that we can ascend to the same level. Today, we pull it all together and look at the modern expression, the Seven Mountain Mandate and the not-so-secret New World Order Church. The Seven Mountain Mandate teaches that the church must take dominion over seven spheres, or mountains, of society, the government, media, education, business, family, religion, and arts and entertainment, and build the kingdom of God on earth before Jesus can return. Lance Wallnau, one of the leading voices of this teaching, explains it this way. There are seven molders of culture. He who could take those kingdoms could take the harvest of nations. These seven fields of influence can literally shape the agenda that forms nations. Johnny Enloe, in his book The Seven Mountain Prophecy, takes it even further. The father says to the son, once you have purchased redemption, you will remain up there as the head and your body on earth will crush your enemies. Your body, in fact, will not be a beautiful bride until she has accomplished this by crushing Satan. This is dominionism and Kingdom Now theology in action. The church is called to conquer and rule the nation so Jesus can finally return. It sounds spiritual, it sounds victorious, but it directly contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. Jesus himself said in Matthew 24, 4-5, See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in my name saying, I am the Christ, and they will mislead many. The Apostle Paul warned in 1 Timothy 4-1, but the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. And in 2 Timothy 4, 3-4, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. Revelation makes it plain, Jesus brings his kingdom when he returns. We are not called to build it for him. We are called to be faithful witnesses, to make disciples of individuals, and to live as salt and light in a fallen world until he comes. Even in the middle of all this mixture, God is still there for anyone who is genuinely seeking the real Jesus, the eternal Son of God who became flesh, died for our sins, rose again, and is coming back as King. He meets sincere seekers wherever they are. But we are commanded to test everything. We cannot accept teachers who deny the deity of Christ, who call us little gods, or who say we must conquer the nations before Jesus returns. The focus must remain on the unchanging word of God. Be a Berean. Search the scriptures daily. Do not let anyone, no matter how famous or how many miracles they claim to pull you away from the truth that Jesus is Lord, fully God, and fully man, and that salvation is found in Him alone. I'm Jeff Shepard. This series has been about exposing the subtle shift so you will not be deceived. Next episode, we conclude with Part 10. I ask that you share this series with other believers, church leaders, and loved ones. Also, make sure to like each episode and subscribe. In the meantime, remember to love the one true God with all your heart, love your family, love your neighbor as yourself, and make a difference in your community. Thank you for Listening!. Prayerfully consider investing support to continue spreading the word. Please like, subscribe and share. Click Here for all links, Right on Community ROC, Podcast web links, Freebies, Products (healing mushrooms, EMP Protection) Social media, courses and more...https://linktr.ee/RightonRadio Live Right in the Real World! We talk God and Politics, Faith Based Broadcast News, views, Opinions and Attitudes Keep the Faith

Session 12 of Warfare Prayer discusses the difference between prayer and FERVENT prayer as well as how to pray for someone and get to the ROOT of their spiritual warfare problems. A spiritual warfare CHARGE patterned after the presidential speech prior to D-Day in WW2 is given as a final punctuation point to this series of lessons. It was a MOVING speech, and we have transferred the ideas stated there into a spiritual warfare setting for the Christian battle as a means of encouragement and motivation to do all we can for the Kingdom of God! SteveHemphill1@me.com Active-Faith.org https://active-faith.org/taking-ground https://active-faith.org/active-faith-training https://active-faith.org/donate/ take back territory, expel evil, and heal through spiritual growth

How do LCMS District leaders support church work recruitment on the ground? Deaconess Melissa DeGroot (Assistant to the President for Mission and Mercy, LCMS Rocky Mountain District) and Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola (President, LCMS Mid-South District) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Deaconess DeGroot's path to church work, her role in the Rocky Mountain District, the work she and Pastor Paavola do in their respective districts to form and recruit church workers, how face-to-face conversations make a big difference in formation, and what they're excited about when it comes to church worker formation. Find the Rocky Mountain District at rm.lcms.org and the Mid-South District at mid-southlcms.org. 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.

Sometimes God asks us to leave behind everything familiar so He can lead us into the purpose we were truly created for.Comfort.Security.Plans.Even the life we thought we wanted.In this powerful and inspiring conversation, John Martin sits down with Felix Amwayi to share a testimony of radical surrender, bold faith, and living fully for the Kingdom of God.Originally from Kenya, Felix had what many people would consider a dream life. He held a respected government job, had financial stability, and was building a secure future. But in the middle of that success, God began speaking to his heart with an unexpected call:“Go to America.”At first, Felix resisted. In fact, he didn't even want to come to America. The culture felt unfamiliar, distant, and uncomfortable to him. But God continued to pursue his heart and eventually gave him a powerful dream that changed everything.In the dream, Felix saw a woman preparing to take her own life. As he pleaded with her not to do it, he suddenly heard himself say:“I'm going to resign my job tomorrow.”The moment he surrendered, the woman lowered the gun.When Felix woke up, he knew God was calling him to obey.Leaving behind security, career stability, finances, and everything familiar, Felix stepped out in faith and moved to Florida to attend Bible school—even though he knew almost no one there.What followed became a testimony of God's faithfulness.Felix shares how the Lord provided for him step by step: from housing, friendships, financial provision, and divine connections, to completely transforming his perspective on purpose and evangelism.While attending Bible school, Felix realized something that changed his life forever:We were not created to live for ourselves—we were created to make Jesus known.Since then, he has devoted his life to boldly sharing the Gospel everywhere he goes:On airplanes.In airports.On beaches.In businesses.On the streets.With strangers.With anyone willing to listen.Felix passionately explains that many people are simply waiting for someone to notice them, pray for them, and remind them that God loves them. He believes too many believers stay silent because of fear, insecurity, or distraction—while countless people around them are desperate for hope.One of the most powerful themes in this conversation is surrender.Felix reminds listeners that true purpose begins when we stop living only for ourselves and start living for what matters eternally. He challenges believers to stop allowing distractions, comfort, and fear to keep them from fulfilling the purpose God created them for.This conversation is filled with encouragement for anyone wrestling with obedience, fear, uncertainty, or purpose:God can be trusted.Obedience opens doors.And surrender leads to transformation.Felix encourages listeners to:Spend daily time with God in His Word.Get connected to a Christ-centered church.Surround themselves with healthy Christian community.And boldly share the love of Jesus wherever they go.You were created for more than survival.You were created for purpose.And your obedience may change someone else's eternity.What's one thing God may be asking you to surrender so you can fully walk in His purpose for your life?For more information contact us atrtrdestiny@gmail.com

Armed for Victory – The Sword of the Spirit In this concluding episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk wrap up their weekly theme on the link between the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Moving from foundational principles to practical spiritual warfare, they break down the famous "Armor of God" passage to show how believers can actively live out a victorious life. Key Takeaways The Ultimate Combination (Ephesians 6:17): The episode anchors itself on the final piece of spiritual armor: “the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Shelley notes that if any single scripture perfectly bridges the Holy Spirit with the written Word, it is this one. The Armor as a Way of Life: June reframes how we look at Ephesians 6. Rather than viewing the armor as a physical set of clothes you put on and take off each morning, she explains that it represents an internal, permanent lifestyle. The Helmet of Salvation protects our mindset and feelings. The Breastplate of Righteousness means living inside Christ's righteousness. The Shield of Faith isn't a physical block we hold up, but Christ Himself walking ahead of us to quench the enemy's attacks. God as the Rear Guard: June highlights a unique structural detail about the Armor of God: it offers absolutely no protection for a person's back. However, she reassures listeners that God explicitly promises in His Word to step in and be the believer's "rear guard" against ambush. A Living, Piercing Tool (Hebrews 4:12): The hosts connect the "sword of the Spirit" to Hebrews 4:12, emphasizing that the Word of God is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Shelley shares how this sword cuts out doubt, fear, and apprehensions to bring people to salvation, while continuing to divide soul and spirit for daily guidance. The Pattern of "It Is Written": To demonstrate the proper use of the Sword, Shelley points to Jesus being led into the wilderness to be tempted. Jesus defeated Satan not with human arguments, but by repeatedly declaring, "It is written." June adds that because the devil tries to twist scripture out of context, believers absolutely require the Holy Spirit's discernment to know exactly how and when to apply the Word. Ministry & Contact Information This program is proudly sponsored by the Psalm 127 Fund. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082 Official Website: shellyandjunevolk.com The Friday Fellowship (The Shema): As Jewish believers, Shelley and June conclude their Friday broadcast by uniting with their kinsmen to recite the Shema: “Shema Yisrael adonoi Eloheinu adonoi echad” (Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one). 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.

Join Derek Walker as he delves into the significance of Israel in Biblical Prophecy. In this insightful lecture, he challenges the notion of Replacement Theology, emphasising the enduring everlasting covenants made by God with Israel. He explores the role of Israel in God's Kingdom Program and the sure fulfilment of biblical promises. This comprehensive teaching strengthens faith and understanding of Israel's central place in God's plan.

What does the Bible actually say about politics, and how should Christians engage public life in an age of division and polarization? In this inaugural episode of Reimagining Biblical Politics, biblical scholar Michael Rhodes joins co-host Marshall Teague to explore the foundational claim at the heart of Scripture: God reigns. Rather than offering partisan talking points or commentary on current political controversies, Rhodes argues that the Bible presents a rich and often-overlooked vision of political discipleship rooted in the kingdom of God. Drawing from his experiences living and serving in economically marginalized communities in Memphis, Nairobi, and Auckland, Rhodes explains how questions of justice, poverty, public life, and community inevitably led him to reconsider the relationship between faith and politics. The conversation introduces key themes from his book, Reimagining Biblical Politics, including the distinction between "outpost politics"—how God's people live together as citizens of God's kingdom—and "pilgrim politics"—how Christians engage the broader society around them. Listeners will discover why the language of kingdom, gospel, peace, and savior was deeply political in the biblical world, why Scripture offers far more than a few isolated verses on government, and how a renewed understanding of biblical politics can help Christians faithfully navigate public life today. Listen to more of Reimagining Biblical Politics (Click Here) We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org    

To achieve BYU’s prophetic destiny, we must know its role in the kingdom of God, be fearless in sharing the gospel, and seek God's will. Click here to view the speech page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we read a passage like this from St. Isaac, it is tempting to focus on the warnings. We notice his words about passions, distraction, worldliness, anger, vainglory, and talkativeness. We see the severity of his language and immediately begin examining ourselves. Yet I do not think that is where Isaac wants us to begin. He wants us first to behold the beauty. Again and again throughout his writings, Isaac speaks as one who has glimpsed something almost too wonderful for words. He has seen what a human being becomes when Christ reigns in the heart. He has seen the Kingdom hidden within. He has seen the glory for which every man and woman was created. Listen to his words. The country of the pure soul is within. The sun shining there is the Holy Trinity. The air breathed there is the Holy Spirit. Christ Himself is the joy, life, and happiness of that realm. Isaac is describing nothing less than the transfiguration of the human person. So often we think of the spiritual life as self-improvement. We focus on our weaknesses, our failures, our habits, our mistakes. We become preoccupied with ourselves. Even our repentance can become a subtle form of self-absorption. But Isaac speaks of something infinitely greater. He speaks of a life so united to Christ that the human heart becomes a dwelling place of divine glory. He speaks of a man whose deepest identity is no longer found in his wounds, his history, his successes, his failures, or even his struggles. His identity is found in Christ who dwells within him. This is why Isaac can speak of the soul beholding its own beauty. At first this sounds strange to modern ears. We are accustomed either to pride or self-hatred. We know how to admire ourselves and we know how to despise ourselves. We know very little of seeing ourselves truthfully. The saints do not admire themselves. They behold Christ shining within them. They see the image of God being restored. They see the Holy Spirit at work. They see what humanity looks like when it becomes transparent to divine life. And this vision fills them with wonder. To glimpse this beauty is enough to make one weep. Not sentimental tears. The kind of tears that come when one suddenly realizes what God intended from the beginning. The tragedy is that most of us live far beneath this reality. We spend our lives fascinated by lesser things. We cling to distractions. We become consumed with opinions, arguments, comforts, entertainments, possessions, ambitions, resentments, and anxieties. All the while a kingdom lies hidden within us. This is why Isaac's words become so mournful near the end of the passage. “I know not what to say of him,” he writes concerning the man bound to worldly consolations, “except to weep with inconsolable cries of lamentation.” Why such grief? Because Isaac is not merely lamenting moral failure. He is lamenting blindness. He sees human beings starving while seated before a banquet. He sees heirs of the Kingdom living like beggars. He sees those created for divine glory settling for distractions. He sees men and women called to become children of God nursing themselves instead upon the passing consolations of the world. The image that perhaps strikes me most deeply is the one with which he concludes. The man born of God is nursed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Himself becomes his nourishment. The Spirit Himself becomes his life. The Spirit Himself becomes his joy. What extraordinary words. Isaac is saying that the Christian life is not ultimately sustained by ideas, techniques, achievements, accomplishments, or even religious activity. It is sustained by communion. The soul learns to live from God. It receives its life from Him as naturally as an infant receives life from its mother. This is the true vocation of every Christian. Not merely to behave better. Not merely to become more religious. Not merely to avoid sin. But to become a living Jerusalem. A dwelling place of the Trinity. A soul illumined by the light of Christ. A child nourished by the Holy Spirit. And once we see this, two kinds of tears appear. The first are tears of wonder. The second are tears of repentance. Wonder because of the beauty for which we were created. Repentance because we have spent so much of our lives looking everywhere except where the Kingdom has been hidden all along. “The Kingdom of God is within you.” Isaac spent his entire life trying to convince us that these words are true. The saints believe them. May God grant that we do as well. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:29:55 Ryan Ngeve: Father I have heard different interpretations of Christ's words in Luke 17. The kingdom of God is “within” you vs “among” you. How does one fit the latter into Isaac's words here 00:34:57 Jessica McHale: That is why some of the most "fallen" men who do experience a conversion and turn totally to Christ make the very best priests. For God and outward toward others. 00:37:47 Jessica McHale: It's not even embraces others in struggles, it's right praise to GOd that inspires the people 00:37:57 David Swiderski, WI: Interesting in the Greek the word is used in Matthew as the inside of the cup-.ἐντὸς (entos) — 2 Occurrences Matthew 23:26 Adv GRK: πρῶτον τὸ ἐντὸς τοῦ ποτηρίου NAS: clean the inside of the cup KJV: first that [which is] within the cup Luke 17:21 Adv GRK: τοῦ θεοῦ ἐντὸς ὑμῶν ἐστίν NAS: the kingdom of God is in your midst. KJV: of God is within you. 00:43:43 Erick Chastain: How do you ignore and undervalue all beautiful things outside us as st Isaac says? 00:43:53 Erick Chastain: (Practically) 00:45:28 Jessica McHale: I think it's simple: God is first, everything else is beautiful, great, wonderful and to be enjoyed but it's not God. 00:46:19 Julie: Or seeing God in everything who is all Love 00:48:12 Bob Cihak AZ: I've learned most about Christ from other people who humble me in their more Christly life in some aspect. So, I haven't yet experienced God alone or only. 00:48:22 Jessica McHale: What it IS like. You still are. A priest. (you said "was") 01:12:29 Sr Barbara Jean Mihalchick: Would Isaac counsel a monk-priest not to accept appointment as a Bishop since he must be in frequent involvement with all kinds of people? 01:15:04 Joan Chakonas: The best evangelists are these monks because they took the huge step( to civilians like me- so unimaginable) of separation from the world- to live in a monastery- and share this priceless wisdom- I am in awe. 01:15:40 Eleana Urrego: Reacted to "The best evangelists..." with ❤️ 01:19:28 Ryan Ngeve: Father Isaac says the “youth should…..pay heed to himself”. To what degree is he to do this as opposed to obedience to a spiritual father 01:20:02 Art: Reacted to "The best evangelists..." with

Repentance is not the prerequisite for salvation in the Kingdom of God; it’s the evidence of it. Today, Pastor JD tells you that you don’t have to clean yourself up first, then come to Jesus. Come to Him, and He’ll do the cleaning. And trust me, He’ll do a much better job of it than you!

Zach returns from Italy with a sobering reminder from Rome's ruins that every earthly kingdom eventually falls, but the kingdom of God keeps moving forward. Jase, Al, and Zach dig into how trials expose what comfort hides, and what it means to have a double-minded soul. Jase helps Zach's son, Bear, through a panicky faith moment, and it ends up being an awesome reminder of the courage young Christians need in today's world.  In this episode: James 1, verses 1–8; James 2; Acts 15; Galatians 2; Hebrews 12; Matthew 5, verses 21–22; Matthew 23, verse 17; Ephesians 2, verses 8–10; Genesis 2, verse 15; Hebrews 5, verse 14 “Unashamed” Episode 1351 is sponsored by: https://zocdoc.com/UNASHAMED — Check out Zocdoc and stop putting off those doctors appointments. Go to ZocDoc to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. https://ponchooutdoors.com/unashamed — Get $10 off your first order and free shipping! https://www.quo.com/unashamed— Get 20% OFF your first six months http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Chapters 00:00 Jase & Al Admit They Need Zach 07:05 The Faith-and-Works Debate 13:45 Faith, Family & Freedom 2026 19:33 Little Man's Deep Thoughts  25:10 Zach's Italy Trip  32:05 Why James and Paul Weren't at Odds 38:11 The Wisdom Behind the Law 42:24 Double-Minded Faith 47:33 Work Was Never the Curse 51:15 The Difficulties of Counting Trials as Joy — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices