Podcasts about Kingdom

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Job 41-42; 2 Corinthians 1-2 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In this November 15th, 2025 episode, your host Hunter invites us into day 320 of our Scripture journey, guiding us through the closing chapters of Job and the beginning of Second Corinthians. We'll witness Job's remarkable transformation from grief to restoration, his humility before God, and the generous blessings that follow as he prays for his friends. Then, in Paul's heartfelt letter to the Corinthians, we explore themes of divine comfort, forgiveness, and the call to embody grace for others. Along the way, Hunter reflects on where we turn in times of need and encourages us to become sources of comfort and forgiveness in our own lives. The episode closes with a thoughtful time of prayer and a reminder: we are deeply loved and called to share that love with the world. So whether you're tired, seeking comfort, or simply looking for a fresh word of encouragement, join us for a rich, hope-filled encounter with Scripture and prayer. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Where do you go when you need forgiveness? Where do you turn when guilt and shame threaten to overwhelm your heart? It's an important question, and Hunter draws our attention to it today. Not only do we need a place for comfort and forgiveness, but so do the people in our lives. Are we known—are you known—as someone who offers grace, kindness, a listening ear when someone has stumbled or is hurting? The invitation in today's scriptures is clear: where you go for comfort and forgiveness will help determine where those around you go when they're in need. If you turn to your gracious Father, receive comfort from the Spirit, and drink deeply of forgiveness from Christ, then others—those who may be carrying heavy burdens of sorrow or failure—will know they can come to you. When your life is rooted in grace, it becomes a place of sanctuary for those seeking mercy. Hunter urges us: go to the cross, go to Christ, go to your loving Savior. He forgives freely and does not treat us as our sins deserve. As the psalm says, "He does not repay us according to our iniquities." If you're daily receiving grace and mercy, you'll become someone others trust to receive it from too. Paul asks, "Who is adequate for such a task as this?"—the task of comforting, restoring, forgiving. There's only one who is truly able: Christ alone. Yet Jesus invites us to participate with Him in sharing His comfort and grace. When we go to Him, we're empowered to offer the real comfort and real forgiveness the world aches for. That's a prayer Hunter has for his own soul, for his family, and for all of us. May we become people who are known as vessels of Christ's comfort and forgiveness—not just for our sake but for the sake of a world in need. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Chip relates the most fearful encounter with demons he ever faced and how you can prepare yourself to do battle with the Enemy.Four facts you need to knowGod has objectively defeated Satan. He has delivered us from sin's penalty and power. In the interim, we are involved in guerilla warfare with demonic forces.As believers, we have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light with all the rights, privileges, and position a child of God entails.The spiritual battle involves a responsibility to “put on” the spiritual protection God has provided. We can resist the enemy's attempts to deceive, accuse, and cast doubt when we stand firm.The great majority of spiritual warfare need never go beyond the regular practice of living out our position in Christ by faith. Our practice of the spiritual armor protects us from Satan's attempts and minimizes any impact by the enemy.There are times however, when we must move beyond “standing firm” and ENGAGE the enemy in actual combatWhen taking significant steps of faith for spiritual growthWhen invading enemy territoryWhen exposing him for who he really isWhen we repent and make a “clean break” with the world, a long-held sin pattern, or an unholy relationshipWhen God is preparing us for a “great work” for His gloryHow to engage the enemy and win:Taking up the shield of FAITHTake the helmet of SALVATIONTake the sword of the SPIRITSummary: How to engage the enemy in spiritual warfarePrerequisite is a HEALTHY spiritual lifeUnderstand your POSITION in ChristDISCERN when demonic influence may be the causeClaim God's promises OUT LOUDTake our authority and position in Christ to COMMAND demonic forces to cease their activity and departBroadcast ResourceThe Invisible War ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsThe Invisible War Small Group OfferConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Friends of the Rosary,Lord Jesus explains in today's reading (Matthew 13:47-5) how the end of the present time will unfold.He said to the crowds:"The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea,which collects fish of every kind.When it is full they haul it ashoreand sit down to put what is good into buckets.What is bad they throw away.Thus it will be at the end of the age.  The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteousand throw them into the fiery furnace,where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."It's how divine justice will be applied after divine mercy has been rejected by many. Today, we have a unique opportunity to commit ourselves to a life in grace. This way, we will be in the righteous group of people. Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• November 15, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Everybody loves a good mystery, especially that moment when everything falls into place. Dr. Tony Evans reveals how we can approach that “aha” moment in God's plan and how divine revelation can transform our lives and impact those around us.

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Jerry Flowers Jr., dynamic pastor, speaker, and author of Heart Rehab. Jerry shares how personal trauma and inner wounds can hold us back from living fully and loving others, and why awareness is the essential first step toward healing.    We dive into the inspiration for his book, the difference between reading and hearing a message, and how Heart Rehab offers practical tools, like interactive video QR codes, to help readers trace, unmask, and heal the "thieves" of anxiety and dysfunction. Jerry gets real about surrender, faith, and giving back, sharing how he's dedicated every dime from his first book to support his church's new building and community programs.   If you're ready for a fresh start, want to break the cycle of overthinking, or need encouragement for your own healing journey, this heartfelt conversation with Jerry Flowers Jr. is one you won't want to miss.   About Jerry,   Jerry Flowers Jr. and his wife, Tanisha Flowers, are the creators and founders of Redefined TV and are passionate about redefining relationships righteously. With numerous videos that have repeatedly gone viral on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, along with four cross country tours, these generational trendsetters are dedicated to allowing their marriage and ministry be a stage from which people can see Jesus and a healthy model of Kingdom ministry. Heart Rehab, available in October 2025, is Jerry's debut book. The Flowerses are based in Houston, Texas, and are lead pastors at Time of Celebration Ministries Church. They are proud parents of three beautiful children, Melody, Jerry III, and Josiah Flowers.   Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here! Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Hardship and troubling times won't come because of political or economic turmoil; these seasons will be driven by the degradation of human character. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses how we can live with peace through frightening times. We see in the Book of Revelation that we will need courage to persevere through persecution, but Pastor Allen reminds us that we can rely on God's judgment, justice, and provision to stand boldly. God has sent us the Holy Spirit as our helper, counselor, and comforter, and through Him, we can fulfill the assignment of the Church: sharing the Good News of God's Kingdom to the ends of the earth.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15-16 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Hunter guides us through a meaningful journey in scripture on this 14th day of November. Together, we reflect on Psalm 149 and Paul's powerful words in 1 Corinthians 15 and 16, exploring the heart of the gospel—Christ's death and resurrection, and what it means for our lives today. Hunter invites us to consider not just the events of Christ's resurrection, but our inclusion in His resurrection life, encouraging us to wake up to our new identity in Him. We're reminded that faith in the resurrection is more than agreeing with history—it's becoming part of God's family, loved, forgiven, and made new. The episode closes with prayers for peace, unity, and transformation, and an invitation to continue in an attitude of prayer throughout our day. So, whether you're joining us for the first time or have been on this year-long journey through the Bible, settle in and let's discover together what God has done—and who we have become—in Christ. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Our profession is a declaration of inclusion. Paul is passing on to us something of utmost priority. He says, "I pass on to you what was most important and what has also been passed on to me. Christ died for your sins, just as the Scriptures say. He was buried and he was raised from the dead on the third day." What's this all-important message that Paul has for us? Paul urges us to stand firm in the reality that Christ died for our sins and was raised—just as the Scriptures say. But the heart of Paul's message about the resurrection isn't simply a matter of agreeing with a historic fact. It isn't merely checking a box, or parroting words we know we're supposed to say as Christians. What Paul wants us to grasp is that our declaration that "Christ is risen" is also a declaration of our inclusion in his resurrection life. Our profession is not just about what God has done but about what we have become: we are woven into Christ's death and his glorious resurrection. To say, "I believe in the resurrection," is to say that you are united with Christ and made new in him. It means waking up to the true reality of who you are—beloved by God, forgiven, made new, a child belonging forever to his family. When you begin to see what God has done, you start to see yourself differently—and others, too. The work of Christ transforms not only our identity but also our sight. We're called to set our hearts on things above, to know that we've been raised with Christ, seated with him in heavenly places. Let's embrace this resurrection reality—not just as something to agree with but to live and embody. Let it permeate your relationships, how you see others, and how you walk through each day. See it. Believe it. Dare to live in the newness of life that is yours in Christ. That's my prayer for my own soul. That's a prayer for my family, for my wife, for my daughters and my son. And that's a prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Jennifer Hadley explores Chapter 7's teaching on "The Extension of the Kingdom," revealing how our only function is to extend God's love—not through effort, but by recognizing we cannot contain the fullness of our divine nature. She vulnerably shares her journey from believing she was "fundamentally bad" and incapable of joy, to understanding that judgment and complaints create a split mind that blocks both our function and our joy. Through practical examples, including the miraculous healing of her family relationships without ever discussing spirituality with them, Jennifer demonstrates how doing our inner work ripples out to heal everyone around us, emphasizing that willingness—not perfection—is all that's required as we complete this nine-year cycle and prepare for an extraordinary awakening in the years ahead. To learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Course in Miracles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Powerofloveministry.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For the transcript of this episode and more please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LivingACourseinMiracles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. LivingACourseinMiracles.com We can be truly helpful in our family's healing and awakening Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus and Senior Team Reporter Matt McMullen break down the Kansas City Chiefs' upcoming matchup with the Denver Broncos, plus Kingsley Suamataia joins the show! Ari Wolfe also stops by to talk through some storylines from around the AFC West and the NFL as a whole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this thought-provoking episode, Tony and Jesse delve into Jesus's twin parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price from Matthew 13:44-46. They explore the profound economic metaphor Jesus uses to illustrate the incomparable value of the Kingdom of Heaven. Through careful examination of both parables, they discuss what it means to "count the cost" of following Christ while simultaneously recognizing that no earthly sacrifice can compare to the infinite worth of gaining Christ. The conversation moves between practical application—considering how believers assess value in their spiritual lives—and deeper theological reflections on Christ's perfect sacrifice that makes our entrance into the Kingdom possible in the first place. Key Takeaways The Kingdom of Heaven has such surpassing value that sacrificing everything to obtain it is considered a joyful exchange, not a loss. Both parables show different paths to discovering the Kingdom (unexpected finding vs. intentional seeking), but identical responses: selling everything to obtain the treasure. The parables are not primarily commanding material poverty, but rather illustrating the "sold-outness" required in pursuing the Kingdom of God. Counting the cost of discipleship is not only permissible but necessary to fully appreciate the value of what we gain in Christ. The ultimate treasure we receive in salvation is not merely benefits like eternal life, but God Himself—union with Christ and fellowship with the Trinity. Christ Himself is the one who ultimately fulfills these parables perfectly, giving everything to purchase us as His treasure. The irresistible draw of the Kingdom illustrates how God's grace works in the heart of believers, compelling joyful surrender. Exploring the Incomparable Value of the Kingdom The economic metaphor Jesus employs in these parables is striking—both the hidden treasure and the pearl are deemed so valuable that the discoverers "sell all they have" to obtain them. As Tony and Jesse point out, this transaction reveals something profound about how we should view the Kingdom of Heaven. It's not simply that the Kingdom is valuable; it's that its value so far exceeds anything else we possess that the comparison becomes almost absurd. As Tony notes, "For sure the worth of the kingdom of heaven surpasses anything we could imagine... there's no measure that is satisfying, there's no measure that can actually show us how worthwhile it is." This perspective transforms how we understand sacrifice in the Christian life. When opportunities or comforts are foregone because of our faith, we're not simply losing something—we're experiencing the reality that we've chosen something infinitely more valuable. The parables teach us to view these moments not with regret but with a clearer vision of the treasure we've received in Christ. The Ultimate Prize: God Himself Perhaps the most powerful insight from the discussion is the realization that the ultimate treasure of salvation is not the benefits we receive, but God Himself. As Tony eloquently states: "All of those things are attending gifts. But what we get in salvation ultimately is we get God... we get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We get swept up into the life of the Trinity... We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that." This perspective reshapes how we understand the value proposition of the gospel. It's not merely that we receive eternal life, freedom from suffering, or other benefits—though these are real. The pearl of great price is relationship with God Himself. This helps explain why both men in the parables respond with such dramatic, all-encompassing sacrifice. When we truly grasp what's being offered, nothing seems too great a price to pay. Memorable Quotes "What we get in salvation ultimately is we get God. We get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We get swept up into the life of the Trinity... We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that." — Tony Arsenal "I often say in my own line of work, that cost only matters in the absence of value... it's like at the end of days when we think about the worthiness of our God, that there's no one like him, that he's unequal, that he has no rival, that the gospel is the sweetest message that we're rescued literally from the pit. We'll just say no matter what the cost of us personally, great or small, totally worth it." — Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript [00:00:08] Tony Arsenal: All of those things are attending gifts. But what we get in salvation ultimately is we get God we get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the, the power of the Holy Spirit. We, we get swept up into the life of the, the God of the universe. Like the life of the Trinity indwells us. And we, we become a part of that. We get swept up into that. We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that. [00:00:47] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 469 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse. [00:00:54] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey brother. [00:00:59] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother. Discussing the Value of the Kingdom of Heaven [00:01:00] Jesse Schwamb: Speaking of ears to hear, we're back at it again with a whole new, or let's say different parable from our Lord and Savior Jesus. And we've been talking about how really these parables give us this view of the face of heaven through these earthly glasses. And I am pretty interested in our conversation about what's coming up because sometimes we don't like to put too fine a points to our, our point of question to our faith. And in this case, we're gonna get to ask the question, what is it all worth, this kingdom of heaven, this rule and reign of Christ? What is it all about? Who are the beneficiaries of it? And what is it all actually worth? There's a little bit of economics in this, so we're gonna get there. And while we talk and do a little affirming or denying, you should just go ahead write to just skip, go. Do not collect $200 or maybe. Pass, go and collect $200. I dunno. But just go to Matthew chapter 13 and hang out there for just a second. Affirmations and Denials [00:01:58] Jesse Schwamb: But first, I'm always curious to know whenever we talk, are you gonna affirm with something or are you gonna die against something? We've been on a string of lots of affirmations, but I'd like to think that's just because we're fun, loving, optimistic people. But there was a day where we had to do both. And now that I only have to choose one, I do find myself gravitating almost naturally toward the affirming width. But I leave it to you, Tony, are you affirming with or denying against? [00:02:22] Tony Arsenal: I, unfortunately am denying tonight. Technical Issues with Apple Podcasts [00:02:25] Tony Arsenal: So you and I already talked about it a little bit, but uh, I'm denying Apple Podcast Connect. Oh yes. So, uh, I. Obviously, like if you're affected by this, you're not hearing the episode 'cause it's not updating for you. But, uh, if you happen to be using Apple to listen to the podcast and for some reason you're listening somewhere else, maybe you realize that the podcast has not been updating for several weeks. And so you went to a different podcast catcher. Um, apple just decided for some reason that none of our feeds were gonna update. No good reason. So I've got a ticket out to Apple and hopefully we'll get it fixed. Uh, if you do know someone who listens to the show and they use Apple, please tell them to subscribe to something else or to, uh, go to the website. You can get all of the, all of the episodes on our website. You could go to Spotify, you could do something like, uh, overcast or PocketCasts. Um, it really is just Apple. It's, it's the actual account that we use to, uh, to access. Apple's Directory is not pulling new episodes and it's not pulling new episodes on another show that I run as well. So, uh, it's not just this show, it's not our RSS feed. These things happen. It'll, you know, you'll get four or five episodes all at one time. When it, when it corrects itself, usually they're pretty quick. I put in a ticket like late on Friday afternoon, so I didn't expect them to get to it on, uh, Saturday or Sunday. So hopefully by the time you're hearing this, uh, it's resolved. I would hope so, because that means it would be about a week from today. Um, so hopefully they'll have a resolve. But yeah, it's just th thorns and thistles. This is our own, our own, uh, manifestation of the curse here in this little labor that we do. It's, it's thorns and thistles right now, but no big deal. Just, uh, catch up when you can. And, uh, yeah, so denying Apple Podcasts now, really, it's, it's a great service and this is a, a little glitch. It's, it's just a little frustrating. [00:04:20] Jesse Schwamb: The sweat of our brow. Yes. Here it is. We're just toiling over getting Apple to please release our episodes. Well, it'll be your happy day if you use Apple Podcasts and then get a bunch of them all at once. That's fantastic. It's like the gift that is over in abundance. Supporting The Reformed Brotherhood [00:04:36] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, it is a good reminder that you just said, Tony, that everybody should go, just take some time. Head on over to our form brotherhood.com. You can find all the other 400 some odd episodes living over there. And while you're over there and you're perusing or searching by topic to see what we've talked about before, you're probably gonna think to yourself, this is so incredible. How is this compendium, this omnibus of all these episodes just hanging out here free of cost? And I'm so glad you're thinking about that because there are so many lovely brothers and sisters who have decided just to give a little bit to make sure that all that stuff gets hosted for free for you Yeah. And for us, so that anybody can go and explore it and find content that we hope will be edifying. So if that's something you're interested in, maybe you've been listening for a while and thought, you know what? I would like to give a little bit one time or reoccurring, we would love to, for you to join us in that mission. You can go to patreon.com/reform brotherhood, and there's all the information for you to give if that's something that you feel you would like to do, and we would be grateful for you to do it. [00:05:32] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. We, we have a group of people who support the show. They make it possible for your, uh, your ear holes to be filled with our voices. And, uh, but again, you know, the costs are going up all around and, and we would, uh, certainly love to have people partner with us. Um, we've committed to making show that the, making sure that the show is free and available. Um, it's never our intention to put anything behind a paywall or to, to barrier and in that way, but we can only do that if there's people who are supporting the show and making, making sure that we've got the funding that we need to, to keep going. So, thank you to everybody who gives, thank you to anyone who's considering it, uh, and thanking anybody who decides to, uh, jump on board with that. [00:06:11] Jesse Schwamb: Right on. We're appreciative who we really are. [00:06:13] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. So Jesse, what are you affirming or denying today? Exploring Open Webcam DB [00:06:16] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, this is what I've kind of done before, but I think I've found a new place for it. I just am continually impressed and fall in love with how great and big and lovely God's world is. So I love these types of sites that give you insight into this great big world, even if it's in unexpected places or maybe in strange places. So I'm affirming with a website called Open webcam db.com. Open webcam db.com. And it's exactly like what it sounds like. It's a database that has something like 2000 live cameras streaming daily from over 50 countries, all searchable by a category. So you can find natural landscapes, airports, construction sites, and one of my recent favorites, honestly, and this is. It's so strange, but kind of awesome is this warehouse, it's called Chinese Robotic Warehouse Buzz, and it's just robots moving pallets around or like stacks of all of these items. It's mesmerizing. But I would encourage you go to open webcam db.com, search for like your stage or your country. You'll find so many amazing things. So I've sat and just watched, you know, between tasks or when you know you just need a break or you're just curious about the world. Like I look, I watched the Krakow Maine Market Square quite a bit because it's. Beautiful and brilliant, and to think about the people moving to and fro and what they're doing, what their lives are like. There's some great scenes from San Francisco Bay. There is a bird feeder in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania that I often watch. So of course, like go out as we've said, and live and breathe and be in your own communities. And as well, if you're looking at scratch that itch of just seeing all these different places, all the different things that are happening in God's created world, I can firmly and unreservedly recommend open webcam db.com for that. [00:07:58] Tony Arsenal: Nice, nice, uh, little known fact at one point, Dartmouth Hitchcock, which is the hospital that I worked for, had to block a penguin cam, uh, because it was causing such a productivity drain combined with an actual measurable decrease in internet bandwidth at the hospital. 'cause so many people were watching this little penguin cam at some zoo in Boston. I think it probably was. Yeah, I, I love this kind of stuff. I think this kind of stuff is great. Uh, I use, uh, Dartmouth College has a, like a live one that I use all the time, especially when we're trying to figure out what the weather's gonna do. You can see it on the camera. Uh, we, we often will, you know, see, especially as we get closer to the season when we're talking about traveling to the beach and whatnot, uh, often look at the ocean grove. Oh, that's right. Uh, pier cam. So yeah, check it out. Uh, sounds like a fun time. Do not share it with too many of your friends at work. Or it may crash the network and Yeah. But [00:08:53] Jesse Schwamb: yeah, for [00:08:54] Tony Arsenal: sure. That was a funny email that they had to send out. I remember that [00:08:57] Jesse Schwamb: for sure. Use, use the penguin cam responsibly. I just did a quick search. There are four different penguin cams. Uh, three of them are in the United States, one is in New Zealand, and you better believe I'm gonna be checking those bad boys out. Yes. I didn't even think about. The penguin feature here and penguins are an amazing animal. Like we could stop right now and just shift our topic to penguins if you want to. [00:09:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. ' [00:09:16] Jesse Schwamb: cause there's so much there. And the spiritual truths are so broad and deep, but I just think penguins are kind of undervalued. Birds. Everybody should go check them out. [00:09:26] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. They're, they're pretty cool. [00:09:28] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Um, I'm like, I will watch any Penguin documentary and just be astounded by Penguin. Like, whether they're Emperor Penguins or South African Penguin, wherever. I just think they're phenomenal and hilarious and seem to be living the dream. And he doesn't want a little bit of that. [00:09:46] Tony Arsenal: You just gotta get Morgan Freeman to do the voiceover in any documentary or, or nature documentary is better with Morgan Freeman doing the voiceover. [00:09:55] Jesse Schwamb: Well, I all, this might be a deep cut real quick, but I just learned this, and I'm guessing some of our listening brothers and sisters probably already know this. Maybe you do too, Tony. So, Benedict Cumberbatch, do you know where I'm going with this? Yep, [00:10:06] Tony Arsenal: yep. Pen wing. [00:10:07] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. I didn't. I cannot say that word or stumbles over its pronunciation. He did some kind of big documentary in which Penguins played at least some part. Yeah. And they were in an interview. They were giving him such a hard time because they played his reading of it like within the same kind of five minutes. And his, the word just kept degenerating in his mouth every time he said it. So it became like almost undistinguishable from the actual word. And it's like initial pronunciation. It was so hilarious. Apparently it's a big joke on the internet and I just didn't know it. [00:10:38] Tony Arsenal: Especially for someone like Bent Cumberbatch who just is, uh, like he's a world-class voice actor. [00:10:44] Jesse Schwamb: Right. [00:10:45] Tony Arsenal: And like a super smart ude guy and he just can't say the word penguin and penguin. Yeah. [00:10:51] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. He said, you got everybody go look it up. 'cause it is super hilarious. And now it's kind of gotten stuck in my head. But um, again, this suddenly became like the All Penguin episode all of a sudden. [00:11:01] Tony Arsenal: I mean like, he can pronounce his own last name just fine, but the word penguin escapes him. I like to call 'em blueberry crumble bottom or whatever. Crumble bunch. [00:11:11] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, see that's the good stuff right there. That's what everybody we know. This is what you all tune in for. This is what you're missing when Apple Podcast doesn't send everything out on time. Yeah. You're welcome. [00:11:22] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl [00:11:23] Tony Arsenal: Well, Jesse, why don't we, why don't we get into it? Because you know it, it's interesting. Let's [00:11:27] Jesse Schwamb: get into it. [00:11:28] Tony Arsenal: Well, it's interesting because when you, you know, you kind of, we, we sort of do the little lead to the episode and I, I suddenly realized that I think I've been interpreting this parable very differently than maybe you have or other people. Great. Do, uh, because I, I think I, I think I might have a different take on it. Let, let's do it. Yeah. So let's get into it. Uh, do you have the, the text in friend you wanna read? Uh, why don't we just do 44 all the way through 46? We'll do both parables in one reading. We'll come back and talk about it. [00:11:54] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Sorry, everybody. So here's a two for one for you. Beginning in where we're in verse 44 of Matthew chapter 13. This is Jesus speaking. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field again. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Interpreting the Parables [00:12:22] Tony Arsenal: I think maybe this is the, like the beauty of parables, uh, when Christ doesn't give us a interpretation. I, I think we're, we're, we're not free to like make up whatever we want, but these kinds of teaching tools are useful because the fact that there can be multiple interpretations actually is, is probably intentional. [00:12:43] Jesse Schwamb: Right. [00:12:43] Tony Arsenal: So it's funny because I think when you intro the episode here, it sounds like you're going to the kingdom of Heaven being a treasure hidden in a field, being something that we should sell everything we have and go after. And when I read this, I read it as the kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden a field. And the man who is Jesus goes and sells all that. He has. He gives all that he has and buys the field. So, and I, I think this is one of those ones where like. Probably both of those things are in play. Sure. But it's interesting 'cause I've never, I've never really read this and thought about myself as the person who buys the field. [00:13:19] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Interesting. [00:13:20] Tony Arsenal: I've probably heard sermons or read devotionals where people have said that and it just never clicked. And it didn't register until just now. And you were, when you were, uh, introing the parable that maybe you are the, maybe your way of introing your, your interpretation. Maybe that's the dominant one. So I, I looked at a couple quick, um, commentaries while you were speaking and I didn't get a chance to do my commentary reading before the episode. It seems like I'm the weird one. So, but it's interesting, um, 'cause again, I think that's the, kind of the beauty of parables is that sometimes the, the, um. Ambiguity of what the possible meaning could be, probably plays into the, the, um, teaching technique itself. [00:13:58] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I, I think that's fair. I totally can take and understand what your perspective is on this. What I find interesting is that these, we've got these two abutting each other, like the cheek to cheek parallel approach here, and in doing so, there seems to be like kind of an interesting comparison between the two. Actors in this. And I think we should get into that. Like why in one case Jesus is talking about a person who finds this in a field, which by the way, I think the, the thing that jumps out to me first about that person is this person doesn't actually own the field at first. Right. That the treasure is in. So that is interesting. I'm totally with you. But then the second one, so in the first one there's kinda almost like this sense, and I don't wanna like push this too far, but that this person who finds this treasure does so very unexpectedly, perhaps like he's even the hired hand and of course not the one who owns the field. [00:14:48] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:14:49] Jesse Schwamb: And in the second case, we have somebody who almost is volitionally looking for this thing of great value, but finds the one thing above all the other things that they're used to looking for that clearly has the greatest and most. You know, essential worth and therefore the end is always the same in both of 'em. They give everything they have. They're willing for forsake all other things with great joy, recognizing the great value that's in front of them. I think there is a place to understand that as Christ acting in those ways. I think there's also interesting, again, this comparison between these two people. So I'm seeing this as we've got these varied beneficiaries of the kingdom. They both come to this place of the incomparable value of the kingdom, but then there's also like this expulsive power of the kingdom. All, all of that's, I think in there, and again, these are really, really, really brilliant, I think, because the more that you spend time meditating on these, the layers just kind of come and they fall away and you start to really consider, well, why again is Jesus using these two different characters? Why is he using this kinda different sense of things of, of worth what the people are actually after? I think all of it's in play. You're totally right. [00:15:54] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. The Cost and Value of the Kingdom of Heaven [00:15:55] Tony Arsenal: So I think, you know, when we think about the kingdom of heaven, when we think about these perils, we made this point last week, we shouldn't, um, we shouldn't restrict, we have to be careful not to restrict the comparison to just like the first noun that comes up, [00:16:08] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:16:08] Tony Arsenal: So it's not just that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, it, it is like a treasure, but it's like a treasure that's hidden in a field. Yes. And it's not just like a treasure that's hidden in a field, it's a treasure that's hidden in a field which a man found and covered up. Right? So, so like we have to look at that whole sequence. And I think, I think, um, you know, obviously like the, the interpretation that we are the, we're the man who finds the kingdom of heaven and we, you know, we go and buy the field. Um, that, that obviously makes perfect sense now that I'm looking at a few different commentaries. It seems to be the predominant way that this gets interpreted. And we, we look at it and we say, what, well, what does this mean for like our Christian life? Like. What does it mean? Do we have to, do we have to give everything away? Do we have to sell everything we have? Is that the point of the parable? I think some people make that the point of the parable. Um, I'm not convinced that that actually is the point of the parable. Um, because it, you know, it, it, it just, there's lots in the scripture that, that, uh, doesn't seem to require that Christians automatically like, give away everything they have. Um, maybe that's your calling. Maybe it is something that God's calling you to do to sort of, um, divest yourself of your, your belongings, either to sort of fight materialism or greed or, or just because like you're gonna need to have that fluidity and liquidity to your assets 'cause you're gonna need to move around or whatever it is. But I don't think we look at this parable and have like a, like a, a command for a life of poverty or something like that. Right. Um, really this is more about the. Utter sold outness of the Christian to pursue and seek the kingdom of God. [00:17:48] Jesse Schwamb: Right? Right. [00:17:49] Tony Arsenal: And and I think that that's the same in both, even though the way that the person in the parables comes a, comes across the kingdom or they come across this, this thing of great value or thing of great price, that they find their response in both parables is the same. And to me, that that actually tells me that that's more the point of these parables. Um, or, or maybe we shouldn't even think of these as two parables, right? Some of the introductory language that we see in when we transition from one parable to another, we don't really see that here. Uh, and if, if we're gonna follow that, actually we would be going to the next parable would also kind of fall into this. But he says the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure. And then in 45 he says, again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. We're gonna run into something like this later on when we get to like the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of lost coins. Where there are these distinct parables, but they're kind of stacked on top of each other in order to make a specific point. All of the parables that are sort of in these parable stacks are making the same point. And so I think it's not so much about like, how do we find the Kingdom of Heaven or how do we come upon the kingdom of heaven? It's more about what do we do once we've come upon it? Once we've thrown it's, that's the point of the parable that we need to unpack. [00:19:03] Jesse Schwamb: That's right. And I would add to that, like who is it that is the beneficiary of this kingdom? We have two different, very different individuals, which I, again, I think, we'll, we'll talk a little bit about, but I'm totally with you. I, I think it's, it's easier, it's almost too narrow and too easy to say. Well, this is really just about like physical ma or about wealth. Like in some way the, what we're being taught here is that you have to get rid of everything of value in exchange for this. In some ways, that almost feels too transactional, doesn't it? As if like what, what we need to do is really buy the kingdom. We express our seriousness about this kingdom or the rule and reign of God by somehow just giving up everything that we own as if to prove that we're really worthy of receiving that kingdom that we prayed enough. Right. That we've done enough, even though that we're contrite enough. Yeah. And all that stands like in direct opposition to the mercy and grace, which God gives to us through his son by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring us into this kingdom. So we know it can't really be about that. And so that leads me back again to just like the lovely details here. And like you've already said in the first case, here's what really strikes me is. For probably most of us in the West, this idea of treasure is novel and maybe romantic. There's a adventure and an energy to it. Because we've all heard stories about this, whether it's like, I don't know, pirates of the Caribbean or the county Mount Cristo. Like there's something about treasure finding some kind of, or national treasure. Sorry, that just came to my mind. Like I couldn't go any further without mentioning Nick Cage. So you know, like there's something there that pulls us in that finding this thing almost unexpectedly in a hidden place of immense worth and value is, has a real draw to it. But I imagine that in Palestine being like a war torn region in Jesus' day, in the way people might store goods of great value in the fields they own. And then of course the owner may never be able to achieve for lots of reasons, including death. And then somebody might stumble upon it. And as I understand the, the laws there, of course, if you were to stumble upon something. I was in somebody else's property and and on earth that thing take it out of the ground. In this case, you would be by law required to bring that back to the person who owned the field. So there's something interesting here that this first person, probably the more meager and humble of the two with they at least respected, like their socioeconomic status is let's, we could presume maybe going about their normal work. They find this unexpectedly in the field and it's immediately recognized to be something of great value that it is to stop and to, again, there's like a measuring that happens behind the scenes. This person at least is measuring of all the things that I own, all things I could possibly own. The better thing for me to do is to consolidate all the rest of my wealth. And this case, again, it's not the message of the story to do this, it's the exemplification of what's happening here. This person is so sold out to ensure that they acquire this great treasure that they stumbled upon, that they will take literally everything else of value that they own to exchange it for this very thing. So I'm totally with you because I think the predominant message here is not like take all your wealth and make sure that you give it to the church or that it goes to ministry or to missions. That may all be well and good and it may all be the kind of calling that you receive. However, I think the principle message here is the kingdom of God is so valuable that losing everything on earth, but getting the kingdom is a happy trade off. Like that's actually a really, really good deal. And so having the omnipotent saving reign of Christ in our lives is so valuable that if, if we lose everything in order to have it, it would be a joyful sacrifice. [00:22:20] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And you know, I think, um, I think there is a level of. Encouragement in Sacrifice and Joy in the Kingdom [00:22:27] Tony Arsenal: Sacrifice that happens for every Christian and. I mean, I, I know there's a lot of people who they, uh, come to faith as young children and we've kind of talked about that as like, that's that testimony that, you know, I think everybody really wants is like they wish they never had a time that they didn't know Jesus and Right. I don't know any parent that I've ever spoken to, and I'm certainly not any different here that doesn't want that testimony for Jesus, but, or for, for their kids in their relationship with Jesus. But. I think most people who come to faith at some point in their life when they're able to remember it, like they, they have a conscious memory of their conversion experience. There is this sort of sense of sacrifice and e even a sort of a sense of loss. Um, I think there, there are times where, and, and you know, I think maybe, um, even people who've always been in the faith, um, they probably can resonate with this. I think there are times when we might look at how our lives could have been different or could be different if we weren't in the faith. Um, and, and sometimes there's a sort of wistfulness to that. Like being a Christian can sometimes be difficult right On, um, you know, maybe you miss a promotion opportunity because you're not willing to work on the Lord's day or because you're not willing to do something unethical. Like you, you miss out on some sort of advancement and you think, well, if I could just, you know, if I could have just gotten past that, like my life would be much different. And what this parable teaches us is. That's an understandable, like that's an understandable emotion or response. Um, and there is this weighing of the cost. And in the parable here, he, like you said, there's this calculation that goes on in the background. He finds this treasure, he makes the calculation that to have this treasure is worth. Everything it's worth everything he has. He sells everything he has, and he buys the field in order to get the treasure right. And, and there's some interesting textual dynamics going on through this chapter. We've talked about how the parables kind of like the imagery across the parables in chapter 13 here of Matthew, they kind of flip certain figures around and almost, it's almost intentional because he is getting the treasure and the treasure. The kingdom of heaven here is like the treasure, but he's also getting the field right. And the kingdom of heaven is, is the field in other parables. Um, but this, this calculation that happens, um. I don't know, maybe my heart is just sensitive to this right now. I, I, I, I feel like a lot of times we look at that sort of wis wistful second glance at what could have been if we were not Christians, and we automatically feel like that's gotta be a sinful impulse. Like, how could I ever even consider what life might have been? Like this parable implies that that's the thing we actually have to do. You have to know and consider what it is you've sacrificed or will be sacrificing in order to make this transaction happen. You can't just blanketly say like, oh, of course. You know, you've gotta, you've gotta count the cost, as it were, and then you have to actually make the purchase. So I think we should look at this as a source of encouragement. Um, like I said, I'm not sure why. I feel like maybe there's, maybe there's just a, a. I dunno, I'm feeling a little weird and charismatic right now. I feel like this is something that I definitely need to be saying, like, I feel like someone needs to hear this. Maybe it's just me that needs to hear this. And that's, I'm tricking myself by thinking of someone else. But we are able, as Christians, I think God permits us and in some sense, maybe even expects and commands us to recognize what we have given to be Christians in order that we might realize how much we have gained with that transaction. It's not just this like remorse or regret, um, for the sake of remorse or regret. It's to be able to see how good and how beautiful and how worth it is the kingdom of God, uh, to, to, to claim that. [00:26:23] Jesse Schwamb: I like that there is a great discipline and a great joy in remembering worth and worthiness. So there's gonna be times, like you said, when it's hard and if you look back, look back at the ministry of Jesus, I've often thought that he's like a poor evangelizer from like modern standards. Yeah. Because often people come to him and say things like. I, I wanna be part of the kingdom of God. Well, what do I need to do to enter the kingdom of God? And here you have like a seemingly a willing convert. And he always says things like this, like, you gotta go count the cost. Yeah. Like is, is this worth it to you? Like you have to deny yourself, you have to hate your own father and your mother, and your wife and children, and brothers and sisters, even your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple. And in this kind of language, it's clear that Jesus is saying you fail often. And maybe this goes back like you're saying, Tony, it's like the parable of the soil that you fail to really take into account what it means to follow with full fidelity, to commit yourself in a fully unencumbered way. Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to consider that? And as human beings, we're just not good often at counting costs. We're not good at thinking about opportunity costs. And it's interesting here that we're called out to say, even if you've already purchased the field as so to speak, that as if you've been saved by Christ, to continue to remember how good it is to be in the kingdom of God. And that the joy. Of knowing as like the Heidelberg Catechism says in the first question that all things are subservient to our salvation. Yeah. That incredible worth of, that should be a source of encouragement in times of great trial and tribulation, no matter how big or small, so that this joy that this person has when they go and sells everything he has and he buys this field, you know those details, like you're saying, do press us. It really comes to us with this idea that we should be able to see plainly why having Christ is more valuable than all other things. If the omnipotence all wise, God is ruling, ruling over all things for our joy, then everything must be working for our good, no matter how painful and in the end, God is gonna triumph over all evil and all pain. So this kingdom is a real treasure. Like it is a, it is a real. A real quantity in our life and our wellbeing and in our spiritual consistency, that'll ought demand some reflection of how valuable it truly is. And then knowing that in our minds, that like influencing our behavior, our other thought patterns, and then our actual feelings about stuff. So that when, like you said, we're passed over, we're looked over, we're ridiculed for something, we go back and we count it all joy to be worthy of being part of God's kingdom, knowing that it was because of the entrance and acceptability and the identity in that kingdom that we experience. Those things, those hardships begin with. [00:29:05] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And, and I, um, I don't want us to miss out on the fact that even as the parable may be encouraging or forcing us to think about. The cost. It, it really is trying to emphasize the great value of the kingdom. Right? Right. We, like I said, we, we don't just count the cost. In order to count the cost for its own sake. We count the cost in order to understand the great blessing that is ours in Christ. Right. All I, I count all that I have as a loss compared to the greatness of Christ Jesus. And, um, I think we just don't often do that. I, I, I think as Christians, that's probably a thought that is in our head more as young Christians, especially if we come to the faith in, in a time in our life where we're aware of things like that. We think about things like that. Reflecting on the Cost of Faith [00:29:59] Tony Arsenal: You know, I was 15 when I first came to faith and, um, I, I don't think I was in a frame of mind as a 15-year-old boy to think about, like. The cost of what I was doing, right? It's not like I was a particularly popular kid. I didn't have a, you know, I didn't, I wasn't unpopular, but it wasn't like I lost a ton of friends when I became a Christian. I didn't really lose anything that was measurable. Um, but I do think that, as, you know, someone now in my forties, looking back at, you know, 15, 20, 25 years of, of Christian life, it's easy to see that things could have been different on a sort of temporal scale. Like my, my life could probably be more comfortable in terms of wealth or opportunities or other things that might, uh, aren't, aren't even bad things necessarily. There is a sense of sacrifice. But again, God has brought us into this kingdom and he's given us parables like this and given us the ability to recognize. That we do have a cost, that there is a cost to be counted in order that we might now look at it and praise him for how great and glorious and valuable the gift that he's given us is. Understanding the Parable of the Pearl [00:31:08] Tony Arsenal: And so I think, you know, I think that's the same basic meaning of this second, second half of the same parable. I guess the, the pearl of great price or the pearl of great value. But it's not exactly the same, right? It's not like Christ is just repeating the same ver, you know, parable with, with different words for variation. Um, every word is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching correction, reproof, and training and righteousness. And I had a, I had a prophet in, uh, in Bible college who would say like, difference means difference. And he was often talking about like minute things, like the difference, um, or why, why is this word used instead of that word? This word would've worked. And, and the author chose that one. There's a reason for that. Difference means difference, but. Christ here chooses to, to tell the parable a second time, um, in a slightly different way. Uh, and Matthew chooses to record these in the same sense next to each other in slightly different ways. So what, what do we, what do we wanna pull out of this second parable that's different and what do we think it's telling us that's a little bit different than the first version Y? [00:32:14] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, that's a great question. Diverse Approaches to the Kingdom of Heaven [00:32:16] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, I love this idea because not until really, I was thinking about it this week when I read through them, was I really, again, drawn to the differences between these two main characters. Interestingly, I think in both, and we can make the case that the, the treasure, the kingdom of heaven here represented in both this pearl or in this literal treasure is in a way hidden. Certainly the first man is not necessarily looking for, it's still revealed to him, but the second in a way. And on the other hand, he knew this guy knows treasure. He's been seeking it with diligence in vigor, or at least like this is what he does for a living in his vocational career. He's out there trading pearls, presumably, and he knows something about them and how to evaluate them effectively. And so it's his business and he's dedicated himself to finding them. And apparently he's seen plenty of them over the years. But then all of a sudden, and this is wild, the beautiful, all of a sudden, clearly the search comes to like an abrupt end because he finds this one of immeasurable value, so much beauty exceeding and value exceeding all the other ones. And he doesn't need to search anymore. He just finds the one pearl that he can retire on a pearl with more than everything else. Or anything else that he's ever possessed and he gets it again. He does. And this brings him into symbol two with the first man. He does the same thing, then liquidate everything else and go after this one. Great pearl. So to me, and I'm curious your perspective on this, I'm not necessarily promulgating that. Well, the first one is not a seeker and the second one is like a seeker of of God things. Right? There is though, like you said, a difference in their approach and what they're after. And so I think what we can take from this, at the very least, is that there is diversity in these beneficiaries of the kingdom of God that's covering everybody. And just by these two kind of bookended or polar examples, that's what Jesus draws us to. But I would turn the question back to you. What do you think about this second guy? What do you think about the fact that his business is searching after these things? What? What do we take away from that? [00:34:07] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. The Ultimate Value of the Kingdom [00:34:07] Tony Arsenal: And you know, the thing that drop that jumps out to me immediately in the first parable, the kingdom of heaven is, is like the treasure hidden in the field, [00:34:16] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:34:16] Tony Arsenal: In the second one, the kingdom of heaven is the merchant who's searching, [00:34:20] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:34:20] Tony Arsenal: Right. The kingdom of heaven is like the merchant in search of fine pearls who finds one. That's right. And so I think that they kind of are like, almost like mirror images of each other, right? One of them is about the treasure and what it takes to come upon it and then obtain it. The second is about the person who is coming upon the treasure and, and finding it. And then what it takes again to obtain that treasure. And I think, I think you're right, there is an element here that. Um, in this second parable, the person who is seeking for this treasure is one he's seeking for the treasure, right? Right. You get the image in this, in this first parable that the dude just kind of stumbles upon it. Um, I've heard this Todd as like, it's actually more like a guy who's just walking through a field rather than like a person working the field. And I'm not sure that matters that much, but there is this sense in the first parable that the guy kind of stumbles upon it. He wasn't looking, it wasn't what he was trying to do, but you're right in the second one, the kingdom of heaven, and this is where I, this is where I think I need to think more about it, is what does it mean for the kingdom of heaven to be like a merchant searching for fine pearls right [00:35:23] Jesse Schwamb: on. [00:35:23] Tony Arsenal: Rather than the pearls being the kingdom of heaven, which is what we see in the first bearable. Um, and I don't know the answer to that question. I think I need to, need to think about it and study it a little bit more. But I do like this distinction that in, in the first case, it's sort of a happy accident. And in the second case, this is, this is the life, this man's life work. He finds he's, he's in search of fine pearls. I'm not sure I know exactly what he's trying to do with the fine pearls. It seems like it implies that he's a pearl merchant or a pearl trader, but then he finds this pearl. He doesn't seek to sell it. He buys it. Right. [00:36:00] Jesse Schwamb: Right. [00:36:00] Tony Arsenal: And, and the, the, the fact that the parable stops with him buying it sort of implies that like. He actually is not going to sell it. He's just gonna keep this pearl. Now before the, the pearls, the, the source of the value of the pearls was kind of in the, the financial gain that selling or trading them could bring. But now he suddenly finds this pearl that is so valuable. It's so great, it's so beautiful. Everything he was working to obtain before all of the money he's gathered by finding and selling pearls in the previous like mode of living. He now gets rid of all of that just to purchase this one pearl and presumably to keep it. And I think that again, is kind of a, kind of a, um, statement on our Christian life is that we, we probably have all sorts of things that we've been doing our whole life and we are seeking to, to move forward in our life. And the kingdom of heaven is kind of the ultimate goal of all of that, for those who are in Christ, for those who are called according to his purpose. The purpose is not just to accumulate wealth. It's not even necessarily, uh, in and of itself to like grow in righteousness. It's to be transformed to the, uh, to the image of God's glory son, for the purpose of making him great, making his name renowned. Right. When we look at that passage in Romans that have kind alluded to, he's, he would transform into the image of Christ so that he might be the first born among many brothers. The Incomparable Worth of Salvation [00:37:24] Tony Arsenal: Ultimately, our, our sanctification and glorification is about making Jesus great and glorified, um, to give him glory, to have our glorification reflect his already intrinsic glory and the gift that he gives us, and I think that's kind of, kind of in play here, is that. Uh, we might have all sorts of goals in our life. We might have goals in our Christian life, um, that are good things that we should strive for, but at the end of the day, all of those things only serve to bring us to the kingdom of heaven, which is this pearl of great price that we, we purchase, we buy it and we just kind of hang onto it. It is its own treasure and it's, it's not about what this, this treasure can bring to us, right? Which is what the fine pearls were before they were about what the merchant can find and sell. It's, it's now about just obtaining the pearl and enjoying that pearl. Um, which I think is a little bit different than, than, um, what I would've thought of with the par before. [00:38:19] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I totally agree with you. I think, I think you're actually onto something with the distinction because I think of. So much of my career has been spent in financial services among people who are buyers and sellers of things. They're traders. And the way I read this was very similar to what you were saying to me. What resonated was if this gentleman or this person is. Trading, collecting these pearls. Presumably they have appreciation for the beauty of the pearl itself. So there is like something innate that draws them to this particular thing. And with that experience and with that knowledge and with that, that appreciation of that beauty. I think when they see this other pearl, it moves from, well, why would I ever sell that? I've seen everything. This is the most beautiful pearl I've ever laid my eyes on. And now I want to keep it for me. I want to have it in my possession. I want to cherish it and not just keep it in the inventory and then turn around and sell it for markup, presumably, because there is no nothing that would be of greater value to this person. 'cause they just sold everything else that they had. So they, it's appreciation for the pearl itself. It's going after that finding and seeking that great beauty. And then that led me right into Philippians chapter four, where Paul writes the church in Philippi, beginning of verse eight. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever's honorable, whatever's just whatever's pure, whatever's lovely, whatever's commendable. If there's any excellence, if there. Anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Practice these things and the god of peace will be with you. So this idea, like you and I, Tony, have talked about like the world has great wisdom, it has great knowledge, it has things that can lead us by way of common grace into certain amounts of peace. But the pearl of great price, the seeking after the going after all these great things is to find the gospel, to be given the gospel it revealed to you. And then say everything else I count as a loss. Everything else is worthless compared to this thing. And if you're a person that can appreciate even just by turn of mind or God's influence in your life, you know, knowledge and wisdom, and you're seeking after that, which is the ultimate expression and representation of those things, and then you find you come upon this pearl of great price, the gospel wisdom and the beauty of God represented in his son Jesus Christ. And you say, this is it. I, I know enough to know, again, by the regeneration that comes through the spirit, this is the real deal. Then I think the message still stands. We come through two different directions into the same final culminating point, which is there is a condition for having this kingdom of God, for having the king on your side as your friend, but the condition isn't like wealth or power or negotiating or intelligence or even good trading behavior or going out and finding the right thing. The condition is that we prize the kingdom more than anything else we own. The point of selling everything in these parables is to simply show where our hearts are at. And so I often say in my own line of work, that cost only matters in the absence of value. Actually, it's true for everything that we. We presumably spend our time or our money on cost only matters in the absence of value. And I think like you and I could do a fun little experiment where I don't know, you ever talking to somebody about something and you're paying a cost to have that service delivered to you and you're, and you're just like totally worth it, like I would do totally worth it. Like, yeah, that's kind of the vibe I'm getting here. It's like at the end of days when we think about the worthiness of our God, that there's no one like him, that he's unequal, that he has no rival, that the gospel is the sweetest message that we're rescued literally from the pit. We're just say no matter what the cost of us personally, great or small, totally worth it, that that's what we'll be saying for all of eternity as we worship him. [00:41:45] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, and I think even more than saying, totally worth it. I think when we are given our new eyes to see, and we no longer see through a da a glass dimly, we're gonna recognize saying that it was worth, it is is like it's a pale, like it's a faulty answer to begin with because the, for sure the worth of the kingdom of heaven surpasses anything we could imagine. And in our, you know, locked in little meat brains that we have now, we're kind of com we're just comparing it to. You know, like what, what we could have had or what we, what we've given up. Um, it, it's gonna be an incomparable comparison. Like there's no, there's no measure that is satisfying, there's no measure that can actually show us how, how worthwhile it is. And, you know, we've, we've made a point of it, like the, the blessing of salvation and, and really like what it is that we're getting, uh, in, in the. You know, the Christian understanding of salvation, it's not, it's not an eternal destiny. It's not bigger mansions in heaven. It's not freedom from death. All of those things come with it. All of those things are attending gifts. That's right. But what we get in salvation ultimately is we get God we get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the, the power of the Holy Spirit. We, we get swept up into the life of the, the God of the universe. Like the life of the Trinity indwells us. And we, we become a part of that. Uh, not, not in the, you know, like. Eastern Orthodox deification sense, although I think there's a proper way we can talk about deification. Um, but we get swept up into that. We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that. There's nothing that we could ever point to. Um, it's funny, my, my wife and I, um, this is a little corny, but, um, we'll often say to, to each other instead of saying, I love you more than anything, we'll say, I love you more than everything. Right. And, and it's, it's a way to say like. You could take all that there is in the world, everything that I have that I could possibly consider and sum up the value. And I love my wife more than that. I love my children more than that. So it's not that I love them more than any one thing, it's that I love them more than everything combined. And this is even greater than that, right? We, we will look back at our lives and if, if it's even in our mind, if we even can, can comprehend anymore. The idea of thinking about what it costs us to obtain this pearl of great value, which is the kingdom of heaven, which is just another way to say, is just fellowship with the God of the universe. Um, we'll look at it and say no matter what it was. No matter what it could have been, I would give everything I, I love God more than everything. Right. Right. There's nothing that could ever possibly be considered that even comes close to what we gain in, in Christ Jesus, in union with, with God. And I think that's the point of this, like I think the guy who, um. Christ's Perfect Sacrifice and Our Response [00:44:58] Tony Arsenal: I think about what it would take for me to even like to sell everything, like the concept of selling everything I own. I'm not even sure how I would do that, to be honest with you. Like, I don't even know the mechanism for that kind of thing. But the idea that there's anything that could be valuable enough that I would just sell every piece of human property that I have, there's probably nothing like that in this world. Like, there probably isn't. And to, to take that comparison and then basically say like, that's just what the kingdom of God is like. 'cause that's the other thing I think we miss about parables is you, you only make a comparison when you can't describe something, um, analytically, right? There's the difference between analogically and analytically Ana lot analytically means we're able to actually quantify and explain it kind of in strict terms, right? I can, I can say that, um, uh, a heavy object ways, X number of grams or it, you know, or, um. Pounds or whatever. I can, I can measure that and make an analytical statement, or I can make an analogy, an analogy that is comparative. Uh, but by definition, or almost by by nature of the thing, when you make that comparison, you're kind of saying like, not only is it like this, but it's actually it, like it's more like this than I can even describe. Right? So when we're talking about the kingdom of Heaven here, and we say it's, it's like, it's like a man who goes, he finds a treasure and then he sells everything. He has to get that treasure. It's infinitely more like that than it actually can be described. Does that make sense? I feel like I'm rambling on that a little bit. Maybe trying to describe something that can't be described is, is hard to do. [00:46:35] Jesse Schwamb: It's, that's, yeah. But yeah, that's, that's very difficult to do. I'm actually totally with you on this. I think I understand clearly what you mean, this idea that no matter how hard we actually try to value it, we'll be incapable of doing so. Yes. And at best, it almost seems like this is a strange command in a way because it's, it's asking us to do in some ways a thing that is impossible for us to do. However, I think what you're saying is it doesn't mean that we shouldn't turn our minds toward that. We're a bit like people who, I don't know if this show is still on PBS, but like, do you know that show, remember that show The Antiques Road Show? Yeah. Where people would like come, they'd ran ransack their homes or their garages with these old antique items and they bring them to this road show where there'd be experts who would value them. And inevitably we'll be like those people who come with what we think is like a. A thousand dollars clock that we got at a garage sale thinking, wouldn't it be great? I know this is valuable. It's probably a thousand dollars. It'll be, look at the return, tenfold return, I'll get on this item, and then instead finding that it's worth $10 million when it's appraised. Yeah, I assume it'll be just like that in the Beautific vision that even maybe for all of eternity will be growing in our appreciation for just how valuable this great salvation is. And yet at the same time, I think what this should encourage us to do is to pray things like God make us real in seeing and savoring Christ in his saving work above all the other things. Yeah. So that, as you said in your example, we would cherish him above everything, above all things that you have that right place in our hearts or that we be inclined to undertake that posture, which says, God, though I cannot understand it in full. Would you help me to see that? Encouragement in Our Spiritual Journey [00:48:08] Jesse Schwamb: And I wanna just say like, as a word of encouragement, maybe I'm speaking more to myself here so everybody else can disregard this if you like, but I think sometimes there can be a little bit of intimidation then when you hear these things and say like, ah, I'm just not, I just dunno if I love God enough, like I wanna love him, or I want to want to love him more. And I think even that posture is appropriate. Yeah. Sometimes there, oftentimes in my personal life, I'll pray something like, God, help me to know how much you love me and would you give me the strength to love you back? So that even that awareness, that energy, that volition, that vitality, that, that heat, all of that, that fire itself is kindled by the Holy Spirit. It's not like we need to like try to again manufacture here. Because the point of these, these stories is not again, that we just find the means to do a transactional exchange here, but that instead we really just sit in the full promises of God. And of course to that, I would say we always need to go back to, to something like Romans eight. I mean, I know that we should, like you said, Tony, the. The standard description we give for the Bible is the one that gives itself, which is that all of it, all of it's is carried along by the Holy Spirit. All of it is God breathe. All of it is useful for something. And yet, of course, I say somewhat tongue in cheek that, you know, if I have 10 minutes to live, I'm probably not gonna the s descriptions of reading a genealogy, I'm going straight from Roman and say, Romans say, I think it's just like the pinnacle of the scriptures. And so just a couple of verses at the end there, because I think this is, this is leading us into what is this great treasure? What is the kingdom of God? Why do we value it so much? What is the saving power? And uh, these verses, I mean, always just entirely get me ready to run through a wall. So this is the end of, of Romans eight beginning verse 35. Who shall separate us from the law of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword as it is written for your sake. We are being killed all the day long. We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. No. In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us for I'm sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from a love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord. [00:50:22] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. That's, that's a good word. And I, I, I like what you're saying too, is, is I think we, we can. There's this paradoxical thing that happens when the scriptures is trying to encourage us to do something, is we often like to get our, in our own way. And, and actually that becomes a source of discouragement for us. The Bible calls us to something and we know we can't live up to it. And that's actually like part and parcel of, of reform theology to recognize that this is law, like the, the, the, the, you know, maybe not in like the strict sense, like when we talk about dividing the scripture into law and gospel, um. It may not be that this particular passage would fall under that rubric of law normally, but this idea that we need to count the cost and that we need to be treasuring Christ more and more, and then when we feel like I'm just not getting it. I'm just not there. Like, I don't, I don't treasure Christ as much as I so should. Um, that Yeah, that's right. Nobody does. Nobody can, like, that's, that's kind of the point of this, and that's why it's law is it's, it shouldn't drive you in Christ. It should not drive you to despair. Right. It should not drive you to discouragement. It should drive you to gratitude that God saved you anyways. That, that this pearl of great value is still yours even though you can't possibly deserve it. Um, you know, we're, we're a little bit different than the, the merchant and the man who finds the treasure in the field in that we can't sell everything we have and obtain it like they have the ability to do that in the, in the parables. Right. Um, we, we don't, and we never will. And so rather than let that drive you to being discouraged that like you're just not getting. I recognize God is of infinite value and we are finite creatures. So we, we could, uh, value God perfectly. Like whatever that means, and I don't even know what that means, but we could value and cherish and love God perfectly as far as our capacities are concerned, and it still would not be enough to sufficiently merit God's favor for us. Like as much as we can, even in, even in eternity. As much as we can value and worship and love and praise Jesus, he is worth infinitely more than we could ever give, even when we do it perfectly. And this is, this is why you know Christ coming to die, to live on our behalf, to die in our place. Why that's necessary is because only this is a, maybe a different take on it. We, I think we talk a lot about how, um. Only God could, could carry, bear the wrath of God and not be destroyed. Right. Right. Only God could, um, could stand up under his own wrath, could stand up under the wrath of God and bear that punishment and not be destroyed. And so therefore, um, Christ had to be not just a man, but had to be God. But on the flip side. And God requires perfect perpetual obedience, which involves loving the Lord your God, perfectly with your whole heart at all times. Right? Only God can do that too. So it's not just that God. It's not just that G

Everybody loves a good mystery, especially that moment when everything falls into place. Dr. Tony Evans reveals how we can approach that “aha” moment in God's plan and how divine revelation can transform our lives and impact those around us.

Gospel Luke 17:26-37 Jesus said to his disciples: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all. So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise one in the field must not return to what was left behind. Remember the wife of Lot. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left." They said to him in reply, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.” Reflection It is confusing to many people to see the God of the Old Testament being so destructive, destroying people. And we have to be careful because there is a metaphor involved in this that is crucial, the destruction of that which is and then no longer, is a sign of the growth of the kingdom. The destruction is everything that is not in touch with what is real, what is true, is destroyed. And it's more emphasized to me when you look at the way the ending is. When the disciples are saying, where will we know this is happening? Why do you do this? When do you do it? He said, I do it when there is already death there and it's spreading. That's why he says at the end, where destruction is, the vulture's have pointed it out because there is no life there, there is only death. And he came to destroy death and bring life. Closing Prayer Father, bless us with the insight to know that when you are engaged in the work of making your kingdom present, it involves death and resurrection. Losing and gaining. It's a key to the way in which we are asked to see the world. It's in a process, and before it can become the Kingdom of God, so much has to be revealed, shown to be what it is and destroyed. That's the grace of the Kingdom. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Livestream with Yuri Rashkin----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainDonate and Receive - Collectable PatchAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.For our Autumn patch, we present the Galician Lion. The rampant lion represents power and intelligence. It has represented Western Ukrainian people since the 1100s. The Ruthenian lion, also known as the Ukrainian lion or Galician lion, was featured on the historic coat of arms of: The Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia (Ruthenia)1199-1349, The battle flag of the Lviv land in the Battle of Tannenberg, 1410 The Ruthenian Voivodeship (Administration) 1434-1772 and The Western Ukrainian People's Republic 1918-1919. The Ukrainian national liberation movement, 1948----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------

A ship's rudder is crucial for the safety of the vessel and its crew—without it, the craft is at the mercy of winds and waves. Dr. Tony Evans explains how God's Kingdom values serve as our spiritual rudder, guiding us safely through life's storms.

England host Serbia tonight to kick off the international break. And it's a GUARANTEED barn-burner, isn't it?With a royal vacancy now open, Luke and Vish join the call to crown Prince Marcus. Plus, we answer some of your burning questions about the Three Lions as we edge ever closer to bringing that beautiful trophy back to the Kingdom.Find us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're all called to have territory in the Kingdom—a business, city, people group, or cause where we serve as first fruits and resource others. Graham Cooke explores how God is shifting us from network-focused ministry to geographic apostolic vision where entire cities can be transformed when we embrace the truth that other churches matter. Discover what it means to live from your present into your future rather than from your past into your present, and how this conversation with God about your territory is more urgent than you might think.Key Scriptures:+ Luke 6:38. "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."+ Philippians 3:13-14. "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."+ Ephesians 1:18. "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints."+ Acts 17:6. "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."**Want to explore more?**

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites us into the scriptures on this 13th day of November, guiding us through Job chapters 39 and 40, and First Corinthians chapters 13 and 14 from the New Living Translation. As Hunter reminds us, our journey isn't just about pages in a book—it's about encountering the living Word of God, who brings us true life. Today's readings reflect on God's unmatched wisdom in creation, the foundation of love in the Christian life, and the order God desires in our communities. Hunter emphasizes that without love, all our efforts and gifts amount to nothing—love must be the root and fruit of our lives. We're invited to reflect: Have we truly received and experienced the love of God? Because it is only through knowing we are loved that we can be vessels of love to others. Join Hunter for a moment of prayer, gratitude for supporters who make this ministry possible, and encouragement to carry God's joy and love forward into the world. No matter what today holds, let this episode remind you: you are loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: If we fail to have love, we fail. We can pursue many things, but if we fail to pursue love in this life, we are lost. Love is the foundation of our lives. Love orders our lives and our communities. The extent to which we love is the extent that our lives will function as they ought, having order and peace among ourselves and within ourselves. It all begins with love. But here's the kicker. We can't give what we don't have. And we can't live a well ordered life of love if we haven't experienced love. So let me ask you, are you loved? Have you felt it? Do you know it? If not, I understand. It can be hard to know and feel. And sometimes we get mixed messages. Sometimes we're told that God is love, but then we say other things about God that don't seem loving at all. That's why I'm so eager and so committed to stating that fact each and every day to myself as well as to you. And that fact is this, that you are loved by a God who is love, full stop. Doesn't need to be qualified with anything other than that. Because everything about God flows from his love. And that's why I come to the Word each and every day, to remind myself. I want to remind you. When we come to the Word, the living word that is Jesus, we're able to see that God is love. We see it in everything about Jesus. He is the Word of God. And he is conspiring to reveal to us the extent of his love demonstrated in his coming to us, the incarnation, in his life, his death, his resurrection, his ascension. Everything about him is demonstrating to all of creation who God is. Galatians 4:19—Paul says this: Oh, my dear children, I feel as though I'm going through labor pains for you again. And they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. May Christ be formed in you. Fully developed—his love, fully developed in our lives, healing us, setting us free. May you know his love today. May you feel it today. May you understand it today as you look to Him. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

In this powerful message, Eric explores what it means to be a King in God's Kingdom. Eric gives us practical lessons about leaving a legacy from the life of King David as outlined in 1 Chronicles 17-29.

A ship's rudder is crucial for the safety of the vessel and its crew—without it, the craft is at the mercy of winds and waves. Dr. Tony Evans explains how God's Kingdom values serve as our spiritual rudder, guiding us safely through life's storms.

All content from the Sons of UCF is brought to you by the law office of Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia. With a combined 70+ years of legal experience, WHG specialize in personal injury, workers comp, veteran disability, and SSI/SSDI cases. For more information, contact them at wernerhoffman.com, or call 1-800-320-HELP Join Eric Lopez and Trace Trylko as they debate some of the current topics surrounding UCF Sports. In this episode the guys review the ending of Space Game magic with the loss to Houston. How did that one get away from the Knights, and is the season basically over? Plus: what is going on with QB, and could it lead to more Davi Belfort? Also: ESPN relegation, are we really close, men's hoops is underway, and soccer heads to the finals Be sure to subscribe to our channel to watch future episodes of Around the Kingdom, with a new drop each week.  #goknights #ucfknights #ucf #ucffootball #big12  Check out www.SonsofUCF.com for more coverage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gospel Luke 17:20-25 Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, "The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, 'Look, here it is,' or, 'There it is.' For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you." Then he said to his disciples, "The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, 'Look, there he is,' or 'Look, here he is.' Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.” Reflection If you would summarize the work of Jesus you would say, in one sense, he came to establish the kingdom of God. What is it? How do we understand it? Well, it's not something that we can look at as if it's a thing, a place or a particular moment. It is something that's among us, among us. Interesting. It's God's presence with us, that's the kingdom of God. And slowly, methodically, patiently, he reveals more and more of who he is and who we are with him, in him. And it comes in a unique way. It comes in flashes of understanding. We call it moments of a growth in consciousness, an awareness of something that we never saw before. One after another, those flashes of insight continue to move us into the truth of who we are and how God is longing for us to be with him in the kingdom that we will all participate in creating insight after insight. Closing Prayer Father, we ask that you would bless us with the ability not only to know how the Kingdom is working, but to feel our important role in participating in it. It is something we share with all of creation. Bless us with that constant awareness of the movement, the growth, the evolution that we are destined to have as we live on this earth. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You will learn more about how to have a servant heart.

What if bookkeeping wasn't just about keeping track of numbers — but about partnering with God to steward what He's entrusted to you?In this episode, I'm joined by Danielle, founder and Chief Stewardship Officer of 4F Accounting Associates, to talk about what it really means to exchange ownership for stewardship in your business. She helps faith-led entrepreneurs reduce bookkeeping overwhelm and procrastination so they can manage their finances with clarity, consistency, and Kingdom purpose.Here's what we cover in this conversation:Why stewardship applies to both your finances and your timeHow to see bookkeeping as a spiritual tool, not a dreaded taskThe hidden cost of procrastinating your booksWhy your generosity goal matters more than hitting 6 figuresHow to create a rhythm that turns overwhelm into orderWhat it looks like to direct God's finances with intention and impactYour books tell the story of God's provision — and when you steward them well, you multiply peace, purpose, and generosity.Grab Danielle's free 14-day devotional, “Exchanging Ownership for Stewardship,” to deepen your mindset around Biblical stewardship: Get it here.Follow the Growth Mapping Method™ Danielle used to propel her business forward when you grab the CEO Focus Bundle that combines the 12 Week CEO Focus Coaching Program + the REDEEM Her Time Planner + Digital Course (for FREE for a limited time) redeemhertime.com/focus-bundleYOU. HAVE. TIME. Lissa + DanielleP.S. Come join the conversation inside the REDEEM Her Time Community redeemhertime.com/communityP.P.S. Wanna supernaturally scale your results? Binge the Scaling Secrets of the Top 1% to discover the secret to productivity is not in your to-do list and how one simple shift can double your results. Walk away with more margin, less to-do's and exponential growth! (P.S. I'll share the secret to 10,000% productivity increase…no that's not a typo!)P.P.S. Better yet, come join me inside CEO Focus to scale up your results (aka reach + revenue) in just 12 weeks! Let's get you more leads, sign more clients, create more cashflow...and SCALE this business God put on your heart!

Faith, family, work, and fitness. That is the order of priorities in just one of the several multi-million dollar companies Henry Kaestner has started. So faith is the driver, family comes next, and then work… and the 1,600 employees all get two hours off at lunch so they can go to the gym! He's got a different way of doing things, but it obviously works, and there's so much wisdom in this belter of a podcast!Check our www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3pfNB6C5MD8---Support our work: greatlakesoutreach.org/inspired

Welcome to the TFC Biblecast! Start your day off right and join us as we take the next 10 minutes to dive into God's word. If we can pray for you, email us at biblecast@tfc.org.

Today's Promise: Romans 5:2 This promise is a reminder of the incredible gifts of grace and hope that shape every believer's life. Through faith in Christ, you have direct access to the overflowing grace of God. His divine favor, power, and love poured out on you each day.  Every time you bow your head in prayer, you step into that grace and draw strength from His presence. Hope, too, is more than a passing feeling or wishful thought. It is the deep confidence that God is in control, guiding every step and weaving every circumstance for your good. This hope is anchored not in the uncertainty of this world, but in the unshakable promise of God's Kingdom and the eternal life we will share with Christ.  In this episode, discover how grace sustains your journey and how hope gives you courage to keep moving forward in faith.

Stay Connected With UsWebsite: anchorfaith.comAnchor Faith Church Facebook: www.facebook.com/anchorfaithAnchor Faith Church Instagram: www.instagram.com/anchorfaithPastor Earl Glisson Facebook: www.facebook.com/earlwglissonPastor Earl Glisson Instagram: www.instagram.com/earlglisson

CONNECT WITH USFirst or Second time? Please click the title above or link below to fill out a digital connect card. www.engagetallahassee.com/connect THE NEHEMIAH INSTITUTE If you're interested in learning more about what it takes to become an Innovative Reconciler, please the link below so our team can follow up with you. www.engagetallahassee.com/nehemiah GIVE If you'd like to give this morning, please click the button "GIVE" on the top right of your screen or the link below to give directly. www.engagetallahassee.com/giving SERVE TEAMSDo you want to offer up your time and talent to be used to further the Kingdom? If that desire has been placed on your heart, sign up to serve on a Team here at Engage Online. www.engagetallahassee.com/teams

The ability to repair anything always starts with accurately identifying the problem. Once identified, a plan for repair and restoration can begin. How can workplace education help to repair a nation? In this episode, Linda interviews Eric M. Johnson, President & Managing Partner at Arnold Motor Supply. They discuss his commitment to internal and external advocacy regarding the impact of public policy on paychecks and why he believes it is essential to repairing our nation and preserving freedom. He shares specific examples and recommendations for employers, such as using our Breakroom Economics® course, providing optional resources for employee self-education and advocacy, and aligning with industry partners to impact elected officials. Eric also detailed the need to discuss with employees any industry-specific policy proposals, such as the Right to Repair Act, which will greatly impact vehicle owners and the automotive repair industry. This episode provides relevant information for any employer, employee, or citizen who wants to protect the right to repair a vehicle, a business, or a nation.  ©Copyright 2025, Prosperity 101, LLC __________________________________________________________ For information about our online course and other resources visit: https://prosperity101.com To order a copy of Prosperity 101 – Job Security Through Business Prosperity® by Linda J. Hansen, click here: https://prosperity101.com/products/ Become a Prosperity Partner: https://prosperity101.com/partner-contribution/ If you would like to be an episode sponsor, please contact us directly at https://prosperity101.com. You can also support this podcast by engaging with our Strategic Partners using the promo codes listed below. Be free to work and free to hire by joining RedBalloon, America's #1 non-woke job board and talent connector. Use Promo Code P101 or go to RedBalloon.work/p101 to join Red Balloon and support Prosperity 101®. Connect with other Kingdom minded business owners by joining the US Christian Chamber of Commerce. Support both organizations by mentioning Prosperity 101, LLC or using code P101 to join. https://uschristianchamber.com Mother Nature's Trading Company®, providing natural products for your health, all Powered by Cranology®. Use this link to explore Buy One Get One Free product options and special discounts: https://mntc.shop/prosperity101/ Unite for impact by joining Christian Employers Alliance at www.ChristianEmployersAlliance.org and use Promo Code P101. Support Pro-Life Payments and help save babies with every swipe. Visit www.prolifepayments.com/life/p101 for more information. Maximize your podcast by contacting Podcast Town. Contact them today: https://podcasttown.zohothrive.com/affiliateportal/podcasttown/login Check out VAUSA, America's choice for virtual assistants- https://hirevausa.com/connect" Thank you to all our guests, listeners, Prosperity Partners, and Strategic Partners. You are appreciated!   The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent those held or promoted by Linda J. Hansen or Prosperity 101, LLC.

Who is greatest in the kingdom? Why were the disciples arguing about who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

11/3/25 - Greg McDaniel

It's hard to thank someone for a gift when you don't know who sent it. Dr. Tony Evans reminds us that every good thing in life comes from God and challenges us to respond with gratitude and generosity that reflects His heart.

Ever have wicked thoughts or evil impulses? Discover the source of these wild thoughts and how to combat them.Four facts you need to knowGod has objectively defeated Satan. He has delivered us from sin's penalty and power. In the interim, we are involved in guerilla warfare with demonic forces.As believers, we have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light with all the rights, privileges, and position a child of God entails.The spiritual battle involves a responsibility to “put on” the spiritual protection God has provided. We can resist the enemy's attempts to deceive, accuse, and cast doubt when we stand firm.The great majority of spiritual warfare need never go beyond the regular practice of living out our position in Christ by faith. Our practice of the spiritual armor protects us from Satan's attempts and minimizes any impact by the enemy.There are times however, when we must move beyond “standing firm” and ENGAGE the enemy in actual combatWhen taking significant steps of faith for spiritual growthWhen invading enemy territoryWhen exposing him for who he really isWhen we repent and make a “clean break” with the world, a long-held sin pattern, or an unholy relationshipWhen God is preparing us for a “great work” for His gloryHow to engage the enemy and win: Taking up the shield of FAITHTake the helmet of SALVATIONTake the sword of the SPIRITSummary: How to engage the enemy in spiritual warfarePrerequisite is a HEALTHY spiritual lifeUnderstand your POSITION in ChristDISCERN when demonic influence may be the causeClaim God's promises OUT LOUDTake our authority and position in Christ to COMMAND demonic forces to cease their activity and departBroadcast ResourceThe Invisible War ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsThe Invisible War Small Group OfferConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Tickled Out of Existence. I Need More Proteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeein! Pink Johnson. Scott's love of meat is renowned. You WILL DRINK your warm milkshake!! The Better End of the Baseball. The Kingdom of Utah. Spitz It Out. Nurri is not a paid sponsor... yet. Is This a Soda For ANTS. Best Dam Bikeride. Sheep Dip Mountain: Taste the Wool! Hank Seinfeld and Jerry Hill. Fresh Hot Dunaway. A Whiff Of An Aroma with Tom and more on this episode of The Morning Stream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Read OnlineAsked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,' or, ‘There it is.' For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”  Luke 17:20–21Why did the Pharisees ask Jesus this question? Why did they want to know when the Kingdom of God would come? To answer this question, we must first look at the full context of the various communications between Jesus and the Pharisees. When we do this and see the many ways that the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus in speech and the times in which our Lord firmly rebuked the Pharisees, it seems clear that the Pharisees did not ask Jesus this question in innocence and openness. Instead, they once again were trying to trap Him. They posed a question by which they gave the appearance of believing Jesus' teachings that the Kingdom of God was coming, but they asked not in faith but in mockery and in an attempt to trip Jesus up in His answer.Jesus' answer is mysterious. It leaves little room for the Pharisees to use Jesus' speech against Him. Perhaps the Pharisees were hoping that Jesus would say that the Kingdom was coming soon, or next month, or within the year. But Jesus' answer leaves them with confusion in the face of this mystery that “the Kingdom of God is among you.”Much of what Jesus says can only be fully understood through faith. He often speaks in veiled language intentionally, because the only way to lift the veil to perceive the meaning of His teachings is to rely upon the inspired gift of faith. Faith is like a key to unlock the secrets of the mysteries of God. Faith becomes a lens through which every parable, every figure of speech, and every mystery taught by our Lord is understood. But without this inspired gift of faith, Jesus' teachings remain mysterious and incomprehensible.When you ponder these words that “the Kingdom of God is among you,” what do you understand? Are you able to use the gift of faith to unlock the meaning of this sacred teaching? Interestingly, reading Jesus' words, spoken in a veiled way, offer us the opportunity to test our own faith. If we read these words and are left in confusion, then this is a clear sign that we need to pray for and be open to the gift of faith. But if we do read Jesus' mysterious teachings and the light of understanding is given to us, then this is a clear reason to rejoice, since this comprehension is only possible through the gift of faith.Reflect, today, upon this sacred teaching of our Lord: “The Kingdom of God is among you.” Meditate on those words and pray for insight and understanding. Jesus' words are true. His Kingdom truly is everywhere, all around us and within us. It is alive and well. Do you see it? Do you perceive it? Do you see your role in building it? Use these questions as a test of your own level of faith and know that God wants to reveal to you these mysteries that are only able to be comprehended by His grace. My mysterious Lord, Your Kingdom is everywhere, all around us and within us. I do believe. Give me the eyes of faith so that I may continually perceive Your hand at work. May I always be attentive to all that You wish to reveal to me and open to the deep meaning of the mysteries You do reveal. Increase my faith, dear Lord, so that I may know You and join in the upbuilding of Your glorious Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You.Jacob Jordaens, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Job 37-38; 1 Corinthians 12 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, we journey together through the pages of Scripture, exploring the depths of Job 37 and 38, and discovering the richness of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. Hunter invites us to open our hearts and reflect on God's unfathomable power, the beauty of creation, and the unity we find as members of Christ's body. Through heartfelt prayer, thoughtful reflection, and practical encouragement for everyday kindness, this episode weaves together wisdom from ancient texts and personal devotion. Whether you're seeking a deeper way of life or simply a moment of peace, join us as we focus our hearts on what matters most—and remember, you are loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The Way of Life. Have you discovered the way of life? The body of Christ, in all its rich variety, is made for life. It derives its life from the one who is life itself. So have you found the Way of life? What is the way of life? First Corinthians 12:6 tells us plainly: God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us—God in us. In all of us. The way of life is God expressing himself in us. It is God in the hand, in the eye, in the ear, in the man, in the woman, in the boy, in the girl. It is God in me and God in you. The way of life is God expressing himself through your uniquely created, gifted self. Do you have peace with who you are? Do you have patience with where you are? Are you confident with yourself? Are you confident with what God has asked of you? To the extent that you realize that God is at work in you, that will be the extent that you discover and live in the way of life. There's another way of living that is not life. And that, of course, is to deny or to fail to see or recognize or welcome the life that you have in him. We fail to surrender to his life and instead demand our own. But when we do live the way of life, God uses the unique ways that he has created and gifted us in service to his kingdom for our own joy, so that others might know and experience his love. He enables us to help others find the way of life and to awaken to the reality of Christ in them. Paul wants to show us the way of life today—verse 31: "But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all." And the prayer of my own heart today is that we will see it, that we will know it, that we will receive it, that we will live in it. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, too—my wife and my daughters, my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Tickled Out of Existence. I Need More Proteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeein! Pink Johnson. Scott's love of meat is renowned. You WILL DRINK your warm milkshake!! The Better End of the Baseball. The Kingdom of Utah. Spitz It Out. Nurri is not a paid sponsor... yet. Is This a Soda For ANTS. Best Dam Bikeride. Sheep Dip Mountain: Taste the Wool! Hank Seinfeld and Jerry Hill. Fresh Hot Dunaway. A Whiff Of An Aroma with Tom and more on this episode of The Morning Stream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global Outreach Partner Dr. Shingi Chizanga urges us to respond to God's call like Mary, who said “I am the Lord's servant… let it be to me according to your word,” instead of hesitating like Moses, Gideon, or Jonah.

Which physical posture of prayer is the right one for you?  I would say, none of them! Rather than the external posture, the Bible emphasizes the posture of the heart. Whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down, the important thing is that your heart is bowed in submission to the lordship of Christ. Main Points:1. True prayer is characterized by the posture of the heart, not the physical posture of the person praying.2. So, what is the right posture of our hearts as we come to God in prayer. I believe it must include three things: reverence, humility, and gratitude.3. As you pray today, it may be that you'll sense God leading you to a particular posture of prayer. Maybe you'll kneel, stand, or even lift your hands. Whichever posture of prayer you choose, don't forget about the posture of your heart.Today's Scripture Verses:Ephesians 3:14 - “For this reason, I kneel before the Father.” Psalm 95:6 - “Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”Hebrews 12:28 - “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”John 14:13 - “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

It's hard to thank someone for a gift when you don't know who sent it. Dr. Tony Evans reminds us that every good thing in life comes from God and challenges us to respond with gratitude and generosity that reflects His heart.

This episode of The Mobilized Church Podcast explores the rhythms every follower of Jesus experiences in life. Kris and Ken talk about how God forms us through both mountain seasons of clarity and valley seasons of pressure. They unpack biblical examples, real-life stories, and practical steps that help people stay faithful, hopeful, and mission-minded no matter what season they are in. The conversation centers on spiritual formation, discipleability, healthy relationships, and how God uses every season to shape us into people who can carry His presence into everyday life.

Provision comes through Kingdom Consciousness by Bill McMurdo

Why do you go to church? Why do you go to community groups? Why do you read your Bible? The reason behind what we do is important. Whether we are in the tent of wandering or in the grandeur of the temple, our own preferences for church styles reflect more about us than about God. Drawing from both Old and New Testament passages, Pastor Ben reminds us that God's true dwelling place is not in buildings or rituals, but in the body of believers. Whether you long for organic community or the beauty of tradition, this sermon challenges us to see ourselves as living vessels of God's presence, called to both structure and genuine relationship within the family of faith. Join Pastor Ben as he dives deep into 1 Kings 1-8 telling the story of Israel's journey from the tabernacle to the temple, and exploring what it reveals about how we experience and define church today. Support the show

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for November 12th Publish Date:  November 12th Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, November 12th and Happy Birthday to Al Michaels I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb, Marietta teaching excellence pays off — in horsepower Nathan Deal calls for civility, bipartisanship GMDT’s The Nutcracker will be Thanksgiving weekend All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: INGLES 7 STORY 1: Cobb, Marietta teaching excellence pays off — in horsepower This week, two of Cobb County’s best teachers got the surprise of a lifetime—a brand-new car to drive for a year. In a tradition that never gets old, the Cobb Chamber, with help from Voyles Automotive Group, handed out free one-year car leases at their monthly luncheon. Hailey Howdyshell, a first-grade teacher at Hickory Hill Elementary, drove off in a sleek Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, while Amanda Dillard, a special ed teacher at Pope High, snagged a Kia Telluride. Other honorees? Caleb Garrett (Compton Elementary) got a Honda Passport, and Lakeisha Gray (Betty Gray Middle) scored a Jeep Wrangler. Teachers, you deserve it. STORY 2: Nathan Deal calls for civility, bipartisanship Former Gov. Nathan Deal didn’t hold back this week when he spoke to the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, urging lawmakers to ditch the shouting matches and rediscover bipartisanship. In a candid chat with Superior Plumbing CEO Jay Cunningham, Deal reflected on how politics has changed—and not for the better. “It used to be you had to prove you could govern,” he said. “Now, it’s just about who yells the loudest and raises the most money.” Deal, who led Georgia from 2011 to 2019, highlighted his bipartisan work on criminal justice reform, calling it “the right thing,” not a political win. Before wrapping up, Deal shared a personal project: his children’s book, Veto the Governor’s Cat, inspired by his late wife, Sandra. “Kids listen to animals more than adults sometimes,” he joked. The book teaches lessons on courage, patience, and embracing differences. Cunningham called Deal “a man of humility and integrity,” thanking him for his service to Georgia. STORY 3: GMDT’s The Nutcracker will be Thanksgiving weekend  The Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre is bringing the magic of The Nutcracker back to Marietta this holiday season, with performances Nov. 28-30 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. Picture this: the Stahlbaum family’s festive party, a mysterious magician stirring up chaos, toy soldiers battling giant mice, and a journey through a snowy forest to the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets. It’s everything you love about the holidays, wrapped in one enchanting ballet. This year’s cast features dancers as young as seven alongside high school seniors, plus guest artists Alex Gonzaga, Raul Peinado, and D Patton White. Tickets start at $25—grab yours at georgiametrodance.org! We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: STRAND THEATRE STORY 4: Smyrna man accused of DUI after crash leaves driver seriously injured Eriberto Cante, 25, of Smyrna, is facing serious charges after a crash on Oct. 12 at the intersection of Church Street and N. Marietta Parkway. Police say Cante, driving a blue 2003 Toyota Rav4, ran a red light and was hit on the passenger side by another car with the right of way. The collision, caught on Cobb County’s Real Time Crime Center cameras, left a man unconscious with a brain bleed and fractured ribs. Officers reported smelling alcohol on Cante, who admitted to drinking five Modelo beers earlier. His blood alcohol level? A staggering .234. He also didn’t have a valid license. Cante was arrested Oct. 24 and released three days later on a $15,000 bond. STORY 5: Pro women's soccer team could be headquartered in Marietta  Arthur Blank, the billionaire behind Atlanta United and the Falcons, is reportedly bringing an NWSL expansion team to Atlanta, according to The Athletic. The price tag? A record $165 million. The team, set to debut after the 2026 season, will play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, just like Blank’s other teams. But will it call Marietta home? Atlanta United’s $90 million training facility on Franklin Gateway seems like a natural fit. With six fields, a podcast studio, and plans for hydrotherapy rooms, it’s already top-notch. Plus, Blank owns extra land nearby—plenty of room to grow. Marietta Councilman Johnny Walker is hopeful. “It’d be a win-win,” he said. Break: STORY 6: Mayor Tumlin reelected as Cobb County certifies tight race   It’s official: Steve “Thunder” Tumlin will stay Marietta’s mayor, edging out challenger Sam Foster by just 89 votes. The Cobb County Board of Elections certified the Nov. 4 results Monday, locking in Tumlin’s 50.3% to Foster’s 49.7%. Close? Absolutely. Turnout was low—just 24.9% of Cobb’s 565,686 eligible voters showed up. Most voted on Election Day, but Acting Elections Director Michael D’Itri noted a few hiccups: abandoned ballots, long lines at Thompson Community Center, and a handful of discrepancies. “It was a tough day,” D’Itri admitted, but praised poll workers for pulling it off. Runoffs for Marietta City Council Wards 3 and 5 are set for Dec. 2. Early voting starts Nov. 22. STORY 7: Braves complete coaching staff, retain Hyers, Perez  The Atlanta Braves shook up their coaching staff Tuesday, announcing a mix of familiar faces and fresh hires for Walt Weiss’ first year at the helm. Tim Hyers is back as hitting coach for his second season, and Eddie Perez—yes, the 1999 NLCS MVP—is returning for his 37th year with the organization. That’s loyalty. New faces? Tommy Watkins takes over as third base coach after years with the Twins, Dustin Garneau steps in as catching coach, and Darnell Coles joins as assistant hitting coach, bringing over a decade of experience. Tony Diaz rounds out the group as a major league coach. Oh, and Tony Mansolino, originally hired as third base coach, will now serve as Weiss’ bench coach. Big moves all around. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 7 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world that celebrates volume but often ignores value, your voice stands out—not because it's loud, but because it's anointed.In Part 2 of the Why Now series, Theresa Croft unpacks the truth that your voice isn't just for expression—it's a weapon of breakthrough.With Proverbs 10:11 as our anchor, this episode explores how wisdom and boldness come together to disrupt darkness, bring hope, and establish legacy. If fear, perfectionism, or self-doubt have kept you silent, this is your clarion call to rise up and speak from the overflow of your time with God.Whether you're just dreaming about a podcast or already walking in obedience, this episode will re-ignite your confidence and give you practical steps to move forward in purpose—without performance.

Send us a textWhat do a classroom of kid rockers, a surfing penguin, and a keyblade have to do with a modern pop-rock band? We invited Arrows In Action to walk us through the five influences that actually shaped their sound and the world around their new record, “I Think I've Been Here Before.” The through-line isn't random; it's a map of how community, big melodies, and vivid, even unlikely, references can turn into songs that feel immediate and alive.We start with School of Rock as the north star for band life—joyful, scrappy, and possible—then move through first shows and first loves: Mayday Parade in a Florida parking lot and the earnest, high-voltage writing that stuck. Fall Out Boy anchors a craft lesson: melody first, lyrics bent to fit with conviction, and a fearless approach to range and runs learned on early morning walks. The conversation swerves to Surfs Up, a surprising but perfect fit; its sun-faded soundtrack and underdog heart seeped into the album's front half, right down to a track that syncs to the film's final surf sequence. And Kingdom Hearts adds scale and stakes—cinematic intros, friendship-as-compass themes, and little glints of “video game” texture that give their arrangements lift.We dig into how the band rebuilt in 2018, moved in together, wrote relentlessly, and designed this release as two cohesive halves with their own tones. They talk intentional choices—synth colors, vocal stacks, and tempos—that keep the record tight without losing contrast. There are tour stories, a drum kit disaster turned crowd moment, closer debates, and practical advice for any band trying to “do it for real”: keep improving the music, copy what works and make it yours, persist when numbers dip, and make sure it stays fun.If you love pop-punk, emo-adjacent hooks, and big-hearted songwriting, this one's for you. Hit play, stream “I Think I've Been Here Before,” and tell us which influence you hear first. And if you enjoyed the show, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—your support helps more listeners find the music and the stories behind it.Follow My Pop Five: @mypopfive on all platforms We'll see you next time. But until then, what's your Pop Five?

Technology isn't evil; it's powerful. Like fire, it can warm or it can burn. Used wisely, it can multiply your impact for the Kingdom; used carelessly, it can master your soul.

Most of us are familiar with the catchy little tune, “Don't Worry, Be Happy,” but Dr. Tony Evans explores the deeper biblical truth behind that phrase and shows why Kingdom focus replaces worry with peace.

Chip relates the most fearful encounter with demons he ever faced and how you can prepare yourself to do battle with the Enemy.Four facts you need to knowGod has objectively defeated Satan. He has delivered us from sin's penalty and power. In the interim, we are involved in guerilla warfare with demonic forces.As believers, we have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light with all the rights, privileges, and position a child of God entails.The spiritual battle involves a responsibility to “put on” the spiritual protection God has provided. We can resist the enemy's attempts to deceive, accuse, and cast doubt when we stand firm.The great majority of spiritual warfare need never go beyond the regular practice of living out our position in Christ by faith. Our practice of the spiritual armor protects us from Satan's attempts and minimizes any impact by the enemy.There are times however, when we must move beyond “standing firm” and ENGAGE the enemy in actual combatWhen taking significant steps of faith for spiritual growthWhen invading enemy territoryWhen exposing him for who he really isWhen we repent and make a “clean break” with the world, a long-held sin pattern, or an unholy relationshipWhen God is preparing us for a “great work” for His gloryHow to engage the enemy and win: Taking up the shield of FAITHTake the helmet of SALVATIONTake the sword of the SPIRITSummary: How to engage the enemy in spiritual warfarePrerequisite is a HEALTHY spiritual lifeUnderstand your POSITION in ChristDISCERN when demonic influence may be the causeClaim God's promises OUT LOUDTake our authority and position in Christ to COMMAND demonic forces to cease their activity and departBroadcast ResourceThe Invisible War ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsThe Invisible War Small Group OfferConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

The Wilderness E11 — After his death and resurrection, Jesus sends his disciples out into the world to share the good news of the Kingdom and make disciples. These disciples, also known as apostles, plant churches across the Roman Empire and write letters to congregations made up of Jewish and Gentile believers. And their letters often wrestle with the tension of living in the new age of Jesus' reign while also living in the old age of idolatry, corruption, and injustice. To talk about the overlap of these two ages, the apostles use a familiar metaphor: the wilderness. In this final episode of the series, Jon and Tim discuss how the New Testament authors use wilderness imagery to encourage and warn followers of Jesus to stay close to their good shepherd through the danger and deception of this present age.View all of our resources for The Wilderness →CHAPTERSThe Wilderness Pattern in 1 Corinthians 10 (0:00-27:00)The Wilderness Warnings in 1 Corinthians 3 and 5  (27:00-37:08)More Wilderness Warnings in Hebrews 3-4 (37:08-52:43)Concluding Thoughts on the Wilderness (52:43-1:00:21)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESFirst Corinthians: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Richard B. HaysEchoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul by Richard B. HaysThe Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis In chapter 1, Tim mentions our video Eternal Life, which you watch here.You can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“familydinner” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin“Cruise” by Lofi Sunday, Just Derrick“Silver N Gold” by Lofi Sunday, Yoni CharisBibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.