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Riad Kassis joins Mark Labberton from Beirut as airstrikes continue, 700,000 people have been displaced across Lebanon, and children's toys are visible in the rubble. He leads Langham Partnership and has spent decades serving the church across one of the world's most contested regions. He names the spiritual danger of sanctifying power with religious narrative while insisting peace cannot be forced by violence. "Peace does not come by power. It comes by genuine love and concern. It comes when you invest in the education of new generations." In this episode, Kassis reflects on war, displacement, pastoral witness, and hope in God's sovereignty from the middle of Lebanon's crisis. Together they discuss the civilian toll of the war, how religious fundamentalism operates across traditions, the Psalms and Habakkuk as tools for lament, and what American Christians can actually do. Together they ask what it means for the church to hold protest and hope together when cycles of war feel endless and religiously justified. Episode Highlights "It is not an operation. It is a war on Lebanon." "When power—whether political, military, financial, or technological—is sanctified by religious narratives that justify everything, that is what really bothers me." "No one cures and destroys with more passion than someone who believes that God is on their side." "When I think that these 85 children were killed mainly by American ammunition and weapons, I cannot comprehend this—even as a Christian and as a theologian." "Peace does not come by power. It comes by genuine love and concern. It comes when you invest in the education of new generations." About Riad Kassis Riad Kassis is a Langham Scholar from Lebanon and is deeply committed to global theological education. He has served as International Director of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE), Regional Director for Overseas Council, as well as visiting professor of Old Testament at The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary and Near East School of Theology in Beirut, and the Dean of the Program for Theological Education by Extension in Syria and Lebanon. Riad obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in Damascus, Syria. He went on to obtain his Master of Divinity from Alliance Biblical Seminary, Manila, Philippines and Master of Theology from Regent College, Canada. Riad received his Doctor of Philosophy in Old Testament as a Langham scholar from The University of Nottingham, UK and his Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Helpful Links and Resources Riad Kassis, Frustrated with God: A Syrian Theologian's Reflections on Habakkuk https://www.amazon.com/Frustrated-God-Theologians-Reflections-Habakkuk/dp/1533513171 Langham Partnership https://us.langham.org/ Show Notes Kassis speaking live from Beirut as war unfolds around him Home in Bika Valley, Mount Hermon visible each morning—Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine converging "It is not an operation. It is a war on Lebanon." 150 airstrikes in 24 hours; 550+ killed, 1,500+ injured, including 85 children 700,000 displaced; 200,000 children; many still on the streets of Beirut Schoolbooks and children's toys found in the rubble Christian village of Alma ordered to evacuate; mayor on television in tears A Catholic priest who stayed to help an injured family was killed in a second strike His wife Izdihar's center for Syrian refugee women and girls shut down; staff now distributing meals, mattresses, medical care in shelters Hoped the war could be avoided—feared it could not "When power—political, military, technological—is sanctified by religious narratives that justify everything, that is what really bothers me." Iranian author Shiha Dejani, herself a survivor of the Iranian regime: if your vision of liberation comes through destroying innocent lives, it is not freedom you are after Grew up admiring America as a beacon of democracy and discovery; that view has changed "When I think these 85 children were killed mainly by American ammunition, I cannot comprehend this—even as a Christian and as a theologian." "No one cures and destroys with more passion than someone who believes that God is on their side." Walter Wink: the dominant religion on the planet is not Christianity, Islam, or Judaism—it is the pervasive faith in violence Preaching Habakkuk two days before this conversation; the cry "how long, O Lord?" as pastoral anchor Psalms of disorientation as communal tools for protest, lament, and stubborn hope Lent and Ramadan overlapping: identifying suffering with Christ's suffering; "after Friday, we will experience an amazing Sunday" 2,000 years of Arab Christian presence in this region—not just survival, but witness and contribution "Peace does not come by power. It comes by genuine love and concern. It comes when you invest in the education of new generations." Asks for prayer for the war's end, for political wisdom, for his canceled flight—he is trying to reach his first grandson's dedication Labberton closes in prayer: for restraint of ego-driven leaders, for human dignity, for a peace that is both merciful and just #ConversingWithMarkLabberton #RiadKassis #Lebanon #MiddleEast #Peacebuilding #ChristianWitness #Theology #Habakkuk #LanghamPartnership #WarAndFaith Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.
Proverbs in Community: God's Wisdom for the Generations
Who Do You Say That I Am: I Am the Good Shepherd
The King Who Chose to Die: Whom Shall I Release?
Proverbs in Community: Ministry of the Pew
Who Do You Say That I Am: I Am the Gate for the Sheep
The King Who Chose to Die: Failure Foreseen — and Forgiven
Who Do You Say I Am: I Am Judgement
The King Who Chose to Die: Who's On Trial?
Who Do You Say That I Am: I Am the Light of the World
The King Who Chose to Die: Obedient Unto Death
What do Van Halen, St. Paul's Cathedral, and a boring radio station have in common?For Kris Langham, they were all part of the journey that led him to faith.In this episode of the Church Planter Podcast, Peyton Jones and Pete Mitchell sit down with Kris Langham, founder of Through the Word, to unpack his remarkable salvation story and the vision behind one of the most accessible Bible engagement tools in the world.Kris shares how a simple audio Bible teaching format grew into Through the Word, a free app with a 10-minute audio guide for every chapter of the Bible (now approaching 1 million users).But this conversation goes deeper than technology.Together, the guys explore:Why most Christians feel anxiety when they hear “go make disciples”The critical difference between discipleship and disciple-makingHow we often reproduce the way we were discipled, for better or worseWhy disciple-making moves at the speed of relationshipHow introverts might actually make the best disciple-makersHow the new Discipology Plan inside the Through the Word app helps everyday believers follow Jesus and take someone with themResources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:DiscipologyBook.comReliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We're here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doing to reach people, no one else is reaching.Make sure to review and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast service to help us connect with more church planters.
Apostle Peter on Christian Growth: What You Really Need
The King Who Chose to Die: A Meal for Sinners
Apostle Peter on Christian Growth: the Only Way to Do It
The King Who Chose to Die: Beautiful Discipleship
Most conversations about AI implementation come from consultants selling solutions or vendors pitching tools. This one doesn't.Sean Seah is SVP of Strategy, Technology and Innovation at Langham Hospitality Group, where he's leading AI adoption across a global luxury hotel portfolio. With over two decades in digital transformation at Microsoft, HSBC, and Zuji, Sean brings a rare perspective as he's living inside the messy reality of making it actually work.What emerges from our conversation is a refreshingly practical playbook for AI implementation. Sean reveals why the "boring stuff" nobody discusses—data infrastructure, change management, measurement frameworks—determines whether AI delivers business value or not. He advocates starting small, proving value in weeks rather than years, and letting success create momentum for long term transformation.We explore how Sean balances short-term wins with long-term strategic vision, how he thinks about his AI strategy in a global context, and why luxury hospitality, with its complex blend of human service and operational efficiency offers surprisingly universal lessons for AI implementation across industries.In this episode:How Sean's approach to long term tech transformation includes the necessity that it must deliver short term value as well.Why one of Langham's first major AI investments is customer facing and how it's faringExamples of how they practically trained their AI agents and staff, andHow Sean's ensured Langhams isn't reliant on any one large language modelWhatever sector you're in, Sean's boots-on-the-ground experience offers a practical roadmap for leaders navigating the gap between AI potential and AI reality.Enjoy this episode! Useful Links:Sean Seah on LinkedinLangham Hospitality Group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
World Mission Sunday: Why Antioch and Not Jerusalem
World Mission Sunday: The Cost of Global Mission
I have long had an interest in both the Keswick movement and the East Africa Revival. Dr Robinson Kariuki Mwangi's doctoral research brings the two together. His book is The Influence of Early Keswick Theology of Sanctification in the Socio-ethical Life of the East African Revival Movement: A Missional Perspective (Langham Academic, 2025). In this episode I frame my questions as an interested observer to allow Dr. Mwangi to explain his findings. The issue is this. Sanctification is an essential part of every Christian life. But how do its differing theologies shape our Christian walk and wider socio-ethic contexts? Grounded in the East Africa Revival Movement (EARM), this work seeks to answer how the Keswick theology of sanctification contributes to the socio-ethical understanding of "walking in the light" and consequently influences the mission of the Anglican Church in the Mount Kenya region. Dr. Mwangi uses exegetical analysis to understand the biblical roots of revival and sociological surveys and focus groups to understand how adherents of revival have developed in this region of Kenya. Scholars of theology and lived Christianity will find the observations in this work informative for further study. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
I have long had an interest in both the Keswick movement and the East Africa Revival. Dr Robinson Kariuki Mwangi's doctoral research brings the two together. His book is The Influence of Early Keswick Theology of Sanctification in the Socio-ethical Life of the East African Revival Movement: A Missional Perspective (Langham Academic, 2025). In this episode I frame my questions as an interested observer to allow Dr. Mwangi to explain his findings. The issue is this. Sanctification is an essential part of every Christian life. But how do its differing theologies shape our Christian walk and wider socio-ethic contexts? Grounded in the East Africa Revival Movement (EARM), this work seeks to answer how the Keswick theology of sanctification contributes to the socio-ethical understanding of "walking in the light" and consequently influences the mission of the Anglican Church in the Mount Kenya region. Dr. Mwangi uses exegetical analysis to understand the biblical roots of revival and sociological surveys and focus groups to understand how adherents of revival have developed in this region of Kenya. Scholars of theology and lived Christianity will find the observations in this work informative for further study. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Series: Finding Contentment
Series: Finding Truth
Finding Contentment: With Who I Am
Finding Truth: Why Does Truth Matter?
Finding Truth: Where Does Truth Come From?
Finding Contentment: With What I Have
Daily Bread: The Word of Truth
Christmas Cheer: Joy in Our Going Out
Daily Bread: Thoroughly Equipped
Christmas Cheer: Joy to the World
Christmas 2025: How Superman is based on the Christmas story — and why Jesus is better
Christmas Cheer: Joy in the Darkness
Christmas Carol Services 2025: What Are We Waiting For?
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5zmJHWXwl39DLD8bjyP3UP Listen on Apple Music: Here is episode number 10 of Phil Langham's residency of his trademark symphonic breakdown mixes for Uplifting Only. Close your eyes, relax, and enjoy! Vote!: www.abora-recordings.com/vote/ TRACKLIST (for times, listen on Spotify or Apple Music): [See Spotify for Tracklist.] Tracklist will be added here later. Webpage to be posted later.
Christmas Carol Services 2025: Help Me!
Carol Services 2025: Spiritual Experiences
Christmas Cheer: Joy of the Redeemed
In this heartwarming episode, Christian shares a special Christmas gift with a deserving listener, Jenny, whose daughter, Ali received a life-saving kidney transplant from her mum. Christian surprises Jenny with a spa day at the Langham, showing the true meaning of kindness and generosity. They also discuss the importance of kidney health, encouraging others to ask their doctors for a kidney panel test. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mission Unstoppable: Every Member Matters
Walking in Weakness: Walking When You Can't See Where You're Going
Walking in Weakness: 'They Will Walk and Not Be Faint'
Series: Mission Unstoppable
Mission Unstoppable: Take God Seriously
The King's Authority: The Return of the King
Happy November!Welcome back to My Secrets to Stamina—the show where we uncover what it really takes to thrive in high-performance careers without losing your spark.Today's guest is someone who defines global luxury, leadership, and lasting impact—Christina Deeny. Christina has been a friend and client for many years and has so much insight to share with us all today.Christina has led brand, commercial, and marketing strategies for some of the world's most iconic names in hospitality—Aman, Belmond, Langham, and more. She's lived and worked across continents, always bringing a deep sense of brand storytelling and innovation to the table.Can't wait for you to tune into this one!Contact & Follow Cindy! Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com
The King's Authority: Accept no Imitations
Mission Unstoppable: Opposition Overcome
Today's show features: Jami Langham, COO of Coleman Automotive Group Brian Ortega, Creative Director at Valley Hi Toyota Brittney Dean, Sales Business Development Manager at Van Horn Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: KPA – Non-compliance isn't an option. OSHA, FTC, and state regulators are actively targeting dealers with escalating fines and enforcement actions across safety, privacy, and F&I compliance. KPA's Complete Compliance Suite is the only all-in-one solution that protects dealers from every compliance risk. Our integrated software, expert consulting, and award-winning training address every compliance gap, helping you reduce insurance premiums, mitigate liability exposure, and protect your dealership's reputation from business-threatening violations. Stop managing compliance manually with patchwork solutions that leave you vulnerable to audits and lawsuits. Visit https://info.kpa.io/cdg to learn more. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com