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Storing Up Treasures in Heaven In this Homily, Jesus calls His disciples to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The Homily explains that during biblical times people commonly measured wealth through fine clothing, gold and silver, abundant harvests, honor, and power. Yet all these earthly treasures are temporary. Clothes wear out, food decays, wealth can be stolen, and worldly achievements eventually pass away. Through examples such as the rich man and Lazarus and the parable of the rich fool, Jesus reminds His followers that material possessions cannot provide lasting security or eternal life. The Homily emphasizes that the true treasure of heaven is Jesus Christ Himself. Quoting Saint Louis de Montfort . . . “To have Jesus is to have everything” . . . and Saint Augustine's teaching to love God above all things and love everything else for God's sake, the Homily invites us to examine our priorities. What Occupies Our First Thoughts What occupies our first thoughts in the morning and our final thoughts at night? God asks not only for our love, but for our supreme love. When God becomes the highest good in our lives, all other gifts . . . family, friendships, work, talents, and possessions . . . find their proper place. The challenge of Christian discipleship is to make God our greatest treasure so that our hearts remain fixed on Him. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Painting: Sermon on the Mount: Carl Bloch (1834 -1890) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:19-23 First Reading: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Why this Image Was Selected: This painting portrays Christ teaching the very principles that form the foundation of the Homily. It captures Jesus instructing His followers about heavenly values, spiritual priorities, and the eternal kingdom.
Raised: When Jesus Calls the Dead to Life – John 11:27–57 In Episode 141 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore one of the most powerful miracles in all of Scripture—the raising of Lazarus in John 11:27–57. As grief, doubt, hope, and faith collide, Jesus declares Himself to be “the resurrection and the life” before calling Lazarus from the tomb. Together, they unpack what this miracle reveals about the heart of God, the power of belief, and how Jesus often works in ways that stretch our faith beyond what we can see. This chapter is not only about a man being raised from the dead—it's about a Savior who brings life into every place that feels hopeless, buried, or beyond redemption. If you've ever wondered whether God can still move in what feels impossible, this conversation is a reminder that Jesus specializes in resurrection. What area of my life feels beyond hope—and am I willing to believe that Jesus still brings dead things back to life?____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams
Mary and Martha were some of Jesus' closest friends, yet when their brother becomes seriously ill, he makes no effort to get there in time to save him. What do we do when we feel disappointment with God? How do we reconcile our beliefs when we can't make sense of our circumstances?
What happens after death for those who reject Christ? In this episode, Matt and Todd explore what the Bible teaches about hell, judgment, and eternity, while also highlighting God's desire that no one should perish. Along the way, they discuss Jesus' sacrifice for sin, the rich man and Lazarus, the Great White Throne Judgment, and why the gospel offers hope to anyone who will trust in Him.
Jordan unpacks Jesus' raising of Lazarus from the dead.
Pastor Nik looks at the outflow of Jesus' ressurection of Lazarus, and implications for us.
Today's Scripture passages are 1 Chronicles 9:40 - 10 | 1 Chronicles 12:20-22 | 1 Samuel 31 | 2 Samuel 1 | John 11:38-57.Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPWORD40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeTo reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn: Finding God's Comfort on Father's DayOn Father's Day, Jeremy honors dads, grandfathers, mentors, coaches, and teachers who show up, while acknowledging the day can be painful for those grieving absent, distant, or deceased fathers. Teaching from Matthew 5:4 (“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”), he contrasts a culture of distraction with Jesus' invitation to face pain honestly, noting that unprocessed grief resurfaces in anger, bitterness, isolation, and strained relationships. He explains the Greek word “pentheo” as deep lament over loss and the world's brokenness, and points to Jesus weeping at Lazarus' tomb as proof faith and tears coexist. Using Ecclesiastes 3 and Nehemiah's tears before rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, he urges lament, especially among men, as courageous honesty that leads to healing, comfort, and purposeful leadership, ending with Psalm 34:18 and a prayer for comfort and restoration.00:00 Fathers Day Welcome00:55 When Celebration Hurts02:08 Blessed Are Those Who Mourn05:19 What Mourning Really Means08:28 Jesus Wept With Us14:10 Redefining Strength For Men17:54 Seasons Of Grief19:31 Nehemiah Tears To Purpose23:07 Lament Over Distraction27:22 Comfort And A Way Forward30:36 Prayer And Closing
Flashback Episode: Year in John – Episode 25: After Jesus promised a messenger that Lazarus’ sickness wouldn’t end in death, we read that Lazarus actually died two days later. Discover what we can learn about God, about Jesus, and about God’s promises through the opening of this event where it appears as though Jesus’ word failed. Join the discussion on the original episode's page: Click Here.Listen to this episode and/or subscribe on ReflectiveBibleStudy.com...
In John's Gospel, just after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered to conspire against him. They wanted a way to get rid of him. Caiaphas, the high priest, unbeknownst to himself, accidentally says something prophetic: that Jesus would die for the nation. John then adds his own inspired commentary... but not only would Jesus die for the nation but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. To gather into one the children of God...Jesus died to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. Sin separates us from God and from people. In our separation, we attempt to create counterfeit community based on superficial connections. In 1 John 3:11-24, John makes clear that the children of God are connected on a much deeper level; our spiritual union with God makes us one family. So, who are the children of God? How do people know we are his disciples? Love is the mark of a true believer, love that is rooted in truth and that is oriented toward action by the power of the Holy Spirit. ------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social MediaWebsite | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | Vimeo------------------------------------------- Download our AppApple App Store | Google Play Store
Bible Classes / Speaker:Chad Brock The post Jesus Raises Lazarus From The Dead appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
Click here to WATCH LIVE STREAM Worship Service on our Youtube Channel. That You May Believe, Part 22 John 11:1-44 John 11:1-3 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” John 11:4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. John 11:6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. John 11:7-8 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” John 11:9-10 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” John 11:11-13 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. John 11:14-15 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” John 11:16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:17-19 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. John 11:20-22 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” John 11:23-24 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:28-30 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. John 11:31-32 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:33-35 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. John 11:36-37 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” John 11:38-40 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” John 11:41-42 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:43-44 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” · We face death differently. 1 Corinthians 15:20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:53-57 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. · We grieve differently. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. · We live differently. Romans 6:4-11 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Respond | Connect | Next Steps The post John: That You May Believe appeared first on Charleston Baptist Church.
Is it possible that Jesus' absence can prove he is On Our Side just as surely as his presence? That seems to be the surprising message behind the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11. If it's ever felt like God was distant or delayed when you needed Him to show up, today's message is just what you need to hear! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.
Matthew Week 141 Matthew 26:1-5 ESV When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2 "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified." 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people." Matthew 16:21 ESV 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. Matthew 17:22-23a ESV 22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." Matthew 20:17-19 ESV 17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 "See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day." Matthew 2:13 ESV 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." John 10:31-33 ESV 31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?" 33 The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God." Matthew 26:5 ESV 5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people." Matthew 26:6-13 ESV 6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor." 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." Acts 2:23 ESV 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. John 12:1-8 ESV Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." John 11:26-26a ESV 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11:45 ESV 45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, Matthew 26:14-15 ESV 14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
In John 12:1–11, Jesus returns to Bethany, where Lazarus is alive, Martha is serving, and Mary pours out costly perfume at the feet of Jesus. Her worship was pure, costly, broken, poured out, and it filled the house with fragrance.But not everyone celebrated her offering. Judas criticized what he could not understand, calling her worship wasteful. Jesus defended Mary and revealed that her extravagant act was preparing Him for burial.This message, “The Fragrance That Fills the House,” calls us to examine the worship we bring to Jesus. Is it convenient, controlled, and consumer-driven, or is it costly, surrendered, and poured out in love?When Jesus is truly treasured, worship changes the atmosphere.Scripture: John 12:1–11Series: The SourceSpeaker: Pastor Josh BrownChurch: Overflow ChurchSupport the show
Feeling unseen is one of the most painful human experiences, and it is one that Scripture takes seriously. The story of Hagar in Genesis 16 begins in the middle of a household in chaos. Abram and Sarai, tired of waiting on God's promise of a child, took matters into their own hands. Sarai offered her Egyptian slave Hagar to Abram, and Abram passively agreed. The consequences were immediate and devastating. Hagar became pregnant, Sarai became resentful, and the entire household unraveled. Hagar, who had no voice and no choice in any of it, eventually fled into the desert alone, carrying a child and carrying the weight of everyone else's decisions.What happened next is one of the most remarkable moments in all of Scripture. God did not wait for Hagar to find Him. He went looking for her. He found her near a spring in the desert, spoke to her by name, acknowledged her suffering, and gave her a promise for her future. In response, Hagar did something no one else in Scripture had done quite like this before. She gave God a name: El Roi, meaning the God who sees. She named the well Beer Lahai Roi, the well of the Living One who sees me, so that future generations would know that God had shown up in that exact place for someone the world had overlooked.This same pattern of seeing leading to compassion runs through the life of Jesus. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion and fed thousands. When He saw Mary weeping, He raised Lazarus from the dead. God's seeing always produces movement toward the people He loves. The invitation today is to bring your situation honestly before El Roi, trusting that He sees your condition and knows your name. And then to look around at the people in your own life who may be feeling invisible, and to be the presence of hope for them, because you carry the One who sees everyone.
What if the most overlooked passage in Romans holds one of its most powerful truths? Romans 16 reads like a simple list of names—26 people we've never heard of, immortalized in Scripture for reasons that aren't immediately clear. But when we dig deeper, we discover something profound: these aren't just credits at the end of a movie. These are real people with real lives, real struggles, and real faith that changed the world. From Phoebe, entrusted with carrying the precious letter of Romans across dangerous terrain, to Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives and opened their home for the church in hostile Rome, to Rufus, whose father Simon carried Jesus' cross—each name tells a story of sacrifice, diversity, and unity in Christ. What emerges is a beautiful picture of the early church: slaves teaching masters, women serving as deacons, Jews and Gentiles working side by side, wealthy and poor united in purpose. The central message challenges us today: Are we building the same kind of diverse, sacrificial, loving community? Would we risk our homes, our comfort, our status for the gospel? And most importantly, do we recognize that God knows each of us by name, just as intimately as He knew these 26 saints? This passage reminds us that God is both infinitely big—breathing out stars—and intimately personal, numbering the hairs on our heads and calling us each by name.**Detailed Notes**- **All Scripture Matters** – 2 Tim. 3:16–17 - All Scripture is God‑breathed and profitable, even “just a list of names” in Romans 16. - The Spirit intentionally preserved these 26 names to teach us.- **Phoebe (Rom. 16:1–2)** - Sister, servant (diakonos / deacon), patron (financial supporter). - Likely carried the only copy of Romans from Corinth to Rome—dangerous, costly, yet faithful. - Deacons = lead servants; trusted with people, money, and needs.- **Priscilla & Aquila (16:3–5; Acts 18; 2 Tim. 4:19)** - Fellow workers; risked their necks for Paul; hosted a church in their home. - Forced out of Rome; everywhere they went, they planted churches. - Viewed exile and hardship as mission, not punishment. - Tentmaking friendship with Paul likely began through ordinary vocational contact. - Lifelong, harmonious partners in ministry.- **Epaenetus (16:5)** - First convert in Asia; Paul still knows his name and story. - Firstfruits of a Gentile harvest.- **Andronicus & Junia (16:7)** - Kinsmen, fellow prisoners, in Christ before Paul, well known among the apostles. - Likely family Paul once persecuted; powerful testimony of grace and reconciliation. - Example of costly obedience (imprisonment, suffering).- **Ampliatus & Others (16:8ff)** - Likely former slave who rose to church leadership. - Early church mixed slave/free, male/female, Jew/Greek, rich/poor—fulfilling Gal. 3:28. - Masters sometimes sat under teaching of their slaves; the kingdom inverts status.- **Rufus & His Mother (16:13; Mark 15:21)** - Probably the son of Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus' cross. - Simon's forced interruption became his family's salvation story. - Rufus' mother became like a mother to Paul.- **Big Themes from the Names** - Real people, real costs, real love, real partnership. - Church as family: greeting, thanking, remembering, honoring. - Diversity and unity under Christ, not human categories.- **God Knows Your Name (Luke 19:1–10 & Survey of Scripture)** - Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name; salvation comes to his house. - God calls individuals by name across Scripture (Adam, Noah, Moses, David, Lazarus, Saul, etc.). - The Creator who names the stars also numbers the hairs on our heads. - He has not abandoned or forgotten us; He is personal and near.---**Practical Applications**1. **See Yourself as a “Name” God Knows** - Pray personally: “Lord, thank You that You know me and my situation.”2. **Embrace Servant Leadership** - Look for ways to be a “Phoebe” or a deacon‑hearted servant this week—meet a practical need.3. **Open Your Home and Life** - Consider how your home/resources can serve the kingdom, not just comfort.4. **Pursue Gospel Friendships** - Initiate one new conversation at church; your “tentmaking” connection may become lifelong partnership.5. **Reject Status & Division** - Examine prejudice (race, class, gender, education). Repent and intentionally honor someone different from you.---**Discussion Questions**1. Which person in Romans 16 stood out to you most and why? 2. How does knowing that God preserved these “hidden” names affect how you see unnoticed service in the church? 3. Where might God be inviting you to turn a hardship or “exile” into a mission opportunity? 4. In what concrete ways can your home or job become a platform for ministry, like Priscilla and Aquila? 5. How have you personally experienced God's “He knows my name” care? 6. What divisions or hierarchies do you see creeping into the church today, and how can we resist them?
The Delay, The Death, and The Resurrection Life - John 11:1-26 In Episode 141 - When Jesus hears that His close friend Lazarus is sick, He doesn't rush to his side—He waits. In this episode, we unpack the tension of John 11:1-26. Why does God sometimes seem slow to answer our pain? We'll look at the heartbreak of Mary and Martha, the raw humanity of Jesus, and the staggering moment He redefines reality by declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life." If you're sitting in a season of waiting or wondering if God has forgotten you, this episode is a powerful reminder that His delays are never denials. Where in your life right now does it feel like Jesus is arriving 'too late'—and how does knowing He delayed on purpose with Lazarus change how you view that waiting room? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams
Why does God sometimes seem silent when we need Him most? In this powerful Father's Day message, Pastor Terrell Somerville explores the story of Lazarus in John 11 and the tension between miracles and mysteries. Through biblical teaching and a deeply personal family testimony, he shares how God can be trusted even when life doesn't make sense, prayers seem unanswered, and circumstances feel overwhelming. Discover how God's delays are not His denials, why suffering exists in a broken world, and how faith remains strong in the middle of uncertainty. Whether you're believing for healing, waiting for a breakthrough, or searching for hope, this message will encourage you to trust that God is still working—even when you cannot see it.
Color: Green Old Testament: Genesis 15:1–6 Psalm: Psalm 33:12–22; antiphon: v. 20 Epistle: 1 John 4:16–21 Gospel: Luke 16:19–31 Introit: Psalm 13:1–4; antiphon: vv. 5–6 Gradual: Psalm 41:4, 1 Verse: Psalm 7:1 Faith Trusts in Christ for Life Eternal When the beggar Lazarus died, he was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. For he was truly Abraham's seed. Like Abraham, he believed in the Lord, and the Lord “counted it to him as righteousness” (Gen. 15:6). The name Lazarus means “God is my help.” The unnamed rich man, on the other hand, did not love and trust in God. For he evidently cared little for the beggar at his gate. And “he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20). He who loved and trusted in possessions and prestige died and was in torments in Hades (Luke 16:19–31). Repentance and faith are worked only through Moses and the prophets—that is, the Word of God, for it points us to Christ. Only through His death and resurrection are we brought the comfort of life everlasting. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Mary and Martha were some of Jesus' closest friends, yet when their brother becomes seriously ill, he makes no effort to get there in time to save him. What do we do when we feel disappointment with God? How do we reconcile our beliefs when we can't make sense of our circumstances?
Motion Church | Victor, Week 4: "I Get To" Closing out the Victor series, this week's message is delivered by Motion Church youth pastor Chris Johnson — "The Bishop" — and he's upfront from the jump: buckle up. "This is one of those sermons we are all gonna walk out here today with some hurt feet, myself included. My toes were stepped on consistently when I was writing this for the past two and a half weeks." After recapping the series — victims ask why, victors ask what; victims claim no control, victors control what they can and trust God with the rest; victims spend their lives surviving, victors invest their lives with purpose — week four lands on the final and perhaps most personal difference of all: language. "Before victim mindset shows up in your actions, it usually shows up in our words." The difference between a victim and a victor often comes down to two small words: have to versus get to. "We hear things like, I have to go to work. I have to go to church. I have to worship. I have to pray. And after a while, we stop sounding grateful and we start sounding burdened." The message draws from two scenes involving Mary and Martha. In Luke 10, Jesus visits their home. Mary sits at his feet. Martha is in the kitchen, distracted and frustrated — "must be nice to just sit at the feet of Jesus." The real diagnosis? "Your problem isn't the work. Your problem is your perspective." Martha and Mary were in the same house, with the same Jesus, at the same moment — but they experienced him completely differently. "Mary saw Jesus as privilege. Martha saw Jesus as an interruption." The warning is sharp: "Some of us have become Martha spiritually. Church became an obligation. Worship became routine. Prayer became duty." And here's what makes that dangerous — "the victim's mindset doesn't always look broken. Sometimes it looks productive." Then fast-forward to John 11, when Lazarus is dead and Martha confronts Jesus: "If you had been here, my brother would not have died." Victims identify with loss and push resurrection into the future — I will be healed one day. My marriage will be fixed one day. But victors understand that God is the God of the now. "Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" Even in the middle of real grief, the issue isn't the pain — "the issue is what grief convinces us to believe." Victims eventually start identifying with the grave. "Eventually, we start decorating places God is calling us out of. But Jesus never called us to live in graves. He called us out of them." And when Jesus called Lazarus out, he didn't call him "the dead man." He called him by name. "It's not what they call you, but it's how I identify you." A personal story brings it home — Chris shares how his wife Tiffany, walking into a chemotherapy appointment, was smiling despite knowing what lay ahead. A nurse, seeing that smile, asked: "Is that real?" Tiffany's answer? "I can't change anything. But I'm here. I know who I serve." The nurse replied, "I know who you serve." That's what victory looks like. The message closes with a simple shift that changes everything: "No, you don't have to go to church. You get to enter the presence of God. You don't have to worship. You get to lift your voice after everything hell tried to throw at you. You don't have to pray. You get to approach boldly the throne of grace. You don't have to forgive. You get to let go of the things that have been poisoning your spirit." I get to. And then, in a moment that brought the house to its feet — after the message, Pastor Andy officially ordained Chris Johnson as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. "A little over a year ago, the Lord really put Chris on my heart." Recognizing the anointing on his life, his heart for the house, his love for God's Word, and his growth in the gift of pastor and teacher, the ordination was a stake in the ground — a marker for Chris to return to on the hard days. "We're driving the stake in the sand. Chris, from this day forward, you're ordained." The church prayed over him and his wife Tiffany, believing that "the call of God is on his life, and that God is gonna continue to use him in incredible ways."
Step into the mystery and miracle of Lazarus of Bethany in this insightful episode of Who's Who in the Bible. Join Fr. Anthony Charles, C.Ss.R., as he explores the life of Jesus' beloved friend—a man who never spoke a word yet became the centerpiece of one of history's most powerful divine manifestations.This episode examines the profound theological significance of the four-day resurrection, illustrating how this pivotal event revealed the glory of God and validated Jesus' divine authority. Learn how this miracle served as a catalyst for the events leading to the Passion. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith—immerse yourself in this series to uncover timeless lessons of trust, hope, and divine companionship.
Sermon by SI Emery The Rich Man & Lazarus Stoneboro Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Camp 1957 www.ihconvention.com
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with bassist Tim Lefebvre for a conversation about groove, adaptability, tone, and what it really means to serve the music. Tim has built one of the most distinctive and wide-ranging careers in modern bass playing, with credits spanning jazz, rock, pop, experimental music, and singer-songwriter projects. From David Bowie's Blackstar to Tedeschi Trucks Band, Wayne Krantz, and countless sessions in between, Tim has become one of those rare players whose sound is unmistakable yet fits almost anywhere.We begin by talking about his 2026 so far, which includes recording work, short touring runs, a date with Nate Smith and Jason Lindner, upcoming shows in Italy with Tiziano Ferro, and a tour with Melissa Etheridge. From there, we get into one of the central tensions of a working musician's life: how to bring your own identity to a project while still honoring the artist, the songs, and the original recordings. Tim has strong instincts here, and he speaks with great clarity about choosing simplicity, resisting overplaying, and understanding what the music actually needs.One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing Tim talk about some of the landmark experiences in his career. We discuss the Bryan Adams tour, the joy of playing huge songs in front of large crowds, and then spend time on David Bowie's Blackstar, including how Tim approached the sessions, how much of the rhythmic language was already implied in Bowie's demos, and how some of the bass textures on songs like “Lazarus” emerged naturally in the room. Tim also reflects on the creative freedom and trust inside Tedeschi Trucks Band, and what it felt like to be part of a band that could take real improvisational chances in front of thousands of people.Along the way, we talk gear, compression, pedals, picks, strings, remote recording, favorite drummers, the differences between New York and Los Angeles, sobriety, and some of the bass players who shaped his ear early on, including James Jamerson, Paul McCartney, Darryl Jones, Marcus Miller, Victor Bailey, Jaco Pastorius, and Tony Levin. This is a conversation about craft, but also about judgment, restraint, and learning to make the right choice in the moment.Key TakeawaysTim Lefebvre talks about balancing personal identity with the responsibility of serving the artist, the arrangement, and the song.He shares stories from the making of David Bowie's Blackstar, including how parts of “Lazarus” developed in the studio.Tim reflects on the musical and emotional intensity of playing with Tedeschi Trucks Band and the freedom that the group allowed onstage.He discusses his early path from saxophone to bass, his father's influence, and learning on real gigs at a young age.The conversation explores how bass playing varies with the drummer and what Tim listens for when locking in with someone new.Tim also gets into gear, including pick playing, flats versus rounds, bass compression, distortion, reverb, and how pedals can shape creative ideas.We talk openly about sobriety, professional growth, and how life experience changes the way a musician shows up on and off the bandstand.Music from the EpisodeAnyhow - Tedeschi Trucks BandShake Loose - Donny McCaslinIt's No Fun Not to Like Pop - Krantz/Carlock/LefebvreHanging On - KnowerBlackstar - David BowieAbout the PodcastThe Bandwich Tapes is a podcast where I sit down with musicians, songwriters, producers, and creative people for thoughtful conversations about craft, collaboration, career, and the experiences that shape a life in music. It is a show about process, perspective, and the human side of making art.Connect with the Showcontact@thebandwichtapes.com
Gospel of John chapter 11 records the powerful story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raises from the dead. Though Jesus delays His arrival after hearing of Lazarus' illness, He reveals that God's glory will be displayed through the situation. In the midst of grief, Jesus comforts Martha with the profound declaration, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Moved by compassion, Jesus weeps with those who mourn before calling Lazarus out of the tomb. This miracle demonstrates Christ's authority over death and strengthens faith in Him as the source of eternal life. The chapter also marks a turning point, as opposition against Jesus intensifies following this extraordinary sign. Key Verse: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.'” — John 11:25 Hashtags: #John11 #ResurrectionAndLife #Lazarus #JesusWept #FaithInChrist #VictoryOverDeath #HopeInJesus #GodsGlory #BelieveInHim #EternalLifeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.“Thank you for listening to SendMe Radio — where we share the Gospel, inspire faith, and keep you connected with powerful stories and updates from around the world. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a message.And remember — you can listen to SendMe Radio streaming 24/7 at www.sendmeradio.net or simply say: ‘Hey Alexa, play SendMe Radio.'
In John 11, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead and reveals one of the most powerful “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John: “I am the resurrection and the life.” This message from The Source series looks at the seventh public sign in John's Gospel and shows how the resurrection of Lazarus points to the authority of Jesus over death, the hope of eternal life, and the freedom He brings to those who believe.Before Jesus raises Lazarus, He delays, He weeps, and He enters the grief of Mary and Martha. This passage reminds us that Jesus is not distant from our pain, but He is also not defeated by it. He is the Source of life, and when He calls our name, dead things come alive.In this sermon, Pastor Josh Brown teaches through John 11 and explores what it means to live the resurrected life. The resurrected life is not only about a future resurrection; it is about hope, freedom, and new life in Christ right now. Jesus does not simply promise resurrection someday. He is resurrection and life today.If you are walking through grief, delay, disappointment, fear, or spiritual bondage, this message will encourage you to believe again. Lazarus walked out of the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes, and Jesus told the people around him, “Unbind him, and let him go.” In Christ, we are raised to life and called into freedom.Join us as we continue The Source series through the Gospel of John and discover how Jesus is the living water, the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, and the resurrection and the life.Scripture: John 11:1–46Series: The SourceSpeaker: Pastor Josh BrownChurch: Overflow ChurchTopics: John 11, Lazarus, Jesus raises Lazarus, I am the resurrection and the life, resurrection power, living hope, freedom in Christ, Gospel of John, the seventh sign in John, Jesus has authority over death, The Source series, Overflow Church, Pastor Josh BrownSupport the show
Travel Light: Character Identification, John 11:33-45, Pastor Jeff McVay
By Enrique Vidal - Jesus was about to perform a great miracle that would bring joy to Lazarus' sisters, but instead, Jesus wept! Why did He weep? Download the artwork to view in a separate tab or window.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE? Jesus teaches on prayer. Keep praying. Don't give up. The prayers of a Pharisee and a tax collector. “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Parable of the landowner who hires help for his vineyard. He pays everyone the same, regardless of how long they worked. “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” Jesus goes to his friend Lazarus to “wake him up.” He raises him from death to live again. The Sanhedrin plots a way to kill Jesus. SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS EPISODE: Luke 18:1-14 Matthew 20:1-16 John 11:1-54 FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXqA5H3HdRA&list=PLOT9Cm5P1tsQp1U8cEilDk5icjxE55KA8 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: Savorista Coffee: https://savorista.com/discount/STORIESDEAL Hero Care Packages: https://herocarepackages.com/discount/STORIESDEAL Photos: https://gtPhotos.pixels.com HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO JESUS STORIES? Subscribing helps us to understand who is listening to us. You'll always know when a new episode is available, too. A win for both of us! Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Send us Fan Mail[“He shall save his people.” That one word forces a decision: is the cross a hopeful offer that might work, or the effectual work of Jesus Christ that actually saves? We take Matthew 1:21 and John 10 seriously and argue that Christ is not “freestyling” with his blood. If the Son comes to do the Father's will, then redemption is not a spiritual experiment. It is a finished rescue that brings a complete, reconciled people home.We also slow down on the way John 3:16 is often quoted and ask the next question out loud: how does anyone come to believe at all? From effectual calling to regeneration, we walk through vivid biblical pictures, Paul knocked off course, Lazarus commanded out of the grave, and “new creation” as life spoken into nothingness. Along the way we connect Acts 13:48, the parable of the sower, and the reality that God prepares the soil of the heart. This is a conversation about sovereign grace, salvation by grace through faith, and the Holy Spirit's power to quicken the spiritually dead.Then we face the objection from Romans 3: “What if some did not believe?” Our answer is Paul's: God forbid. Human faithlessness cannot invalidate God's promises, because his covenant rests on his character, not our consistency. We also talk assurance and perseverance of the saints, why “losing salvation” would mean Christ casts out someone he promised to keep, and why that changes the way we preach the gospel without shame.If this challenged you or strengthened your confidence, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review. What verse most shapes how you think about faith, grace, and assurance?]Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
AI is no longer just a tool creators use to make content faster. It is beginning to reshape the entire creator economy. Revan Lazarus is the founder of Jamie, an AI platform for podcast networks and digital sales teams. He joins Infinite Loops, guest-hosted by Nick Tawil, to discuss how AI is changing podcasting, media sales, audience analytics, creator monetization, brand deals, and the future of content itself. Important Links: Learn more about Jamie AI: https://www.jamie-ai.com/
On today's episode, we discuss an “Open Line Wednesday” Bible study where the regular crew explores John 11 and the story of Lazarus alongside the Old Testament account of Jonah. The hosts dig into Jesus' delay in coming to Bethany, the symbolism of Lazarus being dead for three days, and how this miracle serves as a precursor and teaching tool for understanding Jesus' own resurrection. They also unpack the dialogue between Jesus, Martha, and Mary, wrestling with statements like “I am the resurrection and the life” and what it means to “live even though they die,” using both layperson analogies and pastoral insight. From there, the conversation widens to the roles of Pharisees and Sadducees, the development of resurrection doctrine, and how interactions with traditions like Zoroastrianism may have pushed Jewish thinkers to clarify beliefs about the afterlife. Throughout, the tone is conversational and sometimes humorous, but the core aim is helping listeners connect biblical texts, historical context, and theology in a more coherent, practical way. Don't miss it!
Featuring: Jeff Archey
Jared Green, the pulpit minister at the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY continues our Summer Series on the life-changing teachings of Jesus with the story of the Rich Man & Lazarus.
On this week’s Mad Men Men, we dig into "Lady Lazarus." The Season 5 midpoint where Don starts to realize the world is moving faster than he can follow. But also, Megan finally reveals what she truly wants. And Pete mistakes desire for destiny in the most Pete Campbell way possible. If you’re new here, Mad Men Men covers Mad Men from three angles. First, we have a first-time watcher. Then, we have a first-time rewatcher. Finally, we have one man who turned Don Draper into a weekly podcast problem. EXTRA CREDITS Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Thank God For Movies podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups). We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 9, titled “Dark Shadows.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we're talking about what it means to live fully alive in Jesus — not distracted, not numb, not ruled by fear, and not stuck in unbelief that better days are possible. Life is too short to spend it chasing temporary praise, burying your gifts, avoiding obedience, or letting distraction steal the joy that is found in God's presence.This conversation is a call back to hope. Back to love. Back to awareness of the nearness of Jesus. From Martha being distracted, to Mary pouring out what others called “waste,” to Lazarus walking out of the grave, we are reminded that Jesus is not only the resurrection — He is the life.Pouring your life out for Jesus is never a waste. Even if people misunderstand it. Even if it costs you. Even if it looks foolish. The only wasted life is the one spent apart from Him.So if you've been distracted, discouraged, fearful, or feeling like you've lost your joy — come home. There is fullness of joy in His presence, and there is still life to be lived faithfully.Support the show
Jesus warns of the danger of spiritual blindness. The tragedy in this parable is not wealth itself, but the failure to see the suffering right in front of us. The Kingdom calls us to notice the overlooked, to resist indifference, and to align our hearts with God's concern for the vulnerable.⚫CONNECT WITH US:
WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT | JUNE 7, 2026Pastor Wes Morris Psalm 13:1-6 (NIV) How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me.√ WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT, WE START ASSUMING INSTEAD OF TRUSTING. Psalm 13:1 (NIV) How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? John 11:5-6 (NIV) Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.John 11:21 (NIV) “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” √ WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT, OUR EMOTIONS GET LOUD. Psalm 13:2 (NIV) How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?√ WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT, THE STRUGGLE CAN BECOME ALL WE SEE.Psalm 13:2 (NIV) How long will my enemy triumph over me?Psalm 13:5-6 (TLB) But I will always trust in you and in your mercy and will rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord because he has blessed me so richly.Before God changes what's around you, He often changes what's happening inside you.WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENTI. ASK GOD TO HELP YOU SEE WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE. Psalm 13:3 (NIV) Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes...Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.II. KEEP TRUSTING GOD‘S CHARACTER.Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we profess, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.III. KEEP TAKING THE NEXT STEP.Psalm 37:23 (NLT) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Ben Burgis is joined by Michael Lazarus (author of "Absolute Ethical Life: Aristotle, Hegel and Marx") and Matt McManus (who needs no introduction to GTAA fans) for a fun three-way exchange on "analytical Marxism" (the tradition Ben works in), Michael's more Hegel-inflected version of Marxism, and Matt's sympathies with both sides.Order Michael's book:https://www.sup.org/books/politics/absolute-ethical-lifeFollow Michael on Twitter: @Mblaz39Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattPolProfFollow Ben on Twitter @JacobinBen [NOTE: The previous account was hacked!]Follow GTAA on Twitter: @Gtaa_ShowBecome a GTAA Patron and receive numerous benefits ranging from occasional patron-exclusive content to access to the GTAA Discord to our undying love and gratitude for helping us keep this thing going:patreon.com/benburgisRead the weekly philosophy Substack:benburgis.substack.com
Monday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Maximinus of Aix; first bishop of Aix, in Provence, France, reportedly one of Christ’s seventy-two disciples and a companion of Saints Mary Magdalen, Mary Cleopas, Martha, and Lazarus; in one account, he is called "the man who had been blind from birth"; Maximinus died in the First Century Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/8/26 Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
In Romans 6:1-14, we're reminded that freedom is much more than forgiveness—it's freedom from the power of sin itself. Through faith in Jesus, believers are no longer enslaved to their old way of life but are made new through His death and resurrection.Using powerful illustrations from Braveheart, Lazarus' resurrection, and Paul's teaching to the Roman church, this message challenges us to stop making peace with sin and start walking in the victory Christ has already won. If you've ever felt trapped by past struggles, habits, or failures, this sermon offers hope, encouragement, and a call to live in the freedom Jesus provides.
Sermon Outline: "Turn It Around with Praise" I. Introduction: The Battle belongs to God The Multitude and the Response: Reading from 2 Chronicles 20:12, Pastor Rhonda highlights the reality of facing overwhelming situations where we don't know what to do, but our eyes remain fixed on God. The Divine Promise: God's response is clear: do not be afraid or discouraged by the large obstacles, because the battle is not yours, but God's. Corporate Worship: Gathering together on Sundays brings a unique, collective strength. True praise often requires us to do something beyond our comfort zone—giving raw expression to what the Holy Spirit is moving in our hearts. Deeply Personal Praise: Praise shifts and deepens when you have personally walked through the valley, lost loved ones, and seen God's unexpected provision carry you through seasons that should have taken you out. II. Point 1: Praise Shifts the Atmosphere Before the Breakthrough The Trench Metaphor: Reflecting on spirit-filled believers in the midst of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, journalists noted soldiers singing worship songs in the trenches. They understood an ancient biblical truth: praise is not just what you do after the battle; it's what you deploy before it. Not a Performance: True praise isn't an emotion or a staged show. It has consistently driven God's people from the very beginning—from Abel's unselfish sacrifice in Genesis to the massive, roaring cascade of hallelujahs recorded in Revelation. The Historical Enemy: Throughout human history, oppressive forces (Pharaohs, giants, evil rulers, and hostile regimes) have tried to silence the praise of the church. Yet, the church remains alive, active, and vocal across every time zone. Declaration 1: “I will praise God first.” We must commit to praising Him before the natural circumstances catch up to the spiritual reality—before the doctor calls back, before the child comes home, and before we even check our phones on a Monday morning. III. Point 2: Building a Seat for the King Enthroned in Praise: According to Psalm 22:3, God inhabits and sets up His throne within the praises of His people. Declaration 2: “I will praise God in the middle.” When we choose to praise God right in the center of an unmanifested breakthrough, we are building a dwelling place for Him to sit. The Moving King: When God takes His seat in our praise, the atmosphere changes, chains break, and enemies scatter. He does not merely watch from a distance; He actively moves into the situation. The Noise of His Tabernacle: Citing Job, Pastor Rhonda speaks on the functional "noise" of worship. Just as water vapors rise to create heavy rain clouds, our spoken praise sends an invisible vapor before the throne, causing heaven to open up with a downpour of revival, joy, and new rain over dry places. IV. Point 3: The Divine Wardrobe Exchange Beauty for Ashes: Isaiah 61:3 details a transaction. God doesn't expect you to pile praise on top of your heavy heart; He offers an immediate replacement. You give Him the heaviness, and He hands back a garment of praise. Understanding "Heaviness": In the Hebrew context, the root word for heaviness links to a dimness of sight. A spirit of heaviness blinds you to your future, distorts your value, and makes you lose the desire to move into tomorrow. The Over-the-Head Garment: In ancient culture, a full garment was put on over the head. Symbolically, the garment of praise covers your mind and thoughts first, capturing intrusive despair, before draping over your eyes to restore vision. Morning into Dancing: God rips off the grieving bands and replaces them with a spiritual lightness. Even if you can't physically dance, it brings a stride of joy, a smile that won't quit, and a "whistle-while-you-work" perspective. V. Point 4: Dropping the Grave Clothes The Lazarus Principle: When Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, Lazarus emerged alive but was still completely bound from head to toe in his funeral wraps. Jesus had to command the crowd, "Loose him, and let him go." The Wardrobe of Yesterday: Many believers have been brought out of their tombs by God, yet they are still walking around wrapped in the grave clothes of yesterday—draped in old bitterness, the shame of past additions, or a cloak of poverty. A Preview for Others: You must actively stop using yesterday's grave clothes as today's wardrobe. Your freedom and your praise serve as a vital preview to someone else who is still trapped behind a sealed door that you have already walked out of. VI. Conclusion: Deploying Your Weapon A Functional Tool: Praise is operational, not just decorative. When Paul and Silas praised God at midnight while covered in wounds, an earthquake shook the entire prison. Your praise has a massive spiritual radius that can reach situations, jobs, and children miles away. Honesty over Pretending: Praise is not minimizing your pain, lying about your hardships, or pretending everything is fine. It is an intentional declaration that God is vastly bigger than the reality of your suffering. Praise through tears and a quivering voice carries incredible weight in the heavens. The Positioning: Just as King Jehoshaphat was instructed to send the singers, bass players, and drummers out to the very front lines of the camp to declare God's enduring mercy, our primary stance in warfare is to stand still, open our hands, and lead with our worship. Scripture Index Here are the prominent scriptures read, paraphrased, or referenced during the sermon: 2 Chronicles 20:12 > "O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee." 2 Chronicles 20:15 > "...Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (Referenced) – The positioning of the singers at the front of the army to praise the beauty of holiness, causing the Lord to set ambushes against the enemy. Genesis 4:4 (Referenced) – Abel offering an unselfish sacrifice of worship to the Lord. Revelation 19:1-6 (Paraphrased) – The great voice of much people in heaven crying Hallelujah, and the voice out of the throne commanding all small and great servants to praise God, sounding like rushing waters. Psalm 34:1 > "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 119:164 > "Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments." Psalm 63:3 > "Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee." Psalm 22:3 > "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest [enthroned in] the praises of Israel." Job 36:29 > "Also can any understand the spreading of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?" Isaiah 61:3 > "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness..." Psalm 30:11 > "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness." John 11:43-44 (Referenced) – Jesus calling Lazarus out of the grave and ordering him to be loosed from his grave clothes. Acts 16:25-26 (Referenced) – Paul and Silas praying and singing praises to God at midnight in prison, triggering a great earthquake that opened all the doors. Numbers 6:24-26 (The Benediction) > "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." "Thanks for listening! For more information, visit churchoftheharvest.com. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and YouTube @cothcleveland.
Mary and Martha, with their brother Lazarus, were especially devoted disciples of our Lord; their story up to the time of the Resurrection can be found in Luke 10 and John 11-12. Mary and Martha were among the Myrrh-bearing women. They, with their brother, reposed in Cyprus, where Lazarus became first Bishop of Kition after he was raised from death by Christ. An ancient tradition holds that Lazarus was thirty years old when he was restored to life by the Lord, and that he lived another thirty years. After he was raised from the dead, he never again laughed; but once, when he saw someone stealing a clay pot, he smiled and said, 'Clay stealing clay.' His name is a Greek version of Eleazar, meaning 'God has helped.'
In this episode of our Daughters Series, we unpack the powerful story of Mary and Martha and discover why this familiar Bible story still has so much to teach us. We talk about the tension between doing things for Jesus and simply being with Him, the danger of burnout and performance-based faith, and the beautiful invitation Jesus gives every daughter to sit at His feet. We also explore one of the most moving moments in Scripture—Jesus weeping with Mary after the death of Lazarus—and what it reveals about His heart toward our pain, disappointment, and grief. Finally, we look at Mary's extravagant act of worship and uncover a powerful pattern throughout her life: every time we see Mary, she's found at the feet of Jesus. Whether you're feeling busy, burned out, heartbroken, or simply longing for more of God's presence, we hope this conversation reminds you that the posture of a daughter is always found at the feet of Jesus. In This Episode [03:00] Three Defining Moments in Their Story [05:50] Are You a Martha? [08:00] Burnout, Busyness & Christian Performance [12:30] Jesus Wept [16:00] Letting God Into Your Heartbreak [19:00] Mary's Extravagant Worship [20:00] Every Time We See Mary [21:00] The Posture of a Daughter [24:00] Practical Ways to Sit at the Feet of Jesus [27:00] Looking Ahead to Priscilla ORDER OUR NEW STUDY! This seven-week, verse-by-verse study through the book of Acts invites you to embrace the unpredictable, sometimes challenging adventure of Spirit-led living that characterized the early church. Delight Ministries Looking for a Delight Chapter near you? Check out Delightministries.com to find one. If there's not one near you, and you want to help start one, let us know! We would love to talk. Get on the list for updates on Kenz's new venture Plenty Nutrition! Thanks to Our Sponsors Winshape: Learn more or submit your application today! The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial. Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! If you'd like to partner with For The Girl as a sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form! Follow us!
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Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Substackhttps://substack.com/@theoccultrejects?r=7auau0&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageCash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsBIBLIOGRAPHYHidden Rooms, Holy Water, and the DeadWhite, L. Michael. The Social Origins of Christian Architecture, Volume I: Building God's House in the Roman World: Architectural Adaptation Among Pagans, Jews, and Christians. Trinity Press International, 1996. Key use: Essential source for early Christian architectural adaptation, especially the shift from domestic and semi-domestic gathering spaces toward more specialized Christian buildings. White's work is useful for showing that early Christian architecture develops inside a broader Roman social and architectural world, not in isolation.White, L. Michael. The Social Origins of Christian Architecture, Volume II: Texts and Monuments for the Christian Domus Ecclesiae in Its Environment. Trinity Press International, 1997. Key use: Companion volume for the textual and archaeological evidence behind the domus ecclesiae, early meeting spaces, and the built environment of pre-Constantinian Christianity.Yale University Art Gallery. “Christian Building.” Dura-Europos: Excavating Antiquity. Key use: Strong anchor for the Dura-Europos Christian building and its wall paintings. Yale notes that the Christian paintings were uncovered in 1932 and that Clark Hopkins described the murals as preserved from more than three-quarters of a century before Constantine recognized Christianity in 312.Yale News. “House Call: A New Study Rethinks Early Christian Landmark.” 2024. Key use: Useful cautionary source for not oversimplifying Dura-Europos as merely a domestic “house church.” The report highlights recent scholarship reexamining how domestic the Dura Christian building really was and why its architectural classification needs care.Smarthistory. “Dura-Europos.” Key use: Accessible overview of Dura-Europos as a multicultural Roman frontier site, including the adapted Christian building used as a meeting place and baptistery in the first half of the third century.Peppard, Michael. The World's Oldest Church: Bible, Art, and Ritual at Dura-Europos, Syria. Yale University Press, 2016. Key use: Major source for the Dura-Europos Christian building, its baptistery, biblical imagery, ritual use, and the danger of reading the site too simply through later church categories.Snyder, Graydon F. Ante Pacem: Archaeological Evidence of Church Life Before Constantine. Mercer University Press, revised edition, 2003. Key use: Important archaeological source for Christian life before Constantine, especially material evidence for worship, burial, symbols, and everyday Christian practice before public imperial privilege. Mercer University Press identifies the book as focused on archaeological evidence of church life before Constantine.Jensen, Robin M. Baptismal Imagery in Early Christianity: Ritual, Visual, and Theological Dimensions. Baker Academic, 2012. Key use: Core source for baptismal images, ritual meaning, water, initiation, death and rebirth, and the way visual programs frame baptismal practice.Jensen, Robin M. Understanding Early Christian Art. Routledge, 2000. Key use: Early Christian visual culture, catacomb imagery, baptismal scenes, Good Shepherd imagery, Jonah, Daniel, Lazarus, and the visual language of salvation and resurrection.Ferguson, Everett. Baptism in the Early Church: History, Theology, and Liturgy in the First Five Centuries. Eerdmans, 2009. Key use: Major historical and theological source for baptismal practice, initiation, immersion, anointing, catechesis, and the development of baptismal rites.Johnson, Maxwell E. The Rites of Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation. Liturgical Press. Key use: Development of initiation rites, catechumenate, baptism, post-baptismal rites, and how Christian initiation becomes structured over time.Spinks, Bryan D. Early and Medieval Rituals and Theologies of Baptism: From the New Testament to the Council of Trent. Ashgate, 2006. Key use: Long-range ritual and theological development of baptism, useful for tracking how early baptismal space later becomes more formalized.Britannica. “Catacomb.” Key use: Baseline definition of catacombs as subterranean cemeteries composed of galleries or passages with recesses for tombs; useful for correcting the popular misconception that catacombs were primarily secret churches rather than burial landscapes.Stevenson, James. The Catacombs: Rediscovered Monuments of Early Christianity. Thames & Hudson, 1978. Key use: Classic overview of Roman catacombs, burial architecture, inscriptions, symbols, and early Christian memory.Rutgers, Leonard V. Subterranean Rome: In Search of the Roots of Christianity in the Catacombs of the Eternal City. Peeters, 2000. Key use: Catacombs as archaeological and social evidence, including burial practice, community identity, and the relationship between Jews, Christians, and Roman funerary culture.Fiocchi Nicolai, Vincenzo, Fabrizio Bisconti, and Danilo Mazzoleni. The Christian Catacombs of Rome: History, Decoration, Inscriptions. Schnell & Steiner, 2002. Key use: Detailed treatment of catacomb history, inscriptions, burial spaces, and visual programs.Brown, Peter. The Cult of the Saints: Its Rise and Function in Latin Christianity. University of Chicago Press, enlarged edition. Key use: Essential source for the holy dead, saint veneration, relics, tombs, pilgrimage, and the way corporeal remains became central to Christian religious life. The University of Chicago Press describes Brown's work as exploring how worship of saints and their corporeal remains became central to religious life in Western Europe.Brown, Peter. The Body and Society: Men, Women, and Sexual Renunciation in Early Christianity. Columbia University Press, 1988. Key use: Christian body theology, asceticism, holiness, discipline, and why the body is so central to late antique Christian imagination.Yasin, Ann Marie. Saints and Church Spaces in the Late Antique Mediterranean: Architecture, Cult, and Community. Cambridge University Press, 2009. Key use: Churches, saints, relics, cult practice, community identity, and how sacred spaces are organized around holy bodies and memory.Grabar, André. Martyrium: Recherches sur le culte des reliques et l'art chrétien antique. Key use: Classic work on martyr shrines, relic cult, and the relationship between architecture, art, and the holy dead.van Gennep, Arnold. The Rites of Passage. Key use: Separation, liminality, and incorporation. Crucial for baptism, catechumenate, thresholds, initiation, and the movement from outsider to insider.Turner, Victor. The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Key use: Liminality, threshold states, ritual transition, and communitas. Useful for baptism, catacomb descent, martyr devotion, and controlled access.Kilde, Jeanne Halgren. Sacred Power, Sacred Space: An Introduction to Christian Architecture and Worship. Oxford University Press, 2008. Key use: Christian buildings as arrangements of power, worship, divine presence, and embodied access. Useful for thresholds, sanctuary divisions, nave, altar, and congregation.Kieckhefer, Richard. Theology in Stone: Church Architecture from Byzantium to Berkeley. Oxford University Press, 2004. Key use: Church architecture as theology made spatial. Useful for altar, pulpit, nave, threshold, symbolic layout, and worship practice.Krautheimer, Richard. Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture. Yale University Press / Pelican History of Art. Key use: Classic architectural history for early Christian and Byzantine buildings, including the shift from pre-Constantinian spaces to basilicas, baptisteries, martyr shrines, and later monumental forms.Mathews, Thomas F. The Clash of Gods: A Reinterpretation of Early Christian Art. Princeton University Press, 1993. Key use: Early Christian imagery, visual conflict, ritual meaning, and the development of Christian art within the Roman world.Elsner, Jaś. Imperial Rome and Christian Triumph: The Art of the Roman Empire AD 100–450. Oxford University Press, 1998. Key use: Roman visual culture, Christian adaptation, imperial imagery, and the shift into Christian public art and architecture.MacMullen, Ramsay. Christianizing the Roman Empire: A.D. 100–400. Yale University Press, 1984. Key use: Social and historical context for Christian expansion before and after Constantine, useful for understanding how Christian space changes as Christianity grows.Mango, Cyril. Byzantine Architecture. Key use: LonAlso want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. A
“What happens one minute after you die?” Jesus answered it plainly in Luke 16. Listen in to today's message from Pastor Greg Laurie. Notes: Luke 16 Everyone will die and enter the afterlife.Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV)And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. What happens one minute after you die?If you are a Christian, you go to heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:8To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Philippians 1:23“I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” What happens to the nonbeliever when they die? Most people do not think they will go to hell. Matthew 7:13 (NKJV)Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad [is] the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Matthew 7:14 (NKJV)Because narrow is the gate and difficult [is] the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. If we believe the Bible, most people today are not headed to heaven. The very word “hell” is so misused that people do not even understand its meaning. Jesus spent more time talking about hell than any other preacher. Jesus gives us three things we need to know about what hell is actually like. Read Luke 16:19–22 Jesus tells a true story about two men:one owning everything, yet possessing nothing,the other owning nothing and inheriting everything. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the eternal future of the nonbeliever. Read Luke 16:22–31 The sin of the rich man in Hell was not his wealth, but his heart. He was possessed by his possessions.Luke 16:19 Sin is pleasurable for a season, but then it brings death. The rich man was living the good life with no concern for anything or anyone but himself. The rich man was not ushered into Heaven like Lazarus. The rich man’s sin was disregard for the spiritual, revealed in his prideful flaunting of resources and his neglect of a starving, disabled man at his door. You can build an empire, fill every room with every award, and still arrive at eternity completely unprepared. People in Hell suffer. Nonbelievers don’t go to purgatory, soul sleep, or reincarnation. Nonbelievers go to Hell and eventually to the Lake of Fire. God invented Hell because He is a God of love and justice. Once you enter the afterlife, you cannot change your location. We decide in this life where we will spend the afterlife. There are no chances after death, but millions before. You cannot communicate from the other side. In the afterlife, you are conscious and fully aware of where you are. Just as there is memory in Heaven, there is also memory in hell.Luke 16:28 If you are born once, you will die twice.If you are born twice, you will die once. Often, Christians are reluctant to mention Hell out of fear that they might offend someone. To promise heaven and not warn of hell,to offer forgiveness without repentance,to preach the gospel without the cross,this is a false message giving false hope. If we really love people, we need to tell the truth about eternity. Jude 1:22Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Jude 1:23aRescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Read Luke 19:29–31 Jesus did many miracles, and many did not believe. The gospel is a universal declaration that Hell is not God’s desire for anyone. The road to Hell is paved with excuses. God has a much better plan for you.It’s called Heaven! What happens one minute after you die?If you are a believer in Jesus, you go to Heaven.If you reject His offer, you send yourself to Hell. The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.