Podcasts about life in christ

John 14Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real faith isn't just believing in Jesus once, it's continuing to walk with Him every day. Don't chase the counterfeits of the world; Jesus has already paid your debt and proved He is enough.Continue to live your life in ChristDon't be captured by counterfeitsYour charges are canceled. Christ's work is complete.Life Group Discussion:What does it practically look like for you to live with Christ, not just for Christ, in your daily life?When you've felt distant from God in the past, what usually caused the drift?Do you ever feel like you still must “earn” God's approval? Why do you think that is?

Colossians 1:15-20 Life in Christ – Colossians series Part One • Who Jesus is: Colossians 1:15-20, 2:9-10 • What Jesus has done: Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22, 2:13-15 I. Who Jesus is: Colossians 1:15-20, 2:9-10 Image – likeness, formed to resemble a person, the appearance or depiction of, ·        Jesus is the “image of the invisible God” 2 Corinthians 4:4 Colossians 1:15 John 12:45, 14:9 ·        God made humans in his image and according to his likeness, Genesis 1:26-27, 5:1. ·        Jesus is the “radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of his nature”, in Hebrews 1:3. ·        In the face of Jesus, God's glory is seen, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6 ·        Scripture uses “in” to designate humans as those made “in” or “according to” God's image, Genesis 1:26-27, 5:1, 9:6, James 3:9 ·        Newly created believers are those being renewed in knowledge “according to the image” Colossians 3:10 ”fullness of God in Christ,” – Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has the fullness of God in Him, Jesus Christ is God. We believe that God in Trinity is One, inseparable “For the entire fullness of God's nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” – Colossians 2:9-10  CSB We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as One God existing in Three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinguishable but indivisible. (Matthew 23:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14) We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of men, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, very God and very Man. (Luke 1:26-35; John 1:14-18; Isaiah 714; 9:6) I.                 What Jesus has done: Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22, 2:13-15 “He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14  CSB “Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions. But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him,” – Colossians 1:21-22  CSB “And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.” – Colossians 2:13-15  CSB We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day, and personally appeared to His disciples. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 4:25) We believe in the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven, His exaltation, and personal, literal and bodily coming again the second time for His Church. (John 14:2, 3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross of Calvary by which we obtain remission of sins. (Ephesians 2:8,9; Hebrews 9:12,22; Romans 5:11) What does this mean? Jesus took our sins on himself, on the cross, so we can be made right with God, receiving new spiritual life and forgiveness. What do we learn? 1.      Jesus Christ is first, above all, our Savior King, the fullness and the image of God. 2.      Jesus Christ has redeemed us, making us right with God, bringing us from spiritual darkness to the light of God's Kingdom. 3.      Jesus leads us in a spiritual journey with our local church family. 4.      We are actively learning more about the truth of Jesus and rejecting deceptive narratives and their sources. What should we do? 1.      Read Colossians chapters 1 and 2 this week. 2.      Write down one thought we have learned. 3.      Apply the truth to how we pray and how we see ourselves. 4.      Try to identify one deceptive narrative that we should reject. 5.      By Wednesday, read Colossians 3:1-4 and memorize one phrase from it. “Life in Christ” series “saints in Christ at Colossae” – Colossians 1:2  “your faith in Christ Jesus” – Colossians 1:4  CSB “In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:14  CSB

We now come to the point in the book of Ephesians where we can focus on what we should do with the reality of life in Christ. God is doing something special in the church and we get to be a part of this movement.

The passage we'll be studying today, Eph 4:25-32. Today, as we finish up chapter 4, we'll discover how a new life in Christ must lead to a new lifestyle. This passage represents a total shift in character, moving from selfish behavior to a life of love, integrity and community building. Thanks for listening. God bless you! And a happy and blessed Christmas to you and yours! To find out more about our church please go to www.whccnb.org.

On this episode of The RESGEN Giving Life Podcast, Tom has a meaningful and helpful conversation with best-selling author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell in front of a live audience the night before RESGEN Men's Summit 2026.You are invited to listen in as Tom asks John a variety of questions on the topics of:- Faith- Failure- Leadership- Mentorship- And so much more...The Giving Life Podcast: Conversations about being a man whose life in Christ gives life to others.Watch the video version on YouTube - https://youtu.be/kouHeGzKvXcMore info about Restoration Generation - www.resgen.org

In this episode, we dig into Hosea 13:14 and its surprising afterlife in 1 Corinthians 15:54–57, where Paul turns an ancient oracle into a triumphant proclamation of resurrection hope.Hosea 13:14 has a significant amount of ambiguity in its wording. In the Hebrew text, key verbs related to ransom and redemption—and even the tone of the passage itself—can be read either as a promise of deliverance from death, God's intentions towards Israel but their refusal to receive, or as a trash-talking taunt announcing death's inevitability. The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint (LXX) preserve these tensions in different ways, leaving open the question: is God declaring victory over Death, declaring his intentions that Israel refuses, or summoning death and the grave as an agent of judgment?Paul knows this ambiguity—and he leverages it.By drawing on the Greek rendering of Hosea, Paul applies this oracle as a defiant challenge: “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” In doing so, he stands firmly within Hosea's poetic world, where Death and the Grave are not abstract ideas but hostile powers—personal, invasive, and destructive.Yet Paul sharpens the image even further. For him, Death is not merely tragic; it is an enemy. Not simply because it ends biological life, but because it violently interrupts the human vocation. Death cuts our developmental journey short. It fractures the unity of body and person. It traps humanity in a condition God never intended—existence separated from embodied life.This is why resurrection matters.Jesus' resurrection is not just a reversal of death; it is the beginning of Death's defeat. In Christ, healing from our sins is inseparable from healing from corruption, decay, and disintegration. What Death stole—our embodied future—God restores through resurrection.We close the episode by fixing our hope on what is still to come: the resurrection of all people, when Death itself will finally be overcome—not by escape from the body, but by the gift of glorified, healed, and fully restored embodied life in Christ.Key Passages: Hosea 13:141 Corinthians 15:54-57Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Send a textThe Unsexy Church PodcastNew episodes drop every Wednesday MorningABOUT THE PODCASTThe Unsexy Church is a weekly podcast exploring the real, everyday life within our church family. Each week, join Pastor Bob (Senior Pastor) and Darren (Worship & Discipleship Pastor) as they sit down to discuss a wide variety of subjects—from deep theological questions to the practical, often "unsexy" work of following Jesus and building a healthy local church.WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO THRIVE?We want to help every person make a genuine commitment to follow Jesus and then follow through with that commitment in Connecting People to a Thriving Life in Christ. These Thriving disciples should Dig In to the Bible, Grow Up in Christ, and Branch Outinto the community.Our Mission: To Connect People to a Thriving Life in Christ. What is a thriving life in Christ? Scripture says that Jesus Christ came “that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Our mission in the city of Tampa is to make disciples who follow the pattern of the believer in Psalm 1 and desire God's glory above all things.NEXT STEPSAre you looking to get connected or learn more about First Baptist Tampa? We would love to help you find your place in our community.Start Here: Visit fbctampa.org/new-here/first-steps/ to take your first step in finding out more about the Church and how you can get involved.STAY CONNECTEDWherever you are in life, you have a purpose. First Baptist Tampa wants to help you find your next step.Official Website: fbctampa.orgFacebook: First Baptist TampaInstagram: @fbctampaOur Student & Young Adult Ministries:AWANA (Kids): https://fbctampa.org/ministries/children/N1NE (Middle & High School): @onenine.fbctampaThe Collective (College): @thecollective.fbctampa

In the conclusion of our series, Familiar Stranger, Lead Pastor Jason Britt looks at the birth of the Church in Acts 2. We often entertain ourselves with the "supernatural" on a screen through movies and shows, yet we often struggle to embrace the supernatural reality of the Holy Spirit in our actual lives. If everything about our salvation is supernatural—from the Virgin Birth to the Resurrection—why would we expect to sustain our Christian walk through natural strength alone? Pastor Jason connects the dots between the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and the pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost. While the Law was once written on stone, the Holy Spirit now writes it on our hearts. Being a "Spirit-filled person" isn't about chasing miracles; it's about a life so marked by Jesus that it can only be explained by His power. When we move from "trying" to "trusting," we become the witnesses God called us to be.

 ROOTED is a seven-week vision series about financial freedom, spiritual maturity, and building lasting impact in our communities. Together, we're stepping into the next chapter of Discover Church.-At Discover Church, we exist to see our city changed by Jesus, one life at a time by helping people discover LIFE in Christ, BELONGING in Community & PURPOSE in God's Calling on their life so that they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.-You can join us live on Sunday mornings at 9:00 or 10:45am, either in person or online! Visit www.discoverchurchkc.com for more information!

On March 3rd  John 3:3 day,listeners call in to share powerful, personal testimonies of transformation, redemption, and new life in Christ. From dramatic life turnarounds to quiet moments of faith, this conversation explores what being "born again" truly means and how it changes everything.

Mystery rides were part of growing up at our house. Usually it was a Sunday afternoon, and I'd pile our three kids into our car for a ride. I think we explored every corner of our area. And as we did, we discovered over the years, a lot of great things. But I've got one son who's a lot like me. He wants to know the plan before we leave. "Hey, Dad, where are we going? Where are we going to eat? What are we going to eat? What are we going to do while we're there? How long will we be there? What time are we going to get home?" He would pump me with more questions; I felt like I was being interrogated by a police sergeant. Sometimes I knew it was better not to explain where we were going. I mean we've done things that would have sounded boring if I had told about them, but they turned out to be exciting and I knew they would. Plus surprises are fun anyway. So, my kids got used to hearing two words when we were about to begin a mystery trip, "Trust me." I don't think I let them down. It was good training for journeys with their other Father. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Going Not Knowing." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from the life of the Apostle Paul. He's still Saul of Tarsus here. Acts 9 - he's on his way to wipe out Christians. He missed some in Jerusalem. So he said, "I'll get them in Damascus. They all went there; I'll find them in Syria." We begin in verse 3: "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Well, who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now, get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'" Now, it's interesting that Saul's training for his whole life in Christ began immediately with a mystery trip. Yeah, did you notice that? He has just opened up to Jesus, and the Lord says, "Go into the city and you will be told." "Lord, what do you want me to do there? Who am I going to meet there? How am I even going to be able to see; I'm blind right now?" The Lord says, "Go and you will be told." Well, he spent the rest of his life living like that. In Acts 20, when he was on his way to Jerusalem as the great Apostle Paul and his friends were trying to discourage him, he said, "Compelled by the Spirit, I am going not knowing." See, you have a heavenly Father who often takes His children on mystery trips. Maybe you're on one of His mystery trips right now. There's a good destination He's got in mind, but right now He's telling you just the next step. In essence, He's saying to you as He did to Saul, "Go, and you will be told as you are on the way." It may well be that you're in the middle of one of those times right now, and the tendency is to say, "Now, Lord, if you'll just give me all the information, give me all the facts, I'll start going that direction." And the Lord says, "No, you start moving in that direction I've told you to go, and you'll get more information as you go." Now, maybe you're waiting to have all your questions answered before you move, and right now there are more question marks than there are periods or exclamation points for sure. Can you almost hear your Father saying as He bundles you into His car, "Trust Me, let's start traveling together." Hey, He died for you. Is He ever going to do you wrong? God's mystery trips always lead to a destination that is selected with you in mind, for your good. So, why not settle back, enjoy the trip, and let Him drive. Trust your Father and don't be afraid of going not knowing.

David and Tracy continue their series on depression in marriage, showing that depression is often a signal of deeper issues like isolation, “junk values,” and misplaced pursuits rather than just a biological problem. Through Scripture and the story of a small group of husbands meeting weekly around God's Word, they highlight how genuine Christian community, gratitude, repentance, and an others-focused life in Christ bring lasting hope and joy. The episode ends with practical homework: list God's good gifts, reject self-pity, and intentionally realign your life with biblical values together, not alone.Support the showFor episode transcripts, click HERE.For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FBApple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

What do we do with unmet desires? That is a deeply human question, but one that might not be addressed or attended to if we have a view of life that avoids such difficulty and tension. Some would seek to live the kind of life that tries to fulfill all desires, whenever they emerge. Some others might seek to live in such a way that ignores or tries to suffocate desires because that is seen as something like strength or virtue. Others still might just live a life that has no consistent ethic, so that the question of what to do with our desires—especially our seemingly discordant or contradictory desires—has no central theme or reason. But Christianity actually calls us to wrestle with such difficult things as directly addressing and even confronting or living with unmet desires. Christianity is, if nothing else, a call to wholeness, to integration, because Christ is, in the words of St. Irenaeus, “the whole man” who brings his disciples to wholeness—to integration—in him.In the new podcast series created and hosted by Abigail Favale and produced by the McGrath Institute for Church, the venture toward whole and integrated humanity is on offer. “The Gender Accompaniment Project” seeks to both identify a better understanding of the Catholic vision of gender, and attend to the personal stories of Christians who wrestle with gender as they seek Christ. This project is an exercise in encounter: going toward rather than away from points of tension precisely by going toward rather than away from each other in our pursuit of life in Christ.This is the first of two episodes with my colleague Abigail to introduce this project, which consists of 10 episodes, released in batches. The first of these episodes will appear just about the time this episode which you are listening to now is released. Check out our show notes for ways to connect and listen to “The Gender Accompaniment Project” and for other resources that are sure to be of interest to you.Follow-up Resources:Learn more about The Gender Accompaniment Project and the new podcastThe Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory, book by Abigail Favale“The Genesis of Gender, with Abigail Favale,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Sex, Gender, and Feminism, with Abigail Favale,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“The Eclipse of Sex by the Rise of Gender,” by Abigail Favale, article via Church Life Journal“Gender, Bodies, and the Space of Responsiveness, with Angela Franks,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Transhumanism and Human Nature, with Mary Harrington,” podcast episode via Church Life TodayChurch Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) We are CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” Remember, an ambassador is a kingdom diplomat, a skilled representative gifted in dealing with people in an effective way. As one of God's Heavenly Diplomats, we've been commissioned by our King, to represent our Kingdom with authority and honor.

https://www.bible.com/events/49571732 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus  Hurdles Part 1  Ready. Fire. Aim  We are starting a new 4-part teaching series called “Hurdles”.  Over the next few weeks, we are going to face some of the key obstacles or hurdles that keep us from a full and abundant life in Christ.  Today we […]

In order not to be deceived and to be convicted of sin and eternal life in Christ, we need to hear the Scriptures alone. Scripture Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:1-4:8 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm-scrip-03-01-2026.MP3

What if your most disciplined efforts still can't touch the root of your struggle? We open Colossians 3 and confront two convincing counterfeits: the treadmill of strict rule keeping and the treadmill of frantic escape. Both have an appearance of wisdom. Neither can kill sin. The gospel offers a better way—run to Christ, not away from failure or toward performance.We walk through Paul's freeing order: you have died with Christ, your life is hidden with Christ in God, and you will appear with him in glory. That sequence reshapes how we fight sin, moving us from white-knuckle “stop that” to worshipful “seek this.” From there we face the hard list—sexual immorality, impurity, evil desire, covetousness—and the everyday poisons of anger, malice, slander, obscene talk, and lying. Rather than tolerating a “manageable” level, we learn what it means to put sin to death and to put on the new self that is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.You'll hear a practical, two-minute framework to retrain your thoughts using Philippians 4:8: name the dominant thought, test it through true-honorable-just-pure-lovely-commendable-excellent-praiseworthy, replace it with Scripture, and take one concrete step of obedience. We apply it to jealousy, anxiety, and lust—with Scripture-shaped sentences and next steps that shift your focus from running from sin to running toward Christ. Along the way, we celebrate the unity of the body where labels fade and “Christ is all and in all,” and we anchor the whole journey in communion, where we receive what we cannot produce: forgiveness, power, and presence. If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

Part four of the "House and Home" series. Student Pastors Tristan and Kristen Kennedy finish the series showing how a RESILIENT FAMILY is built by grounding everyday life in Christ rather than the culture. Through INTENTIONAL FAITH, MEANINGFUL CONNECTION, PRAYER, INTEGRITY, and MODELING DEVOTION in ordinary moments, we can shape generations and advance the kingdom of God.

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Today we focus on greed as a deadly sin rooted not in wealth itself but in a heart of disordered desire and scarcity. Pastor Joel argues that modern consumer culture fuels constant craving, convincing us we never have enough. Challenging the myths that greed only affects the rich or can be virtuous, the message warns that greed ultimately destroys individuals and societies. Using Scripture, especially the parable of the rich fool, it calls believers to choose contentment and generosity, finding true satisfaction in God rather than in accumulating more.Let's listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Dr. Rebecca DeYoungGlittering Vices and other recommended reading for this series• Avarice (Greed)• Thomas Aquinas, Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD), Wallstreet movie, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith• Plutocricy• Augustine of Hippo“…our hearts are restless until they rest in you”• CS Lewis“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Luke 12, verses 15-21; 1 Timothy 6, verses 6-10; Proverbs 15, verse 27; Proverbs 11, verse 28; Proverbs 15, verses 16-17; 2 Corinthians 9, verse 7 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

This week in our Jesus on Every Page series, we explore Ephesians 2 and the powerful truth that God's grace brings us from spiritual death to life in Christ. Pastor Brent reminds us that salvation is a gift—freely given—and an invitation to live fully alive in God's love and purpose.

Are you ready to live a confident, victorious life in Christ?Use this episode to attack your day with strength as you stand in the truth of who God declares you to be. You are more than a conqueror through Christ who loves you!MORE FROM PURE ENCOURAGEMENTWant to Submit a Question to be Answered on a Future Episode? ⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠Take the ⁠⁠⁠30 Day Identity Challenge ⁠⁠⁠Get the ⁠⁠6 Week Confidence Journal ⁠⁠to build your confidence and train spirituallyFree Resource:⁠⁠ Identity in Christ Statements⁠⁠Free Resource: ⁠⁠Deep Dive on Anger and Forgiveness⁠⁠Free Resource: ⁠⁠Help! I Need Confidence Video⁠⁠Free Resource: ⁠⁠Help! I'm in a Slump Video⁠⁠Follow Pure Encouragement on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MORE ABOUT PURE ENCOURAGEMENT

After receiving new life in Christ, many believers still carry baggage from the past—habits, addictions, and strongholds that impact their daily lives. In Living Free, Pastor Greg Mohr reminds us of Jesus' promise in John 8:36: “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” In this powerful series, Pastor Greg shows you how to experience lasting freedom—not just temporary relief. You'll discover how to put off the clothes of the old man, and how to break cycles of fear, anger, depression, guilt, shame, and addiction. As you apply these truths from God's Word, you'll be equipped to walk in the abundant life Jesus ordained for you and help others do the same. It's time to start living free!

Today on PowerPoint, Pastor Jack Graham looks to Galatians for the message “Crucified with Christ.” Pastor Graham teaches that if we want to be passionate, devoted followers of Jesus, we must live the crucified life in Christ by maximizing the Cross in our lives. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

What does it mean to “mortify” sin? In this edition of Ask the Church, we explore the biblical command to “put to death” the deeds of the flesh and explain how mortification differs from mere suppression. Drawing on Romans 8 and Colossians 3, we look at how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to actively fight sin as part of sanctification. Far from leading to despair, mortifying sin leads to freedom and new life in Christ.

After receiving new life in Christ, many believers still carry baggage from the past—habits, addictions, and strongholds that impact their daily lives. In Living Free, Pastor Greg Mohr reminds us of Jesus' promise in John 8:36: “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” In this powerful series, Pastor Greg shows you how to experience lasting freedom—not just temporary relief. You'll discover how to put off the clothes of the old man, and how to break cycles of fear, anger, depression, guilt, shame, and addiction. As you apply these truths from God's Word, you'll be equipped to walk in the abundant life Jesus ordained for you and help others do the same. It's time to start living free!

Refined through fire and waiting, Pastor Matt Cruz shows how God uses pressure to shape faith, build endurance, and anchor life in Christ.

Send a textThe Unsexy Church PodcastNew episodes drop every Wednesday MorningABOUT THE PODCASTThe Unsexy Church is a weekly podcast exploring the real, everyday life within our church family. Each week, join Pastor Bob (Senior Pastor) and Darren (Worship & Discipleship Pastor) as they sit down to discuss a wide variety of subjects—from deep theological questions to the practical, often "unsexy" work of following Jesus and building a healthy local church.WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO THRIVE?We want to help every person make a genuine commitment to follow Jesus and then follow through with that commitment in Connecting People to a Thriving Life in Christ. These Thriving disciples should Dig In to the Bible, Grow Up in Christ, and Branch Outinto the community.Our Mission: To Connect People to a Thriving Life in Christ. What is a thriving life in Christ? Scripture says that Jesus Christ came “that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Our mission in the city of Tampa is to make disciples who follow the pattern of the believer in Psalm 1 and desire God's glory above all things.NEXT STEPSAre you looking to get connected or learn more about First Baptist Tampa? We would love to help you find your place in our community.Start Here: Visit fbctampa.org/new-here/first-steps/ to take your first step in finding out more about the Church and how you can get involved.STAY CONNECTEDWherever you are in life, you have a purpose. First Baptist Tampa wants to help you find your next step.Official Website: fbctampa.orgFacebook: First Baptist TampaInstagram: @fbctampaOur Student & Young Adult Ministries:AWANA (Kids): https://fbctampa.org/ministries/children/N1NE (Middle & High School): @onenine.fbctampaThe Collective (College): @thecollective.fbctampa

In Part 2 of The Joy of Serving, Pastor Lacey goes straight to the heart of why so many believers burn out, feel stuck in religious routines, or secretly wonder if their "good works" even matter. Drawing from Hebrews 9:14, she unpacks the powerful contrast between dead works and serving the living God—and shows how Jesus didn't just forgive you… He cleansed your conscience so you could serve from joy, not obligation. This message confronts two common traps: • Serving without relationship (performance-driven faith) • Relationship without obedience (spiritual comfort with no transformation) Pastor Lacey invites us to let the pendulum settle—to be both Mary and Martha. To be a people who worship deeply and serve boldly. To move from religion that tries to produce life into life in Christ that naturally produces obedience. If you've ever: – Felt burned out in ministry – Served to earn God's approval – Drifted into spiritual autopilot – Or struggled to find joy in serving This message will reset your heart and reframe your why. Dead works produce exhaustion. The living God produces joy. Hit play. Let your conscience be cleansed. Rediscover the joy of serving.

In Week 7 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Matt Piland addresses a vital question: How do we actually live out the life God has called us to? Many of us treat our faith like a car loan—believing Jesus made the "down payment" on the cross, but that it's now our job to sustain the monthly payments through sheer willpower and "trying harder." Drawing from Galatians 5, Pastor Matt breaks down the difference between legalism and true freedom in Christ. Following Jesus isn't about a factory-style production of "being good"; it's about a garden-style growth that comes through the Holy Spirit. If you've been feeling spiritually exhausted by your own human effort, this message is a call to stop trying to maintain in the flesh what was only ever meant to be completed by the Holy Spirit.

 ROOTED is a seven-week vision series about financial freedom, spiritual maturity, and building lasting impact in our communities. Together, we're stepping into the next chapter of Discover Church.-At Discover Church, we exist to see our city changed by Jesus, one life at a time by helping people discover LIFE in Christ, BELONGING in Community & PURPOSE in God's Calling on their life so that they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.-You can join us live on Sunday mornings at 9:00 or 10:45am, either in person or online! Visit www.discoverchurchkc.com for more information!

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      A lot of pastors recently have told me they are burning out, they are looking for different churches, bigger churches… one of the reasons is because they are tired of people coming to church… they give them everything they can on Sundays and through church… and then people leave. But now thats what the pastor is doing… he is walking out on his members… Look here is the bottom line… Being a Christ follower is not supposed to be easy. Its not easy, and its not supposed to be easy. Do you know here in the USA we whine about everything… here is a quick cure to that… go plant a church in China, in North Korea, in Sudan, in Nigeria… Maybe just one of our own inner cities in the US. Learn just how easy you have it.  People tell me all the time… Im leaving my job its to hard, Im leaving this relationship its to hard, Im leaving this group, Im leaving this church, Im leaving this family, Im leaving this sport…    Its supposed to be hard - God put you there as the change agent!      Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV):     “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”       This passage describes the way of life in Christ as **narrow** and difficult (or "hard-pressed" in some translations), in contrast to the easy, broad road many choose.   Matthew 16:24(also paralleled in Mark 8:34 and Luke 9:23):     Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”       "Taking up your cross" refers to embracing suffering, self-denial, and even potential death—hardly an easy commitment. Jesus repeats this call to daily cross-bearing.   Luke 14:27   “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”       In the larger context of Luke 14:25-33 (the cost of discipleship), Jesus emphasizes counting the cost and that true discipleship requires giving up everything, making it a demanding, all-in commitment.   2 Timothy 3:12     “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”       Paul straightforwardly states that pursuing godliness in Christ guarantees opposition and hardship.   These verses highlight that while Jesus offers rest for the soul (e.g., Matthew 11:28-30, where His yoke is "easy" and burden "light" in the sense of grace and purpose rather than legalism), the Christian life often involves trials, sacrifice, and swimming against the current of the world. The path isn't promised to be comfortable or popular, but it's the one that leads to true life.   If you're reflecting on this personally or preparing a message/sermon, these passages together paint a clear picture that authentic Christianity demands cost and effort—yet it's worth it for the eternal hope it brings. Let me know if you'd like more context or related verses!

Today's Promise: 1 John 1:7 In today's episode, we are reminded that God hasn't just forgiven our sin; He has completely cleansed us. Many believers continue to carry guilt and shame, identifying more with their past failures than with their new life in Christ. But that's not how God sees you. Through the blood of Jesus, every sin has been erased, every stain removed, and every barrier between you and God torn down.   This episode paints a vivid picture of a chalkboard being wiped clean, leaving no trace behind. You are not defined by your sin; you are defined by your righteousness in Christ. It's time to stop living under the weight of what God has already removed.   Receive His forgiveness. Embrace your new identity. And walk confidently in the freedom and fellowship that come from being fully forgiven and fully cleansed.

Proverbs 29, Where there is no vision, no revelation, no DIVINE GUIDANCE, they do their own thing. MSG, “If people can't SEE WHAT GOD IS DOING, they stumble all over themselves.”

Luke 11:1-2 (NKJV) Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So, He said to them, “when you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

2 Corinthians 3:3 (NLT) “Clearly, YOU ARE A LETTER FROM CHRIST showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.”

In the final message of this series, Pastor Phil explores one of the most pivotal moments in Israel's history—the fall of Jericho. reveals as a timeless lesson of faith, obedience, and divine authority. Just as Jericho's walls represented Israel's barrier to the Promised Land, our personal “Jerichos” symbolize strongholds—fear, doubt, pride, or unbelief—that hinder us from living the abundant life in Christ. Through prayer, worship, obedience, and faith, we experience what only God's power can achieve: spiritual victory and transformation! Learn why true victory begins with submission to Jesus, the Commander of our lives, and how faith in action is the key to possessing your promised land. Connect with us on Social Media↴ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels   Connect with Pastor Phil↴ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc Books & Resources: https://abundant-life.com/resources/books/   Listen to The Well Podcast⤵ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wadnywAMEK7c0E1qatMoY?si=SjH6Ko7VR3OoHrRy1yYLlQ&nd=1&dlsi=395ae55d95ac4b11 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-well/id1233267223 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR50sV854C2hogfBmv7YogvCjiNYLz9a2   Find Your Next Step:https://alife.livingproof.co/ Watch More Sermons:https://abundant-life.com/sermons/   Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website:  https://abundant-life.com/ Listen to The Well Podcast ⤵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wadnywAMEK7c0E1qatMoY?si=SjH6Ko7VR3OoHrRy1yYLlQ&nd=1&dlsi=395ae55d95ac4b11Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-well/id1233267223YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR50sV854C2hogfBmv7YogvCjiNYLz9a2Find Your Next Step: http://alife.livingproof.co/ Watch more sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/ Connect with us on Social Media ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc/Web: https://abundant-life.com/resources/books/Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/

All have sinned, all are under the reign of sin and death, and all are in solidarity with Adam. But we find the gift of grace in the second Adam, Jesus Christ. The post Rescued, Part 7: Death in Adam, Life in Christ appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

Life has a way of spinning you around and making you dizzy with all kinds of challenges. The Book of James offers a steady map: how to navigate trials, choose your words with care, and serve others from an overflow of love. It's not about perfect faith, but rather faithful practices that grow trust, patience, and joy in the mixer of life. This series walks us through this tiny but mighty book chapter by chapter and offers simple practices you can actually sustain to lead you to a transformed life in Christ.•NEXT STEPS- Have you made a decision to follow Jesus? You may be wondering what's next on your journey. We want to help! Let us guide you to your next steps in your walk with Christ: https://atmosphere.church/new-to-faith•JOIN A LIFE GROUP- Find the community you've been looking for. Discover the prayer warriors waiting to stand with you. If you're interested in joining or starting a Life Group, visit https://atmosphere.church/life-groups•ABOUT ATMOSPHERE.CHURCH- Wherever you are in life, you have a purpose. Atmosphere.Church wants to help you find your next step. Our hope is that your journey will include joining us in-person at our location in Thousand Oaks, California or globally online at https://atmosphere.church/watch•For the best experience connecting with us, download the Atmosphere.Church app at https://qrco.de/atmosphere-ca

February 22nd, 2026 | No Other Gospel | Galatians 1:6-9In this urgent message from our No Other Gospel series, Pastor Matt Darby takes us to Epistle to the Galatians 1:6–9 and delivers a clear warning for the church today: don't turn to a different gospel.Galatians reads like a spiritual tornado warning. Paul skips the pleasantries because something dangerous is brewing. The believers were drifting—not by rejecting Jesus outright, but by subtly adding to Him. And that's where the danger lies.At the heart of this message is a powerful truth:Hold fast to the true Gospel, and you hold fast to Jesus.Turn from the Gospel, and you turn from Him.There is no other Gospel because there is no other Savior.Pastor Matt reminds us that the Gospel is not merely information about Jesus—it is the announcement of what Jesus has done. The Gospel is historical, substitutionary, complete, and received as a gift. It is the good news that Jesus Christ lived the life we couldn't live, died in our place, rose in victory, and now offers full forgiveness and right standing with God by grace alone through faith alone.But the Galatians were being tempted by a “Jesus-plus” gospel—Jesus plus law, plus works, plus religious performance. And that same temptation still confronts us today.This episode exposes modern “Jesus-plus” distortions, including:Jesus + good worksJesus + church activityJesus + moral improvementJesus + personal effort to stay savedWhen we begin trusting our performance to secure or maintain our salvation, we drift from grace. And as Paul makes clear, to distort the Gospel is not a small theological tweak—it's spiritual disaster.With clarity and pastoral urgency, Pastor Matt explains why even apostles or angels are not the authority—the Gospel is. Any message that adds to Christ alone ultimately places us under condemnation rather than freedom.In the true Gospel, Jesus received the curse.In every false gospel, we remain under it.This message is both a warning and an invitation: stop trying to earn what God freely gives. Grace is not something you graduate from—it's something you go deeper into.Kingdom math is simple:Jesus + Nothing = EverythingJesus + Anything = NothingThere are only two options—life in Christ alone or condemnation in everything else. Hold fast to the true Gospel. Hold fast to Jesus.Do you know JESUS? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support through GIVING: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠

As we further our series on Come, See, Believe. Matt Tchir talks about what God can do in the midst of the struggle of life's most challenging battles. He talks about his early life before Christ in sports to a life in Christ teach sports through God centered ministry. Do you believe in the miracles of what God has planned for your life? Come and find out what changed Matt for God's glory!

Living Word AG

Pastor Nate walked us through Romans 9 and Acts 9, showing us the deep heartbreak the Apostle Paul carried for those who had not yet placed their faith in Jesus. His sorrow for the lost wasn't temporary or emotional—it was Spirit-led, rooted in a life that had been radically changed by Christ.We were reminded that:➡️ When Jesus saves us, He transforms us.➡️ God often uses obedient people—like Ananias—to reach others.➡️ Eternity matters. Jesus spoke clearly about salvation, judgment, and His mission to seek and save the lost.➡️ Our Heavenly Father's love is radical and compassionate, just like in the story of the Prodigal Son.If you've never experienced new life in Christ, today is the day to turn to Him, repent, believe, and receive His forgiveness and grace.Let's be a church that carries God's heart for the lost and boldly shares the hope we've been given.

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Today we continue our this series with a focus on "sloth" or what today we call "laziness." God made us for work, but He also made us to ENJOY our work! In a culture that worships leisure, its no wonder our population struggles with increasing physical and mental health problems. Learn how a disciplined life and a strong work ethic can be produced through living the Gospel. Let's listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Acedia (Sloth)• Zootopia film, Dorothy Sayers, Lou Holtz, Evagrius of Ponctus, Henry Ford • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Proverbs 21, verses 25-26,; chapter 12, verse 27; ch. 19, verse 24; ch. 26, verse 13 & 16; ch. 20, verse 4; ch. 19, verse 15; ch. 6, verses 10-11; Ephesians 5, verse 1; 2 Thessalonians 3, verse 10; Colossians 3, verse 23; Ecclesiates; Psalm 27, verse 14• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

On the Sunday of the Last Judgment, the Gospel reveals that judgment takes place not in a courtroom, but in the throne room of God—a reality the Church enters every Sunday in the Divine Liturgy. This homily explores how worship forms repentance, trains us in mercy, and sends us into the world with lives shaped by the pattern of Christ's self-giving love. --- The Throne Room Now: Judgment, Mercy, and the Work of the Liturgy A Homily on the Sunday of the Last Judgment (Matthew 25:31–46) When we hear the Gospel of the Last Judgment, our attention is usually drawn—rightly—to the command to do good: to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and the imprisoned. And the danger every year is that we hear this Gospel as if Christ were saying something like this: "Be good people during the week (ie take care of people)—and then come to church on Sunday." But that is not what the Lord is saying. In fact, the Gospel appointed for today does something far more unsettling—and far more hopeful. It places the Judgment not in a courtroom, but in the throne room of God. Christ says, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory." That is not legal language. It is liturgical language. The people who first heard this would have known exactly what that meant. They would have filled in the details instinctively from the Scriptures and from worship: the throne surrounded by cherubim and seraphim; the unceasing hymn of praise; even the River of Fire—not as punishment, but as the light and heat of God's own glory. And here is the first thing we must understand: We are not only told about that throne room. We are brought into it. Every Sunday, the Church does not merely remember something that will happen someday. We are brought into that reality now - as much as we can bear it. The Kingdom is revealed to us here and now, sacramentally, liturgically, truthfully. And that changes how we hear today's Gospel. First: There is a connection between doing good and coming to church Sunday is not an interruption of the Christian life. It is its measure. In a real sense, every Sunday is a little judgment—not a condemnation, but a revelation. We come into the light, and the truth about us is allowed to appear. And notice how this begins in the Divine Liturgy. It begins not with confidence, not with self-congratulation, but with repentance. The priest, standing before God as the leader and voice of the people, pleads at the very beginning: "O Lord, Lord, open unto me the door of Thy mercy." That is not theatrical humility. That is the truth. We are asking to be let in—not because we deserve it, but because without mercy we cannot even stand. And then, before the Trisagion, the priest names what God already knows about all of us: that He "despisest not the sinner but hast appointed repentance unto salvation." And so he begs Him directly: "Pardon us every transgression both voluntary and involuntary." This is what Sunday is. It is the people of God standing before the glory of His altar and asking to be healed. Asking to see clearly. Asking to be made capable of love. But repentance in the Liturgy does not remain on the lips of the clergy alone. Before Communion, the entire Church takes up the same posture and says together words that are almost shocking in their honesty: "I stand before the doors of Thy temple, and yet I refrain not from my terrible thoughts." We do not pretend that standing in church has magically fixed us. We confess that we are still conflicted, still distracted, still broken. And then, with no room left for comparison or self-justification, we each say: "Who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first." And finally, we make the plea that fits today's Gospel with frightening precision: "Not unto judgment nor unto condemnation be my partaking of Thy holy mysteries, O Lord, but unto the healing of soul and body." The Church is honest with us here. The same fire that heals can also burn, depending on whether we approach it with repentance or with presumption. This is not a threat meant to drive us away, but truth meant to help us approach rightly. That is why Sunday is a little judgment—not because God is eager to condemn, but because His throne room is opened to us now in mercy, so that we may be healed, corrected, and trained to recognize Christ when He comes to us in the least of His brethren. Second: Sunday worship is where we actually do the work Christ commands And once we see that, we can begin to understand what the Church is actually doing here -  and why worship cannot be separated from judgment. Before we ever offer bread and wine, the Church first intercedes for the world. We pray for peace from above and the salvation of our souls; for the peace of the whole world and the good estate of the holy Churches; for this city and every city and countryside; for travelers by sea, by land, and by air; for the sick, the suffering, and the captive; for deliverance from tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity. We even pray for civil authorities—not to bless power for its own sake, but that peace and order might make room for mercy and justice. In other words, before we do anything else, we place the needs of others before God. And in addition to interceding for all of this, here—at the heart of the Divine Liturgy—the Church actually performs the works of mercy Christ names in today's Gospel. Not in theory.  Not symbolically.  But truly. Here: Strangers are welcomed and given a home. Prisoners are freed from the shackles of sin and the sentence of death. The naked are clothed with baptismal garments. The thirsty are given living water. The hungry are given the Bread of Life. This is not allegory. This is reality at its deepest level. God Himself tells us to care even more for the soul than for the body. During the week, we sacrifice ourselves to meet bodily needs—and we must grow in that work. But on Sunday, we are commanded to do the most important work of mercy: to restore people to life in Christ. That is why worship is not optional. It is not private devotion. It is the Church doing what the Church exists to do.  And because that work is real, it carries with it genuine hope. Third: Sunday gives us a foretaste of the reward The Gospel of the Last Judgment is not only a warning. It is also a promise. Those who learn to serve Christ in the least of His brethren are not merely rewarded—they are invited to rest in God, to share in His life, to participate in His rule. Saint Paul says something astonishing: "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? … Do you not know that we shall judge angels?" (1 Corinthians 6:2–3) This does not mean we become harsh or self-righteous. It means we are being trained—here and now—for a future of responsibility, faithfulness, and love. What we do here is forming who we are becoming. Conclusion What happens in this Divine Liturgy is the automatic response of the Church—that is, of a people devoted to sacrificial love—to God's command to care for others as we care for ourselves. This is not a dead ritual. It is a powerful tool for doing essential work. It is the throne room of God revealed to us now. But it is not meant to remain here. The expectation of the Church is that the pattern of the Liturgy becomes the pattern of our life. That the repentance we practice here becomes the repentance that shapes our weeks. That the mercy we receive here becomes the mercy we extend beyond these walls. That the intercessions we make here train us to notice, remember, and bear the burdens of others when we leave. That is why the Liturgy does not end with applause or reflection, but with a command: "Let us go forth in peace." We are sent out not having finished our work, but having been formed for it. And when the Son of Man comes in His glory, He will recognize those whose lives have taken on the shape of His worship— those who learned, here, how to repent, how to intercede, and how to love.

An old Scottish proverb says, “Confession is good for the soul.” Scripture backs that up. Join us for step 5 of our journey, “Steps to Life in Christ,” as we get a Biblical perspective on confession to God and people we trust.

In this powerful message, Pastor Mike walks us through the Gospel of John 3:1–8 and the life-changing conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. BUBBA: Believe You Be Born Again Through the story of Greg "Bubba" McCall and Jesus' words in John 3:1–8, we're reminded that sharing our faith starts with understanding what it truly means to be born again. This message challenges us personally: Are you a BUBBA? And do you know someone who needs to be? Listen in and be encouraged to boldly share the hope of new life in Christ.

For the First Sunday of Lent, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on Lent as a time to deepen our life in Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In Week 6 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason Britt addresses a critical but often overlooked reality: the Holy Spirit is not the only spirit at work in our time. In a world saturated with noise, misinformation, and competing "truths," the gift of discernment is more vital for the believer than ever before. Drawing from 1 John 4, this message explores how to "test the spirits" to see whether they are from God. Following Jesus isn't just about rejecting obvious evil; it's about recognizing the subtle replacements, reductions, and reshapings of Jesus that permeate our modern culture. If you've felt overwhelmed by the "spirit of the age," this message will help you find confidence in the Spirit of Truth who dwells within you.

The Bible exposes our sin in order to bring us to repentance, that we may enjoy God's forgiveness and new life in Christ. Today, Sinclair Ferguson outlines the work of Scripture in teaching and reproving us. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/teaching-and-reproof/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts