Podcasts about life john

December 25, 2025Today's Reading: John 1:1-18Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The words “in the beginning” take us back to Genesis. We know the story: a perfect, pristine creation by God in six days comes crashing down under the curse of sin by one man's trespass that “led to condemnation for all men” (Romans 5:18). The darkness of sin and man's condemnation under the law is only overcome by divine Light.  The inspired writer John proclaims this Light, this redemption found in the Word made flesh Who dwelt among us. John's description of Jesus is still worthy of faithful contemplation, for he speaks of Jesus' divinity as the everlasting Word in the beginning through Whom all things were made. Whereas the other Gospels begin emphasizing the humanity of Jesus, John begins with His divinity. Christ wasn't another prophet or rabbi, but the everlasting Word Incarnate, God having come to dwell among us not in a Temple or Tent, but in the flesh and blood person of Christ crucified and risen from the dead. We behold our Advocate with the Father in the Son Who testifies “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30) and “before Abraham was, I Am” (John 8:58). In the face of so many heresies decrying Jesus as God, this confession of Christ as Lord must go forth in that courageous conviction only God brings forth in His blessed children. There's no other way to the Father than through the Son, Who is the “Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6) and calls sinners to repentance and faith in He Who still outshines a dark world.The children of God believe and confess this Word by faith, and John also clarifies for us that this is God's work. Children of God aren't made so by the will of the flesh but God. It's His divine work to bring life from death. The dark, cold, stoney heart becomes one brimming with life at the good deposit entrusted to the baptized believer—faith in the Word made flesh. It's this faith that seeks comfort and solace in the promises of God when it seems the darkness has won and thus any victory belongs to the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31). Feelings should fall to the wayside of Jesus' promises. No, the darkness doesn't win. The Word Incarnate has made sure of it. The darkness doesn't overcome the Light Who shines now and for all eternity. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Into flesh is made the Word, alleluia! He, our refuge and our Lord, alleluia! On this day God gave us Christ, His Son, to save us; Christ, His Son, to save us (LSB 381)Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

Rev. Clay Wooten

How many times a day do you say or think to yourself, “I'm hungry?” Our bodies let us know when they need sustenance. Without food, we die. Jesus, having just miraculously fed the crowds, will make some astounding claims about what we all need from Him. How will the people respond? How do we respond? Let's open God's Word and learn where we find lasting sustenance!

Rev. Clay Wooten

Pastor Brandon Bellomo 12/7/25

Title: The Light of LifeSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this Advent message from John 1:4-8, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores three essential realities about Jesus, the Light of Life. First, the Light is integral—the eternal Word who gives life to all humanity and whose illumination reaches every person through creation and conscience. Second, the Light is victorious—shining in present-tense power through the resurrection, defeating the darkness that cannot overcome Him. Third, the Light is the One we need—which is why God sent John the Baptist as a witness pointing to Jesus, so that all might believe. Whether you're groping in darkness and need to believe for the first time, or you're a believer called to witness like John, this message reminds us that Christmas celebrates the arrival of the Light who cannot be defeated—the One for whom our restless hearts were made.Link to Sermon Notes

Studies in John31 The Purpose of LifeJohn 12:20-36

This Advent season, Gayle Parker opened by inviting us to rethink where real life actually begins. John's prologue reminds us that Jesus didn't simply enter the world in Bethlehem—He is the eternal Word who was present before creation, the One through whom all things came into being. In a season when we're tempted to believe life will start “once we get there”—once we succeed, once we have enough, once things finally feel stable—John confronts us with a different truth. Real life is found not in our future milestones but in the Light who is already shining. Through Amber's story, Gayle showed how easily we follow false saviors—external pressures, internal fears, or habits that promise life but slowly steal it. Yet John insists that darkness never gets the final word. The light of Christ keeps breaking in, illuminating our choices and calling us to draw near to Him. Our task isn't to manufacture light on our own, but to stay close to the One who brings it, letting His presence shape the way we live right now. Video Credit: Perseid Meteor Shower 2024 Highlights - Real Time 4K | Magic Carpet Media - Music used: Singularity by Jonny Easton | Relaxing Ambient Music - Royalty Free... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAvQgPpsuuE

John Collins got his start as a security guard. After that, he became a police officer, a career in which he was known for making DUI arrests. There was one incident, though, that changed his outlook on the approach to DUIs and another which dampened his desire to confront bad guys in the wild. Those experiences led him to pursue a career as an attorney, first as a prosecutor and then as a defender. In this episode, hear his wild stories, the reasons for his career moves, and why he decided to become a scum-sucking criminal defense attorney. Give it a listen, it's a good one. Follow John on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. #attorney #johncollins #dui #dwi #jcpenney #defense #criminaldefense #getsome 

Advent is season celebrating the coming of Jesus and longing for him to come again. And we learn a lot about why Jesus came from what he reveals about himself. In this passage, he tells us who he is, what he came to do, and how he did it.

I Am the True Vine: Abiding in Christ Is the Key to a Fruitful Life (John 15:1–11) - Dr. Bill Cook

November 30, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This episode is the final class of the quarter and a wrap-up of a multi-week study of the Gospel of John, focusing on the remaining "I AM" statements. The instructor leads the group through extended readings and discussion from John 10, 11, 14, and 15, explores Old Testament echoes (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, Jeremiah 23, Isaiah, Micah, Exodus), and highlights John's stated purpose in John 20:30–31: that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in his name. Topics covered include: "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10) — Jesus' sacrificial care, contrast with hirelings, intimate knowledge of his sheep, protection and provision; "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11) — power over death, hope beyond the grave, and comfort in loss; "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14) — Jesus as exclusive access to the Father, truth as the foundation for the path, and life as the goal; and "I am the True Vine" (John 15) — abiding in Christ, pruning, bearing fruit, and dependence on the vine for spiritual vitality. The class includes interactive dialogue with students, practical applications, and short teaching moments: why Jesus uses Old Testament imagery, how knowing the flock shapes ministry and relationships, the need to follow and bring others into the fold, and how trust in the resurrection eases anxiety about death and loss. Key takeaways: Jesus' "I AM" sayings repeatedly point to his deity and his unique role as shepherd, savior, guide, and life-giver; faith here is presented as trust grounded in signs and witness rather than blind belief; abiding in Christ is essential for fruitfulness and growth; Christian discipleship requires intentional relationship-building (knowing the flock) and witness to others. The instructor also reflects on John's deliberate repetition and selection of signs as a method for deepening faith and encouraging lifelong study. This is a classroom conversation rich with questions, anecdotes (including a youth's perceptive remark and a brief sports anecdote about repetition), and pastoral application intended to help listeners expect thoughtful exposition, biblical connections, and practical steps for following Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.   Duration 41:52

Message from Adrian Parker on November 30, 2025

Thanks for watching! This sermon was preached by Dave Cook at Calvary Baptist Church on 11/23/25 as part of our Gospel of John sermon series. We'd love to have you join us in person or learn more about who we are.

This episode tells the story of John Bailey Adger, a 19th-century missionary who served Christ both overseas and at home through translation work, preaching, and sacrificial ministry. His life challenges us to consider where Christ is calling us to pour out our own.

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I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) - Dr. Bill Cook

When Death Meets Jesus: “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25) - Dr. Bill Cook

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Don't be complacent - be a witness! This weekend we began a new collection of talks called The Generous Life. We are the forerunners for Jesus - and he's coming back! Listen to the full message now to hear Pastor John's teach on our urgent mission as Christians. There are people waiting to hear about Jesus, so what's holding you back?

Dennis and Benedicta discuss the longest recorded prayer of Jesus found in John 17.Send us a textTo find out more about Dennis & Benedicta Pollock please visit the Spirit of Grace website, where you can find other wonderful resources such as videos and articles. You will also find out how you can support the work of Spirit of Grace by becoming a Friend of Grace .Please send questions, comments, and feedback with us at grace@spiritofgrace.org.

Part two continues to look at the disturbing case of John Cant Smith, a convicted murderer and rapist who was released from prison despite mounting evidence he remained dangerous. After serving 19 years for a brutal 1983 murder, John Cant Smith was freed in 2002, only to reoffend within months. This episode explores his 1987 involvement in the notorious Peterhead Prison riot, his subsequent crimes including prowling around a mother and daughter's home, and his 2006 attempted abduction. Host Dawn questions why John Cant Smith was repeatedly released despite clear warning signs, examining failures in the criminal justice system that allowed a violent offender to threaten public safety. The episode also raises questions about rehabilitation, life sentences that don't mean life, and whether some criminals deserve second chances when their victims never received one.SOURCES:Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/johncantsmithBritish Newspaper Archives Affiliate LinkSUPPORT US:Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurdersKo-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurdersMerch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurdersWebsite - scottishmurders.comTwitter - @scottishmurdersInstagram - @scottishmurderspodcastFacebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdursYouTube - @ScottishMurdersLinktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurdersCREDITS:Scottish Murders is a production of CluarantonnHosted by Dawn YoungResearched, Written and Edited by Dawn YoungProduction Company Name by Granny RobertsonMUSIC:ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound

NASA Research Suggests Mars Ice Contains Best Chance for Finding Ancient Life. John Batchelor and Bob Zimmerman discuss NASA's search for signs of past organic life on Mars. A research team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center conducted a simulated test to see how long microbiological remnants could survive Martian radiation conditions. The test exposed E. coli samples in simulated Martian sediment and pure water ice to radiation equivalent to a 50-million-year span. Results showed the samples rapidly decayed in the sediment. However, the E. coli samples survived the entire time span when encased in the ice. This research strongly suggests that searching for ancient microbiology should not occur in the dry tropics where current rovers operate. Instead, NASA must search above 30 degrees latitude where substantial near-surface ice exists. Finding living life is highly unlikely, but discovering fossilized corpses of past life in the ice is the most probable outcome.

NASA Research Suggests Mars Ice Contains Best Chance for Finding Ancient Life. John Batchelor and Bob Zimmerman discuss NASA's search for signs of past organic life on Mars. A research team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center conducted a simulated test to see how long microbiological remnants could survive Martian radiation conditions. The test exposed E. coli samples in simulated Martian sediment and pure water ice to radiation equivalent to a 50-million-year span. Results showed the samples rapidly decayed in the sediment. However, the E. coli samples survived the entire time span when encased in the ice. This research strongly suggests that searching for ancient microbiology should not occur in the dry tropics where current rovers operate. Instead, NASA must search above 30 degrees latitude where substantial near-surface ice exists. Finding living life is highly unlikely, but discovering fossilized corpses of past life in the ice is the most probable outcome.

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This was Dave Richards looking at John 7:25-44 from our 7 pm service on Sunday 19 October 2025. This is part of our Truth & Reality Series.

In this episode we feature a talk from William Taylor on John 15:1-17. It explores Jesus' statement that 'I am the true vine', and also considers how we should understand the New Testament's use of the Old Testament.  Questions answered in this episode:  - How do we be fruitful? - What is the fruit that Jesus talks about in John 15?  - How should we understand Old Testament allusions in the New Testament?  Got a question about John's Gospel? Send us a message and we'll try and answer it in a video! he Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://sthelensbishopsgatechurch.churchsuite.com/donate/fund/saainnwx The music for today's episode was written and produced by Leo Elbourne and Josh Stidwill. To contact us, email office@biblematters.org

Topics: Hebrews 10:26 Deliberate Sins Explained, The Truth About Hebrews 10:26-31, No Sacrifice for Sins Left (Hebrews 10:26), Enemies of God Explained (Hebrews 10:27), Peace With God Through Jesus (Romans 5:1), Crossing From Death to Life (John 5:24), The Importance of Context in Hebrews, Why “We” Means Can Mean “You” in Scripture, The Fearful Expectation of Judgment (Hebrews 10:27), Trampling the Son of God Underfoot (Hebrews 10:29), The Spirit of Grace Insulted (Hebrews 10:29), Falling Into the Hands of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31), The Letter Written to the Hebrews, God Found Fault With the People (Hebrews 8:8), Replaced by the New Covenant Through Jesus (Hebrews 8:13), No Forgiveness Left at the Temple, Five Lies About Hebrews 10:26, God Won't Forgive Deliberate Sins, The Obedience of Faith (Romans 1:5), The Disobedience of the Hebrews, The Day of Atonement Explained, Hebrews 10:3, The Difference Between Atonement and Propitiation, Impossible for Animal Blood to Take Away Sins (Hebrews 10:4), Once-for-All Sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 10:12), No More Offerings Needed (Hebrews 10:18), Deliberate Sinning According to the Law, Accidental Sins and the Law (Numbers 15:27), The Hebrews Abusing the Forgiveness System, Grace Is Not Cheap—Law Is, Saved From Wrath by His Blood (Romans 5:9), Strive to Enter Rest (Hebrews 4:11), Not Under Law but Under Grace (Romans 6:14), Saved Completely Because He Always Lives (Hebrews 7:25), Sanctified Once for All (Hebrews 10:10), Christ Took Away Sin Forever (Hebrews 9:28), The Scapegoat and Jesus Compared, Safe and Perfect Forever by His BloodSupport the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

This week we explore Jesus interaction with Mary and Martha as he encounters them following the death of their brother Lazarus.

In this episode we feature a talk by Dick Lucas on John 11. In the talk, Dick considers Jesus' claim that 'I am the resurrection and the life' and how such a statement gives believers hope in the face of death.  Questions answered in this episode: - Is there life after death? -Can Jesus help someone facing death?  -Why should I trust in Jesus? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://sthelensbishopsgatechurch.churchsuite.com/donate/fund/saainnwx The music for today's episode was written and produced by Leo Elbourne and Josh Stidwill. To contact us, email office@biblematters.org #DickLucas #resurrectionandthelife #facingdeath #hopeinJesus

Who Does Jesus Claim to Be? “I Am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35) - Dr. Bill Cook

This was Eilidh Proudfoot looking at John 6:25-59 from our 7 pm service on Sunday 5 October 2025. This is part of our Truth & Reality Series.

This was Andy Croft looking at John 6:25-59 from our 10 am service on Sunday 5 October 2025. This is part of our Truth & Reality Series.

Topics: Death, No Need to Fear Death If You've Trusted Jesus, Eternal Realm Revealed upon Death, No Christian Will Go to Hell, Instantly in the Presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:8), No Heavenly Reward Ceremony, Jesus Has Complete Power over Death, Jesus Is God, Jesus Broke Power of Death (Hebrews 2:14-15), Jesus No Longer Holds Your Sins Against You (2 Corinthians 5:19), God Remembers Your Sins No More (Hebrews 8:12), Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22), Already Seated in Heavenly Realms in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6), God Has Placed Eternity in the Heart of Every Human (Ecclesiastes 3:11), All Things Were Created by Jesus and for Jesus (Colossians 1:16-17), Fix Your Thoughts on Heavenly Things (Colossians 3:2), To Be Absent from the Body Is to Be Present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8), Purgatory Is Not Biblical, Mortal Sins Will Not Send Christians to Hell or Purgatory, Every Sin Is Mortal (Romans 6:23), We Must All Stand and Give an Account (2 Corinthians 5:10), Unbelievers Will Give an Account for Rejecting Christ (Romans 14:12), Teachers of the Law Will Be Judged More Strictly (James 3:1), The Parable of the Vineyard Workers (Matthew 20), The Reward of the Inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24, Jesus Lays Down His Life Only to Take It Up Again (John 10:17-18), It Was Impossible for Death to Keep Its Hold on Him (Acts 2:24), I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26), I Am the Way the Truth and the Life (John 14:6), To Live Is Christ and to Die Is Gain (Philippians 2:21), Jesus Destroyed Death and Brought Life and Immortality (2 Timothy 1:10), He Is Able to Save Completely because He Always Lives (Hebrews 7:25), See What Great Love the Father Has Lavished on Us (1 John 3:1), The Deepest Truth about DeathSupport the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Knock, knock. Who's there? Jesus … Okay, there's no joke here but a way to get us thinking about this declaration that Jesus makes in John 10, “I am the door.” As we continue our series, we'll be invited by Jesus to enter and abide with Him. As the door, He provides us with protection, freedom, provision, relationship, and real life. Yet, we often knock and pull on other false doors.

In this episode of Pray the Word on John 10:10, David Platt invites us to experience the abundant life God has designed for us.Listen to our newest podcast, Everyday Radical!Explore more content from Radical.

Episode Summary: If you’ve ever struggled with discouragement, and we all have because life is full of disappointment and disillusionment, then this episode is for you. In honor of National Day of Encouragement, my co-host, Rev. Jessica Van Roekel and I talk about How to Find Biblical Encouragement for Your Everyday Life. Discouragement can rob us of joy, peace, and a sense of purpose. Encouragement is more than a feeling - it’s a powerful tool to propel us toward hope and confidence even when life feels less than happy. Today we’re going to talk about how to find biblical encouragement for your everyday life. Quotables from the episode: In 2007, a group of young people at the National Leadership Forum at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas saw a lack of encouragement as one of the main obstacles that people face. While dedicating a day to encourage others is noble, we can experience encouragement every day when we turn to the Lord and receive his encouragement. The challenge to receive biblical encouragement is when we know God’s promises but don’t see him working. This topic is close to my heart because I’ve seen firsthand how knowing God, and his promises have encouraged me in the face of difficult and seemingly unchanging circumstances. I know many of our listeners and viewers struggle with discouragement, and my prayer is that today’s conversation will bring encouragement and hope. Knowing God’s names helps us learn to trust him. When we trust him, it’s easier to experience encouragement in our every day. Psalm 9:10 says, Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Relationships are an area where we can experience extreme discouragement. Personality differences can create division. Unforgiveness leads to rifts. It can feel discouraging to desire a healing in a relationship, but every effort is rejected. We’ve talked about the temptation to judge God’s goodness based on humanity’s failures. If our in-person relationships are broken, and we don’t have a vibrant or growing relationship with God, we grow discouraged because we were made for relationship. Friend, if you’ve found yourself in a place of discouragement—especially when you're facing relationship struggles—you are not alone. As a neuropsychologist, I’ve seen how deeply our relationships impact not only our emotional well-being but also our brain health. God designed our brains for connection. We were created in His image, a God who is relational by nature, and He wired us for fellowship—with Him and with each other. When our relationships are strained, whether due to misunderstanding, unmet expectations, betrayal, or emotional distance, our brains register it as a threat. That triggers our stress response—what we often call “fight, flight, or freeze.” Over time, if that stress continues unchecked, it leads to anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, and a foggy, overwhelmed mind. Our thought life becomes a battlefield, and discouragement sets in. But here's the hope: God doesn’t leave us to navigate this alone. He sees every tear, hears every unspoken word, and knows the condition of our hearts and minds. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Our healing begins when we bring both our brain health and our relational wounds to the Great Physician. Practical steps include tending to your thought life—taking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), practicing forgiveness to unburden your heart, and choosing truth over lies. Sometimes that means setting healthy boundaries or seeking wise counsel. And always, it means leaning into the One who offers peace that transcends understanding. Your brain can heal. Your heart can mend. And your relationships can be restored—if not with others, then certainly with the Lord, who is the source of all true comfort and strength. Discouragement may visit, but it doesn’t have to take up permanent residence. Knowing God as Abba leads us to know God as a wonderful Father. (Galatians 4:6) He is the Alpha and Omega – Jesus was in the beginning as the Word of God and he is God’s final word for all eternity. (Revelation 21:6) As Adonai, we recognize his leadership in our life. He is our Lord and Ruler. (Ezekiel 16:8) El Chay, or Living God, reminds us that the entertainments, enticements, and other distractions are not worthy of worship. (Psalm 84:2) El Roi, The God Who Sees, encourages us with God’s mercy, grace, and comfort. We are not invisible to him. (Genesis 16:13) Jehovah-Jireh, The Lord our Provider, tells us God is our provider, and it is the same Hebrew word as Moriah, the region where God sent Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. God may ask us to give something up, and he gives us himself in return, and becomes all we need. (Romans 8:32) Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord Our Banner, paints the picture that we live under God’s banner. It was the name revealed when Moses erected an altar to commemorate the defeat of their enemies. It encourages us that we live under God’s victory. He goes before us and comes behind us to make us victors in life’s battles. (Exodus 17:15) The Lord Our Healer, or Jehovah-Rapha, encourages us because God heals our hearts in the here and now. (Exodus 15:26) The Lord is Peace, Jehovah-Shalom, our security, sufficiency, and serenity. (Judges 6:24) Jehovah-Tsuri, the Lord our Rock, helps us remember God is permanent, faithful, protective, a firm foundation, a hiding place and shelter. (Psalm 18:2) Knowing the names of God gives us insight into his character, which encourages us when we face different situations where we need to rely on a different aspect of God’s character. For example, if someone feels discouraged because of life’s chaos, remembering God is Jehovah Shalom encourages their heart because God is their serenity. God is a covenant making and covenant keeping God. The primary promise of the covenant is the Lord’s promise to “be God to you and to your offspring after you.” The goal of God’s covenant with humankind is to bring salvation, not just to one nation, but to the entire human race. This covenant was eventually fulfilled through Jesus Christ as his followers began to spread the good news about him throughout the world. God made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the Israelite nation, David, and finally the whole world through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Covenants, or promises, are conditional because they are based on the agreements of two parties. God cannot go back on his promises, but we can refuse the comfort of the promises when we fail to take God at his word and allow doubt to lead us to sin. Because of God’s covenants, we have promises like the promise of his presence. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (NLT) Deuteronomy 31:8, “‘Do not be afraid of discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (NLT) Isaiah 43:2, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Joshua 1:19, “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Those are wonderful reminders of God presence. I know I’ve needed to believe them by faith because sometimes what I see, and what I feel don’t match up with what I know to be true. I also cling to the promise of Victory found in: John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Exodus 14:14, “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, persecutions, and troubles I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Isaiah 40:29, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” God promises to guide us: Psalm 32:8, “The Lord says, I will guide along the best pathway for your life. I will advise and watch over you. Psalm 37:23-24, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 23:1-2, ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. Not only does God promise us his presence, victory, and guidance, but he also promises rest, life, peace, and forgiveness: Rest: Matthew 11:28-29, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Life: John 3:16, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Peace: Isaiah 26:3, ‘You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.” Forgiveness: 1 John 1:9, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all wickedness.” Our faith grows when we plant our feet on God’s promises. (Psalm 34:18) He is close to the broken hearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit. (2 Cor. 4:8-9) We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (Isaiah 54:17) “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And you will condemn every tongue that accuses you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. I think it starts with looking at the end of Hebrews 11, knowing the stories of those who have gone before us, remembering the past so we can encourage ourselves in the present and build hope for the future. Hebrews 11 opens with this verse: Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. The next several verses list people who lived by faith and received what God promised and those who died without receiving things promised and yet, they are commended for having faith. It’s faith in the promise maker which matters. Looking at our circumstances for “proof” of God keeping his promises leads to disappointment. Remember, faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Sometimes, we need to cling to other’s people’s stories when our stories are littered with doubt and disappointment. One story which encourages me when I am feeling discouraged is Mary, Martha and Lazarus when Lazarus became ill and died. That story reminds me that things are not always as they seem, but God always has a plan and he sees the end from the beginning. he bible is full of encouragement and doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties people of faith faced. If Job can lose his entire fortune, family and health and still remain faithful to God—believing him to faithful and true—then I can look beyond my circumstances and see that God is bigger than what’s right in front of me. I can take the magnifying glass off of the things in my life that discourage me and point my magnifying glass to the God who breathes stars and breath in my lungs. I am encouraged by Abraham, when he looked the impossibility of his reality (too old to have children) and yet remained believing that God would fulfill his promise. I’ve been in situations where I couldn’t see a way forward and following Abraham’s example encourages me so much. Knowing God intimately is a great first step toward experiencing biblical encouragement. Understanding his heart and loyalty toward us is key. Second, we can remember to look beyond what we see to what we know to be true. Sometimes feelings follow an act of faith. Take Hebrews 11 to heart. Recommended Resources: Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jessica Van Roekel: Website / Instagram / Facebook For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Co-Host: Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who believes that through Jesus, personal histories don’t need to define the present or determine the future. She inspires, encourages, and equips others to look at life through the lenses of hope, trust, and God’s transforming grace. Jessica lives in rural Iowa surrounded by wide open spaces which remind her of God’s expansive love. She loves fun earrings, good coffee, and connecting with others. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One moment Elijah is standing in victory on Mount Carmel. The next, he's weary, discouraged, and ready to quit. How do you finish well when life feels heavy and faith feels small? In this finale from 1 Kings 19 through 2 Kings 2, Pastor Joby takes us through Elijah's last chapters where fear, failure, and frailty meet the faithfulness of God. From the still small voice in the cave to the fiery chariots of heaven, we discover that God is not finished with His people. He calls us to raise up the next generation, to walk in both Word and power, and to trust His promises all the way to the end. If you've ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you, or whether God can use you after your darkest days, Elijah's story is a reminder: it's not how you start, but how you finish.

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Ken Yates are discussing a passage from John's gospel in their “Tough Texts” series. John 5:28-29 seems to say that doing good (vs. believing) will bring everlasting life. How can this be reconciled to the rest of what John says about being given everlasting