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Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comColossians 4Paul gives final instructions to believers, urging them to devote themselves to prayer while remaining watchful and thankful. He asks for prayers that God would open doors for him to clearly proclaim the message of Christ, even while he is imprisoned. Paul also encourages believers to be wise in how they interact with outsiders, making the most of every opportunity and speaking with grace, even when in a position of authority like a master over a slave. He then lists several companions who are assisting him, including Tychicus, Onesimus, and others, and sends greetings to various churches and individuals. Paul reminds the Colossians to fulfill the ministries God has given them. He closes the letter with a personal touch, asking them to remember his chains and offering grace to all. Christians are called to be a people of prayer, persistence, and gratitude. We should continually seek God's guidance, praying not only for our needs but also for open doors to share the gospel with others. In every conversation, we are challenged to be wise and gracious, making the most of each opportunity to reflect Christ. We must remember that our words and actions can either draw people toward Jesus or push them away. Like Paul's companions, we are part of a larger mission, encouraging and supporting one another in faith. As we live out our ministries, we should remain alert, faithful, and bold, trusting that God will use our lives to spread His love and grace in the world. Gracious God, thank You for the gift of prayer and the privilege of seeking Your help. Draw us to be devoted in prayer: honest, thankful, and full of faith. Open doors for us to speak the mystery of Christ with clarity and courage. Teach us to walk in wisdom toward others and to let our conversations be filled with grace, seasoned with truth. Strengthen us to encourage one another and to remain faithful to Your mission for us. May we reflect Christ in our words, actions, and attitudes. Use us to bring Your hope and light into every place we go. Thought Questions: What motivates you to be careful how you speak to unbelievers? How might your words be a testimony to the goodness of Christ? How is your prayer life? Why must you bring thankfulness into prayer and direct attention toward praying for other workers in the kingdom? Who are some people you know who encourage you because of their active faith and labor for the Lord? Will you pray for them today?
Some moments in our lives are watershed moments—where tragedy strikes so deep we know our world will never be the same. This week was one of those moments in our Nation. The public assassination of Charlie Kirk is now etched into our national memory. Not a head of state, not a military leader—but a voice for truth, faith, and conviction, cut down not for political position because of Biblical conviction. This moment is more than political—it's spiritual. And how we respond will define a generation. The Church must not cower in fear, rage in retaliation, or retreat into silence. Like Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2, we're called to courage in the face of opposition—fueled by the fear of God, not man. Courageous Christians speak truth no matter the cost, love each other like family, and protect the mission at all costs. Evil will rage—but it cannot win. Our task is clear: live bold, holy lives; preach Jesus with conviction; protect one another in love; and hold fast to the hope that God will avenge, redeem, and restore.
On the road to Damascus, Paul was unaware of the magnitude of God's calling on his life until Jesus revealed Himself in a blinding light. Paul's unawareness kept him focused on his own agenda, unable to see the greater purpose God had for him. Like Paul, we can miss God's call when we aren't tuned in to His voice, consumed by the noise of life or unaware that He's speaking to us. But God's call is clear, intentional, and always present—we just need to open our hearts and listen. Are you ready to move from unawareness to clarity and step into the purpose God has prepared for you?
Send us a textIn this episode, we reflect on the shocking death of Charlie Kirk and the growing division, violence, and uncertainty in our world. Using Philippians 1:21–24, Psalm 37, and Revelation 22, we explore what it means for Christians to live homesick for heaven—longing for our eternal home with confidence, yet living faithfully here and now. Like Paul, we desire to be with Christ, but until then, we are called to point others to Him and endure with hope. This is not a call to despair but to purposeful living, fueled by the assurance that the inheritance of the righteous will last forever.
Big Idea of the Series: In this eight-week series on the book of Philippians, we will examine the source of Paul's defiant joy while he lived under house arrest in Rome. The apostle Paul was a light to the Philippians, radiating joy to a church disheartened by their mentor's imprisonment. Like Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, this series is designed to encourage the church to find joy in the midst of suffering, bringing hope to those who are hurting.Key Truth: A Christ follower's joy is based on the faithfulness of GodKey Verse: Philippians 1:19–26Summary: Paul's joy was based in the faithfulness of God. As Christ followers, we too should focus on and trust in God rather than our circumstances.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/legacychurchtx/Join us in person:https://legacychurchhutto.comMusic used with permission:Dreamers by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comPhilippians 3 Believers are urged to rejoice in the Lord and be cautious of those who rely on rituals like circumcision, putting confidence in the flesh. Though he once had many reasons to boast—his heritage, zeal, and obedience to the law—Paul now sees all of it as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Disciples are encouraged to pursue a righteousness that comes through faith, not through works of the Law. Paul tells them he has not reached perfection but is pressing to know Christ fully. He challenges them to forget what lies behind and strain toward what is ahead. Their true citizenship is in heaven, and they should live as those eagerly waiting for Christ, who will transform their bodies into His likeness by His great power. Our value does not come from our achievements, status, or past actions, but from knowing Christ. Like Paul, we must let go of anything we once considered gain and see it as loss compared to the joy of walking with Jesus. We are called to stop striving for righteousness purely through our efforts and instead flourish in the righteousness that comes by faith. As we grow, we should not dwell on the past, whether failures or successes, but press forward purposefully. Our eyes should be set on the eternal prize, not on temporary things. We are citizens of heaven, and our lives should reflect that identity. We must pursue Christ with humility and a heart eager for His return. Glorious Lord, help us understand that our salvation is found in You, not in our accomplishments or perfection. Lead us to surrender to Christ, live faithfully to Him, and glorify Him as our source of righteousness. Please give us the strength to let go of any part of our past that did not prioritize Jesus. Guide us to look ahead to a life that pursues the calling voice of our Savior, following the examples of faithful men and women throughout the ages. Fill our hearts with a yearning for heaven and great anticipation for new and eternal spiritual bodies. Thought Questions: Regarding religious accomplishments, what are some things you may put confidence in instead of Christ? Why is this a mistake? What are you willing to leave behind to prioritize “knowing Christ Jesus”? Why must some things be “counted as loss” to be faithful? How often do you think about heaven and the change to come? How does this hope help you keep your mind off carnal, earthly things?
In Romans 1:1, Paul reminds us what it means to be set apart for the gospel — living fully surrendered to Christ and committed to sharing the good news with others. Laura Bailey reflects on Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and challenges us to examine our own willingness to share the gospel, even when it feels uncomfortable. Like Paul, we are called to let our lives reflect God’s grace and boldly carry the message of salvation to those who need to hear it. ✨ Highlights What Romans 1:1 teaches about living a life set apart for Christ Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and its powerful testimony Why sharing the gospel message requires faith, courage, and obedience How our stories can point others to God’s grace and salvation A reminder that we’re responsible for sharing the message, not controlling the response
From the garden to the temptation of Jesus, to Phillipi, to this very day, the enemy's lies have not gotten more creative. Like Paul, we need to learn how to hear them, and how to drown them out with the truth.
Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Ephesians 3Paul reveals the mystery of God's plan—to unite both Jews and Gentiles as one in Christ. This truth, once hidden, is now made known through the gospel, allowing all believers to share in God's promises. Paul describes his calling to preach this message, emphasizing that his mission is not by his own strength but by God's grace. He highlights how God's wisdom is displayed through the church, which reveals His eternal purpose. He then prays for believers to be strengthened by the Spirit, to be rooted in love, and to grasp the immeasurable love of Christ. He concludes with praise, declaring that God can do far more than we ask or imagine through His power at work in us, bringing glory to Him in all generations, forever and ever. We are part of God's incredible plan, united in Christ and granted access to His promises through the gospel. This truth should humble and inspire us to live with purpose, knowing that we have been chosen to reveal God's wisdom and love to the world. Like Paul, we depend on God's grace and strength, not our own abilities, to fulfill His mission. We should pray for spiritual strength, seeking to be rooted in Christ's love and to comprehend its immeasurable depth. As we grow in faith, we trust that God is working beyond what we can see or imagine. Our lives should reflect His glory, demonstrating His love and power to those around us, bringing glory to Him in His church. Glorious God, thank You for revealing the great mystery of the ages through Your beloved Son—that anyone from anywhere can be saved through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We live in the unfathomable riches of our Savior, and we pray that this leads to confidence and boldness in our faith. Please grant us strength and power through Your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts for Your Son to dwell within us. Root us in His love and help us grow and bear fruit for You, demonstrating His glory as we live victoriously as His protected church. Thought Questions: - If God's great mystery invites all people to come together in Christ, should that also be part of your mission? Whom should you share Jesus with? - God's wisdom is shown to everyone through the church. When people see us as Christ's church, what should we reveal about God? - Are you rooted and grounded in the love of Christ? How is that shown in how you treat others, especially those in the Lord's church?
Big Idea of the Series: In this eight-week series on the book of Philippians, we will examine the source of Paul's defiant joy while he lived under house arrest in Rome. The apostle Paul was a light to the Philippians, radiating joy to a church disheartened by their mentor's imprisonment. Like Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, this series is designed to encourage the church to find joy in the midst of suffering, bringing hope to the hurting.Key Truth: A Christ follower's joy defies their situationKey Verse: Philippians 1:3–5Summary: Paul's joy defied his situation. Christians are called to turn their bad experiences into inspirational testimonies—living to comfort others with the same comfort that we have received from God.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/legacychurchtx/Join us in person:https://legacychurchhutto.comMusic used with permission:Dreamers by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
Suffering is a reality for every believer, and it's one of the most difficult things to reconcile with the goodness and love of our Heavenly Father. Yet, throughout Scripture and in our own lives, we see that God does not spare even His most faithful servants from pain. The story of Paul's conversion is a powerful reminder that suffering is not a sign of God's absence or lack of love, but rather, it is often a necessary part of our spiritual journey. Jesus Himself promised that in this world we would have tribulation, and the cross stands as the ultimate proof of God's love for us—not our circumstances. When we face suffering, it's not because God is indifferent or cruel. The cross of Christ demonstrates that He entered into our pain, suffered alongside us, and gave His very best for our sake. If we ever doubt His love, we need only look to Calvary. The paradox is that God allows suffering because we need it. It is the bedrock of our spiritual life, the means by which we are strengthened, grown, redirected, and given the opportunity to glorify God. Suffering exposes our weakness and brings us to our knees, where we discover that true strength comes from Christ alone. Like Paul, we learn that God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Spiritual growth rarely happens in comfort; it is forged in the fires of adversity. Through suffering, we learn to access the spiritual provisions God has given us—peace, endurance, character, and hope. Sometimes, suffering is God's way of waking us up, redirecting our lives, and shaking us out of spiritual complacency. He disciplines those He loves, not to harm us, but to move us toward His best for us. Looking back, we often see how God used painful seasons to bring about blessings we could never have imagined. Perhaps the greatest privilege suffering affords is the opportunity to glorify God. It is easy to praise Him in times of abundance, but it is in the valley, when we stand in His strength and declare His goodness, that He is most glorified. Our response to suffering becomes a testimony to the world and a source of encouragement to others. United in our suffering and in the grace of Christ, we remember that He is with us, and through Him, we can endure and bring glory to His name.
"Our faith and life challenge us to adapt." As young adults navigate diverse life stages, adaptability is key. Like Paul, who became "all things to all people," we're called to adjust to new conditions. Embrace change, knowing God is with you in every phase.
This week at One Hope, Gareth preached from 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 on the Gospel Method for Missional Living. He reminded us that true freedom in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for serving God and others. Like Paul, we are called to lay down our freedom to reach people with the gospel, living as sent ones in every sphere of life. Through incarnational mission, faithful contextualisation, and the Spirit's empowering, we are ambassadors of Christ—His aroma, salt, and light in the world.
Philippians 3:12-16 NIVNot that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.While we all have a past on some level, and things we've done that we aren't proud of, the apostle Paul had the execution and imprisonment of Christ-followers in his recent past. He had overseen the stoning of Stephen recorded in Acts 7. So when he says “forgetting what is behind, straining ahead, and pressing on to his goal,” that effort is no small feat. But Paul lived first and foremost from the knowledge that Christ had forgiven him.Anyone can set goals, but reaching for, straining toward, and winning that goal takes great courage. To make major progress and reach new heights in our lives, we must let go of the painful events, relationships, and things of our past that hold us back from becoming who we need to be.Listen once again to Paul's action phrases from this passage:I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. … one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.All of us … who are mature should take such a view of things. … let us live up to what we have already attained.(from Philippians 3:12-16 NIV)Does your past effect you making goals?Like Paul had to do, let go of your past. Press on towards Christ. Be mature and live up to what He has already provided for you—forgiveness, redemption, freedom, grace, strength, courage and love. … It's time to move towards the goals He has place in your heart.Pray with me: “Father, help me to press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Help me to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. May I live up to what I have already received from You. … As above, so below.”
In this message, Pastor Olubi Johnson unveils Paul's apostolic pattern as the blueprint for entering the fullness of Christ. From Ephesus to Rome, Paul's ministry reveals the power of discipleship, endurance, and supernatural confirmation. The Word must not only grow—it must prevail, transforming cities and confronting darkness. Expect persecution, divine favor, and spiritual resistance as you press into revival. Like Paul, we must preach Christ, not controversy, and prepare our hearts to carry God's glory. This end-time Church is called to greater works, deeper sacrifice, and global impact. Follow Paul's pattern, and you'll walk in the same glory. You can follow Pastor Olubi Johnson on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also check out our Website.
In this message, Pastor Olubi Johnson unveils Paul's apostolic pattern as the blueprint for entering the fullness of Christ. From Ephesus to Rome, Paul's ministry reveals the power of discipleship, endurance, and supernatural confirmation. The Word must not only grow—it must prevail, transforming cities and confronting darkness. Expect persecution, divine favor, and spiritual resistance as you press into revival. Like Paul, we must preach Christ, not controversy, and prepare our hearts to carry God's glory. This end-time Church is called to greater works, deeper sacrifice, and global impact. Follow Paul's pattern, and you'll walk in the same glory. You can follow Pastor Olubi Johnson on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also check out our Website.
Guiding Question: How can the church prepare for what's next while faithfully handing off leadership to the next generation? Summary Description: In this heartfelt and visionary message, Robert Lewis shares his final sermon as a staff member of Fellowship Bible Church. Using a marathon analogy and drawing from 2 Timothy 4, he frames the transfer of leadership as a necessary and strategic “handoff” to the next generation. Like Paul entrusting Timothy to lead the church at Ephesus, Lewis charges the younger leaders at Fellowship—particularly Tim Lundy—with the responsibility of preaching the Word and fulfilling their ministry with conviction and endurance. This message is both personal and prophetic. Lewis reflects on 25 years of ministry, celebrates the strength of the church, and lays out five key cultural and ministry trends that the next generation must address to ensure the church remains vibrant and faithful. Outline: Marathon Analogy – A race requires preparation, guidance, and the right pacing. Paul and Timothy (2 Timothy 4) – The sacred handoff of leadership and mission. The Reality of Decline – Every thriving church has a shelf life without renewal. Five Cultural and Ministry Trends: Massive church closures due to generational shifts. A move toward small, high-quality churches. A demand for doctrinal clarity and authentic leadership. The rise of homegrown, non-seminary ministers. A renewed focus on evangelizing children and teens. Personal Reflections and Departure – Robert Lewis formally announces his transition to Global Reach and commissions Fellowship's next generation. The Final Charge – Preach the Word. Fulfill your ministry. Die with no regrets. Key Takeaways Effective leadership transitions are intentional, spiritual, and urgent for the future health of the church. The church must adapt to cultural and generational changes without compromising doctrinal clarity or mission. Small churches can be powerful when combined with excellence and community. The future of the church depends on equipping everyday believers for ministry. The most strategic evangelism today is aimed at youth, given their openness and under-reached status. Finishing well means living with “no regrets” and passing the baton with confidence and hope. Scriptural References 2 Timothy 4:1–8 – Paul's solemn charge to Timothy and reflection on finishing well. Acts 20:18–32 (paraphrased) – Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders, adapted by Lewis to say goodbye to Fellowship. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (implied) – Recognizing seasons and times for transitions. Recorded 3/6/05
Scripture: Acts 26:9–18, 28–29Main Points:We are called to be witnesses.Every Christian life tells a story; our words and actions communicate something about God to the world.Meeting Jesus changes everything.Paul knew about Jesus, but his life changed only when he came to know Jesus personally. Our relationship with Christ makes our witness possible.Key Quotes:“Your life may be the only sermon someone ever hears. Live it well.”“Knowing about Jesus made no difference to Paul. Knowing Jesus changed his life forever.”Reflection Questions:What story is your life telling right now?Where might God be opening a door for you to share hope with someone?How are you nurturing your relationship with Jesus so your witness flows from love?Takeaway:Grace always takes the first step toward us. Like Paul, we are met by Jesus, changed by Jesus, and sent to tell the story of God's love.
A man with a certain set of skills gets pulled into the action while on vacation in Nobody 2, in theaters now; so we're reviewing the movie it was based on, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2! Plus: Meteors in Georgia, recasting the Disney live action remakes with other animated characters, Yellowjackets season 2, and the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash!Time Codes---------------Host Banter: 1:44Nerdy News: 12:07Film Review: Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2: 14:48Game: Animated Alternate Reality: 37:13Radical Recommends: 44:21Trailer Review: Avatar: Fire and Ash: 46:42
In this passage, Paul stands in Jerusalem, caught between spiritual visions, cultural hostility, and political injustice. When Jesus redirected him away from his own people and sent him to the Gentiles, Paul obeyed, even though that obedience sparked outrage and violence. He quickly learned that even brave faithfulness can close doors and cause conflict, but he stayed strong because his mission was from the King.As the mob raged, Paul wisely used his Roman citizenship to avoid illegal punishment and continue spreading the gospel. This moment reminds us that Paul was both a Roman by birth and a citizen of heaven by grace. He was never afraid to suffer for Christ, but he also did not hesitate to use the rights available to him for God's greater purpose.Like Paul, believers today live as citizens of two kingdoms. Our primary allegiance is to the Lord Jesus Christ, but God has also placed us in earthly communities where our voice and influence matter. We are called to persevere faithfully through storms, to stand courageously against injustice, and to seize every opportunity, whether spiritual or civic, for the sake of the gospel.Paul's story challenges us: Don't give up, stand up. Don't lose focus in the storm. Keep your eyes on Christ, the true King, and let His light shine through you in a dark and divided world.
God's purpose for your life is not a possibility but a certainty – He will fulfill His good purpose for you regardless of circumstances, trials, or even your own failures.• All things work together for good – both positive experiences and painful trials• God's definition of "good" is conforming us to Christ's image, not necessarily immediate resolution• Even the deepest suffering is not wasted but used to shape us spiritually• We don't maintain salvation by holding tightly to Christ – He holds us securely• The "golden chain" of Romans 8:30 guarantees our complete salvation from start to finish• Nothing in all creation can separate believers from God's love• Assurance of salvation is based on God's character and promises, not our performance• Like Paul's journey to Rome, our path may include trials, but the destination is guaranteedHave you experienced the peace that comes from trusting God's purpose even when circumstances seem to contradict it? Share your story or questions with us as we continue to explore the treasures of Romans 8 together. Come join us next Sunday as we continue exploring Romans 8 and discover more about how "if God is for us, who can be against us?"
In this message, Gareth unpacks 1 Corinthians 9 and shows how the gospel doesn't just save us but reshapes our whole lives and motivations. Like Paul, we are called to lay down our rights, not for personal gain, but so that others may encounter Jesus. Paul was compelled to preach, motivated by obedience to Christ, love for people, and the promise of eternal reward. May we too be stirred to run our race for the sake of the gospel.
It's Friday, August 22nd, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Amnesty International says 11 Christians railroaded in Libya Amnesty International has urged Libya to overturn the convictions of 11 Christians after they had received “grossly unfair” trials, reports International Christian Concern. The human rights organization said the trials of the nine Libyan men, a Libyan woman, and a Pakistani man were “marred by egregious violations of due process and international human rights standards.” Like Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:26, these people “have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” According to Open Doors, Libya is the fourth worst country worldwide for the persecution of believers. Russia bombs U.S. factory in Ukraine -- one of war's largest attacks Russia struck an American electronics manufacturer in Ukraine with cruise missiles overnight in one of the largest aerial attacks of the war so far, reports The Telegraph. The Ukrainian air force said some 574 drones and 40 missiles were fired overnight, primarily targeting western regions of the country – far from the battlefield's front line in the east and south of the country. Supreme Court empowers Trump to cut $783 million in DEI funding On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court gave President Donald Trump the green-light to axe DEI and gender ideology grants at the National Institutes of Health, reports NBC News. In a narrow 5-4 decision, the court ruled that President Trump can cut $783 million in federal funding for “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” as well gender ideology research. Florida news director Eric Daughtery tweeted, “Chief Justice JOHN ROBERTS joined the liberals and DEI Justice Ketanji [Brown] Jackson in trying [unsuccessfully] to block President Trump from ending woke grants at the NIH.” Miller: White Communist protestors don't speak for crime-targeted black DC residents On Wednesday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller joined Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Union Station in Washington, D.C. Miller railed against what he called “stupid white hippies” who were protesting the federal crackdown on crime in the nation's capital, saying that they did not represent the crime-weary black DC residents, reports The Hill.com. MILLER: “There are residents who have lived in Washington, DC their entire lives. Their parents lived here, their grandparents lived here, and they have lived for generations in intolerable conditions of crime and decay. “I moved to the city 20 years ago. There are places where I've seen graffiti that has been untouched for two decades. There are homeless encampments that have made it impossible for families to use public parks and public recreation for as long as I've lived here. There are hundreds of residents of this city who are shot in street violence every single year, making it one of the most violent cities on planet Earth. And, for too long, 99% of this city has been terrorized by 1% of the city.” Miller took issue with the liberal protestors. MILLER: “The voices that you hear out there, those crazy communists, they have no roots. They have no connections to the city. They have no families they are raising the city. They have no one that they are sending to school in this city. They have no jobs in this city. They have no connections to this community at all. They're the ones who've been advocating for the 1% -- the criminals, the killers, the rapists, the drug dealers. “And I'm glad they're here today because me, [Defense Secretary] Pete [Hegseth] and the Vice President [J.D. Vance], are all going to leave here and, inspired by them, we're going to add thousands more resources to this city, to get the criminals and the gang members out of here. We're going to dismantle those networks. “And we're going to prove that a city can serve for the law-abiding citizens who live there. We are not going to let the communists destroy a great American city, let alone the nation's capital.” CNN conservative commentator Scott Jennings summarized the progress of Trump's federal intervention to lower crime in the District of Columbia. JENNINGS: “Our nation's capital, the District of Columbia is a federal zone. And I don't think it's theater. I think it's working. They've arrested hundreds of people. They've gotten a number of violent criminals off the street. Just last night, they arrested an illegal alien and a member of MS 13. “They've gotten a lot of illegal guns off the street. Half of all the non-immigration arrests have come in D C's two most violent wards. There was some concern that they wouldn't be looking into the places where the crime is. That's not true.” Dr. James Dobson, evangelical Christian leader, died at 89 And finally, Dr. James Dobson, the influential conservative Christian therapist, author, and radio personality who founded Focus on the Family, died yesterday at the age of 89 following a brief illness, announced The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 64 years, two children – Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren – Luci and Lincoln. Shirley shared her heart on the radio program “Family Talk.” SHIRLEY DOBSON: “This is Shirley Dobson. My precious husband, Jim, is now with Jesus. Even though I know he is rejoicing, my heart is aching. Jim will always be the love of my life. I want to thank you and millions around the world for opening your hearts to Jim. Over the decades, he worked hard to promote righteousness and help you build a strong family filled with love, commitment, and trust.” In a special memorial broadcast heard on 1,500 radio stations, Gary Bauer, senior vice president of Public Policy at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, vocalized what he believed has happened in Heaven. BAUER: “He has looked into the face of our Lord and Savior, and he has heard the words that every one of us want to hear, dearly. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.'” Bauer shared how Dr. Dobson and he first met. BAUER: “I crossed paths with Dr. Dobson at an unlikely time. I was serving in the Reagan administration. So, I'm in Washington, DC, and, as everybody knows, this is a city filled with controversy. And I got into a couple of really big fights in Washington over things related to faith, family and freedom -- the things that define Jim's life. “It felt a little lonely at the time when I was going through that. And I got a phone call, and it was Dr. Dobson. He said, ‘I've been watching how you've been fighting back against these folks that want to rip faith out of our country and want to redefine the family and want to indoctrinate our children. I'd love to have you on the radio show.' I ended up going on the show, and that ended up being the first of literally hundreds of interviews.” Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana to a Nazarene evangelist and his wife, James Clayton Dobson Jr., an only child, earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in 1967, specializing in child development, reports The Christian Post. According to his official biography, Dobson previously served as a pediatrics professor at the University of Southern California School of Medicine and a staff member at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles in the Division of Child Development and Medical Genetics. His first book, Dare To Discipline, which endorsed spanking, sold over three million copies. Other notable works, among his 70 books, included Hide or Seek, What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women, Love Must Be Tough, Parenting Isn't For Cowards, Children At Risk, When God Doesn't Make Sense, and Life On The Edge. In 1977, Dobson founded Focus on the Family with a weekly broadcast that eventually became a weekday broadcast heard on 7,000 stations worldwide. It was heard daily by more than 220 million people in 164 countries. Then, in 1978, he also recorded the seven-part Focus on the Family film series at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Remarkably, by the mid-1980s, 80 million Americans had seen the film series which was one-third of the U.S. population at the time. Dobson would lead Focus on the Family until 2010, when he launched the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute and continued to oversee a nationally syndicated radio program called “Family Talk.” Christian bestselling author and radio personality Eric Metaxas called Dobson “a hero.” Metaxas tweeted, “He was not afraid to bring his faith into the public sphere for God's purposes. He has finished the race — to God's glory!” In fact, Gary Bauer recalled Dr. Dobson's unwavering stand for the sanctity of life. BAUER: “I was with him many times at events when a complete stranger, a woman, would come up to him and say, ‘Dr. Dobson, because of you, my 9-year-old here, my 4-year-old, my 12-year-old would not be alive. I was on my way to an abortion clinic, and I was turning the radio dial looking for some music to get my mind off of it, and I heard your voice, and I stopped. I pulled off the road and went back home. And now, Mary, here, is alive.'” A frequent presence in Washington, D.C., Dr. Dobson played key roles in presidential commissions, with appointments by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. On a personal note, it was my great honor to work for Dr. Dobson for two and a half years during which time I wrote questions for him to ask several of his guests, including Mark Levin about his book American Marxism and Jonathan Cahn about his book The Return of the Gods. Plus, I summarized the broadcasts in five sentences for the 7 million Facebook followers and 1,300 radio announcers to encourage listeners to stay tuned. Gary Bauer explained that Dr. Dobson used the platform that the Lord had given him to take a stand for America's Judeo-Christian heritage. BAUER: “Dr. Dobson, basically, in his own way, started the pro-family movement. He made it a force in America. … He loved God, of course, first, and he loved his family, but he loved America. He was deeply concerned that if America was ripped out of the rich soil of Judeo-Christian civilization, that the country would be lost. It defined everything that he did. “Imagine what the country would be like if Dr. Dobson had not, during that 40 years, been speaking for what I still believe is the great majority of the country.” Dr. James Dobson himself reflected on his own legacy in the waning days of his life. DOBSON: “When I reach the end of my days, a moment or two from now, I must look backward on something more meaningful than the pursuit of houses and land and machines and stocks and bonds. Nor is fame of any lasting benefit. I will consider my earthly existence to have been wasted unless I can recall a loving family, a consistent investment in the lives of people, and an earnest attempt to serve the God who made me.” Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Visit a special memorial link to see how Dr. Dobson's life and legacy are being celebrated through our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, August 22nd, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
Send us a textGalatians 1The Galatian letter begins with Paul asserting his apostleship, stating that it comes directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father, not from human authority. He expresses deep concern that the Galatians are turning to a distorted gospel, warning that anyone—human or angel—who preaches a different message is accursed. Paul emphasizes that he seeks to please God, not people, and that his gospel was revealed to him by Jesus Christ, not taught by men. He shares his past as a persecutor of the church but explains that God, by grace, called him to preach to the Gentiles. Without seeking approval from the other apostles, he went to Arabia, later meeting Peter and James in Jerusalem. His dramatic transformation amazed believers, proving that his message was truly from God. We are challenged to stay true to the gospel of Jesus Christ, resisting false teachings, and seeking God's approval above all else. Like Paul, we must stand firm in our faith, even when pressured by the world. We must examine what influences our beliefs—are we following God's simple truth in Christ or human opinions? Our calling comes from God, not people. Paul's transformation shows that God's grace can redeem anyone and use them for His purpose. We should seek God's direction, trust His timing, and boldly share the gospel. Living for Jesus means unwavering commitment to His truth, even when it's unpopular. By staying faithful to Christ, we honor His simple plan of salvation and bring hope to others. Great God, thank You for the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Help us to stand firm in Your truth and not be led astray by those who alter Jesus' words. Give us the courage to seek Your approval above the approval of others. Like Paul, transform our hearts and use us for Your purpose. May the changes we make into the character of Christ influence others to seek and experience His grace. Keep us focused on Your calling and strengthen our faith in every season. Let our lives glorify You, and may we always walk in obedience to Your will. Thought Questions: - What is “a different gospel” that distorts the truth about Jesus? Can you think of an example? How do you protect yourself from false ideas? - How do you stay committed to honoring God even when it displeases people around you? What is the right way to take such a stand? - Paul was adamant that he received the truth from God, not from men, even great men. How do you know your beliefs are from God alone?
Send us a textII Corinthians 12Paul shares a powerful vision in which he is caught up to the “third heaven,” experiencing indescribable revelations from God. However, to prevent him from becoming prideful, he receives a thorn in the flesh, a persistent struggle that keeps him humble. He prays for its removal, but God responds, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Paul embraces his weakness, knowing that through it, Christ's strength is revealed. He boasts in his hardships—insults, persecutions, and difficulties—because when he is weak, he is strong in Christ. He expresses concern for spiritual weakness in Corinth, fearing they need to repent. Paul desires to correct them in love, urging them to turn from immorality and mistreatment of one another and walk in obedience to Christ.God's grace is sufficient, even in our struggles. Paul's thorn in the flesh reminds us that challenges can serve a greater purpose—keeping us humble and dependent on God. Instead of removing Paul's hardship, God assures him that His power is made perfect in weakness. This challenges us to stop viewing weaknesses as failures and start seeing them as opportunities for Christ's strength to shine through us. When we face difficulties, we can trust that God is using them for our growth. Like Paul, we should boast in our weaknesses, embracing chances to demonstrate our reliance on God. Lord willing, this will endear us to believers, leading them to respect us if we need to admonish them to refocus on God. Mighty God, we are grateful that Your grace is always enough. When we face struggles and weaknesses, remind us that Your power sustains us. Help us to trust You in difficult times, filled with hope that You are working for our good. Teach us to embrace our weaknesses, not with frustration, but with faith, knowing that You make us strong. Keep us from pride and self-reliance, and draw us closer to You through every trial. Show us how to love You, love others, and encourage believers to flee sin as a way of proving that we truly trust in You. Thought Questions: - God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” What does that mean, and is it true in your life? - Why is it healthy for you to learn to boast in your weaknesses? What does that mean in terms of faith, and how does it cultivate great peace? - Paul feared coming to them and finding brethren in sin, so he expressed that to them honestly. Will you do that with people caught in sin?
Like Paul, some of us need to see how limited our pre-Christ perspective has been. Monday • 8/18/2025 •Monday of the Tenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 15) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 106; 2 Samuel 17:24–18:8; Acts 22:30–23:11; Mark 11:12–26 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)
As we send our kids back to school and college, Bible teacher Carol McLeod challenges us to think about our continued learning. Take a class in a different language! Learn a new skill! But most importantly, continue learning from God as revealed His Word. Let it continue to transform you! Paul Hoffman, author of "AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep," helps us see where artificial intelligence can impact our lives, including in church. If the goal is our flourishing, that is to be more Christ-like, there are ways AI can help us do research and organization, but it can't give us a shortcut to that truly Christ-like life. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here
When life falls apart unexpectedly, we can learn from Paul's experience during a shipwreck in Acts 27. In the midst of chaos, Paul made three crucial choices that can guide us through our own storms. First, he chose to believe in God's promises despite his circumstances. Second, he gave thanks even while surrounded by fear and uncertainty. Third, he continued to obey God's calling wherever he found himself. These choices didn't immediately calm the storm, but they provided Paul with stability and purpose until he reached safe harbor. Like Paul, we can find hope in our darkest moments by standing on God's promises, practicing gratitude, and remaining faithful where we are. Follow and subscribe to stay updated with our latest content: Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Central Wired Website
Like Mike.... I want to be like Mike! Remember that shoe ad? Michael Jordan was the man back then, but who should we really strive to emulate? Today on Sound Doctrine, pastor Jeff Johnson urges us to look at the life of Paul and strive to be that kind of Christian. We're in Ac ts twenty-three. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29
Today's topic will once again be the adventures of the Apostle Paul, as he attempts to share God's word in a very hostile environment. How hostile? A hit squad is after the apostle Paul, but they can't get to him! The bible is chock-full of examples of God's amazing protective nature, and this is one of the best examples. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29
Prayer Judgment and Revival (2) (audio) David Eells – 8/6/25 Going over What the Lord Showed Me About the Asteroid that's Coming Brandon @ Last Days – 7/26/25 (David's notes in red) https://youtu.be/xUTlHLlBy_g?si=1W7FB9aV5GfR-osX Portion of transcript: Speaking of the revival, the Lord said, “Heaven and Earth are about to collide with the greatest harvest of souls and the greatest demonstration and manifestations of My glory that this world has ever seen before. In a 24-hour period, He said, “Brandon, everything you know, [will change] we're at the point of no return. We're at that point. It's time to push.” It's time to push. (Laboring to bring forth the Man-child body which will bring the revival as it was with Jesus the Man-child. History repeats on a larger scale.) He said, “You're looking at a thin thread.” Remember that hair-thin thread I saw coming up? I said, “Adam's lease is coming up.” Do you understand? We're about to step over the water's edge. We're about to step over the waterfall. (Revival) And the Lord said, “You're about to see something I long for you to see.” Why? Because it was there, the lease; it was Adam's timeframe of a 6,000-year window. Now, we're about to step into the 7,000–year window with the 7-year tribulation. (According to Numeric Bible Chronology we are already in the thousand year sabbath but men are breaking it by their works so tribulation comes.) We're about to see some radical things. Radical and amazing things with the Holy Ghost and fire like we've never seen it before. We've only seen glimpses of it. The Lord said, “You've only seen glimpses of it with Azusa Street, …, with the Welch revival. These only lasted for just a short window. But, Brandon, what I'm about to do, all those others will pale in comparison to what is about to happen in these last days.” (Amen!) But He said, “I have to give you a warning about the plague. I have to tell you to stand and pray and tell the people that I'm coming.” And He talked about Psalm 91. (He will come to us as the Latter Rain to once again heal the plagues of men as Jesus did in the former rain.) Then I saw an asteroid, and He was talking about this telescope called Lucifer. And then He called it Satan. (I have read that the Vatican's telescope was originally called Lucifer but was changed to Luci in 2012 to avoid controversy.) I thought how this was a very demonic name, and I wondered if I was hearing this right? And is this the Lord or Satan? I saw this telescope in the Arizona West and it is massive. (That is where Luci is.) The lens on it was ginormous. As I was looking at this, I saw men wearing white lab coats, and they were talking and writing things down. They said, “The odds are in our favor.” And “It's unlikely this will happen.” China was involved, and they were communicating back and forth about what they were seeing coming. China said, “This is going to hit. This is serious.” But the people in America were like, “Uh, I don't know, I don't think so.” But China was taking it seriously. They were freaking out. I could see these educated Chinese men calculating and talking back and forth. They knew something serious was about to happen and that we were not going to divert it. As I was looking over into outer space, I saw a massive rock heading toward Earth. They said, “We were not telling them because it would cause panic. But the odds are in our favor that it will not happen that it will miss.” But it will not. I saw other space debris by this major rock. It was a massive piece of rock, like the size of a planet. (No one would survive the largest rock; there would be no tribulation.) And there was a smaller one beside it, and there were ones they would consider to be…. And I heard the word ‘planet killers' were behind it, like bunches of them. As this thing was moving and all the others with it, it looked like a debris field behind it. (Earth can generally survive impacts from asteroids smaller than about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) in diameter, as these are less likely to cause catastrophic damage. However, an asteroid around 7 to 8 miles (11 to 12 kilometers) wide could potentially wipe out most life on Earth. https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/asteroid-hits-earth.htm ) (I have no doubt a rock in the tail will hit. Brandon has been very accurate.) The Lord said, “Watch the sun, watch the tides. For things are going to change, and change quickly. Your water and your waves, the way the tides come in and go out because of the moon. Things are going to start to shift like you've never seen before. The tides are going to act very strangely; they will be higher than average. They will come in further than what they're supposed to. When they pull back out, they will move out further than they are supposed to.” I heard this and I could see it. Something was affecting the tides. This rock, something serious. The Lord said, “Watch the pressure on the Earth for a major volcano is about to erupt, and not just one volcano, but it will be multiple all at the same time.” I saw earthquakes measuring more than 9.0 in more than one place. They happened in multiple places at the same time. (Even a flyby of this monster could do this but I suspect one or more from the tail will hit.) The Lord said, “I told you and I warned you that it would affect the sun's light and the way it shines upon the Earth, for it will create a disruption in the birds' migration. It will cause a difference in the timing of when animals breed because it will confuse their natural instincts. All animals and creation were acting weird. Even the agriculture of the flowering and planning (planting) will be thrown off because of what's coming. I saw the magnetic poles and how the Earth was shifting, and it was moving differently. Even the daytime will be different, and the way the Earth spins will be different. (A wobble is likely) Some people think it's a flat Earth, but it's not. (Amen) He said the sun will look different in the days ahead. You will need to hear Him in the days ahead because of what I saw. The Lord said, “Look at Venice, Italy.” I could see the water in the city acting weird; there was flooding and a rise in the tides. There were “water events,” that's what I'll call them. Water events are about to take place in Italy that have never happened before because of what's happening to the Earth. The Lord said, “Watch Venice, Italy, and watch Rome. Watch the volcano that's about to go off in Europe.” This will be an event that is not just one in the ring of fire, but this will be a global event that starts taking place. Then I saw India and the Lord said, “Look at India, for a lot of the pagan temples will be destroyed with earthquakes in the days ahead.” I saw the glory of God coming in, and there were many in the harvest. I'm talking major revival throughout India. I saw monkeys on the temples and old shrines completely decimated by earthquakes. It was like when the walls of Jericho came down. Everything was flattened; there was nothing left, it was like rubble. The Lord said, “I will bring in My presence, and I'm going to decimate those false gods and false places of worship. There will be a great revival throughout India and all throughout Asia. I saw great Buddhist temples completely decimated when this takes place. They were shaken to the ground like piles of rubble. A major distraction is about to take place. So I asked the Lord more about this. I asked Him, “Is this about the two flying saucers? Is it the two alien ships?” This is a deception that's about to take place and it's false. It's demonic spirits. There is no such thing as aliens. (Absolutely True) There will be things in the sky that are going to scare many people in the days ahead, thinking, “This is E.T.; they really exist!” No. These are fallen angels; it's demonic. This will be how they will explain away the rapture of the church. People say, ‘I don't believe in the rapture,' but it's going to happen. (See our book: Hidden Manna- It clearly comes at the end of the Trib.) I'm telling you by the Spirit of God, you need to get your houses ready. If you're not on fire for Jesus and your heart is not serving Jesus, today is the day. You need to get right with the Lord. People ask me when this will happen. I don't know how long before this happens; I'm just here to warn you about what's coming. So, I saw these major alien ships, and I saw it go over the Vatican and go over the Mayan temples down in Mexico. And I asked the Lord, “Are there two of these?” I have been praying about this, and He said, “No, it's just one.” This is going to make everyone freak out because they will see it moving across the ocean and think it's more than one. It will be seen on TV. Then I saw little tiny ships coming out of the mother ship that looked like balls of light. But it wasn't a real ship. Understand. This was a demonic-looking light that was traveling around, causing much confusion in our skies. I know this sounds “way out there.” I didn't even want to talk about it, but I'm instructed to. I'm here to warn you. As wild as it may sound, there will be fearful sights you will see that will bring you to your knees. I'm here to warn you of these things. The enemy does not play fair; he's trying to deceive people with what's coming and throwing many curveballs to try and deceive the nations. When the antichrist comes (See Hidden Manna) on the scene and he says, “Hey, we have a solution for all the problems in the days ahead.” “I'm going to bring peace and prosperity. All you have to do is bow down and worship me on Fridays…” “And you're going to have to get a chip. But it's going to be a solution because we're going to take care of all of this with AI. AI has the cure for diseases. We're going to fix diabetes, we'll fix cancer, and we'll fix autism. We're going to do all this through AI technology. If you just serve me on Fridays and do all that I tell you to do, we're going to fix all your ailments.” You watch! This is how they get everybody with hook, line and sinker. People will think that he's such a nice guy! (antichrist) They'll say, “Don't you know he has a plan to help everybody?” It's coming. But I won't be here to see it. I won't be here, and none of you will be here to see it. Those of us who are believers and have our lamps full of oil. (See Hidden Manna- Absolute proof we will all be here.) I heard the Lord say, “Pray. They're going to try to get another major virus in the days ahead.” I saw another major virus and the Lord said, “Rise up and pray, church! Pray that the glorious church rises.” People will be looking at us and asking us, “Do you have a solution for this new virus?” And we don't need to be handling this like we did COVID. You can either be hiding in your church or your houses because you're afraid of this thing, or we can be the glorious church and rise up and pray and take our authority over things. (Amen! Brandon – Exo. 15:26- “I will put none of the diseases upon thee”.) Last time in 2019, people were caught off guard. I heard about it six months in advance, about how there was going to be a major virus, but I didn't have a platform to warn people like I do now. (I told people 3 years in advance.) The Lord told me, “I'm giving you a window, Brandon, pray and tell them that they're going to try to do it again. But this time it will be COVID on steroids and it will be a whole different strand.” I'm trying to warn you that they have a plan for the future, and it's not that far off. (We can pray most of this down.) This will not just affect humans; I saw that it will also affect cattle and your pets. I saw dogs, cattle, birds, everything, lying dead everywhere. It was spreading to livestock everywhere like a plague. It was like the black plague of death. (in Europe 1346-1353) It was awful. But the glorious church! Remember, they had light in Goshen while it was dark in Egypt. I'm telling you that in the household of faith, if you rise up, if you pray and you read your Bible to know the Word of God, it will be like He said, “A thousand shall fall at your side and 10,000 at your right hand, but it will not come nigh you.” (True, if you believe) I asked the Lord, “What things can we stop?” He said, “Terrorist attacks; you can stop plots against the churches, but Brandon, you cannot stop Matthew 24.” He said, “You can be at the right place at the right time, and it won't affect you because you're My beloved. Be where I tell you to be and do what I tell you to do. Hear Me and be in sync with Me at all times and know that nothing will come nigh you.” (True) The Lord said, “Listen to Me, Matthew 24 will take place.” Which says, there will be wars and rumors of wars, plagues, pestilence and earthquakes in diverse places, massive storms, all these things and seas and waves roaring, men's hearts failing them for fear when they see all these things coming upon the Earth. We're going to see things we've never seen before, because the Bible says so. But there are certain things we can pray about and stop, and things we cannot stop. (We can almost always lessen the effect of them.) I'm telling you the things we cannot stop are going to happen, but they don't have to affect you. We're here in this world, but we're not of this world, right? We're underneath the shadow of the Almighty, under His wings, and Him shall we trust! And I know He's watching over me. His goodness and mercy are following me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. But it doesn't say I won't go through the valley of the shadow of death, but I will fear no evil. His rod and staff comfort me. He prepares a table before me in the presence of all my enemies. He told me He would take care of me, and I believe Him with all my heart that He will. And that's the place where I want to see all of you too. Regardless of what we see coming, and the birth pangs. He said, “As the labor pains that are coming upon a woman, Brandon, it's going to get really radical now.” And He said that as we go from Rosh Hashanah and even more from September (I think it's like the 21st)), when we hit this time frame, an acceleration of things is going to happen even on a greater level. But I'm giving you a window of financial outpouring. Believer for it. Pray for Judge Torres and these judges to let go of the things and crypto. That these corrupt people will set boundaries and laws and establish it and that it will all be a blessing for the body of Christ. People need to be listening. It won't all come through certain investments that you think it will come through. Don't limit God in your natural minds. Think bigger! The Lord said, “You're not thinking big enough.” He told me, “Brandon, I have a million and one ways to get you a million dollars. Do you understand Me?” “I am the God of more than enough. I'll provide for your ministry. I'll do whatever you need if you just ask Me in faith. Do you understand? My hand is not short.” Do you understand? He's an exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think to ask, God! And from what I've seen coming, you better get your house in order and your heart right before the Lord. You cannot be playing church anymore. If you thought COVID was bad, you haven't seen anything like what I've seen. For most people, it will steamroll them because their hearts are not ready, and they're not right with the Lord. It's not time to play church anymore. You're either hot or cold, but if you're lukewarm, He will spew you out of His mouth. You may say, “Where's the grace in all this?” I believe His grace is sufficient for every single one of you, but you need to be on the side where the devourer is rebuked, and He said He rebuked the devourer for your sake. You say, “Well, I'm a tither and I have tither's rights.” You either believe what the Word of God says for His promises (Psalm 91) or you are a doubter. A true believer believes that God will do what He says He will do. The Lord told me that there's too much static in the air. There are too many false prophetic words going forth. They're listening to a familiar spirit and they're speaking to itching ears, and they are not warning you what I'm trying to tell you. And He said that you either speak for Me or sit down and be quiet. Because I'm telling you, I saw judgments. The Lord said, “Judgement begins in My house first and many people don't like that.” But He said, “I'm cleaning house, Brandon, and I'm really about to clean house!” There will be righteous people rise up who have never had a platform before, similar to mine. They will rise up and say exactly what He says to speak. You're going to see signs and wonders that follow those who believe. (The “greater works” ministry.) He said, the true demonstrations of the manifested presence of the sons of God. When you're moving and doing what He told us to do, you will see the signs and wonders. I believe it with all my heart. We're about to see things like we've never seen before. But it's time to be like it was for Jeremiah and all those other prophets of old, when they spoke for God; you'll see things. You're going to start to see the manifestations of what they're saying. You are going to see healings and demonstrations in the glory. There is too much confusion and too many people parroting things. The Lord said, “I'm dealing with this.” He told me, “Your job is to tell what you see and what I'm telling you in prayer, and you relay what I'm saying.” I don't consider myself a prophet, and I've said this before. The Lord said, “I want you to pray and intercede for the revival and lead My people to Jesus. That's your main priority right now.” And He said, “True prophetic voices will be leading people to Jesus.” They'll have altar calls and tell people they're going to hell if they don't repent. They're telling people that Jesus is coming, like John the Baptist in the wilderness eating locust and honey and telling everybody, “There's One coming. Jesus is coming.” But they missed the way Jesus was coming, and history repeats. He came in a body of the Son of David, and the apostates missed him. Here, Hidden Manna could show us how He is coming in the firstfruits sons of David and then His elect, before coming for us. Just as in Jesus' day, the creation of God was waiting for a Son to come with the Word of deliverance from the curse of corruption, so it is in our day. (Rom.8:19) For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. (21) that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. In Jesus' day, spiritual “children” had led His creation into bondage to corrupt religion and sin, but God sent His “Son” to deliver them with the unleavened bread. So it will be in our day. The foundations have been destroyed by many generations of children put in positions of leadership by those who have wanted their ears tickled. In times of apostasy God gives them what they want. (Isa.3:4) And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. (5) And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbor: the child shall behave himself proudly against the old man (mature), and the base against the honorable. (12) As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. God's solution will be to reveal His sons, whom He will use to restore a repentant remnant with the truth that sets free. In His first body, Jesus offered this deliverance to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mat.10:6) before there was a great falling away, but in the corporate Man-child Jesus will offer it to the called of the “whole creation” to restore the elect. (Rom.8:22) For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. The work of the Spirit is to bring us to adoption: spirit, soul, and ultimately body. Jesus was the Son of God abiding in the Son of Man. He was the Son in Spirit and Soul when He still inhabited a body of the seed of David (Rom.1:3). His ability to fully walk in the Kingdom came when He received His redeemed, glorified body. So shall it be with the Man-child manifested “sons.” They will first manifest Sonship in spirit and then progressively in soul through persecution and suffering, as it was with Jesus. (Heb.5:8) Though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; (9) and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation. Through this stage, the Man-child sons will minister in power to the called of God, as it was with our pattern, Jesus. In Romans we see the last step of full adoption through the new body. (Rom.8:23) And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for [our] adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body. Our faith, like our Father's faith, “calleth the things that are not, as though they were” (Rom.4:17), so we must claim our Sonship before we see it. (Gal.3:26) For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. The manifestation will come to those who walk by faith, beholding the Son in the mirror. (2Co.3:18) Those who claim their Sonship, and the authority and privileges that go with it, because of the redemption wrought in Christ are accounted as sons. We are “justified (Greek: “reckoned or accounted righteous”) by faith in Christ” (2:16). If I believe that “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me” (20), then I am a son by faith even if I am not yet a son by manifestation. (3:6) Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. (7) Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. Therefore, if we have received the Spirit of Christ and believe that He now lives in us to do His works, we are sons by faith. (4:6) And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (7) So that thou art no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Those who live as joint heirs with Christ are walking in the faith of Sonship and will manifest His works by God's power. Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father” (Joh.14:12). God is carefully bringing His servants/children who walk by faith to manifest Sonship, first the Man-child and then those disciples who follow in His steps. (Pro.29:21) He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last. While the apostates were waiting for the coming Messiah, He was being manifest in their midst as a man-child born to a woman. According to this type, the apostates in our day are waiting for Jesus to come in the sky to save them. They do not understand that He will come first manifested in the Man-child. The “Son” will come to be manifested only in those “children” who “abide in Him.” This is what the manifestation of Sonship is. Those who do not manifest Sonship will be “ashamed” like the man without the wedding garment, when they physically see Jesus. (1Jn.2:28) And now, [my] little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested (in us through Sonship), we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming (Greek: parousia, meaning His “physical presence”). Both the ancient manuscripts and the numeric pattern say, “if … He be manifested” (NENT). “If” shows that only the “children” who manifest Jesus or Sonship will not be “ashamed” when He comes. The KJV translated this as “when He shall appear” because they thought this was a reference to Jesus' physical coming, which truly is a “when” and not an “if.” A major problem with this translation is that it has Jesus coming twice at the same time. “When he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming (KJV).” However, “manifested” here is the Greek word phaneroo, meaning “to ‘appear' or make visible.” It comes from the root word phan, meaning “to shine.” The same word used in many other places plainly shows us that the glory of Jesus will “shine” out of our “mortal bodies” (Rom.8:11) to “appear” to the world. (2Cor.4:11) For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested (Greek: Phaneroo meaning “shining appearance”) in our mortal flesh. Obviously this is a spiritual shining out of us of the righteous glory of God, but sometimes God allows even lost people to see it. Around 1984 I was witnessing to a man who said, “I saw you some years ago and there was a light shining out of you wherever you went and I wondered what it meant.” (6) Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Notice in the same text that if we know the true “face of Jesus Christ” in the mirror by faith, His glory will shine in us. (3:18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory…. (Col.3:4) When Christ, [who is] our life, shall be manifested (in us), then shall ye also with him be manifested (“shining appearance”) in glory. Back in our 1 John text, we see that when we are children, He has not yet made His shining appearance in us. (1Jn.3:2) Beloved, now are we children (Greek: teknon) of God, and it is not yet made manifest (“shining appearance”) what we shall be. (If He makes His shining appearance in us, “we shall be like him.”) We know that, if he shall be manifested (“shining appearance,” i.e. in us), we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is (in the mirror). The ancient manuscripts, the numeric pattern, and the Received Text all say “if he … be manifested” here. Notice also that those who “see him even as he is” in the mirror by faith “shall be like him.” We must believe that “as he is, even so are we in this world” (1Jn.4:17). The rest of this text confirms this manifestation of Jesus will come in those who have a “confident expectation” of it. (1Jn.3:3) And every one that hath this hope (Greek: “a good, confident expectation”) [set] on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Can we purify ourselves “as he is pure”? Those who have a “confident expectation” of this manifestation of Christ in them will receive “grace” to walk in it. (Titus 2:11) For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, (12) instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; (Only those who are “looking for” the “shining appearance” of Jesus' glory from them will have it.) (13) looking for the blessed hope and appearing (Greek: epiphaneia, a “shining forth”) of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Notice that this does not speak of the physical coming of the Lord but of the coming of His glory in us. Epiphaneia here speaks of Jesus' coming in us and is distinct from parousia, which speaks of His personal “presence” or coming. In other words, He will come for those from whom He is “shining forth.” He is coming in His saints before He comes for His saints. To this end He sacrificed Himself.) (14) who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works. The Man-child is made up of those who are the First-fruits company to manifest the glory of this purity. Those who “fight the good fight of the faith” shall have this epiphany of Jesus, either as the Man-child or as the Woman He leads into this understanding. (2Tim.4:7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: (8) henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing (Greek: epiphaneia). Like Paul, those who have loved His “shining forth” in them shall have the “crown of righteousness.” Jesus was called the first fruits who, as a reformer, imparted Himself into disciples through the Word and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Then they went forth as a corporate body to pass this on to others. Today a corporate body of reformers is about to be revealed to do the same with a much larger portion of the Church. Signs and wonders will cover the earth. Now, here's a portion of a prophetic warning we shared earlier from Brandon Biggs at Last Days: https://youtu.be/9epckXNXLN0 Also, we need to pray over our water supply. (Brandon doesn't share anymore about the water supply in this video. However, I read Bill Gates or his organization plans to buy up water suppliers. Given his depopulation history this cannot be good.) He continues, I saw an article from Fox News saying that Trump and BB have agreed on a two-state solution. This is one of the things from the Abraham Accords and they were saying how they wanted to make a two-state solution, and they were agreeing upon it. I have spoken before that if they do this two-state solution, 3 days later the New Madrid fault line will go off and America will be divided in half. (I have said this for at least 30 years. believe the NM will go off but it will be greatly diminished compared to the dreams and visions because of prayers for God's mercy.) When this happened, I saw great big Chinook helicopters flying from the west to the central part of America carrying supplies. It sounded like the earth was shaking, they had so many helicopters over the affected area. And this is where I said before where I saw the Lion's face carved into the side of a building and I had warned everyone that I saw tumbleweeds going down Wall Street. (In the Long Run we will lose Wall Street) The Lord told me to look at the Lion's face and I saw it was the building that was the New York Stock Exchange. The Lord was warning that if they divide Jerusalem, if they do a two-state solution, He is going to divide America. (I believe it will quake and crack but not with the huge divide) I saw the nation split down the middle and all the bridges going down from West to East, completely destroyed on the Mississippi River. I saw from Texarkana, Texas, to Tulsa, Oklahoma where I saw over 1800 people die. I saw the massive building at ORU (Oral Roberts University) was split down the middle and on fire when this earthquake happens. Houses that were built on cinderblocks were completely leveled and destroyed. Houses built on a foundation did better. I saw thousands of people died when this event takes place. That is why I've always told people we must not divide Jerusalem, for when we do, 3 days after… Now I want you to hear me, that's how strong this Word was. I saw the Liberty Bell ringing and old cast iron bells ringing when this event happens. Three days after Jerusalem is divided and agreed upon, there will be 3 days and God will divide America. We must pray that this does not take place. This announcement has been shared on multiple news channels and including The Jerusalem Post. Pray. (I do not believe it will be stopped, only lessened. I have taught for many years that the Man-child ministry of Jesus will begin when the NM goes off.)
In this teaching, Pastor Olubi draws from the life of Apostle Paul to illustrate spiritual maturity, discernment, and faithful service. Paul's journey—from persecutor to apostle—demonstrates how humility, obedience, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit shape a life of divine impact. Like Paul, who mentored Timothy and strengthened believers across regions, every man of God needs faithful assistants to help carry the burden of ministry and focus on prayer and the Word. The message emphasizes that spiritual fatherhood is rooted in discipleship, not just conversion. It warns against deception, urges believers to test every spirit, and reminds us that persecution often follows the Word. Paul's restraint in using his rights, his wisdom in evangelism, and his unwavering commitment to discipleship serve as a model for walking in God's will—at the right time, with the right heart.
Life can silence us, but God still deserves our praise. In today's devotion, rediscover why singing in the difficult times matters. Like Paul and Silas, your midnight song might just trigger a miracle.
In Galatians 1:11–2:10, Paul defends the gospel he received from Jesus—a message confirmed by the apostles and driving his mission to the Gentiles. Like Paul, NorthWest Haiti Christian Mission continues to follow God's lead with the same core objective: to love God, love our neighbors, and bring others to Jesus.
God is building a legacy through you—right where you are. Like Paul in Acts 28, you're called to boldly live out the Kingdom of God in your everyday life. The Kingdom moves through your words, your actions, and your obedience. Your next chapter could be your most impactful one. Step into your Kingdom legacy today.
God is building a legacy through you—right where you are. Like Paul in Acts 28, you're called to boldly live out the Kingdom of God in your everyday life. The Kingdom moves through your words, your actions, and your obedience. Your next chapter could be your most impactful one. Step into your Kingdom legacy today.
God is building a legacy through you—right where you are. Like Paul in Acts 28, you're called to boldly live out the Kingdom of God in your everyday life. The Kingdom moves through your words, your actions, and your obedience. Your next chapter could be your most impactful one. Step into your Kingdom legacy today.
Compelled by the Holy Spirit to preach the good news in Jerusalem despite the danger, Paul says farewell to the Ephesian elders. Like Paul, we are invited to find strength in the Lord when walking through hardship.
Boldness doesn't come from personality — it comes from knowing Jesus deeply. Like Paul in Acts 26, we become bold when the gospel becomes personal. Real boldness starts in private with God, and overflows into how we pray, serve, and share hope with others. Who in your life is waiting for you to boldly share Christ?
Boldness doesn't come from personality — it comes from knowing Jesus deeply. Like Paul in Acts 26, we become bold when the gospel becomes personal. Real boldness starts in private with God, and overflows into how we pray, serve, and share hope with others. Who in your life is waiting for you to boldly share Christ?
Boldness doesn't come from personality — it comes from knowing Jesus deeply. Like Paul in Acts 26, we become bold when the gospel becomes personal. Real boldness starts in private with God, and overflows into how we pray, serve, and share hope with others. Who in your life is waiting for you to boldly share Christ?
2 Corinthians 12:1-13 Christ's Power Made Perfect in Weakness Please turn to 2 Corinthians chapter 12. That is on page 1152 of your pew Bibles. We are on the home stretch in our 2 Corinthians study. We'll be wrapping up our series over the next 4 weeks. This morning, we'll cover chapter 12 verses 1-13. It has one of the most well-known verses in the book. And it's a great one. The Lord said to Paul “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” What a tremendous promise. As I read, listen for the context of that promise. Also listen for the unique experiences and gifts given to the apostles. Reading of 2 Corinthians 12:1-13. Prayer “To live is to suffer.” That well-known quote has been attributed to a couple of people in history. Again, “To live is to suffer.” Whoever said it has captured one of the common experiences of all mankind. To be sure, it doesn't capture all the things we share, but it does capture the fact that we live in a fallen world. And part of that fallenness, which we all experience, is suffering. We each endure pain and suffering. Some to a greater extent and others to a lesser one. Some of our suffering is physical, other suffering is emotional. Some of it has been inflicted upon us by others. Some of our suffering is due to the imperfections of our minds and bodies. To use the words of Romans 8, the whole creation has been groaning… and we groan inwardly. You may struggle with chronic illness or live with the results of an accident. Or endure the effects of a disease that you had, or perhaps you were born with a condition of some kind that affects you every day. Maybe you have or have had cancer, or endure debilitating headaches, or struggle with vertigo, or seizures or mental illness. Or maybe the burden you carry is the suffering that a loved one is enduring. All of it is hard. All of it weighs on us. We lose sleep. We shed tears of heartache. Like Paul, we plead for the Lord to relieve our pain and suffering. We cry out for help. We long to be comforted and we long to be whole. Out of all the verses in the entire Bible, I think 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 brings the greatest comfort and hope to our souls. It directs us to the source of our comfort and it reveals from where we can draw strength in weakness. And that is, in Christ. I hope and pray that you will leave here today with a renewed strength in God as you endure suffering and sickness. But before we get to those precious verses, verses 7-10, let's first figure out what this third heaven is and who experienced it, and then ponder Paul's thorn in the flesh. I think understanding those things will in fact increase your comfort from this Word. By the way, I did get an outline in the bulletin this week. It's there on page 4. We're first going to look at Paul's calling as an Apostle (you know, capital A, Apostle), including the things unique to his role, as well as the things we share with him. And then second, we'll apply God's grace in Christ in our own weaknesses. 1. Paul's unique calling and our shared struggle So, #1, Paul's unique calling and our shared struggle. Remember, the whole reason that Paul has entered into the foolishness of boasting is because of the so-called super-apostles. They're mentioned here, again. They had elevated themselves. They taught a false Gospel. And they undermined Paul and his teaching. All of it threatened the stability and future of the church in Corinth. Therefore, Paul needed to demonstrate his trustworthiness and the truth of the Gospel he proclaimed. So, Paul had to boast, but it pained him. It pained him because he knew that any and all of the ministry that has happened through him was not because of himself. No, it was all attributable to God. Paul had a special calling as an Apostle, but he knew he was unworthy of that role, yet God had called him to it. So, he's been boasting over these last 2 chapters only to counter the super apostles. And now, in chapter 12 verse 1, he continues to boast and says, “I will go on to visions and revelations.” And then look at verse 2. He begins, “I know a man” and then describes the revelations that this guy experienced. Who is that guy? Well, it's Paul himself. He basically says so in verse 7. “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations [you know, the thing he just described], a thorn was given me in the flesh” This is like saying today, “Asking for a friend.” Like “is it ok to wear the same pair of socks two days in a row? asking for a friend.” You say “asking for a friend” because you really don't want to admit you are the one asking. But everyone knows, it's really you. Paul referred to himself in the third person because he just can't bring himself to boast about the amazing revelations he's seen. This man, AKA, Paul, has been caught up into “third heaven.” What in the world is the third heaven? Well, at that time, there was a well-known way to describe the different levels of the heavens. The first heaven was the realm of the clouds and the blue sky; if you will, our atmosphere. The second heaven was the realm of the sun, moon, and stars, what we call outer space. And the third heaven was the spiritual realm, what we just call heaven – in the presence of the Lord. Paul describes it in verse 3 as “paradise.” So, Paul, as an apostle had been given a revelation of heaven. It was so real to him, he didn't even know if he was in the body or out of the body. Had God physically taken him to heaven to see its wonders, or had God only brought his spirit to see and hear? Paul didn't know. But he did know… it was unspeakably amazing. Now, in the book of Revelation, we are given a glimpse into this kind of revelation. The apostle John was taken up into heaven and Jesus revealed to him many things. John was told to write down what he saw and heard. Paul, on the other hand was told not to. In some way, it was to assure him of the truth and of God's promises. I mean, think of all the suffering that Paul had to endure as an apostle. Think of all those things that we considered in chapter 11. The beatings, the shipwrecks, the dangers. Would not the visions revealed to Paul give him confidence in God. Would they not inspire and motivate him to persevere as an Apostle despite the suffering that he would endure? Of course they would. They would do all those things. But he couldn't boast about the revelations as himself. He could only boast about them in his God ordained role as a true apostle. Now, jump down to verse 12. It's very similar in this regard. He writes, “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.” Same thing. In verse 12 Paul can't even name himself as the one who performed the signs. So, he uses a passive voice. But the Corinthians were there. They knew full well that it was Paul that performed the signs and wonders… which, by the way, were likely healings and miracles. Besides Paul, other apostles performed them. We have record of several in the book of Acts. Consider this. Out of all the arguments about Paul's true apostleship, these are the strongest - visions and revelations and signs and wonders. Yet in all of it, Paul minimized himself and exalted God. Now, we don't share in those special things. We're not apostles… Those things were given to the apostles. But there is something we do share with them. We share in their weaknesses. All throughout 2 Corinthians, we've studied the emphasis on suffering. To be sure, Paul has demonstrated his unique roll as a suffering servant for Christ. But he's also expanded God's teaching to includes all believers. Chapter 1: remember, we share in the suffering of Christ and in his comfort. Chapter 4: we have the unbreakable treasure of the Gospel in our breakable jars of clay bodies. Chapter 5: we groan in the tent that is our earthly body, and we long to put on our heavenly body. And now in chapter 12. Christ's power is made perfect in weakness. And furthermore, just like Paul, we each have thorns in our flesh. We share those things. OK, you are probably wondering: what was Paul's thorn? As you can imagine, there have been dozens of proposals through the centuries. Some have suggested Paul's thorn was a physical ailment such as migraines, or a speech impediment, or an eye condition, or some kind of disfigurement. That's possible. Others have suggested it was more opposition to his work. That view sees the messenger of Satan as an individual or group opposed to Paul. They were “thorns in his flesh” so to speak. That's also possible. Personally, I think it was more likely a physical condition given that he calls it a thorn in his “flesh.” But in the end, it doesn't matter. The Holy Spirit saw fit in his wisdom to not identify the thorn. We don't need to know. And in many ways, it is helpful for us not to know. In fact, look at verse 10. Notice that the types of suffering listed are broad. “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.” Those are basically all the kinds of suffering that we experience. All of it is a result of living in a fallen world. Our thorns in the flesh could be many things. Let me share one of my “thorns in the flesh.” 18 years ago, I was teaching a class. It was an intensive 5-day class in my field of work at the time. In the middle of the class on I think the second or third day, I lost my ability to say certain words. I would be in the middle of a sentence, and I couldn't say the next word. I had never experienced that before. It was a kind of stuttering. There were certain consonants that just wouldn't come out. I would get locked up. I had a hard time speaking. It was overwhelming. I was afraid and I didn't know what to do at first. At the time, I was only maybe 10 seminary classes away from finishing my degree. A career change was on my mind in the future. And I thought, if I can't talk clearly, I can't teach the Bible or preach. I prayed for healing and for the Lord to give me strength. Amy, of course, was a big encouragement. I was able to get some help. There are ceratin strategies to navigate those moments. It's mostly gone, but occasionally it comes back. Even today, I have to pause or take a breath before I can say certain words. And you probably don't notice it. Honestly, I don't remember if 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 came to mind in those difficult days. But certainly, its truths have become real to me. It was humbling, like Paul experienced with his thorn in the flesh. And it's been a constant reminder to rely on the Lord and his strength and his grace in my weakness. I know many of you have a different thorn, but we share the same strength and grace. Strength in Christ and grace in him. 2. God's grace in Christ and his power in our weakness Which brings us to main point number 2. God's grace in Christ and his power in our weakness. We'll spend the rest of our time applying these truths to our suffering and weakness. The first thing to note is that there are two causes here. Besides the thorn being in God's sovereign plan, Satan was also present to tempt Paul. Maybe the apostle Paul has Job in mind. We read from Job chapter 2 earlier. God allowed Satan to afflict Job. Satan thought that Job would curse God, but Job stood firm through that temptation. So did the apostle. I think every single one of us understands the temptation of weakness. God, where are you? Why have you not brought healing or restoration? Have you forgotten me? Have I done something to deserve this? Those are the questions we struggles through. And let me say, if there's nothing else you remember from 2 Corinthians, remember that God ministers to us in our suffering. He understands our suffering, he is with us in it, and he uses it for his purposes. One big thing that 2 Corinthians has taught us is to reorient our theology of suffering. We've learned that God uses suffering in our life for his purposes. And, throughout the book, we've been given hope and strength to endure. But what are those purposes? Well, to name a few… In chapter 1, we learned that affliction helps us to rely on God more. That's certainly true. Suffering should drive us to Christ. God also uses our affliction so that we can minister to others who similarly suffer. Remember, we are able to comfort others with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God. In Chapter 4, God directed our attention in suffering to the eternal weight of glory. Our suffering points us to heaven and the amazing glory that we will experience. And here in chapter 12, God used Paul's thorn in two ways. (1) to keep him from being conceited -to humble him. Suffering certainly does that. And (2), to remind Paul of God's grace as he endured his suffering. Suffering helps us to lay hold of God's grace. That really encapsulates the first subpoint in point #2 - Knowing God's purposes in our weakness (12:7-8) God is at work in your suffering. Do you believe that? Do you believe that God is conforming you more and more to the image of his Son. It's true. Through suffering, God may be releasing your reliance on the world or the world's things. That's possible. He may be getting hold of your attention. Or maybe it's all of those things or something all together different. Whatever it is, know this: God is at work accomplishing his purposes in your suffering. Number 2, the second subpoint. If you are a believer in Christ, you have God's grace. You have God's undeserved mercy in Christ. And that grace, as verse 9 reminds us, IS sufficient for you in your weakness. It is sufficient because the power of Christ has come through weakness. Jesus suffered in this life. He endured the trials and pain and torture unto death. It was through those things, through that affliction and weakness, that God has brought salvation to the world. Isn't it amazing to consider how the weakness and suffering of our savior ultimately demonstrated his power? That is the power that verse 9 is talking about. In the cross of Christ is the power to save, and the power to sanctify, and the power to overcome sin and Satan. It is that power, the power of Christ which rests upon us, as verse 9 puts it. So, beloved in Christ, in your weaknesses and trials and suffering, remind yourself of that grace which he gives. It is eternally sufficient to sustain you. That brings us to the third sub-point listed there. Contentment. Paul says in verse 10, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.” None of us, by nature, are content with any of those things. We could go through that list and talk about how in each of those things we can become resentful. For example, take that last one – calamities. This last week has been so very hard with the flooding in Texas. Our hearts ache for the families who have lost loved ones, especially those little girls. Yes, we should be crying out to God, but our hearts should at the same time not become resentful. We can grieve and ask God why, but we can do that with a humble contentment in God's promises and what he is doing through that disaster. By the way, that word contentment, in the Greek, means to take pleasure in the implications of something. We can be content because we know that God's purposes are being fulfilled in those things. As Romans 8:28 says, we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes. It doesn't say all things are good. It says, all things work together for the good of those who love him. The difficult providence of suffering is not what we would choose for ourselves or others, but God uses it. He uses it to accomplish his purposes as he has in Paul. The question is whether we will allow our suffering to drive us away from Christ and cause us to become resentful or whether we will allow our suffering to drive us to Christ and be content in him through it. The last subpoint, #4. Embracing his strength in our weakness. Really the second half of verse 10 summarizes it all. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This is totally contrary to our sensibilities. Strength, according to the world, is being firm and leading with confidence. It's being self-reliant and influencing others through our position. Strength in the world is about achievements and successes. In other words, it's all the things that the super-apostles were about. But none of those things will help you in the trials and tribulations of life. Rather, strength comes through weakness. That's the paradox of the Gospel. We are strong through weakness when we humble ourselves and rely on Christ alone by faith. We are strong when we submit to him no matter the suffering we face. It doesn't mean we can't lament. Many of the Psalms are Psalms of lament. We are strong when we allow God to mold and shape us in our suffering. All that strength in weakness comes through Jesus Christ. Though he possessed the full glory of God as God, yet he set aside that glory and became weak. He took on the weakness of human flesh. He endured the sufferings and afflictions of this life. He bore our sin on the cross. But he was raised in power and exalted on high. You see, his grace IS sufficient because his power IS made perfect in weakness. And because he shares in our weakness, we share in his strength. That strength will sustain you through all the suffering in this life. The devil may tempt you. Your fear and pain may at times may be overwhelming, but in those moments, renew your faith in Christ. Look to him knowing that his purposes are being fulfilled in you, and know that nothing will separate you from him. Back to Romans 8 one more time. “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” May we grasp on to that great truth through whatever weakness and suffering we endure. Amen.
We're thrilled to welcome back our founding pastor, Kevin McGhee who brings us a sermon titled, "Praying Like Paul"
We are wrapping up our series on the topic of worship with some honest talk, because here's the thing: worshipping God from the heart isn't always easy. There are times when worship comes easily—when life is good, prayers are answered, and joy overflows. But what about when it's not? What about when your heart is heavy, when questions remain unanswered, and when hope feels distant? That is the place where worship sacrifices. Some would say it's hypocritical to praise when you don't feel like it. God says, it's not hypocrisy, it's obedience. Hebrews 13:15 says: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name.”Praise and worship are never to be slaves to our circumstances but masters over them. Sacrifice has been part of worship since the beginning. And while Jesus' death and resurrection mean blood sacrifice is no longer needed, there is still a place for sacrifice in our praise. There is still a time when our worship of God costs us something. Will we worship even then? Is He still worthy of our praise—even when it's hard? Here are three conditions when worship may require sacrifice for you in the days ahead. 1. When someone has hurt or wronged you. (Acts 16)Like Paul and Silas, you, too, to varying degrees, are going to be hurt by people. You're going to be wronged and mistreated. And you're going to face the challenge of how you're going to respond. Will you commit to offering a sacrifice of praise anyway? Is God still worthy of your praise?Christ is often most clearly shown when in our mistreatment, when things are totally unfair, and we worship anyway. It's then that people wonder, “What is it that you have? What do you know? Whatever it is, I want it.” 2. When you are deeply disappointed. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)What happens to your worship when things don't turn out the way you'd hoped? For the prophet Habakkuk, his worship rose like a defiant “nevertheless.” Even in the face of all these hard things, even when things don't go my way…I will rejoice in the Lord. 3. When you're worried or afraid. (Psalm 27)David is faced with threats of all kinds, yet even in the middle of all these fears, the one thing he knows he needs is worship. He knew that in the sanctuary, in God's presence, he would find perspective and the recovery of hope. Note what happened in each of these stories. Worship came first, and then came the transformation. The sacrifice of praise was offered before circumstances changed. Now it's our turn. Will you allow the circumstances to silence your praise, or will you determine to offer God a sacrifice of praise? Give God the worship that perhaps touches His heart the most, and in the process, you may find Him to be everything you need. Text: Heb. 13:15; Acts 16; Hab. 3:17-18; Ps. 27Originally recorded on February 7, 1999, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN
Think of an answer to prayer you never received, a time when you trusted God to do something and He didn't. A situation where you were disappointed by God. What are we to make of these instances where we had faith the size of a mustard seed to see a mountain move but it didn't budge?In This Message, The Miracle You Never Saw Coming, Pastor Levi Lusko examines The Chosen's powerful portrayal of "Little James" being called to heal others while living with his own disability, revealing how God's power can flow through us even when we still limp.From The Chosen Season 3, Episode 2 "Two by Two" - witness the tension of being commissioned to participate in healing you yourself have never experienced. This conversation between Jesus and Little James isn't directly in the Bible, but it's thoroughly biblical from Genesis to Revelation: power out of pain and strength out of weakness.Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 & Luke 6:15Discover what it means to have the power of God on your life but still limp through with the pains, heartaches, and difficulties of life. Like Paul's thorn in the flesh, sometimes God chooses to work through us but not for us. Could God be glorified by a trial He chooses to allow to remain?3 Things You Must Know to Survive Saturday (the space between Good Friday and Easter):Pain Is a ProblemPain Has a ProblemPain Is Not Your ProblemThe miracle you never saw coming? The one that happens inside you. Sometimes the mountain that needs moving is inside you, and sustaining grace is every bit as miraculous as the signs and wonders we crave.ABOUT THE SERIES:Is that in the Bible? That's the question we're asking in this five-week series. We're taking cinematic moments from The Chosen and pressing in—opening the Word, digging deep, and letting Scripture speak for itself. Together, with teachings captured from the set of The Chosen, we'll wrestle with the tension, lean into the humanity, and see the life of Jesus through fresh eyes.ABOUT FRESH LIFE:Fresh Life Church was pioneered by Pastors Levi and Jennie Lusko in 2007. We exist to see those stranded in sin find life and liberty in Jesus Christ. Today Fresh Life's ministry impacts people with the radical, life-changing message of Jesus' grace, spilling across Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho… and beyond.ABOUT THE CHOSEN:The Chosen is a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes of those who knew him.NEXT STEPS:To register a decision to follow Jesus, click here:https://freshlife.church/know-godTo ask for prayer or connect with your team, click here: https://freshlife.church/contactTo give to this ministry and join what God is doing to reach people around the world, click here: https://freshlife.church/giveTo download Is That In The Bible?: The Chosen series resources: https://open.life.church/resources/6483-is-that-in-the-bibleCONNECT ONLINE:Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/c/freshlifech...Website - https://freshlife.churchFacebook - / freshlifechurchInstagram - / freshlifeTwitter - / freshlifeYoutube - / freshlifechurch
Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comRomans 7 Paul explores the believer's relationship with law and the ongoing struggle with sin. He explains that through Christ, Christians have died to the Old Law and are no longer bound by its demands, enabling them to bear fruit for God. The law itself is not sinful, but it reveals sin, emphasizing man's inability to achieve righteousness on his own. Paul shares his personal struggle, acknowledging the inner conflict between his desire to do good and the sin that too often resides within him. This tension exemplifies the human condition: even with a desire to obey God, sin remains a problem. If justification depends on perfectly adhering to the Law of Moses or any law, then there would be no hope. But “thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Marriage illustrates that God's laws, be it matrimony, Moses's Law, or the law of conscience, bind for life. However, death severs this bond, allowing union with another. We should thank God daily for Jesus' death, which frees us from the burden of law and unites us with Him. No law apart from Christ—whether the law of Moses or Gentile morality—can save us, as we all fail to keep the law perfectly. While Christ's law does exist, our justification comes through grace, not perfect obedience. This truth is crucial as we continually wrestle with sin. Like Paul, we often stumble in frustrating, repeated ways. This struggle should deepen our thankfulness for Jesus, where forgiveness and hope are found. Dear Lord, we praise You for the freedom bestowed upon us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for liberating us from the burden of law. None of us can perfectly uphold any law, and without Christ, there would be no hope of redemption for our sins. We honor You for redeeming us in Him and guiding us to follow His will and produce fruit of gratitude for You. Father, we mourn our sins. Too often, we wish to obey but still find ourselves falling short. Thank You for freeing us from the penalty of our failures through Jesus. Thought Questions: - Paul uses marriage as an example of the life-long intent of law. Does this principle of honoring marriage for life still hold today? - Does redemption from the burden of the law mean we now have no law? Why must we still “bear fruit for God” in Christ's church? - Do you know the misery of choosing sin in the flesh when your spirit only wants to do right? How does Christ help you through such times?
Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 26 Paul defends himself before King Agrippa by recalling his life, his conversion to Christ, and his mission for God. He begins with his strict upbringing as a Pharisee and his zealous persecution of Christians. Paul then describes his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, where he was blinded and chosen to become a witness to both Jews and Gentiles. He explains how Jesus commissioned him to open the eyes of others, converting them from darkness to light and from Satan to God. Paul's message from Jesus emphasizes the forgiveness of sins for those who repent and turn to God. Festus interrupts, accusing Paul of madness, but Paul remains composed and appeals to Agrippa's understanding of the prophets. Agrippa is impressed but chooses not to respond to the gospel. Paul's defense starts with a recounting of his past before Christ redirected him. This illustrates his humility, as he acknowledges that he believed he knew what was right but was mistaken and needed to repent. We should share aspects of our journey before coming to Christ when possible. This is a wonderful way to give all glory to the grace of Christ, who redirects and redeems us. Paul further explains that Jesus has given him a mission, which is why he risks his life and remains tireless in his teaching. Like Paul, we should be honest and bold about our mission of service to Christ, living with integrity, and challenging others with scripture in a wise and hopeful manner. Great God of kindness and grace, thank You for bringing us through our sinful past and to a place of hope and faith. Please help us to always give glory to You for who we are in Christ Jesus. Open doors today to share our story with others, to praise the name of Jesus, and invite others to repent and turn to the Lord so that times of refreshing will come. Will You please soften the hearts of people like Agrippa, who are so close to committing their lives to Christ? How can we help? Use us for Your redemptive work today. Thought Questions: - How was God patient with you in the years before you became a Christian? Is that a story that can help someone believe in God's grace? - Do you believe God has a mission for your life? From what you know today, what is that mission? Are you passionately engaged in it? - Agrippa was almost persuaded, but something held him back. Who can you pray for today who has that mindset and needs encouragement?
Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 16 Paul embarks on his second journey, taking Silas along with him. In Lystra, they meet Timothy, who joins them after being circumcised to satisfy others. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they are directed to Macedonia following Paul's vision of a man pleading for help. In Philippi, they encounter Lydia, a seller of purple, who converts to Christianity. Later, Paul and Silas liberate a slave girl from an evil spirit, angering her owners, who have them beaten and imprisoned. Around midnight, while they are singing and praying, an earthquake occurs, and the prison doors swing open. The jailer fears for his life, but Paul shares the message of Jesus with him. The jailer and his household are baptized that very hour. The next day, Paul and Silas are officially released. Paul's missionary journey is led by the Holy Spirit. God actively guides him to those whose hearts are prepared for salvation. God continues to reach people today, and we are His vessels to carry the message of Christ, even though our effort may require personal sacrifice. This chapter highlights at least three conversions, each involving a commitment from the new believers as well. Timothy was circumcised, not for salvation, but to gain influence among the Jews. Lydia and her household were likely the first converts in all of Europe. The jailer risked his life by aligning himself and his household with imprisoned men. The gospel demands submission, sacrifice, and courage from all believers in the name of Jesus Christ. Gracious God, thank You for the powerful stories of faith found in Acts 16. Like Timothy, we pray for a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the sake of others. Like Lydia, we seek to have a heart that is always open to obey You. Like Paul and Silas, we pray for the courage to praise Your name, even in life's most challenging trials. And like the jailer, we ask You to help us build the urgency to do what is right in the very hour that we learn the truth. Open our hearts to respond to Your glorious will. Thought Questions: - Why was Timothy circumcised? Are you willing to do something painful or hard simply for the sake of someone else's conscience? - The Lord opened Lydia's heart. What does this mean? How does the Lord open your heart, and what should be the results of such an event? - Paul and Barnabas rejoiced in trial, and God used the occasion to convert a family to Christ. Is God working similar plans in your times of trial?
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