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1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds believers that God’s plans are far greater than anything we can imagine, even during seasons of grief, loss, and uncertainty. In this heartfelt devotional, Vivian Bricker reflects on the pain of losing her mother and the struggle of complex grief while pointing readers back to the hope found in God’s promises. Through Scripture and personal testimony, this Christian encouragement reminds us that God is still working even when life feels heavy and painful. Highlights God’s plans are greater than anything we can fully imagine. Grief and loss do not cancel God’s purpose for your life. 1 Corinthians 2:9 offers hope during painful seasons. God welcomes us to bring our sorrow and pain to Him. Complex grief can feel overwhelming, but God remains near. Romans 8:28 reminds believers that God works through suffering. Pain can become part of a testimony that encourages others. Trusting God allows hope to grow even in heartbreak. Join the Conversation How has God carried you through seasons of grief or disappointment? What helps you continue trusting His plans even when life feels uncertain? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Has Wonderful Plans in Store for YouBy: Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Over the past year, I have come across many social media posts noting that 2016 was 10 years ago. My friends have shared posts reflecting upon their lives a decade ago; how much they have changed, what they have accomplished, and how much happier they are now. While it is great to see my friends flourishing in life, my heart breaks every time I am reminded of 2016. 2016 was the year my mom passed away. Every time I see the “decade challenge” or “decade glow-up,” I am once again crushed with the reality that my mom has been gone for ten years. Some days, it feels like she has been gone for only a few weeks, and other days, it feels like she has been gone for a century. The pain of her absence has only increased over the years. Upon restarting therapy, I discovered I have complex grief. Complex grief is different from regular grief because the latter does not endure for years; instead, there is an ending point, and you are able to make peace with the death of your loved one. However, with complex grief, it is impossible for you to move forward; you are paralyzed by their death, and you feel like your life has ended. Complex grief is remarkably common if you were dependent on the person who passed away. Perhaps you are walking through a similar season; a loved one passed away, and you are overcome with dread, grief, and pain. Rest at the foot of the cross and find solace in the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30). He will never make you feel guilty for mourning the loss of your loved one. Whether it's been a few days or a few decades, God understands the pain you are experiencing today. Intersecting Faith & Life: During these times, it is important to reflect upon our future with Christ. Paul tells us, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Although we may be struggling now, this darkness will not endure forever. God has wonderful plans for our lives – plans that we may not even know about yet. Rather than fearing the worst, trust God. No mind in all history has articulated the plans God has for those who love Him. As His followers, we can surrender our pain, grief, and agony to Him. God will bring light back into our lives, surround us with His love, and show us the plans He has for our lives. Lean into God’s amazing work today and trust Him with the process (Proverbs 3:5-6). Your grief may continue for the rest of your life, but this does not mean you cannot enjoy the wonderful plans God has for you. He may even use this present pain to encourage you to help others, such as supporting those who have also lost loved ones, building up the family of God, or praying for those who are in end-of-life care. The plans He has for you are amazing; do not give up now, your life has just begun. Are you ready to take hold of the wonderful plans God has for your life? What do you think God has in store for you? Further Reading: Jeremiah 29:11 Proverbs 16:9 Romans 8:28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
June 3, 2026
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
June 2, 2026
On this week's podcast we are sharing an interview from "A Question of Faith" podcast from TheWay.ie with Fr Patrick Cahill who reflects on the age old question of why suffering existsIn part one we have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends for the coming week including saints of the week and some local notices.In part three we have our weekly reflection on the Sunday Gospel which this week is Matthew's account of the Ascension of the Lord (Matthew 28:16-20) with the very consoling promise that Jesus is with us always, to the end of time. Why do we suffer?The A Question of Faith podcast (available on YouTube and Spotify) features broadcaster Wendy Grace in conversation with a range of guests who grapple with some of the big questions in regard our search for meaning and truth. These questions are echoed in the scriptures and each episode has biblical question that resonates with the title question.In this episode retreat leader Father Patrick Cahill of the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, reflects on the reality and nature of suffering and how what the Christian faith has to say about suffering.The biblical quote are the words of Jesus from the Cross – ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?' (Mt 27:46)“This is not about solving the mystery of suffering … It's about walking with it, seeing how God can work even through pain, and recognising that our wounds can become windows.” - Fr Patrick CahillText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com
Friends of the Rosary,Today, on this Friday of the First Week of Lent, Christ the Lord (Matthew 5:20-26) commands us to be reconciled with one another.“If you recall that your brother has anything against you, go first and be reconciled.”To reconcile with our brothers, we first need to forgive.A lack of forgiveness in us blocks the flow of divine grace.We resist forgiving because we feel that some injustice has done to us, and we resent it.But what did we do for the innocent Jesus? He was treated unjustly and suffered the ultimate injustice.Kneeling before the cross and seeing the suffering servant who forgave his persecutors will greatly help us to understand the mystery of forgiveness.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• February 27, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Readings: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 | Romans 5:12-19 | Matthew 4:1-11 | Psalm 32. Preached for the First Sunday in Lent (2026-02-22).
Pastors Alex and Chris wander into some interesting territory when discussing the Transfiguration. This one is quite long, but some useful tidbits are there to be found if you would liketo take in the entire episode!Key thought from this episode: Jesus proves He is God and so much more.We look forward to hearing from you for future topics we might address!Email chris.stukenberg@parkhillsefc.org or check out parkhillschurch.com for more info.
2026.02.08 Live For The Lord | Matthew 6:24-34 | Bradley Chwastyk by EP Church Annapolis
Join Pastor Derek Neider in this inspiring episode of The Daily Devotional as he kicks off a powerful new series on the book of Matthew. Through thoughtful reflections, Derek encourages us to embrace our calling to serve Christ wholeheartedly and live out our faith with purpose and surrender.Tune in for insightful teachings, practical application, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live as servants of the gospel. This is just the beginning—there's so much more to come as we journey through Romans together!Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected!New to faith? Click here!Learn more about Pastor Derek NeiderFollow Derek on Instagramor FacebookSubscribe to email Subscribe to the daily devotionalExplore recent messages!This podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas.Visit our website. We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.
Pastor is sick in this one.
Am I ready to meet the Lord? In today's devotion, Pastor Roderick Webster continues the Lamps With Oil / Lamps Without Oil series from Matthew 25:1–13 (KJV) and brings the question home in a personal, urgent way.Jesus tells a parable of ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. All ten had lamps. All ten appeared to be waiting. But when the bridegroom came, only the wise went in—because they had what was necessary: oil. Pastor explains that the oil represents the Holy Spirit, and warns that a lamp without oil may look beautiful, but it gives no light—it's only decoration.This devotion also connects to Romans 8:9 and 8:14 (KJV), reminding us that belonging to Christ is not merely something we profess—true believers possess Christ, and the Spirit of God dwells in them. The message is clear: don't rest in church attendance or familiarity with religion. Make sure you are truly ready.If you've been praying, “Lord, help me be ready,” this episode will steady your heart and point you back to the truth of the gospel.
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
January 14, 2026
Fr. Aaron Stettler - The Baptism of the Lord - Matthew 3:13-17
Epiphany of Our LordIsaiah 60:1–6; Ephesians 3:1–12; Matthew 2:1–12
What in the world is anointing?Baptism of Our LordJoshua 3; Ephesians 1:13–18; Matthew 3:13–17
1/11/2026 – Baptism of the Lord Matthew 3:13-17 Cristal Ocampo Ruiz Music for Sunday's worship gathering Surely by Zach Hail to the Lord’s Anointed by Montgomery/McCrackenEstablish the Work of Our Hands by Porter’s Gate WorshipNothing to Fear by Porter’s Gate WorshipHeal Us by Cowper/Twit/Morton Open Up by Rain for Roots Come All Ye Weary by Zach Doxology
PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD - Matthew 3:1-17 I. The Baptism of Repentance; vs.1-6 II. The Fruit of Repentance; vs.7-10 III. The Baptism of The Spirit; vs.11-12 IV. The Baptism of Jesus; vs.13-17 In Matthew 3 we learn what John the Baptist taught and why he baptized those who came to him. Among those who came to be baptized was Jesus!
This is Wade's sermon at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI for the Baptism of Our Lord. We'd love to have you join us at Resurrection for a Sunday Divine Service sometime at 9am. As always, if you are enjoying the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or TuneIn Radio. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. And, of course, share us with a friend or two! If you'd like to contact us we can be reached at podcast@LetTheBirdFly.com, or visit our website at www.LetTheBirdFly.com.
Welcome to ALIVE, our Sunday Gospel preparation series with Fr. Meyer. ALIVE follows the Sunday Gospel each week and is designed to help you slow down, reflect, and truly encounter Christ through Scripture. Each reflection is paired with discussion questions to help spark meaningful conversation and prayer. This week's Gospel (Matthew 3:13–17) brings us to the Baptism of the Lord, where the Father proclaims: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” In this reflection, Fr. Meyer invites us to reflect on the beauty of the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — and to hear those same words spoken over us through our own baptism. You are not defined by your worst moments or your struggles. You are God's beloved son. You are God's beloved daughter. We encourage you to journey through ALIVE with at least one other person — a spouse, friend, neighbor, or small group — and to walk together in faith each week.
Fear the Lord - Matthew 14:1-12 by Stone Oak Bible
Fr. Ignacio Llorente - The Epiphany of the Lord - Matthew 2:1-12
The Baptism of Our Lord Rev. Tyler Kenyon Matthew 3 (01/14/2026)
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
December 24, 2025
Derek Brover (Family Ministries Pastor) | Angel's Song, Ep. 3 | Dec 14, 2025
View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.lordoflords.org/sermons/let-s-go-up-to-the-mountain/As we were driving home the other day with Casper Mountain on our left, Shelley commented, "I hope I never get tired of that view." I've been on Casper Mountain numerous times for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. I've taken my side-by-side up on Casper and Muddy Mountains. People keep telling me how bad the winters are here … so, if winter ever arrives and we get snow, I plan to learn how to cross country ski. I'll also be taking out my fat tire bike on Casper Mountain.All of you are invited to hike, bike, run, or ski Casper Mountain with me at any time. Let's go up to the mountain.Isaiah writes, "This is the message that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. This will take place in the latter days: The mountain of the Lord's house will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it like a river. Many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob'" (Isaiah 2:1-3).The city of Jerusalem is located in the middle of several mountains. We would call them hills compared to the Smokies or Rockies. They're not particularly tall. Especially when I've seen signs about Wyoming being proud of its lack of population and height of its mountains. The signs read, "You know you're living in the right place when the elevation of your city is greater than its population."Casper Mountain is around 8130 feet above sea level. The Mount of Olives is 2710 feet. Mount Moriah is 2428 feet. Israel is clearly not flat land, but it seems like a stretch to say, "The mountain of the Lord's house will be established as the chief of the mountains" (Isaiah 2:2). It seems even odder to say people of the world will stream up to that mountain, since we know that streams flow downhill.Mount Moriah was the site where Abraham attempted to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Mount Moriah is also the place where King Solomon had built the Lord's temple. It stood for four centuries as the gleaming gathering place for God's people. It was where the Israelites went to hear God's Word, sing God's praises, and bring God sacrifices. God was mysteriously and majestically present in the Most Holy Place in the temple on the Lord's mountain.Isaiah is speaking symbolically. This mountain will be established as God's chief mountain and people from every nation will stream to this mountain for the same reason – Jesus! Jesus was crucified near Mount Moriah. This is where the Father did sacrifice his Son. Now Jerusalem is honored above all cities because this is where Jesus taught, suffered, died, was buried, and rose from the dead. I'm reading books on the Crusades. Because all these events happened in Jerusalem, Christian Crusaders traveled long distances to fight and free God's holy city from Muslim rule. Then Christian pilgrims could travel safely to worship on God's holy mountain.Jesus prophesied that people would stream to him. "Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be thrown out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" (John 12:31-32). St. John explains that Jesus said this "to indicate what kind of death he was going to die" (John 12:33).Jesus' prophecy was fulfilled. He was lifted up from the earth upon Calvary's cross. Israel's God willingly chose to suffer and die for his people – not only the people of Israel, but for all the people of the world. By his death and resurrection, Jesus brings divine judgment upon the world. He drives out the Devil, who has claimed the position of prince of this world. He brings blessing in the name of the Lord (Matthew 21:9).Jesus' prophecy continues to be fulfilled in Christian churches where the crucified and resurrected Christ is preached and his Sacraments are administered. These churches are the Lord's temple here on earth. There is the mountain of the Lord. There people will be streaming to the Lord's mountain. Jesus promises, "Where two or three have gathered together in my name, there I am among them" (Matthew 18:20).People are streaming to the Lord's Mountain from nations where Christians are being persecuted by Muslims. Nations like Nigeria, Somalia, Iran, and Afghanistan.Even though America has become lazy and apathetic toward Christianity, still more young people are going to conservative, smells and bells churches in our nation. Christian music is on the top of the charts. Young people are buying physical Bibles.We've experienced our own little stream here at Lord of Lords. We've had more people attending worship services, Bible studies, and fellowship events. Like Garden Creek Falls, it's a small, but steady stream. God's promise is being fulfilled. God's Word is being preached. His Word is being taught. His Word will work. "Then he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths" (Isaiah 2:3). God's Good News will draw people to his mountain. In the midst of this world's war and chaos, the message of the Prince of Peace will cause people to stream from far and wide.Success, not failure, is the mark of God's Church. Although we are the Church Militant, we must not be the Church Pessimistic! The battle is tough, but the victory has already been won. Recognizing the lateness of the hour gives the church purpose. God's Word is the message. That Word produces faith. That faith enjoys and expresses itself in peace."He will judge between the nations, and he will mediate for many peoples. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of the Lord" (Isaiah 2:4-5). Jesus prophesied that in these last days, "nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:7). Yet Isaiah prophecies the effect that God's Word will have on the inhabitants of these nations and the peoples of these kingdoms. God's Word judges between these nations and settles disputes for these peoples. His Word alone is the standard of right belief and moral behavior. God's Word will bring peace. First, peace in people's hearts. Then peace in people's homes. Then peace in the nations.Jesus promises that only he can bring this peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives" (John 14:27). Christ's peace is beyond our limited understanding. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).God brought peace to the hearts of people when he kept his promise to send his one and only Son. Jesus came as an infant in Bethlehem to bring peace. The multitude of the heavenly army sang in the Bethlehem sky, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind" (Luke 2:13-14). Jesus came to bring peace to the earth by living and suffering and dying for a world full of sinners. Because of Jesus' perfect life and innocent death and glorious resurrection, we have peace. We have the peace of knowing that there's nothing we can do to save ourselves because Jesus has done everything. We have the peace of knowing that we don't need to satisfy God's wrath against our sins because Jesus has washed them away. We have peace because Jesus has set us free – free from sin; free from death; free from the devil.That peace is yours in Jesus! That peace is what moves you to travel to the mountain of the Lord for worship. That peace is what moves you to walk in the light of the Lord.Do you want this lasting peace? Do you want a peace that quiets your guilty conscience? Then climb Mount Calvary by faith and find refuge under the cross. Do you want a peace that no diagnosis, disaster, or death can dissolve? Then walk in the light of the Lord, and he will direct your eyes to the day when he will craft the weapons of death into instruments of life.God's people are characterized by peace within and without. Non-Christians don't understand this peace. They don't get how you can have physical pain and still be at spiritual peace. They don't understand that with all the wars and rumors of wars, you are at peace because you know Jesus predicted these as signs of the End Times. They don't understand how while you mourn, you can still be at peace knowing your Christian loved one is at home with the Lord. They don't understand how you are called to live in peace and turn the other cheek, but at the same time be a ready Crusader to protect your loved ones and be a maker of peace (Matthew 5:9). Keeping peace is defensive. Making peace is offensive. We make peace with demonstrations of strength, power, and violence. Who is stronger and has more power than Jesus Christ, our King, our Lord, and the Commander of the Lord's heavenly army?With the people of Isaiah's time, we look forward to the final Advent of our Lord when we won't need any offensive or defensive weapons. When the Lord Jesus comes with his final Advent, it will be greater and more glorious than when he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. On that Day, swords will be replaced with plows and spears will have their blades bent for pruning trees. We long for the Day when there will be no more of our nation's soldiers training for battle. It will also be the day when Christ's soldiers can put down their weapons. There will be no more spiritual wars, persecution or Christian crusades. There will be no more need for any of these things because there will be nothing to fight about. The Lord will step in to settle every dispute. He will bring his people into his temple on the mountain of the Lord.If you go up to Casper Mountain with me, you probably won't find peace. More than likely, you'll find pain. Ask anyone whose hiked or biked with me. The pain of sore muscles, tired legs, and if you fall, maybe a bruised bottom. But you'll also know that you have accomplished something difficult.Jesus promises peace. This isn't a peace that police or politicians or protesters can bring. It's only a peace that comes through the love of Jesus Christ. It's a peace that the world cannot bring. But Jesus can. So, let's go up to the mountain. Amen.
As we were driving home the other day with Casper Mountain on our left, Shelley commented, "I hope I never get tired of that view." I've been on Casper Mountain numerous times for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. I've taken my side-by-side up on Casper and Muddy Mountains. People keep telling me how bad the winters are here … so, if winter ever arrives and we get snow, I plan to learn how to cross country ski. I'll also be taking out my fat tire bike on Casper Mountain.All of you are invited to hike, bike, run, or ski Casper Mountain with me at any time. Let's go up to the mountain.Isaiah writes, "This is the message that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. This will take place in the latter days: The mountain of the Lord's house will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it like a river. Many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob'" (Isaiah 2:1-3).The city of Jerusalem is located in the middle of several mountains. We would call them hills compared to the Smokies or Rockies. They're not particularly tall. Especially when I've seen signs about Wyoming being proud of its lack of population and height of its mountains. The signs read, "You know you're living in the right place when the elevation of your city is greater than its population."Casper Mountain is around 8130 feet above sea level. The Mount of Olives is 2710 feet. Mount Moriah is 2428 feet. Israel is clearly not flat land, but it seems like a stretch to say, "The mountain of the Lord's house will be established as the chief of the mountains" (Isaiah 2:2). It seems even odder to say people of the world will stream up to that mountain, since we know that streams flow downhill.Mount Moriah was the site where Abraham attempted to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Mount Moriah is also the place where King Solomon had built the Lord's temple. It stood for four centuries as the gleaming gathering place for God's people. It was where the Israelites went to hear God's Word, sing God's praises, and bring God sacrifices. God was mysteriously and majestically present in the Most Holy Place in the temple on the Lord's mountain.Isaiah is speaking symbolically. This mountain will be established as God's chief mountain and people from every nation will stream to this mountain for the same reason – Jesus! Jesus was crucified near Mount Moriah. This is where the Father did sacrifice his Son. Now Jerusalem is honored above all cities because this is where Jesus taught, suffered, died, was buried, and rose from the dead. I'm reading books on the Crusades. Because all these events happened in Jerusalem, Christian Crusaders traveled long distances to fight and free God's holy city from Muslim rule. Then Christian pilgrims could travel safely to worship on God's holy mountain.Jesus prophesied that people would stream to him. "Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be thrown out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" (John 12:31-32). St. John explains that Jesus said this "to indicate what kind of death he was going to die" (John 12:33).Jesus' prophecy was fulfilled. He was lifted up from the earth upon Calvary's cross. Israel's God willingly chose to suffer and die for his people – not only the people of Israel, but for all the people of the world. By his death and resurrection, Jesus brings divine judgment upon the world. He drives out the Devil, who has claimed the position of prince of this world. He brings blessing in the name of the Lord (Matthew 21:9).Jesus' prophecy continues to be fulfilled in Christian churches where the crucified and resurrected Christ is preached and his Sacraments are administered. These churches are the Lord's temple here on earth. There is the mountain of the Lord. There people will be streaming to the Lord's mountain. Jesus promises, "Where two or three have gathered together in my name, there I am among them" (Matthew 18:20).People are streaming to the Lord's Mountain from nations where Christians are being persecuted by Muslims. Nations like Nigeria, Somalia, Iran, and Afghanistan.Even though America has become lazy and apathetic toward Christianity, still more young people are going to conservative, smells and bells churches in our nation. Christian music is on the top of the charts. Young people are buying physical Bibles.We've experienced our own little stream here at Lord of Lords. We've had more people attending worship services, Bible studies, and fellowship events. Like Garden Creek Falls, it's a small, but steady stream. God's promise is being fulfilled. God's Word is being preached. His Word is being taught. His Word will work. "Then he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths" (Isaiah 2:3). God's Good News will draw people to his mountain. In the midst of this world's war and chaos, the message of the Prince of Peace will cause people to stream from far and wide.Success, not failure, is the mark of God's Church. Although we are the Church Militant, we must not be the Church Pessimistic! The battle is tough, but the victory has already been won. Recognizing the lateness of the hour gives the church purpose. God's Word is the message. That Word produces faith. That faith enjoys and expresses itself in peace."He will judge between the nations, and he will mediate for many peoples. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of the Lord" (Isaiah 2:4-5). Jesus prophesied that in these last days, "nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:7). Yet Isaiah prophecies the effect that God's Word will have on the inhabitants of these nations and the peoples of these kingdoms. God's Word judges between these nations and settles disputes for these peoples. His Word alone is the standard of right belief and moral behavior. God's Word will bring peace. First, peace in people's hearts. Then peace in people's homes. Then peace in the nations.Jesus promises that only he can bring this peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives" (John 14:27). Christ's peace is beyond our limited understanding. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).God brought peace to the hearts of people when he kept his promise to send his one and only Son. Jesus came as an infant in Bethlehem to bring peace. The multitude of the heavenly army sang in the Bethlehem sky, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind" (Luke 2:13-14). Jesus came to bring peace to the earth by living and suffering and dying for a world full of sinners. Because of Jesus' perfect life and innocent death and glorious resurrection, we have peace. We have the peace of knowing that there's nothing we can do to save ourselves because Jesus has done everything. We have the peace of knowing that we don't need to satisfy God's wrath against our sins because Jesus has washed them away. We have peace because Jesus has set us free – free from sin; free from death; free from the devil.That peace is yours in Jesus! That peace is what moves you to travel to the mountain of the Lord for worship. That peace is what moves you to walk in the light of the Lord.Do you want this lasting peace? Do you want a peace that quiets your guilty conscience? Then climb Mount Calvary by faith and find refuge under the cross. Do you want a peace that no diagnosis, disaster, or death can dissolve? Then walk in the light of the Lord, and he will direct your eyes to the day when he will craft the weapons of death into instruments of life.God's people are characterized by peace within and without. Non-Christians don't understand this peace. They don't get how you can have physical pain and still be at spiritual peace. They don't understand that with all the wars and rumors of wars, you are at peace because you know Jesus predicted these as signs of the End Times. They don't understand how while you mourn, you can still be at peace knowing your Christian loved one is at home with the Lord. They don't understand how you are called to live in peace and turn the other cheek, but at the same time be a ready Crusader to protect your loved ones and be a maker of peace (Matthew 5:9). Keeping peace is defensive. Making peace is offensive. We make peace with demonstrations of strength, power, and violence. Who is stronger and has more power than Jesus Christ, our King, our Lord, and the Commander of the Lord's heavenly army?With the people of Isaiah's time, we look forward to the final Advent of our Lord when we won't need any offensive or defensive weapons. When the Lord Jesus comes with his final Advent, it will be greater and more glorious than when he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. On that Day, swords will be replaced with plows and spears will have their blades bent for pruning trees. We long for the Day when there will be no more of our nation's soldiers training for battle. It will also be the day when Christ's soldiers can put down their weapons. There will be no more spiritual wars, persecution or Christian crusades. There will be no more need for any of these things because there will be nothing to fight about. The Lord will step in to settle every dispute. He will bring his people into his temple on the mountain of the Lord.If you go up to Casper Mountain with me, you probably won't find peace. More than likely, you'll find pain. Ask anyone whose hiked or biked with me. The pain of sore muscles, tired legs, and if you fall, maybe a bruised bottom. But you'll also know that you have accomplished something difficult.Jesus promises peace. This isn't a peace that police or politicians or protesters can bring. It's only a peace that comes through the love of Jesus Christ. It's a peace that the world cannot bring. But Jesus can. So, let's go up to the mountain. Amen.View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.casperwels.com/sermons/let-s-go-up-to-the-mountain/
In the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard we find clearly that the Master has the right to do as he pleases with that which belongs to him. Our Sovereign Lord has the sovereign right to do as He pleases. He is a God worthy of our worship.
Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are 'The Black Farmer' Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, Labour Tonia Antoniazzi, Green Party House of Commons leader Dr Ellie Chowns and the Conservative peer and political strategist Lord Matthew Elliott.
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
September 5, 2025
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August 17, 2025. Sunday Bible study with Pastor Cason Kelly.
The following was recorded at Stone Oak Bible Church. For more information about our church or for more resources, visit us at www.stoneoakbible.com
August 10, 2025. Sunday Bible study with Pastor Cason Kelly.
Sermon on the Mount: Kingdom Culture Lord, Lord Matthew 7:21-23 Christ Church Kingwood August 10, 2025 Preacher: Matt LoBasso
July 27, 2025. Sunday Bible study with Pastor Cason Kelly.
Jesus confronts the Pharisees on their misunderstanding and misapplication of the Sabbath - they fail to see Christ as who He is - the Lord of all.
In this interview, Lord Ridley examines the pervasive pessimism shaping climate narratives within the media and academia. He addresses the transformative power of affordable energy for developing nations and warns against beliefs about energy and climate that ignore the needs of those in poverty.Ridley also criticises the politicisation of science in both climate and Covid modelling, arguing it distorts evidence, suppresses debate, and drives harmful policies that undermine economic and social progress. He urges a shift towards optimism driven by innovation and evidence, advocating for rational energy policies and transparent scientific inquiry to foster prosperity and address global challenges effectively.Lord Matthew Ridley is a British science writer, journalist, and hereditary peer with a background in zoology and a distinguished career spanning academia, business, and public service. He holds a DPhil from Oxford University and is best known for his best-selling books on science, economics, and human progress, including The Rational Optimist, Genome, and How Innovation Works. Ridley served as chairman of the UK-based bank Northern Rock and was a member of the House of Lords from 2013 to 2021, where he contributed to debates on science, technology, and innovation policy. This interview was filmed at ARC London 2025.
In Matthew 22:41–46, Jesus asks the Pharisees a profound question: “Whose son is the Christ?” They reply, as expected, “The son of David.” But Jesus takes them deeper, revealing that the Messiah is not merely David's descendant—He is David's Lord.This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
Matthew 7:21-24Rev. Justin Nash
April 13, 2025 - Rev. Alexander S. Brown
Jesus Christ is the Lord of Glory, who we should obey and trust in.
The Baptism of our Lord - Matthew 3:1-2, 5-6, 13-17
Fr. Jim asks: Will we be the wise men and women taking up the journey to Jesus? Like the Magi, will we take a different path than the world would have us go?from Matthew 2:1-12When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,in the days of King Herod,behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?We saw his star at its risingand have come to do him homage.”When King Herod heard this,he was greatly troubled,and all Jerusalem with him.Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,for thus it has been written through the prophet:And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;since from you shall come a ruler,who is to shepherd my people Israel.”Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance.He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child.When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”After their audience with the king they set out.Read the full scripture: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010525.cfmHeart to Heart Catholic Media MinistryEvangelize Seekers. Inspire Believers. Foster Disciples.--Join Heart to Heart: htoh.us/subscribeSupport Heart to Heart: htoh.us/donate
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
January 2, 2025 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stjohnrandomlake/support
When we realize that Jesus Christ is the sovereign Lord over all things, our faith will grow in the face of fear
Matthew 3:1-12 - - Oct 13, 2024