Podcasts about Macedonian

Nehemiah 8 tells us that as Ezra read the Law of Moses from dawn to midday to the people standing and listening attentively for it was God's Word that was being read and explained with diligence. The people's response in verse 8 was a loud and audible, "Amen, Amen". Ezra urges the people, not to weep but, to rejoice in God's Word as they together share His blessings. Then the chapter says that they kept the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles) for seven days and then on the 8th day they observe a solemn assembly (Hebrew "holy convocation"). This day is in the Law of Moses only once named - and is known as "Shemini Azaret", or "the day of the righteous" - speaking of eternal life in God's kingdom.Joel 3 tells of the time that will soon come at the time of the end of the kingdom of men. At this time the Lord Jesus Christ will come and set up the kingdom of God on this earth (Revelation 11verses15-19). The great battle of God Almighty is "Armageddon" in Revelation 16verses14-16, - those verses are taken from what we are told in Joel 3. These events were only possible in recent years, because the start of Joel 3 tells us that Israel must be back in their own land with Jerusalem as their capital city. Armageddon will be a time for God's judgments on the nations for their sinfulness and ungodliness and on those nations who that have wrongfully treated His people - Israel. It will be a time for war - a holy war, in fact. The word translated "prepare" in verse 8 means a jihad, or holy war. Verse 10 speaks of a time when the economies of the world are turned from agriculture to war i.e. precisely what we see now. The time that follows will be of peace in the kingdom of Messiah - our Lord Jesus Christ (read Isaiah 2verses1-4; and Micah 4verses1-5). Verse 12 of Joel 3 is where Armageddon is mentioned in the Old Testament. The judgment of the nations is likened to the harvesting of the grain with a scythe (or sickle); it is also compared to the harvesting of the vine and crushing grapes in a winepress.In 2 Thessalonians 3 Paul asks for the believers' prayers that he might be helped to freely teach the gospel without hindrance. From verses 6-15 the Apostle urges the Macedonian faithful to keep working and avoiding idleness. Many had ceased working because they mistakenly thought that the coming of Jesus Christ was so close that they didn't need to work. Idle brothers had to learn to heed the advice contained in this letter. In the last two verses the Apostle Paul asks God to give the believers peace.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

As Thanksgiving approaches, Pastor Jordan Dunahee reflects on gratitude and shares a personal story about his connection to Illinois basketball. He humorously describes a game's 'Money Grab' segment, drawing a parallel to life's struggles with money and how the world's system is broken compared to God's economy. As part of the 'Relentless Pursuit' series, he emphasizes the significance of generosity as a pillar of discipleship. Pastor Jordan explores the biblical definition of generosity, urging congregants to view it as a gift rather than a burden. He delves into 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, highlighting the Macedonian churches' example of generosity despite their poverty. He underscores the importance of prioritizing generosity by first giving ourselves to the Lord and trusting Him with our finances. He shares a personal testimony about experiencing God's faithfulness in finances. Pastor Jordan concludes by emphasizing the grace of generosity, reflecting on God's ultimate gift through Jesus, and challenging the congregation to respond in generosity, prayer, and worship.

Nehemiah 4 tells of the mockery that comes from the Jews' enemies in an attempt to discourage them from the work of building the wall. Nehemiah makes it a matter of prayer to his God. Likewise, the people of the LORD were not diverted from the work. The enemies next threaten sabotage and open attack upon the rebuilding work. This too fails because of Nehemiah's diligence and the measures he takes for constant surveillance and the protection of the builders. Nehemiah places each family working on the wall directly in front of their home. Each worker works with a weapon in one hand.Hosea 14 tells of a plea to Israel to return to Yahweh. The nation needs to consider why they had been smitten and to find suitable words to request God's healing and forgiveness. Then the Almighty's anger will be turned away. In poetic language the prophet describes how blessings will return to Israel. In forsaking idolatry and learning the just and upright ways of Yahweh the faithful will thrive and experience the bountiful blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ's coming kingdom.1 Thessalonians 3verses1-5 Paul tells us of the sufferings that the Apostle experienced in Athens. Next Paul informs his readers of the great encouragement and comfort that Timothy brings him; and it is the news of the Thessalonians' magnificent response to the gospel. Note how the chapter finishes - read aloud verses 12-13 and pause, and ponder. Chapter 4 speaks of how pleased God and Paul are with the way that the believers are living their lives as a witness to their faith and to their trust in God and His Son. The love the Macedonian believers show to each other is evidence that they have learned what God's Word teaches. They needed to keep working until the Lord Jesus' return. These believers did, however, have a wrong view about the order of events after the Lord's return. The living believers will have no time advantage over those faithful who had fallen asleep in Christ i.e. died. Verses 13-18 describe what happens at Christ's return to the earth. Jesus will come with angels and the trumpet of God (1 Corinthians 15verses52-53). Those believers who are alive when he comes will be caught up together with those believers who have been raised from the dead, into a great cloud of witnesses (see Hebrews 12verses1- 2). These believers will be caught into the air i.e. aerial, in the sense that, together with their Lord Jesus Christ, they will be the rulers (or those elevated to be in authority) over the people of the earth - i.e. the subjects of that coming kingdom. What a comfort to those who are now suffering persecution.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Nehemiah 4 tells of the mockery that comes from the Jews' enemies in an attempt to discourage them from the work of building the wall. Nehemiah makes it a matter of prayer to his God. Likewise, the people of the LORD were not diverted from the work. The enemies next threaten sabotage and open attack upon the rebuilding work. This too fails because of Nehemiah's diligence and the measures he takes for constant surveillance and the protection of the builders. Nehemiah places each family working on the wall directly in front of their home. Each worker works with a weapon in one hand. Hosea 14 tells of a plea to Israel to return to Yahweh. The nation needs to consider why they had been smitten and to find suitable words to request God's healing and forgiveness. Then the Almighty's anger will be turned away. In poetic language the prophet describes how blessings will return to Israel. In forsaking idolatry and learning the just and upright ways of Yahweh the faithful will thrive and experience the bountiful blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ's coming kingdom. 1 Thessalonians 3verses1-5 Paul tells us of the sufferings that the Apostle experienced in Athens. Next Paul informs his readers of the great encouragement and comfort that Timothy brings him; and it is the news of the Thessalonians' magnificent response to the gospel. Note how the chapter finishes - read aloud verses 12-13 and pause, and ponder. Chapter 4 speaks of how pleased God and Paul are with the way that the believers are living their lives as a witness to their faith and to their trust in God and His Son. The love the Macedonian believers show to each other is evidence that they have learned what God's Word teaches. They needed to keep working until the Lord Jesus' return. These believers did, however, have a wrong view about the order of events after the Lord's return. The living believers will have no time advantage over those faithful who had fallen asleep in Christ i.e. died. Verses 13-18 describe what happens at Christ's return to the earth. Jesus will come with angels and the trumpet of God (1 Corinthians 15verses52-53). Those believers who are alive when he comes will be caught up together with those believers who have been raised from the dead, into a great cloud of witnesses (see Hebrews 12verses1- 2). These believers will be caught into the air i.e. aerial, in the sense that, together with their Lord Jesus Christ, they will be the rulers (or those elevated to be in authority) over the people of the earth - i.e. the subjects of that coming kingdom. What a comfort to those who are now suffering persecution. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

Nehemiah 3 tells the readers of Judah's consecrating of the gates and the rebuilding of the wall. It contains lists of who built, and why they built. All classes from professional craftsmen (goldsmiths) to common labourers worked - including the high priest Eliashib and his 5 daughters. Sadly, it also listed some, such as the nobles of the Tekoites, who to their shame failed to become involved in the building of the wall.Hosea 13 tells of the LORD's relentless watching over Israel (v7) "like a leopard by the way". Their idolatry would be visited with chastisement, as of a devouring lion. The king they sought in their beginnings - Saul was given by God in His anger and taken away in His wrath. The same remained true for every king from Israel (the northern kingdom). However, the loving kindness of Yahweh is stated in verse 14, which is cited with regards to the blessings of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15verses54-55. But for the time being their discipline remained a necessity.Paul's first visit to the Thessalonians (in Macedonia) was perhaps around 51 AD. The letter commenced with "grace" (Greek ‘charis' - love) and "peace" (Hebrew ‘shalom' - wholeness, or peace), which come from God, our Father. As a group of Christian believers, the Macedonians were severely persecuted, like their fellow Jewish believers in Judea - many of them being put to death for their beliefs. The Thessalonians were, however, extremely generous in financially contributing to Paul's preaching - especially the Philippians. The central message of both letters is the second coming of Jesus Christ to set up the kingdom of God on earth. Every chapter of both letters refers to this - some chapters containing several references (in the Bible we find over 500 references to the second coming of Jesus Christ). Their love and labours for the Truth were exemplary to all believers. Note verse 9 refers to their belief in "the Living God" and cites not only the verse in Jeremiah 10verses10, but the whole context of Jeremiah 10 was relevant to the situation of the Thessalonian believers. Chapter 2 speaks of the love of Paul, Silas, Timothy and Titus among them. Interestingly the name Titus means "nurse", or "rearer". Paul worked to support his companions' needs and for the preaching of the gospel. The Apostle commends the believers for their patience in suffering persecution. Finally, he expresses a desire to see them again and says that in the day of Christ's coming their acceptance of the gospel would be his victor's crown (Greek 'stephanos').Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Nehemiah 3 tells the readers of Judah's consecrating of the gates and the rebuilding of the wall. It contains lists of who built, and why they built. All classes from professional craftsmen (goldsmiths) to common labourers worked - including the high priest Eliashib and his 5 daughters. Sadly, it also listed some, such as the nobles of the Tekoites, who to their shame failed to become involved in the building of the wall. Hosea 13 tells of the LORD's relentless watching over Israel (v7) "like a leopard by the way". Their idolatry would be visited with chastisement, as of a devouring lion. The king they sought in their beginnings - Saul was given by God in His anger and taken away in His wrath. The same remained true for every king from Israel (the northern kingdom). However, the loving kindness of Yahweh is stated in verse 14, which is cited with regards to the blessings of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15verses54-55. But for the time being their discipline remained a necessity. Paul's first visit to the Thessalonians (in Macedonia) was perhaps around 51 AD. The letter commenced with "grace" (Greek ‘charis' - love) and "peace" (Hebrew ‘shalom' - wholeness, or peace), which come from God, our Father. As a group of Christian believers, the Macedonians were severely persecuted, like their fellow Jewish believers in Judea - many of them being put to death for their beliefs. The Thessalonians were, however, extremely generous in financially contributing to Paul's preaching - especially the Philippians. The central message of both letters is the second coming of Jesus Christ to set up the kingdom of God on earth. Every chapter of both letters refers to this - some chapters containing several references (in the Bible we find over 500 references to the second coming of Jesus Christ). Their   love and labours for the Truth were exemplary to all believers. Note verse 9 refers to their belief in "the Living God" and cites not only the verse in Jeremiah 10verses10, but the whole context of Jeremiah 10 was relevant to the situation of the Thessalonian believers. Chapter 2 speaks of the love of Paul, Silas, Timothy and Titus among them. Interestingly the name Titus means "nurse", or "rearer". Paul worked to support his companions' needs and for the preaching of the gospel. The Apostle commends the believers for their patience in suffering persecution. Finally, he expresses a desire to see them again and says that in the day of Christ's coming their acceptance of the gospel would be his victor's crown (Greek 'stephanos'). Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

GMoney is back and fully unleashed in this explosive episode of Rugpull Radio. With the country feeling like a powder keg and psyops hitting all-time highs, G tears into the chaos, from Epstein distractions to market manipulation, and brings the focus back to what he considers the real battlefield: Bitcoin, sovereignty, and the collapse of the fiat system. He breaks down why Bitcoin is a spiritual force, why Trump's “Stable Genius Act” is actually a stablecoin revolution, and how portable mortgages, tokenization, and treasury-backed digital dollars signal the death of the old financial order. Between fiery rants, Guard stories, and calling out “Macedonian cucks,” GMoney digs into the Genius Act, stablecoins as a peaceful siege on the banks, the meaning of Trump's crypto upgrade comments, and why doomers will get left behind. He highlights Square's Lightning integration, Cash App stablecoins, and global adoption, all while mocking financial elites, praising decentralization, and celebrating a renamed “Einstein Pepe.” This is peak GMoney: unfiltered, prophetic, savage, and surprisingly hopeful.

Generosity is not just a financial act—it's a spiritual one that connects you to God and brings Him glory. In part two of "The Impact of a Generous Heart," Pastor Bayless continues the story of the Macedonians and shares the spiritual impact of giving. You'll learn that generosity not only meets needs—it results in "many thanksgivings to God" and brings glory to Him. And you'll discover that when your treasure follows God's purposes, your heart follows too.  If you long to live a life that makes a difference, this message will show you how!

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. ……... 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.Notes: Here we see the consecrated heart “gave themselves first to the Lord” (the root) …… that then  bears the fruit of 

In this sermon launching the "Overflow" series, Karl Ihfe examines the connection between grace and generosity through the lens of 2 Corinthians 8. He establishes that grace is the source of generosity, pointing to how God always gives first—"For God so loved the world that he gave" (John 3:16). The Macedonian churches exemplify this principle, as they gave generously despite their extreme poverty because they had first experienced God's transformative grace. Karl highlights Paul's surprising equation: severe trial + overflowing joy + extreme poverty = rich generosity. This counterintuitive formula works because true joy isn't dependent on circumstances but flows from grace. As he states, "Joy doesn't come from what's in our wallet. It comes from who's in our heart." Following Christ's example—who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor" (2 Corinthians 8:9)—we're called to let grace overflow into sacrificial generosity that matures us and becomes contagious to others. Karl challenges us to respond not by asking "How much should I give?" but rather "How much have I been given?" https://bwaychurch.org  

Sir Bartle Frere's ultimatum to Cetshwayo kaMpande of 11 January 1879 was about to expire. Last episode I explained the reasons behind Frere's fevered decision, egged on as he was by Sir Theophilus Shepstone whose shadow looms large over the history of Natal - and South Africa. Cetshwayo's diplomacy had relied on the British supporting him against the claims of the Boers to his territory to the north west, already volatile by Mpande's reign, now it was going to set off one of the most unique wars of the colonial period. The Boers, Swazi and the Zulu all claimed this zone, rich as it was in reddish deep soil, around Phongola, Ntombe, Mkhondo. Beautiful territory too, it must be said, the deep riverine bush, open plains between, flat topped high mountains. In summer its warm, in winter, waterless, cold. The Zulu relied on seasonally moving their cattle up to these highlands in spring, and down to lower reaches of the hills in autumn. The Swazi would do the same if they could, and conflict over this land extended way back before the Boers rolled onto the landscape. Because the Disputed Territory was so far north, Natal authorities found it impossible to control any movement here, and as you heard last episode, their Border Commission report ruled that the land belonged to the Zulu and that the Boers had no legal status there. But Shepstone who was now Administrator of the annexed Transvaal, wanted to curry favor with the Boers and Frere wanted the various colonies and republics of South Africa to form a confederation. Cetshwayo was standing in his way, along with Pedi chief, Sekhukhuni. The last Eastern Cape Frontier War had ended, the amaXhosa were thought of as a defeated nation, while by now the British also regarded the Basotho as benign, so the industrialised military might of the British empire swiveled increasingly towards Zululand. Cetshwayo was walking a delicate line through the 1870s, frustrated internally by having no glorious campaign to prove he'd bloodied his men in a fantastic war, although defeating the Swazi, sort of, seizing a few mountain fortresses in the Lubombo range. These were on the margins of the Boer and Swazi, it was where Zibhebhu of the Nyawo lived. It was where Dingane had died if you recall — so the capture of the territory was a feather in Cetshwayo's cap. While Cetshwayo brooded about his northern reaches, it was the murder of two Zulu women I mentioned last episode that was seized upon by the Natal Authorities as a part of the many pretexts to go to war. Cetshwayo was well aware of the value of firearms and horses. By 1878 there were 20 000 muskets in Zululand, but these were used like a throwing spear, and the stabbing spear was still the preferred method of dispatching your opponent. The stabbing was the principle of washing the spear, soaking it in your enemies blood, thus entering the hallowed portal of manhood. If your regiment did enough washing, then the King would announce that the amabutho had permission to marry and the man could don a hearing. So in a sense, successfully wielding a spear led directly to a sanctioned marriage, and the ability to create sons and daughters. The spear was a symbol of procreation if you like. Such a system had global resonances. In the homesteads of Zululand in 1878 as the build up to war took place, the senior commanders and chiefs were aware of the tide of colonialism washing up against their military system. It was in terms of tactics that the coming war that would be the greatest undoing of the Zulu system. All of these were overtaken by a more modern state or the machinery of empire and the pressure of time. The Spartans lost their supremacy after Leuctra (LOO-ktruh) in 371 BCE, their military culture fading under Macedonian and then Roman rule. The Aztec Empire was obliterated by the Spanish conquest in 1521. The Mongol empire fractured within a century of Genghis Khan's death, its unity dissolved into regional khanates.

🙏 Sermon Summary: Walking in Step with the Spirit This week, Jonathan Dunning challenged us to move beyond simply being a "nominally charismatic" church—one that sings the songs and waves the flags but "denies its power". Drawing from Galatians 5:25, "Since we're living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives", the message urged us to shift from mere information to impartation and to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. The Call to Power and Purpose Jonathan highlighted that being filled with the Holy Spirit isn't an "optional extra" but God's command and grace gift. Citing John Stott, he emphasized that what the church needs is not more eloquence or organization, but "more power from the Holy Spirit". This power enables us to be witnesses and missionaries, moving us beyond a "spirit of timidity" and into a spirit of "power and of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). He asked challenging questions for personal reflection: When were you last filled with the Holy Spirit? When did you last stir up the spiritual gift in you? How to Walk in Step with the Spirit The core of the sermon focused on practical ways to "walk in step" with God's Spirit, using the metaphor of a journey: Put God First and Deny Self-Will: This involves living a good and righteous life, obeying God's ways, and acknowledging Him so He can direct our path (Proverbs 3:6). Listen and Obey the Nudge: Like sheep recognizing the shepherd's voice (John 10), we need to be attuned to the Spirit's inner voice, the prompt, the stirring, or the nudge. This inner voice is the same one that convicts us of wrongdoing. Keep Pace and Time: We must avoid rushing ahead and lagging behind. Timing is key. Like the vision in Habakkuk, a clear vision is "for an appointed time" and requires patient waiting. We need to keep in step to catch the Kairos moment, the divinely appointed time where heaven touches earth. The Spirit's Guidance in Jonathan's Life and MCF Jonathan shared powerful personal examples of how the Spirit has led him through his life and ministry: Inner Voice: Sensing a clear call to pastoral ministry at age 17 and later feeling the distinct nudge to step down from a role, even with no clear path ahead. Impartation: Receiving an "anointing for ministry" through the laying on of hands and prayer from others. Prophetic Words: Receiving a word in his twenties calling him to prison ministry, which unfolded years later with a job as the UK's first free minister paid by the home office to serve as a prison chaplain. Scripture: Using Ecclesiastes 3 ("a time to uproot and a time to plant") to process a difficult transition in ministry. Closed Doors: Learning to "trust the closed door" when his "dream job" didn't materialize, which ultimately led him to stumble into ministry at MCF in Sheffield. He concluded by stressing that walking in the Spirit is also for the church collectively. MCF's journey—from moving to the estate to receiving prophetic words about enlarging the place of the tent (Isaiah 54) and the river of God flowing (Ezekiel 47)—has been a result of people listening and obeying the Spirit's nudges, not simply "man's design". The final challenge: "You cannot walk with God without moving." The time to move from theory to practice is now, by seeking to be filled with the Spirit. Would you like me to find a relevant Bible verse, such as Galatians 5:25, to post with this summary? Transcript Thanks, Nick. Morning, everyone. I've been given the title, Walking in Step with the Spirit, and a passage from Galatians 5, verse 25, which says, "Since we're living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." Now, today, I don't intend to spend a lot of time going into what this verse means. I want to talk about my experience of the Holy Spirit, the church's experience of the Holy Spirit, and how that is really, really important today. So I'm going to be a bit of an agent provocateur, a bit of a stirrer this morning. It was a week ago I was chatting to Graham Reid, and we reflected how the church we were born into in the 1970s and 1980s, he was in Sussex House in North Yorkshire, the charismatic movement which we were birthed into, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, being filled with the Holy Spirit, was front and centre of what was happening. Each service, there was opportunity for people to come forward to be filled with the Spirit, as well as for other things. Ministry was very important. And actually, it was very much part of the warp and the web of the church. So what's changed? Because I think as I look at the church in the UK today, and I travel around quite a few of them, we have become nominally charismatic, i.e., in name only. We sing the songs, we wave the flags, we stick our hands in the air, but that's often as far as it goes. And actually, to sort of like misquote Paul in his letter to Timothy, we have a form of charismatic worship, but deny its power. Thanks, we've had a few amens for that, that's good. I think it's really important that we don't just play lip service to this aspect of ministry in the Holy Spirit, but actually we're engaging in a topic over a long period of weeks, which should actually transform us as human beings and as followers of Jesus. Jesus told his disciples, his followers, to be filled with the Spirit, to give them the power to be the missionaries and the witnesses that he required them to do in this world. He'd already taught them in Luke 11, verse 3, that God is this great good Father, much better than a human father, who longs to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. Interesting. The need to ask. Not automatic. Paul was keen that Christians understood that they needed to be constantly filled with God's Holy Spirit, Ephesians 5, verse 18. "Be being filled" is the actual literal translation of that, as we know. And he contrasted that with being drunk, being intoxicated. Now, you know, if you've ever known what it is to be drunk, you basically, your tongue gets loose, you start to say things, you talk in a way that you wouldn't normally be guarded. You're basically a much more kind of like, they used to call it Dutch courage, aren't you? You're much more brave about confronting things and taking things on. You know, it's Dutch courage. Hey, hey. You know, I'm going to get in there. And the contrast was, don't be intoxicated by a worldly spirit, but God's Spirit gives you the power to speak and to go beyond your fears. In fact, you know, Paul talked to Timothy and said, you had to stir up the gift that had been given to him when he'd had hands laid upon him. Stir it up. Fan it into flame. Timothy had to do something with what God had invested in his life when hands were laid on him. And he said, that's because God hasn't given you a spirit of timidity where you hold back, where you haven't got Dutch courage, where you're afraid to say anything, afraid to do anything. But he's given you a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1 verse 7. This is important stuff. Barry Manson on Facebook recently had this quote from John Stott. Now, John Stott was not a charismatic or Pentecostal Christian. He was an evangelical. But it's very interesting what John Stott wrote. And all evangelicals should prick up their ears to this. "What we need is not more learning, not more eloquence, not more persuasion, not more organization, but more power from the Holy Spirit." Amen. So we need to go from information about this to impartation. From knowing about the Holy Spirit to asking God, our Heavenly Father, to fill us with His Spirit constantly. Otherwise, we're just on a paper exercise. We're just paying lip service to this. So I ask some questions of myself and I ask them of you today. When were you last filled with the Holy Spirit? When did you last ask your Heavenly Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit? When did you last stir up the spiritual gift in you? Because being filled with the Holy Spirit is not an optional extra or an add-on in our life. It's God's command and will and grace gift to you as His sons and daughters. So what does it mean to walk in step with God's Spirit? Which is the title today. I mean, the idea of walking with God is a metaphor for how life should be lived in Jewish thought. You see it at the very beginning, Adam and Eve walking with God. You know, this place of harmony, this place of perfection. In a perfect world, humanity is walking hand in hand with Father God and enjoying life in the goodness and the grace of God. Our lives were to be lived as a journey with God. This is Jewish thought, this, who leads and guides us. Now, you see that in the Old Testament played out in the wilderness wanderings where God takes them through the wilderness. Even in the patriarch's journey, Abraham, you know, journeying on to find that place of promise in God. This is a metaphor that's played out in Genesis and actually was a thought that the Jews held strongly. We kind of lost it a bit. Walking suggests we're on the move, that we're active, that we're going somewhere. Walking with the Spirit suggests that it's God that's taking us on this journey, that actually it's a walk of faith. I know sometimes it feels like a walk in the dark. It does to me. It will do to anyone who takes this seriously. We don't always know where we're going to end up. And walking in step with the Spirit suggests that we have to keep pace and time with God. We go at His pace and in His time. So how do we do this? Well, I mean, it's not easy, isn't it? It's easy to say it. It's another thing to do it. And there's some simple things that we all have to do, like put God first in our lives. Following Jesus says, we deny our own self-will, our selfishness. We take up a cross to say, that's dead to me. And we obey God's ways and will in our life. We live a good, righteous life before Him. We don't need a prophetic word or a tingle down the back of our spine to live well. We just need to follow what God's asked us to do. And in all your ways, Proverbs 3, verse 6, if we acknowledge Him, He will direct our path. So if we're living a good life, if we're living a righteous life, we are open to the possibility and should be able to walk in the paths that God has laid out for us. Secondly, we do it by listening to Him and then obeying what He tells us to do. I think it's very interesting, 1 Samuel 3, where this young child Samuel is in this place, this sanctuary, Shiloh, and he's taught by an old priest to say to God as a three-year-old or four-year-old, a very young child, speak. "Your servant is listening." What are we listening to? Who are you listening to? Are you listening to the voice of the Spirit? Because if you want to walk in the Spirit, we have to be attuned to what He is saying. Now, Jesus said in a passage in John 10 that His sheep, He's a good shepherd and we're His sheep in that sense, hear His voice. Now, I've worked on a farm. Shepherds don't know exactly what the shepherd's saying. They can't speak English. They don't understand English. They don't understand every word you're saying. But when the shepherd calls, Oi, oi, oi. Don't even use English, most of them. You know, Come by. That's the sheep dog, by the way. But, All you do, you stand by a gate and just make a noise like that. I know, I've done it. And the sheep prick up their ears and they come to the shepherd because they know the shepherd's either going to feed them or take them somewhere or look after them. They respond to a voice. We don't always clearly hear what God's saying to us, but we should be able to hear that, Oi! Over here. Oi! Like a dog, of course. We should be able to respond to his master's voice. Isaiah 30 verse 21 says these words. "When you turn to the right or to the left," and we do that at times, I get very distracted in life. Probably you do. "You're going to hear a voice behind you saying, this way. Walk in it." Now, I've never heard God speak to me audibly. But it's that inner voice. It's that prompt. It's that stirring. It's that nudge. It's that idea that's suddenly coming to your head from nowhere that you've not even thought of before. It's the same inner voice that convicts us at times that we're doing wrong because we all feel that that also is communicating with us, prompting us and nudging us into other areas. And sometimes, you know, we hear the voice of conviction and we think, oh yeah, we know that's wrong. We recognize that as maybe God's speaking to us. Why can't we recognize God communicating with us when he's nudging us to do something else? Somehow, we struggle much more with that. We walk in step with the Spirit by putting God first in our life, denying our own way, following him, by listening to him and then being obedient to that nudge of the Spirit and by keeping in step with the Spirit. Timing is key for us as Christians. Some of us hear something and we rush on ahead. We're going to make it happen. It's there and then. It's going to happen tomorrow. It's what God wants us to do there and then. And I think Habakkuk, if you read the book of Habakkuk, it gives us a really good pointer on this. He says, look, you've heard God. You've got a clear vision, but it's for an appointed time. It's not for now. Hold on to it. Wait patiently. It will happen, but not yet. The other thing we don't keep in step with the Spirit is we lag behind. And I don't think this is a judgment on any of us. But I think the truth is sometimes we might miss that moment that God has opened up for us. The Kairos moment. The moment where heaven, Kairos means a divine appointed time where heaven touches earth. There is a time, said Ecclesiastes, for every purpose under heaven. And actually, if we're too far behind, sometimes we might miss it. If we're too far ahead, we might have gone beyond God, keeping in step with the Spirit. I'm loving this camera because I'm having such fun this morning with me. Keeping in step, I should walk this way. Keeping in step with the Spirit is keeping pace with what God is asking us to do. But it transforms your life. Eric was talking about transformation last week. It changes your life's direction. It nudges you in certain things that perhaps you hadn't thought of doing. It takes you on a journey that perhaps you hadn't thought you were going to do. We need to keep and walk in step with the Spirit. I rarely talk about my experiences because it's not because they aren't that brilliant, any greater than anyone else's in this room. But I do think I want to talk to you tonight about how this has worked today, about how this has worked out in my life. Because there's various ways, the nudges, the prompts, the words, that God has taken me to the time where I stand before you now, you know, in this new chapter in my life. Whether it's that inner voice of the Spirit, whether it's impartation through the laying on of hands that Paul was talking to Timothy about, whether it's prophetic words, whether it's Scripture, whether it's closed doors, and I want to give you an example of each one of them. One of them. But they have helped nudge me. And God will speak to you and do things in your life in different ways, but you've just got to keep listening and you've just got to keep obeying. They've helped to nudge me to the place I am today, the inner voice. At my baptism at the age of 17 in a river in North Yorkshire, I sensed a clear call of God to pastoral ministry. Now I have this opinion that new Christians can hear God better. I think the older you get, bluntly, as a Christian, the more crusty you get. Frankly, you have too many filters, too many questions, too many cautions, oh that can't be God, too many negative experiences of when it's gone wrong that you basically are much harder to hear when God is asking you to do something. So I shared with an American evangelist who was over from Philadelphia, sat on a riverbank that I was called to ministry at the age of 17. I told him that him and I were going to be working together in the future. He was living in America. 18 months later he was living in North Yorkshire. We were living in a house together and we were working around the area. And I guess that I felt after 10 years of working at Hollybush, part time, well not 10 years, sorry, got this wrong. Let me go back. I was part of the youth work at Hollybush. I was going out preaching, leading worship as a teenager. But I felt disobedience because I needed to go to Bible college. Didn't have a word to go to Bible college. Never had a flashing light. Just felt it was part of the process of what I needed to do and of course that was where I met Karen. So in a sense the first word had led to me being obedient and walking through life into the second. After 10 years, after 10 years of working at Hollybush I was in a prayer meeting one night and I just knew it was time for me to let go and step down. There was no reason for that to happen. Things were going very well there in lots of ways. But I told the pastor there that I was leaving I was going to work my notice out. We were married we had a mortgage we had a baby son and I had nothing ahead of me. Didn't have a job to go to didn't know what was going to happen next. But I followed the prompt and the nudge of God. And guess what? I ended up here eventually. But it was only it was about two and a half years well more I don't know how long or two and a half three years ago that I again felt that nudge when I was here that this was the time for me to step down from here. No word no Bible no prophetic word just the inner guiding of God's spirit. Listen to the inner voice. Impartation. Again, 17, 18, stood at the front coming forward for ministry always hungry for the things of the spirit always hungry for God to meet with me. I was stood there an American who didn't know who I was never met him before had no contact with my church stood in front of me and said Jonathan that's a great name means gift of God so today tonight you're going to receive an anointing for ministry that's the last thing I remember as I lay flat on the floor but I knew with a conviction that God had called me to something else. There are many times when I've received prayer and help and ministry from other people that is really important. Don't shy away when there's an opportunity for prayer. Please do not shy away from receiving prayer ministry from others. The prophetic. These both took real time in my life. Again, early twenties, somebody at Hollybush said, "Jonathan, I believe God is calling you to prison ministry". The only prison I'd ever seen was Porridge, the TV program. I had no idea how that would happen. It was a few years later that a prisoner, sorry, somebody wrote to me about a friend of theirs who was in prison for murder. Asked me to go and visit him, a guy called Paul. He just died last year. He was in for life. He gave his life to Jesus. I ended up visiting him. Then ended up getting friends with the prison chaplain at Wakefield, who became the prison general for the whole Britain. He invited me onto the team at Wakefield. I then was the first free minister in the UK paid by the home office as a prison chaplain in full, certain maximum security prison. I took teams before I came to Sheffield into five different prisons every month. And God actually opened the door for me. But it took time. I didn't write to the home office for a job. God opened the door. I remember a couple called the Alums, who were a prophetic couple, who prayed over me maybe 25 years ago as this group connections meeting that we were at. I think Roland was there. And they prayed that I would have a ministry to work with small churches. That I would be moving around supporting them, advising them, imparting, encouraging and developing them. 25 years ago. I'm doing it now. Scripture. It was this summer trying to come to terms with the change of seasons that God is taking me through that I was at a quiet service down down the south coast in Sussex the end of August where somebody was reading asked us to reflect on Ecclesiastes chapter 3. "There is a time and a purpose for everything." And said, "I want you to go and think about this." And we got to verse 2 and was read out, "a time to uproot and a time to plant." And I just knew that God had uprooted me. And I wrote a reflection I've still got on my phone about how it is difficult for a plant that's been established for 30 years in a place to be uprooted taken out of its network of relationships and actually at the moment still in a bucket waiting for what comes next. But that's basically where I am. So God spoke to me through scripture helpfully through the prophetic through people praying for me and laying hands on me through that inner voice of the spirit. And finally through the closed door. Because the only reason I came to Sheffield was that the dream job I wanted which had been offered to me didn't turn up in time. So at that point the evangelical alliance was led by a guy called Clive Calver who wanted me to become the northern regional development officer for the whole of EA. That's 30 something years ago. I felt this was what God wanted me to do. I said I would go for this. He said Joel Edwards who eventually to go for him he was the church minister he would get back in touch with me and then would sort out what was going to happen next. Joel Edwards didn't get in touch with me but Jeff Williams did. And I had no word to come here no scripture no audible voice no prophetic word nobody laid hands on me and said go to Sheffield. I stumbled over the doorway into this church. Right. Just being obedient to God faithful to God and I ended up here. And three weeks after I arrived the EA offered me the job. But I felt it was lacking in integrity to walk away from a church to do that. And the rest as they say is history. But I remember at Bible College R.T. Kendall who was a very famous preacher. He spoke on the Macedonian call of Paul which was about closed doors and open doors. And the word that came to him was that he spoke on was "learn to trust the closed door". We don't always understand why God has done something. I hope I see now when I look behind me the grace and the goodness of God in all this. But at the time I didn't. Perhaps walking in the spirit is not always easy. It's not always clear. There are times when you don't always understand what's happening but it's true that we still listen and we still obey and we still go for those nudges. But walking in the spirit is not just for individuals. It's also for a church. Because MCF is not where it is today by accident or by man's design. This has been God's purpose and plan and who is behind it all and before it all. We're here today doing what we're doing because we've been walking with the Holy Spirit. It was never a good idea, it was God's idea. It's worth remembering I think it's not just the leadership team who have revelation and inspiration. They're not only the ones who listen to God. We should all be listening to God. And good leaders will always release the spirit of God and the genius of the gifts of the spirit in a church and listen to what's been happening. Most of the mission stuff that you see around you or certainly a lot of it didn't come from the leadership team but came from individuals who felt God was prompting them nudging them calling them to do things and the leadership got behind it at that time. Scripture says that we we collectively have the mind of Christ, 1 Corinthians 2 verse 16. And the biggest decisions the early church had was the council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 where they had to decide what criteria Gentiles or non-Jews could join the church. Would they have to keep all the law? Would they have to do everything that good Jews had done for many many years? And they came with these big decisions at the end of Acts 15. But the phrase they used, the church, I love it. Because a whole group of them were gathered together to come to this decision. They said, "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us." Togetherness collaboration as a group of people with the Holy Spirit to discover what God was doing. Of course, the first missionary journey which eventually took us into the church into Europe with Paul and Barnabas. They were released to serve as missionaries by a group of people who had been fasting and praying but who heard the Holy Spirit together telling them to release Paul and Barnabas to get on with what they had to do. How has walking in the Spirit worked out at MCF? And all these things I'm going to tell you have come from different people as far as I remember different words and different prompts. They've not come just from me or one other person or somebody else. Firstly, before I was even thought of coming to this estate in the first place, from Millhouses, leafy suburb of Millhouses to Batemoor Jordan Thorpe. That was a big nudge and it was a sacrificial nudge that this church made. But they made it on the prompt of the Holy Spirit on the basis of people being converted off this estate. That was a huge change from a middle class church to coming on to, I hate to use that phrase, but coming on to this area. It was a big big change and some people didn't like it I guess. A bit later on before we even had any buildings at all it was a friend of mine in the church who's not in the church anymore he's went up Scotland for a period of time who had a word from Isaiah 54 which we've often said which was about enlarging the place of your tent strengthening the states lengthening the cords do not hold back. You may feel like a barren woman who's not doing a great deal but suddenly your house is going to be filled. You've gone to two services here and basically before we even had a place we had this sense of God telling us to be established in this area and to almost sing over it. And it's a word that actually helped us to think about even stretching out to get that pub. Because one other thing was spare no expense if you read the New Living Translation. I always thought it was a fantastic thought because the expense is going up isn't it everyone? When we came to this building another one of the leaders who's no longer with us serving as another church he had a vision he kept talking about the piazza out there but the precinct where he saw the image of Ezekiel the river of God flowing from this place out onto the precinct. It's Ezekiel 47 of course. That river of God Jesus says is the Holy Spirit. "Out of your innermost beings will flow." So the flow of the Holy Spirit going out onto this estate that was seen very early on when we first moved here. Read John 7 verse 37 onwards if you want to get the idea of what Jesus is saying about this. But actually you see it's not the building isn't it? Because the Holy Spirit will only flow out of unit three if it's flowing out of the church which is us in unit three. It's flowing out the people who are being filled with the Holy Spirit who are being constantly filled with the Holy Spirit whose overflow is reaching out and lapping up and causing fruitfulness out there on our estate. Andy was the one who brought the artesian well saying he got a vision of somebody working hard on a pump. You know we were working hard doing stuff. And honestly there's still a danger in any church and I would say in this church because of the efforts we all put in that we rely on our own efforts of trying to pump the water so much. But I'm referring back to a word that Andy brought. This was about something springing up a well of living water springing up the Isaiah 43 thing. Again it's the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit coming forth. It's the Holy Spirit springing forth. This is why it's so important that we're filled with the Holy Spirit. That if we don't see it as an add-on. That we don't see it as something "well that happened to me 20 years I went to an Alpha course and I had a tingle or I felt a warm feeling." I mean God help us if that's all we think this is about. This is about the work of God. This is about the purpose of God. This is about the plan of God. Don't settle for anything less. No well worn passes. But I think it was me that had this vision of skiing off piste. You know because we were thinking how do we mission on this estate? How do we reach out on this estate? And it was about not just taking pre pre ordered ideas and just you know using that "oh that's worked over there" or "that's worked over there". But actually discovering is listening again to that voice what is God asking us to do that we're not being asked to go down a course. You know skiing down the course but actually off the courses and discover what God was asking us to do not just relying on those well known methods. And the fourth thing was the values which we worked through: encountering God, getting involved, living generously, transforming community. I want to say to you the journey for MCF has been bumpy, when I was leading it anyway. Still probably is. But it has a walk keeping in step with where God's spirit is wanting to lead us. So I'm going to finish with coming back to the values. Encountering God. That wasn't just about about a once and for all salvation experience but about us as the believers in Christ seeking after him longing for him discovering him in our lives. And as an old man at my previous church in North York she used to say, "if you're seeking God and he's seeking you then you're bound to bump into each other sooner or later". I conclude we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It's not an option extra. Don't deny God's grace in this and don't pay lip service to this. "Since we're living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives," Galatians 5 verse 25 says. Secondly, you have to trust and have faith that God does speak to you and he will guide you. And we all get it wrong at times. Be humble and admit it when we do. That's a good learning curve for us all, isn't it? It it's always good to what you really want you often think that's what God must want too. And it can be very confusing. You convince yourself it must be God's will. But walking in step with the Spirit is taking steps of faith. As John Wimber said, "faith spelled R-I-S-K." Don't expect God to speak to you with a megaphone because he won't. He normally has this still small voice that Elijah experienced in 1 Kings 19. More likely the internal nudge, the prompt, the reminder, the sense of peace or the sense of unease or conviction or a passion rising within you. And God will speak to you by the means like scripture, through sermons, perhaps through songs, through prophetic words. And we should take note of those things also. Finally, we're not going anywhere unless we move. And I just feel really sad when I go to certain churches and I have been to certain churches and churches I used to preach at many years ago they're on the verge of closing. Because I would say to you as the people of God, churches stagnate and become stale when they stop moving. They stop walking with God. Now this series has been a bit like learning the highway code, maybe doing your driving theory. It's time to hit the road with what you've learned. There was a Scottish preacher trying to explain the Holy Spirit said, "it's better felt than tell". And you know there's something about that. I could talk as much as I like about this but actually this is your invitation opportunity to be involved yourself. The sat nav might show you the route, scripture, but you don't arrive without setting off and following the instructions. You cannot walk with God without moving. We talk about wanting a move of God. Well that starts when God starts to move us. Move us, move us. As I hand back over to Nick now, just want to encourage you. Please take every opportunity during this series that is offered to you to be filled with the spirit. Amen. God bless you.

Sir Bartle Frere's ultimatum to Cetshwayo kaMpande of 11 January 1879 was about to expire. Last episode I explained the reasons behind Frere's fevered decision, egged on as he was by Sir Theophilus Shepstone whose shadow looms large over the history of Natal - and South Africa. Cetshwayo's diplomacy had relied on the British supporting him against the claims of the Boers to his territory to the north west, already volatile by Mpande's reign, now it was going to set off one of the most unique wars of the colonial period. The Boers, Swazi and the Zulu all claimed this zone, rich as it was in reddish deep soil, around Phongola, Ntombe, Mkhondo. Beautiful territory too, it must be said, the deep riverine bush, open plains between, flat topped high mountains. In summer its warm, in winter, waterless, cold. The Zulu relied on seasonally moving their cattle up to these highlands in spring, and down to lower reaches of the hills in autumn. The Swazi would do the same if they could, and conflict over this land extended way back before the Boers rolled onto the landscape. Because the Disputed Territory was so far north, Natal authorities found it impossible to control any movement here, and as you heard last episode, their Border Commission report ruled that the land belonged to the Zulu and that the Boers had no legal status there. But Shepstone who was now Administrator of the annexed Transvaal, wanted to curry favor with the Boers and Frere wanted the various colonies and republics of South Africa to form a confederation. Cetshwayo was standing in his way, along with Pedi chief, Sekhukhuni. The last Eastern Cape Frontier War had ended, the amaXhosa were thought of as a defeated nation, while by now the British also regarded the Basotho as benign, so the industrialised military might of the British empire swiveled increasingly towards Zululand. Cetshwayo was walking a delicate line through the 1870s, frustrated internally by having no glorious campaign to prove he'd bloodied his men in a fantastic war, although defeating the Swazi, sort of, seizing a few mountain fortresses in the Lubombo range. These were on the margins of the Boer and Swazi, it was where Zibhebhu of the Nyawo lived. It was where Dingane had died if you recall — so the capture of the territory was a feather in Cetshwayo's cap. While Cetshwayo brooded about his northern reaches, it was the murder of two Zulu women I mentioned last episode that was seized upon by the Natal Authorities as a part of the many pretexts to go to war. Cetshwayo was well aware of the value of firearms and horses. By 1878 there were 20 000 muskets in Zululand, but these were used like a throwing spear, and the stabbing spear was still the preferred method of dispatching your opponent. The stabbing was the principle of washing the spear, soaking it in your enemies blood, thus entering the hallowed portal of manhood. If your regiment did enough washing, then the King would announce that the amabutho had permission to marry and the man could don a hearing. So in a sense, successfully wielding a spear led directly to a sanctioned marriage, and the ability to create sons and daughters. The spear was a symbol of procreation if you like. Such a system had global resonances. In the homesteads of Zululand in 1878 as the build up to war took place, the senior commanders and chiefs were aware of the tide of colonialism washing up against their military system. It was in terms of tactics that the coming war that would be the greatest undoing of the Zulu system. All of these were overtaken by a more modern state or the machinery of empire and the pressure of time. The Spartans lost their supremacy after Leuctra (LOO-ktruh) in 371 BCE, their military culture fading under Macedonian and then Roman rule. The Aztec Empire was obliterated by the Spanish conquest in 1521. The Mongol empire fractured within a century of Genghis Khan's death, its unity dissolved into regional khanates.

Does giving really matter? And what are the benefits of living generously with eternity in view? In part one of his powerful message "The Impact of a Generous Heart," Pastor Bayless opens 2 Corinthians 8 and tells the inspiring story of the Macedonian believers—people who gave sacrificially "beyond their ability" and were passionate about supporting the gospel. You'll discover how true generosity begins with giving yourself fully to God—not just your resources, but your heart. Get ready to enlarge your vision for generosity in this insightful message!

2 Chronicles 36 tells of the rapid disintegration of Judah after the death of Josiah. Jehoahaz, the son of Josiah becomes king at the age of 23 and rules for 3 months until he is deposed and taken to Egypt by Pharaoh Neco. Pharaoh Neco takes Jehoiakim (Jehoahaz's brother) and makes him king and changes his name to Eliakim. Eliakim is 25 years old when he becomes king and he reigns for 11 evil years practising wickedness in defiance of his God. The year is now about BC 607 and Nebuchadnezzar has just come to the throne of Babylon. The Babylonian king makes an incursion into Judah taking Jerusalem and carrying away many captives and several of Judah's princes including Daniel and his three friends. Additionally, the Chaldeans take away the vessels of the temple. Nebuchadnezzar has three further incursions into Judah until the final overthrow of Jerusalem in BC 587. Jehoiachin the son of Eliakim is placed upon the vassal throne. He is 18 years of age and rules for only three months and ten days until he, too, is taken to Babylon with the most precious vessels from the temple. And on this occasion another evil king is deposed. Zedekiah, the brother of Jehoahaz ascends the throne at the age of 21 and rules for 11 evil years. This last king of Judah is a vacillating, covenant breaking king who earns the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel 21verses25-27 spoke of this final overthrowing of Judah's kingdom and saying that the throne would remain vacant until "he comes whose right it is" - because he is God's Son and David's righteous heir - and God will then establish Christ's throne forever. The book concludes with two significant events - one negative, one positive - the burning and destruction of Jerusalem; and the decree of Cyrus in BC 537 that sees the return of the exiles.Acts 20 records that after the riot Paul calls for and encourages the ecclesia before departing into Macedonian. Six brethren accompany him as the representatives of their ecclesias. These delegates are carrying relief funds for the poor believers in Judea who are suffering the effects of a great famine. The chapter says Paul stops at Miletus and asks the elders of Ephesus join him there where Paul gives the ecclesia final encouraging words and warning them of dangers which would arise after his demise. The Apostle gives a very long talk, and because of the poor ventilation in the room a young man named Eutychus falls asleep in the window and he falls three storeys to the ground and is pronounced dead.Paul miraculously raises Eutychus and continues preaching until sunrise. Paul's intentions of departing into Macedonia appear not to have been achieved and he is now hurrying to Jerusalem to arrive before the feast of Pentecost. The Apostle's speech to the Ephesian elders is recorded from verses 18-35. In summary he tells them of their solemn responsibilities, warning them of a decline due to those who would seek leadership for their own advantage. On the positive side, Paul, in verse 32, commends them to God and the Word of His grace - read aloud, pause and ponder. The Apostle also quotes some unrecorded words of our Lord Jesus Christ - "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (v35). The assembled group pray together on the beach and then an old prophet warns Paul of what would comeupon him from the time of his arriving in Jerusalem. They greatly sorrow that they will see his face no more, but they respect Paul's resolute courage.

2 Chronicles 36 tells of the rapid disintegration of Judah after the death of Josiah. Jehoahaz, the son of Josiah becomes king at the age of 23 and rules for 3 months until he is deposed and taken to Egypt by Pharaoh Neco. Pharaoh Neco takes Jehoiakim (Jehoahaz's brother) and makes him king and changes his name to Eliakim. Eliakim is 25 years old when he becomes king and he reigns for 11 evil years practising wickedness in defiance of his God. The year is now about BC 607 and Nebuchadnezzar has just come to the throne of Babylon. The Babylonian king makes an incursion into Judah taking Jerusalem and carrying away many captives and several of Judah's princes including Daniel and his three friends. Additionally, the Chaldeans take away the vessels of the temple. Nebuchadnezzar has three further incursions into Judah until the final overthrow of Jerusalem in BC 587. Jehoiachin the son of Eliakim is placed upon the vassal throne. He is 18 years of age and rules for only three months and ten days until he, too, is taken to Babylon with the most precious vessels from the temple. And on this occasion another evil king is deposed. Zedekiah, the brother of Jehoahaz ascends the throne at the age of 21 and rules for 11 evil years. This last king of Judah is a vacillating, covenant breaking king who earns the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel 21verses25-27 spoke of this final overthrowing of Judah's kingdom and saying that the throne would remain vacant until "he comes whose right it is" - because he is God's Son and David's righteous heir - and God will then establish Christ's throne forever. The book concludes with two significant events - one negative, one positive - the burning and destruction of Jerusalem; and the decree of Cyrus in BC 537 that sees the return of the exiles. Hosea 4 presents a courtroom scene where Yahweh accuses Israel of their unfaithfulness to Him. All parts of nature and every creature is affected. The chapter's key verse is verse 6 - it should be read aloud and pondered. What a lesson for us! Never let us make light of the understanding of God's Word - for if we treat Yahweh's word with contempt the consequences will be disastrous to ourselves and to our families. Greed and covetousness were the measure of Judah's worship - if there was no profit to be made they weren't interested. But the time would come when they are captive in Babylon when they would rethink their ways and repent. Acts 20 records that after the riot Paul calls for and encourages the ecclesia before departing into Macedonian. Six brethren accompany him as the representatives of their ecclesias. These delegates are carrying relief funds for the poor believers in Judea who are suffering the effects of a great famine. The chapter says Paul stops at Miletus and asks the elders of Ephesus join him there where Paul gives the ecclesia final encouraging words and warning them of dangers which would arise after his demise. The Apostle gives a very long talk, and because of the poor ventilation in the room a young man named Eutychus falls asleep in the window and he falls three storeys to the ground and is pronounced dead. Paul miraculously raises Eutychus and continues preaching until sunrise. Paul's intentions of departing into Macedonia appear not to have been achieved and he is now hurrying to Jerusalem to arrive before the feast of Pentecost. The Apostle's speech to the Ephesian elders is recorded from verses 18-35. In summary he tells them of their solemn responsibilities, warning them of a decline due to those who would seek leadership for their own advantage. On the positive side, Paul, in verse 32, commends them to God and the Word of His grace - read aloud, pause and ponder. The Apostle also quotes some unrecorded words of our Lord Jesus Christ - "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (v35). The assembled group pray together on the beach and then an old prophet warns Paul of what would come   upon him from the time of his arriving in Jerusalem. They greatly sorrow that they will see his face no more, but they respect Paul's resolute courage. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

2 Chronicles 34 tells of Josiah coming to the throne of Judah at the age of 8 years old (BC 641). Verse 2 gives a wonderful testimony to his steadfastness. When he was 16 years old he commences his reforms with the destruction of the idols and the burning of the bones of the false prophets that had been prophesied 300 years earlier to Jeroboam 1, the first king of Israel, once they had split the kingdom at the time of Rehoboam (son of Solomon - see 1 Kings 13verses1-2). Verses 8-21 speak of the discovery, in the temple, of the scroll of Deuteronomy (possibly even the original in Moses own writing). This causes great concern when they read of the curses that would be sent upon them for their disobedience to God's laws.   They were also at this time receiving the people's donations, which money was faithfully used in the repairing of the temple. Hilkiah, the high priest, and other officials went to the prophetess Huldah to ask what they could expect from Yahweh as punishment for their sins. Huldah's response was that judgment was coming, but would be postponed from Josiah's times until after his death, because king Josiah had been wholehearted in his worship of God. Hosea 2 tells us that because of the unfaithful behaviour of Gomer (as a type of the nation of Israel) Israel was no longer God's wife and the children would not be His people, nor would they receive mercy. When Gomer's lovers would no longer want to be with her she would seek the LORD her God, who would after disciplining her, receive her again, as God would the nation, whose typical example Gomer would follow. Yahweh in His kindness would allure her back to Himself, and once again woo her. Eventually Gomer would become a faithful wife - as too will Israel - and as a consequence blessings would flow. The land would be sown with the seeds of fruitfulness. Israel would once more receive mercy from the hand of their Maker and Husband. And the nation would become the people of God once more (see Romans 9verses20; 11verses13-16, 25-27). This of course a great parable about Yahweh's loving kindness and His restoration of His people to their LORD in faithfulness and truth in Messiah's kingdom. Acts 16 speaks of a disciple named Timothy - meaning "of value to God". He was well recommended by the brethren. Timothy's mother, Lois, was a Jewess and a faithful believer. Likewise, Timothy's - grandmother, Eunice, was also faithful - see 2 Timothy 1verses5. As Timothy's father was a Greek Paul thought that it would be best for Timothy to be circumcised before travelling with himself and Silas. They visit the Galatian believers to strengthen their faith. Whilst attempting to preach the gospel in the province of Asia they were prevented from doing so. God had urgent work for the missionaries to do in Macedonia. They were given a vision of a man from Macedonia asking them for help. Many believe that the man in the vision was Doctor Luke, since the pronouns in the chapter change when Luke joined them- see chapter 16verses11. It is also interesting to think that Alexander the Great was a Macedonian who claimed to have a vision of the high priest of Israel and the 24 elders coming to meet him (see Zechariah 9). In Philippi, the capital of Macedonia, there were so few Jews that the city had no synagogue. It was by the riverside that Lydia, a lady from Thyatira, believed and was baptised. Lydia, "whose heart the Lord opened" describes the timeless operation of the spirit of God. It is a lovely description. She was the first convert from that city. Verses 16-24 describe a demented girl, said to be possessed by the python of Delphi, who follows Paul and Silas and claims that they are the servants of the most high God. After the girl was healed her owners, losing their source of income, had Paul and Silas arrested, beaten, placed in most uncomfortable stocks and cast into prison. Paul and Silas sang hymns of praise to the amazement of the prisoners and their jailor. The response of the Almighty was to a produce a strong earthquake that was felt throughout the city. It also released all the chains of the prisoners. The jailor fearing his prisoners had fled was about to take his own life. Paul called upon him to stop. He took Paul and Silas to his home and bathed their wounds (with their stripes he was healed - see Isaiah 53). The jailor and the believing adults of his household were baptised - the ecclesia was growing. In the morning the superstitious magistrates tell Paul and Silas to go. Paul says they have beaten the Apostles who are uncondemned Roman citizens. This made the magistrates even more fearful; but must have provided the ecclesia with a measure of protection. Acts 17 tells of Paul, Silas coming to Thessalonica (Luke seems to have stayed in Philippi for the next 7 years), where the preaching had some measure of success until the jealous Jews stirred up the rabble of the city and attacked the house of Jason where Paul and his companions were lodged. Jason is beaten, but the multitude want Paul's blood. The enraged mob claim that Paul has turned the Roman world upside down with his preaching - and indeed he had done that. After taking money for security Paul and his company are allowed to depart. In verses 10-12 we hear that they next come to Berea where the people of that city are more noble of heart as they daily search the Scriptures to see whether what the Apostles claimed was in fact what the Scriptures taught. But sadly, true to form, the unbelieving Jews from Thessalonica come and bring persecution with them. Paul is hurried away from the hostile Jews and brought by sea to Athens. Whilst waiting for Timothy and Silas Paul is stirred by the extent of the idolatry of the city. Paul speaks to the philosophers of the Epicurean and Stoic persuasions about Jesus and the resurrection - the Greeks supposed he was talking of Jesus (a male god) and Anastasis (a female god). Paul is taken to Areopagus (also called Mars Hill) and placed on trial for blasphemy (a charge that carried the death sentence if he is found guilty). Paul commences to preach to them based on an altar that he finds with the inscription "to the unknown god". He says that they are ignorantly worshipping this god. From the Greek poets Paul tells them that this God made the world and everything in it. He quotes from   several of their poets - including the well-known Hymn to Zeus (their chief god). But his primary appeal was for them to forsake idolatry and polytheism and embrace the One True God by believing that this God will judge those who do not repent and turn to Him. The majority response is to dismiss Paul's claims as they compare the Apostle to a seed picking bird, which gathers bits and pieces from everywhere. Nonetheless one Dionysius, an Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and a few others become believers. Those heaters who procrastinated by saying that they would hear Paul's teaching on another occasion missed a great opportunity for the Apostle never returned to Athens - see Ephesians 5verses16.   Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these commen

In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael sits down with Bogdan Micov, a Macedonian entrepreneur living in Bali, who has developed the Relentless Method—a groundbreaking approach to stress relief and emotional transformation. Bogdan's method helps entrepreneurs and leaders eliminate negative emotions and limiting beliefs in days rather than years, breaking away from traditional coping strategies to create lasting internal change. Together, Michael and Bogdan explore the difference between managing stress and transforming it. They discuss why focusing on decisions instead of beliefs gives people more flexibility and control, allowing for faster breakthroughs. Bogdan explains how understanding the motivations behind pain-avoidance versus pleasure-seeking behaviors can help align decisions with one's true values. The conversation also dives into the importance of proactive decision-making and personal responsibility. By embracing the law of cause and effect, Bogdan encourages listeners to move away from the victim mindset and take ownership of their outcomes. Michael and Bogdan highlight how shifting from reactive stress responses to empowered thinking can transform not only performance but overall well-being. Bogdan shares his inspiring personal story of leaving a corporate career and recovering from a stroke at 33, using these challenges to cultivate joy and peace. The episode closes with insights on living a fulfilled life, learning from hardship, and spreading messages of growth, purpose, and happiness. Key Topics: The Relentless Method and belief reprogramming How decisions shape mindset and outcomes Pain vs. pleasure motivation in human behavior Escaping victim mentality and taking ownership Living joyfully through personal transformation Follow Bogdan: Instagram: @bogdanrelentless  

Join us at Redeemer Church in Midland, Texas, as we conclude our two-year "First to the Lord" journey with a powerful celebration of God's faithfulness, recapping how gospel-centered generosity—modeled by the impoverished yet joyful Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians 8-9—has funded our new building, reached the lost, and equipped the next generation for Christ's mission. Through grace-driven giving inspired by Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, we've seen nearly 50 baptisms and countless lives transformed, proving that true joy and open-handed living flow from giving ourselves first to the Lord. Praise God for what He's done in and through our missional family!   Website: redeemermidland.org Instagram: instagram.com/redeemermidland Facebook: facebook.com/RedeemerMidland   At Redeemer, we seek to be a Gospel-Centered, Missional Family. We sing songs to worship our Lord, we preach the Word of God from the Bible, and we love one another.   We would love to see you on a Sunday morning at 9:00 or 11:00 am at 3601 N. Lamesa Rd in Midland, Texas. 

Have you ever wondered what true generosity looks like in a world obsessed with getting more? Through Paul's letter to the Corinthians, Pastor Blake unveils how the impoverished Macedonian churches modeled radical giving that flowed from grace, not circumstances. Exploring the rhythm of generosity as demonstrated by Jesus himself, this message challenges us to move beyond mere obligation to mature discipleship. Through practical steps of praying, planning, and practicing generosity, discover how giving isn't about what God wants from us, but what He wants for us. Don't miss this transformative message that will reshape your perspective on generosity and inspire you to experience the joy of giving as God intended.

Acts 19:21-41 21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. 23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” 28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.   Key Words: Resolve, Disturbance, Way, Wealth, Turn, Gods, Confusion, Riot Keystone Verse: And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. (Acts 19:26) Download Bulletin

Acts 19:23-41 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has per-suaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disre-pute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” 28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Passages: Acts 16 WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: To learn more about Adelphi, visit us at: adelphibaptist.com

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History interviews from the BBC World Service. Sonny Roberts' daughter tells us about how her father created the UK's first black-owned music studio - this programme contains outdated and offensive language. Music producer and professor emerita at the School of Oriental and African Studies, Lucy Durán takes us through the history of music studios around the world. How a Macedonian scientist's discovery led to treatments for diabetes and obesity, and the story of the Kenyan ecologist who became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Plus, the mysterious sinking of a British oil tanker in Indonesia in the the 1950s and how the first lottery scratchcard was invented by an American mathematician. As well as the story of the first South American to win the International Surfing Association world title back in 2004. Contributors: Cleon Roberts – daughter of Sonny Roberts. Lucy Duran – music producer and professor at the School of Oriental and African studies at the University of London. Svetlana Mojsov – Macedonian scientist who discovered the hormone called GLP-Joseph McCorry – who was on the San Flaviano oil tanker. Wanjira Mathai – daughter of Wangari Maathai. Sofia Mulanovich – three-time world surfing champion. John Koza – the inventor of the scratchcard. (Photo: Jamaican record producer Sonny Roberts Record Shop in Willesden Junction, London, UK in December 1982. Credit: David Corio/Redferns via Getty)

Sermon Title: The Macedonian Believers Model of Christian Life (Part 1)Speaker: Rev. Provy R. CadelinaDate: November 15, 2023Service: Midweek Prayer MeetingIlocano Preaching

Sermon Title: The Macedonian Believers Model of Christian Life (Part 3)Speaker: Rev. Provy R. CadelinaDate: November 20, 2023Service: Long Distance PreachingIlocano Preaching

Sermon Title: The Macedonian Believers Model of Christian Life (Part 2)Speaker: Rev. Provy R. CadelinaDate: November 19, 2023Service: Sunday SchoolIlocano Preaching

Sermon Title: The Macedonian Believers Model of Christian Life (Part 4)Speaker: Rev. Provy R. CadelinaDate: November 22, 2023Service: Midweek Prayer MeetingIlocano Preaching

Sermon Title: The Macedonian Believers Model of Christian Life (Part 5)Speaker: Rev. Provy R. CadelinaDate: November 29, 2023Service: Midweek Prayer Meeting ServiceIlocano Preaching

Colm Boohig, Dara Smith-Naughton and Keith Treacy bring you all the morning headlines after a night where Shelbourne suffered a heartbreak late loss to Macedonian champions KF Shkëndija and Shamrock Rovers lost to Celje in Tallaght in the UEFA Conference League. Off The Ball Breakfast w/ UPMC Ireland | #GetBackInActionCatch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On this week's show, Dana, Steve, and Julia step into the gothic, visually rich world of Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. It's been years in the making, gorgeously rendered, and stars the always compelling Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, but it's up for debate if something like a soul emerges from del Toro's mad machinations. Next, author and journalist Stefan Fatsis joins the logophilic panel to talk about the uncertain fate of dictionaries as chronicled in his new book Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat To) the Modern Dictionary. Finally, the hosts talk about the sonically and narratively layered new podcast Fela Kuti: Fear No Man about the legendary Nigerian musician and activist— its acclaimed producer Jad Abumrad joins to discuss.   In an exclusive Slate Plus bonus episode, Jad sticks around to pepper the Gabfesters with questions about how we make our own podcast week after week. Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com.  Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch. Endorsements Steve: Jad Abumrad's new podcast Fela Kuti: Fear No Man (yes, the one covered in this very episode— it's that good). Also, Ben Lerner's essay “Cardiography” in the New York Review of Books. Jad: The dark Macedonian fantasy You Won't Be Alone.  Julia: “Tense Present: Democracy, English, and the Wars over Usage,” David Foster Wallace's classic essay originally published in Harpers.Dana: Adam Gopnik's recent piece "What Do We Want from Our Child Stars?" in The New Yorker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's show, Dana, Steve, and Julia step into the gothic, visually rich world of Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. It's been years in the making, gorgeously rendered, and stars the always compelling Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, but it's up for debate if something like a soul emerges from del Toro's mad machinations. Next, author and journalist Stefan Fatsis joins the logophilic panel to talk about the uncertain fate of dictionaries as chronicled in his new book Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat To) the Modern Dictionary. Finally, the hosts talk about the sonically and narratively layered new podcast Fela Kuti: Fear No Man about the legendary Nigerian musician and activist— its acclaimed producer Jad Abumrad joins to discuss.   In an exclusive Slate Plus bonus episode, Jad sticks around to pepper the Gabfesters with questions about how we make our own podcast week after week. Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com.  Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch. Endorsements Steve: Jad Abumrad's new podcast Fela Kuti: Fear No Man (yes, the one covered in this very episode— it's that good). Also, Ben Lerner's essay “Cardiography” in the New York Review of Books. Jad: The dark Macedonian fantasy You Won't Be Alone.  Julia: “Tense Present: Democracy, English, and the Wars over Usage,” David Foster Wallace's classic essay originally published in Harpers.Dana: Adam Gopnik's recent piece "What Do We Want from Our Child Stars?" in The New Yorker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many people, contentment feels just out of reach—always tied to the next raise, the next purchase, or the next season of life. Yet Scripture calls us to something deeper and more lasting: a contentment that doesn't depend on circumstances but rests in Christ Himself.Psalm 23 begins with a stunning declaration:“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” — Psalm 23:1 (NLT)David's words remind us that contentment doesn't come from acquiring more but from trusting the One who provides. Just as sheep rest securely under the care of their shepherd, we can rest in God's faithful provision.True contentment isn't about suppressing desire—it's about redirecting it. When we find sufficiency in Christ rather than in money, possessions, or achievements, we're freed from the trap of covetousness and anchored in the truth that in Him, we already have all we truly need.The Ancient Lie of DiscontentmentDiscontentment has plagued humanity from the beginning. In Eden, Adam and Eve had everything they needed, yet the serpent's lie convinced them they lacked something essential. Discontentment still whispers, “God is holding out on you—you'd be better off if you had more.”Today, that same voice is amplified through advertising, social media, and cultural comparison. We scroll through highlight reels and feel our lives don't measure up. But Hebrews 13:5 offers the antidote:“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”The cure for discontentment isn't having more—it's remembering that God is always with us.The Freedom of “Enough”Contentment is not resignation—it's liberation. It frees us from envy, overspending, and the crushing weight of comparison. Instead of striving endlessly for more, we learn to steward wisely what God has entrusted to us.Proverbs 30:8–9 captures this balanced perspective beautifully:“Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me…”The wise steward seeks enough—not excess. When we live this way, our financial decisions change. We spend with purpose. We give with joy. We save with peace. Contentment reorients money from being our master to being a tool for God's Kingdom.Think of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17. With only a handful of flour and a little oil left, she faced famine. Yet when Elijah asked her to make him a cake first, she trusted God's word—and He provided, not with overflowing barns, but with daily sufficiency.Or consider the Macedonian believers in 2 Corinthians 8. Paul wrote,“In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity.”Despite having little, they gave with glad hearts because their contentment was in Christ, not in their circumstances.These examples remind us that contentment and generosity often go hand in hand. When we are satisfied in Christ, we're free to bless others.Trusting the God Who ProvidesAt the heart of contentment is trust. Jesus said in Matthew 6:25–26,“Do not be anxious about your life… Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”Contentment flows from believing that God knows what we need and delights to provide for His children. As Elisabeth Elliot once wrote, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”When Christ becomes our treasure, everything else finds its proper place.That's why Paul could say in 1 Timothy 6:6:“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”Contentment isn't a loss—it's true gain. It's the kind of wealth no market downturn can erase and no thief can steal. Choosing contentment doesn't mean settling for less; it means resting in the sufficiency of Christ.When we stop chasing “more” and start trusting God's daily provision, we discover freedom, peace, and joy. That's the essence of faithful stewardship—not just managing money, but aligning our hearts with the One who promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I own several rental properties and would like to leave one to each of my children. I still want to collect the rental income, but I'd like to avoid probate and ensure a smooth transition when I pass away. How can I set up a trust to do that, and what's the best way to move forward?I got divorced in my mid-50s and had to start over from scratch. I'm now 66 with a little over $37,000 in my 401(k), which I'm eligible to roll over into an IRA. I'd really like to invest that money through a biblically based firm, but most of the ones I've contacted require a minimum investment of $50,000. Do you have any suggestions? And how can I build my savings over the next four years? $37,000 won't last long.I'm retired, and my husband will be retiring soon. We don't have a lot saved, but he does have a 401(k) through work. We're unsure what to do with it or how to ensure we'll have enough to live on in retirement. Can you help us think through the next steps?I work with students, and I've offered to invest $4,000, allowing them to choose some stocks to learn how investing works. Since I'll keep the money but let them make the decisions, what's the best way to buy individual stocks for this kind of project?My daughter's credit score is around 625, and she's committed to improving it. My score is over 800, and I've heard that adding her as an authorized user on my credit card could help her. Can you explain how that works and whether it could affect either of our credit scores?I feel completely lost when it comes to finances, but I want to set my family up for success. Can you recommend a reliable resource or starting point for learning the basics of managing money wisely?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Open Hands FinanceFidelity | Charles Schwab | Robinhood | Public | Stash | SoFi InvestYour Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard DaytonMaster Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael BlueRedeeming Money: How God Reveals and Reorients Our Hearts by Paul David TrippMoney, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy AlcornWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is stepping up to the mic for a quick discussion on what it means to be the second generation of a business.  Using the story of Alexander the Great and his ascension to ruling the Macedonian empire after the murder of his father, King Philip II, as a jumping off point, Jay is digging in to what it means to continue a legacy and forge your own path in that pursuit.  There is a certain amount of pressure that comes with being put into a position where you are responsible for furthering something that you didn't create in the first place.  How will you respond to that pressure?  Will you rise to the occasion and continue to build and push for more or will you simply try to maintain the status quo and coast?  We're getting right into it on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

Send us a textEpisode Notes Page In this episode of The Bible Podcast Devotional Project, we explore Paul's powerful example of the Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians 8:1–7. Though facing severe trials and deep poverty, they overflowed with joy and generosity—because they had first given themselves to the Lord. Their story challenges us to rethink what it means to give, not as an obligation, but as an act of worship and gratitude for God's indescribable gift of eternal life.Key Themes:Generosity in affliction and povertyGiving as worship, not obligationThe right order: first to the Lord, then to others, then with our resourcesThe joy and freedom of serving ChristHow spiritual blessings overflow into practical generositySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

What if generosity wasn't about how much you have — but Who has your heart? Can you believe it's been a year since we started our Together Initiative to fulfill the vision God gave Orchard Hills Church to expand our reach, deepen our faith, and live out radical generosity. We have another year to go to reach our goals so this week we are kicking off a Together Initiative Refresh over the next five week with a focus on 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9. Focusing on 2 Corinthians 8:1–5 today, we see how the Macedonian churches who, even in extreme poverty, begged for the chance to give. Why? Because they had experienced the transforming power of God's grace. We're reminded that true generosity isn't a formula of wealth and abundance — it's the supernatural equation only God can create: Overflowing joy + extreme poverty = rich generosity None of us desire extreme poverty. Extreme poverty is not good. But, if you combine extreme poverty with a relationship with God you begin to see God as your provider and your absolute dependence on Him. You become more thankful for the simplest of things that we, who have so much, often take for granted. This TOGETHER INITIATIVE is about more than a building. It's about how we give ourselves first to God and then to others. It's about using the time, talent, and treasures that God has entrusted to us for His eternal purposes. It's about us becoming more like those Macedonian Christians. Scripture List 2 Corinthians 8.1–5 Acts 2.42-47 Mark 12.30-31

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Metro Shrimp & Grits Thursdays is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, the only humiliation in court during Comey's arraignment was on the Trump side.Then, on the rest of the menu, Texas cops were caught lying about why they used an AI tool to track a woman who had an abortion; two right-wing social media accounts beloved by MAGA and Musk are run by a Macedonian man who has never visited the United States; and, Trump picked another GOP loser from Oregon for a labor department role.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where EU President Ursula van der Leyen warned Russia is waging a “targeted gray zone campaign” against Europe, including airspace violations, sabotage and cyberattacks; and, a Wisconsin man was sentenced to a year in prison for smuggling lab equipment to sanctioned Russian companies.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Everyone in this good city enjoys the full right to pursue his own inclinations in all reasonable and, unreasonable ways.” -- The Daily Picayune, New Orleans, March 5, 1851Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce and Pat May unpack the Second Ecumenical Council—Constantinople 381, the gathering that completed the Nicene Creed and reshaped the map of early Christianity. Convened by Emperor Theodosius I, this council not only reaffirmed the divinity of Christ but boldly confessed the Holy Spirit as Lord and Giver of Life, closing the door on Arianism and Macedonian heresies once and for all.Join us as we trace the intense theological debates, the tragic death of Meletius of Antioch, Gregory of Nazianzus' resignation, and the dramatic rise of Constantinople as “New Rome.” We'll explore how these events deepened East–West tensions, redefined Church hierarchy, and left an enduring mark on both Orthodox and Catholic tradition.If you've ever wondered how the Creed we recite today took its final shape—or why Constantinople became the new center of gravity for the Eastern Church—this episode is a must-listen.Topics include:The fall of Arian influence and the enforcement of Nicene orthodoxyMeletius of Antioch's death and the Antiochene schismGregory of Nazianzus' presidency and resignationThe rise of Nectarius and the making of “New Rome”Why Rome rejected Canon 3—and how Chalcedon later affirmed the councilIf you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #ChurchHistory #EcumenicalCouncils #NiceneCreed #TheologyPodcast

This is the first sermon in a series called "Money Matters" focused on the Apostle Paul's most comprehensive discussion on money in 2 Corinthians 8-9.

Join Alan and Jeff on the daily unplugged show as they discuss daily news.

Generosity is a miracle. It's not something we do for God—it's something God does in us. Today, John Rinehart (Founder & CEO, Gospel Patrons) unpacks 2 Corinthians 8:1–9, showing how generosity flows from God's grace. From the radical example of the Macedonian church to Paul's charge to “excel in this act of grace”, and finally to Jesus' own generosity—“though he was rich… he became poor”—this message invites us to give ourselves first to the Lord and join His Kingdom work with joy.

We're continuing in our Go! Make Disciples series. In this episode, Dr. Ben Lovvorn leads us in a study of Paul's Macedonian call and its results. Paul made plans in his ministry, but the Lord redirected them. The results were nothing short of incredible! Paul could never take credit. Clearly it is God who directs, God who provides, and God who softens hearts to receive the gospel. Yet He uses us in His plans to accomplish His will! We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive. Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

Send us a textActs 27:1-3And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.Support the show

Materialism poisons our hearts by making possessions more important than God. The only antidote is generosity empowered by grace—grace that enables joyful, sacrificial giving even in hardship. The Macedonians modeled this, proving that even in poverty, God's grace can overflow through the gift of giving.

Dr. Pepper or water? Bad opening lines, rock paper scissors goat, Tybee defeats Johnson City TN. Wagon Wheel is a menace. Burping in front of customers, ok or nah. Macedonian or Greek? Full send crash out just for laughs. https://linktr.ee/FromBehindTheBarcast

While Alexander the Great's successors were fighting over control of his empire, Celtic-speaking migrants were moving east along the Danube River, mostly unseen and unnoticed by the Greeks to their south. The Macedonian kings should've been paying more attention, because soon, those Celts would launch one of the largest invasions of Greece in recorded history.Patrick's book is now available! Get The Verge: Reformation, Renaissance, and Forty Years that Shook the World in hardcopy, ebook, or audiobook (read by Patrick) here: https://bit.ly/PWverge. And check out Patrick's new podcast The Pursuit of Dadliness! It's all about “Dad Culture,” and Patrick will interview some fascinating guests about everything from tall wooden ships to smoked meats to comfortable sneakers to history, sports, culture, and politics. https://bit.ly/PWtPoDListen to new episodes 1 week early, to exclusive seasons 1 and 2, and to all episodes ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App https://wondery.app.link/tidesofhistoryBe the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Celts invaded Greece in 280-279 BC, an entirely unforeseen breakthrough of a nearly unknown people into the mainstream of the Hellenistic world. Tens of thousands of Celts poured through the passes of the Balkans, killed a Macedonian king in battle, and ravaged huge swathes of the heart of the Greek world. How and why did this happenPatrick's book is now available! Get The Verge: Reformation, Renaissance, and Forty Years that Shook the World in hardcopy, ebook, or audiobook (read by Patrick) here: https://bit.ly/PWverge. And check out Patrick's new podcast The Pursuit of Dadliness! It's all about “Dad Culture,” and Patrick will interview some fascinating guests about everything from tall wooden ships to smoked meats to comfortable sneakers to history, sports, culture, and politics. https://bit.ly/PWtPoDListen to new episodes 1 week early, to exclusive seasons 1 and 2, and to all episodes ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App https://wondery.app.link/tidesofhistorySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the speeches that became a byword for fierce attacks on political opponents. It was in the 4th century BC, in Athens, that Demosthenes delivered these speeches against the tyrant Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, when Philip appeared a growing threat to Athens and its allies and Demosthenes feared his fellow citizens were set on appeasement. In what became known as The Philippics, Demosthenes tried to persuade Athenians to act against Macedon before it was too late; eventually he succeeded in stirring them, even if the Macedonians later prevailed. For these speeches prompting resistance, Demosthenes became famous as one of the Athenian democracy's greatest freedom fighters. Later, in Rome, Cicero's attacks on Mark Antony were styled on Demosthenes and these too became known as Philippics. With Paul Cartledge A. G. Leventis Senior Research Fellow at Clare College, University of Cambridge Kathryn Tempest Reader in Latin Literature and Roman History at the University of Roehampton And Jon Hesk Reader in Greek and Classical Studies at the University of St Andrews Producer: Simon Tillotson Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the speeches that became a byword for fierce attacks on political opponents. It was in the 4th century BC, in Athens, that Demosthenes delivered these speeches against the tyrant Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, when Philip appeared a growing threat to Athens and its allies and Demosthenes feared his fellow citizens were set on appeasement. In what became known as The Philippics, Demosthenes tried to persuade Athenians to act against Macedon before it was too late; eventually he succeeded in stirring them, even if the Macedonians later prevailed. For these speeches prompting resistance, Demosthenes became famous as one of the Athenian democracy's greatest freedom fighters. Later, in Rome, Cicero's attacks on Mark Antony were styled on Demosthenes and these too became known as Philippics. With Paul Cartledge A. G. Leventis Senior Research Fellow at Clare College, University of Cambridge Kathryn Tempest Reader in Latin Literature and Roman History at the University of Roehampton And Jon Hesk Reader in Greek and Classical Studies at the University of St Andrews Producer: Simon TillotsonSpanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world.