Podcasts about main points

Every time we are asked by God to wait, it comes with a choice. Will we be impatient, frustrated, or irritable, or will we learn to wait with calm assurance that God is in control and the waiting is for my good?Main Points:1. The Bible repeatedly calls for us to wait on the Lord, and to do so patiently. But you might ask, “Why? Why wait? Why would God make us wait? Is there a benefit to waiting? Is there a promised blessing for waiting on God?2. Waiting teaches us that God is in control. He is not bound to our time restraints. When we wait on God we are submitting to His leadership and His lordship. Waiting reminds us that He is God, and we are not.3. Waiting enables us to develop the Christ-like characteristics of patience and perseverance. God often calls for us to slow down so we can listen and learn. Today's Scripture Verses:Lamentations 3:25 - “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”Psalm 27:14 - “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”Isaiah 40:31 - “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Use the measure of faith God has given you. Cry out to Him… “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Once again trust our great God to meet you in your time of difficulty and to give you the faith you need.Main Points:1. We want to believe, but sometimes faith is a struggle. When you have been through so much, when you are weary, and when it seems like options are few, it can be hard to believe.2. When our faith is weak, it's in those moments that I have to go back to God's Word.  This is where my faith is strengthened.  I have to be reminded often of who God is, what he has already done, and what he has promised to do.3. Maybe today it's only a whisper, but let it out…. “Jesus, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 10:17 - “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Mark 9:22-27 - “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.“ ‘If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”  Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He's dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

When you give the devil an inch, he becomes ruler in your life." — Elizabeth Davenport Join Pastor Jack King for a special live session featuring Randy and Elizabeth Davenport, the founders of Red Life Ministries. Based out of Kansas City, Missouri, this husband-and-wife team has dedicated their lives to traveling and ministering to those incarcerated in jails and prisons. In this conversation, Elizabeth shares her raw and powerful testimony of how Jesus set her free from a "junkie habit" that began at age twelve. Randy discusses his own journey of returning to the Lord after years of drifting and how he reinvented himself as a singer-songwriter to reach the "captive audience" behind bars. The episode features live studio performances of Randy's original songs, including "Prisoner's Praise" and "Follow You," which combine blues, rock, and country influences to deliver the Gospel message. Main Points of the Discussion: -- The transition from church laypeople to full-time prison ministers and the "boot camp" experience of preaching in noisy cell blocks. -- Elizabeth's miraculous transformation from a life of drug addiction to a powerful voice for Christ. -- Randy's story of backsliding and finding his way back to God's "reset button" in 1981. -- The concept of the "Inside Church" and how Red Life Ministries focuses on both "fishing" for the lost and "feeding" the believers within the prison walls. -- The role of creative arts and music in ministry, specifically using the guitar and harmonica to connect with inmates who share a love for southern rock and blues. Scriptures for Further Study -- John 10:10 (The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; Christ comes to give life). -- Psalm 107:14 (He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains in pieces). -- Matthew 4:19 (I will make you fishers of men). -- Matthew 25:36 (I was in prison and you visited me). Find more information about Red Life Ministries with Randy and Elizabeth Davenport here: http://www.redlifeministries.org/ This is episode 1255. ******* This is the radio program with the music removed. By the way, I have written a new book, and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Our words have the power to build up and the power to tear down. You and I have likely been on the receiving and giving end of both. You can remember words spoken years ago that encouraged and inspired you. You can probably also remember words that brought deep pain and suffering.Main Points:1. Throughout the day, I'll have the opportunity to speak to a lot of people. I'll speak with my family, church members and staff, people in the marketplace, and even complete strangers. I'll also have the opportunity to use my words in emails, text messages, and on social media. I want to remember that my words have power. I want to use the voice God has given me to bless, encourage, and uplift others. 2. If our vocabulary, our conversations, and our reactions to others are unwholesome, our hearts are not right with God. Our words can definitely reveal our spiritual condition.3. We are to ask the question: “Will what I am about to say benefit those who listen?” In other words, is it necessary? Do they need to hear it? Does it concern them? Will they benefit from hearing these words? If not, I should keep silent.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 19:14 - “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”Ephesians 4:29 - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”Luke 6:45 - “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”James 3:9-10 - “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The return of Christ is imminent, and He is coming for a bride without spot, wrinkle, or blemish. To prepare for this day, the Body of Christ must move past cultural and racial divisions to become one unified body under the lordship of Jesus. In this teaching, Dr. Edith Davis reveals that the key to this unity is the total transformation of our thought lives. By examining the life of Jesus, we see a model of perfect mental and spiritual health that we are called to emulate. Dr. Davis discusses the "guardrails" of the Word of God and the importance of discerning the source of our thoughts. She provides practical insights on how to "jettison" negative thoughts and replace them with the Word, reminding us that we have the authority to command every thought to bow to King Jesus. Main Points of the Teaching: -- The Call to Unity: We are not a collection of segregated churches based on ethnicity; we are one body that must be unified through the renewing of the mind. -- The Strategy of the Enemy: Satan first attacks our sense of authority and our walk of love, using deception and offense to create fear. -- The Four Attributes of a Sound Mind: To walk in victory, we must cultivate a mind that is calm (cool and collected), balanced (focused on Jesus), disciplined (guided by the Word), and self-controlled (ruling over emotions). -- Words vs. Thoughts: A spoken word is more powerful than a silent thought. We can cancel out the enemy's suggestions by speaking the Word of God out loud, just as Jesus did in the wilderness. -- Fruit over Labels: True salvation is evidenced by the fruit we bear. Dr. Davis warns against "religious works" that lack a true heart connection with the Savior. -- The Priesthood of Christ: A look into the lineage of John the Baptist and how the Aaronic priesthood served to baptize Jesus into the Melchizedek priesthood. Scriptures for Further Study -- 2 Timothy 1:7 -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Proverbs 3:5-8 -- Matthew 7:21-23 -- Matthew 8:23-27 -- John 15:1-8 This is episode 386. +++++++ Check out my new website: https://www.enterthegloryzone.org/ MY AUDIO BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE You can Divorce Proof Your Marriage by understanding the Secret Keys of Love. You will come to understand that your Marriage has an enemy. You will come to understand that you are dating your future spouse representative. You will come to understand that your Marriage has the gift of Supernatural Sex. For more information about purchasing this audio book, click here: https://personalbuy.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product8702.html

God has given everyone a general revelation of himself by displaying the beauty and power of creation. Though some reject this truth, it is obvious in the heart and mind of man that there is a God.Main Points:1. As we look around at our world, we see the clues God has left. When you stand at the Grand Canyon, you can't help but be overwhelmed at the mighty power of God to create such magnificence. When you see the vast Pacific Ocean, the power of Niagara Falls, the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, you know there must be a creator.2. I believe King Solomon was right when he said in Ecclesiastes, “God has put eternity on our hearts.” The longing we feel, the cravings we experience, and the unfulfilled desires all leads us to the one who can meet every need and satisfy our every desire. His name is Jesus. He is the Son of God, our Savior, and our Lord.3. Seasons come and seasons go, but nothing in this life is completely satisfying. Solomon said, “it's all vanity.” But through it all, we have a glimpse of something more. We recognize this world is not our home. Creation points to a God who is in control and one who has given us a Savior.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 1:20 - “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”Ecclesiastes 3:11 states God has “set eternity in the human heart.”Psalm 19:1 - “The Heavens declare the glory of God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Jesus leaves the glory and majesty of Heaven and takes on flesh and blood. He becomes one of us. He doesn't leave his deity behind, but he takes on humanity. He is fully God and fully human at the same time. Yes, it is miraculous.Main Points:1. Not only does Jesus take on humanity. He moves into our world, our neighborhood, our very lives. He experienced what we experience. He knew joy, happiness, friendship, love, temptation, sadness, frustration, and sorrow. He even experienced suffering and death on our behalf.2. This is what Jesus has done for you and for me. He moved into our lives. He moved into our families. He moved into our neighborhood.3. We have a Savior who knows, who understands, and who cares. On His own initiative, Jesus came to earth to live as we live, to serve, and give his life as a ransom for our sins. What an incredible thought. Jesus moved into the neighborhood.Today's Scripture Verses:John 1:1-5 - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”John 1:14 - “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”John 1:14 MSG - “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”Hebrews 4:15 - “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”1 Peter 5:7 - “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Let us remember that nothing is a substitute for earnest prayer. Nothing can take its place. Today's church does many important things, but we must make prayer a priority. Main Points:1. This is a remarkable story of God's power and deliverance, but what stands out to me the most from this story is the commitment of the church to prayer. This miracle happened in the middle of the night. The church was not asleep because they knew the next day Peter would be put on trial. The church was having an all-night prayer meeting to ask God to protect Peter.2. It was a desperate situation but I believe they remembered that Jesus told them to “ask and it will be given you.” The Greek word tells us that they were “straining in prayer”.  It was not a casual prayer, “Lord, bless Peter tonight.” No, it was a desperate prayer, a fervent prayer, and an earnest prayer. They were seeking God. They were crying out to God for Peter's deliverance. This is intercessory prayer.3. When was the last time you gathered with other believers and prayed an earnest prayer? Let's recommit ourselves to prayer. The God who hears will answer.Today's Scripture Verses:Acts 12:5-10 -  “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.”James 5:16 - “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”Mark 11:17 - “My house shall be called a house of prayer.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, hosted by Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC—Renowned ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. We're thrilled to have you with us. We believe this podcast, a valuable resource, will empower you to push the boundaries in your work, helping individuals and couples connect more deeply with themselves and each other. In this episode of “Push the Leading Edge”, James Hawkins and Ryan Rana dive into one of the most anxiety‑provoking parts of EFT: when the caregiving system red-lights right in the middle of beautiful vulnerability. Drawing on attachment theory and years of EFT training experience, they explore “caregiving nightmares”—those predictable moments when a partner can't respond with comfort, even when their loved one is wide open and reaching. They unpack how pursuers and withdrawers each bring their attachment strategies into the caregiving role: withdrawers often “loan out their avoidance” as a form of love, and pursuers “up the ante” as their way of fighting for the bond. Rather than shaming these moves or bypassing them to “get to the heart,” James and Ryan show how to move toward the blocks themselves as emotional material, validating the attachment logic inside them and using structured, attuned interventions to help partners reclaim their caregiving systems. With rich clinical examples, regulation strategies for therapists, and practical language you can use tomorrow, this episode helps you trust the process, trust the caregiving system, and stay with the red lights long enough for new attachment experiences to emerge. Main Points from the Episode Framing: “Caregiving Nightmares” & Red Lights  - Focus on stage 2 / step 6 caregiving positions, and the “back half” of vulnerable enactments.    - The “red light” is the blocked caregiving system: the partner can't offer simple comfort even when they want to. Predictable Attachment Patterns in Caregiving  - Withdrawers as caregivers:    - “Loan out their avoidance” or self-reliance: advice, positivity, “be comfortable in your own skin.”      - This is a form of love and responsiveness, but often misattuned.    - Pursuers as caregivers:      - “Up the ante”: test, push, or kick the tires on vulnerability (“it's just words,” “you only do this in here”).      - Driven by hope and fear of being dropped again. Therapist Regulation & Preparation  - Pre‑regulate before couples sessions; expect blocks as part of the process, not a failure.  - If the therapist dysregulates, you now have three protection systems in the room. Working with Withdrawer Red Lights  - Steps:    1. Regulate yourself.        2. Offer an attuned, assertive interruption (contain the cycle).        3. Give 3–5 concrete validations of the withdrawer's strategy as attachment‑driven care.        4. Reframe the strategy's attachment function (“this is how you love/protect”).        5. Then gently move toward the part that wants to reach.      - Don't bypass the strategy; work with it as emotional material. Working with Pursuer Red Lights  - Normalize that pursuers often lash out or test the first vulnerabilities they've begged for.    - Validate their vision, hope, and fight for the relationship (3–5 validations).      - Help them notice their somatic/empathic response to the partner's pain (1% of reach or comfort).      - Avoid shaming language like “you're going to your head.” Use of Numbers & Repetition  - “Magic” 3–5 validations to regulate a nervous system.    - Sue Johnson's idea: clients often don't really hear you until about the 5th repetition. Tourniquets & Sender Protection  - After a strong send + strong red light, layer tourniquets on the sender so they:    - Feel caught and not blamed.        - Are reinforced to risk again.      - Never make the sender give up their experience just to soothe the blocked caregiver. Trusting the Caregiving System  - Leanne Campbell's idea: trusting the process = trusting the caregiving system.    - People do know how to care; the cycle paralyzes access.      - Our job is to create conditions for that caregiving instinct to re‑emerge experientially. Hope, Respect, and Attachment Change  - Both pursuer protest and withdrawer avoidance are hopeful, survival strategies.    - Change often comes through “begrudging respect”: seeing a partner fight their old pattern for the relationship. We aim to equip therapists with practical tools and encouragement for addressing relational distress. We're also excited to be part of the team behind Success in Vulnerability (SV)—your premier online education platform. SV offers innovative instruction to enhance your therapeutic effectiveness through exclusive modules and in-depth clinical examples.  Stay connected with us: Facebook: Follow our page @pushtheleadingedge Ryan: Follow @ryanranaprofessionaltraining on Facebook and visit his website James: Follow @dochawklpc on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website at dochawklpc.com George Faller: Visit georgefaller.com If you like the concepts discussed on this podcast you can explore our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Thank you for being part of our community. Let's push the leading edge together!

What would the world be like if we viewed everyone as our neighbors?  And, what if we truly loved our neighbors as we love ourselves?Main Points:1. Our relationship with God is inseparable from our relationships to the people in our lives.  We can't be in a love relationship with God and not act in love towards other people.  This is what Jesus calls the greatest commandments:  love God, and because you love God – you will love people.2. Sometimes you may not feel like loving someone. You may not feel any sympathy or compassion. We demonstrate our love for God when we love others with our actions, regardless of our feelings.  God will often provide the love we need to feel when we act before we feel.  What would I do, if I did have appropriate? feelings toward them? 3. Let's ask this important question: What kind of neighbor am I? Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit and let God direct you to be a neighbor to someone in need.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 22:37-39 - “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”John 13:35 - “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In a world that feels increasingly creative in its wickedness, many believers wonder if it is truly possible to live a righteous life. Servant Marcia Carty addresses this head-on by looking back at the "Days of Noah." This teaching breaks down the biblical definition of wisdom as a spiritual gift that provides protection, success, and a pathway to righteousness. By examining the lives of Noah, Solomon, and Enoch, we learn that God's wisdom is more than just "common sense"—it is a divine release that empowers us to take dominion and establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth today. Main Points of the Message: -- Defining the "Days of Noah" as a season of perversion and innovation in evil that mirrors our current generation. -- Understanding that righteousness is impossible through human strength but becomes accessible through the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. -- The example of King Solomon: how asking for wisdom to serve others unlocks wealth, honor, and global influence. -- Practical steps for making the best use of time: shifting from "earthly wisdom" to "godly sincerity" and grace. -- The protective nature of wisdom: how abiding in the "secret place" (Psalm 91) preserves the believer from the destruction and pestilence of the world. -- How communities of faith, such as those within Share HealthCare, can apply these principles to care for the widow, the homeless, and the hurting. Scriptures for Further Study: -- Genesis 6:5-22 -- 1 Corinthians 1:30 -- James 1:5 -- James 3:13-17 -- 2 Chronicles 9:1-22 -- Proverbs 2:1-12 -- Proverbs 3:13-18 -- Psalm 91:1-10 +++++++ We have begun building a new website which you can see here: https://www.noahdays.org/

Main Points 1. God keeps His promises—completely (v. 2). 2. God orchestrates our lives—precisely (vv. 2–3). 3. God provides peace—personally (vv. 4–5a). This sermon, part of a three-part series on 'Promises Kept,' centers on Micah 5:2–5 as a profound prophecy fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, affirming God's faithfulness in keeping His promises with exact precision. It highlights three key truths: God keeps His promises completely, as seen in the specific location and eternal origin of the Messiah; He orchestrates human history with divine precision, using events like the Roman census to fulfill His plan; and He provides peace personally, as the Shepherd King who reigns in majesty and brings reconciliation through His very being. The message underscores the personal nature of salvation, calling listeners to respond in faith to Jesus as Savior, Lord, and the embodiment of peace, while affirming that God's sovereignty extends to every detail of life, past, present, and future.

The God we serve is a gift-giver. He loves to give gifts to His children, but not just any gifts. He always gives good gifts. He will never give you a gift you don't need and can't use.  In fact, he knows what we need better than we do.Main Points:1. In Several places in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is called a gift.  To be filled with the presence and power of God is an incredible gift.  2. I've seen people be hesitant and even afraid of the Holy Spirit. Let's trust the character of our good Heavenly Father. He knows what we need and has wonderful gifts to give us, including the gift of the Holy Spirit.3. The Spirit is given to empower believers to be a witness for Christ. The task of evangelism we are called to cannot be accomplished in our strength alone. We need a power greater than our own. We need the power of the Holy Spirit. Today's Scripture Verses:James 1:17 - “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”Acts 2:38 - “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”Acts 10:45 - “And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.”Joel 2:28-29 - “ I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Divine healing is a gift of God's grace for all.  Just as salvation comes to us by God's grace, healing does as well. We do not deserve it and cannot earn it. In the NT people did not view healing as a right, but as an act of God's grace. We are in no position to demand God to give us healing.Main Points:1. In the church today there is a lot of false teaching about healing.   What the Bible teaches us is that healing occurs according to the will of God.  There is no magic formula.  God is concerned about our needs.  We bring them to him.  We pray.  But God is the healer.2. Admittedly, the sovereignty of God is difficult to understand. Why does He heal some and not heal others? I do not know. But this is not for me to figure out or question. My responsibility is to do what I have been instructed to do in Scripture.3. Let's remain confident in our belief that God has the power to heal the sick and that this blessing is offered to us.Today's Scripture Verses:James 5:13-15 - “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”Isaiah 53:5 - “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes, we are healed.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Can I give you a word of encouragement? Your unsaved family members are on the mind of God. While He won't force anyone to believe in Him, He is actively pursuing them through His Holy Spirit. In fact, scripture tells us this is the reason God has delayed the return of Christ.Main Points:1. First, let me encourage you to pray faithfully and consistently. Resist the temptation to give up. Don't let the enemy convince you that your prayers don't matter or that God is not listening. He is listening, He cares, and prayer is powerful.2. Second, pray that God will soften their hardened heart. Pray they will begin to have a spiritual hunger that would cause them to seek and search for God. 3. Believe God will save them. The enemy of our souls will try to convince you that your unsaved family members will never be saved. We resist this temptation. Our faith is in a God who can save anyone. He loves your family. He sent His son Jesus to the cross to die as a sacrifice for their sins. Let's believe that all things are possible through Jesus.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Peter 3:9 - God is “patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”Luke 19:10 - “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”1 Timothy 2:3-4 - “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 - “In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Jealousy has been defined as “resenting God's goodness in others' lives and ignoring God's goodness in my own life.  Jealousy is an enemy of our hearts because it causes a lack of contentment and gratitude toward God.Main Points:1. Jealousy can lead us to become angry, bitter, and unforgiving. It can lead us to gossip, lie, or be malicious. Jealousy can lead us to steal, commit adultery, and even murder. 2. The cure for a heart struggling with jealousy is to resist the temptation to compare yourself with others.3. Here is a great truth:  “I already have more than I deserve.”  So, why am I complaining and being jealous of others when God has given me more than I can ever possibly deserve?  Today's Scripture Verses:James 3:16 – “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”Proverbs 23:17 - “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”  Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

God invites us into this intimacy. He calls for us to be close to Him. This is what differentiates Christianity from any other religion in the world. God is not cold and distant. He welcomes closeness with himself. He calls and invites us to seek Him and pursue Him.Main Points:1. Can you hear His voice? In your loneliness, in your anxiety, in your frustration, and in your desperation, God is calling you to come to Him. I pray that you will respond like David and say, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”2. There are so many today who have lots of Bible knowledge. Maybe they were raised attending church. They know the Word of God and can quote many scriptures, but they are empty spiritually because they have no relationship with God.3. God wants to be known. He makes himself available to us. He rewards our seeking with His presence. Your relationship with God can be rich and full. It can be powerful and inspiring; it just requires us to seek Him.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 27:8 - “When you said, ‘Seek My face,' My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”James 4:8 - “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”Psalm 119:37 - “Turn my eyes away from worthless things.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Often in Scripture, our relationship with God is described as a walk. Sometimes we'll use the phrase “we are on a journey.” This idea goes back to the relationship Adam and Eve had with God in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:8 - “God, as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day.” Main Points:1. When I preach funerals, I'll often say, “The best gift you can give your family and friends is the assurance that you are in Heaven. Let your legacy be that you loved and served Jesus faithfully. Leave behind the powerful memory that you were someone who walked with God.2. The Bible teaches us as believers to walk in love, walk in the light, walk in wisdom, and walk in the Spirit. These instructions remind us that the Christian life is not static. It's not stationary. There is no place to stop. There is no plateau of spiritual growth. There is no place of arrival, where we can stop growing in our relationship with God. We must keep walking. 3. So, today, let's get out our walking shoes. Let's spend time with Jesus. Let's journey with Him. Let's grow in our relationship with God. Today is a good day to grow spiritually.Today's Scripture Verses:Micah 6:8 - “walk humbly with your God.” 2 Corinthians 6:16 - “As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”Genesis 5:24 - “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”Hebrews 11:5 - “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Have you ever encountered someone who simply wouldn't listen to wise advice? Or what about you? Have you ever refused to listen to words of wisdom?  The Bible calls this decision "foolish."Main Points:1. The Bible teaches us that a foolish person is the one who leaves God out. In fact, Psalm 14:1 - “The fool has said in his heart, there is no God.” According to the Scripture, the fool either doesn't believe in God, or they don't consider God and his ways. They leave God out. The fool doesn't follow Godly wisdom or advice. The fool leaves God out of their planning and goes their own way.2. Charles Stanley wrote, “Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God's perspective and respond according to scriptural principles.”3. I believe that to gain wisdom, we must have humility. As long as we think we know better, we'll neglect Godly wisdom, whether it comes from Scripture or a trusted friend. When we humble ourselves, we are declaring that God knows better. We are acknowledging our weaknesses and our limitations. We are trusting God to lead us to make the right decisions.Today's Scripture Verses:Proverbs 12:15 - “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 28:26 - “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”Proverbs 14:12  - “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.”1 Corinthians 3:19 - “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Today, you and I will face things that will threaten our faith, especially our faith in God's protection. You might be worried about your marriage, the decisions your children are making, the future of your career, the economy, or even your physical safety. You might be worried about your retirement account, the increase in crime in your neighborhood, or an upcoming medical test. There are so many things that threaten our faith in God's protection.Main Points:1. First, remembering God's past protection inspires us to believe God will protect us in the present and future. Remembering what God has already done inspires confidence in God's future faithfulness. 2. Second, David knows the power of verbalizing his faith. He worships out loud. In Psalm 27:6, David says, “I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” By writing down this Psalm, he is declaring what he believes about God. In doing both of these things, he is encouraging his own soul in the Lord.3. You and I can do this today. No matter what you are facing, put your faith in God and in His power to protect you. Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 27:1-2 - “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The presence of God is an amazing thing. To think that God is with us is incredible. God is omnipresent. He is always with us. In fact, He promised to never leave us or forsake us. But if that is true, why don't we experience more peace? The answer is that we are not always aware of God's presence.Main Points:1. J. Oswald Sanders - “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God.”2. Most often, we are more aware of our fears, anxieties, problems, and struggles. These present difficulties occupy our thoughts and emotions. We can let them take over. But when we are consumed with fear, worry, and anxiety, we are less consumed with thoughts about God. So, the issue is not about God's location. The issue is with our awareness of His presence.3. So, let me ask you: How aware are you today of God's presence? Are your thoughts focused on the Lord? Have you spent time with him today? Have you read His Word and allowed it to speak to your soul? Have you made time to worship and pray? Spending time with God is the most important thing you will do today. Today's Scripture Verses:Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Focusing Our Faith: Why the Church Must Pray for a Nation in Crisis In this powerful segment of the "Gospel on the Radio Talk Show," Pastor Jack King steps away from the usual talk show format to speak directly from his heart about the national struggles affecting his parishioners. He connects the dots between the war on drugs, rising crime, and the desperation of addiction, explaining why these seemingly political or economic issues are deeply rooted in the life of the church. He issues a challenging call for believers to look beyond temporary fixes and embrace the foundational solution for every crisis: PRAYER. Main Points from the Message: -- The challenges facing the nation, from political radicalism to the intensifying drug crisis (like Fentanyl), directly affect the spiritual health and families within the church. -- Conventional approaches to the war on drugs have failed; it's time to consider a "radical" new strategy that addresses the source of the supply before it ever hits U.S. shores. -- Disrupting the drug supply creates a "drug culture economy" crisis, making addicted people more desperate, which in turn drives up local crime and theft. -- Pastors and clergy are on the front lines, sitting with broken-hearted parents whose children are caught in the throes of addiction and have exhausted all resources. -- The ultimate response for the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is to pray—for those in authority, for leaders who are "doing the right things," and for the brokenness in our society. -- The ministry is founded on the core belief that "Love Came Calling," and the church must always stand in the love of God and love for humanity. This is episode 1253. ******* This is the radio program with the music removed. By the way, I have written a new book, and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Remember this: our hope in God isn't just a wish or a dream, but a sure confidence that what God says will happen. Every other hope will disappoint. Every other hope will come up short. God is the one who never fails, he never leaves us, and he never forsakes us.Main Points:1. Today, I ask you to let the Word of God penetrate the dark place in your soul. Let the light of God's truth illuminate your situation. If you feel hopelessness, despair, discouragement, or depression, receive this Word from the Lord.2. Just because you can't see him, it doesn't mean God is not at work in your life. Just because you don't recognize it at the moment, it doesn't mean there is no way out. Just because you don't feel him, it doesn't mean the Lord is not with you. 3. Discouragement, despair, and hopelessness are not God's will for your life. Let his truth fill your heart and mind. Meditate on His Word. Let God restore your hope.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 34:17-19 - “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”Psalm 113:4-5 - “For the Lord is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high?”Matthew 19:26 - “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”1 John 4:16 - “ We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”Psalm 25:3 - “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

I'm fascinated with the idea that we are to love God with all of our minds. The Bible sees the mind as a place of our thoughts, judgment, and intention.  Our minds allow us to be rational, weigh evidence, make decisions about right and wrong, and to develop opinions.  Our minds allow us to worship, praise God, love, repent, and trust.Main Points:1. Why is it important to consider loving God with our minds?  Because during a typical day, we constantly use our minds to make decisions.  How many thoughts pass through your mind every day?  Several studies have shown that we think around 6,000 thoughts per day. Our mind is a huge part of who we are. 2. Loving God with our minds is critical because our minds are connected to our emotions and our actions.3. God gives us the power to change how we think, so through even our thoughts, we are loving and honoring God. Today's Scripture Verses:Mark 12:29-30 - “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'”2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Colossians 3:2 - “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”Romans 12:2  - “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”Colossians 1:9 - “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Know this: God always has a next step for us. Until we see Jesus in glory, God is not finished with us. This work of ongoing spiritual growth and development is called sanctification.Main Points:1. The basic meaning of "sanctify" is to set apart to God, for His use. This work of “setting us apart” is the ongoing spiritual growth that makes you and me more like Jesus.2. Sanctification is the work of God in our lives to call us away from sin, ungodliness, and worldliness, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, enable us to live holy and righteous lives that reflect Christ.3. Salvation is a momentary act, bringing us from spiritual death to life. It is exclusively God's work. Sanctification is an ongoing process; it is dependent on God's ongoing work in our lives, but it also requires our continuous fight against sin.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Thessalonians 4:3 - “It is God's will that you should be sanctified.”Romans 8:29 - (God is) “conforming us to the image of His Son.”  Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 - “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

It's always better to listen to the caution of the Holy Spirit and to guard our hearts against pride. If we do not live in humility before the Lord. God himself will humble us, and it is not pleasant.Main Points:1. What is Humility?  Humility is an accurate estimation of our self-importance in relation to God and others.  Humility is having a right view of yourself because you have a right view of God.2. Humility is not thinking too highly of yourself. It's also not thinking too low of yourself. It's having an accurate estimation of our self-importance in relation to God and others.3. So, how do we humble ourselves? We focus on the greatness of God. In my life, I cannot be prideful, and God be great. It can't happen at the same time. Either I think God is great or I think I am great. It's having a right view of yourself because you have a right view of God.Today's Scripture Verses:James 4:10 - “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”Luke 14:11 - “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In my life, I have discovered that when it comes to the choices of fear and faith, it's not always one or the other. Life produces fear, it's an emotion we feel, but with God's help, I can choose faith anyway. Though I may feel fear, I choose to trust God. Main Points:1. As Christians, we acknowledge that fear is a choice. We can also make another choice. It's the decision to live by faith. 2. Having faith doesn't diminish the reality of what we are facing, it doesn't deny it or sweep it under the rug. Faith is not pretending the hard times aren't there. Faith is choosing to believe that God is with us in our battle and that the ultimate outcome is in His hands. He is involved in every detail of our lives.3. Faith brings God into the equation. As I face my fears, I remember what the Bible says about God's character and his power. God is both loving and strong. He is compassionate and powerful.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 23:4 - “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”Psalm 86:15 - “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”Ephesians 3:20 - “God…is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”Psalm 56:3 - “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Mark 3:20-35 Big Idea: Misunderstanding Jesus puts you outside His true family, but trusting Him brings you in. Main Points:

There is a very common type of fear identified in the Bible that is not talked about much. It is the fear of man. It's a fear of people and it can include intimidation, peer pressure, social anxiety, isolation, and insecurity. The fear of man can lead us to make choices that aren't right for us or avoid making decisions at all. Main Points:1. When we are filled with the fear of man we are no longer focused on God, his presence, and his power in our lives. The fear of man leads us to a place of bondage and enslavement. We become slaves to our fears and unable to move forward.2. The fear of man asks: What do people think of me? Will they accept me? What if I'm rejected? What if they don't like what I'm doing? How can I face something like that?3. The will of God for your life is peace and rest. God's will is for you to live with confidence in your Heavenly Father's love. When we fear others we live for their approval. As believers, we are to live for the approval of God.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 29:25 - “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”Hebrews 13:6 - “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”Galatians 1:10 - “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”Psalm 27:1 - “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”Proverbs 14:27 - “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Meet Michael Waldman, who saw Bruce Springsteen around 50 times in 1974 and 1975. Yes, you read that right. Michael joins Jeff in the cafe to discuss his early memories of seeing Bruce in concert over 50 years ago and how a chance listening to '4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)' one day in college changed his life forever.

I discovered that Jesus could offer me something that nothing or no one else could offer.  He could quench my spiritual thirst.  He offered me a relationship.  He offered me purpose for my life.  As I began to sincerely follow him, my life was filled with contentment.  I realized that Jesus could satisfy the thirst and the longing that I had inside.Main Points:1. You and I have experienced physical thirst. But we have another kind of thirst. It's spiritual thirst, and yes everyone experiences it, sometimes without realizing it. Inside all of us there is a thirst that nothing in this world can satisfy.  There is a thirst within us that only God can fill.  2. All of us have tried to satisfy our thirst. If a person is thirsty, they are going to search for water.  It's the same way with our spiritual thirst.  We are all looking for a way to quench our thirst.  We search for meaning and purpose through a person, through possessions, or by pursuing pleasure…only to find that our souls are still parched. 3. We experience this living water when we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It's only then that we can experience the satisfaction of our thirst being quenched.Today's Scripture Verses:John 6:35 - Jesus says, “He who believes in me will never thirst.” John 7:37-38 - : “‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.' Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

According to the Joshua Project, there are still 7,415 unreached people groups around the world. An unreached or least-reached people is a people group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group without outside assistance.Main Points:1. Why should we care? Why should this be a priority for the church? Because we are compelled by our Savior to reach them. We have been given this mission. This is what matters to God.2. There must be within the body of Christ an urgency to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. The gospel must be urgent to us because it is urgent to God. Can I ask you, “Is the work of missions and evangelism urgent for you?”3. What if every Christian took the Great Commission seriously? What if every Christian prayed for the lost, for our missionaries, and the unreached? What if every Christian gave financially each month to ensure that everyone around the world had access to the gospel message? What if every Christian took steps of faith to witness for Christ?Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 28:19-20 - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”2 Peter 3:9 - (God does not want) “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

From generation to generation, the Word of God endures. It is timeless in its relevance. It speaks to the hearts of men, women, teenagers, boys, and girls. Seasons come and go, but the Scripture is still powerful in its application to the human condition.Main Points:1. The Word of God we have is precious. God has spoken and we have it in print and in digital form. It cannot and will not be destroyed. The Word of God is eternal because God is eternal. 2. God was the primary author of the Bible; He was the One who inspired the writers to speak truths.  He was the initiator.  God was the source, the writers were the recipients.3. We can approach the Word of God today with confidence in its accuracy, relevance, and its power to endure. It is the eternal Word of God.Today's Scripture Verses:Isaiah 40:8 - “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”Matthew 24:35 - “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”1 Peter 1:25 - “but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.”Psalm 119:89 says, “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”2 Peter 1:21 - “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”2 Timothy 3:16 - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Offense is a growth opportunity. How will you respond when another Christian hurts you? Will you become offended and bitter? Will you ignore them and refuse to talk with them? Will you leave the church in an attempt to find a better one?  Or, will you allow the experience to become a tool that helps you grow spiritually? Main Points:1. Every Christian is in process. We are not who we used to be, but we are not yet what we will be in Christ. We are learning and we are growing, but we are not yet perfect. Sometimes we make mistakes, we react, we get frustrated, and we say things we shouldn't.2. We can't use our imperfections as an excuse. We have to own our behavior, ask God for forgiveness, ask others for their forgiveness and seek to reconcile. The mistakes then become an opportunity for our spiritual growth.3. No one is immune to the challenges that come from relationships, even those among believers. We will all face them. Yet, there is so much growth that can occur in our character as we continue to love, pray, forgive, and sometimes confront.Today's Scripture Verses:Luke 6:28 - “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”  Ephesians 4:32 - “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”Proverbs 19:11 - “A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Character is never built in a classroom. Character is built in the circumstances of life.  God builds character in our lives by allowing us to experience situations where we are tempted to do the exact opposite of the character quality. Character development always involves a choice. When we make the right choice, our character grows more like Christ.  Main Points:1. We don't know why tragic circumstances happen in our lives. We don't know why accidents happen. We don't know why people receive bad news from the doctor. Life and its difficulties comes to us all. Live long enough and you will experience suffering.2. God will use every circumstance of our lives to help us be more like Jesus. If you think back over your life you'll realize that you have grown through the things you suffered. 3. Christ-like character is the goal of the Christian life.  To settle for anything less is to miss the point of spiritual growth.Today's Scripture Verses:Isaiah 43:2 - “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”Hebrews 5:8  - “Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.”Romans 8:28 - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”Romans 8:29 - “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”Ephesians 4:13 - We are to “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Do you ever wonder what God is up to? When there is a path forward that seems to be logical, rational, and reasonable, yet God takes another path? What is God' doing? Where is He taking us? These are questions we all ask. But here is a better question for  us to consider: Will we trust God's plan? Will we trust our lives to a sovereign God who sees and knows all things?Main Points:1.Our decision to trust God comes down to our belief in his goodness. If you truly believe God is good, that his is loving, and that what he does is always right, you are more likely to trust him.2. The longer you serve God, the more you realize that God's ways don't always make sense to us. He knows and sees what what we do not. If you are waiting for God to make sense to you, it's not likely you will trust Him. This is a faith journey. Will you believe? Will you put your complete trust in him? 3. Whatever you are facing today remember that God knows and that He has a plan. Decide to trust Him. Let His plan for your life unfold. Today's Scripture Verses:Mark 4:37-38 - “A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don't you care if we drown?”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

When we live out our faith in public, it naturally produces questions in the minds of unbelievers. We'll likely hear questions such as: Why are you a Christian? What do you believe about God? Do you believe the Bible is the Word of God? Why did Jesus die on the cross? Where is God in this messed up world? Why do you go to church on Sundays?Main Points:1. We need to reject the cultural pressure to keep our beliefs to ourselves. This is the strategy of Satan, to intimidate believers into keeping their mouths shut and not speaking up for our savior. Remember, we have good news! Good news is to be shared with others.2. Over the years, I've heard Christian say they don't share their faith because they don't feel prepared to answer these questions. This is exactly why the Apostle Peter says we are to “get ready.” We can prepare ourselves by thinking though how we would share our testimony. Write down why you believe in Jesus. Discuss with a friend or family member how you would answer basic questions.3. We must pray and ask God to use us. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and mind with the words to say. Trust that He will enable you to speak beyond your natural ability. Believe that God will use your words to speak to the hearts of the listener. Today's Scripture Verses:1 Peter 3:15 - "“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

As we read the four Gospels, we see Jesus modeling prayer and teaching His disciples to pray, but did you know that Jesus gave us only one prayer request? Yes, Jesus himself asks us to pray for something.Main Points:1. As Jesus speaks about the lost, those who have not put their faith in God, he uses the metaphor of a field of crops that are ripe and ready to be harvested. He said the harvest is plentiful. There are many who would come into the kingdom of God, yet there is one obstacle. The workers are few. Jesus warned us that opportunities to meet human need and bring people into His kingdom may be wasted because of a shortage of laborers.2. It's here that Jesus gives us his prayer request. Since the harvest belongs to the Lord, we are to pray to Him and ask him to send more workers into his harvest field.3. There is an urgency in the heart of Jesus. As he sees the need, he knows that time is of the essence. A harvest will not always be ready. Eventually, a missed harvest will spoil, its fruit will rot. There is a need for laborers and the need is now.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 9:37-38 - “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Join Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld as he guides us through the world and major works of Kabbalah, Hasidic masters, and Jewish philosophy, shedding light on the inner life of the soul. To learn more, visit InwardTorah.org

When we see all God has created, simply by speaking a word, we recognize his existence, his majesty, and his power. I believe there is a natural curiosity in our hearts that cannot be completely satisfied by anything else but a belief in the existence of God.Main Points:1. Listen again to those powerful words: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God.”  David looked to the heavens – not the spiritual heaven where God is enthroned, but the heavens of the blue sky and the night sky – and he clearly saw the glory of God declared.2. I think you have I have experienced what David saw and felt. When you see the serenity of a sunrise or the beauty of a sunset, when we see a sky filled with millions of stars, when we see the radiance of the sun and moon, and when we think of the multitude of galaxies God has created, it all reveals the glory of God.3. The word glory here means that which gives the honor to God - his wisdom, power, skill, faithfulness, benevolence, as seen in the starry worlds above us, and even the silent, movements by day and by night. The idea is, that these convey to the mind a true impression of the greatness and majesty of God. Everyone with physical eyesight can see the glory of God.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 19:1-2 - “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.”Psalm 8:1,3-4 - “O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”Romans 1:20 - “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

This week Pastor Rob speaks how speaking the truth is worth the conflict.   Main Points & Scripture: Galatians 2:4-6 Galatians 2:11-13 POINT: The Truth Matters More Than Your Truth And Both Are Not True! POINT: What you believe, what you say & what you accept will influence others to do the same POINT: Strongly held beliefs can turn into Wrongly held beliefs if not rooted in the truth of the scriptures Galatians 2:20 POINT: Anyone need a fresh start today?   *This episode was recorded on 11/16/25

Welcome to 30 Tips in 30 Days! Over the entire month of November, I will be releasing a short, bite sized episode of Fearless Presentations every morning covering things that are absolutely essential to being a better presenter. Whether you've been speaking professionally for years and years or are looking to just start your public speaking journey, applying just these 30 tips I cover here will instantly and easily make you improve as a speaker. Getting the audience to remember much from a presentation (especially a really long presentation) is incredibly hard. Giving audiences a huge list of points to remember and hone in on is even more-so fighting a losing battle. Limiting yourself to 5 or fewer points ensures that people can reliably remember everything, aren't overwhelmed, and each point has a proper amount of substance to it. Show Notes: 101 Public Speaking Tips For Delivering Your Best Speech(https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips-for-delivering-your-best-speech/)

When we recognize how great God's love is for us, the only response is to love him in return. No one has done for us what God has done. No one has given to us what God has given. Jesus laid down his life as a sacrifice for our sins so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life. It is the greatest demonstration of love the world has ever seen.Main Points:1. Loving God is our great motivation to serve. It is not a drudgery to serve God. It is not a burden or an obligation. It is not a problem to serve Him. If Jesus would go to the cross for us, we should willingly and lovingly serve Him in return.2. Having been changed by the love of God, we love him in return. This love compels us to follow, surrender, serve, and obey.3. Join me in asking God to help us to love Him more. I believe this prayer honors the Lord. He will give us a greater capacity to love and it will become the motivation for all we do.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 5:8 - “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”John 14:15 - “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”2 Corinthians 5:14 - “For the love of Christ compels us…”Matthew 22:37 - “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

What Jesus did for us on the cross was a complete work. It is a finished work. While Jesus hung on the cross he said these words, “It is finished.” There is nothing more to do. He obeyed his Father completely. Our debt of sin is paid in full. Main Points:1. How foolish it would be to continue to try and pay for something that has already been paid for, yet that's what many people do with their salvation. Jesus has paid their debt in full with his sacrificial death on the cross, yet they continue to try to pay for their salvation.2. What Jesus had come to do was completed. The justice of a righteous and a holy God was satisfied. The penalty for sin had been given. The price had been paid in full.3. There is nothing we can do to add to our salvation. But it's here that many of us struggle. Surely there must be something for me to do to be saved. But there is not. Not good deeds, not cleaning up your life, not baptism, not religious activity. There is nothing we can do to add to our salvation. Our debt is paid in full.Today's Scripture Verses:Colossians 2:13-14 - “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.”Revelation 13:8 Jesus…”the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Which physical posture of prayer is the right one for you?  I would say, none of them! Rather than the external posture, the Bible emphasizes the posture of the heart. Whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down, the important thing is that your heart is bowed in submission to the lordship of Christ. Main Points:1. True prayer is characterized by the posture of the heart, not the physical posture of the person praying.2. So, what is the right posture of our hearts as we come to God in prayer. I believe it must include three things: reverence, humility, and gratitude.3. As you pray today, it may be that you'll sense God leading you to a particular posture of prayer. Maybe you'll kneel, stand, or even lift your hands. Whichever posture of prayer you choose, don't forget about the posture of your heart.Today's Scripture Verses:Ephesians 3:14 - “For this reason, I kneel before the Father.” Psalm 95:6 - “Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”Hebrews 12:28 - “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”John 14:13 - “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

 I want to assure you today that no matter what you are experiencing or what you feel, God's face is turned towards you. He does know what you feel and He cares.Main Points:1. Perhaps you feel down today, thinking all your hope is gone, that even God has abandoned you. Yes, you may feel those things, but that doesn't mean your feelings are true. The God of Heaven knows what you are feeling. He understands the pressure you are feeling. Most of all, He is there. He cares and He is with you.2. In your loneliness, stand on this great truth from Scripture. God is with you. In fact, he has promised to always be with you.3. What is it that lifts our spirits when we are lonely? What encourages our hearts? I believe the answer is found in worship. When we worship Jesus we experience a change in perspective. Our focus is no longer on our loneliness, the absence of friends and family, and what we do not have. Our focus now is solely upon Jesus, his comforting presence, his love for us, and his promise to always be with us.Today's Scripture Verses:Genesis 2:18 - “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”Hebrews 13:5 - “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”Isaiah 43:2 - “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Psalm 27:10 - "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.” Proverbs 18:24 - “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

I started this episode talking about how the world calculates self-worth, but the truth is, you can't calculate your self-worth. It's already been determined. Your self-worth was set by Jesus. You are so valuable Jesus laid down his life for you. Paul said, “I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me and gave himself for me.”Main Points:1. Don't buy into the lies that your value is determined by your performance. Don't accept the labels others put on your life. Don't let the rejection you have received from others keep you from receiving acceptance from Jesus.2. The opinion of others makes no difference in your self-worth.  Because who you are, with Jesus, matters more than what other people tell you about yourself.  Because you are made in His image, He is the one who determines your self-worth. 3. Rest in this truth: Your life has value. God has established your worth.Today's Scripture Verses:Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In a world of mistrust, God can be trusted. He can be counted upon. He keeps his promises, he fulfills his word, and he does what he says he will do. God is worthy of your trust, your faith, and your confidence.Main Points:1. The Bible teaches us that God is faithful. This means God is always reliable, all of the time.  He does not fail or forget.  He always keeps his word.  His character is consistent and He never changes.2. Think about the implications of this wonderful truth. If God never changes, his love never changes. His grace never changes. His forgiveness never changes. His power and his presence never change. His ability never changes.3. If you are struggling to trust God, be assured of his character. There is no one like God. He does not change. He will be faithful in your life. Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”Psalm 119:89-90 - “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations.”Malachi 3:6, "I the Lord do not change." James 1:17 - “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

I love the words of Jesus. I've discovered that most people do, even non-believers. You can even purchase Bibles that only have the words of Jesus printed. It's been said that no one speaks like Jesus and I would agree. His words have power and they have life. These truths are encouraging, uplifting, inspiring, and challenging. They changed people's lives in the first century, and they are still changing lives today.  But you would have to agree that as much as we love the words of Jesus, we also recognize that Jesus said some hard things, some very hard things.Main Points:1. Today, as Christians, we view the cross as a symbol of forgiveness, grace, and love. But in Jesus' day, the cross represented nothing but torturous death. The Romans forced convicted criminals to carry their own crosses to the place of crucifixion.2. For the followers of Jesus, taking up our cross means “dying to self.” It's a call to absolute surrender. It means choosing Jesus above all things. It means putting him first and dying to our desires, ambitions, and worldly pleasures. Jesus said if we “lose our life, we will find it.” The reward for choosing Christ over everything else is matchless.3. We carry our cross and die to ourselves because Jesus alone is worthy. Today's Scripture Verses:Luke 9:23 - “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group