Podcasts about Naaman

Our text comes from 1 Timothy 6:6: But godliness with contentment is great gain. Gahazi's is a sad story. As Elisha's servant, he watched as Elisha refused payment for the healing of Naaman. Gahazi thought this was rubbish. He slipped out the back door to follow Naaman. Interrupting the commander's journey home, he lied about his purposes and came away with a sizable payment, which he hid. But of course, Elisha was wise to him. As punishment, Gahazi was inflicted with Naaman's leprosy. Gahazi lived with and served God's primary prophet in Israel. He knew the miracles that both Elijah and Elisha had performed. Surely, he knew that to provide adequately for his prophets was no big deal for the God of Israel. Provision he had aplenty. Access to God he had at his fingertips. Yet he wanted more. He was not content. Paul warns us about this, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Instead, pursue this, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” There's a quiet strength in these words — a kind of wisdom that cuts against the grain. We are surrounded by messages that tell us gain comes from getting — more possessions, more comfort, more status. But Paul says, true gain does not come from adding more. This is not a contentment that shrugs its shoulders and settles for less. It's a deep sufficiency — a settled peace that flows from knowing that Christ is enough. We don't find contentment by ignoring the world's goodness, but by knowing where our ultimate treasure lies. This contentment isn't natural. We must learn it as Paul did, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” That learning often comes through loss, through the stripping away of the things we thought we needed. And in those moments, we discover that we can lose everything and still have Christ — and therefore still have everything that matters. Godliness with contentment — that's not a small thing. It's freedom. Freedom from envy. Freedom from anxiety. Freedom from the restless drive to prove ourselves. It is the life of one who has found their joy in God Himself. So, what does this look like for us? It changes the reasons for paid employment. It changes the way we purchase things. As you go about your activities this week, keep an eye on your heart. Pay attention to the moments when discontentment rises. In Christ, we already possess the greatest treasure — and when we have Him, we can learn contentment, knowing that nothing more can make us truly rich. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: Wherever God takes you today, may He fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and that you may live carefully—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.

Missionary Stephen Minion, Sunday Morning |Text: II Kings 5

Tuesday October 21, 2025XIX Week After Pentecost —In today's episode, we see how hidden motives, unchecked sin, and careless words can corrupt what God means to be pure and holy.

Monday October 20, 2025XIX Week After Pentecost—In today's episode, we see how pride, humility, and reconciliation all meet at the heart of God's transforming grace.

10/19/26 One of the most prophetically symbolic stories in the Old Testament foreshadowing the covenant of the coming messiah is found in 2 Kings 5  concerning the healing of a ticked off Syrian military leader named Naaman. Join us this week as we continue to look into the life of the old covenant prophet Elisha whose stories mean far more through a new covenant lens. 

Most of us don't reject God — we just want Him to work the way we think He should.We pray, “God, fix my life. Fix my stress. Fix my family.”And when it doesn't happen the way we imagined, we start wondering if He's even listening.We're kicking off with the story of Naaman — a powerful man who wanted a miracle on his own terms, and what happened when God invited him into something better.It's a story about pride, process, and the kind of faith that doesn't just ask God to fix us, but to form us.If you've ever tried to use faith as a quick solution, or you've felt like God didn't show up how you expected, this message might reframe everything.

Reading I2 Kings 5:14-17Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven timesat the word of Elisha, the man of God.His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child,and he was clean of his leprosy.Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God.On his arrival he stood before Elisha and said,"Now I know that there is no God in all the earth,except in Israel.Please accept a gift from your servant."Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it;"and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused.Naaman said: "If you will not accept,please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth,for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrificeto any other god except to the LORD." Reading II2 Timothy 2:8-13Beloved:Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:such is my gospel, for which I am suffering,even to the point of chains, like a criminal.But the word of God is not chained.Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,together with eternal glory.This saying is trustworthy:If we have died with himwe shall also live with him;if we perseverewe shall also reign with him.But if we deny himhe will deny us.If we are unfaithfulhe remains faithful,for he cannot deny himself.GospelLuke 17:11-19As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,"Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"And when he saw them, he said,"Go show yourselves to the priests."As they were going they were cleansed.And one of them, realizing he had been healed,returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.He was a Samaritan.Jesus said in reply,"Ten were cleansed, were they not?Where are the other nine?Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"Then he said to him, "Stand up and go;your faith has saved you."

Today is a day of unexpected blessings, surprising signs of how God is active and alive and present in our world and in our lives in the most unlikely of places. Naaman, a commander and mighty warrior and enemy of Israel, suffers from leprosy and is offered healing through disappointing ordinary means. Also afflicted with […]

Put On Your Nikes – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Oct. 12, 2025) This week's homily invites us to look at two powerful moments of healing — Naaman the leper in the Old Testament and the ten lepers who call out to Jesus in the Gospel. Both stories reveal the same truth: God's power often moves through simple obedience, not spectacle. Naaman expected a dramatic miracle — a show of divine power — but instead was told to do something small and ordinary: wash seven times in the Jordan River. Insulted at first, he finally “just did it” — and was healed. The ten lepers who met Jesus were told only to “go show yourselves to the priests,” and it was as they went that healing came. Fr. David reminds us that this is how grace works in our lives, too. The Holy Spirit stirs our hearts with small, gentle nudges — to reach out, encourage, forgive, invite, or serve — and when we act in faith, God works wonders through those ordinary moments. In our parishes, we're already seeing this unfold: people returning to church, families entering RCIA together, hearts being stirred to serve and grow. God is moving because people are saying yes. So the next time you feel that quiet prompting from God — to say something kind, to take a step, to act in love — don't overthink it. Lace up your spiritual sneakers, take a cue from Naaman, and just do it.

Today's first reading gives us the last part of the great story of the healing of Naaman the Syrian. The important military commander, seeking a cure for his leprosy, consistently humbles himself ... and finally receives that for which he had been searching. May we who also need healing imitate him in his humility!

Naaman is facing a terrible illness that he can't overcome. A simple act of obedience to God, speaking through His prophet, brings grace.

Naaman encounters love and truth through his obedience to God's will, and experiences wholeness and communion. Being obedient to God leads to healing. Even the sufferings, burdens, and challenges that we face are really gifts from God.

Fr. Hezekias and Annie explore humble faith and thanksgiving through Naaman's healing in the Jordan, Jesus cleansing ten lepers with only one returning to give thanks, and Paul's call to persevere, examining Christian mission to the exiled.

Deacon Dave reflects on the theme of hope, drawing parallels between the healing of Naaman, the ten lepers, and our own need for spiritual healing. He reminds us that just as Naaman and the lepers found restoration through faith and obedience, we too can be healed through reconciliation and renewed hope in God's unfailing love.

By being obedient to the ordinary, Naaman and the 10 lepers find healing. Only Naaman and a samaritan return to thank the Lord. Thanksgiving is the start of stewardship - living a life of gratitude for all the Lord has done. https://soundcloud.com/fr-todd-petersen/28th-sumnday-2025-thanksgiving www.mercywithteeth.com #Catholic #homily #Scripture #GospelOfTheDay #mercywithteeth Sign up to have podcasts and blog posts emailed to you: http://eepurl.com/ioCgy2 Give feedback at https://forms.gle/gGhujv39g43BUxmK6 Readings are found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092125.cfm www.mercywithteeth.com Great News: True Mercy Has Teeth: A Catholic Journey to Forgiveness and Healing is now available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/True-Mercy-Has-Teeth-Forgiveness/dp/B0FJ5NW8C4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RTZRYPHH5TG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qlDBsYFJ7RuvidV6UYrOxg.dYUFMLl5NfFxjzS2K0FeYb09crGOlNEmfHfFrHq9xeA&dib_tag=se&keywords=true+mercy+has+teeth+a+catholic+journey+to+forgiveness+and+healing&qid=1756411208&sprefix=true+mercy%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1

Year C – 18th Sunday after Pentecost; Lectionary 28 – October 12, 2025 Pastor Megan Floyd 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Psalm 111 Luke 17:11-19 Grace and peace to you from God and the Holy Spirit, and from Jesus Christ, to whom we give thanks and praise for all our Creator has done for us. Amen. *** Some days ago, while going through the motions of the morning… I felt overcome by such a profound sense of sadness. Sadness for the world… for our country… for our siblings in Chicago who are under attack… for our transgender siblings who are being vilified… and for our children who don't know that this isn't normal. I felt sadness… mixed with pain and anger, and maybe even dipping a toe into despair. That's not an emotional place I generally go… but… it's been hard. I have shaped my life around Christ… my values… my dreams… they are shaped around how Jesus Christ calls us to be and live… how Jesus calls us to love… and what I see in this world right now… the hate and fear of immigrants… driving people to carry out violence against their neighbors… whom they are called to love… hate and fear carried out in the name of Jesus... I know… that this is not what Christ wants for us. God has shown us that we are made for community… that we need community… and we know that we are better and stronger when we… not just include, but fully embrace… the full diversity of God's people. We know we are stronger and closer to God's vision for our world when we do as Christ did… and go to our neighbors who have been pushed to the margins, and witness to their worth and value. We know we are following God's will when we go to our neighbors on the edges of our community and witness to their belovedness… when we call them our siblings, and mean it… …and when we help them find their place back in the center of our communal life together. We know this is God's will for us because Jesus demonstrated this action… over and over again… Jesus showed us how to welcome those who have been rejected… and Jesus showed us how to love. And yet… so much in our country today is pushing us all away from each other. It is costing lives… so you can understand my sadness… and my anger. So, on that morning… I was deep in my own thoughts… until at some point, I wasn't thinking so much as I was listening… and I had a moment of clarity. One of those moments where the Spirit reaches out and drapes you in peace… the kind of peace that we long for… the kind of peace that we pray for. I had a moment of clarity when I remembered… that gratitude is medicine. Gratitude is medicine…  and thankfulness to Jesus Christ is resistance… and praise to our Creator for all that God continues to do for us… and through us… in these crazy times we are living in… That praise… is joy! And in that moment of gratitude and joy, blanketed by God's peace… I found myself again… I remembered who I was… and whose I was… and I felt whole again. I felt my joy return… the joy that comes from feeling true gratitude to my God! And… I wonder… I wonder if that was a little bit how Naaman felt… after being made clean and returning to Elisha to give praise to God. I wonder… if this was how the psalmist felt… the pure joy of giving praise and thanksgiving to the Lord with their whole heart… Declaring… that the works of the Lord's hands are faithfulness and justice; and that all the Lord's precepts stand forever and ever because they are done in truth… and equity. I wonder… if this was… just a little bit… how the Samaritan felt… when he turned back to give praise and thanksgiving to God, because through Jesus… he was restored. Through Jesus, he was healed of the disease that forced him to the edges… healed of the disease that prevented him from taking part in communal life. Jesus healed him of the disease that made him untouchable… Jesus healed all ten of the men… of the disease that made them untouchable. And I am sure… that the other nine who were also healed… I'm sure they were glad for their healing… I am sure they were thrilled to rejoin their community. Of course they would be… it was a miracle. But it was only… the outcast among outcasts… who turned back to offer praise and thanksgiving… it was only the foreigner… who turned back to give praise… only the Samaritan… connected his miraculous healing to God's doing, through Jesus. Only the one who would still be an outcast in that society, even when healed of this disease… only him… gave praise and thanksgiving for all to hear. Now… recall that the Samaritans and Jews shared the same ancestry, but when Assyria invaded the northern kingdom, they exiled many of the Jews. Those who remained intermarried with the Assyrians and built new lives. But when those who were exiled were allowed to return, they considered the Samaritans to be religiously and ethnically impure. They were considered permanently unclean and were rejected… banned from Jerusalem… and from worshipping at the Temple… So, the Samaritans built their own Temple on Mount Gerizim. And the larger religious question of… Where is God? …hung as a backdrop behind all their interactions. Is God only in the Temple in Jerusalem… or is God on a mountain… or is God found wherever God's people are found? So, I wonder… when it was only the Samaritan who came back to give praise and offer thanksgiving… I wonder… if it was because he was better situated to recognizing God out in the wild, than his pure-Jewish brothers.  I wonder… as I consider his openness to God's presence… I wonder how the disciples felt about learning about faith in Jesus… from this foreigner… and I wonder… how do we feel about it… at this time, when foreigners are being so violently persecuted. Jesus told this Samaritan man… after he was healed of his disease… he told him his faith had made him well… his faith… his trust that God was there with him… had made him whole. His response to what God did for him… brought him back to his Creator… and it made him remember who he was… and whose he was. His response of praise and thanksgiving gave him the opportunity to dwell in the presence of God, even just for a moment… and when we dwell in the presence of God, we are slowly transformed… and re-formed by God's love. That was God's promise to that Samaritan man… God's promise through Jesus… and it's God's promise to us, as well. God's promise… that when we turn back to God with grateful hearts, we are turning back to dwell in God's presence… and be comforted by God's peace. So… we may be walking through some dark valleys these days… but God's faithful and enduring promise to us is that God is with us… And God is continuing to move and act in this world… continuing the holy work of creation… through us and through our neighbors who are fighting for justice and peace… and love. And so, our gratitude… our thankful response to God's faithfulness and God's justice… reconnects our spirit to God's Spirit… Our response of praise brings us back to the source of life… and makes us whole. Reconnecting with God through gratitude… renews us… and it strengthens us. Therefore, it is with true joy in my heart… that I give thanks and praise to my God for this life… and this calling… for my family… and for you. I give thanks and praise for your witness and your courage… for the ways that you show up for your neighbors… and the ways that you stand with those who struggle on the margins. I give thanks and praise to God for the wider community of faith to which we belong… a great cloud of witnesses, committed to shaping their lives and communities around the gospel… And I give thanks and praise to God for the transformation in my own heart that other morning, when the world just felt too heavy. God's Holy Spirit scooped me back up and set me on my feet… and turned my attention back to all the good things God was still doing through so many incredible people. So I give thanks to my Lord and my God… for meeting me in my storm… allowing me to dwell in my Creator's presence, and for making me whole again. And I give thanks to God for the invitation to all of us, to revisit the source of life, every day… to receive healing and renewal… So, what more can I say, but Hallelujah!! …and Amen.

Rich Weisenbach recounts the story of Naaman, who, in his pride, was angry with the Prophet Elisha for not addressing him in person.

It's the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell and JD Flynn as they talk about the healing of Naaman, St. Paul's final letter, and a Samaritan's confession of faith in Jesus, the high priest.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:45Reading 1 - 2 Kings 5:14-17Psalm 98: 1-4Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 2:8-13Gospel - Luke 17:11-19 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Join us for Day1 Episode 4203 featuring Rev. Dr. Charles Qualls, senior pastor of Franklin Baptist Church in Franklin, VA. In his sermon “Called to Trust God,” based on 2 Kings 5:1-14, Dr. Qualls reflects on Naaman's healing and the importance of asking “why” rather than “how” when it comes to faith. Exploring themes of trust, humility, and God's surprising ways, this message speaks to the heart of Proper 23, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost.

Testing of Faith Produces PerseveranceJames 1:2 -4 & 12 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”This is a pretty tall order.  This verse asks us to consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because we know that testing of our faith produces perseverance.  I understand what the verse is saying.  I understand the concept.  I am just not sure I understand how to do this.   I'm not sure joy would be the word I would use when I am undergoing trials.  I would say words like sad, frustrated, mad, angry, annoyed, scared, lonely and defeated seem more like what I feel when I am going through trials.  So, why is this verse telling us to feel joy?  We often ask why we have to struggle?  We ask why we have to face various kids of trials? I have learned from Father Mike that there isn't just one reason why we find ourselves in trials.  Father Mike states several times in his Bible in a Year podcast that sometimes we do find ourselves in difficult trials because of something we have done.  Sometimes we go against what the Lord wants us to do and there are consequences for that.  Other times, the situation we are in is not of our own doing and does not mean that we did anything wrong.  For instance, Job, he was a righteous in the eyes of the Lord, yet he suffered terribly.  Not all suffering is a result of sin.  Another example, of this is found in John 9:1-3 “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”Do you see the reasons for your trials can vary.  I think a lot of us think if we are struggling, then we must have done something to deserve it.  God must be punishing us in some way.  I have heard that one a lot.  Jesus is telling us right here in the Bible, your trials are not always because of sin. Sometimes your trials are to show the work of God in your life.  It is rare that you know the reason for your struggle while you are in it.  However, even if you did, I am not sure it would make it easier.  Take this verse for instance.  It says that when our faith is tested we gain perseverance.  Perseverance is great.  It is often times the thing that gets us through our trials.  I find it interesting that in order for our perseverance to grow we need to go through trails, yet our perseverance is what helps us get through those trials.   I am glad that I have gained a lot of perseverance over the years.  Even though I know that I will gain perseverance when I go through a hard time, it doesn't make that hard  time easier.  The rest of the verse says to “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”  That all sounds wonderful.  I definitely want to be mature and not lacking in anything.  I also definitely want to receive the crown of life.  The problem is, I don't know how to remain steadfast under trial.  I don't know how to consider it joy that I have trials.  I know what the Lord wants me to do, I am just not sure how to do it.  I love how the Lord always gives us answers.  I was just thinking that it would be nice if I could give you guys some tips on how to stay steadfast under trials and I did a quick internet search and found some.  The article I found is titled Six ways to remain steadfast during trials and it is written by Dan Panetti.  (CLICK HERE for article)  I will post a link to the article in the show notes, but I will list Dan's six ideas here as well.Focus on what you can control—not on what you can't (Prov. 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”)Live in the moment—refuse to be anxious about tomorrow (Matt. 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”)Look for ways to break up the monotony—tackle a home improvement project or
learn to play a new card game. One of my sons proposed that I come up with a question for each family member to be researched and presented around the dinner table. It has sparked some of the best conversations we have ever had. Relax and take a walk—meditate on the ways that God has provided for you, delivered you from death, given you a purpose, and equipped you for his service (Psalm 116:7–9 “Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”)Bathe in a book of the Bible—not just read through it, but sit and soak in it! Think of Naaman going down into the Jordan again and again. Read and re-read a passage, chapter, or book—dive deep(er) into the Word!Memorize and meditate on Scripture—both of which are under appreciated spiritual disciplines. My oldest son and I are currently focusing on memorizing at least one verse from each book of the Bible.Just knowing that we grow in perseverance anytime our faith is tested might not be enough to help us find joy in our trials.  However, maybe some of these ideas can help us to be steadfast in our trials.  I like how the author even provided a few scripture verses to back up some of his suggestions.  I have not done a lot of scripture memorizing in the past.  However, I did try scripture writing for awhile and I thought it was great.  If you want to give that a try, or even if you want to do the scripture memorizing and are not sure where to start, I started with an internet search of scripture writing plans.  When you type that in you will get a whole list of scriptures, usually with a certain them, such as “wisdom,” “freedom,” “being bold,” all sorts of themes, whatever you might be struggling with the most.  If you want to bathe in a book in the Bible, and you are not sure where to start, I have always been told a great place to start is in at the beginning of the new Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew, or the Psalms is another great place to start.  I hope each of you will write these ideas down so that next time you are going through trials, they can help you remain steadfast.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to be mature and not lacking in anything.  If so, we need to let perseverance finish it work in us.  In order to do this, we must make it through all the trials.  In order to do this we must figure out a way to remain steadfast in our trials.  I know it is difficult going through a difficult time and not understanding why you have to go through it.  However, this verse gives us a little hope.  One reason we are going through it is to test our faith.  Are you going to remain steadfast?  Do we want the crown of life?  The choice is ours.  Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today.  Lord, we love you and we ask that you are with us in our times of trial.  We ask that you give us the grace to find joy in our trials and that you help us to stay steadfast also.  Lord, we want all you have to give us and that includes the crown of life.  Help us to not drown in our difficult time.  Sometimes it feels like we are drowning and we are asking that you save us before that happens.  Lord, even if it is not the right time while we are going through it for us to know why it is all happening, please give us the grace to understand that if its not the reason, we will grow in perseverance while we make it through to the other side.  Also, help us to feel your presence while in the trial and know that you are with us.  We love you Lord, you are truly amazing.  We are so very grateful for you.  We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen.Thank you so much for joining me on your journey to walk boldly with Jesus.  I look forward to spending time with you again tomorrow.  Have a blessed day! www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

In this message, Pastor Caden Metcalf shares the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5 and what it reveals about faith, obedience, and the miracles of God. Sometimes breakthrough isn't about praying harder—it's about humbling yourself, listening, and doing the simple thing God's asking you to do. Through powerful stories of healing and transformation, this message challenges you to examine your heart, your circle, and your obedience so you don't miss what God is trying to do in your life.SUBCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@2911Church?sub_confirmation=1FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/2911church/?hl=enLISTEN: https://pod.link/1456498714LEARN MORE: https://www.2911church.com/SUPPORT: https://2911church.churchcenter.com/givingJoin us live every week from 2911 Church in Tempe, AZ as we worship together, hear powerful teaching, and grow in faith as a community. Whether you're local or tuning in from afar, there's a place for you here. Come as you are and experience hope, connection, and purpose. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a service!

Welcome to Sermon Brainwave! Join hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the lectionary readings for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (October 12th, 2025). In this episode, we explore the powerful theme of unexpected faith through the story of Jesus healing ten men with a skin disease in Luke 17:11-19, where a Samaritan becomes the unlikely exemplar of gratitude and praise. The hosts connect this Gospel reading with the fascinating Old Testament story of Naaman the Syrian from 2 Kings 5, examining how healing and salvation come through unexpected people and surprising means. We also discuss Jeremiah's revolutionary letter to the Babylonian exiles, where the prophet gives the shocking advice to "seek the shalom of the city" - even Babylon - and the endurance theology found in 2 Timothy 2:8-15. Commentaries for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-28-3/commentary-on-luke-1711-19-6. *  *  * Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE: Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007. Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/KXrBLi3nnxo.

4:14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 4:15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 4:17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. 4:22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. 4:25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. 4:28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 4:29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. 4:30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way, 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. 4:33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. 4:35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. 4:37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. 4:38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. 4:39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. 4:42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. 4:44 And he preached in the synagogues of Gali...

What did Elisha and the Shunamite widow have in common? Desperation and miracles. They even made the same declaration, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” From their intense faith they received the reward of their heart cries: Divine intervention. Meanwhile, Naaman had a desperate cry, but his […] The post Desperation and Miracles appeared first on Jubilee Church.

The church didn't begin with strategy, talent, or performance — it began with power. The power of the Holy Spirit. The early church was — not by clever ideas, but by God's Spirit moving in surrendered people. That same power is still available today… but only on God's terms, not ours. Through the story of Naaman, we're reminded that the only way to real transformation is humility. And sometimes the biggest barrier to encountering God is our own pride. So the question becomes: Will we prioritize the presence of God — even when it's uncomfortable? This message is a bold call to return, repent, and renew as we prepare for Sacred Homecoming — a week of seeking Jesus together and listening for what the Spirit is saying to us.

Want to start a chain of happiness? Discover how a simple smile or act of kindness can spread joy, and how small good deeds can make a big difference in the world around you! 

“Oh, 'twas love, 'twas wondrous love…” In Wondrous Love, world-renowned evangelist Dwight L. Moody delivers a series of powerful gospel messages originally preached in London during his late 19th-century evangelistic campaigns. With heartfelt urgency and Christ-centered compassion, Moody speaks directly to the lost, the backslider, and the spiritually hungry, calling all to experience the life-transforming love of God through Jesus Christ. This compelling collection of sermons brings the reader face-to-face with Christ's boundless mercy – from His healing touch to His saving grace for sinners, skeptics, and saints alike. With vivid storytelling, biblical illustrations, and unwavering conviction, Moody reminds us that no soul is beyond the reach of God's wondrous love. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. – John 3:3 About the Author Dwight L. Moody, determined to make a fortune, arrived in Chicago and started selling shoes. But Christ found him and his energies were redirected into full-time ministry. And what a ministry it was. Today, Moody's name still graces a church, a mission, a college, and more. Moody loved God and men, and the power of a love like that impacts generations.

A MIRACULOUS healing led to a Syrian warrior carrying mule loads of dirt from Israel back to Damascus. Why did Naaman the Syrian do that? In the ancient world, it was understood that every nation had a patron deity. For Syria, that was the storm-god Hadad, better known to us as Baal. For Israel, it was Yahweh—although Jezebel and her children tried hard to replace the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with Baal, Astarte, and the rest of the Canaanite pantheon. When the prophet Elisha instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan to be healed of his leprosy, Naaman was angry, expecting something more elaborate—a ritual of some kind. But after following the prophet's instructions and being restored to full health, Naaman realized the true God was Yahweh, not Baal, and Israel was His home. So, Naaman loaded two mules with dirt and carried it back to Syria—not because it held magical properties, but because it was a reminder of the one God with the power to heal. The concept of “holy ground” was established after the Tower of Babel, as described in Deuteronomy 32:  When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,        when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples        according to the number of the sons of God.But the LORD's portion is his people,       Jacob his allotted heritage. (Deut. 32:8–9, ESV)  In other words, God allotted the people of Earth to angelic representatives who were tempted into receiving worship themselves, but He chose Israel as the conduit through which He would bring forth the Messiah to save the world from those fallen entities. We also discuss the way God delivered the northern kingdom of Israel from a prolonged siege of Samaria by the Syrians—despite the continued apostasy of Samaria. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. NOTE: If you'e going to Israel with us in October, you'll need to apply for a visa online before you travel. The cost is 25 NIS (about $7.50). Log on here: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the left-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

A MIRACULOUS healing led to a Syrian warrior carrying mule loads of dirt from Israel back with him to Damascus. Why did Naaman the Syrian do that? In the ancient world, it was understood that every nation had a patron deity. For Syria, that was the storm-god Hadad, better known to us as Baal. For Israel, it was Yahweh—although Jezebel and her children tried hard to replace the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with Baal, Astarte, and the rest of the Canaanite pantheon. When the prophet Elisha instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan to be healed of his leprosy, Naaman was angry, expecting something more elaborate—a ritual of some kind. But after following the prophet's instructions and being restored to full health, Naaman realized the true God was Yahweh, not Baal, and Israel was His home. So, Naaman loaded two mules with dirt and carried it back to Syria—not because it held magical properties, but because it was a reminder of the one God with the power to heal. The concept of “holy ground” was established after the Tower of Babel, as described in Deuteronomy 32: When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,    when he divided mankind,  he fixed the borders of the peoples    according to the number of the sons of God. But the LORD's portion is his people,    Jacob his allotted heritage. (Deut. 32:8–9, ESV) In other words, God allotted the people of Earth to angelic representatives who were tempted into receiving worship themselves, but He chose Israel as the conduit through which He would bring forth the Messiah to save the world from those fallen entities. We also discuss the way God delivered the northern kingdom of Israel from a prolonged siege of Samaria by the Syrians—despite the continued apostasy of Samaria.

9. Who advised Naaman to see Elisha about healing his leprosy?A) A Syrian soldierB) His wife's servant girl from IsraelC) GehaziD) King of Syria

10. How many times did Naaman dip in the Jordan River to be cleansed?A) 3B) 5C) 10D) 7

What does it mean to be great? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres kicked off our NAAMAN series with a message about the grace and greatness of God.2 Kings 5:1Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.Sandwiched in these stories about the prophet Elisha and God's people is the story of God's great mercy toward one of Israel's enemies.1) God does not abide by our categories of greatness.At the beginning of the story we are introduced to both Naaman and a servant girl. Their interaction becomes the engine that drives all of the events that follow, and it causes us to ask, “What does it mean to be great?”2) God sees us as we truly are.The story calls us to see that Naaman's identity as a great man was not his whole story, and the girl's identity as powerless was also not her whole story. 3) God frees us to do for others what he does for us.Through a miracle of grace, the young girl in the story has concern for Naaman, and so shows that she is actually the hero of the story. She refuses to be defined by her situation, and instead has compassion on the very person responsible for her suffering. “Christian” is the only identity that's received, not achieved.Timothy KellerIf who I am in Christ is received, then this identity is to be discovered, nurtured and experienced, not performed. It's an identity that doesn't exclude others who aren't on my level, because MY LEVEL was NEVER ACHIEVED in the first place, IT WAS RECEIVED.

This message concludes our Sunday School series by looking at one of the most well-known stories in the Old Testament, the story of Naaman. In his journey toward healing and transformation, we'll find a powerful reminder of God's grace and the unexpected ways He works in our lives. Scripture Referenced: 2 Kings 5

Like the Old Testament Naaman, we may become frustrated if life doesn't "follow our script." But we should instead look to the larger story that God is writing. The post Naaman: Blessings of the Larger Story, Curses of the Smaller Story appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

The life of Naaman is filled with examples such as humility, obedience and trust—characteristics sorely needed today. Great lessons from a great man.

In a world that glorifies self-help, control, and personal independence, it's easy to forget the call to full surrender. In this message, Pastor Randy challenges the cultural idol of self-reliance — not by shaming strength, but by exposing pride, anxiety, and the illusion of control. Drawing from the story of Naaman, Proverbs 3, and James 4, you'll be invited to trade performance for dependence and rediscover the peace that comes only through humility and trust.   From Sunday 08.31.25

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel - LK 4:16-30 - Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had grown up, and went according to His custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at Him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His Mouth. They also asked, “Is this not the Son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,' and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'” And He said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove Him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl Him down headlong. But He passed through the midst of them and went away. Bishop Sheen quote of the day Father Charles Murr discuss Saint Pope Pius X and his fight against modernism in the Church

Gospel Matthew 19:16-22 Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Is this not the son of Joseph?" He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'" And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. Reflection What we see revealed here is something very common. How does something so extraordinary as God's Spirit works through ordinary human beings? I know Jesus wasn't an ordinary human being, but certainly those who grew up with him saw him as that. Maybe they had some resentment against him for whatever reason, but the thought that someone ordinary could have this kind of wisdom and this kind of understanding, just blew away their basic understanding of the way the world works. And it's interesting that their reaction was not disbelief, but anger. And they wanted to destroy him as if to say, God can't work in ordinary people. Closing Prayer Father, your grace and our humanity are made for one another. We should expect, and we should long for those moments when we can feel you moving through us. Help us to be aware of this gift. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,and went according to his custominto the synagogue on the sabbath day.He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed meto bring glad tidings to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captivesand recovery of sight to the blind,to let the oppressed go free,and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.Rolling up the scroll,he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.He said to them,"Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."And all spoke highly of himand were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.They also asked, "Is this not the son of Joseph?"He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb,'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native placethe things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'"And he said,"Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.Indeed, I tell you,there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijahwhen the sky was closed for three and a half yearsand a severe famine spread over the entire land.It was to none of these that Elijah was sent,but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.Again, there were many lepers in Israelduring the time of Elisha the prophet;yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."When the people in the synagogue heard this,they were all filled with fury.They rose up, drove him out of the town,and led him to the brow of the hillon which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

+ A Reading from the Gospel according to Saint Luke 4: 16 – 30 He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?" He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'" And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. The Gospel of the Lord

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Back to School” with some of the professors and staff from the Moody Bible Institute (MBI). First, we had Peter Worrall to discuss how the deconstruction of his faith brought him back to God and about the Christian Worldview. Peter is an Associate Professor of Educational Ministries at MBI. He has also authored the book, “20 Things We’d Tell Our Twentysomething Selves.” Then we had Dr. Samuel Naaman discuss how God led him into missionary work and how to share the gospel with people from other cultures. Dr. Naaman is the professor of Intercultural Studies at MBI. He is also the Vice President of Call of Hope, which reaches Muslims for Christ. He is also the President and co-founder of the South Asian Friendship Center, which aims to reach Muslims and Hindus. We also discussed the importance of reading the Word to accurately and effectively share the gospel. We turned to 2 Timothy 2:14-18, where it shows the importance of knowing the word and not adding to or taking away from it. Then we had Brian Kammerzelt join us to discuss the changing landscape of media with AI and the need for theologically informed communicators. Brian is a Professor and the Program Head of Communications at MBI. He specializes in the theology of communications and culture. You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Peter Worrall Interview (Deconstructing Christian Worldview ) [03:40] Dr. Samuel Naaman Interview (Sharing the Gospel Interculturally) [17:43] Brian Kammerzelt Interview (The Importance of Theological Communicators in the midst of AI) [32:65] Truth of the Word Devotion [49:30] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. D. Ralph Davis, one of the finest preachers, expositors, and commentators of our day, preached the gospel from the narrative of events involving Elisha, Naaman, and Gehazi in 2 Kings 5 at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN. You may view it here: https://youtu.be/cmY-WkB1k1I?t=1831