Podcasts about nearness

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.Part I (00:14 – 14:16)Democratic Socialism is Bursting Onto the Scene Among Democrats: New Poll Shows Majority of Democrats Report Positive View of SocialismCBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism, and how Americans see parties in today’s economy by CBS News (Anthony Salvanto, Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus)Part II (14:16 – 19:37)Why is the University Experience Producing Socialists? The Culture of Elite Education is Teaching University Students Wrong Lessons About the EconomyHow Colleges Produce Socialists by The Wall Street Journal (Kimberlee Josephson)Part III (19:37 – 22:55)The Energy Is in the Extreme: The Current Ideological Battle in the Democratic Party Was InevitableBeware the Democrats' ‘Redshift' by The Wall Street Journal (Matthew Continetti)Part IV (22:55 – 26:03)The Parable of Raoul Vaneigem: The Obituary of a French Marxist Points to the Nearness of HistoryRaoul Vaneigem, Whose Manifesto Inspired 1968 Revolt in France, Dies at 92 by The New York Times (Adam Nossiter)Sign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

[Link to Pastor Peter's Sermon Notes] In this inspiring episode, Pastor Peter declares that we have entered a "season of the nearness of the Lord," a timely message coinciding with the 299th anniversary of the Moravian Pentecost and its legacy of spiritual renewal. Grounded in 1 Peter 2:1-5, the sermon challenges believers to put away malice and hypocrisy, longing instead for the "pure spiritual milk" of the Word to grow into the fullness of their salvation. Pastor Peter explains that as we come to Jesus—the living stone chosen by God—we are transformed from isolated "piles of rocks" into living stones built together into a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. By emphasizing the importance of connecting with and mentoring the younger generation for future strength, he encourages the church to move from "mourning" into a new "morning" of joy, keeping their "cowboy boots on" to stand firm in their faith as salt and light. Ultimately, this message serves as a corporate recommissioning to prioritize the presence of Christ, reminding us that because "greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world" (Mark 16:15), we can confidently offer spiritual sacrifices and experience a powerful move of God that brings supernatural fruit to our region.

Author Casper ter Kuile on transforming everyday writing into a sacred ritual, drawing on rest and reflection to fuel creativity, and moving past self-doubt to write as a gift for others. You'll learn Why the point of the work week might be the rest, not the other way around. How to turn an ordinary daily habit into a ritual using three simple ingredients. What a weekly tech sabbath can unlock in your most creative thinking. The reframe that turns a dreadful first draft into something you can build on. A piece of advice from a mentor that dissolves the pressure to say something new. How reading writers you love can quietly refill the tank when you're stuck. Why treating your writing as a gift changes the way you handle criticism. The practice for staying humble and kind toward yourself in equal measure. What sacred reading traditions can teach you about going deeper into any text. Why the smallest groups, not the biggest audiences, are where meaning actually forms. Resources & Links Casper ter Kuile's website The Power of Ritual by Casper ter Kuile The Nearness Harry Potter and the Sacred Text (podcast) Sacred Design Lab "How We Gather" report The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Seth Godin About Casper ter Kuile Casper ter Kuile is the author of The Power of Ritual and the co-founder of The Nearness: a space to explore life's big questions with like-hearted others. Casper holds Masters in Public Policy and Divinity from Harvard University, is the former cohost of popular podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, and loves harmony singing, the London Review of Books, and arriving at the pub after a long country walk. He lives with his husband in Brooklyn, NY. For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com.For free writing sessions, join free Writers' Hours: writershour.com.*FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS' SALONTwitter: twitter.com/​​WritersSalonInstagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalonFacebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalonIf you're enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!

Hebrews 10:23-25 | Caleb Yam | 26 July 2026

Psalm 84:1-7 | Aik Keong | 26 July 2026

Meditation is how the Word becomes nearness to God.

Ephesians 2:11-22 | KD Baruah | 19 July 2026

Hebrews 10:10-25 | Jacob Ng | 19 July 2026

Colossians 2:6-8,”6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”False: “As a Christian, I need to make sure I uphold my faith by only doing the Jesus things.”The gospel is not an invitation to perform for Christ; it is an invitation to abide in Him."The church is always in danger of worshiping its own work instead of worshiping God."— Henri NouwenHosea 6:6 "I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."John 15:15,”15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”John 15:16-17,”16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”"Christianity becomes impossible the moment we believe it's our job to keep ourselves close to Jesus."Many times we turn the things we do for God into the relationship we have with Him. "The greatest hindrance to true religion has always been that it was trusted in instead of God."— A. W. TozerJesus never said, "Produce fruit so you can stay connected."He said, "Stay connected, and fruit will come."Avoid Insecure Actions.Colossians 2:9-10,”9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”Nearness matters more than sacrifices."The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen... I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament." – Brother LawrenceColossians 2:16-20,”16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:”Fruit will come – but it will always be Him.Colossians 3:3,” For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Psalm 145 declares that God is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works. That truth is easy to affirm in stories of victory but much harder in seasons of suffering. Yet Scripture calls believers to yield like clay in the Potter's hands, trusting that the same God who rules over creation also lovingly shapes every circumstance. Jesus modeled this perfect surrender in Gethsemane, praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” God's righteousness cannot be accepted only when it is comfortable. The same righteous God who saves, justifies, forgives, and restores also works through trials for His purposes. His righteousness is always joined with His kindness, meeting weakness with grace and sustaining His people through every hardship. Like Paul, believers can endure with hope, confident that God's strength is made perfect in weakness and that He remains faithful in both the mountains and the valleys.

Click here to follow along with Pastor Peter's notes - https://peterb.craft.me/discerning-the-LORD-s-nearness In this reflective message, Pastor Peter explores the importance of discerning the nearness of the Lord by tracing the providential history of the church community from its earliest "prologue". Grounded in 1 Peter 2:1-5, he invites listeners to put away "church hurt" and long for the pure spiritual milk of the Word so they may grow as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house to offer worship through Christ. By sharing how the church began as a dream that became a "life-giving tree" (Proverbs 13:12)—progressing from a portable ministry in hotels to a world-reaching mission—he illustrates that we are "God's fellow workers" (1 Corinthians 3:9) in a field where only God provides the growth. Pastor Peter challenges the congregation to appeal to the zeal of the Lord to take risks and dream fresh dreams, reminding them that while the journey includes "years, tears, and fears," every season is accounted for in light of Jesus's finished work. Ultimately, this sermon serves as a call to serve the Lord with gladness and maintain a missionary heart, resting in the assurance that the future is brighter and braver because the Lord is already there.

Hebrews 10:19-22 | Caleb Yam | 12 July 2026

In this episode, Pastor Peter explores the profound reality of "Discerning the Nearness of the Lord," declaring a divine season where God is not only being sought but is actively pressing into the lives of His people to bring refreshing and renewal. Centered on the truth of Psalm 73:27, he emphasizes that God's nearness is our ultimate good and the essential anchor for navigating personal transitions and a regional "kairos moment". Pastor Peter teaches that while we often focus on our own pursuit of God, the gospel reveals a Father who is relentlessly pursuing us, inviting us to draw near with confidence through the Blood of Jesus and the fear of the Lord. Drawing from the biblical example in John 21, where the disciples recognized the resurrected Christ on the shore, the message challenges believers to sharpen their spiritual sensitivity and reject the lie of divine distance. Inspired by the historical Moravian prayer movement, this sermon serves as a powerful call to participate in "Seek Week"—a dedicated time of fasting and prayer—to ensure the church remains a "house of prayer for all nations" that radiates the presence of Christ to a harvest-ready world.

Hebrews 10:19-23; 11:1 | Chien Tan | 5 July 2026

Listen to Nearness with Pastor Kevin Shindoll from Sunday, June 28, 2026.Love is our Why. Join Us Online at 10/11 AM on Sundays and 7:30 PM on Wednesdays. To give online, visit wayoflife.church/give or text the word GIVE to 817-382-3270, click the link, and follow the prompts. If you need prayer, visit wayoflife.church/connect so we can pray for you.

Fr. Bliss, our senior pastor, preaches on the fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Intro for Sermon Podcasts Outro for Sermon AudioWe are a community hoping to live the Jesus-way in our city as a people of God's hospitality, God‘s restoration, and God's shalom. Learn more about All Souls Charlottesville: www.allsoulscville.com

James 4:1-10 | Jacob Ng | 28 June 2026

In Matthew 6, Jesus prayed, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done,...

3rd Sunday after Pentecost Gospel Reading- Matthew 10: 1-8

We often search for God in the spectacular, assuming He is distant. Yet, just like using an ordinary manger or a familiar star, God reveals Himself in everyday details. Discover how to recognize His divine presence right beside you today.

God Is Near; Let Us Draw Near as Well . . . I. God Knows Us! (1-6) II. God Is With Us! (7-12) III. God Has Formed Us! (13-16) IV. Therefore, Draw Close to God! (17-24) Practical Implications o How have you seen God's involvement in your life? o What can be a normal rhythm in life to know/love God more today than yesterday? o How could you bless, eat w/, and share with someone over next week?

God's Nearness Is Our Greatest Good Genesis 39:1-23 Jeremiah Morris

God is Great and Deserves Great Praise . . . I. Greatness of God and His Works! (1-7) II. Greatness of God's Gracious Kingdom! (8-16) III. Greatness of God's Righteousness & Goodness! (17-21) Practical Implications o What works of God amaze you in Bible, History and Own Life? o What character traits of God amaze you? o How could you bless, eat w/ and share with someone over next week?

Signs of Life - Personal Experiences - hosted by Dr. Betty Kovacs, Janet Mayer and Kimberly Saavedra Personal Experiences of Spirit, Love, and Afterlife Connection Everyone Has A Story To Share. We Invite You To Share YOURS! Many Of Us Have Personal Experiences That Defy Mainstream Thinking. Join Us As We Explore The Types Of Experiences That People Have, What They Mean, And How We Can Integrate Them Into Our Daily Lives. Kimberly Saavedra Opens a Personal Experiences Conversation In this episode of Signs of Life Radio, Kimberly Saavedra, Director of the Coma Communication Center, is joined by Dr. Betty Kovacs and Janet Mayer for a Personal Experiences program focused on survival of consciousness and direct afterlife encounters. The hosts invite callers to share experiences that do not involve mediums, including signs, communications, and moments that challenge mainstream views of death and consciousness. Kimberly notes how meaningful it is when all three hosts can be together, while Janet begins by returning to a powerful caller story from the previous month. Returning to Laura's Story of Love After an Abortion Janet revisits the prior show's final caller, Laura, who had spoken briefly about having an abortion and later experiencing an ongoing loving connection with the spirit of the child, whom she called Lily. Janet says she wanted to give the story more space because Laura had asked whether others had similar experiences. Janet reflects that the spirit may have chosen even a brief earthly experience with Laura and that the connection may have been meaningful for both of them. Betty then shares a related story of a stillborn child whose soul, in Betty's strong intuitive impression, had received exactly the love and nurturing it needed during pregnancy and did not need to remain longer on Earth. Continuing Bonds and the Nearness of Loved Ones The hosts broaden the discussion into the idea that loved ones remain close after death. Janet says people often assume the deceased are far away, but in her experience, loved ones are likely nearby, present, and trying to communicate through signs. She encourages listeners to “pay attention” and accept meaningful experiences rather than dismissing them as imagination. Betty adds that people are connected with energies, guides, and loved ones beyond the physical world, and she says that even amid troubling events on Earth, people should not fall into despair because love, prayer, meditation, song, dance, and spiritual intention are contributing to a larger field of light. Elizabeth's Communications with Her Son Shawn Caller Elizabeth shares that her son Shawn died by suicide in 2015 after struggling with severe depression. She says that within 24 hours of his passing, she woke in the early morning surrounded by what felt like a glowing cocoon of love and began communicating with him telepathically. According to Elizabeth, these communications continued regularly for about ten months, during which she kept a headlamp, pen, and paper nearby so she could write them down as they occurred. She says Shawn and what she called a spirit collective helped guide her through grief, forgiveness, and renewed purpose, teaching her that love is not merely a feeling but a powerful force connecting both sides. Shawn in Spirit Speaks and Healing Through Love Elizabeth explains that she has now written a book titled Shawn in Spirit Speaks: Love Is the Forever Adventure. She says the book includes his words as she received them and is expected to be released near the end of the summer or early fall, with an audiobook to follow. Betty asks whether Shawn spoke about his own decision to leave life, and Elizabeth says he did, describing the soul's growth in terms of “attunement opportunities” rather than punishment. The hosts respond with compassion, emphasizing that such a story may comfort others grieving children or loved ones who died by suicide, while also showing that relationship and love continue beyond physical death. Books, Signs, and Stories of Evidential Contact After Elizabeth's call, Janet encourages listeners to read spiritual books during the summer, suggesting that a sentence, page, or passage can become a meaningful message from spirit. Kimberly then shares stories from Diane Archangel's work on afterlife encounters, including one in which a murdered son reportedly gave his mother specific information in a dream that helped police locate evidence, and another in which a deceased mother directed her son to hidden money in the house. These stories lead the hosts to discuss how verifiable information, unexpected signs, and meaningful synchronicities can become powerful experiences for people trying to understand survival after death. Tiffany's Sign from Her Beloved Dog Caller Tiffany from California shares a personal experience involving her late dog, C.K. Mr. Haven, whom she describes as the love of her life. On the anniversary of the day she had to put him down, she was saddened that she could not find photos of him on her phone because they had been moved to an external drive. That same day, while clearing old papers from a speaker so she could set up a new printer, she discovered a stack of glossy photos of C.K. Mr. Haven. Tiffany says she knew this was a visit from her dog, and the hosts affirm the importance of animal souls and the loving ways they can continue to reach people. Spirit, Music, Language, and the Closing Prayer Near the end, Janet reminds listeners that spirit communication can come through books, songs, dreams, sensations, and other unexpected signs. She shares that after doing a Signs of Life reading show years earlier, she felt spirit touching her feet under the covers as though calming and grounding her energy. Betty recounts experiences involving spiritual support around death, including a friend who sensed a male spirit taking over healing work near Betty's dying son and another father who experienced drumming around his daughter's passing. Janet also discusses her own experience of receiving a spiritual language, which led to the title of her book, Spirits, They Are Present. The show closes with the Mahayana prayer for all beings everywhere to be fulfilled, awakened, liberated, and free.

Tina Slaughter returns this week to share how God led her out of the exhausting cycle of perfectionism and performance and into the beauty of living in His presence. After years of striving to earn approval and value through achievement, Tina longed for something deeper. She wanted true intimacy with God. Through slow and intentional steps of spending time with Him, her relationship with the Lord began to grow in ways that transformed her heart and mind. In this episode, Tina talks about how a wilderness season deepened her dependence on God and awakened in her a passion for His presence. What began as a desire for freedom became a lifestyle of closeness with Him, often spending hours in prayer and communion with God each morning. Now Tina shares that hope and encouragement with others, helping them discover the peace, purpose, and joy that come from walking closely with the Lord.   Connect with Tina:  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tina.slaughter.2025 Tina's book, The Nearness of God     To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

We'll look at God's desire to be near His people–and what it cost Him to come near to us. 

Performance and perfectionism can look admirable on the outside, but they often hide a deep longing for approval, belonging, and worth. My guest for this and next week's episodes is author, teacher, and Christian life coach Tina Slaughter, who shares how this pattern shaped her life from a young age. As a high achiever, Tina believed that if she could just get everything right, she would finally feel secure and accepted. Instead, the pressure to perform left her feeling alone, unknown, and driven by shame. When Tina came to the end of herself, she did something different. She surrendered. In this episode, she shares how God gently began to earn her trust, teaching her to release striving and rest in His love. Through that process, she discovered that freedom was not found in perfection, but in allowing God to meet the deepest needs of her heart. Her story is a powerful invitation to step out of performance and into the peace that comes from trusting Him.   Connect with Tina:  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tina.slaughter.2025 Tina's book, The Nearness of God     To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

Psalm 73:1-28

Sermon from 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:3 by Bret Rogers

God’s nearness isn’t just a theological truth—it’s a personal experience that meets us exactly where we are. Deuteronomy 4:7 reminds us that we serve a God who draws close whenever we call on Him. In seasons of uncertainty, waiting, or emotional weight, His presence often becomes more meaningful than the answers we’re seeking. Prayer isn’t only about outcomes—it’s about connection. While we may come to God hoping for clarity or resolution, what He often gives first is Himself. In that nearness, we find peace, strength, and reassurance that we are not alone. Even when circumstances don’t immediately change, His presence steadies us and reminds us that He is already at work. Highlights God is near to us whenever we call on Him His presence often matters more than immediate answers Prayer is an invitation into relationship, not just requests God prepares and strengthens us before we face कठिन moments His nearness brings peace, comfort, and clarity Scripture reveals God’s compassionate and personal nature Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: His Nearness Is What I Needed By Lauren Fletcher Bible Reading: “For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” - Deuteronomy 4:7 I have recently been reading a book by Wendy Blight called Rest for Your Soul. In it, she talks about prayer. She describes a time when she was calling out to God amidst a struggle and didn’t hear from Him: “I had a choice to make. I could believe what I was studying, reading, and learning, or I could allow anger, fear, and doubt to continue ruling my soul. What I came to realize during that time (though it was a decade-long journey) was that God was with me. And over those years, though my circumstances didn’t always change, my courage to stand firm in them rose because I knew I was not alone” (Rest for Your Soul). A few pages later, Wendy writes, “Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He may not fix everything at that moment. In fact, He probably won’t. But it’s an invitation to come and sit with the only One who can give you rest in the middle of the mess” (Rest for Your Soul). What I started to wonder about prayer is if maybe it isn’t about getting an answer from God for a particular need, but about recognizing His Presence and experiencing Him, that prayer is about communication with God. I went through some mental health testing earlier this year. I had been awaiting the results, eager to get the treatment I needed. Yesterday morning, I woke up and read my Bible, as usual. What was different was how present God was with me. Every scripture I read, I felt like God was speaking directly to me, to my heart, like it was just for me. I could hear Him, feel His presence. I was touched and grateful. Later that day, I got part of the news I had been awaiting for weeks. I received my diagnosis. As I processed this, I realized that a reason God had been close that morning is that He knew what I would hear that day—He knew I would hear the results of my testing. He wanted me to know He was there. More than hearing a specific word, what I needed, what I cherished most, was God’s presence, to know He was with me. His nearness is what I needed. One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 34. In it, David says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18). God knows when we need Him, and He shows up. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible also shows that when we pray to the Lord, He draws near. In Deuteronomy, it says, “For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” (Deuteronomy 4:7). The Psalmist also writes, “I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:1-2). He listens to our prayers and draws near to us as we pray. He is a personal God. Just like I could feel His nearness as I read the scripture yesterday morning, I could also sense His heart—we can learn more about who He is in that place of nearness. Psalms 103 says, “The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love” (Psalm 103:8). This description of God is found throughout the Bible. David also describes how God is as a Father: “The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust” (Psalm 103:13-14). Have you ever had a time when you felt God’s presence so close to you? Did you learn anything in that place of nearness about Him? Something I think about is when I got the initial call to do testing. God was in this. It felt like the answer to a prayer I hadn’t prayed—I had such peace about it. I also think about how the plans fell so perfectly into place for me to go out of town and do the testing. God had been in the whole process, and He continued to be close. Has there been a time in your life when you have walked through a difficult season but sensed the Lord’s Presence with you? What did that feel like? Was He steadying, comforting, or encouraging? In Psalms 34, David writes, “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time” (Psalm 34:19). We are righteous through Christ. He will come to help us every time Further Reading: Psalm 145:18 James 4:8 Jeremiah 29:13 Isaiah 7:14 Hebrews 13:5 Deuteronomy 31:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

EP 137 BONUS- Interlude #2 April 2026 Welcome to First Flight's Bonus Interludes, our bimonthly short chat about two tracks of Trek music that we love. Chris and Abby love ALL Trek and have given themselves, and the Carrot Crew, some franchise spanning, music moments to highlight and analyze.  This month of (April) we are discussing "The Skygowanis the Limit" (SNW- New Life and New Civilizations), "Stranger in the Crowd" (SFA- 300th Night),  "Nearness of You and Ending (TNG- 11001001)" & "Duality/Enterprise C" (TNG- Yesterday's Enterprise). Feel free to let us know your thoughts on these bimonthly music tracks and if you have any connections or Grappler Ratings or thoughts of your own.  (Please note, contributions might be shared on the podcast!) Find Us on Bluesky, Instagram, Threads and Facebook:  @FirstFlightPod Abby: @abbymsommer Chris: @ShelfNerds  Find Us on YouTube: Chris' Channel : Completing the Shelf

Ridgefield Campus | Rick Jones, a member of the Ridgefield campus's core team, teaches out of Matthew 21 and shows us how Jesus draws near when He is welcomed.

As we've learned, our sanctification begins when we receive the Holy Spirit and walk in dependency on Him, asking Him to change us to be more like Christ (4:5-6a). But now we discover that as the Spirit of God is faithful to do His work, so too must we be faithful to do ours! Join us this Sunday as we continue our study of James 4. Having learned about the power of the Holy Spirit to make us more like Christ when we ask Him too, now we turn to the part of sanctification that requires our efforts to become faithful “doers of the Word.”

#1,110 - Hoagy Bix Carmichael The Legacy of Hoagy Carmichael with Hoagy Bix Carmichael. Are you here? It's The Paul Leslie Hour, episode number 1,110. Our guest is Hoagy Bix Carmichael. You may known the name of his father (pause) Hoagy Carmichael. He wrote four of the most recorded songs of all time. Stardust. Georgia On My Mind. The Nearness of You. Heart and Soul. But also “Ole Buttermilk Sky,” “Skylark,” and (chuckles) hundreds of others. The Paul Leslie Hour is a talk show dedicated to “Helping People Tell Their Stories.” Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture.

God's Nearness in our BrokennessPsalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."Speaker: Katelyn Lane

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:Sermon NotesBig IdeaThe Tabernacle shows us that God desires to dwell with His people — and that desire is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.1. Participation — A Glad InvitationBefore giving building instructions, God invited the people to contribute materials (Exodus 25:2).They gave what God had already provided (Exodus 12).Giving was voluntary — “from every man whose heart moves him.”Covenant generosity flows from joy, not compulsion.As Paul the Apostle writes in Second Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.”ApplicationEverything we have is from God.Generosity is not the duty of a slave, but the privilege of a lover.If joy is missing, examine the heart — not just the habit.2. Pattern — Nearness and HolinessThe structure of the Tabernacle (courtyard → holy place → Most Holy Place) reveals two truths:God Is NearHis presence dwelt among His people.The Ark symbolized His throne on earth.Covenant means relationship — not distance.God Is HolyAccess was limited and required sacrifice.His purity creates a tension for sinful people.Nearness is a gift — not something to approach casually.ApplicationCome to God joyfully.Come to God reverently.Grace produces both confidence and humility.3. Fulfillment — The Person and Work of JesusThe Tabernacle pointed forward to Christ.In Gospel of John 1:14 we read:“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”Literally — He “tabernacled” among us.Jesus is:The true meeting place of heaven and earth.The fulfillment of the Temple.The presence of God in fullness.After His resurrection and ascension, His presence comes to us through the Holy Spirit — not as a replacement for Jesus, but as the living connection to Him.Discussion Questions1. Is generosity a joyful practice for you? Why or why not?2. How do different worship styles emphasize either God's nearness or holiness? How can worship emphasize both?3. Is the Holy Spirit a substitute for Jesus? Why or why not?4. Read Ephesians 2:19-22. How is Paul using the Temple metaphor? What might that look like today in the Christian Life? Hint: the "you" in v. 22 is plural.Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Have you ever felt your relationship with God isn't as vibrant as you want it to be? Have you ever felt like God seemed far away -- even in the midst of devotions, prayer, and church? Margaret Feinberg shares from her book "Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God." Check out Susie's new podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

In this episode, Pastor Peter challenges us to commit to the practice of drawing near to the Lord, reminding us that we are either moving closer to God or drifting away. He emphasizes that true intimacy requires more than just lip service (Isaiah 29:13); it demands a true heart that seeks the living God as a deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1). By examining the Israelites' encounter with God at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19, Pastor Peter contrasts the "wrong kind of fear" that keeps people at a distance with the fear of the Lord that empowers us to enter the deep darkness where God dwells. Because of the single, perfect sacrifice of Jesus, we now have confidence to enter holy places and are commissioned as a kingdom of priests to minister in His presence (Hebrews 10:19, 22). Ultimately, we are urged to set our hearts on pilgrimage (Psalm 84:5), abandoning "dumb rocks" of safety to embrace a generational revival and a gospel of power that prepares the way for the Lord.

Urdu Friday Sermon delivered by Khalifa-tul-Masih on February 20th, 2026 (audio)

Exodus 19

How does the nearness of the Lord become an antidote for anxiety? Because anxiety springs from our need to control the world around us. We want to be able to predict and manage the future. The more you feel you are the victim of unseen forces – that someone else is pulling your strings - then the more anxiety is going to win the day. If you feel like you are just a ping-pong ball being knocked around by the forces of the universe then anxiety is going to win the battle for your brain. The sense of inner peace that we are looking for will not come because our problems go away. Peace won't come because of a lack of problems, but because of the presence of our Sovereign Lord. Explore how in this episode of Gospel Wabi Sabi.

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." James 4:8. If you have ever struggled with identity, worth, hurts or the past, this show will speak to you and bring you hope. Jenny interviews Daniah Greenberg - Author, Bible translator, and founder of the Tree of Life Bible Society. Daniah's journey is a powerful testament to resilience, redemption, and the relentless love of God. She shares how Jesus steps into the very places we assume are too broken or too far gone, and how He restores what we thought was lost.  She reminds every woman that she is seen, cherished, and designed with holy purpose.  Daniah discovered simple Biblical truths that bring freedom and wellness to the lives of women and men alike. She shares how God opens windows of time to spend time with us!   Daniah co-hosts the TLV Talk podcast and is a much sought‑after speaker. She has appeared on numerous tv and radio stations including TBN Praise, Point of View Radio, Jewish Voice, CBN, Daystar, and many other platforms. She's the author of a new book titled Biblical Feminism: Provoking Humanity to Restore the True Value of Women. Learn more at daniahgreenberg.com and tlvbiblesociety.org. Be sure to download the TLV App! 

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Can a Poetic Pause Help us Embrace the In-Between Moments of the Season?   On this special Christmas Day episode of the Good Faith Podcast, host Curtis Chang and singer-songwriter Sandra McCracken each explore the nativity, the "space between" Christ's first coming and second coming, and how Christian faith holds grief and joy together in a world that often "does not mesh with Jesus." Featuring Madeleine L'Engle's poem "First Coming" and music from McCracken's Christmas EP I Heard the Bells (including "The Space Between"), this episode invites listeners to slow down, notice the small things, and find God's nearness in waiting and quiet wonder.   (00:03:02) Christian Response to a Troubled World (00:04:22) Madeleine L'Engle's "First Coming"  (00:08:35) Sandra McCracken's Christmas Reflections  (00:12:14) What Is Blessing the Space Between? (00:12:47) Songwriting and the Sacred Space Between  (00:15:10) From Christmas to New Year's: Blessing the In-Between Times (00:17:12) Nativity, Slowness, and the Nearness of God  (00:20:01) Curtis Chang's Closing Reflections   Enter the Christmas Day give away Good Faith mugs & a Sandra McCracken Christmas album   Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter   Mentioned In This Episode: Madeleine L'Engle's The Ordering of Love Madeleine L'Engle's "First Coming" Luci Shaw's Accompanied by Angels: Poems of the Incarnation Sandra McCracken's Christmas EP I Heard the Bells Sandra McCracken's "The Space Between"   More From Sandra McCracken: Sandra McCracken's website Sandra's first Christmas album Sandra McCracken Christmas (2020)   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.