Podcasts about New Testament

Fr. Mike explains sins of omission, and how these are some of the biggest deciding factors of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell: whether or not we did good works God called us to. He also reminds us that not all of the New Testament parables are universally relevant, recalling the parable of the talents and the parable of the wise and foolish maidens. Today's readings are Matthew 25-26 and Proverbs 19:21-24. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Wilderness E4 — After God delivers the Israelites out of Egypt, he tells Moses to lead them to the promised land—through the wilderness. This is perplexing because a much shorter, safer route existed along the coast. So why does God lead his people along the longer, harder way? In this episode, Jon and Tim explore Israel's wilderness tests, reflecting on God's plan to create a new people through a relationship of radical trust and dependence.CHAPTERSRecap and Setup for the Israelites in the Wilderness (0:00-10:05)God's Intentional Path Into the Wilderness (10:05-27:11)Three Wilderness Tests in Exodus (27:11-47:28)Seven Wilderness Tests in Numbers (47:28-1:02:23)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESYou can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“Blue Sky ft. TBabz” by Lofi Sunday“Mist Of Blessing ft. Marc Vanparla” by Lofi Sunday“Chilling In London” by Lofi Sunday, Just DerrickBibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How does Scripture point to Christ? Together, we are studying Old and New Testament passages over the course of the year, learning how all of Scripture speaks to Jesus. Join us as we dive deep into the Old and New Testament and marvel at the ways Jesus is on every page of the Bible.   Today, we are discussing week 39 day 1 of the CIAOS study. You can follow along with us in Christ in All of Scripture| A 52-Week Journey of Discovering Jesus on Every Page of the Bible vol. 2   Visit The Daily Grace Co. for the Christ in All of Scripture bundle and for beautiful products that will equip you on your journey to knowing and loving God more.   Follow @dailygracepodcast on Instagram for exclusive podcast content and @thedailygraceco for all things The Daily Grace Co. Subscribe to the Daily Grace Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and Read the Bible in a year with us in the Bible App.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Thessalonians 4Believers are urged to continue living lives that please God, remaining active and always seeking to excel still more! Paul emphasizes the importance of living in a way that reflects their calling, especially regarding purity, warning them to avoid sexual immorality and to honor God with their bodies. He encourages them to love one another even more and to lead peaceful, hardworking lives so that their daily behavior will earn the respect of outsiders. He then offers comfort about those who have died, assuring the Thessalonians that believers who have fallen asleep in Christ will be raised when Jesus returns. Paul reminds them to grieve with hope, for when Christ comes again, all believers—both living and dead—will be gathered to Him forever. This is a tremendous source of comfort.  We must ask ourselves if we are truly growing in holiness and love. We cannot be content with remaining where we are spiritually; we are called to move forward, striving to honor God in every part of our lives. We must fight against temptation and refuse to let the world draw us into sexual immorality and greed. Our love for others must extend beyond comfort, reaching into genuine acts of service, kindness, and self-sacrifice. We are also called to live quietly, work with purpose, and build respect through our daily choices. As we wait for Christ's return, we must live intentionally, so that our faith and eternal hope are not just beliefs, but what we openly display to the world. Worthy Lord, thank You for calling us to live lives that are pleasing to You. Help us to walk in holiness, guarding our hearts and bodies from sin and honoring You in our daily choices. Teach us to love one another more deeply, showing kindness, patience, and forgiveness. Strengthen us to live quietly, work faithfully, and reflect Your goodness in all we do. When we grieve, remind us of our hope in Jesus' return and the promise of eternal life with You. Shape our lives to be a witness to the world and keep our hearts longing for Christ's coming. Thought Questions: What does it mean to possess your vessel, your body, with honor? Why is it essential to flee immorality and pursue purity in all things? Is a life well-lived if someone loves others, serves Jesus, works hard, and pursues a quiet life? Why do people often seek so much more? Why do Christians not grieve as the world does when faithful family or friends die? Will you also give this kind of peace to your loved ones?

Send us a text****Read the New Testament in a Year with me in 2025 right here on the podcast!***Bible Verses of the Week: Matthew 7:1-2Welcome to the podcast Move Forth With Grace!  We will be reading the New Testament in a year.  This is such a perfect way to get into God's Word each day and to develop your own relationship with God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ. I am your host Angela and want to first of all say that I am not an expert in Theology or Church History or a Minister and I never will claim to be.  I am a  wife and mother who has been reborn and want to be of service to God in gratitude for calling me back home. Welcome to the Podcast! The Bible that I will be reading from is the English Standard Version Study Bible.  You can find one at www.crossway.org.Thank you for being here....thank you for becoming less like you and more like Jesus.May you Move Forth with Grace today!Love, Angela One of the most important things that we can be doing is teaching our children about the Bible and helping them to develop a Biblical Worldview.  The way that we are doing this in our family is by using My Father's World Curriculum in our homeschool.  For more information on that, please go to https://www.mfwbooks.comTo learn more about my story and the products that I love to use daily, please go to my website:www.move-forth.comThe Holy Roast Coffee  Pro Life Blend: https://theholyroastco.com/products/pro-life-blendPlease donate today to save unborn souls!https://preborn.comI am reading the ESV Study Bible in 2025: Get your copy today if you would like to read along...this is not required of coursehttps://www.crossway.org/bibles/Connect with me on social media or send a prayer request to me on my website here:https://campsite.bio/moveforthBible Teachers that I recommend:Mike Winger on https://biblethinker.org/meet-mike/Dr. Chuck Missler on www.khouse.orgNancy Missler on www.kingshighway.orgDale Partridge on www.relearn.orgChuck Smith on http://www.pastorchuck.org/RC Sproul Eschatology Playlist:https://youtu.be/n22MRa0P6_I?si=Aw53nQLSteu6T3-ASupport the show

"What happens in between the Old Testament and New Testament? How does this time period set the stage for Jesus' birth? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Join The Journey summer intern, Evelyn Parsley, walk us through the political and cultural events that lead up the start of the New Testament and the birth of Jesus Christ. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for this week's devotionals and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Topics: Biblical Backsliding, You're Not a Backslider If You Don't "Fully Commit" to God, You're Not a Backslider If You're Sinning, The Word Backslide Is Not in the New Testament for a Reason, The Law Was Brought in so That Sin Would Increase (Romans 5:20), The Law is a Ministry of Death and Condemnation (2 Corinthians 3), You Are Now the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:11), You Are Now the House of God (Hebrews 3 and Hebrews 10), You Search the Scriptures because You Think that in Them You Have Life (John 5), The Law is Not of Faith (Galatians 3), Even when We are Faithless He Remains Faithful (2 Timothy 2:13), A Fearful Exception for the Unbelievers Who Insult Grace (Hebrews 10), It Is Good for Your Heart to Be Strengthened by Grace, Jesus is Grace, Jesus Is Grace, The Law Was Meant to Increase Sin, The Old Covenant is Now Obsolete (Hebrews 8), The New Covenant Is a New and Living Way, You Are Not Under the Law but Under Grace (Romans 6:14), If It's Based on Works It Cannot Be Based on Grace (Romans 11:6), If You Are Led by the Spirit You Are Not Under the Law (Galatians 5:18), God Found Fault with Israel, The New Covenant Is Based on Better Promises, The New Covenant Came through the Blood of Jesus, You Are a Beneficiary to the New Covenant, The Old Testament Uses the Word Backslide, The Context of Backsliding Was the Hebrews Sliding Away from Faith in the Old Covenant, Jesus Is the Gospel of Grace (Acts 20:24), Your Sins Are Not More Powerful than What He's Done, The Promises Made at the Cross Keeps This from Being Undone, Confession and Repentance Don't Maintain Your Salvation, You Are One Spirit with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17), Our Perfection Comes by Way of Trusting in What Jesus Has Done with His Blood, God Was Still Married to the "Backslider" in the Old TestamentSupport the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Loving others well, growing in discernment, and navigating challenging relationships are explored in Abounding in Love and Discernment, based on Philippians 1:9-11. In this episode, listeners learn how to cultivate Christ-centered love that overflows with knowledge, insight, and spiritual discernment—essential for handling difficult family members, friends, or coworkers. Perfect for those seeking guidance on Christian love, relational wisdom, and spiritual growth. ✨ Highlights Understanding Paul’s prayer for love to “abound more and more” in knowledge, insight, and discernment Practical guidance for showing Christ-like love in difficult or challenging relationships Using experience, empathy, and Spirit-led wisdom to love well under pressure Balancing grace and truth when navigating boundaries, dysfunction, and relational pain Encouragement to grow continually in godly love, insight, and spiritual maturity

Two things are simultaneously true about every human being: we all long for something greater than ourselves to worship and serve, yet we fiercely resist any authority that threatens our control. This tension is represented in the magi and King Herod in Matthew 2. In this sermon, we explore the remarkable truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel's hopes (and ours). In Jesus, the nations are gathered in, evil is defeated, and a new Exodus has begun.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

In this powerful episode, Pastor Johnny Ova sits down with Prof. Steven Mann, chair of the seminary at Azusa Pacific University and a leading expert in speech act theory, Old Testament theology, and biblical narrative. Together, they explore how God's words throughout Scripture are not just spoken statements but active forces that create, command, bless, warn, and transform.Prof. Mann explains how the lens of speech act theory helps us understand the Bible on a deeper level. From Genesis 1 to Jonah, from covenant to correction, from prophecy to poetry, this conversation unpacks how divine speech functions across the Old Testament. You will never read “And God said…” the same way again.We also explore how this theme connects to the New Testament and the identity of Jesus as the Word made flesh, offering a full-picture view of how God's speech is both consistent and redemptive across the entire biblical arc.

Introduction: Signs That You are Self-Deceived (Matthew 7:21-23) You profess the truth without being CHANGED BY THE TRUTH. (Matt 7:21) Romans 10:9 – Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. You point to your works rather than CHRIST'S WORK. (Matt 7:22) Isaiah 64:6 – All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. You presume that you know Jesus but JESUS DOES NOT KNOW YOU. (Matt 7:23) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 7:21-23What was your big take-away from this passage / message?How can you evaluate if you are self-deceived and lack self-awareness of who you are and whose you are?How has the truth of the gospel changed you? In what areas do you need to be further changed?What is the difference between knowing a lot about Jesus and knowing Jesus?Why do you love Jesus?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Please turn your Bibles to Matthew chapter 7.Matthew chapter 7.Have you ever met a person who thought they had a certain skillthat they actually didn't possess?Have you ever been that person?You were convinced that you had this talent, you had this ability.But then someone came along to burst your bubble,or you put yourself out there and you embarrassed yourself big time.I can think of no better example than this than American Idol.Who's watched American Idol at some point in their lives?I don't know about you, but I've never watched an entire season of American Idol.I always turn it off after the first round.Because what happens after the first round,all the terrible singers are sent home.And maybe this tells you something about me,but I love to watch those horrible auditions of those people who think they can sing,but they can't carry a tune in a bucket.They confidently stand before Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowellto claim that they are phenomenal singers.And then they belt out the most wretched noises imaginable.Today, I will sing Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You."And I will always love you.Thank you.You'll never know if that's my real singing voice or my fake singing voice.After giving it their all, these individuals are absolutely shocked at the judge's reactions.They weep as Paula Abdul lets them down gently.Their jaws are on the floor as Randy Jackson gives his patented "pfft" to know from me, dog.And they fight back in Simon Cowell when he says something horrible like,"That was absolutely dreadful."And as you watch it at home, you can't help but think to yourself,how do they not recognize that they sound horrible?How do they not realize that they are terrible singers?Do you know the answer to those questions?The answer is self-deception.Self-deception.They are clueless to who they actually are.They are lying to themselves.Their view of themselves has no basis in reality.They lack self-awareness.And it's so easy for you and I to sit in our couches and pass judgment on these individualsas their delusions go before our eyes.But never forget an important truth.You too can be self-deceived.You too can lack self-awareness.You may not truly understand who you are and whose you are.Your self-deception may be far worse than believing that you're a world-class vocalist.Your self-deception may have eternal consequences.What if you think you're a Christian but you're actually not?What if you confidently believe that you are a child of God but you're actually a son or daughterof the devil?What if you believe that you are heading to heavenwhile you're on the path to hell?We're in the final section of the Sermon on the Mount, the heart ready for judgment.It's been made abundantly clear that Jesus is not going to pull any punchesas he rounds out his most famous sermon.Two weeks ago, Pastor Jeff unpacked the really tough truth that the gate to everlasting life is what?Narrow. And few people go that way because it is hard.While the gate to never-ending punishment is wide, it is massive.And most people go that way because it is so easy.And last week we learned that there are so many false teachers pointing to the wide gate.And it's obvious who they are because of the fruit that they produce.Maybe you heard those messages and even agreed with those messagesbut you didn't internalize what was said.You didn't truly evaluate your heart to see if you're on the narrow path or the wide pathto see if you are falling for false teaching.Well this morning, Jesus is going to tighten the net even more.The walls are going to be closing in on you so that there's no more wiggle roomto escape what the Lord has to say about judgment.Matthew chapter 7 verses 21 through 23 contain the most chilling words in the entire Bible.And for me, there isn't a close second.Jesus says that many are self-deceived in this lifeand they will be shocked that they won't end up in heaven someday.I want to encourage you, please do not tune out and think,"Well, there's no way Jesus is talking about me so I can just kind of daydreamand plan out the rest of my week."No, tune in and ask yourself, "What if Jesus is talking about me?"What if I am self-deceived?What if I am lacking self-awareness of who I am and who's I am?So before we continue, let's go the Lord and ask for His help.I ask that you pray for me.Are we faithful in proclaiming God's Word?And I will pray for you that you are faithful to receive it.Father, we come to you and we ask that your spirit will bring clarity,that He would bring illumination, that He would bring conviction and challenge.Lord, in the past 13 years of preaching, I don't know if I ever felt more inadequateto proclaim a text than this one.But I thank you in advance that you will preach a much better sermonin people's hearts than I ever could with my mouth.Show up in a great mighty way, Lord.Come to seek and save the lost.And for the rest of us, Lord, help us to be blown away by your awesome love.And we ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen.Signs that you are self-deceived.Sign one, you profess the truth without being changed by the truth.You profess the truth without being changed by the truth.Let's read chapter 7 verse 21.This is the Lord Jesus speaking."Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven.But the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."In this verse, Jesus talks about the here and now as well as the there and then.According to Jesus, what you say about who you are here and now may be proven to be wrongthere and then at the final judgment.What you profess to believe with your mouth here and now may be proven to not be a genuinereality in your heart there and then as you stand before Jesus.You can be confident here and now that heaven is in your future,but then be banned from heaven when that future finally arrives.You can call Jesus Lord, Lord, which means that you claim him as God.You can even claim Jesus as your God.You can say all the right things about Jesus, but still not be able to enter the kingdom of heaven.Isn't that terrifying?You may be thinking to yourself, "Taylor, how is that possible?"I thought it's all just about believing and confessing.That's it.Well, the combination of belief and confession is absolutely essential and you cannot be savedwithout it.Paul backs this up in Romans 10, 9, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lordand believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."What a glorious truth that you should cherish, memorize, and hold on to.But unfortunately, so many people misuse and abuse that verse.Well, as long as you pray the prayer, as long as you say the right words, you're good to go.God has stamped your one-way ticket to heaven.Doesn't really matter what you do or how you live from now on.Once saved, always saved.But people who say that miss a key word in this verse, heart.Believe in your heart.This belief in Christ must take root at the deepest level of who you are.This belief in Christ must take over every single aspect of your life.True belief isn't a mere acknowledgement of the facts.It is an act of faith that transforms you from the inside out.Some who say, "Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven because they were transformed by theirbelief." Many others who say, "Lord, Lord will not enter the kingdom of heaven because they werenever transformed by their belief." It is possible to profess the truth without being changed by thetruth. And if you have not been changed by the truth of the gospel, then let me tell you,you have not truly believed in the truth of the gospel.So how can you tell if you have been changed by the truth or not?It's a very simple test according to Jesus. He says, "You don't just say, 'Lord, Lord,' you dothe will of your Father who is in heaven. You say and you do."Last week, Pastor Jeff said that false teachers are revealed by their words and their actions.The same is true for followers of Christ. Genuine faith is proven by believing and confessing theright things, but that can't be the only standard according to our Lord. Genuine faith is also provenby doing the right things. Doing the will of your Father in heaven means that you obeyHis word. You have an internal desire to do what God says, and then you act on that desire.You act on what you say you believe. You say that you should passionately pursue after the Lordand His word and in prayer. So you do passionately pursue after the Lord in word, in His wordand in prayer. You say that you should daily repent and turn from your sin, so you do dailyrepent and turn from your sin. You say that you should share your faith more and make disciples,so you do share your faith more and make disciples. What you say carries no weightif it doesn't line up with what you do.I want to make something crystal clear to avoid being misunderstood.You are not saved by what you do. You are not saved by what you do, but what you do revealsif you are saved or not. What you do reveals if you are saved or not.You know, almost 20 years ago, I took the written test to get my learner's permit.I studied that PA Driver's Manual inside and out. I knew all the right answers about driving,and I could regurgitate them on a test. Let me ask you, did passing that 18 question permit testmake me a driver? No. For a number of years, I went to seminary. I went to a number of classes,read a countless number of books, listened to so many lectures, and I learned about what a pastorshould be, what a pastor should do. In 2020, I was given my Master of Divinity. Let me ask you,did receiving that piece of paper in the mail make me a pastor? Not one bit. You can get 100%on your permit test and still not be able to enter a car and drive it with any level of competency.You can get the best theological training in the world and still not be able to enter into a churchand be its pastor. You can ace a Bible Pop quiz and still not enter the kingdom of heaven.Do not be deceived and think that you're safe and sound just because you grew up in a Christianfamily and went to church when you were younger. Do not be deceived and think that you're safe andsound just because you fill a seat on Sunday mornings. It is not enough just to have thecorrect facts stored in your brain. The correct facts must change who you are.Signs that you are self-deceived. Sign number two, you point to your works rather than Christ's work.You point to your works rather than Christ's work.Let's read verse 22. On that day, many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your nameand cast out demons in your name and do many mighty works in your name?"Once again, Jesus is taking us into the future. He fasts forward the movie of life to show uswhat the final judgment will look like. As we've already seen, some who say, "Lord, Lord, willenter the kingdom of heaven." But many others who say, "Lord, Lord, will not enter the kingdom ofheaven." And that second group is the focus of this verse. In verse 21, "Lord, Lord was a professionof belief, but in verse 22 it is used as a desperate plea." This is a Hail Mary pass. It is a one lasteffort to avoid judgment. This is an attempt to convince Jesus that a mistake has been made.Lord Jesus, I know you have a lot of people to see and judge today. It makes sense that a fewpeople are going to fall through the cracks and a few mistakes are going to be made. Let me remindyou of who I am. Let me remind you of all the things I've done for you. Here's my resume.It's a really impressive resume, isn't it? Casting out demons,prophesying, doing many mighty works in miracles. You may look at this list and think,"How could someone with this resume not enter the kingdom of heaven? How could someone like thisnot be saved?" Well, there are three possible explanations that lead to the same sad result.Option number one, these mighty works are done by the power of the evil one.These mighty works are done by the power of the evil one.Pastor Jeff talked about this in depth last week, but Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,Christian TV stations are filled with corrupt and dishonest pastors who claim to proclaim the wordof God and do many mighty miracles in the name of Christ. They look really great with their threepea suits, their expensive sneakers, their luxurious jets and fancy cars, but they are nothing butfrauds and workers of Satan. They are not in ministry for you. They are not in ministry for Jesus.They are in ministry for themselves. They are after power, money and public adoration.At the very least, they operate in their own power, or at the very worst, they operate by the power ofSatan himself. And you may be thinking, "Taylor, you seem to be a bit too tough on these guys."Well, Pastor Jeff, I'm simply applying your message from last week. I'm evaluating the fruitsthat these false teachers produce. Could it be that you don't like what I'm saying because youare being fooled? Because you are being led astray. Could it be that you're mistaking their bad fruitfor good fruit? Option number two, these people are making false claims.Have you ever interviewed someone who patted out their resume with accomplishments they didn'tactually accomplish, with awards they didn't actually win? What leads a person to lie aboutthings they're so easily fact-checked in 2025? Once again, the answer is self-deception.There's no way I'll get caught. I can get away with it. They try to puff out theirchest and make themselves look better than they actually are. They polish their imaginary trophies.Is it a good idea to lie to your potential employer? Let me ask that again so you can wakeup a bit. Is it a good idea to lie to your potential employer? Is it a good idea to lieto Jesus Christ? Maybe you don't worry about where you'll end up in eternity because you have a highopinion of your ability to sweet talk your way into things or sweet talk your way out of things.I spoke into a lot of guys in the past that, "Yeah, I'm not worried about the afterlife.God and I will have a conversation at the pearly gates and he'll see why I should be in there.I'll be just fine." That is a horrible plan. That plan is foolishness. You cannot smooth talk Jesus.He knows everything and he sees everything. He knows what you've done and he knows what you haven'tdone. He sees right through your flimsy resume of fake accomplishments. Third option, God allowsphony believers to accomplish amazing things for his kingdom and glory. God allows phony believersto accomplish amazing things for his glory and kingdom. Let me just think about the storylineof Scripture and how this plays out in the Old Testament and the New Testament. God put hisown words in the mouth of a dirty donkey and then in the mouth of a wicked false prophet.The high priest Caiaphas who hated and opposed Jesus unintentionally prophesied that Jesus woulddie for the nation. In Philippians, the apostle Paul rejoices in the truth that men with horriblemotivations can truly proclaim the good news of Jesus. Let's step away from biblicalillustrations for a second and hit a bit closer to home. You can take the preaching class atharvest and deliver a killer sermon while you are engaging in a secret affair that you have no plansto confess or end. You can teach kids back at Harvest Academy while you mistreat your ownchildren at home. You can go on mission trips overseas and help a ton of people over therewhile you defraud and deceive your clients over here. You can be the number one most dependablevolunteer at harvest while being the most loyal customer at your local liquor store.God can use whoever he wants, whenever he wants to accomplish whatever he wants.God can use those who are walking in holiness and he can use those who are not walking in holiness.God can use those who truly belong to him as well as those who don't truly belong to him.Listen, you can keep yourself busy with religious activities while you destroy yourself behindclosed doors and travel down the highway to hell. Serving your church, serving your community aregood and godly activities, but those good and godly activities cannot save you. Only Jesus Christcan save you. Rip up your religious resume because I promise you it is not as good as you think itis. Even your best efforts are stained by sin, pride, and mixed motivations.Isaiah gives us a reality check about this when he says all of our righteous acts are like filthyrags. What are filthy rags good for? What's the answer? Nothing. Filthy rags should be thrown away.I assume that some of you will be going to a restaurant after church today with family andfriends. Imagine trying to pay the bill with garbage that you found in the dumpster outside therestaurant. Would your server and the manager be very pleased with you? Why? Because you're offeringthem worthless garbage. Trying to hand God your religious resumes that you can be saved is likehanding him trash and expecting that he'll be impressed. At this point, you may be kind ofconfused. Taylor, you spent a long time talking about the importance of doing the right things,but now you're kind of acting like doing the right things. Isn't that important?Well, again, I want to emphasize that good works must flow out of your salvation,but good works cannot contribute to your salvation, even a tiny bit. Salvation is 100%the work of God and 0% you. Some of you are operating as if you're responsible for half.25%, 5%, 2%, even 1% is too much. It's all of Jesus Christ.Listen, your resume stinks while Christ's resume soars. Your resume is imperfect whileChrist's resume is perfect. You are a loser on your own while Christ is a winner.But the good news is you can share in his victory by letting go of what you have to offerby grabbing a hold of what he has to offer. Jesus Christ lived the perfect life you could never live.He succeeded in every single way that you have failed. He then died the death that you deserve to die.He rose again to give you the new life that you can never work your way towards. Do not be deceivedand rely on your own goodness and track record. Do not rest your eternal destiny on yourself.Rest in Christ's work, not your own. Place your trust in Christ alone becauseHe alone can give you what you need, both now and forever.Signs that you are self-deceived, final sign, and this is the hardest one of them all.You presume that you know Jesus, but Jesus does not know you.You presume that you know Jesus, but Jesus does not know you.So after the religious resume has been read, Jesus gives the most devastating response.And then I will declare to them, I never knew you.Depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.Can you imagine anything more terrifying than hearing that from the most important personin existence? Get away from me. I want nothing to do with you.You are nothing but an unrepentant lawbreaker and evildoer.Does that response shock you? You may be thinking, but how could Jesus say something so harsh?Isn't He the definition of love and forgiveness?Well, what's the reason He gives in the text? You are acting like you know me, but I don't know you.You know, as a preacher, I enjoy listening to a lot of preachers. I'm somewhat of a pastoral nerd.I follow a lot of pastors on social media. I have a list of my favorites that I've listened to some for decades.And I learn about their personal lives. I learn about their ministries and their messages and their books,and it can really feel like I know them. But do I actually know them?I know a lot about them, but I don't know them. There is no relationship. There is no back andforth. There is no give or take. It's just a one-sided admiration from afar.Imagine I drive across the country to the house of my favorite online preacher.I show up on his doorstop at 10 o'clock at night and I knock on his door,keep ringing the doorbell. Eventually, his poor preacher shuffles the door and his bathrobe and his slippers, the toothbrush in hand.As soon as he opens the door, I launch into, "Hey, man, it's Taylor. I got a lot of problems right now.I really need your advice. Can I come in and chat?" How do you think he's going to respond?Dude, you're acting like you know me, but I don't know you at all. You are a total stranger.My wife and kids are at home and they're sleeping. I'm not just going to invite you in. You need to leave right now.Is that an appropriate response? Yes, that's how he should respond. I should be turned away from him in that moment.Let's change up the scenario a bit. At 10 o'clock tonight, I show up on Pastor Jeff's doorstep.Knock on the door, ring the doorbell. He opens it and I give him the same exact spiel.Will there be a different outcome? Will there be a different response? Why?Because I don't just listen to Pastor Jeff from afar. I don't watch him on a screen.We've been close friends for 13 years and he is my pastor.I know Pastor Jeff and Jeff knows me. I don't just know a lot about him.Do you know a lot about Jesus or do you know Jesus?Does Jesus consider you a stranger or does he know you as his close friend,his faithful follower, his blood-bought brother or sister?Does he really actually know you?Maybe you're thinking to yourself, "Well, how can I know if I know Jesus and he knows me?What's the test of that?" Well, years ago, I heard a pastor say something in a sermon thatnever forgot sense. He said, "You can tell a lot about a person by how they respond to a simplequestion. Why do you love Jesus? Why do you love Jesus?"He said, "You'd be shocked by how many people have no idea how to answer that question."Because their intellectual knowledge of Jesus has not created affection for Jesus.Friends, why do you love Jesus? If you can't think of anything, that's a huge problemand you shouldn't ignore it. Imagine pulling me aside for a service and saying, "Taylor,what do you love about your wife?" And I respond, "What does that tell you? I don't have a personaland in-depth knowledge of my wife. I don't love her like I presume to. I should say, "Hey,do you have a couple of days because my list is very, very long. There's not just one thing aboutmy wife that I love. There's a countless number of them. My wife has my heart, so my list of whyI love her is very long. But how much longer should your list be in my list be when it comes to JesusChrist and why we love Him? Life is too short to plumb the depths of His awesomeness. Why do youlove Jesus? I love Jesus because He died for me when I wanted nothing to do with Him. I loveJesus because He loves me no matter what I do. I love Jesus because He is not ashamed to call meHis brother despite all the ways that I fail Him. I love Jesus because He cares about everythingthat I go through. And He sympathizes with all of my weaknesses. I love Jesus because right nowHe is interceding for me in heaven before the Father. I love Jesus because all the promises ofScripture find their yes in Amen in Him. I love Jesus because He is always with me and He willnever forsake me even to the very end. I could keep going and going and going. Could you?How can you say that you love Jesus if you don't even know why you love Him?How can you expect that you'll worship Jesus for all of eternity if you can't think of a singlereason to worship Him right now? Do not be deceived. Heaven is not a place for fans and admirers ofJesus. Heaven is a place for those who love Christ with a full heart. If you don't know Jesusbefore your life comes to an end, Jesus will deny knowing you in the next.For years, I used to laugh at the nickname that the Apostle John gave himselfin his own Gospels. Does anyone know what his nickname he gave himself was? The disciple whomJesus, what? Really, John? Ask him the nickname you gave yourself, the one whom Jesus loved.And for years, I thought John was saying, "Yeah, you know what? I was Jesus' favorite.Peter may be the most popular, but what can I say? Jesus loves me more."Recently, I've come to the realization that's not at all what John had in mind. John is claiminghis identity by saying, "I am the one whom Jesus loved." He was saying the love of Jesuswas the most important thing about him. It doesn't even matter what my name is. What matters is thatJesus loves me. The love of Jesus was the foundation of who he was and the motivation for all that hedid. How do you identify yourself? Do you primarily identify yourself as someone who has all the rightanswers and says all the right things? Do you identify yourself as a good person who has animpressive religious resume of good works? Do you identify yourself as someone who knows a lotabout Jesus? All of those identities are deceptive and destructive. All of those identities willlead you to everlasting destruction. If those are your identities, you are self-deceived. You lackself-awareness. I beg you to reject those identities and grab ahold of the love of Jesus Christ.Embrace who he is and what he wants to give you. Give your life to him and Christ will become yourlife. Give your identity to him and Christ will become your identity. You can be known as the onewhom Jesus loves by bowing the knee to him in unending submission. Make the love of Jesus Christthe foundation of who you are and the motivation for all that you do.It's so easy to lose sight of these spiritual realities in a physical world, isn't it?In His infinite grace, God has chosen to give us a physical picture of His love in the Lord's Supper.As we come to this meal together, we are graphically reminded of how Christ has shown His lovefor us. He took our place on the cross. He died for us and He took upon Himself the wraththat you and I deserve. Our worship leaders and communion servers can now make their way forward.You don't need to be a member of Harvest Bible Chapel to take part in communion,but you do need to be a member of the family of God.Communion is only for those who know Christ and are known by Christ.If you want to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we're going to have two individuals back in guestreception, Pastor Jeff and Lexie Cole. They would love to talk and pray with you.And please just look at me for a minute. Please do not pass up this opportunity.The Bible says that today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow is not a great day for salvation.Next week is not a great time for salvation. When it's more convenient, it's not a great time forsalvation. Today is a great day for salvation. Jesus is commanding you to know Him today,to love Him today, to trust in Him today. So please push aside your pride, push aside anyembarrassment you may feel. And go talk to Pastor Jeff and Lexie in the back. They would love topray for you and point you to Jesus and what next steps with Him looks like.

As we examine the rest of this chapter of 1 Corinthians12, we're going to see what God wants for His children in regard to spiritual gifts—we will get a clear picture of His desire for us as we interact with one another as members of this New Testament church. We learned last week that each…

September 21, 2025 New Testament Motives For Giving 2 Corinthians 8։7-15 Pastor Gabriel Q Orr Information about how to connect with us can be found at www.nobc.church Please join us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@NorthOaksBaptistChurch Please check us out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NorthOaks https://linktr.ee/northoaksbaptistchurch We hope you have been blessed by this sermon. And we would love to have you join us in person if you are able.

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 (pg. 868 Old Testament)1 Timothy 2:1-7 (pg. 254 New Testament)

Join host Lynne Hilton Wilson and expert guest Steven Harper as they explore one of the most miraculous and thrilling chapters in Latter-day Saint history—the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in 1836. Often called a modern “Day of Pentecost,” this sacred event was filled with spiritual outpourings, visions, and manifestations that confirmed the hand of God in the lives of the early Saints. Lynne and Steven dive into the rich history of how the temple came to be, the sacrifices made by the Saints, and the joy they experienced as heaven and earth seemed to meet within its walls. From angels appearing and the Savior Himself being seen, to the rushing of spiritual power that many compared to the day of Pentecost in the New Testament, this conversation brings to life the extraordinary events surrounding the opening of the first temple in this dispensation. With Lynne's engaging questions and Steven's deep expertise, viewers will gain not only historical understanding but also spiritual appreciation for why the Kirtland Temple remains a cornerstone of faith and miracles in the story of the Restoration.

Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

How does Scripture point to Christ? Together, we are studying Old and New Testament passages over the course of the year, learning how all of Scripture speaks to Jesus. Join us as we dive deep into the Old and New Testament and marvel at the ways Jesus is on every page of the Bible.   Today, we are discussing week 38 day 5 of the CIAOS study. You can follow along with us in Christ in All of Scripture| A 52-Week Journey of Discovering Jesus on Every Page of the Bible vol. 2   Visit The Daily Grace Co. for the Christ in All of Scripture bundle and for beautiful products that will equip you on your journey to knowing and loving God more.   Follow @dailygracepodcast on Instagram for exclusive podcast content and @thedailygraceco for all things The Daily Grace Co. Subscribe to the Daily Grace Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and Read the Bible in a year with us in the Bible App.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Thessalonians 3Paul shares his deep concern for the believers in Thessalonica. Unable to endure the uncertainty any longer, he sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage their faith, especially as they face trials. Paul reminds them that suffering is part of following Christ and that he had warned them about upcoming hardships. When Timothy returns with good news about their strong faith and love, Paul is filled with joy and thanksgiving. Their perseverance comforts him in his own struggles. Paul earnestly prays for the chance to see them again and help strengthen their faith even more. He asks God to make their love overflow for one another and for all people, and to establish their hearts blameless in holiness before Christ at His coming, who will return with all His saints in glory. Christians are reminded that we are called to strengthen and encourage one another in faith, especially during times of trial and mistreatment. We are not meant to face hardships alone; God has placed us in a community to build each other up. Like Paul, we should care deeply about the spiritual growth of others, praying faithfully for them. When we hear of others standing strong in their faith, it should fill us with joy and inspire us to persevere as well. We must also ask God to increase our love for one another and for all people. As we wait for Christ's return, we should seek to live holy lives, letting God establish our hearts in steadfast faith and sincere love. Marvelous God, we thank You for the faith You have planted in our yearning hearts and the strength You provide through every trial in life. Help us encourage one another and be a source of hope to those who are struggling. Grow our love for each other and for all people, just as You have loved us. We will strive to focus our hearts on holiness and keep ourselves blameless as we wait for the return of Jesus. Fill us with joy in seeing faith grow in others, and teach us to pray with persistence and trust.  Thought Questions: Who in your life encourages you to live by faith and is always a spiritual support for you? How can you show gratitude to them for their help? Temptation is especially strong in times of stress and trial. What do you do in those times to draw close to God and reject the lures of the devil? Christians are called to “increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people.” How are you reaching new and higher levels of love?

Your story is one of your greatest ministry tools. I meet people who feel they have nothing to offer the Lord. In their minds, they feel incapable of serving in some ministry. Yet, every one of us has a story. It's a God story. It's a story of how we met Jesus, the circumstances of your salvation, and how Jesus has changed your life.Main Points:1. When I think of the explosive growth of the New Testament church in the Book of Acts, we see two things at work. People were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and second, they shared their testimony with others.  Sadly, it seems as if today we have stopped telling our story.  But you have a story to tell. It is a story of God's grace. 2. A personal testimony is the most non-threatening way to tell an unbeliever why Jesus is important to you.  It allows you to be open about your life while giving God the glory.  You can rave about the power of Jesus to transform a life, and even someone hostile to the gospel will listen because you are not asking anything of them.  3. Your story is simply an account of how God has changed your life.  If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then surely He has done miraculous things for you.  People are looking for evidence that God exists and that He is personally involved in people's lives.  You can't make God appear on the spot to prove His existence, but you can certainly point straight to Him by talking about how He has worked in your life.Today's Scripture Verses:John 7:46 - “No one ever spoke the way this man does.”Acts 4:33 - “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Ezra and Nehemiah were some of the final leaders in the Old Testament. They brought people back to Jerusalem, but also brought them back to God through the renewal of the covenant. As a scribe and teacher, Ezra models the ministry of Jesus in the New Testament. As he led the people, the backdrop for the first century began to take shape. 

The question of Israel's chosenness isn't abstract - it's foundational.  If God's covenant with Abraham is conditional, then Israel's future and even our own assurance in Christ are uncertain. But if it's unconditional, then God's faithfulness to Abraham secures hope for us all. In this episode, Ron and Matt Davis trace the Abrahamic covenant from Genesis 12, 15, and 17. They unpack the ancient covenant-cutting ceremony, the unconditional nature of God's promise, and how the Mosaic covenant fits alongside it.  They also show how the New Testament reaffirms - not erases - God's oath to Abraham, and why that matters for both Jews and Gentiles today. With analogies of trust funds and house rules, they bring clarity to common misunderstandings. God's covenant stands not because of human performance but because of His promise. And that means His faithfulness to Israel is the same faithfulness we depend on in Jesus. Key Takeaways God initiated and ratified the Abrahamic covenant alone - it's unconditional. Genesis 12–17 reveals a promise of people, place, and purpose. The land boundaries are literal, not symbolic. Circumcision is the covenant sign, not its source. The Mosaic covenant governs life in the land but does not annul Abraham's promise. The New Testament celebrates - not cancels - the Abrahamic covenant. God's gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome and framing the question 05:10 – Genesis 12: God's call to Abram 13:20 – Genesis 15: Cutting the covenant 28:15 – Genesis 17: Everlasting covenant and circumcision 41:00 – Mosaic covenant vs. Abrahamic covenant 55:30 – Genesis 22: Binding of Isaac and covenant confirmed 1:05:10 – New Testament voices: Galatians, Romans, Hebrews 1:18:00 – Analogies: trust funds, house rules, and irrevocable promises 1:28:00 – Final reflections and what's next God's covenant with Abraham is unconditional, everlasting, and still active. It anchors Israel's destiny and secures the hope of all who trust in the Messiah. Explore more resources from thejewishroad.com, join us on a future trip to Israel, or consider becoming one of The Few who support this work regularly.

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 69, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 2 Kings 1:2-17, The Very Rev. Troy D. Mendez, First Canticle: 10, New Testament: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23, David Sibley, Second Canticle: 18, Gospel: Matthew 5:11-16, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.

On Sunday, we heard from one of our elders, Pete on the tension we are living in between the kingdom Jesus inaugurated with his death, burial and resurrection, and it's fulfillment at his return.  Throughout the New Testament, we are exhorted to put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. The armor of light represents spiritual readiness, includes moral integrity, and protects & empowers us from compromise.  In Christ you have a new identity, you are called to reflect His nature and to live in union with Him. Practically, we do this through Scripture, prayer, community, and surrender.  The world is groaning and our King is returning. May He find us awake, repentant and ready. 

Well hey there, hello to ya today. Welcome to this special episode of The Burt (Not Ernie) Show, the podcast that takes God at His word, encourages listeners as they walk with the Lord, and boldly proclaims that all God's promises prove true. This is something of a re-launch of the podcast, as I have not recorded a new episode in about five months.  A lot of varying reasons for the long break, but now the show is back. So, let's jump right in!   We're living in an era when believers need a whole lot of encouragement, and when those who are considering Christianity want an honest look at what it means to be a Christian, a follower of Jesus. This episode is aimed at both of those goals. Followers and curious seekers alike. Let me read from the New Testament book of Luke, chapter 13, about four verses. Starting in verse 23, through verse 28. I'm reading from the Amplified Bible, so you can compare it to your preferred translation or read along in your Bible or in case you want to make note of different translations and versions and do some Bible study on this passage later on. All of those are really good things, by the way. Don't just take someone's word for it when it comes to what the Bible says, and of course that includes me. Read it for yourself anytime you want to, fact check me like crazy. Let God be true and every man, every woman, every person be a liar, Romans 3 verse 4 says. When it comes to teaching the Bible, we should be very comfortable having our sources checked. If anyone teaching God's word is not comfortable with that, something is very, very wrong. And in those situations, you may want to … run. (Not really kidding around with that advice.)    Here's what this passage says, verbatim, in the Amplified Bible:   Luke 13:23-27 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition 23 And someone asked Him, Lord, will only a few be saved (rescued, delivered from the penalties of the last judgment, and made partakers of the salvation by Christ)? And He said to them, 24 Strive to enter by the narrow door [force yourselves through it], for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the Master of the house gets up and closes the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door [again and again], saying, Lord, open to us! He will answer you, I do not know where [[a]what household—certainly not Mine] you come from. 26 Then you will begin to say, We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets. 27 But He will say, I tell you, I do not know where [[b]what household—certainly not Mine] you come from; depart from Me, all you wrongdoers!   Okay, so if you're not familiar with the Amplified Bible, it is wordy. Because the Greek and the Hebrew of the New and Old Testaments often carry a depth of meaning in each word that is tricky to fully convey in the English language, different translations word things differently. The Amplified basically takes all the meanings of the text in the original language and adds them, usually in parentheses, which is why what I just read to you may have sounded choppy. Also, the Amplified capitalizes words like He, Him, Mine, etc. when it is talking about the Lord. And there are a few capitalized words in the text I just read.  Were I to leave out those extra words that are in parenthesis, it would read like this: And someone asked Him (that's a capital, so someone asked Jesus this question.) Lord, will only a few be saved. And He said to them, Strive to enter by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the Master (and that is capitalized, so it's talking about the Lord) of the house gets up and closes the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open up to us! He will answer you, I do not know where you come from. Then you will begin to say, We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets. But He will say (again, He is capitalized, so the Lord will say), I tell you I do not know where you come from; depart from Me, all you wrongdoers!    This is weighty. This is no joke. Jesus' answer to the question He was asked is heavy. This is serious stuff! “Will only a few be saved?” was the question. The ESV says, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” Kind of a yes or no question. But Jesus was so good to expound upon this, to go beyond the short answer and give us all this important information as His answer. Now, back to studying the Amplified (and yes, it does require studying. Not sure when Bible “study”, in air quotes, began to not be studious. Study, the word tells us that it takes some effort, focus, and intention. If your Bible study group is not studying the Bible, you could be a person to kind of change that, to step off the merry-go-round of quick and easy answers, making a joke instead of really digging into the text, leading a group that goes through the Bible and studies it rather than maybe a small group that gets gossipy and talks about fashion and somewhat trashy shows on streaming. Y'all know what I'm talking about, and if you are new to Christianity and are shocked that I'm saying this, that's okay. A faith that can't hold up to some examination is, well, perhaps more cult-like than faith-in-Jesus like. Women's small groups are notorious for not doing enough actual Bible studying. New believers, keep searching for groups that do real Bible study and if you can't find a group, start a group.) So as we study this text in the Amplified, we find the Greek for the word saved in verse 23 has some depth to it. Lord, will only a few be saved? Rescued, delivered from the penalties of the last judgment, made partakers of the salvation by Christ. Yeah, a lot more depth there. This is about the very end of time, the last judgment. And that day, it's coming for all of us. If we say we love Jesus but we live like we're never going to stand before Him and have our lives examined, then we're probably not living for Him in our everyday lives. And notice it says made partakers of THE salvation by Christ. That little three letter word T-H-E…there is only one salvation and it is by Christ. That is almost certainly the most important thing I will ever say on the podcast, honestly. When it says strive to enter by the narrow door, the Amplified gives added depth by saying force yourself through it. Force yourself through the narrow door, the doorway to eternal salvation. Force yourself through it! Maybe, just maybe, this concept of raising your hand from your seat during a mega-conference altar call and then never opening your Bible, spending time in prayer, following Jesus as His disciple, just maybe that is nothing like forcing yourself through the narrow door. You know, we live in the very era when Jesus' return is at hand, and forcing ourselves through the narrow door that makes us partakers of THE salvation by Christ is the clarion call for this hour. Now is the time, my friend. This decision for Jesus should not be put off until another day. It shouldn't be put off for another hour! This is the time!  In this passage, when Jesus describes them knocking at the door again and again, like they are trying to beat that door down, the same narrow door that they did not force themselves through when they had the opportunity, trying to gain entry by incessant pounding on that door…and what will He say on that day? How will He respond to their knocking again and again? He'll say He does not know where they come from - from what household, because it's certainly not His. That's repeated twice, in verses 25 & 27. And in between, in verse 26, they implore Him by stating that they ate and drank in His presence…oh this is very convicting. How often are we “in His presence” and thinking that's good enough? They'll say, “You taught in our streets.” Is it going to get Him to open the door if you remind Him that He was taught about in your local church? Think about what this passage means for your own life. Are you ready for this day? Because it's coming, ready or not. I've said before that we need to get ready, be ready, and stay ready. Force yourself through that narrow door. Be on the inside when He shuts that door tight.    Just a few more thought I'd like to share on Luke chapter 13.  Verse 23 makes it super clear that this is about where a person will spend eternity. How many people in the year 2025 never even give a single thought to their eternal destination? We've been so desensitized, so conditioned to only think about this life, the here and now, focus on immediate gains, quick fixes, the current struggle and how to make that struggle end, and our own selves and “living in the moment” that thinking about forever does not really happen for so many people. Are you living for the moment, or are you living for forever? Does anyone stand on their platform, or ask their loved ones, if they know for certain they will be rescued, delivered from the penalties of the last judgment, made partakers of the salvation by Christ? Do I do that? Lord, what do You want to change in my heart, mind and life so that my focus turns from the temporal to the eternal, and so that I speak life - eternal life - over others?    Jesus' reply here,  and He minces no words, as was His norm, is: “Strive to enter by the narrow door”. I'm hitting on this again to share something that is important. The definition of strive is to “make great efforts to achieve or obtain something” - “struggle or fight vigorously”. It implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort. Synonyms include “labor, toil, struggle, compete, exert oneself, and endeavor”.  Even a quick evaluation of those words reveals the heart behind Jesus' answer to the critically important question asked by an unidentified person in the thirteenth chapter of Luke. The Lord is telling us that getting on and remaining on the narrow road is anything but easy-street. And yet, is that what American Christianity so often teaches? Don't they make it seem as if a five-second prayer is all it takes in order to enter into eternal life with Jesus (think of those “Every head bowed and eye closed, and raise your hand and pray along with me if you want to be saved today” kinds of church moments…). But what if that's not exactly true? What if that is, say, step one of a long walk on the narrow road? And if the door itself is narrow, and we must force ourselves through it, as the Amplified says in verse 24, is that happening for most of us? Are we being discipled, are we discipling anybody else, are we students of the Word of God, are we spending time in prayer and listening for what the Holy Spirit might say to us? Have we forced ourselves through that narrow door? Have we encouraged anyone else to force themselves through the narrow door? Do we know the signs of the times well enough to recognize that there are just a few grains of sand left in the hourglass of all time?    Let me read this to you: Luke 14:25-35 New Living Translation The Cost of Being a Disciple 25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.  28 “But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!' 31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. 34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? 35 Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”   Have you thought of discipleship like this? That being Jesus' disciple means you hate everyone else by comparison? This is serious stuff. Far more intense than is normally spoken about by pastors or preachers or speakers or the books down at the Better Book Room (Wichitans, you remember the BBR?) Do we hate our own life in contrast to being His disciple? Thinking about these words of Jesus' is a good reset for me. Why am I so continually concerned about my issues, my fears, my life, my stuff? It's just gross, and it is not fitting for a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Because if I don't hate my own life by comparison to being His disciple, then I cannot be His disciple. Point blank frankness right there. And if I do not carry my own cross and follow Him, I cannot be His disciple. So, how am I doing at hating my own life by comparison to His discipleship and am I carrying my own cross and following Him? It's a self test we all need to take every day.  Jesus says not to begin the path of being His disciple until we count the cost. Shouldn't that be mentioned during the altar call? I don't exactly know what this should look like, in every church or at every event, but I know enough to know that most of what takes place absolutely does not fit the model Jesus laid out for us here. We're getting it all wrong! And if we tell people it's all good, you raised your hand and never forced yourself through the narrow door, never counted the cost, never hated your life, never picked up your cross to follow Him…we are lying to them! He says we cannot become His disciple without giving up everything we own. I no longer have ownership rights over my life or my stuff or my health or my money or over people. Because I've giving all that up to become His disciple. Salt is good for seasoning, Jesus says. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? How salty are you? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil or the manure pile. Am I salty or am I not? Lord, give us ears to hear, so that we can listen and understand! Am I a student, a learner of Jesus? Do I understand that it's more than a head nod, a hand raised decision to follow Him - it's more than saying yes to His invitation. It's picking up my cross and following Him after saying yes. It's moving onward with Him, it is not standing still while He moves onward.  Think about carrying your cross. I think, maybe here in western culture, we don't exactly get the implication. It's difficult. It costs us something, every day that we carry it. But where are we carrying it to? Where is this carrying of my cross leading me? To a crucifixion, that's the only logical end point. Am I crucifying my flesh? Am I dying to myself, daily, of my own willing choice and volition, of course depending on the Spirit of the Living God within me because no one can do that on their own, but am I willing, does it ever even cross my mind? Am I picking up my cross today, carrying the heavy and thing closer and closer to my own death to self? Or am I not? Anybody that ever said Jesus' teachings were easy, well, they need to read the words in red again. Taking up our cross is a one-way journey. It's forcing ourselves through that narrow door.  Jesus carried a cross, and so do His disciples, His followers.  What kind of follower am I? Am I following but ready to peel off and go my own way when it gets uncomfortable for me personally? Have I counted the cost and decided that yes, I really can afford to follow Jesus?  In the following, the Lord does the fixing and the cleaning up of our lives. This is not Jesus saying we need to get it together before we follow Him. He says what He says, and it's not that. He simply needs His followers to know it's not the easy way out, the life of Christians. But He'll do His work of making us new as we follow Him day by day. It's costly either way, right? Follow Jesus? There's a cost. Reject Jesus? Oh, there's also a cost. That choice, well, it costs a pretty penny. Let Him become the owner of all we have. Our children, our finances, our health, all of it. It's only safe with Him anyway, so it's the best available choice, but we still need to make the choice consciously, weighing it out, understanding it. Let's not be like slimy used car salesmen who get people to pick up what we're laying down based on implications that this is the easy way to live out your days and then, wham, the bottom falls out and they feel like they got sold a lemon.  And if you say you follow Jesus, you profess to follow Him, but you lose your flavor somewhere along the way…you are no longer distinct enough to be clearly known as one of His disciples, well, that's the time you're fit for nothing but to be thrown out. A Christian should look like, think like, speak like, behave like, have the nature of Christ. Salt ought to be salty. A Christian ought to be like Christ Jesus.    The promise in Luke 13 and 14 is so worth it, though, isn't it? It's eternal life for now and forever. It's being on the inside when the door is closed. It's knowing that life, it's going to be hard at times, especially as we get nearer to the return of Jesus, it's going to get more intense, and following Him with saltiness may come with some costs that are not common to us here in America, but are becoming common at an astounding rate. But the hard life that ends in death without Jesus, that's the wide road, the wide door. The road ends somewhere for all of us. It's His promise that by picking up our cross, carrying it daily as we follow Him, staying salty all the way until the end, we get to go through the narrow door. Carry your cross today. Force yourself through the narrow door. Because He'll keep all His promises, and what's coming is going to knock your socks off. “He who endures to the end shall be saved.” Those are Jesus' words to us in Matthew 24:13. Indeed, that's a promise He's going to keep.   Thanks for joining me for this re-launch episode. I'm so grateful to be back on the podcast, and if this encouraged you or challenged you, would you share it with someone today? Lord bless you, and I'll see ya back here next time. Bye bye.

Send us a text****Read the New Testament in a Year with me in 2025 right here on the podcast!***Bible Verses of the Week: Matthew 6:33-34Welcome to the podcast Move Forth With Grace!  We will be reading the New Testament in a year.  This is such a perfect way to get into God's Word each day and to develop your own relationship with God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ. I am your host Angela and want to first of all say that I am not an expert in Theology or Church History or a Minister and I never will claim to be.  I am a  wife and mother who has been reborn and want to be of service to God in gratitude for calling me back home. Welcome to the Podcast! The Bible that I will be reading from is the English Standard Version Study Bible.  You can find one at www.crossway.org.Thank you for being here....thank you for becoming less like you and more like Jesus.May you Move Forth with Grace today!Love, Angela One of the most important things that we can be doing is teaching our children about the Bible and helping them to develop a Biblical Worldview.  The way that we are doing this in our family is by using My Father's World Curriculum in our homeschool.  For more information on that, please go to https://www.mfwbooks.comTo learn more about my story and the products that I love to use daily, please go to my website:www.move-forth.comThe Holy Roast Coffee  Pro Life Blend: https://theholyroastco.com/products/pro-life-blendPlease donate today to save unborn souls!https://preborn.comI am reading the ESV Study Bible in 2025: Get your copy today if you would like to read along...this is not required of coursehttps://www.crossway.org/bibles/Connect with me on social media or send a prayer request to me on my website here:https://campsite.bio/moveforthBible Teachers that I recommend:Mike Winger on https://biblethinker.org/meet-mike/Dr. Chuck Missler on www.khouse.orgNancy Missler on www.kingshighway.orgDale Partridge on www.relearn.orgChuck Smith on http://www.pastorchuck.org/RC Sproul Eschatology Playlist:https://youtu.be/n22MRa0P6_I?si=Aw53nQLSteu6T3-ASupport the show

They're delivering it Wednesday... but I own it now! We're actually very familiar with the Christian concept of hope, and most of us use it all the time. "It's mine now - here's the receipt - it's just in transit." That's our situation in the spiritual realm. In the New Testament, the Apostles tried to teach us about our "inheritance." Well, an inheritance is legally, rightfully yours. It's coming - even though you have to wait a bit. Here's Jim in Paul's letter to Titus. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS09192025_0.mp3Scripture References: Various Scriptures

“Unless clearly indicated otherwise, I assume that the Hebrew Bible speaks of real people and places. Nothing in the text suggests that Job was a mythical, imaginary, or fictious figure" (Alden, 26). The fact that Elihu is given a genealogy in Job 32:2 and his daughter's names are given at the end of the book in Job 42:13-15 points to the historical nature of the book. The fact that we view the Biblical portrayals of characters as historically true seems to be how Jesus and the inspired New Testament writers looked at things. Notice how the New Testament refers to Creation (Matt. 19:3-6; Mk. 10:6-9), Adam and Eve (II Cor. 11:3; I Tim. 2:11-14; Jude 14), Cain and Abel (Matt. 23:35; Lk. 11:51; Heb. 11:4; I John 3:12-13; Jude 11), Enoch (Heb. 11:5; Jude 14), Noah and the flood (Matt. 24:37-39; Lk. 17:26-27; Heb. 11:7; I Peter 3:20-21; II Peter 2:5, 9). Abraham is mentioned 73 times in the New Testament. Abraham's genealogy is given in Matt. 1:1-17; Lk. 3:23-38. In Rom. 4:9-12 Paul makes a point on the chronological order of his life. It seems obvious that Abraham is viewed as a real character and the things he did were actual historical events (Heb. 11:8-19; James 2:21-23). Lot is mentioned in Luke 17:28, 29, 32 and II Peter 2:7 and his wife is mentioned in Luke 17:32. Isaac is mentioned 20 times and Jacob 27 times in the New Testament. Joseph and his experiences are treated as historical in Acts 7:9-16 and Heb. 11:21-22. Moses is mentioned 80 in the New Testament. Jonah is referred to by Jesus in Matt. 12:39, 40, 41, 41; 16:4; Luke 11:29, 30, 32, 32. In these passages the events of Jonah and the great fish foreshadow the yet future (when this was spoken) resurrection of Jesus, the most important historical event in human history.  Job is mentioned outside the book of Job in the Old Testament in Ezek. 14:14, 20 and in the New Testament in James 5:11. How should we view those two passages and their evidence in light of whether Job is historical? In context Ezek. 14:12-23 is stressing the four severe judgments the LORD was going to send against Judah. The four judgements are sword, famine, wild beast, and plagues (Ezek. 14:13, 15, 17, 19, 21).  Ezek. 14:14, 20 specifically mentions Noah, Daniel, and Job and states they could only deliver themselves by their righteousness if they lived in the midst of the people. In Ezek. 14:16, 18 makes allusions to these men again by saying “even though these three men were in its midst.”  The most natural explanation was that these men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were actual historical characters who were being used by the prophet to the people to stress that even they could not deliver the people from the coming judgment.  Did Jesus and the New Testament writers view Noah as an actual historical character? Jesus exhorted His audience to always be prepared for the Lord to come in judgment. He used the “days of Noah” as an illustration of those who were carrying on with life as normal and were unprepared for the judgment of God (Matt. 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-27). Jesus said, “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Jonah” (Matt. 24:37). Was Jesus using a fictional event to inspire people to prepare themselves for an actual coming judgment? The author of Hebrews used Noah's example of building an ark in reverence to God to inspire His listeners to endurance (Heb. 11:7). Peter used the example of Noah as a picture of how “baptism now save you” (I Peter 3:20-21) and to illustrated how the LORD can rescue the godly while at the same time preparing the ungodly for judgment day (II Peter 2:5, 9).  

This gospel written by the apostle John is one of the most beloved gospels. John takes you from (quite literally) the very beginning of all things, through the prophetic fulfillment of Jesus' arrival and ministry, the life and teachings of Jesus, to the commissions he gave to His followers after the resurrection. It's through this gospel you will see Jesus, the Son of God, in a light that is unique, with profound implications for your life.   Grab your Bible and get ready to join Jerry Dirmann as he walks through this gospel, and gives helpful teaching and insights along the way, helping you to understand, and to apply it in your every day life.   You can also take your daily Bible reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann—including all of the books of the New Testament.   -------  Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:  FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/  Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Friday, 19 September 2025   Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Matthew 13:13   “Through this I speak to them in parables, because seeing, not they see, and hearing, not they hear nor comprehend” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted the truth concerning the mysteries of the kingdom that those who have will be given more, while those who don't will have what they do have taken from them. Understanding this, He next says, “Through this I speak to them in parables.”   The words “through this” have already been seen. It is a way of saying “therefore” or “because of.” There is a reason why Jesus speaks to the people in parables. Israel had squandered its spiritual heritage, and the mysteries of the kingdom would be taken from them because of it.   It is because of their poor stewardship of what they had been granted that it was to be so. Thus, Jesus deprived them of an open explanation of things. The Jews would have to come to Him like anyone else today, by faith. They could not rely on their status as Jews to receive the ongoing revelation of God's working in the coming dispensation. This is explained in His next words, “because seeing, not they see, and hearing, not they hear nor comprehend.”   A new word, suniémi, to put together, is seen here. It is derived from sun, with, and hiemi, to send. In putting things together by joining facts, one can then comprehend what is going on in a given situation. In being given the mysteries in parables, Israel could not see the deeper spiritual meaning, and they could not hear the message that was being conveyed.   Because of this, they could not put two and two together and then conclude what Jesus was talking about. This doesn't mean they were mentally incapable of doing so. Rather, like the disciples, they would have to ask for understanding and an explanation of His words.   But even with that information, biases and presuppositions can stand in the way of accepting the message. This is the state in which Israel exists today. It is not a nation of illiterate people. But it is a nation that cannot comprehend that they are not what God is “doing” at this time. They have never set aside the notion that they are God's people and thus the object of His attention and favor.   However, Paul explains the situation concerning God's favor during this dispensation of grace –   “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29   Jewishness, cultural heritage, past circumstances, and so forth have no bearing on one's position in Christ. The only thing that matters is faith in Him. Without that, there is no connection to God.   Life application: The information found in the New Testament is just as available to the Jewish people as it is to the rest of the world. There are Jews who have decided to pick up the Bible and read the New Testament without any knowledge about what it says. In reading it, they have said, “Hey, this is all written from a Jewish perspective!”   From there, they think about their history and how they fit into it and realize that what they were told concerning the promise of the Messiah has already been fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. The light comes on, the words are illuminated, and they are able to put the facts together to make the decision to place their faith in Him.   Others have been taught that the New Testament is all lies and does not reflect what God is doing. And so they never read it, or they read it with a presuppositional bias against what it says. With this attitude, they are not looking for the truth. Because of this, it is likely they will not accept what it says.   Some may, however, conclude that they were misinformed and that it is the truth. This is no different than people who are believers in Jesus and come to the Bible to learn doctrine. Someone who has never even heard of the rapture may put the facts as Paul presents them together and rightly conclude that it is a real event and that it will happen before the tribulation.   Those who have been told there is no such thing as the rapture may read the same words and believe what they were told rather than what the word says, simply because they have the blinders on. Likewise, they may believe in the rapture, but because they were told that it is mid-trib, they will look for ways to justify that stand, taking things out of context simply to have the matter fit their presuppositions.   When reading the Bible, we need to go where it goes and ensure we take its words in the proper context, not seeking evidence to fit our presuppositions from places where it should not be taken. Let us attempt to look for the proper interpretation of spiritual matters through prayer, open minds not clouded by presuppositions, and with a heart to accept what the word says concerning its truths.   Lord God, may we stay focused on our time in Your word, not finding reasons to skip it from day to day. Rather, may this be one of the things we commit to unfailingly all the days of our lives. It is too precious not to be tended to even above our necessary food. Amen.  

Pastor Phelps begins a new series showing how the Old Testament feasts are important for New Testament believers. Message originally preached Wednesday evening September 10, 2025.

Scripture References (NASB 2020):John 10:10Acts 4:32–37Acts 5:1–2John 8:44Matthew 6:241 Timothy 6:9–10Matthew 7:152 Corinthians 11:3Acts 5:3Matthew 7:15–23Galatians 5:16–21 Primary SourcesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorWright, NT. The Challenge of ActsKeener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New TestamentWitherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

Welcome to the School of Ministry podcast where we walk listeners through Psalms 22–24 as a single unit, showing in this first part, how Psalm 22 prophetically describes Christ's suffering, crucifixion, and ultimate victory. The episode highlights themes of abandonment, scorn, solitude, spiritual assault, bodily suffering, and the shift from prayer to praise at the resurrection. The lesson connects ancient prophecy to the New Testament, explains vivid imagery such as the “scarlet worm,” and invites listeners to reflect on the redeeming work of Christ and how the Bible speaks to our need for salvation today.

Send us a textIf you would prefer to watch the video version on Youtibe, with loads of original stills from the film, just follow the ling below.https://youtu.be/EeOPcd26lgcI shall be posting several bonus episodes over the next week or so whilst I work on our next season together, in which I return to the New Testament and begin our study through Paul's 2nd letter to the church at Corinth. This episode was originally posted Patreon on 18th January 2025The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Come As You Are Series - Saul (Old Testament)1 Samuel 9:18-21 & 1 Samuel 10:1 “Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer's house is?” “I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart.  As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?”  Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?”When I was reading over the scriptures for the week, this one caught my eye because Saul says something I can picture each one of us saying.  Saul has set out in search of these 3 donkeys that are missing.  This interaction picks up when he gets to Samuel's house.  He is looking for Samuel because he is a seer.  A seer is a perceiver of hidden truth, according to one site I found online.  Samuel says Saul is to eat with him and then will go on his way in the morning.  Samuel then drops this crazy idea on Saul that Israel's future lies in his hands.  Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” This is where I think we can all relate.  Saul has just been told, “And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?”  Basically, the future of Israel lies in Saul's hands, and he instantly questions his worthiness.  Have you ever done this?  Have you ever wanted to go for a promotion at work and yet worried you weren't good enough for it?  Have you ever had someone tell you that you would be perfect for some position, whether paid or volunteer, and you wonder what they see in you that made them think that?  I know I have.  I went to a retreat once, and they were looking for people to be on the executive board for the European region.  It was my first retreat with the group.  I had been a part of the local groups for a few years.  The women I had met at the retreat were saying that if no one else wanted the positions, maybe we should help out.  I instantly wondered if I could do it.  Didn't you have to be pretty holy to be on the executive board of a large Catholic organization?  What if they knew how flawed I am?  What if they realized I don't know nearly as much as anyone else does about our faith?  What if's kept running through my head.  When we were talking about it at dinner, we were discussing what experience we had either in a job setting or in a volunteer setting.  I mentioned I had several years of experience volunteering on the executive boards of several spouses' groups.  I had pretty much done all the various roles.  I will never forget one of the women said, I could have guessed that.  I wondered what about me made her think that.  To me, I just saw myself as a mom of three boys.  Someone who helps out wherever needed.  I didn't think I did anything too important.  I mean, I know mothering is important. It's just that sometimes in the grand scheme of things, when mothering is your full-time job, it can start to feel like you aren't important. I am not sure if that makes sense to everyone, but I know some of you have probably felt that way before.  It was nice to have someone else affirm that she knew I could do it.  I had only spent two days or so with this woman, and she could see things in me that I couldn't see.  Why is it that others can see things in us that we can't see?  Why do others see the best in us, and we not only can't see it, but we often struggle to believe it when they call it out in us?  Saul was struggling to believe he was worthy of this amazing thing Samuel called out in him.  He answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” All Saul could see was where he came from.  He saw his family status, he saw his place in the clan, he saw all he lacked.  He didn't come from the best family, he didn't have the status, and he didn't see what Samuel saw in him.  However, Samuel was a seer; he could see the hidden truths.  Samuel was able to see what God had in store for Saul.  He was able to look to the future and see all Saul was capable of doing.  I know Saul didn't have the benefit of the Bible.  I am sure some of the stories of God had been passed down through the generations, but he didn't have the benefit of the complete Old and New Testaments.  If he did, he would have been able to realize that God rarely, if ever, uses those with perfect family bloodlines.  He rarely, if ever, uses the person you or I would pick for Him to use.  God tends to choose the broken to do His work.  God chooses people not based on how we see them, but on how He sees them.  God chooses people for a particular purpose, and your status, your family, your job, your reputation, none of that will exclude you if God wants you.  I was mentioning to Tony yesterday about how Saul was on his way to capture and put in jail anyone who believed in Jesus Christ, and God gave him a vision, and he was baptized just a few days later.  Saul consented to the stoning of Stephen, a beloved follower of Jesus, and he was not excluded from God's glory.  He was not excluded from helping to build up the kingdom of God here on earth.  Saul is just one example, but there are so many.  Even within the 12 apostles, there was Matthew, who was a tax collector, Simon, who was a zealot, and Judas, who was a thief.  I know you don't think you are worthy of the call God is placing on your life, but answer that call anyway.  God will be there every step of the way to give you all you need.  I know you don't feel comfortable believing the great things people call out in you, but believe them anyway.  I know it can be uncomfortable to call out the wonderful things you see in others, but call them out anyway.  You never know how much it could mean to that person.  You never know if that thought that you had about that person is something God put in your mind for you to share with Him.  We need to build people up.  This world does a great job of tearing people down.  What if we did a great job of building people up?  What if we called out the good we see in others, even if we think they already see it?  What if God is using us to tell that person something that He has been telling them, and yet they just couldn't hear it?  God loves you. He is choosing you for something right now. Can you say yes?  I asked God one time, Why me, and he said Why not you.  He sees incredible things in each one of us.  He is choosing you, and He has His reasons. Trust that the One True God, the God Almighty, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, did not get it wrong.  Trust He knows what He is doing and say “Yes Lord, Yes, Lord, Yes, Yes, Lord.”Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless those listening to this episode today.  Lord, we love you, and we are sorry to question you.  We are sorry, we struggle to believe you would really use us.  We are sorry we struggle to see how wonderfully you made us.  We say yes, Lord, even if we don't understand why you chose us, we say yes.  We say yes even if we don't think we are worthy because we know if you call us for something, you will also equip us for it.  Lord, please help us to call out the wonderful things we see in others.  Please give us the boldness to follow your promptings and share them with others.  We love you, Lord. You are amazing.  We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus.  I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in May 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Raise your hands high, little one. Raise your hands high and I, your God, will unmute you. I will unmute you in ways that you have never experienced before. I pour down upon you this morning the grace of an unmuted heart, a heart open to me, a heart open to my life living within you. A heart full of grace and mercy and forgiveness.” 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

Divorce is so deeply complex, confusing, and gut-wrenching — especially when you are blindsided by betrayal and left facing a future you never asked for.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Matthew 19 is often misunderstood and debated, and what Jesus actually meant.What the connection is between Old and New Testament teachings on marriage and divorce.How to keep refusing shame so you can walk toward deeper healing for your future.A special thank-you to our partner for this season: Convoy of Hope. For over 30 years, Convoy of Hope has helped vulnerable communities around the world — and empowering women and girls is a key part of that mission. Convoy of Hope partners with women so they can start their own businesses to better support themselves and their families. Because when women are empowered, entire communities are transformed. Visit convoy.org/p31 to help empower women and girls today.Links and Resources We'll Mention in This Episode:Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress.Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected.We want to hear from YOU! Take this survey to let us know how we can better serve you.See Lysa in a city near you this fall on the Trust Again Tour. Bring a friend, and get your tickets here!The Therapy & Theology podcast is brought to you by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to help women encounter the Truth of God's Word in every season. Learn more here!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go Deeper:Listen to "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships" With Leslie Vernick.Listen to "Is Every Red Flag a Big Deal?"Watch "How To Deal With Emotional Abuse."

How does Scripture point to Christ? Together, we are studying Old and New Testament passages over the course of the year, learning how all of Scripture speaks to Jesus. Join us as we dive deep into the Old and New Testament and marvel at the ways Jesus is on every page of the Bible.   Today, we are discussing week 38 day 4 of the CIAOS study. You can follow along with us in Christ in All of Scripture| A 52-Week Journey of Discovering Jesus on Every Page of the Bible vol. 2   Visit The Daily Grace Co. for the Christ in All of Scripture bundle and for beautiful products that will equip you on your journey to knowing and loving God more.   Follow @dailygracepodcast on Instagram for exclusive podcast content and @thedailygraceco for all things The Daily Grace Co. Subscribe to the Daily Grace Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and Read the Bible in a year with us in the Bible App.

Dr. Nate Collins has a Ph.D. in New Testament from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of All But Invisible: Exploring Identity Questions at the Intersection of Faith, Gender, and Sexuality (Zondervan, 2017), as well as a forthcoming volume about sexuality in the Biblical Theology for Life series from Zondervan Academic. And in 2018, Nate founded the ministry of Revoice and serves as its current President. Join the Theology in the Raw community to listen to my "extra innings" conversation with Nate about his journey as a gay man in evangelicalism, including his 14 years at Southern Seminary.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Thessalonians 2Paul reflects on his time with the church, reminding and reassuring them that his visit was not in vain. He emphasizes that he and his companions preached the gospel with boldness, despite suffering and opposition. Their motives were pure, seeking to please God rather than people. Paul describes their approach as gentle, likening it to a nurturing mother, and later, to a father encouraging his children to walk in a manner worthy of God. He praises the Thessalonians for receiving the message not as human words, but as God's true Word, which was at work in them. Paul also acknowledges their suffering for their faith and expresses his deep longing to see them again, affirming that they are his joy and crown before the Lord, both now and upon Christ's return. In the likeness of Jesus and Paul, we are called to share the gospel with courage, sincerity, and love. We must seek to please God rather than seek approval from people, trusting Him with the results. Like Paul, we should care for others gently and encourage one another to live lives worthy of God's calling. As we face challenges or rejection for our faith, we can find strength knowing that God's Word is at work within us. We are not alone; we are part of a family of believers who are our joy and crown and Christian family. Let us stay faithful, speak boldly, and love deeply, knowing that everything we do for Christ matters both now and in eternity. Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting us with the message of the gospel. Help us to share Your truth boldly, with pure hearts that seek only to please You. Teach us to love others gently, like a nurturing parent, and to encourage one another to walk in a manner worthy of Your calling. Strengthen us when we face opposition, reminding us that Your Word is alive and working within us. Fill us with courage, humility, and deep compassion for those You place in our lives. May we find joy in serving You and bringing glory to Your name every day. Thought Questions: Paul and others, like Jesus, were persecuted for sharing the gospel. What mistreatment must you face to be a sharer of the good news? Paul taught truth in a way that honored God and showed affection for people. Why must you follow this example when trying to affect others? Who, in Christ, is your “hope or joy or crown of exultation”? Who have you converted or strengthened that brings special joy to your life?

We are taking a break from our series on letters from Christian history to give Teddy James and his family a short break while they care for their new addition, Jack. During this time, we are presenting to you the first session from several studies that Media Gratiae has produced over the years. This week's special is Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty, which is a follow-up to our first study. After people went through the first Behold Your God study, they asked if we could recommend a study specifically focused on the attributes of God. These requests led us to create a 12-week multimedia study on God's attributes. These attributes are discussed in a specific order, allowing them to build upon one another. The study begins with God's incomprehensibility, self-existence, and independence, and then moves on to His holiness, wrath, and love. The order is intentional, as the beginning attributes add weight to the later ones. We have heard from many who have watched the videos and been blessed by them. When we asked for their thoughts regarding the workbook, they revealed they were unaware that the workbook existed. That reality is heartbreaking to us because the workbook is the heart of the study. It is where participants work through passages of Scripture and see how God's attributes are not just found in the Old Testament or the New Testament, but that he is the same throughout the entirety of Scripture. If you have been through Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty before, we pray this first session may remind you of the things God taught you through it. If you haven't been through the study, you can learn more about the videos and accompanying workbook at the link below. Show Notes: Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-media-gratiae-online-course Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty Workbook https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-workbook Learn more about Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically - https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/behold-your-god-series See the workbook here: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-workbook Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

“One of the best places to cultivate a Catholic worldview in the hearts and minds of young people … is in the backcountry,” writes Fr. John Nepil in his recent release, To Heights and unto Depths. Fr. Nepil, who has led dozens of group treks through the mountains of Colorado and said Mass atop every fourteener in the state, joins us to talk about adventure and a young man's theological education. The backcountry, he says, is rich in lessons of creation, dependence, suffering, and beauty—restoring our sense of being created and loved by a self-giving God. Chapters: 5:18 What draws us to the mountains 9:04 “Nature” vs. “creation” 13:16 Fatherhood 16:00 Dependence 20:44 Cultivating a worldview 25:54 Guiding the conversation (or not) 28:13 Redemptive suffering 31:23 Starting with beauty 38:59 Physical vs. metaphysical limits 46:46 Men doing hard things together 48:29 The backstory of the book 50:39 A habit of reading Links: To Heights and unto Depths by Fr. John Nepil Rethinking Mary in the New Testament by Edward “Ted” Sri Daughter Zion: Meditations on the Church's Marian Belief by Joseph Ratzinger Poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton Also on the Forum: Why We Go: Seven Benefits of the Backcountry by Elias Naegele The Way of Encounter by Joe Breslin Why We Need Exposure to Nature by Eric Heil Featured Opportunities: Convivium for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 13-15, 2025)