Podcasts about niv it

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;” Proverbs 31:27-28 NIV “It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” —Dorothy on The Golden Girls. Mother's Day. It's a day where mothers receive 1/365th of the attention they deserve each year. Mothers are the most revered and adored group in the world. They deserve so much but receive so little. What makes being a mother so special? Maybe, it's the same thing that makes it so difficult. On this weeks show, Kurt and Chad welcome a panel of moms (Marcie Hughes, Marci Edlin, and Gina Russell) to talk about the challenges, the rewards, and the God-ordained task of being a Mom. From the help that Mom needs from her husband, to the lies that a woman is tempted to believe, to the truths that God says about Moms, this weeks show is a tribute to the Moms who deserve so much love and admiration. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

Are you thriving in the life God designed for you?Join Susie and me as we take a deep dive into Luke 13:19b, exploring the profound connection between spiritual nourishment and personal growth.Luke 13:19b (NIV)“It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”https://livesteadyon.com/To connect with Susie:https://susiecrosby.com/Facebook: @‌susiecrosbyauthorInstagram: @‌susiecrosbySusie's devotionals, “Lighthearted” and “Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In” are available on Amazon.https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/Friedrich Büchsel, “Γίνομαι, Γένεσις, Γένος, Γένημα, Ἀπογίνομαι, Παλιγγενεσία,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 686.John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 240–241.I. Howard Marshall, “Luke,”.+~These+two+parables+a "‌") in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1003.A. Boyd Luter, “Luke,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1635.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Are you thriving in the life God designed for you?Join Susie and me as we take a deep dive into Luke 13:19b, exploring the profound connection between spiritual nourishment and personal growth.Luke 13:19b (NIV)“It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”https://livesteadyon.com/To connect with Susie:https://susiecrosby.com/Facebook: @‌susiecrosbyauthorInstagram: @‌susiecrosbySusie's devotionals, “Lighthearted” and “Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In” are available on Amazon.https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/Friedrich Büchsel, “Γίνομαι, Γένεσις, Γένος, Γένημα, Ἀπογίνομαι, Παλιγγενεσία,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 686.John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 240–241.I. Howard Marshall, “Luke,”.+~These+two+parables+a "‌") in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1003.A. Boyd Luter, “Luke,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1635.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Ps Sean today starts a new five part series looking at the Word of God. Today he examines the historical accuracy of the Bible, Old and New Testaments and gradually leads us into a realization that we cannot live without the Word of God if we are to be nourished Spiritually. Jesus was speaking in Matthew 4:4 (NIV) "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”We know that the word of God is God, the scripture tells us this, there are two ways we get this word. Logos is the physical word. Anyone can have Logos words, they look good but are not life transforming. John 6:63 (NIV) says "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life". When God speaks we have Rhema words, God breathed, the words come alive to us. By faith, we need to trust what God is speaking to us through His Word. Sean goes on to speak of some practical steps for us starting with that fact that the Word of God is our daily bread. Then he focuses on some cardinal facts associated with us knowing and quoting scripture that relate to daily life. For every one of us..We are a child of GodWe are fully known by GodWe are fully loved by GodWe are called by HimHe has plans and purposes for usGod made us righteousWe are free from the power of sin and everything that holds usWe are a masterpieceOur bodies are a temple of the Holy SpiritWe are holy and blameless before GodWe are chosen God provides all our needsHe will guard us against the enemy and we are protectedWe are one with others in the bodyScripture calls us His children and we are in awe of GodWe are blessed, we are highly favoured, we are called by name, every one of us But without His Word, without knowing His Word, we don't know who we are!

Welcome to Day 2576 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Treason & Translation – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2576 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2576 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the 45th lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God's redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it's also a book that seems strange to us. While God's Word was written for us, it wasn't written to us. Today's lesson is: “Treason & Translation.” *A famous Italian proverb declares atraduttore, traditore,” which means, “translator, traitor.” Those who assume this is true are unaware of how difficult it is to produce a translation. Every translator invariably discards the original text's meaning at some point. A committee of scholars assembled to produce a translation typically adopts an overarching philosophy of translation. In simplest terms, there are two. The first is called “formal equivalence,” which seeks to account for virtually every word in the original text by producing its English counterpart in translation. This is a “word-for-word” or “literal” translation. The second is called “dynamic equivalence.” This approach seeks to capture the thought of the original verse in context, and then re-create that thought using whatever English words are most precise. This is a “thought-for-thought” translation. However, adopting this approach does not mean all translators will apply it equally. There is also a matter of interpretation. When the biblical text allows more than one translation due to ambiguity in the context, grammar, or word usage, a translator needs to make their own decision—which can lead to controversy. First Corinthians 7:1 is illustrative of the potential hazard. ESV "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." NASB "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." NIV "It is good for a man not to marry." NLT "It is good to live a celibate life.” The most “word-for-word” of these translations is that of the NASB, which captures the literal reading of the Greek words in the verse, particularly the verb "touch" (TTOLO, haptomai). Other translations move away from the ambiguous "touch" to "have sexual relations with" (ESV). The most controversial renderings are the NIV ("It is good for a man not to marry") and the NLT ("It is good to live a...

The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little.                                 -Deuteronomy‬ ‭7‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬    It's the small things that create the conditions for big growth. 

Message for 01/26/2025 "Freedom, Trees & Hats" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Romans 12:2 - Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Ephesians 3:17b-19 NIV - And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Galatians 5:1 NIV - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NLT) - So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. Genesis 12:3b - All the families on earth will be blessed through you. Acts 10:9-16 - The next day as Cornelius's messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, 10 and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. 12 In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” 14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” 15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” 16 The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven. Acts 10:28-29 - Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.” Acts 15:4-21 - When they arrived in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul were welcomed by the whole church, including the apostles and elders. They reported everything God had done through them. 5 But then some of the believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and insisted, “The Gentile converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of Moses.” 6 So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue. 7 At the meeting, after a long discussion, Peter stood and addressed them as follows: “Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you some time ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Good News and believe. 8 God knows people's hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. 10 So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? 11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” 12 Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 When they had finished, James stood and said, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Peter has told you about the time God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people for himself. 15 And this conversion of Gentiles is exactly what the prophets predicted. As it is written: 16 ‘Afterward I will return and restore the fallen house of David, I will rebuild its ruins and restore it, 17 so that the rest of humanity might seek the Lord, including the Gentiles— all those I have called to be min 3. The Lord has spoken. 18 he who made these things known so long ago.' 19 “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from consuming blood. 21 For these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations.” Galatians 2:11-16 - But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn't eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. 13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter's hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions? 15 “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners' like the Gentiles. 16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” Galatians 4:9-12 - So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? 10 You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years. 11 I fear for you. Perhaps all my hard work with you was for nothing. 12 Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like you Gentiles—free from those laws. Galatians 5:1-4 - So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. 2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 I'll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. 4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace. Galatians 5:12 NASB - I wish that those who are troubling you would even emasculate themselves. Genesis 2:15-17 - The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— 17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” Judges 17:6 - In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Galatians 5:13 - For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Absolutes Interpretations Convictions Customs Preferences 1 Corinthians 11:7a - A man should not wear anything on his head when worshiping, for man is made in God's image and reflects God's glory 1 Corinthians 11:13-14 - Judge for yourselves. Is it right for a woman to pray to God in public without covering her head? 14 Isn't it obvious that it's disgraceful for a man to have long hair? 1 Corinthians 11:16 - But if anyone wants to argue about this, I simply say that we have no other custom than this, and neither do God's other churches. Galatians 5:1 - So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.

 Wisdom, Pt. 6 | October 6, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.Proverbs 19:11 (MSG) Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.Matthew 5:11-12 (NLT) God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. ✓ A Hard HeartProverbs 18:19 (TLB) It is harder to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city. His anger shuts you out like iron bars.Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT) The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.✓ Selective Memory✓ A Victim MentalityHELP, I'M OFFENDED I. CHOOSE TO OVERLOOK THE OFFENSE.Proverbs 10:12 (CEV) Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do.Love looks past the behavior and has compassion for the pain in their life.  II. KEEP MY HEART FREE FROM UNFORGIVENESS.Colossians 3:13 (NLT) You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.Romans 12:17-20 (NIV) Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. III. CHOOSE TO LOVE, EVEN WHEN IT HURTS.John 13:1 (NIV) It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.I Corinthians 13:7-8 (ESV) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. 

Faith is not built on __________________ alone, but on God's __________________. [Mark 15:42-46 NIV] It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, [43] Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. [44] Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. [45] When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. [46] So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. The __________________ scientists in the world can't explain how the __________________ was made. [Mark 15:15-20] So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. [16] The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor's headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment. [17] They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. [18] Then they saluted him and taunted, "Hail! King of the Jews!" [19] And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. [20] When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. Crucifixion was designed to be the most ________________ way to die. [John 19:32-34] So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. [33] But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn't break his legs. [34] One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. It is a __________________ how a dead man could live again. [John 20:3-7] Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. [4] They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. [5] He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn't go in. [6] Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, [7] while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. The ______________________ is the ultimate evidence of God's victory over __________________.

JUDGING # 2 Pastor George Lehman God has a very clear opinion in His word on this subject. In public, guard your tongue, in private, your thoughts.   Psalm 19:14  - “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Our thinking and speaking must honour God) To re-cap on last Sunday: We said: - When it comes to judging most of us are either    - Ignorant or Disobedient (As of today – ignorance won't be an excuse) However, whichever it may be If we don't guard our heart and our tongue when it comes to judging…… We will cause major damage to God's Kingdom and to an unsaved world out there. Do you realise Judging is a choice. Let us continue now to look at what the scriptures say on this subject. There are some scriptures that say we may not “judge” and just about as many that say we must. Here are some clear examples against “judging”. Matthew 7:1-5 - “Do not judge, or you too will be judged*. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. (These were not idle words!) *Don't be surprised or take offence when you are judged. Here Jesus makes it very clear do not judge, if you do, the same judgement will come back to you. It's on 2 levels:  Human level                          Divine level. Here Paul addresses religious people. Romans 2: 1-3 - “Therefore, you have no excuse or defence or justification, O man, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things [that you censure and denounce]. 2 [But] we know that the judgment (adverse verdict, sentence) of God falls justly and in accordance with truth upon those who practice such things. 3And do you think or imagine, O man, when you judge and condemn those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape God's judgment and elude His sentence and adverse verdict?   Have you ever noticed that religious people often think because they perceive to know what is right and can prove others wrong. This now proves them right. Rather win a friend than win an argument. In fact, people who are always judging others are usually wrong themselves. James 4:11-12 - 11“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbour? Galatians 5:14(Amp) – For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept. You shall love your neighbour as [you do] yourself. James makes it very clear – bad mouthing or evil speaking of another person is actually judging that person.   Here are some scriptures for judging. John 7:24 – Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgement. I Corinthians 5:1-5 (NIV) – It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. 2And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? 3Though I am not physically present; I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. 4When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.   2 Corinthians 2:6-11 – (Restore the person) Notice Paul said he had already judged – and he wanted the Corinthians to endorse his Judgement. He actually asked for a serious judgement – to hand the man over to satan. I Corinthians 5:11-13 (NIV) – But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. 12What business is it of mine to judge those outside of church? Are you not to judge those inside? Those on the outside – are the unbelievers. Those on the inside are the believers. Paul is saying we are not responsible to judge the unbeliever, but we are required to judge our fellow believers. The scripture does not contradict itself but gives a clear pattern of who can judge. The main biblical reason for judging was never meant to punish the wicked, It's not The primary function of judging is to protect the righteous. We will rule and judge in heaven.   I Corinthians 6:3 - “Do you not know also that we [Christians] are to judge the [very] angels and pronounce opinion between right and wrong [for them]? How much more then [as to] matters pertaining to this world and of this life only! – I would like to touch on the subject of the judgment seat of Christ. This is a judgement that nobody shares with God. Romans 2:16 Paul say's the day will surely come when “At God's command Jesus Christ will judge the secret lives of everyone, their inmost thought and motives, this is all part of Gods great plan which I proclaim. This was for all believers – not a judgement of unbelievers. Romans 8:1 - There is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. It's a judgment to evaluate our service. I Peter 4:17 – For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God's own children.  And if even we who are Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed in the Lord? II Corinthians 5:10 – For we must all stand before Christ to be judged and have our lives laid bare, before Him.  Each will receive whatever he deserves for the good or bad things he has done in his earthly body. Once you grasp this fact – you and I will rather make ourselves busy with looking at our own lives. Judging ourselves so we don't have time passing judgement on other people. We will be wise to know how our lives affect other people.   Romans 14:13 – Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather, try instead to live in such a way, that you will never make your brother stumble, by letting him see you doing something he thinks is wrong. How we need to judge our own lives and make sure our own actions and motives are in line with God's requirements. What are we responsible to judge? We are responsible to judge, ourselves, personal conduct and relationships. Not by our own estimations Not by our own opinions Not by our feelings BUT… By the clear teaching and standards revealed in the word of God (our final judge) NOTE:  John 12:47-49 - 47“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.

God uses missional disciples to disrupt a local community, to share the love of Christ with conviction. Then, through the testimony of changed lives, he will expand his kingdom and we can bring glory to him. This call should lead us to be believers who are bold and full of conviction walking in the power of the authority he has given us so we can use it to point others back to our source. “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.”Acts 4:13-14 (NIV)“It seems clear that the aim of Roman authorities was not particularly to execute Christians, but to turn them from what the authorities (and large numbers of the public at large) saw as their perverse and dangerous allegiance. That is, the object was not death but conformity to the demands of the imperial authority.”Larry W. Hurtado - Why on earth did anyone become a Christian in the first three Centuries

“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)   It is not of question of IF your ministry will touch someone who is struggling with anxiety. It's a question of when, how often, and what will you do to help.   Anxiety is a huge problem in our culture today. And when you are concerned that someone may be struggling with anxiety, you don't need to wait for a diagnosis or shuffle them off to a professional.   As a pastor or other ministry leader, you can help. You are called to help!    And in today's podcast episode, we'll help you identify some practical things you can do that will help. When someone is struggling with anxiety, these action steps and conversations will go a long way in offering encouragement, hope, healing, and care.   Let's dive in for some practical ways that Christian leaders can help people who struggle with anxiety.   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -    ABOUT YOUR HOST    This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at www.ihopeflorence.com.   We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast: LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel READ on the iHope blog     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -   REFERRALS AND DONATIONS   Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.   The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients' fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.     Find out more at www.ihopeflorence.com.    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -    DISCLAIMER   This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.    In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -    Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!   What's next? ✓ Subscribe and follow the show ✓ Leave a written review and let us know what topics we should cover ✓ Click on the 3 dots above to copy the link for this episode and share with a friend or colleague   If you're local to South Carolina, we hope you will consider us for referrals and donations to support this ministry.    Learn more about iHope Christian Care and Counseling at www.ihopeflorence.com. 

Fresh Start // Living in Freedom  Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,       because he has anointed me       to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners       and recovery of sight for the blind,to set the oppressed free,       to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” John 8:32 (NIV)“you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Jesus wants you to live in freedom.  1.      Freedom from guilt Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding”  2.     Freedom from the expectations of others 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)“…Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.”     3.     Freedom from being a slave to your desires Romans 6:6-7 (NIV)“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Galatians 5:16 (NLT)“…let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.”  4.     Freedom from the fear of death Hebrews 2:14-15 (NIV)“[Jesus] shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” 1 Corinthians 15:55 (NIV)“Where, O death, is your victory?                   Where, O death, is your sting?”

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;” Proverbs 31:27-28 NIV “It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” —Dorothy on The Golden Girls. Mother's Day. It's a day where mothers receive 1/365th of the attention they deserve each year. Mothers are the most revered and adored group in the world. They deserve so much but receive so little. What makes being a mother so special? Maybe, it's the same thing that makes it so difficult. On this weeks show, Kurt and Chad welcome a panel of moms (Marcie Hughes, Marci Edlin, and Gina Russell) to talk about the challenges, the rewards, and the God-ordained task of being a Mom. From the help that Mom needs from her husband, to the lies that a woman is tempted to believe, to the truths that God says about Moms, this weeks show is a tribute to the Moms who deserve so much love and admiration. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

Seven Days Pt. 5 | March 24th, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Hebrews 12:2-4 (MSG) Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! ✓  BETRAYEDJohn 18:1-3 (NIV) When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees.✓  RIDICULEDMatthew 26:63-65 (NIV) The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” ...Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. ✓  REJECTEDJohn 18:25-27 (NIV) Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren't one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn't I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.✓  ABUSEDMatthew 27:27-32 (NIV) Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.Hebrews 2:18 (TLB) For since he himself has now been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us.Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV) Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. THE FINAL WORDI. BE QUICK TO FORGIVE.Luke 23:32-34 (NIV) Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” II. SURRENDER YOUR LIFE AND YOUR SITUATION TO GOD. Luke 23:44-46 (NIV) It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Learn more about Bay Chapel at baychapel.com

Ps Fred Mugambi - Discerning The Will Of God John 10:22-31 (NIV) It is possible to be so much involved in Church and still miss out on God.

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV - - It's His church, not ours. - No good without Him! The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESVWhen we exclude Jesus we set ourselves up for drama, disappointment, and ultimately disaster.  Faith is neither dependent on, nor devoid of, empirical evidence. You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me. John 20:29 NLTThe decline of the New Atheists' particular brand of hyperbolic anti-religious fervor does not necessarily signify a rise in religious faith or belief in God. - Alister McGrath (The Dawkins Delusion) We're called to lean in and lead the way to Jesus.  Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 ESVIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3 ESVAnd the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 ESVThe presence of problems can never overpower the presence of Jesus.  #SeeTheEmptyTombBlessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 ESVFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESVYou see your regular failure, Jesus see's your road to redemption. You see your consistent struggle, Jesus sees your willingness to fight and never give up!  You see yourself as a chump challenged by brokenness you think you may never overcome. Jesus sees you as champion who wins not only for you but for others! See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 ESVBut God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 ESVThe steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESVJesus pursues us to love us.The love of Jesus is the most obvious and consistent reality I've witnessed in this world. Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.  Psalm 36:5 NLT Through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see, such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:16-17 ESV Jesus holds everything in the universe and beyond together, including me and you. Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLTWhere shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10 ESVThe truth about Jesus, who He is and how He loves, is the most important truth that any human can ever know. POEMJesusWith us and for usHe finds us and binds us He holds us together with His loveHe sees us and frees usNever does He leave usHe heals us with power from aboveNo hope we have without HimNever should we doubt HimHis fingerprints are everywhere we lookAnd even when wouldn't trust HimIn fact our choices surely hurt HimStill He gave His life, because that's what it tookTo forgive and to restoreTo a place that's better than beforeNow graced to come into the presence of the KingNothing we did to earn such graceIt was His choice, He made the spaceEven when He knew we had no gift to bringSo now we give ourselves for othersJust like the Jesus our big brother Praying they will see Him in the love we show. May our journeys give Him gloryAs He redeems our broken storiesSo those who see will trust the Savior we now know

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV - - It's His church, not ours. - No good without Him! The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESVWhen we exclude Jesus we set ourselves up for drama, disappointment, and ultimately disaster.  Faith is neither dependent on, nor devoid of, empirical evidence. You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me. John 20:29 NLTThe decline of the New Atheists' particular brand of hyperbolic anti-religious fervor does not necessarily signify a rise in religious faith or belief in God. - Alister McGrath (The Dawkins Delusion) We're called to lean in and lead the way to Jesus.  Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 ESVIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3 ESVAnd the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 ESVThe presence of problems can never overpower the presence of Jesus.  #SeeTheEmptyTombBlessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 ESVFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESVYou see your regular failure, Jesus see's your road to redemption. You see your consistent struggle, Jesus sees your willingness to fight and never give up!  You see yourself as a chump challenged by brokenness you think you may never overcome. Jesus sees you as champion who wins not only for you but for others! See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 ESVBut God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 ESVThe steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESVJesus pursues us to love us.The love of Jesus is the most obvious and consistent reality I've witnessed in this world. Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.  Psalm 36:5 NLT Through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see, such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:16-17 ESV Jesus holds everything in the universe and beyond together, including me and you. Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLTWhere shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10 ESVThe truth about Jesus, who He is and how He loves, is the most important truth that any human can ever know. POEMJesusWith us and for usHe finds us and binds us He holds us together with His loveHe sees us and frees usNever does He leave usHe heals us with power from aboveNo hope we have without HimNever should we doubt HimHis fingerprints are everywhere we lookAnd even when wouldn't trust HimIn fact our choices surely hurt HimStill He gave His life, because that's what it tookTo forgive and to restoreTo a place that's better than beforeNow graced to come into the presence of the KingNothing we did to earn such graceIt was His choice, He made the spaceEven when He knew we had no gift to bringSo now we give ourselves for othersJust like the Jesus our big brother Praying they will see Him in the love we show. May our journeys give Him gloryAs He redeems our broken storiesSo those who see will trust the Savior we now know

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can stop, break through all the distractions, and bodily experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Numbers 6:22-27 NIV The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:  “The LORD bless you and keep you;  the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”'  So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Psalm 44:3 NIV “It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.” Psalm 17:8 NIV “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 31:16 NIV “Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” Psalm 80:3 NIV “Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can stop, break through all the distractions, and bodily experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Numbers 6:22-27 NIV The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:  “The LORD bless you and keep you;  the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”'  So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Psalm 44:3 NIV “It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.” Psalm 17:8 NIV “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 31:16 NIV “Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” Psalm 80:3 NIV “Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

Join Stasi as she unpacks the book of Ruth, highlighting Naomi as well as the treasured characteristic of God's hesed. Stories like Naomi's help us be honest with God about our own lament. Even in our deepest suffering, we are always seen, loved, and held, and our faithful God promises that He will never turn His face away. In fact, we can trust that even when we don't see or understand, our God is always working on our behalf. He invites us to trust Him and to rest in His loyal love for us no matter how our story seems to be unfolding. Jesus is the great Hero of every story, including our own, and we can trust that our story has a very good ending.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Ruth 1:13 (NIV) — “…It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord's hand has turned against me!”Ruth 1:8 (NIV) — Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother's home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. Ruth 1:16 (NIV) — But Ruth replied, “Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) — …because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”Romans 8:28 (NIV) — And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.…..OTHER RESOURCES:Finding God in the Margins: The Book of Ruth by Carolyn Custis James  https://amzn.to/44JKKf5…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

“for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ It does not matter how it looks today or even how it feels. God promises in His Word through prayer, things will certainly turn around. Reflection: Have you been dealing with a situation for a period of time? I challenge you to continue to pray about the situation and no matter how hard it looks, God will turn it around in His time.

Proverbs 16 The chapter talks on the ability of Man Vs the ability of God . A man sees a plans but God sees intentions. It is important to involve God in our plans ' Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.' Proverbs 16:3 We are to live a righteous and upright life . Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone's way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:6 - 9 NIV We are to eschew every form of evil Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 NIV And be patient Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32 NIV Proverbs 17 The proverbs is a book of great wisdom. Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. This chapter gives stern warning against all forms of evil. Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. Proverbs 17:5 NIV Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them. Proverbs 17:11 NIV The words of wisdom continues A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 NIV This verse is for us to always keep a cheerful disposition. Proverbs 18 The words of wisdom continues We should tame our tongue and allow the holy spirit to speak through us in every situation The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. Proverbs 18:6 - 7 NIV We should be diligent in all that we do. Handle our careers, ministry, relationships with diligence. One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. Proverbs 18:9 NIV We should have the habit of praying . The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NIV We should speak positively ,speak healing , prosperity... From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:20 - 21 NIV The great thing for a man finding a wife He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22 NIV It's great to surround ourselves with good company. One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irtwbey365/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irtwbey365/support

Matthew 5:31-32 NIV “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” 

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;” Proverbs 31:27-28 NIV “It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” —Dorothy on The Golden Girls. Mother's Day. It's a day where mothers receive 1/365th of the attention they deserve each year. Mothers are the most revered and adored group in the world. They deserve so much but receive so little. What makes being a mother so special? Maybe, it's the same thing that makes it so difficult. On this weeks show, Kurt and Chad welcome a panel of moms (Marcie Hughes, Marci Edlin, and Gina Russell) to talk about the challenges, the rewards, and the God-ordained task of being a Mom. From the help that Mom needs from her husband, to the lies that a woman is tempted to believe, to the truths that God says about Moms, this weeks show is a tribute to the Moms who deserve so much love and admiration. (This episode is a repeat from May 2019 - enjoy!)

The Holy Spirit and One AnotherOne Another • May 7, 2023Teacher: John Wenrich--https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhs.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fsurgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf&psig=AOvVaw3jh0XkxRUVQKjzhSfjcROv&ust=1683302109824000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCOCM_5iD3P4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAIDr. Vivek H. MurthyIn recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic cut off so many of us from friends, loved ones, and support systems, exacerbating loneliness and isolation.Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being. But we have the power to respond. A culture of connection rests on core values of kindness, respect, service, and commitment to one another. Everyone contributes to the collective culture of social connection by regularly practicing these values.Behaviors are both learned from and reinforced by the groups we participate in and the communities we are a part of. Thus, the more we observe others practicing these values, the more they will be reinforced in us. 1. The Holy Spirit is a person.John 14:26 NIVBut the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said.” 2. The Holy Spirit is God.Clark Pinnock“Modern Christians are largely content to be trinitarian in belief, but binitarian in practice.”Gordan Fee“God lives in eternal relationship with himself as a Triune God. The relational implications of this for us, both toward God and toward one another, should become a primary part of our paradigm of life in the Spirit as we live together. The Spirit is foundational to (our) entire experience and understanding of (our) present life in Christ.” 3. The Holy Spirit empowers us for mission.Acts 1:4, 8 NIVDo not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 4. The Holy Spirit is the key to compelling Christian community.2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”Galatians 5:22-23 NIV“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.Acts 15:28 NIV“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”Hebrews 10:25 NIV“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” 1. The Holy Spirit is a person.2. The Holy Spirit is God.3. The Holy Spirit empowers us for mission.4. The Holy Spirit is the key to compelling Christian community.

Welcome to Passionate Life Church! Pastor Mike Wiencek joins us to bring us the Word today. A little bit of Kingdom investment can make a huge impact! Welcome Home! ----------------------------------------------------- Luke 24:32 (NIV) Jesus left us with a Great Commission. Matthew 28:18-20. (NIV) It takes a commitment to prioritize the time. Keep Discipleship simple Make moments to Point their Heart to Jesus Deut.6:5. (NIV) 20-30 mins of sleep won't affect our day, but 20-30 mins with Jesus will! What's my Response? ----------------------------------------------------- Thanks for listening! If you were positively impacted by this message, please leave us a comment! Be sure to like and subscribe to our channel to stay connected to this house. Join us every Sunday at 9:00am or 10:30am Spotify: http://bit.ly/passionatelifechurch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passionatelifechurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionate.life.church/ 10393 W Alamo Pl Littleton, CO 80127 Need Prayer? Contact us at passionatelifechurch@gmail.com — ► Subscribe to our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL88... — Passionate People. Multicultural Environment. Atmosphere to Experience God. You will feel Loved, Refreshed, & Empowered Loved: We have an atmosphere of acceptance and an environment that creates a “come as you are” message. Everyone will feel loved! Refreshed: We serve a God of the Fresh Start! No matter where you've been or what you've done, God wants to refresh you today and every day. Empowered: God wants to grow you into everything He's called you to be and do. We want to give you all of the tools you will need in order to empower you to live a life fully devoted to Jesus Christ. We are non-denominational & believe that the Bible is truth and fully written by God through man. Need Prayer? Contact us at passionatelifechurch@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionatelifechurch/message

The Life of Humble Service  Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” John 13:1-17 (NIV)It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. Values of God's Kingdom 1.      In my kingdom no one is above serving.Luke 22:14-16, 22-24 (NIV)“When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.2.       In my Kingdom no one is below being served. 

Song of Solomon 8:6 (NLT): Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. Song of Solomon 8:6 (NIV): It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Song of Solomon 8:7 (NLT): Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. Philippians 4:8 (NLT): Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Preacher: Andy Bauer Date: 2/12/23 Series: Prayer Key Scriptures: Acts 12:1-18 (NIV) It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” 12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” 15 “You're out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place.18 In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.

Proverbs 25:2 (NIV)It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.https://livesteadyon.com/Email Angie at: steadyonpodcast@gmail.comFacebook: @livesteadyonInstagram: @angiebaughman421Grab freebies and subscribe to the weekly Steady On newsletter at: https://livesteadyon.com/live-steady-on-newsletter/You can download a blank study sheet here:https://www.canva.com/design/DAFEdnkIUlw/iOiBwQqR15-DUJ0kGo2SsQ/view?utm_content=DAFEdnkIUlw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebuttonInterested in the Step By Step Bible study method? Download the FREE masterclass here: https://livesteadyon.com/live-steady-on-stepbystepmasterclass/Resources used in this episode:Logos Softwarehttps://www.logos.com/Enduring Word Commentaryhttps://enduringword.com/James Strong, A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009)Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament by R Laird Harris, Gleason L Archer Jr., Bruce K. Waltke Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 905.Crawford Howell Toy, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Proverbs, International Critical Commentary (New York: C. Scribner's Sons, 1899), 457.John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 960.David Atkinson, The Message of Proverbs: Wisdom for Life, ed. J. A. Motyer, John Stott, and Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today (England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1996), 152.Steady On Internship mentioned in the midroll:https://livesteadyon.com/internship/Midroll music:Ready to Go written by Lincoln DavisPerformed and produced by AllexTheme musicHeartwarming by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3864-heartwarmingLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Romans 7:5 (NIV)“For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death.”James 2:10 (ESV)“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” Romans 9:1 (NIV)“I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel.”Has God's word failed?  God's Plan of Salvation for the World  Chapter 9: It's been the same from the beginning.   Romans 9:6 (NIV)“It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.”Romans 9:8 (NIV)“it is not the children by physical descent who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring.Galatians 3:16 (NIV)“The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say ‘and to seeds,' meaning many people, but ‘and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is Christ.”Romans 9:17-18 (NIV)“For Scripture says to Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.'”  Chapter 10: God's plan has succeeded.   Romans 10:4 (ESV)“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”Galatians 4:4-5 (NASB)“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.” Chapter 11: God's plan will continue to succeed. Romans 11:9-10 (ESV)“Let their table become a snare and a trap,                   a stumbling block and a retribution for them;let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,                   and bend their backs forever.” Romans 11:11 (ESV)So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.”Romans 11:13 (ESV)“I magnify my ministry in order to make my fellow Jews jealous and thus save some of them.”Romans 11:25 (ESV)“a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved”Romans 9:6 (ESV)“For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel” 

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Paul affirms: "Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." (NIV) It's one thing to give mental ascent to the notion that there was a good man named Jesus, that He was crucified to death, buried, and alleged by some to have risen from the dead. (An atheist could affirm that.) It's quite another thing to believe from your heart of hearts that Jesus was the one and only Son of God, Who was crucified to death on a cross, Who bore the punishment of we sinners, extinguishing God's wrath against our sin; Who was buried in a grave that could not hold Him; and, Who rose up from that grave victoriously demonstrating that our sins had indeed been atoned for, totally forgiven, with eternal life bestowed upon those for whom He died. Truth matters! And what we believe matters! So where do you stand on what truly matters?

One of the most famous quotes of Jesus is this, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV) It is often quoted in reference to some abstract concept of truth. As if knowing any truth, historical, philosophical or scientific, liberates us. But Jesus actually used it in a narrow sense. John 8:31-32 reads, ‘To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”' (NIV) Jesus said his followers hold to his teaching. His teaching on morality and spiritual things is the truth that liberates. We see this in the conversation with the believing Jews in the following verses. ‘They answered him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”' (John 8:33-36 NIV) If we want to follow Jesus, we must hold to his teaching. We don't pick and choose what we want to believe, as if Jesus offers some buffet of advice. We hold, grasp, grip all of his teaching, even when the culture mocks, cancels and persecutes. This is the path to freedom. How to leave a review: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/rate-and-review/ Visit Elmer Fuller's author website at: https://www.elmerfuller.com/ Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

Lamentations 3:19-23 (NIV) • It is hard to escape a storm, it is harder to handle the aftermath of a storm. • Post-disaster recovery is important to repair and heal from the damages.----more---- • Rebuilding hope is necessary to get back to normal and fulfill our responsibilities. For all these to happen we must depend on God's unfailing love, compassion and faithfulness.

It's helpful to know we are not alone in not fitting in. Today's guest is Nancy Carmichael, creator of IsleofMisfits.com. She loves to encourage others in their “weird,” and today she shares her three core values: owning your awkward, loving your fellow misfits, and seeking beauty and truth. Believing that God doesn't just love us but actually likes the way he made us can help us own who we are and step into the glory and purpose he intended.SHOW NOTES:Verses: John 6:67-68 (NIV) — “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.Luke 8:26-39 (NIV) — Story of Legion being set free — (verse 36-37) Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.Galatians 5:1 (NIV) — It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. …John Keats Quote: “Beauty is truth — truth beauty — that is all ye know on earth and all ye need to know.”NANCY CARMICHAELWebsite: https://isleofmisfits.com/Podcast: https://isleofmisfits.com/podcasts/Blog: https://isleofmisfits.com/blog/Nancy Carmichael Bio:Nancy Carmichael is the Proprietor and Chief Misfit of the IsleofMisfits.com, a blogging and podcasting Oasis for self-proclaimed square pegs, far and wide. Through it, she hopes to build a community of people who own their awkward, love their fellow misfit and embrace beauty and truth in the weirdness of life. Aside from this, one of her main claims to fame is being merely 1 degree separated from Kevin Bacon, thanks to a friend who once played a stand-in for his leading lady in the 80's classic “She's Having a Baby”. As if it could get any better, Nancy is married to a man so good it took EHarmony to help her find him, and a daughter she will obnoxiously brag about if given even half a chance. She has spent her life communicating good news wherever in the world the door opens, through writing, singing, speaking, coaching, counseling and advocating for those whom society often overlooks.

Welcome to Redemption Church in Plano Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt and I am blessed to serve as lead pastor at this mighty Church. We are in the 3rd week of our sermon series – Vibe Check What is a Vibe? Vibro Ax from Star wars?  Vibe – A person's emotional state, felt by others; The tangible atmosphere created by the disposition of our being. Also.. A practical revelation of a spiritual reality. Vibe - the cologne or perfume of your life. (2 Cor 2:14-15) Vibe Check The best vibes come from the Spirit. The worst vibes come from the flesh. The greatest vibe the Spirit produces is Love.   22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Joy Follows Love Where there is love there will be joy.  John 15:9-12 (NIV) 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Love turns into Joy. Joy- A Holy gladness that stems only from Jesus.   The opposite of Joy is not sorrow Joy can be present in sorrow. The opposite of Joy is negativity and emptiness I want you to consider this for a moment. Negative? Critical Destructive Dismissive Pessimistic Your account runs negative when you make more withdraws than deposits Make a deposit of love. When you love God, He loves you back. When you bless God, He blesses you back. When you give unto God, He gives back. Luke 6:38 (NIV) 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Malachi 3:10 (NIV) 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. *Acts 20:35 (NIV) … ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Negative? What you give to the Lord comes back to you in a greater amount. If you are negative, you need to send out love, praise, and celebration.  You will see positive deposits in your soul. Empty? When your stomach is empty and you feel weak, what do you do?  You will your stomach with nutrient. If you are empty you need to be RE-filled. Matthew 5:6 (NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV) 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. John 15:11 (NIV) 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. Psalm 51:12 (NIV) 12Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. The opposite of Joy is negativity and emptiness Are you negative and empty?  Or are you full of Joy? When you walk into a room are you bring negativity and emptiness?   Joy is gladness within your soul that causes you to walk through life in strength. When you walk in the room… -gladness should walk in the room. -strength should walk in the room. People should be happy to see you walk in the room. “How can I be happy like you?” “How can I have strength like you?” “How can I have that kind of energy?”   And we should let them know the answer is Jesus!   Beware: False Joy Just like there are works of the flesh that are misunderstood as love… there are also works of the flesh that are mis-identified as joy. Robin Williams Robin Williams is known as a comedic genius. He was an award winner.  He won Academy awards, Emmy awards,

Real LoveRomans • August 21, 2022Teacher: Adam Barnett--To be a living sacrifice isn't just getting on the altar but staying there.How is our God-time in comparison with our Screen-time?Romans 12:9-21 NIVLove must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 1. Paul was concerned about the interaction between believers and the non-believing society.2. Paul was concerned about the strife within the Roman church itself.1. Love others and mean it (v. 9).2. Be devoted to others (v. 10).3. Show honor through humility (v. 10).4. Sustain spiritual passion (v. 11).5. Bless those who hurt you (v. 14).εὐλογέω = to speak well of.6. Live in harmony (v. 16).7. Don't get even (vv. 17-21). Deuteronomy 32:35 NIV“It is mine to avenge; I will repay.”Love others and mean it. Be devoted to others. Show honor through humility. Sustain spiritual passion. Bless those who hurt you. Live in harmony. Don't get even.

Acts 15:1 ESV But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts 15:2-4 ESV 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. Acts 15:5 ESV 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” Matthew 20:16 NIV 16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” John 3:14-15 NIV 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” Genesis 15:6 NIV 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Romans 2:28-29a NIV 28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Jeremiah 9:25-26 NIV 25 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh— 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.” Galatians 5:6 NIV 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Acts 15:6-7 ESV 6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. Acts 10:15-16 ESV 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven. Acts 10:43-44 ESV 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” 44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. Acts 15:8-9 ESV 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Acts 15:10-11 ESV 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” Galatians 5:1 NIV It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Acts 15:12-17 ESV 12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, again, this isn't new! 16 “‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.'  

Thank you for joining us for Hope for the Hurting. Today, we are wrapping up our two-parter on shame. What is shame? Where does it come from? What's the difference between shame and guilt? How do we find relief from our shame and guilt? What does the Bible say about shame? Dr. Irv answers all of these questions, and we share how you can invite Jesus to partner with you to overcome shame and guilt and come into your life to be your Lord and Savior. Jesus died to set us free. Galatians 5:1 (NIV) - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." If you have questions, comments or topic ideas, please email Dr. Irv at hopewellcounsel@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hopeforthehurting/message

Have you ever stepped on a sticker? There are different types of stickers. Cockleburs can be half the size of your thumb and covered in spines. But they are pretty easy to see on the ground and avoid. Sand burs are small. I picked a lot out of my socks as a kid. I also stepped on a few. They stung, but they were nothing like goathead stickers. These hard, spiney seeds from a ground hugging plant are about the size of a pencil eraser. The sticker looks like a miniature goat head. They can stab bare feet. In fact, another name for goatheads is puncturevine. I learned at an early age to wear shoes where goatheads grow. Protecting the feet is important in battle. Today's infantry soldier wears combat boots. If your feet are injured, you usually can't complete your mission. Ephesians 6:15 describes part of the spiritual armor we should wear. It says we should have “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (NIV) It means we must be ready to march on our mission to spread the message about Jesus. I think one of the biggest challenges for followers of Jesus in today's culture is to stay on mission. So many things distract us. We can easily expend ourselves fighting the wrong battles. We hop around and howl like stepping on a sticker. Instead, we must focus on being ready to spread the peace that Jesus provides. How to leave a review: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/rate-and-review/ Please provide feedback and suggestions at: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/feedback/ Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

THE HEART OF THE FATHER Luke 5:12 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. LUKE 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him 1) THE EMBRACE OF THE FATHER SPEAKS VALUE Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? VALUE: the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV): 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. APPLICATION: CHOOSE TODAY TO RECEIVE FULL VALUE THROUGH THE EMBRACE OF THE FATHER! 2) THE HEART OF THE FATHER BRINGS CORRECTION Hebrews 12:4–13 (NIV): It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Proverbs 3:11-12 (The Passion Translation) 11My child, when the Lord God speaks to you, never take his words lightly, and never be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Father's discipline comes only from his passionate love and pleasure for you. Even when it seems like his correction is harsh, it's still better than any father on earth gives to his child. Job 5:17 “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. DO YOU WANT TO BE BLESSED TODAY? THEN RECEIVE GOD'S CORRECTION APPLICATION: Where is God correcting you today? 3) THE EMBRACE OF THE FATHER BRINGS RECONCILIATION Luke 5:12 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. TOUCH: take hold of, hold; cling to ACTS 3:19 (NIV) 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord CLOSING ONE LINE CHALLENGE: CHOOSE TODAY TO RECEIVE THE EMBRACE OF THE FATHER FULLY IN YOUR LIFE! APPLICATION WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT SAYING TO YOU? ARE THERE AREAS IN YOUR LIFE THAT LACK THE FATHERS VALUE? ANY PLACE CORRECTION IS NEEDED? CHOOSE DAILY THIS WEEK TO RECEIVE THE EMBRACE OF THE FATHER IN YOUR LIFE!

Sermon Notes How many years do you want to be married? What does love require of me? John 13:34 NIV "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." When you’re not sure what to say or do you love people like Jesus loved you. John 13:35 NIV "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." 1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (Better translated, "I’m a nobody.") 1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV "If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." 1 Corinthians 13:5-8a NIV "It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1John 4:20-21 MSG "If anyone boasts, 'I love God,' and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both." What does love require of me? 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE."

I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know! Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music's YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays. Find Care • https://hopecitypdx.com/care • Hope City strives to address unique life circumstances in multiple ways, through care and support. Daniel Knutson - May 22, 2022 How We Are Shaped Water Baptism Identifies us with Jesus Led by the Holy Spirit Called to live generously Called to those close and distant Following Jesus together Mark 2:17 (NIV)…“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Acts 9:1- (NIV)1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. We use what we've been given, to give to others 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. You are never too far, and it is never too late, to encounter the love of Jesus 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Those who have encountered Jesus, share Jesus. 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized… You're never too far, and it's never too late Give to others Share Jesus

(English) In this message Ps Rod talks about the resurrection of Jesus in these 5 points: (1 Corinthians 15:14 NIV) And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith. 1. What Happened on the Friday? (John 19:30 NIV) It is finished.  2. What Happened Between the Cross and the Resurrection? (Luke 23:42-43 NIV) Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (43) Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Revelation 1:18 NIV) I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. 3. What Happened Early Sunday Morning? (John 20:1-18) Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. (2) So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!” (3) So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. (4) Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. (5) He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. (6) Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, (7) as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. (8) Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (9) (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) (10) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.(11) Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb (12) and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. (13) They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don't know where they have put him.” (14) At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (15) He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” (16) Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). (17) Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” (18) Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. 4. What did Jesus do on the Sunday? (1 Corinthians 15:3-8NIV) For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (5) and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. (6) After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. (7) Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, (8) and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. Two Things For Us Who Believe: 1. “No death” (1 Corinthians 15:55-56 NIV) “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 2. "Same Power” (Ephesians 1:19-20 NIV) and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

This is episode 76 of The Burt Not Ernie Show podcast - and I am so excited because it is the week of September 30th - and that is International Podcast Day. And this little podcast is featured on Podchaser as one of the Top Christian Podcasts to listen to for International Podcast Day. How cool is that?   Today for this episode we are going to read some verses with promises that we can pray for ourselves and of course for pretty much everyone who may be on our prayer lists.  Sometimes we aren't exactly sure what to pray, how to pray, in a certain situation or for a certain person. And it's really kind of handy, or actually it's pretty important, to have some verses from the Bible sort of at the ready to pray for those people and situations. So that's the focus of these verses today.    And hey, in case nobody let you know this as of late, God truly loves you. And He truly likes you. When you spend time with Him, He actually enjoys it. You're pretty awesome. And I can say that because it's true - and it's true because God proves it to be true. Enjoy your life today. God loves you and He wants you to enjoy it - not down the road, but right here and now. Enjoy your life. You're allowed to do that, ya know!   Let's anchor our hope in the Lord to our praying by really believing His promises are true.    Romans 4:21b - … being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. (That's the second half of the verse, and I believe that is from the NLT - it's a good thing to ask ourselves if we are fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He has promised when we enter our prayer times. Do we believe it? If so, fantastic! Pray like you believe that this is true every time you come to the Lord in prayer.)   2 Kings 19:16a - Give ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see. (Ask Him to hear you as you stand praying. Ask Him to see you, to see your circumstances and to do a great work that glorifies Him in the midst of those circumstances.)    John 17:15 - “My prayer is not that You take them out of the world, but that You protect them from the evil one.” (Jesus did not ask the Father to take you out of this world. Sometimes we want out of it! It kinda sucks down here on earth sometimes, right? But we cannot be wanting or praying for something in direct contrast to what Jesus' revealed will is. And this verse says His will is for us not to be taken out of this world. But to be protected from the evil one. Pray as if you trust your Father to protect you from the evil one as you do His will in this world. And pray the same thing over your families and friends and workplaces and finances and health and churches and believers all around the world. Pray like this is your promise and you will find yourself far less afraid of the dirty old devil!)    Psalm 18:28b - The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. (Do you have any areas of your life where maybe you don't feel like you can see clearly? Any dark spots? Like those annoying floaters in our vision, ya know, but in our life? Ask your good and faithful and loving and so trustworthy God to enlighten those places. And He really will!) This verse has the word WILL in it - okay, gotta reiterate this like pretty much whenever I can. Will means will and All means all and my God don't play. He will do every single bit of what He has said that He will do.   Romans 8:31 NLT - If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (I am hopeful that on my rough days I will always remember this verse, this promise. Who is for us? Who is for me - for me?? God, that's who. God is for you. So who can ever be against us? This puts things into their proper perspective, my friend. It's all small potatoes compared to our God. Anything coming up against you is also coming against Him and there is nothing that can stand against your God. Keep your eyes on the prize always and the prize is Jesus. Keep Him as your focus and all else shrinks down to size. He is for you. Please don't ever forget that!)    And just one more verse I want to share with you today - it is from the book of Isaish. Chapter 40, verse 10 and it is from the NIV - It says: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.    That is a whopper of a promise. Combine this promise, actually a few promises here in this verse, with your praying and you are not going to end your prayer time the same as when you started. Try it and see!    Lord, thank You that no matter what, You have given me instruction not to fear, and so I will not fear. I choose faith, I shut down fear, I trust in You fully & absolutely. I will not fear because You, my God, are with me. Always with me. You will never leave me nor forsake me. So of course I do not need to fear - I am never alone, the God of heaven's armies is with me always. Thank You for this promise and for an answer to the fears that try to press in upon me. You have told me not to be dismayed, and so I will do as You have told me and will not be dismayed. Why? Because You are my God and in You is all wisdom and understanding. There is no need for dismay, thanks to You, Lord. You promise to strengthen me and to help me and to uphold me with Your righteous right hand. If I am strong in the strength that You give, is there anything that can be stronger? No! If I am helped by You, can anything ever be bigger than that help? No! Since I am upheld by Your righteous right hand, is it possible for me to be under my enemy while being upheld by You? No!   I hope you are inspired today to pray God's Word, the promises He has made to You, over every prayer request you have. I'm telling you what, things change when we pray or the devil wouldn't work so hard to keep us from prayer. Satan does not want you praying God's Word. So, get to praying it and smash your enemy under your feet.    Thanks for being here for this episode. And thanks to all who have left reviews of my devotional book on Amazon - The Power of God's Will - 40 Days of God's Promises has all five star reviews and I sure am humbled that it has been an encouragement to people.    Have a wonderful week and be sure to check out the Top Christian Podcasts to Listen to on International Podcast Day on Podchaser - here is the link: https://www.podchaser.com/lists/top-christian-podcasts-to-listen-to-on-international-podcast-107aIUuQ5o?fbclid=IwAR2F8UfTY1PQIiFkDm9ValDU4DFnRLhTtIN96jDb4agNyiY2haV6oderFPc   Also, if you would like to sign up for my email list at my website, I am going to start sending out more regular emails. Nothing overwhelming, our inboxes are so full already, but things like a Bible verse and a prayer and maybe the verse for the next podcast episode. I have seen my sign ups increasing the last few weeks and I think I should be better about encouraging listeners and readers with God's promises.   Pray big prayers based on the Word of God this week and expect to see God move in answer to your praying!   Praying Through the Storm online prayer retreat group  Grab a copy of "The Power of God's Will - 40 Days of God's Promises Devotional" via Amazon Stay up-to-date and sign up for my email list at JanLBurt.com  

On today's podcast we're discussing a variety of topics including how our deconstruction's going, what relationships look like when they're not connected to a church, the Bible and being “right” and, unsurprisingly, it all ends up pointing to love. Intro * The band is back together * How's Steve's deconstruction going? * Book: “The Long Tail” (https://amzn.to/2VvS3sW) Relationships outside of church * It's possible to have friends who are NOT at church with you The Bible & Rightness * Book: “Predictably Irrational” (https://amzn.to/2T3Haxv) * “Let's start at the very beginning….” ”Sound of Music - “Do Re Mi” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnBMAEA3AM) * “Rooted and established in love” - Ephesians 3:14-19 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A14-19&version=NIV) * Love sums up the Law and the Prophets - Matthew 22:38-40 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A38-40&version=NIV) and Romans 13:9-10 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13%3A9-10&version=NIV) and Galatians 5:14 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A14&version=NIV) It's about love * Become like children - Matthew 18:2-4 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018%3A2-4&version=NIV) * “If there's a group of people that we're gonna be disappointed that God's okay with them, we might be doing it wrong” — Nathan Join our Patreon (http://patreon.com/followingthefire) - we'd love your support and we have some fantastic patron perks!

It's Complicated: Taking a new look at the Trinity Today we dive in to a deep and mysterious and complicated and confusing topic. We tend to just say this word and accept it and move on, but we're going to take some time to discuss the doctrine of the Trinity. The idea that 3 is 1 and 1 is 3. And we dive in to whether or not that's what we believe, and what does that mean for our lives, and what does it mean for how I treat my neighbor, or what I should do today? Intro: 1:16 Nathan is getting too many good recommendations Baeder-Meinhoff Effect (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency_illusion) Book: “Jesus and John Wayne” (https://amzn.to/3guco9Y)by Kristen Kobes Du Mez Book: “Affirming” (https://amzn.to/3gz3abn) by Sally Gary Trinity in Scripture: 6:57 Book: “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Road) Book: “Ulysses” by James Joyce (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulysses_(novel)) Show: “Ted Lasso” (https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy) Non-Binary (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-binary_gender) Concept of the Trinity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity) Restoration Movement (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restoration_Movement) Barton Stone's view on the Trinity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barton_W._Stone#Theological_controversy) Unitarianism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unitarianism) Tritheism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tritheism) Modalism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modalistic_Monarchianism) Partialism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabellianism) Arianism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arianism) Monarchianism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarchianism) God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts - Isaiah 55:8-9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055%3A8-9&version=NIV) Jesus' baptism - Matthew 3:16-17 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+3%3A16-17&version=NIV) The Great Commission - Matthew 28:18-20 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A18-20&version=NIV) 2 Corinthians 13:14 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+13%3A14&version=NIV) 1 Peter 1:1-2 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A1-2&version=NIV) Mistranslation: Colossians 2:9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A9&version=NIV) Mistranslation: 1 John 5:7-8 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A7-8&version=NIV) Shema Yisrael (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shema_Yisrael) An intuitive reading: 27:00 Doc: Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iGG_TRnfT1siIbTSjD55aRpYNoxSi0KO_T6ggi8jJbs/edit) Men visiting Abraham - Genesis 18 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+18&version=NIV) Trinity in history: 45:02 Tertullian (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tertullian) Hippolytus of Rome (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytus_of_Rome) First Council of Nicaea (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Council_of_Nicaea) Arius of Alexandria (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arius) Alexander of Alexandria (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Alexander_I_of_Alexandria) Nicene Creed (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed) First Council of Constantinople (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Council_of_Constantinople) Athanasian Creed (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasian_Creed) How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_many_angels_can_dance_on_the_head_of_a_pin%3F) Islamic view of the Trinity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_view_of_the_Trinity) Does it matter?: 1:03:56 The term “gospel” (https://bibleproject.com/learn/gospel-word-study) Christology (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christology) Birth of Jesus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_of_Jesus) Genealogy of Jesus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genealogy_of_Jesus) Our Safe Harbor Church (https://www.oursafeharbor.com) Video series: Who Told You That? by Patrick Mead (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgz9vzUsiIL3cXw4Ayj14zcenTqLRdaFL) Video: Who Told ME I Didn't Have To Be a Name Brand Christian? (https://youtu.be/aS0YNRa6tC0) Only Son Ministries (https://onlysonministries.org) Impact Matrix (https://www.groupmap.com/map-templates/impact-effort-matrix/) The Greatest Command - Matthew 22:36-40 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022%3A36-40&version=NIV) Jesus' new command - John 13:34-35 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013%3A34-35&version=NIV) “It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbor.“ - Eric Hoffer (https://quotepark.com/quotes/1938618-eric-hoffer-it-is-easier-to-love-humanity-as-a-whole-than-to-l/) Book: “Love Does” by Bob Goff (https://amzn.to/3zx0Ydd) Join our Patreon (http://patreon.com/followingthefire) - we'd love your support and we have some fantastic patron perks!

For better or worse, one thing that comes with all the faith deconstruction going on these days is that a lot of people are leaving or changing the church they attend. Nathan has some great advice for those leaving, those who are left, and the leaders of churches. Wherever you fall on that list, this episode is for you. Intro - 0:00 * Nathan's an enneagram 5, which gives him the superpower of reading in the dark?? * Nobody's sure how to feel about it snowing in April * Steve is un-cleaning his office * We need butlers Leaving a Church - 4:35 * Listener requested topic: Leaving a church * Steve never got dumped * Nathan got dumped a lot by one person - then he married her * Breaking-up variants: The fizzle, ghosting * Breakup advice: * It's better to be honest than avoid awkwardness * Give them space and don't text them at 2 am * Give yourself time to acknowledge what you're going through * Don't jump in to something new * Don't bring your past with you * Don't isolate yourself; depend on community * It's a good time to learn about yourself * There are “socially acceptable” times to leave because they're not “personal” * Nathan's Vocabulary * “Church” = local congregation * “Kingdom” = where God reigns * “Kingdom Community” = group of people with a kingdom connection to each other * The Kingdom is much much bigger than a church * Lord's Prayer: “…Your kingdom come…” Matthew 6:9-13 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+6%3A9-13&version=NIV) The Leavers - 24:01 * Important to find community of some kind * Look forward more than backward * Vindication and validation will likely not come * Jonah (https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=jonah&version=NIV) * It's important to go through the grieving process * But try not to stay there - move forward, look forward * Remember when YOU were there when someone else left * There's a lot of fear around leaving * If you move you get a cake The Left - 54:52 * People who are left at the congregation * It's easy to rationalize by “they fell away” * It's all tied to identity * Steve's dream: People can go to another congregation and still have love and connection with the people at the previous place * Nathan's dream: When someone leaves, we should think, “Wow, I wonder what God is doing in their lives!” * It doesn't have to be an us vs them situation * Assume positive intent * Just listen to what they have to say * Be friends with who you were friends with * Don't excommunicate because you're mad * “…go talk to them…” Matthew 18:15-17 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-17&version=NIV) * Jesus spent most of his time with those outside his kingdom * Pay attention to their FRUIT, not just where they go on a Sunday * “We're not called to be faithful members, we're called to be faithful followers. Showing up is not what we're called to do” -Nathan The Leaders - 1:10:31 * When people leave, it's a hard time for church leaders to be Christ-like * Gut reactions are dangerous * When Jesus shows up to places, people flock to him * “…whoever is not against us is for us.” Mark 9:38-41 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%209%3A38-41&version=NIV) * Concealing sin and abuse is NEVER okay * Concealing abuse is never for the greater good * We should all try to learn from the situation * Article: “Losing Our Religion” by Russel Moore (https://www.russellmoore.com/2021/04/15/losing-our-religion/) * Twitter: @followingthfire (https://twitter.com/followingthfire) * Beware the rebound church * Send us your leaving stories (good or bad) to followingthefirepodcast@gmail.com Join our Patreon (http://patreon.com/followingthefire) - we'd love your support and we have some fantastic patron perks!

We're going to talk about the B.I.B.L.E. and discuss whether it's the book for us. Where'd it come from? Is it truth? What is truth? Then we get deeper and deeper. Come follow along as we try to figure this out. What's the deal with the Bible? - 2:06 * Deconstructing is now a “thing” * Reconstruction is also important (https://www.relevantmagazine.com/magazine/how-to-deconstruct-your-faith-without-losing-it/) The 3 ‘I's of scripture - 7:32 * Inspired, Infallible, Inerrant (https://www.namb.net/apologetics/resource/the-three-i-s-of-scripture-inspired-interrant-infallible/) * Quotation confusion in the New Testament * Hebrews 8: 7-9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%208%3A7-9&version=NIV) * Jeremiah 31:32 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A32&version=NIV) * Luke 24:45-47 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A+45-47&version=NIV) * Jude 14-15 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jude+14-15&version=NIV) * 1 Enoch 1:9 (https://www.ccel.org/c/charles/otpseudepig/enoch/ENOCH_1.HTM) * Things added later * “Cast the first stone” story - John 8:-11 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A1-11&version=NIV) * Biblical Chiasmus (https://www.chiasmusxchange.com/explanatory-notes/) * Mark 16:9-20 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2016&version=NIV) The Sacredness of Scripture - 28:01 * Book: “Red Letter Revolution” by Shaine Claiborne & Tony Campolo (https://amzn.to/3fn8O1q) * The sections of the Tanakh (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Bible#Books_of_the_Tanakh) * “All scripture is useful…” 2 Tim 3:16-17 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%203%3A16-17&version=NIV) * Competitive Agency vs. Dual Agency * “Pray to God for Protection. Then Praise Him for Your Mask.” By Tish Harrison Warren (https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/march/covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic-gods-protection-mask.html) * “Liturgy of the Ordinary” By Tish Harrison Warren (https://amzn.to/3df8Jdi) A Toxic Relationship With the Bible - 48:03 * Putting too much of our faith on the 3 ‘I's can cause it all to crash down * The through-line of the Bible is the important thing * Coming to terms with imperfection is important Differently Important - 1:05:54 * Looking for the Truths instead of the Rules * From milk to meat - 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203:1-3&version=NIV) * We want to stay with “incorrect vs. correct” but the Bible is pulling us in a different direction * Jesus taught in this direction - Matthew 5:17-48 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A17-48&version=NIV) * It's not about the rule, it's about your heart and a relationship with God * Easter Letter of Athanasius (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_letter) * History of the New Testament Canon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_of_the_New_Testament_canon) * Q Source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_source) * What's the minimum viable Bible? * Book: “Love Does” by Bob Goff (https://amzn.to/31puRMJ) * “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” (https://youtu.be/gMjRTCWAgB4) Join our Patreon (http://patreon.com/followingthefire) - we'd love your support and we have some fantastic patron perks!