Podcasts about Obedience

In this GoMission episode, Mark Gillmore sits down in eastern Uganda with Brother David, a Kenyan missionary serving among the Pokot and Karamajong people of the Karamoja region. Living among nomadic cattle herders in a harsh and often hostile environment, Brother David shares how God burdened his heart to bring the gospel to an unreached people group marked by violence, animism, and deep spiritual darkness. Without financial backing and with great personal sacrifice, he obeyed God's call and has seen over 150 believers baptized and a growing local church planted in one of the hardest mission fields in East Africa.Topics DiscussedLife and culture among the Pokot and Karamajong peopleNomadic living, cattle identity, and spiritual strongholdsAnimism, spirit worship, and resistance to the gospelBrother David's salvation testimony and calling to missionsObeying God without funding or institutional supportDaily evangelism and discipleship, not event-based ministryLiving with the people to reach the peopleTeaching illiterate communities and oral discipleshipBaptism, church planting, and steady gospel fruitSacrifice, perseverance, and joy in obedienceKey TakeawaysThe gospel often advances fastest in places others avoid.Obedience to God's call matters more than comfort, safety, or support.True missions work is relational, daily, and deeply incarnational.Spiritual strongholds rooted in culture require patience and discipleship, not shortcuts.God does not need ideal conditions to build His church.The value of a single soul outweighs personal sacrifice.Do you have a story of gospel advance or a burden for a specific people group? We'd love to hear it. Whether it's a few sentences or a detailed update, send it to gomission@theegeneration.org.GoMission, hosted by Mark Gillmore, is a monthly missions-focused program that introduces young people to the people, stories, and opportunities God is using around the world to build His church. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Zechariah 6:1–15 ESV “Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the Lord, and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God.” In this episode of Daily Devotions, Pastor David Sumrall shows us the connection between God's promises and our obedience. While God's grace is abundant, the fulfillment of His promises often comes with a call to faithfully follow His ways. Obedience doesn't earn salvation, but it positions us to receive the blessings and purposes God has prepared. ---- Discover fundamental truths and the power of Scripture with Pastor David E. Sumrall on Daily Devotions. Pastor Sumrall serves as the Undershepherd of the Cathedral of Praise, a Christian church dedicated to Jesus and His Word, with campuses across Metro Manila and branches around the world. Pastor David Sumrall and Sister Beverley Sumrall serve as the undershepherds of Cathedral of Praise—a Christian church dedicated to Jesus and His Word, with campuses across Metro Manila and branches worldwide. Learn more about Pastor David Sumrall: https://linktr.ee/davidsumrall Subscribe to Sister Beverley Sumrall's Podcast: https://cathedralofpraisemanila.com.ph/podcasts/praise-moments/ Know more about Cathedral of Praise: https://linktr.ee/cathedralofpraise Listen to Bible Radio: https://linktr.ee/bible.radio Check out our music: https://linktr.ee/cathedralofpraisemusic Join the Daily Manna Feeding Program: https://www.facebook.com/COPDailyManna © 2025 Cathedral of Praise. All rights reserved. This video and its content are the property of Cathedral of Praise. Sharing is permitted only by linking to the original source. Unauthorized use, reproduction, modification, or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How much do you need to know in order to obey? Meditate on Luke 1:30-34. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we turn our thoughts to the new year ahead of us, many of us will utter the phrase, “In the New Year I will…..” We'll make our new year resolutions-things we want to change about us and the life we live. Sadly, many of those resolutions will fail in the first couple weeks. In todays episode, I'll show you some resolutions we can make to be the Christian that God wants us to be.

If your relationship with God feels distant, stale, or powerless — this message is for you. In “Smelly Bread,” Pastor Greg Mitchell draws from Exodus 16 to reveal why you can't live today on yesterday's experience with God. Like manna that spoiled overnight, our spiritual lives spoil when we don't maintain a fresh, daily connection with the Lord.Learn why trusting God, obeying His Word, and feeding on His presence daily is essential for strength, wisdom, and provision. Pastor Greg also shares real-life stories of God's supernatural provision and offers practical steps to help you establish a daily Bible reading habit that will transform your walk with God.Don't settle for smelly, wormy, stale bread — God has fresh manna for you today!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Importance of Community Support02:51 The Dangers of Stale Bread: A Metaphor for Spiritual Health06:13 The Necessity of a Current Relationship with God09:01 Trusting God: The Foundation of Faith11:46 Obedience and the Blessings of God15:05 Sabbath Provision and Spiritual Rest18:10 The Power of Trust in God's Provision20:57 The Role of Obedience in Spiritual Health24:07 Conclusion: Building a Daily Relationship with GodShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at: • Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b • Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369

Today is day 359 and we are studying the section on Justification and Sanctification: Living in Forgiveness and Healing. 361. Does God's forgiveness excuse you from personal obedience? No. God has reconciled me to himself and freed me from bondage to sin in order to conform me to the image of his Son. As I live each day in gratitude for God's forgiveness, I seek to turn from sin and follow Christ in loving obedience. (John 14:15–24; Romans 6:1–14; 2 Corinthians 5:14–15; 1 John 3:4–10) We will conclude today by praying Proper 24 found on page 621 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

"Celebrate Christmas through the lens of Matthew 1 as we step into Joseph's story and see the quiet strength of faithful obedience in the middle of chaos. This message reminds us that the arrival of Jesus didn't remove uncertainty—it revealed character, trust, and the steady presence of God at work behind the scenes. At Christmas, we don't just remember a moment in history; we proclaim a living reality. Jesus is fully God and fully man, the God who saves and the God who is with us. Whatever season you're walking through, this story invites you to trust that God is near, faithful, and at work—even when life feels like an uncontrollable ride."

From Joseph's heart, the birth of Jesus was an act of faith and quiet obedience. Though confused and tested, he trusted God's word, protected Mary, and welcomed the Child not his by blood but given by heaven. In his righteousness, Joseph showed that true strength lies in obedience, humility, and trust in God's plan

Merry Christmas!In this heartfelt Christmas Eve service message, Pastor Karl explores the profound truth that Christmas is far more than a baby in a manger—it's the culmination of God's everlasting love story that began in the Garden of Eden.Drawing parallels between Eden and Bethlehem, Pastor Karl unpacks how God's love has always been revealed through three key ways: proximity (drawing near to walk with us), provision (supplying what we cannot provide for ourselves, including forgiveness and eternal life), and parameters (loving boundaries for our protection and flourishing).Yet humanity's response—from Adam and Eve to today—has often been to doubt God's goodness, reject His nearness, and step outside His guardrails. Even so, God's relentless love pursues us, covers our shame, and satisfies His justice through the promised Seed: Jesus Christ, whose virgin birth and sacrificial death crush the enemy's power.Pastor Karl challenges us: Many love the warm vibe of Christmas but avoid its weighty claims. True celebration means embracing God's love fully—belonging to His family, becoming like Christ, giving our lives in response, and going on mission to share His love.This message invites everyone to respond to God's pursuit, whether by placing faith in Jesus for the first time or recommitting to live in joyful obedience within His loving parameters.Join us as Pastor Karl and his son Caleb dive deeper into these truths in a special family message. Come experience the depth of God's love that didn't begin in Bethlehem—but was gloriously fulfilled there.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 8:00am 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

Is fear holding you back from what God is calling you to do? Today I'm joined by Dave Pasti, author of Worth the Risk, for a powerful conversation about faith, courage, marriage, and choosing obedience over comfort. This is real-life bravery—the kind that costs something and changes everything. Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off! BRAVE Books | heidibrave.comEquipping The Persecuted Coffee | ETPcoffee.com Show mentions: Mentions — Heidi St JohnWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday

Is fear holding you back from what God is calling you to do? Today I'm joined by Dave Pasti, author of Worth the Risk, for a powerful conversation about faith, courage, marriage, and choosing obedience over comfort. This is real-life bravery—the kind that costs something and changes everything.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!BRAVE Books | heidibrave.comEquipping The Persecuted Coffee | ETPcoffee.comShow mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Our shout-out today goes to Scott Kacos and family. Thank you so much for partnering with us on Project23. We cannot do this without you. This is for you today. Our text today is Judges 18:7-10. Then the five men departed and came to Laish and saw the people who were there, how they lived in security, after the manner of the Sidonians, quiet and unsuspecting, lacking nothing that is in the earth and possessing wealth, and how they were far from the Sidonians and had no dealings with anyone. And when they came to their brothers at Zorah and Eshtaol, their brothers said to them, "What do you report?" They said, "Arise, and let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And will you do nothing? Do not be slow to go, to enter in and possess the land. As soon as you go, you will come to an unsuspecting people. The land is spacious, for God has given it into your hands, a place where there is no lack of anything that is in the earth."— Judges 18:7-10 The Danite scouts find Laish—a city that looks perfect. Peaceful. Prosperous. Secure. Everything their own land was not. And they instantly assume, "God has given it into our hands." But notice—there's no record of prayer, no word from the Lord, and no evidence of obedience in the moments leading up to this. They mistake opportunity for confirmation. They see abundance and assume it's God's blessing. But it's fake faith—faith built on feelings, not on truth. This is how counterfeit obedience works. It looks spiritual, it sounds hopeful, but it's driven by convenience and comfort, not conviction. Remember, the Danites didn't want to fight the Amorites for the land God gave them in Joshua 19. They wanted the easy win, and this was it. Easy victories frequently lead to empty lives. We do the same when we chase the "Laish" in front of us: The job that pays more but pulls us from church. The relationship that feels good but bends God's truth.| The comfort that whispers, "This has to be right, it's working." But not everything that looks right is righteous. Sometimes what looks like God's favor is just avoidance in disguise. When our faith loses its fight, it starts settling for false flags. And the Danites here traded commands for the convenient conquest—and then called it compliance. Real faith does not do this. It never chases comfort; it counts on God even when the command is challenging. ASK THIS: Where have you confused convenience with God's calling? What's your "Laish"—the easy path that tempts you to compromise? Have you been mistaking peace for permission? How can you return to the ground God actually called you to claim? DO THIS: Identify one area where comfort has replaced conviction. Choose faithfulness over feelings this week—even if it costs you ease. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for chasing comfort and calling it faith. Teach me to obey You when the way is hard and to trust You when the road isn't easy. Give me real faith—not imitation peace. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Trust In God."

When you serve others in Jesus's name, every act becomes an offering of worship that honors God and pleases Him. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

What if obedience doesn't require all the answers — just a willing heart? In Wise People Still Seek Him, Pastor Ken Senchal unpacks the powerful story of the wise men and reveals a truth that challenges us all: knowing about Jesus means nothing unless we act on what we know. The wise men didn't have Scripture, certainty, or clarity — only a star and a decision to follow it. Their journey teaches us that pursuing Jesus will always cost us comfort, control, and convenience, but obedience always leads us closer to Him. In this message, you'll discover: Why spiritual movement matters more than spiritual knowledge What obedience will cost — and what it will give back How God often calls us to take "another route" to protect and transform us How to recognize the "star" God is placing in front of you right now If you're feeling a nudge, conviction, or pull toward something deeper — this message is for you. Obedience may be costly, but it is never regretted.

Growth shows up in how you respond, not just in what you know. In this message, Pastor Paul teaches that spiritual growth comes through obedience, self-awareness, and learning to pause instead of reacting. You'll hear how real growth reveals itself in decisions, relationships, and everyday moments.

Christmas Cards from God: Joy A Message of Joy from the Angels The heart of the Christmas story, as told in the Gospel of Luke, centers on the shepherds who were visited by an angel proclaiming, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10). This message of joy is not just historical. It is a Christmas card from God to us today, inviting us to live a life filled with joy. What Is True Joy? The sermon explores a direct question: Do you live with joy? True joy, as depicted in the Bible, is not mere happiness or a fleeting emotional state. It is strength that comes from God. This joy is a lifeline. It is a divine gift that empowers believers to navigate life's challenges and temptations. Jesus' Prayer for Joy In John 17:13, Jesus prays that His followers would have the “full measure of my joy within them.” This prayer highlights joy as a vital source of spiritual strength, even as Jesus faced His greatest trials. Joy is not superficial. It is deep-rooted strength that enables perseverance. The Joy of the Lord as Strength The sermon references Nehemiah 8:10, where Nehemiah tells the people, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This moment came after the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. The people were reminded to celebrate God's deliverance instead of mourning past failures. Joy here means moving forward with strength and purpose. The Example of Jesus Jesus modeled this joy as He endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). His anticipation of returning to the Father and securing salvation for humanity gave Him strength. Joy sustained Him through unimaginable suffering and kept Him faithful to His mission. Applying Joy in Our Lives 1. Return to the joy of salvation. Psalm 51:12 urges us to seek the joy of God's salvation continually, remembering the grace that saved us and the mercy that forgives us daily. 2. Joy in obedience. Joy comes from knowing what to do and actually doing it. Obedience to God's Word produces joy, as Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.” 3. Anticipating eternal joy. Joy is rooted in the hope of eternity with God. Psalm 16:11 promises, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Conclusion This Christmas season, the message is clear. Embrace the joy God offers through Christ. This joy is not just a feeling. It is strength. It sustains us. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, remember His prayer for our joy. Live in that strength. The best is still ahead.

Has God ever altered the plans of your life? When Joseph was engaged t Mary no doubt he was excited about their future together until she told him she was pregnant. Scripture says he resolved to divorce her quietly until an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and changed his heart. In this sermon learn how God will often change our plans but with it come the blessings of obedience. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29?v=20251111

This is a devotional study about moving forward when God calls for you to move forward, rather than making a multitude of excuses.  This is good preparation for us as we prepare to enter a new year (although it is good guidance for other times of the year as well).Exodus 4:2 KJVAnd the LORD said unto him, “What is that in thine hand?” And he said, “A rod.”Related Podcasts:— Time to Press Forward— Fear Not — For I am With Thee— Take Courage— What Doest Thou Here, Elijah?— We are Well Able to Overcome— Hide me from the Wicked— Encourage Yourself in the Lord— It Repented the LORDRelated Podcasts at TrueWisdom:— Jeremiah's Way vs Urijah's Way— The Reproach of Egypt— The Battle is the Lord's— Rahab makes a change— Consulting GodText UsSupport the showSend questions or comments to: BibleQuestions@ASBzone.comThe Key Principles of Effective Bible Study is a resource which outlines core concepts shown in the Scriptures that will help you to better understand many Biblical themes and doctrines. We have an extended, 24-part podcast series on these principles, and a condensed, 9-part series called God's Precious Word, that is based on the same resource. We also recommend that you check out the True Wisdom podcast which I co-host with Robert Baker -- a different format for Bible Study. Finally, check out these awesome Bible Maps! We pray that all of these resources will be very helpful to you in your Bible Studies.

In this expansive and deeply personal conversation, we sit down with Apostle Kathryn Krick to explore faith, spiritual authority, healing, and what it truly means to live a life "ever forward." Kathryn unpacks the biblical foundation of apostleship, the modern restoration of spiritual gifts, and her belief that healing, deliverance, and miracles are meant to be accessible today—not confined to Scripture. This episode examines demonic oppression versus possession, the power of words and faith in daily life, navigating wilderness seasons, and why gratitude and obedience are essential to sustained spiritual growth. Kathryn also shares her improbable journey from years of obscurity to global revival, offering a powerful reminder that progress isn't always visible—but obedience always matters. Follow Kathryn @apostlekathrynkrick Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:01 – Welcome to Ever Forward Radio Introducing Apostle Kathryn Krick and today's conversation 02:10 – What Does "Apostle" Really Mean? Biblical foundations of apostleship and modern ministry 05:45 – Why the Book of Acts Matters Today Modeling faith through healing, deliverance, and miracles 07:00 – When God Feels Silent Seeking God, faith, and personal responsibility in spiritual growth 09:45 – "Revival Is Now" Explained What's missing in modern Christianity—and what's being restored 12:00 – Belief vs. Experiencing God Why intellectual faith isn't the same as transformation 15:04 – Personal Faith vs. Church Community Why both are necessary for spiritual maturity 16:03 – The Power of God and Spiritual Authority How healing and freedom occur biblically 18:53 – What Do Miracles Actually Look Like? Mental, emotional, and physical healing explained 21:12 – Can Spiritual Power Be Misused? Humility, surrender, and responsibility in ministry 24:58 – Faith, Wilderness Seasons & God's Timing Why valleys are necessary for spiritual growth 30:43 – The Power of Words and Gratitude How mindset, confession, and obedience shape outcomes 35:03 – Understanding God's Love (Not Condemnation) Breaking free from religious performance 42:12 – Demonic Oppression vs. Possession A grounded explanation of spiritual warfare 46:00 – Anxiety, Healing & Spiritual Authority Rejecting lies and reclaiming peace 53:01 – How to Know If You Need Deliverance Signs of spiritual oppression and freedom 01:01:29 – Waiting on God vs. Taking Action Obedience before results 01:03:35 – From Obscurity to Global Revival Kathryn's viral breakthrough and ministry explosion 01:11:33 – Living a Life Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: Watch and subscribe on YouTube  

We're continuing our Christmas Series called The Journey To Joy!This series is meant to remind us that that joy doesn't come from the perfect set of circumstances, it comes from trusting God in every season.GET CONNECTED + PRAYERNew to EDEN? We'd love to pray for you, too! Let us know at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://eden.church/connect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN ABOUT EDEN CHURCHEDEN is a startup church in Silicon Valley. Learn more at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://eden.church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFB:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/edenthechurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/edenthechurch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GIVE TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eden.church/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week Pastor Nicolle gives The Believer the scriptural pattern of our Lord's true sacrifice of death that began in that historical garden; and how our lives have their own places where God matures our submission to His will.

In this podcast, Pastor Justin preaches a Christmas message on how we must have a violent voice born on the inside of us in order to be just like Jesus, to go around doing good and destroying the works of the devil. Support the show

In this deeply honest and Spirit-led conversation, Avery Lofton joins the Rooted in Christ Podcast to share her journey through marriage, motherhood, creativity, and unwavering faith in Jesus. From navigating the early sanctification of marriage to learning how to steward calling, family, and creativity without losing peace at home, Avery offers wisdom shaped by real life—not theory.Avery opens up about marrying well, the importance of pre-marital counsel, and how God uses marriage and parenting to expose, refine, and grow us. She also shares her powerful testimony of coming to Christ at 19, overcoming fear and insecurity, and learning how obedience—not comfort—shaped her calling in music and ministry.This episode dives into the tension many creatives feel: pursuing excellence without making the gift an idol, staying present with family while stewarding influence, and remaining faithful when criticism comes from inside the Christian space. Through it all, Avery reminds us that our testimony is never redundant—there's always someone who hasn't heard it yet.In this episode, you'll hear about:What it really means to marry well and be equally yokedNavigating early marriage frustration with grace and enduranceMotherhood, sacrifice, and finding rhythm as a familyCreativity, Christian artistry, and doing things with excellence—without distractionAvery's faith journey and overcoming fear through prayerWhy your testimony still matters, even if you've told it beforeWhether you're married, single, creative, or simply seeking to stay rooted in Christ in every season, this episode will encourage, challenge, and remind you to keep Jesus at the center of it all.

One on One Video Call W/George https://tidycal.com/georgepmonty/60-minute-meetingSupport the show:https://www.paypal.me/Truelifepodcast?locale.x=en_USListen Carefully: Culture tells you that following rules equals virtue. That staying in line equals moral superiority. That obeying authority equals being “right.”That is the Lie One on One Video call W/George https://tidycal.com/georgepmonty/60-minute-meetingSupport the show:https://www.paypal.me/Truelifepodcast?locale.x=en_US

Has God ever altered the plans of your life? When Joseph was engaged t Mary no doubt he was excited about their future together until she told him she was pregnant. Scripture says he resolved to divorce her quietly until an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and changed his heart. In this sermon learn how God will often change our plans but with it come the blessings of obedience. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29?v=20251111

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Isaiah 7:10-16, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: https://umclex.org/downtown/

Welcome back to Straight Bible with Matt Hepner — the show where Scripture is taught plainly, directly, and without compromise.In today's message, “Who's On Your Ship?”, Matt breaks down the story of Jonah, the storm, and the spiritual reality that the people you allow on your boat determine the direction of your calling. This teaching exposes how wrong relationships bring chaos, how disobedience brings storms, and how God uses pressure to redirect you back to purpose.Inside this episode:Jonah's calling and his refusal to obeyHow the wrong people bring storms you weren't meant to weatherThe spiritual principle of passengers vs. crewWhy God hurls storms to reroute destinyUnderstanding your assignment, alignment, and accountabilityHow to identify who shouldn't be on your shipDeliverance, repentance, and restorationThis is a direct, convicting, Scripture-heavy teaching that cuts through modern fluff and brings the Word with clarity.Straight Bible. No opinions. No fluff. Just Scripture.Support the show:Patreon – https://patreon.com/nephilimdeathsquadMerch – https://toplobsta.com00:00 Debunking the Seeker-Friendly Church Myth01:05 Final Study in Jude: Gratitude and Reflections01:36 Understanding Jude's Message: Contend for the Faith03:08 Living Out Faith: Actions Over Words05:15 Faith and Its Power: Biblical Examples22:52 Praying in the Holy Ghost: A Deeper Dive41:10 The Essence of Christianity: Relationship with God41:43 Praying in the Holy Ghost: Acts 13 Example42:29 The Role of Apostles and the Holy Spirit43:37 Laying Hands and the Tangible Presence of the Holy Spirit45:47 Resisting vs. Praying in the Holy Ghost46:29 Building Up in Faith and Praying in the Holy Ghost47:00 Counting the Cost of Discipleship59:29 The Story of David and Bathsheba: Lessons in Idleness01:14:29 Building and Warring: The Christian Life01:18:08 The Importance of Endurance in Faith01:21:55 Questioning Seeker-Friendly Churches01:22:28 Preaching with Fire and Truth01:22:56 Goals and Eternal Life01:23:48 The Light of the Body01:25:16 Single Focus on Jesus01:25:46 Jesus Plus Nothing01:36:39 Paul's Sacrifice for the Gospel01:52:48 Living in the Balance of Responsibility and Faith02:01:08 Final Prayer and ReflectionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com. Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.

Fr. Ignacio Llorente - The Fourth Sunday of AdventMatthew 1:18-24

What do you do when obeying God could cost you your reputation, comfort, or approval? In this message from our Heroes of the Past series, Ps Ants Cuthers explores the story of Joseph—the quiet hero of the Christmas story—through Matthew 1:18–25. Long before the angels and the manger, Joseph faced a decision that could follow him for the rest of his life. With fear, misunderstanding, and public opinion pressing in, Joseph chose obedience over appearances and faith over fear. This sermon speaks to anyone who has felt the tension between doing what looks right and doing what is right. It reminds us that God often asks ordinary people to carry weight they didn't cause, and that obedience doesn't always make sense in the moment—but it always matters. If you're wrestling with fear, uncertainty, or the cost of saying yes to God, this message will encourage you to trust God with your future and not let fear have the final say. Key takeaway: Don't let fear decide your future—let God do that.

The post Consideration, Revelation, and Obedience appeared first on Providence Church.

The Obedience of Faith in Light - December 21, 2025 by Jesus the Good Shepherd Anglican Church

This sermon concludes the three-week series "God Our Home," connecting the longing for God's presence with the reality of Christmas. We recap that God's desire to dwell with His people is the entire storyline of the Bible—from Eden to the New Creation. However, significant barriers like disobedience, shame, lies, and God's holiness keep us from experiencing this intimacy.The Good News of Christmas is that Jesus came to address every single barrier. He is the "obedience of the one" that makes many righteous. He clothes our shame so we can hide in Him rather than from Him. He reveals the true nature of the Father, dispelling lies. He comes full of grace and truth to make us holy, paying the entrance fee we could never afford. And He empowers us to forgive by first forgiving us.Scripture ReferencesRevelation 21:3: "I will be your God, you will be my people, and I will dwell in your midst."Psalm 22:3: God inhabits the praises of His people.Deuteronomy 8:10-14: A warning not to forget God in times of plenty.John 8:28-29: Jesus' perfect obedience to the Father.Romans 5:19: "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous."Colossians 3:3: "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."Hebrews 4:15: We have a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses.John 14:6-9: Jesus reveals the Father: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."John 1:14: The Word became flesh, full of grace and truth.Matthew 6:9-15: The Lord's Prayer, emphasizing forgiveness.Key PointsJesus Addresses Our BarriersDisobedience: Jesus' perfect submission overthrows our rebellion. His obedience is credited to us, making us righteous.Shame: Instead of hiding from God in shame, we can hide in Christ. He clothes us in His righteousness, fully knowing and fully loving us.Lies: Jesus reveals the true nature of the Father, dispelling the enemy's lies about God's character.Holiness: Jesus doesn't lower the standard; He pays the price. He comes full of grace and truth to make us holy and blameless in God's sight.Unforgiveness: We are empowered to forgive others because we have been forgiven a debt we could never pay.How to Not Miss His Presence Like the characters in the first Christmas story who did experience God, we must:Worship: Adore Him to gain perspective and crush comparison.Ponder: Like Mary, treasure God's work in your heart. Be curious and wonder about Him.Seek: Like the Wise Men, actively pursue Him. Don't assume His presence; hunt for it.ConclusionWe don't have to live separated from God. Jesus, Emmanuel, has come to bridge the gap. He has dealt with our sin, shame, and separation so that we can once again stand in the presence of a holy God—not with fear, but with boldness and joy.Calls to ActionInvite Someone: 80% of people are willing to come to church if invited. Use this Christmas season to invite someone to the Fox Theatre service.Worship & Ponder: In the busyness of the season, take time to worship and ponder what Christ has done to bring you near.Come to the Table: As you take communion, reflect on the cost Jesus paid to remove every barrier between you and the Father. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Sunday, 21 December 2025   Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” Matthew 15:12   “Then His disciples, having come near, they said to Him, ‘You have known that the Pharisees, having heard the saying, they stumbled!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that it isn't what goes into the mouth that defiles a man. Rather, what comes out of his mouth is what does. Having said that, it next says, “Then His disciples, having come near.”   Jesus spoke to the scribes and Pharisees, probably without the others grouped around them. Room was allowed for Jesus to engage in the conversation without interruption, but still close enough that the disciples could hear and learn.   Once the conversation with them was finished, Jesus called to the crowd, and with an implicit rebuke to these leaders, told the people His words about what defiles a man and what doesn't. After He said this, the disciples, probably seeing the leaders go off in a huff, came to Jesus to personally address Him. Once with Him, “they said to Him, ‘You have known.'”   This is not a question, as translations imply. The verb is a perfect participle without any form of negation to indicate a question is being proposed. The participle signifies a completed action with a state that continues into the present. More likely, it is an exclamation, “You have known!”   They were completely surprised that Jesus said what He said, knowing it would elicit a negative response. He was aware of what would happen, and He continued in that state, knowing they were miffed. That is explained in their next words, “that the Pharisees, having heard the saying, they stumbled!”   The word translated as stumbled is rightly paraphrased as “offended.” They took offense at Jesus' rebuke concerning transgressing God's commandment. They were offended at His continued rebuke of them for being hypocrites by placing tradition above that commandment. They were offended at His citation of Isaiah, which pointed directly at their hypocrisy, even suggesting that Isaiah was referring specifically to them.   And if they heard His words to the crowd, they would have been offended at what He said to them as well. He had taken their tradition and spoken against it to the general public, taunting them with His wisdom that was superior to their poor, self-centered customs.   Life application: Jesus came on a mission. It was to fulfill the Mosaic Covenant and introduce a New Covenant in its place. However, as long as the Old Covenant was in effect, He defended it while still implying that something better was to be found in Him.   There is nothing contradictory in this. The words of the covenant, along with their associated penalties for disobedience, were written down. Obedience was not optional. However, within the Mosaic code, which included the later writings, Jeremiah prophesied a day when God would cut a New Covenant with Israel.   Jeremiah never said, “This is great! Now we are no longer under this covenant, and we are free from the curses and the punishment.” Instead, he acknowledged Israel's transgressions and accepted that their punishment was just and deserved.   Jesus, likewise, conveyed this same truth to Israe l. They would remain bound to the Mosaic code until they came to Him. Knowing they wouldn't, He prophesied of all the disasters that would come upon them.   If those disasters came upon them, which were according to the Mosaic Covenant, then that means, by default, that they are still, even to this day, bound to that law. Unfortunately, because the Mosaic law is fulfilled by Jesus, it is no longer what God accepts in order to be right with Him.   They will build a temple. The rites and sacrifices associated with it will take place. And not one iota of what they do will be accepted by God. Rather, this will only continue to keep them from any possible right relationship with Him. Until they realize this, forsaking the law by coming to Christ, they will continue to suffer terrible times.   Jesus is the key to understanding all of Scripture and the entire history of the Jewish people. Pray for them as they continue to rebel against Him through their rejection of Jesus. It is right that we do so.   Lord God, we lift up the nation of Israel to You. Along with all the other lost souls in the world, they need Jesus. We pray that many will come to know Him before the rapture. After that day, hard choices will need to be made by them. Open their eyes to the glory of Jesus our Lord, O God. Amen.

We just don't know much about Joseph. Although that's not really a good reason for him getting less time in the Christmas carol collection than the shepherds or wise men. Or the animals! But what we do know about him, though, is helpful in getting a picture of the man. Even in our passage for this week— where Joseph doesn't even say a word— we can pick up on several things to help us understand what kind of person Joseph was. Truth is, we need more Josephs. Join us and find out way! The painting associated with this podcast/sermon is 'The Holy Family with a Little Bird" (detail) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. It is viewable on the Epiclesis platform but not in iTunes Podcast.

Peace, justice, renewal, reconciliation, and redemptionthese are the things we all long for. From the beginning of human history, every generation has desired Eden. We long for a world where everything is as it should be: where God dwells with His people, where sin and death no longer reign, where justice and peace finally embrace. Yet life east of Eden often feels far more like wandering in the wilderness than living in paradise. Scripture reminds us that we were not only made for Eden, but for something greater than the first Edena redeemed world where God dwells with His people forever. If you read the Bible as one unified story, you quickly discover that this longing for Eden never disappears. After the death of Solomon and the division of Davids kingdom, Gods people endured centuries of instability, exile, and oppression. Kingdoms fell apart, kings failed, and the land itself was lost. Yet through it all, God preserved a single, persistent promise: redemption would come through a childa king, a deliverer, a son. From the serpent-crushing offspring promised in Genesis 3, to the blessing pledged to Abraham, to the scepter of Judah, to the covenant God made with David, and finally to Isaiahs promise of a virgin-born son, God repeated His word again and again: salvation was coming. The Deliverer would crush the head of the dragon. Into the darkness of Galilee and the nations, a great light would shine. Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:67) Thenastonishinglyfor four hundred years, heaven was silent. Imagine being born, living, and dying without hearing a prophetic word from God, yet clinging to promises handed down from your fathers and grandfathers. Empires rose and fellGreek, then Romanuntil a paranoid ruler named Herod sat on the throne of Judah. The world looked anything but ready for redemption. And it was precisely then that God spoke againnot to a king, not to a priest, but to a young girl in an obscure town. The Promise We Can Trust Mary was likely between fourteen and sixteen years old. Joseph was a carpenterfaithful, quiet, and largely unnoticed. They were not influential, powerful, or impressive by worldly standards. Yet God chose them. This should not surprise us. Throughout Scripture, God delights in working through obscurity. He does not wait for ideal circumstances or impressive rsums. He chooses ordinary people who trust Him. Obscurity is not a barrier to obedience, and faithfulness in small, unseen places is often where God begins His greatest work. When Mary was told she would conceive by the Holy Spirit, her response was an honest question:How will this be, since I am a virgin?This is in contrast to Zechariahs response after the angel Gabriel revealed to him that he and his wife, Elizabeth would have a son in their old age who would prepare the way of the promised Deliverer. Here is what Zechariah said: How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years. (Luke 1:18-20). While Zechariah struggled to believe, Marys response was not unbelief; it was faith seeking understanding. Mary does not say, That cannot be, but How will this be? Biblical faith does not silence questionsit submits them to God. There is a world of difference between humble inquiry and hardened disbelief. Joseph, however, initially responded with disbelief. As a righteous man, he planned to divorce Mary quietly, sparing her public shame. But God intervened. Once Joseph understood that God was at work, he obeyed. He moved when God told him to move. He fled when danger came. He returned when it was safe. History remembers Herod as powerful; God remembers Joseph as faithful. Joseph is often treated as a footnote in Jesus story, but do not assume that there was not cost for him in following the will of God for his life. Think about the cost to his reputation, consider the courage he demonstrated from the news of Marys pregnancy throughout Jesus childhood years. There is a lesson to be learned through Josephs life in what faithfulness, fatherhood, and true masculinity really looks like. The gospel did not make Mary and Josephs lives easierit made them riskier. Gods promises often disrupt our plans. Obedience may cost comfort, reputation, and control, but it always leads us into Gods purposes. The Promise that Secures Our Good Gabriel proclaims five astonishing truths about Marys childeach one unveiling a facet of Christs unparalleled glory and majesty. First, His name will be Jesus (v. 31).JesusJoshuameans Savior and Deliverer. Before Gabriel speaks of crowns or kingdoms, he speaks of salvation. Jesus would exercise His kingship not by domination, but by deliverance. He did not come primarily to improve circumstances, but to rescue sinners. This is the heart of the gospel: a Savior before a Sovereign, mercy before majesty. Jesus will be great (v. 32).Gabriel offers no explanationonly a proclamation. Scripture later fills in the meaning. Jesus is Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Lord. He is the image of the invisible God, the One through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together! Consider Colossians 1:15-20, He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authoritiesall things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Fathers good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. He is the radiance of Gods glory, the exact imprint of His nature, who upholds the universe by the word of His power (Heb. 1:14). Words ultimately fail to capture His greatness. Gabriel simply declares it:He will be great.Jesus eternally existed within the fellowship of the Trinity, entered human history, clothed Himself in flesh, lived among us, died on a Roman cross for our sins, and rose on the third day. This is not a small Savior. This is a great one. Jesus will be called Son of the Most High (v. 32b). This does not mean Jesus was created or that He is merely another son of God like the angels. Gabriel is proclaiming something far deeper: Jesus is uniquely Gods Sonthe eternal Word, begotten not made, sharing fully in the divine nature from all eternity. When the Father spoke creation into existence, it was by Jesus and through Jesus that all things were created! Jesus is, before all things, and in Him all things hold together. It is the Son, who emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men...humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross (Phil. 2:7-8). The demons grasped with chilling clarity the truth that many humans do not. Consider their desperate plea in Luke 8:28: What business do You have with me, Jesus, Son of the Most Hight God? I beg You, do not torment me! Even the forces of darkness recognized that Jesus, as the Son of the Most High, possessed absolute authority and power over themHe alone holds the right to command, conquer, and torment the hosts of Satan. The spiritual realm itself trembles before His greatness. Jesus will inherit the throne of David (v. 32c). It is only fitting that Jesuswho is Savior, who is great, and who is the Son of the Most Highshould sit on the throne of David. Mary and Joseph were descendants of David, but this child would not merely restore an earthly kingdom. Jesus would reign over the nations as King. Isaiah foresaw this when he wrote, In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoplesof him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious(Isa. 11:10). When Simeon later held the infant Jesus in the temple, he declared that his eyes had seen Gods salvationa light for the Gentiles and glory for Israel. Yet Simeon also warned Mary that this child would be opposed and that a sword would pierce her own soul: Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposedand a sword will pierce your own soulto the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed (Luke 2:34-35). Redemption would come, but not without suffering. Glory would be preceded by rejection and the cross. The Son would be despised, rejected, struck down, and afflicted for our sins through a cross, and it would be on the cross that the Son would be crushed by the Father (see Isa. 53:3-10). Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob forever (v. 33) Finally, Gabriel assured Mary that Jesus would not only inherit Davids throne, but that His reign would be everlasting. He would rule over Israel for all eternitythe ultimate and final King whose kingdom would never end. Yet His rule would not be confined to the twelve tribes of Israel. Like a mustard seed that grows into a great tree, His kingdom would expand to encompass the whole world, welcoming people from every nation. It is to this Jesus that all the nations will one day bow, for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, just as the Scriptures declare:For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father(Phil. 2:911). The Promise that Will Not Fail Mary and Joseph were not sinless or perfect parents. They struggled as we do. Yet they were entrusted with the greatest news the world had ever received: salvation had come in the form of a child growing in Marys womb. One wonders whether, as Mary felt His small hands and feet and Joseph gazed at Him in awe, they ever reflected on Ezekiels promise that Davids servant would be king forever and that God would dwell among His people (see Ezek. 37:24-28). Their lives teach us four enduring lessons. 1) The Good News moved them to action. 2) They guarded what God entrusted to them. 3) They treasured the gift they received. 4) And they were faithful stewards, willing to step back and let Jesus be who He was sent to be. As Christians who have received the gospel, we too have been entrusted with this Good News. The question this story presses upon us is simple and searching:What will we do with the Good News we have received?Will it move us to action? Will we guard it as precious? Will we treasure it as the greatest news we have ever heard? And will we steward it faithfully, giving it away as ambassadors of the King of kings and Lord of lords? When Herod sought to kill Jesus, Joseph took his family to Egypt just as he was told to do to protect Mary and Jesus. Josephs obedience cost him something. Most of us will never be called to flee to Egypt, but we will be called to trust God when obedience costs us something! When Mary received the news that she was to be the mother of the promised Deliverer and Son of God, her response is simple and yet profound: I am the Lords bond-servant, may it be done to me according to your word (1:38). For centuries before Gabriel visited Mary, Gods people waitedthrough exile, through silence, through sufferingclinging to promises they could not yet see fulfilled. And then, in the fullness of time, God spoke again. Not with thunder, not from a palace, but through an angel sent to a young girl in an obscure town. The first coming of Jesus tells us something vital about the way God works. He does not bypass weakness; He enters it. He does not avoid suffering; He redeems it. He does not wait for the world to be ready; He comes to save it. The King arrived not with armies, but in a womb. The Savior came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. The child promised to Mary is the King who now reigns. The Savior who came in humility will come again in glory. The Jesus who was laid in a manger will one day return as Judge and King, and His kingdom will have no end. So we live now in the in-between. We wait as a people who know the promise is true, even when the world still feels broken. We wait with hope, not because circumstances are easy, but because Christ has comeand because Christ will come again. As you wait with hope, what kind of bond-servant will you be? What kind of bond-servant is Jesus calling you to be?What does faithfulness look like for you in 2026?

What is the call of Christmas for believers today?In this message, we follow a powerful turning point in the Gospel of Luke:“Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51)This isn't just a travel detail—it's the moment Jesus fully embraces His mission. The baby born in Bethlehem came with a deep, unshakable resolve: to go to the cross in obedience to the Father, so our greatest need could be met.We'll see how: • Jesus' calling in Christmas was the cross • His resolve was “set like flint” (Isaiah 50) • Our calling is to fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2) • Obedience to the Father fuels faithful love, service, and endurance • When our eyes are truly on Christ, the rest followsIf you've felt distracted, anxious, or spiritually unfocused this holiday season, this sermon brings a simple, life-changing invitation:Set your face on Christ. Seek Him today.

Holiness didn’t disappear…..it was replaced. In this Christmas episode of The Uncommon Christian Podcast, Jon Ellis confronts the quiet erosion of holiness in modern Christianity. Not legalism. Not perfectionism. But what Scripture actually means when it calls believers to live set apart, not as an image to protect, but an identity to walk in. Christmas didn’t come to make us comfortable, it came to make us holy. And when holiness is redefined or avoided, devotion fades, obedience delays, and spiritual hunger slowly dies. In this episode, you’ll discover: ● Why holiness feels outdated in today’s culture ● How Christmas Christianity celebrates Jesus without surrendering to His lordship ● What holiness is, and what it is not ● How to return to a set-apart life without legalism, fear, or exhaustion This message is pastoral, prophetic, and deeply practical, calling believers back to identity, obedience, and a faith worth the cost. Holiness didn’t disappear, it was replaced. In this Christmas episode, Jon Ellis exposes how cultural Christianity celebrates Jesus without surrendering to Him, and why being set apart is still worth the cost. Holiness isn’t a burden, it’s a rescue.

Trusting God rarely comes with all the details upfront, and Mary’s story reminds us just how costly obedience can be. Faced with fear, uncertainty, and the very real possibility of public shame, Mary chose surrender over self-protection. Her response shows that trusting God doesn’t mean understanding everything—it means believing He is good even when the path forward feels risky and unclear. Highlights Mary’s calling disrupted her plans, reputation, and future Obedience often requires surrender before clarity arrives Trust means saying yes even when the cost feels heavy Mary praised God in the middle of uncertainty, not after it passed God’s plans may not align with our expectations, but they are always purposeful Surrender positions us to participate in what God is doing, not just observe it Faith grows when we value God’s will over our comfort Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: How Mary’s Surrender Teaches Us to Trust By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” - Luke 1:46-49 ESV Have we ever stopped to consider how Mary may’ve felt when the angel Gabriel visited her? She was just a young girl, newly betrothed to Joseph. While the Bible doesn’t share with us her exact age, scholars speculate she may have been as young as 14. Now consider the fear that likely coursed through her veins when Gabriel delivered the news that she, an unmarried virgin, would bear a son. How scandalous! Perhaps questions ravaged through her mind: What would people think? No one would believe her if she told them the truth. With a pregnancy outside of marriage, the townspeople would stone her. And Joseph? Would he believe her? If he didn’t, surely he’d feel betrayed. Instead of arguing or begging the Lord to choose someone else, Mary simply asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (v. 34). Though the plan didn’t make sense to her, she chose to swallow her fears. Hard. As Luke writes in verse 38, Mary humbly responds: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”. And the angel departed from her.” Sometimes, I wonder if Mary knew the full implications of what she was saying yes to. Surely, the possibility of public shame and stoning crossed her mind. But whether she understood the full danger or not, Mary surrendered her future as Joseph’s wife, her reputation, and even her life to the Lord. Despite the danger, she chose to sing the praises of the Lord, saying “my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (v. 47). The Magnificat, as it’s often called, is the cry of Mary’s heart as she soaked in the goodness of God and shared how “he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (v. 49). Now, none of us has been asked to carry the Son of God inside of us the same way Mary did, but we have been asked to carry Him in our hearts. And following God does come at a cost. Are we willing to risk everything? To praise God no matter what? To surrender our future, whatever that looks like? To surrender our reputation and even our very life itself? Mary was willing. Did she know exactly why the Son of God came into the world? Perhaps, like the rest of the Israelites, she anticipated a Messiah who would rescue God’s people from their physical enemies. In this case, the Roman Empire. She didn’t need to fully understand why. Instead, she chose to embrace God’s plan, surrendering and yielding to His sovereignty even if it cost her. Intersecting Faith & Life: What may God be calling you to today? How might He want you to share the love of Jesus Christ with others? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone even when it’s uncomfortable, to surrender and submit to His plan, and trust His promises? To long for the Giver more than the gift, the Promise-Keeper more than the promise itself? If we read the other Gospel accounts of Jesus’s birth, we know Joseph contemplated divorcing Mary (Matthew 1:19). Being a just man, he didn’t want to put her to shame. But before he could, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife and that the child was from the Holy Spirit (v. 20). God will always take care of each of us. When we walk in obedience, even when it looks impossible, or we may lose something we hold dear, we choose to walk in that obedience anyway. It doesn’t mean things will always turn out the way we want. Pain is a funny thing: it can either push us further from God or pull us closer to Him, depending on how we choose to respond. Mary could’ve never foreseen the plans God had for her or the role she would’ve ultimately played in bringing God’s Son into the world. Had she resisted, God’s plans still would’ve prevailed. Perhaps he would’ve chosen someone else for the task. But then Mary would’ve missed out on an amazing opportunity to be part of what God was doing. Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” When we face the unknown, we must remember we are not trusting what we can see, but in the One Who sees all things, Whose wisdom transcends our limited view and Whose thoughts are not our thoughts, and whose ways are higher than our ways. Do you think anyone ever imagined He would send the Messiah born miraculously through a virgin? Do you think anyone ever imagined that Jesus Christ would come to save us, not as a war hero but as a humble carpenter who would grow up and take the punishment we deserved by dying on the cross in our place? Pray with me: Dear Father God, sometimes I struggle to trust You. Please help me to learn from Mary’s surrender, to trust You, and to walk in obedience even if it looks like I may lose something else I hold dear. I know Your plans are higher than my own (Isaiah 55). Thank You for Your great, indescribable love for me! In Jesus’s Name, Amen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we see that love is more than a feeling, it is lived out through our actions!

What’s Next: Section Two WEEK THIRTY THREE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 115 Bechukotai “in my statutes” Torah: Leviticus 26:3-27:34 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 2 Chronicles 14-20 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Isaiah 1-7 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: 2 Thessalonians 1-3; 1 Timothy 1-6 Scripture Memory: Romans 5:17-18 “For if by one man’s trespass death reigned through him, then how much more will those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore just as through the trespass of one man came condemnation for all men, so through the righteous act of One came justification of life for all men.”

What’s Next: Section Two WEEK THIRTY THREE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 115 Bechukotai “in my statutes” Torah: Leviticus 26:3-27:34 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 2 Chronicles 14-20 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Isaiah 1-7 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: 2 Thessalonians 1-3; 1 Timothy 1-6 Scripture Memory: Romans 5:17-18 “For if by one man’s trespass death reigned through him, then how much more will those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore just as through the trespass of one man came condemnation for all men, so through the righteous act of One came justification of life for all men.”

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Tony sits down with Vladimir to trace a journey shaped by persecution, the supernatural, and an unmistakable calling from God. From underground church life in the USSR and terrifying demonic encounters to prophetic dreams, miraculous provision, and stepping out in faith, Vladimir shares how spiritual warfare isn't theoretical, it's lived. Together, they unpack portals, prayer and fasting, distraction as a weapon of the enemy, and why so many believers never realize the doors they've opened. This episode isn't just testimony; it's a challenge to stop living passively, put in the reps, and become spiritually disciplined in a world designed to keep you distracted. Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference! If you're able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890 Become a member for ad-free listening, extra shows, and exclusive access to our social media app: theconfessionalspodcast.com/join The Confessionals Social Network App: Apple Store: https://apple.co/3UxhPrh Google Play: https://bit.ly/43mk8kZ The Counter Series Available NOW: The Counter (YouTube): WATCH HERE The Counter (Full Episode): WATCH HERE Tony's Recommended Reads: slingshotlibrary.com If you want to learn about Jesus and what it means to be saved: Click Here Bigfoot: The Journey To Belief: Stream Here The Meadow Project: Stream Here Merkel Media Apparel: merkmerch.com My New YouTube Channel Merkel IRL: @merkelIRL My First Sermon: Unseen Battles SPONSORS SIMPLISAFE TODAY: simplisafe.com/confessionals GHOSTBED: GhostBed.com/tony CONNECT WITH US Website: www.theconfessionalspodcast.com Email: contact@theconfessionalspodcast.com Vladimir's YouTube Channel: God's Voice Today MAILING ADDRESS: Merkel Media 257 N. Calderwood St., #301 Alcoa, TN 37701 SOCIAL MEDIA Subscribe to our YouTube: https://bit.ly/2TlREaI Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theconfessionals/ Discord: https://discord.gg/KDn4D2uw7h Show Instagram: theconfessionalspodcast Tony's Instagram: tonymerkelofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheConfessionalsPodcas Twitter: @TConfessionals Tony's Twitter: @tony_merkel Produced by: @jack_theproducer OUTRO MUSIC Joel Thomas - Photosynthesis YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify

There are seasons of homeschooling when everything feels heavier than usual. The holidays are busy, the semester is winding down, medical needs don't pause, and ADHD brains—ours and our kids'—are already stretched thin.In this episode, I share how movie schooling has supported our family for years as a way to keep learning connected, meaningful, and low-pressure. I talk about how learning through stories—books, movies, and shared conversation—helps children understand history, culture, and character at a deeper level, and why this approach works especially well for ADHD and overwhelmed brains.I also share simple movie ideas you can use right away, how this kind of learning can still count for homeschooling (even in a portfolio state), and why learning through connection often sticks longer than worksheets ever could.If you're tired, sick, stretched thin, or quietly wondering how to keep learning going without burning out, this episode is meant to feel like a gentle place to land.

In episode 475 of The Reformed Brotherhood, host Jesse Schwamb explores the profound theological question: "Is God humble?" Through a careful examination of Philippians 2 and the narrative of Pharaoh in Exodus, Jesse unpacks how Christ's incarnation represents the ultimate act of divine humility. This episode reveals how Jesus—fully God and fully man—humbled himself through obedience to the point of death on a cross. As we approach the Christmas season, this timely reflection helps us understand that Christ's humility isn't just a theological concept but the very foundation of our salvation and the magnetic force that draws sinners to him. Jesse connects this humility to Jesus' parables about seeking the lost, showing that God's love manifests through the paradox of the exalted one becoming lowly. Key Takeaways Humility is fundamentally a creaturely virtue that acknowledges God as Lord and responds in obedience. Christ's incarnation wasn't a subtraction of divinity but an addition of humanity, allowing him to humble himself. Divine humility is displayed in Jesus becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Pride, the opposite of humility, is actively opposed by God throughout Scripture. Christ's humility is what draws sinners to him, as seen in the parables of the lost coin, sheep, and son. True humility embraces our limitations as creatures and recognizes God's rightful authority. Jesus learned obedience through suffering, becoming the perfect high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses. The Paradox of Divine Humility Christ's humility represents one of the most astonishing paradoxes in Scripture. As Jesse explains, humility is properly understood as a creaturely virtue—it acknowledges God as Lord and obeys as a servant. For the eternal Son to humble himself, he first had to take on human nature. The incarnation wasn't God ceasing to be God but rather God adding humanity to himself. The divine Son emptied himself "not of divinity as if that were even possible, but of the privilege of not being human, not being a creature, not suffering the bounds and limitations of finitude and the pains and afflictions of the fallen world." This emptying makes possible Christ's perfect obedience. Since humility means acknowledging God as Lord and obeying as a servant, the Son took "the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men." This allowed Jesus to demonstrate a servant heart with equal passion for God's holiness and his people's purity. Unlike our inconsistent obedience, Jesus' obedience was "an all the way kind of obedience" that persisted through suffering to death on a cross. The Magnetic Draw of Christ's Humility One of the most profound insights from the episode is how Christ's humility functions as a magnetic force drawing sinners to him. Jesse notes that in the parables, tax collectors and sinners were drawn not to the Pharisees' teaching but to Jesus himself. They came "almost magnetically" to be in his presence and hear his words. Why would this be? The answer lies in recognizing that "we all have a master" and "we are all bound to something." The critical question becomes: "How good and kind is your master?" Christ's humility reveals him to be the perfect master—one who does not lord his authority over us but uses it to serve us, even to the point of death. This servant-hearted humility draws people because it demonstrates love in action. When Jesus humbles himself to seek the lost, he reveals that the gospel isn't about making "naughty people good, but to make dead people alive and alive in him so that their life is hidden within him." Memorable Quotes "To humble oneself is to acknowledge God as Lord and then to obey as servant. In order to do so, then the Son had to take this form of a servant being born in the likeness of men." "Christ's obedience was an all the way kind of obedience, a true obedience. It wasn't part and parcel, it wasn't peace wise, it didn't be for a part of time, as long as it was comfortable and then try something else." "To humble oneself is not to be less than human. It rather is pride that is our cancer. It's pride that corrodes our true dignity. To humble ourselves is to come even ever closer, step by step to the bliss, I think, and the full flourishing for which we're made." Full Transcript [00:00:08] Jesse Schwamb: So how did Jesus humble himself and this we could spend loved ones in eternity and likely will. Talking about how did he do this By becoming obedient. It wasn't even mean to. Here is the one who is the God man. Truly God. Truly man. To humble oneself is to acknowledge God as Lord and then to obey as servant in order to do so. Then the son had to take this form of a servant being born in a likeness of men. Again, this is so rich because I think without understanding the servant heart of Christ, where there is a power and a passion in Christ for the holiness of God that is at the same time equaled with the passion for the purity and the holiness of his people. Welcome to episode 475 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse, and this is the podcast where all of mankind is on the naughty list. Hey, brothers and sisters, I am solo hosting once again on this episode, but I don't want you to worry. Tony will be back. Tony is alive and well. He is out in the wild doing his thing. Actually, this is probably the time of year where Tony and I bring forward that annual or perennial denial. You know, the one, it's sy against the frailty, weakness, contingency of humankind. And most often manifested in this time of year in sickness. So I don't know where you live in the world, but in my part of the world, everybody's getting it and everything is going around. The sickness is everywhere. And even if you're bobbing and weaving, if you're laying low, if you're trying to keep your head down, it just seems somehow. To snipe you. And so it sniped Tony last week and this week. Now it is his family and so he's doing what we shall do for another. He's caring for those in his own regard that are sick and unwell. And so that means it's just me on this particular episode, but not to fear. We've got lots of great things to talk about. [00:02:12] The Question: Is God Humble? [00:02:12] Jesse Schwamb: In fact, the whole purpose of this episode is going to be talking about this question is God humble and. This, if you think it's just a one-off episode. It's actually born out of this continued series that we're doing where we're going through the parables. And again, we've been talking a lot about lostness and finding things and Christ coming and seeking, saving those things that were very lost. And so as I continue to process this with Tony, one of the things that keeps coming to my mind is this question is God. Humble and what does that even have to do with any of these wild parables that we've been talking about? You know the ones too, especially if you've been listening along and hopefully you have go back, check those bad boys out. We've been talking about the lost coin, the lost Sheep, and we have yet to get to because we're just teasing this for you. We, we keep telling you it's coming, but that's just to build like this amazing anticipation for the parable of the lost son or the prodigal son. It's coming, and part of that, again, for me is wrapped up in this question, is God humble? So let's talk about that a little bit. [00:03:13] Humility in Scripture [00:03:13] Jesse Schwamb: It's interesting to me that throughout the scriptures, we find across both all the New Testament, that God gives us this imperative to seek humility or to put on humility, or to have a humble mind, as Peter says. And it's something that is so ubiquitous that we kind of just flies by us. Of course. Like we would get the sense that it would be ridiculous to be like. I am so good at being humble that that in itself is oxymoronic. And yet we also know that we don't want to advertise, that we're trying to seek after humility. 'cause it seems like that's the very thing that we're trying to avoid in proclaiming or promulgating our pride and that kind of thing. But it's not just that, of course, God is seeking his children to be humble, but I think one of the most condemning things the scripture says to us about how God behaves. Toward people is that he opposes the proud. So the opposite of being humble, and we'll get to that in a second. We had to define what that means, but let's just take for a second that the opposite of that might be being prideful. It is fascinating that it's not just God is indifferent toward pride, that he does everything in his volition to push against it. And of course, because nothing can thwart the outstretched in mighty arm of God, that means that he wins inevitably against all that is pride prideful. And so he opposes it. And this is what. We should realize is that really the eschatological judgment, the fact that there is both heaven and hell reward and eternal punishment. This is a reflection of God opposing the proud that in the final state, the one who says, I want nothing to do with God because I can take care of it myself, is the one that God must oppose pose because he always. Opposes that which is prideful, and so it makes sense. Then if he opposes the proud, if that is in a way, an enemy that he will ultimately defeat, it cannot stand up against him that shouldn't. That in that path is both destruction that is internally derived and chosen, but also destruction that comes externally because it will be defeated. Then the best thing that God's people could be is to be humble. And so the question I think then persists, can God be humble? Is God. Humble. One of the things that is clear in scripture, again, this is the testimony of the entire arc of the salvific story of God and his recu of his people. Um, the coming and drawing close giving of himself so that he might draw people onto himself. Is that the testimony of humility is both positive and negative in the scriptures. So we could look at examples of those who humbled themselves. That's what the scripture says, like Josiah, Hezekiah, Rebo, Ahab, Vanessa, and then there, of course, you could probably think of as just as many negative examples who did not. What comes to my mind, of course, is Pharaoh. Or am Amen or Zetia. So what becomes clear though is when you look at those examples that the humbling first belongs to the hand of God. That even here, once again, God's doing all the verbs. That's exactly what he does. And so this idea of even like humbling yourself. Has like a precursor, there's an antecedent. And is God doing some kind of great work to allow for this humbling to even take place? He initiates the humbling of his creatures. And once he has, then the question confronts us, uh, which is, are we going to receive it? How will we bear up underneath it? Will we submit ourselves to it because God has allowed us, or has humbled ourselves first so that we don't respond in kind. So in response to his humbling hand. Will we kick against him? Or as the, you know, king James version says, will we kick against the gods or are we going to come and humble ourselves before God? So this idea, I think of humbling ourselves isn't just like you wake up one day and you say, no, it'd be really fantastic. Is my life would be better if I was just humble. I, I hear that God opposed to the proud, I don't wanna get. Lost in that. I don't wanna get wrapped in that. I would rather, instead I just become more humble. Even the ability to humble oneself first comes from this humbling hand of God, which is of course the greatest gift. And so of course Peter writes, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. I mean, that's where I'm drawing this from and. That is the first descent of humility. The first coming down is a word that God would do that for us, will put us in a place that we might be humbled. And then the creature has somewhat in his turn kind of imperfect language, but somehow in his response that God is humbling me. Will I embrace it? Will I humble myself? So given that background, I think you know exactly where I'm about to go in the scripture, and that is. The pretty, I would say, epic passage of humility, which is Philippians two. It's one of the most striking assertions in all of scriptures. That Christ himself, Jesus the Savior, the one who is truly God and truly man, he humbled himself and God himself truly divine, truly human, and the person of his son, he humbles himself. And I think that is worth the slow meditation and a little bit of marveling again, as we consider that in light of. All that happens in these parables about lostness and ness is coming from in some way this first humility. And I think that's just so critical because it's not just context, it's the air in which we breathe and operate and understand who we are and who we are in Christ. And so I think before like we even assume. I wanna assume like too much about like this idea of humility and then getting it ultimately to this question is God humble, which you may think I just answered by reading Philippians two eight, but in fact I think it's even more complex and more beautiful and more deeply layered than all of that. I think it's worth for a second, just thinking about this idea of like, what is humility? [00:08:35] Pharaoh's Pride vs. Humility [00:08:35] Jesse Schwamb: And as far as I can tell, really the first mention of humility outright, like outright mention explicit notation in the scriptures comes in that showdown between Egypt's Pharaoh and Yahweh mediated through Moses and. And I picked this because it's really instructive for getting a sense of how the Bible, how the scripture, the Holy Spirit is apprehending this word and driving it into the context so that we might learn from it, so that later on we're told that we ought to exhibit humility, put on humility that we understand it in the way that God has taught it to us. And so you'll remember. Probably that Moses dared to appear before Pharaoh. He is an Exodus five, and he speaks on Yahweh's behalf, and it's that famous sentence, that famous imperative, let my people go to, which Pharaoh replies in my paraphrase, listen, I don't know who Yahweh is. I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't listen to his voice. I don't acknowledge him, and therefore you can't go. It's just not gonna happen. What is incredible about this. What I think is like really illustrative for our lives is that Pharaoh swollen in pride here, and again, God's gonna pose him swollen with all of this. Pride has, it's not that he hasn't thought through what he's saying here, it's just that he's made an incredible miscalculation. He actually did a little mathematics here as the creature, and he decides that. As a creature in relation to the creator God that he does not need to obey. In other words, he does not acknowledge or recognize or know this God, and because he doesn't know any of those things about Yahweh, then he's well within his reason to come to the conclusion that he does not need to obey and therefore he refuses. The reason why I think that's so critical and a little bit wild is that is exactly what the natural man is prone to do to make this miscalculation built on even some kind of reasonable logic, so to speak. That says, well, because I don't understand it, because I don't see it, because I can't acknowledge it because I've never heard it. Therefore, it cannot exist. It doesn't exist. It's not worthy of being obeyed. It's a bit like saying, just because I've never seen fire, that's not hot. And so it's crazy here that in the midst of all of that, we could say Pharaoh has made this enormous miscalculation. And so what he's going to do is he's going to essentially oppose God. He refuses to obey, and then of course, Exodus 10 as we move. This story describes this call to humility, and it is a call to humility, which when I was thinking back through this, I was like, this is wild. Because we tend to think this story as like submission and beating down and humility might not be the principle word. That comes to our mind when we think about how Har Pharaoh has to ultimately respond. But after seven plagues on the cusp of the eighth plague, God speaks to Pharaoh, and again, he's listen. He says to him, how long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? So fascinating because we have this. Humbling, mighty hand of God, the outstretched work of God, his hand and arm going out into the world of his creation and putting Pharaoh in a particular place and position. And the piercing question in this context of this extended powerful encounter gives us this glimpse into the heart of humility, which I think is this humility recognizes and obeys the one who is truly. God. So there's not just an intellectual scent, but an experiential knowledge that comes from the revelation of who God is that is under his purview granted to his people, and that then causes us to acknowledge and obey the one who's truly Lord. It's exact opposite of affairs response, which again says, I don't know that voice. I've never heard it. Who is Yahweh? And instead it's replaced with a humility that acknowledges that God is Lord of all, that Jesus Christ is one only son, and that his Holy Spirit is with and indwells his people and that he is truly Lord. So humility entails this kind of right view, I think of self. Because Pharaoh Miscalculates, but the humble person makes the right calculus, the one who is created by God and accountable to God, which requires the right view of God as creator and this authority in relation to all his creatures. And so humility then is of course, like not a preoccupation with self or one's, even one's own lowness only in so much as it's in relation to what we just mentioned. That's a right view of self. It's an agreement with God. Of course confession coming alongside agreeing with God, but it's a mindful and conscious understanding of who God is and his highness, his holiness, that he's high and lifted up, and then the self in respect to his position. You know, that's one of the things that I think always strikes me about humility is that it's this idea and this acknowledgement that God is high and lifted up. And so while we don't come too hard on ourselves merely because we want to create a pity party, it's a recognition that. Aside from the mediator work of Christ to to stand in the presence of God would to be literally torn asunder by the molecule because his holiness cannot be, or rather, I would say our sinfulness cannot be in this presence of the one who is perfect in majesty and in righteousness, in intellect, and in in comprehension and creativity. We cannot exist in that space apart from this mediated work of Christ the beautiful. Be editorial, like benevolent distance, so to speak, that Christ creates so that we might come into the presence of God, as Hebrew says, running as it were, coming in, not haphazardly, but purposefully into the throne room of God because. And his holiness. He's a way to, he's made a way for him to be just and justifier. That is incredible. Loved ones. It's beautiful. And that is all. Again, I think just underneath this parable, it's starting with this sense of humility has brought all of this into play, and it's a critical part of God's design and plan. There's a condescension, but I think even here, underneath that condescension is something about humility. That is worth discussing. And there is, the question again, is God humble. So put it another way. Humility, I think embraces the reality that you and I. We're not God. You know, pride led to humanity's fall when Adam and Eve desired to be like God, which is contrary to his command and humility would have obeyed his command, which is what we'll see when we come to Christ and especially Christ's work. So. [00:15:06] Christ's Humility and Obedience [00:15:06] Jesse Schwamb: It strikes me then, and this is why I threw out this question, is like, is God humble? It's kind of a setup, I'll be honest, because all of I said so far, if you are keeping score at home, you probably should be drawing out then that I'm essentially saying that humility is a creaturely virtue. Actually, it's not just me. A lot of people have said that, a lot of the old ones. I postulate that, that when we think about humility explicitly and in a narrow context, that's a creaturely virtue. It's a posture of. All of who we are, our soul, our body, our life, our activities, our families, our possessions. It's acknowledgement in those things and embracing that the goodness of God and that he is the one who controls and commands all things, all of our destiny, which means. This question is God humble? It is kind of like linguistically and theologically tricky, like not for the sake of creating a tricky question for like a part of the game, but the the answer is in a sense, no, but not because God, I think is the opposite of what we'd consider humble. He's not arrogant, he's not prideful. Rather, humility is a creaturely virtue and he's God. So we need to be again, in this appropriate separation of our state and who God is, recognizing that those are two very different things. All of this though, I think, contributes to moving us in a direction of understanding, well, what does this mean then? For Jesus Christ, the God man, the one who humbled himself. You've probably been screaming the entire time. Will you get to that? What about that? And I think that is the critical question that is behind everything that we're reading about. In these parables. In other words, why is Jesus this way? What has brought him into this particular place to say these particular things to these people? We talked last time about how one of the things that's remarkable is that all of these sinners, like the down out, the broken, the marginalized, the pariahs, they were all drawn to Jesus teaching, not even drawn. I mean, there's distinction not drawn to the Fara teaching, to the rules of the law, but drawn to Jesus, almost magnetically coming to him. Compelled as it were, to be in his presence, to hear the things he was saying. Captivate, I mean, can you imagine yourself there? Not necessarily there in that environment, but captivated again by the teachings of Jesus, how good they are, how true they are, how incredible they are. And so I think it's possible for us to marvel then at that remarkable word then from the impossible, Paul, when he says that Christ humbled himself in Philippians two, eight. And no, I think that that confirms our definition above of humanity, uh, of. Humility rather as being something in humanity, of being a, a creaturely virtue in that the eternal son first became a man. That's what Paul says in verse seven, and then humbled himself in verse eight. And I'm gonna submit to you that this is really the one of the most epic parts of the gospel that. This is the only way we can get this kind of humility, this humbling of God is if first he comes to undertake the creaturely virtue so that then he himself or become rather, lemme say it this way, I'm getting too excited, loved ones. It's rather that we first must have God become a creature, so to speak, not emptying himself as we'll. Talk about. Of, of his godness, but instead taking on this flesh so that he might humble himself be to be like his children who must be humbled and in fact will ultimately be humbled in the ES eschaton no matter what they believe. And so the verb Paul uses to capture the action of the incarnation is, is not humbled here first, but it's this idea of emptied. So again, Philippians two is verse six and seven. Paul writes, being in the form of God, Jesus did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant and being born in the likeness of man. And so this movement. [00:18:59] The Incarnation and Humility [00:18:59] Jesse Schwamb: From heaven to earth, which if you're listening to this in more or less real or New York time, as we're coming into the season of the calendar where we celebrate the incarnation, again, I've been thinking so much about this beautiful gift of the incarnation, and I've been thinking about that in light of Jesus coming to seek and to save the lost and this real heart to hearts kind of way where he's speaking the truth to the people who need to hear it most, and they're drawn magnetically to him, into his teaching. And so that movement. From Heaven to earth is an emptying. It's the divine son emptying himself, not of divinity as if that were even possible, but of the privilege of not being human, not being a creature, not suffering the bounds and limitations of finitude and the pains and afflictions of the fallen world. I think a lot, honestly, especially this time of year, I think a lot about strange things like Jesus has fingernails and blood vessels and eyeballs and hair and toes. And shins and knee bones, you know, all of these things. Because to me it's this incomprehensible reality that God loves me so much that he would send his only son to be a creature, but in a way that was limited to the same creatureliness that I have. And then would forever, in a way, in his glorified state, identify still with that creature. And only in that process could he come and humble himself. I mean, that's incredible. I mean. Could not have grasped like the divine privilege of not being subjected to the rules and realities of creation. But instead, he empties himself by taking our humanity. He was emptying not by subtraction of identity, but by addition of humanity. This is the taking, the taking on, and this allows him then to become obedient and in that obedience, that passive and act of obedience. What we find is that Christ is able to say these very things that are exemplified in the parables, that this is the height of God, and he says, it is in your midst. The kingdom of God is here and I am the kingdom, and it's all because he has come in such a way. To empty himself again, where that was not a subtraction of divinity, but addition of humanity. It is an amazing and glorious truth. It's the thing upon which like turns all of salvation and all of the world that God would do this and do it so completely that again, it's finalized, it's complete, it's already done. So first, Jesus became a man. And then as a man came the ly virtue, he humbled himself. And Paul confirms what we learned about humility. In the negative example, I think in Pharaoh of Pharaoh in Nexus 10 and being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [00:21:49] Christ's Obedience to Death [00:21:49] Jesse Schwamb: So how did Jesus humble himself and this we could spend loved ones in eternity and likely will. Talking about how did he do this By becoming obedient. It wasn't even mean to. Here is the one who is the God man. Truly God. Truly man. To humble oneself is to acknowledge God as Lord and then to obey as servant in order to do so. Then the son had to take this form of a servant being born in a likeness of men. Again, this is so rich because I think without understanding the servant heart of Christ, where there is a power and a passion in Christ for the holiness of God that is at the same time equaled with the passion for the purity and the holiness of his people. And those two things come together and coalesce in the gospel because we know that righteousness and holiness is completely vouched, safe to God. It's under his purview and his control, and it comes to his people when he draws close. That's how it was in the Old Testament, and that's how it was in the New Testament. And so as Christ in human form is coming and drawing near to his people, he's preaching this good news message that those who eat his flesh and drink his blood will have salvation and eternal life in him So intimately wrapped up that again, he hasn't just come. In the Christmas season to make naughty people good, but to make dead people alive and alive in him so that their life is hidden within him, and therefore, because he's the indestructible life, your life and mine cannot be destroyed either. I. So it is this amazing mark of the fullness of humanity and identification with us that he didn't just come on special terms. You know, I often think it's not like God on a deck chair laid out looking down as a creation separate as he were, as it were, just observing and kind of more or less interjecting here and there. It wasn't Jesus coming at. Arms length, distance. It wasn't God snatching him up when the frustrations of our limits or the pains of our world fell him. He had the full human experience. He was all in fully human and body mind. Hearts will and surroundings. Fully human in our finitude and all of this frustrations that we share that are just part of our lives, fully human in. Vulnerability to the worst of the civil world can work. Clearly that's manifested in his ign Ammonious death. Nor was he at the bottom spared the very essence of being human. He was accountable to God. Even there, that humility is incredible, that he himself learned, undertook, became obedient so that he would be accountable to God a father. Hebrews five celebrates this. Exactly. I love this set of words. Although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered and being made perfect. He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. And if he is our first brother, then the calling that we have is to do exactly the same, to come before him, to obey him and to see him as the one who is high and lift it up. But that self humbling, that humiliation doesn't just stop with obedience. And that's why the apostle keeps going. It says to the point of death, how far did it take him? How far did he go? How far was he willing to go? Volitionally all the way. To the point of death. And Christ obedience was an all the way kind of obedience, a true obedience. It wasn't part and parcel, it wasn't peace wise, it didn't be for a part of time, as long as it was comfortable and then try something else. You know, of course, even in the garden when he's praying and the disciples are with the in your shot and he asked that the cup might pass, we might reasonably ask what other option was there. And so here even Christ says. Even to the point of death, forsaking all other things, real obedience endures in obedience, which is a really difficult thing. And so I'm grateful because my obedience is peace wise, it is part and parcel, it is weak, it is feeble. And instead we have Christ who is transferred all of his righteousness into our account. And all of that righteousness is because of real obedience that he undertook, endured in obedience. And so Christ did not begin obedience and then surrender disobedience once the greatest threats loomed even in the garden. There he again. He is coming before the father and he is continuing to obey. He's humbled. So I think God does indeed command our humility and one of the ways that he can command that it, well, there's many ways. First and foremost, by fiat, he's God and his character demands it. The second way is that, again, coming back to these parables. Finally, and lastly, we see that Christ is exhibiting great humility in the message that he's bringing forward and all of this, that he comes forward to save and all of the seeking that he undertakes, he conspires with God in humility to bring his children. Into the fold. There was no other way without this incredible humility of Christ, this humility that shows us that it's not denigrating of humanity, but it's God's image shining in its fullness. That this is the very thing he comes to restore and to humble oneself is not to be less than human. It rather it is. Pride that is our cancer. It's pride that corrodes our true dignity to humble ourselves is to come even ever closer, step by step to the bliss, I think, and the full flourishing for which we're made. And Christ exemplifies that very thing. And I submit to you loved ones. It's that very humility. This is what I buried the lead on last week. It's that very humility that draws the sinner. Because we all have a master. We are all slaves to something, which I know is really unpopular to say, but hear me out. We are all stuck on something. We are all bound into something. It's just like we say with worship, it's not whether we not, we choose to worship. It's what we worship and we are what we worship. All those things are true. All those cliches stand and if they're true, then the opposite is true and that is that we're all bound to something. The question is how good and kind is your master. The thing in which you are bound to the thing which you choose to serve and submit to how life giving is that thing. And the humility of Christ clarifies that not all of our hum lings are owning to our own sin that Christ had. None, none. Yet he humbled himself. Sometimes repentance is the first step in self humbling. Other times it's not. Our self humbling may often come in response to our exposure to sin, but even in Christ sinless as he was. He heeded the father's call to humble himself. And so I think for us, as we think about what it means then to go and study these parables, we first even need to humble our understanding, our cognizance, our reasoning, our logic, that the scripture as given by God as his very word to us, stand so far above us. That while we study it and we interrogate it, that we dare not stand in opposition to it because it is the high and lofty command of God for us because he's good and his love endures forever. So I hope that as we continue to build into this next step of looking at this final lost parable, that we can all continue to just appreciate and boast in the God man who in his humility, makes the gospel possible, and that in his humility shows. A greater sense of what it means to have the abundant life. And we have to take Jesus at his word, loved ones when he says like He's come, not just to give life, but to give it in abundance that that is a real quantity, and that the humility of Christ in his life and death and resurrection testifies to one of God's clearest and most memorable promises in all of scripture. That again, he humbles the proud and he exalts the humble. So it was with Christ. He humbled himself and God has highly exalted him. I remember reading John Owen writing about. Justification and Christ's time of suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and his preparation for the cross and inevitably his, his forsaking, his forsakenness on that cross and how Jesus himself entrusted his justification to God the Father, which I think is a. A, a conception that will make your mind do a somersault. I mean, think about it long enough that even Jesus himself in learning obedience and taking upon himself the full measure of what it was to sit under the law and then to obey it perfectly, was still going to his death, knowing that he was gonna be the greatest sinner who ever lived yet was gonna be the one without sin, having committed any, that he himself was entrusting all of that he had accomplished and who he was. To God the father, to justify him and his resurrection on the third day loved ones is proof positive that he is the savior. That we all long for that in our sickness right now, as in our world, as all these things groan, as they all say, in some way, maratha, Lord, come quickly, that we are acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the one. Who in his complete humility satisfied the law of God to such degree that he was justified before God the father, and raised TriNet on the third day as proof positive that he is in fact the Savior, the chosen one, the Messiah, the first brother, the firstborn among the dead, the serpent crusher. The one who will come and redeem all of his people. So I hope there's something in there for you that's an encouragement that lifts up as if they were even possible to do more than they already are. That lifts up these parables that we've been talking about, that it's not just, of course, that Jesus on this mission because. He's full of love. His love predated all of this. Now, this is why we keep coming back to, uh, all Christians at all times, in all heirs. John three 16, for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son. Now whosoever should believe in him. Now, all the believing ones should have eternal life, and that eternal life is purchased by the blood of Christ and through his humility, but also it is a, a stark reminder that love always leads to giving. And here we have God the father, giving his son Unreservedly for us, becoming Creature Lee, so that he might undertake the humility of the creature. And in so doing fully, not just, I would say identify with who we are, but become like us in every a. Way yet without sin, which is why can we rejoice that even now in the sound of my voice or yours, wherever you are, there is Jesus Christ in Heavenly Rumble. Before the God the Father interceding perfectly as this incredible representative, as the scriptures are, he says, as this best of all, the high priests, the perfect one. Who is ushering us in to bend the ear, as it were of God because of what he's accomplished on our behalf. Man, that is good news. And if it's not good news and you don't think it is, you better check your pulse. Check it right now. [00:33:20] Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser [00:33:20] Jesse Schwamb: So you need to come back. And listen to the next episode because we are, I mean, I think assuming everybody's healthy, Lord willing, we're gonna talk about the Prodigal Son and really wrap up this culmination of the lost parables. But of course, you know that I'm contractually obligated to say to you all. That you don't have to just wait to interact until the next podcast. You can come hang out with us, and I gotta say it again for all the people in the back. The way that you do that is this little app called Telegram. You might be using Telegram already to message with your friends and your family. If so, you might not have known that. There's also a little group within Telegram for the Reform Brotherhood. Everybody who listens, everybody wants to hang out and talk about theology or life share prayer requests. It's all happening right there, and I promise you, you will not be disappointed if you come check it out. So you're probably saying enough already. Tell me how to do that. Alright, here's what you do. Get a piece of paper, stop the car, put down the backhoe for a second, and listen up. You go to your favorite browser and you type in t me slash reform brotherhood. T. Me Reform Brotherhood. Come hang out with us. Come talk about the episode, and until then, everybody stay. Well keep your head down. Don't list sick sickness night people. But remember, even if it does, you have this great high priest who endured obedience, in obedience to bring you abundant life, to identify with you, to resonate with you, to give you the love of God, and to finally conquer sin, death, and the devil. I say loved ones, so until next time, you know what to do. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood.

John and Lael open up about the hidden cost of growing up under religious control. Lael McKay, a former member of Hobart Freeman’s Faith Assembly, shares her life story—from an idyllic Indiana childhood shadowed by legalism and fear, to years of silence about physical pain, sexual abuse, and her father’s preventable suffering under faith-healing teachings. Together, John and Chino explore how purity culture, fear of hell, and denial of medical care shaped entire families. Through raw honesty and reflection, Lael describes her path through therapy, rediscovering safety, compassion, and spiritual balance. This conversation offers hope for survivors of high-control religious movements and insight into the lifelong impact of spiritual abuse and recovery.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

In this week's episode of In Totality, I'm joined once again by my girl Dinorah Peña, and we had a really great conversation about all the things!What started as a casual conversation turned to a Spirit-led dialogue on what it looks like to meditate on God's word and truly lean on the Holy Spirit, the weight of saying “yes” to God, and obedience.We talk through what it looks like to follow God even when you feel unqualified or overwhelmed. From wrestling with pride to the quiet conviction of the Holy Spirit, this conversation is not curated, it's confessed and vulnerable, and it's all about learning to trust God when the path feels uncertain and your heart feels unsure.If you've ever asked, “Am I doing enough?” or felt like your weaknesses disqualify your calling, this is for you. God's not waiting on your perfection. He's asking for your surrender.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the year winds down, the noise of the past year gets louder. We see what we failed at and all that we've achieved. And then as January approaches, the world shouts at us to set our New Year resolutions, to chase fresh starts, to reinvent ourselves, to do more, be better, and try harder. But what if what your soul actually needs isn't a fresh start, but rest and obedience? Jesus doesn't heal through pressure, He heals through presence.  In this episode, Lindsey Maestas shares a gentle, Jesus-centered reflection for the holiday season and end of the year. She challenges herself, and her listeners, to live faithfully this year instead of doing everything to be hotter, richer, more, more, more.  Instead of pushing self-improvement or hustle spirituality, this episode invites you to slow down, breathe, and return to the heart of the gospel: Jesus is faithful, and he doesn't call us to live a burnt out life. Rooted in Scripture and lived experience, this episode speaks directly to women who feel quietly exhausted, emotionally spent, or spiritually worn down—especially those navigating marriage struggles, burnout, anxiety, or disappointment with how the year turned out. Have you already ordered my new book?! Don't Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection is available for pre-order NOW!  Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes like this! 

This week, we're diving deep into what it means to stay faithful when life feels like it's on pause. In Acts 23–28, we follow Paul's journey through imprisonment, shipwreck, and delay—only to see God move in unexpected and powerful ways. If you're in a season where you feel stuck, forgotten, or like nothing is happening, this one is for you. We're talking about what it looks like to trust God's timing, keep showing up in the waiting, and believe that even the hidden seasons are holy. Plus, you'll hear about epidurals, hospital delays, and what the Bible has to do with reality TV. (Yes, really.)Let's lean in and remember that God is just as present in our waiting as He is in our breakthrough. In This Episode [00:01:26] Icebreaker: Bible Story as Reality TV Show [00:04:35] Setting the Scene in Acts: Paul's Pattern [00:05:50] The Mission to Rome & 2-Year Delay [00:08:00] The Power of Acts 28: Boldness Without Hindrance [00:09:07] Reflecting on Paul's Perseverance [00:10:00] Kenz's Epidural Story & the Pain of Delay [00:12:46] Spiritual Delays: Trusting in God's Timing [00:13:59] What God Does in the Waiting (Paul's Letters!) [00:16:00] Being Faithful in the Small Things [00:19:45] Obedience in the Secret Place [00:21:11] What If Paul Gave Up? Why You Shouldn't [00:22:00] Perseverance Builds Character [00:23:00] Raise Your Expectations—God's Not Done Yet ⁠ORDER OUR NEW STUDY!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This seven-week, verse-by-verse study through the book of Acts invites you to embrace the unpredictable, sometimes challenging adventure of Spirit-led living that characterized the early church. Thanks to Our Sponsors Piper and Leaf: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PiperandLeaf.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to pick up an Advent Tea set for you or someone you love! NIV Application Study Bible - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab your copy today!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Winshape: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more or submit your application today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Mercy Ships: Please donate today at ⁠⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠⁠ Omaha Steaks: Visit ⁠⁠OmahaSteaks.com ⁠⁠for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout. If you'd like to partner with For The Girl as a sponsor, fill out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form! Follow us!