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“He humbled Himself.” — Philippians 2:8 Jesus is the great teacher of lowliness of heart. We need daily to learn of Him. See the Master taking a towel and washing His disciples' feet! Follower of Christ, wilt thou not humble thyself? See Him as the Servant of servants, and surely thou canst not be proud! […]
Are you trying to find fulfillment by filling yourself up, or are you ready to experience the deep joy that only comes from pouring yourself out? This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into Philippians Chapter 2 to explore the radical humility of Jesus and what it practically looks like to live a life of emptying ourselves for others. The guys break down the stark contrast between a "stagnant lake" that stores up blessings and a flowing stream that continually pours out, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate example of self-emptying love. They also dive into the historical reality of Paul and Silas singing hymns in a midnight dungeon, challenging us to step out of our physical and spiritual comfort zones to "sing through the suffering." The Challenge This week, look for an intentional pathway to empty yourself on behalf of someone else. Ask yourself three specific questions: Who did I serve today? What did I give away? and Whose burden did I bear? When the Holy Spirit presents a clear opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and serve, make the choice to say yes instead of looking inward. Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell What We Discuss The balance of pastoral health: establishing thresholds for preaching and demonstrating the necessity of rest Shifting from a "stagnant lake" mentality to becoming a flowing, overflowing stream that pours out to others How trying to constantly fill and satisfy ourselves blocks us from experiencing true biblical joy The historical background of Philippians 2 and the missing context of Epaphroditus falling deathly ill A vivid look at Acts 16: the brutal reality of Paul and Silas being beaten with rods and thrown into prison stocks Why singing through suffering destroys the leverage of the enemy and serves as a powerful witness to others Overcoming pride in worship and how changing our physical posture can unlock something deep within us spiritually Capturing the powerful moment of bowing our heads to acknowledge being small instruments in God's hands About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give
Yesterday we studied the importance of becoming strong in the Lord before we try to armor up for battle against our enemy, the devil. Again, what good is the best armor in the world if the soldier has no strength to stand? God is strong and he wants his girl strong. God is strong and he's not raising weak daughters. Remember, how do you gain this strength? By supernatural infusion! It's our CONNECTION with Jesus that allows God's strength and power to flow in and through us. Now, the next 2 verses in Ephesians 6. Verses 11 & 12, “Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Spending time with Jesus and growing in your relationship with him through connection then makes us ready for God's armor. Piece by piece, we will put it all on. But don't miss this – you are in a battle you cannot see, but you absolutely feel. Some of the pain you're carrying didn't start with a person – it started with a battle you couldn't see. All those wounds you carry in this life of struggles, hardships, broken relationships … that's proof of the unseen battle. Hurt people hurt people – but behind a lot of hurt people is a deeper enemy who has been wounding them for a long time. The devil and his demons have created a whole lot of hurt people who are now making real messes in real life. You see that mess, but you haven't see the real battle happening creating those messes. Colossians 1:16 tells us, “God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see.” It's foolish for us to deny the reality of all things just because we can't see them. I'm a strong 7 on the enneagram. I avoid all things negative, all darkness and all threats. I have a tendency to stick my head in the sand and pretend everything is okay. That makes me an incredibly fun person to be around … and potentially oblivious to the true threats happening on the daily. But God has made me aware of these things through personal encounters with the miraculous as well as the darkness. I've witnessed the hand of God and I've experienced the presence of evil. I've spent over 2000 episodes of this podcast generally avoiding the topic of evil, but what good does that do you when you're in a real spiritual battle with the unseen? I've avoided talking about evil for a long time – but avoidance doesn't make it less real. Scripture doesn't just acknowledge a spiritual world – it shows us active engagement on all sides. With God and with the devil. With angels and with demons. The Bible makes it clear that there is a real interaction between us and God. God promises when we draw near to him, he will draw near to us. (James 4:8). God says, “Call to me and I will tell you great and unknown things.” (Jeremiah 33:3). God is literally working within you. (Philippians 2:13). On the contrast, the bible also makes it clear there is real interaction between us and Satan. One of Jesus disciples warns us that the “devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus tells Peter how “Satan has demanded to have you that he might sift you like wheat.” (Luke 22:31). That's real. He's here and he's roaming this earth actively. There are also real interactions between us and angels, God's agents sent on his behalf. In Psalm we read, “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11). Lot is visited by 2 angels. Abraham is visited by 3 angels. The angel Gabriel speaks to Mary. The angel Michael fights for Daniel. An angel rescues Peter from prison. Girl, you have no idea how many times God has sent help you never saw. But even so, there are interactions between us and demons. Demons are the fallen angels that chose to follow Satan in his rebellion. Many believe scriptures are describing 1/3 of the angels in Heaven became Satan's demonic warriors. Yes, fallen spiritual beings opposed to God – and therefore opposed to us, his girls. Nope, I don't like it, but it's foolish of me to pretend it's not real. How will you battle what you won't even acknowledge as real? Here's the thing about these spirit forces – God, the devil, angels and demons – they are invisible to human eyes, but look around – their fingerprints are all over our world. We see the beauty and we see the distraction. We see the miracles and we see the evil. The wounds from the spiritual battle are felt in our lives and in our families. What if it's time to stop just surviving your spiritual life – and start walking in the strength God is actually offering you? Don't you think it's time you learn how to be the warrior God created you to be, stand on his side, and join the forces of good against this evil? There's an old saying, “All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” If we do nothing, darkness grows and consumes. Darkness grows not because it is stronger – but because light stays silent. We have a light within us that must be unveiled. DON'T HOLD BACK WHAT GOD HAS PUT WIHTIN YOU! Don't just walk by – shine your light. Don't settle for doing nothing – shine your light. Evil triumphs when God's girls do nothing about the darkness, the hurting, the suffering, and the evil around us. There was a time in my life where I did nothing about the darkness growing in my own family. I just made it look pretty on the outside and ignored the reality within. That darkness was given power because my light was silent. I played little. I don't do that anymore – how about you? Oh that God would open your eyes to see the real battle happening in the unseen places. May he make you SPIRITUALLY AWAKE AND AWARE. We've been sleeping, girls. Many of us have been spiritually dulled – distracted, overwhelmed, and constantly stimulated – while unaware of the deeper battles affecting our minds, our peace and our relationships. We've been hypnotized by our screens and lulled by TikTok. And you know what is happening … the enemy has been attacking our minds, making us depressed and anxious, making our families distant, twisting our desires to be all about our image and our imagined influence. Lord, WAKE US UP!!!!!!! In 2 Kings 6 there's a story of Elisha facing a battle where he and his soldiers are outmatched. Elisha's young servant boy was terrified at the sight of the enemy's great army with chariots and horses surrounding their city. But Elisha had such a connection with God, such an infusion of supernatural strength and power, that he knew about the UNSEEN. And this is what Elisha prays for his young servant who was afraid, “O Lord, open his eyes so that he may see.”. Then verse 17, “The LORD opened the young man's eyes, and then he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” The army of God was already there – Elisha just had the spiritual awareness to know it. Heaven's army was there, fighting for them. Battles in the unseen heavenly realms. What do we have to be afraid of when we understand Heaven is literally on our side when we stand with God? Oh that our eyes of faith may be opened. Dare to believe there's MORE happening all around you! Here's what you have to know, while the devil and his demons are real, they are already defeated. Jesus defeated them at the cross. But the defeated Satan and his demons are still present trying to do their damage. It's a whole lot like this story: A little girl was riding in the car with her father. She cries out, “There's a bumble bee in the car!” The father grabbed the bee, got stun in the hand, and released the bee. The little girl cries again, “There's a bumble bee in the car!” But the father answered, “No problem, I've got his stinger in my hand.” Yes, Satan roams around like a roaring lion looking to kill, steal and destroy, BUT HE HAS NO TEETH. A lion with no teeth. Your Heavenly Father took away his bite. Satan is defeated – but he is not silent. He still roars, still pressures, still intimidates. But he is a lion without authority over those who stand in Christ. But here's the problem … when we don't connect with Jesus for our infusion of supernatural strength, then put on the full armor of God for the battle, we end up being gummed to death by Satan. He just chews away at us. He can't bite, but he sure can chew. That's what he does – he just chews away at you. He discourages you and wears you out. He roars and scares you into settling for a little life. He keeps you cornered and makes you play little. Even a toothless Satan is stronger than us when we don't use our divine resources to defeat him. Every single believer and follower of Jesus is involved in spiritual warfare to some degree. Every believer is powerless in this battle unless they rely on the resources God has given them. But every believer can achieve victory over Satan if we receive strength in our connection with Jesus and then put on the full armor of God. Every piece of armor is important and every piece is effective. You may not even realize how spiritually tired you've become. May God awaken your spirit – not to fear the battle, but to finally see it clearly. Up next in our series, we will study each piece of the armor. Gear up, Sis. The battle is real … but remember, he's a toothless lion! Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com
In Singapore, the government encourages people to support good causes by donation-matching. It “tops up” donations to specific charities by contributing an equal amount or more. By effectively multiplying people’s contributions, it hopes to encourage them to become more involved in charitable giving. This two-pronged approach reminds me of how believers in Jesus are called to God’s standards of holiness in our discipleship journey. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul urges them “to work out [their] salvation” (2:12) and “press on” (3:12, 14). At the same time, he stresses that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (2:13). Believers in Jesus aren’t made right with God by good works or performance. But there is an idea of partnership in our spiritual growth. It requires heart and effort on our part; yet we do not do it by human strength. Having saved us by grace, God calls us to be holy—set apart for Him—and we respond in sincerity and gratitude. As we seek to obey and please Him, He enables and helps us to do so. He shows us when we go wrong (Philippians 3:15), gives us strength to resist temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), and empowers us to do what’s right in His eyes (Ephesians 2:10).
The number one question I get asked is: "How do I hear from God?" And honestly, today's conversation with Brandie Barclay is exactly that. No script. No outline. No perfectly planned interview. We prayed, hit record, and had one of the most honest conversations about hearing God, overwhelm, identity, distraction, spiritual warfare, and walking with the Holy Spirit that I've had in a long time. And honestly? This episode feels less like a podcast and more like sitting down with two sisters in Christ trying to walk closely with God in a noisy, overwhelming world. In this episode, Brandie and I talk about: hearing God and learning to recognize His voice spiritual overwhelm and emotional exhaustion identity in Christ perfectionism and people pleasing religion versus real relationship with God why so many women feel spiritually drained right now the power of the Holy Spirit in everyday life learning to slow down and walk with God daily spiritual warfare and distraction obedience, faith, and trusting God in hard seasons One of my favorite parts of this conversation was when we talked about how so many women are striving for some huge spiritual experience while completely overlooking the simple daily relationship God is inviting them into. Open your Bible. Spend time with Him. Walk with Him daily. That is where peace starts. Brandie also shares powerful parts of her own story, including leaving her longtime career, learning how to fully trust God, writing her book through intense spiritual warfare, and discovering what it really means to live empowered by the Holy Spirit. And honestly, one of the biggest reminders throughout this episode is this: God never asked us to carry life without Him. About Brandie Barclay Brandie Barclay is a Christian author, speaker, and founder of PowerSoul Clubhouse. Her passion is helping women grow deeper in their relationship with God and live fully led by the Holy Spirit. Her bestselling book PowerSoul: Lit From Within — Life Powered by the Holy Spirit encourages women to stop striving in their own strength and start walking closely with God through faith, obedience, and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Connect with Brandie: Brandie Barclay Official Website PowerSoul on Amazon Instagram: @brandiebarclay SCRIPTURES SHARED: Psalm 46:10 Nehemiah 8:10 Ephesians 2:10 Psalm 32:8 John 16:7 Philippians 4:8 Hebrews 11:1 If this episode spoke to your heart today, please share it with a friend who needs that same Christian lifestyle encouragement. You can also help me reach more women by leaving a five-star review on Apple or Spotify. Every review helps someone else find hope, healing, and strength in Jesus. Remember You are called, chosen, and set apart — and you were made to live God's way. With so much love, Kim Dolan Leto Learn How to Walk With God Daily Friend, Put It Down. The striving. The hustle. The trying to figure it all out yourself. There is a better way. Join me for a free 5-minute workshop and learn how to walk with God — not just on Sunday, but every single day. http://kimdolanleto.com/dailywalk Listen or Watch Living God's Way Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-gods-way-with-kim-dolan-leto-christian-habits/id1504962677 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ymer79UOqIbItrwPJErxC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kimdolanletofit All Episodes: https://kimdolanleto.com/podcast Connect with Me Newsletter: https://kimdolanleto.com/get-on-the-list Website: https://kimdolanleto.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/kimdolanleto Facebook: https://facebook.com/kimdolanleto YouTube: https://youtube.com/kimdolanletofit
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 22-24, Romans 14 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this second day of June, join Hunter as we continue our journey through the Bible, focusing today on Proverbs 22-24 and Romans 14. Together, we explore timely wisdom from Proverbs and the Apostle Paul's call for a Christ-like attitude of love, unity, and harmony within the church. We'll reflect on how self-giving, forgiving, and co-suffering love can transform our lives and relationships. Along with thought-provoking readings, you'll be invited to join in prayer for our world, our families, and our own hearts as we seek to live out the peace and joy God offers. Whether you're a longtime listener or brand new, we're glad you're with us on this adventure of faith—reminding you each day that you are loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Attitude is everything if you want to be strengthened and built up. If you want to see that for God's people too, then attitude is really important. Paul says, if you serve Christ with this attitude you will please God and others will approve of you too. So then let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. What is this attitude? It's the attitude of Christ himself. Paul writes about this elsewhere in Philippians: don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. You must have this same attitude that Christ TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
A Bigger Life Prayer and Bible Devotionals with Pastor Dave Cover
This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination. Notice: During the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a new episode of this podcast will appear once a week each Tuesday morning. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” Philippians 2:13 CSB “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
We are kicking off our Summer at Bethlehem series with a head-first dive into the life-changing power of God's Word. The Bible is not just ancient information; it is living, active, and timely. In this raw and deeply personal message, Pastor Jason opens up about his own years-long battle with anxiety to expose a universal truth: the biggest battle of your life is won and lost in the six-inch real estate between your ears - your MIND. Preaching from Philippians 4:4-9, a passage written from the depths of a Roman prison rather than an Instagram motivational seminar, Pastor Jason teaches us that a healthy mind requires an intentional spiritual diet. If you have been trapped on an island of worry, playing out worst-case scenarios, this message serves as a practical guide to stop stuffing your emotions and start discipling your mind.
Stronger Together: Philippians Week 6Philippians 2:19-30Steve Robinson - May 31, 2026https://theaxischurch.org-----Subscribe to The Axis Church sermons on Apple Podcast or Spotify:Apple PodcastSpotify Podcast
Are you searching for power to overcome what life keeps throwing at you? In this powerful Sunday message, Pastor James Wilson cuts straight to the heart of where true power is found. Rooted in Philippians 3:7-11, the sermon reminds believers that no connection, credential, or earthly influence can stand against the attacks of the enemy. The only power that truly changes everything comes from knowing Jesus Christ personally and intimately. Pastor Wilson challenges the church to stop chasing shortcuts and start surrendering to the One who holds all power. Whether facing pressure at work, chaos at home, or battles in the mind, believers are called to seek Christ above every worldly resource or relationship. Drawing from Paul's radical declaration that all things are counted as loss for the excellence of knowing Christ, he powerfully illustrates what it means to marinate in God's Word, yield to His Spirit, and walk in resurrection power daily. This message is a timely call to trade earthly striving for heavenly focus and discover that the power you have been searching for has been in Christ all along. True power is not found in who you know in the world. It is released through who you know in Christ. Sermon Scripture: Philippians 3:7-11; Ephesians 1:15-23 We stream live every Sunday at 11 am and every Wednesday at 8 pm. Visit our website: https://perfectingfaithchurch.com Connect with us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerfectingFaithChurch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectingfaithchurch/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@perfectingfaithchurch X: https://x.com/PFCNY Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perfectingfaithchurch
To make peace with our past, we have to understand that peace will always be a choice. Often a daily choice.Listen to the spirit of Philippians 4:6-7 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NLT) Notice that the peace that passes understanding comes only after we choose to let go of anxiousness and pray. We choose gratitude to God and give Him our requests. He promises peace will come to our hearts and minds after we decide to let go of the toxicity we can so easily hold onto.Like two nations at war have to choose to call a truce, come to the table, and talk, we have to come to Christ's table and lay down our past to then experience His peace.In repeating today's passage, let's now add verse 8 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.What from your past causes you anxiety today? What do you struggle to overcome that keeps robbing you of peace? What will it take for you to give up and choose the peace of Christ today? You don't have to understand it to receive it because it always transcends our understanding. We simply decide to experience His peace.As you sit with your eyes closed, open your hands and reach out as a symbol of letting go and handing the past over to God. Trade Him your past for His peace. That's exactly what He wants you to do.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, please take the past, the toxic feelings, the anxiety, all of it. I'm tired of it and want to trade my past for Your peace. As above, so below.”
In this episode I explore an easily-overlooked text with surprising political implications. In Romans 8:29-30, Paul claims that we were “predestined to become conformed to the Image of His Son” and that because of this will have been “glorified”. What does Paul mean? In her book Conformed to the Image of His Son, Dr. Haley Goranson Jacob argues that Paul is claiming believers are conformed to Jesus's status and function as the Son of God who rules over creation, and that our glorification denotes a sharing in that rule. She explains how ‘glory' when applied to humans in the Greek Old Testament regularly denotes power, authority, and dominion, that the restoration of human glory is an important subtheme in Romans 5-8, and that the sharing in Christ's inheritance which Paul articulates in Romans 8:12-17 is a participation in his rule. The language of ‘image' in Romans 8:29 is evocative of Genesis 1 and Psalm 8, where humans are, as God's image-bearers, given dominion over His creation, and since Jesus now rules are king over all creation his family, defined by faith and the Spirit, participate in that rule. The political implications are significant; I discuss how the church is God's set-apart family and that we are given the task of and empowered to rule over creation, which we must do in conformity with the crucified Messiah. The church exercises political power, but the political power must be cruciform and congruent with Christ's Messianic reign. I also discuss how passages like this should be brought into the conversation about the Bible and politics. Media Referenced: Ephesians 1 Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/ Philippians 2 Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/ Galatians 4 w/ Cody Cook: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-245-galatians-41-7-and-deliverance-from-this-evil-age-with-cody-cook/ Liberty and Authority: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-184-liberty-authority-and-the-political-spectrum/ The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod, and YouTube, @ProLibertyPod, where you will get shorts and other exclusive video content. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the show's profile! Thanks!
Season 2, Episode 113In this episode, Michael and Zach continue their series on common mistakes in Bible interpretation by examining the importance of literary context. Scripture was not originally written as isolated verses but as letters, narratives, poems, and arguments that unfold over time. The discussion explores why some of the most frequently quoted passages in the Bible—including Philippians 4:13, Matthew 7:1, Romans 8:28, and the Great Commission—are often misunderstood when separated from the flow of the surrounding text. Along the way, the episode highlights how chapter divisions can sometimes obscure an author's intended argument, why biblical structure matters, and how readers can learn to follow an author's train of thought rather than treating verses as standalone quotations. The conversation concludes with practical suggestions for reading larger portions of Scripture at a time and developing a deeper appreciation for the Bible as a unified story centered on Christ.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/4lay2xCsV9MMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stoneLicense code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com
Proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for. . . . — Isaiah 40:2 God's people had ignored his law and had closed their ears to the words of his prophets. As a consequence, the people were taken into captivity and exile. Because they would not listen to the voice of grace, they heard the crack of the whip of discipline.But the same God who disciplines his people restores them by his mercy. God called Isaiah to speak tenderly and with assurance to his exiled people, proclaiming that their time of captivity was over and that their sins were forgiven. What a comforting message!Because God loves his people, he disciplines them. And along with disciplining his people, God also forgives them. God forgives his people, and he also restores them.There is no remedy for guilt except in God's forgiveness. No medicine can calm a heart tormented by guilt. No therapy can stifle the desperate cries of a conscience plagued with remorse for wrongdoing. Only God's forgiveness can lift the heavy burden that crushes us.Have you been forgiven by God? Do you enjoy the peace that “transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7)?Now is the time of grace. If your heart weighs heavy with sin, now is the opportune time to turn to God in repentance and seek his forgiveness. Lord God, speak to our hearts with your restoring mercy. Lift the weight of our guilt, forgive us, and lead us from discipline to renewal, bringing the peace that only you can give. In Jesus, Amen.
Tom Watts Series: To live is Christ Exodus 16: 1-12, Philippians 2:12-18 Sunday 24th May 2026
"For the same reason you alsobe glad and rejoice with me." The Apostle Paul is inviting thePhilippians to share in his joy. Nowthink about it. Paul is in prison, suffering and uncertain about the future.Yet he keeps speaking about joy. This teaches us something so important:Christian joy is not based on circumstances. It is based on Jesus Christ. Theworld's happiness rises and falls with comfort and success, but biblical joycan exist even in suffering. Paul and the Philippians were united in sacrifice,service, and joy. TrueChristian fellowship is much deeper than just a social connection. You may goto church, attend Sunday school, participate in church events, and spend timewith other believers. You may go golfing together, play tennis, or enjoy otheractivities together. Those things are wonderful. But true Christian fellowshipis deeper than simply enjoying social events together. True fellowship issharing together in the work of Jesus Christ. Thereis joy in serving with other believers. There is joy in praying together. Thereis joy in giving together. Yes, there is even joy in suffering together. Thereis joy in seeing lives changed through the work of God as we labor togetherwith fellow believers. Some of the deepest joy believers experience comesduring difficult seasons when they see God working in powerful ways. Acts 5tells us that after the apostles were beaten, they returned to the churchrejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's name. James1 reminds us to count it all joy when we fall into various trials,tribulations, and troubles, knowing that the testing of our faith producespatience. Suffering produces Christian maturity in our lives. Joy grows when weserve God's purposes and trust God's purposes, even in suffering. Paul wantedthese believers not merely to survive hardship, but to rejoice in the middle ofit. That kind of joy becomes a testimony to the world. People expect us torejoice when things are going well. But when Christians rejoice in trials, theworld sees something supernatural, something different, and they want what wehave. Only Christ can produce that kind of joy in our lives. Maybetoday you're carrying burdens, disappointments, or heartaches. Remember this:your joy does not depend upon changing circumstances. It depends upon anunchanging Savior. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Heis still on the throne. God is still working. The gospel is still true. Heavenis still ahead. Because of that, we can rejoice. We'vebeen talking about the submissive mind here in Philippians 2. As Paul hasdescribed it, the submissive mind ultimately produces joy. The submissive mindis the same as a surrendered life. And a surrendered life produces joy inChrist. The Bible teaches us that Jesus humbled Himself. He obeyed the Father.He endured the cross. He now reigns in glory. Thatreminds me of Hebrews 12:1–3: "Therefore we also, since we aresurrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, andthe sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the racethat is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of ourfaith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising theshame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For considerHim who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you becomeweary and discouraged in your souls." My friend, when we follow thesame principle that Jesus practiced, we discover that surrender leads to joy. Let'spray together. Father, thank You for the joy that is found only in JesusChrist. Teach us to rejoice not only in blessings, but also in sacrifice andservice. Help us to trust You in every circumstance and reflect the joy ofChrist to the world around us. In Jesus' name, Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!
When you hyper-focus on what you think you lack, you aren't practicing gratitude, and you can become discontent. When you covet what someone else has, you will start to believe that God is withholding something good from you. That means our discontentment is not about our life circumstances but about the state of our hearts. Melissa Kruger joins the Perrys to talk about a book Jackie stumbled upon when looking for resources on the topic of covetousness – one that Melissa wrote back in 2012 called “The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World.” Whatever you're wanting, it will not ultimately be soul-satisfying. We spend our time chasing the contentment we want when it's available to us simply by abiding with Jesus. Connect with Melissa: https://www.instagram.com/melissabryankruger https://melissabkruger.com/ Check out Melissa's book, "The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World" – https://www.amazon.com/Envy-Eve-Finding-Contentment-Covetous/dp/1845507754 Jackie and Melissa's Ephesians study with Jasmine Holmes: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/ephesians-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005843174? Scripture References Genesis 3 Philippians 4:11-13 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 This Episode is Sponsored By: https://weekendtoremember.com — Register now with code PERRY to save $100 on any getaway! - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this special episode, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Katie Johnson, Connected Families’ new Community Engagement Manager, Certified Parent Coach, and former educator, to unveil something brand new: the cf community! A place where you’re not parenting alone. After years of watching the Connected Families Framework™ transform households, the team noticed one consistent truth: parents grow faster when they’re not parenting alone. The cf community is designed to be that “people in your corner” space. A faith-anchored, research-informed gathering place where parents can slow down, reflect, ask hard questions, and celebrate small wins alongside a coach and like-minded community. Stacy and Katie walk through what’s inside, who it’s for, and the deep biblical why behind this new chapter of the ministry. Whether you’re a grandparent helping raise grandkids, a parent in a particularly hard season, or someone simply hungry to keep growing, this episode is an invitation to find a resting place for your parenting journey. Key Takeaways: Growth happens in community, not isolation. Learn about what's inside the cf community! Join others from around the world. Mentioned in this Podcast: Join the cf community today! Philippians 1:6 2 Peter 3:18 Episode 289 – Teaching Kids Responsibility Without Nagging Episode 213 – The Art of Blessing Your Kids Episode 139 – Helping With Sibling Conflict When Kids Fight All the Time Heard in the cf community When Katie shared a post from a mom who had just experienced a profound mindset shift inside the community: “I’m working through Grace and Truth for Moms, and today’s lesson was so impactful. What a mindset shift from ‘it’s my job to get my kids to obey’ to ‘it’s my job to parent wisely.'” Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Guest Bio: As a former teacher-turned-homeschool mom with a sensitive & intense child, Katie Johnson came to Connected Families at the end of her rope. As a CF coach, she now helps struggling families adopt a whole-Bible, whole-brain approach for Christ-centered transformation. She loves providing practical tools to help families apply the CF framework to their unique situations. Katie lives in Madison, WI, with her husband, three young kids, a dog, and three chickens. Katie holds a Master's in Education and has a special passion for supporting families with toddlers.
Top Ten from 2025: #10 Domestic Violence and Abuse: Identifying and Healing from Abusive Relationships with Stacey Womack (Episode 263) Mark 10:27 NKJV "But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” **Transcription of original episode** Domestic Violence and Abuse: Identifying and Healing from Abusive Relationships with Stacey Womack (Episode 263) Questions and Topics We Discuss: Will you teach us about the various types of abuse? How do we respond appropriately and in a Christ-like manner when someone does report abuse? What are your views for having biblical reasons for divorce, specifically as it relates to each type of abuse? Stacey Womack is an award-winning expert in domestic violence from a faith-based perspective. She founded Abuse Recovery Ministry & Services (ARMS) in 1997 and she is a published author and sought after national speaker. Stacey developed and wrote the curriculum used for ARMS programs, including Her Journey for survivors of abuse and Mankind and Virtue for men and women who have used abusive behaviors. She has assisted tens of thousands of people in recovering from both the receiving and giving of abuse. Her passion has grown ARMS, a small grassroots organization, to now having an international reach. Abuse Recovery Ministry & Services Website Stacey's Books Thank You to Our Sponsor: Grace Catering Other Related Episodes on The Savvy Sauce: 146 Biblical Response to Emotionally Destructive Relationships with Leslie Vernick 148 Overcoming Evil with Good: Recognizing Spiritual Abuse with Dr. Diane Langberg Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
In this episode, Sathiya sits down with renowned neurosurgeon, author, and speaker Dr. Lee Warren to explore the intersection of neuroscience, faith, trauma, and transformation. Drawing from his experiences as a combat neurosurgeon during the Iraq War, surviving PTSD, and grieving the loss of his 19-year-old son, Mitch, Dr. Warren shares how those painful seasons led him to discover the powerful connection between intentional thinking, faith, and neuroplasticity. The conversation explores the difference between the mind and the brain, how thoughts shape the body and behavior, and why modern neuroscience increasingly supports biblical principles about renewing the mind. Sathiya and Dr. Warren also discuss addiction recovery, habit formation, resilience through suffering, the importance of community and brotherhood, and Dr. Warren's concept of “self-brain surgery” — the process of intentionally rewiring the brain through thought patterns, faith, and action. Throughout the episode, they reflect on scriptures including Romans 12, Philippians 4, Romans 5, and Psalm 103, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace hope, pursue healing, and recognize their God-given capacity for growth and transformation through adversity. SATHIYA'S RESOURCES: Free Recovery Book (The Last Relapse) Join the brotherhood (DeepClean Inner Circle) Live Training To Quit Porn For Good LEE WARREN'S RESOURCES: Lee's book: The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery Lee's website: https://wleewarrenmd.com/ Timestamps: 01:18 – Dr. Lee Warren shares his background as a combat neurosurgeon 02:09 – Serving in Iraq, PTSD, divorce, surviving war trauma, and loss of his son 04:11 – Wrestling with grief, faith, and questions about God 05:48 – The realities of performing brain surgery during war 07:57 – Feeling disconnected despite understanding the brain scientifically 08:59 – The humility required to confront personal struggles and trauma 11:42 – The MRI experiment that changed Dr. Warren's understanding of the mind and brain 14:57 – Discovering “self-brain surgery” and the power of intentional thinking 17:49 – Neuroplasticity and how thoughts physically reshape the brain 20:14 – Why transformation creates genuine hope 21:37 – The origins of “self-brain surgery” 22:38 – Science and faith: conflict or connection? 25:46 – Gratitude, anxiety, and what neuroscience reveals about Philippians 4 29:39 – How suffering produces endurance, character, and hope 32:52 – Dr. Warren's grandson overcoming dyslexia and building resilience 36:39 – Why suffering can become a pathway to growth 37:48 – Parenting, risk, and helping children build resilience 39:50 – Freedom from pornography and living with integrity 41:07 – What to do when you feel completely stuck 42:55 – The reticular activating system and how your brain filters reality 46:59 – Rewriting your internal story to create change 49:02 – Why seeking outside help is wisdom, not weakness 56:44 – Why suffering is the biggest challenge to faith for many people 57:58 – Circumstances versus emotional resilience 59:39 – Psalm 103 and God's promises in suffering 01:00:49 – Healing, dis-ease, and renewing the mind 01:02:15 – Finding hope and resilience through God's design 01:06:11 – How past suffering can prepare us for future challenges 01:07:26 – Community, brotherhood, and the neurological power of connection 01:10:22 – Quantum entanglement, relationships, and emotional influence 01:15:42 – Romans 8 and the importance of setting the mind on life and peace
EPISODE DETAILS:This will be a series on Nehemiah and how it relates to men and their walk in life. Nehemiah was known as a Builder, and as men we are leaders who should build up others. This week is about what it takes to be a leader like Nehemiah. Do you consider yourself humble?Bible Verse(s): Nehemiah 1; Matthew 6:9-13; James 4:4-7; Philippians 2:3-4; Psalm 25:9----------------------------------------------Top 100 list at Feedspot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/christian_men_podcasts/E: warriorwithin.christianmanhood@gmail.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pastorwarriorwithinMerch Store: https://wwcm-podcast.printify.me/productsPayPal DONATIONS: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KC3DTP8HM7DAEYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WarriorWithinMinistriesStudios-----------------------------------------------------Affiliated with Talitha Coffee: https://talitha.com/pastordido-----------------------------------------------------Track: Jim Yosef - Samurai [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.Watch:Free Download / Stream:http://NCS.io/Samurai
"What does the Bible say about borders and immigration?"Leviticus 19:33-34Summer Heat SeriesPastor Nate ClarkeMay 31, 2026Virginia's proposed Constitutional amendments on Abortion & Marriage - How to VOTE BIBLICALLY: https://youtu.be/Y8z8xTFsOn8How should Christians respond to wickedness in the world? https://youtu.be/2OJUIM9YRwASERMON NOTES:- Leviticus 19:33-34- What does the Bible say about borders and immigration?- Tribalism: organized around ethnicity. Protect your own. Fear the outsider. - Nationalism: organized around borders, shared values and morals, and laws.- “E Pluribus Unum” = “out of many, one”- “We are a nation of immigrants. But we are also a nation of laws.” Presidents Obama and Clinton- The role of the Christian, the role of the government, and the role of the immigrant- Leviticus 19:33-34- The role of the Christian: do not mistreat the foreigner, but love them- The role of the government: to protect the people and borders of its nation and administer justice without partiality. - What does the Bible have to say about national borders?- Acts 17:26- Numbers 34:1-2- A rule that is not enforced isn't a rule. Borders that aren't enforced aren't borders. A nation without borders isn't a nation. Therefore, a nation that doesn't enforce its borders will cease to be a nation. - Why should a nation respect and protect its borders?- National security- Nehemiah 13:1-3- To preserve its prosperity- Leviticus 19:15- Proverbs 6:30-31- Romans 13:1-2- Romans 13:3-5- The role of the immigrant is to join in with and obey the laws of the nation.- Ancient Israel: outsiders could join but they had to follow proper procedures to do so and could not change the culture or reshape the covenant in Israel.- Exodus 12:49 (one common law)- Exodus 20:10 (nations customs and rhythms)- Leviticus 18:26 (standards of morality, right and wrong)- Exodus 12:48 (uncomfortable, sacrificial ways)- Deuteronomy 31:12 (learn the Hebrew language)- Nehemiah 13:15-21 (morals and values)- The Story of Ruth - Foreigner from Israel (Moabite)- Deuteronomy 23:3 - Resident foreigner. Leaves her land and joins culture and laws of Israel- Ruth 1:16-17 - Welcomed and living, but within laws- Leviticus 19:9-10 - Makes it official, married to Boaz (Ruth 4:1-12) - Joined Israel, part of the genealogy of Jesus, the great-grandmother of King David- Ephesians 2:12-13, 19- Philippians 3:20Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Mechanicsville outside Richmond in Central Virginia.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/Website: https://oasischurch.online
This 5/24/26 sermon by Michael Gowens is #24 in the Philippian series. It is based on Phi. 3:7-10. Paul's language reveals his personal passion and ambition. Gowens elaborates on the impropriety of ambition if it is self-centered and self-promoting, but argues that when a deeper knowledge of Christ and conformity to Him is the goal, it is not only a proper, but essential personal trait.
Are you feeling spiritually sluggish, "weighed down," or desensitized to the things of God? In Week 6 of our series, The Hygiene of My Heart, we diagnose a pathogen that our modern world often laughs off, but one that the Great Physician takes very seriously: Gluttony.Using the Greek concept of Hygies—meaning to be sound, healthy, and whole—Pastor Charlie Grimes explores how gluttony is far more than just a physical struggle with food. It is a spiritual "nutrient deficiency" where we use physical consumption—whether food, media, or shopping—to temporarily numb a hunger that only an eternal God can satisfy.In this message, you will discover:The False Satiety Trap: How nature shows us that it's possible to be "full" on the outside while literally starving on the inside.Eternity in the Heart: Why physical "shortcuts" can never fill a soul designed for infinite satisfaction (Ecclesiastes 3:11).The "Drowsiness" Diagnostic: Identifying the spiritual "brain fog" and "drowsiness" caused by over-consumption (Proverbs 23:21).The Information Diet: Practical ways to apply Philippians 4:8 to your daily digital and mental intake.The Cure:To fight this pathogen, we introduce Vitamin S (Self-Control)—the essential micronutrient that regulates our intake and keeps us from being mastered by our impulses. We conclude with the Sacrament of Communion, where we stop reaching for counterfeits and feast on the only true "Bread of Life" who satisfies the soul (John 6:35).Big Idea: Gluttony is a spiritual malnutrition that uses physical consumption to mask our true hunger for the Great Physician.Key Scriptures: Philippians 3:18–21; Proverbs 23:19–21; Ecclesiastes 3:11; John 6:35.#Faith #Sermon #CharlieGrimes #SpiritualHealth #HeartHygiene #Gluttony #SelfControl #Communion #ChristianLiving
This Sunday, May 31, 2026 This Sunday Pastor Matt Chewning continued our series in Philippians. Join us to hear about how Jesus gives us a mindset reset!
What does it mean to walk worthy of the gospel?In Philippians 4, Paul gives believers a series of commands that reveal both the authenticity of our faith and the invitation of God to deeper joy, peace, and intimacy with Christ. Rather than finding our confidence in circumstances, we are called to rejoice in the Lord, display a spirit of gentleness and reasonableness toward others, and bring every burden before God through prayer.This message explores how genuine faith is demonstrated in everyday life, how believers can experience joy even in suffering, and how God's peace guards the hearts and minds of those who trust Him. Ultimately, these commands point us to Jesus Christ—the One who perfectly rejoiced, perfectly obeyed, and carried every burden on our behalf.Whether you are struggling with anxiety, walking through difficult circumstances, or seeking to grow in your relationship with Christ, this sermon offers a powerful reminder that true peace, joy, and rest are found in Him alone.
Matthew 16:13–18 Philippians 3:20
TODAY'S TREASUREDon't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6 (MSG)Send us a comment!Support the show
Send us Fan MailIn our series “Crafting a Life that Shines” we have considered that it requires a “right beginning,” “right habits,” a “right identity,” and today we will hear about the importance of a “right attitude.” Philippians 2:5-16; Matthew 5:14-16"Yet I still dare to Hope..." - Lamentations 3:21PODCAST HOME: daretohopepodcast.buzzsprout.com/EMAIL: hope@dare2hope.lifeFACEBOOK: Dare to Hope MinistriesWEB: www.dare2hope.lifeBOOK: "Mapping a Life of Hope" Order here: https://a.co/d/0gj9wVif
Welcome back to In the Word with Malcolm Webber!Embracing both of the Biblical realities of Divine sovereignty and human responsibility is ultimately a win-win! You get the best of both. You will have the peace and assurance of the sovereignty of God along with a healthy fear of God and a redeeming view of failure, AND you will have the initiative and aggressive action of the responsibility of man.Find out more in the fourth part of Malcolm's message on Philippians 2:12-13, “Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility.”Related Resources from LeaderSource* Book: True Giving: A Brief Exposition of Philippians* Book: God Is Sovereign* Designs: God Is Sovereign: Transformational Designs* Email Course: God Is Sovereign* For More Teaching on Common Errors: Malcolm's Musings This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadersource.substack.com
On this episode, we talk with Gabriella Taylor, a TCK to Portugal. You'll hear her share how God led her to step out in faith even though it was uncomfortable - plus the lessons she learned along the way! Gabriella is young yet wise beyond her years. She also shares with us about what God is teaching her as she navigates a major life transition. We even get a glimpse into some reverse culture shock and a testimony of God's provision! Make sure to tune in as we journey alongside Gabriella.What questions do you have about this episode? How can we help support you or your TCK? We'd love to hear from you! Connect with us HERE. HOSTS: Michelle Ellis, John Michael Caldwell, Nicole CaldwellSONG: Sunscreen by Vic DaviCONNECT WITH US: Instagram | Facebook | Email UsCHAPTERS:0:00 - 0:31 | Introduction0:31 - 1:59 | Getting to Know Gabriella1:59 - 6:13 | MK Debate6:13 - 9:51 | Starting a Ministry as a Teenager9:51 - 15:35 | Lessons from Leading a Bible Study15:35 - 19:52 | “Wins” from Stepping Out in Faith19:52 - 23:20 | Encouragement for Those Taking Leaps of Faith23:20 - 27:22 | A New Transition as a College Freshman27:22 - 30:59 | A Testimony of God's Provision30:59 - 37:51 | Growing in Trust in the Lord37:51 - 40:44 | Final Reflections on God's Holiness40:44 - 44:32 | Culture Shock & ClosingSHOW NOTES:19:18 | Romans 8:28 - “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”34:09 | Jeremiah 18 - Clay in the Potter's hands35:49 | Philippians 4:6-7 - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”KEY QUOTES:19:20 | “[God has] a purpose for you on the field.”21:08 | “The Lord took that obedience and grew it and grew that seed even though I didn't know what I was doing and lacked confidence in it. He took that obedience and just really grew it into beautiful fruit.”21: 28 | “I think wholehearted surrender and just being open to whatever the Lord might have for [you] is incredible.”22:18 | “It's in that stretching and leaning into being a little bit uncomfortable that ultimately we grow and the Lord develops us.”26:46 | “…I really don't feel like I'm from here but I know without a shadow of a doubt that I'm supposed to be here.”28:21 | “My contentment and my joy and my satisfaction is found in Christ.”29:19 | “I'm in an amazing place for a miracle. I just need the Lord to come through.”32:30 | “Being in a place of complete surrender, I believe goes hand in hand with trust [in God].”38:13 | “How often do I go through my day and truly forget that my Creator, the God who made this world and who made me, is someone who I can just pray to at any point and I can have those conversations with?”Interested in partnering with John Michael & Nicole in prayer, one-time giving, or monthly giving? Do that HERE.COMMON TERMS:TCK - third culture kidMK - missionary kidLAC - Latin America Caribbean
Philippians 3:7-11
Some of the greatest writings in history were written from prison—like Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail, John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and Nelson Mandela's Autobiography. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians is no different, but most people have never heard of it. Written from a Roman prison to a church he started in Philippi, Philippians is a short letter full of brilliant theology, no-nonsense wisdom, and tattoo-worthy one-liners that has sparked joy, resilience, humility, and more in the church ever since.
Pastor Peter shared from Philippians about how we can be followers of Jesus who are known for our joy.
How do you stop caring so much what other people think of you? It is one of the quietest, heaviest weights most of us carry, and the Bible has a surprising answer for it. The answer starts with a kind of fear most of us have never actually been taught.In this sermon, Pastor Brian opens up one of the most confusing tensions in all of scripture. On one hand, the Bible tells us over and over not to fear. On the other hand, it tells us to fear the Lord. So which is it? Does God want us to be afraid of him or not?Pastor Brian unpacks the difference between bad fear and good fear, starting with Proverbs 29:25. The fear of man is a snare. It traps us in hypocrisy, in people pleasing, in the exhausting work of curating a version of ourselves that we hope will be liked. It leaves us with the lonely lie that the best we can hope for in life is to be loved but not known.Then he turns the corner. There is a different kind of fear running all through scripture, a holy and healthy fear of the Lord, and it does three things our souls actually need. It protects us from evil, the way a true picture of a just God keeps us from playing with sin (Proverbs 16:6). It empowers us for holiness, because cleansing ourselves and bringing holiness to completion happens in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1, Philippians 2:12). And it fuels intimacy with God, because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowing him, and the friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him (Proverbs 1:7, Psalm 25:14).Along the way Pastor Brian shares the storm on a Colorado mountain that taught him what holy fear actually feels like, the Antique Roadshow teapot that finally helped it click, and the moment from his own childhood when a father's loving discipline kept him from a self destructive choice that nothing else could have stopped. He lands the message in Psalm 130, where the trembling realization that no one could survive God's record of our sin meets the staggering good news that with God there is forgiveness, so that he may be feared. And in Psalm 147, where the same God who delights in those who fear him also commands them to hope in his unfailing love that will never stop chasing them down.The biggest reframe of this teaching is simple. The fear of the Lord is not one more thing to add to your spiritual to do list. It is the posture underneath the whole list. It is how Pastor Brian says you do every other thing God has asked of you. If your walk with God has stalled, this might be the missing link.
Summary: This episode emphasizes the importance of consciously feeding your mind with positivity, faith, and encouragement. Ms. G shares biblical insights and practical tips on guarding your thoughts to foster emotional and spiritual well-being.Key Topics:The power of our thoughts and their influence on attitude, confidence, and futureBiblical guidance from Philippians 4:8 on focusing on positive and virtuous thingsThe dangers of negativity, gossip, fear, and stress that can overwhelm your mindStrategies to protect your peace: avoiding toxic environments, social media breaks, prayer, and gratitudeThe importance of mindful consumption of media, conversations, and peopleRecognizing internal battles—negative thoughts and self-doubt—that require conscious redirectionPractical steps to foster healthy mental habits and spiritual growthThe significance of rest, unplugging, and spending quiet time with GodEncouragement to speak life and faith into your daily routinesPhilippians 4:8 - Biblical ScriptureFacebook | Instagram | WebsiteTimestamps:00:00 - The significance of mindfulness and what we feed our minds00:30 - Biblical perspective on thinking positive (Philippians 4:8)01:29 - How thoughts shape our attitude and future02:24 - The impact of negativity and constant bad news03:22 - Protecting your mental environment and guarding your peace03:51 - The influence of surrounding yourself with positive, faith-driven environments04:18 - The benefits of filling your mind with encouragement, wisdom, and hope05:16 - Recognizing drained conversations and setting boundaries05:45 - The internal battles: negative thoughts and self-doubt06:12 - The power of redirecting your thinking towards gratitude and faith06:40 - Taking breaks from social media and toxic environments07:05 - The importance of trusting God's timing and avoiding comparison07:34 - Protecting your mental and spiritual health from negativity08:03 - Cultivating gratitude, prayer, and peace amidst struggles08:32 - The strength found in choosing healthy thoughts and environments09:02 - The necessity of rest and unplugging to heal and reset09:33 - Making intentional choices about what enters your mind09:38 - The long-term impact of repeated thoughts on your life and attitude10:08 - Affirmations: You deserve peace, healthy thoughts, and environments for growth10:37 - Closing encouragement to keep trusting God and speaking life over yourself
Today we're continuing in Philippians 2, looking at verse 17,where the Apostle Paul says: "Yes, and if I am being poured out as adrink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad andrejoice with you all." Paul is using an Old Testament picture ofsacrifice. In those days, wine would often be poured out upon a sacrifice as anoffering to God. Paul says that his own life is being poured out like thatdrink offering. What a picture of surrender! Paulwas in prison as he wrote these words. He faced uncertainty, suffering, andpossible execution. Yet he did not speak with bitterness. He spoke with joy. Whywas that? Because he had totally and absolutely surrendered his life to JesusChrist. He saw his suffering as an act of worship. Romans 12:1 tells us that weare to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable untoGod, which is only our reasonable service” after all that God has done forus. Christianity is not merely believing certain truths. It is the offering ofourselves fully to God. Paul'sjoy did not depend upon comfortable circumstances. His joy came from knowingthat his life was being used for the glory of God. Oh, my friend, what adifference it makes when we begin to understand that! This is the secret oflasting joy. The world says today that joy or happiness comes from getting. Butthe Bible, and Jesus Himself, teach us that joy and true blessedness come fromgiving. In Acts 20:35, we read these words that Jesus said: "It is moreblessed to give than to receive." Somany of us today struggle with joy because we are focused mainly onourselves—what we want, what we feel, and what we are going through—instead offocusing on God and His glory. Joy grows when we pour out our lives in servingChrist and others. Have you ever poured out your life? The Scriptures tell usthat Jesus Christ poured out His blood on the cross, and He became brokenbread. That is what the Lord's Supper is about: broken bread and poured-outwine. Today that is what we can become in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ bythe grace of God. Aswe do, we begin to nourish others until they can learn to nourish themselves. Wemight even become a doormat. Yes, people may wipe their feet on us. Yet werejoice when that happens, just as Paul did in prison. What joy we have insidebecause we know that the feet of those who wipe their feet on us are cleanernow. Perhaps, as a result of our response rather than our reaction, they toowill glorify Christ and come to know Him. Paulrejoiced even while suffering because sacrifice for Christ is never wasted. Missionariesunderstand this great truth. Faithful pastors understand this truth. Godlyparents understand this truth. Godly Christians—believers who give their livesin service through the ministry of their local church—understand this truth. Sometimesserving Christ is costly. It may cost comfort, convenience, popularity, andeven relationships. But nothing given to Christ is ever lost. Jim Elliot, thegreat missionary martyr, once said: "He is no fool who gives what hecannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Noless than six times, Jesus said in the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, andJohn—that when you try to save your life, you will lose it. But if you loseyour life for His sake and the gospel's, you will find it. So today, askyourself: Am I living sacrificially for Christ? Am I holding back areas of mylife from God? Am I willing to be poured out for His glory? The greatest lifeis not the comfortable life. It is the surrendered life. I pray that this isyour heart today. Let'spray together. Father, thank You for the example of Paul, and above all, theexample of Jesus Christ. Teach us to live sacrificially and joyfully for Yourglory. Help us to absolutely surrender all of our lives completely into Yourhands. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!
Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.
Paul wrote “to live is Christ, to die is gain” from a prison cell, not knowing if he'd live or die. And he was still steady, joyful, and free. In this episode we walk through Philippians 1:19-26 and unpack what it actually looks like to live that way, where Jesus is so much of your life that nothing, not even death, can shake you. We get into the fill-in-the-blank that exposes what you're really living for, what it means to magnify Christ as a telescope to the church and a microscope to the world, and the grace that does the work in you so you stop white-knuckling your way into loving God.After the Amen question: In what area of your life does Christ need to be magnified?Donate: amenpodcast.com/donatestudy guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1panX8cYLFuG4EuSkZmmYjngx8wLUuJN8/view?usp=sharinge This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
The book of Philippians is full of paradoxes, one of the most profound being how Paul experiences true freedom even while in chains. His confidence, after all, was never in the possibility of God changing his circumstances, but in God sustaining him no matter what. In this week's message from Philippians 1, Pastor Curtis reveals three more aspects of “the good life,” a life that makes sense only when our perspective is the same as Paul's: To live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Pastor Nate Kosiba is preaching on being Carriers of the Name and Presence!
Paul wrote “to live is Christ, to die is gain” from a prison cell, not knowing if he'd live or die. And he was still steady, joyful, and free. In this episode we walk through Philippians 1:19-26 and unpack what it actually looks like to live that way, where Jesus is so much of your life that nothing, not even death, can shake you. We get into the fill-in-the-blank that exposes what you're really living for, what it means to magnify Christ as a telescope to the church and a microscope to the world, and the grace that does the work in you so you stop white-knuckling your way into loving God.After the Amen question: In what area of your life does Christ need to be magnified?Donate: amenpodcast.com/donatestudy guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1panX8cYLFuG4EuSkZmmYjngx8wLUuJN8/view?usp=sharinge This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
Weekend Scripture: Philippians 2 To live is Christ and to die is gain. This week, Scott walked us through Philippians 2. Jesus poured Himself, emptying Himself of the riches of heaven so that we could be saved by His grace. According to Paul, Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The most joyful life is the one spent for Jesus, reaching lost and broken people. The path to being full of joy is emptying yourself out. If you aren't experiencing the joy of Jesus, it's because you aren't emptying yourself out for Jesus.
Jesus consistently modeled dependence on the Father through prayer, obedience, and service. He came not to be served, but to serve others, ultimately giving His life for humanity. In the same way, believers are called to deny themselves daily, not through their own strength, but through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Through trials, hardships, and acts of service, God uses surrender to refine faith and produce spiritual maturity. This devotional reminds readers that sanctification is a lifelong process. Though dying to self is difficult, it leads to deeper fellowship with Christ, greater spiritual growth, and the abundant life Jesus promises to those who follow Him faithfully. Highlights Philippians 3:10 reveals Paul’s desire to become more like Christ through surrender. Following Jesus requires daily humility, sacrifice, and obedience. Selflessness in everyday life reflects Christ’s servant-hearted example. Jesus modeled dependence on the Father through prayer and submission. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to deny the flesh and choose God’s way. Trials and hardships can become opportunities for spiritual growth and sanctification. True life is found when believers surrender their lives fully to Christ. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: We Must Die Daily By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV). As a mom and wife, I am given countless opportunities to set aside my own wants and to sacrifice my love, time, and attention to my husband and children's needs. Pouring yourself out like that on a daily basis can sometimes be physically exhausting; I find myself praying for supernatural strength often! Yet, at the end of the day, even though I am tempted to wonder where my “me time” is, my heart is always full. This is when I begin to see more clearly what the Apostle Paul meant when he said: “I die daily.” The Biblical principle of dying to yourself has always been true, but I didn’t always live it or even understand it. Becoming a stay-at-home mom has challenged me in more ways than I can count in the area of putting others before myself, and I am always learning and finding that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to follow Him. That was Paul’s mission in life – to imitate Christ. And it is what he and the rest of the apostles literally gave their lives to preach to the world through their words and actions. We may not ever get the honor to literally die for Jesus Christ because of our faith in Him, but by God’s grace, we can imitate His selflessness every day. The apostle Paul emphasizes his great desire to join Christ in His suffering and become like Christ in his daily dying of self: “…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV). Intersecting Faith and Life: To be able to imitate Christ and enjoy this kind of fellowship with Him, we must look to Jesus as our example. Even though Jesus was God in the flesh, He still leaned upon God the Father for everything He said and did while He walked this earth. Jesus would rise early to pray and seek God for His will for the day. In addition to seeking God in prayer, Jesus obediently submitted Himself to the will of the Father, even unto death. Each day, we are faced with the temptation to satisfy our flesh and go outside the boundaries of God’s perfect will. We discover what that will is when we read the Bible and study it for ourselves to learn God’s ways. We are not perfect, but thankfully, Jesus was, and because of His sacrifice on the cross, we have been given the precious gift of the Holy Spirit as born-again believers. The characteristics of Jesus’ death should be the characteristics of our lives: humility, sacrifice, and glory to God through disciple-making. Ultimately, Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve others (Mark 10:45). Jesus ministered to thousands upon thousands of people during His time here on earth. John 22 tells us that if all the things Jesus did were written down, the entire world could not contain the books that would be written! Dying daily definitely isn’t easy, but it is worth it because Jesus promises us that whoever loses his life will find it and find it abundantly (Matthew 10:39, John 10:10)! But remember, we cannot die daily in our own strength, friends. The Holy Spirit is who empowers us to choose God’s way through the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). With each passing day, by God’s grace, we mature and cultivate a life worth dying for, a life found in Christ alone! Living like Christ’s dying is a continual process of humility and sacrifice. May God empower us to die daily and choose others above ourselves. Our flesh wants nothing to do with denying it of anything. We don’t want to experience suffering. But it is in those moments of dying to self that you become more like Christ. What are the difficulties and trials you are currently facing? Ask the Lord to help you embrace those trials and sufferings so that you may grow closer to Him. Let us seek to look like Christ’s dying by learning how to be humble and sacrificial. Instead of resisting those difficult times, ask the Lord to help you to find great opportunities for sanctification to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus and lean into His grace through the trial. Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 Luke 9:23-27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Galatians 5:16-26: Work or Spirit? (Who Are You?) taught by Pastor Dave Rolph on 05-31-26.
Join Pastor Landen Bosman for part 1 of our Summer Rocks series, "Joyful Living"
Christian marriage is not primarily about finding the right person. It is about becoming the right person. In a culture that often treats relationships as a means of personal fulfillment, Scripture calls us to something deeper: a life of self-giving love modeled after Christ Himself. Philippians 2 reminds us that Jesus did not grasp for His own advantage but humbled Himself for the sake of others. That same posture becomes the foundation of every healthy marriage. This message explores the four relationship killers identified by Dr. John Gottman: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Each one erodes trust, intimacy, and connection when left unchecked. But God's design offers a better way. Instead of criticism, we speak with grace. Instead of contempt, we honor one another. Instead of defensiveness, we listen with humility. Instead of stonewalling, we remain present and engaged, even in difficult conversations. Healthy marriages are not built by perfect people. They are built by imperfect people who continually surrender to the transforming love of Christ. Because the strongest relationships are not formed when two people demand to be loved well, but when two people learn to love like Jesus.
Rev. Tim Dalton preached on Philippians 1:1–11.