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Ever accidentally gone the wrong way on a one way street? Things don’t go well, do they? People are honking, shouting, waving their arms. Not usually smiling either. Seems kind of hostile. Well . . . things don’t go well when we go the wrong way in our faith either. People seem hostile . . . or maybe it’s us. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as we launch our best-of series of messages, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us the effects of Jonah going in the wrong direction. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever accidentally gone the wrong way on a one way street? Things don’t go well, do they? People are honking, shouting, waving their arms. Not usually smiling either. Seems kind of hostile. Well . . . things don’t go well when we go the wrong way in our faith either. People seem hostile . . . or maybe it’s us. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as we launch our best-of series of messages, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us the effects of Jonah going in the wrong direction. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Lee McDerment challenges us with NewSpring's namesake passage, Isaiah 43:18-19, to make peace with our past, perceive what God is doing in the present, and step confidently into the future. Pastor Lee McDerment challenges us with NewSpring's namesake passage, Isaiah 43:18-19, to make peace with our past, perceive what God is doing in the present, and step confidently into the future.
War was never the plan. So how did the situation change so quickly? The Muslims left Madinah intending to intercept a caravan. But once the caravan escaped, new information reached both sides, and the direction of events shifted. In episode 76 of the Seerah, Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan explains how matters developed as Quraysh continued advancing toward Badr. Their numbers, leadership, and intentions become clear, as does why some tribes chose to turn back while others pressed on. The episode also follows the decisions made by the Prophet ﷺ as the reality of a battle became unavoidable. Consultation takes place, different opinions are voiced, and firm commitments are given by the companions, especially as responsibility settles on those who would bear the greatest cost. You'll learn how the Muslims prepared on the ground, how information was gathered, how positions were chosen near the wells of Badr, and how Allah supported them through the night with calm, rest, and stability. The Prophet ﷺ spends the night in duʿa, while the army prepares for what lies ahead. The battle has not begun yet. But everything needed for it is now in place. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Precap and Introduction 00:02:45 - The Number of Disbelievers in Badr 00:04:41 - Iblees Steps in 00:08:22 - The Enemies March Towards Badr 00:10:34 - The People Assigned to Feed the Army 00:15:30 - The Path the Disbelievers Took 00:16:17 - Abu Sufyan and the Spies 00:24:47 - The Prophet ﷺ Hears About Quraysh's Plan 00:29:09 - Sahabah's Reaction to the Unexpected Battle 00:37:41 - The Prophet's ﷺ Prediction at Badr 00:40:35 - Scouting with Abu Bakr 00:46:40 - Settling Into Position at Badr 00:51:50 - Sa'd ibn Mu‘adh's Advice 00:54:26 - Abu Bakr's Courage at Badr 00:57:26 - Battle Preparations Begin 01:04:59 - The Prophet's ﷺ Battle Instructions AMAU Junior: https://amaujunior.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amau... Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMAU Telegram: https://t.me/amauofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AMAU... Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMAUoffici... iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/... Get in Touch: https://amau.org/getintouch BarakAllahu feekum. #AMAU #Islam #Dawah
In this message, Nate Wiens leads us through Hebrews 2:5–18, revealing how Jesus—our perfect Prophet, Priest, and King—became fully human to suffer on our behalf and defeat death through His sacrificial victory on the cross. This rich passage points us to the hope of Christ's second coming and the unshakable kingdom He is building in and through His people. Be encouraged by the humanity of Jesus, the power of the cross, and the future glory promised to those who belong to Him.Topics: Hebrews 2, Jesus the Prophet Priest and King, incarnation, suffering, victory over death, hope, kingdom of GodScripture: Hebrews 2:5–18Speaker: Nate WiensTags: Hebrews 2 sermon, Jesus humanity, Prophet Priest King, victory over death, cross of Christ, second coming, Christian hope, Grant ChurchDon't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others grow in faith and confidence in Jesus Christ.
Weekend Edition for December 27-28. 2025 Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).
Before you lean in and read, take a moment to settle into your body. Take a few slow, deep breaths, extending your exhale a few extra seconds. Let your shoulders drop. Give yourself a moment to arrive in your space. ✨ Ponder…… “What am I ready to release and anoint as this year comes to a close?”The idea of being “hand-picked” or “destined for greatness” has a certain allure. We want to believe our purpose will be revealed to us, that we'll be graced with a special calling. However, this passive mindset can keep us stuck, forever hoping to be discovered.Authentic anointing, on the other hand, demands that we step forward and declare our own worth. It's about taking responsibility for our gifts, claiming our unique voice, and consecrating ourselves to our highest vision. No one can do this work for us - we must anoint ourselves.This may feel daunting, even arrogant. But it's the only way to catalyze the transformation we seek. When we courageously choose ourselves, we unlock an inner authority that transcends external validation. We become the vessels of our own sacred purpose.Being Anointed Isn't Passive – You Choose YourselfThe World of Scent: Holy Lessons from NatureAnimals live in a world defined by scent. Their survival depends on their ability to pick up the aroma of life, danger, food, and other creatures. This innate ability guides them through the world.Humans, on the other hand, often rely on sight, sound, and belief—tools that are powerful, but limited compared to the sensory richness of scent.The Spiritual Scent: The Fragrance of DominionAnointing is more than a symbolic act; it represents a “fragrance of dominion”—a spiritual frequency that all creation recognizes. Where animals sense the world through scent, the spiritually anointed carry an invisible signature: a powerful presence, a vibration of authority, life, and divine energy.This “spiritual scent” opens doors, commands respect, and grants protection in ways that words and appearances can't.But emotions like fear can mask this fragrance, distorting your spiritual signal and pulling you out of alignment with creation. That's why the process of anointing is also about recalibrating your internal state, aligning your frequency with the divine, and carrying that vibration into the world.Anointing: Ritual and Meaning through the AgesHistorically, anointing has meant the application of oil—signifying consecration or elevation into a new role or status. Spiritually, it's about being covered with the “oil of the Divine”—a frequency that conveys dominion and a status equal to the gods.This anointing shifts you at a cellular level, acting as a kind of spiritual “hazmat suit” that allows you to interact safely with higher realms and energies, protecting you from spiritual harm.This tradition has deep roots in Ancient Egyptian (Kemetic) spirituality. The ankh is the symbol for “life” or “breath of life.”The ancient had spiritual gatekeepers, ushering initiates through a process of purification called the Baptism of Fire. This baptism isn't about punishment—it's a refiner's crucible, burning away the ego and anything that keeps you from growth.Growth: The Balance of Challenge and NurtureTo grow, you need both challenge and rest. Opposition strengthens you; safety gives you space to heal. Walking the path of the anointed means balancing these two forces—embracing spiritual awareness (what the tradition calls “Heru's Sunship”) while remaining engaged in the world.Prophecy in a Modern AgeIn today's world, especially on platforms like YouTube, prophecy can sometimes lose its depth and integrity. The true intention of prophetic work is deep intimacy with the Divine, and its purpose is alignment, not entertainment.Authentic prophecy isn't about showing off or reinforcing personal agendas. It's about humbly sharing the heart and mind of God, and creating realignment—not manipulation. When prophecy is rooted in ego rather than Spirit, it loses authenticity and becomes a form of control.Discernment is vital.True prophetic leadership creates a mirror of the heavenly government structure on earth—what Christ called the “Eklesia,” and what we call positions like Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor, or Evangelist. These are functions for the purpose of collective guidance, not religious rank.A Time for Self-InquiryAsk yourself:What distracts me?What am I trying to prove?What am I afraid to lose or let go?What stands in the way of my spiritual vision?Bring these questions to the Divine and listen for the answers.If nothing comes through at first, that's okay. These questions work on you over time.In Closing Anointing, Dominion, and Living as an ImmortalAnointing isn't just a ritual; it's the receipt of a divine frequency—a kind of “OIL of Dominion” that aligns you with the divine. The anointed state is a state of spiritual immortality, carrying a fragrance that commands respect from creation itself.Ancient Kemetic symbols remind us that with Life (the ankh) and Dominion (the was scepter), the anointed one finds the power to break limits. Growth comes by balancing the opposing forces of challenge and nurture. This is the path to stewardship in the Golden Era: spiritual awareness united with effective, purposeful action in the world.All my love, Kassandra This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thelightbetween.substack.com/subscribe
Urdu Friday Sermon delivered by Khalifa-tul-Masih on December 26th, 2025 (audio)
Welcome to Bible Bedtime. Tonight I will read 1Kings 13. After that, I will read from the Psalms and finish with the Lord's Prayer and my own prayer of dedication.Our email is BibleBedtimePodcast@gmail.com, or you can join us on Facebook! If you would like to join our Patreon group for $1-$5 a month, you can listen to all episodes - including extended episodes of full books of the Bible.You can also send a small donation to us on Venmo @Biblebedtime. All your support goes to offset the costs of doing the podcast and are ALWAYS appreciated but NEVER expected.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/biblebedtime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jairus appears as an administrator. He was named, titled, and located inside a functioning system. He knew how things worked, when to ask, when to stop, when a situation was resolved. When he knelt before Jesus, it was already a breach of role, but the text does not stop there. It presses him.While he was still on the way, while the instruction was still unfolding, a message arrived from his own house: Your daughter has died. Do not trouble the Teacher.It sounds compassionate. It sounds final. But it is not merely a report. It is a deception and a false command. Those who pressed Jairus pressed him to stop searching Scripture, to stop pursuing the call of the Prophet. They said: return to your place. Accept the verdict the system of human words has rendered.But there is only one Judge.Jesus answered without addressing death at all. He promised nothing. He uttered the command, Do not fear. Only trust.With that command, the axis of the text shifts. Fear here is not panic. Fear is obedience to human reasonableness. It is enclosure within narrative walls built of human words. Trust is remaining under instruction, exposed to reality, out in the open, where only living, breathing divine words can give life, even when every visible sign says the moment has passed.The crowd moves with them. They are practical. They know how death works. They know when grief must become resignation. They are not simply onlookers. They are the stone Temple outside the synagogue, walls built of human words, set against the living, breathing Word.They do what walls always do. They mark the human boundary. They decide what may pass and what must stop. What they call wisdom is fear of man disciplined into respectability. What they call obedience is resignation taught to bow to something other than God. They are the domesticated gatekeepers of reasonableness, the infrastructure of Herod, the architecture of fear.They are like the children in the marketplace who said:“We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.” (Luke 7:32)They do not listen for the sound of God. They pipe their own tune. Whether the sound is mourning or rejoicing, their demand is the same: respond within our script. The problem was not his music. It was their refusal to hear.They are the makers of garments, woven out of fig leaves. As Moses wrote:“Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)“I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10)Jesus emptied the room. Only Peter, James, John, and the parents remained. When Jesus said She is not dead but sleeping, they laughed. Their laughter was not a misunderstanding. It was fear covered, not by God, but by human craftiness. It restored their order. It set a guard around the girl's tomb. It domesticated the moment. It said: this voice may sing only within the borders of our melodies.No one expected what was about to happen. No one could later claim trust in his Command:“And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?'” (Ezekiel 37:2-3)Jesus took the girl by the hand and spoke: Child, arise. The text is not Greco-Roman. It is not written that her “mind” returns. It is not written that her Platonic “soul” is restored. It is written that her pneuma, her ruaḥ, returns. Breath that had gone out came back in. Life does not rise from within the human system of words. It enters from outside, at the sound of his voice (Genesis 2:7; Ezekiel 37:2-10).“Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:4)Peter, James, and John, like the parents, said and did nothing. They bore witness. Life does not come from parents. Wisdom does not come from disciples, let alone stone temples:“So I prophesied as I was commanded, and as I prophesied there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, sinews were on them, and flesh came upon them, and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God, Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.'” (Ezekiel 37:7-9)The living breath comes not from human words, but from him who commands the four winds, who commanded the Son of Man to breathe his living words upon her.Immediately, Jesus commanded practical care. Feed her. Life is not human spectacle. It is divine instruction, followed by silent obedience:“Tell no one.” (Luke 8:56)Silence is not secrecy. It is judgment. To speak at that moment would rebuild the stone temple of human words in narrative form. It would turn instruction into explanation, breath into human property, life into idolatry.Silence is the test.Like Zechariah leaving the temple unable to speak, the witnesses were stripped of their voice so that God's voice was no longer imprisoned.Hearing must remain intact.Come from the four winds, O breath!The girl was raised and returned, not unto comfort but unto function under his command. As with the man freed from Legion, return to the path of Scripture is always the assignment. Living, moving breath restored from God cannot be managed by those who witness it. They too are sent back under his command, to love the neighbor.Luke tears down every refuge at once. The crowd's boundary-making, parental love, administrative reasonableness, and Jairus's partial trust are all human shelters made of fear. Life, which came before man, will not be housed, measured, ruled, judged, explained, or secured by the words with which humans try to protect themselves.Life, it is written, is not from men, nor through man, but from God, through God:“Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand,O house of Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:6)“On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God?The thing molded will not say to the molder, ‘Why did you make me like this,' will it?Does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?” (Romans 9:20–21)Fear, St. Paul explained, tries to build a platform over God. Fear builds. The gospel dismantles (Genesis 11:4).This week, I discuss Luke 8:49-56. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Today in History: Ezekiel the Prophet received a report in Babylon that Jerusalem has been captured by the Babylonians (see Ezekiel 33:21). “Now in the twelfth year of our exile, on the fifth of the tenth month, the refugees from Jerusalem came to me, saying, ‘The city has been taken.'” Esther was made queen of the Persian Empire (see Esther 2:16–17). ”So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal palace in the tenth month which is the month [Tevet], in the seventh year of his reign.”This week's portion is called VaYigash (He drew nearTORAH PORTION: Genesis 45:28–46:27GOSPEL PORTION: Matthew 25:14–23What verse spoke to you most today and why?Did you learn something you need to do in your life?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from https://arielmedia.shopBUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to https://dailybreadmoms.comThe Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman
Send us a textFrom the Vault: Listen to this never before released Bonus Episode from Season 2, originally recorded in October of 2021! René and Dustin add their Queer Voices to the Voices of the Restoration; alongside those of Emma and Joseph Smith as the Prophet was imprisoned in Liberty Jail!Add your voice by sending your thoughts to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer
*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. Summary “The Rise of the Prophet-Priest People” unveils a deep spiritual reality: God is forming a remnant of believers who embody both the prophetic and priestly ministries, walking in oneness, love, and divine impartation. The speakers emphasize returning to the original purpose of God—people created in His image before time—to become a functioning Body led by the Spirit rather than religious structures. Like Ezekiel's dry bones, the Church must be spoken to, revived, and brought into life and unity. This transformation is not based on individual greatness, denomination, or human qualification, but on the lordship of Christ, the creative Word, and a heart of willingness. God is forming a people who walk as one Body, without division, egos, or rank—where His glory alone is revealed through a many-membered expression of the prophet-priest people. Show Notes 1. Created Before Time — Returning to Our Origin Ephesians 1:3–6 reveals our identity before creation: spirit beings patterned after Christ.Walking in this revelation brings urgency and clarity to the present day. 2. The Dry Bones Must Live The Church is like Ezekiel's dry bones—divided, lifeless, fragmented.The Word and Spirit must be spoken to revive and unite the Body.Life must be breathed not only into “the church,” but into all who hunger for God. 3. Lordship of Jesus Christ Access to God is based on relationship, not doctrine or denomination.Denominations often create barriers to oneness; God is bringing forth a united family. 4. The Emergence of the Prophet-Priest People Yesterday emphasized preaching; today emphasizes impartation and priestly ministry. 5. God Creates...
A Teaching on the role/gift of the Prophet as well as the Seer and how they function for the LORD and the best inrterest of other souls in the body of Christ and the world.
In jener Zeit wurde Zacharías vom Heiligen Geist erfüllt und begann prophetisch zu reden: Gepriesen sei der Herr, der Gott Israels! Denn er hat sein Volk besucht und ihm Erlösung geschaffen; er hat uns einen starken Retter erweckt im Hause seines Knechtes David. So hat er verheißen von alters her durch den Mund seiner heiligen Propheten. Er hat uns errettet vor unseren Feinden und aus der Hand aller, die uns hassen; er hat das Erbarmen mit den Vätern an uns vollendet und an seinen heiligen Bund gedacht, an den Eid, den er unserm Vater Abraham geschworen hat; er hat uns geschenkt, dass wir, aus Feindeshand befreit, ihm furchtlos dienen in Heiligkeit und Gerechtigkeit vor seinem Angesicht all unsre Tage. Und du, Kind, wirst Prophet des Höchsten heißen; denn du wirst dem Herrn vorangehen und ihm den Weg bereiten. Du wirst sein Volk mit der Erfahrung des Heils beschenken in der Vergebung seiner Sünden. Durch die barmherzige Liebe unseres Gottes wird uns besuchen das aufstrahlende Licht aus der Höhe, um allen zu leuchten, die in Finsternis sitzen und im Schatten des Todes, und unsre Schritte zu lenken auf den Weg des Friedens.(© Ständige Kommission für die Herausgabe der gemeinsamen liturgischen Bücher im deutschen Sprachgebiet)
Matthew 2:1–12 reminds us that truly wise people keep seeking Jesus until they find Him, even when the path is long, surprising, or humble. The Magi likely came from Persia, guided first by Scripture (Daniel, Numbers 24:17) and then by a God-given “star” that behaved more like the Old Testament pillar of fire—personal, precise, and faithful. Herod's fear contrasts with their worship; when they finally meet the Child—not in a palace but in a simple house—they fall down before Him and offer treasures that preach: gold for the King, frankincense for our Great High Priest, and myrrh for the Prophet who would suffer and save. God still leads seekers this way—through His Word, by His Spirit, to His Son—and obedience always ends in joy. - Ed Rea - Sunday, December 21, 2025
At Redeemer, we take seriously Jesus' call to "Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Apprenticeship to Jesus is not a one time decision, but a lifelong journey of following Jesus as our master-teacher. Since the goal of the Christian life is maturity in Jesus, apprenticeship must be deep and holistic, transforming the spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and vocational parts of men and women. Apprenticeship to Jesus is learning to practice the way of Jesus in our homes, relationships, neighborhoods, and jobs. We believe Christlikeness is cultivated as we implement spiritual practices, live in community with other believers, and submit to the Word and the Spirit. We agree with Dallas Willard who said, "that the gospel is opposed to earning, not effort." As we move towards cultivating a life of loving God and people, we trust Christ will mature us into his likeness. https://redeemerwichita.church/
Pastor Julius concludes our Advent series, Prophet, Priest and King by unpacking what it means that Jesus is King from Genesis 49:8-12
December 23, 2025Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-19Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:25-44:20; Revelation 11:1-19“…I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him” (Deuteronomy 18:18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God charges every prophet, disciple, apostle, and pastor to speak His Word; thus, the wide sense of Deuteronomy 18:18. God gives His Word to His men bearing the task of speaking the full counsel of the divine Word. God desires His office bearers to speak what He says without addition and subtraction to the mighty Word, a point any faithful pastor knows well. But is there an individual in mind here, or is God speaking about the Office for men tasked with the ministry in various points in human history?There are scholars arguing that God is only speaking about the prophets in general, without anyone in mind. Often, these arguments spin out of unbelief in the inspired text. People doubt the Bible to be God's inerrant Word and concoct arguments from the premise that the Scriptures are void of any divine inspiration. The Bible without its divine character becomes just another book, a collection of myths by mortals under the familiar confines of a fallen world and sinful flesh. Our confession, however, is that the Bible can be trusted, and that it is the holy, infallible Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Who always testifies to God's redemption won for us by Christ. Luther looked at this passage (Deuteronomy 18:18) and saw not only its divine character as the Word of God, but in light of Jesus, Who says about the Scriptures, “It is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39), he saw Deuteronomy testifying to Christ. The “prophet” in chapter 18 is Christ from the blood of the Jews Who perfectly and completely taught the Word of God and fulfilled it in His suffering and death.Moses, a great leader and prophet in his own right, would not be the last. God would raise a large company of prophets, ultimately leading to Christ, the Prophet from the Jews, giving us the Holy Word of God, testifying to Himself as the Savior of the nations. The warning is clear: “whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him” (Deuteronomy 18:19). Our task is to listen, a listening that always entails repentance and faith in the Prophet Who still speaks in His Word, teaches, leads, and guides us gathering in His Name and reading His Word on the pages of our Bibles testifying to God's salvation in that Prophet, that Savior sent from God, our crucified and risen Savior Who is Jesus. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus, turn us daily to your Word and grant us repentance and faith always that leads to life everlasting obtained for us by Your blood that washes away all sin and makes us your Church. Amen.Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.
We celebrate Christmas because God sent His son into the world. But, who is Jesus, and what did He come to do?During Advent, we'll explore how Jesus fulfills four key roles: Prophet, Priest, King, and Savior. Each week reveals a new dimension of who He is and how we're called to live as people sent in His name.This week, Pastor Jake Slebodnik teaches out of Hebrews 2:9-15.WEBSITETo learn more about Redemption Tempe, find ways to get involved, or opportunities to serve, visit our website: https://tempe.redemptionaz.com.OUR APPDownload our app redtem.in/tempeappOR text "tempe app" to 77977STAY CONNECTEDFacebook: / redemptiontempe. .Twitter: / redemptiontem Instagram: / redemptiontempe.. .GIVINGEverything we have is a gift from the Lord because He owns it all. Therefore giving should be a priority for us who have received all we have. Giving cheerfully, sacrificially, and consistently is a part of our worship.Give Online: https://pushpay.com/g/redemptiontempe
This week, Pastor Benjamin Applebee continues our Advent Series called "Holy, Holy, Holy"!Want to learn more about Watermark?Visit: https://watermarkoc.com/We would love to start a conversation with you!
Send us a textPastor Harlo White delivers the message "Promise To Your Child, Part 1", originally delivered on February 16, 1982.Stand with Pastor Harlo White in supporting the Harlo White Healing Stream Podcast. Your donation helps keep this podcast reaching people all across the Earth. Ask God the Father what he would have you do in giving to this ministry. You can visit our website at www.harlowhitehealingstream.com/giving to make a secure donation online. You can also mail your donation to:HARLO WHITE HEALING STREAMP.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.
本期节目是我们人文旅行探索专题「飞往景迈山」的最后一集。不过此刻你打开我们在小宇宙的节目主页,进入「内容专题」会发现一个新的专题叫做「云南多重宇宙」,未来我们会持续在播客里和大家一起探索云南!本期节目,我们将会进入西双版纳最值得去探访的一座植物王国 —— 中国科学院西双版纳热带植物园!而且我们这次的探访方式也会非常特别,先来一次深夜探访,再来一次跨越时空的历史探访。入夜之后,当世界渐渐安静下来,我们的夜游就要正式开始了!感谢参与「飞往景迈山」午夜飞行听友限定旅行团的所有小伙伴们!期待再出发!※ 特别感谢「稻草人旅行」对这次听友特别旅行团的大力支持!本期节目你将听到:[02:58] 遇见蜘蛛网:立体网、平面网、蜘蛛的粘液有多粘、正在织网蜘蛛[07:26] 闻到蚂蚁了!黄猄蚁——酸的蚂蚁[08:49] 螳螂也可以这么美?!越南小丝螳[09:50] wawawawa!跑跑跳跳的泽陆蛙[10:34] 看见乌兰魅影,灿烂星空和绝美银河[12:42] 萤火虫和一颗最美的「圣诞树」![17:31] 草地上的一片「碎钻」来自谁?[20:07] 夜晚的王莲,绝![12:46] 热带植物研究领域「荒野上的大师」——蔡希陶[42:39] 为什么要建设一座中国热带植物园?[45:24] 1958年,一座热带植物园开始建立,这一年我们也遇见了「曾孝濂」[53:28] 龙血树园的来历[55:35] 可以做一棵树,也可以做一株野生野长的香茅草▲ 建筑师一般的蜘蛛和它的立体蜘蛛网作品▲ 银白色的美丽越南小丝螳▲ 非常标准的螳螂!▲ 乌兰魅影,璀璨星空,以及绚烂银河▲ 夜晚的王莲▲ 白天的王莲▲ 版纳植物园里的榕树【节目主播/制作】主播/制作:VC微博:@VividCrystal 小红书:@午夜飞行VC 【节目互动】微博:@午夜飞行Official 公众号:午夜飞行【商务合作】商务合作联系邮箱:hello@marcastmedia.com或添加微信:hellomarcast 【欢迎加入听友群】入群方式 A:微信添加小助手 Amber (ID: hellomarcast),拉你入群入群方式 B:关注公众号「午夜飞行」 ,回复「听友群」三个字,即可获取入群通道 【本集音乐】Music credit: 1. Kreisleriana Op.163. Sehr aufgeregt - 内田光子 2. Piano Sonata No.1 in C, K.2792. Andante - 内田光子 3. 星空 - 许施 4. Balance - Various Artists 5. Gesnge der Frühe Op.133 (1853)2. Belebt nicht zu rasch - 内田光子 6. Waldszenen Op.821. Eintritt - 内田光子 7. Waldszenen Op.827. Vogel als Prophet - 内田光子 8. ThaïsMéditation - 马友友 【封面图片】Photos from VC【节目出品】本播客由 Marcast Media 制作出品,也欢迎你订阅收听 Marcast 旗下的其他播客节目。你可以通过以下方式找到我们:- 小红书:@Marcast - 公众号:Marcast - 微博:@Marcast - 进听友群请添加微信:hellomarcast- 欢迎加入 2500+ 朋友一起订阅 Beads Newsletter 每周一封精选英文播客内容分享,为你提取、总结那些 90% 的人听不到的、隐藏在声音里的一手信息、知识、经验、工具、趣味和审美,和你一起拓展认知和视野,每周一上午发送,订阅地址:https://beads.beehiiv.com© 2025 Marcast Media
Central to the Christmas Story is the arrival of the Munus Triplex, a theological term referring to Jesus's three roles: The Prophet who reveals, The Priest who reconciles, King who reigns. Having this view of Jesus changes everything for how we see the Christmas Story.In this sermon, Pastor Joe Baker unpacks the compassion, love, shepherd Heard of our Holy Priest forever -- Jesus. Not only is Jesus our great high priest who is able to care for our hearts in a way only He can, he calls us to be His priests here on Earth to usher in His Kingdom and dominion. We'd love for you to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to get updates on our latest content and resources that will help more people know Jesus and people know Jesus more.GIVE : We believe that generosity is golden. Freely we have received and so freely we give back to God. If you would like to give to support the work Jesus is doing here please visit: https://www.elevatecc.church/give.Elevate City Church is a Jesus Over Everything Church that launched in the Atlanta Perimeter area on October 4th, 2020.Jesus Over Everything.Give us a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatecity.church/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatecc.churchPodcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3H8BBrEFWxGKsTF8wPSvrn?si=epcQMMrmQIiTpeXEnyxMOQPodcast on itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-city-church/id1536637567Visit our website for more information about who we are as a church and how you can get involved.https://www.elevatecc.church/home
In dieser Episode untersucht Tobias Krämer die Frage, wie Jesus und Johannes der Täufer von ihren Zeitgenossen eingeordnet wurden und zeigt, dass beide für große Verwirrung sorgten. Die jüdische Bevölkerung erwog verschiedene Deutungsmöglichkeiten: Johannes könnte der Messias, der Prophet aus 5. Mose oder der wiederkommende Elia sein – und Jesus möglicherweise der Prophet, der Messias, […]
"Christ is Coming"Malachi 3:1 NIV “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. Malachi is a Hebrew name meaning "my messenger" famously belonging to the last Old Testament prophet who delivered God's final messages before a long silence, calling Israel to repentance and foretelling the coming of the Messiah, Our Lord, Our Savior. Advent: Latin word “adventus,” the word advent means “arrival” or “coming.” First Week of Advent:Theme: Hope (Hope Candle or Prophet's Candle).Theme: Peace (Peace Candle, Love Candle, or Bethlehem Candle).Theme: Joy (Joy Candle or Shepherd's Candle).Special Name: Gaudete Sunday, emphasizing rejoicing.Theme: Love (Love Candle of The Angel Candle) Christmas Day, which marks the culmination of the Advent season,and the central Christ Candle on the Advent wreath is typically lit on this day to symbolize the birthof Jesus, the Light of the World.Second Week of Advent:Third Week of Advent:Fourth Week of Advent: The prophecy here reveals the Christ Child that did come and also foretells the One who shall also return. 12/21/25 Misty Creek Community ChurchSermon message by Jeff Willis
Over the last few weeks, we have been looking at the various, individual offices of Jesus. We have seen Him as Prophet, Priest, and King. But there is a more common title that we use for Him that in some way wraps all of these titles together, Savior. Now, like all church terms we have some sense as to what they mean, but if we are actually stopped in the street and asked to give a definition, we might have to think about it for a minute. Once we have supplied that definition, we are then given the task of saying what precisely we mean. A great example of this is the word “Holy.” I think if you were to ask your average church goer what “holy” means, you'll get something like “sin free” because we know that God is Holy, Holy, Holy, because that is how the song goes! It actually means, “separate.” God is “different” from us. Certainly that includes not sinning, but that is only part of it. The same thing I think applies to the word “Savior.” What that word means and how we are supposed to respond to it will be the focus of our time together here. Our main point is Jesus, Our Savior, delivers us from sin.
2025-12-21 A Prophet Like Mosesby Pastor Chris BergScripture References:Genesis 3:14-1514 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,“Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”Deuteronomy 18:9-149 When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God.Deuteronomy 18:15-1915 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. 16 For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” 17 The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.Romans 4:1-2 1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”Luke 22:2020 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.John 1:1111 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Hebrews 8:66 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.John 1:19-2319 Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.'”Acts 3:22-2322 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.'John 4:25-2625 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”John 8:28-2928 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”John 12:49-5049 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”John 6:3535 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.John 8:1212 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”John 10:99 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.John 10:1111 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.John 11:2525 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;John 14:66 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.Mandeville Bible Church "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!All are welcome. 217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448Office Phone: (985) 626-3114Sunday Service: 9:30AMAdult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AMNursery and Children's church available.
A little baby, born in a manger 2000 years ago, promised peace as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Pastor Brad Cooper shows us how Jesus Christ, our King, establishes peace on earth. A little baby, born in a manger 2000 years ago, promised peace as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Pastor Brad Cooper shows us how Jesus Christ, our King, establishes peace on earth.
Christmas | Isaiah 9:6-7 | Darryl DelHousaye
In the silent night of fear, and fading hope, God was still keeping His promises, preparing a prophet, and readying the sunrise of righteousness. God still meets His people in darkness with promise, mercy, discipline, and solitude, until silence breaks into song.
Series: STANDALONE SERMON | Scripture: John 3:31-34, 4:17-26, 18:37-38 | Description: Behold the wondrous mystery, the word (truth) has become flesh!
At Redeemer, we take seriously Jesus' call to "Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Apprenticeship to Jesus is not a one time decision, but a lifelong journey of following Jesus as our master-teacher. Since the goal of the Christian life is maturity in Jesus, apprenticeship must be deep and holistic, transforming the spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and vocational parts of men and women. Apprenticeship to Jesus is learning to practice the way of Jesus in our homes, relationships, neighborhoods, and jobs. We believe Christlikeness is cultivated as we implement spiritual practices, live in community with other believers, and submit to the Word and the Spirit. We agree with Dallas Willard who said, "that the gospel is opposed to earning, not effort." As we move towards cultivating a life of loving God and people, we trust Christ will mature us into his likeness. https://redeemerwichita.church/
The Greatest Story Of All Time is our Christmas 2025 series at Fusion Christian Church. In this series we look at some of the ways God foreshadowed the Christmas story throughout the bible. In part 4, we conclude our series with a teaching on how Jesus Christ is our great High Priest.Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice.The priests in the Old Testament had to offer sacrifices constantly in order to atone for the sins of Israel. This is because the animal sacrifices could never truly take away the sins of the people. What the sacrifices did was point forward to the future sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Jesus, by offering his own body up on the cross, did what all the priests who came before could never do. He made a once for all, perfect sacrifice that could finally make people clean. Jesus entered the perfect place.Under the Old Testament system, the High Priest entered the "Most Holy Place" once a year on the Day of Atonement. The Most Holy Place was the room in the Tabernacle (or later the temple) that housed the Ark of the Covenant. Here the High Priest would act as a mediator between God and his people, making peace between them. The Most Holy Place, however, was only a shadow of the true Most Holy Place in heaven. Jesus, as the perfect High Priest, passed through the heavens himself, and therefore entered the "perfect place." By doing so, Jesus was able to reconcile God's people to him in a way no other high priest could.Jesus sat down on the perfect seat.On the Ark of the Covenant, which sat in the Most Holy Place, there was a space between two angels called the "Mercy Seat." This is the place where God's presence rested and where he would meet with the High Priest. Like with the Most Holy Place, this Mercy Seat was a shadow representing God's throne in heaven. According to the bible, after Jesus had offered his perfect sacrifice (himself) he sat down at the right hand of God in heaven. What this means is that Jesus can sit in the seat reserved only for God (because he is God). Jesus sits in heaven's Mercy Seat because he is the one who gives mercy to his people.You are now part of the priesthood.If you have been saved by Jesus, then his blood has washed you clean and set you apart for his service. God has a job for all of us to do, and that is to serve him and his gospel. All Christians are part of a priesthood where we live in service to our Prophet, Priest, and King Jesus Christ. How will you serve him?
A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Advent Philippians 4:4-7 & St. John 1:19-28 by William Klock For the last few months I've been reading Tom Holland's book Dominion. (That's Tom Holland the historian, not the actor. Until recently I didn't even know there was an actor because, I guess, I'm a history nerd.) Anyway, I've been reading a chapter here and a chapter there in between reading other more important things and it's been worthwhile. Holland isn't a Christian, but this rather large book is nevertheless about the influence that the Gospel, the good news about Jesus, has had in shaping Western Civilisation. One of the points he stresses is just how brutal and barbaric the ancient world was. Greeks and Romans knew little of mercy and grace. Theirs was a dog-eat-dog world. It was cruel. The weak were something to be exploited and if they couldn't be exploited, they were a liability and left to fend for themselves. Nearly a third of the people of the Roman empire were slaves. Infants were routinely left to die of exposure. Sexual immorality was everywhere and was a central part of the worship of many gods. Marital fidelity, especially amongst the wealthy and powerful was uncommon. Think of the pagan gods of Greece and Rome we learned about in school: petty, capricious, fickle, unloyal, angry, and constantly fighting amongst themselves. These were the gods the Greeks and the Romans created in their own image. Whatever problems we see in our world—and it's getting worse the deeper we drift from the Gospel and return to paganism—but however bad you think our world is, theirs was worse. Brother and Sisters, the gospel has had a profound impact on our world. And even as gospel virtues go to seed in the secular world and we have distorted and perverted version of love and mercy and justice thrown at us, the very fact that anyone at all in our society cares about things like justice, is because of the powerful impact of the gospel. It's appropriate that Advent comes to us at the darkest time of the year, because it reminds us of the darkness of the world into which Jesus was born. Surrounded by those pagans, Israel had the light of God's law, but even then, Israel lived in darkness. They'd returned from their Babylonian exile five hundred years before, but the Lord had never returned to his temple. The priests kept the lamp lit in the temple—the lamp symbolic of the Lord's presence with his people, but behind the great and heavy curtain, the holy of holies was empty. And Israel was ruled by a series of pagan empires: the Persians, the Greeks, and then the Romans. But Israel had her story. They were the people whom the Lord had delivered from slavery in Egypt. They knew his character and they knew his faithfulness. And they knew his promises. They had faith. And so they lived in hope and expectant longing. One day the words of Isaiah—the ones we read in our Old Testament lesson—“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.” One day those words would be fulfilled. And, most people were pretty sure, that day was coming soon. That's the setting for today's Gospel, which begins at John 1:19. This is the testimony John [the Baptist] gave when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” “What then?” they asked him, “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” “Well, then who are you?” they said. “We've got to take an answer back to those who sent us. Who do you claim to be?” He said, “I am ‘a voice calling in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord,' just as the prophet Isaiah said.” (John 1:19-28) So the priests were the spiritual gatekeepers of Israel and when they heard of this prophet, John, preaching and baptising, they sent their people to ask him what he was about—to see if he was legit. People were talking about John like he was the Messiah—as if he were the one come to fulfil the prophecies of deliverance and salvation. Was John the one? So they ask, “Who are you? Who do you claim to be? Elijah?” Remember that the Prophet Elijah had never died; he was swept up into have by a fiery chariot. And Malachi had prophesied that “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” the Lord would send Elijah back. Like King Arthur returning to Britain in its hour of greatest need. But John says, “No. I'm not Elijah.” He hadn't come to earth in a fiery chariot. He was the son of Zechariah the priest and his wife, Elizabeth. “Are you the prophet?” they asked. In Deuteronomy 18 the Lord had promised that he would one day raise up a prophet like Moses, who would declare his words. Many people thought this prophet would be the Messiah. But again John answers, “Nope, I'm not the prophet either.” We get a sense of just how great the longing of these people was. Like a kid getting up every morning of December and asking his parents if it's Christmas yet, the people of Israel longed for the Messiah to come and set the world to rights, to end the darkness, to once again fill the temple with the glory of the Lord. John was as eager as anyone, but he tells them “No, I'm not the Prophet.” In fact, John was fulfilling those prophecies—Matthew and Mark tell us as much. But I think John denied it because he knew people associated the prophecies of Elijah and the Prophet with the Messiah. John knew he wasn't the Messiah; he was the Messiah's herald. And so when the priests finally let him speak for himself, he quotes Isaiah 40:3, and says, “I am ‘a voice calling in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.'” In other words, John was indeed fulfilling prophecy—not as the Messiah, but as the one sent to prepare Israel to receive the Messiah. And that surprised those priests. People in the past had claimed to be the Messiah. No one claimed to be his herald. That was weird. So they dig deeper. Look at verses 25-27: They continued to question him, “So why are you baptising, if you aren't the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I'm baptising with water, but there is one standing among you whom you do not know—someone who is to come after me. I'm not worthy to untie his sandal straps.” For the Jews, baptism was a symbol of cleansing and of ritual purity. It was a ritual washing. At this point the other gospel-writers are helpful as they expand on John's answer. Mark tells us that John's baptism was a baptism of repentance—it was a preparatory act in light of the coming judgement the Messiah would bring. And Matthew and Luke also report John going on about this one who will come, this one greater than him: “He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16). In other words, John is calling Israel to repentance in anticipation of the Messiah, who will fulfil the Lord's promises to set Israel to rights by filling his people with his own Spirit. The law written on stone tablets would be inscribed on the hearts of God's people so that they could finally fulfil his law of love. But the Messiah was also coming in judgement. He would baptise the repentant with God's own Spirit, but he would baptise unrepentant Israel with fire. These are the two sides of the gospel coin. You can't have one without the other. Jesus' advent, on the one hand, brought mercy to the repentant, but on the other it also brought judgement on the unrepentant of Israel. What's important for us here, Brothers and Sisters, is that this exchange between John and the priests reminds us of the Messiah's place in Israel's story and of the faithfulness of God to his promises. It is this manifestation of the Lord's faithfulness (and of his goodness, mercy, grace, and wisdom) to Israel—something we see brought to its climax in the birth, the death, the resurrection, and the ascension of Jesus, that has drawn us—you and I—to the God of Israel and that, by faith, has incorporated us into the people of God. Through our union with Jesus, through our incorporation into this people, through our being made adopted sons and daughters of Abraham, you and I have come to know God's mercy and the life of the Spirit, too. Because of the faithfulness of God, revealed in Jesus and in the power of the gospel, the darkness that Israel knew; that deep, deep darkness full of false gods and wicked kings and evil principalities and powers has been driven away by the light. The light has come into the darkness, his gospel has thrown those powers down and lit up the world. And you and I have seen—we live in—the glory of that light. And knowing that takes us from our Gospel passage today into our Epistle. Paul writes those wonderful and challenging words in Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always; I say again, rejoice. Paul spoke these words to a people surrounded by the dark. “Rejoice in the Lord always!” Because being surrounded by the dark, it's awfully easy to forget the light of the gospel. Just before he wrote this, Paul exhorted two women in the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche, to “agree in the Lord”. These two sisters in the Messiah, once close, once working together in gospel life had some kind of falling out. We don't know the details, but it was something important enough to prompt Paul to address them publicly. They'd let the darkness extinguish their light. Instead of standing as a witness to the victory of Jesus over the principalities and powers of the present wicked age, the local church was letting those powers have their way in their midst. Brothers and Sisters, don't let that happen. Paul exhorts them (and us) instead: Let everyone know how gentle and gracious you are. (Philippians 4:5a) Gentle and gracious. Paul uses the same description in 2 Corinthians 10 to describe the meekness of Jesus as a model for Christians. This is gospel light lived out. What Paul's getting at is that Jesus is the King, but in him we see this amazing display of gracious gentleness. This is the gentleness we see revealed as Jesus, the one to whom heaven and earth belong, humbled himself to be born one of us, to die on the cross, and to show mercy to his enemies. And in that, Jesus defeated the powers that held the world in darkness and sin and now, we his people, are called to live that victory out amongst ourselves as witnesses to Jesus' victory and the inauguration of God's kingdom. This is our Advent stewardship. So consider, Brothers and Sisters, when we demand our rights, when we grasp for power, when we nurse grudges, we undermine our gospel witness—we put on display the very darkness from which we've been delivered by the one who is light. In contrast Paul calls us to rejoice in the Lord and to manifest Jesus-like gentleness in our relationships. Jesus' gracious gentleness has forgiven and restored us and that same gracious gentleness ought to shine through us and through the life of the church. Consider that every time we hold a grudge, allow a relationship to break down, or follow the world's advice to cut those problem or negative people out of our lives, we undermine the Church's witness to the world. But that's not all. Paul goes on: The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything. Rather in everything let your requests be made known to God, by prayer, supplication, and with thanksgiving. There's our Advent theme again: Jesus has given us a job to do. He's given us a gospel treasure to steward in his absence. In the meantime, rather than being anxious—and anxiousness is so often the thing that evil uses to manipulate us—instead of being anxious we should take our needs to God. Jesus made the same point in the Sermon on the Mount. The pagans worry about what they'll eat, what they'll wear, and where they'll sleep. God's people should know better than to worry unduly about these things. The God who fed Israel with manna in the wilderness will provide. He is faithful to his promises. The story of his dealings with Israel is the proof and even more so, so is his gift of Jesus, who died and rose again to set us free from sin and death. So go to the Lord with your needs and ask. And while you're at it, give thanks, because you know his faithfulness and his love. This is part of the witness of the people of God—it's how we are light in the darkness—and it ties back into rejoicing. When Paul talks about rejoicing, at least part of what he's got in mind is a public display or a public witness. The pagan Greeks in Philippi regularly held public celebrations to honour their gods. And yet the pagans, as Jesus said, were always anxious. Because their gods never delivered. Pagan religion was a non-stop game of trial and error, trying to guess what the gods wanted, trying to guess what you may have done wrong to offend them, and then guessing at what you might offer to appease their anger or to ingratiate them to you in order to get what you needed or wanted. The pagan gods were silent and they were notoriously capricious and unreliable. And in this context Paul exhorts the Philippian Christians: Rejoice yourselves. Let the pagans see you celebrating the fact that the Creator of the universe has, through Jesus, made you his own and lives in your midst by his own Holy Spirit. Let the pagans, who know only mean and capricious gods and who live in a dog-eat-dog world, let them see the gracious gentleness of God in you. Live in such a way that they see in you the God who humbles himself to die for the sake of his enemies. And let the pagans see you living in faith, praying in confident thankfulness to the God whose story reveals an unfailing pattern of promise and fulfilment. Shine the light of Jesus into the darkness of the world. And if you'll do that, he says in verse 7: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in King Jesus. I think we tend to look at Paul's exhortation here as something we should do in order to experience the peace of God ourselves, but given the context in Philippians, I think Paul's point is actually more about our witness. If we truly live as stewards of the good news about Jesus, if we truly live as people who know the faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus and particularly in his death and resurrection, if we truly know the life of the Spirit, the peace of God—instead of the strife and anxiety of the world—will guard our hearts and minds in a way that will astound the unbelievers around us. I like to say that Jesus calls us—his church—to be a pocket of new creation in the middle of the old—to be heaven-on-earth people, living Gods' future in the hic et nunc, in the here and now. Brothers and Sisters, this is how we do that. And this makes us the John the Baptists of our own place and age as we proclaim the good news about Jesus—how we proclaim and show the world that Jesus has triumphed over the principalities and powers just as he has over sin and death. And as the world took notice of those tiny and seemingly insignificant Christian communities popping up around the Roman empire, so it will take not of us. And some will give glory to God as they see his faithfulness, they will come in faith to Jesus and his cross. But it will also threaten those who are invested in the present age, its pagan gods and sinful systems. And they will fight back. So we need to ask: Does the world see our joy? Are we the voice crying in the wilderness? Are we the royal heralds the Lord has called us to be, summoning the word to let go of its false gods and to come to the Lord Jesus, calling the world away from sin and self and to come to the cross? And we need to ask how the world is responding to us. If we're faithfully proclaiming the good news about Jesus, if we're faithfully calling people to repent and to believe, if we're faithfully proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and that his kingdom has come—well—people will respond in one of two ways. Either they'll believe or they'll get angry—as Herod got angry with John. There's some of both out there in the world, but overwhelmingly, when I look at how people respond to or think of the church these days in our part of the world, it's often just indifference. Why? Because we have not been the witnesses God calls us to be. We are afraid to confront the world with the good news about Jesus and we are half-hearted in our allegiance to his kingdom. Like old Israel, we pray to God, but we've failed to tear down the old altars to Baal and Asherah—or money, sex, and power. We name Jesus, but we deal dishonestly in business, we sell our souls to the commercialism that surrounds us, we look to politics or to science as our saviours, and we dabble in the sexual immorality of the age. We've failed to proclaim the gospel and we justify it, saying that we'll preach it with our lives. But if we stop to ask what the world sees in our lives, is it really very different? Does the world see us rejoicing in the Lord? Does the world see us manifesting the gracious gentleness of Jesus? Does the world see us living in faithful prayer and trusting in God, or does it see people just as anxious as everyone else? Does it see enmity and strife and broken relationships or does it see a gospel people living out the healing and reconciling love of Jesus in loving unity? Does the world see the peace of God ruling our hearts and minds? Does the world see us, holding high the gospel, as a challenge to its gods and its kings and its sins? It should. But sadly, I think that for the Western Church at large, the answer is often “no”. And, all too often, when we do proclaim the gospel, we do so without power or authority. Think of John boldly declaring the coming judgement and calling Israel to repentance. It was urgent and powerful. In contrast we tend to hold the gospel out as good advice, rather than as the good news that it is. Friends, the gospel is the royal summons to come in faith to Jesus, the world's true Lord—the Lord who has come with mercy so that the repentant will escape when he comes one day in judgement. This was the power behind John the Baptist' preaching. But all too often we present the gospel as just another option on the religious smorgasbord—something you might want to try. See if you like it. See if it works for you. If not…oh well. Brothers and Sisters, that's not the gospel. The gospel is life! The gospel is good news to the people living in the midst of darkness and death: the king who will set the world to rights has come. And that means the gospel, when preached as it should be, will challenge and upset the Herods and Caesars of our age and all those invested in the false gods of the world. The Advent message is to be prepared. Jesus has given us a gospel mission to take the good news of his death, his resurrection, and his lordship into the world. Brothers and Sisters, pray that we will be faithful to our mission—faithful enough to provoke opposition, because that's the kind of faithfulness that also reaps a harvest for the kingdom. Pray for the holy boldness of John the Baptist and the gracious gentleness of Jesus. Pray that we will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Pray that the joy of the Lord will overcome us. Brothers and Sisters, Rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice. Let's pray: O Lord, come among us, we pray, with your power and strengthen us with your great might; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness we are grievously hindered in running the race that is set before us, your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Before the Scientific Revolution, Western medicine was thought in terms of humors: cheerful people were sanguine and had a lot of blood, fiery cholerics had an excess of yellow bile, gloomy Melancholics had black bile, and mellow phlegmatics had phlegm of course. And the balancing of humors—hot and cold, wet and dry—was the key to a healthy life. It sounds medieval, it is, rooted in ancient Greeks, but we Catholics like medieval things, and some of us—especially Juan Domínguez, author: Knight, Monk, King, Prophet: A Christian Man's Guide to the Four Temperaments—has found wisdom in this way of thinking. And it's a way of thinking that we hear in some more conservative, or traditional, Catholic circles, so it's something I've been wondering about for some time. I've also been interesting in archetypes for since I first read Joseph Campbell and The Hero of a Thousand Faces many years ago. We also talk a bit about how one's role changes over time and also whether these models are applicable to women as well as men. I really enjoyed the conversation; I think you will too. Juan Domínguez's book, Knight, Monk, King, Prophet, on Amazon. Juan Domínguez: ‘Simple Men' on Substack. Juan's description of the book on Substack. Juan Domínguez with Steven Caswell on Missio Dei. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
The Prophet Eesa - Tafseer of Surah Maryam by Shaykh Dr Abdulilah Lahmami The lecture covered the following topics: - The importance of the remembrance of Allah in our daily lives- Virtues of Seeking Forgiveness and Sitting for Dhikr after the obligatory prayer - Characteristics of looking after the needy, being gentle and welcoming to the strangers, looking after the widows etc - The meaning of "I am a Servant of Allah" - The characteristics of Eesa - as explained by Imaam Ibn Saadi - The innovated actions in Christianity today regarding Christmas - Beautiful reminders with ahaadeeth and examples from the scholars throughout about good manners, tawheed, the salaah and dhikr & a beneficial Q&A Recorded at the Salafi Centre of Manchester and Streamed LIVE on 20/12/25
0:00 How to wage war for Hashem1:45 Rambam's treatment of the laws of Chanukah – a celebration of military victory – ends with the teaching that peace is the purpose of the whole Torah4:45 Why Jews can't be inspired to wage war8:15 The motivations of war11:45 People who believe in fighting tend to fight more effectively; why polytheists are the better warriors15:30 A person who believes that war will never be completely eradicated from the world will wage war with more conviction18:30 King David couldn't build the House of Hashem because he was a man of war20:25 Mashiach will wage war and also build the House of Hashem26:30 Before the war of Gog U'Magog, Eliyahu the Prophet will come to make peace in the world29:30 People are motivated to war because they value one thing more than any other thing; Hashem is not a thing, but rather the possibility of all things being harmonized32:45 Hashem will tell Mashiach to smash his enemies with a metal bat, and Mashiach will refuse and instead offer Shalom35:15 Mashiach can't fight for Hashem because Hashem is not a thing36:15 The word "Shalom" is the thing for which Mashiach is motivated to fight 37:45 Polytheists have things to which they are dedicated and committed; the Jews have words instead of things41:15 Jews care about nothing but words43:45 Why Hashem alone has a Bible and the other gods don't45:30 The Torah is a method of making something out of nothing47:15 "Davar" means both thing and "word"; "Shalom" is the ultimate word because it is not a thing52:30 By declaring the word "Shalom," a motivation for war is generated55:45 Why Eliyahu's teaching of "Shalom" will trigger the ultimate war59:45 Mashiach will wage war because he stands for peace1:01:45 What makes Hashem effective in this world is words1:05:00 Everything that Hashem does is for the good because of the people who say that everything that Hashem does is for the good 1:07:30 "Shalom Aleichem" is a verbal offer
Urdu Friday Sermon delivered by Khalifa-tul-Masih on December 19th, 2025 (audio)
The boys continue their discussion of Walter Isaacson's "Elon Musk." This is the part where Elon loses his mind. Where to find us: Our PatreonOur merch!Peter's newsletterPeter's other podcast, 5-4Mike's other podcast, Maintenance PhaseSources:From self-proclaimed ‘socialist' to Team Trump and DeSantis: Elon Musk's curious politics revealed The Quiet Political Rise of David Sacks, Silicon Valley's Prophet of Urban DoomElon Musk biographer admits suggestion SpaceX head blocked Ukraine drone attack was wrong Elon Musk's Daughter on Dad's Biography: 'Sad Excuse for a Puff Piece'Character LimitTwitter fulfilling more government censorship requests under Musk Elon Musk booed for nearly 5 minutes straight at Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco New CNN Chief Trying to Please GOP Elite Research finds more than 14 million preventable deaths by 2030 if USAID defunding continues, including more than 4 million children under fiveWhat the data says about Social Security Trump Administration, DOGE Activities Risk SSA Operations and Security of Personal DataThanks to Mindseye for our theme song!
What happens when the person responsible for prosecuting your case seems more interested in protecting your attackers? Matthew Fenner has been asking that question for eight years. After a 2017 mistrial in his assault case against Word of Faith Fellowship members, the judge ordered an immediate retrial. It never happened. Instead, DA Ted Bell granted delay after delay to the defendants while refusing to meet with Matthew, the victim. A gag order meant to last weeks stretched into years, silencing everyone involved and shielding WOFF from public scrutiny. Now Bell has suddenly scheduled the trial—during Matthew's critical medical residency interview. And when Matthew asked for a single accommodation after watching defendants receive years of them, Bell said no. Matthew's response? A legal petition alleging willful misconduct, political corruption, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. He's asking the court to remove Bell from office entirely—or at minimum, remove him from this case. This episode features parts 10 and 11 of The Prophet series, followed by an in-depth analysis of Matthew's petition. Stick around for an update at the end of the episode. Listen to the entire Prophet series on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wvQwgTDC0XPEo5rkkW2Uj?si=2a9e6c9214e64b81 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Pastor Jack Graham concludes the series “The Christ of Every Christmas” with the message “The Christ of Christmas Future.” He reminds us that Jesus' appearances are as Prophet, or Christmas Past; as Priest, or Christmas Present; and as King, or Christmas Future. Jesus was King before He was born, He was King at His birth, and He is forever King To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111
Today on the Christian History Almanac, we remember a "minor" Prophet and his "major" contribution to the post-exilic people. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education A Very CHA Christmas Apple Music playlist A Very CHA Advent What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).