Podcasts about public faith

A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli with Foundry UMC, July 5, 2026, sixth Sunday after Pentecost. “We Know Who We Are”series. Texts: Jeremiah 22:13–16; Luke 14:12–24   This weekend our nation marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. This is an occasion for celebration. It's also an invitation to reflection. Moments like this invite us to look backward with gratitude, to look honestly at who we have become, and to consider what kind of future is still possible. This year those reflections seem incredibly important. Ours is a nation of extraordinary gifts and extraordinary contradictions. We inherit remarkable democratic ideals alongside a history that has too often failed to live up to them. We are living through another season when many of us are deeply concerned about our common life. Because our nation is broken. We see division deepen, neighbors dehumanized, militarism, cruelty and violence normalized, power abused for personal gain, and disregard for the rule of law. Perhaps you'd describe our situation differently, but I can't imagine anyone would argue that everything's OK. And while it doesn't make it any better, I think it's helpful to remember that what's happening in our nation and world right now has happened many times before. If the prophet Jeremiah were to wander into our capital city he would feel right at home—surely to his dismay. Let me explain by telling you a story. Jeremiah is preaching in the final decades before Jerusalem falls to Babylon. Assyria has collapsed. Egypt and Babylon are competing for power. Judah is caught in the middle. The world order is shifting dramatically and it is a time of profound national anxiety—about security, identity, economic stability, and the future. In our text, Jeremiah is speaking not to the people, but specifically to the king, Jehoiakim. And he's none too pleased with what is happening. But to understand why you need some backstory. Jehoiakim's father, Josiah, had been one of Judah's finest kings. He wasn't perfect, but he loved God, took the covenant and the laws established during Moses' time seriously, and sought to govern with justice. As Jeremiah remembers him, he “judged the cause of the poor and needy.” Then Josiah died unexpectedly on the battlefield. It was a devastating national loss. The future suddenly felt uncertain. Egypt quickly asserted control over Judah, deposing one of Josiah's sons and installing another—Eliakim, whose name Pharaoh changed to Jehoiakim (a classic power play). Jehoiakim wasn't in an enviable position. He was set up to do the bidding of Pharoah, required to pay tribute, and anxious about survival for himself and his people. Maybe it was the pressure or maybe it was pure opportunism, but Jehoiakim made a choice. Rather than “judging the cause of the poor an needy,” he consolidated power, exploited labor, and built a magnificent cedar palace as a symbol of royal prestige. Jeremiah looked at that palace and didn't celebrate its magnificence but instead says, “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness...” He asked a different question than everyone else. Not, “Isn't it impressive?” but, “How did it get built? Who paid the price? Who was harmed in the process?” And then this: “Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness?” This may seem a random question, but it reveals that Jeremiah's critique isn't about having wealth or a comfortable life. In other words, Josiah wasn't a monk. He enjoyed the ordinary gifts of life. The difference isn't that one king denied himself while the other indulged himself. The difference is that one understood leadership as doing justice and practicing right relationship, while the other understood leadership as entitlement. One king governed as someone who knew God, while the other governed as though power itself could save him. Jeremiah continues, clarifying his critique: “Your father judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. ‘Is not this to know me?' says the Lord.  But your eyes and heart are only on your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence.” Again, the question Jeremiah asks it key: “Is not this to know me?” If someone asked you to finish the sentence, “To know God is...” what would you say? To worship regularly? To believe the right things? To pray? I imagine all of those can be valid answers. But Jeremiah offers this: to know God is to set your eyes and your heart on what God cares about; to attend to the needs of the most vulnerable, to use power wisely, generously, and compassionately, to treat workers with fairness, to do justice. Is not this to know me? In every age there is a dominant story about what will make things in your life “well.” There are temptations and pressures to sacrifice the good of the “we” for the benefit of only “me.” And in every age, God's faithful are called to offer a counter-testimony. And just to finish storytelling time, Jehoiakim made his choice. He went to a lot of trouble to try to make himself and Judah look strong. He builds his palace, projects confidence, accumulates wealth, uses forced labor. But within about twenty years, Jerusalem is destroyed. His dishonest gain and self-serving choices did not make things well. The palace doesn't save anybody—not the nation and certainly not the people. Jeremiah saw that writing on the wall. And his message to the king is one we need to hear again and again: A society cannot create security—a nation will never be great—while abandoning God's call to compassion and justice. There is no separating our love of God from care of our common life. John Wesley would agree wholeheartedly. He insisted there is no holiness but social holiness. He didn't mean that we're saved by activism. He meant what we discussed last week: that grace blesses me AND creates “we,” forgives me and sends “us.” Ours is not a private practice. Grace always creates community, reshapes relationships, and spills over into the way we use money, exercise power, welcome neighbors, and seek the common good. Personal holiness overflows into public holiness. That's one of the gifts of being United Methodist. Our tradition has never imagined that following Jesus ends at the sanctuary door. For more than fifty years we've had something called the Social Principles—not as a substitute for Scripture or as a party platform, but as a guide for Christian moral discernment. They are our denomination's attempt to ask, together, “What does faithful discipleship look like in the complexities of modern life?” And in 2024, our worldwide church thoroughly revised them. That revision wasn't simply updating language. It reflects the wisdom of the faithful from our whole denomination—disciples from Africa, Europe, the Philippines, the United States, and beyond—asking together how the Gospel speaks into economics, creation care, technology, war and peace, migration, human dignity, and public life. The principles guide our action and advocacy, but we don't pretend every faithful Christian will reach identical conclusions about every public question. We also refuse to pretend that the Gospel has nothing to say about public life. Our United Methodist Social Principles remind us we don't have to figure all this out alone. We inherit Scripture. We inherit tradition. We inherit the wisdom of Christians around the world. All helping us answer Jeremiah's question: What does it mean to know God? Jeremiah says that to know God is to care about what and who God cares about. Again and again Jesus shows us how to live that. He sits down at tables with all kinds of people. And in today' Gospel, while dining with a prominent Pharisee, he quietly begins rearranging everyone's assumptions about belonging. “Don't invite only the people who can return the favor,” he says. “Invite those who cannot repay you.” Then he tells a story about a banquet where the invitation keeps widening until there is room for everyone God longs to gather. ...the invitation keeps widening until there is room for everyone God longs to gather. The table is big enough. Grace is abundant enough. And everyone—from the richest to the poorest, from stranger to friend—is invited to be filled. And then things are well. As we celebrate our nation's birthday, the question before us is not simply what kind of nation we want to be, but what kind of people God is calling us to become. Christians have always loved their country best not by confusing it with God's reign, but by measuring every nation—including our own—against God's justice, God's compassion, and God's welcome. So we keep listening for Jeremiah's question, “Is not this to know me?” And we keep allowing Jesus to reshape our imagination around his table where there is always another place and the invitation keeps reaching farther than anyone expected. Friends, we're about to come to that table. Every time we gather here, we embody a different story from the one our world tells. The world teaches us to ask: Who deserves a place? Who has earned it? Who belongs? Jesus asks different questions: Who still needs an invitation? How can we make more room? And then he places bread in our hands and sends us back into the world to live the answer. Amen.   + + + Sending: This week, take one faithful public step. Maybe it is serving. Maybe it is giving. Maybe it is speaking up for someone whose voice is overlooked. Maybe it's inviting someone who wouldn't expect an invitation. Maybe it is reading a section of the Social Principles and asking where they challenge or deepen your own thinking. Not because the church is trying to tell you what to think, but because discipleship asks us to think faithfully about the world God loves. Just take one step. Because that's where holiness always begins. God in peace and power…

In this message from Jeremiah 29, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores how followers of Jesus are called to engage public life without withdrawing from culture or being absorbed by it. Instead of placing hope in politics or protest, real change starts with a transformed heart, a timely word for anyone wrestling with faith's place in today's world.Message Blog Post & Transcript - https://www.orchardhillchurch.com/blog-post/2026/7/6/public-faith-independence-day-2026Subscribe to Orchard Hill Plus! - https://orchardhillplus.buzzsprout.com/shareConnect with Orchard Hill ChurchWebsite | https://www.orchardhillchurch.comMobile App | https://https://www.orchardhillchurch.com/appYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/OrchardHillChurchPAFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/orchardhillchurch/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/orchardhillchurch/Twitter | https://twitter.com/orchard_hill

The gospel is not private advice but public truth about a risen King. Pastor Jeremy Treat continues our series through Acts with a sermon from Acts 25-26.

Discover the courage to live unashamed of Jesus in this powerful Bible study on Luke 9:26-27. Explore what it means to publicly identify with Christ and overcome fear. Listen to Episode 178 of the 2 Minute Disciple podcast.

Last week, Stephen Colbert ended his tenure as the host of The Late Show on CBS. Along with witty political commentary and comedy, Colbert was also open about his Catholicism at a time when many were growing skeptical of faith. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss Colbert, the criticism public Christians receive, and how to discern which examples of public faith to emulate. It's graduation season, and Karen Swallow Prior is back to discuss her new book, "You Have a Calling." She says our culture has narrowed our understanding of calling to paid work, but finding our calling is not a matter of following a formula. Also this week, new data on what the cutting of USAID is doing to the most vulnerable parts of the world, more reflections on Rededicate 250, and remora fish take brown-nosing to new depths. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/159315601/   0:00 - Show Starts 1:25 - Theme Song 1:45 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST   3:06 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   4:12 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you 6:44 - Sucker Fish and Manta Butts!   10:45 - Is the Nation Rededicated to God?   15:56 - Is Association Endorsement?   19:24 - USAID Cuts Consequences   34:26 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Use code HOLYPOST for 30% off sitewide for a great night's sleep! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/HOLYPOST   35:30 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org   36:17 - Colbert's Public Christianity   53:07 - Interview   55:33 - What's a "Calling?"   1:06:50 - "Author" as Unpredictable Calling   1:12:44 - Children and Vocation   1:25:14 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in News Segment: The National Catholic Reporter on Rededicate 250: https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/religion-display-trumps-dc-rally-was-not-gospel-jesus-christ Sucker Fish Hiding in Manta Ray Butts! https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sucker-fish-are-hiding-in-manta-rays-buttholes-new-study-reveals/  Effects of Defunding USAID: https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(25)01186-9/fulltext New York Times on the USAID cuts: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/09/opinion/foreign-aid-cuts.html   Other Resources: You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good and Beautiful (The Perfect High School or College Graduation Gift for 2026) by Karen Swallow Prior: https://a.co/d/07W6Tn7P   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  

Jesus Is My Lord and I Am NOT ASHAMED | Baptism Sunday 2026 Baptism is more than a church tradition. It is a public declaration that Jesus has changed your life. In this sermon, we walk through what scripture teaches about baptism, salvation, obedience, and the symbolism behind going public with your faith. From the teachings of Jesus to the early church in Acts, this message reminds us that baptism is a celebration of the Gospel and the new life found in Christ. Key Insights: Understand the biblical purpose and meaning behind believers baptism. Learn the difference between salvation through Jesus and obedience through baptism. Discover how baptism symbolizes freedom, new life, and identity in Christ. See why baptism was consistently connected to faith throughout the New Testament. Gain confidence in publicly declaring your faith and following Jesus boldly. Speaker: Matt Petty Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on Facebook ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our website

Micah 6:8 is one of the Bible’s most quoted verses — but what does it actually mean to “do justice”? In this episode, Rev. Trudy Robinson and Rev. Dr. Hannah Ka unpack the deeper context behind Micah’s famous words, exploring justice, sacrifice, liberation theology, ethics, humility, and embodied faith. What sounds simple on a T-shirt turns out to be anything but simple. Together, the pastors of First UMC of San Diego discuss: • Why Micah frames justice as a courtroom confrontation • The difference between sacrifice, ritual, and transformed living • Why justice is communal — not merely personal • How faith becomes embodied through action and ethics • The connection between justice, compassion, and public life • Liberation theology and God’s “preferential option for the poor” • Why “walk humbly” means more than being passive or meek Through reflections on worship, power, repentance, and responsibility, this conversation invites listeners to rethink what God actually requires of us in difficult times: action that goes beyond niceness to a concrete plan that benefits the community as a whole. Because Micah’s message was never just about religious performance — it was about becoming people who live differently in the world. This is part 3 of our 3-part series: The Do’s and Don’ts of Times Like These. If you missed Part 1 – walking humbly in difficult times – or Part 2 – loving kindness like Micah – be sure to listen to them. Reflection Questions: How would you answer if God asked you, “How have I wearied you?” How have you incorrectly used Micah 6:8? What is your list of do’s and don’ts, now that you have heard more of Micah? Continue the Discussion: There’s so much more to discuss when it comes to Micah’s concept of loving kindness while pursuing justice. Join one of our groups to keep the discussion going by joining our In-Person Convergence on Sundays at 12 PM or our Patreon Online Community. Timestamps: 00:00 We Quote Micah 6:8 — But Can We Live It? 02:14 Micah’s Courtroom: God’s Lawsuit Against Israel 05:07 Temple Worship, Ritual & Religious Anxiety 08:03 Why Sacrifice Misses the Point 11:00 Justice as a Way of Living, Not a Transaction 14:25 Justice, Liberation & the Preferential Option for the Poor 18:41 Public Faith, Politics & Compassion 20:19 Sacrifice, Repentance & Unintentional Harm 23:10 Embodied Faith: What We Do With Our Lives 24:02 What “Walk Humbly” Really Means 26:25 Final Reflections & Discussion Questions

What Is Spiritual Weariness and How Can We Find Renewal?   In this episode of The Good Faith Podcast, Curtis Chang chats with Tish Harrison Warren—Anglican priest, former New York Times columnist, and author of What Grows in Weary Lands—about burnout, spiritual weariness, and the exhaustion that escapism and rest alone cannot fix. Tish explains how polarization, digital distraction, consumerism, and isolation can leave us tempted to "flame out" or "numb out." Instead, she invites listeners to "go deeper" through prayer, silence, embodied community, Sabbath, and the difficult but meaningful commitments that lead to lasting renewal.   00:36 - Introduction to World Weariness 02:43 - Tish Describes the Draining Experience of Public Faith 06:04 - What Are the Cultural Factors of Collective Burnout? 13:01 - Dysfunctional Responses: Reinvention and Escape 15:01 - Flame Out, Numb Out, or Go Deep 20:51 - Are There Practical Steps to Go Deep? 23:29 - The Practice of "Staying in Your Cell" 26:40 - The Tough Sell of Going Deeper 32:07 - The "Dark Night of the Soul" as a Growth Stage  36:11 - Learning from Historic Church Practices  38:04 - What Do Healthy Rhythms of Engagement and Withdrawal Look Like?   Sign up for The After Party Informational Webinars Sign up for The Good List   Mentioned in This Episode: Tish Harrison Warren's What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience The Ezra Klein Show: Burned Out? Start Here. Curt Thompson on Covid-era digital fatigue Thomas Aquinas's idea of arduous goods St. John of the Cross's The Dark Night of the Soul Stanley Hauerwas: Evangelicalism Will Die of Exhaustion (conversation with Al Mohler) the Desert Fathers and Mothers: "Stay in your cell"   More From Tish Harrison Warren: Tish Harrison Warren's website Tish Harrison Warren's New York Times pieces Other books by Tish Harrison Warren   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

What makes a good life? In the fragmented and harried age we inhabit, what habits of attention, reflection, and action orient us toward what is good, true, and beautiful? The season of Lent is a good time for us to tackle such “big questions.” Drawing on his popular course at Yale, theologian and author Miroslav Volf joined us for an online conversation in 2024, where we explored these questions for a live audience."What is the treasure for which you would be willing to sell everything that you have? And if you know what the treasure is, are you willing ... to risk everything to have that treasure?"Miroslav Volf is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School and founding director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture in New Haven, Connecticut. He has written or edited more than two dozen books, including the New York Times bestseller Life Worth Living, A Public Faith, Public Faith in Action, and Exclusion and Embrace (winner of the Grawemeyer Award in Religion and selected as among the 100 best religious books of the twentieth century by Christianity Today). Educated in his native Croatia, the United States, and Germany, Volf regularly lectures around the world.Related Trinity Forum Readings:Man's Search for Meaning; Viktor FranklOn Happiness; Thomas Aquinas Brave New World; Aldous HuxleyHow Much Land Does a Man Need? Leo TolstoyWrestling with God; Simone Weil

Get the NEW APP - Apple Google PlayMany Christian leaders live two lives.One that everyone sees…And one they're terrified anyone will discover.In this episode of Fully Anonymous, we unpack the silent battle many pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian men face when their public reputation is strong but their private life is falling apart.You'll hear the anonymous story of a respected leader who looked successful on the outside—but inside was trapped in secrecy, shame, and destructive habits.This conversation exposes the lie that “If people knew the real me, I'd lose everything.”Instead, we explore the biblical truth that confession is the doorway to freedom, not destruction.You'll learn:• Why secrecy gives addiction power• Why Christian leaders feel the most pressure to hide• The spiritual danger of protecting your image• How confession dismantles shame• The practical first step toward real freedomDarkness survives in secrecy.But the moment truth enters the room, shame begins to lose its power.If you're tired of living two lives… this episode is your wake-up call.Free 5-Day Bible Plan:• It's called “Breaking Free from the Idol of Productivity”Each day is short, powerful, and Scripture-based—designed to help you walk in freedom and trust God again with your work.• ⁠GET YOUR FREE DEVOTIONAL⁠Take time to think about this, pray about it, and take one small step in obedience. Remember, divine interruptions aren't just obstacles—they're opportunities for God to do something amazing in your life.Links to Connect with Ron:• ⁠Website⁠• ⁠Instagram⁠• ⁠YouTube⁠Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more people seeking purpose! Share your stories of bold obedience with Ron on social media, and let's encourage each other on this journey.

In this message, guest speaker Michael Rondon picks up in Matthew 10, covering the second half of the chapter and unpacking six key themes Jesus presents to his disciples: fear, worth, public allegiance, division, discipleship, and faithfulness. Anchoring the entire message in the concept of loyalty, Michael challenges listeners to examine whether Jesus is truly Lord above all else — above comfort, reputation, safety, and approval. He reminds us that following Jesus is costly, but that cost is worth embracing wholeheartedly.Michael walks through each theme with honesty and practical insight. He addresses how fear drives so many of our decisions and silences our faith, how we wrongly seek our sense of worth from performance, relationships, and achievement rather than from God, and how believers are called to a public, confessed, unapologetic faith — not a silent one. He also tackles the reality that living by a different standard than the world can create division, even within families, and encourages listeners to start by making their home a place where faith is modeled and prioritized.The message closes with a call to discipleship and faithfulness — the understanding that following Jesus means surrendering control daily and trusting that even small acts of obedience matter eternally. Michael reminds the congregation that salvation is free, but following Jesus costs everything, and yet nothing we lose is greater than what we gain. Jesus, he concludes, is worth public, costly, undivided allegiance.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

Singer-songwriter Jon Guerra joins Mark Labberton to explore devotional songwriting, public faith, and the tension between the kingdom of Jesus and American cultural power. Through music and reflection, Guerra considers how art can hold grief, courage, and hope together in turbulent times. "Love has a million disguises, but winning is simply not one." In this episode with Mark Labberton, Guerra reflects on songwriting as prayer, the call to love enemies, and artistic courage in moments of cultural crisis. Together they discuss devotional music, George Herbert's influence, the Beatitudes and American culture, citizenship and immigration imagery, increasing polarization, suffering and grace, and the vocation of Christian artists. Episode Highlights "Love has a million disguises, but winning is simply not one." "When Jesus says to love your enemies… he is giving us a means of survival." "This is not sentimentality… the only way to resist becoming what one hates." "My songwriting… would be a means of coming into contact with the invisible God." "Beauty puts us in contact with invisible things." About Jon Guerra Jon Guerra is a singer-songwriter based in Austin, Texas, known for devotional music that blends poetry, theology, and contemporary cultural reflection. His albums include Little Songs (2015), Keeper of Days (2020), Ordinary Ways (2023), and American Gospel. Guerra has also composed music for film, including Terrence Malick's A Hidden Life (2019). The son of immigrants from Cuba and Argentina, his work often explores themes of citizenship, prayer, justice, and the teachings of Jesus. His songwriting draws inspiration from figures like George Herbert and Howard Thurman, and seeks to connect spiritual devotion with public life. Helpful Links and Resources Jon Guerra website: https://www.jonguerramusic.com/ American Gospel album: https://jonguerra.bandcamp.com A Hidden Life film: https://www.searchlightpictures.com/ahiddenlife Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman: https://www.beacon.org/Jesus-and-the-Disinherited-P1781.aspx The Porter's Gate: https://www.portersgateworship.com/ Show Notes Devotional songwriting George Herbert influence on the pursuit of prayerful craft "Music for attending to the soul." Monday morning prayer music framing devotional practice Beauty and invisible realities in artistic experience American Gospel song introduction and cultural critique Beatitudes inversion in American culture "How do I give Christ a say in this conversation?" Love Your Enemies composition and album Jesus Howard Thurman's influence on enemy-love theology (Jesus and the Disinherited) Emotional formation through news, anger, and public life Death of ego and kingdom discipleship Kierkegaard and faith beyond ideology Worship as reordering power Kingdom of Jesus song and Pilate encounter Allegiance to a greater kingdom beyond nationalism Citizenship as foreignness imagery Immigrant family background shaping songwriting Citizens song written after 2017 inauguration "Come to you because I'm confused." Five-four musical structure expressing disorientation Groaning beauty and Romans 8 resonance Artists as "holy fools" naming reality Moltmann and theology near the cross Simone Weil: gravity and grace reflection "Love has a million disguises, but winning is simply not one." Hashtags #JonGuerra #DevotionalMusic #LoveYourEnemies #ChristianArt #AmericanGospel #PublicFaith #Jesus #Gospel #SpiritualFormation Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

Can faith sustain courage and openness in a polarized democracy? Former Ohio governor and presidential candidate John Kasich reflects on faith, fear, character, and public life amid deep political polarization and religious tension in America.“There is a certain comfort in knowing you have somebody who's always in your corner.”In this conversation with Evan Rosa, Kasich reflects on personal faith shaped by tragedy, the search for purpose, and why character matters more than ideology in leadership. Together they discuss religious faith in American life, his experience running in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, voting on character over beliefs, firm political commitments, open-minded perspective taking, his vision of a life worth living, and before the end of this conversation, you'll find out his favorite Metallica song.Episode Highlights“There is a certain comfort in knowing you have somebody who's always in your corner.”“You can be firm while at the same time looking at a point of view of somebody who's diametrically opposed to you.”“I look for character. I don't look for what somebody thinks about the Book of Revelation.”“Faith informs the way I think about things, but it doesn't spell out what I'm going to do.”“If you begin to work together to solve a problem locally, it can actually create friendship.”About John KasichJohn Kasich is a former U.S. congressman, two-term governor of Ohio, and presidential candidate with more than four decades of experience in public service, media, and civic leadership. First elected to the Ohio State Senate at age 26, he later served 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives before becoming governor in 2011. Kasich has authored six books exploring politics, faith, leadership, and civic responsibility, including his most recent, Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future. He is known for emphasizing character, dignity, and community-based solutions over ideological rigidity. Kasich frequently speaks on leadership, faith in public life, and democratic renewal, and continues to engage across political and cultural divides in pursuit of common purpose. Learn more and follow at https://johnkasich.com and https://twitter.com/JohnKasichShow NotesGrowing up Catholic, altar service, early religious formationTragedy in 1987, parents killed by drunk driver“Where do you stand vis-à-vis your eternal destiny?”Faith as ongoing window of questioning, not certaintyGod's existence, care, and personal relationship“Faith itself is a gift. God has to act first.”Fear, loss, and the backstop of divine presence“You've got the most powerful being in all of history kind of got your back.”Faith shared as gift, not coercion or argumentVoting based on character, not doctrinal alignmentScripture informing decisions, not dictating policyRespect for the poor as moral baselineChristian nationalism and the question of objective truthPolitics and faith distinct, neither hostile nor coerciveSingles win games, local action over grand crusadesFaith communities as clubhouses for moral actionWorking locally dissolves partisan hostilityLife worth living as purpose, gifts, and contributionCharacter, integrity, and not taking advantage of othersFreedom from fear, boxes, and rigid identitiesKindness versus niceness as moral distinctionOpen-mindedness as antidote to boredom and fearCampaigning as test of endurance, character, and empathy“People wanted to know who you were more than your ideas.”Pursuing convictions while staying rooted in faith communitiesProduction NotesThis podcast featured John KasichEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Noah SenthilA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give#FaithAndPolitics#CharacterMatters#PublicFaith#CivicLife#CommonGood#JohnKasich

In this episode of Uncommon Sense, I'm calling out a problem no one wants to confront: the normalization of partying, drinking, and casual sex especially among so-called “conservative influencers.”You cannot claim to defend Western Civilization while publicly celebrating the very behaviors that destroyed past civilizations. Conservatism without morality is just aesthetic rebellion.We don't need more clout, cocktails, or compromised values. We need a return to godliness, self-discipline, and moral responsibility because the future generations watching us will inherit whatever standard we tolerate today.If we want to save the West, we have to get serious about being truly Christian again.--https://www.bible.com/

We are clearly living in a time that for many of us is unprecedented when it comes to turmoil, change, pressure and impact. And I think for all of us as Christians, this kind of time we are living in asks of us a central and significant question – what should we do as Christians when the world has gone crazy?

Today we will look at our work and faith from a different perspective, on how our faith shape us to approach and do our actual work.

The church there was deeply imbedded in the very capital and center of the power structure of the whole of the Greco-Roman Empire. The whole city was a demonstration and declaration of Roman authority, power and dominance.

The first thing that stands out that we must see is that before Paul tells us what to do, he tells us what NOT to do. You know there is a deep wisdom in omission. So many of us, in so many areas of our lives, want to make it better and we think the best way to do this is to add this and add that. I'd say what we add is just as important as what we leave omit.

Personal gain and death to self are terrible mixers. And it is a tension – because on the one side surely there is nothing inherently wrong with a desire to achieve in life, to do something good in the world, to work hard and be successful and make something of your life.

“Over these years, as the internet has developed and our social media platforms have gotten increasingly sophisticated, the power and ability we have to be a totally different person behind a screen and keyboard has only increased, this has had a terrible impact on our humanity and our relationships.

One of the most public ways you will reveal the gospel to the world around you will be in how you steward the resources you have in your life. Whether it might be your time, your finances, your gifts, your energy – what you do with what you have been given will always reveal the values and the commitments you hold most dear.

Welcome to 2026! As we continue The Year of a Public Faith, we begin a new series in the Gospel of Luke. Over the next few months, we will be looking at Obedient Service and what it means to live like Jesus does in the world around us today. Before Jesus enters the scene for His public ministry, John the Baptist is found preaching and baptizing. While the Jews had established complicated and extensive rules that kept the World out and their arrogance up, John preached a different message that set the stage for Jesus to reveal the Truth of the eGospel. John's message still points us away from ourselves and toward the truth of the Gospel. Here, we will see how John offers us:A Clear Purpose (vv. 1-6),A Clear Rebuke (vv. 7-9), andA Clear Instruction (vv. 8, 10-17)

What does it mean to follow Jesus as the trailblazer of our faith? In this sermon from Covenant Church Doylestown, Larry Walker walks through John 4 and the powerful encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. This story reveals Jesus as the one who goes before us—crossing barriers, speaking truth in love, and offering living water that satisfies our deepest thirst. __________ If you're new let us know & visit https://www.covenantdoylestown.org to learn more about us and how you can get connected. If you would like to be prayed for, you can submit a prayer request here: https://covenantdoylestown.org/prayer/ __________ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/covenantchurchdoylestown Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covenantdoylestown

We dig into whether unsealing the Epstein files can restore trust without real accountability and why the release may disappoint. We debate Supreme Court ethics, the NDAA's priorities, and the risks of releasing sensitive drone footage in the AI era, then pivot to campus speech, Texas politics, media power, and sports double standards.• Epstein files transparency versus real accountability• Public trust, redactions, and expectations management• Supreme Court resignations, ethics, and recusal norms• Lifetime tenure versus competency assessments• NDAA priorities, foreign aid, and America First strategy• Israel and Ukraine funding, industrial cooperation• Drone footage, secrecy, and AI manipulation risks• Campus free speech and viewpoint-neutral grading• Jasmine Crockett's Senate run and viral politics• Late-night TV renewal and media consolidation• Steroids in baseball, Hall of Fame standards• Kaepernick debates and fan contradictions“Next week should be our annual holiday show—drop your ideas in the comments. You'll probably get something lighter, more celebratory, more holiday focused.”Support the showElsa's AMAZON STORE Elsa's FAITH & FREEDOM MERCH STORE Elsa's BOOKSElsa Kurt: You may know her for her uncanny, viral Kamala Harris impressions & conservative comedy skits, but she's also a lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife. She has channeled her fierce love and passion for God, family, country, and those who serve as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show with Clay Novak. Her show discusses today's topics & news from a middle class/blue collar family & conservative perspective. The vocal LEOW's career began as a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women's novels. Clay Novak: Clay Novak was commissioned in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and served as an officer for twenty four years in Mechanized Infantry, Airborne Infantry, and Cavalry units . He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. Clay is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and is a Master Rated Parachutist, serving for more th...

Our nation is at a pivot point, and the outcome of this season largely depends on our responses to the Lord. Are we willing to suffer for the gospel of Jesus? In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses the persecution of Christ-followers and how we can respond to the hardships we will face. He teaches from the lives of apostles like Peter, Paul, John, and Silas—as well as recent Christian martyr Charlie Kirk—to share the importance of rejoicing through suffering. Consequences exist for living our faith publicly, but it is an incredible blessing to be counted worthy to suffer for Christ's name.

We are finite creatures serving an infinite God, so we must keep learning and growing. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses the need for a spiritual understanding of God's movements in the earth. We heard from speakers including Pastor John Amanchukwu, Pastor Rob McCoy, Eric Metaxas, and others during the 2025 Culture & Christianity Conference, and Pastor Allen shares some takeaways from their messages. Holiness and courage must take precedence over our happiness and comfort, and we must renew and deepen our respect for the Lord. Christianity demands of us a willingness to sacrifice our lives—so will we say to the Lord, “I'll follow you”? 

Charlie Kirk's memorial service wasn't just a cultural moment—it became a global platform for the gospel. In this episode, Dr. Jim Van Gelderen, Ryan Swanson, and Bobby Bosler reflect on what they saw and heard: clear gospel preaching, thousands standing in bold public response, and a generation stirred by urgency. Together they unpack Charlie's testimony of bold gospel witness and challenge young people to embrace clarity, courage, and Spirit-led risk without delay.Topics DiscussedFirsthand report of Charlie Kirk's memorial from inside the stadiumPastor Rob McCoy's bold gospel invitation and its impactOver a thousand public responses and the power of clear calls to actionWhy declarations of faith drew the loudest cheersThe legacy of bold gospel witness in a postmodern worldUrgency, risk, and grassroots Christianity for the next generationKey TakeawaysClarity resonates. The gospel cuts through politics and emotion when spoken plainly.Boldness multiplies. Courage at the microphone encourages courage in the crowd.Decisions need discipleship. QR codes and follow-up show faith steps matter.Now is the time. Delayed obedience is disobedience—urgency defines a bold gospel witness. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

As we being the Year of a Public Faith, we turn our attention to the prophets, particularly Amos. A humble farmer from the southern kingdom of Judah, Amos comes with a scathing message or judgment against Israel. Amidst abounding prosperity, Israel thought they could get a pass on sinful and wicked living because they were "God's chosen people." However, the arrival of the farmer-prophet from Judah stands in direct opposition to their false claims and begins to show Israel that they are far worse that the pagan nations and the slipping Judah around them.

We live in a pluralistic society, so we must ask this question: how can people be true to themselves and still get along? No matter who you are, if you care about the social fabric, that's a huge question to answer.  My goal is to show Christians how they can be part of the solution. We're going to look at the subject of public faith. In John 4, we see that immediately after speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus talks to his disciples and gets really metaphorical. He talks about spiritual sowing and reaping. What's he trying to get across?  If we delve into it, we see that Jesus gives us 1) a call to spiritual sowing of seed, 2) the method of doing it, and then 3) the power, or the inner motivation, for doing it. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on September 29, 2013. Series: A Public Faith. Scripture: John 4:27-42. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

What if our relentless drive to be better than others is quietly breaking us?Miroslav Volf unpacks the core themes of his 2025 book, The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse. In this book, Volf offers a penetrating critique of comparison culture, diagnosing the hidden moral and spiritual wounds caused by competition and superiority.Drawing on Scripture, theology, philosophy, literature, and our culture's obsession with competition and superiority, Volf challenges our assumptions about ambition and identity—and presents a deeply humanizing vision of life rooted not in being “the best,” but in receiving ourselves as creatures made and loved by God.From Milton's depiction of Satan to Jesus' descent in Philippians 2, from the architectural rivalry of ancient Byzantium to modern Olympic anxieties, Volf invites us to imagine a new foundation for personal and social flourishing: a life free from striving, rooted in love and grace.Highlights“The key here is for us to come to appreciate, affirm, and—importantly—love ourselves. Love ourselves unconditionally.”“Striving for superiority devalues everything we have, if it doesn't contribute to us being better than someone else.”“The inverse of striving for superiority is internal plague by inferiority.”“In Jesus, we see that God's glory is not to dominate but to lift up what is low.”“We constantly compare to feel good about ourselves, and end up unsure of who we are.”“We have been given to ourselves by God—our very existence is a gift, not a merit.”Helpful Links and ResourcesVisit faith.yale.edu/ambition to get a 40-page PDF Discussion Guide and Full Access to 7 videosThe Cost of Ambition by Miroslav Volf (Baker Academic, May 2025)Philippians 2:5–11 (NIV) – Christ's Humility and Exaltation – BibleGatewayRomans 12:10 – “Outdo one another in showing honor” – BibleHubParadise Lost by John Milton – Project GutenbergParadise Regained by John Milton – Project GutenbergShow NotesOpening Reflections on CompetitionThe conversation begins with Volf recalling a talk he gave at the Global Congress on Christianity & Sports.He uses athletic competition—highlighting Lionel Messi—as a lens for questioning the moral value of striving to be better than others.“Sure, competition pulls people up—but it also familiarizes us with inferiority.”“We compare ourselves to feel good… but end up feeling worse.”Introduces the story of Justinian and Hagia Sophia: “Oh Solomon, I have outdone you.”Rivalry, Power, and InsecurityShares the backstory of Juliana's competing church and the gold-ceiling arms race with Justinian.“Religious architecture became a battlefield of status.”Draws insight from these historic rivalries as examples of how ambition pervades religious life—not just secular.Modern Parallels: Yale Students's & the Rat RaceVolf notes how even Yale undergrads—once top of their class—feel insecure in comparison to peers.“They arrive and suddenly their worth plummets. That's insane.”The performance-driven culture makes stable identity nearly impossible.Biblical Illustration: Kierkegaard's LilyVolf recounts Kierkegaard's retelling of Jesus's lily parable.A bird whispers to the little lily that it's not beautiful enough, prompting the lily to uproot itself—and wither.“The lesson: we are destined to lose ourselves when our value depends on comparison.”Intrinsic Value and the Image of God“We need to discover the intrinsic value of who we are as creatures made in the image of God.”Kierkegaard and Jesus both show us the beauty of ‘mere humanity.'“You are more glorious in your humanity than Solomon in his robes.”Theological Anthropology and Grace“We have been given to ourselves by God—our lives are a gift.”“We owe so much to luck, to others, to God. So how can we boast?”Paul's challenge in 1 Corinthians: “What do you have that you have not received?”Milton and Satan's AmbitionShifts to Paradise Lost: Satan rebels because he can't bear not being top.“Even what is beautiful becomes devalued if it doesn't prove superiority.”In Paradise Regained, Satan tempts Jesus to be the greatest—but Jesus refuses.Christ's Humility and Downward GloryHighlights Philippians 2: Jesus “emptied himself… took the form of a servant.”“God's glory is not domination—it's lifting up the lowly.”“Salvation comes not through seizing status, but through relinquishing it.”Paul's Vision of Communal HonorRomans 12:10: “Outdo one another in showing honor.”“True honor comes not from climbing over others, but from lifting them up.”Connects this ethic to Paul's vision of church as an egalitarian body.God's Care for Creation and HumanityLuther's observation: God calls Earth good but not Heaven—“God cares more for our home than his own.”“We are called to emulate God's loving attention to the least.”Striving vs. AcceptanceVolf contrasts ambition with love: “The inverse of striving for superiority is the plague of inferiority.”Encourages unconditional self-love as a reflection of God's love.Uses image of a parent greeting a newborn: “You've arrived.”A Vision for Healed Culture“We wreck others in our pursuit of superiority—and we leave them wounded in our wake.”The gospel reveals a better way: not performance, but grace.“Our salvation and our culture's healing lie in the humility of Jesus.”“We must rediscover the beauty of our mere humanity.”About Miroslav VolfMiroslav Volf is the founding director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture and the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School. One of the leading public theologians of our time, he is the author of numerous books including Exclusion and Embrace, Flourishing, A Public Faith, Life Worth Living, and most recently, The Cost of Ambition. His work explores themes of identity, reconciliation, human dignity, and the role of faith in a pluralistic society. He is a frequent speaker around the world and has advised both religious and civic leaders on matters of peace and justice.Production NotesThis podcast featured Miroslav VolfEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge and Taylor CraigA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

Ambition is the air we breathe—but what is it costing us? In this episode, Amy Julia Becker and theologian Miroslav Volf discuss his latest book, The Cost of Ambition. They unpack the hidden damage of a culture obsessed with competition and invite us to imagine a new way of being, for ourselves and our society, rooted not in achievement, but in love, mutuality, and genuine abundance. They explore:  Striving for superiority in American cultureThe dark side of competitionLonging for what we haveStriving for excellence vs. striving for superiorityThe illusion of individual achievementPractices for embracing love and generosityReimagining human relationships beyond superiority__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse by Miroslav VolfAbundance by Ezra KleinThe Sabbath by Abraham HeschelLuke 18:9-14, Philippians 2, 1 Corinthians 12:21-26, Mark 10:35-45The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)Works of Love by Søren KierkegaardSubscribe to Amy Julia's newsletter_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Miroslav Volf (DrTheol, University of Tübingen) is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School and founding director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture in New Haven, Connecticut. He has written or edited more than two dozen books, including the New York Times bestseller Life Worth Living, A Public Faith, Public Faith in Action, and Exclusion and Embrace (winner of the Grawemeyer Award in Religion and selected as among the 100 best religious books of the 20th century by Christianity Today). Educated in his native Croatia, the United States, and Germany, Volf regularly lectures around the world. CONNECT with Miroslav Volf on X at @miroslavvolf.Photo Credit: © Christopher Capozziello___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

This week Pastor Justin talks about how we built by God in the secret place!   You can now see on our Youtube Channel by following this link: Battle Built   Important Points: My Private Fight builds my Public Faith! I have the Right Confidence from the Right Source! My past Prepared Me, but God Promotes Me!   Important Scriptures (NLT version unless stated otherwise):   1 Samuel 17:32-33 1 Samuel 17:34-36 Matthew 6:6 1 Samuel 17:37-39 2 Corinthians 3:5 1 Samuel 17:45-47 James 1:12 Romans 8:28

Romans 10:9-11Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “ Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”Faith is not private, because confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord is a public declaration. There is only room for one person to be Lord of your life and it's either Jesus or someone else. But the good news is that Jesus's message is for everyone. Where you have been and what you have done does not disqualify you. Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9-11Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “ Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”Faith is not private, because confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord is a public declaration. There is only room for one person to be Lord of your life and it's either Jesus or someone else. But the good news is that Jesus's message is for everyone. Where you have been and what you have done does not disqualify you. Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Public Faith, Private Strength: Living as Children of God The Homily begins by reflecting on the daily act of making choices, . . . . . . beginning with a personal story about struggling to wake up early for school. This serves as a metaphor for the broader and more meaningful choices we face in life, such as choosing to be kind, forgiving, and generous. However, the most crucial decision is choosing God. God's Children Choosing God brings not only spiritual benefits, such as being gathered, cleansed, and made into God's children, but also emotional strength and confidence . . . much like the boost we feel when a parent is present and supportive. The Homily continues and draws parallels between this and recognizing God's constant presence. We hear briefly the biblical story of Jesus raising Lazarus, and true faith requires more than good works; it demands a public and unwavering profession that Jesus is the Son of God. This faith should be visible even in ordinary moments, like praying before meals in public. The season of Lent is highlighted as a special time to renew this choice for God, affirming that only in Him do we find true fulfillment and salvation. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Public Faith, Private Strength: Living as Children of God ------------------------------------ image: God The Father (cropped): Spanish Painter: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 1618-1682 ------------------------------------ Gospel Reading: John 11: 45-56 First Reading: Ezekiel 37: 21-28

Introduction: The evolution of At Sea into a listener-driven Q&A formatPublic vs. Private Religion: Addressing a critique on public fasting and faith practicesPerfectionism in Faith: How the demand for purity can lead to isolationLessons from Leadership: Reflections on pastoral life and the struggles of maintaining a communityWhy Public Faith Matters: Creating shared spaces for growth, support, and imperfectionThe Role of Imperfection: How embracing our limitations opens the door for community and transformationClosing Thoughts: Inviting people to share in faith practices without the pressure of perfection Links For Justin:Coaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble