Podcasts about Rahab

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How is your story like Rahab’s? Meditate on James 2:25. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

En este Reporte de Visión Sembrador, somos llamados a interceder por misericordia, a confiar en el corazón compasivo de Dios y a seguir proclamando Su verdad conurgencia. A través de testimonios reales y la historia de Rahab, recordamos que Dios sigue salvando vidas porque la gente necesita saber Su amor.#ReporteDeVisión#SembradorVision#LaGenteNecesitaSaber#RadioNuevaVida#Intercesión#MisericordiaDeDios#Esperanza#Salvación#AmorDeDios#FeEnAcción#Sembradores#VidaNueva 

Stop carrying shame from your past. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe reveals how Rahab’s story became part of Jesus’ own lineage. God isn’t afraid of your mess—He can use anyone, redeem anything, and set a new legacy in motion. Live in freedom as a daughter or son of the Most High ... Listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe. Bold Step Gift: Growing In Christ – 52 Devotionals For A Year Of FaithBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your past can be rewritten. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe shares the remarkable story of Rahab—a woman whose faith-filled courage changed the course of a nation. Learn how one defining moment of obedience can break cycles, awaken dreams for your family, and create a ripple effect for generations ... listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe. Bold Step Gift: Growing In Christ – 52 Devotionals For A Year Of FaithBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the clearest proof of faith isn't a miracle, but endurance when nothing changes? We walk through the final verses of Hebrews chapter 11 and let the text challenge our assumptions—celebrating triumphs at Jericho and the courage of Rahab, then facing the sobering roll call of believers who were mocked, chained, stoned, and even sawn in two. The thread that ties it all together is not perfect people, but a perfect God who keeps his promises and invites us to act on them.We talk candidly about the judges and kings who made the list—Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David—and how their moral failures don't cancel their witness. Instead, they spotlight the truth that mustard-seed faith in a great God still counts. That leads us into the sharp turn of the chapter: some shut lions' mouths; others refused release to gain a better resurrection. Both groups are commended. We ask what endurance looks like today, why prosperity teaching collapses under this passage, and how hope in future glory empowers gritty obedience right now.Along the way, we define faith as trust expressed in action, explore why the wilderness wanderings are absent from the record, and consider how God strengthens his people exactly when they need it. The takeaway is simple and weighty: keep going. Fix your eyes on Jesus, choose obedience over optics, and remember that you are part of a larger story where unseen promises are the surest reality.If this conversation helps you stand firm, share it with a friend, subscribe for the next chapter, and leave a review with the one lesson you're putting into practice this week.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Patrick welcomes listeners on a March for Life broadcast, exploring pro-life action, Communion questions, and the Catholic approach to marriage, often through real caller situations. He moves from scriptural analysis—like the temptation of Jesus and “only God is good”—to conversations on the effects of birth control and spiritual experiences in modern life. Support, clarity, and a touch of candor shape every moment, with Patrick encouraging authentic faith at every turn. Lyn (email) - Regarding your conversation with Marco and the de-frocked priest - I was a little surprised that you didn’t caution him not to read on the Internet about his friend. (01:09) Dusty - Can my Catholic wife take the Eucharist if I am not Catholic? Also, a question Matthew 5. (03:21) John - How many babies does birth control kill per year and home many times does it fail? (11:27) Barbara - I have been a Eucharistic Minister for years and I am considering receiving on the tongue. Should I step down from being a Eucharistic Minister because I don't want to touch the host? (19:14) Paul - Why did Jesus say, 'why do you call me good, only God is good?’ (27:17) Mary - My young daughter said she saw the ghost of my sister. I called a priest and he came to bless our house. All of it stopped. The Devil tempts us with familiar spirits. (32:53) Patrick in Monterey, CA - There has been a lot of talk on this show about receiving Communion. What about St. Cyril of Jerusalem's guidance? (36:52) George – Was the prostitute, Rahab, in the line of Jesus? (42:44) Esmeralda - I received the Eucharist in the hand after the pandemic. I am scared to receive on the mouth because it fell out. What can I do? (44:31)

Joshua 1 ends with Israel finally ready to move. After 40 years of wandering, God's people are standing on the edge of the Promised Land. The moment has come to cross the Jordan and take possession of Canaan. But there's a problem… The land is already occupied. And the first obstacle is Jericho—a fortified city with massive walls and a culture deeply opposed to God.That's where Joshua 2 begins—and with it, one of the most surprising stories in Scripture.Enter Rahab. A prostitute. A pagan. A social outcast. The LAST person anyone would expect God to use. Yet God has always worked through imperfect people in messy places to accomplish holy purposes.

Have you ever felt wrongly judged? Rahab was someone who was judged for her outer appearance. A harlot, known for keeping brothels within Jericho, no one would have believed by simply looking at her that she was seeking God.Thankfully, God looks beyond what man sees to the desires of our hearts, and changes us from the inside out. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

Are you a visionary? Do you ask God to give you a vision of what he wants you to do and be, and then fearlessly step out on faith and do it? Many times, we fail to soar like an eagle because we're afraid to take any risks. Here's another excuse that can keep you mired in mediocrity. I don't have the talent, abilities, or experience it takes to be a visionary. Maybe you're thinking: People who take risks are gifted in some way or another. I don't have any special gifts. I'm just an ordinary person, who can do ordinary things in an ordinary way. If this is your excuse, you are without excuse. Listen to what Paul wrote to the Corinthians: Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). How many examples do you want of how God uses ordinary people? Start with Peter, James, and John—uneducated fishermen. Consider Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba—all great-grandmothers in the lineage of Jesus Christ—and all totally unqualified for the job. The Bible and church history are replete with examples of people who were used mightily by God in small and large ways, even though they didn't have the right credentials, the right education, or the right skills and abilities. That way, God gets the glory. I'm too old to ask for a vision. Are you thinking: If I were in my twenties, then I could do something great for the Lord. But it's too late now. Consider Caleb, who after 40 years of wandering in the desert, is allowed to go into the Promised Land. So, now 85 years old, Caleb goes to Joshua and says, I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day (Joshua 14:11-12). If you've been using age or some disability as your excuse for not asking God for a vision, pray “God, give me this hill—give me a vision of what you want to do with me now at this age in this time.”

Episode 2.75What does it really take for God's people to step into His promises?In this episode, Michael and Zach walk through Joshua 1:1–5:15, tracing Israel's crossing of the Jordan and uncovering how the text teaches faith, obedience, and remembrance. Along the way, they slow down on two pivotal moments: Rahab's unexpected confession of Yahweh and the miraculous crossing of the Jordan at flood stage.Rather than reading Joshua as simple conquest history, this episode highlights the book's theological depth. A carefully placed chiasm centers the story on Rahab's confession—showing that faith, not ethnicity or status, marks those who belong to God. The Jordan crossing then echoes the Exodus, confirming that the same God who redeemed Israel from bondage now brings them into rest and inheritance.The episode also explores why God commands Israel to pause and remember—setting up memorial stones not just to defeat enemies, but to guard against forgetfulness. Before a single battle is fought, God emphasizes covenant faithfulness, dependence on His presence, and obedience rooted in trust.Joshua's message is clear: victory comes not from strength or strategy, but from a people who believe God's promises, remember His works, and follow where He leads—even when the waters are at their highest.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/MEUpus3Cu5MMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

“After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her.” (Mark 16:9–11 NLT) Of all the people Jesus could have appeared to first after His resurrection, He appeared to Mary Magdalene. Mary was yet another in a long line of unlikely people entrusted by the Lord with important responsibilities. Think about it. Jacob was an opportunist who tricked both his brother and his father to get what he wanted (see Genesis 27:1–40). Moses was a murderer who had no confidence in his ability to speak, let alone lead an entire nation out of enslavement (see Exodus 3:1–4:17). Rahab was a prostitute living in enemy territory (see Joshua 2:1–24). Gideon responded to God’s call with these words: “How can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (Judges 6:15 NLT). David was such an unlikely candidate to be anointed king that his own father dismissed the possibility (see 1 Samuel 16:1–13). Esther was a young Jewish girl who became the queen of Persia after winning a beauty contest (see Esther 2:1–20). The “faith hall of fame” in Hebrews 11 is filled with inductees who probably wouldn’t have made the ballot if their peers had been on the selection committee. But, as God explained to Samuel, “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT). The Lord will not overlook anyone whose heart is attuned to Him. The women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry certainly recognized that. It would be an understatement to say that women were not held in high regard in first-century Israel. Many rabbis taught that it was better for the words of the Law to be burned than to be delivered by a woman. Yet Jesus chose a woman to be the first herald of His resurrection. It’s also worth noting that women were the last people at the cross and the first people at the tomb. Mary Magdalene had courage that many men lacked when Jesus was crucified. She stood by Him through it all. In fact, the Bible tells us that after He was crucified, Mary “saw where Jesus’ body was laid” (Mark 15:47 NLT). She watched as they took His body from the cross, wrapped it, and placed it in a tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea. And Mary, along with other women, arrived at the tomb very early on Sunday morning to anoint Jesus’ body with spices (see Mark 16:1–2). Mary’s faithfulness was rewarded with a key role in history. The Lord says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT). God rewards the diligent. He will reveal His truths to those who set aside time in their day to seek the Lord, who prioritize His Word, and wait upon Him. Reflection question: What does spiritual diligence look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new leader is established for Israel and they stand on the precipice of entering the Promised Land. Before that happens, they have to do a few things. On this episode of Bible Backdrop, we start in the book of Joshua and learn about Jericho, two spies and a prostitute. Then we see the nation of Israel finally cross the Jordan as the next generation does what their parents refused to do. 

Send us a textWhat does biblical courage look like when obedience carries real risk?In Joshua 2:1–7, we're introduced to Rahab, an unlikely figure whose fear of the Lord led her to decisive action. As Israel stands on the edge of the Promised Land, God uses a woman with a complicated past to protect the spies and advance His redemptive plan.In today's episode, we explore what this passage teaches men about courage, faith, and obedience when no one is watching. We'll talk about taking responsibility, acting wisely under pressure, and trusting God even when the path forward feels uncertain.This is a call for men to live with conviction, to choose faith over fear, and to remember that God often works through unexpected people who are willing to act.Learn more about The Pursuit of Manliness: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/ Join The Herd:  https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/join-the-herd Build your own local Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builderRegister for our 2026 Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2026-mens-retreatSupport the show

It’s easy to measure our worth by what we accomplish—or what we fail to accomplish. Many of us go to bed replaying the day’s shortcomings: missed goals, broken habits, forgotten disciplines, and moments where we didn’t live up to who we want to be. Even when we know our identity isn’t supposed to rest on productivity, performance, or spiritual “checklists,” repeated failure can leave us feeling weary, discouraged, and stuck. Over time, those feelings can become fertile ground for lies—whispers that God is disappointed, that we’re not enough, or that we’re failing as believers. This devotional points us back to a powerful reminder: God’s story has always included people with broken pasts and imperfect lives. Rahab’s story is a striking example. Scripture doesn’t erase her past, yet it also doesn’t let her past define her future. She could have believed she was unqualified or unworthy to be part of God’s plan, but faith gave her courage to act. And through her obedience, God not only saved her and her family, but also placed her into the legacy of redemption—ultimately leading to the line of David and even Jesus. The devotional reminds us that living in truth requires daily commitment. There is spiritual warfare that targets our identity and aims to wear us down with shame and discouragement. That’s why we need to actively anchor ourselves in God’s Word—praying, reading, memorizing, and speaking truth over ourselves when lies try to take root. Your value is not based on what you did today, how you performed, or how perfectly you kept a plan. Your worth is rooted in Christ alone—His finished work on the cross, His love for you, and His purpose for your life. You are loved, you have meaning, and God is still writing His story through you. Main Takeaways It’s easy to tie identity to performance, but our worth is found in Christ alone. Repeated failure can make us vulnerable to lies, shame, and spiritual discouragement. Rahab’s story shows that God uses imperfect people and redeems broken pasts. Spiritual warfare often targets identity, so we must actively fight with God’s Word. Your value is rooted in who you belong to—not in what you accomplish. Today’s Bible Verse: Joshua 2:1 Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “Please help us to fully embrace the truth that our worth is not based on what we do, but on who we belong to.” You can read the full prayer and devotional at the links below. Want More? Relevant Links & Resources Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content? LifeAudio – Discover daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Explore faith, prayer, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Joshua 2:8-13, 18 | January 11, 2026 | Pastor Todd SmithIn this sermon from the Joshua series, Pastor Todd explores the remarkable story of Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute from Jericho. Her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus and the hall of faith in Hebrews 11:31 powerfully illustrates that God's grace extends to all, regardless of their past. Rahab's act of hanging a scarlet cord from her window becomes a profound symbol of faith and redemption. Discover how Rahab's story challenges our perceptions of who God saves and why her faith, not her past, secured her future. What does it mean to truly place your trust in Christ, and how does this timeless narrative speak to your own life today?To find out more about Crossroads Community Church or to connect with us, visit the following links:→ lifeatcrossroads.org→ facebook.com/lifeatcrossroadsTo give online: lifeatcrossroads.org/giveonline.CCLI License: 2915685CCS WorshipCast License: 9466GRANT OF LICENSE. Crossroads Community Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play, perform, and transmit via the website noted above, any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC), as stated in the CCS WORSHIPcast License Terms and Conditions.Colossians 2:1-5 | September 28, 2025 | Pastor Todd SmithIn this powerful exploration of Colossians 2:1-5, we're challenged to develop courageous hearts and convictional minds in our faith journey. The apostle Paul's struggle and agony for believers he's never met reminds us of the depth of Christian love and the importance of spiritual encouragement. We're called to be 'knit together in love,' forming a tight-knit community that stands firm against false teachings and plausible arguments that threaten to lead us astray. The message emphasizes that all wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, urging us to seek Him above all else. This passage invites us to reflect on our own convictions about Jesus and how firmly we're willing to stand for truth in a world full of deceptive ideologies. Are we ready to live for Christ, not just in moments of crisis, but in our everyday lives? This teaching challenges us to step into the arena of faith with courage, conviction, and clarity, reminding us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces that seek to undermine our faith.To find out more about Crossroads Community Church or to connect with us, visit the following links:→ lifeatcrossroads.org→ facebook.com/lifeatcrossroadsTo give online: lifeatcrossroads.org/giveonline.CCLI License: 2915685CCS WorshipCast License: 9466GRANT OF LICENSE. Crossroads Community Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play, perform, and transmit via the website noted above, any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC), as stated in the CCS WORSHIPcast License Terms and Conditions.

What is faith, and why does it matter? In this message, we see it modeled by Rahab—someone we may not expect to find in God's hall of fame.Find out more about NewSpring Church in Wichita, Kansas, at newspring.org.

This sermon, part of the Basic Christian Values series, focuses on The Promises of God, using Israel's crossing of the Jordan in Joshua as a picture of where the church and believers stand today—on the edge of what God has promised, stepping into a new season by faith. It emphasizes that God is the one who makes promises and is always faithful to fulfill them, though His timing often differs from ours, requiring trust and perseverance. God accomplishes His promises through people—sometimes unlikely ones—such as Moses, Joshua, Rahab, and the unified body of believers, showing that surrender, faith in action, and unity bring Him glory. The message reminds listeners that receiving a promise is only the beginning; obedience, spiritual battles, and hard work follow, but God's presence remains constant. Finally, it calls believers to remember what God has already done, building faith through remembrance, so they can move forward with courage, confidence, and expectation into the future God has prepared.

This message continues the Basic Christian Values series by focusing on The Promises of God, using Israel's crossing of the Jordan in Joshua as a picture of the church entering a new season. It teaches that God is the one who makes promises and is always faithful to fulfill them, though His timing often requires patience, trust, and preparation. God works through people—sometimes unexpected ones like Moses and Rahab—and through a unified body of believers to accomplish His purposes, calling His people to be strong, courageous, obedient, and united. The sermon emphasizes that stepping into God's promises is only the beginning, as faith requires action, perseverance, and spiritual battle, but God's presence always goes before His people. Finally, it calls believers to remember what God has already done, because remembering His faithfulness builds faith and courage to move forward confidently into the future He has promised.

Matthew 1:1-25The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham became the father of Isaac,Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,whose mother was Tamar.Perez became the father of Hezron,Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab.Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,Nahshon the father of Salmon,Salmon the father of Boaz,whose mother was Rahab.Boaz became the father of Obed,whose mother was Ruth.Obed became the father of Jesse,Jesse the father of David the king.David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.Solomon became the father of Rehoboam,Rehoboam the father of Abijah,Abijah the father of Asaph.Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,Joram the father of Uzziah.Uzziah became the father of Jotham,Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh,Manasseh the father of Amos,Amos the father of Josiah.Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothersat the time of the Babylonian exile.After the Babylonian exile,Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.Abiud became the father of Eliakim,Eliakim the father of Azor,Azor the father of Zadok.Zadok became the father of Achim,Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar.Eleazar became the father of Matthan,Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.Thus the total number of generationsfrom Abraham to Davidis fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile,fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ,fourteen generations. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.Such was his intention when, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”All this took place to fulfillwhat the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”When Joseph awoke,he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

Share a commentA royal claim stands or falls on proof, and for a thousand years Israel kept receipts. We walk through Matthew's carefully structured genealogy to see how Jesus' pedigree validates His right to David's throne and why that matters for faith, history, and hope. Three clean sets of fourteen names anchor the story from Abraham to David, through the Babylonian exile, and finally to Christ, forming a legal and theological map that first-century readers could memorize and trust.The twist arrives in AD 70, when Rome burned the temple and with it the national genealogies. From that day forward, no living claimant could prove priestly or royal descent. Yet one lineage survived in inspired Scripture, recorded by a meticulous tax collector-turned-disciple. That survival makes Jesus the last verifiable heir to David—an astonishing claim made even more remarkable by the Jeconiah problem. We unpack how Luke and Matthew trace different branches back to David: Mary through Nathan provides the bloodline; Joseph through Solomon provides the legal right. Adoption secures the title; the virgin birth secures freedom from the curse. Providence didn't salvage a mistake—it designed a perfect fit.Grace is the other headline. Matthew refuses to airbrush the family tree, naming kings both faithful and corrupt, and highlighting four women—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah—whose stories range from scandal to steadfast loyalty. Their presence isn't a footnote; it's the point. The Messiah comes through sinners to save sinners, unashamed of His ancestors and unashamed to call us family. The genealogy becomes a doorway into the gospel: promises kept, curses overcome, and outsiders welcomed as heirs. By the end, the throne of David points to the throne of the heart, inviting us to trust the only King who can prove His claim and redeem our name.Enjoyed this deep dive into Scripture's receipts and grace? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend who loves biblical history, and leave a review with your favorite insight so others can find us too.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Share a commentA royal claim stands or falls on proof, and for a thousand years Israel kept receipts. We walk through Matthew's carefully structured genealogy to see how Jesus' pedigree validates His right to David's throne and why that matters for faith, history, and hope. Three clean sets of fourteen names anchor the story from Abraham to David, through the Babylonian exile, and finally to Christ, forming a legal and theological map that first-century readers could memorize and trust.The twist arrives in AD 70, when Rome burned the temple and with it the national genealogies. From that day forward, no living claimant could prove priestly or royal descent. Yet one lineage survived in inspired Scripture, recorded by a meticulous tax collector-turned-disciple. That survival makes Jesus the last verifiable heir to David—an astonishing claim made even more remarkable by the Jeconiah problem. We unpack how Luke and Matthew trace different branches back to David: Mary through Nathan provides the bloodline; Joseph through Solomon provides the legal right. Adoption secures the title; the virgin birth secures freedom from the curse. Providence didn't salvage a mistake—it designed a perfect fit.Grace is the other headline. Matthew refuses to airbrush the family tree, naming kings both faithful and corrupt, and highlighting four women—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah—whose stories range from scandal to steadfast loyalty. Their presence isn't a footnote; it's the point. The Messiah comes through sinners to save sinners, unashamed of His ancestors and unashamed to call us family. The genealogy becomes a doorway into the gospel: promises kept, curses overcome, and outsiders welcomed as heirs. By the end, the throne of David points to the throne of the heart, inviting us to trust the only King who can prove His claim and redeem our name.Enjoyed this deep dive into Scripture's receipts and grace? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend who loves biblical history, and leave a review with your favorite insight so others can find us too.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

James 2 challenges us to examine whether our faith is dead or alive. Dead faith consists of empty words without action, like telling someone to be warm and fed while doing nothing to help them. Even demons have intellectual knowledge about God, but they remain unchanged. Living faith, however, produces tangible works that demonstrate genuine transformation. Abraham showed living faith by offering Isaac, and Rahab demonstrated it by helping the Israelite spies. True faith creates a partnership between belief and action, shaping how we lead our families spiritually, love our church, and live with purpose. The ultimate question is whether the life we're living is worthy of Christ's death on the cross.

Share a commentA royal claim is only as strong as the proof behind it, and Matthew opens his Gospel with precisely that: a pedigree designed to be tested. We explore why this oft-skipped genealogy may be the most audacious opening in ancient literature, walking through Abraham to David, the Babylonian exile, and the arrival of the Messiah with a precision that reads like both history and legal argument.We look squarely at a problem that would disqualify any pretender today: the temple archives burned in AD 70, erasing the official records that once verified tribal identity and royal descent. Against that backdrop, Matthew's written genealogy stands out as the surviving witness, making Jesus the last verifiable heir to David's throne. We also tackle the Jeconiah dilemma from Jeremiah 22: if Joseph descends from a cursed king, how can Jesus inherit David's throne? The answer unfolds through adoption and ancestry: Joseph confers the legal right through Solomon's line, while Mary provides David's bloodline through Nathan. The virgin birth isn't a poetic flourish; it's the exact hinge that preserves legitimacy without inheriting the curse.But Matthew doesn't airbrush the story. He includes Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah—women, Gentiles, and complicated histories woven into royal lineage. He lists kings both faithful and faithless, refusing to hide the fractures of Israel's past. The result is a portrait of providence that preserves a throne through judgment, exile, scandal, and grace. If you've ever wondered whether faith rests on blind leaps or on a tested line, this conversation invites you to weigh the evidence, see the design in the details, and consider what it means for a king to claim not just David's seat but your heart.If this challenged you or clarified something you've wondered about, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so others can discover it too.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Share a commentA royal claim is only as strong as the proof behind it, and Matthew opens his Gospel with precisely that: a pedigree designed to be tested. We explore why this oft-skipped genealogy may be the most audacious opening in ancient literature, walking through Abraham to David, the Babylonian exile, and the arrival of the Messiah with a precision that reads like both history and legal argument.We look squarely at a problem that would disqualify any pretender today: the temple archives burned in AD 70, erasing the official records that once verified tribal identity and royal descent. Against that backdrop, Matthew's written genealogy stands out as the surviving witness, making Jesus the last verifiable heir to David's throne. We also tackle the Jeconiah dilemma from Jeremiah 22: if Joseph descends from a cursed king, how can Jesus inherit David's throne? The answer unfolds through adoption and ancestry: Joseph confers the legal right through Solomon's line, while Mary provides David's bloodline through Nathan. The virgin birth isn't a poetic flourish; it's the exact hinge that preserves legitimacy without inheriting the curse.But Matthew doesn't airbrush the story. He includes Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah—women, Gentiles, and complicated histories woven into royal lineage. He lists kings both faithful and faithless, refusing to hide the fractures of Israel's past. The result is a portrait of providence that preserves a throne through judgment, exile, scandal, and grace. If you've ever wondered whether faith rests on blind leaps or on a tested line, this conversation invites you to weigh the evidence, see the design in the details, and consider what it means for a king to claim not just David's seat but your heart.If this challenged you or clarified something you've wondered about, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so others can discover it too.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

This Christmas, Pastor Jeff Moes steps into the story we think we know — and discovering something deeper. We'll read the familiar words of Luke 2, then turn to Matthew 1 to look at the people in Jesus' family line… the broken, the doubtful, and the messy.From Abraham's questions, to Rahab's past, to a family in need of healing, this message is for anyone who's ever wondered if God could really use them. Because Christmas isn't about perfect people — it's about a perfect Savior stepping into imperfect stories.--WebsiteFacebookInstagramSunday SetlistConnect with us!How can we prayer for you? Let us know.

God encourages Joshua while the Israelites move closer to the Jordan. They send spies to Jericho who are saved by Rahab. The Israelites cross the Jordan into the Promised Land. Joshua 1:1-9; 3:1; 2:1-21, 22-24;1:10-18; 3:2-17. #everydaychristians

When Rahab the harlot heard about the power of God, she showed kindness to the spies hiding in her midst. Everyone has a reaction to hearing about God; some will hear of Him with joy, others will gnash their teeth at the message. Rahab confessed the Lord and showed immediate fruit of change by helping the spies escape. Her home was marked by a scarlet cord in the window to identify her house when the city would be overthrown. The life of every believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit. When God's judgment is poured upon the earth, only those with the seal of God will be spared. Does your life bear this seal?

When Rahab the harlot heard about the power of God, she showed kindness to the spies hiding in her midst. Everyone has a reaction to hearing about God; some will hear of Him with joy, others will gnash their teeth at the message. Rahab confessed the Lord and showed immediate fruit of change by helping the spies escape. Her home was marked by a scarlet cord in the window to identify her house when the city would be overthrown. The life of every believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit. When God's judgment is poured upon the earth, only those with the seal of God will be spared. Does your life bear this seal?

Reading IIsaiah 62:1-5 For Zion's sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication, and all the kings your glory; you shall be called by a new name pronounced by the mouth of the LORD. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem held by your God. No more shall people call you “Forsaken,” or your land “Desolate,” but you shall be called “My Delight,” and your land “Espoused.” For the LORD delights in you and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.Reading IIActs 13:16-17, 22-25When Paul reached Antioch in Pisidia and entered the synagogue,he stood up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen.The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in theland of Egypt.With uplifted arm he led them out of it.Then he removed Saul and raised up David as king;of him he testified,‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;he will carry out my every wish.'From this man's descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.'”GospelMatthew 1:1-25The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham became the father of Isaac,Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,whose mother was Tamar.Perez became the father of Hezron,Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab.Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,Nahshon the father of Salmon,Salmon the father of Boaz,whose mother was Rahab.Boaz became the father of Obed,whose mother was Ruth.Obed became the father of Jesse,Jesse the father of David the king.David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.Solomon became the father of Rehoboam,Rehoboam the father of Abijah,Abijah the father of Asaph.Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,Joram the father of Uzziah.Uzziah became the father of Jotham,Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh,Manasseh the father of Amos,Amos the father of Josiah.Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothersat the time of the Babylonian exile.After the Babylonian exile,Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.Abiud became the father of Eliakim,Eliakim the father of Azor,Azor the father of Zadok.Zadok became the father of Achim,Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar.Eleazar became the father of Matthan,Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.Thus the total number of generationsfrom Abraham to Davidis fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile,fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ,fourteen generations.Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.Such was his intention when, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”All this took place to fulfillwhat the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”When Joseph awoke,he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

Gods Promise Was to Save Us, Not Simply Inspire Us When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he announced news unlike anything the world had ever heard:You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end(Luke 1:3033). This was not merely the announcement of a child, but of a Kinga King whose reign would never end. For the first time in history, God took on human flesh. Immanuel became tired like us, hungry like us, exhausted like us; in every way Jesus became like us, yet without sin. He was born so that we would have One who could truly sympathize with our weaknesses, so that we might receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:1416). The angel didnt tell Mary she would give birth to a teacher or a moral example, but to a King and a Savior; One who would be call Son of the Most High and whose Kingdom would never end. What Gabriel told Mary tells us something important about ourselvesour greatest problem isnt ignorance, weakness, or circumstance, but sin. Our greatest need is redemption. We spend our lives trying to fix whats broken, but Christmas declares that God came to do what we could notto save lost sinners. This is why Jesus said: For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). God Came to Us When We Could Not Come to Him On the night Jesus was born, God did not summon kings, dignitaries, or celebrities; He invited shepherds. To the poorest of the poor, the angels declared,Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.And then heaven itself erupted in praise:Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!When the shepherds arrived at the manger, they beheld something staggeringthe Word of God in human flesh. John tells us that all things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. The power that created the universe lay wrapped in swaddling cloths; the One through whom the heavens were made was sleeping in a feeding trough. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men, and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Some people walk into Christmas Eve feeling unworthy, unseen, or spiritually distant. The shepherds are proof that with God, it does not matter how far you are from Him, for He is the God who meets sinners where they areto save them, to redeem them, and to bring them out of spiritual death into new life. We have a God whose mercy, love, and grace are far greater than our worst sins and any distance we imagine exists between Him and us. As Scripture says,Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come(2 Cor. 5:17). Jesus Entered Our Darkness to Deliver Us from It The darkness Jesus entered was not merely the darkness of night, but the darkness that has covered the human heart since Eden. Ever since Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, humanity has lived outsideoutside the place of Gods immediate presence, outside in the wilderness of thorns and sweat, pain and death. Though the Creator came into the world He made, John tells us the world did not recognize Him, and even His own people did not receive Him. What the world needed most stood in its midst, and it hardly noticed. Yet this is the wonder of Christmas: God came anyway. The promised Savior entered a world marked by sin and sorrow to bring light where only darkness reigned. Christmas speaks to our guilt, our grief, and our wearinessand it does more than speak to them; it swallows them up by the light of the life of Jesus. Some of you are carrying grief, regret, despair, and hopelessness into this room. The message and promise of Christmas is that unto us was born a Savior who steps into the darkness to conquer it. Jesus Came for Those Who Know They are Far from God The message to the shepherds was simple and clear:And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). Jesus was born to redeem sinners who were and are real people: real broken people, real guilty people, real overlooked people, and real people living in shame. The Bible shows us this even in Jesus family treeGod-usurpers like Adam, schemers like Abraham and Sarah, the guilty like Judah, the exploited like Tamar, prostitutes like Rahab, widows like Naomi, outsiders like Ruth, adulterers and murderers like David, and the grieving like Bathsheba. When you look at Jesus family line, you dont find a list of heroesyou find a gallery of grace. Broken marriages, moral failures, exploitation, grief, and loss. And God placed them there on purpose, to show us the kind of people Jesus came to save. Jesus came for people like them, and He came for people like us. He came to break the chains of sin and death, to reverse the curse, and to make peace by the blood of His cross. And that brings us to the most personal question of Christmas: what do we do with this Savior? Christmas is an Invitation, Not Just an Announcement John tells us thatHe was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God... (John 1:10-12). Then, John wrote one of the most astonishing sentences ever penned:The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.... (v. 14). Literally, He made His home with us. God chose to reverse the curse not by removing us from the world, but by entering itby dwelling among us in the person of His Son. Why? So that we might finally come home. I dont know where you are tonight or what youre carrying; I dont know the pain you carry or the disappointments that weigh on your heart, but I do know thisJesus came not to condemn you, but to make you whole. This Christmas Eve, the invitation is simple: come to the Light, come to the Word made flesh, come home. Jesus must be received by faith, not merely admired from a distance. This Christmas Eve, the invitation is simple: come to the Light, come to the Savior, find your light and life in Him. Conclusion In just a moment, the lights in this room will be dimmed, and one small flame will be passed from candle to candle. And as that light spreads, I want you to remember this: the darkness was not overcome by noise or force, but by the Light of Christ. That is how God came to usnot with spectacle, but with a child; not with condemnation, but with grace. Jesus entered our darkness to save us. This news is called the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here is how the apostle Paul described this News and promise of Christmas: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). And tonight, as the light moves from one person to the next, may it remind you that no darkness is too deep, no past so bad, and no heart too far gone for the Light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to overcome. As John 1:5 promises: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There is this enthrall and intrigue in our culture with royalty. Show after show, movie after movie is made to satisfy our fascination with kings.There is a longing in the human heart for a king.We search high and low to crown some one or some thing king over our life but the problem is that often we pick the wrong one.Only Jesus, will be a true King that will satisfy every desire of your heart and lead you into life everlasting in this life and the next. 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king.And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.8 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us). 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

The Unedited Genealogy of Jesus “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah…” — Matthew 1:1 We are accustomed to telling our stories selectively. We polish the edges, omit the failures, and highlight the moments that make us appear respectable. Scripture itself records that genealogies were often written this way—compressed, edited, and curated. Yet when Matthew opens his Gospel, he does something startling. He edits, yes—but not the way we would expect. He leaves the shame in. The family line of Jesus Christ is not a showcase of uninterrupted virtue. It is a record of sinners, scandals, and severe moral collapse. Judah and Tamar. Rahab the prostitute. Ruth the outsider. David and “the wife of Uriah.” Kings who shed innocent blood and led God's people into darkness. Matthew does not blur these names into obscurity; he underlines them. He insists that we see the Messiah standing at the end of a long, broken line. This is not carelessness—it is purposeful. God is telling us something essential about the heart of redemption. If Jesus were ashamed of broken people, He would have edited them out of His own family tree. But He did not. The people we would hide are the very people God highlights. The people we would disqualify are the people God deliberately includes. From the beginning, the incarnation declares that Jesus did not come from sanitized humanity, but from real humanity—and therefore He has come for it. Here is the first truth we must face: anyone can belong to His family. Not because sin does not matter, but because grace matters more. The genealogy preaches before Jesus ever speaks. It announces that doubt, failure, addiction, and disgrace do not place you beyond reach—they place you precisely within the kind of reach Christ came to extend. The bloodline of Jesus says to the least and the lost, “There is room.” But Matthew presses us further. This family tree also reveals that God redeems what we assume is ruined. David's greatest failure is not erased; it is transformed. From a union marked by adultery and death comes Solomon—and through Solomon, the promises of God move forward. Redemption does not deny the damage of sin, but it refuses to let sin have the final word. God takes what we are most ashamed of and makes it the very place where His life breaks through. What we call disqualifying, He calls redeemable. What we bury, He resurrects. Do not ask whether Jesus can handle your past. Look at His genealogy. Do not wonder if your worst mistake is too far gone. Look at the cross, where the Son of God was hung on a tree, covered in the full weight of human shame, so that shame would no longer own us. The question is not whether He can redeem—it is whether you will hand Him what needs redeeming. Bring it into the light. Invite Him into the place you avoid. He is not embarrassed by your story. He entered history precisely to transform it. Let Him.

Week 3 of the "Messy Christmas" series.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the narratives surrounding the Christmas story as told by Matthew. Join us as we explore the concept of image management and how it plays a role in our lives, relationships, and even our understanding of faith. Matthew's genealogy of Jesus is not just a boring list of names; it's a powerful testament to the messy, chaotic, and often scandalous history that leads to the birth of the Messiah. We discuss the significance of including figures like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and David, highlighting their stories and the lessons they impart about grace, mercy, and belonging. This episode challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of ourselves and our pasts. If you've ever felt like you don't belong or that your history disqualifies you, this message is for you. Discover how God's grace transcends our failures and how the lineage of Jesus includes everyone, no matter their background. Tune in for a message of hope, redemption, and the reminder that you are not an accident but an integral part of a much larger story. Key Topics: --Image management in relationships and faith --The significance of Matthew's genealogy --The stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and David --Understanding grace and mercy --Finding belonging and identity in Christ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

When God saved YOU, he had someone else in mind. Faith that responds doesn't just impact you, it impacts others. Salvation was never meant to be just a ticket to get us into the Kingdom of heaven, but an invitation to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. Rahab's story is a perfect example of exactly what can happen when you hear the truth, but don't miss the miracle. You can hear the truth and still miss the miracle. It's responding to the truth that truly transforms you and impacts those around you! If you have been feeling stagnant in your faith and need to be challenged today, this message is for you!

Why does Matthew begin with a GENEALOGY? The Son of DAVID The Son of ABRAHAM Phil 2:10-11 The way to read the genealogy is to notice things that are UNUSUAL. v.8 and v.10: Does Matthew make a MISTAKE? Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba are UNLIKELY names for such a list. Matthew wants us to realize […]

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we are in week two of our Christmas series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--WE THREE KINGS: A ROYAL MESS AND A FAITHFUL GODMost of us skim past the first seventeen verses of the New Testament. The long list of names in Matthew's genealogy feels distant and hard to pronounce, so we move on quickly. But Matthew didn't include those names by accident. He placed them there to ground the Christmas story in real history. Jesus didn't drop out of the sky. He entered the world through a real family—full of faith, failure, courage, compromise, and grace.Matthew organizes Jesus' family tree into three groups of fourteen generations. First come the patriarchs, from Abraham to David—the rise of a family. Then come the kings, from David to the exile—the ruin of a kingdom. Finally comes the remnant, from the exile to Jesus—the long road toward restoration. Last week we looked at the outsiders in Jesus' lineage: Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. This week we turn to the kings.You might expect the kings to be the highlight reel—strong leaders, noble faith, spiritual consistency. Instead, what we find is a royal mess. To understand it, we'll look at three kings from the southern kingdom of Judah: a father, a son, and a grandson. Their stories show how faith can be passed down, rejected, reclaimed, and lost again.King Ahaz: The Shadow of a Bad LegacyBy the time Ahaz became king, Israel was divided. The northern kingdom had fully embraced wickedness. Judah, the southern kingdom—where Jesus' line continued—was struggling to stay faithful. Ahaz did not help.2 Kings 16:2–3 (NLT) tells us that Ahaz “did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord… Instead, he followed the example of the kings of Israel, even sacrificing his own son in the fire.”In the ancient world, people believed that if you wanted the gods to act, you had to give them something valuable. Ahaz was losing a war and terrified of losing his throne. In desperation, he went to the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his own son to Molech. That valley later became known as Gehenna—the word Jesus used for hell.Ahaz's legacy is devastating. He sacrificed his son on the altar of selfishness. Before we judge him too quickly, we should ask an uncomfortable question: What do we sacrifice our children to today? Career success, personal freedom, reputation, comfort, or misplaced ambition can quietly become modern altars.King Hezekiah: The Cycle BreakerAfter Ahaz died, his son Hezekiah took the throne. He grew up surrounded by idolatry. He had watched his father's choices destroy lives. Everything about his upbringing suggested he would repeat the cycle.But 2 Kings 18:5–7 (NLT) says something remarkable: “Hezekiah trusted in the Lord… There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah.”Hezekiah broke the cycle. He tore down idols—even destroying the bronze serpent Moses had made because people were worshiping it...

Born - Part 4:  Born of Women Matthew’s genealogy features an unlikely cast of characters. He includes multiple women—like Tamar, Rahab and Ruth—which was uncustomary for the day. His inclusion of them reveals something about the heart of God and the type of Savior Jesus is. It reveals God’s heart for the outsider, the oppressed and the forgotten and his heart to redeem them. This week, we’ll consider how these truths about his character should transform how we understand him and how we treat others.

Send us a textThis week we look at the covenant that Rahab entered into with the spies and how God had already gone before Israel in the land of Canaan. 

Discover the surprising family line that links Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary—and how stories marked by scandal, loss, and outsiders become the very pathway God uses to bring the Messiah. This message shows how God redeems what seems disqualified and invites hope for anyone who wonders if their story can still be used.Watch this message on The Restoration App, Facebook, or YouTube or here: https://restoration.subspla.sh/6n5th9n#hanukkah #christmas #thehappyrabbi #restorationseattle #JewishinSeattle #BirthofMessiah

Discover the surprising family line that links Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary—and how stories marked by scandal, loss, and outsiders become the very pathway God uses to bring the Messiah. This message shows how God redeems what seems disqualified and invites hope for anyone who wonders if their story can still be used.Watch this message on The Restoration App, Facebook, or YouTube or here: https://restoration.subspla.sh/6n5th9n#hanukkah #christmas #thehappyrabbi #restorationseattle #JewishinSeattle #BirthofMessiah

Gospel Matthew 1:1-17 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations. Reflection If you happen to be a lecture in a parish, and comes your turn to be the reader you're hoping is not this reading. It's so interesting because people say, well, why does this matter? And it does matter essentially to understand how God is working in your life, and in my life. He's so connected to the ordinary. You're listening to a kind of an ancestral.com report about who your relatives are. And it's interesting and curious to think that your generations go back, but can you realize that what God is saying is, from the beginning of time, I have been working with ordinary people in ordinary circumstances, slowly enabling them to grow and evolve and change until they were ripe and ready to receive the most extraordinary gift. Mary, being infused with the Holy Spirit and giving birth to Jesus. It happened naturally. It continues to grow and happen naturally. I look back at the generations in my family and they were different than I am, and each generation somehow learns from the generation before. That's the process of evolving into the people that God calls us to be. The family that ultimately is the final goal is you living in God with God and feeling those around you. Closing Prayer Father, it's hard for us to realize that these things, marvelous things that you have accomplished in the world, were done in such a simple, ordinary, human way. It's all about us understanding how human you are and how your humanity, when it is directed toward us, awakens in us something so natural that we cannot not be drawn to your beauty, your wonder, your grace that comes to us through most ordinary ways. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham became the father of Isaac,Isaac the father of Jacob,Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,whose mother was Tamar.Perez became the father of Hezron,Hezron the father of Ram,Ram the father of Amminadab.Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,Nahshon the father of Salmon,Salmon the father of Boaz,whose mother was Rahab.Boaz became the father of Obed,whose mother was Ruth.Obed became the father of Jesse,Jesse the father of David the king.David became the father of Solomon,whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.Solomon became the father of Rehoboam,Rehoboam the father of Abijah,Abijah the father of Asaph.Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,Joram the father of Uzziah.Uzziah became the father of Jotham,Jotham the father of Ahaz,Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh,Manasseh the father of Amos,Amos the father of Josiah.Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothersat the time of the Babylonian exile.After the Babylonian exile,Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.Abiud became the father of Eliakim,Eliakim the father of Azor,Azor the father of Zadok.Zadok became the father of Achim,Achim the father of Eliud,Eliud the father of Eleazar.Eleazar became the father of Matthan,Matthan the father of Jacob,Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.Thus the total number of generationsfrom Abraham to Davidis fourteen generations;from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations;from the Babylonian exile to the Christ,fourteen generations.

Brody explores Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1 and connects it with Isaiah 9, seeing how God keeps His promises through broken and unexpected people. From Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth to Mary, We see how Jesus' family line tells a story of grace, mercy, and faithfulness in the middle of human failure. Brody also looks at the titles given to Jesus in Isaiah, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and what they reveal about the kind of King He is. This Advent series from Red Oak offers hope for anyone who wonders if their past disqualifies them and points us toward the coming kingdom marked by peace, justice, and righteousness.Red Oak ChurchJesus and His Crazy Grandmas | RahabJesus and His Crazy Grandmas | TamarJesus and His Crazy Grandmas | RuthSend us a textPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help improve No Sanity Required and help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

See Advent in a whole new way! In this episode, Brody and JB unpack the previous episode's sermon, exploring why Jesus' genealogy matters and how Advent reveals unexpected depth. Brody traces Jesus' baptism, genealogy, and wilderness temptation, showing a Savior who stands with sinners and confronts evil head-on, all pointing back to the promise in Isaiah 9.We see how grace is woven through Jesus' lineage in the stories of Rahab, Tamar, and Ruth. For anyone carrying wounds, facing injustice, or longing for hope, Advent shows a God who enters our story, bears our burdens, and promises a kingdom of lasting peace.Red Oak ChurchJesus and His Crazy Grandmas | RahabJesus and His Crazy Grandmas | TamarJesus and His Crazy Grandmas | RuthGod of Ruth, God of NowSend us a textPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help improve No Sanity Required and help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 reveals God's incredible plan to use imperfect people for His perfect purposes. Five women are mentioned in Christ's lineage, each with a shocking story: Tamar the deceiver, Rahab the prostitute, Ruth the foreigner, Bathsheba the victim, and Mary the humble servant. Their inclusion demonstrates that God justifies sinners, welcomes outsiders, and redeems broken stories. Jesus came from a dysfunctional family tree filled with prostitutes, murderers, and victims of abuse, yet His legacy changed the world. Your family background doesn't define your future—God can use your story for His glory.

In this powerful podcast episode, we dive deep into the reliability of the Gospels and the significance of Jesus' genealogy as presented by Matthew. Join us as we explore the concept of the "criterion of embarrassment" and how it highlights the authenticity of the Gospel accounts. We discuss the fascinating stories of scandalous figures like Rahab and Tamar, who are included in Jesus' lineage, and what this reveals about God's grace and mercy. The episode emphasizes that Jesus does not shy away from dysfunction; instead, He embraces it, showing that everyone, regardless of their past, is a candidate for His love and redemption. As we reflect on our own labels and the burdens we carry, we encourage listeners to consider what labels they have accepted and how they can begin to surrender them to experience the freedom that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Key Topics: -The reliability of the Gospels -The criterion of embarrassment -The significance of Jesus' genealogy -Embracing dysfunction and grace -Surrendering labels and finding freedom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

Matthew 1:1–17 - [1] The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. [2] Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, [3] and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, [4] and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, [5] and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, [6] and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, [7] and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, [8] and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, [9] and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, [10] and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, [11] and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. [12] And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, [13] and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, [14] and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, [15] and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, [16] and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. [17] So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. (ESV)   THE EVENING MINDSET IS COMING! Beginning January 1 - 2026 - A new DAILY podcast will be available to help you wind down, reset your mind on God’s truth, and prepare for a night of rest and rejuvenation. “The Daily Mindset” will launch on the podcast player of your choice on January 1, 2026. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode: https://EveningMindset.com