Podcasts about Reconciliation

Aoife Moore is an independent investigative journalist from Derry, Northern Ireland and formerly worked as a political correspondent for the BBC.She calls herself a victim of England's legacy in Ireland and says that every facet of her life has been marred by British colonialism, including the death of her uncle in the violence of Bloody Sunday.Aoife chose her path to become a journalist because of her frustration with the British media's unwillingness to challenge the government's official narrative of what happened on Bloody Sunday and her desire to be a part of revealing the truth.She is the best-selling author of The Long Game: Inside Sinn Fein, a book that explores the growth of Sinn Fein from the armed struggle of the IRA to its current political dominance in the country.Credits:Photos and text, John NoltnerField production, summer interns Kate West, Sawyer Garrison, and Kaitlin ImaiAudio Engineering, Razik SaifullahThanks for listening to A Peace of My Mind's podcast. For photos, videos, and additional content, visit our website and follow us on Instagram.

Dr. Cristian Istrate is a Pastor from Transylvania, Romania, who has been a missionary in 47 countries. He shares his incredible journey of faith, from growing up in Communist Romania to experiencing supernatural encounters with Jesus Christ. Hear about his family's struggles during the oppressive regime, miraculous moments like gasoline laden Bibles that wouldn't burn, and personal encounters with spiritual warfare. Be inspired by Dr. Cristian's testimony of redemption, healing, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Don't miss this moving episode filled with hope and miracles! 00:00 The Miraculous Survival of Bibles 00:38 Introduction to Cristian's Testimony 01:41 Growing Up in Communist Romania 03:23 The Persecution of Christians 15:29 The Fall of Communism 19:21 A Family's Struggle with Faith and Tragedy 28:07 A Vision of Jesus 28:44 Discovering a Personal Relationship with Jesus 29:35 Teenage Rebellion and Conflict 30:52 Running Away from Home 32:23 A Spiritual Awakening 37:40 Returning Home and Reconciliation 41:04 Missionary Work and Miracles 43:20 A Supernatural Healing Encounter in Egypt 48:39 The Greatest Miracle of All 53:30 A Prayer for Those in Darkness 55:59 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Links referenced in this episode: Tortured for Christ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXxMTf8iBj4 Sabina: https://www.sabinamovie.com/ Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com/ To follow Dr Cristian Istrate: Wesleyan Voices Online: https://www.facebook.com/wesleyanvoices.online   NEW Everyday Miracle compilation book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/45cgbP8 Everyday Miracle compilation book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everyday-miracles-julie-hedenborg/1146173449?ean=9798881501808 Subscribe to Julie's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@everydaymiraclespodcast1395 Website for Everyday Miracles (APPLY!): http://everydaymiraclespodcast.com/   To follow Everyday Miracles Podcast on itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-miracles-podcast/id1447430033 On Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydaymiraclespodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaymiraclespodcast/ tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@everydaymiraclespodcast X: https://x.com/miracles9598 linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hedenborg-452028a7/ To email Julie directly: everydaymiraclespodcast@gmail.com

In Our Race Issues, Pray for One Another and Make a Difference Through Repentance and Reconciliation; Jesus Followers Are Placed Here for These Times MESSAGE SUMMARY: With regards to our race issues, it will not be through political parties, rallies, elections, slogans, or marches that our attitudes and practices are changed or the souls of our nations are converted. The deep change, which we all need, will only be through revival that comes from repentance – turning away from our sin and toward God and his righteous ways in Jesus Christ. As Jesus commanded us in John 5:12: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”. Also, in John 13:34-35, Jesus commanded us: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”. Jesus' “one another” is all inclusive and not just those that look like you and/or of your culture. We do not have just a “skin problem”, we have a “sin problem”. As Dr. Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Church in Dallas Texas recently said: “The evangelical church needs to speak up where it has been silent on injustice and racism. The biggest problem, in the culture today, is the failure of the church. We would not even have a racial crisis in America if the church had not consistently failed to deal with racism as the severe sin it is. But because the church has historically ignored and downplayed it {racial crisis}, the issue still exists. Where the church is called to set an example, we have cowered.”. The Bible makes it unequivocally clear that we are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27): “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”.  Any hostility between brothers and sisters in Christ is an affront to God and damages our souls and the “blessed community” so many of us seek. You can start real “racial change” right where you are -- in your own heart first and then in your own relationship with God. At that point, you can then lead the change your own community -- one person at a time; one relationship at a time; and one act a time. You can reach out and build a relationship with someone different than you. However, doing nothing is no longer an option for us. Let us pray for one another about these things and let us get out and make a difference in our local communities. God has placed you and me here for such a time as this.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I can relate to the Israelites in the desert and their desire to return to what is predictable — even if it is miserable. Change is hard. Grant me the courage of Moses to walk the delicate balance of being still and moving on to the new life in Christ that you have for me. In Jesus' name, amen.       Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 72). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Past Failures. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Grace. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Genesis 1:27; Revelation 7:1-17; Ephesians 2:19; John.13:35; Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:15; Psalms 103:12; Isiah 1:18 WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: A Christmas Reunion: Healing Bonds Atop Montjuïc Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-25-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Montjuïc brillava amb una claror especial aquell matí d'hivern.En: Montjuïc shone with a special brightness that winter morning.Ca: Les fulles dels arbres tremolaven lleugerament amb la brisa freda i el sol d'hivern il·luminava suaument Barcelona.En: The leaves of the trees trembled slightly with the cold breeze, and the winter sun gently illuminated Barcelona.Ca: Els carrers de la ciutat estaven decorats amb llums de Nadal, recordant a tothom l'esperit festiu de l'època.En: The streets of the city were decorated with Christmas lights, reminding everyone of the festive spirit of the season.Ca: Martí havia decidit que aquell seria el moment perfecte per a un pícnic.En: Martí had decided that this would be the perfect moment for a picnic.Ca: Amb el cor ple d'incertesa, va pujar la muntanya, esperant que el seu gest portés reconciliació entre ell i els seus germans, Elena i Sergi.En: With a heart full of uncertainty, he climbed the mountain, hoping that his gesture would bring reconciliation between him and his siblings, Elena and Sergi.Ca: La discussió recent sobre el futur de la seva família pesava en la seva consciència, i la distància emocional s'havia fet més gran del que volia admetre.En: The recent argument about the future of their family weighed on his conscience, and the emotional distance had become greater than he wanted to admit.Ca: El pícnic estava preparat senzillament: entrepans, una mica de vi calent i unes quantes llaminadures nadalenques.En: The picnic was prepared simply: sandwiches, some mulled wine, and a few Christmas treats.Ca: Martí esperava que aquests detalls senzills servissin com a catalitzador per al retrobament i l'harmonia.En: Martí hoped that these simple details would serve as a catalyst for reunion and harmony.Ca: Quan Elena i Sergi van arribar, el paisatge els va sorprendre.En: When Elena and Sergi arrived, the landscape surprised them.Ca: L'escena els va portar records d'infància, d'altres Nadal passats, plens de rialles i complicitat al mateix indret.En: The scene brought back childhood memories of past Christmases, full of laughter and companionship in the same place.Ca: Els tres germans es van asseure en una manta, el silenci inicial només trencat pel soroll de les branques al vent i el murmuri llunyà de la ciutat.En: The three siblings sat on a blanket, the initial silence only broken by the noise of the branches in the wind and the distant murmur of the city.Ca: Al principi, van parlar de banalitats.En: At first, they talked about trivialities.Ca: El clima, les decoracions nadalenques de les Rambles, anècdotes de la feina.En: The weather, the Christmas decorations on Les Rambles, anecdotes from work.Ca: Però, com Martí temia, la discussió passada va tornar a l'ambient, com un núvol inesperat.En: But as Martí feared, the past argument returned to the air like an unexpected cloud.Ca: Sergi va remenar-se inquiet, mentre Elena evitava la mirada del seu germà.En: Sergi fidgeted uneasily, while Elena avoided her brother's gaze.Ca: Martí va sentir un nus a l'estómac.En: Martí felt a knot in his stomach.Ca: El seu orgull el va voler frenar, però el desig de recuperar els seus vincles era més fort.En: His pride wanted to hold him back, but the desire to restore his bonds was stronger.Ca: Va inspirar profundament i, amb la veu mig tremolosa, va dir: "Ho sento.En: He took a deep breath and, with a slightly trembling voice, said, "I'm sorry.Ca: Sé que la meva obstinació ens ha fet mal.En: I know my stubbornness has hurt us.Ca: No vull perdre els meus germans per això.En: I don't want to lose my siblings over this.Ca: Us he preparat aquest pícnic perquè recordem que som família.En: I prepared this picnic for us to remember that we are family."Ca: "El silenci va seguir la seva confessió, però Martí ja no sentia pes al cor.En: Silence followed his confession, but Martí no longer felt a weight on his heart.Ca: Havien passat uns segons, quan Elena va trencar el gel amb un somriure suau.En: A few seconds passed before Elena broke the ice with a gentle smile.Ca: "Jo també ho sento, Martí.En: "I'm sorry too, Martí.Ca: Trobava a faltar aquestes trobades.En: I missed these gatherings."Ca: "Sergi va assentir, encara emocionat.En: Sergi nodded, still emotional.Ca: "Realment, això és el que importa.En: "Really, this is what matters.Ca: Estar junts, sense que les diferències ens separin.En: Being together, without letting differences separate us."Ca: "Van seguir parlant, primer amb cautela, després amb la calidesa i l'espontaneïtat que només la família pot tenir.En: They continued talking, first with caution, then with the warmth and spontaneity that only family can have.Ca: Rient, compartint records i fent plans de futures trobades, van prometre no deixar que res els separés de nou.En: Laughing, sharing memories, and making plans for future meetings, they promised not to let anything separate them again.Ca: La tarda va acabar amb una abraçada col·lectiva, mentre el sol començava a baixar lentament.En: The afternoon ended with a group hug, as the sun slowly began to set.Ca: Martí va comprendre aleshores el poder de la vulnerabilitat i la importància de demanar disculpes sincerament.En: Martí then understood the power of vulnerability and the importance of sincerely apologizing.Ca: Havien començat un nou camí junts, i aquest Nadal seria recordat pel seu significat especial: la reconciliació i el retorn de l'amor familiar.En: They had begun a new path together, and this Christmas would be remembered for its special meaning: reconciliation and the return of family love. Vocabulary Words:brightness: la clarortrembled: tremolavenbreeze: la brisailluminated: il·luminavadecorated: decoratsheart: el coruncertainty: la incertesagesture: el gestreconciliation: la reconciliaciósiblings: els germansargument: la discussióconscience: la consciènciacatalyst: el catalitzadorchildhood: la infànciacompanionship: la complicitatblanket: la mantatrivialities: les banalitatsstubbornness: l'obstinacióknives: els ganivetsgaze: la miradapride: l'orgullvulnerability: la vulnerabilitatapologizing: demanar disculpesspontaneity: l'espontaneïtatfuture: el futurmeeting: la trobadadistance: la distànciaemotion: l'emocióembrace: la abraçadasunset: la posta de sol

New Poll Reveals Strong Support for Tougher Approach on Visa Screening Following Bondi Terror Attack King Charles Calls for Unity and Reconciliation in Annual Christmas Message Security at the MCG Tightened for Fourth Ashes Test Aussies Tipped to Spend $1.6 Billion on Boxing Day Alone See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Poll Reveals Strong Support for Tougher Approach on Visa Screening Following Bondi Terror Attack King Charles Calls for Unity and Reconciliation in Annual Christmas Message Security at the MCG Tightened for Fourth Ashes Test Aussies Tipped to Spend $1.6 Billion on Boxing Day Alone See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Called to Change One Life at a Time!

In this solo episode, Brian breaks down one of the most overlooked but essential parts of running a mission-driven business: year-end bookkeeping. You'll learn a simple, practical framework for cleaning up your books, organizing your finances, and setting up systems that actually support you and your business. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by accounting software, unclear categories, or messy receipts, this episode will help you start the new year with clarity and confidence. Episode Highlights Why year-end bookkeeping is a big deal The way you close this year directly affects how you start the next one. Clean books make tax season easier, help you avoid missed deductions, and give you a real-time view into how your business is doing. 3 steps to get your books in order There are three, key steps to get your books in order before the end of the year: Clean up the basics: Dig deeper into the fundamentals, including double checking your business and personal expenses are separate, removing overwhelm from your chart of accounts, reconciling your accounts, organizing your receipts and documentation, removing old or inactive accounts, and making payroll corrections. Review your financial reports: Analyze your Profit & Loss (Income Statement) report, Balance Sheet, and Reconciliation report for accuracy, red flags, and wins. Prep for tax season and next year: Review your accounting method, confirm expense categories, talk to your tax professional, plan upgrades, and schedule monthly processes. Take action now Don't delay on getting your books in order. If you manage your own books, block 60-minutes on your calendar this week for a year-end bookkeeping session to work through the 3-step process, and if you work with a professional, schedule time for a year-end review. Even if you only complete one task, that's progress. Resources + Links Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Xero, Wave Newsletter Sign Up Follow Brian Thompson Online: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Forbes About Brian and the Mission Driven Business Podcast Brian Thompson, JD/CFP®, is a tax attorney and Certified Financial Planner® who specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who run mission-driven businesses. The Mission Driven Business podcast was born out of his passion for helping social entrepreneurs create businesses with purpose and profit. On the podcast, Brian talks with diverse entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Listeners hear stories of experiences, strength, and hope and get practical advice to help them build businesses that might just change the world, too.

In this conversation, Richard Case and Kathy Rocconi discuss the challenges of navigating family dynamics during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness, peace, and prayer. They explore practical strategies for maintaining emotional health and avoiding conflict, particularly in dysfunctional relationships. The discussion highlights the need for personal growth and the power of prayer in seeking change in others while remaining grounded in one's own peace.We want to hear from YOU! If you would like to submit a question or comment for further discussion, please email us at: questions@abideministries.com.

Join us this morning as we read through Colossians 1:19-23 and explore how Jesus, by giving himself completely at the Cross, is our reconciliation. We're glad you're here. ABOUT US | We are cultivating a vibrant community of faith, hope and love that follows Jesus into the world so our neighbors may also experience God's goodness. Learn more at https://www.cpchb.org/core-values/PRAY  | To request prayer or pray with us, visit https://www.cpchb.org/prayer GIVE  |  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people, visit  https://www.cpchb.org/give/ PRAYER REQUESTS | https://www.cpchb.org/prayerGIVE  | https://www.cpchb.org/give/CONNECT  |  We want to connect with you!  Visit us at  https://www.facebook.com/cpchb/    https://www.instagram.com/christpacificchurch/    Weekly eBlast: https://tinyurl.com/swy75ujv  MORE INFO | https://www.cpchb.org/

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Ocean of Reconciliation: A Christmas Tale of Family Healing Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-23-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El vent fred de l'hivern acaricia la Costa Brava, deixant l'escenari perfecte per a una reunió familiar enmig de les festes de Nadal.En: The cold winter wind caresses the Costa Brava, setting the perfect scene for a family gathering amidst the Christmas holidays.Ca: Gemma contemplava el mar des del penya-segat, pensativa.En: Gemma was contemplating the sea from the cliff, pensive.Ca: Aquell any, la reunió de Nadal estava tenyida d'una tensió visible.En: That year, the Christmas gathering was tinged with visible tension.Ca: El seu germà Oriol encara estava enfadat.En: Her brother Oriol was still angry.Ca: Han discutit fa poc, i la Gemma sap que si no fan les paus, el Nadal serà trist.En: They had argued recently, and Gemma knows that if they don't make peace, Christmas will be sad.Ca: A la part més amagada de la cala, allí on la sorra es barrejava amb les pedres i les onades xiuxiuejaven secrets, la Gemma va decidir que era el moment.En: In the most hidden part of the cove, where the sand mingled with the stones and the waves whispered secrets, Gemma decided it was the moment.Ca: Aquell racó de la costa, ben estimat per tothom, seria el lloc on intentaria fer les paus amb l'Oriol.En: That cherished corner of the coast would be the place where she would try to make peace with Oriol.Ca: —Oriol, podem parlar un moment?En: "Oriol, can we talk for a moment?"Ca: —va preguntar en veu baixa.En: she asked softly.Ca: Ell, inicialment reticent, va assentir amb el cap.En: He, initially reluctant, nodded.Ca: Sabia que el lloc on es trobaven feia que qualsevol conversa fos més fàcil.En: He knew that the place they were in made any conversation easier.Ca: La bellesa de la natura tenia la capacitat de suavitzar fins al cor més dur.En: The beauty of nature had the capacity to soften even the hardest heart.Ca: Les onades es trencaven suaument mentre el sol queia lentament sobre les aigües blaves.En: The waves broke gently while the sun slowly set over the blue waters.Ca: La Gemma va mirar el seu germà als ulls.En: Gemma looked into her brother's eyes.Ca: —Estic penedida de com van anar les coses.En: "I regret how things went.Ca: Mai vaig voler que et sentissis malament —va dir amb sinceritat.En: I never wanted you to feel bad," she said sincerely.Ca: Ell la va mirar amb una barreja de ressentiment i tristesa.En: He looked at her with a mix of resentment and sadness.Ca: —Em vas fer sentir ximple davant de tothom.En: "You made me feel foolish in front of everyone.Ca: No puc oblidar-ho així com així —va respondre, la seva veu trencant-se.En: I can't forget it just like that," he responded, his voice breaking.Ca: Les paraules del seu germà van colpejar la Gemma com una onada sobtada.En: Her brother's words hit Gemma like a sudden wave.Ca: Després de silencis plens i pesants, ella va reunir forces per parlar.En: After heavy and loaded silences, she gathered the strength to speak.Ca: —Ho sento molt.En: "I'm really sorry.Ca: No va ser la meva intenció.En: It wasn't my intention.Ca: Potser no vaig saber com expressar-me.En: Maybe I didn't know how to express myself.Ca: Ets el meu germà, i no puc imaginar-me els Nadals sense tu.En: You're my brother, and I can't imagine Christmas without you."Ca: Els ulls de l'Oriol es van suavitzar.En: Oriol's eyes softened.Ca: Potser era el lloc, potser era la sinceritat a la veu de la seva germana, però va sentir com el gel dins seu començava a fondre's.En: Perhaps it was the place, perhaps it was the sincerity in his sister's voice, but he felt the ice inside him beginning to melt.Ca: —Jo també he fet i dit coses de les quals em penedeixo —va admetre, amb la mirada fixa en les onades—.En: "I've also done and said things I regret," he admitted, his gaze fixed on the waves.Ca: Hem deixat que tonteries es posin al mig de nosaltres.En: "We've let trivialities come between us."Ca: Amb aquestes paraules, les tensions es desfeien.En: With these words, the tension dissolved.Ca: Els dos germans es van abraçar envoltats pel so tranquil del mar.En: The two siblings embraced, surrounded by the soothing sound of the sea.Ca: Al final, la Gemma i l'Oriol van tornar a casa, on els esperaven els seus pares amb preocupació però també amb esperança.En: In the end, Gemma and Oriol returned home, where their parents awaited them with concern but also with hope.Ca: L'ambient estava canviant.En: The atmosphere was changing.Ca: Les llums de Nadal brillaven a la distància, i la calidesa de la reconciliació omplia l'aire fred de la nit.En: Christmas lights twinkled in the distance, and the warmth of reconciliation filled the cold night air.Ca: En tornar, el clima familiar era diferent.En: Upon returning, the family climate was different.Ca: Hi havia un aire de serenor.En: There was an air of serenity.Ca: Tots dos havien entès que els vincles familiars eren de les coses més importants del món.En: Both understood that family ties were among the most important things in the world.Ca: Aprenent a comunicar-se millor, Roser i Oriol van decidir treballar perquè el Nadal fos tan especial i harmoniós com mereixien tots plegats.En: Learning to communicate better, Roser and Oriol decided to work on making Christmas as special and harmonious as everyone deserved.Ca: I així, amb el cor més lleuger i ple de promeses de futurs millors, la família es va preparar per gaudir d'unes festes realment memorables.En: And so, with lighter hearts and promises of better futures, the family prepared to enjoy truly memorable holidays. Vocabulary Words:the cliff: el penya-segatpensive: pensativathe tension: la tensióangry: enfadatto argue: discutirto make peace: fer les paushidden: amagadathe cove: la calato mingle: barrejar-sethe stones: les pedresto whisper: xiuxiuejarto nod: assentirreluctant: reticentto soften: suavitzarto regret: penedir-sesincerely: amb sinceritatthe resentment: el ressentimentto hit: colpejarto express: expressar-seto melt: fondre'sthe gaze: la miradatrivialities: tonteriesto dissolve: desfer-seto embrace: abraçar-sethe atmosphere: l'ambienttwinkled: brillaventhe warmth: la calidesaserenity: serenorthe family ties: els vincles familiarsto prepare: preparar-se

On September 30th, Canada marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a day to look back at the legacy of residential schools, the 150,000 Indigenous children who attended, and the abuse they suffered under the state-run project. It's also a day to take stock of what Canadians make of that history and what they believe should or shouldn't be done in the present to respond. Harrison Lowman speaks to Aaron Pete, Chief of Chawathil First Nation in B.C. and host of the Nuanced Podcast about why he thinks the right and left risk making reconciliation performative and brittle if the country doesn't double down on both accuracy and civility. This episode originally aired on September 30th, 2025.  The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet.   Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify)    Want more Hub? Get a FREE 1-month trial membership on us: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/ Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en   CREDITS: Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer and Editor Harrison Lowman - Host To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts email support@thehub.ca

Title: A Christmas Carol Examined: Hark the Herald Angels Sing Text: Various FCF: We often neglect the deep theology in the Christmas carols we sing. Prop: Because Hark the Herald angels sing speaks much about the gospel, we should sing it with renewed vigor. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Genesis Chapter 3. We will reference several passages of scripture this morning but it might be wise for you to have this text open and in front of you. In light of the holiday season, I typically break for a couple weeks from whatever sermon series I am in, in order to better accommodate our traditions. What a joy it was to hear so many of our folks use the talents the Lord has given them to bring Him praise this morning. Next week I'll deliver my traditional year wrap up sermon. I'll give you some lessons I've learned and some recommendations I have. I'll also spend some time assessing where we as a church are and how we could improve. Today, I wanted to do something a bit different and a good deal shorter than I normally would. My wife actually gave me the idea, calling my attention to this particular Christmas Carol which was missing a verse or two in our hymn book. In looking into the carol, and to the distance between when most of the carols we sing were written and us singing them today, it became clear that I should devote time to taking a familiar carol and examining the rich theological depths which we unknowingly sing about each year. Today, we will consider the carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing. This is on page 192 in our hymnal. The Carol was written by Charles Wesley. He wrote five verses. Most hymnals, including our own, only have the first three verses. Primarily because George Whitfield, a good friend of the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, edited the song down to four verses, combining the last two verses into one. This edit was later removed and kept to 3 verses in most hymnals. This was not because of any theological differences or errors that Whitefield perceived, but primarily to shorten the song without repeating theological themes. Unfortunately, we will only have time to look at two verses this morning. But I will make it up to you by giving you two for the price of one. So, we'll look at the first verse which we always sing. Then we will look at Mr. Whitfield's cobbled together 4th and 5th verse, so you get some exposure to the last two verses that were later omitted from Charles Wesley's masterful carol. We'll follow the same general pattern. I will translate the idea into modern vernacular and then expand on the What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures in the line and prove it by quoting or referencing an appropriate scripture passage. But before we dive in, let's pray and ask the Lord to bless our study of this carol. Invocation: Loving Lord, we thank you for such a rich history of the church. For thousands of years your church has grown and your kingdom has spread. We can look to songs we sing today that were written hundreds of years ago and still find great and deep meaning in their words. Help us to be mindful of the things we sing and say. Help us to see the great meaning of this season and preach it to others with everything we are. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: Well, let's get to the verse that we all know. I.) The gospel is at the center of this Christmas carol, so we must sing it as though we were preaching it. a. [Slide 2] Hark! The herald angels sing, i. What does this mean: 1. Hark is an interjection. It is calling those present to listen closely. 2. No, the angel's name is not herald. 3. Rather this is the job of the angels who pronounced the birth of Jesus the Messiah. 4. In the song they are said to Sing this to the shepherds. 5. So, in our modern vernacular it would be – Listen up, the Angels are singing a proclamation from God. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. When God has an announcement for us to listen to, He often prefaces the statement with something to get our attention. Like Behold. Or Truly Truly. Or Thus says the Lord God. 2. Although in Luke 2 we do see the angels announce this news – we do not have any record in the New Testament that they sang this news. It actually says they shouted. b. “Glory to the newborn King; i. What does this mean: 1. Glory means to give praise that is due to an important person. 2. Newborn King is self-explanatory 3. “Give the honor due to this child because he is THE KING ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. All the way back in II Samuel 7, God promised David that a King from his line would sit on the throne forever. 2. And in Luke 1:32-33 the angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would inherit the throne of His father David. c. Peace on earth, and mercy mild, i. What does this mean: 1. Peace here refers to the cessation of hostilities between two warring parties. 2. This is contrasted with the second phrase where this cessation of hostilities is instituted by this child who is merciful and humble – bringing salvation to sinners. 3. “Forgiveness and Rightness with God comes from this baby” ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. Isaiah 53 teaches that the first coming of the Messiah, Yahweh's Servant, will be meek and mild, a sacrifice for sinners. 2. Not coming as someone who would be esteemed highly. d. God and sinners reconciled!” i. What does this mean: 1. Reconciliation is when two parties settle up a dispute. All debts are paid. 2. This dispute, we are told in the song, is between God and sinners. 3. God and Sinners square. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. The dispute we have with God is that He made us to be His worshippers but we have rebelled against Him both in Adam and in our own sin. Gen 3 and Eph 2 and Rom 1-3 2. Yet God has made promises to preserve a remnant and save His people from their sins. 3. Christ then, meek and mild King, is the instrument to settle all the debts. e. Joyful, all ye nations rise, i. What does this mean: 1. Joyful is the attitude or the manner that is being commanded. 2. Nations rising is indicating the global nature of this announcement. 3. All the world get up and be joyful ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. Throughout the Old Testament, God desired Israel to be a light to the nations. 2. And in the prophets we see promises that the Messiah will finally succeed in what Israel was tasked to do. 3. The nations will be reclaimed as Yahweh's 4. And God ruling the nations will be praised and rejoiced in because the gentiles will be adopted into God's family too. f. Join the triumph of the skies; With th'angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” i. What does this mean: 1. This is what the nations are told to do. They are told to join the triumph. 2. What triumph? 3. It is actually going all the way back to the beginning of the song. The announcement being made about the triumph of God over sin and peace on earth. 4. How? By the Messiah being born this day in Bethlehem. 5. So joyfully the nations are to rise up and announce the same message that the angels are announcing to the shepherds. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. We see this happen in the New Testament. 2. The Gentiles not only inherit the gospel and become grafted into the promise of the Israelites, but they now become the heralds announcing the coming of the King. 3. A King who was born, lived, died, was raised, and ascended. All to save sinners and reconcile them to God. g. Summary of the Point: The first verse of this carol is nothing short of the gospel message. It is the announcement that Christ has come to make us right with God and change the world forever. Now not just Jews, but all the nations will rise up and announce this message as the world shifts and the Kingdom of God expands. So, as we sing this verse – we must recognize the potent dose of gospel truths being conveyed in a few seconds. And as we sing it out, we fulfill the words of this opening verse to joyfully join the triumph the angels sang about that Christmas night 2000 years ago. Transition: Let us move to the two verses not included in our hymnal. I.) Deep doctrine of redemption is found in this carol, so we must sing it as though we were preaching it. a. [Slide 3] Come, Desire of nations, come, i. What does this mean: 1. To be the desire of nations is to be the one thing that will truly fix the world. The one King that will bring everything back to what it is supposed to be. 2. This is, of course, the work of the Kingdom Christ began at His incarnation and will be completed when He returns to set up His Kingdom on the New Earth. 3. Come, one who will fix everything, Come! ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. We referenced psalm 2 just last week. 2. The eternally begotten Son of God - Jesus the Messiah, is this one that the nations must kiss lest He be angry and pour His wrath out on them. 3. Christ came first as a meek and mild child but will one day return as a conquering King. 4. The nations would be wise to kiss the son. To welcome Him. To pay homage to Him. 5. He is… after all… their only hope. b. Fix in us Thy humble home; i. What does this mean: 1. To fix is to establish something. 2. A home would be a residence. Humble of course meaning meager or unworthy. 3. Establish in us a little hovel for You to dwell in. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. This probably doesn't reference God living or dwelling with us in the New Kingdom. Although that could be it. 2. Givin the context this no doubt refers to the coming of the Spirit of God to indwell those who are partakers of the New Covenant which is inaugurated in the blood of Christ. 3. This is foretold in Isaiah 44 and Joel 2 where God tells the Israelites that He will pour out His Spirit… ON ALL OF THEM. 4. In the New Testament we are explicitly told that the Holy Spirit indwells all who believe by true faith. c. Rise, the woman's conqu'ring Seed, i. What does this mean: 1. Rise again means to come out and do something. 2. A seed is an offspring or a child. 3. Come conquering child of the woman ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. This is pulled straight from the protoevangelium, or the first gospel announcement given by God Himself in Genesis chapter 3. 2. After the fall of mankind, God promises that unto the Woman he would give an offspring that would undo what had been done in the fall. 3. This offspring would be at odds with the offspring of the serpent or the children produced by the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve, which was instigated by the serpent in the garden of Eden 4. Revelation 12:9 identifies the serpent as none other than the Devil, or Satan himself. 5. This harmonizes texts like Ephesians 2; John 8; and 1 John 3:12 which identify people who act like Satan as his children or belonging to him. 6. This sets up the idea that there are two families. The family of God and the family of Satan. The Family of Satan is the family we are all born into because of the fall of Adam. 7. God creates a new family, through seed of the woman, in which we can be adopted. More on that in a bit. d. Bruise in us the serpent's head. i. What does this mean: 1. The serpent's influence is truly IN us. 2. Otherwise, this is fairly self-explanatory. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. The term used in the Genesis promise is to strike, bruise, or crush. 2. Although many preachers have made the connection that Christ bruises his heel while crushing the head of the serpent – the scriptures do not overtly teach this. 3. But it is a logical and theological possibility. 4. Certainly, Paul says that if the forces of darkness knew that His death would lead to the salvation of His people, they wouldn't have done it. 5. The song references the destruction of Satan's power over us and the cessation of his claim on us as his children. e. Now display Thy saving power, Ruined nature now restore; Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to Thine. i. The rest of verse 4 goes on to speak of our restoration and salvation. ii. These are excellent lines, but Whitfield saw the next verse communicate similar teachings and decided to combine it together. iii. Still these words do add some to the meaning of the song. iv. But we'll have to cover them more deeply another time. f. [Slide 4] Adam's likeness, Lord, efface, i. What does this mean: 1. To efface something is to erase it. It is to undo something. 2. Adam's likeness refers to Adam as our first representative and how we have inherited his sin from him. 3. Erase the original sin of Adam from us ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. Although it has been attacked in recent years, the doctrine of Original Sin has been held to by the church since the beginning. 2. If something else were taught in scripture then we should cast the teaching aside. However, Romans 5, Ephesians 2 and many other passages seem to establish this doctrine not only as plausible but as orthodox. 3. Adam was our representative being the first man created. Because of his failure, we inherit the sin-disease through his line. 4. Seeing it this way helps us to understand the scriptures when they seem to paint our problem of sin beyond even just our own personal sin. National sins and even sins that we didn't commit but inherit culpability in. Even our sinfulness before we seem to be able to willfully commit sin (ie babies crying for no reason or crying when nothing is actually wrong) These all make sense when we understand sin as something like a hereditary spiritual disease. 5. This also explains and expands the teaching of the virgin birth, keeping Jesus from inheriting this same sin nature. By being born of a virgin, he is not technically a son of Adam. Truly and completely human, but not from Adam's line. Therefore, He is a second human representative. g. Stamp Thine image in its place: i. What does this mean: 1. To stamp an image is relatively clear. 2. Instead of Adam's likeness, give us your likeness God. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. As a New Adam, all under Christ's headship and representation inherit a new name, a new nature, and a new birth. 2. They are put into a new family and made into a new person. 3. The old has passed away and the new has come. h. Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love. i. What does this mean: 1. These last two lines we'll take together. 2. The first Adam was formed from the dust and given life by the breath of God. 3. The Second Adam was conceived by the Holy Spirit in dust (in Mary's womb). 4. He is not from earth as the first Adam was. He is from above. A true man… but with a different fountainhead. 5. Adam was once fully in the love and grace of God. He was sinless and in right standing with God. 6. The song asks for Christ to reconcile us to God… which provides bookends between the first verse and the last. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. This is the primary work of the second Adam. 2. Christ becomes our second representative both passively and actively. 3. Actively he did what Adam did not. He kept the whole law of God without sin. 4. Passively he paid for what Adam could not. He accepted the penalty for human sin by suffering the full wrath of God as a human. 5. 2 Corinthians 5 says that He became sin who knew no sin that we might become the righteousness of God. 6. He is a perfect substitute not only for us but for Adam, our first representative. 7. He alone is capable of returning us to the relationship we had with God in the garden… and even making that relationship closer, since we are now not just a created being of God's, but actually His children. i. Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Thee, the Life, the inner man: O, to all Thyself impart, Formed in each believing heart. i. This is the rest of verse 5 which goes on to say similar things to what has been said already. j. Summary of the Point: Once again we must notice that the gospel is on display in these verses. And in these last two verses – the gospel is explained in rich and full theological detail. Details that are not found in the shallow end of the pool. This is well beyond the Sunday School answers of “Jesus died because He loved us.” But rather the representation of a Second Adam taking our place and restoring humanity's hope. Such are the words of this Christmas Carol. And when we sing it, we preach the gospel to one another and all who hear it. Make sure that you do that from now on. Conclusion: [Slide 5] I can think of no better application than to have the praise team come and we can sing this carol together. We'll sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing/King of Heaven but with one minor modification. We will add verse 4, which is the cobbled together verses 4 and 5 of Charles Wesley's original carol. You sing with us and sing it loud, knowing that you sing, you announce, you preach… the gospel of Jesus Christ in this carol. Benediction: May the God who humbled Himself to take on human flesh Who was wounded for our transgressions and chastised for our peace May the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace Bring to you a season of hope as you celebrate His birth and look ahead to His return Until We meet again… Go in peace.

Send us a textBetrayal scrambles your mind, hijacks your nervous system, and floods you with advice that often makes things worse. We slow everything down and separate three paths that get tangled under pressure: forgiveness, letting go, and reconciliation. Each serves a different purpose, follows its own timing, and protects your well-being in distinct ways.I share why forgiveness is an internal process you do for yourself—not a pass for harm, not instant, and never on someone else's schedule. We explore letting go as emotional release, the practice of ending the fight with the past so you can reclaim energy from rumination and intrusive thoughts. Then we turn to reconciliation as a rigorous, two-person rebuild that demands transparency, accountability, and repeated repair behaviors over time. You'll hear honest stories of one-sided “rebuilding,” the traps of wishful thinking, and the relief that comes from naming reality and choosing your own safety.If you're asking, Am I ready to forgive? Should we reconcile? Is my partner doing enough? you'll get practical signals and skills: regulate your nervous system before big decisions, tell the truth about what happened, separate the act from your identity, release the fantasy of a different past, and stop waiting for a perfect “why.” You can forgive and still choose divorce. You can let go without forgetting. You can heal fully whether or not your partner changes. Forgiveness heals you. Letting go frees you. Reconciliation only works when both people show up, consistently.Ready to protect your peace and chart your own path forward? Listen now, subscribe for more trauma-informed guidance, and share this episode with someone who needs clarity today. If you found value, leave a review—your words help others find the support they deserve.Please follow me on instagram and facebook @happilyevenaftercoach and if you want to see what coaching is all about I offer a free 45 min. clarity call via zoom. Email me: hello@lifecoachjen.com for any comments or questions. Thanks for listening, please like and review as well as share with your family and friends. My website is www.lifecoachjen.com

Got a question? Let us know!Made for Mondays | The Christmas PlaylistLight That Can't Be ManufacturedThis week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Tyler, and Doug as they lean into the heart of Christmas week and unpack Sunday's message about real joy and real light—the kind that doesn't come from a playlist, a purchase, or pretending everything is fine.After some weekend catch-up and reflections from Revelation 10–15, Psalms 145–157, and Proverbs 30, the conversation turns toward a timely and honest question:✨ What's the difference between manufactured cheer and received joy?As Christmas approaches, the group reflects on the ways we often try to produce joy—through nostalgia, noise, shopping, control, or even religious performance—when what we actually need is to receive joy as the fruit of abiding in Jesus. Jamey shares how Christmas music can sometimes feel like it's trying to convince our souls everything is wonderful, even when life feels dark.The discussion explores:• Chasing a mood vs. staying close to Jesus How do we tell when we're chasing a feeling instead of abiding in Christ? The group shares honest “litmus tests” that reveal when joy has become something we're forcing rather than receiving.• Darkness and light Jamey unpacks the idea that darkness isn't a thing—it's the absence of light. Spiritually, that shifts the battle. Instead of staring at darkness, we're invited to step toward the Light. What does that look like practically? The team offers simple, doable steps—like intentional prayer, confession, community, or a single act of obedience—that help move us closer to Jesus when gloom starts creeping back in.• Shining brighter in real life Rooted in Matthew 5, the BIG IDEA comes into focus: In a world getting darker, we need to shine brighter. Not performative faith—but quiet faithfulness. Reconciliation. Costly generosity. Staying at the table with people we disagree with. The group shares real-life examples of what that kind of light looks like when it shows up in everyday moments.• Light beyond our walls The conversation connects to The Gift and Believers' partners in Cuba, highlighting how faithful believers there are shining the Light of Jesus in powerful, practical ways—and why it's such a gift to be part of what God is doing through them.• Community in the dark seasons Jamey revisits a story from one of his darkest seasons, where isolation played a central role. Doug and Tyler reflect on how deeply they relate—and why community isn't optional for spiritual health. The group also points ahead to Steps and the importance of getting connected to a small group in the New Year.Join Us This Week

In this conversation, Richard Case and Kathy Rocconi explore the complexities of forgiveness, particularly in challenging relationships. They discuss the importance of maintaining a heart of forgiveness, the impact of bitterness, and the necessity of grace in navigating difficult interactions. The dialogue emphasizes the need for personal growth and healing, highlighting the distinction between boundaries set by God and conditions we impose on others. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to seek freedom in their relationships through unconditional love and faith.We want to hear from YOU! If you would like to submit a question or comment for further discussion, please email us at: questions@abideministries.com.

What is Christmas Peace? Christmas peace is peace between God and the repentant sinner. Reconciliation, cessation of hostilities.

On December 2, the OneBC party released its documentary Making a Killing: Reconciliation, genocide and plunder in Canada. Since then, the writer and producer of the film Tim Thielmann, has been fired along with two other senior staff. MLA Dallas Brodie has herself been removed as interim party leader. But the documentary lives on, with Dallas Brodie voicing Thielmann's script and interviewing all the guests. We talk about the film with Sean Carleton, professor of history and Indigenous studies at the University of Manitoba.

We have been reading Ann Voskamp's book, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift for our family Advent readings this year. It is awesome walking through the promises of the coming King in the long, long time of waiting. Because that is what Advent is, waiting in anticipation and hope. While Jesus has come and his kingdom is coming right now, we still wait for the fullness of his reign to be realized. Anyway, a couple of days ago, at the end of the reading, Voskamp says this, “It's coming—the Kingdom's coming in little and small and unexpected ways. And the King is coming to rule the world and make all the sad things untrue and all the bad things come undone.” A simple and true statement of both the “now” of Jesus' Kingdom reign and the “not yet” of his coming reign. Paul ends his theological explanation of who Jesus is and why he came by sounding this future hope—one day Jesus will reconcile to himself all things. That is real, tangible, get in your bones—hope. Not hope as a wish, but hope realized and already accomplished, yet awaiting some future time known only to God. Can we trust him with that? Does that grip us? Does that have moral and ethical implications for how we live now? These are the questions we wrestle with this Sunday. I will give you a hint. On the one hand, it is a truth that is the most comforting thing in the world, and yet when we believe it and are shaped by it, it totally takes us out of our comfort zone and into another world—his world. Well, you know what that world looks like if you peer into the story of the Incarnation. I can't wait to talk about it with you this Sunday.

We have been reading Ann Voskamp's book, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift for our family Advent readings this year. It is awesome walking through the promises of the coming King in the long, long time of waiting. Because that is what Advent is, waiting in anticipation and hope. While Jesus has come and his kingdom is coming right now, we still wait for the fullness of his reign to be realized. Anyway, a couple of days ago, at the end of the reading, Voskamp says this, “It's coming—the Kingdom's coming in little and small and unexpected ways. And the King is coming to rule the world and make all the sad things untrue and all the bad things come undone.” A simple and true statement of both the “now” of Jesus' Kingdom reign and the “not yet” of his coming reign. Paul ends his theological explanation of who Jesus is and why he came by sounding this future hope—one day Jesus will reconcile to himself all things. That is real, tangible, get in your bones—hope. Not hope as a wish, but hope realized and already accomplished, yet awaiting some future time known only to God. Can we trust him with that? Does that grip us? Does that have moral and ethical implications for how we live now? These are the questions we wrestle with this Sunday. I will give you a hint. On the one hand, it is a truth that is the most comforting thing in the world, and yet when we believe it and are shaped by it, it totally takes us out of our comfort zone and into another world—his world. Well, you know what that world looks like if you peer into the story of the Incarnation. I can't wait to talk about it with you this Sunday.

What if your real estate success is slowly costing you everything that actually matters?In this episode of The Faithful Agent Podcast, Garrett Maroon sits down with Jessica Wade, a successful real estate agent and mom, for an honest conversation about faith, family, boundaries, and burnout in the real estate industry.Jessica shares her raw journey of building a thriving real estate business while unknowingly allowing work to overtake her marriage and family life. She opens up about the pressure to succeed, the pride that crept in, and how her real estate career ultimately led to a painful separation from her husband. Through God's faithfulness, intentional change, and a complete shift in priorities, Jessica and her husband experienced reconciliation and healing.This conversation dives deep into work-life balance for real estate agents, especially moms in real estate, covering practical boundary-setting, time management, and the mindset shift required to see business as ministry—not identity. Jessica challenges agents to redefine success, protect their families, and build businesses that support the life God has called them to live.Connect with Jessica:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jessicawadeREInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_jessica_wade/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicawadere/Key TakeawaysSuccess in real estate means nothing if it costs your familyBurnout often starts with unchecked pride and blurred boundariesGod's faithfulness can redeem even the hardest seasonsTurning off notifications can change your life and your businessSetting clear boundaries restores time, peace, and presenceReal estate can be a ministry when aligned with the right prioritiesYoung moms must guard time with their children fiercelyGCI is not the measure of obedience or impactSaying “no” is often the most faithful decisionA healthy business flows from a healthy homeChapters00:00 – Introduction & Jessica's Background 02:53 – Marriage, Pressure, and Real Estate Burnout 05:52 – Separation, Faith, and Reconciliation 09:02 – Pride, Identity, and Business Success 12:09 – Choosing Family Over Hustle 14:59 – Tactical Changes That Gave Her Time Back 17:57 – Teaching Values Through Example 21:01 – Advice for Moms in Real Estate 24:13 – Learning to Say No 27:08 – Ministry, Mentorship, and What's NextCut the Chaos, Keep the Closings: 2026 Lead Gen Workshop - https://www.garrettmaroon.com/plan ⭐️ Rate & Review:If this episode challenged or encouraged you, leave a 5-star review and share it with another Christian agent who needs to hear this message. Resources & Opportunities:

Jonny Clark is the program manager for Public Theology at Corrymeela, often called Ireland's oldest peace center.Born in New Zealand and married to an American, Jonny has lived in Northern Ireland for 40 years. When he was growing up, his family moved to Belfast at the heights of The Troubles. As he says, “During a time when most people were not moving to Northern Ireland.”He has spent time in South Africa, Israel - Palestine, and other places of tension, learning ways that other countries have moved through or continue to struggle with conflict.Jonny was involved with making a documentary called Guardians of the Flame, a film that strives to hear redemptive stories from people in the midst of religious and sectarian violence.Thanks for listening to A Peace of My Mind's podcast. For photos, videos, and additional content, visit our website and follow us on Instagram.

Today Allie unpacks Matthew 18, which often gets used out of context and is misinterpreted. She dives into the difference between secret disputes and public rebukes, providing insight on how Christians should handle confrontation. Allie then looks back at 2025, highlighting the most significant events, such as Donald Trump's inauguration and Pope Leo XIV becoming the first American leader of the Catholic Church. She dives into some of her most memorable moments that took place, including the Share the Arrows conference and her Jubilee debate. Allie holds back tears as she talks about her fondest memories of Charlie Kirk and the legacy he leaves behind. Allie also pays respects to the giants of faith we lost this year: James Dobson, John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, and Phil Robertson. Tune in for a heartfelt remembrance from the past year as we look forward to 2026! Buy Allie's book "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.toxicempathy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Timecodes: (00:00) Intro (13:05) Model for Reconciliation (20:30) Unpacking Matthew 18 (31:45) Donald Trump Inaugurated  (36:30) Pope Leo XIV Elected (38:15) Heroes of the Faith (45:15) Charlie Kirk's Death (58:00) Memorable Events (01:06:20) Keep Sluggin' --- Today's Sponsors: Good Ranchers — Give a reason to gather. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠goodranchers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to start gifting, and while you're there, treat yourself with your own subscription to America's best meat. And when you use the code ALLIE, you'll get $40 off your first order. Patriot Mobile — Switching to Patriot Mobile is easier than ever. Activate in minutes from your home or office. Keep your number, keep your phone, or upgrade. Go to ⁠⁠⁠patriotmobile.com/allie⁠⁠⁠ or call 972-PATRIOT, and use promo code ALLIE for a free month of service! Shopify — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/allie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started with your own design studio to turn your big business idea into profit. Sign up for your $1-per-month trial and start selling with Shopify today! Crowd Health — Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠joincrowdhealth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today for $99 for your first three months, using the code ALLIE.  The Wholesome Company — They've developed a groundbreaking relaxation drink called RePrev, which truly makes a difference when dealing with stressful days or taxing situations. Go to ⁠wholesomeisbetter.com⁠ and use discount code ALLIE at checkout for 20% off your order.   --- Episodes you might like:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ep 1117 | We're Back! Trump's Day 1 Moves & Where We Hold the Line ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1117-were-back-trumps-day-1-moves-where-we-hold-the-line/id1359249098?i=1000682931127⁠ Ep 1185 | Is Pope Francis in Heaven? And Why the New Pope Matters | Guest: Michael Knowles ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1185-is-pope-francis-in-heaven-and-why-the-new/id1359249098?i=1000706719230⁠ Ep 1218 | Why John MacArthur's 56-Year Ministry Shook the World ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1218-why-john-macarthurs-56-year-ministry-shook-the-world/id1359249098?i=1000717561591⁠ Ep 1241 | The 'Charlie Effect' Spreads Across the Country ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000726956449⁠ Charlie Kirk: My Friend https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000726366944 --- Buy Allie's book "You're Not Enough (and That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.alliebethstuckey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Relatable merchandise: Use promo code ALLIE10 for a discount: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Kennedy and Isiah Gray are members of Brothaz in the Foyer, a group that produces content to represent and share the experiences of Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are part of a larger group of hosts for the Brothaz in the Foyer Podcast, and their goal is to bring people “from the foyer into the chapel.” This conversation explores their personal journeys, the dynamics of race within the Church, and the importance of fostering understanding and inclusivity. Links YouTube: @brothazinthefoyer Instagram: @brothazinthefoyer TikTok: @brothazinthefoyer Paul Reeve books Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Key Insights Experiences in the Temple: Will and Isiah share how their experiences as Black men in the temple often draw attention, highlighting the need for normalization of diverse representation within sacred spaces. Cultural Differences: The hosts discuss how their backgrounds influence their experiences in the Church, noting that cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and the need for open dialogue. Reconciliation with Church History: Both emphasize the importance of understanding the Church’s history regarding race, including the priesthood ban, and how this knowledge can strengthen faith rather than diminish it. Empathy and Genuine Interaction: They stress the importance of treating all individuals as children of God and engaging in genuine conversations to bridge cultural gaps, rather than making interactions feel forced or awkward. Political Climate and Faith: The discussion touches on the politicization of race and the need for members to prioritize their faith and love for others over political affiliations, promoting unity within the Church. Leadership Applications Foster Open Dialogue: Leaders should create environments where members feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics related to race and culture, encouraging transparency and understanding. Educate on Church History: Leaders can benefit from familiarizing themselves with resources like Paul Reeve’s book on race in the priesthood to better address historical issues and foster inclusivity. Encourage Representation: Leaders should seek diverse voices in leadership roles and callings, recognizing that representation can enhance the community’s strength and unity, while also being mindful not to tokenize individuals based on race. Highlights 00:03:09 – Origin of Brothaz in the Foyer Podcast 00:04:34 – Cultural Differences in Latter-day Saint Experiences 00:06:08 – Broader Christian Dialogue and Inclusivity 00:06:58 – Personal Background: Will’s Journey to the Church 00:08:35 – Personal Background: Isiah’s Journey to the Church 00:10:58 – Navigating Church Culture and History 00:14:03 – Discussing Race in Church Settings 00:17:04 – Parenting and Discussing Race with Children 00:19:46 – Encouragement for Friends Struggling with Church History 00:20:15 – Seeking the Savior in Difficult Conversations 00:22:34 – Addressing Race in Church Leadership 00:23:38 – Importance of Validation and Transparency 00:25:27 – Practical Approaches for Church Leaders 00:26:26 – Genuine Interactions vs. Awkwardness 00:29:06 – Experiences in the Temple 00:31:17 – Building Relationships through Meaningful Conversations 00:33:41 – Representation and Diversity in Leadership 00:35:02 – Navigating Race in Utah and the Wasatch Front 00:37:57 – The Impact of Politics on Race Conversations 00:42:36 – Mixing Christianity with Politics 00:45:59 – Addressing Racism in the Church Context 00:47:02 – Empathy and Understanding in Racial Discussions The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this conversation, Richard Case and Kathy Rocconi discuss the importance of navigating relationships, particularly during the holiday season. They explore themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the challenges of maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends. The discussion emphasizes the need for personal growth and spiritual guidance in dealing with difficult interactions, highlighting God's perspective on forgiveness and the importance of serving with a whole heart.We want to hear from YOU! If you would like to submit a question or comment for further discussion, please email us at: questions@abideministries.com.

Rabbi Zalman Kastel is the founder of Together for Humanity, which works across all faiths and cultures to encourage religious harmony. He knew several of those murdered in the Bondi Beach Chanukah attack. Even amid the darkness of the anti-Semitic violence, and the despair of many fellow Jewish Australians, he says he's determined to keep up the challenging but necessary work of inter-religious dialogue.Peter Kurti, Anglican priest and senior fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies, has been charting the rise of anti-Semitic incidents in Australia since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and the Israeli military response. He believes the federal government has been reluctant to tackle specific anti-Jewish prejudice.Andrew Jakubowicz, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Technology, Sydney, agrees Australian multiculturalism is under strain after the Bondi massacre, but says it can survive if governments focus on curtailing violent behaviour rather than religious condemnation. GUESTS:Rabbi Zalman Kastel, head of Together for Humanity and leader in interfaith relationsPeter Kurti, Director of the Culture, Prosperity & Civil Society program at the Centre for Independent StudiesAndrew Jakubovicz is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Technology Sydney - his research areas include new media and social change, racism and ethnicity, public policy and marginalised minorities.

Welcome back to The Kristan Hawkins Show!   Here's what we're discussing today:   - Obamacare is an abortion-funding tool and what must happen now! - 12 Days of Xmas Campaign: Defund, Debar, Reconciliation 2.0 - Finally, we need Congress to codify The Hyde Amendment   Links:   SIGN UP for our 12 Days of Defunding Planned Parenthood: StudentsforLifeAction.org/12Days   JOIN US for the 2026 National Pro-Life Summit: ProLifeSummit.com   Abortion Debate Showdown registration: ProLifeSummit.com/Debate   JOIN MY TEXT LINE:   Text "KRISTAN" to 53445 for daily pro-life updates from me.   Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to stay informed and spread the word!   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kristanmercerhawkins/ X: https://x.com/KristanHawkins Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/HawkinsKristan

A listener named Kay asks a question about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. "When going to confession, do you have to detail every instance [of sin]?" She asks. "For example, if you tend to embellish the truth, do you describe every time you lie? Or if you have been promiscuous, do you have to detail every instance?"

In this conversation, Richard Case and Kathy Rocconi explore the themes of navigating life's challenges, the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, and the need for spiritual growth. They discuss the significance of teaching future generations about faith and the dangers of becoming callous as believers. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of maintaining joy and connection with God amidst life's difficulties.We want to hear from YOU! If you would like to submit a question or comment for further discussion, please email us at: questions@abideministries.com.

Guest Bio: Priscilla Bordayo is a nationally recognized advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. She's also a passionate speaker and a dedicated leader in the movement for justice and healing. She has spoken before the Senate and House of Representatives, contributing to legislative efforts like Michigan's “Clean Slate Bill.” Currently, she serves as the Manager of Partners for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice and as the Worship Director and Events Director at Rivers of Life Church in Holt, Michigan. Priscilla Bordayo is a dynamic force for change, committed to creating a world where both survivors and perpetrators are heard, supported, and empowered to heal.  Show Summary: What has forgiveness looked like in your life? Do you feel like you have forgiven all the wrongs you've faced? Or are you still on a healing journey to figure out how to forgive? Priscilla Bordayo faced many different forms of abuse as she grew up, which led her to begin learning how to heal and forgive. Join host Eryn Eddy Adkins as she dives into Priscilla's story of redemptive forgiveness during this God Hears Her conversation.    Notes and Quotes:  “When I gave my whole heart to Jesus, I realized that hope is a person and His name is Jesus.” —Priscilla Bordayo  “Counseling and Christ go hand-in-hand.” —Priscilla Bordayo  “As believers, forgiveness is mandatory for us to do. Reconciliation is optional. We get to choose that.” —Priscilla Bordayo  “We either believe that He died and can truly bring healing and restoration to every person or we don't.” —Priscilla Bordayo  Verses:  John 9  Genesis 2:7  Genesis 3:19  Related Episodes: GHH Ep 18 – How God Redeems Brokenness with Toni Collier: https://godhearsher.org/podcast/how-god-redeems-brokenness/ GHH Ep 47 – Jesus, Justice, and Women with Tiffany Bluhm: https://godhearsher.org/podcast/jesus-justice-and-women/  Links:  Priscilla's Website: https://www.priscillabordayo.com/about God Hears Her website: https://go.odb.org/ghh191  Subscribe to the God Hears Her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GodHearsHerODBM Discovery Series Booklet: https://www.odbm.org/en/discovery-series/friendly-fire/friendly-fire-when-church-life-hurts-instead-of-heals 

This week, we will be studying Genesis 50:12-21 under the theme “How to Forgive Significant Hurt.” When Joseph's brothers fear payback, they discover that God's grace is far bigger than their guilt. Joseph refused to play God — and instead explained the strange, stunning way God turns harm into healing. Genuine forgiveness frees both the offended and the offender.Series Summary: Our fall worship series will lead us through the Book of Genesis, arguably the most profound, insightful text in human history. Over this series, we'll uncover how the narratives of Genesis reveal God's design for creation, humanity, relationships, and purpose. We'll explore truths that continue to shape our lives today, from the Garden of Eden to the promise of redemption.Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

Send us a textDecember hits different when the lights go up early and the shopping falls behind. We open with that honest tension—trees trimmed, carts half‑filled—and a little serendipity: Sidewalk Surfer, the skate shop Nora grew up admiring, just landed on a NY Times national “best stores” list. From there we steer into language shaping our timelines, decoding Oxford's “rage bait,” the hype around “biohacking” and “aura farming,” and why Cambridge's “parasocial” feels uncomfortably familiar. The words aren't just trends; they're a map to how we prod, posture, and sometimes get pulled into scams that exploit our need to belong.Food brings levity and nostalgia. We laugh at the Cheez‑It crusted turkey leg on a bowl‑game menu and turn it into a practical kitchen win: oven‑baked Cheez‑It chicken tenders with panko crunch, kid‑approved and weeknight‑friendly. It's a reminder that December rewards low‑lift comfort, especially when schedules run hot and daylight runs short. Then snow takes the mic. We admit we love the first clean blanket and the all‑clear of a true snow day, even if driving is dicey and parking lots become slush quarries. Along the way we trade memorable stats—from Mount Baker's jaw‑dropping totals to Chicago's legendary 1967 blizzard—and talk about staying safe, staying sane, and letting the weather give us permission to slow down.The heart of this conversation lives in small rituals: carols on repeat, hot chocolate under winter lights, kids asking Santa for sweaters, and a seven‑year‑old's band called The Hot Coco debuting an outrageously catchy track named “Reconciliation.” These moments don't erase the chaos; they anchor it. If you've been craving a pause, a laugh, and a nudge to choose warmth over noise, you're in the right place. Listen, share with a friend who needs a snow‑day vibe, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show.Mike Haggerty Buick GMCRight on the corner, right on the price! Head down to 93rd & Cicero & tell them the Noras sent you!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In this conversation, Richard Case and Kathy Rocconi discuss the challenges of navigating holiday stress, the illusion of enjoyment tied to ego, the importance of reevaluating life priorities, and the processes of forgiveness and reconciliation. They explore how to handle conflicts with both unbelievers and fellow believers, emphasizing the need for spiritual growth and understanding in relationships.We want to hear from YOU! If you would like to submit a question or comment for further discussion, please email us at: questions@abideministries.com.

Dive into this powerful Advent sermon on the shepherds in Luke 2, exploring God's glorious arrival, the fear and trembling of His presence, and the transformative good news of great joy that changes everything. Discover why the gospel is still worth singing about—like the angels and shepherds—and how beholding Jesus as Savior and Lord brings true peace with God.Key moments:- Waiting in a distracted world- The shepherds' encounter with God's glory- Fear not: Understanding holy fear and repentance- The good news: A Savior who is Christ the Lord- Peace on earth: Reconciliation through the cross- Going and telling: We are the modern shepherdsIf you're waiting on God this Christmas season or seeking fresh wonder in the gospel, this message will encourage you to behold, praise, and share the arrival of Jesus.

Everyone longs for “peace on earth” at Christmastime, but few stop to ask what kind of peace the angels actually announced. In Luke 2, the message isn't sentiment, serenity, or political calm—it's something far deeper and far more urgent: peace with God himself. Join as we explore the Christmas gift that changes everything: “God and sinners reconciled.”1) Peace on earth: what it isn't2) Peace on earth: what it isText: Luke 2:8-14, Romans 5:1

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Rekindling Family Ties in the Heart of Tivoli Gardens Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2025-12-14-23-34-02-da Story Transcript:Da: Tivoli Gardens lyste op i vinterens mørke.En: Tivoli Gardens lit up the darkness of winter.Da: Snefnug faldt stille ned og pyntede på jorden.En: Snowflakes fell quietly down, adorning the ground.Da: Lygter blinkede i alle farver, og musikken fra julemusikken fyldte luften.En: Lanterns blinked in all colors, and the music from the Christmas tunes filled the air.Da: Den lune duft af gløgg og ristede kastanjer lokkede besøgende fra alle kanter.En: The warm scent of gløgg and roasted chestnuts attracted visitors from all around.Da: Midt i denne magiske atmosfære var Freja.En: In the midst of this magical atmosphere was Freja.Da: Hun havde ikke været i Tivoli i mange år.En: She hadn't been to Tivoli in many years.Da: Hun var der for at genopbygge familie traditioner og måske finde mod til mere.En: She was there to rebuild family traditions and perhaps find courage for more.Da: Freja havde meget at tænke på.En: Freja had a lot on her mind.Da: Emil, hendes yngre bror, havde været årsag til mange søvnløse nætter.En: Emil, her younger brother, had been the cause of many sleepless nights.Da: De havde ikke talt sammen i årevis.En: They hadn't spoken in years.Da: Deres skænderi havde drevet en kile imellem dem.En: Their argument had driven a wedge between them.Da: Hun ønskede at fikse det—at forene familien.En: She wanted to fix it—to reunite the family.Da: Julen var den perfekte tid.En: Christmas was the perfect time.Da: Men det var svært at sænke stoltheden og få ordene til at komme frem.En: But it was difficult to swallow her pride and find the words.Da: Hun gik forbi en bod, der solgte varm chokolade.En: She walked past a stand selling hot chocolate.Da: Der stod han: Emil.En: There he stood: Emil.Da: Han så anderledes ud—mere voksen—men stadig med gnisten i øjnene.En: He looked different—more grown-up—but still with the sparkle in his eyes.Da: Han var alene og så sig omkring.En: He was alone and looking around.Da: Freja følte hjertet slå hurtigt.En: Freja felt her heart beating fast.Da: Hun måtte beslutte sig.En: She had to decide.Da: Ville hun lade denne chance gå forbi?En: Would she let this chance slip by?Da: Med rystende hænder pillede hun ved sit halstørklæde og nærmede sig.En: With trembling hands, she fiddled with her scarf and approached.Da: "Hej Emil," sagde hun nervøst.En: "Hi Emil," she said nervously.Da: Emil vendte sig og så overrasket på hende.En: Emil turned and looked at her in surprise.Da: Hans øjne afslørede et øjebliks tøven.En: His eyes revealed a moment of hesitation.Da: Stoltheden i ham var stærk, men der var også noget andet—et ønske om at bryde tavsheden.En: The pride in him was strong, but there was also something else—a desire to break the silence.Da: "Freja," svarede han.En: "Freja," he replied.Da: Der stod de, blandt julelysene og sneen.En: There they stood, among the Christmas lights and the snow.Da: De første ord var svære.En: The first words were difficult.Da: De talte om småting først.En: They talked about small things at first.Da: Men snart boblede de gamle følelser op til overfladen.En: But soon, old feelings bubbled to the surface.Da: Der var vrede, skyld og fortrydelse.En: There was anger, guilt, and regret.Da: Begge indrømmede deres del i at tingene gik galt.En: Both admitted their part in things going wrong.Da: Det var ikke nemt, men nødvendig.En: It wasn't easy, but it was necessary.Da: Efter den ophedede samtale stod de stille.En: After the heated conversation, they stood still.Da: Følelsen af lettelse bredte sig.En: A feeling of relief spread.Da: De havde sagt det, som de havde ønsket at sige så længe.En: They had said what they had wanted to say for so long.Da: "Vil du have en kop varm chokolade med mig?"En: "Would you like a cup of hot chocolate with me?"Da: spurgte Freja med et lille smil.En: asked Freja with a small smile.Da: Emil tøvede men så nikkede han.En: Emil hesitated but then nodded.Da: De forlod boden side om side.En: They left the stand side by side.Da: Snakken flød lettere nu.En: The conversation flowed more easily now.Da: Deres grin lød mellem lysene, og Tivolis magiske stemning lyste endnu mere op.En: Their laughter echoed among the lights, and Tivoli's magical atmosphere shone even brighter.Da: De havde lært noget vigtigt: Familien var vigtigere end fortidens fejltagelser.En: They had learned something important: Family was more important than past mistakes.Da: Stoltheden havde ingen plads her.En: Pride had no place here.Da: Dette besøg til Tivoli blev starten på noget nyt.En: This visit to Tivoli became the start of something new.Da: De havde fundet tilbage til hinanden, som søskende igen.En: They had found their way back to each other, as siblings again.Da: Det var den gave, julen havde bragt dem.En: It was the gift Christmas had brought them. Vocabulary Words:darkness: mørkesnowflakes: snefnugadorned: pyntedelanterns: lygtertunes: musikscent: duftroasted: ristedechestnuts: kastanjerattracted: lokkedevisitors: besøgendefiddled: pilledescarf: halstørklædehesitation: tøvendesire: ønskesilence: tavshedenbubbled: bobledesurface: overfladenanger: vredeguilt: skyldregret: fortrydelseadmitted: indrømmedeheated: ophedederelief: lettelsecup: kopechoed: lødesiblings: søskendemistakes: fejltagelserpride: stolthedenchance: mulighedcourage: mod

Fluent Fiction - French: A Parisian Christmas: Brothers Rekindle Under Twinkling Lights Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2025-12-14-23-34-02-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Le vin chaud fumait dans les tasses de papier tandis que les chants de Noël flottaient dans l'air.En: The mulled wine steamed in the paper cups as the Christmas carols floated in the air.Fr: À Montmartre, Paris charme ses visiteurs avec son marché de Noël scintillant.En: In Montmartre, Paris charms its visitors with its sparkling Christmas market.Fr: Émile resserra son écharpe autour de son cou.En: Émile tightened his scarf around his neck.Fr: Son cœur battait fort à l'idée de retrouver son frère, Camille, parmi les étals illuminés.En: His heart pounded at the thought of meeting his brother, Camille, among the illuminated stalls.Fr: À ses côtés, Julien, toujours souriant, admirait les décorations.En: Beside him, Julien, always smiling, admired the decorations.Fr: "Regarde, Émile, ces guirlandes sont magnifiques !"En: "Look, Émile, these garlands are magnificent!"Fr: dit-il en désignant les lumières clignotantes au-dessus.En: he said, pointing to the twinkling lights above.Fr: Émile répondit par un sourire distrait, ses pensées ailleurs.En: Émile responded with a distracted smile, his thoughts elsewhere.Fr: Il avait repéré Camille en train de discuter près d'un stand de jouets en bois.En: He had spotted Camille chatting near a wooden toy stall.Fr: Leur relation était compliquée par le passé, mais Émile espérait que ce Noël serait différent.En: Their relationship was complicated by the past, but Émile hoped this Christmas would be different.Fr: Il avait un plan.En: He had a plan.Fr: Il se souvenait d'une décoration en bois qu'ils avaient adorée enfants.En: He remembered a wooden decoration they had loved as children.Fr: Aujourd'hui, il l'acheterait pour offrir à Camille.En: Today, he would buy it to give to Camille.Fr: Il se tourna vers Julien.En: He turned to Julien.Fr: "Peux-tu distraire Camille un moment ?"En: "Can you distract Camille for a moment?"Fr: demanda-t-il, son regard suppliant.En: he asked, his gaze pleading.Fr: Julien hocha la tête, comprenant l'importance du moment.En: Julien nodded, understanding the importance of the moment.Fr: Tandis que Julien engageait la conversation avec Camille, Émile s'approcha du stand.En: While Julien engaged in conversation with Camille, Émile approached the stall.Fr: Un petit soldat en bois trônait parmi d'autres ornements.En: A small wooden soldier stood among other ornaments.Fr: L'artisan lui sourit quand il tendit l'objet à Émile.En: The artisan smiled at him when he handed the item to Émile.Fr: "Un cadeau spécial ?"En: "A special gift?"Fr: demanda-t-elle.En: she asked.Fr: Émile acquiesça, un sourire nerveux aux lèvres.En: Émile nodded, a nervous smile on his lips.Fr: "Oui, très spécial."En: "Yes, very special."Fr: Avec l'ornement serré dans sa main, Émile s'avança vers Camille.En: With the ornament clutched in his hand, Émile moved towards Camille.Fr: Le marché était bruyant, rempli de rires et de discussions animées, mais Émile n'entendait que le martèlement de son cœur.En: The market was noisy, filled with laughter and lively conversations, but Émile only heard the pounding of his heart.Fr: Il s'arrêta à quelques pas de Camille et appela doucement son nom.En: He stopped a few steps from Camille and softly called his name.Fr: Camille se retourna, la méfiance visible dans ses yeux.En: Camille turned around, suspicion visible in his eyes.Fr: Émile prit une profonde inspiration.En: Émile took a deep breath.Fr: "J'ai quelque chose pour toi," dit-il en tendant le soldat en bois.En: "I have something for you," he said, extending the wooden soldier.Fr: "Je voudrais... que nous commencions à aller de l'avant."En: "I would like us... to start moving forward."Fr: Camille observa le petit soldat, hésitant.En: Camille looked at the little soldier, hesitant.Fr: Le brouhaha du marché semblait s'atténuer alors qu'il tendait la main et acceptait le cadeau.En: The market's hustle seemed to fade as he reached out and accepted the gift.Fr: "Je me souviens de ça," murmura-t-il, un sourire enfin devinant sur ses lèvres.En: "I remember this," he murmured, a smile finally appearing on his lips.Fr: "On pourrait se voir après les fêtes ?"En: "Could we meet after the holidays?"Fr: proposa Émile, l'espoir dans sa voix.En: Émile proposed, hope in his voice.Fr: Camille hocha légèrement la tête.En: Camille nodded slightly.Fr: "Oui, je pense que ce serait bien."En: "Yes, I think that would be nice."Fr: Et ainsi, sous les lumières vacillantes de Montmartre, un petit pas fut fait vers la réconciliation.En: And so, under the flickering lights of Montmartre, a small step was taken towards reconciliation.Fr: Émile sentit un poids quitter ses épaules, empli de courage et d'une nouvelle espoir.En: Émile felt a weight lift from his shoulders, filled with courage and new hope.Fr: Camille semblait plus détendu, ses épaules moins tendues qu'au début.En: Camille seemed more relaxed, his shoulders less tense than at the beginning.Fr: Les deux frères se tenaient là, unis par un simple cadeau en bois et la promesse d'un nouveau départ.En: The two brothers stood there, united by a simple wooden gift and the promise of a new beginning.Fr: La neige commençait à tomber, légères comme une couverture de promesses, couvrant leurs pas alors qu'ils quittaient lentement le marché, l'ombre de leur complicité retrouvée devant eux.En: The snow began to fall, light as a blanket of promises, covering their steps as they slowly left the market, the shadow of their rekindled bond before them. Vocabulary Words:the mulled wine: le vin chaudthe scarf: l'écharpeto pound: battrethe stall: l'étalsparkling: scintillantto tighten: resserrerthe garland: la guirlandeto distract: distrairepleading: suppliantto engage: engagerthe craftsman: l'artisanthe gift: le cadeauto clutch: serrerthe hustle: le brouhahato hesitate: hésiterthe ornament: l'ornementto murmur: murmurerto propose: proposerthe reconciliation: la réconciliationto relax: détendrethe promise: la promessethe shadow: l'ombrethe complicity: la complicitéthe courage: le couragethe wooden soldier: le soldat en boisto fade: s'atténuersuspicion: la méfiancethe hope: l'espoirto remember: se souvenirthe shoulders: les épaules

Reconciliation with the Ancestors #newearth 00:00 Chant 00:42 Introduction 02:27 Nature Is Generous 05:09 Clearing the Mind 07:13 Releasing the Body 08:31 Great Influence of Spirit 09:25 Believe in Yourself 10:22 The New You 11:50 Forgive Us Any Wrongs 13:33 Chant For more information https://namasyouniversity.org/ We are excited to announce 4 new books from NAMAS YOUNIVERSITY -Experience Aachen Spiritually: A personal journey of discovery (The SANAT KUMARA Speaks Book 10) by Martina Violetta Jung. Available on amazon.com https://a.co/d/51i6xzi -Creatures and Worlds: Spiritual Art (Portal Art Book 2) by Martina Violetta Jung. Available on amazon.com https://a.co/d/1YOSB6M -Teleport to the New World: With Ancestors and Light of the Lords. (Teaching of the Lords book 3) by Kohmahl Agarwal. Available on amazon.com https://a.co/d/02NnJCX -Heal Yourself with Light Language: New Mantras and Portals for Your Personal Development and Healing. -YESHUA : Light Has Come (Bridge To Light Book 1) by CHARLES ONWULATA (Author) Format: Kindle Edition Book 1 of 1: Bridge To Light https://a.co/d/1zhl5So NAMAS YOUNIVERSITY English podcast is now bi-weekly alternating with the AoL podcast. Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 - L131 Friday, Dec 19, 2025 - AoL38 Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 - L132 United Heart of Shambala https://www.youtube.com/@NAMASYOUNIVERSITYEnglish/posts English Study Group (International) On Discord: https://discord.gg/CeYBuw4Umn

For many Christians, the divide between the church and the Jewish people feels ancient and immovable. But every divide has a story - and far too often, it's a story Christians never heard.  In this episode, we sit down with long-time friend and ministry leader Murray Tilles of Light of Messiah Ministries to uncover why Jesus remains such a point of pain for many Jewish families, and why the church's calling toward Israel is more urgent than ever. Murray shares his own journey from a deeply religious Jewish upbringing in North Carolina to the moment he prayed “in Jesus' name” - words he never imagined he would say.  His story isn't abstract.  It's threaded with family tension, synagogue life, anti-Semitism, and the surprising power of Scripture to reshape identity. And it's a window into the very real barriers Jewish people face when confronted with a “Christian” Jesus who feels historically disconnected from their people. Together, we explore why the New Testament is far more Jewish than most Christians realize, why Paul's “to the Jew first” mission still matters today, and how today's rising anti-Semitism is creating unexpected openness among Jewish communities - if the church knows how to build trust.  Murray helps believers move from abstract support to real relational bridge-building, from sentiment to substance, from generic evangelism to meaningful connection rooted in God's covenant faithfulness. Key Takeaways Many Jewish people associate Jesus with centuries of suffering done “in His name,” making belief in Him feel like a betrayal of their people. Murray's journey began not with pressure but with Scripture - especially Isaiah 53 - leading him into a relationship with Israel's own Messiah. Paul's model was never “either Israel or the nations.” His strategy was always “to the Jew first,” expecting the church to carry that mantle. Replacement theology remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing Christians from seeing Scripture as one unified story. Today's cultural moment - including post-October 7 Jewish vulnerability - has opened new doors for relationship and witness. Simple gestures - apples and honey, Hanukkah blessings, relationship-first approaches - create space for meaningful spiritual conversations. The continued existence of the Jewish people is itself a testimony to God's covenant promises and ongoing plan for Israel and the world. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:19 – Meeting Murray & Ministry Connections 00:58 – Growing Up in a Religious Jewish Home 03:15 – Encountering Scripture for the First Time 04:19 – Discovering Jesus in the New Testament 05:28 – Family Tension, Cost, and Reconciliation 07:43 – Why Jesus Is Hard for Jewish People 09:57 – Anti-Semitism, History, and Misunderstanding 14:37 – The Jewishness of Jesus 17:39 – The Church's Calling “To the Jew First” 22:51 – How Light of Messiah Reaches Jewish People 26:56 – Openness Since October 7 30:22 – Conspiracy Theories & Rising Confusion 33:06 – God's Faithfulness to Preserve Israel 36:22 – How to Connect With Murray & Next Steps Explore more resources, episodes, and guides at thejewishroad.com. Connect with Murray Tilles and Light of Messiah Ministries at LightofMessiah.org and on Instagram @LightOfMessiahATL. Learn about the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism at lcje-na.org, including the upcoming Atlanta conference. Become one of The Few who stand with us and help advance this work at thejewishroad.com.

Following the abolishment of Apartheid in the 1990s, South Africa had to find a way to confront its brutal past without endangering the chance for peace. But it was a challenging process for many survivors of atrocities committed by the former racist regime. Sisi Khampepe served on the Amnesty Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, she spoke to Rebecca Kesby in 2018 about how she had to put aside her own emotions and experiences at the hands of the police, to expose the truth about Apartheid. This programme contains contains harrowing testimony and graphic descriptions of human rights violations throughout.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.(Photo: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu at the Reconciliation and Truth commission. Credit: Reuters)

The Message of Reconciliation

Ultimate Reconciliation of All (1) (audio) David Eells – 12/10/25 I have found that the truth always motivates people to holiness, to turn loose of the world and run after God; but a lie always makes people comfortable where they are, and there are a lot of lies out there. People who like to make up their own gospel turn the grace of God into lasciviousness by choosing to believe that once saved is always saved. That means there's no use in taking any warning from the Lord seriously, since that false doctrine negates the possibility of being lost. These people are not motivated because they erroneously believe their “ticket's been punched.” Today, I'm going to speak to you about a doctrine that's in the church denominations called “ultimate reconciliation of all.” Many Unconditional Eternal Security people find this easy to fall into since in effect you cant be lost. Ultimate Reconciliationists believe there will come a time when the wicked, including the devil and his angels, in some cases, will come out of torment and be reconciled to God. This doctrine did not come from Christians but Unitarians and Universalists who brought it from England to the New England colonies in the 18th century. The fruit of this doctrine is the same as that of unconditional eternal security. If no one can ultimately be lost, why fear God or the warnings of Scripture? It destroys motivation to study and obey the Word of God or evangelize the lost and dying. Like the unconditional eternal security people, many of these will take the mark of the beast and are taking the spiritual mark now. What else would the devil have you believe? I have ministered in several churches that believed this. Generally, the people are very prideful and judgmental of those who do not have their “deep revelation”. They are forced to pick and choose verses in order to justify this doctrine, and it makes them disrespect the Word. I have debated many with this doctrine over the years, some on our live internet chat Bible study a few years ago. When they can't back it up with scriptures, they generally resort to insults. We who believe the Word just don't have “the revelation”. Reconciliationists say the Greek words for forever and ever mean “unto the age of the ages”, meaning when used of those in eternal punishment, it is only for a period of time after which everyone comes out of the lake of fire. They lie. “Unto the age of the ages” is only in one place. (Eph.3:21) unto him [be] the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever (unto the age of the ages) Amen. Here it says, “unto all generations unto the age of the ages”, which is only as long as men have children, clearly making it a period of time. In the four Greek manuscripts I have, which range from the oldest to the Received Text, the second-to-last Greek letter of “age” in this verse is an omicron, the 17th letter of the Greek alphabet, which makes this word singular, “Age”. In every other place, the second-to-last letter in the word “ages” is an alpha, the 1st letter of their alphabet, making this word plural, “Ages”. In every other case where “forever and ever” is the translation, “unto the ages of ages” is the literal wording, which has no end. The manuscripts and Bible Numerics prove this to be the case. (Rev.14:11) and the smoke of their torment goeth up for ever and ever (unto the ages of ages); and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name. There is no end to the fiery punishment. Many will receive the mark because of this false doctrine. That means that God would die if it were only a period of time. Notice in (Rev.15:7) And one of the four living creatures gave unto the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. So if they are correct, using the same words, when these people come out of hell, God dies. If it were only a period of time in the following verses, the devil, beast, and false prophet would come out of the lake of fire at the end of that time. (Rev.20:10) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Even though many Reconciliationists say they do not believe the devil will be saved, according to this doctrine, he has to be. If there is an end to his torment, God will die for the same phrase is used for the longevity of each. They say that “forever,” Greek: “aionios”, meaning “unto the ages”, is for a period of time, but the Kingdom will cease if that is true. We are told forever is without end. (Luk.1:33) and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Vines says this is a Greek Idiom; i.e., an expression whose meaning cannot be derived from the elements of the word. Idioms can always be explained by their usage in the text. If one said, “After he kicked the bucket, I went to the funeral”, you know that “kicked the bucket” means death. It is so with the Greek word for “for ever” or “eternal”. Forever is clearly set apart from a period of time in this verse: (Phm.15) For perhaps he was therefore parted [from thee] for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever. Clearly “for ever” is far more than a period of time. They also say eternal, which is the same Greek word, “aionios”, meaning “unto the ages”, and has no end. (Joh.10:28) and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. Clearly the elect only are eternal and eternal is clearly set apart from a period of time in this verse: (2 Cor.4:18) while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal (temporary or for a season); but the things which are not seen are eternal. If eternal is only a period of time, then at the end of that period, the wicked come out of hell and God and the righteous die. (Mat.25:46) And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life. If “eternal” is only a period of time, then, according to this doctrine, God, the Holy Spirit, the Kingdom of God, the new body, etc., would come to an end; but God is also immortal, i.e., deathless (1 Timothy 6:16); the Holy Spirit is eternal (Hebrews 9:14); the Kingdom is eternal (2 Peter 1:11); and the new body, which is also immortal, i.e., deathless, is eternal (1 Cor­inthians 15:52,53; 2 Corinthians 5:1). Here is the clincher: Those who do not have eternal life will “not see life”. (Joh.3:36) He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life (Greek: aionios; “unto the ages”); but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. We can't twist those words. “Not see life” clearly means never. Those who have eternal sin “never” get forgiveness. (Mar.3:29) but whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin. Once again, we can't twist those words. Reconciliationists use the following verse to claim that “eternal” has an end. (Rom.16:25) Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, (26) but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God. There is no end of eternity, just as God here is eternal, but there are points in eternity when things are manifested like the revelation of Christ here. From our point of view, eternity goes into the past and into the future. Something may be eternally future without being eternally past. For instance, we have eternal life because we entered into eternity. The spiritual man in Jesus is eternal for he came out of God. His flesh had a beginning for He was sown of God and born of Mary.  And even before that He was “the beginning of the creation of God” and “the first-born of all creation”. This was a point in eternity. When other terminology is used in the Word as we have seen, the Ultimate Reconciliationists are at a loss. (Isa.66:24) And they shall go forth, and look upon the dead bodies of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. Clearly the wicked souls do not die for they are in eternal fire. (Job.5:6) How much less man, that is a worm! And the son of man, that is a worm! Which will not come out of fire. (Mar.9:47) ... it is good for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell; (48) where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Notice that using different words they will always be in fire. (Psa.49:19) He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They shall never see the light. Again using other words they will never see the light of truth. They also say, “everlasting” is a period of time, but as we can see, it has no end! (Jer.20:11) But Jehovah is with me as a mighty one [and] a terrible: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail; they shall be utterly put to shame, because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which shall never be forgotten. Everlasting here is clearly eternal. When I was younger, “Ultimate Reconciliation” was often called the “Restoration of All Things,” taken from the KJV. (Acts 3:21) whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things (Things is not in the original Greek.), whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been. Restoration here is “apokatastasis,” meaning “back in order”. Only God's people can go back to order because the rest never had order. Notice that when the Lord returns after the Tribulation, the “restoration of all” of His elect is completed. At that time, He is not restoring the wicked but destroying them. (Rev.19:15) And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. Even a thousand years later, when all the wicked are resurrected at the Great White Throne judgment, they are taken from hell and thrown in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-15). That makes it clear that “all” is all of the elect, not all people, as even the Jews understood. To the Jews, “all” meant all of the elect. It is the same today. All of the elect, but without racial distinction, classes or conditions of people, rather than just physical Jews. All Israel is all elect Jews and Gentiles who are grafted into the olive tree (Romans 11:19-24,26), not those who are broken off. Compare the “all” in Mark 1:5 and Luke 7:29-30, where “all” is clearly the elect. The “all” whom the Father gives to Jesus are the elect in John 17:6,9 and in John 6:37,45. We see the same thing when we look at John 8:2, Acts 22:15, 2 Corinthians 3:2 and 1 Corinthians 15:22. Compare Romans 12:3 and 2 Thessalonians 3:2. Read 1 Timothy 2:6, Colossians 3:11 and Matthew 20:28. Jesus came to save only all of His own (Isaiah 53:8,11; Luke 1:68,77; Romans 9:21). God is not wishing that any of His people perish (2 Peter 3:9). (Rom.9:11) For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Reconciliationists say that God unconditionally loves the whole world and could not fail to save it. They like to use this verse as proof. (Joh.3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. Yet, God clearly specifies what part of the world He loves here as “whosoever believeth”. Jesus disagreed with their interpretation of this verse. (Joh.14:21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. (22) Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? (23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (Joh.15:10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (15:14) Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you. Here's even more proof from the Word: (Rom.9:13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. (Psa.5:5) The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. (Psa.11:5) Jehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. (Pro.6:16-19) There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him: (17) Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; (18) A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, (19) A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren. (Pro.8:17) I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me. (Hos.9:15) All their wickedness is in Gilgal; for there I hated them: because of the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of my house; I will love them no more; all their princes are revolters. Friends, we cannot make God's love a worldly love. God would not be love if He permitted the wicked into His Kingdom to leaven the whole lump. God does not dwell in time and can, therefore, love by faith the elect whom He foreknew and foreordained. (Rom.9:11) for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. (Psa. 11:5) Jehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. God's people who live in sin will prove themselves called but not chosen, and He will love them no more. (Hos.9:15) All their wickedness is in Gilgal; for there I hated them: because of the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of my house; I will love them no more; all their princes are revolters. This is not traditional, but I hope I've made it clear. (1 Cor.15:22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Ultimate reconciliationists use this verse to say that those in Adam, the whole natural man creation, and those in Christ, the whole spiritual man creation, are the same people, so therefore God will save all. However, the next verse narrows those “in Christ” to those who are His at His coming. (23) But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. As most know, when Jesus comes, He will eternally destroy the wicked who were obviously not in Him. (2 Thes.1:7) and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, (8) rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: (9) who shall suffer punishment, [even] eternal destruction from the face of the Lord....   PREDESTINED AND CHOSEN Let us see who the full measure of those in Christ are, and also if God ever planned to reconcile all of Adam's seed. “Predestine” means “to determine destiny before it happens”. “Foreordain”, which is the same Greek word, means “to ordain an event before it takes place”. (Eph.1:4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: (5) having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. You who are manifesting sonship by bearing fruit have been chosen and are being drawn by God. (Rom.8:29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained (predestined) [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. God foreknew and decreed all who come to the likeness of Jesus, but not the apostate. “Foreknew” here does not mean that He looked into the future and saw what we would be. “Foreknew” here means “to know before” and is not connected with actions or events, but persons. God knew these people before the foundation of the world because He does not dwell in time. God conceives and knows what He creates before He speaks it into existence, just as we conceive and design something first in our mind before we make it. “Knew” speaks of intimate knowledge; for instance, Adam knew Eve. Jesus will say to those who called Him Lord but do not do the will of the Father, (Mat.7:23) “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (I.e.,from the foundation of the world): depart from me, ye that work iniquity”. To the foolish virgins who had not the oil of the Spirit, Jesus said, “I know you not”. The ones that God intimately knew He “foreordained” before the creation to be conformed to the image of Jesus. God is creating us through His gift of faith and grace and His Word in us. These are the people on the narrow road. This is grace. (Rom.8:30) and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. We see here that all who are foreordained will be called, justified, and glorified. They will not fall away but will bear the fruit of Christ. Are there others who are called but not foreordained? Let us see. (2 Tim.1:9) who saved us, and called us with a holy calling … Notice that only the saved are called. “Called” is from the Greek word “kaleo”, which means “to invite”. “Called” is an invitation given only to God's people (for more proof, read Hebrews 3:1; Hosea 11:1; 1 Timothy 6:11,12; Matthew 25:14; Romans 1:6,7) to partake of His heavenly benefits in Christ in order to bear fruit. Those who bear fruit 30-, 60-, or 100-fold will be proven to be the chosen, or picked. Naturally, if at harvest time you have no fruit, rotten fruit, or unripe fruit, you will not be picked. The called are the vineyard of God (Isaiah 5:7). The chosen are the much smaller percentage who bear fruit (verse 10). (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen (Greek: eklektos; “elect”). The “called” can fall, but the elect or chosen will not ultimately. (Hos.11:1) When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. (2) The more [the prophets] called them, the more they went from them .... The Lord saved those who ate the lamb and were baptized in the Red Sea. He then tried them in the wilderness to see who would be a believer in the midst of trials, and only those entered the Promised Land. Jude warned the called of this very thing. (Jud.1) Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called ... (5) Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. Notice that the called were saved, but some did not continue in faith to bear fruit and were destroyed. Friends, God is not looking for what we loosely call “Christians”, but believers or disciples, as they were called. Jesus gave us very clear examples of His servants who are called but do not come and partake in order to bear fruit. Jesus shared a parable in which a king made a marriage feast for His son. (Mat.22:3) … and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden (Greek: “called”) to the marriage feast: and they would not come. They were full of excuses (a farm, merchandise, a new wife, etc.). (Mat.22:8) Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy. Even one who appeared to come did not have on a wedding garment, which implies putting on Christ (Romans 13:14) or putting on righteous acts (Revelation 19:8). (Mat.22:13) Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. (14) For many are called, but few chosen. A few of the called are chosen or elect because they bear fruit. (Mat.25:14) For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants (Greek: “bondservants”), and delivered unto them his goods. (15) And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey. Obviously, the man who went away was the Lord, and His bondservants are His people. Two of these example servants brought forth fruit of the talent given them (Matthew 25:20-22), but one buried his in the earth (used his talent for the earthly, Matthew 25:24,25). When our Lord returns, He will say, “And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth” (Mat.25:30). The apostle Paul, who said of himself that he was called in Galatians 1:6, also said, “But I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected” (That's the Greek word for “reprobated”) (1 Cor.9:27). There is much more proof that the saved and the called can fall. Some good examples are 2 Peter 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:11,12; Hebrews 3:1,6,12,14, and Romans 11:1-7,19-23. Friend, you probably know if you are called, but are you chosen? You must be diligent in your walk of faith to prove this with fruit. (2Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election (“choosing”) sure: for if ye do these things (the attributes of Christ listed in verses 5-7), ye shall never stumble: (11) for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God, at the cross, has already given us everything that we need to bear fruit through faith. (3) Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; (4) whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. Faith in the promises through the midst of trials will give us the fruit. The called have the power and the opportunity. The called and the chosen, or foreordained, use the power by faith and take the opportunity. The only ones who will ultimately be with the Lord are identified in this verse. (Rev.17:14) These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and they [also shall overcome] that are with him, called and chosen and faithful. Notice that the called who are chosen will be faithful. I did not make these verses up; they are the Word of God. Those who have eyes and ears will see and understand, but the rest will justify their religion and ignore the Scriptures. Before time and the future, God sovereignly spoke the end from the beginning, bringing these things into existence in time. Some would argue, “How could God make a promise to all of His called and then not keep it for those who do not bear fruit?” The answer is that every promise in the Bible is useless until someone walks by faith in it. Our part of the covenant is faith; God's part is power and salvation. We can break the covenant through unbelief. (Num.14:11) And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people despise me? and how long will they not believe in me, for all the signs which I have wrought among them? (12) I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a nation greater and mightier than they. Notice that God is saying this to His own people who did not believe that He would disinherit them. Lest any believe that God cannot make a promise and then take it back when they do not walk in faith, pay attention to this: (Num.14:23) surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that despised me see it. (30) surely ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware that I would make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. (34) and ye shall know my alienation (Hebrew: “revoking of my promise”). Unless we mix faith with God's promises, they are void. (Heb.4:2) For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they (God's people): but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. Many Israelites walked in sin and were disinherited and blotted out of God's book. (Exo.32:33) And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. The same is true of the Christians who do not overcome sin. Notice what the Lord said to the church. (Rev.3:5) He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life... They will be rejected from the body of Christ. (Rev.3:16) So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Many of God's people, Israel, were broken off because of unbelief, and Christians who were grafted in but do not walk by faith will be too. (Rom.11:20) Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (21) for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. (22) Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Those who are still grafted in at the end are called “all Israel”… (26) and so all Israel shall be saved... Those who are still in the Book of Life, still grafted in, are the elect (Greek: “chosen”). (Rom.11:2) God did not cast off his people, which he foreknew ... (5) Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election (Greek: “chosen”) of grace. A remnant is the ones who are left. Notice that they are foreknown and chosen. Sovereign God will have those who are truly His. Abiding in Christ is where salvation is. Some say God gave us the gift of eternal life so He cannot take it back. In Galatians 3:16, we are told, “To Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ”. So the promises were given to Christ, not to us individually. The only way the promises are ours is if we abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ is bearing fruit (John 15:1-6), walking as he walked (1 John 2:3-6), believing the same teachings given by Jesus and the apostles (1 John 2:24; Jude 3; Matthew 28:20), not adding or subtracting from the Word (Revelation 22:18,19), not walking in sin (1 John 3:5,6), and keeping his commandments (1 John 3:24). In Christ is the only place we can claim the gift of eternal life. (1Jn.5:11) ... God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. God does not have to take His gift back; His people walk out of it. (1 Cor.6:18) ... Every sin that a man doeth is without the body ... When you walk in willful sin, you are not abiding in His body, for in him is no sin (1Jn.3:5). (6) Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not … For instance, fornication, whether spiritual or physical, takes away the members of Christ and makes them members of a harlot (1 Corinthians 6:15,18). Only Christ and those abiding in Him are chosen. (Eph. 1:4) Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world... Only Christ and those abiding in Him are going to heaven. (Joh.3:13) And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven... Jesus Christ is the Manna from heaven, the Word, Who takes up residence in those who love Him; this is the fruit that God is coming to choose. By this time, I am sure some are thinking that they do not measure up. We must first abide in Christ by faith accepting the gospel report that “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me” (Gal.2:20). Those who walk by faith that they are dead to sin and Christ now lives in them are accounted as righteous until God uses that faith to manifest righteousness in them. (Gal.3:6) Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. Amen. Next, I'd like to share with you a couple of testimonies from our website of people who received the revelation of the error in their thinking concerning their own salvation.   Coming Judgment on the Lukewarm Sandy - 01/15/2014 I had a dream that thousands of demons entered my bedroom, then jumped on me while I was in bed, devouring my flesh. I was totally paralyzed. I repeatedly shouted out, “You must flee, in the name of Jesus!” These demons continued to attack me. There was total darkness -- no Jesus. It was HORRIFYING. I felt as though I was in the pits of hell, and this is where my soul is going if I don't change my ways. Then I was whisked away, and I was standing in front of a large cross. From the center of the cross, a bright light was shining. I heard the Lord say to me, “Come to the cross. I did not hear or respond to your cries because you are not abiding in Me. Horrific evil is here, and more is coming, and if you do not abide in Me, you will be devoured. I will not hear nor respond to your cries, if you do not abide in me, and you will not be able to fight off this evil in your own strength”.  Then I was whisked back to my bed, where the demons were devouring me again. I was once again paralyzed. I breathed on them, saying, “Jesus”, and they eventually all fled. I woke up with tears streaming down my face, crying out to the Lord. Now, here is what is so IRONIC: I considered myself to be a born-again, saved Christian! Over the past few years, I've started to walk in the ways of the world, thinking it is okay because ‘I know the Lord loves me; I am a good person and I am saved.' How many other Christians are thinking in the same way? How many other Christians are not truly saved? I turned away from Jesus in my walk. It was a slow and subtle turning away, convincing myself all along the way that I can walk my walk, give the Lord ‘courtesy prayer' and everything will be okay. I WAS SO WRONG.  Thank You, LORD, for Your warning, as horrifying as it was. Thank You, LORD, for giving me another chance to make You Lord of my life.   My Salvation and Deliverance from Satanic Music James Austin - 07/08/2008 When I was a child and up to the age of 15, I had gone to some Baptist and Methodist churches off and on. I had even been what I believed at the time to be saved and baptized. I never really placed importance in my salvation as most Christians at the time. I was scared about hell, so I thought if I got saved, then I would go to heaven and still do whatever I wanted. When I was about 16, I cared only about the world and gave God no attention at all. I was associating with people who weren't Christian and listening to music that wasn't Godly. I began to stop believing that there was a God and didn't care if He even existed. A year and a half ago, I was up late one night and I had nothing to do and I started thinking about life and the world and I felt a sudden loneliness and sadness, and I looked up and said, “God, if You are real and Your Word is true, then help me; I want to know the truth.” I don't think it was even two weeks and God led a brother I work with by the name of Nehemiah to me to inquire about carpooling with me. By this time, I had forgotten about what I had asked God. I was still listening to satanic music and living very worldly. The first week he rode with me to work, I didn't play any music because I began to feel ashamed and did not want people to know which music I listened to. At this time, I didn't know Nehemiah was a Christian. A few weeks later, someone else with whom we were carpooling informed me that Nehemiah was a Christian. Then I really felt low and inadequate to be around him. One day, I was looking at some space nebula and stuff, and I saw what looked like Jesus' face in one of these objects in space. Then I started thinking about God even more. I asked Nehemiah one day about it, and we began talking, and he told me some things the Bible spoke of. Then, after about two weeks of talking and debating with him, he led me to your website, and I started reading and listening to some of your stuff and became very fearful of where I was headed. That morning when I got home from work, I cried to God to forgive me and save me. I confessed to so many evil things I had done and wept, and then felt a peace come over me. I have been reading and listening to your programs and teachings ever since, and I feel the Holy Spirit every time I do. God began to work in me, and I bought your “Sovereign God” book and an ASV Bible. Now I have the New Testament on audio, and I only have the desire to listen to music that glorifies God, and I listen and read the Word of God. I have lost the desire to watch all TV programs because I can now see the sinful nature of TV and how TV glorifies sin. I believe God has saved me and He also healed me from plantar fasciitis (a painful tendon injury) by faith alone. Glory to God! God Bless you, brothers and sisters. I don't listen to evil music, and I feel better inside. God has really changed me. Thank you! I had sent an email about my wife a while ago, but I couldn't remember if I had ever given my testimony to you. My wife is still an unbeliever, but I continue to pray for her salvation. I believe that one day God, in some way, will also save her.

In this conversation, Richard Case and Kathy Rocconi explore the complexities of relationships, especially during the holiday season. They discuss the importance of walking in the spirit, the challenges of navigating difficult relationships, and the significance of teaching and passing down wisdom through generations. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in prayer, the dangers of testing God, and the necessity of surrendering one's will to achieve reconciliation and resolution in relationships.We want to hear from YOU! If you would like to submit a question or comment for further discussion, please email us at: questions@abideministries.com.

What do we mean when we say Jesus “takes away the sins of the world”? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks unpack how sin ruptures relationship—with God, others, creation, and even our own hearts—and how Christ repairs that rupture. We explore justice, mercy, and why divine love doesn't erase consequences but enters them, heals us, and restores right worship and communion. We also contrast Adam's fall with Christ's redeeming love and consider our part: God saves us with our cooperation. Through it all we keep the three lenses clear—honesty with self, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.Key IdeasSin's effects: rupture with God, one another, creation, and self; shame, blame, mistrust, and debt remain until healed.How Christ “takes away” sin: self-sacrificing love enters our wounds, satisfies justice, restores communion, and divinizes us by union with Him.Mercy doesn't cancel consequences: relationships still need repair, trust-building, and inner healing—grace empowers the work.Not a spectator sport: “created without us; redeemed with us”—our free cooperation (repentance, worship, acts of love) matters.From Fall to fullness: covenant history rises and falls until Christ; in Him, grace sustains steady growth toward holiness.Links & ReferencesScripture named (no links):The Fall and its ruptures (Genesis 3).“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).Healings linked to faith (e.g., Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50; Luke 8:48).Liturgy referenced (no link): Agnus Dei (“Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world…”).CTAIf this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.comTagsFather and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, sin, redemption, salvation, justice and mercy, healing, holiness, rupture and repair, Genesis 3, John 1:29, Agnus Dei, sacrificial love, Eucharist, reconciliation, cooperation with grace, trust, covenant, Adam and Eve, divinization, sanctification, interior healing, relationships, responsibility, spiritual growth, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

Sabaidee, Hola, and Hello! Welcome to another episode of Thip Khao Podcast. I'm Allie Soisouvanh Price, an Advocacy Ambassador for Legacies of War and I have the honor today of welcoming to the podcast our dear friend, Susan Hammond. Susan is the Executive Director and Founder of the War Legacies Project. Today's episode will be in recognition of the International Day of Remembrance of All Victims of Chemical Weapons.Susan Hammond is the daughter of a U.S. Vietnam War veteran. Susan became interested in post-war Southeast Asia after her visits to Cambodia and Vietnam in 1991. Susan graduated from New York University with her Master's of Arts in International Education in 1996. Susan was the Deputy Director of Fund for Reconciliation and Development (FRD) from 1996 to 2007. During that time as the Deputy Director, Susan lived in New York, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and coordinated programs for them. In 2007, Susan founded the War Legacies Project in her home state of Vermont. In 2019, she received the Vietnam Order of Friendship medal for her remarkable work in Vietnam. https://www.warlegacies.org/Thank you for tuning into Thip Khao Talk brought to you by our Innovators Sponsors Akin Gump and Article 22. Please continue to listen and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The theme music used in this podcast are by the Lao Jazzanova Band from Vientiane, Laoshttps://www.legaciesofwar.org/

Memories in the afterlife? Essence and Energy of God? What is mediation? Join us for Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

Advent // Peace Our Whole Existence is Ravaged by ConflictIt's in Our World...It's in Our Nations...It's in Our Cities...It's in Our Communities...It's in Our Homes...It's in Our Hearts and Our Minds... Peace Means So Many Different Things to Different PeoplePeace May Be Ease from Conflict...Peace May Be Ease from Noise...Peace May Be Ease from Torment...Peace May Be Ease from Busyness...Peace May Be Ease from Pain... For Some People It May Be Found in A Treaty…For Some It May Be Found in a Place…For Some It May Be Found in An Embrace…For Some It Is Found in a Symbol…For Some It Is Found in Solace…For Some It Is Found in A Smile… Some Think It Is Accomplished by Negotiation...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Meditation...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Separation...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Location...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Reconciliation...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Medication... But for Most of Our World it Remains an Elusive State of Being... God Has Come, and He Has Provided a Lasting Peace for Us! Not Just a Fleeting Moment or an Elusive Dream... Romans 5:1 (NIV)“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God Loved Us So Much that He Sent His Son to Redeem Mankind and Restore Our Peace with Him.  Judges 6:23-24 (NIV)“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.' So, Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord is Peace.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

Read OnlineAs Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” Matthew 9:27Picture these two men for a moment. Just before this passage, Jesus had cured a leper, healed a Roman centurion's servant, restored Peter's mother-in-law to health, made a paralytic walk, and stopped a woman's years-long hemorrhages. He had cast out demons, freeing people from their oppression, and even raised a twelve-year-old girl from the dead. This context is crucial as we imagine these two blind men crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!”Word was spreading rapidly about Jesus and His miracles. In that time and culture, blindness often led to a life of begging unless family could provide. These men suffered greatly, from both their physical blindness and from the marginalization that accompanied it. Then they began to hear stories—one after another—about this new rabbi, a prophet from David's line, possibly the Messiah everyone awaited. They heard of His miracles and immediately hoped He could heal them too. So when Jesus was passing by, they didn't hesitate.Although physical healings were not Jesus' primary mission, these acts were powerful expressions of His compassion and divine authority. By healing, He brought peace and joy to troubled hearts, but more importantly, He demonstrated that His words carried divine authority. The Gospel of Matthew is arranged so that Jesus' Sermon on the Mount—a summary of His teachings—comes first. Then follows a series of miracles. While these miracles were acts of love for those He cured, they also serve to convince us today to listen to and obey His word.We are called to emulate the faith of these two blind men. We must believe that Jesus is the answer to all our needs, the only one who can heal our souls. We can see their physical blindness as a metaphor for our own spiritual blindness. Just as they cried out for physical healing, we must cry out for spiritual healing.Reflect today on the disposition of these two blind men. Though we know little about them, we do know they cried out to Jesus for mercy and healing. Their prayer must become our prayer; their hope, our hope; their passionate cry, our plea for mercy. The healing they sought is mirrored in the healing we seek today, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is in this sacrament that we find Jesus passing by, where we cry out for mercy and where we are spiritually healed. Let us long for healing from our spiritual blindness and cry out to Jesus with persistence, following Him relentlessly in prayer. He will hear and answer us. My healing Lord, though Your many miracles show Your divine power over nature, demons, and every illness—even death—the greatest healing You offer is the healing of my soul from sin. Please have pity on me, Lord. Heal the spiritual blindness I have so that I may come to know You, follow You, and live according to Your will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus healing the Blind by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.