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Crossroads Church Podcast
Join us today on our supernatural Friday podcast as we share an amazing testimony of a suicidal man who finds Jesus. This will encourage you to believe for all to come to salvation.
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Crossroads Church Podcast
Welcome back to the Disciple Hinson Podcast! We are walking through our statement of faith meditating on what we believe as a church family. You will be helped by following along with this handout. In this episode, we dive into Article 4: Of the Way of Salvation which helps understand how sinners can be saved by grace alone through the all-sufficient work of Christ.
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Bill points to Philippians 1:6-7 and Hebrews 7:25 as he leads us in our Morning Devotion for Wednesday, October 8th.
"I do not nullify the grace of God. For if righteousness were through the Law, then Christ died for no purpose." With these words in Galatians five, twenty-one, the Apostle Paul made his position clear. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. But when some began to poison the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul responded swiftly by writing the book of Galatians. Ron takes us there next, as he moves ahead in his teaching series, “The Ultimate Road Trip Through The Bible: The Pauline Epistles.”
Pastor Alan R. Knapp discusses the topic of "The Gospel of the Glory of the Christ Part 2" in his series entitled "SHORT SERMONS" This is Short Sermon 14 and it focuses on the following verses: Habakkuk 2:14; Luke 24:26-27; (Hebrews 2:9 cf. Psalm 8:5); 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Peter 1:11
“Is confession Catholic therapy?” This episode explores the role of confession in spiritual healing, alongside discussions on the Catholic understanding of salvation, the challenges of prayer devoted to Mary, and navigating marriage in the Church when one partner is hesitant. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – Is confession Catholic therapy? 09:45 – What is the Catholic view of Salvation as it relates to faith? 14:22 – I struggle with the time prayer devoted to Mary? 20:13 – Can you explain the foundation of the Catholic church? 29:05 – How can I get married in the Church, but my spouse doesn't want to? 34:24 – I am struggling with accepting and understanding Confession. After a general confession, I find myself thinking of new sins or doubt of making a good confession 42:45 – Are sins committed in dreams sinful, and how can one deal with minimizing “sins” in dreams? 46:50 – Going through OCIA, what tips and pointers can Fr. offer as he goes through the process? 52:28 – What to do when she attends Mass and witnesses folks doing odd things…I.e. Drinking coffee, brings dog etc….?
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Mark 5:1-20 (LSB)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin consider how the citizens of the Decapolis were surely glad to be rid of the demons, but they were upset by losing their pigs.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23028The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
Faith isn't belief or hope—it's assurance. In this message, Dr. Gabe unpacks the true meaning of faith, challenging common misconceptions and encouraging listeners to move beyond hope into the assurance of God's reality. He explores how faith is not just belief or hope, but the unwavering confidence in God—regardless of circumstance or outcome. To live by faith is to possess an unwavering assurance in God's love, sovereignty, and presence, regardless of circumstances. It is to embrace sacrifice and trust, even when there's no earthly guarantee. As Pastor Gabriel concludes, the invitation is clear: “At some point in your walk with the Lord… you gotta choose the cross.”Support the showText encounteratl to 94000 to stay up-to-date on all things Encounter.Worship with EncounterSundays at 9 AM ET | Wednesdays at 7:30 PM ETSupport EncounterText egive to 77977 Connect with EncounterFacebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | WebsiteConnect with Dr. GabeInstagram | YouTube | Website
In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef clarifies what true confession is.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life at Its Best, Part 1: LISTEN NOWFOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNTFor those who feel battle-worn—disheartened by society's moral decline, burdened for their children and grandchildren, weary from fighting the same battles—Dr. Michael A. Youssef's NEW book Winning the Invisible Waroffers timely hope. Speaking directly to those wondering if evil is winning, Dr. Youssef assures us although the war isn't over, victory is already secured in Christ. With Biblical clarity and pastoral compassion, he reminds readers that we can stand strong—not in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. Pre-order your copy today for your gift of any amount!*Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through November 10, 2025.
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Romans 8:3-4 — According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:3–4, the Christian life is about trusting in God. Salvation comes not through works, but as a free gift in Christ Jesus. All attempts to seek God on one's own are doomed to fail for it is God that reveals Himself and gives the gospel. What is the gospel? It is the message that Christ has died for sinners in order that they would not have to suffer for their own sin. For under the law, there is condemnation but Jesus died in order to fulfil the law. Christians are to live now in the power of Christ and seek holiness and righteousness. Yet, the Bible never says that humanity will be completely free from sin in this life. Nevertheless, Christians are still free from the power of the flesh and sin. By trusting in Jesus, they are made right with God and though they sin, their hope remains in Christ and not themselves. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches the most important message because it concerns the eternal destiny of everyone: “do you believe in Jesus?”
Send Us Your Prayer Requests --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Romans 8:3-4 — According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:3–4, the Christian life is about trusting in God. Salvation comes not through works, but as a free gift in Christ Jesus. All attempts to seek God on one's own are doomed to fail for it is God that reveals Himself and gives the gospel. What is the gospel? It is the message that Christ has died for sinners in order that they would not have to suffer for their own sin. For under the law, there is condemnation but Jesus died in order to fulfil the law. Christians are to live now in the power of Christ and seek holiness and righteousness. Yet, the Bible never says that humanity will be completely free from sin in this life. Nevertheless, Christians are still free from the power of the flesh and sin. By trusting in Jesus, they are made right with God and though they sin, their hope remains in Christ and not themselves. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches the most important message because it concerns the eternal destiny of everyone: “do you believe in Jesus?” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29
Endurance is not optional. Hebrews 10:32–36 calls believers to patient endurance that finishes the will of God. Using Ernest Shackleton's “Endurance” expedition and the marathon messenger Pheidippides, this message lays out four revelations that keep you moving when conditions turn brutal: Calling, Companions, Confidence (faith), and Conquest. Expect clear challenges on zeal, holiness standards, service, generosity, church planting, and mission. Finish carried over the line, not coasting.Scriptures: Heb 10:32–36; Matt 24:13–14; Phil 3:6; 2 Cor 9:2; Heb 11:1 (AMP).https://TakingTheLandPodcast.comSUBSCRIBE TO PREMIUM FOR MORE:• Subscribe for only $3/month on Supercast: https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/• Subscribe for only $3.99/month on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taking-the-land/subscribe• Subscribe for only $4.99/month on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3vy1s5b13:32 Introduction & Text — Hebrews 10:32–3614:20 The Endurance of Ernest Shackleton16:05 By Endurance We Conquer — main theme17:10 The Honeymoon Stage of Salvation and Ministry19:45 Zeal for Salvation, Service, and Standards23:18 Lessons from Shackleton's Ordeal25:40 Marathon of Faith — the Messenger's Duty27:00 Four Revelations of Endurance27:20 1️⃣ Calling — Remember when you were illuminated30:10 2️⃣ Companions — Endurance requires fellow runners33:12 3️⃣ Confidence — Faith as decision, not feeling35:40 4️⃣ Conquest — Progress, not mere survival38:22 Endurance as a Lifestyle, Not a Season40:10 Shackleton's Return and the Knighted Endurer42:02 Men Wanted for God's Hazardous Calling44:25 The Unreached Cities and Nations in Reach46:10 Call to Dedication and Altar AppealShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at: • Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3vy1s5b • Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369
In today's edition of Words of Grace, Pastor Benjamin Winslett turns our attention to the Great Commission — the lasting instruction Jesus gave His disciples before ascending into heaven. Each gospel record closes with a similar theme: the crucifixion, the resurrection, the commission, and the ascension. Though salvation is entirely the Lord's work, it is … Continue reading "The Importance of Making Disciples"
The Door of Faith Ministries Podcast is based on the teachings of the Gospel of Grace for Salvation. We teach Christ's death, burial and resurrection! • Podcasts are added weekly from our Sunday services.For a breakdown of our services, visit:The Reflections PodcastLiving Waters PodcastThursday Bible Study
The Door of Faith Ministries Podcast is based on the teachings of the Gospel of Grace for Salvation. We teach Christ's death, burial and resurrection! • Podcasts are added weekly from our Sunday services.For a breakdown of our services, visit:The Reflections PodcastLiving Waters PodcastThursday Bible Study
Relevance For Today Finding Kingdom Purpose and Potential Part 3 Episode 370 Continuing with part 3 of this vital series, my goal is to uplift, motivate, encourage, and help give you some great starter information, so you can get on the right road to find out more about your purpose and what your potential can be as a Follower of Jesus Christ. Thanks for tuning in to another episode. Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends, family, and even a stranger. Relevancefortoday.org Relevance For Today Podcast Show Spiritual Spotlight Podcast Show Kingdom Community TV Kingdom Community APP Kingdom Community Radio Interested in more shows? Connect with Me by following my LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/RelevanceForToday #Purpose #Potential #Salvation #Podcastepisodes, #TVepisodes #Relevancefortodaypodcast #RelevancefortodayTVshow #kingdomcommunitytv #TimeInGodsWord #Discipleship #TrainingandEquippingtheSaints #learningtheword #Christlikeliving
A Sunday message given by Pastor Chris Gilbert at Haven of Hope titled "My Joy and Crown" Sunday October 5, 2025.
Many Christians are unaware of the benefits available through their salvation. Dr. John Neufeld unpacks one of the most neglected doctrines—being "in Christ." Discover what Paul meant when he used this phrase 216 times in his writings and how your life is inseparably bound to Jesus from eternity past to future resurrection.Making the Most of Your Salvation: In a world of endless technology, the opportunity for learning, communicating, and creating is at an all-time high. But for many of us, we don't take full advantage of all of the resources at our fingertips. We know that many of us aren't using technology to its full capacity, but did you know that many of us view our salvation in the same way? Join Dr. John Neufeld in the 10-message series, Making the Most of Your Salvation, as we learn about a sad reality that many Christians face: We don't appreciate all that our salvation has to offer us. All too often, we see salvation as something that is there, that we understand, but we don't take full advantage of. We go to church, we try to read the Bible, and we know that we're going to heaven when we die. But there are so many other benefits of salvation that have the power to revolutionize our lives!
The zealous believer stopped a man on the street and asked, "Are you saved?" The startled man replied, "Saved from what?" We should not be surprised when unbelievers do not have a proper understanding of salvation, but we should be alarmed when Christians don't either. Do you truly understand what the Bible teaches about salvation? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29
Send us a messageThe current-day movements that have been popularized and which cater to a “post-modern” generation as it is called, are part of the many counterfeit endeavors that have been orchestrated by Satan to keep as many as he can from coming to the Saving knowledge of Jesus the Christ, and the Promise of Eternal Life that is realized in Him alone.The enemy of man's souls will stop at nothing to distract the people of earth from realizing their desperate need of the Savior, and the “new birth” miracle that must take place within their sin-deadened spirit, to ensure their entrance into the Kingdom of God. And the great deceiver is an expert in his deeds of deception.His most successful tactics are centered on the fallen nature of man which is already saturated with self-seeking motives and desires. And because he uses Scripture – or perhaps better said misuses Scripture – to support his lies and deceptions, many are drawn into a false security which makes them feel superficially secure – but keeps them entangled in the web of pride that has set them up for a very great fall – and most tragically – robs them from the Eternal Life and Perfect Love the Father desires to lavish upon them.As we consider these Scriptural truths, we will seek the Holy Spirit's wisdom as to what the genuine “Fear of God” really is, and why it is mandatory to one's entering into the fulness of His Perfect Love.Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/
In a world where headlines fade, the Great I AM still speaks the same—present, powerful, and eternal.This episode explores Jesus' “I AM” declarations—Bread, Light, Door, Shepherd, Resurrection, Way, Truth, Life, and Vine—and reveals how they meet today's hunger, confusion, fear, and drift. Discover how the Spirit moves His living Word from page to heart, cultivating real fruit—love, joy, and peace—and forming a bold, steady witness in the hearts of His disciples. Come reflect, be refined, and be renewed—the same Jesus who stood before the five hundred lives in you now, lighting your path and filling your life with His life. Equalize your ears, and dive in. God's Word:Luke 6:45; 1 Peter 1:23–25; Psalm 119:105; Matthew 24:35; John 14:26; Hebrews 13:8; 1 Corinthians 2:9–10; Psalm 90:2; Hebrews 13:8; John 17:20; Acts 2:39; 2 Timothy 2:2; Philippians 2:13; 1 John 3; Romans 8:1; Isaiah 43:2; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 4:4; James 1:22; John 15:5; Ecclesiastes 3; John 15:1; Romans 10:15; 2 Corinthians 5:20; John 15:16; 1 Peter 2:11; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Exodus 3:14; John 8:58; John 15:5; Ephesians 2:4; 1 Peter 2:21; and 1 Peter 5:10; Email: walkingtheway3@gmail.com
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – What could the Power of 4 do for you? How might you benefit from engaging the Bible four times every week? The evidence is staggering; the benefits enormous! Revelation includes some frighteningly graphic depictions of judgment. God is obviously not messing around. But should God's people be afraid? Is the judgment of God a necessary part of salvation? Is it a blessing that one day God will...
God deeply values the lost people, and part of his plan is to rescue us to use us to rescue them.====================
In anticipation of the release of his new book The Man on the Middle Cross, Alistair Begg sat down with Jonathan Carswell, CEO of publisher 10ofThose, for a wide-ranging conversation on the relationship between evangelism and pastoring. Listen in as the two discuss such topics as how to start evangelistic conversations, how to balance self-critique with self-forgetfulness, the use of humor in preaching, and more.
The zealous believer stopped a man on the street and asked, "Are you saved?" The startled man replied, "Saved from what?" We should not be surprised when unbelievers do not have a proper understanding of salvation, but we should be alarmed when Christians don't either. Do you truly understand what the Bible teaches about salvation? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29
In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef directs us to the only path to living life at its best.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life at Its Best, Part 1: LISTEN NOWFOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNTFor those who feel battle-worn—disheartened by society's moral decline, burdened for their children and grandchildren, weary from fighting the same battles—Dr. Michael A. Youssef's NEW book Winning the Invisible Waroffers timely hope. Speaking directly to those wondering if evil is winning, Dr. Youssef assures us although the war isn't over, victory is already secured in Christ. With Biblical clarity and pastoral compassion, he reminds readers that we can stand strong—not in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. Pre-order your copy today for your gift of any amount!*Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through November 10, 2025.
Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro1:20 - Coffee Segment (Black & White Coffee Roasters)8:24 - Mike just can't let Clay's comment go9:31 - Forced to listen to THIS genre on your car radio forever...23:23 - Parable Discussion: "The Narrow Door of Salvation"References:This Week's Coffee (Black & White Coffee Roasters): https://www.blackwhiteroasters.com/collections/all-coffeeThe Parables of Jesus (James Montgomery Boice): https://tinyurl.com/3vztan5tSend us questions: pbclc.com/podcastWebsite: pbclc.com Facebook: facebook.com/pbclc Instagram: @pbclc
Pastor Alan R. Knapp discusses the topic of "SEE: Living by Faith at the Edge of the Eschaton Part Seven - "The Spirit of Faith"" in his series entitled "Hebrews 2020: We See Jesus" This is Increment 402 and it focuses on the following verses: Psalm 69:21; Mark 15:23-34; Luke 23:33-35; John 19:28-30; Hebrews 11:1
Reach | Cody McQueen--We must overcome perceived risks in order to ask for a response as we share the gospel with others.--Notes--Want to dive deeper into what it means to REACH? Explore resources, stories, and ways to live on mission at ccbcfamily.org/reach
The violence we see in the world today is because of the violence that's in the heart of man. The Kingdom of Heaven is suffering violence from those who actively oppose it. This suggests that hostile individuals and forces are attempting to stop the advance of God's Kingdom. As believers, we must passionately and eagerly pursue the Kingdom of Heaven.Support the showhttp://www.gwafgbc.org http://www.gwafgbc.org/storehttp://www.gwafgbc.org/givehttps://vimeo.com/manage/videos
If you had just one day left with your loved ones, what would you say? In this week's message, we'll look at the heart of the gospel—what it isn't, what it is, and how you can know with certainty that you belong to Christ. The stakes couldn't be higher: heaven or hell. Join us as we discover why God's radical grace changes everything and how Jesus' perfect record can become your own.1) What the gospel isn't2) What the gospel is3) How to know if you're a ChristianText: Luke 15:11-32; Ephesians 2:8; Mark 1:14-15; Romans 3:22
"The Fruit of the Spirit - Part 5: KINDNESS" Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chréstotés: gentleness, goodness, kindness. From chrestos; usefulness, i.e. Morally, excellence (in character or demeanor) -- gentleness, good(-ness), kindness. Luke 10:25-37 ESV Proverbs 21:21 ESV Ephesians 2:4-7 ESV Micah 6:6-8 ESV Galatians 6:9-10 ESV
Pastor Phil Sparling - The Sacred Order of Life - Weekend Sermon Podcast - www.auburngrace.com
The Cost of Compromise • Part of our weekly Sunday morning study through Genesis.
John 11:45-54English Standard Version45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.
Send us a text. If you would like a response, please send us an email to bcoc@suddenlinkmail.com.Phil Hancock
Send us a text. If you would like a response, please send us an email to bcoc@suddenlinkmail.com.Phil Hancock
Send us a text. If you would like a response, please send us an email to bcoc@suddenlinkmail.com.Phil Hancock
Fall can be full of cozy traditions — and it can also be a chance to point our families toward Jesus instead of fear. In this episode we share simple, Christ-centered ideas you can use at home or in your homeschool as meaningful Christian alternatives to halloween.You'll hear practical activities — everything from Reformation Day celebrations to service opportunities for your kids — and one “ready-to-use” idea to try this month.✅ Family Praise Night (dessert + songs + testimonies)✅ Night bags or luminaries with Bible verses to line your walkways✅ Heroes of the Faith costume idea and mini-presentations for kids✅ Harvest (Thanks) Tree, scripture scavenger hunts, and Service Night ideas✅ How we host a Reformation Day party and a ready-made Reformation unit studyGrab the Reformation Day Unit Study mentioned in the podcast: (use coupon code REF25 for the limited-time discount)Show Notes:Christian Alternatives to Halloween: Faith-Filled Fall Traditions for Your FamilyHey everyone, Kerry Beck here with Homeschool Coffee Break, where we help you stop the overwhelm so you could take a coffee break. We need a coffee break every once in a while.It is fall time. I got my fall background up here. I love fall. This morning, I went for a walk. I probably could have even put a jacket on, and I live in Texas, and it's still September. I am so excited. So, I don't know what your weather is like, but it has been getting cooler here as well.Today, what I want to do is talk to you about a time in the fall season that Christians often struggle with, and that is Halloween. What are we doing? I want to talk to you about some alternatives to Halloween.We are releasing this, and this Wednesday, we are going to have a Facebook party that will dive more into fall alternatives to Halloween. So I hope you will join me. It is in Facebook. There'll be some freebies in there, but there'll be some great resources as well.Halloween Doesn't Have to Be About Darkness or FearToday, what I want to share with you are some Christ-centered and some family-friendly alternatives that you can use in your family, in your home, and in your home school as well. And let's talk about fall traditions.If you are listening to this and there is a place to put a comment, leave a comment and let me know what's one of your fall traditions. We all have Christmas traditions, or Thanksgiving traditions. What are some traditions during the fall time?You know, I love the cooler weather. We did decorate pumpkins, and we still decorate pumpkins. My kids carved a pumpkin when they were younger. I remember one time I bought these big jewel stickers and bought one of those small little pumpkins for my two oldest granddaughters. They were probably like 2 and 4, 3 and 5, and they could just put those stickers all over wherever they wanted, and they had their own little decorated pumpkin, their jeweled pumpkin, we could say.What fall traditions do you want your kids to remember? When we lived in Idaho, we went apple picking, and then we would make apple cider right there. Some of y'all might go through those corn mazes. I've done that, not with my kids, but I've done it with Steve and with some adults as well. And then some of you might go to just a pumpkin patch. I know in Dallas, they have a beautiful arboretum completely decorated with all the fall stuff there is.So, what are some family traditions you might have for fall?Christ-Centered Alternatives to HalloweenNow let's move on to Christ-centered alternatives to Halloween. You know, the world, it seems like, has hijacked all Hallows' Eve. But we can take it back for holiness and for light.It is a dark holiday now, let's be honest, but we stand for the light, the light of Jesus Christ. And so, let's talk about some alternative things you might do during October, during the last week of October, and how you could really focus on the light of the world.Family Praise Night: Maybe just have some families over and have a family praise night, where everyone brings a dessert, and y'all sing some songs and share testimonies of God's work in your family.Light Bags: Maybe you could do like the light bags, and everyone in your neighborhood just gets the little sandwich bags, and they can decorate it, maybe even cut holes if you want, and put a candle, or if you don't want to do a candle, you could put those little electric candles in there. Then line them up on your sidewalk, or line them up across the front of your house as well. You might decorate them with Bible verses if you want.Heroes of the Faith Costume: Maybe everyone chooses a Bible character and dresses up as a Bible character, and you come ready to tell at least one little fact each child does about the person that they have dressed up. So, they're going to be learning, and they get to dress up as well.Harvest of Blessings Night: I have done this, and I do not have a picture of it. We took a big piece of brown paper wrap paper, and I just drew a tree with branches, but no leaves. Then we cut out leaves out of orange, yellow, brown, those colors, and each leaf, you would write a blessing that you have. You could start it in October and continue it into November during Thanksgiving as well. Be our blessings tree, or our thanks tree. Add to it all season long. And then, at Thanksgiving, be able to sit down and read through some of the blessings that you've had in the past two months.Scripture Scavenger Hunt: You could do a scripture scavenger hunt, where you hide verses around the house, or around the yard, and maybe tied to a little prize or a little treat. But each verse is connected to some themes, the theme of light, the theme of courage, or the theme of God's protection.Service Night: I love this idea, it's called Service Night. Be a light in your community. Maybe you bake some cookies, and you are the light to maybe our first responders that are around there. You could put little verses tied onto some little Ziplocs, like you could put some cookies in there, and put some verses in there that go along with Jesus being the light. So, this teaches our kids the joy of giving instead of always getting.Celebrating Reformation Day: Our Family TraditionI want to share a story of something that we did personally, and that was Reformation Day. We did, I guess most of the ones we did were lunches. We did it at lunchtime, and we celebrated Reformation Day, October 31st, All Hallows' Eve. It's the eve of All Hallows Day on November 1st.And where did this all come about? Now, let me just say, whether you are Catholic, or Protestant, I don't really care. You still need to know what history has to say. I am... we grew up... we lean... we are Protestant, and we taught our kids the Protestant faith. But they still learned the Catholic faith. They learned about it. I wanted them to be able to think through any of those situations, anything like that. So, regardless of what your perspective and your theology is, I think it's important that we share this with our kids.The Story of Martin Luther and the 95 ThesesWe begin with Martin Luther, because on October 31st in the 1500s, he was a German monk and a teacher. He loved God, and he wanted everyone to understand the Bible. But the church at that time was asking people to pay for their forgiveness, like, give money. They are called indulgences. And many people were very confused about it, and actually some were upset. The poor people felt like they got wrangled around.And so, Martin Luther wrote these statements, 95 statements, and we call them 95 Theses. And explain what he thought the church should fix, and how it should work, and how we needed to rethink some of the things that the church was doing. I'm going to read a few of these. These are not complaints, they are just questions and ideas.Salvation is a gift from God, not bought with money. Repentance means changing your heart, not just giving money. The Pope cannot forgive sins with money. Christ followers should focus on faith and good works, not paying for forgiveness. Preachers should teach God's Word. Money cannot cleanse the soul, only God can. The church should help the poor, not profit from their guilt. Christians should study the Bible for themselves.That was a new concept. We have Bibles everywhere. And yet, they didn't even have it in their own language. That was William Tyndale, was one of the first people that starts translating the Latin Bible, the Vulgate, into English. Eventually, they started translating from the Greek and the Hebrew. He was on the run and ended up dying, but he was one of the first men trying to translate the actual Bible into the English language. The authority of the Bible is higher than the authority of the Pope.On October 31st, 1517, he took this paper and he went and nailed it to the door of the Wittenberg church. The church door, in that time, acted like a bulletin board. So when there were any announcements or notices, people could just go nail them up there, and that's what Martin Luther did. And people began to read these theses, and they shared them widely. This started a movement called the Reformation.Why Reformation Day Matters TodayNow, there's a lot more that goes over. That is just a simple view. You can teach it to your kids at different levels, but I think it's important. Why is this important? Because we need to sometimes question our church leaders, even today. You should always go back to the Bible and use the Bible. I mean, if they're doing something that goes against the Bible, then that is something you need to consider. Maybe that's not the place that you need to be attending church.This also eventually helped people read and understand the Bible for themselves in their own language, and it changed church history forever. No matter where you are, and I sort of see the church in Roman Catholicism, Greek Orthodox, and then the Protestant movement. I want to say it was protesting, and that's how we get the word Protestant, protesting Catholics and Roman Catholics, if I remember correctly.You see, the big picture is God used this reformation to bring truth, encourage and revival to that society. It actually makes me think a little bit about today. God is using something evil to bring about truth and courage and revival here in the United States. And hopefully around the world.I mentioned that last week, but you know, you could go and look. There are martyrs that died for their faith. You could go through and study some of them. I think I have the book here. There is Book of Martyrs, but this is a kid's version of Trial and Triumph, and this is stories from church history. This would be a great place for you to get started in sharing stories, and some of them are martyrs, and some of them are people that were just strong and courageous in their faith, and so that would be something that could tie in. That would be an alternative to Halloween, if you want to dive deep into this.How to Host Your Own Reformation Day PartyAnother thing, and this is what we did, we studied this time period, and then we had a Reformation Day party. We invited families, every family was responsible for bringing one food dish and hosting a booth. That booth could be a game, it could be a craft.We had some stairs up at the front of my house, and so, one of them had them, like, climbing, because at that time in the cathedral, they had to crawl up these stairs when they would go to Rome. We had people making candles at that time, because you needed candles for life. There are all different things you could do. We would always sing some songs, we might even act out a play based on one of our reformers, depending on who we were choosing, whether I think we... I know we did Martin Luther, John Calvin, Martin Bucer, any of those, and then we would always fellowship over a meal.And so that's really cool. How about you weave Reformation history into your home school, even with just one activity? You know, I think it's really important. You could host a party. It's not that hard. You don't have to do all of it. Spread the love and let other people come and bring activities for your kids. Our first one, my kids even dressed up. They made costumes, and they dressed up like a woman back in that time period, or a man.So, enjoy your family fall traditions that creates memories, look for alternatives to Halloween that point your family to Christ, and then celebrate Reformation Day to root your kids in church history. And I would encourage you to plan right now, this week, first week of October, what is one thing that you will do in October that's an alternative to Halloween, if that's something you want to do?Ready-to-Go Reformation Day ResourcesIf you'd like something that's a ready-to-go activities, I have something called a Reformation Day unit study. I pulled it together. You're going to get a book list, you're going to get stories about it, you get a slide presentation on different reformers. We have videos as well. There are recipes in there, and you know, a unit study takes the topic, and then we provide all the different subjects, history, and science, and art, and cooking, and Bible, and character, and literature. You get a little bit of all of that, and then you can pick and choose what it is you want for your family.If you happen to be listening to this, the week that this episode is published, this unit study is on sale, and so you can use the link below to be able to save some money on that Reformation Unit Study. You can get it at any time. People have bought it at all times of the year. But, right now, if you'd like to save a little money, just use the link in the coupon code CODE REF25, and you'll be able to save a little bit money as well.Hey, if you have a comment or question, reach out to me, you know, email me, DM me. If you have gotten just one little tip out of here, would you please share this with another Christian mom or another homeschool mom to help them, that would mean the world to me. Or, leave a 5-star review, because that means we can get this out to more and more people. Moms don't have the time to pull all this together, and they just need some creative ideas.Hey, thanks for spending time with me. I am Kerry Beck with Homeschool Coffee Break. We'll talk to you next time.
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