Podcasts about scriptural

Many mature Christians experience seasons when Jesus feels distant—not through dramatic sin or faith crisis, but a slow, subtle drift into spiritual dryness. Today, Stephanie explores how to recognize, understand, and rekindle true delight in God when faith feels flat.As she has with every episode in our “Awaken Delight” series, Stephanie has invented a fictional character – who might feel eerily familiar! In today's episode, we're introduced to “Claire”—a faithful, seasoned believer admired by others, with a life marked by steady commitment to Christ, church, and family. Yet, despite external faithfulness, she privately mourns the loss of intimacy and vividness in her spiritual life. Claire's story demonstrates how even longstanding believers can slide into a functional, uninspired relationship with Jesus—doing all the “right things,” but missing the joy and depth once present.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive, in-depth 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of flavorless faith: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 458. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Key Symptoms of a “flavorless faith”:Bible reading and prayer become duty-bound, not joy-filled.Worship songs and sermons feel routine, not stirring.Service continues, but the heart feels unengaged and tired.Delight is more than an emotion—it's the warm, relational savoring of God Himself, not just His gifts or outcomes.Distinctions:Happiness: Circumstantial, fleetingContentment: Sufficient, sometimes passiveDelight: Active, relational enjoyment—the “flavor” and “fragrance” of life with GodDelight in God is like savoring real vanilla versus imitation—the fake might have the form, but lacks the richness and depth. When we lose delight, all becomes bland.Distance from Jesus is often gradual. Common causes include:Over-familiarity: The truths of gospel become like a painting you stop noticing.Busyness & Burnout: Life's cares crowd out time to “linger” with Jesus.Duty Replacing Delight: We obey and serve, but lose relational warmth.When delight cools, our spiritual life becomes transactional, our joy fades, and other things gain center stage in our hearts.Psalm 34:8 invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good”—not just agree intellectually, but experience Him proportionally.Delight in God requires attention; it calls for slowing down, “beholding,” and returning to the gospel as if it's fresh.It's not manufactured by willpower, but reawakened by honesty and pursuit.Prayerfully confess where delight has dimmed and ask Jesus for renewed appetite.Ultimately, delight is about communion—living in God's presence, savoring Him as the ultimate gift.Our delight fuels resilience, combats burnout, and makes our faith not merely correct, but alive and fragrant to those around us.Practical Steps to Awaken DelightSlow Down & Linger: Don't skim Scripture or prayer; bring your full heart, even your boredom and disappointment.See God as Beautiful: Move beyond doctrine; gaze at Jesus' beauty, not just His utility.Cultivate Stillness: Create time to notice God's presence and gifts; fight cultural hurriedness.Receive, Don't Achieve: Delight is a relationship to receive by the Spirit, often through the ordinary or through suffering.Honest Prayer: Admit to God when delight feels absent; let Him rekindle it.If you, like Claire, feel distant from Jesus, don't despair. He hasn't moved; beauty can be rediscovered. Ask God to awaken your delight, to move you beyond belief into joy in His presence. Let your soul savor Him again.“Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” – Psalm 51:12MORE ABOUT THE BOOK “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."―Psalm 37:4What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb?Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself.You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle connects scriptural and theological truth to your everyday life so you can experience what delighting in God really means. It's not about checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list or mustering a constant state of positive feelings. Rather, delight is about satisfying your soul's deepest longing through a vibrant relationship with the living God.What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselleshows how delighting in God is crucial for spiritual growth,provides spiritual habits that help you live in delight, andincludes discussion questions and Bible engagement great for book clubs or small groups.By looking to Christ as your model of divine delight, you can discover that no matter what you're experiencing―whether weariness, sorrow, hope, or happiness―you truly can "taste and see that the Lord is good." If you are longing for a revived faith filled with hope, delight, worth, and grace, Awaken Delight invites you to cultivate a worshipful, life-giving delight in God that's rooted in God's delight in you.Purchase here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ More details at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightDISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

We have always been told that it takes millions of years for muddy deposits to turn into rock. Those who believe in creation have always disagreed. It seems pretty clear to us that much of the sedimentary rock we see today was deposited during the Great Flood at the time of Noah, which was not millions of years ago. Creationists generally place the Flood at about 4,600 years ago. Until recently, evolutionists dismissed this date as impossible: sedimentary rocks simply could not form that fast. Well, now it seems that they spoke too soon.While digging some trenches in a salt marsh, a team of sedimentologists found stony nodules in the mud. Further research on how the nodules formed revealed that a mud deposit can be transformed into a layer of sedimentary rock in as little as six months! They found that two bacteria are responsible for this. One species gets its energy from the sulphates in seawater. In the process, it produces hydrogen sulphide. The second species of bacteria can do the same thing. But if too much hydrogen sulphide is present, it can also change iron compounds so that they react with hydrogen sulphide and other salts. The result is stony lumps of iron sulphide and iron carbonate - sedimentary rock that is hardened quickly enough to fossilize any animal before it decays.Science has now confirmed what creationists who believe the Bible have always suspected. There are natural processes that can form sedimentary rock within the limited timeframe allowed by a literal reading of Scriptural history.Luke 19:40"And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”Prayer: Father, I thank You that your entire creation bears witness to You. Amen.Ref: Ref: Andy York, “Set in Stone,” New Scientist. Image: Layers of sedimentary rock in Makhtesh Ramon (50749) Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Fr. John Ehrich, STL Frjohnteaches.com Fr. John's Music

This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Matthew B. Diem about his article, “The Gods and Monsters Of ‘The Odyssey': A Scriptural Framework”. https://www.equip.org/articles/the-gods-and-monsters-of-the-odyssey-a-scriptural-framework/One way you can support our online articles and podcasts is by leaving us a tip. A tip is just a small amount, like $3, $5, or $10, which is the cost of a latte, lunch out, or coffee drink. To leave a tip, click here. Related podcasts and articlesEpisode 508: Odysseus and the Golden Rule: Deconstructionism and Christopher Nolan's ‘The Odyssey'Odysseus and the Golden Rule: Deconstructionism and Christopher Nolan's ‘The OdysseyEpisode 429: How Greek Myth, Tragedy, And Philosophy Point to Christian Truth“How Greek Myth, Tragedy, And Philosophy Point to Christian Truth“.Why Christians Should Read the Pagan ClassicsThe Imitation Sensation: The Homeric Epics and the Gospel of MarkDon't miss an episode; please subscribe to the Postmodern Realities podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Please help spread the word about Postmodern Realities by giving us a rating and review when you subscribe to the podcast. The more ratings and reviews we have, the more new listeners can discover our content.

Carol Kent joins Stephanie again to explore the themes of delight, lament, and defiance as we walk with God during life's hardest seasons. Drawing from personal tragedy and grief, Carol models a Christian posture of joy and hope rooted in God's character and presence rather than in circumstances. Holding on to God's presence in both sorrow and joy allows lament, defiant delight, and community to become pathways to deeper intimacy with Him—trusting always that “He is close to the brokenhearted.”Carol Kent begins by recounting profound personal loss: her son's incarceration for life after a tragic shooting, her sister's recent passing from cancer, and the death of a beloved mother-in-law. As Carol says, “If I were the author of my own life, I would not have written all of these chapters into it.” Deep sorrow, grief, and questions are inevitable in this life and unavoidable for the Christian as well. But delight in God can still exist, and even thrive, in the midst of this.Psalm 37:4 promises, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." It's the foundation for Stephanie's book, Awaken Delight, which Carol generously endorsed.  Carol clarifies that delight, unlike happiness, is not circumstantial or fleeting. Instead, it is the ongoing choice to “be at home” in God's presence, trusting that He is still good even when life falls apart. The Hebrew root of “delight” includes ideas of softness and pliability “being shaped by something”. This allows the believer to rest in God's love, even wordlessly, when strength or words run out.Lament is communal as well as personal. She describes the beauty of grieving with her siblings—sharing scripture, encouragement, and family memories during her sister Paula's dying days. Lament is rarely a single event, but a process that comes in waves. Honest lament involves asking hard questions of God and laying out our pain before Him, just as the Psalmists do.Stephanie, in her book and through this conversation, speaks of defiant delight: a courageous, deliberate act of standing in God's love and goodness even while fully acknowledging pain. It does not deny reality but declares that God's love, His delight in us, and His purposes are the final word.Practices for Cultivating DelightDaily Immersion in God's Word: Carol emphasizes reading Scripture before anything else. Breathing in God's truth enables us to breathe out hope to others.Community in Grief and Joy: Reaching out to others, sharing both joys and sorrows, strengthens communal faith.Hands-on Ministry: Serving others, especially “the least of these”—as when Carol brings hope to women inmates—multiplies joy, even in places of loss or pain.Prayer and Intercession: Praying for and with others, and inviting others to partner in God's work, turns both lament and delight into a shared experience.Delight and lament are communal, just as worship in heaven will be—our delight in God amplified through the delight of others. We experience this now, in part, as we partner together in prayer, service, and celebration, looking forward to perfect joy in God's presence.Application:Delighting in God is a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment discipline.It means allowing God's presence—not our circumstances—to define our identity and our peace.Defiant delight is chosen daily, sometimes breath by breath.It is strengthened by God's Word, community, and serving others.DISCOVER “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLEWhat you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life. Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.Purchase here: https://a.co/d/04Nyzr93 Discover more about the book at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight MORE ABOUT “HE HOLDS MY HAND” BY CAROL KENTHe Holds My Hand is a page-per-day 365-day devotional. Based on Scripture, this devotional is written as if God the Father is speaking His words of comfort and protection directly over you, based on the Scripture for the day..When Carol Kent's son was sentenced to life in prison without parole, Carol was consumed with grief, sadness, and despair. She was distraught wondering why God permitted this to happen. She had prayed for her son since he was a small child. He had been raised with biblical principles and daily prayer. As Carol tried to make sense of everything, she couldn't help asking, Where's God when it hurts so much?In the middle of her sorrow, Carol turned to the place where she had always gone for comfort―the Bible. She was desperate to hear God's voice. She soon discovered that the best way for her to “listen” to His voice was to meditate on Scripture and then write out what she believed He was saying. She wrote it as if it was His prayer over her life, and it comforted her. It was as if He took her by the hand, as a father would guide a child, and He gently led her in the direction of unconditional love, renewed hope, and fresh faith.Know without a doubt that God is with you and stands ready to protect and guide you. He holds your hand, and He won't let go. Listen to God's voice and put your hand in His. He is your Comforter, your Healer, your Teacher, and your Joy. Remember He holds your hand, and He won't let go.More at https://carolkent.org/books-by-carol-kent/ DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. (Proverbs 16:20) *1/ Handling the matter of our own souls salvation wisely. 2/ Handling the matter of a sinful heart wisely. 3/ Scriptural principles for handling matters wisely. 4/ Some further examples from scripture of handling matters wisely.* There was not time to look at the further examples. They are: *- Abraham maintaining peace with Lot - Genesis 13:8-9* *- Abigail pacifying David's anger - 1 Samuel 25:18-35* *- David encouraging himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6* *- Mordecai advising Queen Esther - Esther 4:13-14* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon explores the biblical imperative to handle life's critical matters with divine wisdom, drawing primarily from Proverbs 16:20. It contrasts King Rehoboam's foolish rejection of wise counsel with Daniel's prudent reliance on God in the face of death. *(1 Kings 12:1-16 and Daniel 2:1-30)* The preacher emphasizes that believers must prioritize their own soul's salvation and the ongoing battle against a sinful heart by seeking God's guidance through prayer and Scripture. By examining these scriptural examples, the message urges listeners to trust in God's sovereignty and seek heavenly wisdom rather than relying on human understanding or hasty decisions. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a faithful, prayerful approach to daily challenges, promising blessing to those who align their actions with God's word.

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. (Proverbs 16:20) *1/ Handling the matter of our own souls salvation wisely. 2/ Handling the matter of a sinful heart wisely. 3/ Scriptural principles for handling matters wisely. 4/ Some further examples from scripture of handling matters wisely.* There was not time to look at the further examples. They are: *- Abraham maintaining peace with Lot - Genesis 13:8-9* *- Abigail pacifying David's anger - 1 Samuel 25:18-35* *- David encouraging himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6* *- Mordecai advising Queen Esther - Esther 4:13-14* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon explores the biblical imperative to handle life's critical matters with divine wisdom, drawing primarily from Proverbs 16:20. It contrasts King Rehoboam's foolish rejection of wise counsel with Daniel's prudent reliance on God in the face of death. *(1 Kings 12:1-16 and Daniel 2:1-30)* The preacher emphasizes that believers must prioritize their own soul's salvation and the ongoing battle against a sinful heart by seeking God's guidance through prayer and Scripture. By examining these scriptural examples, the message urges listeners to trust in God's sovereignty and seek heavenly wisdom rather than relying on human understanding or hasty decisions. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a faithful, prayerful approach to daily challenges, promising blessing to those who align their actions with God's word.

The Supernatural Life Podcast with Chad GonzalesEpisode 111: 13 Scriptural Reasons Why Jesus Was Not Poor Was Jesus really poor? For generations, many Christians have been taught that Jesus lived as a broke, destitute beggar with barely enough to survive. But is that actually what the Bible says? In Episode 111 of The Supernatural Life Podcast, Chad Gonzales challenges this traditional religious belief by walking through 13 scriptural reasons why Jesus was not poor. When you examine the life and ministry of Jesus through Scripture, a very different picture emerges. Jesus lived with abundant provision. He had what He needed to accomplish His assignment, provide for those traveling with Him, give to the poor, and fulfill everything the Father called Him to do. In this episode, you'll discover: 13 biblical reasons Jesus was not poor The difference between humility and poverty Why certain passages about Jesus have often been misunderstood How Jesus consistently operated from a place of provision rather than lack Why our understanding of Jesus matters for how we think about God's provision in our own lives It's time to let Scripture—not religious tradition—determine what we believe. WATCH MORE FROM CHAD GONZALES MINISTRIES Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more teaching on healing, identity in Christ, the supernatural life, and doing the works of Jesus: ⁠YouTube.com/ChadGonzalesMinistries PARTNER WITH CHAD GONZALES MINISTRIES Help us continue taking the message of healing and the supernatural life in Christ around the world. When you become a ministry partner, you'll also receive access to The Healing Academy: ⁠ChadGonzales.com/partner If this episode challenges or encourages you, share it on social media and send it to someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe to The Supernatural Life Podcast and leave a review. Your reviews and shares help more people discover these teachings and learn to live the supernatural life Jesus made available to us.

The Jewish people will not consider the possibility that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah despite the Scriptural evidence.

A @Christadelphians Video: Video Summary Description: Nowhere does the Bible teach gender as a choice, but something you are born with. Men are not better than women, nor women better than men. Men and women have equal value in God's eyes. This address is a strong motivation to read the Bible for yourself instead of relying on other people's interpretation.In this **thought-provoking** and **insightful** presentation, Bible scholar Stephen Palmer delivers an **outstanding** and **revealing** exposition on what Scripture truly teaches about gender, sex, and the divine purpose for men and women. We explore how the Bible has been **falsely accused** of justifying oppression, when in reality it provides a **wonderful foundation** for marriage, family, and mutual respect.Starting from the creation account in Genesis, we discover that God's plan from the very beginning was to create **male and female in His image**—both equally bearing His likeness. The Bible reveals that men and women are **biologically binary** and designed for complementary roles that reflect profound spiritual truths.This presentation powerfully addresses contemporary cultural debates while remaining firmly grounded in **Scriptural authority**. We examine how Jesus Himself elevated the status of women, rejecting the chauvinism of His day, and how the Apostle Paul teaches that **in Christ there is neither male nor female** when it comes to salvation.The **beautiful truth** emerges that marriage itself is a “great mystery” pointing to the relationship between Christ and His church. Far from being a relic of patriarchal oppression, the Bible's teaching on gender offers a **liberating vision** of equality, dignity, and purpose for all humanity.00:00 – Introduction: Why Study Gender?**04:17 – Foundation Principles: God's Word as Our Guide**07:24 – Creation in Genesis 1: Male and Female in God's Image**14:00 – The Fertility Crisis and God's Purpose**17:39 – The Chiastic Structure of Genesis 5**20:26 – Galatians 3: Equality in Salvation**24:22 – Genesis 2: The Creation of Woman**30:03 – Jesus on Marriage and Divorce**34:21 – Ephesians 5:42:06 – Conclusion:Bible Teaching About Gender with Bible scholar and author Stephen Palmer

When one considers their life from the perspective of what is personally most important, one would have to consider knowing who you are to be at the top of the list. How many people truly know who they are? And furthermore, what is their calling and destiny? This podcast attempts to establish the connection between the presence of a father in a person's life and the role that father plays in God's design to bring forth their children's identity, calling and destiny. The Scriptural context for this is for a father to connect his children to God the Father. God the Father has a design for the family. The father in the family plays a crucial role in the development of the children God has given to that family. If the father is removed from the family, many if not most of the next generation doesn't know who they are. Does this sound like an evil plan? You can bet it is.In 1970, a woman named Kate Millet wrote a book entitled "Sexual Politics". The main intent of this book was to emasculate men insuring that young men did not grow up to be fathers. In 1970 the percentage of households in America with a traditional family of a father, mother and one or more children was 85% of the households. By 2025, the percentage of households constructed of a traditional family was 35%. That was a 50% drop. That is huge!This podcast presents a solution that only God can bring about. The solution is manifold, however, it includes the return of fathers to America and the re-establishment of the traditional family.Hope you enjoy listening and be encouraged. While Papa Tom may be a voice crying out in the wilderness of media, he knows he is not the only voice. True words are apples of gold in settings of silver, they will change the culture once again. Bringing the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Blessings:Papa Tom

Message regarding the prophetic (a spiritual forthtelling & preparation through Christ) that dwells in us all and how it assists with us seeing the move of the prophetic around us.  Scriptural reference: 1 Cor 2:9-14

Mr. Steak's Founder, Chairman of the Board and CEO James A. Jim Mather, my Grandpa Mather, discusses the book As A Man Thinketh by Allen with Bob Jensen in September 1977 for the benefit of Mr. Steak's nationwide staff in 285 restaurants. Grandpa interjects his thoughts along with Scripture. This seems to have been a monthly series called "Mr. Steak's Competitive Edge," each month with a new theme. Many thank to Kerri Marquadt, owner of 7 of the 286 Mr. Steak franchises including the Cheyenne Wyoming location, for the gift to me of these rare tapes of the Mr. Steak franchisor founder and motivational speaker, James A. Mather. Grandpa Mather was raised by a single mother in the Great Depression in El Dorado, Kansas. He went on to serve as a Navy F2F Hellcat fighter pilot during World War 2. He started the company in 1962. He and his first wife Dottie raised 3 kids in Colorado. He died last year in the presence of his second wife Linda peacefully in Camarillo, California at the ripe age of 102 years young. Funeral services were held at Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park and performed by Pastor Rob McCoy, whom Jim mentored in the Lord. Enjoy. The Republican Professor is a pro-free-enterprise-system podcast. Therefore, welcome back Grandpa Jim James A. Mather. The Republican Professor is produced and hosted by Dr. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D

Covered the waterfront from Colorado Springs today! So, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 defended against Bishop Jaxi (again), new (good) rules for online behavior for the Eastern Orthodox, the Scriptural testimony to the sovereignty of God, a traditional Catholic being hypocritical about "Protestants," Bart Ehrman mentions me, Stephen Wolfe just isn't a serious man, and finally a bit on Pseudo-Dionysius. Whew! We hope to do a program Thursday however I have seven hours to drive that day so... we will have to see!

Covered the waterfront from Colorado Springs today! So, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 defended against Bishop Jaxi (again), new (good) rules for online behavior for the Eastern Orthodox, the Scriptural testimony to the sovereignty of God, a traditional Catholic being hypocritical about "Protestants," Bart Ehrman mentions me, Stephen Wolfe just isn't a serious man, and finally a bit on Pseudo-Dionysius. Whew! We hope to do a program Thursday however I have seven hours to drive that day so... we will have to see!

Pastor Philip Jeffries Meadowthorpe Baptist Church http://www.meadowthorpebaptistchurch.com 330 Larch Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 523-3815

July 12, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon This episode is a sermon-length reflection on trusting God, using vivid real-world examples and biblical teaching to show how faith should shape every area of life. Hiram opens with familiar figures—Ben Carson, Chesley Sullenberger, Nick Saban and educator Jaime Escalante—to illustrate why experience earns trust, then challenges listeners to place the same confidence in God, who is eternal and never fails. The episode walks through seven specific areas where Christians should entrust themselves to God: 1) leave vengeance to God and trust Him to repay the wicked (Deuteronomy 32, Romans 12); 2) pray and rely on God for daily provision, illustrated by Exodus 16 and Matthew 6; 3) believe that God works all things together for good and adopt a "rearview" theology that sees God's purposes in hindsight (Romans 8:28, Joseph and David examples); 4) trust in God's full forgiveness through the New Covenant (Hebrews 8, Jeremiah 31, 1 John); 5) allow God to direct your path by trusting rather than leaning on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6); 6) have confidence that God will preserve the church (Daniel 2, Matthew 16); and 7) rest in God's promise to save you in the end (Isaiah, 1 John, 2 Timothy). Along the way the sermon emphasizes practical implications—stop seeking personal revenge, pray the Lord's Prayer for daily bread, give generously because God owns all, trade anxiety for peace by trusting God's providence, and respond in repentance and baptism if you haven't yet obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:38). Scriptural references are woven throughout to support each point, and the message closes with an invitation to respond and an encouragement that God's faithful, providential care allows believers to live a life of relief and assurance.   Duration 34:47

Today's episode of Ask The Pastor features Adam Sanders, Colby Houchin, and Art Devos. Do you have questions about life? About your Christian walk? About Christianity in general? Ask The Pastor features local pastors in Scottsbluff, NE who are willing and ready to answer your questions. You get to determine the focus of Ask The Pastor, airing weekdays at 9:00am on Hope Radio 97.1FM and anytime in your podcast feed! This episode of Ask The Pastor comes from Camp Rock Ministries and their Ask The Camp Pastor, now aired on 97.1FM! Submit your questions on our website: https://www.kcmifm.com/contact Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kcmifm

Today's episode of Gospel Spice, centered on the launch of "Awaken Delight," is a timely exploration of the Christian experience of suffering. Stephanie combines personal vulnerability—sharing excerpts from her new book about living with chronic pain and deep questions—with biblical wisdom on how hardship fits into our walk with God.In suffering, God does not abandon; he lovingly prunes and allows thorns for our growth. The path to deeper faith, humility, and delight in God runs directly through honest wrestling with pain—and leads to true spiritual fruitfulness.Christians often wonder: If I am serving God, why do I suffer? Is suffering a sign of God's displeasure or my failure? Stephanie shares that Christians who suffer yet trust God often appear as if they're not suffering—because they refuse let suffering have the final word.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive, in-depth 10-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of deep pruning from God's hand: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 454. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Just as fig trees need hard soil to bear fruit, Christians grow most deeply in spiritually tough conditions. Comfort produces "leaves without fruit," but hardship develops true character and delight in God.In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul's incredible spiritual experiences led God to allow him a "thorn"—not as punishment, but to keep him humble and dependent on God. Paul's journey shows that deep suffering is not proof of failure or sin, but God's purposeful investment in our transformation.In John 15, Jesus says that healthy, fruitful branches are the ones pruned by the Gardener (God), so they'll bear even more fruit. Pruning feels like loss or reduction but is God re-focusing our lives on what truly matters.Pruning is when God removes something from our lives. It is the elimination of even good things for us to be more fruitful and focused. By contrast, thorns are when God allows painful weaknesses or situations to remain. These serve a specific, humbling, and formative purpose. Both types invite deeper dependence on God.We misunderstand suffering when we see it as divine punishment. Biblical teaching says it's part of God's commitment to us—not against us, but for us. The goal is not mere improvement, but transformation—making us more like Christ."Faith" is not something we muster by willpower, but a posture rooted in humility: recognizing our need for God and opening ourselves to His work. Humility is both the soil in which faith grows and the fruit that results from faith.Christ was not merely "pruned"—he was "cut off" entirely for our sake, taking on the ultimate suffering so we would never face it alone. Now, even our suffering is transformed by his presence and purpose.Practical ApplicationWhen hardship comes, instead of merely asking "Why me?" or "How can I escape this?", ask "What is God showing me?" and "How can I delight in Him through this?"Choose to see suffering not as a sign of God's absence, but as the attentive hand of the Gardener who loves and invests in us.Remain in Christ—even weak connection is connection, and transformation is always worth the pain.Reflective action: Next time you face loss or pain, remember the lessons of pruning and thorns. Ask God to help you trust His restorative, purposeful hand, and seek delight in Him above all.We are in the middle of our “Awaken Delight” series, based on Stephanie's new book. Each week, we explore a different facet of what makes delight in God difficult and challenging. How can we live the reality of Psalm 37:4 when life is hard? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

The Bible is crammed full of clear verses about money, yet there are some weird teachings out there even amongst Christians when it comes to finances. I've been wanting to do an episode debunking some of these things I've heard from pulpits and on faith-based podcasts for a while and here it finally is! I'm excited to get this one in your earbuds, friends!You'll hear me share today about:Is God okay with people being rich?What actually is the biblical definition of the Prosperity Gospel?Scriptural ways to think and practically act around moneyWhy it's important for Christians to have moneyBible verses about money Was Jesus poor?Should we only have money to give it all away?Connect with Nyla:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nyla's second podcast, On the Job with God Christian Business Podcast⁠

Patrick explores pressing listener questions about Catholic practices, why posture at Mass matters, and what true unity looks like when traditions shift unexpectedly. Scriptural references and personal stories fuel a wide-ranging exchange on receiving Communion with the right preparation, the impact of Church history on faith, and facing challenges from Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons at the door. Those conversations stretch from investigating the label “Roman Catholic” to untangling misunderstandings about the sacraments, all while encouraging listeners to keep pursuing clarity and reverence in their faith journey. Kip (email) - As a cradle Catholic who has always knelt in reverence after the Lamb of God, I was so disturbed by the complete lack of kneeling and overall irreverence during the Liturgy of the Eucharist at a new parish I tried yesterday that it felt like a Protestant service and has left me convinced such practices are eroding belief in Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist and leading the flock astray. (00:46) Mark - I thought that being born again was enough. Why do I need 7 sacraments? (05:21) Dan - You gave me research to do on the early Church, and I now agree with you. Can you give me details on Linus, Cletus and Clement? (20:46) Kathy - How do I deal with Jehovah's Witnesses? Also thank you for the advice you gave me 2 months ago. (37:59) Rafael - Why are we referred to as Roman Catholics?

The Pirates of our Times   Huge! This Changes Everything! Secrets Revealed! The Real Reason… ALL CAPS! What You're Not Supposed to Know About… Something That Shouldn't Exist… See Recipe in Comments Below[1]     Is this what it takes to get our attention now?   You would think so. When we search through YouTube looking for a favorite news outlet, we now slog through sensationalist titles and AI-generated title pages that entice us to view by showing extreme emotions: anger, fear, distress, shock.   Not comforting, is it?   It's a weekly challenge for me when I try to choose a graphic that authentically represents the content of the teaching. At some point I think we have to admit that no matter how intriguing the title or graphic, mostly the same people will read and the same people will delete. Probably at most, an especially intriguing title will cause a tiny percentage of people to open an email who normally delete it. We are becoming more wise…or perhaps fatigued…with sensationalist content.   The ability of AI[2] to offer us not just curated viewing, shopping, music, or social media posts, but to communicate with us like an actual person in Customer Service chats or Chat GPT, creates an illusion of an interested and caring person we know. How cool is it that YouTube lets me know when a new beading or archaeology video is released?   Honestly, though, it's digital machinery that has been fed immeasurable amounts of data. As I found out last week, it's also been fed pirated books (Creation Gospel workbooks!) and videos (Creation Gospel videos!). The AI in turn cheerfully offers the information free to seekers.   There was a foreshadowing of this back in 2003 when we first went online with www.israelnet.tv, offering teaching programs from some of the best-known Messianic teachers of the day. Our tech guy contacted us and said he was watching someone download multiple programs simultaneously in real time. This was in spite of clear copyright cautions. We only had permission from the teachers to stream to our audience, not to re-distribute the programs for personal use.   With a little bit of investigative work, we tracked down the email address of the pirate. My burning question was, what kind of person steals Bible teaching? There's much more lucrative content out there. Bible teaching? Really?   I sent the faceless Torah pirate an email, and kindly but firmly explained that we knew he was downloading copyrighted programs. I also explained that we did not have permission to distribute the material randomly; we were only licensed for the specific use on Israelnet.   Instead of an apology, the pirate went into the old trope: The Bible doesn't belong to anyone. It's free. Bible teaching should be free.   Pretext.   Aaargh, matey!   Sure the Bible is free. They're in the top drawer of any hotel nightstand. An institution known as the Gideons gives away free Bibles. Most people have an extra copy they'd be happy to give away. But there was a reason Yeshua chose one of the disciples to carry the donation money bag.   Even though Yeshua was quite handy with multiplying loaves and fishes, they had to eat.   Relying on miracles instead of working is not the Scriptural example. Miracles are for when we reach the limit of human skill, access, or knowledge.   In my reply to the gentleman pirate, I agreed that the Bible is free. In fact, our Creation Gospel programs and workbook royalties are designated to support Torah-based orphanages, not pay salaries. My husband and I had full time jobs, so we didn't rely on donations to pay the grocery bill or car payment. We donated our time and money. Other teachers, however, were full time ministers. They needed the income to support their ministries and families.   Not being as handy with loaves and fishes as Yeshua, they had to eat.   At the least, if this gentleman wanted to re-distribute the teachers' programs, then he should obtain permission like Israelnet did. He should explain why the costs the teachers incurred, such as travel, studio, equipment, utility bills, (our streaming T-1 line back then was $1000 per month!), software, etc., was okay for him to remove from their pockets because he knew better than they did to whom their teaching and production work should be disseminated.   So in our times, AI developers are free to redistribute all the intellectual property it can consume, even apologizing for not listing everything due to “copyright rules.” It's like nodding and saying “no” at the same time.   It's not something we'll change, however. In fact, it's so incorporated into our daily activities that it's probably impossible to disconnect unless we go off-grid. We're being sluiced down that funnel faster and faster. The current Western trend toward socialism and communism is a symptom. The pirate's reasoning that all Biblical content should be free is rapidly expanding. We feel entitled to confiscate anyone else's hard work because it's the “moral” thing to do. Share. Lift up the downtrodden. Love your neighbor.   Sometimes we feign asking permission by passing onerous laws to tax and take property. Others simply take without permission and know that the wealth from it will more than equip them to face their accusers in court by the time it makes it that far. The ultimate settlement is calculated as the cost of doing pirated business. The Author's Guild reports that the median annual income from book sales is just $15,000 for full-time authors. We're not all John Grisham. The authors are never going to recover the income they've lost to pirates and AI even when the case makes it to court.   Yes, I agree. Love your neighbor as yourself.   But what about “Thou shalt not steal”? That's in the Bible, too.   Pretext.   Yes, that's what the Torah calls it.   A pretext is when we make up a reason to conceal the actual reason we do or don't do something. Pretext tends to spread like wildfire. We'd all like to avoid confronting our own fears, failures, laziness, aggressiveness, greed, or apathy if someone can come up with a pretext that sounds way better than “my fear,” “my laziness,” “my aggressiveness,” or “my greed.”   Numbers 11:1-6 is an example of a pretext:   “Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the LORD; and when the LORD heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp… The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.”   The fire started with a taste for free meat and fish. This was the pretext. They even invented facts to go with the pretext: we ate free fish in Egypt; we have no appetite.   The opposite was true. The fish wasn't free in Egypt. Even the straw for the bricks they had to find for themselves. They did, too, have an appetite. The ignoramuses even listed all the things they were craving.   The manna, the Word of Heaven was not tasty enough for their uncontrolled, greedy appetites.   It helps to know what preceded the complaining. For the first time, the organized camp moved with the Tabernacle, following the Ark of the Covenant and expected to give feet to the commandments they'd learned:   “So they moved out for the first time according to the commandment of the LORD through Moses.” (Nu 10:13)   The Israelites had entered a new stage of responsibility in their walk to the Promised Land. No longer newly-saved milk-dependent babes in the wilderness, they had multiple commandments in which to walk. They were now organized by camp, directed by leadership. There was no map to their journey, only the Ark that traveled ahead looking for the place for them to rest.   When we don't know exactly what lies ahead, we often look back. What we see when we look back takes on a glory and sheen that it never had when we were living it. Truth be told, we were miserable. But those reconstructed memories and invented facts make great pretexts.   Our present challenge is more than just leaking away of intellectual property or orphanage funds through pretexts or outright theft. Like I said, we won't stop this flood until Yeshua returns. There's no way to separate out an answer on a search engine that was stolen versus one that was taken from an open source. Our present challenge is more than just clickbaiting viewers or listeners to read, watch, or listen to a program when they have thousands of choices each day.   Let's put the two together.   We are in a transition period. We hear the footsteps of Messiah. We also know that the period just preceding his return is one of chaos, turmoil, war, weather phenomena, family conflict, rebellion, and mass confusion.   In the middle of this, a remnant is called out of that darkness in the “wilderness of the peoples.” What we feel as tribulation is really just a test. Tribulation is for the unrepentant. Yet, we, too, become scared, nervous, anxious, and angry. We're not sure we know how to follow the Ark. Organization? The Beast uses those! Help!   Yes, the Beast is full of cravings and greedy desires. He does use organizations to clickbait and entice us, to offer us any pretext for complaining about the journey. To overwhelm us with “free” choices: Cucumbers? Fish? Melons? Garlic? Onions? Pick me! Pick me! I love free!   All our choices do cost something no matter the pretext or the truth of the Word. The only free thing is our salvation. After that is a wilderness journey of learning, and each lesson costs us some effort. And unlike the wilderness of the first Exodus, this Greater Exodus doesn't come with a visible Moses or a leadership appointed by him. This is a bit scarier because it's more than a bit greater than the first one! (Je 16:14-15; 23:7-8; Is 43:16-19)   You know what? I used AI to look up those verses faster than I could on Logos. I don't think AI is the Beast. It's a tool, but we need to know how to and how not to use it, just like we need to know how to use and not use the organizations to which we belong or which we use. We don't put faith in government, medicine, recreation, education, or any other system. We use them, but they will ultimately fail…repeatedly. They are tools, but they are not the Kingdom. We must recognize where they fail and use them wisely where they are honest and successful.   While the wicked and lukewarm world with no clear direction enters this stage of confusion that precedes the Kingdom, knowing only an indiscriminate throwing off of every yoke, we are to walk with clarity. Training in the Word equips us, calms us, balances us.   This is why I know that trying to find the most enticing graphic or clickbait title is not going to get lots more people to open a newsletter. In fact, statistics tell me that fewer than 50% even open the weekly email.   People are weary and wary. When they do open those links that imply they HOLD THE NEXT GREATEST SECRET CONSPIRACY, they already anticipate that it will under-deliver.  They know we're overrun with the pirates of our time. It's kind of like those sea monkeys I ordered from the back of a comic book when I was seven years old. I still have no idea what that cloudy mess was, but the ads made me think something alive, mysterious, and fascinating could be had for the cost of postage and few bucks.   And I get it.   I, too, have to search for ways to promote books like Scorpions Ascent or a conference, to politely ask the readers or viewers for a minute or two to consider whether the book or event is a good fit for them. I don't want to be a time pirate, yet on the other hand, if we don't do something to attract the eye, the message is shouted down by edgier content producers. At what point do we become a time pirate? These are wilderness dilemmas, but Yeshua goes ahead of us so we won't get lost.   My prayer is that we are quietly growing a trained remnant that doesn't need superlatives, all caps, world-shaking prophecy insights, and carnival ride doctrines. They are faithfully collecting tasty manna in the Torah portions each week. They don't need pretexts to justify their lust for the doctrinal carnival rides because they are not afraid of walking in the chaos Scripture warned us would accompany the period before Yeshua's return.   AI can only appear to know you by your first name. It cannot know you at all. It is data programmed to identify your habits captured either legally or illegally by analyzing your keystrokes, questions, searches, and preferences. The upside is a quick search for a simple, non-life-changing question. The downside is that from now until Yeshua comes, we will not likely know for sure what images or voices are real. Oh yeah, that's in the Bible, too.   A minister of pretext doesn't really know you, either. He or she knows human fears, greed, cravings, laziness…even the good desire to do righteous things for your neighbor. The minister of pretext's bait draws out the “rabble,” sharing confusion and darkness because they feed one another half-truths that become whole lies. In the end, it consumes them together. It doesn't bear the fruit of righteous things. He's a pirate who baits our scroll…em…scrolling time.   As we navigate this greater exodus, let us deliver what the apostles of Yeshua delivered and what Moses and the leaders in the wilderness delivered. Truth. Truth still matters.   A human being doing the honest work of the Kingdom can hold truth and the good of others at the same time. It can give without stealing. Truth can be firmly upheld without being unkind. It can make manna tastier than anything from The French Laundry.   That is something the world desperately needs right now. Real human beings unafraid of the giants, robots, and raging, confused nutters. Strong, yet gentle messengers of Yeshua aren't driven by their own fears, but by the good news promises of the gospel. They may not remember where you shopped online six months ago or that you like loom beading videos, but they know you are the Father’s treasured possession. This kind of knowing becomes a comfort to others:   For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. (1 Th 2:3-8)   Isn't this a great passage Paul wrote to comfort the Thessalonians? These are words of relationship, not something Paul asked AI to write for him. Even back then, the recipient of a letter could sniff out a genuine letter from AI. A pastor who loves the flock is a gift from above AI will never duplicate.   This Shabbat is “Shabbat Nachamu,” the Shabbat of Comfort that follows the fast of Tisha B'Av. The readings for the weeks following are also comforts that the destructions will someday come to an end, and the hard work of walking through the chaos and confusion of the wilderness will come to an end.   The great thing about the Ark seeking out a resting place for the Israelites three days' journey ahead of them in the wilderness? It is said that its cloud lifted up the low places, leveled the high places, and killed the scorpions and snakes in their path. It shaded them from the heat or cold. The journey was nothing to be afraid of, nothing  for which they needed to collect pretexts beforehand for failures. They were being afforded the comforts they would need even through the challenges of the journey.   It was those on the fringes the cloud had expelled for complaining who were consumed by the fire. It's way bumpier and hotter out there where the cover of the clouds of glory is thin. The Presence of the Father can also sniff out a reluctant traveler on this journey. Leave the pretexts out there in the fire with the pirates, and report to your place in the cloud.   Complaining is the opposite of comforting. Complaining is the opposite of comforting. Complaining is the opposite of comforting.   “'Comfort, O comfort My people,' says your God. ‘Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.'A voice is calling, ‘Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Let every valley be lifted up and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged terrain a broad valley; then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together;' for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Is 40:1-5)     [1] The recipe in Comments will be a link that ka-chings the content provider's account and takes you to a “recipe page” that buries the recipe within dozens of ads. Clickbait. [2] Fun Hebrew/English Coincidence Fact: The first AI pirate: in Hebrew: ?????, Ai means “heap of ruins.” It was a Canaanite city located just east of Bethel. It was the site of a major battle in the Book of Joshua. At first, the Israelites were defeated because a warrior named Achan (“troubling, troubler”) took treasure and hid it. After Achan was put to death, Joshua led a successful military ambush to capture and destroy the city. Pirates of Ai are in a heap of trouble. Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.

Pastor Philip Jeffries Meadowthorpe Baptist Church http://www.meadowthorpebaptistchurch.com 330 Larch Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 523-3815

Listen along as we continue our journey through 2 Peter. Notes//Quotes:  2 Peter 1:16-21 I have seen the face of Jesus— Tell me not of aught beside; I have heard the voice of Jesus—All my soul is satisfied. In the radiance of the glory, First I saw His blessed face, And forever shall that glory Be my home, my dwelling-place. 2 Tim 3:16-17 The value of inspiration emerges, as twofold. It gives to the books written under its bearing a quality which is truly superhuman; a trustworthiness, an authority, a searchingness, a profundity, a profitableness which is altogether Divine. And it speaks this Divine word immediately to each reader's heart and conscience; so that he does not require to make his way to God, painfully, perhaps even uncertainly, through the words of His servants, the human instruments in writing the Scriptures, but can listen directly to the Divine voice itself speaking immediately in the Scriptural word to him. BB Warfield “We read scripture in order to be refreshed in our memory and understanding of the story within which we ourselves are actors, to be reminded where it has come from and where it is going to, and hence what our own part within it ought to be.” - NT Wright, Scripture and the Authority of God 1. Where in your life do you already know what needs to change, but continue to avoid the cost of changing it? 2. What has become so normal in your life that you no longer notice how much it is diminishing your vitality? 3. If someone looked only at the way you spend your time, energy, and attention, what would they assume matters most to you?

Starting a new series on "Biblical Theology," the boys briefly discuss what that means (over against "scriptural studies" on one hand or "theology" more generally on the other--shout out to Benedict XVI!), and then dive into their first subject: Prophecy. What are contemporary misunderstandings, how can a fuller account help us understand Scripture better, and how does the Scriptural vision of Prophecy help us make sense of things here and now (and yes, both Fatima Secrets and Algorithms make guest appearances!)  Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our StationsLINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 28, 2026 - Sunday PM Service   Join Cumberland Trace's monthly Q&A with Hiram and Neil as they answer submitted scripture questions from listeners. This episode walks through a wide range of biblical topics with pastoral clarity and practical application, focusing on what the Bible teaches and how it matters for Christians today. They begin with an extended look at 1 Corinthians 12–14, explaining the threefold treatment of spiritual gifts: the diversity and unity of gifts in chapter 12, the supremacy of love in chapter 13, and the priority of edification and orderly worship (prophecy over tongues) in chapter 14. The hosts explain why the miraculous gifts were limited to the first-century situation (1 Cor. 13:10; apostolic laying on of hands; Hebrews 2) and draw practical takeaways: use your God-given abilities to build the church, not to exalt yourself; worship must be decent and in order; pursue love above spectacular signs. Next they address Acts 2:38 and the “gift of the Holy Spirit,” arguing that the promise is the indwelling Spirit given to all who repent and are baptized. They cite New Testament passages (Romans 8; 1 Corinthians; Ephesians) to show the Spirit as God's seal, down payment, inner strength, and divine helper who intercedes for believers. The conversation turns to God's omniscience and human freedom: though God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46; Psalm 139), biblical teaching affirms real moral choice. Predestination language (Eph. 1; Rom. 8) coexists with repeated calls to choose, repent, and live faithfully; God's foreknowledge is presented as comfort and assurance, not a reason for fatalism. On 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 they unpack the “man of lawlessness,” offering both historical and broader interpretive options (first-century contexts including A.D. 70 and the long-term picture of apostasy). The key pastoral point: whether specific identifications vary, the Bible warns about delusion for those who refuse the truth, so Christians must love truth, resist easy or attractive falsehoods, and avoid obsessive end-times speculation. They tackle whether Satan can hear our thoughts and prayers with nuance: audible prayers and visible behavior can be observed by demonic forces, but only God searches and knows hearts and hidden thoughts. Satan can tempt and suggest but cannot read minds or nullify God's sovereign purposes; believers are encouraged to pray with confidence according to God's will (1 John 5; Job; 1 Cor. 2). Hard Old Testament questions are addressed—how to reconcile Proverbs' condemnation of shedding innocent blood with God's command against the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15) and the teaching of Ezekiel 18. The hosts distinguish human sin from divine, judicial acts: some biblical commands are divine judgments and “devoted” destruction in the context of covenant history; consequences can fall across generations without implying imputed eternal guilt for children. They also discuss Christology (eternal sonship): Jesus is eternally divine and co-equal with the Father, but the title “Son” functions as the messianic/relational designation applied in the incarnation. Scriptural references (John 1; Colossians 1; Hebrews 1; Galatians 4) are used to balance Jesus' eternality and the historical reality of the Son sent in the fullness of time. On parenting and spiritual accountability they explain that parents bear primary responsibility for training and spiritual oversight while children are under their roof. When children become adults they become free moral agents; parents continue to influence by example and prayer but do not remain spiritually accountable in the same way once children leave the household. Finally, the hosts consider the “angel of the Lord” in the Old Testament, noting that the phrase sometimes denotes a unique theophanic figure who speaks and acts as God (examples include the burning bush, Jacob's wrestling, and other appearances). They present the view that many such appearances function as pre-incarnate manifestations of Christ distinct from ordinary angels, while reminding listeners that Hebrews affirms that God's final and full revelation comes in the Son. Expect careful exegesis, historical perspective, and application: how the text shaped first-century practice, why certain gifts and signs were temporary, how divine sovereignty and human responsibility work together, and what believers should do—love truth, serve the church, live in order, and hold fast to Jesus. Hosts Hiram and Neil close by encouraging listeners to respond to the gospel if needed, to pursue godliness, and to continue wrestling honestly with difficult biblical questions.   Duration 51:24

Ralph Martin returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, The Coming Judgment: Are We Ready? He and Thomas discuss the lack of a Scriptural worldview among many present-day Catholics, and the reluctance of many to believe in or preach what the Church has always believed hell, the urgent need for repentance, and the judgments of God. Links Ralph Martin, The Coming Judgment: Are We Ready? stpaulcenter.com/thecomingjudgment Thomas Mirus, "Bring back 'negative spirituality'" https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/bring-back-negative-spirituality/ Eamonn Clark, "The Revenge of Amoris Laetitia" https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/revenge-amoris-laetitia/ DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio  SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters

In the tension between evolutionary theories and creationist accounts, some have felt that one solution to bridge the divide is to see Adam and Eve as two hominins given an awareness of the divine ("breathed in life") and thus becoming images of God and representatives of modern humanity. Yet this solution isn't as simple as it first seems. When it is drawn out, it requires a reinterpretation of crucial aspects to Scriptural claims. This talk will examine this (often naturalistic) reinterpretation of the biblical trajectory and ask if the traditional view can still be defended.  The Copyright for all material on the podcast is held by L'Abri Fellowship. We ask that you respect this by not publishing the material in full or in part in any format or post it on a website without seeking prior permission from L'Abri Fellowship. Also, note that not all views expressed in the lectures or in the discussion time necessarily represent the views of L'Abri Fellowship. © Canadian L'Abri 2020

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It's a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God' goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It's a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you're interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com **Together, let's encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Deep suffering and the felt absence of God are not signs of weak faith, but invitations to deeper trust, raw honesty, and the formation of roots that will later sustain delight when the next “spring” arrives. This week, Stephanie centers on understanding Christian suffering, especially in seasons when God feels absent, and explores how to trust Christ in the midst of pain, grief, and confusion.We are in the middle of our “Awaken Delight” series, based on Stephanie's new book. Each week, we explore a different facet of what makes delight in God difficult and challenging. How can we live the reality of Psalm 37:4 when life is hard? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of pain and suffering: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 452. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.This week, Stephanie invites us to examine the nature of suffering from a Christian perspective. She addresses different types of pain—physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual—and affirms that suffering is a universal human experience. She shares several composite stories:Thomas: Endures chronic physical pain, wrestling with why healing hasn't come but continues to pray and trust that God is enough.Aisha: Struggles against spiritual oppression and insomnia, clinging to God's promises despite not sensing His presence.Dan: Faces depression and spiritual dryness, with faith persisting stubbornly beneath the surface.Margaret: Grieves the loss of her spouse, finding grace in small mercies.Javier: Suffers the pain of family estrangement, daily choosing forgiveness and hope for reconciliation.We are encouraged to identify with these stories and realize we are not alone.Common Experiences in Christian Suffering1. Feeling MisunderstoodSufferers often receive shallow platitudes from others—such as “God's got this” or “Count it all joy”—which, while technically true, are often hurtful when mistimed. Suffering Christians primarily need presence, not slogans.2. Emotional FluctuationSuffering brings emotional unpredictability—peace and panic, gratitude and anger. These ups and downs do not mean spiritual instability; rather, they are normal human responses.3. Seeking Comfort, Not ExplanationAlthough initial pain leads us to search for answers, comfort is ultimately found not in reasons but in the Shepherd's presence.4. Holding Both Faith and AnguishMature Christian suffering means affirming both God's goodness and the reality of pain simultaneously; raw, honest prayers replace polished formulas.5. Reduced Religious PerformanceSuffering eradicates concern for spiritual image. Depth in Scripture reading grows—not in breadth, but as a lifeline, especially in Psalms, Job, and the story of Jesus' suffering.6. The Role of LamentLament becomes covenant communication: honest complaints, questions, and cries are not signs of weak faith but of depth and intimacy.While suffering may sometimes result from sin, it is not always the case. Discernment and the Holy Spirit's clear conviction are key. Vague guilt and general feelings of punishment are not from God; His conviction is always specific.When God seems silent, it's not proof He has abandoned us. Moments of suffering can be where He works most deeply, just as the cross felt like God's greatest absence but was His greatest act of love. Faith in suffering is not the absence of questions, lament, or feeling lost, but the commitment to remain with God—even if only weakly.Practical Lessons1.      Pray honestly and directly, not just politely.2.      Resist withdrawal from God and community.3.      Remember: God's commitment is final and irreversible—even when you cannot sense Him.4.      Trust His heart even when you cannot see His hand.DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

In this heartfelt episode of Teach Us to Pray, Fr. Joseph Abraham, C.Ss.R., explores simple, transformative ways to enrich your spiritual life using the power of Scripture. Whether you are repeating the name of Jesus, praying with the innocence of a child, or finding peace in the silence, this guide offers practical steps to move beyond rigid formulas and cultivate a genuine, living dialogue with the Divine.

The return of "What About?" Wednesdays! Text us your questions for apologist and pastor Robby Lashua!Today:Perhaps you should sit down.In a Kingdom Culture Conversation that you will not soon forget, in today's episode we meet pastor and author Dean Davis.  Dean has innumerable qualifications for ministry, is well educated, has served the Lord faithfully for decades, and is a profoundly avid student of scripture.  And it is that study of scripture, followed by years of scientific research, that have led him to a remarkable conclusion.Dean Davis believes that the Earth is the center of the universe.The heliocentric model — the idea that the Earth and other planets orbit the Sun — gradually became the dominant scientific view between the 1500s and late 1600s.  But, today, you will meet a credibly incredible individual who holds to the opposite:  the geocentric model.  And, in what will be a two-part episode, Dean will present what he holds to be both the scriptural and scientific justification for his position.And, this is the part where you might want to sit down.What you will hear him say today and tomorrow makes a lot of sense.To learn more about Dean Davis' ministry, Come Let Us Reason, please follow this link.To read Dean's testimony and about his call to ministry, please click here.Dean's case for a Young Earth can be found here.His exploration and explanation of what he believes is scriptural cosmology can be found here.Background:In the summer of 2016, the annual Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading campaign introduced us to Russ Miller, a storied and established Biblical creationist who lives, believe it or not, off-the-grid in a crater in northern Arizona.  If that were not crazy enough, during that summer, Miller introduced us to his book, "The Cost", and he made two audacious claims.First, Russ Miller claimed that the universe and all of creation was established by God in six 24-hour days, less than 10,000 years ago.  He claimed he had scientific and scriptural evidence to back up his claims.Second, Miller claimed that if our nation continued to deny God the creator and the concept of "Imago Dei" -- that we are created in the image and likeness of God, on purpose, and for a purpose -- our culture would go into a freefall, losing all concept of right and wrong, falling into chaos and disorder.Now, ten years later, Russ Miller is back and his warnings and worries have exploded into reality.  Our country and our culture are mired in confusion about truth, gender, marriage, race, identity, spirituality, and more.We are paying what Miller called "The Cost" of losing track of who we are and whose we are.This summer, we're going deep into creationism.  We are going to spend time with audacious individuals who believe in Young Earth, Old Earth, Theistic Evolution, Geocentricity, and, yes, a Flat Earth.  Our journey will be anchored in God's word as we enjoy some pretty amazing conversations. "Kingdom Culture Conversations" is a podcast created by Northwest Christian School in Phoenix, Arizona.For more information on Northwest Christian School, visit:  https://www.ncsaz.org/To reach out to Geoff Brown, please email gbrown@ncsaz.org or you can reach him by cell phone:  (623)225-5573.

What kind of father does a boy need? In an upbeat recorded message, the late Steve Farrar encourages men to invest time and energy into the lives of their sons, in spite of the fact that our culture emphasizes the importance of a man’s career. Steve reminds men that God wants them to love His Word deeply and teach Scriptural truths to their children and grandchildren. Receive a copy of Point Man and an audio download of "Being There For Your Son" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Click below to leave a message for Jim Daly! By leaving a voicemail, you agree that Focus on the Family may choose to air it on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

In the last episode, we studied the findings from a variety of tests that were done on the Shroud of Turin to determine its authenticity. Now today, we challenge it against the most important source, the Word of God. If it does not line up with the Bible, then we know it can not be accurate. And it would appear upon first look of the accounts of the burial of Jesus that there is indeed an error between the four Gospels. But let's see what the original language has to say. Tune in to find out if there is indeed an error or if the evidence still stands that this could just possibly be the authentic burial cloth of Jesus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DONATE: https://evidence4faith.org/give/WEBSITE: https://evidence4faith.org/NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/hpazV5BOOKINGS: https://evidence4faith.org/bookings/CONTACT: Evidence 4 Faith, 349 Knights Ave Kewaskum WI 53040 , info@evidence4faith.orgMy goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - Colossians 2:2-3CREDITS: Developed & Hosted by Michael Lane. Produced & Edited by Noah Sauder. Graphics & Publication by Noah Sauder. Additional Art, Film, & Photography Credits: Stock media “Memories” provided by mv_production / Pond5 | Logo Stinger: Unsplash.com: Leinstravelier, Logan Moreno Gutierrez, Meggyn Pomerieau, Jaredd Craig, NASA, NOASS, USGS, Sam Carter, Junior REIS, Luka Vovk, Calvin Craig, Mario La Pergola, Timothy Eberly, Priscilla Du Preez, Ismael Paramo, Tingey Injury Law Firm, Dan Cristian Pădureț, Jakob Owens | Wikimedia: Darmouth University Public Domain, Kelvinsong CC0 | Stock media “A stately Story (Stiner02)” provided by lynnepublishing / Pond5

What kind of father does a boy need? In an upbeat recorded message, the late Steve Farrar encourages men to invest time and energy into the lives of their sons, in spite of the fact that our culture emphasizes the importance of a man’s career. Steve reminds men that God wants them to love His Word deeply and teach Scriptural truths to their children and grandchildren. Receive a copy of Point Man and an audio download of "Being There For Your Son" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Click below to leave a message for Jim Daly! By leaving a voicemail, you agree that Focus on the Family may choose to air it on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@gmail.com Garth Heckman The digital world is explicitly engineered to capture and fragment our attention. Dr. Gloria Mark, a leading informatics researcher at the University of California, Irvine, tracked digital behavior and found that the average attention span on a single screen has plummeted from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to just 47 seconds today. When your focus breaks, it doesn't just snap back. It takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to fully return to a deep focus state after a single interruption because your brain gets caught in "intervening tasks." To train your brain to resist this friction and rebuild sustained focus, apply these three science-backed strategies:     Yes, absolutely. While the ancient world didn't have smartphones, the human struggle with a scattered mind, anxiety, and competing priorities is timeless. The Bible addresses the concept of focus extensively, using ancient terminology like singleness of heart, guarding the gates of the mind, and fixing one's eyes. Scriptural wisdom aligns remarkably well with modern cognitive science, framing focus not just as a productivity tool, but as a discipline of the mind and spirit. Here are three distinct clues and frameworks the Bible provides on how to focus. 1. The Principle of the "Single Eye" (Eliminating Divided Attention) In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly addresses the danger of a divided mind. The ancient concept of focus was often tied to vision—what you allow your eyes to linger on dictates your internal state. The Scripture: In Luke 11:34, Jesus states: "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy [single/focused], your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy [bad/divided], your body also is full of darkness." The Clue: The original Greek word used for "healthy" or "good" in many translations is haplous, which literally means single, uncomplicated, or unfolded. Conversely, the word for "unhealthy" or "bad" (poneros) in this context implies being double or divided. The Takeaway: The Bible warns that if your vision is fragmented by too many competing inputs, your internal world becomes chaotic. It tells us that true focus requires a single, undivided gaze. 2. Guarding the Gates of the Mind (Active Filtering) Just as modern psychology tells us to limit notifications to protect our working memory, Biblical wisdom commands us to set up strict boundaries around what we allow into our consciousness. The Scripture: Proverbs 4:25–27 provides direct, actionable instructions on attentional control: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left..." The Clue: This is a classic Stoic-like scriptural command for attentional filtering. The Bible recognizes that distractions ("the right or the left") are constantly pulling at us. Proverbs 4:23 pairs this with the ultimate reason for focus: "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." In ancient Hebrew psychology, the "heart" (lev) represented the mind, will, and intellect. The Takeaway: Focus is a defensive act. You must actively filter out the noise of the periphery to protect the trajectory of your life. 3. Capturing Thought Loops (Taking Cognitive Control) A major enemy of focus in a digital age is the endless loop of mental chatter, comparison, and anxiety. The New Testament provides a aggressive model for dealing with rogue thoughts rather than letting them run wild. The Scripture: In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul writes about the mental discipline required in leadership and faith: "...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Clue: The phrase "take captive" (aichmalotizo) is a military term meaning to capture at sword-point or take as a prisoner of war. The Takeaway: The Bible instructs us not to be passive consumers of our own thoughts or digital feeds. When a distracting, anxious, or irrelevant thought enters your mind, you are told to arrest it immediately, evaluate it, and intentionally redirect your mental energy back to what matters. The Ultimate Biblical Focus Filter: If you want a modern-day checklist for what should pass through your attentional filter, Philippians 4:8 lays it out perfectly. It tells us exactly where to anchor a scattered mind: "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

June 10, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class In this episode Landon Bryant delivers a focused lecture on John the Baptist, tracing his identity, ministry, and theological significance through Old and New Testament texts. Beginning with Malachi's prophecy and Isaiah's "voice crying in the wilderness," the talk situates the Jewish expectation of Elijah's return and explains how the Gospels interpret John as the one who comes in Elijah's spirit and mission. The episode examines key New Testament scenes: John's bold proclamations ("Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," "Behold the Lamb of God"), the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13–17), and John's candid humility ("I am not worthy," "He must increase, I must decrease"). Bryant also walks through John 1 and Matthew 11 to show how Scripture answers questions about John's identity and how Jesus evaluates him—calling John the greatest born of women yet noting that the least in the kingdom is greater. Listeners will hear a close look at Jesus' response to John's disciples in prison, where Jesus points to miraculous signs (the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, lepers cleansed, the dead raised, and the good news preached to the poor) as evidence that the long-awaited divine work is happening. The talk contrasts John and Elijah—similar in appearance, location, and call to repentance—while highlighting differences: John performs no miracles, baptizes with water, and uniquely announces the coming baptism of the Spirit. Key takeaways include practical implications for Christian ministry: emulate John's single-minded mission to point others to Christ, embrace humility, and recognize the greater revelation and responsibility believers have after the resurrection. The episode emphasizes that imperfect people are still usable by God, that proclamation remains central ("Behold the Lamb of God"), and that believers should orient their lives around the motto "He must increase; I must decrease." Scriptural references discussed include Malachi 4, Isaiah 40, Matthew 3–4, Matthew 11, John 1–3, Luke 3–4, and passages from the prophets and Kings.   Duration 40:28

June 14, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon   This episode opens with announcements about the church's monthly song service. Neal references Miller's reading from Isaiah 62 and links the gathering to an old-fashioned hymn-singing tradition as well as a 21st-century request process. The main message examines what it means to be called a "Christian" in the New Testament (Acts and 1 Peter), noting the title is rare in Scripture but rich in meaning: a disciple who is taught, someone to be persuaded toward faith, and one who may suffer for that name. The speaker names biblical examples (Ananias, Paul, Barnabas, and scenes from Acts) to illustrate how new believers in the early church experienced joy and transformation. The sermon then gives five core reasons the Christian life is described as the greatest life: (1) sins are forgiven through Christ; (2) joy that does not depend on sinful pleasure; (3) a deeper, God-given purpose lived out in the church; (4) temporal problems that do not have permanent hold over the believer; and (5) a secure eternal future beyond this life. Scriptural support is cited throughout, including Romans, Ephesians, 1 Peter, Philippians, and other passages. The speaker contrasts Christian hope with cultural alternatives — evolution, humanism, materialism, and Epicureanism — arguing that those worldviews leave people aimless, while the gospel gives lasting meaning, joy, and forgiveness. Personal and contemporary illustrations are used, including references to missions (Hyrum and Brittany's trip to Nigeria) and local baptisms that mirror the joy recorded in Acts. Practical challenges are addressed: the need for ongoing teaching and discipleship for those who say they are Christian but lack instruction, the process of persuasion and questioning for new converts, and the reality that faith sometimes costs relationships or comfort. Yet the repeated encouragement is that faith brings real, durable blessings. The episode closes with an invitation: whether you are a faithful Christian encouraged to live confidently (but humbly) in a skeptical world, someone who needs restoration after turning away, or a listener considering faith for the first time, you are urged to respond in obedience to the gospel and to come forward if moved during the closing singing.   Duration 29:55

In this video I sit down and review the Backrooms from a Christian perspective. This was by far one of the most interesting and gripping movies I have ever seen. I discuss three topics: (1) the quality of the film, (2) the actual meaning of the film, and (3) the meaning of the film from a Christian perspective (a sort of "Backrooms biblical analysis"). This film illustrates Scriptural types and countertypes with bizarre accuracy. I was blown away at how many sort of newly established cultural anchors there are in the film that can be utilized to paint a picture of Hell, the human experience of being without God, and the freedom found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Essentially, the Backrooms is a picture of Hell, and all those who are lost and dead in their sins are in the Backrooms, and we need to be rescued from that darkness. Should Christians watch Backrooms? Should Christians watch horror movies for that matter? I think it depends on the movie. The only thing really bad about this movie was thankfully only the language. But the picture that it paints concerning Hell I think is a very helpful allegory for Christians to be aware of and to utilize in this cultural moment.#backrooms #moviereview #christian #analoghorror #christianyoutube -------------------------------LINKS--------------------------------Science Faith & Reasoning podcast link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Coffee with John Calvin Podcast link (An SFR+ Production hosted by Daniel Faucett) https://open.spotify.com/show/5UWb8Sa... Learning the Fundaments (An SFR+ Production hosted by Shepard Merritt): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof... ----------------------------CONNECT-----------------------------https://www.scifr.com Instagram:   / sciencefaithandreasoning   X:   / sfrdaily  

Are all your beliefs equally important? If not, how do you rank them? By what standard do you say, “This belief matters” and “This one is less important”? My guest today is Michael Hughes who has been working on these very questions. He’s written a couple of papers addressing levels of evidence. In his more recent work, he’s enumerated a nine-level rating system by which you can judge a belief. At the top of it is “Level 1: beliefs that are essential to salvation” then comes “Level 2: practices that are related to salvation” then “Level 3: beliefs that are undoubtedly true,” then those that are probably true, then those that are possibly true, and so on. As we move down the levels we move from more importance to less. This is a fascinating and fresh approach to ranking beliefs and practices based on biblical confidence. Are they explicitly taught in Scripture? Are they merely implied? Are there many difficult texts or only a few? You get the picture. After Hughes explains his rating system, I pepper him with questions, including gay marriage, marijuana use, Torah observance, and wine vs. juice at communion. For each, he explains how he would approach the belief or practice from a “levels of evidence” perspective. (See below for brief explanations of all nine levels of evidence.)   Listen on Spotify   Listen on Apple Podcasts —— Links —— Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Facebook group, follow on X @RestitutioSF or Instagram @Sean.P.Finnegan or Threads @sean.p.finnegan Leave a 90 second voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play it out on the air Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here Get Finnegan’s book, Kingdom Journey to learn about God’s kingdom coming on earth as well as the story of how Christianity lost this pearl of great price. Get the transcript of this episode Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. —— Notes —— Level 1: Beliefs that are Essential to Salvation Beliefs and practices which the New Testament explicitly teaches as essential for salvation have the highest degree of certainty and importance, and are confidently emphasised by the church. Anyone who believes these is a Christian and eligible for membership in the church. Anyone who doesn't believe them is not regarded as a Christian. Level 2: Practices that are Related to Salvation Beliefs and practices which the New Testament identifies as related to salvation but does not identify as fundamental. These have a high degree of importance and are confidently emphasised by the church. Anyone who is a Christian should not reject them. Level 3: Beliefs that are Undoubtedly True Beliefs that the Bible teaches unambiguously, but which are not specifically identified as essential for salvation. These beliefs are beyond reasonable doubt, having a high level of evidence that they are true. The church speaks of them often and with conviction. Anyone who is a Christian should not reject them. Level 4: Beliefs that are Probably True These beliefs are clearly taught in most but not all Scriptural passages on a particular topic. They are likely to be true on the balance of probabilities but not beyond reasonable doubt, because the evidence is not unanimous. The church with humility and honesty encourages people to hold these beliefs. It may be important for people in positions of leadership to hold these beliefs. Level 5: Beliefs that are Possibly True Beliefs are supported by a minority of passages which provide some grounds for people to hold these beliefs. These beliefs are less likely to be true on the balance of probabilities, because the evidence for an opposing belief is stronger. The church does not teach these beliefs but welcomes as Christians those who hold them. Level 6: Beliefs that are constructed There is no New Testament passage that clearly or directly teaches this belief. The only scriptural evidence comes from multiple passages that need to be combined in a particular way, which means that the level of evidence to support these beliefs is low. The church does not teach these beliefs but may encourage people who believe them to focus on beliefs that are directly taught in Scripture. Level 7: Speculation These beliefs have little or no Scriptural support either for or against. This includes beliefs that come from outside of Scripture, beliefs on which the Bible is silent, and beliefs that are not clearly taught in any passage. The church does not teach these beliefs and may encourage people who believe them to focus on the beliefs that are truly fundamental, undoubtedly true or strongly supported by Scripture. Level 8: Beliefs that are Undoubtedly False These are beliefs that directly contradict unambiguous Bible teachings. The church should strongly oppose these beliefs with a high level of confidence because the evidence is unanimous that they are unscriptural beyond reasonable doubt. If the church becomes aware that someone holds any of these undoubtedly false beliefs, the church needs to provide the opportunity to discuss with them the unanimous Scriptural evidence against these beliefs. Those people then need to reject these beliefs and embrace the clear teaching of the Bible. Level 9: Beliefs that are Fatally Opposed to Christian Teachings These beliefs either: – directly contradict essential Scriptural teachings, or – are specifically identified by Scripture as being fatally opposed to Christian beliefs and practices. The church should strongly oppose these beliefs with the highest degree of confidence and be prepared to present the Scriptural evidence to people who hold them. People who hold one or more of these beliefs are not regarded as Christian and are not eligible to be members of the church.

What's it like to know me? Donna Amidon challenges you to ask yourself this simple, but important question as she shares Scriptural wisdom about how to win today with compassion and kindness.  As a special thank you for your support, we look forward to sending you a copy of An Unshakeable Foundation by Pastor Bryan Clark. This timely resource will encourage and strengthen your faith for the days ahead. As America celebrates 250 years of history, it's a good time to consider the foundations that truly last. In An Unshakable Foundation: Ancient Wisdom to Help You Stand Firm in Your Faith, Pastor Bryan Clark—author, Bible teacher, and co-host of the Talk'n Truth podcast with Larry the Cable Guy—takes readers back to the opening chapters of Genesis to discover timeless truths about God. Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ. *Available only to residents of the US.

Gatekeepers everywhere. If they're not “Big Hollywood” trying to fence out Christian creators, they're natural barriers like lack of resources. Then along comes the siren call of generative AI. It is said these tools can boost creators' art powers and help them dodge burly guards at the gates! Of course, these programs also generate quite a ruckus. But apart from disputes over job changes and environmental impacts lies one greater question for us fans—can all these cool tools actually help Christian storytellers make amazing new works that change our world? Episode sponsors Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Author Media Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell Mission update New at Lorehaven: new reviews of The Donor and more Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 1. Yes, if we use gen-AI as tools, not minds. Stephen is first to admit some hatred of AI has grown very foolish. Undoubtedly these may include absurdist political activisms. You may have facts/opinions about data centers and water use. And you may want to “beat China,” or else not care about that. But some of us at Lorehaven never first relied on those arguments. If you marry that “spirit of age,” pro– or anti-AI, you'll be widowed. Instead we asked about the biblical purposes of humans and art. So all we say here needs to be the Scriptural steel-man version. What if tech lords did make AI cheaper? Built in space? Won big? Your support/opposition to any tool should remain the exact same. Stephen prefers one guiding idea: use AI as a “tool,” not “mind.” “…Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can’t see where it keeps its brain?” —Arthur Weasley in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling 2. Maybe, with biblical human safeguards. In this case, biblical reason supports mastery over tools, not verse. This isn't just about AI or any technology, but universal to creation. Mankind can abuse anything as an idol or use it for God's glory. AI is a special case when it is generative, “making” “new” “art.” Creators have different opinions on how/whether to use this. Stephen does refuse to use generative AI in basically all respects. Nothing he writes, at any stage of the process, is AI-generated. However, he will use AI programs as tools for research/tutoring. These programs excel at gathering/repeating public information. When it's “scraped” from free sources, that seems more ethical. Researchers, however, should know to cite primary sources. Creators can do that may aim closer for biblically ideal creativity. But if creators refuse, and “outsource” their own minds to tools? Well, they'll get lost in the slop and will reach creative dead ends. 3. No, if we rank ourselves over fan interests. A few activists seem overly bullish on using AI as substitute-minds. They're the opposite to reflexive (and short-sighted) AI haters. Some even call loudly for Christian-made art, quick, easy, good(?). This seems a strange cope, short-sighted, and reality-challenged. The cope: some creatives have not made it far past previous gates. They do seem to think mechanical tools will solve human problems. Short-sighted: Christians do already use AI to generate “artworks.” Example: Jon Erwin with House of David season 2 and Old Stories. Yet we don’t hear much about these. That may tell us something. Reality-challenged: this is where Stephen may end the debate. Clear aside all talk of ethics, gatekeepers, policies, impacts. Four simple words blow up gen-AI optimism: Thanks, I hate it. That's all you need to end all this hoopla about gen-AI revolutions. If the people don't want it, they don't want it. And that's that. Right now, people don't want it. How do we know? We asked AI. Stephen queried three AI programs with this question: Apart from the debates over cost, environmental impact, economy shifts, and all the politics, especially among leaders in big tech and government … what could we say is the public’s general *impression* in response to AI-generated images, movies, music, and other artworks? Is the public’s stated response good, mixed, or negative? Any particular trend-lines to note? Response from ChatGPT (excerpt, more optimistic): Public sentiment is neither uniformly positive nor uniformly negative — it skews positive for convenience, novelty, and clear utility, but is strongly negative or cautious when authenticity, creator rights, trust, or deception are at stake. Response from Gemini (excerpt, mixed-negative) If you strip away the high-level policy debates and economic anxiety, the general public's stated response to AI-generated art—images, music, movies, and literature—is highly mixed, but leaning increasingly negative and protective of human creativity. While people love playing with the tools as novelties, the moment they switch from being creators to consumers, a distinct psychological shift occurs. Data from major public opinion studies (like Pew Research, Stanford HAI, and various consumer tracking surveys) highlight several fascinating, counterintuitive trend-lines regarding how the public perceives AI art. (bold emphasis in original) Response from Grok (excerpt, mixed-negative) Mixed, with a lean toward negative or skeptical once people know something is AI-generated—particularly for standalone or fully AI-created works—though curiosity and practical utility exist. Public impressions are nuanced: many appreciate the technology as a tool or for novelty/entertainment, but there’s consistent preference for human-created art, emotional depth tied to human experience, and transparency. Pure AI outputs often face backlash as “slop,” lacking authenticity. (bold emphasis in original) If even AI programs reflect this skepticism, that's big. Even an AI skeptic like Stephen sees its use in aggregate “polls.” Anyone claiming optimism about AI is logically bound to hear this. Apart from AI is anecdotal evidence. Few fans want gen-AI stuff. Right now, fans are praising films with practical, human-made art. They like the indie-horror movies and Project Hail Mary, no AI. And they love the new Spider-Man trailer with suits and shadows! Some makers boast AI will save time and bypass the big gates. But if fans don't like that “slop,” the maker simply indulges himself. That's fine for personal enjoyment but not for real service to others. We've already seen this with bad Christian human-made stories. If we're practical, why we intentionally clash with the market? Even if fans want to make AI slop, they do not want others’ AI slop. And if we're idealistic, why make inhuman slop for human souls? We lose all high ground at claiming to be more virtuous and godly. We would lose all the how-it's-made stories behind the stories. Remember that whole AI-generated-actress thing? Flash in a pan. But people love the deeply human Tom Holland (who's wise on AI!). Not only that, we'll be wildly and foolishly off documented trends. There may be a place for gen-AI content, in memes or political ads. In other words, this stuff is disposable “art.” Yet it will not last. If we want to save today's culture, gen-AI is certainly no savior. And if we want to grow and train others, AI could become a villain. Com station Top question for listeners As a fan, how do you feel when you learn any “art” is generated? The Adaptation Stationmaster replied to episode 317: It's actually pretty rare for me to mourn when a good TV show ends. I feel like too many of them go on too long past their peak because they're popular. It's kind of nice to see them decide to go out on a high note instead. One Guild hero (and his wife) grieve over Star Wars: My wife and I had just seen the second third Star Wars sequel. I didn’t like it, but she was devastated. Star Wars wasn’t just a story she appreciated. It was part of the tapestry of her life, woven into some of her best memories. She had put so much of her time and love into that galaxy far, far away, and in that moment it felt like it was broken beyond repair, forever. Her restoration started with the books. Star Wars has one of the widest bodies of expanded universe lore, so even she could find something new to dig into. … It’s an odd place. In one sense, the universe is still destroyed. Star Wars has lost its place at the top of the pop culture pyramid, and may not ever take that place again. Through that, it might lack the largesse that allowed it become such an expansive universe in the first place. But, her place still existed. I think that’s where many of us will find ourselves in the coming days: wishing for the grand galaxies of yesterday, but finding only little pockets of warmth among the stars. Next on Fantastical Truth We're recording this episode before Realm Makers! So once we return, we'll have a better idea of what topics to cover. But in general, we can say that we're pleased to have met or re-met so many Lorehaven fans at that expo. Lord willing, we'll see you again in St. Louis next summer!

June 7, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This episode is a recorded Bible class examining Acts chapter 1 and the kinds of challenges the church has always faced. Hiram and co-teacher Neal introduce the quarter-long study through the Book of Acts, framing the series around enduring struggles—division, false doctrine, societal pressure, leadership failure—and the ways the early church overcame them. The class includes interactive participation from attendees who ask questions and offer reflections, producing a practical, conversational tone. The discussion outlines a threefold purpose for studying Acts: to relieve believers by showing they are not the first to face hardship, to remind them to seek divine solutions in Scripture, and to resolve them to persevere. The instructor emphasizes the two sides of the church (God's perfect, divine side and humanity's imperfect side) plus the opposition of the world and connects Acts to Luke's gospel and the triune work of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Acts 1 is explored for three main challenges: the challenge of waiting (especially for the promised Holy Spirit), the challenge of living and working in Jesus' physical absence while awaiting his return, and the challenge of replacing fallen leaders (the story of Judas and the selection of Matthias). Scriptural cross-references—Luke, John's teaching about the Spirit, Acts 2, Psalms, and New Testament pastoral instruction—are used to explain why the apostles had to wait, what the Spirit would provide (power, remembrance of Jesus' teaching, gifts to confirm the message), and how the church should respond. Practical takeaways include what to do while waiting (devoted prayer and active preparation), the difference between passive waiting and biblically robust waiting, how to avoid the "church-hunter" mentality, and the importance of humility: recognizing personal shortcomings, relying on God, and continuing faithful service whether or not one is chosen for formal leadership. The class also touches on contemporary pressures (including a brief mention of modern challenges like AI) and how the same divine resources apply today. Listeners can expect a warm, instructional session with Scripture readings, group interaction, pastoral application, and clear next steps for the quarter: further chapter-by-chapter teaching through Acts, encouragement to seek the Spirit's power in daily life, and a call to perseverance—be relieved, be reminded, and be resolved to press on in the work of the kingdom until Christ returns.   Duration 43:34

(Acts 8:36-39) Baptism is an outward testimony of an inward change, but without faith, baptism is only ritual. Discover the three things that need to be "right" for believers who desire to take this important step of faith. (10149260623) Join Scott Pauley's study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible by Dr. Pauley and Enjoying the Journey at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/. Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Teaching on the conscience is relatively sparse in Scripture. The topic occurs in only a few passages in Paul's letters so many Christians are either uninformed about the conscience or perhaps confused. How vital is it to the Christian life and what is Scripture's teaching on it? In a sermon dedicated entirely to key questions regarding the conscience, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones posits that the apostle Paul's teaching on the conscience is one of the most important subjects for the family of God. In his sermon on Romans 14:14–16 titled “Conscience,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones brings related passages on the conscience together in order to evaluate key terms and answer basic questions on the conscience. Drawing from Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10, Dr. Lloyd-Jones analyzes the context of strong and weak Christians on matters of opinion. With regards to these indifferent matters, the conscience is ultimate. Christians are not to exercise their liberty in such a way that it comes under the condemnation of another believer's conscience. Disregarding another's conscience or one's own can have devastating results. As such, Dr. Lloyd-Jones looks in-depth at Scriptural teaching on a defiled and seared conscience. Finally, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides listeners with the two main functions of the conscience in the Christian life.

Teaching on the conscience is relatively sparse in Scripture. The topic occurs in only a few passages in Paul's letters so many Christians are either uninformed about the conscience or perhaps confused. How vital is it to the Christian life and what is Scripture's teaching on it? In a sermon dedicated entirely to key questions regarding the conscience, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones posits that the apostle Paul's teaching on the conscience is one of the most important subjects for the family of God. In his sermon on Romans 14:14–16 titled “Conscience,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones brings related passages on the conscience together in order to evaluate key terms and answer basic questions on the conscience. Drawing from Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10, Dr. Lloyd-Jones analyzes the context of strong and weak Christians on matters of opinion. With regards to these indifferent matters, the conscience is ultimate. Christians are not to exercise their liberty in such a way that it comes under the condemnation of another believer's conscience. Disregarding another's conscience or one's own can have devastating results. As such, Dr. Lloyd-Jones looks in-depth at Scriptural teaching on a defiled and seared conscience. Finally, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides listeners with the two main functions of the conscience in the Christian life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Just how good are those Radiocarbon dates? When reporting an exciting archaeological discovery, popular science magazines tell the reader, for example, that some man-made artifact is 40,000 years old. A few years ago it was common to find tolerance figures such as plus or minus 1500 years attached to these ages. These tolerance figures effectively leave an impression of objective precision in the mind of the reader. Those tolerance figures are seldom used today.The Radiocarbon method was developed in 1948 and at that time was believed to be the ultimate answer to the archaeologists dating problems. The method has not lived up to its promise and today it is distrusted by the scientific community unless backed up by a second dating method. To give one example, when scientists Carbon-dated a mammoth bone hide-scraper discovered in the Yukon it was evident that man and mammoth lived at the same time but it Carbon-dated at 25 to 32 thousand years old. However, this put man on the North American Continent about twenty thousand years before humans were supposed to have arrived here! Eventually, a second test method using a nuclear accelerator was used and this dated the same piece of bone at only two thousand years!This example is common and Bible-believing Christians should not be concerned that Carbon dated ages will in any way disprove the Bible.Exodus 20:11"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Word through Whom we were created made flesh for our salvation. You are the beating heart of Scriptural truth. Help us to see that, for Your sake, all of Scripture is trustworthy.Ref: “Old Crow Bones and Radiocarbon Dating,” Creation Ex Nihilo. Image: Jacques Cinq-Mars at Blue Caves dig, Yukon, Ruth M. Gotthardt, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Our headmaster often uses this paradigm for the ideal Heights graduate: he's the kind of young man you'd want your daughter to marry. In a recent article for the Forum, Dr. Joseph Lanzilotti asked: in our current culture, how does a boy grow up to be the kind of man who desires that life? Delving into Church sources, both scriptural and magisterial, he has assembled the outline of a theology of masculinity. Responding to Pope St. John Paul II's description of the "feminine genius," Dr. Lanzilotti considers the prospect of a complementary "masculine genius," and what it means for our boys. Chapters: 3:09 A man you'd want your daughter to marry 4:18 A man who wants to marry 7:40 Naturally ordered toward fatherhood 8:58 Building a culture of marriage 16:21 Stories about vocation, fidelity 18:22 Teaching vocation, fidelity 23:00 Theology and human sexuality 26:06 The human heart responds to goodness 31:01 The masculine genius 35:34 Scriptural, papal guidance on human love 37:51 Witnessing to the goodness of life Links: The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset Love and Responsibility by John Paul II Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body by John Paul II "The Jeweler's Shop" by John Paul II Redemptor Hominis, encyclical by Pope St. John Paul II, 1979 Familiaris Consortio, apostolic exhortation by Pope St. John Paul II, 1981 Deus Caritas Est, encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI, 2005 "Is There a Catholic Theology of Masculinity?" dissertation by Peter Holmes Also on the Forum: Made in the Image and Likeness: On Man and Masculinity featuring Bishop Erik Varden Worthy and Willing: Forming Boys Who Will Want to Marry by Dr. Joseph Lanzilotti Educating Boys: Nature, Risk, and the Making of Men by Dr. Joseph Lanzilotti The Magisterial Case for Single-Sex Education by Dr. Joseph Lanzilotti The Forum Faculty Podcast hosted by Tom Cox Featured Opportunities: Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 11-13, 2026)

In this sermon on Romans 14:1–6 titled “Sabbath and Special Days,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones offers that Paul is not addressing the importance of observation of the Sabbath since that has been established in Scripture for all time. He provides Scriptural support for this and offers up a question that has been discussed in Christian circles often since the early church: what day of the week is supposed to be set aside for the Sabbath – Saturday or Sunday? He references Biblical evidence for the day of the week that Christians used to meet on, as well as historical evidences from writings that are outside of Scripture. How do Christians today make the right choice about the day to meet? To answer this, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that the early church would not have changed the day of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday arbitrarily— he argues that they must have received a revelation that it was good to change it. However, he also states that it is not an issue over which Christians should divide. He addresses extreme Sabbatarianism, a view that is very literal about how the Sabbath day should be observed, and provides helpful points to consider when thinking through it. In echoing Paul, he concluded that Christians are to be fully persuaded in their own mind from Scripture about which decision is correct.