Podcasts about scriptural

In this episode of "God and Our Dogs," host Meg Grier welcomes Stan Leech, athletic director for Boerne ISD and a celebrated Texas high school basketball coach. The show features a story from Jennifer Hill, known as the "dog walking lady," who shares how her daily walks with her dogs became a ministry of connection, prayer, and perseverance. Stan and Meg discuss the impact of small, consistent acts, the importance of community, and finding inspiration in everyday routines. The episode also touches on upcoming events in Boerne ISD athletics and encourages listeners to stay steadfast in doing good, drawing on scriptural wisdom. 0:00 — Introduction by Meg Grier; show overview 0:40 — Explanation of the "Ponder Show" format; introduction of guest Stan Leech 1:18 — Jennifer Hill’s story: dog walking, community connections, and prayer 3:20 — Impact of Jennifer’s consistency; being a positive example 5:00 — Discussion on unnoticed ministries and everyday inspiration 7:00 — The importance of community and being present 8:45 — Scriptural reflections: James 1:2-3 and Galatians 6:9 12:15 — Perseverance in daily routines; choosing to do good 13:45 — BISD athletics update: football, volleyball, cross country, and more 14:45 — Community engagement in athletics; opportunities for all students 15:45 — Closing remarks, where to find the show, and encouragement to tune in again Host: Meg Grier - Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com Website: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098 God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday at 11:15am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - www.boerneradio.com. Air Date: 12/27/25See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textWe trace Saint Stephen's path from humble service to fearless witness, exploring how Eucharistic faith, Scriptural depth, and Marian surrender formed a mercy that forgave amid stones. We share practical ways to anchor courage in prayer and live a bold, charitable Catholic life.• why Stephen was chosen as a deacon and what that reveals about service rooted in prayer• how the choosing of the seven set a model for diakonia• Stephen's Scripture-soaked preaching and fearless charity• the Sanhedrin trial and the vision of Christ in glory• martyrdom as mercy and forgiveness as strength• Eucharistic foundations of courage and witness• Marian echoes of total surrender and trust• living bold faith amid modern cultural pressure• practical steps to embody Stephen's legacy todayBe sure to click the link in the description for special news item, and since there is more to this article, finish reading and check out the special offerVisit journeysoffaith.com website todaySaint Stephen CollectionOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here Why you should shop here at Journeys of Faith official site! Lowest Prices and Higher discounts up to 50% Free Shipping starts at $18 - Express Safe Checkout Click Here Cannot find it let us find or create it - - Click Here Rewards Program is active - ...

Merry Christmas from Media Gratiae. In this special episode, Jordan and John conclude their series on meditating on the incarnation of Jesus. They explore what it means that Christ took on our flesh without sin, how the incarnation shapes our reconciliation with the Father, and much more. Of particular focus is a practical application that has been especially meaningful to Jordan: how the incarnation of Jesus equips us to wage war against and mortify our own sin. Christ is the only human to fully experience the weight of temptation, yet He never yielded. He endured to the very end, glorifying the Father fully. We pray that this episode, along with the linked Scriptural meditations and the series as a whole, nourishes your soul this Christmas season and strengthens you in the year to come 25 Meditations on the Incarnation: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/pages/advent-meditations Good Tiding of Great Joy by Charles Spurgeon https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotionalsdaily-readings/good-tidings-of-great-joy/ Jordan recommends this Christmas Devotional: https://grace-ebooks.com/library/J. C. Philpot/JCP On The Sacred Humanity of The Blessed Redeemer.pdf Christ Our Treasure: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/christ-our-treasure-enjoying-the-preeminence-of-jesus-in-the-local-church-dvd-streaming 00:00 – Welcome & Overview 01:00 – Incarnation in Life 03:30 – Fighting Sin Through Christ 06:00 – Christ Our Example 10:00 – Beholding and Being Transformed 13:30 – God's Humility 17:00 – Identifying with Sinners 20:30 – God Takes Our Name 24:00 – Stooping to Save 27:30 – Historical Hope 30:00 – Emmanuel: God With Us

Welcome to Day 2761 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Coequality of the Trinity: An exploration through Biblical Verse and Early Church Writings. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2761 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2761 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled The Coequality of the Trinity: An exploration through Biblical Verse and Early Church Writings.   The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the central tenets of Christian theology, establishing the belief in God as three-in-one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery, at its core, asserts that these three Persons are coequal. This belief has not been accepted without contention. However, by studying the Bible and the writings of the Early Church Fathers, a clear thread of supporting evidence emerges. To begin with, let's explore the Scriptural evidence for the co-equality of the Trinity. The first segment is: THE HOLY BIBLE. In the New Testament, the Gospel of John provides substantial support for the Trinitarian concept. In John one, verse one, it states: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse speaks to the preexistence and divinity of the Word, or the Son (Jesus Christ). The Word is not a creation of God, but God himself. In the same vein, John ten, verse thirty quotes Jesus as saying, “I and the Father are one.” This not only illustrates the unity of the Father and the Son, but also their equality, as Jesus identifies himself on the same level as the Father. Matthew twenty-eight, verse nineteen is a critical verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Here, Jesus himself authorizes baptisms in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing their co-equality and unified nature. In 2 Corinthians thirteen, verse fourteen, Paul gives a blessing in the name of all three Persons of the Trinity: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Paul's blessing highlights the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but also their inseparable unity and co-equality. Colossians two, verse nines ays, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” The ‘fullness of Deity' indicates Christ's full and equal participation in Godhood. For the Holy Spirit, we see in 1 Corinthians two, verses ten and eleven, “these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” This verse highlights the Holy Spirit's intimate knowledge and participation in the Divine, further emphasizing His co-equality in the Trinity. Finally, in Acts five, verses three and four, when Peter accuses Ananias of lying to the Holy Spirit, he states, “You have not lied just to human...

A comforting, formational, year-end episode. As the year comes to a close, many of us feel pressure to evaluate, wrap up loose ends, or “finish strong.” But maybe there’s another way. In this grace-filled conversation, Alan and Gem explore how to end the year without pushing yourself… and instead rest in the easy yoke of Jesus (Matthew 11:28–30). Together they unpack Scripture, share lived wisdom, and offer spiritual practices that help you breathe again. If you’re feeling weary, overwhelmed, or unsure how to approach the end of the year, this episode will give you compassion, grounding, and hope. Download the FREE Year End Reflection Resource to enter 2026 with grace. Connect with Alan and Gem to learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us a textIn this powerful interview, Travis speaks to Keith Graves, a 29-year law enforcement veteran and a worldwide expert in church security, to discuss the dangers in and outside the church. We share practical steps for Christmas services, early warning signs, and how to act with discernment and courage.• Keith's path from policing to church security training• Free resources, newsletter growth, and why they matter• Pre-attack indicators and surveillance cues to watch• Why Christmas services raise a unique risk• How to build an “enhanced greeter” safety culture• When police response lags and how to bridge the gap• Scriptural basis for vigilant, compassionate protection• Practical coverage: doors, kids' areas, parking, chokepoints• Staying alert while worshiping without feeding fear• A call for courageous leadership and clear missionWe encourage you to read our article associated with this podcast. Go to ChristianWarriorTraining.com and sign up for the most important newsletter for any freedom loving American. Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders: Get The BookGet Weekly Articles by Travis YatesJoin Us At Our WebsiteGet Our 'Courageous Leadership' TrainingJoin The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

PRELUDE TO THE INN CROWD I spoke a couple of weeks ago about how God always steps in at critical times when God's people are ready to come into a greater fullness of what God has prepared for them from the beginning. Just as he did with setting Israel free from their 400 years of slavery in Egypt. Before Jesus ascended to Heaven he prophesied that in the last days before his second coming that Israel would be hated by all nations.                                                                                                                                                                                                               Matthew 24:5 … you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake (happening now). And then many will be offended and will betray one another, and will hate one another (happening now). Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many (happening now). And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold (happening now). But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations (happening now), and then the end will come.   My prayer is that Australia will be a nation that will not hate Israel. It will mean a wake up call to our nation, which has failed in the last three years in curbing or disciplining the open displays of hatred towards Israel from their historical Middle East persecutors – and in our very own streets of Terra Australis – In 1606 the a Portuguese explorer, Pedro Ferdinand de Queros named the region La Austrialia del Espiritu Santo The Southland of the Holy Spirit - the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit. This may be a time when God is calling the Church to be in prayer for Israel. I have looked at a couple of Scriptures over the years concerning the land of the South. I don't have a revelation of this, but I ponder these Scriptures. I always come from a place of believing that nothing is written that does not have significance – I then ask God to reveal any significance in his time and in his way. I'll submit these two Scriptures for you to look at. Jesus said  Matthew 12:42 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation (houtos – this or that) and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. That of course applies to that generation in the time of Jesus, but it also applies to the last days when Paul said that because of deceitful signs and wonders even the elect might be deceived (2Thessalonians 2:9). As in most cases the word of warnings apply to both Israel and the Church. (1Corinthians 10:11) Also Zechariah 9:14 Then the LORD will be seen over them, And His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will blow the trumpet,And go with whirlwinds from the south. The LORD of hosts will defend them; And today, we find ourselves in a similar season of crisis in the earth when global darkness has never been darker upon a world of uncertainty, division, and spiritual disconnection. But in these times of empty-but-full silence, God speaks Suddenly - God's people wait with hope as God is stirring the hearts of His people to hear his voice, knowing that God is never silent without purpose. Our silence can also be purposeful, and our waiting is with hope and faith that God is at work in reordering all things.  God waits to speak. Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you THE INN CROWD  Caesar Augustus as the emperor of Rome decreed that a census be held so that everyone in the empire could be taxed according to their property ownership and other possessions. They all had to go to their place of birth to be registered so Joseph who was of the house and lineage of King David had to take Mary to Bethlehem, to his family home. The Scriptures had prophesied that the true King of Peace would be born in Bethlehem at that very time, in a small village nearly five thousand miles distance from the palace of Caesar Augustus in Rome. And we read the amazing prophecy of Micah, over seven hundred years earlier that declared that Bethlehem would be the place of the birth of Jesus. Micah 5:2. O Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are but a small Judean village, yet you will be the birthplace of my King who is alive from everlasting ages past!” God will allow his people to become subject to their enemies until she who is to give birth has her son; then at last these fellow countrymen—the exile remnants of Israel—will rejoin their nation in their own land. And he (The Son) shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God, and his people shall remain there safely, for he will be greatly honoured all around the world. He will be our Peace.  Joseph and Mary were sent to the right place at the right time for the birth of Jesus, fulfilling the seven-hundred-year-old prophesy of his birthplace, and becoming the King of Peace. Joseph walked beside the donkey that carried his wife. He was getting weary, and the journey was tiresome for Mary, and he knew he had to get his wife to the place of his family's household and out of the cold, and the time was getting close for her to give birth. They finally arrived at the family home where they were warmly welcomed and invited inside. The dwelling complex was the usual cluster of rooms surrounding a central courtyard and it became clear to Joseph that the house was overcrowded, and that all the guestrooms were occupied. The word for guestroom in the Bible is kataluma, and this is the word for ‘Inn', as in Luke 22:11 which states in the narrative that ‘There was no room at the Inn'. So we are not talking about two travellers trying to book into a local tavern that had already filled its quota in such a busy season, and they did not have to go and look for a stable in some paddock up the road. What the story is saying is that Joseph and his wife would have to stay in the stable of the family home, downstairs, in that warm place where the animals slept and fed.  Joseph saw the signs of the oncoming birth in the drawn face and the discomfort in Mary's eyes and he settled her as quickly and gently as he could.  Then Mary gave birth to her child, and a baby cried its baby cry as it entered the world. Father's joy in heaven would be echoed by Joseph in the earth, and he would now adopt the role of the child's earthly father.  On earth it was the natural and familiar scene of new birth. In the universe it was the most supernatural of any birth in history. It was also ordained that this birth would become the most celebrated event for all time, being celebrated annually by millions upon billions down through the ages, many of whom have scarce idea of what is really being celebrated. Nearby, where shepherds were looking after their sheep upon the hills a huge shining star reached its zenith and was lighting up the entire night sky. The shepherds looked up in wonder at this light and suddenly the lights of shining angels dazzled them, and they became terrified and ran and huddled together. The Angel Gabriel appeared above them, sent to tell them of the birth of Jesus. He told them not to be afraid, and that he had great and marvellous news for them, for all the world to hear. He told them that they would find a child, the Newborn King of the universe, God the Saviour, wrapped in simple clothing in a nearby stable. Suddenly Gabriel was joined by a multitude of angels as the brilliant night sky resounded with their voices singing, and they listened enraptured at the magnificent words. “The glory of God is being seen in the heavens, and his love and goodness is creating a new era of peace for all mankind.” The angelic song about this new creation in the world was the magnificent sequel to the angels' song of the first creation of the world as we read in the book of Job after God challenges Job and says ‘Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know how its dimensions were determined, and who did the surveying? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? (Job 38:4,7,8). When the angels' singing had stopped, the shepherds were guided to the place where this extraordinary event was taking place in the earth. These simple shepherds became the emissaries to the world of the birth of this king of kings, this child, and all who heard them were astounded and amazed. A great light shone upon a newborn child who would bring light into this world, to every person born into this world (John 1:9). And this light would be contested by darkness as always, but the conflict now rose to a new height. Time waited for the outcome, the verdict, the final encounter between light and darkness on a cross that would come one dark and stormy day. Time would wait until Father was ready, then this light would be released into the earth with the power to overcome darkness in every single life of faith. God with us means more than just alongside us. It means he is within and through our being, and more than that, we are within and through his being. Jesus had declared this mystery of the human/ Divine intersection of life and being when he prayed to the Father in front of the  disciples “I have given them the glory you gave me—the glorious unity of being one, as we are— I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one—so that the world will know you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me. (John 17:22) This Divine intersection of our being with God is how we get to ‘know God'. The Holy Spirit speaks into our spirit the mind and words of Jesus, and we ‘see and know' Jesus in this way. Faith lets us speak to him as a person, person to person.  1John 2:27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need to learn another person's personal perception of God to know what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true. This does not mean we disregard Scriptural teaching. This Scripture simply makes alive and real the personal and individual whisper of God into our spirit as the wisdom and understanding of the mind and heart of God that we need in any given situation and at any given time. That is what Jesus accomplished for us. That becomes the light to our path allowing us to express our unique and truest self in the best possible way. That is our faith. Christmas waits to be truly celebrated within this understanding. We need to understand the story of the human beginning of Jesus. We also need to know the story of his redeeming work in the earth and we need to knowthe story of his death and resurrection, in order to know him and love him and serve him and become one with him forever. Amen. Paul O'Sullivan  - pauloss@icloud.com

Romans 9:4-5 — Have modern critical scholars undermined the teaching about Christ's deity? On what basis is this passage a doxology to God the Father instead of an affirmation of deity of the Son? False religions and cults seek to mislead the people of God and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones takes up the challenge of looking closely at the arguments for the departure of modern translations from the Authorized Version. In this sermon on Romans 9:4–5 titled “Christ … Who is … God,” his main contention is that the changes reflected in the modern translations is not the result of an honest reading of the grammar, nor are they based on studying the manuscript tradition (textual criticism). Instead, it rests entirely on a general argument about what Paul does not do in his letters. Dr. Lloyd-Jones finds this most troubling and leverages not only other modern scholars, but the history of interpretation, and most importantly, other Scriptural evidence in order to show that Jesus Christ is called “God” by the apostle Paul in this verse. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides a fresh account of an old debate and defends Trinitarian orthodoxy in the face of modern critical scholarship. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Jude tells us that he is the brother of James. In James' letter he says to us that he is the Lord Jesus Christ's brother (actually half-brother - for Mary was their mother see Mark 3verses31-35; and 6verses3). Joseph was the father of James and Jude. Mary was, contrary to orthodox teaching, not a perpetual virgin. After Jesus was born Joseph had a normal marital relationship with Mary (see Matthew 1verses23-25) and had an additional 3 sons and at least 2 unnamed daughters. Unlike his siblings Jesus was conceived by the power of God - the Holy Spirit (Luke 1verses30-35). The letter of Jude deals with the same issues as 2 Peter 2 - the problems created by the false teachers. The letter was written about 65 AD, by which time the departures in teaching from the true faith were multiplying. Jude had set out with the purpose of writing a letter to encourage his readers in their shared faith. But due to the pressing problems created by the errorists Jude was diverted to write about the need to continue in the faith and to strenuously resist the errorists. Verses 3-16 tell us that there will always be opposition from false brethren. Jude cites 5 Scriptural historical examples. These demonstrate God's dealings with the false leaders and, inferentially show the same point as 2 Peter 2 i.e. that Yahweh knows how to preserve and deliver the righteous. The first example was from the time of the wilderness wanderings, when Korah, Dathan and Abiram attempted to usurp the authority of Moses and Aaron. Numbers 16 gives details of that rebellion. The second example is the destruction of Sodom and deliverance of righteous Lot found in Genesis 19. The third example is that of the insatiable covetousness of Balaam, which not only destroyed himself but, also, many Israelites at the border of the Promised Land. These events are outlined in Numbers chapters 22-25. Example 4 related to the Samaritan opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem and is outlined in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Samaritans falsely claimed a religious affinity with the God of Israel and they contended with chosen people. The 5th example is that of powerful and blasphemous Lamech in his attempt to eradicate Enoch. Genesis 4 shows us that only 7 generations from Adam wicked and godless men were opposing the way of God. Note in the AV that "ungodly" is used 7 times. Contrast Psalm 1, which in the Hebrew Bible is attributed to Enoch. Read aloud slowly. Pause and ponder. Verses 12-13 are a series of metaphors which expose the uselessness and dangers of all false teachers. The chapter concludes with a call to stand steadfast for the faith. The events overtaking the ecclesias had been prophesied by the Apostles. Scripture was being fulfilled before their eyes. Their part was to continue to faithfully follow their Lord Jesus Christ. So too must we. Any who become defiled by the influence of the false teachers are like a stick in the fire that needs to be swiftly plucked from the fire and extinguished. Let's pause and slowly read aloud and ponder the closing doxology of verses 24-25, "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." ESVThanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

In Job 25 we have Bildad's third round of argument. His contention is the impossibility of humans being righteous before the Almighty. And at one level this is absolutely true. There is none righteous, no not one (Romans 3verses9-11); but the same chapter in Romans tells of a righteousness from God. Remember, we were already told, in the 1st chapter of the book, that Job was an upright man - 1verses1. Bildad's reckoning was still coming from the viewpoint that since Job was suffering, it was because of Job's evil deeds. Bildad speaks of the immense power of our Sovereign. God's armies are beyond man's capacity to challenge. The heavenly bodies of the moon and stars, he argues are flawed. And the least of the Creator's works is this maggot called man. Job's reply in chapter 26 is to firstly acknowledge the magnitude of the Almighty's power. And that it's beyond man's reach to understand. In verses 2-4 Job tells of his aid to the needy and asks his friends to examine themselves by way of comparison. Then Job majestically outlines the wondrous might and activities of his Creator. Yahweh controls the wind, the sea and the waves in their circuits. And we frail humans just perceive a whisper of His grandeur. Job continues in chapter 27 by stating that, despite his suffering, he will steadfastly cling to his integrity. The suffering servant contends that the Almighty has removed Job's natural rights. Verse 3 tells us that our life is dependent on the spirit of the Almighty, being present in our nostrils and sustaining our breath. Man has no immortal soul. No matter what befalls me in life, Job says, I will remain steadfast. The LORD's suffering servant invites his friends to look at the flourishing of the wicked and their families too in verses 13-17. What we receive in life is not necessarily a reflection of our relationship to our Sovereign. But ultimately the wicked will be removed from the earth (Psalm 37verses1-11 read slowly. Pause and ponder.) Chapters 2 and 3 of Zechariah contain the next two visions, which were both relevant in the prophet's era and symbolic of the kingdom age under the Lord Jesus Christ. The measuring line of chapter 2 speaks of the restoration of Jerusalem subsequent to the judgement that would soon overtake it. But, given the fact that the exiles had returned, and were in the process of rebuilding, it has to incorporate a future Messianic application. Verse 4 speaks of the future blessing of a peaceful and restored Zion. Verse 5 tells us that the pillar of fire which protected the fleeing Israelites at the time of the Exodus - symbolising God's presence - will once again defend and glorify His nation shortly. Let the nations, who have in the past attacked Israel and will once more do so in the near future, know that anyone touching God's people is irritating the pupil of His eye. The daughter of Zion will, verse 10, rejoice when Yahweh in the person of His Son permanently dwells in Jerusalem (Joel 3verses17-21; Isaiah 2verses1-4; 52; Jeremiah 3verses17; Zechariah 14verses8 to the end). The vision concludes with a command to maintain reverential awe and silence before the Omnipotent Creator (see Habakkuk 2verses20). Chapter 3 is the vision of Joshua the high priest in filthy clothes working in the rebuilding of Zion's ruins. It is precisely what Jesus our Lord did. He partook of our fallen   nature in order to restore and save us (Hebrews 2verses14-18). The high priest was opposed by the Samaritans, as was our Lord by the Jewish rulers and the antagonistic burden of the human nature which he bore. But having faithfully completed the assigned work the Son of God is now seen clothed with glorious immortality (Psalm 45verses1-8). Joshua fulfilled this type by way of this enacted parable. Those that stood by were the angelic host whose nature was that of the Father and which our Lord now has having vanquished sin and death. This too is our hope as Luke 20verses35-36 informs us. In verse 6 of Zechariah 3 Joshua is charged to continue walking in the ways of God, in order that he might forever dwell in Yahweh's courts as Psalm 23verses6 promised. The seven eyes of the vision speak of the LORD's omniscience - nothing can be hidden from our All-seeing God. And the engraved signet speaks of the "character" (the Greek word for engraving of a seal which is used in Hebrews 1verses1-5) of the incomparable Son of God. And through the work God accomplished in His Son sin has been taken away by the offering of our Lord Jesus. Jude tells us that he is the brother of James. In James' letter he says to us that he is the Lord Jesus Christ's brother (actually half-brother - for Mary was their mother see Mark 3verses31-35; and 6verses3). Joseph was the father of James and Jude. Mary was, contrary to orthodox teaching, not a perpetual virgin. After Jesus was born Joseph had a normal marital relationship with Mary (see Matthew 1verses23-25) and had an additional 3 sons and at least 2 unnamed daughters. Unlike his siblings Jesus was conceived by the power of God - the Holy Spirit (Luke 1verses30-35). The letter of Jude deals with the same issues as 2 Peter 2 - the problems created by the false teachers. The letter was written about 65 AD, by which time the departures in teaching from the true faith were multiplying. Jude had set out with the purpose of writing a letter to encourage his readers in their shared faith. But due to the pressing problems created by the errorists Jude was diverted to write about the need to continue in the faith and to strenuously resist the errorists. Verses 3-16 tell us that there will always be opposition from false brethren. Jude cites 5 Scriptural historical examples. These demonstrate God's dealings with the false leaders and, inferentially show the same point as 2 Peter 2 i.e. that Yahweh knows how to preserve and deliver the righteous. The first example was from the time of the wilderness wanderings, when Korah, Dathan and Abiram attempted to usurp the authority of Moses and Aaron. Numbers 16 gives details of that rebellion. The second example is the destruction of Sodom and deliverance of righteous Lot found in Genesis 19. The third example is that of the insatiable covetousness of Balaam, which not only destroyed himself but, also, many Israelites at the border of the Promised Land. These events are outlined in Numbers chapters 22-25. Example 4 related to the Samaritan opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem and is outlined in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Samaritans falsely claimed a religious affinity with the God of Israel and they contended with chosen people. The 5th example is that of powerful and blasphemous Lamech in his attempt to eradicate Enoch. Genesis 4 shows us that only 7 generations from Adam wicked and godless men were opposing the way of God. Note in the AV that "ungodly" is used 7 times. Contrast Psalm 1, which in the Hebrew Bible is attributed to Enoch. Read aloud slowly. Pause and ponder. Verses 12-13 are a series of metaphors which expose the uselessness and dangers of all false teachers. The chapter concludes with a call to stand steadfast for the faith. The events overtaking the ecclesias had been prophesied by the Apostles. Scripture was being fulfilled before their eyes. Their part was to continue to faithfully follow their Lord Jesus Christ. So too must we. Any who become defiled by the influence of the false teachers are like a stick in the fire that needs to be swiftly plucked from the fire and extinguished. Let's pause and slowly read aloud and ponder the closing doxology of verses 24-25, "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." ESV Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

A simple memory at a memorial changed the tone of the day: a third-grade classroom with the Golden Rule on the wall, memorized by kids who carried it into adulthood. That image opened a bigger conversation about what we teach our children, how we understand liberty, and why our public institutions should reflect the moral roots that shaped this country.We walk through the case for centering tax-funded education on the principles that animated the American project—love of neighbor, the dignity of conscience, and the Scriptural wisdom that formed our earliest laws and customs. Along the way, we confront the modern “separation of church and state” narrative that grew after 1947 and contrast it with Jefferson's original concern about a national church. The goal isn't coercion at home; it's clarity in the public square. We also move from civics to the heart, reading 1 Corinthians 7 as a mirror for marriages that need mutual care, prayer, and unity, and noting how strong homes train the same virtues a free people require.Scripture readings from Matthew, Psalms, and Proverbs bring the story into focus: Joseph's obedience, the Magi's courage, and the promise that delight in God's law turns lives into rooted trees. We honor Private Robert D. Booker's Medal of Honor sacrifice as the hard-earned fruit of formation, not accident, and we revisit Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 Christmas messages, where “love thy neighbor” rises as a national ethic in anxious times. If history is bending toward a rougher season, we can still prepare: strengthen local institutions, equip those who serve, speak up at school boards, and teach the Golden Rule with conviction.If this conversation resonates, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you don't miss what's next. Your voice in your town matters—bring it to your schools, your home, and your street.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

"Roger Williams was one of the most important formative figures for the doctrine of religious liberty in the 1600s. Williams believed in the absolute authority of the Word of God and it was his source book for faith and life. He did not ground his views of soul liberty in Enlightenment ideals or a general liberalism, like Thomas Jefferson would do in the next century. He was not a rationalist or utilitarian but a man possessed by the Scriptural doctrine of a regenerate church, headed by Jesus Christ." For more information about CBTS, go to CBTSeminary.org

In the final episode of our Light of the World series, Dr. Ben Lovvorn leads us in a discussion on Philippians 4:18–20. Ben, Nate, and Andrew are joined by special guest Dr. Cliff Duren, our Executive Pastor of Music & Worship. We'll talk about how our giving can and should be a joyful act of worship! Cliff also shares how our worship ministry encourages everyone to use their musical gifts for God's glory, as they meditate on the Scriptural truth of the songs we sing together.     We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast. You can give online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

Wednesday December 17, 2025 Intro: The main portion of our lesson today is the Scriptural revelation of the pretribulational Rapture of the church.... for full notes: https://www.cgtruth.org/index.php?proc=msg&sf=vw&tid=3236

"Roger Williams was one of the most important formative figures for the doctrine of religious liberty in the 1600s. Williams believed in the absolute authority of the Word of God and it was his source book for faith and life. He did not ground his views of soul liberty in Enlightenment ideals or a general liberalism, like Thomas Jefferson would do in the next century. He was not a rationalist or utilitarian but a man possessed by the Scriptural doctrine of a regenerate church, headed by Jesus Christ." For more information about CBTS, go to CBTSeminary.org

Sadly Self-Employed I've been thinking a lot lately about greed. That's because in our short break from Song of Songs, we've studied salt covenant in our weekly Zoom classes. Although it's only about eight weeks of material, it's been packed with very practical ideas to improve our spiritual life today.   In particular, what's been weighing in my thoughts is the premise that unsavory salt, the kind that has lost its savor, is at its root, greed. In short, our study has dug into Yeshua's question about salt losing its flavor. How do you make it salty again? The salt had savor at some point, but then lost it.   If you review the last newsletters, Scripture specified that salt is something that comes from within a person. It is a softness and tenderness toward the Word and one's neighbor. It's the best part of our sacrifices for the Kingdom and Covenant that fulfills it, and without the salt, commandment-keeping is lacking:   • Every grain offering of yours, moreover, you shall season with salt, so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt. (Le 2:13)   We can't put unsalty salt on a sacrifice or work of the Word:   • “Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.” (Mk 9:50)   “Have salt in yourselves ? be at peace with one another.”   So if we lose saltiness, we aren't tender any longer.   We can actually keep the letter of the commandments, but when it doesn't come from a tenderness within us, it doesn't create peace. That's salt without savor, and those commandments are not acceptable sacrifices for the Covenant, which must not be lacking salt. Defective salt is like a defective animal. No go. Unaccepted.    • Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Mt 5:23-24)   Leave the gift at the altar, go get salty again, make things right with your neighbor, then return, and the gift will be accepted because it came from tenderness toward the Father, which in turn made you tender toward His creation, your brother:   • “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Ge 4:7)   Kain was told to put his happy face on with Abel, and then his gift would be accepted. Kain had short-changed the sacrifice by not bringing his best. He didn't bring first fruits; instead, he brought "of the fruit of the ground." Produce, just not his best. Begrudging, for sure. Instead of repenting of his greed, putting on his happy face, and bringing his best, he simply took out his anger and frustration with Elohim by killing his brother.   Put another way, we can be about the Father's business diligently, keeping His commandments, and because of worry and distraction about our income, we find ourselves self-employed, like Martha, who resented Mary's relationship to Yeshua in receiving the Word. Daily we have to remind ourselves to make an "upper room" in our twenty-four hours to simply sit before the Father's Word and soak up His Presence in study and prayer.   Doing things is important; it is the sacrifice we make for our families and the Body of Messiah. Without the salt from within, however, those works of the Covenant are lacking. The very meaning of sacrifice is "draw near," korban.    Does doing a commandment draw us closer to the Father?   If not, it may have become our business instead of His. That's unsavory salt and greed.    When we salt the mitzvot of the Covenant, we exert ourselves, just as savory salt comes from “within yourselves” to make peace with others. We must exert ourselves commensurate with our “wealth.” While money is the example, the object of our desires is obtained with currency, which can be money, yet we might traffic for influence, power, manipulation, etc. to obtain our desires. Money is simply the currency most commonly used for the transaction to satisfy our greed. Greed is undisciplined and un-discipled desire. Sin. Idolatry of self-serving.   It is easy to construe greed as a desire for money, or mammon, yet the less tangibles are nonetheless greedy: knowledge, esteem, security, attention, pleasure, etc. I have seen believers so drunk on the power of Scriptural knowledge that they habitually beat up their fellow servants with the Word. It is no longer the Father's business; instead, they have become self-employed.    They use His Word not to draw people near the Father, but to enrich themselves. Maybe with donations, maybe with product sales, maybe with just a shot of self-esteem in soliciting invitations to speak or posting controversial statements designed to create a public dust-up for attention.   How can we know when someone is unsavory and self-employed, but they've hung out the shingle of "Kingdom Business"?    It's more important to know when WE'VE done it.    Remember, unsaltiness is an inside problem. You won't always see it on the outside. The sacrifice may look just perfect on the altar.    And Yeshua took donations...a group of women followed him throughout his ministry all the way to the upper room, "ministering to him." They loved him all the way to death (Mt 27:55; Mk 15:41; Lk 23:49,55) Yeshua said controversial things, was a highly-sought-after speaker, and he was definitely in the middle of public dust-ups.   The difference is that Yeshua always did what he did and said what he said on actual Kingdom business. He was drawing people closer to the Father or exposing their self-employment in the commandments. His Spirit will help us to search our own hearts so that we don't become "moneychangers," encroaching on the holy places for our personal enrichment and deceiving people who think we're there to serve and help them draw close to the Presence. Instead, we're self-employed, working on our self-esteem needs or securing donations to fuel the fire of our pleasures.   This is something ministries need to soul-search daily, and it's something a royal priesthood should soul-search daily. That's all of us.    As in my example of the "Nuts" in last week's newsletter, sometimes we have to decide whether we're occupied in interests and ministry we've chosen according to our desire, yet the actual fruit ready to harvest is in a different area. It will be a true sacrifice to do business there, but it's where the Father needs us, not where we want to work. At first.   The phenomenon is that if we will adjust our desire to His, sell out completely to draw near to the Father, our desire will actually change. Really! It will!   This is what Yeshua tried to tell the rich young ruler when he told him he still lacked one thing even though the young man had kept all the commandments since he was a boy. He lacked the savor of salt with his commandment-keeping. The young man did not have enough faith in The Word, Yeshua, that the desire in his heart for his wealth would be changed by selling it:   • "But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." (Mk 10:22)   Salt is faith in the Word. It is what prevents us from becoming self-employed in unsavory commandment-keeping. The rich young man would never know the wonder and joy of finding a coin inside a fish's mouth or sharing a simple breakfast on the beach with the resurrected Messiah. A righteous king.   A truly rich man is one who is satisfied with what the Father puts in his hand from above, whether little or much; a truly poor man is one who is never satisfied with what he possesses below, whether little or much.    A truly rich man rejoices in exerting himself and his resources in his Father's business; a truly poor man goes away sad.   Yeshua asks what we are anxious, worried, sad, and distracted about, even in doing the commandments, for they are how we withhold ourselves from him. These things dilute our salt. They may be our desire, but they are not the "best part" that brings peace, the part that we spend at his feet learning, talking to him, lingering in his Presence. This requires us to exert ourselves to bring the lacking salt. Maybe it means selling off some wrong ideas about things that mean a lot to us.   Mary sat at Yeshua's feet. She had to look up to him before she went to work. Martha did it backward. She worked, but because she was self-employed that day, she took out her frustration by blaming Mary and looking down on Yeshua's willingness to "discipline" her sister. She couldn't see he was discipling them both that day. She needed to look up first with joy in his presence.   Start with salt, the best part within. What we do each day is His business.   When we go into the world to give charity, be kind to others, speak peaceably, reconcile the world to their Creator, and shine the light of obeying the commandments, it will not be a labor of convenience. If we have prepared with salt, though, the exertion will be rewarding and change our taste.   Do I mean how we taste to others?   Or how we savor our labor for the King?   Yes.

Revelatory teaching as to what it means to be a father or son in the LORD.  Scriptural references to support teaching: Eph 6:4; Pr 22:6; Deu 6:5-7; Ps 103:13

Message regarding how as the believer, we are to divinely discern all things of our life by filtering them through prayer and the character of Jesus Christ for our continued sanctification.  Scriptural reference: 1Thess 5:18-24

Brother Nick looks at the Gospel of Luke and the Scriptural account of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

This Lightning Round Question is a question that is often asked and discussed in many different ways. Today, Kurt will give us a Scriptural answer that will help us whenever this topic arises in daily conversation or when authority is being discussed within the Lord's church.

Transformed by the Fire: Restored to Rise is a deeply moving and Spirit-filled teaching by Minister Juanita E. Gaynor. Through the lens of her own journey as a domestic violence survivor and ADHD warrior, Juanita shares how God uses moments of adversity and hardship not to destroy us, but to refine us into the powerful, restored individuals He intended.With a blend of Scriptural teaching, personal testimony, and emotional insight, this message speaks directly to those navigating trauma, transition, or emotional wounds.Listeners will learn how to embrace healing as a sacred process, view adversity as divine refinement, and rise into purpose with renewed strength and wholeness.Perfect for anyone seeking encouragement, faith-based mental health support, or spiritual empowerment

Can the Family Proclamation become a lifeline in seasons of loneliness, trauma, or family struggle? Sister Carol Costley shares how its doctrines shaped her journey from Jamaican-London immigrant roots to addiction-recovery therapist, showing how divine identity and Christ's healing can transform any family story.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTS English: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC251EN French: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC251FR German: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC251DE Portuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC251PT Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC251ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/OiNw35C_XSEALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coNOW AVAILABLE INFrench  ⁨@followHIMFrançais⁩ Spanish  ⁨@followHIMespañol⁩ Portuguese  ⁨@followHIMPortuguês⁩  2021 Episode The Family: A Proclamation to the Worldhttps://youtu.be/f5sbMDT96jcFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook  WEEKLY NEWSLETTER https://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter  SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE:00:00 Part 1 - Sister Carol Costley01:43 Episode teaser04:38 Carol Costley bio06:51 Come, Follow Me Manual08:01 Power in the Proclamation12:35 The Comeback Podcast with Ashly Stone14:15 Prayers for a temple marriage18:11 Scriptural examples of imperfect families19:47 A Jamaican-British family story22:55 A difficult move to the United States24:51 A ward embraces young Sister Costely27:30 Ward and mission blessings31:58 Becoming an addiction-recovery specialist and losing a sister35:26 Why the Proclamation matters38:17 Apostles address the Proclamation41:42 What are children entitled to?43:52 Protecting children from substance abuse47:40 Inspired themes for the YW and YM51:49 The Art of War by Sun Tzu55:34 The importance of addressing the enemies tactics58:53 Gender and the Plan of Happiness1:03:16 Perfection isn't meant for this life1:06:01 End of Part 1 - Sister Carol CostleyThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

What does the Bible say about hospitality? Why is it important? Tati and Leah discuss Scriptural support of hospitality and how to live it in our modern lives.Tati's InstagramLeah's Blog, YouTube, ApparelRosaria Butterfield - Author Mentioned

What if there is a biblical process for healing that actually works — consistently? For years, Beatty Carmichael wrestled with the same questions so many Christians have: Why are so many believers sick? Why do our prayers for healing so often seem ineffective? That search led him into a Scripture-based discovery that is producing real, repeatable results — not because of a rare gift, but because it follows the spiritual mechanics God laid out for healing with a success rate approaching 90%.In this remarkable conversation, you'll hear stories of people healed instantly in public places — RSD, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, glaucoma, anxiety, depression, addictions, and more. And you'll learn the simple, powerful, biblically rooted process behind those healings that any believer can use.If you or someone you love has battled something for years, this may offer real hope.If you or someone you love is battling a condition that doctors haven't fully been able to explain or resolve…If you've prayed for healing and wondered why nothing changed…If you want to walk in the authority Jesus gave His disciples…This conversation could unlock the breakthrough you've been praying for.God still heals. And He's provided a Scriptural path that leads directly to freedom.-------------------------GET THE BOOK AND CONNECT WITH BEATTY:⇨ Get the book The Prayer of Freedom: https://amzn.to/4pRgfyz⇨ Beatty's Website: https://beattycarmichael.com/⇨ Prayer of Freedom Website: https://theprayeroffreedom.com/⇨ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beattycarmichael/⇨ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeattyCarmichaelTeaching⇨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beattycarmichael1--------------------------✟ Become a supporter of A Stronger Faith here ⇨ https://www.astrongerfaith.org/give--------------------------✟ Recommend a guest for us here ⇨ https://www.astrongerfaith.org/contact--------------------------✟ CONNECT WITH US! ⇨ Website: https://www.astrongerfaith.org/ ⇨ YouTube: https://bit.ly/asfmyoutube ⇨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrongerfaith/⇨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrongerfaith ⇨ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astrongerfaith------------------------------------✟ If you need prayer or deliverance, or if you would like to join us as a prayer partner, please visit our prayer resources page at https://www.astrongerfaith.org/prayer.✟ If you are looking for a good faith-building book, visit our recommended books page at https://www.astrongerfaith.org/books.

Bib-Lit 12-7-25 Mark's topic for today was a focus on:Learning to Study our Bibles Better. Many different versions of the Bible are available for readers. Warm up. Important ways to start studying the Bible Begin with prayer Psalm 119:18 shows the power of Bible study The Bible is a library with various types of literature. Workout Studying the Psalms. The Psalms are Israel's prayer and book hymnal that express all the human emotions. Studying Proverbs.Proverbs is rich with wisdom, literature, and principles, not promises. Cool down Chose a reading plan Pray before you study Take notes Listen to Mark give us Scriptural guidelines to better study, understand, and apply God's Word to our lives.

I. Introduction: Setting the Theme Review of November's theme: Share the Harvest. Introduction of December's theme: Share the Hope. Reflection: the church focuses on spreading hope to the community—but hope must also be shared within the church. Observation: the world around us is filled with discouragement; people crave hope, especially during December. II. The Need for Hope Many are discouraged by finances, the future, broken dreams, and depression. Even during the holidays, sadness often deepens for people without Christ. Key idea: We must understand the hope of Jesus ourselves before we can share it. III. What Hope Means for Believers Hope satisfies human longing for something better. Jesus Christ is the only one who can fill the inner void. Scriptural foundation: Proverbs 13:12 — “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Proverbs 23:18 — “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” IV. Three Aspects of Hope in God 1. The Hope of His Arms Deuteronomy 33:27 — God's “everlasting arms” are our refuge. Illustration: a child running into his father's arms—mirrors how believers should run to God. God's arms are extended in comfort, guidance, and embrace. Isaiah and Deuteronomy emphasize God's outstretched arm leading His people. Applications: Run into God's arms for help. Don't fold your arms at others returning to faith—welcome them with love and compassion. 2. The Hope of His Eyes Story of the Prodigal Son: The father (representing God) sees his son coming from afar. Psalm 34:15 — “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous.” Examples of Jesus' watchful eyes: The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:32). Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree (Luke 19:5). The widow's offering (Luke 21:1–4). Message: God sees, notices, and acknowledges even unseen acts of faithfulness. 3. The Hope of His Heart Matthew 11:29 — Jesus is “gentle and humble in heart.” The heart of God is full of compassion. Scripture examples: Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32 — Christ's compassion for the crowds. Ministry analogy: working with people requires “shifting gears” like a manual car; compassion guides those shifts. Having the heart of God helps believers love and relate well to others. V. Living Out Hope Run into the arms of God. See people through God's eyes. Reflect His compassionate heart in word and deed. Encourage one another within the church as well as outside it. VI. Communion and the Source of Hope The foundation of hope is Christ's death and resurrection. Romans 8:31–39 — Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Communion as an act of remembrance for Jesus' sacrifice and love. Gratitude expressed to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. VII. Closing Exhortation Illustration: A woman (“Janet”) changed her environment with joyful faith—“Jesus brings joy.” Believers are called to represent Jesus well in their words, behavior, and daily interactions. Christmas focus: keep Jesus—the greatest gift—at the center. Invitation to prayer and dedication at the altar.

Scrip[ture regarding how to properly discern our negative emotions (hatred) as a Believer.  Scriptural reference: Psalms 139:19-24

I've never known whether to call myself a firstborn or not. I have an older half-sister, and the dynamic has always been ambiguous. Now, she and I have historically gotten along very well. She was fun and I was precocious, so there was much mischievous benefit in our truces. The exceptions to that rule were the occasions when we were deciding who gets to be in charge. Our little sister was also under the impression that fortune favors the bold, and she threw her own elbows quite frequently. (Being the baby of the family holds its own lore.) Add to this the fact that all our cousins were next door and across the street, and the gang's organization often closely resembled the bloody power struggles of medieval England.  Birth order dynamics have shifted a bit over the years in America as we've wrestled out what it means to live in a democracy, but it's still a part of everyday social discourse. Regardless of who's in the national Congress this term, firstborn daughters in particular seem to have united online in the shared struggle against chaos in their extended families. The conversation seems to revolve around the felt burden of being the one people are looking to; laying extra responsibility upon; maybe the only one who could care as much as Mom or Grandma once did. I'm not a psychologist, but it looks like a pattern to me, bearing itself out even when we're far from home.   Closer to my field, we see the Bible is not silent on this issue. Sibling striving forms perhaps the strongest negative theme in all of Scripture. Certainly, it's where sin seems to hit home first and hardest. From Cain and Abel through the prodigal son and his elder brother, the resounding testimony is that our cosmic conflicts start in the nursery. I mean, 4000 years later Ishmael and Israel are still making the news headlines.  This Sunday of Advent traditionally deals with the theme of peace, born into the world as a Firstborn Prince. Colossians 1 joins the chorus of Scriptural texts about how there can be only one Firstborn, and what a difference it makes who that person is, and what he does with his siblings! I hope to see you there. 

I've never known whether to call myself a firstborn or not. I have an older half-sister, and the dynamic has always been ambiguous. Now, she and I have historically gotten along very well. She was fun and I was precocious, so there was much mischievous benefit in our truces. The exceptions to that rule were the occasions when we were deciding who gets to be in charge. Our little sister was also under the impression that fortune favors the bold, and she threw her own elbows quite frequently. (Being the baby of the family holds its own lore.) Add to this the fact that all our cousins were next door and across the street, and the gang's organization often closely resembled the bloody power struggles of medieval England.  Birth order dynamics have shifted a bit over the years in America as we've wrestled out what it means to live in a democracy, but it's still a part of everyday social discourse. Regardless of who's in the national Congress this term, firstborn daughters in particular seem to have united online in the shared struggle against chaos in their extended families. The conversation seems to revolve around the felt burden of being the one people are looking to; laying extra responsibility upon; maybe the only one who could care as much as Mom or Grandma once did. I'm not a psychologist, but it looks like a pattern to me, bearing itself out even when we're far from home.   Closer to my field, we see the Bible is not silent on this issue. Sibling striving forms perhaps the strongest negative theme in all of Scripture. Certainly, it's where sin seems to hit home first and hardest. From Cain and Abel through the prodigal son and his elder brother, the resounding testimony is that our cosmic conflicts start in the nursery. I mean, 4000 years later Ishmael and Israel are still making the news headlines.  This Sunday of Advent traditionally deals with the theme of peace, born into the world as a Firstborn Prince. Colossians 1 joins the chorus of Scriptural texts about how there can be only one Firstborn, and what a difference it makes who that person is, and what he does with his siblings! I hope to see you there. 

Ten reasons to develop a lifestyle characterized by praise and worship (based on various Scriptural passages) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29?v=20251111

Ten reasons to develop a lifestyle characterized by praise and worship (based on various Scriptural passages) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29?v=20251111

Ten reasons to develop a lifestyle characterized by praise and worship (based on various Scriptural passages) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29?v=20251111

Ten reasons to develop a lifestyle characterized by praise and worship (based on various Scriptural passages) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29?v=20251111

In this powerful conversation, Coach Alex sits down with health coach, fitness instructor, and workshop leader Leah Fruth to explore the often-overlooked role of forgiveness in our physical and spiritual health. Leah vulnerably shares her own story of profound grief, unprocessed pain, and how God taught her that healing the body is inseparable from healing the soul.Together, they dive into what it means to release bitterness, walk in freedom, and treat the body not as a project to fix but as a temple to steward. From homemade kombucha to workshops on stretching and prayer, Leah models what it looks like to integrate spirit, body, and soul in everyday practices.This episode is both deeply practical and spiritually uplifting—reminding us that true health begins at the cross.Main Discussion Themes-How forgiveness accelerates breakthroughs in health and fitness journeys-Leah's story of grief, loss, and finding healing through Christ-Why unprocessed grief manifests in the body as stress, illness, and pain-Daily practices for releasing bitterness and living in freedom-The biblical foundation of forgiveness and whole-person stewardship-How to reclaim God's truth about the body vs. the world's lies-Leah's “Be Still” workshops: combining stretching, journaling, and scriptureTimestamped Outline00:00 – 05:00 | Intro banter: coffee, kombucha, and why sleep matters05:00 – 12:00 | Introducing Leah Fruth: fitness instructor, mom of three, and health coach12:00 – 20:00 | Why forgiveness belongs in health coaching (real client stories)20:00 – 28:00 | Scriptural foundation: Jesus' command to forgive before worship28:00 – 37:00 | Leah's testimony: losing her parents, unprocessed grief, and the physical toll37:00 – 45:00 | The turning point: counseling, Revelation Wellness, and integrative healing45:00 – 55:00 | How grief, stress, and forgiveness impact immune health and daily life55:00 – 01:05:00 | Exercise as worship and why slowing down is essential01:05:00 – 01:15:00 | Leah's “Be Still” workshops: stretching, journaling, and prayerful rest01:15:00 – 01:20:00 | Free resource: Let's Reclaim the Truth About Our Body ebook01:20:00 – 01:25:00 | Closing prayer and blessingMove Forward Today✅Get Coach Alex's new book today! Faithful Fitness Devotional (40-Day Guide): https://faithfulfitnessdevo.com✅Join the BetterDaily community! Faith And Fitness Foundations: https://betterdaily.live/beginner ✅Download Leah's free ebook – Let's Reclaim the Truth About Our Body: https://leahfruth.myflodesk.com/gn5sau7ha2✅Reflect on forgiveness – Write out who you need to forgive and bring it to Jesus.✅Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast so you don't miss more episodes on embodied discipleship.Featured Guest Resources✅Free Ebook: Let's Reclaim the Truth About Our Body: https://leahfruth.myflodesk.com/gn5sau7ha2Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

Welcome to episode #247!

East Africa has a high level of Biblical illiteracy. As a result, there is a lot of non Scriptural preaching, transactional Gospels messages, and personality cults. John shares some of these different gospels he sees along with how syncretism takes root. We also touch on how colonialism has impacted the Truth of the Gospel.   Links: Simply the Story … Upcoming workshops … God's Story: From Creation to Eternity …  Moment for Eternity - Training for Evangelism   Follow us on Twitter ~ Feedback ~ Facebook ~ iTunes Podcast ~ Vimeo ~ STS Youtube ~ God's Story Youtube

Sleep better and Stress Less— with Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. We hope this biblical sleep meditation, narrated by Jennifer Clark, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. In this sleep story, hear beautiful Scriptural reflections that point to the centrality of Christ throughout creation. Rest soundly in the holy plan and purpose of God through Christ, His Son. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for better sleep is right here: https://abide.com/peaceDiscover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us

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Escaping the Hurry Trap: 3 Simple Rhythms to Help Working Moms Stay Present Feeling rushed, frazzled, and pulled in a hundred directions? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm speaking directly to working Christian moms who are tired of hurry culture and long to live more present, peaceful, and faith-filled lives. We'll explore three simple, biblical rhythms you can start using today to slow down, reconnect with God, and be fully present for your family—even in a full schedule. Learn how micro-margins, one intentional unhurried moment each day, and trading hurry for trust can transform your pace, your heart, and your daily experience. Whether you feel guilty slowing down or unsure how to fit rest into your day, this episode offers practical encouragement and Scriptural wisdom for moms seeking peace, presence, and purpose. Below I also have additional resources, Scriptures, and tools to help you implement these rhythms and step out of the hurry trap for good. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What hurry culture is and why it steals your peace How Jesus modeled an unhurried, present life Why working moms are especially vulnerable to the hurry trap Three simple, biblical rhythms to escape hurry and stay present Creating micro-margins throughout your day Practicing one intentional unhurried moment daily Trading hurry for trust in God How to begin cultivating presence in the midst of a busy schedule   Resources Mentioned: ✨ Practical tools and faith-based encouragement to help you stay grounded in God's love — linked in the show notes

Leslie launches a new series this week called A Steadfast Heart . “Emotional health” has become a popular topic in modern culture. But what is true emotional health from a Biblical perspective? In this week's episode, Leslie takes a Scriptural look at what it means to bring our emotions under the rulership of Jesus Christ and aligning our feelings with God's Truth. She contrasts the counterfeit "emotional health" so often promoted by our culture with true emotional health as defined by the Word of God, and offers practical ways to honor God with our emotions in our daily lives and decisions.For more resources from Leslie, visit https://setapart.org/. To learn about the limited-time discount for our Ellerslie Online Program, visit https://www.ellersliestudents.com/ellerslie-online. To learn about our 2026 Set Apart Conference, visit https://setapart.org/2026-set-apart-conference/. To support Set Apart Ministries, visit https://setapart.org/support/.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

Contact us. We'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(02:42) Scriptural perspectives on caring about opinions(05:29) Tensions in pastoral reputation—Paul's examples(06:30) Brian and Jim reflect from personal experience of caring too much and not enough(13:03) Signs of caring too much(19:13) Signs of not caring enough(26:34) Finding balance: practical advice for pastors(32:17) Final words and prayer for pastors

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.