Podcasts about scripture why

The Biblical Truth About Alcohol: Why Christians Should Abstain | Pastor's Warning

Welcome to a heartfelt and reflective episode of It's Giving Motherhood! In this special year-end episode, co-hosts Kate and Jayme look back on an incredible 2024 and set their sights on an intentional, purpose-driven 2025.As moms, spouses, and individuals navigating life's beautiful chaos, we're sharing: Our Parenthood Goals for 2025: From nurturing neurodivergent kiddos to cultivating deeper family connections. Our Spousal Aspirations: How we plan to strengthen our marriages through intentional time, teamwork, and faith. Anticipated Challenges: The hurdles we foresee, including navigating stigma in parenting, advocating for our kids, and staying centered in a fast-paced world.We're also diving deep into: The Power of Scripture: Why grounding ourselves in the Bible is non-negotiable as we take on new challenges in the year ahead. Parenting Through a Neurodivergent Lens: Tackling societal stigma with courage, compassion, and community support. A Love Letter to Our Listeners: You are the heart and soul of It's Giving Motherhood. Thank you for your support, engagement, and shared stories that inspire us to keep creating.Join us for an episode filled with authenticity, faith, and vision as we celebrate the growth of 2024 and prepare for an amazing new year. Tune in now and let's embrace 2025 together!We want to hear from you! What are your parenting or personal goals for 2025? How do you navigate challenges with grace and faith? Share your thoughts and stories with us on Instagram or Facebook @ItsGivingMotherhood or via email at pushingstrollersupboulders@gmail.com.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Your feedback fuels our journey. Here's to another incredible year of motherhood, together. 

In today's Scripture:  Why celibacy is a good lifestyle Are celibate people more righteous than married people? Learning to be content in whatever situation we are placed in Paul gives authority to virgins who previously had no rights   Check out all these links from P40: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

In today's message Pastor Danny Parga is continuing the 2nd part of the message entitled “Waiting for Christmas”. Last time we were together I shared with you from the Scripture “Why humanity needed Christmas”. We went back to the beginning in Genesis and discovered that because of man's sin it brought death, disease, and corruption to all creation. But God had given humanity a promise: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15 God promised a Christmas would come through the woman's offspring. Today's main text is found in Matthew 1. We are going to look at how over 42 generations how God preserved His promise to bring Christmas. If this message has encouraged you, hit the follow button, leave a comment and share it with family and friends. By doing so you can help us continue to bring saving message of Jesus Christ on these platforms. You can get more information about Manifest Church on our website manifestchurch@startsites.org. You can also follow us on: Facebook Manifest Church - SC - YouTube Manifest Church (rumble.com)

Hey there, fellow spiritual voyagers, Matthew Adams here. Do you ever find yourself switching through radio stations, trying to find that one song that hits right in the feels? Life's pretty similar. Amidst the static of disappointment and discouragement, there's a divine melody waiting to be heard, if only we'd tune in correctly.Scripture:“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again —my Savior and my God!” - PSALM 42:5-6In our adventurous journey towards spiritual understanding, we're often met with detours. Sometimes it's a longing for more, while other times, we feel like someone just changed our station without asking. A taste of divine interaction makes us yearn for a whole meal. But here's the catch: Do we let our past experiences mute the volume, or do we crank it up with hope?My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Driving Points:* The Echo Chamber of the Heart:Just like those catchy songs that replay in our minds, our heart echoes our deepest desires and fears. It's essential to stop and ask: What's on repeat? Hope or despair? Remember, we're the DJs of our souls; let's make sure we're playing the right tracks.* Conscious Choices over Moods:Ever met someone who's perpetually stuck in a Monday mood? Our internal environment shouldn't be dictated by the gloomiest day of the week. We can, and should, decide our heart's climate. And trust me, choosing hope has a way of bringing out those spiritual sunny days.* Overcoming the Static with Clear Reception:In life's grand radio, disappointments might just be the annoying static that interrupts our favorite tunes. But here's a secret: Stay tuned. Because right after that static comes the divine symphony that resonates with our very being.Conclusion:In the grand playlist of life, discouragement might feel like a recurring track. But the beauty lies in realizing that we have the controls. We can skip, replay, or even find a new tune. It's all about finding that Godly frequency amidst the chaos.Call to Action:Alright, spiritual warriors, let's make a pact. The next time life's static gets too loud, we won't just switch off. We'll adjust the frequency, tune in with hope, and bask in the divine melodies awaiting our ears. Challenge yourself to tune in to God's channel daily, and trust me, the music's celestial.Prayer:Mighty Father, in the radio of life, amidst the static and the interference, guide my hand to Your frequency. Drown out my discouragements and amplify my hope. Let Your Voice be the song my heart dances to, now and forever.And with that, fellow warriors, let's promise to keep our dials tuned to the divine. Because once we do, the melodies we hear will be nothing short of heavenly. Keep listening, keep hoping, and above all, keep the faith. Until next time, over and out! Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Hey there, fellow spiritual voyagers, Matthew Adams here. Do you ever find yourself switching through radio stations, trying to find that one song that hits right in the feels? Life's pretty similar. Amidst the static of disappointment and discouragement, there's a divine melody waiting to be heard, if only we'd tune in correctly.Scripture:“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again —my Savior and my God!” - PSALM 42:5-6In our adventurous journey towards spiritual understanding, we're often met with detours. Sometimes it's a longing for more, while other times, we feel like someone just changed our station without asking. A taste of divine interaction makes us yearn for a whole meal. But here's the catch: Do we let our past experiences mute the volume, or do we crank it up with hope?My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Driving Points:* The Echo Chamber of the Heart:Just like those catchy songs that replay in our minds, our heart echoes our deepest desires and fears. It's essential to stop and ask: What's on repeat? Hope or despair? Remember, we're the DJs of our souls; let's make sure we're playing the right tracks.* Conscious Choices over Moods:Ever met someone who's perpetually stuck in a Monday mood? Our internal environment shouldn't be dictated by the gloomiest day of the week. We can, and should, decide our heart's climate. And trust me, choosing hope has a way of bringing out those spiritual sunny days.* Overcoming the Static with Clear Reception:In life's grand radio, disappointments might just be the annoying static that interrupts our favorite tunes. But here's a secret: Stay tuned. Because right after that static comes the divine symphony that resonates with our very being.Conclusion:In the grand playlist of life, discouragement might feel like a recurring track. But the beauty lies in realizing that we have the controls. We can skip, replay, or even find a new tune. It's all about finding that Godly frequency amidst the chaos.Call to Action:Alright, spiritual warriors, let's make a pact. The next time life's static gets too loud, we won't just switch off. We'll adjust the frequency, tune in with hope, and bask in the divine melodies awaiting our ears. Challenge yourself to tune in to God's channel daily, and trust me, the music's celestial.Prayer:Mighty Father, in the radio of life, amidst the static and the interference, guide my hand to Your frequency. Drown out my discouragements and amplify my hope. Let Your Voice be the song my heart dances to, now and forever.And with that, fellow warriors, let's promise to keep our dials tuned to the divine. Because once we do, the melodies we hear will be nothing short of heavenly. Keep listening, keep hoping, and above all, keep the faith. Until next time, over and out! Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Why do Catholics pray for the dead? In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues the series on the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church by talking about the another facet on the communion of saints - praying for those in purgatory. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts.Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.SHOW NOTES:* 2 Maccabees chapter 12* A Protestant Guide to Catholic Bibles* Timeline of the Canon of Scripture* Why do Jews Pray for the Dead* A Jewish Lesson on Catholic Prayers for the Dead Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

How do we know that the books we have in Scripture are actually Scripture-- Are there other writings that might potentially be considered Scripture-- Why do we reject writings like the Apocrypha or the Book of Mormon as -non-canonical--- Here Pastor Jesse gives an overview of the concept of the canonicity of Scripture. He walks us through what -canon- really means, as well as how the canon of Scripture was determined, discovered, and closed. In this message, you'll grow in your understanding of canonicity - and be encouraged in your confidence in the Bible.

Dr. Jake Myers, the Wade P. Huie, Jr. Associate Professor of Homiletics at Columbia Theological Seminary, talks with Dr. Derek Weber, Director of Preaching Ministries for Discipleship Ministries, about his most recent book, Stand-Up Preaching: Homiletical Insights from Contemporary Comedians. Jake is also the author of Making Love with Scripture: Why the Bible Doesn't Mean How You Think It Means; Curating Church: Strategies for Innovative Worship; and Preaching Must Die! Troubling Homiletical Theology. He has launched a website offering preaching coaching at www.preachingdr.com, and he has a YouTube channel resourcing preachers about all things homiletical, https://rb.gy/qmjjgy. Jake is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Join us for this in-depth conversation about comedy and preaching and how we can proclaim a profound truth in ways that get heard and build community.

FAM, welcome back to part two of our conversation on the reliability of the Bible. I'm joined by my husband, Trevor, who helps guide us through some incredibly important questions for any follower of Jesus: Is what we have in the Bible what was originally written? Is what was originally written what actually happened? And is God the ultimate author behind it all? While this episode is not exhaustive, it is rich with evidence and resources that I hope will inspire you to discover for yourself just how trustworthy the Bible really is.   In this episode you will hear: The transmission, historicity, and inspiration of Scripture Why the Bible is considered verified by historians Helpful resources for diving deeper into this topic   For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.    This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co. 

Today's Scripture: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation. - Psalm 42:5

In our passage this week, we find the dynamics of the temptation and fall into sin. While last week we found God's original design for His creation, this week we find the breach of that design and God's response to that breach. We find the origin of the pattern played out in the rest of Scripture: Why is there struggle and toil? Why is there fear and shame? Why are the relationships with creation, each other, and God so broken? Why must we die? In this story we see the beginning of God's redemptive plan for humanity: The man and the woman ate from the tree which God commanded them not to eat. The effects of this sin were severe. Yet God came to find them, made a way for them to get back to Him and paradise, and provided a solution for their nakedness and shame. In the temptation and fall of the first man and woman, how might we see ourselves and our circumstances today?

410 The Fear of The Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom,  A Guided Christian Meditation on Proverbs 1:1 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain. My purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God.  By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: Proverbs 1 ESV 1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;     for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,     doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,     knowledge and discretion to the young— 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,     and let the discerning get guidance— 6 for understanding proverbs and parables,     the sayings and riddles of the wise. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,     but fools despise wisdom and instruction. KJV 1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Meditation on Scripture: Why is wisdom Good? Why is it important? Why does God care about wisdom? It is important how we perceive wisdom. God is the source of all truth. We believe in a God who formed the cosmos. In his hands he can hold the universe and look from its beginning to its end. There is no fact or truth that is outside of his understanding. We need not fear any truth. This scripture points to the idea that wisdom means that we will be able to learn from the truth of God. We will be willing to be instructed in things we do not understand.  Prudent action rivals understanding for importance when talking about wisdom. If we know all things but do not do what is right, what good is that knowledge for us? Wisdom in God draws us to understand His mysteries, but then also to walk in harmony with His ways.  Solomon was recognized as being one of the wisest men in scripture. It was a gift he requested from God. It allowed him to become renowned worldwide during his time. Kings from other nations came to learn from him due to his wisdom. He became wealthy and as foreing visitors visited they brought him additional wealth. He was able to adorn the temple with Gold and fine things. Yet with all his wisdom came pride. He started to drink his own kool aid so to speak he drifted from the knowledge of God. This is why the last line is so important. The fear of the Lord and maintaining humility before God is crucial for us to not lose the whole purpose.  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates:  2 MILLION DOWNLOADS I Approaching  Final Question: What role does the Word have in your life? Final Thought:   FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Here’s the video on dealing with depression, which I mentioned during the stream: https://youtu.be/KspwQ2wyuUU Taking live questions from the YT live chat! Every Friday at 1 p.m. Pacific time. While I don't pretend to know all the answers, I hope to offer some thoughts that will help you in the direction of thinking biblically about things. The BibleThinker mugs can be found here. I don't make any profit from these - they are made by a third party and $5 per mug will go to support different ministries I choose.https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/new-bible-thinker-mug My website: https://BibleThinker.org 1. 0:31 {Were Jesus’ Disciples Married?} Were Christ’s disciples married / did they have families? I believe there is a reference to Peter’s in-law, but I find it to be an interesting question. What would it be like for them? How would that fit with what the Lord tells us about the role of a husband/father? The love for God trumps all, so did that override their responsibilities as a husband/father?2. 9:55 {Should We Give to Beggars?} I've had multiple encounters where people directly approach me and my wife on the street or at a gas station asking for money, food, or a ride. I know most people would say don't give anything because you're feeding their bad habit, and I know there is also the risk that if you do help/give, they may try to push for even more favors. But it's obvious that Jesus was compassionate toward beggars. What are some biblical principles for this in today's age?3. 15:37 {What is a Miracle?} What is a miracle? If it can be explained, is it still a miracle?4. 20:54 {Should we be Worried about Gov’t Control?} Should Christians be worried about government control? I have friends not getting the Covid vaccine because "it's a way to be controlled by the government.” I want to think biblically about this.5. 26:09 {About Walking by the Spirit} Does living in the Spirit mean fighting the flesh? How do you fight something that is already dead?6. 32:04 {About “Perfect Love Casting Out Fear”} What did John mean in 1 John by “perfect love casts out fear, and that whoever fears has not been made perfect…”?7. 34:43 {About Paul and a Time Gap in Scripture} Why didn’t Luke mention the time gap that took place during Acts 9: 20-26, that Paul mentioned in Galatians 1: 17-18?8. 40:20 {Prayer to Help with Deep Depression} Can you pray for me? I’ve battled depression my whole life, and the past 2 weeks I’ve gotten so low I need some prayer if you have the time.9. 43:13 {Why did Jesus need to be Led by the Spirit?} Why did Jesus (God) need to be filled, led, or anointed by the Spirit? Troubled by some saying that Jesus did everything as a man through the Spirit, so we should be able to do everything Jesus did.10. 48:10 {Forming a Healthy Work/Rest Balance} Since life is finite and Heaven is infinite, how do we justify spending any time not working to influence eternity? Where is the balance between relaxation & work? (Ephesians 5: 15-16 vs. 1 Thessalonians 4: 11)11. 53:10 {Refuting Catholic “Queenship” of Mary} How would you answer a Catholic who uses Revelation 12 to argue Mary's queenship?12. 59:06 {Can we be Confident in God’s Existence?} How can one ever be sure that the arguments for God’s existence are truly sound? Is it because all current objections fail? Maybe there is an Achilles heel that has not come up yet.13. 1:02:44 {What is Prevenient Grace?} I just heard about prevenient grace. I have looked it up and it just don't understand it. Can you explain it?14. 1:05:48 {Finding Hope in Difficult Situations} How do you interpret the hopelessness of Psalm 88? How can you comfort someone who feels what Psalm 88:18b (NIV) implies?15.

Here’s the video on dealing with depression, which I mentioned during the stream: https://youtu.be/KspwQ2wyuUU Taking live questions from the YT live chat! Every Friday at 1 p.m. Pacific time. While I don't pretend to know all the answers, I hope to offer some thoughts that will help you in the direction of thinking biblically about things. The BibleThinker mugs can be found here. I don't make any profit from these - they are made by a third party and $5 per mug will go to support different ministries I choose.https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/new-bible-thinker-mug My website: https://BibleThinker.org 1. 0:31 {Were Jesus’ Disciples Married?} Were Christ’s disciples married / did they have families? I believe there is a reference to Peter’s in-law, but I find it to be an interesting question. What would it be like for them? How would that fit with what the Lord tells us about the role of a husband/father? The love for God trumps all, so did that override their responsibilities as a husband/father?2. 9:55 {Should We Give to Beggars?} I've had multiple encounters where people directly approach me and my wife on the street or at a gas station asking for money, food, or a ride. I know most people would say don't give anything because you're feeding their bad habit, and I know there is also the risk that if you do help/give, they may try to push for even more favors. But it's obvious that Jesus was compassionate toward beggars. What are some biblical principles for this in today's age?3. 15:37 {What is a Miracle?} What is a miracle? If it can be explained, is it still a miracle?4. 20:54 {Should we be Worried about Gov’t Control?} Should Christians be worried about government control? I have friends not getting the Covid vaccine because "it's a way to be controlled by the government.” I want to think biblically about this.5. 26:09 {About Walking by the Spirit} Does living in the Spirit mean fighting the flesh? How do you fight something that is already dead?6. 32:04 {About “Perfect Love Casting Out Fear”} What did John mean in 1 John by “perfect love casts out fear, and that whoever fears has not been made perfect…”?7. 34:43 {About Paul and a Time Gap in Scripture} Why didn’t Luke mention the time gap that took place during Acts 9: 20-26, that Paul mentioned in Galatians 1: 17-18?8. 40:20 {Prayer to Help with Deep Depression} Can you pray for me? I’ve battled depression my whole life, and the past 2 weeks I’ve gotten so low I need some prayer if you have the time.9. 43:13 {Why did Jesus need to be Led by the Spirit?} Why did Jesus (God) need to be filled, led, or anointed by the Spirit? Troubled by some saying that Jesus did everything as a man through the Spirit, so we should be able to do everything Jesus did.10. 48:10 {Forming a Healthy Work/Rest Balance} Since life is finite and Heaven is infinite, how do we justify spending any time not working to influence eternity? Where is the balance between relaxation & work? (Ephesians 5: 15-16 vs. 1 Thessalonians 4: 11)11. 53:10 {Refuting Catholic “Queenship” of Mary} How would you answer a Catholic who uses Revelation 12 to argue Mary's queenship?12. 59:06 {Can we be Confident in God’s Existence?} How can one ever be sure that the arguments for God’s existence are truly sound? Is it because all current objections fail? Maybe there is an Achilles heel that has not come up yet.13. 1:02:44 {What is Prevenient Grace?} I just heard about prevenient grace. I have looked it up and it just don't understand it. Can you explain it?14. 1:05:48 {Finding Hope in Difficult Situations} How do you interpret the hopelessness of Psalm 88? How can you comfort someone who feels what Psalm 88:18b (NIV) implies?15.

Today’s Scripture: Why do you boast in evil, you mighty man?The faithfulness of God endures all day long.2 Your tongue devises destruction,Like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.3 You love evil more than good,Lies more than speaking what is right. Selah4 You love all words that devour,You deceitful tongue. 5 [d]his evil desire.” 8 But as for me, I […] The post Psalm 52 appeared first on Mary DeMuth.

Today’s Scripture: Why, O Eternal One, are You so far away?    Why can’t You be found during troubling times?2 Mean and haughty people hunt down the poor.    May they get caught up in their own wicked schemes. 3 For the wicked celebrates the evil cravings of his heart    as the greedy curses and rejects the Eternal.4 The arrogance of the wicked […] The post Psalm 10 appeared first on Mary DeMuth.

With current events, we can all relate to having our plans drastically changed.How do we respond when God changes the course of our life? What if our plans are good and line up with Scripture? Why would God mess with those plans and dreams?! In this episode, we welcome our friend, Linda, who talks about a time God literally knocked her knees right out from under her and changed the course of her life.

What exactly is Advent? Is it commanded in Scripture? Why and how should we observe it? Advent is a season marked on the church calendar, and it begins on December 1st this year. During Advent, believers intentionally remember the longing that God’s people felt awaiting the Messiah. It is also a time to recognize the truth that we are currently in a season of waiting for Christ’s return. We discuss the benefits of observing Advent and share the many ways your family can make meaningful Advent traditions this season.     Connect with us:  www.dailygracepodcast.com  www.thedailygraceco.com  https://www.facebook.com/thedailygraceco/  https://www.instagram.com/thedailygraceco/    Questions? Email us!  podcast@thedailygraceco.com  _______________________________  Resources mentioned in this episode:  Art for Kids Hub   Preaching the Gospel to Yourself by The Daily Grace Co.  Advent by Fleming Rutledge  Advent Candle Cards by The Daily Grace Co.  Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp  Immanuel by The Daily Grace Co.  Daily Grace Co. app (digital version of Immanuel)  Family Advent Devotional by The Daily Grace Co.   Advent Devotional Coloring Book by The Daily Grace Co.  2019 Family Advent Ornaments from The Daily Grace Co.   Handel’s Messiah   Hallelujah: A Journey through Advent with Handel’s Messiah  “Come Now Long Expected Jesus”   Caroline Cobb’s Advent Playlist Scripture mentioned in this episode:  Romans 12:12  Psalm 27:14  Psalm 62:5   John 8:12  Luke 2  Isaiah 9  Isaiah 40:1-5    Connect with us:  Subscribe to Daily Grace: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and click subscribe.  On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and choose your podcast app.  If needed, you can copy this link directly into your favorite podcast app (like Stitcher or Overcast).  Or follow us on Spotify!  We would love if you took a few minutes to leave us an iTunes review to help spread the word about Daily Grace!  We want to invite more women into our conversations!  Download The Daily Grace app: for iOS, click here to download.  On Android, click here to download.  Visit The Daily Grace Co. for beautiful products for the whole family that will equip you on your journey to knowing and loving God more.   Subscribe to The Daily Grace Newsletter and receive free Bible study resources in your inbox.   Like The Daily Grace Co. on Facebook.  Follow on Instagram for the latest updates on the podcast and The Daily Grace Co.   Engage with our Facebook community, “Lamp and Light”.   Read The Daily Grace blog for encouragement throughout the week that is steeped in biblical truths.  **Affiliate links used are used where appropriate.**  Thank you for supporting the products that support the production of this podcast! 

Do we need men to teach us the Scripture- Why is preaching needed if the Holy Spirit does all the teaching- We examine.

    Title: “Our Personal Ministry”   Today’s Topic: John 3:30: He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. Scholars suggest there may have been hundreds of thousands of people who came to Jerusalem every year to celebrate the Passover. At this point in our story, however, the event is over, and everyone from out of town is heading home. John 3:22-26 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people. 23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” The men who followed John the Baptist were very loyal to their leader. They had followed John for a while now, and they had seen some of their colleagues who also used to follow John, leave their group, and start following Jesus. Disciples of John the Baptist were worried about earthly numbers, figures, and attendance. They were starting to see their influence diminish. They were starting to wonder what would happen if everyone stopped coming to see John the Baptist.   How should the church feel if another church opens its doors across the street? Why is it hard to feel this way?   John gives a very important lesson: John 3:27-30 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John tells his disciples that you only have what God gives you. John said no one could receive anything unless God gives it from heaven! John then utters one of the most humble statements and the entire Bible. He says, "I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and I must become less." John also teaches his disciples that anything that we do is limited to the things that humans can do and that Jesus is not limited because he's not limited to earth. John 3:31-36  31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! 33 Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. 34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” John is telling his disciples that even if you could do your best, your best is earthly, worldly, and bound by human limitations. If you're trying to give somebody advice or correct of sinful behavior, there's only so much that you can do because you're human. God can do so much more. John says, “Jesus is sent by God the Father and that Jesus speaks of God's words because the father has given the Son the Spirit without limit.” Jesus talks to people about what Our Lord has seen and heard and that he came from heaven to save the world, but nobody is believing in Him.   There is a warning that people will believe the disciples of John because they're talking from a human standpoint, but what good is it if somebody believes us, but doesn't believe Jesus? That belief is worthless.   If a non-believer will trust us before they trust in Jesus, what actions can we take to bring them to Jesus and finally believe in Him? Do our actions have an influence on others?   Shouldn’t people in our lives who know that we are Christians expect more from us when we are in ministry? We need to be beginning our conversations with statements like, “let’s see what the Bible says,” or, “I know that God has an answer for this.” or, “we need to start working on this in prayer

.” These lessons show others that we are leaning on God to direct our lives, and they can as well. John the Baptist was so adamant about biblical principles that HE WOULD NOT BUDGE. John the Baptist would "tell it like it is," and if somebody in his life was living outside of the principles of the Bible, John would call them out. Luke 3:19-20  John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for many other wrongs he had done. 20 So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others. Standing by his heavenly calling lead to John being sent to prison, and it will get us in earthly trouble also. The ministry of John the Baptist was to let people know that the Messiah was coming. Can you imagine what people would've thought about John the Baptist if John had wavered in his support of the gospel so that he didn't offend anyone? Would people have really followed a wishy-washy religious leader? Flimsy leaders create flimsy followers, and John was not a flimsy leader. Herod, the Roman ruler of the district of Galilee has become fed up with John talking down at the sinful lifestyle that Herod enjoys on a regular basis. Herod acted outside of the Law of Moses and he married his brother's wife. John knows this is not appropriate and Herod it is going to shut up this messenger of the Lord by throwing him in jail. Notice what John did and what John didn't do. John spoke about the wrongdoing of a government leader, but John didn't cause a revolt of the people, but rather John simply told the truth.   What does the example of John the Baptist tell us about the courage we need to defend the authority of Scripture? Why is this hard?     See what Jesus does once the news of the arrest to make it's way to our Lord. Matthew 4:12  When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee.   John 4:4  He had to go through Samaria on the way. Threats to our ministry don't always require us to stand and fight, sometimes we need to go find new sheep. Jesus knew that the pressure was on. Only a few days ago he had caused a major disturbance at the temple in front of thousands of people. All the Pharisees saw him toss over the tables of the moneychangers, and they knew who he was. He spent a good amount of time talking to Nicodemus. Jesus understood the depth of the hatred from the Pharisees for Jesus by now. John has just been arrested, and it's easy to imagine that Jesus is going to be next. Jesus isn’t running away. He will come back and minister in this area again. For now, however, His ministry is better with Him in the field that it is with him in jail. In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus talks to His disciples about not staying too long in an area where people aren’t going to listen. Matthew 10:13–15 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.   Jesus is going to go and minister in another location. He's going to go to Galilee. There are people there who need to know about the saving grace that the son of God brings. Jesus could've stayed and argued with the people and he could have, with His heavenly power, simply changed the minds and convinced people of who he was. But that's not who He is. Sometimes, after we made our point, and after we have preached in an area, it's time to go find a new sheep. Sometimes our work in a specific area is done much sooner than we think. Sometimes God has plans for us somewhere else, to reach new people, to guide new souls to Christ who have not heard his words.   What is the lesson you learned from this study?

Happy Feast Day to our Patron Saint! St Antony the Abbot, pray for us! As a follow up to last week's episode on the Traditional Latin Mass or Tridentine Mass, which is climbing the charts as one of our most downloaded episodes ever (second to our interview with Bishop Robert Barron), we are talking about the beautiful tradition of veiling. Why did women used to do it? Does it appear in Scripture? Why did women stop? Why is it making a comeback?! Also, we have a MAJOR announcement as well! This entire episode is available as normal in audio format on our website or any podcasting app you enjoy, BUT it is also available in video format WITH an extended portion of the show where Chuck and Annie continue the discussion and Annie demonstrated different types of veils and tips on how to keep them in place! This exclusive content, gift, and more are available by supporting Salt and Light on patreon. Visit www.patreon.com/SaltandLightOnline to support our apostolate, access exclusive content, receive Salt and Light swag, and much more! Thank you to our current supporters! Taylor Schroll, Kathryn Alva, Hilda Sanchez

STUDY QUESTIONSWhy do you think this very clear and specific teaching on Scripture is included in a passage whose context contains warnings of difficult times for believers? In verse 14 what does Paul encourage Timothy to do? Why? What is the difference, if any, between learning something and being convinced of something? What does it mean to be convinced of something? How does one become convinced? What does it mean to be convinced of Scripture? Why is it important? How does this apply to what we find in Hebrews 11:6? What verses or passages of Scripture are you personally convinced of, and how did you become convinced? In what way has this changed the way you view life or live life? What does it mean that all Scripture is inspired by God? What is scripture and what "Scripture" do you think Paul is referring to? What does it mean that Scripture is profitable? Profitable for what? Check out Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1: 1 – 3. In what way does God's Word, Scripture make one adequate, equipped for every good work? What are these good works Paul is talking about? What have you learned and have become convinced of, and what are you going to do with what you now know?

This will be a special show focused on Bible doctrine with Rocco P. and guest Andrew Rappaport of Striving for Eternity Ministries (http://strivingforeternity.org/). Christians disagree on a very important matter – Should miraculous spiritual gifts be in operation throughout the entire church age? Are what some today claim to be miracles actual miracles as defined in Scripture? Why would some spiritual gifts be temporary or not meant to persist through the entire church age? These and other questions will be addressed. Listen to the show FRIDAY NIGHT DEC. 12TH AT 9:00 PM.  

How did Jesus fulfill Scripture? Why did Jesus fulfill Scripture? What should we do because Jesus fulfilled scripture? Pastor Wayne Griswold turns to John 19:31-37 for answers to these questions.

Explore issues in education. Something to consider is that seminaries generally have little to say about Christian education. Is education of children mandated by Scripture? Why don't most people in a church send their children to Christian schools? Consider that public schools will always be secular and ultimately be aimed at a different goal. The homeschool movement has the very positive strength of recognizing the responsibilities that have been given by God to the individual parent. Consider that education is not the same as the work of the church. We may work in a church with a school or will work in a church with children. We need to have a thoughtful position on education. The number one way in the providence of God that people will be adults in our churches is because they were children in our church. The parents in our churches have a responsibility to see to it that their children are educated in the things of God.

What about the so-called “lost” books of the Bible? How do we know that the Bibles we have are all that God wanted us to read? Is the Apocrypha part of Scripture? Why should we even care? Listen now: Podcast Powered By Podbean(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles