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Date: 2/22/26 Speaker: John Perfect
The post Repentance and Self Examination- Mark 1 appeared first on Vineyard Community Church of Wickliffe, OH.
In the wilderness, Jesus meets temptation with faithfulness, confronts our hidden appetites, and leads us toward healing and freedom.
"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:5) The importance of self-examination cannot be overemphasized. A Christian cannot be faithful without the practice. How are we to examine ourselves?
Summary In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss, John Yeager, and Rev. Beth Crissman engage in a profound discussion about the ongoing conversation surrounding peace, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2026 Peace Conference. They explore the theme of 'Disarming Hatred' and the importance of practicing peace as a form of resistance in a world filled with division and hatred. The conversation delves into the historical context of hatred, the difference between worldly peace and the peace of Jesus, and the necessity of community and individual action in fostering compassion and understanding. The speakers emphasize the importance of preparation for the conference, including self-reflection and partnership in advocacy for peace. Show Notes: Peace Conference: March 13-15, 2026 Lake Junaluska, NC Chapters 00:00 The Ongoing Conversation About Peace 01:25 Introducing the 2026 Peace Conference 02:04 Changes and Continuities in the Peace Conference 04:44 The Historical Context of Hatred 06:09 Shifting the Narrative from Hate to Compassion 08:44 The Illusion of Peace in History 10:35 Jesus' Peace vs. Worldly Peace 12:21 The Long Road to Shalom 13:34 Disarming Hatred: A Call to Action 15:41 Understanding the Roots of Division 18:16 Self-Examination and the Danger of Hatred 20:30 Preparing for the Peace Conference 23:04 The Role of Anger in Advocacy 26:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 34:48 MOG-Like and Subscribe.mp4
Equipping Hour | Avenues for Spiritual Formation | Self-Examination by OrlandoGrace
By Anthony Scott - In preparation for the Passover there are many tools God provided to us. One of these tools is the Holy Spirit, the power of God.
By Mary Lindow I am by far not an expert on the subject of plumblines and righteousness, so take what I say in the light of one who at time gropes like a child in the dark, ever reaching for the hand of the ONE to lead me into a safe place filled with His Hope, His Mercy, His Light and Life. WE LIVE IN A CORRUPT WORLD and therefore, have the “effects and affects” of that corruption ever influencing, ever tainting and ever wooing the flesh. Plumbline: a tool that consists of a small, heavy object attached to a string or rope and that is used especially to see if something (such as a wall) is perfectly vertical or in alignment) A plumbline is a simple but accurate tool used for determining whether or not something is perfectly vertical or upright. The Lord also used, and uses, a "plumbline," His Word, to determine how upright His people truly are in His sight. How upright they think they are, or how upright they proclaim themselves to be, means nothing to God. "Behold, I WILL set a plumbline in the midst of My people". -Amos 7:7 A PLUMBLINE SET OUT BY THE HAND OF GOD IS ONE THAT WE CAN ANCHOR OUR HEARTS TO. It will always, always, ALWAYS, direct us to the truth in a matter; even if it requires pain, loss, persecution and perhaps death in areas we feel we may well have rights to. It will also be a shield, a balm, a comfort and a teacher to those who will yield to the directive positioning of the Master. “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumbline.” -Isaiah 28:17 LIFE – DISTRESS - AND PERSECUTION I have found that in my life, distress and persecution do not feel like God's care being poured out on me. My heart is not immediately drawn to thanksgiving and gratefulness for the faithfulness of God on display as I cling to the battered pieces that look like potential “rafts” of hope, only to find out that many of them have gaping holes or slow leaks in them. Rather, it feels like yet another hurt is being permanently woven into my tattered and war-torn soul. It seems as if another mound of questions are piling up and just waiting for an answer and a true solid REAL anchor of hope. I CAN REALLY CONNECT TO THE WRITER OF PSALM 42 He said “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” It's at those very times that the words of the Savior are so important. When we are down and in turmoil. But, how do we connect the dots between what we know is true about God's faithfulness and what our hearts feel? When flipped and flung around by the waves, weary from crying and when no answer seems at hand, what is the answer? When my circumstances show many foes and tyrants rising up against me and my heart is prone to wander and fear, what hope is there of peace? When my feelings start controlling my thoughts, how can I rest in God's promises? AT THIS POINT… I HEAR THE “GASPS” … …And perhaps shocked comments of a few who are amazed that someone who appears to walk so fervently and intimately with the Lord would have such difficulties! Well! Guess what? I do struggle, I do hurt, and yes I do doubt when I have been side swiped or “rammed” by skilled cons and those who, although may have the appearance of godliness and offered friendship or fellowship, end up having private and evil agendas behind their well placed and planned schemes. And boy oh boy! Those skilled players know the wicked art of wounding the heart and causing people to reel in pain! BUT, THERE IS ONE WHO FULLY SEES IT ALL The main skill in the issue of dealing with life as a spiritual person, is to know how to handle yourself when things not only crush and grind your heart, but what to do with the anguish and toll of their aftermath. We have to get ourselves into a place where we hear clearly again. We need have to address ourselves, preach to ourselves, and ask questions about ourselves. We must say to our soul: "Why are you cast down –Why are you so anxious and lacking in peace?" We must urge ourselves, and say ‘Hope in God'–instead of remaining in this paralyzed, aching state!” AND THEN WE MUST TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER We must go on to remind ourselves just “Who “God is, and what God is and what God has done, and what God has promised that he Himself said that He would do. Having done that we can stand up and sing out strongly, defying the torment of the soul, and resist other people's wicked tongues and arrogance, and refuse to go along with the devil and the whole world, and say: ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” The hope and promise of the fairness of God's justice when dealing with the hurtful things and presumptions of others gives me the confidence to know that God will never turn away from me in my need. No matter how they seem to prosper in the short term, wicked men and women will ultimately pay for their sins, in this life or the next. Jesus died to meet my greatest hardships and sorrows for me, and I need to preach this to myself every day. His power is greater than my weariness and suffering. The comforting and instruction that comes from simply running to feed upon His word instead of the toxic poison of the replaying of trauma reminds me that what Jesus has done is strong enough for my soul to rejoice in and to be set into a place where it can rest and regroup, gaining a healthy perspective about what to give out to others and what is simply… …. To be enjoyed by the Lord Himself. THE NATURAL IMPULSES OF MANKIND ARE SINFUL AND DECEITFUL! Human willpower alone will never be able to change this. We need God's help to truly change our hearts. REMEMBER. You cannot change the heart of anyone else either. If you try to, you will feel the bite of stinging venom or be laughed out of a room. Only the power of the conviction of the Holy Spirit can permeate and get around the jam-packed hardhearted egos of the self sufficient and bitter. Jeremiah 17:9 says that the human heart is deceitful in all things and is even beyond cure! We must be cautious and wise in reproving and warning such types of people about their bad behaviors and wicked actions where there seems to be no appearance or hope of change and where there is danger of experiencing great and heart wrecking retaliation and slander. These types trample the warnings and urging for repentance and humbling of the heart under their feet, and turn again and slash at you, despising the warnings that are “tearfully and fearfully” given, and often hurt the persons who give them, either by words or deeds. "Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.” -Matthew 7:6 "GIVE ME THE FACTS MA'AM JUST THE FACTS” I remember that phrase from a TV show called “Dragnet”. The detective would not allow the details of the case to be skewed by any assumptions or pontificating from those he interviewed. He stoically and firmly demanded only the facts. And so, here are the “facts” about the heart of a good man or woman. 1.) The good man or woman: Brings good things out of the good stored up in his/her heart. And the facts about an evil man or woman. 2.) The evil man/woman brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his/her heart. For out of the overflow of his or her heart his or her mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 THE FRAILTY, BRIEFNESS, AND INSECURITY OF LIFE The frailty, briefness, and insecurity of life should hold down the vanity and presumptuous confidence of all of our projects and boasting about future greatness and bragging rights! We are always to depend on the will and leading of God. OUR TIMES ARE NOT IN OUR OWN HANDS, BUT ARE INSTEAD IN THE TIMING OF GOD. Our heads may be filled with cares and plans for ourselves, or our families, or our friends; but Divine intervention often throws our plans into bewilderment. All we have in mind, and all we do, should be with a humble and deep dependence on God. It is foolish, and it is hurtful, to boast of trendy “latest happening” things and prospective projects, and it will bring great disappointment and will prove destructive to relationships and meaningful help to others in the end. “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” -1 John 2:16 LISTEN KINDLY - BEFORE SPEAKING YOUR THOUGHTS People don't need a lecture on the meaning of suffering or to have a barrage of scriptures “machine-gunned” at them as a reprimand for sharing their moment of grief or struggle! (Especially when their hearts are breaking, weary of the battle and if they are fatigued.) Job could have done without some of the self-righteous answers that came from his “well-meaning” friends. All of the answers could have even been true, but Job didn't need to hear any of them. He needed their love, not their value judgments. In fact, it appears as if God judged THEM for trying to offer simple solutions to things that were beyond their comprehension. They had never walked in the loss he was in anguish over. WHEN WE SUFFER UNJUSTLY WE HAVE A MAJOR CHOICE TO MAKE How will we respond? We can feel sorry for ourselves (and understandably so, for a while), become bitter and cynical, get drawn into a war of words, or even become mixed up in a major conflict. On the other hand, we can take our suffering to the cross and allow our pain to draw us into a deeper place of understanding of what Jesus went though in his sufferings. This does not remove the pain, but does help us to know what to do with our hurt. This is the 'fellowship of his sufferings' (Philippians 3:10), one of the gateways to closeness with God and the release of his power in our lives. The weight of heartbreak shared with a loving friend cuts it in half. When the burden is shared with many friends, we can cope with almost anything. We never feel more revitalized than when a friend loves us enough to walk with us in our pain. Not lecture us. The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God". -1 Corinthians 1.3-4 SOMETIMES GOD GETS INVOLVED WITH DIRECT MIRACLES, Giving supernatural strength to those in need. But for the most part, he depends on us, his people, to do his work in the world. We love each other, work for healing, and suffer with those who suffer. The next time you see a friend who is suffering, Jesus may just invite you to be the warm embrace! We comfort each other with the comfort we have received in Christ. And when we do, we become the Body of Christ and he receives the glory! THE BIBLE IS CLEAR! We are to bear one another's burdens. We are to comfort others as Christ has given comfort to us. Your hard time becomes my hard time. We join hands in the journey. When you succeed, I succeed. When you suffer, I suffer. But we do it together. We share it together. And we do it, not so much in our wisdom or our words, but in our availability, our understanding, and through our presence. THAT'S WHAT FELLOWSHIP IS ALL ABOUT! But not “bland” fellowship. It is CHRISTIAN fellowship. It is the business of burden bearing. Authentic CHRISTIAN fellowship says that when you need me . . . I'll be there. Support in suffering is at the core of what it means to share life together in Christ. The word for "comfort” is the same root word as the name Jesus used to describe one of the functions of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Paraclete). “I will be a comforter, one who comes alongside to give help.” And so as God comes alongside you, now you are able to come alongside another. As the Comforter is at work within you, so you also can be of comfort to those around you. WE ARE CALLED TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS. To mourn with those who mourn. To be a follower of Jesus means to come alongside people who are hurting and find ways to help them walk even through the valley of the shadow of death. We are called to do this, as the word of God and care of God is shared with the intention of stirring, plowing up hardened hearts, creating a place for repentance and challenging saints to hope again, I know and believe that as we learn again as believers, to care, to truly listen and to hope fully again, that the sweet and heavy weight of HIS Glory will be made known and will manifest in unfettered and uncontrolled waves of worship and spontaneous adoration of the King of Heaven. HE REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT HE WANTS Let's focus on bowing low and seeking His heart and plans in what matters to Him. Indeed, HE is the Plumbline. Prayer God, I ask in Jesus' name, that you comfort, strengthen and encourage all who are hurting deeply right now and are going through so much pain and heartache. Don't allow them to give up in the heat of the battle. Let them feel your arms wrapping around them and your love overflowing and filling them up. Lord, I will pray often and I know that you will hear my voice, even when I speak to You in my silent thoughts. To You, I am crying out and my prayers are now before You. Father, I give to You my problems, I do not want them. Father, please restore them to You. I know that you have compassion for your children. Father, show them your ways and teach them your paths. Lead them in your truth and teach them you are the God of our salvation and on you we will wait. Protect them from the evils of this life and guide them through all of their days. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer Father and for considering and for having compassion on all who hear and read these words, and all who hurt, in this troubled world we live in. Keep them in the center of Your love. In Jesus' Name ~ Amen Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed provided that complete article, podcast link and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You Copyright © 2026 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com https://marylindow.podbean.com Your Gracious Support and Donations Are So Very Helpful And Assist Mary In Publishing Her Teaching Podcasts and Audio Messages. THANK YOU! Please go to PAYPAL to donate or support this blog: Donate to the tax-deductible ministry name of: paypal.me/mlindow (His Beloved Ministries Inc.) Or You Can Mail a Check or Cashiers Check to: His Beloved Ministries INC PO Box 1253 Eastlake CO 80614 United States
You're going to enjoy this. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/Cx1YPXoq6aQ LEARN about Sean McCormick - seanmccormick.com Evolution of memes, the impact of social media, and the importance of authenticity in communication. They discuss the challenges of censorship, the role of AI in content creation, and the significance of self-examination and personal growth 02:55 The Power of Memes 06:14 Censorship and Cultural Trends 08:54 Navigating AI and Content Creation 11:47 The Role of Honesty in Content 14:55 Personal Experiences with Vaccines and Weed 17:50 The Nature of Addiction and Escapism 20:56 The Pursuit of Truth and Awareness 23:51 Cultural Reflections and Personal Growth 26:46 Conclusion and Future Directions 35:57 The Hero's Journey and Self-Examination 37:01 Awakening and Consciousness 38:28 Tools for Self-Discovery 40:43 The Power of Float Tanks 43:46 Do It for the Plot 48:55 The Importance of Novelty 52:15 Curiosity and Risk-Taking 56:34 Navigating Truth in a Polarized World 01:07:32 The Evolution of Podcasting and Influencers 01:11:36 The Impact of Joe Rogan on the Float Industry 01:15:32 The Need for Authenticity in Media 01:16:01 The Dangers of Pornography and Its Cultural Impact 01:24:52 Detoxification and the Importance of Inner Work 01:32:53 The Journey Within: Finding Your Inner Self LEARN about Sean McCormick - seanmccormick.com I've
Come Follow Me: Abiding & ScripturePastor Leah CarolanTEXT: John 17:14-19KEY VERSE – Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (vs. 17)1. What is Scripture?Two Testaments/Covenants of 66 booksDivinely Inspired 2. What is the Word [logos]?All of God's spoken divine thoughts, wills, emotions released in His speech.Jesus3. What happens when we engage in Scripture?Self-ExaminationSpiritual EncounterGuidance and ConvictionTransformation 4. How can we engage with Scripture?Read it.Write it.Say it.Sing it.Pray it.SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 5:14 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.SCRIPTURE: John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 4 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.SCRIPTURE: John 15:55 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.NEXT STEPS1. Name your quiet place and time: 2. Name your spiritual practices: 3. Engage with one scripture verse this week using the Read it, Write it, Say it, Sing it, Pray it method.
St. Isaac the Syrian is not offering speculation about the afterlife. He is unveiling the inner logic of existence itself, now and forever. He begins, characteristically, not with heaven, but with humility—because for him humility is not a moral ornament but the measure of reality. You do not know humility, he says, by what you think of yourself when you are alone. You know it only when your self-image is wounded. If accusation disturbs you, if injustice burns you inwardly, then humility has not yet reached the marrow. This is not condemnation but diagnosis. Humility, for Isaac, is not self-accusation performed in safety; it is the quiet endurance of being diminished without revolt. Only such a heart can bear God. From this point, Isaac lifts the veil on Christ's words about the “many mansions” of the Father's house. He dismantles our spatial and competitive imagination. Heaven is not a collection of separate dwellings, not a hierarchy of visible comparisons. There is one dwelling, one place, one vision, one light. God is not divided. Beatitude is not parceled out. The diversity lies not in God's gift but in our capacity to receive it. Isaac reaches for images of profound simplicity. The sun shines equally upon all, yet each person receives its light according to the health of his eyes. A single lamp illumines an entire house, yet its light is experienced differently depending on where one stands. The source is undivided. The radiance is simple. What differs is the vessel. Heaven, then, is not the multiplication of rewards but the full revelation of what the soul has become capable of receiving. This is where Isaac's teaching becomes both consoling and terrifying. Consoling, because there is no envy in the Kingdom. No one with a lesser measure will see the greater measure of another. There will be no sorrow born of comparison, no awareness of loss, no inner accusation that another has been given more. Each soul will delight fully in what it has been made able to contain. God will not be experienced as deprivation by anyone who is in Him. But it is terrifying because Isaac makes clear that this capacity is not arbitrary. It is formed. It is disciplined. It is shaped through humility, suffering, obedience, and purification of the heart. The same divine light that gives joy to one will reveal limitation to another. The difference is not external but interior. Heaven does not change us at the threshold; it unveils us. Isaac goes further. He insists that the world to come will not operate by a different logic than this one. The structure of reality is already set. Knowledge beyond sense, perception beyond images, understanding beyond words—these already exist in seed form. Ignorance remains for a time, but it is not eternal. There is an appointed moment when ignorance is abolished and the mysteries that are now guarded by silence are revealed. Silence, here, is not absence but reverence. God is not fully disclosed to the undisciplined mind. Finally, Isaac draws a stark boundary. There is no middle realm. A person belongs either wholly to the realm above or wholly to the realm below. Yet even within each realm, there are degrees. This is not contradiction but coherence. Union or separation is absolute; experience within each state is varied. One is either turned toward God or away from Him, but the depth of that turning—or that refusal—determines the quality of one's existence. What Isaac is pressing upon us is this: life is the slow formation of our capacity for God. Salvation is not merely forgiveness; it is vision. Judgment is not an external sentence; it is the unveiling of what the soul can bear. Humility is not preparation for heaven—it is already participation in its light. And the tragedy of sin is not punishment imposed from without, but the shrinking of the heart's ability to receive the One who gives Himself entirely. In St. Isaac's vision, God remains eternally simple, undivided, and radiant. The question that decides everything is not how much God gives, but how much we have allowed ourselves to be healed, emptied, and enlarged to receive Him. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:04:59 susan: Hi I'm trying to transition from liturgy or hours on the phone to the 4 volume books. Can anone tell me what week we are currently in? tx 00:05:20 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Humility Real? - how heart reacts when another wounds us Is our understanding of the Kingdom and its light childish or rooted in mature faith Do we desire the kingdom or look for an in-between state Do we teach others before we are healed? Enemy is subtle - vainglorious to focus on sin or temptation. Should focus on virtue. Resolve and labor tied together Virtue must be practiced otherwise we are like a fledgling without feathers Humility, fervor, tears can be lost through negligence Affliction should ultimately give way to hope. Should not seek ways to avoid the cross Begin with courage. Don't divide the soul but trust God absolutely 00:17:12 David Swiderski, WI: https://www.usccb.org/resources/2026cal.pdf 00:18:49 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 172, # 11, first paragraph 00:40:28 Ben: Anna; It seems to me that since Charity isn't something that we lose in heaven, that the glory of each soul will somehow communicate it's self to each other soul in such a way that we will each delight in the glory of the other. 00:41:40 Elizabeth Richards: It is so hard to invest and trust fully when our experience human relationships always disappoint (for me). It was easier when I was younger! 00:42:40 Elizabeth Richards: It I can be hard not to be protective in my relationship with God 00:44:05 Elizabeth Richards: The paradox is that I need Christ's strength & grace to have a vulnerable relationship with Him! 00:47:26 David Swiderski, WI: Youth is a struggle of acquiring- knowledge, career, house, family and growing older sometimes is a struggle of learning to let go until there is nothing of us to cling to but God.. (A saying from my Grandfather) He also said more concisely we come into this world and leave the same way no teeth, bald and in diapers. 00:50:26 Nypaver Clan: Father, Do you have a good, detailed examination of conscience from the Desert Fathers? 00:50:33 Sr Barbara Jean Mihalchick: Replying to "Youth is a struggle ..." Do any of the Saints approach the circuitous routes of the spiritual life and vocation with a holy sense of humor??? 00:50:58 Maureen Cunningham: Sometimes it feels like That God is treating me the same as my adversary s 01:01:20 Angela Bellamy: Is the joy simultaneous with the sorrow entangled forever? or will the joy win? 01:01:59 Art: Going back to paragraph 12 where Isaac speaks of “each according to the clarity of his eyesight” this reminds me of something from the margin of the Roman missal. It says, “They will receive grace [at Mass] in the measure of their faith and devotion, visible to God alone.” So it's as if at mass we are already experiencing this part of heaven. There we are all in the same place, one abode, one place, one dwelling, yet each seeing “each according to the clarity of his eyesight” and absent any feelings of envy toward any other. 01:04:43 David Swiderski, WI: https://saintnicholas-oca.org/files/catechetical-resources/Self-Examination-before-Confession-From-Way-of-a-Pilgrim.pdf 01:19:47 Nypaver Clan: Father, you're awesome!
Send us a textToday, the pastors (sans Scott) welcome a special guest, Casey Halbgewachs. Casey is a long-time friend of Toby's and is a fellow pastor near Houston. He was passing through town, so we roped him in to co-host with us.In light of New Year and having just observing communion, the topic is biblical self-examination. What categories are of self-examination should we engage in? How is the best way to accomplish this? What are the pitfalls? How do we balance Psalm 139 (test me) with 2 Corinthians 13 (examine yourselves)?================ We want to be a resource for you. Please send us your questions to questions@kerrvillebiblechurch.org or leave us a text or voicemail at 830-321-0349.Please share this podcast on your social media or to your mailing list. We'd appreciate your help getting the message out.================The KBC Pastors Podcast is a production of Kerrville Bible Church. The show is hosted and edited by Toby Baxley. Original theme music by Toby Baxley.Our pastors are: Lead Pastor Chris McKnight, Associate Pastor Scott Christensen, Worship Pastor Toby Baxley, and Youth & Family Pastor Murray Van Gundy.
MESSAGE | Dr. Brian Payne (Pastor) "Life in Step With the Spirit: An Accomplishment of the First Advent" Galatians 5:25-6:5 1 | Life in Step With the Spirit is a Life of Selfless Investment (v. 25-6:3) 2 | Life in Step With the Spirit is a Life of Self-Examination (v. 4-5)
Send us a textAs the year comes to a close, this episode invites you to pause and reflect on how your marriage has actually felt—not to judge it, but to learn from it. Christine shares a personal story, practical reflection tools, and simple next steps to help you move into the new year with clarity, intention, and hope for deeper connection.Timestamps:00:00 Reflecting on Your Marriage as the Year Ends01:06 Welcome to AwakenYou in Your Marriage03:01 A Long-Awaited Vacation and Choosing Connection06:55 A Simple Year-End Marriage Reflection Exercise09:37 Understanding Patterns in Your Marriage10:45 Recognizing Seasons of Marriage12:20 Self-Examination and Personal Growth13:11 Practical Steps to Improve Your Marriage14:36 Guided Reflection and Planning for the Year Ahead18:37 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
In this powerful and reflective sermon with Rev. Robin-Huws Barnes, we explore December's theme: Retrospection, Repentance, and Gratitude—a divine invitation to pause, look back, assess our walk, and return to alignment with God's Kingdom. Through humour, storytelling, and deep spiritual insight, this message leads us into a sincere examination of our faith, our families, and our devotion to God's Word. If you're ready to evaluate your year through the lens of the Kingdom and position yourself for divine alignment in the coming season, this episode is for you.
In this transformative continuation pervious episode, we dive deeper into the spiritual disciplines that shape true Kingdom alignment with Rev. Robin-Huws Barnes. This sermon confronts us with honest questions about fasting, prayer, intimacy with God, and the vision and direction that guided our lives in 2025. With relatable humour, real-life testimonies, and strong biblical teaching, this episode leads every believer to examine not just what we did this year, but who we became through it. Was our fasting transactional or transformational? Did prayer anchor us or disappear when life became overwhelming? Did our choices reflect God's vision—or our insecurities, ambitions, and fears? Prepare your heart. Part 2 takes retrospection to a deeper, more personal level.
When your body is breaking down, how do you continue to show up with power and purpose? In this inspiring episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Fitz Koehler—a cancer survivor, fitness expert, and fierce advocate for living fully, no matter what life throws your way.Fitz shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, and how she used fitness not just as a physical outlet, but as a mental and emotional anchor. She and Lyndsay discuss the importance of self-examination, the value of integrating Western medicine with holistic care, and why small, intentional shifts can lead to significant, lasting results.They also dive into the importance of community, storytelling, and creating space for both grit and grace in the healing process. Fitz opens up about her new book and podcast, both of which were created to inspire others to move their bodies, take control of their health, and find joy even in the most challenging seasons.This episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to wait for perfect circumstances to start prioritizing yourself. You can choose to fight. You can choose to feel strong. And you absolutely deserve to feel good in your body again.Tune in if you're ready to take your power back—one breath, one rep, one step at a time.Find Fitz Koehler Online Here:Website: www.fitzness.com/blog/Instagram: @fitznessFacebook: Fitz KoehlerLinkedIn: Fitz KoehlerYouTube: The Fitzness ShowTikTok: @fitzness13Book: You. Supercharged! The Exact Formula for Fitness, Weight Loss, and Longevity Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:Website: thepaingamepodcast.comInstagram: @thepaingamepodcastFacebook: The Pain Game PodcastLinkedIn: Lyndsay SopranoYouTube: The Pain Game PodcastEpisode Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma(02:39) Fitz Koehler's Cancer Journey(05:38) The Importance of Self-Examination(08:23) Navigating Western Medicine and Holistic Approaches(11:24) The Role of Fitness in Health(14:25) Empowerment Through Fitness and Health(17:11) Supercharging Your Life(19:54) Understanding Fitness and Nutrition(23:05) Addressing Gender-Specific Health Issues(25:52) The Impact of Diets on Health(28:27) The Fitness Show and Community Engagement(31:36) Morning Mile Program for Kids(34:35) Closing Thoughts and EncouragementSubscribe on YouTube | Merch is Coming (Finally) | This Is More Than a PodcastUnfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing.This is where pain meets purpose — and you're not doing it alone.
The Law isn't just for the unconverted or the guy next to you in the pew. It's for you, the Christian, too. But why? Why is the Law still preached to those who are in Christ. Isn't the Gospel enough? The answer is simple: the old Adam hasn't been reformed—he has to be drowned daily. And for that, you need the Law to expose the sin that still clings, so that you can be driven again and again to Jesus. Now, we're not talking about rummaging around in your feelings. That is not maturity. Instead, mature Christians learn to use the Law rightly - as a mirror to see the truth. But keep in mind, they don't examine themselves to condemn themselves, but to confess what is wrong—and let Christ deal with it. In this episode, we cover the topic of Self-Examination and Repentance. Subscribe, Watch, & Share: www.3p1s.com
Curt Jaimungal dives into Kierkegaard's three stages of life—aesthetic, ethical, and religious — showing how each promises freedom yet traps us in its own way. Through the lens of modern anxiety and constant choice, he explores why the “leap of faith” isn't blind irrationality but a way of living with authenticity when reason hits its limits. Sponsors: - As a listener of TOE you can get a special 20% off discount to The Economist and all it has to offer! Visit https://www.economist.com/toe Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e Timestamps: - 00:00 - Kierkegaard and Faith - 03:16 - The Three Stages - 05:10 - Anti-Helegianism - 10:52 - Self-Examination and "Knowing Thyself" Links mentioned: - The Most Terrifying Philosopher I've Encountered: https://curtjaimungal.substack.com/p/the-most-terrifying-philosopher-ive - Soren Kierkegaard: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/kierkegaard/ - Either/Or [Book]: https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.504967/page/n125/mode/2up - Michael Sugrue On Kierkegaard: https://youtu.be/SMJc9UMzFSE - Hegelianism: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hegelianism - Max Tegmark [TOE]: https://youtu.be/-gekVfUAS7c - Sir Roger Penrose [TOE]: https://youtu.be/iO03t21xhdk - Curt's Presentation: https://youtu.be/3_lBPMc6JRY SUPPORT: - Become a YouTube Member (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join - Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal - Support me on Crypto: https://commerce.coinbase.com/checkout/de803625-87d3-4300-ab6d-85d4258834a9 - Support me on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XUBHNMFXUX5S4 SOCIALS: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt - Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs Guests do not pay to appear. Theories of Everything receives revenue solely from viewer donations, platform ads, and clearly labelled sponsors; no guest or associated entity has ever given compensation, directly or through intermediaries. #science Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join Pastor Brenda for Part 2 of her powerful series on "The 7 Churches of Revelation"—a timely and impactful look at what Jesus is speaking to the Church today. Don't miss it!
In this conversation, I talk with Justin Giboney, cofounder of the AND Campaign and author of Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around, about how we can follow Jesus faithfully in the midst of the culture war. Justin shares how the civil rights generation embodied both conviction and compassion, and what it looks like to recover that kind of moral imagination today. We talk about seeing the sin in ourselves and the image of God in our opponents, moving from blind certainty to humble conviction, and bearing the cross in the public square. This episode calls us to reimagine public faith beyond partisanship and to embody the way of Jesus with courage, truth, and love.Justin Giboney is an attorney, political strategist, and civic leader based in Atlanta, GA. As the co-founder and president of the AND Campaign, a Christian civic organization, Justin focuses on the intersection between faith and politics. In 2012 and 2016 Georgia's 5th congressional district elected him as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention. He's the co-author of Compassion (&) Conviction – The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement and the forthcoming book – “Don't Let Nobody Turn you Around: How the Black Church's Public Witness Leads Us out of the Culture War.” His work has been featured in publications such as including the New York Times and Christianity Today.Justin's Book:Don't Let Nobody Turn You AroundJustin's Recommendation:BelieveConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Contact me to advertise: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com Support the show
When it comes to our salvation, is doubt good? This verse has been and is continually used by some to cause many Christians to doubt their salvation. They claim that it is good to question our salvation by examining our works, attitudes, motives, and conduct. But the verse says nothing about examining these things. Understanding the context of the passage--and the whole epistle--is the key to understanding what Paul is saying. In short, he is not telling them to question their salvation. But by using irony, he is making the point that they are saved, and that is how they should know that he is an authentic apostle--because he brought the gospel to them first! In other words, he is saying, "Look at yourselves. Are you saved? Of course you are! Then I must be a true apostle because I got you saved with my gospel." This understanding will free believers who are prone to look within or at their works, which is a quagmire that will stifle growth. God doesn't want us to doubt our salvation! See 1 John 5:13. #Assuranceofsalvation#eternalsecurity#gracelifeministries#Simplybygrace
This week we resume our study of the life of Moses by delving into a passage that challenges us to think deeply about the importance of healthy boundaries. Why are healthy boundaries important? What should my boundaries be? How can I grow my ability to maintain those boundaries? These are some of the core questions we'll explore on Sunday.
Romans 7 confronts us with a reality we often try to avoid: the inner battle between who we want to be in Christ and the sin that still entangles us. This passage reveals that even after coming to faith, we face an ongoing struggle with sin—not because we're broken or unsaved, but because the enemy works harder than ever to pull us off course. Paul himself confesses this tension: 'I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.' The central message here is profoundly liberating: death brings freedom from captivity. Through Christ's sacrifice, we've been released from the law that once held us bound. The marriage illustration isn't about divorce but about covenant—we are the bride who broke our vows through sin, and only through Jesus' death can we be freed and united with Him. What makes this particularly relevant to our lives today is the exploration of how God's good gifts—money, sexuality, alcohol, food—can become twisted by sin into chains that bind us. These 'big four' areas of struggle remind us that sin takes common graces and perverts them into bondage. The litmus test of genuine conversion isn't perfection but fruit-bearing: when we're truly connected to Christ, something changes within us. The question we must ask ourselves is deeply personal: What is holding us captive today? What sin keeps us from bearing the fruit God intends for our lives? This passage calls us to honest introspection, genuine repentance, and the courage to walk in the freedom Christ purchased for us.### Sermon Notes**Introduction:**- Pastor Will welcomes the congregation and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to gather and study Scripture.- The focus is on Romans chapter 7, a continuation of the sermon series on Romans, specifically looking at the controversial and often misinterpreted first six verses.**Main Themes:**1. **Universal Sinfulness:** - Paul addresses the reality of sin present in all human lives. - Sin is a common struggle that should be openly discussed despite cultural tendencies to avoid the topic. - Recognizing our depravity is the first step towards understanding the need for redemption through Christ.2. **The Inner Battle:** - Even after accepting Christ, believers struggle with sin. - This internal conflict between the desire to follow Christ and the tendency to sin is a common experience. - Paul's admission of his own struggles in Romans 7:17 reinforces this truth.3. **Freedom Through Christ:** - Paul's illustration of marriage laws demonstrates that death (Christ's sacrifice) frees us from the law's bondage. - Believers are no longer bound by the law of sin due to Christ's atonement, highlighting the transformative power of His death and resurrection.4. **From Captivity to Freedom:** - Sin can enslave us, but death in Christ brings freedom. - Paul uses marriage as an analogy to explain this freedom, cautioning that the text is not a prescription for divorce but an illustration of spiritual freedom.5. **Bearing Fruit:** - True conversion is evidenced by a change in lifestyle and the bearing of spiritual fruit. - Followers of Christ are expected to exhibit visible transformations in their lives. - The presence of fruit is a litmus test for genuine faith.**Practical Applications:**1. **Self-Examination:** - Reflect on personal sins that may be hidden or denied. - Consider areas in life where self-control is lacking and seek accountability.2. **Understanding Freedom:** - Embrace the freedom from sin's bondage by continually turning to Christ and confessing shortcomings. - Recognize the liberty found in Christ, not as a license to sin, but as empowerment to live righteously.3. **Bearing Fruit:** - Actively seek ways to bear fruit in life, such as serving others, practicing generosity, and growing in spiritual disciplines. - Engage in community and accountability groups to foster growth and encourage one another.**Discussion Questions:**1. **Understanding Sin:** - How does acknowledging our own sinfulness enhance our dependence on Christ?2. **Inner Struggles:** - In what ways have you experienced the inner struggle between following Christ and falling back into sin?3. **Freed by His Sacrifice:** - How can we live out the freedom Christ has provided in practical, everyday situations?4. **Response to Freedom:** - What steps can you take to ensure that the freedom purchased by Christ's sacrifice is not taken for granted in your life?5. **Real Evidence:** - What are some specific ways you or someone you know has evidenced their transformation in Christ through the bearing of spiritual fruit?
I. Preparing for Self-Examination II. Self-Examination with the Lord III. Purpose of Self-Examination
Send us a textOn today's PoM Podcast I sat down with John Simons, the author of "The Man You're Meant To Be: A Call of Self-Examination for Every Believer, Hypocrite, & Outsider."John's book is a call for men to pursue biblical wisdom and authentic manhood by rejecting worldly wisdom and focusing on a deeper surrender to God and Christ. It addresses the cultural confusion men face today and provides a path toward a more fulfilling life through self-examination. To learn more visit: https://www.johndsimons.com/Support The Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110664/subscribe Register for our next session of Tribe: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-xvii Build your own local Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builderRegister for our 2026 Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2026-mens-retreat This podcast is sponsored by Dark Water Woodwork. Dark Water Woodwork is offering a discount code exclusively for the podcast listeners. Use the discount code "PSALM824" to save 15% off of your next beard oil purchase. https://www.darkwaterkc.comSupport the show
(Preparatory) I. Discerning The Lord's Body II. Unworthy Partakers III. The Calling For The Believer Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 11 Text: I Corinthians 11:27-29 Psalter Numbers: 351, 281, 25, 369
Lecture by Swami Tyagananda, given on October 5, 2025, at the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society, Boston, MA
Christopher shares his heartfelt thoughts on the ongoing battle against darkness within the church. He reflects on the heavy responsibilities of those called to serve God and the dire consequences of ministering for the wrong reasons. With a sense of urgency, he encourages listeners to confront the realities of evil lurking in the body of Christ and to seek genuine repentance and truth. Join Christopher as he navigates through the complexities of faith, accountability, and the need for self-examination in these challenging times.
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the importance of self-examination. They explore how self-examination is not merely a self-focused endeavor but a process that involves God and others. The conversation highlights the benefits of self-examination, including personal growth, awareness of one's weaknesses, and the recognition of God's grace. They also address common pitfalls, such as self-shaming and misguided approaches, and emphasize the need to also look for the good as part of the biblical self-examination process. Mentioned in this episode: Registration for courses is now open for the January 2026 term! This term we'll be offering Helping Relationships with Ed Welch, Scripture for Life & Ministry with Aaron Sironi, and Counseling in the Local Church with Michael Gembola. If you're looking for an opportunity for personal growth along with training to better serve those around you, we want to invite you to join us. You can learn more at ccef.org/school.
“The human brain is actually wired to trip us up, to shoot ourselves in the foot when it comes to money and investing. A little bit of self-examination can help pull us out of these knee-jerk reactions.” Prepare for a knowledge voyage as our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines redefine retirement for women, bringing insights from behavioral finance, a fascinating field that explores how we make decisions around money. By the end of this episode, you'll have a deeper understanding of financial behaviors and how to make smarter choices. Our hosts dissect the concept of the gambler's fallacy to shed light on their own decision-making patterns, with Kevin sharing a personal anecdote to highlight its real-life impact. Following that, prepare for a compelling discussion on mental accounting, a concept that will change how you view your money's value depending on its source. Our hosts explore a study that reveals intriguing patterns in spending "found money" versus hard-earned cash. To wrap up, they look at practical ways to leverage mental accounting in creating a budget and improving your chances of financial success. This episode is a journey toward financial empowerment. Key Topics: Intro to Behavioral Finance (03:10) Biases (07:33) Recency Bias (AKA Availability Bias) (15:44) Mental Accounting (18:42) Flipping These Findings to Our Advantage (Action Steps) (25:55) Resources: Predictably Irrational (book) Seinfeld Skit: Even Steven If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com. Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
1. Exam #1 - Are you a Christian? A. Have you been born of the Spirit B. Do you look like Jesus? C. Do you talk about Jesus? D. Are you convicted of sin?2. Exam #2 - Is there any hindrances to Christ in your life? A. Any unconfessed sin? B. Any grudges or hard feelings toward others? C. Any idols that have made Jesus second in your life?3. Exam #3 - Remembrance questions A. Am I really thankful for all Jesus has done? B. Am I in good fellowship and unity with Christians? C. Am I really concerned about the lost?
SummaryIn this episode of the Text Driven Podcast, Timothy Pigg and Carter Jurkovich discuss the essence of true faith in Christianity, emphasizing that mere actions do not equate to genuine belief. They explore the importance of motivation behind actions, the dangers of spiritual dehydration, and the necessity of self-examination in one's faith journey. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding both character and action in living a text-driven life.TakeawaysYou can do everything a Christian is supposed to do and still not go to heaven.The motivation behind actions is crucial in determining true faith.Biblical repentance involves seeing Christ as both the destination and motivation.Many people are spiritually dehydrated despite being surrounded by Christianity.Self-examination is essential for understanding one's faith and motivations.The Lord's Supper serves as a tool for heart examination.Honesty in self-examination is vital for spiritual growth.Confession is necessary for receiving forgiveness and cleansing.True faith is demonstrated through both character and action.Living a text-driven life means aligning actions with genuine faith.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Text Driven Ministries03:01 The Importance of Faith in Christianity05:59 Identifying True and False Faith09:06 The Role of Motivation in Christian Actions11:48 Self-Examination and Spiritual Health
The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!This week Pastor Joel continues Part 2 of his message series in Romans, “Bold Faith That Wins”. Today we look at “Self-Examination.” We are most vulnerable when we are complacent. Too often we get hung up on prophecy instead of life change. And as we examine ourselves in this passage of scripture we should ask ourselves: 1) Have I received Grace? Am I faithful? Am I relying on myself? And where is my trust? Let's listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Dispensationalism, Supersessionism• Susan Perlman• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 10, verse 21 through 11, verse 10; Ephesians 5, verse 11; 1 John 1, verse 6; 2 Corinthians 5, verse 17• Find out more about Covenant Church at covenantexperience.com
A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Reformed Congregation is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Self-examination Before the Lord's Supper Speaker: Dr. Joel Beeke Broadcaster: Heritage Reformed Congregation Event: Midweek Service Date: 9/3/2025 Bible: 1 Corinthians 11:28 Length: 48 min.
Join us as our lead pastor Jeff Martin wraps up our series in 2 Corinthians with chapter 13:1-14. As we make our way through this series, please feel free to email info@rccjc.church with any questions you may have. Thanks for listening!Be sure to check out our website: https://www.rccjc.church/Find us on social media:Instagram: redeemerjcFacebook: Redeemer Community ChurchYoutube: Redeemer Community Church
Message by Pastor Blake Andrews
After snapshot of the transformaional healing through the death of my beloved purebred Andalusian performance horse, "Angel." It's profoundly more than what meets the eye..... Part 1 was recorded just 3 days after Angel passed on July 3, 2024. Now, 13 months later, I share all of the empowering wisdom in hopes of empowering you through loss....True sustainable healing is an UNconscious, subconscious and conscious phenomenon!!!!! My chosen Godmother, Marilyn joins me as we discuss the mental, emotional and spiritual wisdom to be gained when bravely facing our deepest emotional torment in times of the death of not only a DREAM, but of a loved one. When we experience a heartbreaking loss the last thing our brain wants is to look for the #Enlightenment or #Empowerment or #BlessingsInDisguise ~ Why? Becaues our brain has an emergency override system that causes logic to temporarily trump emotional heartache. The brain is designed to prioritize the ability to function over emotional processing. If we don't process our emotions they become repressed, meaning unconscious to us, feeding into a cycle of being driven by the need to unknowingly mask pain instead of dealing and healing it. This is why elevating and evolving consciousness matters! It's a conscious choice to take the time to feel and process our emotions which brings healing and empowerment. Ultimately, feelings of peace and meaningfulness to enrich our Sense-of-Self, our heart, soul and spirit.... If we don't allow ourselves to dig deeper into the inner workings of the human mind for the sake of self-understanding, acceptance and love, we end up reinforcing the mental patterns that instill pain. The scariest part is that it's NOT obvious. The solution and remedy is to look for what you can't see....for the miracles are actually happening in real time!!!!! Listen to this podcast as I share my journey and why digging deep creates a whole new inner-world..........Fulfilling happiness and gratitude stem from within. #KarenLoveLeeEmpowersYOU #EmpoweringYouThroughUs
By Kevin Call - Do you like tests? We are tested every day. How have we done on these tests? Tests tell us what we've done and what we need to study more. Today we will talk about self-examination. This is something we need to do daily.
Join Brian and Jimmy as they discuss the opportunities we have to share the gospel with those who profess belief in Christ, yet don't bear the marks of a true Christian. Helpful Questions below. QUESTIONS FOR GOSPEL CONVERSATIONS WITH PROFESSING BELIEVERSQuestions About Salvation/Testimony“When did you come to know the Lord personally?”“Can you tell me what changed in your life after you got saved?”“What do you mean when you say you're a Christian?”“If someone asked you how to become a Christian, what would you say?”“How do you know your sins are forgiven?”Questions About the Gospel Itself“What is the gospel, in your own words?”“Why did Jesus have to die?”“Do you believe someone can be saved without repentance?”“How would you explain grace to someone who's never been to church?”“Is Christianity more about what we do, or what Christ has done?”Questions for Self-Examination (2 Cor. 13:5)“Do you see the fruit of the Spirit growing in your life?”“When you sin, how do you respond?”“Is your relationship with Jesus personal or more of a tradition?”“What's your greatest hope when you stand before God one day?”Questions That Expose False Assurance“If you died tonight and stood before God, and He asked, ‘Why should I let you into heaven?'—what would you say?”“Has your view of sin changed since becoming a Christian?”“Is there anything in your life that you're holding onto more tightly than Christ?”“What does it mean to be born again?”Questions About Worship & Discipleship“Do you enjoy reading God's Word? Why or why not?”“How do you pursue spiritual growth?”“Do you love God's people and desire to be part of a local church?”“Are there areas where God has been convicting you lately?”For Relational and Casual Conversations“Do you ever doubt your salvation? What do you do when that happens?”“What does prayer look like in your life?”“How do you respond when someone challenges your faith?”“How would your closest friends describe your walk with Christ?”
What if your greatest battles are within? Today's devotion invites you to uncover hidden weaknesses and guard your heart with wisdom and grace. Don't ignore the entanglements; face them with God's help.This was first aired on Radio HCI Today via the WeLove Radio App
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Assured by Grace, Not Grit | Tullian Tchividjian, Byron YawnReflecting on John MacArthur's Gospel of Self-Examination.
Jim Osman unpacks 2 Peter 1:10-11 in this sermon on making election sure. He exhorts believers to pursue spiritual diligence by cultivating Christian virtues, thereby confirming their calling and election. Making election sure offers assurance of salvation, steadiness in faith, and a confident entrance into Christ's eternal kingdom. Osman's message clarifies that assurance is both possible and desirable for Christians who walk in holiness and trust in Christ alone. ★ Support this podcast ★
Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love
In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve into the crucial Christian discipline of self-examination. Grounding their discussion in Scriptures like Psalm 139:23-24 and 2 Corinthians 13:5, they explore what it means to test and examine oneself in the faith. They emphasize that self-examination is not about undermining assurance but rather about deepening a believer's trust in Christ while fostering spiritual growth and humility. The conversation highlights the necessity of prayer as the starting point for self-examination. Jesse and Tony remind listeners that asking God to search and reveal the state of one's heart is an act of worship and dependence. They also discuss the difference between examining oneself scholastically (assessing knowledge of the faith) and testing oneself by comparing one's life against the standard of Christ. Both are vital to a vibrant and gospel-centered Christian life. Listeners are encouraged to embrace self-examination as a regular and joyful practice that leads to assurance and maturity in Christ. Far from being an exercise in despair, self-examination is presented as a means to greater dependence on the finished work of Christ and a deeper appreciation of the Holy Spirit's role in illuminating sin and pointing believers to their Savior. Key Points: The Biblical Call to Self-Examination The discussion begins with an exploration of Psalm 139 and 2 Corinthians 13:5, where Scripture commands believers to examine their hearts and test their faith. This practice is necessary for spiritual growth and assurance in Christ. Self-Examination as a Spiritual Discipline Jesse and Tony underscore the importance of self-examination as a regular practice, not just for addressing sin but also for recognizing God's work in one's life. They emphasize starting this process with prayer, asking God to reveal both sin and righteousness. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Self-Examination The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding believers through the process of self-examination. He convicts of sin, assures of righteousness, and leads believers to deeper dependence on Christ. Balancing Conviction and Assurance The hosts caution against the danger of turning self-examination into morbid introspection. Instead, they encourage listeners to see it as a hopeful practice that strengthens faith and magnifies Christ's finished work. Questions for Reflection: How often do you take time to examine your heart and motives before God? What role does prayer play in your self-examination process? Are there areas in your life where you see Christ working but haven't taken time to reflect on and thank Him for? How can you balance conviction of sin with assurance in Christ during self-reflection? What Scriptures encourage you to test and examine your faith?
Paul focuses our attention on our own walk with God. Are you focusing your attention on the areas of your life you need to?
Mark 7:17-23And when He later entered a house, away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, "Are you so lacking in understanding as well? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the person from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?" (Thereby He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, "That which comes out of the person, that is what defiles the person. For from within, out of the hearts of people, come the evil thoughts, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, acts of adultery, deeds of greed, wickedness, deceit, indecent behavior, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the person."GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022
In this episode of the Passion Struck Podcast, John R. Miles sits down with Jessica Kriegel, Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Partners and author of Unfairly Labeled. With over 15 years of experience guiding top organizations like Toyota, Lockheed Martin, and Bank of America, Jessica shares her expert insights on building intentional workplace cultures that drive both people and profitability.Jessica explores the key strategies leaders can use to create thriving workplaces, overcome challenges like burnout, improve employee engagement, and navigate the complexities of virtual work. She also challenges generational stereotypes and offers practical solutions for fostering intergenerational collaboration. Her advice provides a powerful roadmap for leaders looking to transform their workplace cultures and create environments where both employees and organizations can flourish.Full show notes and resources: https://passionstruck.com/jessica-kriegel-how-build-intentional-workplace/SponsorsBabbel: Unlock the power of learning a new language with Babbel's innovative system. Passion Struck listeners can get 60% off their subscription at Babbel.com/PASSION.Hims: Regrow your hair before it's too late! Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.Quince: Experience luxury for less with Quince's premium products at radically low prices. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/PASSION.For more information about our sponsors and promo codes, visit: passionstruck.com/dealsIn this episode, you will learn:The concept of the "culture equation," which emphasizes the alignment of purpose, strategy, and culture to drive organizational results.Insights from a study conducted with Stanford University showing that organizations with aligned purpose, strategy, and culture achieve significantly better revenue growth.The role of beliefs and values in influencing employee actions and overall workplace culture.The necessity of intentional experiences to shape positive beliefs among employees.The dangers of generational stereotypes and the importance of understanding individuals beyond labels.The concept of "purpose fit" over "culture fit" in hiring practices to ensure alignment between personal and organizational purposes.The impact of consistent communication and repetition in reinforcing organizational values and goals.Connect with Jessica Kriegel: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/Order Passion StruckUnlock the principles that will transform your life! Order my book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life. Recognized as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club, this book has earned accolades such as the Business Minds Best Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, and the Non-Fiction Book Awards Gold Medal. Order your copy today and ignite your journey toward intentional living!Catch More Passion StruckMy solo episode on Master Your Mind: 6 Proven Strategies to Overcome Self-DoubtCan't miss my episode withJacob Morgan on the Vital Power of Leading With VulnerabilityWatch my episode with Coach Matt Doherty on How You Rebound From Life's Toughest MomentsDiscover my interview with James Rhee On How You Lead Change Through KindnessCatch my interview with Rusty Shelton on How You Build Your Authority AdvantageIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! Even one sentence helps. Be sure to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can personally thank you!