Podcasts about servants

QA Session ~ Servants Spiritual Day @ St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church - Houston, TX ~ August 29, 2026

Thank you for joining us today as we continue our series, Who is He, where we are exploring the identity of the One who gives us ours. We're glad you're here. ABOUT US | We are cultivating a vibrant community of faith, hope and love that follows Jesus into the world so our neighbors may also experience God's goodness. Learn more at https://www.cpchb.org/core-values/PRAY  | To request prayer or pray with us, visit https://www.cpchb.org/prayer GIVE  |  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people, visit  https://www.cpchb.org/give/ PRAYER REQUESTS | https://www.cpchb.org/prayerGIVE  | https://www.cpchb.org/give/CONNECT  |  We want to connect with you!  Visit us at  https://www.facebook.com/cpchb/    https://www.instagram.com/christpacificchurch/    Weekly eBlast: https://tinyurl.com/swy75ujv  MORE INFO | https://www.cpchb.org/

Today we're decoding the Bible's most visually explosive book: Revelation. We're moving past the theories to break down the cryptic visions, the Four Horsemen, and the true meaning of the Mark of the Beast. Is this a map of the end times or a manual for today? WELCOME TO RELIGION CAMP!

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our series on Mark.Mark ends in a surprisingly abrupt way. The tomb is empty. The women are afraid. And there are still many unanswered questions. Which is actually a pretty good picture of what it can feel like to follow Jesus.Sometimes life is uncertain, and the best thing we can do is simply stay close to Him. Sometimes following Him is both amazing and a little terrifying.And sometimes we're more like Peter. We've failed, we're carrying shame, and we wonder what Jesus thinks of us now.But tucked into the resurrection story are two simple words: "and Peter." Jesus hadn't forgotten him. He wasn't done with him. In fact, He was already ahead of Peter, waiting for him where it all began.And that's exactly where Jesus meets us too.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on August 30, 2026, at 10:30am. You can find us online at ⁠nwhills.com⁠.Key Moments(00:00) Welcome(01:11) Message: The Gospel of "And Peter" (Mark 16)(07:31) Imagining First-Century Rome Under Persecution(11:35) Reading Mark 16:1-8: The Empty Tomb(12:53) A Longing for Closeness in the Middle of Chaos(18:07) The Tension of Amazement and Fear in Following Jesus(24:10) Jesus Meets Peter — and Us — in Our Shame(27:39) Six-Point Recap and What You Need Today(28:49) Closing Response and Prayer

Welcome to The Daily. Go ahead and pick up your 1 Peter Scripture Journal now. Our text today is 1 Peter 2:18-20: Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. — 1 Peter 2:18-20 There is a particular kind of disappointment that settles in when you realize that doing the right thing does not guarantee a good outcome. You expected honesty to be rewarded, but it cost you. You thought hard work and integrity would be noticed, yet someone else received the recognition. You tried to respond with grace, only to be misunderstood or criticized. Moments like these can leave us wondering whether faithfulness is worth the price, and sooner or later, most of us ask the same question: Is doing the right thing really worth it? Peter addresses that question head-on. He writes to household servants who were suffering under unjust masters. Some servants in the Roman world occupied respected positions as teachers, physicians, and administrators, while others endured harsh treatment and impossible circumstances. Peter is not endorsing slavery; rather, he is speaking to believers who found themselves under unfair authority and teaching them how to live faithfully within it. His words extend far beyond the first century. What do you do when your boss treats you unfairly, when your kindness is met with hostility, when your integrity costs you something, or when obedience to Christ makes life harder instead of easier? Peter says, "If when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God." The world tells us to fight back, retaliate, get even, and make others pay, but Peter points us in another direction. He reminds us that God sees what others overlook. He notices the quiet acts of faithfulness that no one applauds, remembers the integrity that goes unrewarded, and values the obedience that others misunderstand. Nothing offered to God is wasted. Peter understood this lesson personally. He was the same man who once drew a sword in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10-11). He knew how to defend himself and how to react when life felt unjust. He even rebuked Jesus when Jesus spoke about suffering and sacrifice (Matthew 16:21-23). Yet somewhere between the courtyard of his denial, the empty tomb, and years of following Christ, Peter learned that not every wrong has to be avenged immediately. Some battles belong to God. That does not mean injustice does not matter; it means that justice ultimately belongs to the One who judges rightly. Doing the right thing will not always make your life easier, and sometimes it will cost you. But faithfulness is not measured by how people treat you; it is measured by whether you continue to honor Christ when they do not. God notices what others miss. He honors what others reject, and no act of faithfulness offered to him is ever wasted. You may not see justice today, but you can trust the God who always judges rightly. So that authority you struggle to respect, pray for them and ask God to help you honor them rightly, being faithful to God above all else. DO THIS: Think of one situation where doing the right thing has cost you. Instead of replaying the injustice, offer that situation to God in prayer and ask Him to help you remain faithful. ASK THIS: Where am I tempted to become bitter because of unfair treatment? How does knowing that God sees my faithfulness change my response? What would it look like to entrust this situation to God's justice? PRAY THIS: Father, You know the places where I have been treated unfairly. Guard my heart from bitterness and revenge. Help me remain faithful when doing what is right becomes costly, trusting that You see, You know, and You will judge rightly. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Though You Slay Me."

Rik Hagarty is the Founder of SAWs (Servants At Work, Inc.)    Listen to Circle City Success Podcast episode 238 where you'll hear Rik tell us about...   ● He spent 40 years in trucking operations and a sales career ● SAWs was founded in 2003 when the first ramp was built and the heartfelt story behind the first recipient ● The mission of Servants at Work is to help people escape isolation caused by everyday home barriers, and that the organization has built over 5,000 ramps to date with the help of volunteers and partner companies through corporate team building events   Circle City Success Podcast Sponsors ● T&W Corporation Design & Build: https://twdesignbuild.com/ ● Eclipse Staffing and Security: https://www.eclipsestaffing.com/ ● Robinson Farthing Spandau Williams: https://www.yourindyattorneys.com/ ● The Barrel Bar Indy: https://www.instagram.com/thebar ● St Elmo Steakhouse: https://www.stelmos.com/ ● D&E Printing: https://www.dandeprinting.com/   Connect with Circle City Success Podcast hosts: ● Connect with Jason Ulm: https://lnkd.in/dS82puKp ● Connect with Drew Feutz: https://lnkd.in/d-VtF9Hb ● Connect with Matt Hadley: linkedin.com/in/matthadleyindy ● Connect with Matt Carroll: https://lnkd.in/dkv7VmDx

In this episode, Jesus tells his disciples that he has not called them servants but friends. We are reminded that God wants us to be his children, not just his servants!

If there’s one of these stories that Jesus told that has most impacted my life, it is this one. It’s a guide for daily living and it will meet you exactly where you are every day of your life. The moral of the story – JUST BE FAITHFUL. What happens when you are faithful with little? God sees you can be trusted with more. What happens when you aren’t faithful with little? God knows he simply can’t give you more. Whatever you’re doing with what you’ve already been given determines what you’re given next. The story Jesus tells is about money, but I assure you this is a lesson on more than just finances. This is about your time. This is about your talent. This is about your treasures. Today, God is asking each of his girls to take an inventory and measure what we’ve been doing with what we’ve been given. Maybe you’ll find what I’ve found … it’s time to step up and do more with what I already have before I ask for one more thing. Okay, so it’s story time and it’s a long story. Grab your Bible and read along. I’ll insert a few details along the way to help you understand the story Jesus is telling us. Matthew 25: 14-30 Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. Some translations will read ‘talents’ and that means money. My translation reads silver, again meaning money. How much money are we talking about? Answer: A ridiculous amount of money. All 3 of them received MUCH. One talent or bag was around 75 pounds of silver. To put that into perspective, the smallest measure of money given here was about 16 to 20 years of daily wages. The story Jesus is telling isn’t about the dollar amount – everyone received a lot from their master, even the one who received the least. The story is about faithfulness with what is given. The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. What do you think digging a hole in the ground and hiding away what you’ve been given would look like? Wouldn’t it look like wasting it? Wouldn’t it look like doing nothing with it? Wouldn’t it look like playing it safe? Yes. And wouldn’t it sometimes look like waiting until you’re more qualified, more confident, more ready? Wouldn’t it look like comparing what you have to what someone else has and deciding yours isn’t enough? Wouldn’t it look like being so afraid of losing what you’ve been given that you never actually use it? A buried gift is simply an unused gift. It’s the thing you’ve been entrusted with, but you’ve done absolutely nothing with it. It’s the talent to sing, but you’re too afraid to raise your voice for the One who gave it to you. It’s the money to give, but you’re too concerned about what they might do with it. It’s the story you’ve lived, but you’re too ashamed to tell it because you don’t want anyone to know where you’ve been. It’s the opportunity in front of you, but you’re too afraid to fail. It’s the idea God put in your heart, but you’ve talked yourself out of it before you’ve ever taken the first step. It’s the time you have, but you’ve spent it scrolling and staying busy instead of investing it in what matters. It’s the people God has placed around you, but you’re so distracted by your own life that you never stop long enough to pour into theirs. It’s the calling you’ve sensed, but you’ve buried it under a thousand excuses: “I’m too old. I’m too young. I’m not qualified. I’m not ready. Someone else could do it better.” Are you the one who has buried what you’ve been given? You haven’t invested it. You haven’t put it to work. You haven’t used it to build or grow or impact. You’ve simply buried it. Waiting. Sometimes that’s exactly how we waste what God has given us. Not by doing something terrible with it—just by doing nothing with it. Girl, do you have a hole in the ground where your calling is buried? You’ve been given so much, but you’re not doing anything with it. Not really. And you know it. What has God placed in your hands that you’ve stopped using. Look at your time, your talents and your treasures – what’s sitting stagnant in your life? What opportunity, gift, resource, idea, story, or calling have you buried because fear convinced you it was safer underground? Well, what happens when God has given us something but we have refused to use it? What happens when we’re not faithful with what we’ve already been given? Here comes the rest of the story … After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' The master is God, and when the master returns he calls for each of us to give an account of how we used everything he has given us. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been given or how much you’ve been given – what matters is what you’ve done with it. The master wants to know. It matters! If you’ve been given 40 years of life – what have you done with those 40 years? If you’ve been given 2 children – what have you done with those 2 children? If you’ve been given a weekly paycheck of $1000 – what have you done with that pay? If you’ve been given a 2,000 square foot house – what have you done with that house? If you’ve been given mercy and grace from past mistakes – what have you done with that mercy and grace? If you’ve been given health – what have you done with that body that can move and go? You never see the master asking a servant to produce the same as what another servant produced. He’s not comparing. The master is asking each one to produce with precisely what they’ve been given. He expected each one to do something with what they had. It’s so easy for us to look at someone with extreme wealth and assume we would be so ridiculously generous if we were in their position. Oh, the good we would do with their money! But God isn’t fooled! Who you are with a $40,000 salary is who you would be with a $40 million dollar salary. More money just makes you more of who you already are. Without children it’s easy to paint a fantasy world of how we would sing sweet songs as we cooked breakfast for our little angels. Girl, if you’re not singing songs while you feed the dog, you certainly wouldn’t sing cooking for ungrateful creatures who refuse to eat. Isn’t it fun to fantasize about what you would do with a big new house with all that storage space? Oh to have a butler’s pantry! Oh mercy, walk in closets in every room! Built in storage in the garage. But do you know what you would do with it – the same exact thing you’re doing with a smaller house. If you’re complaining about this one, you would complain about that one. If you’re messy with this one, you would be messy with the next one. If you’ve overfilled this one with junk, you would overfill the next one with bigger junk. Have you ever thought – well if I could sing like her I would use it for God in big ways? Uh huh – well girl, you can cook – are you cooking for God? You can talk to a rock – are you talking to others for God? You can clean – are you cleaning that church building for God? Really, let’s check ourselves. So, let’s get to the point of the story Jesus is telling. The point isn’t to make you feel guilty about what you haven’t done. The point is to wake you up to what you still CAN do. Because here’s the beautiful thing about this story: You are not standing at the end of your story. You’re standing in the middle of it. And if you’ve buried something, you can dig it up now! If you’ve been sitting on something, you can put it to work today. If you’ve been waiting, you can start right here. The master hasn’t returned YET – but he may soon. And he’ll want to know what you’ve done with what he’s given you. You don’t have to have five bags. You don’t have to be the most talented, the most educated, the wealthiest, the prettiest, the healthiest, or the most qualified. You just have to be faithful with what is already in your hands. Stop looking at what she has. Stop wishing you had her life, her resources, her opportunities, her gifts, her energy, her story or her butt. That’s not your assignment. Your assignment is your life. Your people. Your resources. Your opportunities. Your gifts. Your story. Your time. And maybe you’ve been waiting for God to give you more when He’s been waiting for you to do something with what He’s already given you. Today, let’s stop asking for more and instead ask this – “God, what have you already given me that I’m not using?” Then let’s dig it up. Use it. Invest it. Give it. Share it. Build with it. Love with it. Serve with it. Do something with it. Because one day, the Master is coming back. And when He does, I don’t want to stand before Him with a list of reasons why I was afraid. I want to stand there with open hands and say, “You gave me this—and I gave it everything I had. I did everything I could with it God. It hasn’t been perfect, but I sure tried.” And I want to hear those words every one of us longs to hear: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Notice what the Master celebrates. He doesn’t say, “Well done, my successful servant.” He doesn’t say, “Well done, my impressive servant.” He says, “Well done, my GOOD and FAITHFUL servant.” That’s the goal. Not bigger. Not better. Not more impressive. Faithful. JUST BE FAITHFUL. Faithful with the little. Faithful with the much. Faithful when nobody is watching. Faithful when it feels insignificant. Faithful when you’re tired. Faithful when you’re afraid. Faithful with the time, the talent, the treasure, the opportunity, and the life God has placed in your hands. Girl, you have been given so much. Don’t bury it. Take what you’ve been given and put it to work. And let’s live the rest of our lives with one simple prayer: “God, everything I have is Yours. Show me what You’ve put in my hands – and give me the courage to be faithful with it.” That’s it. That’s the assignment. JUST. BE. FAITHFUL. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Thank you for joining us this morning. Today we continue our series, Who is He, where we are exploring the identity of the One who gives us ours. We're glad you're here.ABOUT US | We are cultivating a vibrant community of faith, hope and love that follows Jesus into the world so our neighbors may also experience God's goodness. Learn more at https://www.cpchb.org/core-values/PRAY  | To request prayer or pray with us, visit https://www.cpchb.org/prayer GIVE  |  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people, visit  https://www.cpchb.org/give/ PRAYER REQUESTS | https://www.cpchb.org/prayerGIVE  | https://www.cpchb.org/give/CONNECT  |  We want to connect with you!  Visit us at  https://www.facebook.com/cpchb/    https://www.instagram.com/christpacificchurch/    Weekly eBlast: https://tinyurl.com/swy75ujv  MORE INFO | https://www.cpchb.org/

Thank you for joining us as we continue our series, Who is He, where we are exploring the identity of the One who gives us ours. We're glad you're here. ABOUT US | We are cultivating a vibrant community of faith, hope and love that follows Jesus into the world so our neighbors may also experience God's goodness. Learn more at https://www.cpchb.org/core-values/PRAY  | To request prayer or pray with us, visit https://www.cpchb.org/prayer GIVE  |  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people, visit  https://www.cpchb.org/give/ PRAYER REQUESTS | https://www.cpchb.org/prayerGIVE  | https://www.cpchb.org/give/CONNECT  |  We want to connect with you!  Visit us at  https://www.facebook.com/cpchb/    https://www.instagram.com/christpacificchurch/    Weekly eBlast: https://tinyurl.com/swy75ujv  MORE INFO | https://www.cpchb.org/

Associate Pastor Ron King continues our series on Mark.Mark 15 takes us to the cross, and everything looks like defeat.Jesus is mocked. Beaten. Abandoned. The people with power seem to have won. And yet, beneath all of it, something entirely different is happening.Human power is exposed for what it is: temporary. The ones who thought they were in control fade into history, while the cross they meant for humiliation becomes the place where God's power is revealed.And standing nearby are some surprising people: a foreigner carrying the cross, women who refused to leave, a Roman centurion, and even a member of the religious council. One by one, they begin to see it.This wasn't defeat.It was love — brutal, costly, overwhelming love. And once you see that love clearly, the question becomes: what will you do with it?Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on August 23, 2026, at 10:30am. You can find us online at ⁠nwhills.com⁠.Key Moments(00:00) Welcome(01:18) Message: The Cross That Looked Like Defeat(06:17) Scripture Reading: Mark 15, Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion(12:54) The Illusion of Human Power(18:59) The Shocking Injustice and Brutality of the Cross(22:47) The Surprising People Gathered at the Cross(27:41) The Astounding, Unfathomable Love of God(32:54) The Real Question: How Will You Respond?(35:24) An Invitation to Prayer and Communion

AM Sermon

Deacons: Servants of the Savior” Download From Sunday 23 August 2026 Dr. Tim Beougher continues the sermon series from The Book of Acts with a message titled Deacons: Servants of the Savior”-Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13fbcmw.org

https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/book-of-romans00:00:00 Romans 1 – Gospel Revealed, Wrath Against Unrighteousness, and Heathen Depravity00:04:04 Romans 2 – Impartial Judgment, Doers of the Law, and Inward Circumcision00:07:37 Romans 3 – All Have Sinned, Justification by Faith, and Boasting Excluded00:10:58 Romans 4 – Faith Imputed for Righteousness and Promise to Abraham00:14:12 Romans 5 – Peace with God, Grace Abounding, and Death Through Adam00:17:07 Romans 6 – Dead to Sin, Alive to God, and Servants of Righteousness00:19:57 Romans 7 – Dead to the Law, Inward Conflict, and Flesh vs Spirit00:23:11 Romans 8 – Life in the Spirit, Joint-Heirs with Christ, and More Than Conquerors00:27:59 Romans 9 – Election of Grace, Sovereign Mercy, and Israel's Stumbling-Stone00:32:00 Romans 10 – Righteousness of Faith, Confessing the Lord, and Preaching the Gospel00:34:36 Romans 11 – Remnant according to Election, Wild Olive Tree, and Mystery Revealed00:39:16 Romans 12 – Living Sacrifice, Diversity of Gifts, and Overcoming Evil00:41:47 Romans 13 – Subjection to Higher Powers, Love the Fulfilling of the Law00:43:58 Romans 14 – Weak in Faith, Judgement Seat of Christ, and Stumblingblocks Avoided00:46:59 Romans 15 – Bearing Weakness, Minister to Gentiles, and Paul's Travel Plans00:50:58 Romans 16 – Salutations to Saints, Warning Against Divisions, and Final DoxologyView One-Year Reading Plan, Commentary, and Content:https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/kingjamesbibleinoneyear

Sermon Series: Standalone Teachings Preacher: Stan Way 8.16.26

Wednesday, 19 August 2026   So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. Matthew 22:10   “And having departed, the ‘servants, those' into the roads, they gathered all, as many as they found, evil, both, and good. And it filled, the nuptial – reclinings.” (CG)   The previous verse noted that the king said to his servants to go through the through-departures and as many people as they found, to call them to the nuptials. He next says, “And having departed, the ‘servants, those' into the roads, they gathered all.”   Out they went, dutifully looking for people to attend the wedding ceremony. One can imagine the apostles and early disciples, once finding that Gentiles were to be a part of the kingdom, actively going out and sharing the good news.   Those who heard this parable would remember it and consider that the plan waswe set and all they needed to do was engage their feet and get going. What they had no idea about was the scope of the task, either in expansion or in time –   “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' 7 And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'” Acts 1:6-8   When Jesus was departing, these disciples were still thinking of the promised earthly kingdom, not realizing that two-thousand years would pass, and that every nation on the planet was to be evangelized. Nations that didn't exist at the time would participate in the process.   As the world has evolved, the priority has remained unchanged in the lives of those who have accepted the call to continue inviting others to the coming event. That is in fulfillment of the words of the parable, saying, “as many as they found, evil, both, and good.”   A new word is seen here, te, a primary particle of connection or addition. Generally, it is translated as both or also. HELPS Word Studies says it “occurs 204 times in the NT and unfortunately is often not translated.” They rightfully rue over the fact that translators do not include such articles, as if they are unnecessary.   Of the words of this clause, Cambridge says, “bad and good] Who will always co-exist in the Church on earth.” Other commentators repeat the same thought. That misses the point and incorrectly explains the parable. This is not referring to bad people who remain bad in the church, as if they will or will not participate in the event. This is referring to the state of those who are called, when they are called.   No person is to be excluded from hearing the gospel. The “good” people who are honest, responsible with their lives, pay their bills by working decently, etc., need Jesus. The “bad” people like drug addicts, prostitutes, swindlers, and politicians(!) need Jesus too. All are invited to respond favorably to the good news. Someday, the last person to be evangelized will hear and respond. At that time, the rapture will take place, “And it filled, the nuptial – reclinings.”   Well, we don't need to worry about what the seating arrangements will be like. The idea of “reclinings” is the Middle-Eastern style of sitting at a low table. Of this style of dining, the Topical Lexicon says it –   “...portrays the first-century practice of reclining on a couch while partaking of a meal. In Scripture it frames scenes of fellowship, invitation, judgment, and eschatological promise. The posture itself is never incidental; it locates the participants within covenantal meals that anticipate the Messianic banquet and reveal the heart of Christ for sinners and saints alike.   Cultural Background of Reclining   By the early Roman period Jewish and Gentile diners adopted the Greco-Roman triclinium. Guests lay on the left side, feet extended outward, right hand free for eating. Reclining indicated belonging, honor, and enjoyment. Servants moved among the couches; hosts signaled welcome through seating order.”   Life application: As noted above, those who are in the church and who do not believe will not be a part of this event. The rapture will take those who are sealed with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13,14). Our job is to tell others about Jesus. Their job is to believe.   Those who join a church and don't believe, for whatever reason, will not be taken. It is the sealing of the Spirit, something known by God, that will bring about our being taken to the feast that is coming. This gives good reason why the strong delusion Paul refers to in 2 Thessalonians 2 will be possible.   Although we don't know who is or who is not sealed with the Spirit, it is rather certain that the Pope has no personal relationship with Jesus. This unbelief permeates much of the Roman Catholic church, along with leaders and adherents of many major denominations.   When the rapture happens, and they are not taken, it will be easy to dismiss the event. They sit smugly in their religiosity, thinking they are the center of God's plans and purposes. The world, too, looks at them as the representatives of “true” Christianity. As such, their being left behind will provide a simple means of beginning this strong delusion.   Lord God, help us to diligently tell those around us about the prospect of eternal life in Your presence, paid for solely by the merits of Jesus Christ. May we never water down the gospel. There are no works of our own that will bring us any closer to You. Our faith in His works is the ticket. Thank You for this wonderful gesture of love and reconciliation. Amen.  

Servants from Fieldwind Mews are recruited to help repair and re-consecrate Croylehenge, but something that once was interred in the mausoleum has now risen and stalks the shadows surrounding the holy site. Can the legendary spear Psychopompos bring the beast to heel?Mythic Bastionland is a complete roleplaying game about Knights on Quests, seeking Glory, and holding to their Oath.Seek the Myths, Honor the Seers, Protect the Realm. The game was designed and written by Chris McDowall, with art by Alec Sorensen, published by Bastionland Press. - Purchase the game ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.- Support Chris's work by subscribing to his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!- Art and graphics from the official book in our videos and promotional material is used with the author's express permission.The hex map of the Adamant Expanse was created using Hex Kit, developed by Cone of Negative Energy.- Purchase it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Explore more 3d6 Down the Line at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠official website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Access character sheets, maps, past campaigns, and lots more! Watch our ugly mugs on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ version of this episode!Support our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and enjoy awesome benefits! Purchase Feats of Exploration, an alternate XP system for old-school D&D-adjacent games! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drivethru RPG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Itch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠RPG Trader⁠⁠⁠⁠Purchase our first adventure scenario for Old-school Essentials, The Tomb of Armansquagulat!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drivethru RPG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Itch⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠RPG Trader ⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab some ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3d6 DTL merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Join our friendly and lively ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord server⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Art, animation, and graphics by David Kenyon.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Portfolio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Maps used in the channel banner by Dyson Logos.Intro music by Muzaproduction and kaazoom.

Guest Preacher Caleb Hunt continues our series on Mark.Mark 14 brings us to a night when everything seems to be falling apart. Jesus is betrayed. His closest friends abandon him. Peter denies him. And in the garden, Jesus faces what's coming and prays, "Not my will, but your will."Because sometimes trusting God is the hardest when we can't understand what He's doing.Some reject Jesus when He won't do things their way, and others run when following Him becomes painful. But Mary does something different. She pours out everything she has — not because she understands the plan, but because she trusts the One making it.And that changes how we see moments that look like defeat. Because the cross looked like everything had gone wrong. But it was actually the greatest victory of all.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on August 16, 2026, at 10:30am. You can find us online at ⁠nwhills.com⁠.Key Moments(00:00) Welcome(1:08) Message: Coming to God on His Terms, Not Ours(2:49) Illustration: What We'd Lose If We Rescued Paul from Prison(7:41) Scripture Reading: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32–42)(8:26) Illustration: The Doctor Who Discovered Handwashing(14:47) Mark's Literary Structure: The "Markan Sandwich"(20:32) Mary of Bethany: Pouring Out Everything She Had(24:03) Gethsemane: The Olive Press and Three Ways We Respond(31:08) Invitation: Coming to God on His Terms

Sermon preached on Ephesians 6:5-9 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins during the Morning Worship Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 08/16/2026 in Petaluma, CA. Sermon Manuscript Rev. W. Reid Hankins, M.Div. We turn now to finish this section in Ephesians on submission and authority, turning to the master-servant relationship.  Let me begin in my introduction to ... Read more The post Masters and Servants Serving the Master appeared first on Trinity Presbyterian Church North Bay (OPC).

Again and again we place ourselves at the feet of Jesus and welcome his commission to go out like Jesus and be a servant like he was. Its our spiritual act of worship.

The sermon explores the Christian life as a calling to serve Jesus Christ, utilizing the third use of the law to guide believers in honoring God. It addresses the theological pitfalls of legalism and antinomianism by emphasizing that ethical demands are fulfilled through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit rather than for salvation. Drawing from Luke 9:23 and Luke 12, the message encourages total self-denial, readiness for Christ's return, and faithful stewardship in daily responsibilities. The preacher argues that believers are united with Christ's righteousness, allowing them to pursue obedience out of gratitude and trust rather than fear. Ultimately, the Christian walk is presented as a simple yet demanding journey of constant reliance on the gospel to live faithfully in all circumstances.

The Apostle Paul had spent about a year and a half in the city of Corinth, but the time had come for him to be back on the move, especially to report back to the church in Jerusalem and the church in Antioch who had commissioned him. In these two paragraphs this morning we follow Paul and we are introduced to Apollos, and through these two men we see exhibited a faithfulness to the church and a faithfulness to biblical practice.

Why Goals Stopped Working For Me — And What I Discovered Instead I've spent years setting goals, teaching goal setting and helping people turn dreams and desires into something they could actually achieve. And goals are bloody useful. They give us motivation, direction and something to move towards. But I eventually noticed something: sometimes you reach the goal and still think, "Is that it?" That was the clue for me. I realised I had been asking goals to give me things they were never designed to provide — meaning, purpose, direction, peace and a sense of belonging. So perhaps goals aren't the problem. Perhaps we're expecting too much from them. In this deeper dive I explore what happened when I started looking beyond goals and towards my own North Star — not as a destination, but as a direction for how I want to live and experience my life. There's also a simple reflective process to help you explore a goal you've already achieved and discover what you were really hoping it would give you. Because maybe life isn't about reaching the right destination. Maybe it's about learning how you want to travel. And, as I'm discovering for myself, that might be much closer to enjoying every heartbeat. In this episode Why goals are brilliant servants but terrible masters. What can happen when achieving a goal still leaves you asking, "Is this it?" The difference between achievement and meaningful experience. Why my North Star is becoming more about direction than destination. A simple process for discovering what you're really looking for through your goals. How goals, dreams and desires can become experiences rather than just milestones. If you've ever achieved something you thought would make you happy, only to find yourself wondering "What's next?", this one's worth a listen. And if you agree, please share the hell out of it with everyone you know :o) https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/487-why-goals-stopped-working-for-me and if you want to see me recording this in an unplugged way https://youtu.be/DAJM7ROz8vk Shine Brightly

Romans 1:3: Concerning His Son What is the gospel ultimately about? Romans 1:3 gives us Paul's answer with remarkable clarity: the gospel is “concerning his Son.” The gospel is not first about us. It is not centered on our experiences, our improvement, our religious performance, or our felt needs. The gospel is the good news of what God has done through His Son, Jesus Christ. “Concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh.” Romans 1:3 The Gospel Concerns God's Son Paul has already told us that he was set apart for the gospel of God and that this gospel was promised beforehand through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Now he tells us who this gospel concerns: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The gospel is not advice about how to improve ourselves. Advice tells us what we should do. The gospel announces what God has already done in and through Jesus Christ. We do not need another self-help plan, moral improvement program, or religious system. We need a Savior. The gospel points us away from ourselves and directs us to Christ. Jesus Is the Eternal Son of God Jesus is not merely a prophet, moral teacher, religious example, or spiritual guide. He is the eternal Son of God. The Son did not begin to exist in Bethlehem. He did not become divine at His baptism or after His resurrection. Jesus Christ is eternally the Son of God, sharing the same divine nature as the Father. This matters because only God can save. A created Savior cannot bear the full weight of divine judgment or provide the salvation sinners desperately need. Our confidence rests in the eternal Son of God who came into the world to save sinners. Jesus Is the Promised Son of David Paul also tells us that Jesus was descended from David according to the flesh. This connects the gospel directly to the promises God made throughout the Old Testament. God promised that a descendant of David would reign forever. Jesus is that promised King. He is the Messiah, the Son of David, and the rightful ruler whose kingdom will never end. The gospel therefore announces not only that a Savior has come, but that the King has come. Jesus is not merely useful or comforting. He is Lord. The Savior who gives mercy is also the King who reigns. Jesus Truly Became Man The eternal Son of God truly took on human flesh. He did not merely appear to be human or wear humanity like a costume. He took on a true human nature without ceasing to be truly God. Jesus experienced hunger, weakness, sorrow, rejection, temptation, suffering, and death, yet He remained completely without sin. This truth has been carefully defended throughout church history because it stands at the heart of the gospel. Jesus Christ is one person with two natures, truly God and truly man. If Jesus is not truly God, He cannot save. If Jesus is not truly man, He cannot stand in our place. As man, He obeyed where we have disobeyed and suffered in the place of sinners. As God, His saving work is fully sufficient and eternally powerful. The Gospel Is Centered on Jesus Christ Romans will teach us about sin, wrath, righteousness, justification, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, election, Israel, Christian living, church unity, and mission. But every one of these truths ultimately finds its center in Jesus Christ. Christ is not one doctrine among many. He is the center and substance of the gospel. Without Christ there is no justification, no peace with God, no adoption, no hope in suffering, no mercy, and no eternal life. Christianity cannot be reduced to a worldview, moral system, ministry platform, theological identity, or religious tradition. Christianity is centered on Christ because the gospel itself is concerning His Son. Look to Christ Romans 1:3 calls us to look again at the glory of Jesus Christ. Look to Christ. Trust Christ. Treasure Christ. Follow Christ. Obey Christ. Proclaim Christ. Rest in Christ. Do not move beyond Christ. Do not minimize Christ. Do not replace Christ with self-help, moralism, religious performance, or vague spirituality. Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the promised Son of David, the incarnate Savior, the crucified and risen Lord, and the reigning King who saves all who repent of their sins and trust in Him. The world offers many messages. Religion offers many systems. Sin offers many promises. But God has given sinners one Savior. The gospel is concerning His Son. Continue Through Romans Continue studying Paul's letter verse by verse in our series, Romans: The Gospel That Changes Everything. Explore the Romans: The Gospel That Changes Everything Series You can also subscribe to the Servants of Grace YouTube channel for biblical teaching, sermons, podcasts, theology, and resources designed to help Christians grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Subscribe to Servants of Grace on YouTube

Holiness Is Essential for Christian Living By Dave Jenkins Holiness is not a way for Christians to earn God's acceptance. It is the fruit of belonging to Christ and being transformed by His grace. In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins explains why holiness is essential for Christian living, what it means to be set apart for God, and why the pursuit of holiness flows from salvation rather than leading to salvation. Many Christians hear the word holiness and immediately think about rules, restrictions, or a list of things they should avoid. Scripture presents holiness much differently. God calls His people to reflect His character, grow in Christlikeness, and pursue faithful obedience through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Listen or Watch   Holiness Flows From Salvation First Peter 1:15–16 says: “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'” Peter does not tell Christians to pursue holiness so that God will accept them. Instead, believers pursue holiness because God has already called and saved them. Christians are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, but the same grace that saves also transforms. Holiness is therefore not the basis of salvation. It is the fruit of genuine conversion and part of God's work of conforming His people to the image of His Son. What Biblical Holiness Means At its heart, holiness means being set apart for God. God Himself is perfectly holy, completely separate from sin, and morally perfect in every way. Because Christians belong to Him, they are called to live lives that increasingly reflect His character. This does not mean Christians attain sinless perfection in this life. Rather, holiness describes the direction of the Christian life as believers grow in obedience, repentance, and likeness to Christ. Holiness Is Not Legalism Biblical holiness and legalism are not the same thing. Legalism attempts to earn God's favor through human effort. Biblical holiness flows from God's favor already given through Jesus Christ. Grace does not remove the need for holiness. Grace produces holiness. The gospel not only forgives sinners but also transforms them. Hebrews 12:14 calls Christians to “strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Romans 12:1–2 calls believers to present themselves as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Second Corinthians 7:1 likewise urges Christians to pursue holiness in the fear of God. How Christians Pursue Holiness Christians pursue holiness by remaining rooted in the gospel and dependent upon the grace of God. Begin with the gospel. No one can grow in true holiness apart from Jesus Christ. Spend consistent time in the Word of God. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to shape, renew, and transform believers. Practice daily repentance. Growth in holiness does not mean never sinning. It means continually turning away from sin and toward Christ. Pursue faithful obedience. God uses ordinary, ongoing obedience as an important means of sanctification. Holiness Is Rooted in Union With Christ Ultimately, holiness is rooted in the believer's union with Jesus Christ. Jesus lived the perfectly holy life sinners could never live, died for their sins, and rose again to secure their salvation. Those who are united to Christ by faith are not only forgiven. They are also being transformed. The same Savior who justifies His people is also sanctifying them. Holiness is not the way Christians earn God's acceptance. It is evidence that they belong to Him. Listen to More Anchored in the Word Anchored in the Word is a weekly segment of the Servants of Grace podcast devoted to helping Christians stay rooted in Scripture, grow in sound doctrine, and live faithfully before Christ. Explore Anchored in the Word Listen to More Episodes

A podcast by Trinity Fellowship. Join us every week Monday through Thursday for The Biblecast! On The Biblecast we take a deeper dive into God's word. We also love to pray for each other. If you would like to submit a prayer you can do so at Biblecast@tfc.org from wherever you are listening! So I want to encourage you - be ready to grab your hot coffee, grab your hot tea, and let's dive in together to God's Word.

Thank you for joining us today as we continue our series, Who is He, where we are exploring the identity of the One who gives us ours. We're glad you're here. ABOUT US | We are cultivating a vibrant community of faith, hope and love that follows Jesus into the world so our neighbors may also experience God's goodness. Learn more at https://www.cpchb.org/core-values/PRAY  | To request prayer or pray with us, visit https://www.cpchb.org/prayer GIVE  |  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people, visit  https://www.cpchb.org/give/ PRAYER REQUESTS | https://www.cpchb.org/prayerGIVE  | https://www.cpchb.org/give/CONNECT  |  We want to connect with you!  Visit us at  https://www.facebook.com/cpchb/    https://www.instagram.com/christpacificchurch/    Weekly eBlast: https://tinyurl.com/swy75ujv  MORE INFO | https://www.cpchb.org/

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our series on Mark.Some things feel like they'll last forever. Like the life you've built, the people you love, and the plans you've made. But Jesus reminds us how fragile it all really is — not to fill us with fear, but to free us from holding too tightly to what was never meant to last.There's a surprising kind of hope that grows when you realize history is moving somewhere on purpose. Even when the world feels unsteady, when obedience is costly, or even when tomorrow isn't promised. The goal isn't to figure out the timeline. It's to live awake today. To loosen our grip on what fades, hold tightly to what endures, and be ready whenever the King returns.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on August 9, 2026, at 10:30am. You can find us online at ⁠nwhills.com⁠.Key Moments(00:00) Welcome(01:05) Message: Everything Is Temporary, But Jesus Is Coming Back(13:38) The Temple Feels Permanent, But Everything Is Temporary(16:14) Wars and Disasters Are Birth Pains, Not the End(18:41) The Holy Spirit Gives Us Words, and We Stand Firm Under Persecution(23:09) God Limits Our Suffering and Warns Against False Christs(30:58) The Son of Man Returns in Glory to Gather His Elect(35:52) No One Knows the Day, So Stay Awake and Keep Working(36:42) Don't Put Off Until Tomorrow What Obedience Requires Today

In Matthew 23:1–12, Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees—religious leaders who loved recognition, titles, and positions of honor but failed to practice what they preached.In “Servants, Not Showmen,” Todd Fletcher explains that true spiritual leadership is not about appearing impressive before others. Christ calls His followers to reject pride, practice what they teach, and pursue the humble service that seeks God's approval rather than human applause.

Could Jesus return in our generation? More importantly, how should Christians live while waiting? In this message, Pastor Brian Gunter continues through the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:45–51), unpacking Jesus' parable of the faithful and wicked servants. Rather than encouraging speculation about dates, Jesus calls His people to faithful obedience, gospel proclamation, wise stewardship, and readiness for His return. Christians are to labor faithfully—building families, churches, institutions, and nations under Christ's lordship—until the Master comes.Scripture: Matthew 24:45–51Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

Romans 1:2 Explained: The Gospel Promised Beforehand Romans: The Gospel That Changes Everything Romans 1:2 teaches that the gospel was promised beforehand through God's prophets in the Holy Scriptures. The gospel is not a human invention, a first-century novelty, or God's response to an unexpected problem. It rests on God's eternal purpose and His promise-keeping faithfulness. In this sermon, Dave Jenkins explains how the Old Testament progressively revealed God's saving promise, how the prophets pointed forward to Jesus Christ, and why the gospel cannot be separated from the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. The Bible presents one unified message of redemption, and every promise of salvation finds its fulfillment in Christ alone. Listen and Watch The Gospel Was Promised by God Paul begins Romans by making clear that the gospel did not originate with him. Romans 1:2 says that God “promised beforehand” the gospel. The gospel is not Plan B in the mind of God, nor is it God reacting to a problem He did not foresee. From the beginning, God revealed His purpose to save sinners through Jesus Christ. After sin entered the world, God promised that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent in Genesis 3:15. He promised blessing through Abraham, a King through David, a suffering servant through Isaiah, a new covenant through Jeremiah, and cleansing, renewal, and the Spirit through Ezekiel. The gospel is trustworthy because the God who promised it is trustworthy. God does not lie, forget, fail, or make promises He cannot keep. The gospel stands because God Himself promised it. The Gospel Was Promised Beforehand Paul's words remind Christians that the gospel has deep roots in redemptive history. Scripture has an apex, goal, and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself taught that the Scriptures testify about Him, and throughout the Old Testament God progressively revealed the saving work that would ultimately be fulfilled in Christ. Christianity is therefore not detached from the Old Testament. The New Testament does not replace the Old Testament as though God changed directions. Rather, the New Testament announces the fulfillment of what God promised beforehand. There is not one gospel in the Old Testament and another gospel in the New Testament. There is one gospel running like a scarlet thread from Genesis to Revelation, centered upon and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Gospel Was Promised Through the Prophets God is the source of the gospel promise, and the prophets were His chosen instruments. They did not speak on their own authority but spoke as men carried along by the Holy Spirit. Through them, God announced sin, judgment, mercy, restoration, the coming Messiah, the suffering servant, the righteous King, the new covenant, and the salvation of the nations. The prophets were not pointing ultimately to themselves. They were pointing forward to the saving work of God in Jesus Christ. Reading All of Scripture in Light of Christ Christians should not read the Old Testament merely as a collection of moral examples, disconnected stories, myths, or ancient religious history. Scripture is the unfolding revelation of God's saving purpose fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This does not mean flattening every passage or forcing every text to say the same thing. Each passage must be interpreted according to its God-given context, genre, covenantal setting, and authorial intent. From there, it can be understood within the larger redemptive purpose of Scripture that reaches its fulfillment in Christ. The Gospel Was Promised in the Holy Scriptures Paul grounds the gospel in the Holy Scriptures. He does not ground it in rumor, speculation, human tradition, emotional experience, cultural feeling, or private spirituality. The Scriptures are holy because they are from God. They are inspired, sufficient, authoritative, true, clear, and trustworthy. The same Scriptures that promised the gospel bear witness to the Christ who fulfills the gospel. Christians therefore cannot separate Christ from the Word of God. The only Christ we can faithfully proclaim is the Christ revealed in Scripture. A Scripture-promised gospel is also a Scripture-governed gospel. The Promised Gospel Displays the Faithfulness of God Romans 1:2 ultimately points Christians to the promise-keeping faithfulness of God. He promised beforehand, spoke through His prophets, revealed His promise in Scripture, and in the fullness of time sent His Son. If God kept His greatest promise in Christ, His people can trust Him with every other promise He has made. When circumstances are confusing, God is faithful. When prayers seem unanswered, God is faithful. When suffering is heavy, God is faithful. When sin feels great, God's grace in Christ is greater still. The world changes, cultures shift, feelings rise and fall, and circumstances may confuse us, but the gospel still stands because God has spoken in His holy Word. Jesus Christ Is the Fulfillment of the Promise Jesus is the promised Savior, the promised King, the suffering servant, the seed of the woman, and the Son of God. He lived the righteous life sinners have not lived, died the death sinners deserve, rose from the dead in victory, and reigns as Lord now and forever. The gospel is not about sinners climbing their way toward God through morality, achievement, or religious performance. The gospel is God fulfilling His promise to save sinners through His Son. Trust the gospel. Trust the God who promised it. Trust the Scriptures that reveal it. Trust the Christ who fulfills it. God will always keep His Word. Romans: The Gospel That Changes Everything Continue studying Paul's letter to the Romans with Dave Jenkins in the sermon series Romans: The Gospel That Changes Everything. Follow each verse-by-verse message as we explore the gospel of Jesus Christ and its implications for the Christian life. Explore the complete Romans sermon series on Servants of Grace. Subscribe to Servants of Grace on YouTube for new sermons, podcasts, and biblical teaching.

Conviction vs. Condemnation: Freedom from Guilt in Christ Have you ever confessed your sin to God and still felt as though He was finished with you? Maybe the guilt would not lift. Maybe you wondered whether you had finally gone too far or somehow reached the limit of God's grace. Many Christians struggle to distinguish between the Holy Spirit's conviction and crushing condemnation. They can feel similar in the moment, but they are not the same. One leads believers toward Christ, repentance, and hope. The other drives them toward despair, isolation, and hopelessness. In this episode of Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins, we look at what Scripture teaches about conviction, condemnation, guilt, forgiveness, and the believer's assurance in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Listen or Watch There Is No Condemnation in Christ Romans 8:1 provides the foundation for understanding the difference between conviction and condemnation: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Paul does not say there is less condemnation for those who are in Christ. He does not say condemnation remains only for our worst sins. He says there is no condemnation. For the Christian, the verdict has already been rendered. Because of the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, believers no longer stand condemned before God. What Condemnation Sounds Like Condemnation speaks the language of hopelessness. It says: You are a failure. God is finished with you. You will never change. Your sin is too great. You are beyond the reach of grace. Condemnation attempts to make believers believe that their sin is greater than God's grace. Yet Romans 8:1 declares that condemnation has been removed because Jesus bore the judgment our sins deserved. What Biblical Conviction Does The Holy Spirit's conviction is entirely different. He exposes sin not to destroy God's people but to restore them. Jesus says in John 16:8 that the Holy Spirit convicts concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. For believers, conviction reveals sin so that they will confess it, repent of it, and return to Christ in faith and obedience. Put simply, condemnation pushes you toward despair, while conviction leads you toward repentance and hope. The Answer to a Guilty Conscience Martin Luther understood the crushing weight of guilt. Before grasping the doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ alone, Luther was tormented by his conscience. He confessed for hours, fasted, and pursued religious effort, yet still found no peace. As he studied Romans and came to understand the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel, everything changed. The lesson remains essential for Christians today: the answer to a guilty conscience is not endless introspection, greater religious effort, or punishing yourself for sins Christ has already paid for. The answer is to look to Jesus Christ and trust His righteousness credited to you through faith. The Gospel Takes Sin Seriously and Offers Real Hope Our culture often handles guilt in one of two ways. Either guilt is denied altogether, or people are left drowning in shame without any real solution. The gospel rejects both approaches. Scripture takes sin seriously. Sin is real, destructive, and offensive to a holy God. Yet the gospel never leaves guilty sinners without hope. Jesus Christ came precisely for guilty sinners. At the cross, He bore the judgment His people deserved. Through His resurrection, He demonstrated the sufficiency and victory of His saving work. The world offers denial or despair. The gospel offers redemption. Self-Condemnation Is Not Repentance Some Christians begin to believe that the worse they feel about themselves, the more seriously they must be taking their sin. But ongoing self-condemnation is not the same thing as biblical repentance. Repentance leads you toward Christ. Self-condemnation keeps you focused inward, continually rehearsing your failure instead of resting in the forgiveness Jesus has secured. First John 1:9 reminds believers: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Christians should confess sin honestly, repent sincerely, and then receive the forgiveness Christ has won for them. Three Questions to Distinguish Conviction from Condemnation 1. Where Is This Leading Me? Conviction points you toward Jesus Christ. If an awareness of sin is leading you to confession, repentance, prayer, and renewed trust in Christ, that reflects the Spirit's sanctifying work. If it is driving you toward despair, isolation, hopelessness, or the belief that you are beyond grace, it does not reflect the promises God has given His people in Scripture. 2. Does This Agree with God's Word? Our emotions are real, but they are not always reliable. Christians must bring their feelings into the light of Scripture. Romans 8:1 does not say that believers are occasionally free from condemnation. It declares that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 3. Am I Responding to Conviction or Simply Continuing to Suffer? Biblical conviction calls for a response: confession, repentance, trust, and renewed obedience. If you have confessed your sin and repented, yet continue punishing yourself, you may have moved from genuine conviction into self-focused condemnation. Respond quickly to conviction, then receive God's grace fully. Jesus Was Condemned in Your Place The reason Christians are free from condemnation is not because their sin is insignificant. It is because Jesus Christ was condemned in their place. The full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin fell upon Christ at the cross. He bore the penalty His people deserved and secured their forgiveness, justification, and peace with God through His death and resurrection. Because of what Christ has done, Christians can face their sin honestly without terror, despair, or hiding. In Christ, you are not condemned. You are forgiven. You belong to Him. Bring Your Guilt to Christ When guilt rises in your heart, ask whether you are listening to the Spirit's conviction as revealed in God's Word or carrying condemnation that Jesus already bore at the cross. Bring your sin to Christ. Bring your guilt to Christ. Bring your fear to Christ. Conviction points you to the grace of Jesus Christ. Condemnation tries to make you forget that grace exists. Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins Anchored in the Word is a weekly segment of the Servants of Grace podcast devoted to helping Christians understand, apply, and stand firmly on the truth of God's Word. Explore more episodes and biblical resources from Anchored in the Word: Visit Anchored in the Word Watch the Anchored in the Word Playlist

1 Corinthians 3:10-4:21 with Bryan Rouanzoin

Full Text of Readings Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 407/408 The Saint of the day is Saint Peter Julian Eymard Saint Peter Julian Eymard's Story Born in La Mure d'Isère in southeastern France, Peter Julian's faith journey drew him from being a priest in the Diocese of Grenoble in 1834, to joining the Marists in 1839, to founding the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in 1856. In addition to those changes, Peter Julian Eymard coped with poverty, his father's initial opposition to Peter's vocation, serious illness, a Jansenistic overemphasis on sin, and the difficulties of getting diocesan and later papal approval for his new religious community. His years as a Marist, including service as a provincial leader, saw the deepening of his Eucharistic devotion, especially through his preaching of Forty Hours in many parishes. Inspired at first by the idea of reparation for indifference to the Eucharist, Peter Julian Eymard was eventually attracted to a more positive spirituality of Christ-centered love. Members of the men's community which Peter founded alternated between an active apostolic life and contemplating Jesus in the Eucharist. He and Marguerite Guillot founded the women's Congregation of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. Peter Julian Eymard was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1962, one day after Vatican II's first session ended. Reflection In every century, sin has been painfully real in the life of the Church. It is easy to give in to despair, to speak so strongly of human failings that people may forget the immense and self-sacrificing love of Jesus, as his death on the cross and his gift of the Eucharist make evident. Peter Julian Eymard knew that the Eucharist was key to helping Catholics live out their baptism and preach by word and example the Good News of Jesus Christ.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Today, Young Adult Pastor Gary Jones continues our series on Mark. The way that Jesus navigates difficult conversations about faith reveals what God truly values. When he is approached by religious leaders who are insincere in their flattery, he cuts through external performance and gets straight to the heart of the matter, saying that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. His answer encourages us, but it also challenges us to ask: are we giving God our best, or just our leftovers? If you want to explore what true devotion can mean in your own life, then this message is for you.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on August 2, 2026, at 9:00am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments00:00 Welcome00:53 Message: True Devotion05:10 Hypocrisy and Heart Motives07:57 Greatest Commandment Reading10:18 Love God With Everything14:41 Love Your Neighbor Truly24:23 Costly Giving Self-Examination30:49 Invitation and Prayer

Sermon from Josh Murphy on August 2, 2026

In Episode 221, Justin Ebert is joined by Morgan Weece and Jim Johnson to discuss Luke 17–20 and Psalms 46–65. Together, they explore biblical forgiveness, prayer, gratitude, money, the coming of God's kingdom, seeking the overlooked, and the resurrection. They also reflect on confession, repentance, judgment, and what it means to live with a heart genuinely surrendered to God.

Pastor Mike Overstreet continues our series Jesus' Money about how God's Kingdom transforms the way we see & interact with our wealth!

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our series on Mark.Some moments in Scripture are meant to stop us in our tracks, and this is one of them. Jesus does something that almost feels impossible to reconcile with the Savior we think we know. But beneath the surprise is a deeper invitation that goes past appearances and into the condition of our hearts.When frustration rises, when faith feels stretched, when old wounds still linger, Jesus doesn't settle for fixing the surface. He goes straight to the root. And somehow, in the middle of overturned tables, a withered tree, and impossible promises, we discover a God who is restoring hearts instead of simply managing behavior.It's a reminder that real worship bears fruit, real faith holds on when everything feels shaken, and real freedom begins the moment forgiveness takes root.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on July 26, 2026, at 10:30am. You can find us online at ⁠nwhills.com⁠.Key Moments(00:00) Welcome(01:15) Message: Jesus, the Fig Tree, and the Path from Frustration to Forgiveness(04:30) Reading Mark 11:12-14: Jesus Curses the Fig Tree(06:58) Context: Palm Sunday and Chaos in the Temple(10:27) Reading Mark 11:15-25: Jesus Cleanses the Temple(12:17) The Mark Sandwich: Why the Fig Tree Story Is Really About the Temple(17:34) Three Responses to Frustration: Root Cause, Patience, and Restoration(24:44) Faith and the Danger of "Name It and Claim It" Theology(29:46) Forgiveness: Receiving It Before We Can Give It

Today we're studying 2 Chronicles 26:4,16 in just one minute! Grab your scriptures and let's dive into them together!And grab study guides for the whole family here: -Grab Kristen's copies of helpful PDFs and study guides here: https://shop.kristenwalkersmith.com/products/ Check out her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@startherestudy/shorts- To get Cali's scripture study guide for adults click here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/07HMYuKoGet our NEW 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0p3Ds0t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is part 12 in a study of the book of Exodus. In this 4-chapter section on new laws, this chapter talks about laws around servants and about personal injuries. https://thebiblestudypodcast.com/exodus-21-laws-about-servants/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Humble servitude and a life well lived. __________ And for more resources, or to share this commentary with others, visit breakpoint.org.