Podcasts about standing firm

Send us Fan MailTherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Ephesians 6:13The world is messy.  The church is going through messy stuff as well.  How do we stay committed to the Gospel even when the things around us seem hopeless at times?  We are called to put on the Full Armor Of God and stand firm.  We do this by putting our hope in Christ and not in this world or the leaders in it.  We test every word and practice discernment -- something we are lacking in.  Finally, we strive for unity.  The church is as divided as ever.  We must major on the majors and minor on the minors in terms of what divides us.  In all of this, we ask for the Lord's leading and guidance.  When we do, we can stand firm even in messy days.  

Exposition of Philippians 4:1-9

1 Peter 5: 1-14 Standing Firm in Grace Rev. Zac Carrera

Deen Salami | Guest Pastor Standing Firm: A Look at Stephen Check out the weekly sermon here or on our SRBC podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. While you're at it, check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. Like what you hear? We'd love to know.At South Run, we read every message personally. Whether you have a question, want to share how God is moving in your life, or are thinking about visiting in person, this is the place to start. If you click the link below, Pastor Eric will personally reach out to you. Listening online? Let us know. Sermon Transcript Standing Firm: What Stephen's Martyrdom in Acts 6–7 Teaches Us About Faith Under Fire — Sermon TranscriptSouth Run Baptist Church | Springfield, VA Guest Preacher: Deen SalamiActs 6:8–7:60June 7, 2026This is a full sermon transcript from South Run Baptist Church in Springfield, Virginia. In this message, guest preacher Deen Salami preaches on the martyrdom of Stephen from Acts 6–7. This sermon addresses how Stephen — an ordinary believer full of faith and the Holy Spirit — stood firm against hate and persecution before the Sanhedrin, what his conduct, his defense, and his death reveal about the cost of following Jesus, and why the church's first martyr was not a tragic accident but a catalyst for the spread of the gospel. Opening: A Passage That Can Almost Preach ItselfI am a little excited today about the message. We've got a lot of ground to cover. There's a large section of scripture that I want us to go through. I'm going to act as your guide. It's not very often that there are passages of scripture that actually can preach themselves. This passage just might be one of them. So what I'd like to do is just to act as your guide. I'll read through big chunks of scripture and I'll just make a couple of observations for us to consider as we do. To do that, though, I'll only need about another hour. Are you guys good with that? I know better than to get in the way of lunch, so I'll make sure that I'll get through this thing in a reasonable amount of time, and I promise we'll survive the experience, all right? All right, why don't you join me in prayer? Gracious God and Father, behold this time. It is you who have called all these people here. None are here by accident. You have assigned me to this task for this day and this hour, and I just pray, Lord God, that you would act and move. Empower now your servant to be able to bring forth this majesty for your people's benefit and for the glory of your great name. May everything that be said and done would be pleasing to you. We pray all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. Context: Who Was Stephen, and Why Does He Matter?Now, we've already had the first section of our passage read to us. We're going to look at the first martyr of the early church. If you guys know, that is a follower by the name of Stephen. Before he was crucified, Jesus warned the disciples that the world would hate them because of him, and as a result, they would suffer persecution. So how do we stand firm against the hate and persecution? Well, Stephen is going to help us answer that question because he experienced exactly what Jesus said he would. How he handles the hate is a great example for us to follow. Now, again, we've already read that first section in Acts 6:1–8, but as we go into the commentary of it, I want you to consider three simple things: the charges brought before Stephen, his conduct throughout this whole trial, and what it costs him at the end. Three things — charges, his conduct, and the cost. The gospel was being preached early on. It's the early part of the church's existence. The gospel was being preached, and after an early reception by the masses, opposition began to rise, specifically from the religious leaders. Stephen was a Hellenistic Jew, which means that his native tongue was not Aramaic, but it was Greek. He was also a Diaspora Jew, meaning that he was not born and raised inside Israel proper. He was born and raised outside of Israel. He came to Jerusalem, heard the gospel, and became a believer. He was not one of the original 12. He had no special place of prominence. In fact, when we first learn of Stephen a few verses earlier, he was in charge of food distribution for the church. In other words, Stephen was a simple, normal person, just like any one of us. His only desire was to serve and to be used by God. Now look at how he was described in this section. It says that he was full of God's grace and power, and he performed great signs and wonders. Up until this point, that description was only made of the apostles. But he ran into his fellow Diaspora Jews, and they could not withstand him in debate, because the Spirit of God had given him great wisdom. Since they were unable to defeat Stephen in debate, they slandered him, brought him up on trumped-up charges, and dragged him before the Sanhedrin. And this, by the way, is the third time that a follower of Jesus was dragged before the Sanhedrin. The first time it was Peter and John for healing a lame man. But because the crowds were praising God, they let them go. The second time was with all 12 apostles. They were beaten and sternly warned no longer to preach the gospel. This time, the Diaspora Jews were mobilized as a mob against Stephen, and if you were hearing properly and paying attention, you noticed that Stephen is alone. Incidentally, this is the same council that sentenced Jesus to death. The Charges Against Stephen: Disrespecting Moses and the TempleSo let's hear the charges brought against Stephen. It was the disrespect of the law — which is referred to as Moses — and the disrespect of God, the temple, because they believed that God's presence was in the temple. But Stephen is going to take these two charges and turn them on his accusers. But for now, I want to draw your attention to how Luke describes Stephen as he stands before the Sanhedrin. He says that he has the face of an angel. Now, I doubt very much that the Sanhedrin thought Stephen was hot, right? But what is it that made his appearance unmistakable? The question I want us to consider is, how is it possible that a normal person like Stephen — who was not part of the inner circle of Jesus — is able to do the things that Stephen had done and was described the way Luke describes him? Acts 6:5 — Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit: What That Actually MeansAnd I believe that the answer is found in verse 5 of chapter 6. This is the very first description we have of Stephen: he's a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. But the question is, what does that mean exactly? Let me start with full of faith. Because there are three aspects of faith that we see in Stephen. First, there's an intellectual determination. What do I mean by that? It simply means that he's asking himself, is the gospel true, and do I believe it? Am I a sinner, like the gospel says, and do I need a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ? Stephen's answer is yes. The second is, do I trust Jesus? Will I submit my life to him and proclaim him as my Lord? Again, Stephen answers, yes. But finally, will I commit everything to him, even if it means my death? And as we will see, Stephen will answer that question yes as well. But let me ask us all a question here. How are we doing in these three aspects? For most Christians, they're okay intellectually up here. Do I need a Savior? Yes. But it's the other two that they stumble at. Is he actually Lord? Am I running my own life? Do I just need Jesus as an advisor — I'll call on him when I need to? Or is he actually Lord? Do we actually commit our lives to him, willing to die? Because Stephen was all in with Jesus, it gave the Holy Spirit free reign to use Stephen any way he wanted. Not like a puppet, but as an active and willing partner in the work of advancing the kingdom. It's like the Fellowship of the Ring. Do you guys remember the Fellowship of the Ring? Remember when Frodo said he was going to go and take the ring to Mordor? Aragorn said to him, if by my life or death I can protect you, I will. Why? Because the fate of Middle Earth hung in the balance, right? But for us today, it's the souls — the eternal souls of people — that hang in the balance. And the only hope for them is Jesus Christ. Amen? If by our life or death, if we have the opportunity to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ, will we? Are we all in like Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit? What the Sanhedrin saw in Stephen was the very presence of the divine emanating from him. But let's move on and see what happens next. Acts 7:1–16: Stephen's Defense Begins — Summarizing Genesis 12 Through Exodus 1 from Memory I'm going to read from chapter 7, verse 1. "Then the high priest asked Stephen, are these charges true? To this he replied, brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran. Leave your country and your people, God said, and go to the land I will show you. So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no children. God spoke to him in this way, for 400 years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, God said, and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place. Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later, Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace. Then a famine struck all of Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit. On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was. And Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, 75 in all. Then Jacob went down to Egypt where he and our ancestors died. Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money. And as the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die." Now, for those of you who may have picked up on it, Stephen just summarized Genesis 12 all the way through Exodus 1. Genesis 12 is where we have God's promise to bless the world through Abram. Stephen starts there and ends in Exodus chapter 1. That is approximately 39 chapters that he summarized from memory under pressure. Now, if you were on the Sanhedrin, what would you be thinking right now about the charge of disrespecting the law? At least at this point, it looks like that charge is on kind of shaky ground. In fact, some of the Sanhedrin might be looking at Stephen and secretly giving him a thumbs up. Way to go, bro. Good job, all right? Why Stephen Uses Geography and the Stories of Joseph and Moses StrategicallyWhat I don't want you to miss, though, is how Stephen is telling this story. I want you to notice the way Stephen is making use of geography — Mesopotamia, Haran, Israel, Egypt. He is summarizing what God did in those places, but why is he doing this? Also, I want you to keep in mind what he says about Joseph and his brothers. I'm going to develop that here in a minute. Just be patient, okay? Now, before we move on, I want to highlight how Stephen addresses his adversaries. To the mob, he refers to them as brothers. To the Sanhedrin, he refers to them as fathers. This mob who dragged him forcefully before the Sanhedrin, and this council that not only sentenced Jesus to death but beat the 12 apostles — the question on the table is, why is Stephen so cordial? A few observations. First, he does not seem to be taking their behavior toward him personally. The moment is not lost on Stephen. He's acutely aware of the danger he is in, but he remembers his mission, which was the same as Jesus. He does not want to condemn them. He wants them to know the truth. So he speaks to them in a way fitting that purpose. He does not retaliate against them for mistreating him. Second, Stephen understands that their behavior is symptomatic of a bigger issue. He knows what the Apostle Paul will later go on to understand and share with Timothy. As we read in 2 Timothy 2:25–26, Paul says this: "Opponents must be gently instructed in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil who has taken them captive to do his will." Stephen understands that these people have been taken captive by the devil so that they would do his will. But Stephen hopes that they will come to their senses. So he begins by instructing them gently. And in his approach, Stephen is reflecting the very heart of God. Back in Ezekiel 33:11, we hear God say this: "As surely as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways. Why will you die, people of Israel?" Stephen does not clap back at them. Third, he is gentle because he is focused. He knows it's not about him. This encounter is much bigger than Stephen, and he is keenly aware of it, and we can tell by the way he conducts himself. It's a powerful lesson for us today, isn't it? If we're going to stand firm against hate and persecution, we will resist the urge to take people's behavior toward us personally. We remember that their behavior is symptomatic of a bigger issue. They are captives of the devil, and what we want to stay focused on is our mission to be active agents in freeing them through spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now one last point before we move on. We are 19 verses into Stephen's speech and in all his words, Stephen is not trying to defend himself. He has not yet answered the question that was put before him: are these charges true? He hasn't quite answered that question, at least not directly. Acts 7:20–43: Moses, the Burning Bush, and the Pattern of Rejected MessengersBut let's get back to the rest of Stephen's speech, because I think we'll find some more for us to consider. "Now at that time, Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months, he was cared for by his family. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. When Moses was 40 years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. The next day, Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, men, you are brothers. Why do you want to hurt each other? But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday? When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. After 40 years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say, I am the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt. This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, who made you ruler and judge. He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for 40 years in the wilderness." Once again, Stephen has done an excellent job in summarizing that next section. He pretty accurately brings the story to the lawgiver himself, the man Moses. But let me begin to tie some pieces of this puzzle together for us. Stephen brings up Joseph and Moses very strategically. Joseph, with his dreams, and Moses, even at his birth, were both marked by God for God's use and for the good of his people. But in both cases, they were originally rejected. In other words, our ancestors, says Stephen, missed God's messengers the first time. Even though the signs were there, they rejected their God-appointed leaders the first time. And Stephen is about to be very clear about the implications of this for them. He mentions God being with Moses in Midian and in Egypt. All the geographical references that Stephen has made is the point he's taking aim at — the misunderstanding of the temple. They refer to the temple as this holy place. But yet Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin that when Moses was in Midian on Mount Sinai, Moses was commanded to remove his sandals because where he was standing was holy ground. So which is it? Is it the holy ground that Moses was standing on in Mount Sinai in Midian? Or is it this holy place, the temple in Jerusalem? Wherever the presence of God touches down becomes holy. What Stephen is saying is that God is not bound by any single location. This is what the Sanhedrin failed to see in their attempt to defend the temple. And it is a pattern that Stephen is pointing out for them. In addition, Jesus sternly rebuked the religious leaders when he turned over the tables of the money changers and called the temple a den of thieves, because they were keeping people from God. God had left the building, and they were completely oblivious. Let me highlight the wisdom Stephen is using here. First, he knows the word and how to apply it to the situation he is presently in. Second, he understands the charges brought against him and how to use those same charges to highlight the error of his accusers. And finally, he does not lose focus of his mission. And the question on the table for us is, if we were under this pressure, could we do the same? Acts 7:44–53: Stephen Flips the Script — You Are the Ones Who Violated the LawNow Stephen is about to end his time with the Sanhedrin, and it's going to be a colossal end. Let's finish reading. "This is the Moses who told the Israelites, God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people. He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our ancestors, and he received living words to pass on to us. But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him, and their hearts turned back to Egypt. They told Aaron, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him. That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in it in what their own hands had made. But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon, and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: did you bring me sacrifices and offerings 40 years in the wilderness, people of Israel? You have taken up the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your God Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore, I will send you into exile beyond Babylon. Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him. However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says, heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build me, says the Lord? Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things? You stiff-necked people, your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You were just like your ancestors. You always resist the Holy Spirit. Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him. You who have received the law that was given through angels, but have not yet obeyed it." Stephen ends his speech with a powerful rebuke of the Sanhedrin and this mob. The history of the Jewish people had been one of rebellion, culminating in the murder of Jesus, their long-awaited Messiah. Just as they did with Joseph and Moses, they missed Jesus the first time. I want you to underline verse 53. Stephen courageously tells the truth and provides a proper diagnosis of their problem. In so doing, he flips the script. So you accuse me of violating the law and desecrating the temple? I'm not guilty of either one of these, but you are. The evidence he provides is rightly in the law of Moses, and he records the embarrassing incident with the golden calf. This was abject idolatry, which got them exiled, and it's clear that their stubborn rebellion continued to blind them. Making the Means the End: The Sanhedrin's Fatal Error with the Law and the TempleThe inherent problem the Sanhedrin and the mob suffered from was that they made the means the end and did away with the end itself. What do I mean by that? Well, in Galatians 3:24–25, Paul says this: "So the law was our guardian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." The law was the means by which we would be ready for Christ, who was literally the end of the law — he was what the law was preparing us for. But they made the means, the law, the end, and did away with the end itself, Jesus. Jesus says the same thing about the temple. In Mark 11:17, Jesus says this: "My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." The temple was the means by which all the nations would come to know who God is and pray to him. They turned the temple into a money-making machine, and they did away with God altogether. It's the same pattern. Acts 7:54–60: The Stoning of Stephen — Dying Like His LordLike all who stubbornly live in rebellion and refuse to hear the truth, they go after Stephen. "When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of the young man named Saul. And while they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of their killing." Stephen took a bold stand and it cost him his life. But here's the beauty of this passage. Stephen died in the same way his Lord did. He dies praying for the forgiveness of the people stoning him, just like Jesus. And because Stephen was so faithful to his call, the heavens opened so that Stephen sees the Lord Jesus rise from his throne to welcome his faithful servant home. How to Stand Firm Against Hate and Persecution: Look Up, Not AroundHow do we stand firm in the face of hate and persecution? First and foremost, we look up, not around. We look to Jesus. We need to be focused on Jesus because he is all he's asking us to be, and he has done all he's asking us to do. That includes suffering for his sake. Second, we need to remember one important thing. We're not simply spectators or victims. We are active agents of change. In other words, we do not lose sight of the mission, because this is why we are here. You know, I know some people — I've spoken to some people about this passage — and they seem to think that it's unfair for Stephen to have died. After all, why couldn't God have saved him? He saved the apostles. He saved John and Peter. Why couldn't he have saved Stephen? But if we read Acts 1:8, where Jesus told the disciples that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and in the uttermost parts of the world, we begin to realize one important thing. Up until this point, guess where the church was localized? Jerusalem. Guess where they had their small groups? Jerusalem. Guess where they had their worship time? Jerusalem. But where were they supposed to go? But after Stephen was killed, we read this: "On that day, a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." Stephen's death was the catalyst for the advancement of the gospel outside of Jerusalem. Remember, our faith is not a faith that we simply talk about. Our faith is a full contact sport. If by my life or death I can advance the gospel, I will. Stephen did it by his death. Closing: Active Agents of God's Redemptive WorkLet me read you one quote as I close. It says, "Suffering becomes the ongoing evidence that creation awaits restoration. And believers, bearing God's image and indwelt by the Spirit, participate in that redemptive work. Rather than passive victims of evil, they become agents through whom God's original creative intention progressively reasserts itself against the disorder introduced by sin." Will you be a part of that? Because this is our purpose. And once we understand our purpose and totally embrace it, then we look at the world very differently. We can stop asking why the world is the way it is. Because that's really the wrong question. The right question is, what are we going to do about it? Because we are supposed to be the active and willing participants in God's redemptive work. Is this work dangerous? Yeah. Stephen found that out very clearly. Remember, Jesus died for us first. So it is not like God is asking us to throw away our lives cavalierly. Far from it. Stephen understood the stakes and was keenly aware of the moment. But he determined that his life was worthy of sacrificing for the gospel. He stood firm. Can we? Let me pray. Our gracious God and Father, we thank you for this time that we can be in your word. We are reminded, Lord, that it's you who preserved your word, lo, these 2,000 years for us, this generation of believers, to learn and glean from. I pray, Father, for whatever lessons that may have been brought out here, that those seeds would be scattered in the hearts of your people and that they would grow into folks that would stand firm for the advancement of the gospel. Our only desire, Lord God, is like Stephen. We ask humbly that you would use us as we serve, and that you would be glorified. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. South Run Baptist Church | 8712 Selger Drive, Springfield, VA 22153 | Sunday Worship at 11am Serving Springfield, Burke, West Springfield, Lorton, Alexandria, Fort Belvoir, and Franconia, Virginia. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Pastor Austin Medley concludes our Philippians series with a message titled "Standing Firm with Joy" from Philippians 4:2-9. He reminds us that unity and reconciliation reflect the credibility of the Gospel, while prayer and thanksgiving lead us into God's peace. We are encouraged to focus our minds on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy, and to put these truths into practice as we live with lasting joy and faith.

 Standing Firm in a Changing WorldIn a time when conviction is often labeled as intolerance and compromise is celebrated as virtue, many are asking: what does it truly mean to stand firm? This episode confronts the growing contrast between courage and passivity, conviction and control, and the pressures shaping both our culture and the church.We explore concerns about shifting influences in society—from education trends to political movements—and how these forces are perceived to be reshaping the values of a nation. More importantly, we turn inward, examining the condition of the modern church: where has discernment gone, and why are biblical standards increasingly sidelined?As cultural tides continue to shift, some believers feel the church has adopted a posture of surrender rather than strength—blending in rather than standing apart. This episode challenges listeners to consider the call to biblical separation, spiritual clarity, and unwavering purpose.Join us as we ask hard questions:What does it mean to live with true conviction today?How should believers respond to cultural and spiritual pressures?Are we standing firm—or drifting with the current?This is a call to rediscover courage, pursue truth, and remain steadfast for the glory of God.The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

Crystal Rivers | Open Book | May 26, 2026 Give thanks deeply for the goodness of God, especially for the privilege of being planted in a community where truth is pursued, received, tested, and lived out. Do not take lightly the grace of being surrounded by people who are learning to follow the Spirit, grow in the word, and become more like Christ. This is not a call to pride or comparison with others, but to gratitude and responsibility. When God places you in an environment where truth is unveiled, He expects you to respond with hunger, obedience, discipline, and transformation. You must understand righteousness as a journey of formation. First, righteousness is imputed to you as a gift through faith in Christ. You did not earn it; it was given by grace through the finished work of Jesus. You must reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God. This reckoning is important because you cannot live rightly if you do not first believe and accept what Christ has made available to you. Then righteousness must be imparted to you as you hear, receive, and obey the word of God. This is where transformation happens. The word renews the mind, reshapes the heart, corrects wrong patterns, and forms Christ within you. You do not become mature simply because righteousness was imputed to you; you grow as you submit to the word and allow it to work deeply in you. Finally, righteousness must become your garment. This is the place where righteousness is no longer something you occasionally attempt; it becomes your nature. Your responses, choices, instincts, and desires begin to reflect Christ naturally. You do not have to be forced to obey God because obedience has become your life. This is maturity: when living as a son becomes your true expression. Return continually to the secret place. The most holy place is not meant to be visited occasionally; it is meant to become your dwelling. The presence of God is where you are transformed, corrected, strengthened, and built. Psalm 91 is not just a promise to quote; it is a dwelling to enter. Learn to remain where God can shape you. Learn to stay long enough for your mind to be renewed and your soul to be changed. Learn stillness. Before rushing into the noise of the day, practice gratitude, quietness, meditation, and attentiveness before God. Be still and know. If you refuse stillness, you will struggle to know. Stillness trains your spirit to hear, discern, and respond. Meditate on the word. Speak the word. Let it remain in your mouth until it becomes your reality. Do not only write notes from what you hear; internalize truth until it becomes life. Understand that intimacy with God is personal. No one can cultivate your secret place for you. You must learn to speak with the Lord, listen to Him, receive from Him, and allow Him to write His laws upon your heart. In that place, He builds you. He forms you as a living stone. He shapes you so you can fit into the spiritual house He is building. Do not resist the dealings of God. Coming before Him means coming ready to be purified. He will confront the flesh, expose false identities, challenge the “this is how I am” excuses, and strip away what cannot inherit His nature. The pruning, chiseling, cutting, and correction are not signs of rejection; they are part of your preparation. You are being shaped for a place in His house. Yield to the process. Recognize that every believer has a role in the body. Do not think ministry belongs only to apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists. Their work is to equip the saints, but the saints must do the work of ministry. Helps, administration, government, encouragement, giving, accountability, discipleship, hospitality, kindness, intercession, and support are all spiritual operations when done in obedience to God. Do not despise small acts. A phone call, a word of encouragement, a shared insight, financial help, a prayer, or a simple act of care can supply strength to the body. Exercise your priesthood over your life, your home, your work, your territory, and your circumstances. Do not assume every breakthrough will happen simply because a prophetic word was spoken. Some things require prayer, fasting, obedience, warfare, discipline, and sustained priestly engagement. Take charge spiritually where things appear disorderly. Do not surrender your atmosphere to darkness. Learn to stand in your priesthood and enforce the will of God. Pay attention when God repeats a matter through different vessels. Repetition is often confirmation. When the same emphasis comes again and again, do not treat it casually. God may be pointing to something He wants rooted out, planted, rebuilt, or established in you. Submit to the work of true spiritual foundations. Stay long enough for what is wrong to be uprooted and what is of Christ to be built properly. Zoom every weekday : http://www.caveadullam.org/zoom

During the segment, Charlie referenced Sheriff Hobart Lewis's viral Facebook response regarding Donald Trump's endorsement of Pamela Evette. Charlie highlighted the following points from the Sheriff's post and subsequent on-air discussion:Standing Firm with Alan Wilson: Despite Trump's powerful "Complete and Total Endorsement" of Evette over the weekend, Sheriff Lewis used his Facebook platform to reassure voters that his allegiance remains unshakeable. He reaffirmed his early commitment to Attorney General Alan Wilson for governor.The "Local vs. National" Divide: On the show, Charlie noted that Lewis's post emphasized a growing sentiment among Upstate law enforcement: local sheriffs value long-term, proven legislative and judicial track records over late-stage national endorsements. Lewis stressed that Wilson has spent years on the ground fighting for South Carolina law enforcement, which cannot be overridden by a single Truth Social post.Loyalty to Trump vs. Loyalty to the State: Charlie pointed out that Lewis's social media statement carefully avoided criticizing Trump himself. Lewis remains a vocal supporter of Trump's federal platform—particularly regarding ICE and border security—but explicitly separated federal loyalty from the state-level needs of South Carolina public safety.Charlie used the Facebook post to illustrate a deeper friction in the final week of the primary: while Trump's endorsement gives Evette a massive bump, a powerful network of 22 South Carolina sheriffs is actively pushing back to hold the line for Alan Wilson.

,Wherever you are today, this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, offers a quiet space to pause and reconnect with God. How does God use our suffering? Meditate on 1 Peter 5:10. Abide is a Christian meditation app that helps you experience peace and grow in your relationship with Christ through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Try Abide free for 30 days and explore our premium, ad-free meditations here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Standing Firm Starts With the Belt of Truth A lie believed as truth will eventually become the truth we live by. In a world full of counterfeits, distractions, and competing voices, followers of Jesus are called to anchor themselves in THE Truth — Jesus Christ.

In this Man2Man 360 episode, host Darryl Anderson continues his series by explaining why every man needs Jesus amid a culture pressuring people to affirm shifting standards. He presents three main reasons: all people are flawed sinners (Romans 3:23), the world pulls men toward destruction through lust and pride and through false or man-pleasing teaching (1 John 2:15–17; Galatians 1:9–11), and real life is impossible apart from Christ because “without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Anderson urges listeners to seek God in Scripture rather than relying on social media voices, warns against claiming to be “saved from birth,” and emphasizes that men need Jesus to lead homes, work, and communities with consistent, humble, God-centered character. He closes by noting this is the season's final episode until the Fall and calls men to follow Jesus by the Holy Spirit rather than the world, the devil, or the flesh.00:00 Intro & Hook01:21 Welcome & Episode Overview02:07 Reason 1: We're All Flawed02:54 Reason 2: The World Is Pulling Us Down08:53 Reason 3: Impossible to Live Without Jesus10:35 Standing Firm & Leading Well16:25 ClosingShow is Recorded, Edited and Produced by Darryl D Anderson of Ambassador Media GroupVoiceOvers by Christopher BellIntro Theme Song Edited by Darryl Anderson (AMG) and Mixed by Damion Hill of E-Mix OnlineVISIT OUR WEBSITE for Man2Man 360PLEASE SUBSCRIBE YouTube Page: youtube.com/@man2man360Facebook Page:  Facebook.com/Man2Man360Podcasts drop every Saturday at 9am EST.Full Episode Youtube drops every Saturday 8PM ESTLicensed to use song:Tough Kid https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/tough-kidIt's Raining Againhttps://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/it-s-raining-againSFX - https://musicradiocreative.com/Try our NEW Fan Mail experience and send us a Text Message from HERE!

5.22.26//Jake Rainwater

Already Won: Standing Firm in the Fight. Ephesians 6: 10-24. May 17th, 2026. Rick Reeves.

Standing Firm 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-15 Pastor Woojin Lee

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In this conviction-heavy episode of SWAT Radio, host Doug McCary is joined by Brad Sykes and David Gray to tackle a challenge that hits close to home for every man: walking the talk and living a life of true biblical integrity. Diving into the first chapter of Philippians, the guys unpack the apostle Paul's challenge to live a life worthy of the gospel—one completely free of double-minded pretending, cultural compromise, or hiding behind a cheap "Christian veneer." Using a striking analogy from the world of golf, where players are uniquely expected to call penalties on themselves even when no one else is watching, the team discusses the vital need for raw honesty, mutual discipleship, and standing firm together against a culture that constantly pressures believers to dilute the truth. It's a powerful reminder that while the world offers a crown without a cross, authentic kingdom living requires men to face their shortcomings in the mirror, lock arms with their brothers, and faithfully endure the spiritual trenches together.

Standing Firm In Shifting Times - Part 17 Speaker: Jim Blalock

Episode 5362: Standing Firm In South Carolina Against Democrat Redistricting Efforts

In(to) THE freedom, STAND FIRM. In THE freedom, do NOT submit AGAIN to any form* of slavery.*Legalism (Law) or Licentiousness (lust).[Interlude: 5.7-12 - the scope of the problem]Legalism's nature.Legalism's result.Legalism's cascade.Legalism's deception.Standing FIRM in THE freedom of Christ looks like:________________. v.5________________. v.6

Happy Mother's Day to all of the incredible mothers out there. Today's episode is a deeper conversation about the urgent need for stronger, more biblical men and women in our culture, people willing to stand for truth, protect the vulnerable, and refuse to stay silent in the face of evil.We discuss the ongoing outrage surrounding the Epstein files, the lack of accountability for powerful people, and the broader cultural failure to protect victims from wicked and predatory individuals. But this conversation goes beyond headlines. It's about morality, courage, justice, faith, and what happens when societies stop valuing strong families, strong character, and biblical principles.This episode is ultimately about hope too, because evil does not win forever. Real justice matters, truth matters, and good people still have a responsibility to speak up.

Wintery Knight and Desert Rose welcome Ella, their protégé, to discuss her experiences as a young Christian in secular Europe. They explore how she moved from doubt to confident faith through apologetics. Ella shares her journey navigating university life, the workplace, and cultural pressures while mentoring the next generation. She offers practical encouragement for young believers seeking to live out Christianity with courage and conviction.  Please subscribe, like, comment, and share. Show notes and transcript: https://winteryknight.com/2026/05/09/knight-and-rose-show-76-passing-the-torch-standing-firm-in-a-secular-culture Subscribe to the audio podcast here: https://knightandrose.podbean.com/ Audio RSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/knightandrose/feed.xml YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@knightandroseshow Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/knightandroseshow Odysee: https://odysee.com/@KnightAndRoseShow Music attribution: "Strength of the Titans" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Many Christians feel it—but don’t know how to name it. Their faith isn’t gone, but it’s not as strong as it once was. Convictions feel harder to hold and cultural pressure feels harder to resist. Ed Stetzer talks to Aaron Graham about his book, Unshakeable Faith: How to Stand Firm in a Culture of Lies and the subtle lies that reshape Christianity from within, and how we can build a faith that can withstand a culture of confusion without losing conviction or compassion on Ed Stetzer Live. Ed Stetzer Live is a listener supported program. To donate, click here. To learn more about Ed Stetzer, click here. To learn more about Ed Stetzer Live, click here.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/edstetzerliveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jesus is talking about the persecution that will come before his return and he says that the one who stands firm to the end will be saved!

Standing Firm In Shifting Times - Part 16 Speaker: Jim Blalock

In this episode of Brothers Just Searching, Isaac, Anthony, Hezekiah, and Bowen come back together to continue their study through the book of 1 John. After sharing powerful testimonies from street preaching at Festival International, the conversation turns toward one of the most serious warnings in Scripture.What does it mean when John says we are in the “last times”?Who is the Antichrist—and are there already antichrists among us today?How can believers recognize false teaching and stay grounded in the truth?The brothers dive into 1 John 2:18–23, discussing:The spirit of antichrist in the world todayThe difference between true and false doctrineWhy knowing God's Word is essential in the last daysHow believers can remain faithful and not be led astrayWith real-life experiences, biblical insight, and honest conversation, this episode challenges Christians to stay rooted in Christ and discern truth in a time of deception.“Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist…” – 1 John 2:22Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Facebook also leave us a review If You Like To donate to this podcast you can through cashapp or email us at brothersjustsearchingpodcast@gmail.com for more infoAnything is appreciated Cashapp infoBJSmediaThis podcast is brought to you by BJS MEDIA. A christian media production from the swamps of Louisiana. Teaching THE WORD OF GOD (The Bible) and discussing religion, cults, and other world events. "The New Kingdom" Book By Anthony HayesAmazonhttps://a.co/d/bGeKR6WYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@anthonyhayes4492Brothers Just Searching Links Check out our website https://brothersjustsearching.wordpress.com/Check out Our Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/bjspodcastCheck out our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/channel/UCSKi3Aywyd1PQWQ5K1rrIUAhttps://campsite.to/bjsmediaThis is where you can listen to our podcast “Brothers Just Searching”. Below me :). Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brothers-just-searching/id1490823255?uo=4Google Podcast https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDk2MjdhMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0xxj0itGZrlN6EvUpHnel1Breakerhttps://www.breaker.audio/brothers-just-searchingOvercasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1490823255/brothers-just-searchingPocket Casts https://pca.st/7uduo3tzCoteau Holmes Fellowship Church https://www.facebook.com/coteauholmesfellowship/Upper Room Fellowship Church1910 S College Rd, Lafayette, LAhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583220302823Music Provided ByUltima Thule by a href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/51198"Blue Dot Sessions/a- [ ]#bible #biblestudy #faith #jesus #god

This podcast episode opens Galatians chapter 5 with a bold and urgent call to remain anchored in the freedom Christ secured.Mark and Cindy explore how easily that freedom can be compromised when believers return to anything to build a worldview on, but God's truth, especially false teaching, and how even small distortions can spread and undermine the truth. The discussion highlights the danger of substituting manmade or Old Testament practices for genuine faith, making clear that true righteousness is found only in obedience to Christ— being expressed through a faith that actively works in love to glorify Him. With both warning and encouragement, the episode challenges listeners to stand firm, reject spiritual compromise, and continue running their race with endurance, grounded in truth and led by the Spirit.

STANDING FIRM ON GOD'S UNSHAKABLE FOUNDATION

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 2:18-29It is becoming increasingly hard to identify as a Christian and not take some heat for it or be faced with hostility. This was the situation for Thyatira as well. God writes to that church to encourage them to stand firm and to watch out for false teachers. This is why elders and deacons matter in the life of the church. Truth and doctrine must be guarded carefully.

In ancient warfare, an archer was often more feared than a swordsman because arrows struck swiftly, from a distance, and sometimes before the target even knew what was coming. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef uses that vivid image from Psalm 127:3–5 to show God's purpose for the next generation: children are meant to be “arrows in the hands of a warrior”—instruments of spiritual warfare who stand firm in faith and help bring freedom to the captive. But arrows don't become effective by accident. Dr. Youssef challenges believers to do more than tell and train—we must also pray and model. Quiet, one-on-one discipleship often leaves the deepest legacy: encouraging young people to live boldly for Christ on campuses, in workplaces, and wherever God places them. Ask them hard questions. Challenge them with Scripture. Pray over them daily. Then comes the sobering reminder: the next generation is watching what we do far more than what we say. Dr. Youssef shares a painful example of a young man who abandoned the faith because of hypocrisy at home—public religion, private contradiction. Real disciples are formed where authenticity is lived. This episode will encourage you to surrender fully to God's leadership so your life becomes the pattern that helps raise up disciples—sure, swift, and steady as arrows in His quiver. Prayer: Lord, may the Church prepare our youth for service to You so that they may shine as lights in this dark world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:4-5). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Preparing the Next Generation: LISTEN NOW Scripture Focus: Psalm 127:3–5 The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's battles? Spiritual warfare is real. And we are active participants instead of spectators. The good news is we are not fighting alone or in our own strength. God equips us with everything we need to stand firm, and when we fall, his grace restores us. Listen now and be inspired to put on God's armor today and face your struggles with renewed confidence and power.

Standing Firm In Shifting Times - Part 15 Speaker: Jim Blalock

In today's world, believers are constantly surrounded by opinions, cultural pressure, distorted truth, and teachings that may sound good but don't always align with God's Word. So how do we stand firm in our faith without becoming fearful, harsh, or argumentative?In this episode, we're talking about what it truly means to defend the faith as Christian women, responding with grace and truth, testing teachings against Scripture, recognizing deception, and remaining firmly rooted in God's Word.We'll discuss how discernment is developed through intimacy with God, why Scripture must remain our foundation, and how the Holy Spirit helps guide us when we face opposition or confusion. This conversation is not about “winning debates,” but about becoming women who know God's voice, walk in wisdom, and stand confidently in truth with love, humility, and boldness.Rooted in Truth. Guided by Wisdom. Standing Firm in Faith.Enjoyed This Episode or Have Feedback? Send Us A Text!Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showThe Praying Wifewww.theprayingwife.comFacebook | Instagram | Twitter | YoutubeEmail: support@theprayingwife.com

Welcome to Day 2846 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2846 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 119:153-160 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2847 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2847 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Resh of Revival – The Divine Advocate in the Cosmic Courtroom In our previous episode on this grand expedition, we hiked through the nineteenth stanza of Psalm One Hundred Nineteen, known as the "Qoph" section. We sat with the psalmist during the terrifying, vulnerable hours of the night watch. We heard his wholehearted cry for rescue as the lawless ones drew near. But in the midst of that approaching darkness, we discovered a breathtaking reality: the enemy may be close, but the Creator is closer. We learned to anticipate the dawn, anchoring our exhausted souls to the eternal, unshakeable laws of the King. Today, we take a deep breath, brush the dust from our boots, and take our next deliberate step upward. We are entering the twentieth stanza of this magnificent, alphabetical mountain. We are exploring the "Resh" section, covering Psalm One Hundred Nineteen, verses one hundred fifty-three through one hundred sixty, in the New Living Translation. In the ancient Hebrew alphabet, the letter "Resh" was depicted as the head of a man. It represents that which is chief, the summit, the beginning, or the highest authority. This imagery is woven brilliantly into the fabric of these verses. The psalmist is exhausted from the relentless attacks of his enemies, and he realizes that he cannot win this battle in the earthly courts of public opinion. He needs to go straight to the top. He appeals to the highest authority in the cosmos, asking the Supreme Judge of the Divine Council to act as his personal defense attorney. Let us step onto the trail, and enter the cosmic courtroom. The First Segment is: The The Plea for the Divine Advocate Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses one hundred fifty-three and one hundred fifty-four. Look down upon my sorrows and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions. Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised. The stanza opens with a desperate, deeply personal petition. "Look down upon my sorrows and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions." The psalmist is carrying an immense burden of affliction. The Hebrew word for "sorrows" implies a state of being completely wretched, humbled, and beaten down by external circumstances. He asks Yahweh to look down from the heavenly throne room and witness his misery. But he does not just ask for pity; he grounds his request in his covenant loyalty. He says, "I have not forgotten your instructions." Despite the intense pressure to compromise with the rebel gods of the surrounding culture, he has maintained his allegiance to the cosmic blueprint. Because he has remained loyal, he dares to make a staggering legal demand in verse one hundred fifty-four: "Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised." To fully grasp the magnitude of this request, we must understand the Ancient Israelite worldview. The psalmist is standing in the spiritual courtroom of the Divine Council. The Accuser, representing the hostile, chaotic forces of the world, is standing against him, demanding his destruction. The psalmist knows he cannot adequately defend himself against these dark, supernatural principalities. So, he calls upon Yahweh to act as his Go'el. In ancient Israel, a Go'el was a kinsman-redeemer, a powerful family member who would step into a legal dispute, pay off debts, and advocate for a vulnerable relative. The psalmist is essentially saying, "Lord, step down from the judge's bench, walk over to the defense table, and act as my Advocate. Plead my cause! Fight my legal battle against the rebel forces, and redeem my life, just as Your covenant promises!" He is asking the highest authority in the universe to take his side. The Second Segment is: The Great Chasm of Mercy Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses one hundred fifty-five and one hundred fifty-six. The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with your decrees. Lord, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by your regulations. As the psalmist looks around the cosmic courtroom, he observes the tragic fate of his oppressors. "The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with your decrees." The rebel forces, and the arrogant humans who serve them, believe they are autonomous. They think they can orchestrate their own salvation through wealth, military might, and political deception. But the psalmist reveals the objective reality: they are incredibly far from rescue. Why? Because salvation is not a magic trick; it is a byproduct of alignment with the Creator. Because the wicked "do not bother" to seek out God's decrees, they have completely disconnected themselves from the only Source of life. They have built their fortress on a fault line, and their destruction is inevitable. In sharp, beautiful contrast to the distance of the wicked, the psalmist marvels at the proximity of God's compassion. "Lord, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by your regulations." The Hebrew word for mercy here is rachamim, which we have seen before. It is rooted in the word for a mother's womb, implying a fierce, protective, nurturing compassion. The psalmist says that God's mercies are "great," or exceedingly abundant. The rebel gods are cruel, demanding, and distant, but Yahweh is overflowing with tender compassion for His exhausted exiles. Because of this abundant mercy, he asks to be "revived." He needs the breath of life—chayah—to be pumped back into his fainting soul. He recognizes that God's regulations are not just rigid legal codes; they are the very mechanism of revival. The Word of the Advocate brings the defendant back to life. The third segment is: Standing Firm in the Face of Treason Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses one hundred fifty-seven and one hundred fifty-eight. Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws. Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for your word. The psalmist reminds the Divine Advocate of the sheer volume of the opposition. "Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws." He is not just fighting a single adversary; he is facing a swarm. The persecutors are the earthly proxies of the dark realm, and they are relentlessly trying to push him off the path. But he testifies to his own stubborn resilience. "I have not swerved." He has not compromised his integrity. He has kept his eyes fixed on the "Resh"—the Head, the Chief Authority—and refused to bow to the idols of the culture. But this resilience comes with a heavy emotional cost. He confesses in verse one hundred fifty-eight: "Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for your word." Other translations say, "I look at the faithless with disgust," or "I behold the transgressors, and am grieved." The word "traitors" is incredibly important. In the biblical worldview, humanity was created to image God, to partner with the Creator in ruling the earth. When humans abandon that high calling, and align themselves with the destructive, chaotic forces of the rebel gods, they are committing cosmic treason. When the psalmist looks at these traitors, he does not feel a smug, self-righteous superiority. He feels sick at heart. He is overcome with grief and nausea. Why? Because he loves the Creator so deeply, that it physically hurts him to watch people vandalize God's beautiful design. He feels the very grief of the Holy Spirit. He is mourning the fact that these individuals care absolutely nothing for the life-giving Word of the King. The fourth segment is: The Sum of All Truth Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses one hundred fifty-nine and one hundred sixty. See how I love your commandments, Lord. Give back my life because of your unfailing love. The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. As the stanza draws to a close, the psalmist

We're back with a new episode of the You're Not Done Yet Podcast: Standing Firm on the Word of God 1 Corinthians 16:13 reminds us that we have to stand firm on the word and be courageous while doing it. That's my encouragement for this week, no matter the trials stand firm and know that he has you always.Make sure you are following us on Instagram: @yourenotdoneyetpod and your host: @itsandreabeeWe will see you next week!

Standing Firm In Shifting Times - Part 14 Speaker: Jim Blalock

Many Christians feel it—but don't know how to name it. Their faith isn't gone, but it's not as strong as it once was. Convictions feel harder to hold. Cultural pressure feels harder to resist. And slowly, belief begins to drift. Pastor Aaron Graham shares from his book, "Unshakable Faith: How to Stand Firm in a Culture of Lies." Check out Susie's new podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Principle 11 – Standing FirmPhilippians 4:1-9No matter our circumstances in life, we are to stand firm in the Lord by being unified in our relationships, by seeking God's help through prayer, and by imitating Jesus Christ. NEW! - Let us know what you think of the program! Support the show

Standing Firm In Shifting Times - Part 13 Speaker: Jim Blalock