Podcasts about though god

The Bible encourages those who follow Jesus that there will be thorns in the flesh at times. Thorns are messengers from Satan. They come to us in the form of people, illness, discouragement and spiritual attack. Thorns prevent the spoil of our heart. When God uses us, it comes with the risk of pride. Thorns in the flesh can be the very thing that keeps us qualified to continue to be used by the Lord. Thorns prove that God's grace is enough. Though God could remove all of our thorns, he sometimes chooses to allow them to remain so that we might rely upon his grace rather than a cure. The power of Christ is displayed in our weaknesses. Do you know Jesus today? Do you have a thorn in the flesh? Be encouraged as you rely upon God's grace to carry you.

The Bible encourages those who follow Jesus that there will be thorns in the flesh at times. Thorns are messengers from Satan. They come to us in the form of people, illness, discouragement and spiritual attack. Thorns prevent the spoil of our heart. When God uses us, it comes with the risk of pride. Thorns in the flesh can be the very thing that keeps us qualified to continue to be used by the Lord. Thorns prove that God's grace is enough. Though God could remove all of our thorns, he sometimes chooses to allow them to remain so that we might rely upon his grace rather than a cure. The power of Christ is displayed in our weaknesses. Do you know Jesus today? Do you have a thorn in the flesh? Be encouraged as you rely upon God's grace to carry you.

Though God has promised to judge unfaithful Israel for her sins, there is a ray of hope promised through her coming Messiah.

On Trinity Sunday, the Church enters the long season of Trinitytide, often called Ordinary Time—not because it is plain or unimportant, but because it is the ordered season in which Christians learn to live out the faith revealed in the great mysteries of Christ's life, death, resurrection, ascension, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. As living temples of the Holy Trinity, believers are called to contemplate the mystery of the one God in three Persons, a truth revealed throughout Scripture and faithfully confessed by the Church. Though God remains beyond full human comprehension, He has revealed Himself as both Trinity and Love. The eternal communion of self-giving love shared by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit becomes the pattern for Christian life. Throughout Trinitytide, the faithful are invited to grow in this Trinitarian love toward God, neighbor, and self, learning to hear Christ's voice and follow His will in the daily journey toward salvation.

Judges 4:1–24 with Pastor David Maestas In Judges 4, Israel once again finds itself trapped in the familiar cycle of rebellion, oppression, and desperation. After turning away from the Lord, they spend twenty years under the harsh rule of King Jabin and the military oppression of Sisera. But in the midst of fear and uncertainty, God raises up an unlikely leader: Deborah. As a prophetess and judge, Deborah stands as a powerful example of wisdom, courage, and faithfulness. Through her leadership, God calls Barak to step forward and lead Israel into battle. Yet Barak hesitates. Though God had already given clear direction, fear causes him to seek reassurance before obeying. This chapter reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear. Faith is choosing obedience despite it. Throughout Judges 4, we see God accomplish His purposes through unexpected people and unlikely circumstances. Deborah leads. Barak follows. Jael enters the story in a surprising way. And ultimately, the victory belongs not to human strength, military strategy, or personal courage, but to the Lord. One of the central themes of Judges 4 is that God often works through people who are simply willing to say yes. The heroes of this chapter are not perfect. They wrestle with fear, uncertainty, and limitations. Yet God uses them anyway. This passage also challenges us to consider how often we delay obedience while waiting for perfect confidence. Like Barak, many of us know what God is asking us to do, but we hesitate because we want more certainty, more guarantees, or someone else to go with us. Meanwhile, Deborah's example reminds us what it looks like to trust God enough to step into difficult assignments with confidence in Him rather than confidence in ourselves. Judges 4 invites us to reflect on several important questions: Where is fear keeping me from obeying God? Am I waiting for certainty when God is asking for faith? Have I underestimated how God might use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes? Am I trusting in my own strength, or am I depending on the Lord?

1 Peter 4:8 reminds believers that Christ-centered love has the power to strengthen relationships and extend grace in the face of human weakness. In this devotional, Megan J. Conner explores how selfishness and sin often create conflict in marriages, families, friendships, and church communities. From the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis to the challenges Christians face today, Scripture reveals that broken relationships are a result of sin, but God's love provides the pathway to forgiveness, healing, and restoration. Highlights Sin and selfishness often create conflict in relationships. Adam and Eve's story reveals how disobedience impacts both human and divine relationships. God's love provides redemption where sin creates division. Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate example of love covering a multitude of sins. Forgiveness reflects the grace God has extended to us. Christians are called to pursue peace whenever possible. Humility and mercy can help restore strained relationships. Loving others deeply requires relying on God's strength and example. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Love One AnotherBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) Relationships of all kinds can be a challenge. The Bible says God created us for community, for family, for friendships, yet often the dynamics involved in these connections can be incredibly complicated. If relationships are the design of the Lord for our lives, why do they seem so incredibly difficult to navigate? The answer… one single word… sin. At the root of all sin is selfishness. It is the desire and longing for “what I want” above all else, and often, those decisions can be harmful to those around us. They can also be harmful to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. All the way back in the Garden of Eden, we see the first choice of sin – of selfishness. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it,” (Genesis 3:6, NIV). Though God clearly said Adam and Eve were not to eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden, they felt otherwise. The couple desired to take what the Lord advised them to abstain from; they intentionally chose their own way. They chose themselves. But their choices didn’t just affect them individually; they affected their relationship with one another. As soon as their decision was revealed, the first marital argument ensued, including everyone’s favorite, “the blame game.” Their unity was negatively impacted as a result of their choices. Additionally, their relationship with the Lord was also altered by their pursuit of self. Those consequences were much more significant than a marital tiff, as they were cast out of the garden, could no longer reside within the physical presence of God, would later experience mortal death, and the legacy of sin they initiated would pass on from generation to generation. Sin and selfishness caused some major long-term ripples in this scenario, but thankfully, that is not the end of their story or ours. Love covered a multitude of sins. The Heavenly Father made provision for Adam and Eve in the form of a sacrifice to cover their sin and then gave the ultimate sacrifice of His One and Only Son to forever redeem us all from the penalty of transgression. It is because of this great love that was offered to us first, while we were yet sinners (Rom. 5:8), that we are called to love one another through the failings, disagreements, and hurt feelings. It can feel so incredibly unfair when we are called to forgive the wrongdoings of others, but how different it looks when we are the offender in need of pardon. While every situation is different and there are circumstances where forgiveness needs to be applied, but not necessarily reconciliation at that moment, God’s call to us is clear. “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” (Rom. 12:18, NIV). Though our emotions can get stirred up when “iron sharpens iron” in our relationships, and there are disagreements and deep hurts, the Lord has called us to love one another. It is amazing how quickly a heated situation is diffused when love and humility are applied. May we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and extend mercy and grace to those who have wronged us - for love covers a multitude of sin. Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you struggling with disagreements or discord within your relationships? Is there a particular person or scenario that is particularly painful? Perhaps you are the offender in the situation and long for forgiveness from those you have harmed. Regardless of where you find yourself, may I encourage you, maybe even challenge you, to take a moment and reflect on how God’s unending grace and mercy have been applied to your life. Ask yourself, how has He covered a multitude of your sins? If you are willing, jot down a list of the moments when it was evident the Lord extended forgiveness to you. In light of His great love, ask the Lord to soften your heart towards those who have harmed you. I pray you follow in His footsteps and learn how to lead with love. Further Reading:Romans 12:9-21Romans 5:1-11Romans 5:5-5:14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week in our Genesis sermon series, Kevin takes us through the story of Hagar and her encounter with God in the wilderness. Though God had promised Abram an heir, Sarai disbelieves and cruelly uses her servant Hagar to marry Abram and bring this to pass. Hagar flees to the desert and is met by the angel of the Lord, who promises to take care of her if she returns to Abram and Sarai. Hagar is the only one in Genesis to give God a name: El Roi, "God who sees." How does the omniscience and omnipresence of God minister to us? How has Christ won for us adoption through His experience of abandonment on the cross? What would it look like if we truly believed God moves toward broken people before they are all cleaned up?

Though God sits on high, he hears and lifts us up.

In this message, we explore one of Scripture's most powerful invitations — seven words from Isaiah 1:18 spoken not by a prophet, but by God Himself: "Come now, and let us reason together." Though God addresses a people who had strayed far from Him, His response is not condemnation but compassion. This passage reminds us that no matter how far we've drifted, God actively pursues us with love and grace. The word "come" is a divine lifeline — the same word that called Peter out of the boat — and it's extended to anyone who feels broken, lost, or distant from God. If we respond, He is both able and eager to restore what's been lost.

In this message, we explore one of Scripture's most powerful invitations — seven words from Isaiah 1:18 spoken not by a prophet, but by God Himself: "Come now, and let us reason together." Though God addresses a people who had strayed far from Him, His response is not condemnation but compassion. This passage reminds us that no matter how far we've drifted, God actively pursues us with love and grace. The word "come" is a divine lifeline — the same word that called Peter out of the boat — and it's extended to anyone who feels broken, lost, or distant from God. If we respond, He is both able and eager to restore what's been lost.

God spoke to Jeremiah when he was in prison and promised to keep His covenant with Israel, that the LORD would cause His people to return to their land and rejoice in Him. Though God's people rebelled against Him, He would be like a shepherd who makes His sheep lie down in safety. We are flawed and fail, but God will be faithful to keep His covenant according to His grace. Verses in order of appearance: Jeremiah 33:10-11 Hosea 14:1-2 Psalm 51:17-19 Jeremiah 33:12-13 Ezekiel 20:25-26 Psalm 23:1-2 Leviticus 27:32 Jeremiah 33:14-18 2 Samuel 7:12-16 Luke 1:31-33 Exodus 17:15-16 Hosea 12:6 Jeremiah 33:19-22 Revelation 1:4-6 Genesis 15:5-6 Hebrews 11:11-12 Revelation 7:9-10 Jeremiah 33:23-26 Jeremiah 31:35-37 Hebrews 10:14-17 Psalm 25:15-18 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Leviticus 26 2 Chronicles 36:21 Jeremiah 23:5 Genesis 22:14 Leviticus 24:4 1 Chronicles 16:11 Luke 1:79

Tap here to send us a message!The lines God places in life are not meant to restrict, but to protect and preserve what He has called to be holy. Though God instructed Moses to establish a boundary, the responsibility remained to determine how close or how far the people would stand from danger. The lines that are drawn through conviction, holiness, and wisdom become safeguards that keep the heart aligned with God and separated from what would cause spiritual harm.05/21/26 - Thursday Night Scriptures:Exodus 19:12-13

In this message from 1 John 2:3–8, we explore how authentic Christianity is never meant to become dull or routine. Though God's truth is ancient and unchanging, it becomes fresh and alive as we obey Christ and apply His love in everyday life. This sermon challenges us to rediscover the wonder of knowing Jesus, walking in obedience, and becoming more like Him through lives marked by love and selflessness.Support the show

Dave Brisbin 5.10.26 God is love. What does that even mean? If we define love as nondual presence, consummate oneness, then the scriptures are trying to tell us that God is fully identified with each and every speck of creation. That God, us, everything are ultimately of one and the same substance. Love is the experience of that oneness, awareness of that identity. To be in love is to be relieved of any sense of self, the generator and container of the illusion of separateness. Judeo-Christian tradition demands this oneness of God, but God as one creates no end of conceptual problems for us living in a dualistic world of endless paradox. To explain the existence of evil, we split God into many gods, some good, some bad, or we post Satan to oppose God's goodness. We split God into three to explain God experienced also in human form and unseen spirit. We split God in two by calling him Father, implying a glaring feminine space left unoccupied. Does scripture imply any such unbalanced rift in God? Though God is always referred to linguistically as masculine, God is not always portrayed that way. God's wisdom, hockhmah, is a feminine word, and wisdom is portrayed as female throughout Hebrew scripture. Ruach, God's spirit, shekinah, presence, and malkutha, kingdom are also feminine words…making spirit, she, and kingdom, queendom. God is often anthropomorphized as female, both human and animal, offering nurturing affection in contrast to the impartial justice of the king. The Hebrew mind couldn't conceive of father without mother. Hebrew words for father and mother mean one who brings strength to the house and the glue that holds the family together—the blending of accomplishment, performance, structure with relationship, compassion, affection. Both necessary, complementary, a paradox that must never be resolved. God is the eternal oscillation between father and mother, and only in the oscillation do we find the perfect parent. Resolution is a return to duality, separation. God is nondual presence, the blurring of all attributes into one. To experience that oneness, the loss of all sense of separateness is to bathe in all of God.

Dave Brisbin 5.10.26 God is love. What does that even mean? If we define love as nondual presence, consummate oneness, then the scriptures are trying to tell us that God is fully identified with each and every speck of creation. That God, us, everything are ultimately of one and the same substance. Love is the experience of that oneness, awareness of that identity. To be in love is to be relieved of any sense of self, the generator and container of the illusion of separateness. Judeo-Christian tradition demands this oneness of God, but God as one creates no end of conceptual problems for us living in a dualistic world of endless paradox. To explain the existence of evil, we split God into many gods, some good, some bad, or we post Satan to oppose God's goodness. We split God into three to explain God experienced also in human form and unseen spirit. We split God in two by calling him Father, implying a glaring feminine space left unoccupied. Does scripture imply any such unbalanced rift in God? Though God is always referred to linguistically as masculine, God is not always portrayed that way. God's wisdom, hockhmah, is a feminine word, and wisdom is portrayed as female throughout Hebrew scripture. Ruach, God's spirit, shekinah, presence, and malkutha, kingdom are also feminine words…making spirit, she, and kingdom, queendom. God is often anthropomorphized as female, both human and animal, offering nurturing affection in contrast to the impartial justice of the king. The Hebrew mind couldn't conceive of father without mother. Hebrew words for father and mother mean one who brings strength to the house and the glue that holds the family together—the blending of accomplishment, performance, structure with relationship, compassion, affection. Both necessary, complementary, a paradox that must never be resolved. God is the eternal oscillation between father and mother, and only in the oscillation do we find the perfect parent. Resolution is a return to duality, separation. God is nondual presence, the blurring of all attributes into one. To experience that oneness, the loss of all sense of separateness is to bathe in all of God.

View this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_9rsa3I8Ck The sermon centers on the profound truth that God is compassionate—not in the sense of suffering as humans do, but in His sovereign, unchanging love that deeply identifies with His people's struggles without being diminished by them. Drawing from Psalm 103, Isaiah 63, Jeremiah 31, and Hosea 11, it emphasizes that God's compassion is rooted in His intimate knowledge of human frailty, His faithful remembrance of our dust, and His unwavering commitment to redeem and restore. Though God is impassible—incapable of suffering—He is not indifferent; His compassion is active, powerful, and fully relational, as demonstrated in Christ's earthly ministry and ongoing intercession in heaven. The message calls believers to embrace this divine compassion by drawing near to God in every need, trusting in His grace, and reflecting His mercy toward others through forgiveness, patience, and love, as modeled in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Though God's people were not faithful to Him, the LORD would be faithful to them. God prepared and guided Jeremiah to buy his cousin's field in Anathoth to illustrate how land would be possess by God's people again. Jeremiah obeyed the sovereign God before he understood why, and this is a good example we should follow. Verses in order of appearance: Genesis 18:14 Jeremiah 31:35-37 Job 26:7 Jeremiah 31:38-40 Zechariah 14:4 Jeremiah 32:1-5 Jeremiah 32:6-8 Jeremiah 32:9-15 Jeremiah 32:16-22 1 Kings 8:56 Jeremiah 32:23-25 Jeremiah 32:26-30 John 5:7

Title: God's Perfect Justice Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 FCF: We often struggle believing that God's justice is perfect when we suffer for His name. Prop: Because God's justice will punish the guilty and reward the righteous, we must trust in His perfect justice. Scripture Intro: ESV [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 2 Thessalonians chapter 1. In a moment we'll begin reading from the English Standard Version starting in verse 5. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. After greeting them and thanking the Lord for their growth and endurance in suffering, Paul wants to attack a couple topics all at once. First, he wants to comfort them in the midst of their persecution and second, he wants to clear up some teaching on the Day of the Lord. For the next two chapters, this will be his objective. This passage is riddled with interpretational difficulties, which could keep us from seeing it's comforting and impactful application. But this gives me a chance to teach a lesson alongside the message of this text. When we come to passages that are difficult to interpret, there are two dangers that we could run into. First, is the danger of ignorance. When you only read 1 study bible or only have one commentary, or only rely on what you think the passage says – then you'll never even know the interpretational options that have been posited down through the church age. The danger here is that the interpretation that you arrived at may be poorly attested for several reasons, or as you engage with others on the passage you might be overcome with pride and dismiss any other option than what you've seen. The second danger is the danger of getting bogged down in the details. We might even get discouraged when we see that there is really no clear-cut way to understand the passage. But it has been my experience that even passages that have no settled interpretation down through the church age – ultimately the basic meaning of the text… what bible interpreters call the telos… remains the same. For the purposes of this sermon, I intend to present a focused interpretation driving to the telos of the passage so we can apply it to our lives today. That is my goal. I will mention options of interpretation and briefly defend why I am interpreting the text in a specific way. But I do not intend to provide the full argument of each view. Now if you are one of those people who just has to know the details, I've done my homework. I've spent hours researching this and most of what I found is not going to make it into this sermon. But I promise, if you ask or come to prayer group and bible study Thursday – We'll talk about it. That being said, we have… A LOT to get to. So please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Perfectly Just God, You are perfect in all your ways. We do not have any trouble appreciating Your delay in justice when it is applied to our account. For had You not been merciful to us while we were yet sinners, we would have been cast from Your presence long ago. Yet when we see Your mercy applied to those who hate us, those who harm us, those who abuse us, those who slander us, or even those who spit on your laws and abuse others, we often are tempted to doubt that Your justice is perfect. Forgive us this treachery Lord. May we believe that Your justice is perfect. May we hope and trust in it. And if there are those who are not Your children here today, may You give them a new heart to fear Your justice and repent and believe on Your Son. Meet with us today Lord, and assure us of Your perfect justice. We pray this In Jesus' name, amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “Without justice, what are kingdoms but great banditries?” Augustine of Hippo “Justice always makes mercy dumb when sin has made the sinner deaf.” Thomas Brooks “The bible insists that God is entirely just, and that therefore ultimately justice will be done and will be seen to be done.” D.A. Carson “Belief in a just God is not optional.” Jay Poppinga “Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” Thomas Jefferson Let these thoughts prepare you for the exposition of the text this morning. I.) God will repay those who harm us and give us rest when Christ is revealed, so we must trust His righteous justice. (5-7) a. [Slide 4] 5 - This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, i. Right off the bat we have an interpretational issue. ii. Paul begins this sentence with the word “evidence.” The words, “this is” have been added by the ESV primarily to help it feel more natural in English. iii. So, what is the evidence of the righteous judgement of God? iv. Well, before we address that, we should probably try to understand what God's righteous judgment is, since figuring that out will help us determine what could be the evidence for it. v. Even a cursory reading of this text forces us to see God's righteous judgment as His holy and right application of justice, both in meting out judgment to the wicked and in rewarding the righteous. vi. But perhaps even more correctly, we might say that Paul is talking about God's delayed but assured righting and reordering of the world to the way it should be. vii. So now that we understand what God's righteous judgment is… let's look at the options for what the evidence of it could be… viii. There are two different interpretations. 1. The biggest category is that the evidence is something that the apostle has already said. This actually divides into four different views, really debating on how far we go backward. 2. The second option is that Paul is not referring to something that has been said but is about to present the evidence of God's reordering of the world to the way it should be. 3. In my opinion, the only real option that actually gives evidence that God is reordering the world to be as it should is that the Thessalonians, former pagans and idol worshippers, are growing abundantly and enduring suffering. This proves that God is in the process of reordering the world. ix. But what will be the end of that process for the Thessalonians? They might be wondering this because they are currently enduring a lot of persecution for their faith. What is God's plan for justice for them? b. [Slide 5] that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, i. God's reordering of the world to reward the righteous and to punish the wicked has the outcome of the Thessalonians being counted worthy of the Kingdom of God. ii. God has begun a process which He will complete. He has not forgotten them just because He is delaying justice upon those who are afflicting them. iii. God doesn't begin people on the road to Christlikeness whom He does not intend to finish. He will perfect them and transfer them into His Kingdom. A Kingdom… c. [Slide 6] for which you are also suffering— i. They are enduring suffering primarily because they have declared their loyalty to Christ and His Kingdom. ii. Paul recognizes this and wants to assure the Thessalonians that God's justice is not doubtful because they are suffering. iii. The Day of the Lord has not already happened, and those opposing them won't get away with it. iv. No, they haven't yet gotten their reward for following Him. v. But their growth and endurance is the evidence they should look to that God who began a good work in them, will complete it. vi. Jesus Himself said that those who endure suffering for His sake are blessed indeed. vii. And Paul assures the Thessalonians that they are indeed blessed. So blessed, that they will be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which they suffer. d. [Slide 7] 6 - since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, i. Paul begins this next verse with the word “Since.” ii. This poses a challenge for us because it is the beginning of an “if…then” statement but Paul never actually gives us the “then.” iii. I would encourage us to think that the then has already been stated. iv. Paul's “then” is the fact that God is in the process of reordering the world with the assured outcome that the Thessalonians will be counted worthy of the kingdom they are suffering for, which is evidenced by their growth and endurance in faith and love. So, what must be true for all this to be the case? v. Paul points to the Old Testament teaching of retribution. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. vi. Now we've seen, even in Paul's last letter, that it is inappropriate for the church to have this philosophy. We must return good for evil. We must forgive. We must love our enemy. We must turn the other cheek. vii. But God… God is a different story. viii. God is the ultimate keeper of the teaching of retribution. He will take what has been taken. He will give what has been given. He will punish and reward exactly what has been earned. No more and no less. And He alone is in a position to do this perfectly. ix. Since God sees justice this way – His justice is perfect, and He won't ignore the fact that they suffer for His Kingdom. x. But what else is true that assures the outcome of verse 5? e. [Slide 8] 7 - and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels i. In the law of retribution God also rewards what has been earned. ii. The reward for the Thessalonians is that they are counted worthy of the Kingdom. Which is the outcome of God setting things right as evidenced by their lives being transformed. iii. And Paul actually lumps himself and Silas and Timothy in this too. They too will get relief. They will be given rest by God. iv. But we see the timetable for this, clearly spelled out. v. When? When will God finally afflict those who are afflicting His people and give rest to the afflicted? When? vi. When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. vii. When Jesus returns, that will be when the world is finally put to order. That will be when all things will be set right. viii. This then, is clear indication that the Day of the Lord… has not happened yet. Which is Paul's thrust all the way through chapters 1 and 2. ix. The reason they are still experiencing this affliction and persecution… is not because the Day of the Lord has come… instead it is because the Day of the Lord has not yet come. f. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: Paul's point here is really to provide encouragement and assurances to the Thessalonian church. He wants them to understand that their suffering is not something that slipped by the Lord, it isn't something the Lord can do nothing about, and it isn't something the Lord is ambivalent toward. God's justice is right, holy, multifaceted, and executed in His perfect timing. He will repay those who harm His people and He will give His people rest when Christ is revealed. Why? Because His justice is right and good. Indeed, God has already begun His reordering of the world and the evidence is in our hearts growing to be more like Him and enduring through suffering for His name. So, we must trust His perfect justice. Its extent and its timing. He is good and He is just. Transition: [Slide 10 (blank)] Paul begins with the Thessalonians personally as a church, but he wishes to zoom out and show the greater principle of the Lord's Justice and reordering the whole world. II.) God will punish the wicked and reward the righteous when Christ is revealed, so we must trust His righteous justice. (8-10) a. [Slide 11] 8 - in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. i. Here we see our second and third interpretational issue in the first three words of verse 8. ii. Since there are Old Testament prophesies concerning the Day of the Lord which suggest that the vengeance of Yahweh comes in flaming fire, I see the fire as part of His vengeance. This actually solves both the interpretational issues in one fell swoop. iii. So, what is Paul saying? iv. Paul now is addressing all of humanity under the law of retribution. All the wicked and all the righteous will be judged at the coming of Christ. v. First, Paul focuses on the wicked. Jesus will come with a flaming fire to repay and punish a certain group of people. vi. Some commentators see two groups of people here, but really there is just one. vii. Over the next three verses Paul will have a triad of couplets which are designed in parallelism to explain who or what is happening. viii. The group whom the Lord will inflict vengeance on and repay for their wickedness is those who do not know God and those who have not obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ. ix. Jesus said that there is no way to the Father but through Him. He also said that if you have seen Him, you have seen the Father. Jesus' words are very clear and we noticed this in Acts as well. The chokepoint for knowing Yahweh… is through believing on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. x. But what do we do with this phrase, obey the gospel? Isn't the gospel by grace, through faith, in Christ and not of works? If we are obeying the gospel, doesn't that mean we are earning it somehow? xi. [Slide 12] Paul addresses this in Romans 10:16. xii. Paul, speaking of the hope for salvation for the Jews, says this… “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord who has believed what he has heard from us?” So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” xiii. So, we see here very clearly that to not obey the gospel is to not believe the word of Christ as communicated from Christ to His apostles. xiv. And the gospel does demand belief or unbelief from every single man, woman, and child. You cannot hear the gospel and leave undecided. Why? Because even faith is a gift of God. The gospel is either embraced or it is rejected. There is no third option. xv. All who do not believe the gospel and submit to Christ as their Savior and their Lord, do not know God, and all will fall to the flaming fire of Christ's vengeance. xvi. But what will be the outcome of the flaming fire punishment? Is this just speaking of physical death? b. [Slide 13] 9 - They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, i. This verse is incredibly important to a proper understanding of the fate of the unbeliever. IT IS HUGE! ii. To help us I've broken the verse in to two parts so we can get everything out of it we need to. iii. There is a movement growing in Christendom, affecting even those in our circles of theology. iv. It is the belief in annihilationism. This belief is that the punishment that God gives to unbelievers is designed to burn away their sin debt to the extent that when it is finally paid, they would be consumed and cease to exist. v. They cite God's love and mercy and show how many passages that refer to this judgment reference fires burning for eternity but not necessarily those who are in those fires being consumed eternally. vi. This verse is an absolute wrecking ball to that belief. vii. Let's break this down word by word. 1. They – This is the subject of the sentence. Those who do not know God because they have not obeyed the gospel. 2. Will suffer – This is a future active indicative verb, there is no suggestion of conditionality here, meaning it isn't uncertain or possible only when certain conditions are met. To suffer means to pay, to experience, to atone for or to endure. 3. destruction – This is not the next word in the English sentence but this is the direct object. This is what they will suffer or endure. Destruction here means ruin, corruption, or death. I do grant that ruin, corruption, and death, at least as we know it, all end. A think cannot be in the process of ruining forever. Eventually it comes to ruin. I grant this… but let's keep going. 4. The punishment – This is an adverbial accusative. Meaning it modifies the verb to suffer while also applying to the direct object. What are they suffering? A certain kind of destruction. What kind? Punishment means: Penalty, or the consequences of their actions. A corruption, ruin, or death that is just or right. It is fitting. They suffer what they have earned. 5. Eternal – This is an adjective, meaning it modifies a noun. Eternal modifies the direct object, destruction in this sentence. Eternal means without end, perpetual, everlasting, or for an age. 6. Proponents of the annihilationist view suggest that the meaning “for an age” should be taken here and this supports their view. However, nothing in scripture indicates to us that the next age ever ends. In fact, the scripture seems to tell us that the next age is forever. Which doesn't actually help prove their case. 7. So, the ruin they suffer, the death they experience, the corruption they endure… is everlasting or perpetual or for the entire duration of the next age which is unending. 8. Meaning what? 9. Those who do not obey the gospel and know God, will endure everlasting death as the righteous consequence of their unbelief. Even though we see death as an end… the adjective “everlasting” means by definition that it does not end. 10. Therefore, they will not be annihilated. 11. When we've been there 10,000 years bright shining as the sun… they will have been there 10,000 years no closer to paying for what they've done. 12. And remember how Paul said that God considers the teaching of retribution to be just… if indeed God requires eternal death from those who are unbelievers, that means that sin in general, especially the sin of rejecting Christ, is a sin that cannot ever be paid by humans. Even if they were given an eternal age to do so. 13. This should sharpen our understanding of God's perspective of sin. viii. But now Paul adds another phrase that is just as important for us to dissect. And it is still in verse 9. ix. I told ya – HUGE VERSE. c. [Slide 14] away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, i. First, observe that this is another couplet. The presence of the Lord and the glory of His might are parallel in their structure. The glory of His might is necessarily part of and an expression of His presence. ii. But again, we see another interpretational difficulty. iii. What is meant by “away from.” iv. There are three basic options but in a sense all of these say essentially the same thing. v. In my opinion what makes the most sense given the rest of the context of the New Testament, is that eternal death and being separated eternally from the presence of God are in essence the same thing. vi. However, arriving at this conclusion poses a small dilemma for us. vii. We often confess that God is omnipresent. What does that mean? viii. Well, the prefix omni means all and the suffix, present, means at a particular place. When we combine those thoughts, we get the idea that God is everywhere. And this also includes that God is not only every place but every place at every time. God is everywhere and everywhen. ix. God's presence then is not able to be limited by any created limitation. Time, Space, Matter- were all created by God and cannot limit His presence. x. This is all well and good – but what do we make of this verse? xi. If unbelievers suffer the penalty of eternal destruction which is being “away” from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, where and when in creation is God not present? xii. Does this mean that God is not truly omnipresent? xiii. No. It doesn't. There are two clues in this verse that help us here. xiv. First, and less obvious, is the parallel phrase “and from the glory of His strength,” 1. Paul's inclusion of this phrase requires us to think of God in parts and pieces. He is a unified God and is One, but the unbeliever is specifically away from an aspect of God's character. Specifically, His glorious strength. 2. Meaning what? 3. He won't rescue them. God will never choose to use His strength to save them. 4. Well, how could He if He isn't present with them? 5. Exactly… xv. [Slide 15] But the best clue is actually the word translated here “presence.” xvi. But this word is not merely being in the same place. Instead, this word is, being in front of or face-presence. 1. Consider this, if you walk in the break room at your job and 1 person is facing the coffee machine getting coffee and another person is staring at some posters on the wall, and another is playing on their phone – would you conclude as you walked in that these co-workers were enjoying each other's company? 2. No. Of course not. Its possible they hate each other and are trying hard to ignore each other. 3. If you walked in and they were all sitting around a circle table looking at each other… before you even knew if they were talking to each other, you'd assume some level of closeness or comradery. xvii. Paul is not saying that the unbeliever will be cast away from the spatial presence of God. For God is everywhere. As David says, if I make my bed in hell, you are there. xviii. Instead, Paul is saying that the KIND of God's presence is radically different than the presence He gives to His elect. More on that in a moment. xix. His presence to them is also now, tragically, different than the kind of presence He had for them on earth. xx. God sends rain upon the just and the unjust. He causes the sun to shine on the wicked and the righteous. God's presence in the lives of the unbeliever in this life is one of relative closeness. Paul told the Athenians at the Areopagus that the Lord is not far off. xxi. But after the Lord Jesus returns, part of the flaming fire, part of the eternal destruction, is being cast away from the benevolent and powerful presence of God. xxii. In other words, God is still present. But He limits His presence there. It is not a merciful presence. It is not a saving presence. It is, instead, only a presence of justice and wrath. xxiii. So, we've seen the fate of the wicked. What about the fate of the righteous? What is their rest? d. [Slide 16] 10 - when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. i. This is the third couplet Paul introduces in as many verses. Therefore, we should not assume that the saints and the believers are two different groups but just like those who disobey the gospel are the same as those who do not know God, and just as the glory of God's might is an expression of His presence, so also saying “all who have believed” is another way of describing Christ's holy ones. ii. Notice too here that eternal death is to be cast away from the face-presence of God and His saving power… while eternal life is… what? What is the “rest” of the believer? iii. John 17:3 says that eternal life is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. iv. Can you know Christ and God better than when you see Him face to face? So, what is eternal life? v. It is Christ. It is seeing Christ face to face. vi. Indeed, the glory of Christ is on display in the very presence of His saints. They glorify Him. All those who believed on Him will marvel at Him on that day. vii. And in that glory and marveling, they will know eternal life. They will know eternal rest in His presence. And as Paul said in the previous letter, they will never be apart from Him ever again. viii. Then notice that Paul returns to the Thessalonians. He's been speaking in broad terms since verse 8. But He brings it all the way back to them… ix. Paul actually interrupts his thought to tell them “and that is you! You believed! You will join us there too!” When? x. On that day. On the day of the Lord when Jesus is revealed from heaven. e. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: So, Paul's second point is an expansion of His first point. God will punish the wicked and reward the righteous when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven. And if this is true, then God's judgments are indeed just and he will count the Thessalonians worthy of that kingdom because they are showing the evidence that He is already reordering their lives by their growth in faith and love and endurance through suffering for His kingdom. So, what must we do? We must trust that the justice of the Lord is right. We must comfort, hope, and even fear that He will give to every man what they have earned on that great and terrible Day of the Lord. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC that refines our beliefs and guides how we live? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 18] Paul expresses his pastoral care for the Thessalonian church who though growing leaps and bounds in their faith, are experiencing increased persecution because of it. In his desire to comfort them and address their concerns about the Day of the Lord, he explains to them that their growth is evidence that God is reordering the world and will count them worthy of His kingdom. Afterall, if God considers the law of retribution to be right, he will repay those who afflict them and give them rest. In fact, God considers the law of retribution right to such a degree, that He will judge all men and rightly reward them for what they have done whether punishment for wickedness or reward for righteousness. He will do this at the Day of the Lord and the revelation of Christ from heaven. In that sense then, Paul challenges the Thessalonians to trust in the perfect justice of God. Not just in who He gives what, but also in His timing of that justice. We too must trust in the perfect justice of God. But what does it mean to trust in His justice? What does this passage mean for us? 1.) [Slide 19] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the justice of God is perfect. a. As I mentioned in the opening prayer, we usually have no complaints about God's justice when it is delayed in mercy for us. b. Isn't that interesting? c. When I am the sinner who has wronged another… when I am the wretch who has fallen into sin again and must repent and turn back to the Lord… d. I have no complaints about the mercy of God to delay justice for me. e. When we were first converted to Christ, we had no complaints about the delayed merciful justice of God so that He could lavish grace upon us to call us to Himself through faith in Christ. f. Typically, the only time we have complaints about the justice of God, is when we are the ones being abused and harmed by others. When we are being afflicted or persecuted – that is when we wonder if God is ever going to do something. g. In this regard, we are like little children. Trust me I know. h. I know what it is like to be the one who is the judge and who is responsible to dole out justice and attempt to set things in order the way they should be. i. But I also have two little sinners in my home who are constantly complaining about how I implement justice. j. Of course, my justice is NOT perfect. So, maybe they have something to complain about. k. But God's justice… l. Oh friends. m. His Justice is perfect. Not only in its timing but also in its extent. God will not punish the righteous to the same extent as the wicked. n. And don't forget that on the other side of mercy is wrath. God mercifully permitting others to afflict us or persecute us is also storing up wrath for themselves on the day of judgement. o. Though God defers justice, He never cancels it. Though God transfers justice, He never skips it. p. Even our sins were not canceled or skipped. Our sins were paid for. The suffering of eternal death… was paid for at the cross by Christ. Christ could pay the eternal death for His people because He was God. And God only accepted His payment because He was human. q. God is always Just. And His Justice is always perfect. 2.) [Slide 20] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm our growth in faith, love and endurance through suffering are evidences of God's reordering of the world. a. God's justice is also a long game. b. If we take the idea of Justice and keep ourselves from defining it too narrowly as only punishment, we can see that God's justice is actually the reordering and righting of a world gone topsy turvey. c. In that sense, when the Lord grows us in His grace to deepen our faith and knowledge of Christ and expand our love for one another, and produce steadfastness and endurance through trials, afflictions, and persecutions… d. When God does this in us and we see genuine spiritual growth in our lives – this is the evidence that God is truly and perfectly just. e. Why? f. Because He is reordering… you. g. How are we described prior to conversion? h. We are described as dead in sin, lost, lame and blind. i. But now we are not only alive but growing, we have been found, we are walking in a new life, and we have seen the light. j. God brings order to our chaos. k. God's justice is really nothing more than this. l. God will have His creation ordered, one way or another. m. One way or another all people will kneel before Christ and confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father. n. But my friend, if He is not doing this in your life today… If he is not reordering you… today… o. If God is, for now, showing you mercy and allowing you to sin and to reject Him… 3.) [Slide 21] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that God's delay in justice implies His approval. a. Be warned friends. b. Be warned straying Christian. Be warned Christian in name only. Be warned unbeliever. c. God's permittance of your sin… is not approval. It is mercy. d. Mercy is when you do not get what you have earned. e. What have we earned by sinning against a holy God? f. What is sin? g. Sin is any lack of conformity to or breaking of the law of God. Sin is also idolatry which is rejecting or ignoring God in the world He created and instead worshipping something He created. h. How should sin be dealt with? i. If I created a pot for holding water and it no longer held water… If I designed an app to calculate tips and it always calculated it wrong… If I wrote a book about fixing toilets that was completely false and outdated – what should I do with the things I created? j. Since they aren't good for anything … They are only good for garbage. k. The rightful reaction God should have toward us in sin is to immediately and eternally punish us with death. l. God's mercy is allowing people to sin and even endure in sin without immediately casting them into the lake of fire. m. He withholds that justice – not because He approves of what we are doing, but because He is merciful. n. Don't be fooled that what you can get away with is somehow ok with God. o. We have a culture built on the delusion that God permits things BECAUSE He is loving and accepting. This is a lie. God permits things in mercy, and also in wrath. p. God did not destroy the Amorites until what… until their sins earned their destruction. q. Sometimes God, mercifully, allows us to sin, so that we EARN our destruction. r. That is why I say mercy and wrath are a two-sided coin. They go hand in hand. s. Sometimes, especially for God's people, mercy is NOT letting us get away with something sinful. t. The point is… God's delay in Justice isn't always what it seems. We don't know the mind of God. u. So, what should we do? 4.) [Slide 22] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” As believers, we must trust every aspect of God's perfect justice. a. God has given us explicit promises and commands that we should trust and follow – regardless of what is happening around us or in us. b. We are commanded to walk worthy of the calling we've been given. c. My friends… God's justice is always perfect. So, we should trust that HE WILL SORT IT OUT. d. Let's not worry about who is getting away with something or who is hiding something. e. This is a general caution to all those conspiracy theorists out there. f. Listen, I don't really care if you believe in conspiracies. I don't really care if you think that there is a secret world government steeped in devil worship and paganism. Because you know what – you might be right! g. But don't spend a lot of time worrying, fretting, or mobilizing to fight against it. Why? h. God's justice is perfect. How are YOU going to improve on it? Exactly? i. What DOES God require of you? Live righteously, humbly, and be merciful. Grow in faith, in love for one another, and endure trials and hardships with dependance on Christ. j. And then couple this holy living with gospel witness. Make disciples. k. This job description of the church as a whole is able to be applied both in a society built on the bible and a society that worships Satan and everything in between. l. God is reordering YOU. He is executing His justice on YOU. And that is all the evidence you need to trust that He will reorder the whole world when the Lord Jesus returns. m. Be what God has called you to be and trust that God will sort out who gets what… at the end of the age. n. But remember genuine Christ follower… 5.) [Slide 23] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” God will reward His people with eternal life, seeing Christ face to face and knowing Him. a. Eternal life is knowing God and His Son. b. In many ways that begins today. For today you can know God and His Son through the gospel and His revealed Word. c. But in another way, real and true knowledge of God and His Christ happens especially, and fully when we see Him face to face. d. John says that when we see Him, we will be like Him. e. Paul says when we see Him He will be glorified in us as we marvel at His splendor. And we will always be with Him from that day forward. f. Oh Christian… one day, you will know justice. All will be right. And because of what Christ has done, you will be rewarded with His glorious and wonderful presence. g. That is what that New Kingdom is all about. God living among His people… forever. h. What a comfort. Just a few more weary days… i. But what if you are a Christian in name only? What if you are an unbeliever? It is just a few more empty days… until what? 6.) [Slide 24] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” God will punish unbelievers with eternal death away from His merciful and saving presence. a. Friends, I don't want you to suffer eternal punishment. Why? b. Not because God is a big meanie who will dole it out. Not because God is unjust to require eternal punishment for sin. Not because God sacrifices Love in order to punish. c. God is merciful, just, and love and will still punish unbelievers with eternal death. And His doing so is still merciful, loving, and just. d. Why don't I want you to suffer eternal punishment? e. Because that was my fate too. f. I was on my way to destruction too. With each sin, I ran hastily and greedily to the fires of hell, tripping over God's mercy and correction, until finally His grace stopped me in my tracks and showed me His love for me. g. God will punish unbelievers with eternal death. h. Every human being's life has been filled, whether they recognize it or not, with the mercy and saving power of God all around them. God gives common grace to all men and allows them to live in His creation – even if they reject or ignore Him. i. But one day He will remove that merciful and saving presence and will only surround the wicked with His Just and wrathful presence. j. My friends, let today be the day of your salvation. If your heart is stirred to fear and shame… If you are afraid of the just punishment of God and ashamed of your sin against Him… If you recognize all that Christ did for you by taking your punishment and providing your righteousness… then I implore you to cry out to Him in faith. k. Confess that He is Lord, believe He is the risen Savior, appeal to Him in trust and dependance… And you will know the justice of God as He begins to reorder your life to fit His Kingdom. l. It is not too late. m. Talk to an Elder after the service, even before I am finished. Talk to an Elder if you need to obey the gospel. [Slide 25 (end)] Let me close in a prayer by the reformer Myles Coverdale. An English reformer who helped William Tyndale translate the bible into English and actually produced the first printed and complete English translation of the bible called, The Coverdale Bible. O merciful God, preserve our hearts from pride, conceit, and shameful covetousness. Give us grace to abide in your holy work assignment, and to be thankful for your grace. As we keep in mind how easy it is to fall, help us to walk in your fear before you. For if we stand, we must be careful not to fall, and not look down on those who as yet do not stand. Help us to continue in your grace, for we have nothing that we did not receive from you. And if, in weakness, we do fall, put your hand under us, Lord. Do not let us despair in sin, but cause us with repentance and sorrow for our offense to turn back to you. Keep us from despair and from betraying your dearly beloved Son. You send him to us through your gospel. And without him we have no safeguard, but only eternal death and damnation. Keep us from that, good Lord! For your mercies' sake. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May He Who is your light, your strength, your song and cornerstone, Prepare you for the fiercest drought and storm; Quiet your fears and cease your strivings; That you may know the heights of His love And the depths of His peace. Until we meet again, Grace and Peace to you.

Wednesday April 29, 2026IV Week After EasterToday's episode centers on the necessity of God's presence, the integrity of spiritual leadership, and the true fulfillment of God's Word.In Exodus 33:1–23, Moses refuses to move forward without the Lord's presence. Though God promises to send an angel, Moses knows that what truly sets God's people apart is God Himself among them. His bold request—“Show me Your glory”—reveals a deep hunger for intimacy with God, and God responds with both nearness and mercy, allowing Moses to experience a glimpse of His glory.In 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12, Paul reflects on his ministry with honesty and humility. He reminds the church that he did not come with deceit or selfish ambition, but with sincerity, courage, and a heart like a nurturing parent. His goal was not to please people, but God, and to lead others into lives worthy of Him. It's a model of leadership marked by authenticity and care.Finally, in Matthew 5:17–20, Jesus Christ clarifies His mission—not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. He calls His followers to a deeper righteousness that goes beyond outward compliance to inward transformation, aligning the heart with God's intent.Together, these passages remind us: we must prioritize God's presence above all, lead and live with integrity, and pursue a righteousness that flows from hearts transformed by Christ.

Are you like a deer in headlights when trying to determine God's will for your life—frozen, overthinking, afraid to make the wrong move? In this message, Lead Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how to find peace, clarity, and confidence for your next step.God's will is not a puzzle to solve; it's a path to walk. Too many Christians are trying to crack a code, but God is asking us to surrender to a Shepherd.You can know God's will for your life. Ephesians 5:17 ESV: "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."Three WRONG ideas about God's will:Everything that happens is God's perfect will. - wrong There's a difference between God's permissible will (what He allows) and His perfect will (what He desires). While God is in charge, He does not directly cause every event. Humans have free will and can act apart from God's will, and Jesus calls Satan the god of this world. 1 Timothy 2:4 NLT ...   If God desires all people to be saved, yet not all are saved, then not everything that happens is His perfect will.God's will is permanently set. - wrong Jeremiah 18:7–8 NLT ....  Though God is in charge, He allows people's response to influence what He does. God's sovereignty does not cancel your responsibility, nor is it threatened by your participation.Don't do anything unless you're 100% sure it's God. - wrong God usually gives direction while we're in motion, not frozen. Even God can't steer a parked car—you apply the gas while He turns the wheel. Acts 16:10 NLT ....  God guides walkers more than watchers.How to walk in God's will:Search the written Word. The Bible reveals God's general will; the spoken word reveals His specific will—but never contradicts Scripture. Psalm 119:105 ESVWalk closely with the Lord. The Bible gives principles; intimacy reveals your path. Romans 12:2 NLT ... Don't make knowing God's will your goal; make knowing God your goal.Focus on who you're becoming. Matthew 6:33 ESV ... We want a map; God is building the man. If you're spiritually mature, trust your decisions. God isn't raising dependent toddlers but mature sons and daughters who know His heart. 1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT; Psalm 37:4 ESVIf you miss it, trust God to reroute. Isaiah 55:7 NLT: A wrong turn doesn't have to be your final destination. God is better at rerouting your life than you are at messing it up.Conclusion: Remember maps? But better than a map is traveling with someone who's already been there. That's how walking with God works. When His will becomes your will, He illuminates your path—what looked confusing becomes clear, what seemed impossible becomes attainable.You don't need to know everything about the road when you know the One riding with you.God has a will for your life. Are you learning to walk it with Him?

Reader: Jake Elzo Preacher: Tibor Tumas Today Tibor heps to answer the question on how to cope with anxiety during a time of waiting. Though God is not the author of anxiety - it came as a result of our sin - God is sovereign over anxiety. Anxiety is nothing new - the Israelites, when fleeing Egypt, were consumed by anxiety when they feared the Egyptian army had them trapped, but Moses told the people to trust God and see how he would deal with their danger. The story of Exodus shows exactly how God overpowered Pharoah and his army, and overpowered the people's fear and anxiety. Some people think they lack faith if they cannot control their anxiety and require professional help. But God, in his grace, has provided us these very people with the professional skills to help us. Jesus himself tell us in Matthew 6:27 that we cannot adda moment to our lives by worrying, but if we first seek God's kingdom, he will take care of our needs, and Jesus, as the very author of life, is authorised to make these statements to us. Red Door is an Anglican Church in Melbourne, Australia. We exist to be a community of people helping people make allbecau of life all about Jesus.

How can I be more attentive to God's presence in ordinary moments this week? Our purpose in life is to help grow and advance God's Kingdom wherever we are placed.  Though God is unseen, He is never absent.  The small moments and quiet circumstances in our lives may well be His hand gently guiding us toward His greater purpose. Pastor Paul Newsham leads us in the third message of his series on Esther, and we encourage you to read the Book of Esther from beginning to end before hearing the next part of this remarkable account.

How can I be more attentive to God's presence in ordinary moments this week? Our purpose in life is to help grow and advance God's Kingdom wherever we are placed.  Though God is unseen, He is never absent.  The small moments and quiet circumstances in our lives may well be His hand gently guiding us toward His greater purpose. Pastor Paul Newsham leads us in the third message of his series on Esther, and we encourage you to read the Book of Esther from beginning to end before hearing the next part of this remarkable account.

Read Online“And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. John 3:19–21The contrast of light and darkness is a beautiful concept to ponder in prayer. They are not two opposing forces. Darkness is simply the absence of light. In the visual spectrum, darkness does not exist. It is nothingness—no light, no color—making it impossible for our eyes to see. Similarly, within the spiritual realm, the absence of God leaves us spiritually blind. Darkness does not remove our capacity for seeing; rather, our sight is rendered useless without the light that reveals truth and guides our way. In this spiritual darkness, we stumble, unable to discern good from evil or to find the path to holiness. Yet, when we invite the divine light of Christ into our souls, the darkness dissipates and we begin to see clearly, walking confidently in God's grace and truth.If you've ever been in complete darkness, perhaps at home on a cloudy night when the power goes out, you know that even one small candle is enough to find your way around. So it is with the Light of Christ. Even the faintest presence of grace in our souls enables us to begin to find our way back to God.Today's Gospel begins with that familiar passage from John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” This line comes toward the end of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to Jesus at night to converse with Him. Nicodemus was searching.Perhaps after he heard some of Jesus' teachings and witnessed His miracles, Nicodemus discovered a small flickering flame of faith within his soul. That flame enabled him to find his way to Jesus that night in search of greater light. At the beginning of their conversation, Jesus gently but firmly challenged Nicodemus to move beyond what his human reason alone could comprehend and to walk with the light of faith.As Nicodemus listened and conversed, it seems that his mind and heart were opened, which enabled Jesus to teach him and us the beautiful truth found in today's Gospel. Perhaps as a way of softening His initial challenge, which was meant to help Nicodemus open himself further to the gift of faith, Jesus continued, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). Though God is a perfectly just Judge, Jesus' earthly mission was to save us from condemnation, to set us free, to flood our souls with the light of truth, and to enable us to see God through faith in this life and face-to-face in the next. As with Nicodemus, Jesus is able to see any flickering flame of faith within our souls. When He sees it, He will engage us, challenge us, and seek to shine His light more fully within us. He wants not only a flickering flame of light but a radiant light. The more clearly we see, the more firmly our feet are on the path to holiness and the quicker we are able to journey to the source of all light—Jesus Himself.Reflect today on the contrast of light and darkness within your soul. How clearly is your spiritual mind able to perceive all that God wants to reveal to you? If you find yourself lost at times or confused about life, turn to Jesus and beg for light. We must not be among those who prefer “darkness to light.” If the light of the Gospel reveals your sin, do not turn away. Believe that Jesus does not want to condemn you; He wants to free you. He wants you to believe in Him, so that you “might not perish but might have eternal life.” Allow the light to shine brightly within you so that you will find your way to all the treasures God wants to bestow on you.Lord of pure Light, I want to see all that You want to reveal to me. I want to know You, find my way to You, and follow You with clear spiritual sight. Please dispel all darkness within me so that I will understand You and Your will and serve You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jesus Christ and Nicodemus by Matthias StomSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

The story of Hagar reveals a God who sees those pushed to society's margins. When Abraham and Sarah's impatience led them to use Hagar as a surrogate, she became caught in a cycle of abuse and abandonment. Fleeing to the wilderness, Hagar encountered God who called her by name and promised her descendants. She became the first person in Scripture to name God - El Roi, the God who sees. Though God didn't immediately fix her circumstances, He provided dignity, sustenance, and hope. Hagar's story reminds us that God sees the invisible and calls us to refuse creating new systems of oppression.Visit communitybrookside.com or facebook.com/communitybrookside for more information!

Do you feel like God is calling you to something—but your next thought is, "Who am I to do that?" Because here's what I want you to see today, friend: You don't doubt becasue you're incapable You doubt because you've forgotten who created you—and who chose you In this episode, we're getting to the root of why self-doubt shows up—and how to stop agreeing with it so you can finally step into the life God is calling you to live. This is what it means to start living God's way—renewing your mind, anchoring your identity in Christ, and building healthy habits from a biblical mindset. In This Episode: Why you still doubt yourself even when you know God has chosen you  The real reason doubt shows up when God calls you to something How to recognize the voice you've been agreeing with What God actually says about who you are How to respond to doubt with truth instead of fear  Scriptures Mentioned: Isaiah 64:8, Jeremiah 1:5, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 1:6 Something New Is Coming… I'm working on something new for you… and if this episode spoke to you, you're going to want to be part of it. This next step is all about helping you truly live God's way— in your thoughts, your habits, and your everyday life. Make sure you're on my email list so you don't miss it: Join my newsletter ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/get-on-the-list    Ready to Stop Starting Your Fitness Over Every Monday? Are you tired of starting over with your health and fitness — and ready to do it God's way? Inside the Fit God's Way 30-Day Transformation, I guide you through a proven, Christ-centered plan with coaching and prayer so you can finally stay consistent. Join us ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/fit-gods-way-course If you could use a Christian friend, come hang out with me on the podcast. And if this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs it too. If this episode spoke to your heart today, please share it with a friend who needs that same encouragement. You can also help me reach more women by leaving a five-star review on Apple or Spotify. Every review helps someone else find hope, healing, and strength in Jesus. Remember who you are: called, chosen, set apart—and living God's way With so much love, Kim Dolan Leto   Listen or Watch Strong. Confident. His.: Apple ➞ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-confident-his-christian-fitness-health-and/id1504962677 Spotify ➞ https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ymer79UOqIbItrwPJErxC YouTube ➞ https://www.youtube.com/kimdolanletofit All Episodes ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/podcast Connect with Me Newsletter ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/get-on-the-list Website ➞ https://kimdolanleto.comInstagram ➞ https://instagram.com/kimdolanleto Facebook ➞ https://facebook.com/kimdolanleto YouTube ➞ https://youtube.com/kimdolanletofit Podcast ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/strong-confident-his-podcast Shop ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/shop  

Romans 1:18–23 shows that when people reject God, they begin to crave sin more than Him. Though God has made Himself known, many exchange His glory for lesser things. But the gospel doesn't just change your destination—it changes your desires. Scriptures: Romans 1: 18-23

In The Epic of the City, Part 3, Pastor Robey Barnes walks through the story of King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18, highlighting both his righteousness and his regret. Though God used Hezekiah to bring reform, defeat the Assyrians, and even miraculously heal him, a subtle but costly mistake followed—he exposed his treasures to Babylon and chose personal peace over generational faithfulness. Through this story, Pastor Robey challenges us to examine our own priorities and redefine what the Church truly is—not a platform for comfort or good advice, but a living body, a spiritual family called to grow together and pass down the fear of the Lord. This message calls every believer to surrender fully to Jesus, invest in the next generation, and take their place in God's mission to reach the city.

How can we boast about good works, when it is only the blood of Jesus that can save us? Join pastor Brian Pursley as he reminds us of this core Gospel truth: we need Jesus. Though God may never be impressed with how good we can be, He loves us and made a plan for our redemption despite our unworthiness. As Scripture says, "...we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." (Romans 3:28)

The History and Heart of the Tabernacle, Part 1: What was the purpose of Israel's ancient Tabernacle? Exodus 25:8 explains it well: “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” God wants to dwell with His people! We begin a series on the heart of the Tabernacle this week. Though God needed to maintain distance ... Read More The post The History and Heart of the Tabernacle (Part 1 of 2) | February 28, 2026 appeared first on The Friends of Israel Today Radio.

In this Bible Story, God demonstrates his power through the plagues as Pharaoh’s heart grows harder and more cruel. But God’s resolve to redeem his people remains steadfast in freeing His people from slavery. This story is inspired by Exodus 10-13:16. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Exodus 12:12 from the King James Version.Episode 37: Though God’s plagues against Pharaoh continued, he continued to harden his heart like stone. Though his servants and wise men begged him to let Israel go; he refused. So God sent a final warning among the people, that whoever fears God should mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a lamb, for at midnight God would visit all who ignored His warning and take their firstborn in return for the cruelty Egypt has shown against His firstborn, Israel.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enjoying the Show? Drop us a line!In Season 6, we are going to take a journey through the Book of Esther, a remarkable narrative set during a time of upheaval, uncertainty, and divine silence. Though God's name is never mentioned in the text, His sovereign hand is unmistakably present, guiding events both large and small. Esther's world mirrors many of the anxieties of our own: fear about the future, instability, and the sense that God feels distant. Yet the book powerfully demonstrates that even when He seems hidden, He is actively working behind the scenes to preserve His people and accomplish His purposes.In this episode, we explore the historical setting, the book's debated place in the canon, and its major themes—reversal of fortunes, providence, and God's use of imperfect people in impossible circumstances. Esther is a literary masterpiece with deep theological weight, and understanding its structure and background prepares us to see God's faithfulness anew. This introduction lays the groundwork for a season-long journey through a story that reminds us that God is sovereign, present, and never caught off guard.Support the showVisit our Merch Store to support the show!

Though God has ordered the universe coherently, humans still tend to miss the moment. But wisdom from above teaches us how to seek the right things and stand in awe of the One Shepherd.

Jim Osman examines one of the Old Testament's most troubling figures: Balaam, the prophet for hire who tried to curse God's people for money. Though God spoke through him, Balaam was driven by greed and immorality, making him the perfect example of the false teachers Peter warns against. This message walks through Numbers 22-24, answering questions about why God used such a wicked man and what it reveals about false prophets today. Balaam's motives exposed his heart—he loved the wages of unrighteousness and deliberately departed from the right way. His morals led him to scheme against Israel through sexual immorality and idolatry when his curses failed. His madness shows the insanity of pursuing money and sin at the expense of eternal well-being. The talking donkey is the least confusing part of the story. The real issue is how someone can speak truth while living a lie, and what that teaches us about marking and avoiding false teachers whose hearts are trained in greed. If you have Christ and nothing else, you're richer than the wealthiest false teacher. ★ Support this podcast ★

A — What is this passage about? Samuel publicly affirms his integrity, recounts the Lord's faithful deliverance throughout Israel's history, and confronts the people for their sinful desire for a king. Though God grants their request, He reminds them that obedience to Him—not trust in human rulers—determines blessing or judgment. B — Best verse to summarize the passage "Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart." (1 Samuel 12:20, NKJV) C — What are we called to do? Fear the Lord, serve Him in truth with all our heart, and place our trust in God alone rather than in human authority or power.

What do you do when you obey God—and the path He leads you on is uncomfortable?In this message from Follow: The Exodus Story, we continue Israel's journey beyond the Red Sea and into the wilderness. Though God has delivered His people from slavery, the road ahead quickly becomes hard. Thirst, hunger, and frustration test their faith, revealing a deeper struggle—not with circumstances, but with trust in God's character.Walking through Exodus 15–16, Pastor Tommy shows us that the wilderness is not a mistake but a place of transformation. God leads His redeemed people into seasons of testing to reshape their hearts, deepen their dependence, and teach them how to trust Him daily. From bitter waters made sweet to manna falling from heaven, we see that God's provision is designed to form trust—not independence—and that true faith culminates in rest and remembrance.This passage reminds us that redemption may be immediate, but transformation is progressive. The God who parts seas is the same God who faithfully provides daily bread—and invites His people to follow Him one day at a time.Scripture Covered:Exodus 15:22–27; Exodus 161 Corinthians 10:1–13John 6:31–35Hebrews 3:7–15#FollowTheExodus#BookOfExodus#FaithInTheWilderness#DailyDependence#TrustGod#BiblicalTeaching#ChristianSermon#GodOurProvider

Read Online“Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. Mark 4:35–38Our Lord's words were prophetic, but so were His actions. Today's Gospel begins after a long day of Jesus teaching parables to the people by the Sea of Galilee. One might think that, after a long day, Jesus and His disciples would have remained in Capernaum for the night, getting a good night's sleep. Instead, Jesus invites His disciples to join Him for a long night on a boat, crossing to the other side of the sea to the territory of the Gerasenes.The Gerasenes were a predominantly Gentile population living in a region that formed part of the Decapolis—a group of ten cities heavily influenced by Greco-Roman culture and pagan practices. The area was culturally distinct from the Jewish territories around the Sea of Galilee, characterized by its Hellenistic architecture, customs, and beliefs. Jesus' invitation to cross the sea was not only an invitation to a long night, but also an invitation to spend the next day within a culturally distinct and perhaps an uneasy setting different from their Jewish hometown.This dual invitation should be seen as a prophetic action by which Jesus invited His disciples—and us—to leave our comfort zone and travel into the challenging and unfamiliar. This lesson has numerous practical implications for our lives. There are many things we do not feel like doing and many ways God calls us out of our comfort zone into the unfamiliar. Fear must never deter us from answering the call, even when we are tired and prefer to rest. When God calls, we must respond.The journey across the Sea of Galilee is also packed with prophetic lessons. The journey by boat from Capernaum to the territory of the Gerasenes was about five to six miles. Under calm conditions, the journey might have taken one to two hours. However, the storm likely extended this time, possibly making the trip several hours long, especially if the disciples had to work against the wind and waves.One important aspect of the journey is that Jesus is asleep during the storm. Because it would have been difficult for anyone to sleep while “waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up,” we should see our Lord's sleep as intentional, to reveal a spiritual lesson. Though God might seem distant at times, or asleep during our time of need, He is there, waiting for us to turn to Him, wake Him, and call on Him.Though these were experienced fishermen and boatmen, they were terrified. Jesus permitted them to experience this terror to reveal their need for faith and trust in Him. His calm presence, even as He slept, was a reminder that no storm—whether physical or spiritual—can overpower the One who created the seas. His rebuke of the wind and waves, “Quiet! Be still!” not only restored peace to the sea but also revealed His divine authority, revealing Himself as God: “LORD, God of hosts, who is like you? Mighty LORD, your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule the raging sea; you still its swelling waves” (Psalm 89:9–10).Reflect today on Jesus' invitation to the disciples to make the journey across the sea after a tiring day. Similarly, God sometimes calls us to enter the chaos of this world to bring His grace where it is not found. Though rest is important, sometimes we must deny ourselves and enter into the sea toward the unfamiliar—reaching out to neighbors or others with whom we feel hesitant, volunteering in ministries, or embracing new challenges that call us out of our comfort zone. As you ponder this scene, let the words of Christ echo in your heart, bringing peace to your soul: “Quiet! Be still!” Do not fear. Have faith. Trust that His command will calm every storm, and hold on to the knowledge that He is always with you, guiding you safely to the other side.All-powerful God, in Your human nature, You faced every difficulty and conquered them so that You could provide me the grace to do the same. When You call me out of my comfort zone into the unfamiliar, give me courage to respond generously, knowing that You are always nearby, waiting to be awakened through a prayer and act of faith. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Bible picsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” Mark 4:21–23What guides your life? What influences your decisions? Many are motivated by worldly desires, such as wealth or status. Others seek fulfillment in fleeting pleasures. Some take their inspiration from cultural icons or those deemed successful by society. But as Christians, we are called to draw our inspiration and motivation from one source: the Light of God's Truth.In today's Gospel, the lamp symbolizes Christ Himself, Who illuminates our minds and guides our decisions, just as a lamp lights up a dark room. A lamp cannot fulfill its purpose if it is hidden under a bushel basket or bed. Similarly, Christ must enlighten every aspect of our lives and shine forth in our words, deeds, and witness to others.If the lamp symbolizes Christ, Who is divine Truth, then the lampstand represents the means by which we elevate and share that Truth. Though God, His grace, and the Truth of the Gospel are the light, that light comes to us in various ways. Our first goal as Christians is to make sure that God's Light is the center of our lives. This means that when questions arise in our lives, we turn first to the Light as the one and only Source of Truth and guidance. We do this by turning to the Scriptures, the Catechism, the lives of the saints, and the inspiration of other holy people.Just as a lampstand supports and elevates a lamp, it also provides a firm foundation, ensuring the light remains steady and visible even amid the winds of life's challenges. Similarly, prayer, sacraments, and good works help stabilize the Light of Truth in our lives, enabling it to shine brightly and consistently.Once our lives are enlightened and we clearly see the path God has chosen for us, we naturally begin to radiate that light to others. This is the essence of evangelization. By our daily prayer, sacramental life, acts of charity, and courage in witnessing to the Gospel, we become the lampstand that lifts high the Light of Christ. As others encounter that light through our example, they too are invited to draw closer to its Source, allowing the Truth of the Gospel to illuminate their lives.Sometimes we can struggle in our efforts to evangelize. When we encounter others who express no interest in the Gospel, it is tempting to remain silent and cover up the Light of Christ. But that leaves others in darkness. The evil one often deceives us into thinking that we shouldn't act as a lampstand for the Light of Christ if others prefer the darkness. We might fear offending them or sounding “holier than thou!” This is a dangerous trap.Charity demands evangelization. All people need Christ in their lives, even if they do not know it or are hostile to Christ's light. If you struggle being a lampstand for Christ, reflect on Jesus' next words: “For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” In other words, we all will stand one day before the judgment seat of Christ when every hidden thought and action will come to light, visible to us and all who stand before Christ at the Final Judgment. On that day, will we regret having done everything possible to be a lampstand for Christ's light to others? Certainly not. Instead, we will rejoice in every effort we made, even if our words and actions seemed futile. The light we shine might not immediately brighten someone else's path. Yet, like seeds planted in the soil, it has the potential to grow and bear fruit in God's perfect timing. Reflect today on whether you have allowed fear, complacency, or self-doubt to hide the light of Christ in your life. Consider the people God has placed in your path who need His light but have not yet encountered it through you. Resolve to be a lampstand for Christ, courageously and lovingly lifting His truth high for all to see. Jesus, Light of the World, You came to reveal Yourself as the Truth that sets all people free and the Light Who dispels all darkness. Please shine brightly in my life and be my guide always so that I, in turn, may act as an instrument upon which You rest and shine forth in the lives of others. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

If you look at the world and wonder what has gone wrong, Romans 1:18-32 gives us the answer. Though God revealed Himself to us, humanity rejected Him, and the result has been a slide into deeper and deeper darkness. Later in Romans, Paul describes the progression out of foolishness for those who are now in Christ: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2) Take-Home Message: Christ's wisdom is the only antidote to my foolishness. We Became Fools Through…- Futile Thinking (18-22)- Humanity's Progression Toward Futile Thinking- Revelation (19-20)- Rejection (21a)- Result (21b-22)- A biblical definition of “futile” (Mataioó)– describes the movement from God-given awareness to empty, self-centered thought. In Romans 1:21, it stands as a decisive verdict on humanity's intellectual and moral collapse: “they became futile in their thinking”. The term captures the tragic exchange of God's glory for worthless speculation, exposing the hollowness that results when truth is suppressed. - False Worship (23) - Foolish Living (24-32)- A biblical definition of “give approval” (Suneudokeó) –  To give hearty approval, identify with, feel gratified with. Across its six occurrences, syneudokeō portrays a shared stance—whether righteous or sinful—between individuals or groups. It always implies more than passive agreement; it conveys an active, moral participation that forges communal solidarity around a deed or decision. In Romans 1:32, syneudokeō indicts societies that institutionalize sin by celebrating its practitioners.The term issues a dual summons: resist aligning with evil and intentionally align with righteousness. Christian maturity therefore includes vigilant evaluation of all associations, ensuring that consent is given only to what honors the Lord. Christ Makes Us Wise Through…- Renewed Thinking (Romans 12:2a)- Reasonable Worship (Romans 12:1)- Righteous Living (Romans 12:2b)

Read Online“Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” Mark 3:28–30Consider the sobering reality of suffering the guilt of everlasting sin. Though alarming and unpleasant, understanding this possibility is foundational to a healthy spiritual life. This is best illustrated in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, one of the co-founders of the Jesuits. The Spiritual Exercises are considered one of the most transforming retreat formats ever written. They guide spiritual directors who lead retreatants through a thirty-day retreat, helping them experience profound conversion and make major life decisions. The first week of those exercises contains various meditations on the horror of hell and the seriousness of one mortal sin.Today's Gospel is not only ideal for those beginning a thirty-day retreat, but also for everyone serious about spiritual growth. On our spiritual journey, we often must do that which is initially difficult and unpleasant so as to reap the fruit of that exercise. One such exercise is to meditate on our Lord's words: “But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.”In commenting on this, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting, rejects the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit. Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss” (#1864).Traditionally, the sin this Gospel refers to has been called the “Sin Against the Holy Spirit.” Saint Thomas Aquinas, in the Summa Theologica (II-II, Question 14, Articles 1–3), articulates six ways that one can be guilty of this sin:Despair: rejecting God's mercy and refusing to believe one's sins can be forgiven.Presumption: believing one can attain salvation without grace or repentance.Impenitence: a refusal to repent for past sins.Obstinacy: a hardened resolve to remain in sin.Resisting the Known Truth: deliberately rejecting the truths of the faith to justify sin.Envy of Another's Grace: resenting the Holy Spirit's work in others.God alone knows the depths of our human heart and comprehends our guilt or mitigating circumstances.God alone is the perfect Judge. He judges with divine equity, His perfect justice and mercy united as one.Though God's mercy is limitless, this does not mean that everyone goes to Heaven. Recall Jesus' teaching: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13–14).The common thread in the ways Saint Thomas articulates this “everlasting sin” is an obstinate refusal to see our sins in the light of eternal Truth and then to repent and change. When properly understood, attaining Heaven is easy! All we need to do is be honest, turn from sin, and abandon ourselves to our loving God—especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A thorough and honest confession is a sure path through the narrow gate that leads to eternal life. Reflect today on the serious and consequential demands God places on us. His generosity knows no bounds, but we must receive that generosity on His terms. Ideally, today's Gospel will inspire us with the spiritual gift of Fear of the Lord. The perfection of this gift is not a fear of punishment, but a deep reverence and love for God that moves us to avoid anything that might offend Him. It deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our resolve to walk the narrow path. If you find yourself obstinate at times, beware of the danger of that interior disposition. Most merciful Lord, please free me from all obstinacy and help me to see my sin as You see it. I repent of my sin and profess my need for Your Divine Mercy. Please open the gate to that Mercy so that I can be with You forever in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.Image:   Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

2 Kings chapter 17 explains the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel and its exile by Assyria. The chapter makes clear that this was not sudden or random—it was the result of persistent disobedience, idolatry, and refusal to heed God's warnings through the prophets. Though God had delivered Israel repeatedly, they chose other gods and adopted the practices of surrounding nations. The chapter stands as a sobering reminder that spiritual compromise, when left unchecked, leads to loss—but also that God had patiently called His people to return before judgment came. Hashtags: #2Kings17 #FallOfIsrael #SpiritualCompromise #GodsWarnings #Exile #FaithfulnessMatters #LearnFromHistoryBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.“Thank you for listening to SendMe Radio — where we share the Gospel, inspire faith, and keep you connected with powerful stories and updates from around the world. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a message.And remember — you can listen to SendMe Radio streaming 24/7 at www.sendmeradio.net or simply say: ‘Hey Alexa, play SendMe Radio.'

Sentenced to fifty years in a maximum-security prison, a sixteen-year-old girl sat in solitary confinement. Due to her age, she remained separated from the other inmates. For nearly a year, she had no outside visitors. During an outreach and baptism held at the facility, the guards let a ministry leader enter the girl’s cell. She heard the gospel, surrendered her life to Jesus, and asked to be baptized. At first, the team considered using water bottles, but then the prison staff shut down the entire facility and led her to a portable baptismal pool. As God’s people prayed, she wept. Though God promises to judge those who reject Him, He also extends mercy to those who repent. He restores and protects those who trust in His name (Zephaniah 3:10-12). Repentance leads to redemption, because God Himself “has taken away” the punishment we deserve (v. 15). Hope resounds in the prophet Zephaniah’s words about God: “He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (v. 17). So we can share the gospel with compassion and confidence, especially with those who may feel they’re too far from God. No matter where we are, what we’ve done, or how alone, forgotten, or unworthy we may feel, God loves and pursues us. Every person is within God’s reach.

Read Online“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath” Mark 2:27–28Today's Gospel should console those who struggle with a legalistic and scrupulous mindset. This is an easy trap to fall into for those who desire to keep God's commandments and remain faithful to His holy will. Despite the best intentions, it's easy for those who are deeply sincere in their fidelity to God to misunderstand how best to please and glorify Him. One common trap is to think that meticulous observance of the external Law is sufficient. While obedience to God's Law is essential, it is equally important to understand the authentic requirements of His Law—what it truly demands and what it does not.Today's Gospel takes place toward the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, after He had named His Twelve Apostles and begun preaching and healing. As they walked to another town on the Sabbath so Jesus could continue His mission, they passed through a field. The Apostles, being hungry, forged a path through the grain and picked some of it to eat. When the Pharisees saw them doing this, they seized the opportunity to condemn them, saying, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” (Mark 2:24).Without getting too philosophical, it's important to understand what we call God's Eternal Law. The Eternal Law encompasses reality—physical, moral, and spiritual truths. All that God has established as true must be our guide through life. The goal of the evil one is to deceive us by leading us into a false understanding of that reality.Traditionally, the Eternal Law has been divided into two distinct aspects: the Natural and Divine Laws. The Divine Law is all that is known only through divine revelation—all that the Scriptures reveal, especially through Christ's humanity and mission. The Natural Law, on the other hand, is written upon creation itself, including our own human nature. Natural Law is written on our consciences and discerned through reason. For example, we instinctively know it is wrong to lie, steal, and murder. Though God's Divine Law confirms this through the Ten Commandments, these basic moral truths are already evident to us when we reflect clearly.In today's Gospel, the Apostles' actions were perfectly aligned with right reason—the Natural Law—showing how their choices reflected God's design for human flourishing. They were eating grain as they journeyed with Jesus so He could continue His mission. Their need for sustenance, especially while in service to Christ, took precedence over rigid legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath. The Pharisees, however, mistook the Sabbath for an end in itself. They focused solely on external observance and failed to understand that the Sabbath was instituted as a gift for humanity—a day for rest, worship, and renewal in communion with God.What's freeing and beautiful to note is that the Natural Law, written on our human reason, and the Divine Law, revealed through the Scriptures, are in perfect harmony. Both flow from God. Through His mission, Jesus shows us how the Divine Law elevates and perfects the Natural Law, orienting both toward love and mercy. The Pharisees' legalism obscured this harmony, reducing the Law to a burdensome set of rules rather than as a pathway to life and freedom.Reflect today on your own approach to God's Law. If you find it burdensome, reevaluate your thinking. Properly understood and embraced, God's Law is not a weight; it's the source of freedom. The Sabbath, in particular, invites us to rest and trust in God's providence. When we live according to the Eternal Law—both Natural and Divine—we discover harmony within our souls that refreshes and elevates us. Resolve to follow God's Law with love, avoiding both scrupulosity and laxity, and you will find the freedom and joy for which you were created.Divine Law-Giver, all that You have spoken and established is Truth. You are the Source of Truth and Truth Itself. Please free me from both laxity and scrupulosity as I strive to live in accord with Your will. May I find in Your Law the pathway to freedom and joy. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Send us a textIn Deuteronomy 1–3, Moses recounts Israel's wilderness failure caused by fear of man rather than fear of the Lord. Though God went before them and promised victory, Israel did not trust Him. This episode calls God's people to obedience, faith over fear, and trust in the promises of God.Support the showStay engaged with new and up-to-date content, including newsletters, articles, podcasts, etc. Download the Teach Me the Bible App from any app store or Apple TV/Roku device.

Mankind falls in the Garden. Though God gave an order, a mandate, and a prohibition to Adam and Eve, their disobedience leads to awful consequences. A serpent deceived the woman into eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and the man does nothing to lead the woman (or himself) away from the temptation. After their sin, the couple attempts to hide from God, yet God graciously provides for them. While they are cast out of the Garden, they yet have new coverings provided by God, and a promise to hold onto. Someday, a Seed of the woman will come to defeat the serpent.Bible ReadingsGenesis 3Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011526.cfmWhy would God allow Israel to be defeated even while the Levites were carrying the Ark of the Covenant before the army into battle? And why would Jesus heal a leper — then sternly command him to tell no one? In this homily, Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, brings these unsettling questions together and shows that they reveal the same spiritual danger: presumption.Israel treated the Ark as a weapon, a mere tool, rather than a sign of fidelity to the covenant with God. Though God had called them to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex 19:6; NABRE), the people and their leaders were living in grave sin. Trust in sacred objects rather than trust in God and determined obedience to God led to Israel's defeat. The Ark was holy — but the hearts of the people of Israel had grown hardened.In the Gospel, Jesus heals a leper, yet warns him not to spread the news. Christ is protecting His mission. He did not come as a mere political liberator, but to establish the Kingdom of God within the human heart. Leprosy, Fr. Mark explains, is a powerful image of sin: slow-growing, numbing, disfiguring, and blinding. Sin deadens the conscience and distorts the soul far more than disease ever could.Christ touches the leper without fear. His mercy is stronger than corruption. He desires to cleanse what sin has deformed and restore the beauty lost through disobedience. The true enemy is not external forces, but the sin that takes root within us. Only repentance and humility allow God's Kingdom to reign in our hearts. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sermon Summary: Judges – Session 1 (When God's People Refuse to Yield)   A New Season Begins with Old Problems The book of Judges opens after the death of Joshua, during a time when Israel had entered the Promised Land but had not fully obeyed God. Though God was faithful, the people failed to complete the work of driving out the inhabitants of the land, setting the stage for future trouble. Partial Obedience Leads to Compromise Judah began strong and experienced victory, but many tribes weakened in obedience. Instead of removing the Canaanites, they tolerated them, made compromises, and placed them under tribute. What began as fear or convenience eventually became spiritual compromise. You Reap What You Sow The confession of Adoni-Bezek reveals a biblical principle: God repays actions justly. The sermon emphasizes the importance of honesty—acknowledging personal responsibility rather than blaming God or others. God is merciful, but consequences often remain. Salvation Brings New Battles Entering the Promised Land did not eliminate conflict. Likewise, salvation does not remove spiritual battles. The enemy adapts, and believers must remain vigilant, disciplined, and yielded to God in every season of life. Compromise Always Returns with Consequences Israel's decision to coexist with the Canaanites allowed foreign gods, practices, and influences to remain. These compromises eventually became snares, pulling the nation away from God and leading to repeated cycles of defeat. God Warns Before Judgment The Angel of the Lord confronted Israel, reminding them that God had kept His covenant, but they had not. Because they refused to tear down idols and sever ungodly alliances, God allowed their enemies to remain as thorns in their sides. A Generation That Did Not Know the Lord After Joshua's generation passed away, a new generation arose that did not know the Lord or His works. Without personal relationship or spiritual foundation, the people turned to idolatry, provoking God's anger. The Cycle of Judges Begins Israel repeatedly: Forsook the Lord Served false gods Fell into oppression Cried out in distress Were delivered by a judge God's mercy responded to their repentance, but their refusal to yield led to repeated failure once the judge died. The Root of Sin Is Refusing to Yield The sermon concludes by identifying the core issue behind all sin: choosing our will over God's will. Sin manifests in many forms, but it always begins with a heart unwilling to yield. Final Call Believers are challenged to: Learn from Israel's failure Reject partial obedience Remove compromises Yield fully to God The message sets the tone for the book of Judges: when God's people refuse to yield, they suffer; when they repent, God shows mercy.

Sunday, January 11, 2026 – Pastor Justin titles his message, “Even Though... God is Faithful.” You fill in the blank for yourself. Even though what? God is always faithful to Himself and to all who call Him Father. Even in the most difficult times in life, God remains faithful. Pastor Justin talks about the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23, who always cares for His sheep. Sheep aren’t known for being smart or for caring for themselves. They are stubborn and wander away if not carefully guarded. Yet the Shepherd loves and cares for those who know His voice and are part of His flock. No matter what your situation is today, if you call out to the Good Shepherd, Jesus, He will gather you to Himself and meet your needs according to His great and perfect will. Worship and study with us.

Sunday, January 11, 2026 – Pastor Justin titles his message, “Even Though... God is Faithful.” You fill in the blank for yourself. Even though what? God is always faithful to Himself and to all who call Him Father. Even in the most difficult times in life, God remains faithful. Pastor Justin talks about the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23, who always cares for His sheep. Sheep aren’t known for being smart or for caring for themselves. They are stubborn and wander away if not carefully guarded. Yet the Shepherd loves and cares for those who know His voice and are part of His flock. No matter what your situation is today, if you call out to the Good Shepherd, Jesus, He will gather you to Himself and meet your needs according to His great and perfect will. Worship and study with us.

What happens when fear speaks louder than faith? In this sermon, we examine Israel's critical moment at the edge of the Promised Land—and the tragic consequences of unbelief.Though God had already promised the land, the people chose to trust the report of fear rather than the word of the Lord. Ten spies focused on giants and obstacles, while only Joshua and Caleb believed God was able to do what He said. The result was discouragement, rebellion, and a refusal to move forward in faith.This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we living by sight—or by faith? Will we trust God's promises, or allow fear to keep us from all He has prepared for us?