Podcasts about tozer

In this message, Chip lays out four very specific ways God reveals His goodness and how you can be sure not to miss out on any of it.Defining the goodness of God-Revealed to Moses: (Exodus 33:19; 34:5-7)Moses' request: “Show me Your glory.” -Exodus 33:18God's promise: “All My goodness will pass before you.” -Exodus 33:19God's answer: Exodus 34:5-7-Packer's observation:“Within the cluster of God's moral perfections there is one in particular to which the term ‘goodness' points – the quality which God specially singled out from the whole when proclaiming ‘all his goodness' to Moses, He spoke of Himself as ‘abundant in goodness and truth' (Exodus 34:6). This is the quality of generosity.”“Generosity expresses the simple wish that others should have what they need to make them happy.” -J.I. Packer, Knowing God-Tozer's definition:“The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tenderhearted and of quick sympathy… By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy-Scripture's declaration: Psalm 84:11How does God reveal His goodness to us?Through NATURAL blessings -Psalm 145:7-9, 16-17Through SPECIFIC deliverances -Psalm 107Through HIS SON, Jesus -Romans 5:8; 8:32How are we to respond to God's goodness?REPENT and receive God's greatest good gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. -Romans 2:4SURRENDER your life and future fully to the lordship of Christ. -Romans 12:1CLAIM God's promise that you will NEVER miss out on any good thing as long as you live. -Psalm 84:11Broadcast ResourceThe Real God ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsDaily DiscipleshipJ.I. Packer - Knowing GodConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

In this series from 1 Peter, A.W. Tozer preaches from 1 Peter 1:14–16 and reminds Christians that we must be fashioned after Christ and His Word (i.e., marked by holiness), not after the world and culture.Note: this message was originally a part of Tozer's series in 1 Peter (study 13).Learn more about the Bravehearted Voices Podcast and how you can be discipled and grow spiritually by visiting braveheartedvoices.com

Billy Graham once said, “Tell me what you think about money, and I will tell you what you think about God, for these two are closely related.”In Jesus' Parable of the Talents, we see that stewardship isn't just about money—it's about how we view God. Today, Taylor Standridge joins me to explore how our image of God influences the way we give, spend, and live.Taylor Standridge is the Production Manager here at Faith and Finance, co-author of Look at the Sparrows, our 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety, and a frequent contributor to our quarterly magazine, Faithful Steward, as well as other FaithFi studies and devotionals.Our View of God Shapes EverythingA.W. Tozer once wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This truth has enormous implications for stewardship. How we see God determines how we handle what He has entrusted to us.If we see Him as generous, trustworthy, and sovereign, we will hold our resources with open hands and joyful hearts, confident that He is both our provider and our treasure. But if we see Him as distant, demanding, or indifferent, we may fall into reluctant giving, fearful hoarding, or selfish spending.Stewardship is far more than budgets and giving—it is about trust, worship, and living in light of who we believe God to be. A distorted view of God is like setting sail with the wrong coordinates: you may move with confidence, but you'll end up in the wrong place.Lessons from the Parable of the TalentsIn Matthew 25, the tragedy of the third servant wasn't his lack of ability—it was his lack of trust. Believing his master to be a “hard man,” he buried what was given to him. His fear led to inaction.This parable isn't only about money. The “talents” represent everything God entrusts to us—time, relationships, opportunities, gifts, and resources. Faithful stewardship flows not from skill, but from trust. The first two servants stepped out boldly because they trusted their master's character. Their faith led to joy, not judgment: “Enter into the joy of your master.”The deeper warning is this: when we misjudge God's heart, we hold back. When we trust His goodness, we invest boldly for His Kingdom.Obedience as God's GiftMany believers think of obedience as something they give to God. But Scripture reminds us that even obedience is a gift of grace. “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Phil. 2:13). He not only prepares good works for us (Eph. 2:10)—He empowers us to walk in them.This truth transforms stewardship from a burden into a blessing. We're not managing resources to prove ourselves; we're participating in the good works God has already prepared. Stewardship becomes a relational act of grace, not a transactional duty.The Sobering Warning—and the Joyful InvitationIn Matthew 7, Jesus warns that some will say, “Lord, Lord,” but hear Him reply, “I never knew you.” The issue wasn't activity—it was relationship. Faithful stewardship begins with knowing God as gracious, faithful, and abundantly generous.If you feel stuck or fearful—like the third servant—remember this: God isn't waiting to punish you. He invites you to trust Him. Start small. Ask Him to reshape your view, to see Him not as a harsh master, but as a loving Father.As 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” When we live from that truth, stewardship becomes delight, not duty. We don't just manage money; we step into joy, walking with the One who is our ultimate treasure.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm a retired senior and recently heard about the new $6,000 tax break. How does this affect my overall tax liability? Should I consider withdrawing a larger amount from my 401(k) to maximize this deduction?I used to work in the financial field selling tax-sheltered annuities, and I've always thought they were strong investment options. Lately, I've noticed some advisors speaking negatively about annuities. What's your perspective on annuities as an investment today?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

In this message, Chip lays out four very specific ways God reveals His goodness and how you can be sure not to miss out on any of it.Defining the goodness of God-Revealed to Moses: (Exodus 33:19; 34:5-7)Moses' request: “Show me Your glory.” -Exodus 33:18God's promise: “All My goodness will pass before you.” -Exodus 33:19God's answer: Exodus 34:5-7-Packer's observation:“Within the cluster of God's moral perfections there is one in particular to which the term ‘goodness' points – the quality which God specially singled out from the whole when proclaiming ‘all his goodness' to Moses, He spoke of Himself as ‘abundant in goodness and truth' (Exodus 34:6). This is the quality of generosity.”“Generosity expresses the simple wish that others should have what they need to make them happy.” -J.I. Packer, Knowing God-Tozer's definition:“The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tenderhearted and of quick sympathy… By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy-Scripture's declaration: Psalm 84:11How does God reveal His goodness to us?Through NATURAL blessings -Psalm 145:7-9, 16-17Through SPECIFIC deliverances -Psalm 107Through HIS SON, Jesus -Romans 5:8; 8:32How are we to respond to God's goodness?REPENT and receive God's greatest good gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. -Romans 2:4SURRENDER your life and future fully to the lordship of Christ. -Romans 12:1CLAIM God's promise that you will NEVER miss out on any good thing as long as you live. -Psalm 84:11Broadcast ResourceThe Real God ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsDaily DiscipleshipJ.I. Packer - Knowing GodConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

What comes to mind when you think about God? Who do you imagine Him to be? Your answers to these questions are the most important thing about you. Chip explores how our perception of God radically alters our view of reality.The importance of this study:“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy“We tend, by a secret law of the soul, to move toward our mental image of God.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the HolyHow to see the real God, with 20/20 vision:Three facts to consider:God is not LIKE YOU! -Isaiah 40:25-28, Romans 11:33-36Left to ourselves, we tend to REDUCE God to MANAGEABLE TERMS! -Romans 1:21-23, Exodus 32:1-6God can only be known as He REVEALS HIMSELF to us! Through:NATURE -Psalm 19:1-2, Romans 1:19-20HIS WORD -John 1:1-4, 5:37-40JESUS, His SON -John 1:14-18, Hebrews 1:1-3One question for you:What must I do to see the real God and He really is?Answer:SEEK HIM -Jeremiah 29:11-14aHow?Proverbs 2:1-5Broadcast ResourceThe Real God ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsDaily DiscipleshipA.W. Tozer - The Knowledge of the HolyConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Join Chip as he shares a moment in time that changed everything he ever thought about God. Find out what caused the change, and how you can experience the very same thing in your life.Defining the goodness of God-Revealed to Moses: (Exodus 33:19; 34:5-7)Moses' request: “Show me Your glory.” -Exodus 33:18God's promise: “All My goodness will pass before you.” -Exodus 33:19God's answer: Exodus 34:5-7-Packer's observation:“Within the cluster of God's moral perfections there is one in particular to which the term ‘goodness' points – the quality which God specially singled out from the whole when proclaiming ‘all his goodness' to Moses, He spoke of Himself as ‘abundant in goodness and truth' (Exodus 34:6). This is the quality of generosity.”“Generosity expresses the simple wish that others should have what they need to make them happy.” -J.I. Packer, Knowing God-Tozer's definition:“The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tenderhearted and of quick sympathy… By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy -Scripture's declaration: Psalm 84:11How does God reveal His goodness to us?Through NATURAL blessings -Psalm 145:7-9, 16-17Through SPECIFIC deliverances -Psalm 107Through HIS SON, Jesus -Romans 5:8; 8:32How are we to respond to God's goodness?REPENT and receive God's greatest good gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. -Romans 2:4SURRENDER your life and future fully to the lordship of Christ. -Romans 12:1CLAIM God's promise that you will NEVER miss out on any good thing as long as you live. -Psalm 84:11Broadcast ResourceThe Real God ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsDaily DiscipleshipJ.I. Packer - Knowing GodConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

In this week's episode we will discuss what it means to glorify God in everything we do, how to do it, why our lives are often miserable as Christians and more! The book discussed this week is Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. Scripture discussed: Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.follow me on instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/braxtenhmfollow me on tik tok! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@UCKFDLPcSq_V1LP76Kq4HL1g⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join Chip as he shares a moment in time that changed everything he ever thought about God. Find out what caused the change, and how you can experience the very same thing in your life.Defining the goodness of God-Revealed to Moses: (Exodus 33:19; 34:5-7)Moses' request: “Show me Your glory.” -Exodus 33:18God's promise: “All My goodness will pass before you.” -Exodus 33:19God's answer: Exodus 34:5-7-Packer's observation:“Within the cluster of God's moral perfections there is one in particular to which the term ‘goodness' points – the quality which God specially singled out from the whole when proclaiming ‘all his goodness' to Moses, He spoke of Himself as ‘abundant in goodness and truth' (Exodus 34:6). This is the quality of generosity.”“Generosity expresses the simple wish that others should have what they need to make them happy.” -J.I. Packer, Knowing God-Tozer's definition:“The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tenderhearted and of quick sympathy… By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy -Scripture's declaration: Psalm 84:11How does God reveal His goodness to us?Through NATURAL blessings -Psalm 145:7-9, 16-17Through SPECIFIC deliverances -Psalm 107Through HIS SON, Jesus -Romans 5:8; 8:32How are we to respond to God's goodness?REPENT and receive God's greatest good gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. -Romans 2:4SURRENDER your life and future fully to the lordship of Christ. -Romans 12:1CLAIM God's promise that you will NEVER miss out on any good thing as long as you live. -Psalm 84:11Broadcast ResourceThe Real God ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsDaily DiscipleshipJ.I. Packer - Knowing GodConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

What comes to your mind when you think about God? Your mental picture of Him is the most important thing about you. Chip reveals how our understanding of who God is affects every single aspect of our lives.The importance of this study:“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy“We tend, by a secret law of the soul, to move toward our mental image of God.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the HolyHow to see the real God, with 20/20 vision:Three facts to consider:God is not LIKE YOU! -Isaiah 40:25-28, Romans 11:33-36Left to ourselves, we tend to REDUCE God to MANAGEABLE TERMS! -Romans 1:21-23, Exodus 32:1-6God can only be known as He REVEALS HIMSELF to us! Through:NATURE -Psalm 19:1-2, Romans 1:19-20HIS WORD -John 1:1-4, 5:37-40JESUS, His SON -John 1:14-18, Hebrews 1:1-3One question for you:What must I do to see the real God and He really is?Answer:SEEK HIM -Jeremiah 29:11-14aHow?Proverbs 2:1-5Broadcast ResourceThe Real God ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsDaily DiscipleshipA.W. Tozer - The Knowledge of the HolyConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

What comes to your mind when you think about God? Your mental picture of Him is the most important thing about you. Chip reveals how our understanding of who God is affects every single aspect of our lives.The importance of this study:“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy“We tend, by a secret law of the soul, to move toward our mental image of God.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the HolyHow to see the real God, with 20/20 vision:Three facts to consider:God is not LIKE YOU! -Isaiah 40:25-28, Romans 11:33-36Left to ourselves, we tend to REDUCE God to MANAGEABLE TERMS! -Romans 1:21-23, Exodus 32:1-6God can only be known as He REVEALS HIMSELF to us! Through:NATURE -Psalm 19:1-2, Romans 1:19-20HIS WORD -John 1:1-4, 5:37-40JESUS, His SON -John 1:14-18, Hebrews 1:1-3One question for you:What must I do to see the real God and He really is?Answer:SEEK HIM -Jeremiah 29:11-14aHow?Proverbs 2:1-5Broadcast ResourceThe Real God ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsDaily DiscipleshipA.W. Tozer - The Knowledge of the HolyConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

What comes to mind when you think about God? Who do you imagine Him to be? Your answers to these questions are the most important thing about you. Chip explores how our perception of God radically alters our view of reality.The importance of this study: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy“We tend, by a secret law of the soul, to move toward our mental image of God.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the HolyHow to see the real God, with 20/20 vision:Three facts to consider:God is not LIKE YOU! -Isaiah 40:25-28, Romans 11:33-36Left to ourselves, we tend to REDUCE God to MANAGEABLE TERMS! -Romans 1:21-23, Exodus 32:1-6God can only be known as He REVEALS HIMSELF to us! Through:NATURE -Psalm 19:1-2, Romans 1:19-20HIS WORD -John 1:1-4, 5:37-40JESUS, His SON -John 1:14-18, Hebrews 1:1-3One question for you:What must I do to see the real God and He really is?Answer:SEEK HIM -Jeremiah 29:11-14aHow?Proverbs 2:1-5Broadcast ResourceThe Real God ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsDaily DiscipleshipA.W. Tozer - The Knowledge of the HolyConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

What comes to mind when you think about God? Who do you imagine Him to be? Your answers to these questions are the most important thing about you. Chip explores how our perception of God radically alters our view of reality.The importance of this study: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy“We tend, by a secret law of the soul, to move toward our mental image of God.” -A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the HolyHow to see the real God, with 20/20 vision:Three facts to consider:God is not LIKE YOU! -Isaiah 40:25-28, Romans 11:33-36Left to ourselves, we tend to REDUCE God to MANAGEABLE TERMS! -Romans 1:21-23, Exodus 32:1-6God can only be known as He REVEALS HIMSELF to us! Through:NATURE -Psalm 19:1-2, Romans 1:19-20HIS WORD -John 1:1-4, 5:37-40JESUS, His SON -John 1:14-18, Hebrews 1:1-3One question for you:What must I do to see the real God and He really is?Answer:SEEK HIM -Jeremiah 29:11-14aHow?Proverbs 2:1-5Broadcast ResourceThe Real God ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional Resource MentionsDaily DiscipleshipA.W. Tozer - The Knowledge of the HolyConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

In this series from 1 Peter, A.W. Tozer preaches from 1 Peter 1:14 and exhorts believers to walk in obedience … which is the place of greatest life and joy.Note: this message was originally a part of Tozer's series in 1 Peter (study 12).Learn more about the Bravehearted Voices Podcast and how you can be discipled and grow spiritually by visiting braveheartedvoices.com

Pastor Paul Irminger. This series is all about what it means to seek God and walk closely with Him. Each week's message will be clear, practical, and easy to understand. But if you want to go a little deeper, we're also drawing from A.W. Tozer's classic book The Pursuit of God. It's thoughtful and rich, though at times it can feel wordy or theological. If you're up for the challenge, it's a great companion to the series.

A new MP3 sermon from Parsa Trust (Persian Ministry) is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: فیلم‌‌های سینمایی مسیحی Subtitle: هشدار از تعالیم اشتباه Speaker: A. W. Tozer Broadcaster: Parsa Trust (Persian Ministry) Event: Midweek Service Date: 8/26/2025 Bible: Exodus 25:40 Length: 34 min.

Send us a textRomeine1:16-17 Vir hierdie Goeie Nuus is ek allesbehalwe skaam. Dit is immers God se krag wat hier aan die werk is. Dit bring verlossing vir elkeen wat glo – heel eerste vir die Jode, maar ook vir die nie-Jode. Hierdie Goeie Nuus maak bekend dat God ons van ons sondes vryspreek. En dit gebeur enkel en alleen deurdat ons glo. Soos die Skrif sê: “Elkeen wat vrygespreek word omdat hy glo, sal lewe.” (NLV) Ons raak daagliks al hoe meer selfgesentreerd. Kyk net na wat  vandag in die samelewing aangaan. Die konsep van reg teenoor verkeerd is so verwater dat dit sommer vervang is deur die idee dat: as dit goed voel, kan jy dit maar sonder om te blik of te bloos doen. Ons leef toenemend in 'n wêreld van "alles is geoorloof."Kyk na wat deesdae op televisie en in films, in die naam van vermaak aan ons opgedis word – die voorbeelde van hoe mense lewe; selfs die eksplisiete lirieke in musiek wat as normaal bestempel word; die sangers wat halfnaak op die verhoog rondspring om 'n gehoor te lok. Enigiets is toelaatbaar. En in daardie konteks het die idee van 'n goeie God; 'n heilige God en 'n God wat begeer dat ons reg, eerder as verkeerd, moet leef; vir baie mense heeltemal afstootlik geword. Dis die waarheid. Maar weet jy, dis niks nuuts nie. Die Christendom van die 1ste eeu het met soortgelyke probleme te make gehad. Dit is in daardie konteks wat die apostel Paulus die volgende skryf:Romeine 1:16-17 Vir hierdie Goeie Nuus is ek allesbehalwe skaam. Dit is immers God se krag wat hier aan die werk is. Dit bring verlossing vir elkeen wat glo – heel eerste vir die Jode, maar ook vir die nie-Jode. Hierdie Goeie Nuus maak bekend dat God ons van ons sondes vryspreek. En dit gebeur enkel en alleen deurdat ons glo. Soos die Skrif sê: “Elkeen wat vrygespreek word omdat hy glo, sal lewe.” (NLV)Ja, die Evangelie is goeie nuus, maar dit vra ook verantwoording van ons. Dit behels geloof en 'n geregtigheid wat van God af kom; ‘n geregtigheid wat ons roep om in gehoorsaamheid te leef.A.W. Tozer het eenkeer gesê: Die Christendom is so afgewater dat die oplossing so flou is, dat as dit 'n gif was, dit niemand sou seermaak nie en as dit 'n medisyne was, dit niemand sou genees nie.Moenie dit afwater nie! Dis God se Woord. Vars … vir jou … vandag. Support the showEnjoying The Content?For the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can enable Christianityworks to reach 10,000+ people with a message about the love of Jesus!DONATE R50 MONTHLY

In this series from 1 Peter, A.W. Tozer preaches from 1 Peter 1:13 and discusses the need for Christians to live a disciplined life. As believers, we must seek after righteousness, faithfulness, and truth … and not live a complacent life as so many do.Note: this message was originally a part of Tozer's series in 1 Peter (study 11).Learn more about the Bravehearted Voices Podcast and how you can be discipled and grow spiritually by visiting braveheartedvoices.com

Pastor Paul Irminger. This series is all about what it means to seek God and walk closely with Him. Each week's message will be clear, practical, and easy to understand. But if you want to go a little deeper, we're also drawing from A.W. Tozer's classic book The Pursuit of God. It's thoughtful and rich, though at times it can feel wordy or theological. If you're up for the challenge, it's a great companion to the series.

This week we take a closer look at Scriptural teaching about the sovereignty of God. This study draws from John MacArthur's book "Our Awesome God" and A.W. Tozer's book "The Knowledge of the Holy". Our Awesome God: https://GTY.org/store/books/452018/our-awesome-god The Knowledge of the Holy: https://ChristianBook.com/9780060684129/pd/7310

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Audio Treasures is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The great god Entertainment Subtitle: Puritan Devotional Speaker: A. W. Tozer Broadcaster: Grace Audio Treasures Event: Devotional Date: 8/22/2025 Bible: 1 John 2:15-16; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Length: 4 min.

You've got to speculate to accumulate. We apply that notion to individuals in pursuit of wealth, but what about countries? The Debt of a Nation: Land and the Financing of the Canadian Settler State, 1820–73 (U of British Columbia Press, 2025) is the first comprehensive history of Canada's nineteenth-century public debt. Beginning in the 1820s, loans gave British North American settler governments access to unprecedented amounts of capital at low interest rates. The credit for such loans derived from colonial appropriation of Indigenous territories, and this process essentially created a market value for stolen land. Dr. Angela Tozer explores the role of public debt financing in the consolidation of the Canadian settler state: Upper Canada's first public debt, issued as securities on the London Stock Exchange; the unique government land tenure of Prince Edward Island and attendant impact on Mi'kmaw homelands; and the purchase of Rupert's Land via a loan. She analyzes how an economic system centred on credit and debt relied on two factors: settlers had to become the risk bearers – though not necessarily the beneficiaries – of loans, and colonial governments had to have the power to appropriate Indigenous territories in order to appear creditworthy. This history of the intimate relationship between public debt and colonization underscores the importance of the appropriation of Indigenous lands to global markets. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

You've got to speculate to accumulate. We apply that notion to individuals in pursuit of wealth, but what about countries? The Debt of a Nation: Land and the Financing of the Canadian Settler State, 1820–73 (U of British Columbia Press, 2025) is the first comprehensive history of Canada's nineteenth-century public debt. Beginning in the 1820s, loans gave British North American settler governments access to unprecedented amounts of capital at low interest rates. The credit for such loans derived from colonial appropriation of Indigenous territories, and this process essentially created a market value for stolen land. Dr. Angela Tozer explores the role of public debt financing in the consolidation of the Canadian settler state: Upper Canada's first public debt, issued as securities on the London Stock Exchange; the unique government land tenure of Prince Edward Island and attendant impact on Mi'kmaw homelands; and the purchase of Rupert's Land via a loan. She analyzes how an economic system centred on credit and debt relied on two factors: settlers had to become the risk bearers – though not necessarily the beneficiaries – of loans, and colonial governments had to have the power to appropriate Indigenous territories in order to appear creditworthy. This history of the intimate relationship between public debt and colonization underscores the importance of the appropriation of Indigenous lands to global markets. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/native-american-studies

You've got to speculate to accumulate. We apply that notion to individuals in pursuit of wealth, but what about countries? The Debt of a Nation: Land and the Financing of the Canadian Settler State, 1820–73 (U of British Columbia Press, 2025) is the first comprehensive history of Canada's nineteenth-century public debt. Beginning in the 1820s, loans gave British North American settler governments access to unprecedented amounts of capital at low interest rates. The credit for such loans derived from colonial appropriation of Indigenous territories, and this process essentially created a market value for stolen land. Dr. Angela Tozer explores the role of public debt financing in the consolidation of the Canadian settler state: Upper Canada's first public debt, issued as securities on the London Stock Exchange; the unique government land tenure of Prince Edward Island and attendant impact on Mi'kmaw homelands; and the purchase of Rupert's Land via a loan. She analyzes how an economic system centred on credit and debt relied on two factors: settlers had to become the risk bearers – though not necessarily the beneficiaries – of loans, and colonial governments had to have the power to appropriate Indigenous territories in order to appear creditworthy. This history of the intimate relationship between public debt and colonization underscores the importance of the appropriation of Indigenous lands to global markets. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

You've got to speculate to accumulate. We apply that notion to individuals in pursuit of wealth, but what about countries? The Debt of a Nation: Land and the Financing of the Canadian Settler State, 1820–73 (U of British Columbia Press, 2025) is the first comprehensive history of Canada's nineteenth-century public debt. Beginning in the 1820s, loans gave British North American settler governments access to unprecedented amounts of capital at low interest rates. The credit for such loans derived from colonial appropriation of Indigenous territories, and this process essentially created a market value for stolen land. Dr. Angela Tozer explores the role of public debt financing in the consolidation of the Canadian settler state: Upper Canada's first public debt, issued as securities on the London Stock Exchange; the unique government land tenure of Prince Edward Island and attendant impact on Mi'kmaw homelands; and the purchase of Rupert's Land via a loan. She analyzes how an economic system centred on credit and debt relied on two factors: settlers had to become the risk bearers – though not necessarily the beneficiaries – of loans, and colonial governments had to have the power to appropriate Indigenous territories in order to appear creditworthy. This history of the intimate relationship between public debt and colonization underscores the importance of the appropriation of Indigenous lands to global markets. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've got to speculate to accumulate. We apply that notion to individuals in pursuit of wealth, but what about countries? The Debt of a Nation: Land and the Financing of the Canadian Settler State, 1820–73 (U of British Columbia Press, 2025) is the first comprehensive history of Canada's nineteenth-century public debt. Beginning in the 1820s, loans gave British North American settler governments access to unprecedented amounts of capital at low interest rates. The credit for such loans derived from colonial appropriation of Indigenous territories, and this process essentially created a market value for stolen land. Dr. Angela Tozer explores the role of public debt financing in the consolidation of the Canadian settler state: Upper Canada's first public debt, issued as securities on the London Stock Exchange; the unique government land tenure of Prince Edward Island and attendant impact on Mi'kmaw homelands; and the purchase of Rupert's Land via a loan. She analyzes how an economic system centred on credit and debt relied on two factors: settlers had to become the risk bearers – though not necessarily the beneficiaries – of loans, and colonial governments had to have the power to appropriate Indigenous territories in order to appear creditworthy. This history of the intimate relationship between public debt and colonization underscores the importance of the appropriation of Indigenous lands to global markets. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/finance

In this series from 1 Peter, A.W. Tozer preaches from 1 Peter 1:9-12 discussing three kinds of truths. As he defines them, one type of Truth is a "curious" (or common) Truth, another is rare, and the last is a remarkably reassuring Truth.Note: this message was originally a part of Tozer's series in 1 Peter (study 10).Learn more about the Bravehearted Voices Podcast and how you can be discipled and grow spiritually by visiting braveheartedvoices.com

Coleton preached from Luke 19:1–10, the story of Zacchaeus, to show how Jesus transforms lives through love, not guilt or fear. Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector despised by others, was radically changed when Jesus chose to stay at his house. His response—giving to the poor and repaying those he wronged—demonstrates how experiencing Christ's love leads to deep transformation. Coleton emphasized that this is how the gospel works: it is God's power to change us, not our willpower or religious effort. Many try to change through fear, guilt, selfishness, or striving for God's approval, but true transformation comes only by experiencing His love. Two Cultures Coleton Wants for C3 Church     1.    A Culture Saturated with the Gospel     •    The gospel reveals God's deep love for us. The more it saturates our hearts and minds, the more it transforms us into people of forgiveness, generosity, and love.     •    This also corrects our distorted views of God. Jesus revealed the Father as merciful, kind, and gracious, not condemning or distant.     •    Practices like communion, confession, discipleship groups, preaching, and worship exist to root us in God's love and remind us that with Him we are safe, forgiven, and deeply loved.     2.    A Culture of Pursuit     •    God invites us to seek Him, and He responds to those who do. Scripture testifies that He rewards those who pursue Him (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33).     •    Pursuit is about encountering God in the present—not just being grateful for salvation in the past or hopeful for heaven in the future. Like the people Jesus healed, we can have present-tense testimonies of how He works in our lives today.     •    Coleton called for building rhythms of prayer, worship, discipleship, and spiritual practices so that seeking God becomes natural. These create space for God's presence, power, and blessing to shape us. Ultimately, Coleton's vision is for C3 to be a church so different from the world that stepping into it feels like culture shock—an environment formed by the gospel and pursuit of God where lives are continually transformed. ⸻ Discipleship Group Discussion Questions 1.    Zacchaeus' life was transformed not by fear or guilt but by experiencing Jesus' love. How have you personally experienced God's love transforming you? 2.    Which of the four “religious motivators” (fear, guilt, selfishness, or trying to earn God's love) do you most struggle with? How does the gospel (how God actually loves you) free you from that? 3.    In what ways has your view of God been distorted in the past? How does Jesus reshape that view? 4. If someone asked you today, “What has Jesus done for you recently?” what story would you be able to share? 5. Pursuing God requires intentional effort. What practices (prayer, Scripture, accountability, worship) help you stay consistent in seeking Him? Where are you struggling to pursue Him right now? 6. How can your group help each other create a “culture of pursuit”—seeking God not just individually but together? ⸻ Quotes from Authors     •    Leon Morris: “The gospel is not advice to people, suggesting that they lift themselves. It is power. It lifts them up. Paul does not say that the gospel brings power, but that it is power.”     •    Greg Boyd: “Despite our sin our creator thinks that we are worth experiencing a hellish death for. It was for the joy of spending eternity with us that Jesus endured the cross. In other words Calvary reveals our unsurpassable worth and significance to God. At the core of our being, this is what we long for.”     •    A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God: “Why do some people ‘find' God in a way that others do not? Why does God manifest His Presence to some and let multitudes of others struggle along in the half-light of imperfect Christian experience? Certainly the will of God is the same for all. He has no favorites. All He has ever done for any of His children He will do for all of His children. The difference lies, not with God, but with us.”     •    Craig Dykstra: “Practices are the nuclear reactors of the Christian faith, arenas where the gospel and human life come together in energizing, explosive ways. Practices create openings in our lives where the grace, mercy, and presence of God may be made known to us.”  

A.W. Tozer said in his book, Knowledge of the Holy, “What comes to mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Matthew 7:7-12 draws our attention to our relationship with God Himself. We will explore what it means to ask, seek, and knock. We will wrestle with the question of why we pray, or whether it is even worth it to pray. We will see that Tozer's observation is true. What we think about God shapes our perspectives and our lives, and impacts how we understand justice and how we relate to others around us. 

Pastor Paul Irminger. This series is all about what it means to seek God and walk closely with Him. Each week's message will be clear, practical, and easy to understand. But if you want to go a little deeper, we're also drawing from A.W. Tozer's classic book The Pursuit of God. It's thoughtful and rich, though at times it can feel wordy or theological. If you're up for the challenge, it's a great companion to the series.

This week we take a closer look at Scriptural teaching about God's omnipotence. This study draws from John MacArthur's book "Our Awesome God" and A.W. Tozer's book "The Knowledge of the Holy". Our Awesome God: https://GTY.org/store/books/452018/our-awesome-god The Knowledge of the Holy: https://ChristianBook.com/9780060684129/pd/7310

Pastor Paul Irminger. This series is all about what it means to seek God and walk closely with Him. Each week's message will be clear, practical, and easy to understand. But if you want to go a little deeper, we're also drawing from A.W. Tozer's classic book The Pursuit of God. It's thoughtful and rich, though at times it can feel wordy or theological. If you're up for the challenge, it's a great companion to the series.

Our Vision is: To see the fame and deeds of God in our time by developing followers of Jesus who are committed to practicing the way of Jesus. This vision is drawn from Habakkuk 3:2 and Matthew 28:18–19—a call to believe God can still act in powerful ways today and to commit to discipleship that actually practices His teachings. ⸻ Reason 1 – We must still believe God can and will act in power today     •    Habakkuk had only heard of God's miracles but prayed to see them in his time.     •    Scripture is filled with examples (Noah, Caleb, Joshua, David, the woman with the issue of blood, Bartimaeus) where belief in God's power preceded experiencing His power.     •    Many Christians stop expecting what they haven't experienced. Their experience becomes the authority rather than Scripture.     •    The more we believe God can work, the more we tend to experience from Him.     •    A.W. Tozer taught that we move toward our mental image of God—if we think He is small, we will live as if He is. ⸻ Reason 2 – God responds to hunger, not apathy     •    Tozer again: Complacency is the deadly foe of spiritual growth—“He waits to be wanted.”     •    Biblical examples (Israel in Egypt, Judges cycle, David's cries, 2 Chronicles 7:14, James 4:8, Matthew 5:6) show that God acts when His people cry out and earnestly seek Him.     •    Hunger means craving, longing for God's presence and work.     •    The lie that “God will do whatever He will do, no matter what” is unbiblical—Scripture calls us to seek Him if we want to experience Him. ⸻ How we pursue this vision – By developing followers of Jesus     •    In Scripture, it was always the committed followers—those who put Jesus' words into practice—who experienced His power.     •    Examples:     •    Peter obeying Jesus to cast nets and catching more fish than he could handle.     •    Lepers healed “as they went.”     •    The early church praying and seeing Peter freed from prison.     •    Stephen, Ananias, Peter—each obeying Jesus and seeing miraculous results.     •    Luke 6:47–49: Those who hear and obey are like houses on rock—secure, strong, and unshaken.     •    Many call themselves Christians without following Jesus, and thus miss experiencing God's power.     •    Jesus calls for disciples, not just “Christians.” Discipleship is not about morality for morality's sake, but about obedience that unlocks God's powerful work.     •    Commands are not rules for being “nice”—they are invitations to experience God's presence and power. ⸻ Call to Response Coleton invited the church to respond in specific ways:     1.    Pray for God's fame and deeds to be repeated today—in healings, conversions, reconciliations, miracles.     2.    Obey any specific word from God—don't delay obedience.     3.    Move from nominal Christianity to true discipleship—repent and follow Jesus fully.     4.    Cultivate hunger for God—because God responds to hunger. ⸻ Men's Discipleship Group Questions     1.    In what areas of your life have you stopped expecting God to move because you haven't experienced Him working there yet?     2.    How does your current “mental image” of God affect the way you pray, act, and take risks for Him?     3.    Men often value results—how can we grow in valuing hunger for God even when results aren't immediate?     4.    What is one concrete step of obedience you believe Jesus is calling you to take this week?     5.    How can we encourage each other to actually practice Jesus' words instead of just talking about them? ⸻ Women's Discipleship Group Questions     1.    Habakkuk prayed, “Repeat Your fame and deeds in our time.” If you prayed that today, what specific things would you ask God to do?     2.    Where in your life has your experience been louder than Scripture in defining what you believe is possible with God?     3.    What does “hungering for God” look like in your season of life right now?     4.    Think of a time you obeyed God despite uncertainty—how did you see Him move through that?     5.    What's one way our group can pray with you for God to “repeat His deeds” in your family, relationships, or community? ⸻ Author Quotes from the Sermon     1.    Abraham Heschel: “Never once in my life did I ask God for success or wisdom or power or fame. I asked for wonder, and he gave it to me.”     2.    A.W. Tozer: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. The gravest question before the Church is always God Himself, and what we, deep in our hearts, conceive God to be like. We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God.”     3.    A.W. Tozer: “I want to deliberately encourage a mighty longing after God. The lack of it has brought the church to our present low estate. The stiff and wooden quality about our spiritual lives is a result of our lack of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted.”

A.W. Tozer said, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.” Jacob was no different. Jacob was a schemer and a deceiver and yet God chose him to be the recipient of His covenant blessing to Abraham and his descendants. But this did not come easy. God…

This week we take a closer look at Scriptural teaching about God's omnipresence. This study draws from John MacArthur's book "Our Awesome God" and A.W. Tozer's book "The Knowledge of the Holy". Our Awesome God: https://GTY.org/store/books/452018/our-awesome-god The Knowledge of the Holy: https://ChristianBook.com/9780060684129/pd/7310

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God.”~John R. Stott (1921-2011), English minister and author “…in the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.”~David Foster Wallace (1962-2008), celebrated American writer “I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman… who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.”~A.W. Tozer (1897-1963), American pastor and author “Grief has limits, whereas apprehension has none. For we grieve only for what we know has happened, but we fear all that possibly may happen.”~Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) “Dump a year's supply of manna into cold storage and, guaranteed, you will forget God until the supply disappears… Do you see how this is exactly what we need? Fears and worries live in the future, trying to assure a good outcome in a potentially hard situation. The last thing they want to do is trust anyone, God included. To thwart this tendency toward independence, God only gives us what we need when we need it. The emerging idea is that he wants us to trust him in the future rather than our self-protective plan.”~Ed Welch, Professor of Practical Theology and author of Running Scared: Fear, Worry and the God of RestSERMON PASSAGEHebrews 12:18-29 (ESV) 18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

This week we take a closer look at Scriptural teaching about God's omniscience. This study draws from John MacArthur's book "Our Awesome God" and A.W. Tozer's book "The Knowledge of the Holy". Our Awesome God: https://GTY.org/store/books/452018/our-awesome-god The Knowledge of the Holy: https://ChristianBook.com/9780060684129/pd/7310

A new MP3 sermon from Mission Africa is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Devotional Thoughts By Charnock, Edwards And Tozer Subtitle: Old Paths Readings Speaker: Jim Robinette Broadcaster: Mission Africa Event: Devotional Date: 7/28/2025 Length: 1 min.

“What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” -A.W. Tozer. So what does come to our minds when we think about God? And what is shaping that understanding? The truth is that if we are looking to God's inspired word for answers, then we know a right understanding of God comes through right relationship with his son, Jesus Christ. So, who is Jesus, really? And what place does he have in our lives? The best place to find answers to these questions is in the eyewitness accounts of Jesus' earthly life and ministry, the Gospels. Over the next 21 days we'll journey through John together, as we seek to better understand who Jesus really is and what that means for our lives today!

This week we take a closer look at Scriptural teaching about the holiness of God. This study draws from John MacArthur's book "Our Awesome God" and A.W. Tozer's book "The Knowledge of the Holy". Our Awesome God: https://GTY.org/store/books/452018/our-awesome-god The Knowledge of the Holy: https://ChristianBook.com/9780060684129/pd/7310

“Señor… oro, pero no te escucho. ¿Qué estoy haciendo mal?”¿Te ha pasado?Ese silencio que incomoda, que duele, que asusta.Y de inmediato, tu mente se llena de dudas, de culpa, de la sensación de que algo en ti debe estar fallando…

Podcast: Light on Life Season Twelve Episode Twenty-Eight. Have you ever wondered how the Holy Spirit can enter a human spirit? You know that's what the Bible says. The Spirit of God will be with you and He will be in you. How can God's spirit be in your spirit? A.W. Tozer offered this explanation. One quality belonging to the Holy Spirit, of […] The post Why the Human Spirit of Man Is the Real You appeared first on emeryhorvath.com. Related posts:

Send us a textStrong Women Strong WorldEsther | Part 4Senior Pastor Keith StewartJuly 20, 2025The book of Esther is one of the most creatively written books in the entire Bible. In fact, you'll be amazed by it. The lead character is female and she's a true hero. Not only does she help to avert a planned holocaust for the Jewish people, this story becomes the basis of the annual Feast of Purim which celebrates God's protection of His people. You'll also see amazing parallels between Esther's story and Jesus' story. Don't miss this next installment in our series, Strong Women, Strong World!____________Discussion Questions 1. Though Esther lived in a time of extreme patriarchy (where the rights of men were far greater than those of women), she was able to rise to a position of influence and use that influence to save the nation. What was true about Esther's day was also the prevailing culture throughout most of the history during which the Bible was written. What other stories of women in Scripture are you aware of who rose to prominence and leadership in spite of the culture of the day? Discuss the ways in which they were used by God. How do their stories inspire you? How are you or the women you know impacted by stories like these?2. Take some time in your group to discuss the following quote, “In the moral conflict now raging around us, whoever is on God's side is on the winning side and cannot lose; whoever is on the other side is on the losing side and cannot win” (A.W. Tozer). 3. God gave Esther a mentor in her uncle Mordecai. How important have mentors been in your own life and development? Have you ever had one? If so, in what arena of life? What was their impact on you? How has that person helped to shape the person you have become? 4. The Bible makes a distinction between time (chronos – which is clocks, days and calendars) and time (kairos – a pregnant moment in time, a pivotal moment in history). Esther's story is a reminder that we are where we are and who we are for a reason. And sometimes, everything seems to align to create an opportunity to exercise our gifting, utilize our influence and invest our talent – a Kairos moment. In reflecting on Esther's Kairos moment, are you aware of other Kairos moments in Scripture, in world history or US history, or in your own personal life? If so, describe what happened and why you think it was a Kairos moment. 5. The book of Esther is written in a very creative style. Pastor Keith talked about this very Jewish way of writing which is most commonly known as chiastic writing. As a group or individual, download both the simplified and detailed chiastic structure of Esther from the online message notes. Notice how each and every negative and dark outcome in the first half of the book is then corrected by a positive and hopeful outcome in the latter portion of the book? What did you learn about this style of writing? Why did Jewish writers use it? How does it help to clarify and amplify the message of Esther? 6. As Pastor Keith wrapped up the message, he focused on some of the parallels between Esther's story and Jesus's story. Can you name the parallels he mentioned and why? Are you aware of any other ways that Esther's story is similar to Jesus' story? If so, what are they? 

There are two quotes that have stuck with me that have helped me over the years: The first is from AW Tozer who said, It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply. The second is from John Bunyan who said, Conversion is not the smooth, easy-going process some men seem to think... It is wounding work, this breaking of the hearts, but without wounding there is no saving... Where there is grafting there will always be a cutting, the graft must be let in with a wound; to stick it onto the outside or to tie it on with a string would be of no use. Heart must be set to heart and back to back or there will be no sap from root to branch. And this, I say, must be done by a wound, by a cut.[1] Throughout the Bible, I see the wisdom of Tozer and Bunyans counsel as it relates to the hard stuff we experience in life. As much as God has used AW Tozer and John Bunyan, the real question is this: What has God said about the trials that will come and do we trust and believe Him enough to turn to Him even when we do not understand how He will work it out of our good? It is to James that we now turn our attention to discover what God has said about it. Gods Will for the Christians Life is to Finish Well Gods will for the life of the Christian is to receive the crown of life. What is the crown of life you ask? Ironically, it is a type of victors crown that the Christian will receive after he/she has died. During the Isthmian games a crown in the form of a wreath would be awarded the victor who finished whatever event a Greek male athlete participated in. Like the Olympics of today, only the best of the best would compete after training harder than anything else in their lives in the hope that they could receive the coveted crown. Borrowing language from the games, Paul wrote of the Christian life: Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified (1 Cor 9:2527). Just before he was executed, Paul wrote to Timothy: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing (2 Tim. 4:7-8). The crown of life is eternal life with Jesus. At first glance, it sounds like James is telling us that in order to receive the crown of life, we have got to dig deep and persevere. This makes our salvation sound like we have to work for our salvation. This is not what James is saying at all, and we know this because of verse 18, which states: In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth... The word of truth is the gospel of Jesus Christ that saves. It is of this gospel that Paul wrote in Romans, For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... (Rom. 1:16). It was because of Gods will that we went from spiritual death to spiritual life, and the evidence that we are now spiritually alive is with the life we are living today. Listen to what Jesus said in John 1:12-13, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God. In John 10:16, Jesus said that the evidence of those who belong to Him is in how they respond to Him: And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd (John 10:16). So here is the rub that is very important that you not only hear me say, but that you take it to heart. The one who perseveres to the end... even under and through various trials, is the one who was truly born again when they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ; it was in the moment that you were born again that you went from being spiritually dead to being alive with Christ! The crown of life is given not based on your merit, but because of your relationship with Jesus. It was His sinless life, His sacrificial death, and His victory over death that secured, secures, and will secure your salvation. The crown of life is awarded on the basis of your relationship with Jesus with the understanding that His merit is all that you need! The crown of life is not given to those who have good intentions, it is not given to those who are religious, it is not given because of some prayer you said, it is not given because you started out well, for it is given because you have been born again! Here is what the apostle John said of those who do not persevere until the end: They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be evident that they all are not of us (1 John 2:19). If you are wondering how you can know that you belong to Jesus and that you are indeed born again, James provides us with four words: ...those who love Him. The evidence that you have been born again besides the fact that you will persevere under trial, is that you love Him. This is why Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed (1 Cor. 16:22). If you have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and have been born again as a result, you will love Jesus... which is evidence that God first loved you (1 John 4:9-19). Now, when it comes to the trials in life (v. 12) and the temptation(s) we all face, what purpose do they serve in the Christian life? James seems to indicate that trials are both allowed and designed by God while temptation comes from within and is used by the devil and his demons. What you cannot see in your English Bible is that the root of the Greek word for trial (peirasmos) and the root for temptation (peirazō) comes from the same Greek root and both words can be translated test or tempt. Trials are Designed by God to Ultimately Bless the Christian (vv. 12-13) So how do we make sense of these verses? Permit me to offer you an alternate translation of verse 13 that I think will open these verses up for you in a way that ought to help. Here is what I think is a better and more helpful way to translate James 1:13, No one is to say when he is tested, I am being tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. How do we know that God does not tempt us? We know because He is a God of love, we know because He is good, and we know because He is holy! Because God is infinitely good, James states in verse 17, Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. Not only is God good, but because He is God, He has not, does not, and will not change. Because God is good, every trial that God brings or allows into your life is designed to strengthen your faith... not destroy your it. This is why James can say in verse 12 that when the trials do come, you can receive them knowing that such trials will ultimately serve for your blessing. How do I know that? For starters, it is the pattern we see with God in the way that He has always dealt with His people. Consider Abraham as one example of how God will use and bring trials into the lives of His people to do the kind of thing that needs to happen in the life of the one who belongs to Him. After Issac was born and old enough to know better, God told Abraham to take his only son and to offer him as a burnt offering (Gen. 22). What was the purpose of the testing? For starters, to show Abraham that his identity was not to be found in the son he and Sarah had longed for and prayed for their entire lives. Did God make Abraham go through with the slaughtering of his only son? Nope. Abraham would have done it, but God stopped him and then said to him: For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me (v. 12). For most of Abrahams life, he struggled to trust God. All throughout Abrahams life God used the various trials in Abraham and Sarahs lives that God brought, allowed, and even the trials Abraham brought upon himself to temper his faith to the point that by the time we come to Genesis 22, he knew he could trust God even when doing so did not make sense, such as Gods instructions to sacrifice Isaac. How do I know this, besides the fact that Abraham was so committed to obeying God that God had to stop him from following through with sacrificing Isaac? Here is how I know: When Abraham, Isaac, and his servants arrived at the mountain where Abraham was to follow through with Gods instructions, Abraham said to his servants something that reveals that something had changed in his heart; here is what he said: Abraham said to his young men, Stay here with the donkey, and I and the boy will go over there; and we will worship and return to you (Gen. 22:5). God told him to sacrifice Isaac, and the reason why Abraham was willing to go through with it was because over the years God was tempering Abrahams faith to the point that he knew God well enough to know that the God who told him to kill his son was both good and able to raise the dead. Abrahams action was the evidence that his faith in God was not just lip service (see Jas. 2:20-23). Temptation to Sin Comes from Within and Is Used by Satan to Destroy the Christian When the trials come, the primary danger we face in such moments is from within. Suffering can serve as a catalyst to deepen your relationship with God, or it can cause you to doubt the wisdom, goodness, and sovereignty of God. To be tempted is not sin, but it is what you do with the temptation. Notice what James says in verses 14-15, But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death (Jas. 1:1415). God does not tempt, but He does test. His testing often comes in the form of trials that serve to temper our faith for the purpose of making it stronger. Sin comes from within us, and whatever forms the temptation is that we are faced gives birth to sin when we are carried away and enticed by our own sin nature. Facing the temptation is not the sin, but giving into the temptation is. James tells us that when temptation comes (and it will), the downward progression leading to the act of sinning begins with a decision that involves both the mind and the heart. Giving into the temptation to sin begins when you decide to dwell on the temptation instead of run from it. The next step is to be carried away and enticed by your own lust (this is when both your heart and mind are lured by your own lust). Our lust comes from the sin nature that is within all of us, and when left unchecked... it gives birth to sin. Robert Plummer put it this way in his commentary on James: ...just as conception leads naturally to childbirth, giving free rein to sinful inclinations naturally results in discrete moral transgressions. Just as water runs downhill, so evil desire, if allowed to pursue its gravitational inclination, runs down into sinful activity.[2] Where does unchecked sin inevitably lead? It leads to death. Listen, most of the temptation we face comes by way of our own doing because of our own lustful desires. The devil is just one person and can only be at one place at a time. His demons are many, but they are also limited by their number and ability. However, Satan is also known as the Tempter for a reason. He is real and he wants to use temptation as a way to destroy your faith. The greater threat you face through is not the devil but your own heart and passions. To follow your passion is horrible advice if it is not tethered to the will of God for your life that you can only know and discern through His word and prayer. Conclusion Every time Abraham trusted his own heart or caved to his own fears, he was carried away and enticed by his own lust. The same can be said about Adam and Eve, the Hebrews in the wilderness, King David, and every other person we read about in the Bible. It wasnt until Abraham trusted in a good and sovereign God to lead him that he experienced the blessing God wanted for him. For Abraham, that blessing did not come when he wanted, but arrived when God knew Abraham was ready for it. All sin comes by way of trusting what you think is right, instead of believing God and trusting Him for what He has declared is right. So, how do we face the trials of life and at the same time resist the temptation to sin? James offers us some help in verses 16-17. Dont be deceived. Instead of trusting in what you desire, trust in the goodness of God and what He had declared to be good. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above... (v. 17a), so trust the One who is good and wants good for you. Focus on Gods unchanging character instead of your desires. James tells us that all that is good comes from, the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow (v. 17b). We change all the time, our emotions ebb and flow, what we think is right one day may change the next day, but God does not change!His character remains the same. Instead of being carried away by your sin, turn to the God who does not change and trust Him. Trust Gods Word. It is because of His word that you have been born again when you heard the gospel. Tony Evens put it this way: For many, the Bible is like the queen of England. Its held in high esteem but wields no power over them personally. What Scripture accomplished for your salvation, though, it can accomplish for your sanctification.[3] When faced by temptation, Jesus used the Word of God to combat the devil; you can and ought to do the same. Know that God loves you. God called you by the word of truth, and He did it because He loves you. According to James 1:18, God gave you a new birth for the purpose of being His first fruits among His creatures. God instructed His people to give the first fruits of their possessions back to Him; for the Hebrew people, the first fruits were the best and first from their harvest. To be Gods first fruits among His creatures means that you are loved and treasured by Him! What He is doing in your life today, is for the purpose of something greater tomorrow that will ultimately lead to your sanctification and then glorification as His son/daughter. His no from His Word is for your good, your joy, and ultimately your thriving. [1] John Piper, The Hidden Smile of God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books; 2001), 65. [2] Robert L. Plummer, James, in HebrewsRevelation, ed. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar, vol. XII, ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018), 234. [3] Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1339.

It's one thing to want to hear God speak. Lots of people do – How can I hear God speak to me is one of the most common questions I'm asked. But half the time, I wonder whether we're not wandering around with our ears shut and our eyes closed. Really!   The Providence of Preaching My enduring memory of being dragged to church when I was a child was the droning of the preacher. I can honestly say he never said one thing; not a single thing back in those days, that impacted my life for good. Perhaps there was one thing – I was so bored this particular Sunday, sitting on these hard wooden pews, as a young lad, that I took the time to learn to wiggle my ears. But that was it! An incredible waste of time when you think about it and really sad because there is something incredible powerful about hearing the Word of God preached and receiving God's wisdom that way. Last week, we kicked off a series of messages about how we can hear God speak. I mean, if God is God and we are meant to have a relationship with Him then, shouldn't we be able to communicate with Him? Of course, we can pray – that's communication in one direction but what about communication back in the other direction? How can you and I actually hear God speaking His will into our lives? As we saw last week God is still speaking today. We have chatted so far about hearing Him speak through His Word, the Bible and during times when we get still before Him in prayer. We are going to chat today about two more ways that we can hear God speak – firstly hearing through His providence of preaching and later through the reading of signs. Humm! Now, the idea of preaching – some guy getting up and speaking about God's Word, teaching what is in the Bible – you know, to many people, it seems pretty old fashioned. And the other problem with it is that there's lots of bad preaching going around as well. I have sat and listened to a lot of people talk about the messages they get from their pastor on a Sunday morning and I have to tell you, in many, many cases, the news is not good. There's a lot of dead preaching out there – people droning on with irrelevant, boring messages. Not everywhere, of course, not every pastor, not every church, but a lot of it. A.W. Tozer in his book “The Pursuit of God” put it this way. He said: It's a solemn thing and no small scandal in the Kingdom of God to see God's children starving while actually seated at the Father's table. Sound Bible exposition is an imperative ‘must' in the church of the living God. Without it no church can be a New Testament church, in any meaning of that term. But exposition can be carried on in such a way as to leave the hearers devoid of any spiritual nourishment whatsoever. For it is not mere words that nourish the soul but God Himself and unless and until the hearers find God in their experience, they are no better for having heard the truth. It's sad but true! Hang on, this is nothing new though! This is how Luke records the reaction of people to Jesus preaching - Luke chapter, verse 31: Jesus went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. And again, in Matthew, listen to what he says. Matthew chapter 7, verse 28: Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. In other words, this stuff that Jesus was talking about was not the sort of preaching and teaching that they had been hearing from their scribes and synagogue leaders and priests and the rest of the religious establishment - in fact, quite to the contrary. Again listen to what Jesus had to say about the teaching of the scribes and the Pharisees – Matthew chapter 23, beginning at verse 2: The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. So, I guess what I am saying is that there is good preaching and bad preaching. Let's call a spade a spade here. Preaching that brings life and sadly, preaching that brings death. And people who sit under dead teaching, well, their faith and their passion for Jesus ebbs away. And little by little, they grow cold – little by little their faith dies and they with it. Does that mean that good preaching is all hyped and motivational and you know, about success and earning a lot of money? No that's not what makes good preaching! Good preaching speaks the things of God into our lives – there's an authority, there's a gravitas – a weight, a power that reaches into our hearts. The people listening to Jesus were amazed because He spoke with authority. They could just pick it. Remember what Jesus said to His disciples when He was telling them how He was the Good Shepherd? John chapter 10, beginning at verse 2: The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear the shepherd's voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run away from the stranger because they do not know the voice of strangers. And then Jesus went on to say: I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. See, when you hear the voice of God through someone preaching, you just know. Friend, seek out the sort of preaching and teaching that you know comes from Jesus – the sort with authority; the sort through which power and grace and truth and love from Jesus ring out. Clear, pure and unmistakable – it's the sort of teaching that God uses to change lives. It's astounding; it's amazing because you can feel God reach out through the speaker into the realities of your own life. Listen to those sorts of teachers and do not sit under dead teaching. Scribes and Pharisees are alive and well in the church today. And there's tired, uninspired, dead preaching to be had in abundance. I don't want to sound critical or self-righteous – that's not what this is about. This is about calling a spade a spade; it's about being honest and direct. How sad it is to sit there and just learn to wiggle your ears, as I did as a lad, and miss out of the Bread of Life. Tozer was right – this is no small scandal. Let me share a story with you. There was a time just before my wife Jacqui and I were married and we were engaged and it seemed that everything was going against us. We were really, really low – both of us. We had a great church and a great pastor and a great teacher but we were low. So we decided to go down the hill one Sunday evening and visit another church – just on a whim. The preacher wasn't the regular pastor whom we knew but a visiting guy from some surfing ministry. He preached on Matthew chapter 14, verses 22 to 33 – the bit where Jesus walks on the water and Peter steps out of the boat in the middle of the storm. As we listened to this message, we looked at one another because we realised that God had put this message and this preacher there for us, to strengthen us and encourage us. Over the coming weeks, we preserved through the challenges we faced with a new courage and it all worked out. And to this day I remember that message, even though it was decades ago now. To this day, when I am facing challenges and my faith is being challenged and I need courage, I go back to that passage. God is still using that message in my life today. Inspired, anointed preaching and teaching is one of the ways we hear from God. It's mighty and it's powerful and God can target issues and needs in our lives so accurately; so precisely. Let me encourage you to find and to receive that sort of teaching and preaching in your life. Not the stuff that necessarily entertains you or tickles your ears or tells you what you want of hear – there is plenty of that stuff out there too and that is leading many people astray. But the sort of preaching that tells God's truth with power and with authority.   Reading the Signs Now, in February 2007, German woman Ewa Wisnierska was competing in an international para-gliding competition in rural New South Wales in Australia. The winds were from the south so she and most of the other competitors headed north. Now there was a thunder storm brewing towards the north but if they could only get through that before it formed, well, they would be well on their way. She could see it happening but the band of clouds and storms hadn't formed fully yet. So there she is, hanging off her para-glider, trying to skirt around a small cloud when all of a sudden the clouds merged in front of her and she found herself in the middle of a powerful thunder storm – rain, hail, lightening and winds. She had misread the signs. Now the problem with clouds for a para-glider is that clouds mean lift. The storm rocketed her upwards at twenty metres per second – up and up. There was nothing she could do to stop it – the updraft was just too powerful. Three thousand metres, four thousand, five thousand, six thousand – now at seven thousand metres we run out of oxygen – no one survives. Seven thousand, eight thousand, nine thousand – almost ten thousand metres; ten kilometres above the earth's surface – frozen, unconscious, in the minus fifty five degrees Celsius, oxygen depleted stratosphere, dangling from her para-glider, she glided there in a slow turn until suddenly, the weight of the ice on her para-glider caused her to plummet several thousand metres. Then, miraculously, the para-glider snapped open again and the jolt woke her up. This was the most extraordinary experience – really a miracle. No one has ever survived something like that. Can you imagine how she felt when she came to – she has been sucked up into this thunderstorm, she is covered in ice, barely able to move, aware that she was in a precarious life and death situation. Still in this storm that could snuff her out, as by the way it had to another experienced competitor from China who had been just a few hundred metres away from her. Even in this barely conscious state though, knowing the mistake that put her in this place; knowing that she only had one chance at survival, now that the storm was weakening and she was more on the edge than in the middle, she did the one thing she knew to do – she put herself in a downward spiral. With everything she could muster, she created this downward spiral and she survived to tell this most extraordinary tale. In fact a week later, she was back in the air with the very same para-glider. I watched her being interviewed – the one thing she said was this, along these lines: "It was a race. We were all trying to win. We saw the storm coming but everyone headed towards it and so I followed them. The thing that I have learned," she said, "was that next time I'll read the signs for myself and make my own decisions about going on or pulling out." Now that ... that is a bit of wisdom that really struck me between the eyes. We are talking this week and the next few weeks too, about hearing God speak. If God is God, how can we hear Him speak? Last week we saw that He speaks through His Word the Bible, and we can rely on that as our bedrock; our foundation. God never contradicts Himself – whatever else we may hear, see or feel – what He says in His Word is the truth and anything that contradicts that, isn't the truth. And we saw that He speaks to us as we spend time in prayer; in thought quietly with Him. And earlier we saw that He speaks to us through anointed and inspired preaching and teaching. What we are going to look at now is "signs". Now God speaks to us through signs as well and one of the things we are taught in His Word is to read the signs. Come with me to Luke chapter 12, beginning at verse 54: Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? Now here, let's get the context right: Jesus is talking to them about the fact that they have got the Son of God right there, under their noses and they just don't get it! But the word "sign or signs" appears over a hundred and eighty times throughout the Bible. Sometimes we are talking ‘miraculous signs' but other times, they are not so much "miraculous" and almost exclusively, these signs – listen to this – are pointing towards God and what He is doing and who He is. That's the whole point of "signs" – they are pointing to something. Jesus, the miracles He did: John in his Gospel refers to them as ‘signs'. Jesus was and is the Word of God; God speaking to us about whom He is and what He is up to in this world. And so often there are signs in our lives – maybe right under our noses, God is pointing us in a direction but either we miss them altogether or we misinterpret them. I wonder how often people look at all that is going on in their lives; the storm clouds are rolling in and they ask themselves, "I wonder what God is up to?" Have you ever been travelling through a situation; something difficult or complex and you don't quite know the whole picture or how it's going to turn out and then all of a sudden there's a flash of lightening over there and a thunder clap that follows but over in a different direction there is a ray of sunshine; of hope? See most of us, we can look up at the sky and see that the weather is changing but we ignore what God is saying to us about what He is up to in the things that are happening around us. So here's what I do: well, if something is a little fuzzy; it's not quite clear, I take the time to quietly get before God. I pray a bit for wisdom and insight and then I just look at the different things that are going on and I think about them prayerfully. "God, that event, what does that mean? Is there anything that You are trying to say to me through that? Or this person, he's being so difficult and what she said, do you mean for me to take notice of those things?" I remember once we were having problems selling one of our houses, when we had already bought another one. Now, it's not something we had done out of hubris, we felt God leading us on to downsize and downscale and so we stepped out in faith – we bought a new house before we had sold the other one. And way before things became difficult, a wise, experienced real estate agent has quipped to me – he said, "I always tell people when they are selling, ‘Don't panic, it will sell eventually.'" Now, I thought nothing of it at the time. When things got tight and difficult and really tight and settlement of the new place was coming up and the old place wasn't selling, time and time again, God brought that passing comment back to me; into my remembrance and spoke to me through it and gave me peace. It might be something you saw in a movie or on television or a thunderbolt or a ray of sunshine – you know sometimes God will give us insight through those things that He is doing. He expects us to read the signs – it says so over and over again in the Bible. Is that like reading tea leaves? No! It's about looking at all the stuff that's going on through God's eyes – getting still and listening to what He is saying to us. So often God is speaking and we aren't even listening. I really encourage you to get still before God. Think about the different things that are going on and ask Him what He is trying to say to you through the signs that you see around you. Ask God for His wisdom and insight. You know, when we go to God, He never holds back; He never withholds wisdom if we ask Him and believe He will give us the wisdom and believe He will give us the insight, you know what – He will give it to us. It's a process of learning to discern what God is saying and when it's Him talking and when it's not. The one thing I always come back to is this: God never contradicts Himself. That's why we can be absolutely certain that anything that contradicts God's Word, in fact, isn't from Him.   Preaching and Practice I often tell people about a man who has had an enormous impact in my life – Phil Littlejohn. He was the pastor of the first church I attended after I became a Christian. Phil was and still is a gifted teacher of God's Word. Week after week I have listened to him preaching and whilst I didn't realise it back then, him faithfully telling me each week what God had to say through His Word, laid the foundations of my faith. It's like a bedrock; solid. I realised that when I stumbled across this passage; something that Jesus said to His disciples – Matthew chapter 7, beginning at verse 24: Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall! That's exactly what was happening when I received God's Word through the preaching from Pastor Phil – it was like building a house whose foundations were on solid ground. The preaching of God's Word, that I received through Phil, was very much God's providence for me. In every sense of the word, it was God sent. And that's why it is such an incredible tragedy for people to waste their time, waste their lives sitting under dead, lifeless, uninspired teaching. With all that I am, let me say this: if that's what you are doing right now in your church, something has to give. Don't keep doing that because instead of laying a foundation of rock; solid, strong – you are building your house on the sand. And here's the point: the preaching thing is not just about learning the theory, it's about have the wherewithal to put it into practice in life because storms come in our lives – they always do. So we need the foundation of God's Word. But then we go out there and we put it into practice. That's why being able to read the signs out there in life, is equally important. I know people who believe in Jesus but they treat preaching like it's some theory lesson. They don't value it highly because they don't ever intend to go out there and – wait for this – put it into practice. But that's exactly what Jesus intends. There's no separation between preaching and signs in His view. Just read how He lived His life, here on earth. The preaching and the practice were one and the same to Him. And the more God's Word becomes a part of us – through our own Bible reading, through the preaching of those whom God has sent to us to teach us His Word, the more His Word becomes part of our DNA like that, the more we see the world through His eyes; from His perspective. Rather than from our own selfish, worldly perspective and the more we will be able to read the signs, to hear His voice, to figure out His will for our lives. It is exactly what the Apostle Paul writes in Romans chapter 12, verse 2: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. In other words, as God's Word takes root in us, we are changed because we change our minds and that is when we become able to discern the good and acceptable and perfect will of God for our lives. It's not just theory – it's theory and practice. It's hearing God's Word and taking that – let it become part of us and go and do it and live it. Preaching and practice, preaching and practice, preaching and practice, over and over and over again and before we know it, we are hearing God so clearly ... so clearly, it is just an awesome thing. Friend, I want to encourage you again – get in your Bible, spend time with God, reading His Word, prayerfully thinking through it, praying. Go and get good teaching – good, solid, inspired, anointed, God-given Bible teaching and then take those things and put them into practice in your life and my friend, they will bear fruit a hundred fold.

This week we take a closer look at the Scriptural teaching about the faithfulness of God. This study draws from John MacArthur's book "Our Awesome God" and A.W. Tozer's book "The Knowledge of the Holy". Our Awesome God: https://GTY.org/store/books/452018/our-awesome-god The Knowledge of the Holy: https://ChristianBook.com/9780060684129/pd/7310

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie chats again with Drew Tozer, author of Feel Good Homes and Partner at Foundry Heat Pumps, and Expert Advisor at Building Decarbonization Alliance and Jouleia. They talk about why right-sizing HVAC systems is so important and how old rules of thumb often lead to discomfort. Drew explains how load calculations, better filters, and smart installs can improve comfort, air quality, and energy use. They also touch on heat pump myths, hybrid systems, and why teaching both homeowners and techs can lead to better results and fewer system issues. Drew Tozer talks about why many homes feel uncomfortable, drafty rooms, poor airflow, and wrong system sizes. He explains that heat pumps, when chosen and installed right, fix these issues and help save energy. Drew also highlights how indoor air quality is often ignored and why better filters should be standard, not upgrades. Gary shares stories of past installs that prove doing the math and using load calcs lead to better results. They agree that homeowners and techs both need clear info to make smarter choices and keep systems running well for years. Drew explains that many homes stay cold or drafty because the HVAC system isn't sized or installed correctly. Like putting on the right shoes, using load calcs helps pick the best heat pump for comfort. He says square footage isn't enough; you need to know how the house works. Gary shares how better filters, return drops, and smart installs stop airflow issues and dirt build-up. They both say systems should be sized with care, not guesswork, so homes stay comfy, air stays clean, and systems last longer without costly breakdowns. Expect to Learn: Why load calcs matter more than home size when picking HVAC. How better filters and duct design improve air and comfort. Why most homeowners don't replace filters often enough. How heat pumps work well without gas or high upkeep. Why simple changes can make HVAC last longer and run better. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Part 02 with Drew Tozer [01:45] - Why homeowners get confused by mixed HVAC quotes [03:33] - Right-sizing improves comfort in cold rooms [05:04] - Why square footage doesn't equal HVAC sizing [08:41] - Indoor air quality and the role of HVAC filters [11:35] - Why 4-5 inch filters should be standard now [15:35] - Better filter cabinets mean less maintenance [20:27] - Drew's free book and its easy-read format [22:22] - Why install quality matters more than equipment brand

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Drew Tozer, an energy advisor and Partner at Foundry Heat Pumps, and Expert Advisor at Building Decarbonization Alliance and Jouleia, about heat pump systems and how to make homes more comfortable. They discuss common problems like hot and cold rooms, the myths around heat pumps, and why right-sizing equipment matters. Drew explains how heat pumps have improved and how to pick the best one based on home size, ductwork, and local climate. They also cover hybrid setups, electric backups, and simple tips to avoid overworking systems and keep indoor air comfy and efficient. Drew Tozer explains how many homes have rooms that are too hot or too cold because of wrong HVAC sizing. He shares why heat pumps are a smart fix when sized right and how older myths make people avoid them. Drew says most homes don't need gas backup and that hybrid systems help when ductwork or power panels are limited. Gary shares job stories showing how right sizing and good planning improve comfort. They both agree that knowing a home's needs and choosing the right system can lower costs, save energy, and keep homes more comfortable year-round. Here, Drew explains how many HVAC systems are too big for the home, which causes hot and cold spots and short run times. Like using the right shoe size, right-sizing heat pumps helps keep comfort steady. He says heat pumps now work well even in cold places, and hybrid setups help when ductwork or power is limited. Gary shares how proper installs and load checks made big comfort changes. They remind techs that smaller, well-planned systems run better, save energy, and avoid problems like noise, bad airflow, and early breakdowns. Expect to Learn: Why do many homes have hot and cold rooms year-round? How oversized HVAC systems cause poor comfort and airflow. Why modern heat pumps often don't need a gas backup. How hybrid systems help when ducts or power are limited. Why right-sizing saves energy and makes homes feel better. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Drew Tozer in Part 01 [02:07] - Modern Heat Pumps Don't Need Gas Backup [04:49] - Why load calculations are key for heat pumps [05:45] - Hybrid setups for duct and power limitations [09:25] - Oversized cooling and moisture issues explained [11:37] - Real loads vs. guessed loads in HVAC installs [13:32] - Choosing the best size heat pump for ductwork [16:58] - Panel upgrades vs. staying with gas backup [19:39] - Fixing hot/cold rooms with the right equipment sizing

"Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame" (1 Co 15:33–35).In this sermon, Caleb warns against deception, using the 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast to illustrate how easily people can be misled. Historical examples like Nazi propaganda, Mao's Great Leap Forward, and Rwandan radio lies show the devastating consequences of believing falsehoods. The sermon emphasizes that what we believe shapes our thoughts, actions, and worship, drawing from A.W. Tozer's insight that our view of God is paramount. Paul's three imperatives guide believers to avoid deception: keep good company, as bad influences corrupt morals; be sober-minded, rejecting false teaching to live righteously; and know God deeply, as ignorance of Him leads to spiritual drift. The resurrection anchors this call to clarity, urging listeners to align their lives with gospel truth. The sermon closes with an invitation to the Lord's Table, encouraging reflection on Christ's historical and personal resurrection, which empowers believers to resist deception and live faithfully.

What do A.W. Tozer, global missions, and church planting have in common? They're all part of the story of the Christian & Missionary Alliance. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany unpack the history, theology, and leadership structure of the CMA denomination. They explore the Alliance's roots in 19th-century revivalism, the influence of A.B. Simpson, and why CMA churches are often more recognizable by their mission than by their name.

Pastor Jeff Cranston continues his conversation with Pastor Jason of Crossway Church as they dive deeper into what makes the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination distinct. They explore how the Alliance approaches communion and baptism, what a typical Sunday service looks like, and how its leadership structure supports both local autonomy and global mission.