Podcasts about umc

When suffering shakes our world and the answers feel far away, we need a hope to cling to. In this sermon, Pastor Stephen addresses the hardest questions and helps us discover a God who doesn't stay distant, but steps in to redeem what's been broken.

When suffering shakes our world and the answers feel far away, we need a hope to cling to. In this sermon, Pastor Stephen addresses the hardest questions and helps us discover a God who doesn't stay distant, but steps in to redeem what's been broken.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from 1 Kings chapter 19. #sermons #inspiration #motivationShould I Stay or Should I Go? - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr. https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Episode HighlightsThe queer theology anthem that happened to be Jesus' favorite song lyricJesus' street pageantry entering Jerusalem parodying the imperial occupation;Merch tables in the part of the temple dedicated to hosting outsiders;Jesus' mounting sense of his looming lynching;Jesus' GTFO clapbacks;and much moreOur guest co-host is Naphtali Renshaw (she/they). Naphtali is the director of the BeLonging Space, a United Methodist ministry which resources faith communities to support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-led liberation groups as acts of solidarity and reparations, including as de-escalators at Pride events. They are also the on-site support for the Maxwell Community Hub, a UMC building reimagined for neighborliness and queer liberation.https://www.facebook.com/naphtali.renshawhttps://thebelongingspace.org/...Read LIT online: https://www.litbible.net/matthew-21 and https://www.litbible.net/matthew-22More about the Liberation & Inclusion Translation: https://www.litbible.net/translation-commitmentsSupport LIT & FIT: https://donorbox.org/found-in-translation-1...Opportunity Walks by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from 1st Kings chapter 19. #sermons #inspiration #motivationIt's Not Just You - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr. https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

What message are we actually meant to share as followers of Jesus? This week, Pastor Allie explore what the Gospel really is—and what it's not. From televangelist altar calls to “just be a good person” Christianity, we've heard a lot of versions. Some emphasize heaven, others justice, blessing, or behavior. But Jesus had something deeper in mind: a whole new kind of life. Join us as we rediscover the good news Jesus actually preached—and what it means for those we influence today.

What message are we actually meant to share as followers of Jesus? This week, Pastor Allie explore what the Gospel really is—and what it's not. From televangelist altar calls to “just be a good person” Christianity, we've heard a lot of versions. Some emphasize heaven, others justice, blessing, or behavior. But Jesus had something deeper in mind: a whole new kind of life. Join us as we rediscover the good news Jesus actually preached—and what it means for those we influence today.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from John chapter 16. #sermons #inspiration #motivationTrinity Sunday - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr. https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

What if the thing holding you back from influencing others for Jesus…isn't your ability—but the voice you've been listening to? The false gospel of fear silences your voice, shrinks your calling, and keeps you from living as the salt and light Jesus calls you to be. It's a counterfeit message—fed by so many other false gospels like performance, perfectionism, shame, and self-reliance—that twists the freedom of Christ into fear-based striving. In week 2 of our Influencer series, Pastor Michele speaks on the power of Gospel-rooted influence and the freedom found in listening to the voice of Christ.

What if the thing holding you back from influencing others for Jesus…isn't your ability—but the voice you've been listening to? The false gospel of fear silences your voice, shrinks your calling, and keeps you from living as the salt and light Jesus calls you to be. It's a counterfeit message—fed by so many other false gospels like performance, perfectionism, shame, and self-reliance—that twists the freedom of Christ into fear-based striving. In week 2 of our Influencer series, Pastor Michele speaks on the power of Gospel-rooted influence and the freedom found in listening to the voice of Christ.

This special episode was recorded at the mid-year symposium of the International Society of Pharmacovigilance (ISoP), 14–15 May 2025. Held in Uppsala, Sweden, the theme of the symposium was Improving information capture for safer use of medicines. The episode is an abridged recording of the concluding fireside chat, where Angela Caro Rojas (president of ISoP), Linda Härmark (director of the Drug Safety Research Unit in the UK), Ghita Benabdallah (national pharmacovigilance centre of Morocco, member of the IsoP advisory board), and Daniele Sartori (senior pharmacovigilance researcher at Uppsala Monitoring Centre), discuss patient engagement in pharmacovigilance.The symposium was a collaboration between ISoP and UMC. Want to know more?Visit the official website of the 2025 ISoP Mid-Year Symposium to learn more about its sessions, speakers and chairs. Not patient but im-patient – read about Sara Riggare's research on patient engagement and other topics.Listen to Henry Zakumumpa talk about his study on adverse event reporting quality in Uganda in this 2025 episode of Drug Safety Matters.Read about the PhD project of Tommy Emil Dzus, Improving causality assessment in pharmacovigilance for safe and sustainable use of medicines in health emergencies, at Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway.Sabine Koch is Head of the Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics (LIME), at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm.Details on Mikael Hoffman's research can be found on his profile page on ResearchGate.Take a look at what's in store for participants at the 24th Annual Meeting of ISoP in Cairo, on October 24–27, 2025.Visit the websites of the Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU), ISoP, Centre Anti Poison et Pharmacovigilance du Maroc, and Uppsala Monitoring Centre, to find out more about their work. Join the conversation on social mediaFollow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or Bluesky and share your thoughts about the show with the hashtag #DrugSafetyMatters.Got a story to share?We're always looking for new content and interesting people to interview. If you have a great idea for a show, get in touch!About UMCRead more about Uppsala Monitoring Centre and how we work to advance medicines safety.

About The RenewingThere's a way the world teaches us to live—fast, anxious, disconnected. And there's another way. The Renewing is a podcast about resisting what deforms us and returning to what makes us whole. Inspired by Romans 12:2, it's a space to question the patterns we've inherited—hustle, disconnection, exhaustion—and imagine what healing might look like instead. Through honest conversations and deep listening, host Brent Levy explores the sacred, slow work of renewal—for ourselves, our communities, and the world.This EpisodeWhat happens when the faith you inherited no longer fits, yet something sacred still lingers? In this episode, Brent sits down with writer and creative Lauren Cibene, whose debut book, Tiger in a Lifeboat, explores deconstruction, travel, and the slow, surprising reconstruction that follows. Together, they discuss what it means to witness rather than persuade, how grief and unlearning are essential parts of healing, and why the red letters of Jesus keep drawing Lauren back.You'll hear about the holiness of hospitality, the healing power of presence, and the sacred invitation to trust yourself again. If you're navigating a spiritual shift, tender with your past, or just longing to see God in unexpected places, this conversation is for you.Learn more about Lauren here, check out her Substack here, and find her on Instagram here. Get her book, Tiger in a Lifeboat on Amazon, Bookshop, or Audible.The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Choosing an attitude of victimhood, especially seeing everything through the lens of race, leaves a person as, or more, poisoned than one who is a nasty racist bigot. A Bexar County-Court-At-Law judge is claiming that the only reason another Democrat is planning to run against her in next year's Democratic Primary, is due to her being black. It's as nasty to impute racism into someone else with no evidence for such as it is to be racist.And then there is this other bit showing today's Texas Democratic Party is a friend and promoter of perversion and communism: Texas Democrats Elect Socialist, “Pan-sexual” Vice-Chairman for Finance.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Threats at the Texas Capitol on Saturday are said, by Governor Abbott, to have come from an armed man who was on Capitol grounds. KXAN reports on who sources say is the now arrested man.Lubbock County budget talks show the same old thing: County Judge Curtis Parrish wants more raises for himself and other officials than do commissioners and, Sheriff Rowe wants tons more money and personnel. However, something missed is this: Why doesn't UMC pick up the tab for the deputies? It has massive cash reserves and huge earnings. (Congrats to the AJ for actually having a meaningful news story – it happens rarely these days.)Election integrity stories that blend together: Key Election Security Efforts Met Resistance in the Texas House Attorney General Ken Paxton Opens Investigations into 33 Noncitizens for Illegally Voting in the 2024 Election MyPillow's Mike Lindell found liable for defamation, ordered to pay $2.3 million FBI gives Congress intel on alleged Chinese plot to create fake mail-in ballots in 2020 – “…in fact, another agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, had intercepted nearly 20,000 fake licenses around the time the intelligence came in a possible corroboration of the report, officials said.” Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

AlabamaCongressman Aderholt decries the recent killing of 100 Christians in NigeriaSen. Tuberville says moving FBI training to Redstone Arsenal is a "no brainer"ADEM as new director, Edward Poolos, after Lance Lefleur retired on May 1stthe AL conference for UMC has voted to close down 26 churches in regionProtests were held over weekend, state lawmaker Orr says its all stagedState Sen. Larry Stutts talks about fallout from Covid with trust in expertsNationalPresident Trump and Army military parade went well in Washington DCNo Kings protests result in bystander being shot and killed by securityManhunt in MN ends for gunman who killed state lawmaker and husbandRand Paul says he will be a YES vote on BBB if the debt ceiling is addressedTrump says retaliation from Iran will be bad mistake for themThe exiled Crown prince of Iran pushes for people to overthrow the regime

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on Revelation chapter 22. #sermons #inspiration #motivationThe Reward for Waiting - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.  https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from Romans chapter 8. #sermons #inspiration #motivationThe Answer to Doom and Gloom - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.  https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnieSubscribe to my YouTube Channel and Like my Facebook page!Hit the

DateJune 15, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore how genuine hope emerges not just from knowing stories of faith, but from actively living them out. Through the lens of the Road to Emmaus narrative, we discover how participatory hope—showing up and embodying God's presence in the world—transforms our "we had hoped" moments into encounters with the living Christ. Drawing on experiences as a hospital chaplain and weaving together contemporary challenges with ancient wisdom, we examine how the Spirit opens our eyes to recognize Christ's presence in our midst, especially in moments of deep disappointment.Scripture references: Luke 24:13-35, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 27:13ReferencesScripture: Luke 24:13–35About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

We often think influence is for people with platforms, microphones, expertise, or a verified badge. But Jesus had something else in mind. In this sermon on Matthew 5:13-16, Pastor Allie talks about what it means to be salt and light in a world that feels overwhelming—and how your everyday presence might be the very thing God uses to make a difference.

In deze speciale aflevering van BNR Beter hoor je het Nationaal Zorgdebat 2025, georganiseerd door BNR en Zorgvisie. Presentatrice Nina van den Dungen leidt het gesprek tussen vier kopstukken uit de zorg, verdeeld over drie thema's. Deelnemers aan het debat: Conny Helder, voormalig minister voor Langdurige Zorg en Sport (VVD) Georgette Fijneman, bestuursvoorzitter bij het zorgverzekeraar Zilveren Kruis Carina Hilders, bestuursvoorzitter van het UMC Utrecht Leonard Witkamp, zorgondernemer en oprichter van het digitale ziekenhuis Ksyos Personeelstekort & ZorginfarctTerwijl er nu al ongeveer 60.000 openstaande zorgvacatures zijn en de FNV voor 2034 zelfs 265.000 onvervulde plekken voorziet, lopen teams op de werkvloer “harder dan ooit”. Oud-minister Conny Helder waarschuwt dat “het zorginfarct écht al begonnen is”, zeker in sectoren als ouderenzorg en huisartsenpraktijken. Tegelijkertijd slurpt administratie nog steeds tot 50 procent van de werktijd op, zo erkent UMC-voorzitter Carina Hilders. De centrale vraag: hoe winnen we mensen terug voor het vak én geven we zorgprofessionals weer ademruimte? Innovatie“Innovatie volgt het hart, opschaling volgt het geld,” stelt zorgondernemer Leonard Witkamp. Zijn ‘digitale ziekenhuis’ laat zien dat veel van de routinematige zorg prima online, thuis of onder supervisie op afstand kan plaatsvinden. Toch stranden veel goede pilots omdat structurele financiering en uniforme data-uitwisseling ontbreken. Wie durft het oude systeem veilig, sociaal verantwoord af te breken zodat technologische én organisatorische innovaties écht kunnen opschalen? Het prioriteitenlijstje voor de nieuwe zorgministerMet de val van het kabinet, moet een nieuw bewindspersoon op het ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport de boel gaan straktrekken. Een Aanvullend Zorgakkoord was bijna ondertekend, maar wat kan er nog gedaan worden met de afspraken die al op tafel lagen? En welke punten moeten bovenaan de agenda van de nieuwe zorgminister komen? Het Nationaal Zorgdebat is een coproductie van BNR en Zorgvisie, mede mogelijk gemaakt door Philips. Redactie door Stijn Goossens, met dank aan Jan Peterson en Pierre de Winter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like curious kids asking “But why?”, we all wonder what's really behind God's commands. Are they just rules to restrict us, or is there something more going on? In this sermon, Pastor Stephen invites us to wrestle with the heart behind God's guardrails, and what they reveal about the life we're meant to live.

"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/Dating got you down? Does the idea of dating scare you? Or maybe you've been dating all the wrong people? Lavender Dating offers coaching for women dating women, helping you overcome mental blocks surrounding the dating experience. Book a free connection call with dating coach Barbara Rowlandson and let's talk about how to get you to a place of authentic connection in love and relationship! https://calendly.com/lavender-dating-team/connection-call-with-barbTW: Religious traumaQueer author, poet, and storyteller Rebecca Wilson is this week's guest, and hers is a story of rejection, rising up, and finding belonging. Rebecca, an ex-minister in the Methodist church, found herself in the center of a storm when the New York Times posted her photo, her expression belying the heartbreak she felt when the United Methodist Church (UMC) voted at a special session of the general council to strengthen a ban of LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings. Consequently, the UMC have lost 5,800 churches through disaffiliation. After the photo was published Rebecca found herself in a position as a lightning rod for hate and ultimately left the UMC ministry. In this impactful conversation with host Anne-Marie Zanzal, Rebecca shares her story of courage, transformation, and the quest for self-acceptance in the face of adversity. Her journey of healing through her writing project, 10 Camels, is a reminder of the power of storytelling.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/Dating got you down? Does the idea of dating scare you? Or maybe you've been dating all the wrong people? Lavender Dating offers coaching for women dating women, helping you overcome mental blocks surrounding the dating experience. Book a free connection call with dating coach Barbara Rowlandson and let's talk about how to get you to a place of authentic connection in love and relationship! https://calendly.com/lavender-dating-team/connection-call-with-barbTW: Religious traumaQueer author, poet, and storyteller Rebecca Wilson is this week's guest, and hers is a story of rejection, rising up, and finding belonging. Rebecca, an ex-minister in the Methodist church, found herself in the center of a storm when the New York Times posted her photo, her expression belying the heartbreak she felt when the United Methodist Church (UMC) voted at a special session of the general council to strengthen a ban of LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings. Consequently, the UMC have lost 5,800 churches through disaffiliation. After the photo was published Rebecca found herself in a position as a lightning rod for hate and ultimately left the UMC ministry. In this impactful conversation with host Anne-Marie Zanzal, Rebecca shares her story of courage, transformation, and the quest for self-acceptance in the face of adversity. Her journey of healing through her writing project, 10 Camels, is a reminder of the power of storytelling.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from Acts chapter 16. #sermons #inspiration #motivationBeyond the Stained Glass - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.  https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

DateJune 1, 2025SynopsisThis week, we welcome special guest preacher Mallory Wyckoff, who first leads us in an imaginative exercise with scripture, inviting us to step into the story and feel its weight. We then explore how Jesus meets us in our deepest weariness and transforms the emptiest of places into spaces of abundance. Join us as we discover the power of trust in the deep places of our lives, where Jesus weaves nets of liberation and hope.ReferencesScripture: Luke 5:1-11About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

We all know the danger of distracted driving. But what if distraction is quietly wrecking more than our commutes? In a world where our attention is constantly under siege and where screens demand more of us than we realize, it's time to ask: What is all of this doing to our souls? In this sermon, Pastor Stephen explore the hidden cost of technology and what it might take to get our lives back.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from Revelation 21.#sermons #inspiration #motivationNew City Planning - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr. https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

DateMay 25, 2025SynopsisThis week, Rajeev Tiwari and Brent Levy respond to your questions in a special Ask Us Anything Sunday.ReferencesScripture: [Genesis 32:22-31](https://www.bible.com/bible/3523/GEN.32.22-31)About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

We chase financial independence thinking it will make us free, but it only leaves us more dependent on our money and the false promises it makes. In this sermon, Pastor Stephen shows how Jesus offers a better kind of freedom, one built on trust, not control.

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we're joined by Bishop Ande Emmanuel, the resident bishop of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria. In a conversation that is both sobering and urgent, Bishop Emmanuel sheds light on the escalating tensions between UMC and GMC members in Nigeria—tensions that have led to violence, misinformation, and even the tragic loss of life.He addresses head-on the false narratives being circulated by the Global Methodist Church and offers a clear-eyed perspective on what's truly happening on the ground. This episode is a call for truth, accountability, and prayer for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who continue to serve faithfully in the face of division and danger.We invite you to listen with open hearts and minds—and to pray for peace, unity, and healing.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from Isaiah 66.#sermons #inspiration #motivationA Mother's Comfort - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr. https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Relationships are beautiful- and complicated. Without clear boundaries, we risk exhaustion, resentment or isolation. In this message, Pastor Allie explores what Scripture says about relational guardrails that help us love others well without losing ourselves. Because godly relationships don't mean carrying everything- just what is ours to carry. 

Segment 1 • A man claims to be a fig tree—seriously. • New identities like “plantkin” and “botanakin” are gaining traction. • Don't mock the confused—show compassion and call out the doctors enabling delusion. Segment 2 • A UMC “pastor” dressed as a fig tree but butchers Luke 13. • Twisting Scripture to affirm fruitless living is spiritual malpractice. • Her “sermon” includes anti-capitalist rants and vague “giving to the earth” theology. Segment 3 • Dr. Greg Gifford's new book Lies My Therapist Told Me tackles the mental health crisis. • The use of SSRIs has skyrocketed—45 million Americans are on them. • School shootings spiked post-Columbine—what changed? Segment 4 • PBS gets defunded—could Planned Parenthood be next? • Shocking: minors are being fast-tracked to hormone treatments through virtual clinics. • Planned Parenthood still receives $700 million in taxpayer funding—why? – Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme – Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

AlabamaDOGE cutting $7.7M in federal grant money for 4 AL UniversitiesA cybersecurity event affected state systems, no citizen data accessedGov. Ivey signs 2 bill re: immigration, elections and non citizens votingPhillip Wiedmeyer appointed as Birmingham Water Works Board member2 judges rule against the UMC and in favor of two south Alabama churchesLt. Gov. Ainsworth confirms he has no desire to run for an open senate seatNationalPresident Trump heads to Middle East, Franklin Graham calls for prayerDual US/Israeli citizen Edan Alexander is freed from Hamas captivityFederal judge rules for Trump admin. and IRS data on criminal illegal aliensFederal judge denies petition from CIA official getting fired by John RatcliffeActing US attorney in NJ now investigating the melee at ICE facility2 groups are calling on the FDA to do another study on abortion drug safety 

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from John chapter 21.#sermons #inspiration #motivationEmpty Net Syndrome - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr. https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

DateMay 11, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we confront the deep human longing to be seen and explore how Jesus transforms our understanding of belonging. When biological families fall short or relationships fracture, Christ offers a radical alternative: a chosen family built not on bloodlines but on the courage to show up with vulnerability and love. Through locked doors and doubt, Jesus demonstrates that true peace comes not from avoiding pain, but from meeting each other in our woundedness.ReferencesScripture: John 20:19–31 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

No one plans to burn out — but without time guardrails, that's exactly where we're headed. In the sermon, Pastor Stephen explores the oldest and most ignored guardrail in scripture and how reclaiming God's rhythm for our time might just save our lives.

In this week's episode, we dive deep into the legendary story of Scarface — both the iconic Al Pacino film and the real-life criminal empire of Al Capone that inspired it. With gripping narration and historical insights from Weird History and The History Channel, we unravel the bloody rise of one of America's most infamous gangsters and the legacy of violence, power, and cultural impact he left behind.We bring the intensity to a new level with a metal version of “Gangster's Paradise” performed by UMC, capturing the raw emotion and chaos of the underworld Scarface ruled. Whether you're a true crime junkie, a metalhead, or just someone who loves cinematic legend, this episode blends storytelling, history, and heavy riffs like never before.

Top headlines for Thursday, May 8, 2025In this episode, we explore the United States Supreme Court's decision allowing the Trump administration to proceed with a ban on transgender individuals serving openly in the military, discussing its implications and reactions. Next, we turn our attention to Belgium, where lawmakers are debating potential changes to the country's euthanasia law, which has been in place for two decades. Finally, we conclude with the latest from the Vatican, where the first ballot of the papal conclave concluded without a new pope being elected, as signaled by the traditional black smoke from the Sistine Chapel. 00:11 Supreme Court lets Trump admin. enforce trans military ban00:59 UMC says regional bodies can still ban gay marriage02:04 205 child sex abuse offenders charged in nationwide crackdown03:00 Colorado bill allowing churches to build housing on property dies03:50 Belgium lawmakers consider significant euthanasia law expansion04:53 Linda McMahon demands 'common-sense reforms' from Harvard05:48 No pope elected in first conclave vote as black smoke emergesSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsSupreme Court lets Trump admin. enforce trans military ban | Politics205 child sex abuse offenders charged in nationwide crackdown | U.S.Colorado bill allowing churches to build housing on property dies | PoliticsUMC says regional bodies can still ban gay marriage | Church & MinistriesBelgium lawmakers consider significant euthanasia law expansion | WorldLinda McMahon demands 'common-sense reforms' from Harvard | EducationNo pope elected in first conclave vote as black smoke emerges | Church & Ministries

Send us a textPastor Johnnie Simpson preaches a message from Acts Chapter 5. #sermons #inspiration #motivationWhat Storms Can Show Us - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr. https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

DateMay 4, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we deconstruct the "happily ever after" myth and explore how meaningful relationships are built through intentional practice. Drawing from biblical wisdom and contemporary research, we examine five essential building blocks for stronger marriages: equal partnership, committed presence, cultivated closeness, practiced forgiveness, and shared mission. These elements form the architecture of not just thriving marriages, but all relationships that embody Christ's transformative love in our world.ReferencesScripture: 1 Corinthians 13What's HappeningAs the summer approaches, we could use your help on Sunday mornings! Find joy and deeper connection by serving to help make our gatherings happen. Learn more and sign up here.Your old bikes could become a needed lifeline through The Re:Cycle Project. Donate your old bike in any condition, or get involved here.About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

No one plans to crash—but in this sermon, Pastor Stephen shows why so many do, and how guardrails can keep your life from going off the edge.

Top headlines for Friday, May 2, 2025In this episode, we explore the recent legal actions taken by a coalition of churches against the Trump administration's decision to allow immigration raids within houses of worship, highlighting the tension between state and sacred spaces. Next, we discuss a pivotal ruling by the United Methodist Church's highest court affirming pastors' authority to decide on officiating same-sex weddings, marking a significant moment for church governance and LGBTQ+ inclusion. In other religious news, we examine the Southern Baptist Convention's contrasting trends of declining membership yet growing worship attendance and baptisms, offering insights into the evolving landscape of faith communities. Finally, we hear from actor Jeremy Renner, who shares his courageous journey of recovery following a traumatic snowplow accident earlier this year.00:11 Churches sue Trump admin. over ICE raids in houses of worship01:05 UMC top court says church trustees can't stop gay weddings02:05 SBC membership declines, but baptisms on the rise: report03:19 1 in 10 women suffer adverse health effects from abortion pill04:13 Police arrest Christians violently assaulted in Hindu mob attack05:20 Arkansas to provide $2M in funding to pro-life pregnancy centers06:16 Jeremy Renner describes moment he died after tragic accidentSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsChurches sue Trump admin. over ICE raids in houses of worship | U.S.UMC top court says church trustees can't stop gay weddings | Church & MinistriesSBC membership declines, but baptisms on the rise: report | Church & Ministries1 in 10 women suffer adverse health effects from abortion pill | PoliticsPolice arrest Christians violently assaulted in Hindu mob attack | WorldArkansas to provide $2M in funding to pro-life pregnancy centers | PoliticsJeremy Renner describes moment he died after tragic accident | Entertainment

Send us a textWe're back with another great question! Rev. Andy Stoddard joins Susan and Alex to explore, "Did God really create the world in seven days?" ABOUT ANDY: Andy Stoddard is the Lead Pastor at St. Matthew's UMC in Madison, MS.  He has served churches across Mississippi. Andy is a 1998 graduate of Mississippi College and a 2003 graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary.  He is married to Holly and together they have two children, Sarah (a junior at Southern Miss) and Thomas (a senior at Germantown High School in Madison).  Andy enjoys watching his kids perform, rooting for the San Francisco Giants, and reading —especially C.S. Lewis, Tim Keller, and (of course) John Wesley.   If you are on social media, you can become his friend on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rev.andys or read his blog at www.revandy.org.  Thanks for listening to the Embodied Holiness Podcast. We invite you to join the community on Facebook and Instagram @embodiedholiness. You can find all our episodes and more at www.embodiedholiness.com. Embodied Holiness is a ministry of Parkway Heights United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. If you're in the Hattiesburg area and are looking for a church home, we'd love to meet you and welcome you to the family. You can find out more about Parkway Heights at our website.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie Simpson preaches a message from John chapter 20. #sermons #inspiration #motivationA Grave Situation - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr. https://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://twitter.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.net/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

DateApril 27, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we kick off "We Just Click: God's Design for Meaningful Relationships," a post-Easter series exploring how authentic connections can transform our lives and world. Pastor Brent unpacks how Jesus spent his "bonus time" after resurrection not on tasks or teachings, but on being present with others—showing us that connection isn't just nice, it's necessary. He reveals four powerful ways relationships transform us: they combat loneliness, bring joy, provide support, and create space to practice love in ways that draw us closer to God's heart.ReferencesScripture: Genesis 2:15–25About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

In a world where we subscribe and unsubscribe at will, we are being formed into people who struggle to commit to anything beyond ourselves. In this sermon, Pastor Stephen reminds us that the church was never meant to be just another option — it was meant to be a people committed to something greater than themselves, something powerful enough to change the world.

We are gearing up for a special event - People Like Me - a two-day immersive retreat focused on building intercultural competency, strengthening inclusive leadership, and helping churches reflect the rich diversity of their communities. Led by our very own, Rev. Katrena King, our Conference's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist, the retreat offers tools like the Intercultural Development Inventory, also known as the IDI - it will also include space for authentic storytelling, which will be done in a very unique way – and workshops on everything from tough conversations to vision casting. And that brings us to our guest. Samuel Rodriguez is the Director of Congregational Development for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. For over 27 years, he's been helping churches plant, grow, and thrive—especially in multicultural and multi-ethnic contexts. He will be the special guest at People Like Me. Join us for a conversation about why events like People Like Me matter—and how the future of the Church depends on the kind of work he and Katrena will be doing in Woodworth.   

DateApril 20, 2025SynopsisOn this Easter Sunday, we explore how resurrection hope spreads not through arguments or explanations, but through personal encounter. Beginning in darkness with Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, we discover that Easter's power lies in the moment hope becomes tangible and personal—when Jesus calls our name. This isn't just ancient history; it's an invitation to recognize resurrection breaking into our own lives and share that transformative hope with others. Like Mary's simple testimony "I have seen the Lord," our encounters with new life are meant to be shared, creating a chain reaction of hope that continues to this day.ReferencesScripture: John 20:1-18About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateApril 13, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore pride—not as confidence or dignity, but as our stubborn refusal to embrace our human limitations. Through the lens of Palm Sunday, we discover how pride manifests in our desperate attempts to appear self-sufficient, invulnerable, and in control. The sermon weaves together baseball statistics, "scruffy hospitality," and the revolutionary context of palm branches to illuminate a powerful truth: our healing begins precisely when we stop pretending to be superhuman and embrace our beautiful, messy creatureliness. The final installment in the "Glitch" series examining the Seven Deadly Sins.ReferencesScripture: John 12:12–16About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Segment 1 • Church news: PCUSA and UMC are cutting staff, while SBC is also in decline. • Growing churches focus on biblical truth, not entertainment or worldly influences. • The Bible permits us to draw distinctions—don't settle for a worldly religion. Segment 2 • Bethel Church's influence is part of a broader intellectual regression. • Martin Luther's The Bondage of the Will offers timeless wisdom on salvation. • Franklin Graham's work in Ethiopia shows that real ministry still matters. Segment 3 • Bethel Church promotes the prosperity gospel, but true wealth is in Christ alone. • Money isn't the best thing God offers; Jesus offers something far better. • Sin may look enticing, but choosing it is settling for the lessor thing. Segment 4 • Dr. Jason Lisle in studio—don't miss this opportunity to learn from him. • We need a serious reevaluation of the death penalty in America. • The crime rate is worse than we realize—look to Ireland for the latest concern. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!