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Pastor Jordan continues The Truth War message series by examining atheism and agnosticism through Paul's message in Athens. Discover how every worldview must answer life's biggest questions – origin, purpose, morality, and destiny – and why the gospel gives the only foundation strong enough to hold them all.
Gospel of Mark: 29. Help My Unbelief (Mark 9:14–29)What do you do when faith feels fragile?When Jesus comes down from the mountain, He encounters a desperate father whose son is suffering and whose hope is running out. Caught between belief and doubt, the father cries out with one of the most honest prayers in Scripture: "I believe; help my unbelief!"This week we'll discover that Jesus is not intimidated by our questions, doubts, or struggles. The story reminds us that faith is not the absence of uncertainty—it is bringing our uncertainty to Jesus. If you've ever wrestled with disappointment, unanswered prayers, or a faith that feels weak, this message is for you.
Because there are demonic deceivers who pervert a living faith in Christ with a dead man-centered asceticism, we must consciously embrace a life of God-glorifying gratitude that keeps our joy focused on Him. I. Be Warned: There Are Deceivers and There Are People Who Fall Away from Christ v 1 II. Beware: There are Human Deceivers Working Hard to Separate You from Faith in Christ vv 2-3 III. Be Grateful! A Shared Gladness in God Defends Us Against the Deadening Power of Unbelief vv 4-5
Cielita Blum spoke at Covenant Connection on Sunday, July 19, 2026. "Have You Examined Yourself" Click here to download the notes and listen to the audio: https://covenantconnection.sermon.net/22541834 You can subscribe / follow the podcast for the sermons: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d4d96426-8560-4524-b21b-ac5f62d8db06/covenant-connection Notes from today's sermon: ### Sermon Title "Have We Examined Ourselves?" ### Core Message Cielita taught that God has already provided healing through Jesus, but believers may fail to receive healing because of spiritual, emotional, or behavioral barriers in their own lives. The sermon repeatedly emphasized examining oneself, identifying obstacles, and aligning with God's truth. ### Key Scripture Themes • 2 Timothy 2:11-13 – God remains faithful even when people are unfaithful. • Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 8:17, 1 Peter 2:24 – Healing was provided through Christ's sacrifice. • James 5:14-15 – Prayer, faith, and anointing with oil. • Galatians 3:13 – Christ redeemed believers from the curse. • Isaiah 1:19 – Blessings associated with willingness and obedience. ### Main Teaching Points #### 1. God Is Faithful The message opened with the idea that God's faithfulness does not depend on human perfection. Even when believers fail, God remains committed to His covenant promises. #### 2. Healing Is Already Provided Cielita emphasized that healing is part of what Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection. Healing was described as available physically, emotionally, and spiritually. #### 3. Ways People Receive Healing Several biblical avenues for healing were discussed: • Faith in God's promises • Communion • Laying on of hands and prayer • Gifts of healing • Miracles • Growing understanding of Scripture #### 4. Self-Sabotaging Behaviors Can Become Obstacles A major portion of the sermon focused on what she called self-sabotage: • Procrastination • Perfectionism • Negative self-talk • Low self-worth • Avoidance • Harmful coping mechanisms • Limiting beliefs Her argument was that these patterns can hinder believers from fully receiving what God has provided. #### 5. Spiritual and Emotional Barriers She identified several issues that she believes may interfere with healing: • Unbelief • Hidden sin • Unforgiveness • Lack of biblical knowledge • Misunderstanding God's promises • Misinformation or false teaching • Disobedience • Unresolved personal issues Throughout this section she repeatedly encouraged listeners to examine their hearts, repent where necessary, and renew their minds through Scripture. #### 6. Importance of Knowing God's Word Personally A recurring theme was that believers need firsthand knowledge of God through: • Prayer • Scripture study • Personal experience with God • Guidance of the Holy Spirit She warned against simply accepting teachings because they are frequently repeated and encouraged verifying beliefs through Scripture. #### 7. The Role of Obedience The sermon stressed that obedience keeps believers aligned with God's purposes and blessings. She used the concept of covenant relationship—remaining close to God through trust and obedience. ### Overall Conclusion Cielita's central conclusion was: > Before blaming circumstances, believers should honestly examine their hearts, attitudes, beliefs, habits, and unresolved issues. By addressing anything that stands in opposition to God's truth, they place themselves in a better position to receive the blessings, healing, and spiritual growth that God desires for them. ### One-Sentence Executive Summary The sermon argued that while God's healing and blessings have already been provided through Christ, believers should regularly examine their lives for unbelief, unforgiveness, hidden sin, misinformation, or other self-imposed barriers that may prevent them from fully walking in those promises.
This sermon is preached by Pastor Bogdan Kipko, Senior and Founding Pastor of Forward Church. We hope you are encouraged by the message from God's Word, and we are thrilled to help you find hope in Jesus.For more information about Forward Church, please visit: www.forward.fmTo listen to all audio messages from Forward Church, please visit: www.forwardchurchpodcast.comTo support Forward Church financially, please visit: https://bit.ly/fwdchurchFollow Pastor Kipko on Instagram: www.instagram.com/kipkoWatch all sermons from Forward Church on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kipkoTo get in touch with Forward Church or to request Pastor Bogdan Kipko to speak at your church or event, please send an email to: admin@forward.fm If you are visiting Southern California, we would love to have you come and enjoy the Sunday Service at Forward Church!
The early Israelites, that first generation could not enter the promise land, they could not enter God's rest because of unbelief. Today we learn why unbelief is so devastating and powerful.
Jesus said in the last days lukewarness would abound. The love of many would be weak and there would be a great falling away. Far too many Christians are letting themseves be circumstance controlled. Here are some helps for weak faith.
Belief and Unbelief - Mark 9:14-29 Reggie Osborne II Download 2026-07-05
Hello friends! The latest episode episode of Controversies in Church History is a replay of what was originally a patron-only episode for patrons on Patreon, which I now make available to everyone. In it, I take a look at a work of history written nearly a hundred years ago, The Problem of Unbelief in the Sixteenth Century, by Lucien Febvre, a French historian who published his book during the dark days of World War II. In this book, he tries to explain why modern atheism was impossible for people in the sixteenth century writer, focusing on the poet Francois Rabelais, a Franciscan friar famed for his skepticism. I take a look at Febvre's work in this episode, and try to explain why it is a topic that is important for Catholics to understand. Cheers!
Send us Fan MailDr. Randy Davis, Pastor of Zion Word Church USA, brings a message to the church about overcoming unbelief and to believe that God has given us authority over demons and give us power to cast them out. To hear more inspiring messages by Dr. Randy Davis visit and subscribe to:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zwmiusaTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@zwmiusaPodcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/40604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zion_word/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionwordministriesint
Discover the power of honest faith in this transformative study of Mark 9:14-29. Jesus meets a desperate father whose son is possessed by an evil spirit, and the father cries out one of Scripture's most authentic prayers: "I do believe; help my unbelief!" This episode explores what it means to have faith mixed with doubt, to believe and struggle at the same time. Learn why Jesus doesn't demand perfect certainty but welcomes radical honesty about our fears, disappointments, and questions. Through contemplative meditation and vulnerable reflection, discover how to bring your mixed faith—your belief tangled with unbelief—directly to Jesus without pretense or spiritual performance. Find freedom in admitting that you want to believe but are struggling, and experience how Jesus meets us not with judgment, but with healing power. This episode will transform how you pray and how you understand what real faith actually looks like.
When Jesus Doesn't Make Sense - Matthew 14:22-33
“The Rest of Faith and Peril of Unbelief” - a lesson that explores the biblical concept of spiritual rest found in Christ, contrasting it with the peril of unbelief illustrated by the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. Music: “Where Our Jehovah's Known (Psalm 135).” Lyrics by Isaac Watts. Arranged by Toby Logsdon. Performed by “Theotronica!” Copyright ©TobyLogsdon, 2026
This sermon explores the biblical concept of spiritual rest found in Christ, contrasting it with the peril of unbelief illustrated by the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. Drawing primarily from Hebrews chapters 3 and 4, the message warns against hardening hearts through anxiety, self-reliance, and a works-based righteousness. It emphasizes that true faith is a persevering trust in Jesus alone, which grants believers present peace and eternal security. The preacher urges the congregation to examine their own hearts daily, encourage one another in love, and fix their hope solely on Christ's completed work rather than worldly pursuits or legalistic observance.
In this sermon Gareth explores how worry and anxiety often reveal a deeper issue beneath the surface: unbelief. Through Israel's wilderness journey and Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6, we are challenged to consider what we truly believe about God's character, faithfulness, and fatherly care. Rather than allowing fear and anxiety to harden our hearts, we are invited to trust the God who has proven Himself faithful time and time again. This message calls us to resist unbelief, remember God's goodness, and find freedom through renewed faith in Him
Raised: When Jesus Calls the Dead to Life – John 11:27–57 In Episode 141 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore one of the most powerful miracles in all of Scripture—the raising of Lazarus in John 11:27–57. As grief, doubt, hope, and faith collide, Jesus declares Himself to be “the resurrection and the life” before calling Lazarus from the tomb. Together, they unpack what this miracle reveals about the heart of God, the power of belief, and how Jesus often works in ways that stretch our faith beyond what we can see. This chapter is not only about a man being raised from the dead—it's about a Savior who brings life into every place that feels hopeless, buried, or beyond redemption. If you've ever wondered whether God can still move in what feels impossible, this conversation is a reminder that Jesus specializes in resurrection. What area of my life feels beyond hope—and am I willing to believe that Jesus still brings dead things back to life?____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams
We're not just a church. We're a Family.Our Vision is clear, simple, and unique. Our vision is Jesus in you. Our vision is for the people of God to have a faith that holds them. The kind of faith that vanquishes doubt, verifies identity, and voraciously contends for inner peace. A faith that removes the past, clarifies the present, and breathes life into the future. Our vision is the Kingdom of God built within the people of this obscure, yet mighty generation. A kingdom so great that its purpose destroys the common lack of self worth. A kingdom that sharpens the eyes, tenses the muscles, and readies itself for the battle against darkness. A Kingdom that brings purpose and healing to those who have failed more than succeeded, who are sinners more than saints, and who have known more pain than pleasure. Our vision is to challenge the weak and unproductive church of our day. To step beyond those who are religiously immature and search out those who for their love for Christ cannot be offended. Our hope is to raise warriors instead of those who think God only exists to keep bad things from happening. To raise those who know that following Christ means suffering loss yet gaining all things. Our vision is clear, simple, and unique…. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
When What You Have Isn't Enough - Matthew 14:13-21
Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Falls Baptist Church
One of the most obvious facts of life is that every person has a will, and the great issue of life is whether our will is yielded to God or ruled by our own heart (lust, pride, and desires). Jesus said, "not my will, but thine be done," and we must likewise surrender our heart, mind, and will to the Lord, trusting His Truth above our feelings, excuses, and self-deception. We learn that the struggle within us is often between a heart that wants its own way and a mind that knows the truth, and if we follow our heart instead of yielding to God, it will result in guilt, fear, bondage, and destruction. Unbelief is a matter of the heart – not the mind. A sound mind has no trouble believing, it is the heart that is the problem: "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10)
Study session scripture: Romans 9:30-10:13What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness[d] did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Brothers,my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?'” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”Study session topics:Israel's Rejection of God's Promises Israel's Unbelief (9:30-10:4) As with last time, we begin with "What shall we say then?" Points back to Paul's discussion of God's promises to Israel What follows is Paul's summation of what he laid out in Ch. 9 Paul lays out a grand irony between the Jews and Gentiles: Gentiles, on the whole, neither possessed nor pursued God's law, but they have been given an opportunity to receive God's righteousness by faith Jews, on the whole, possessed and pursued God's law for generations, yet that pursuit has not yielded the righteousness that leads to life Why did Israel fail to obtain righteousness through the law? They failed to use the law for its intended purpose: as a mirror to reveal their wickedness and point to a savior Instead, they attempted to use the law to increase their own righteousness As a result, they stumbled over the purpose of the Messiah and His teachings Paul diagnoses the issue of the Jews as being zealous for God, but being wrong about what God requires -If the Jews understood the law and its purpose rightly, they would look to Christ, "the end of the law for righteousness." What does "end" mean? Fulfillment -Culmination -TerminationGod's Message of Salvation to All (10:5-13) Paul again contrasts righteousness based on the law with righteousness based on faith He quotes Leviticus 18:5, a verse he also uses in a similar way in Galatians 3:10-14 The way of the law and the way of faith are mutually exclusive Using several Old Testament references, Paul lays out 3 different types of religion: The religion of the law (10:5) This is the religion of legalism, which Paul refuted in Ch. 7 No one can perfectly keep the law all their life The law was never meant to be a means of salvation The religion of signs (10:6-7) Here Paul references Deuteronomy 30:11-14 and recontextualizes it to refer to Christ's work, laying out several different meanings for Israel and Christians: Neither Israel nor Christians need any further word from God Neither Israel nor Christians need to do anything to bring the Messiah to them Neither Israel nor Christians should look for miracles The religion of faith (10:8-10) -This is a religion of belief and confession Belief: not mere intellectual assent, but trust, resting your hope for the future on Christ's work -Confession: several elements here "Jesus is Lord"--placing oneself under the kingship of Christ Confession with one's mouth is done before others--publicly identifying oneself with ChristConfession with one's mouth is how we share our faith with others Paul ties this passage back into his greater point on Israel's unbelief and rejection of God's promises "Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame" refers back to 9:38 where Paul assembles several quotes from Isaiah, all of which refer to the Messiah and come together to show both the promise of salvation and Israel's rejection of itPaul continues to hammer downs the walls between Jew and Gentile by restating what he said in 3:29-30 and universalizing Joel 2:32Study session audio: S4 E25: Romans 9:30-10:13 Download
The Delay, The Death, and The Resurrection Life - John 11:1-26 In Episode 141 - When Jesus hears that His close friend Lazarus is sick, He doesn't rush to his side—He waits. In this episode, we unpack the tension of John 11:1-26. Why does God sometimes seem slow to answer our pain? We'll look at the heartbreak of Mary and Martha, the raw humanity of Jesus, and the staggering moment He redefines reality by declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life." If you're sitting in a season of waiting or wondering if God has forgotten you, this episode is a powerful reminder that His delays are never denials. Where in your life right now does it feel like Jesus is arriving 'too late'—and how does knowing He delayed on purpose with Lazarus change how you view that waiting room? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams
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When a Leader Does Not Believe - Matthew 14:1-12
Mark 9:13-29 14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” ESV LESSON NOTES Raphael's sixteenth-century oil painting brilliantly merges two contrasting biblical scenes into one canvas: the radiant Transfiguration at the top and a dark, chaotic struggle at the bottom. This artistic choice reflects our daily reality, where the "good" and the "hard" are often crammed into the very same portrait of life. Faith requires recognizing that Jesus is both willing and able. While the leper in Mark 1 questioned Jesus's willingness ("if you are willing"), the father in Mark 9 questioned His ability ("if you can"). True reliance trusts both His infinite compassion to care and His absolute power to act. Every single person at the base of the mountain—the disciples, the crowd, and the teachers of the law—was struggling with faith. The father of the boy was simply the only one honest enough to admit his unbelief out loud, showing that bringing our questions to God is a healthy, biblical practice. Prayer and fasting are not transactional tools used to gain leverage or build personal holiness. Rather, they are relational practices designed to make us intentionally helpless, shifting our reliance away from our own understanding and entirely onto God. "Helplessness, not holiness, is the way to access the presence of God." Timothy Keller DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Icebreaker: Have you ever had a "mountaintop moment"—a time when God felt especially close or life felt especially meaningful—followed immediately by a difficult challenge or disappointment? What was that experience like? 1. The father cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" Why do you think this prayer has resonated with Christians for centuries? What makes it so relatable? 2. Do you more often question God's willingness to help or His ability to help? Why do you think that is? 3. Prayer and fasting are relational rather than transactional. What is the difference between using spiritual disciplines to get something from God and using them to grow closer to God? 4. If faith is fundamentally reliance on Jesus, what is one practical area of your life this week where you need to rely less on yourself and more on Him?
Not only are spiritual gifts a work of God's free grace in our lives, but so also is the very faith with which we use those gifts.
My Sheep Know My Voice: The Good Shepherd Continued – John 10:22–42 In Episode 140 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane continue their journey through John 10 as Jesus boldly reveals His identity during the Feast of Dedication. In John 10:22–42, Jesus declares that His sheep hear His voice, He knows them, and no one can snatch them from His hand. As opposition intensifies, Jesus continues to point people to the evidence of His works and His unity with the Father. This passage is a powerful reminder of the security, assurance, and intimacy believers have in Christ. Together, Jamie and Jane explore what it means to recognize the Shepherd's voice, trust His leadership, and rest in the confidence that we belong to Him. Whether you're struggling with doubt, seeking direction, or longing for deeper intimacy with God, this conversation will encourage you to listen closely to the voice of the One who calls you by name. Am I listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd—or allowing other voices to shape my identity and direction? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams
When Jesus returns to Nazareth, He is met not with faith but with cynicism. The people most familiar with Him are unable to receive Him for who He truly is and miss what God wants to do among them. In the same way, unbelief can keep us from experiencing the fullness of God's work in our lives. From Mark 6:1–6.
This week, Jake and Bob are joined by Fr. John Horn, co-founder of the Institute for Priestly Formation, to begin a series on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They discuss the connection between our wounded image of God and sin, revealing how many of our repeated struggles are rooted in lies about our identity in the Father's love. Fr. John also shares how Confession can become more than just listing sins, why we should embrace our interior poverty, and the danger of scrupulosity. Key Points: Unforgiveness is one of the greatest barriers to restoration. Many people remain trapped after confession because they continue holding unforgiveness toward themselves. God does not despise our wounds; He desires to love us directly within them. Much of habitual sin is driven by deeper lies and false beliefs about God, ourselves, and others. Spiritual poverty is the very place that attracts God's mercy. Confession becomes transformative when we examine not only the outward sin, but the beliefs underneath it. Our image of God is often shaped by early relational wounds and experiences with parents or authority figures. God is not reluctantly forgiving us; He rejoices over us and fights for our healing and freedom. Resources: Institute for Priestly Formation Episode 131: Forgiveness and Spiritual Renewal w/ Fr. John Horn "....Not enough that the arrow has been extracted from the body, the wound, which it inflicted, must also be healed. So with regard to the soul. Not enough that the sin has been pardoned. The wound which it left must also be healed." (St. John Chrysostom) Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:21 Healing is Found Through Forgiveness 09:10 The Wound Left Behind by Sin 16:01 Why So Many Catholics Avoid Confession 24:29 Sin Begins with Unbelief 33:56 Scrupulosity and Self-Forgiveness 37:40 How Our Image of God Becomes Wounded 58:51 Practical Ways to Prepare for Confession Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!
How is your faith doing? Do you ever feel like echoing the cry of the father in Mark 9 and saying to Jesus, "I believe, but help my unbelief!" This week, guest speaker and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22, Joby Martin, walks us through this passage to remind us of the boldness that comes with faith in the Lord.