Podcasts about unbelievers

Title: All Things in Christ Text: Ephesians 1:7-10 FCF: We often struggle praising God for the enormity of His redemption plan. Prop: Because The Father has crafted and revealed a cosmic redemption plan for all creation in Christ, we must praise the Father. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Ephesians chapter 1. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 7 and going to verse 10. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week, we discussed the first of God's Spiritual blessings He blessed us with. God predetermined to make a family for Himself by adopting as sons those whom He chooses to put into Christ, His firstborn Son, and to share all the promises of that covenant. God did this according to His good will to us and in His love and so that we would praise Him for His abounding grace. But before we move on from this, I want to adjust the temperature level on last week's sermon. It was clearly put forward as a sermon that would be confrontational. I knew that going in. I think I did my best to defend my interpretation of the scriptures. However, I do want to submit two things to you. First, if you aren't convinced or if you don't quite see it my way yet – that's ok. We can grow together in this. And even if we never see eye to eye. That's ok too, as long as we pursue peace and fellowship regardless. Second, I did make a point that seemed to say that disagreeing with me would be disagreeing with God. However, I want to add nuance to that. My intention was to keep us from spending all our time debating the topic rather than praising God for His work in salvation. And my intention with that comment specifically was to try to help those who might initially disagree with what was said, not to dismiss everything in the sermon and even to entertain the possibility that they could be wrong. With that being said, thankfully, the sermon today, I think, will be much less confrontational. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: All wise and knowing Father, You have declared the end from the beginning. You have determined what you will do and you will bring it to pass. Never has such a doctrine affected us so, as to the established plan and decree of redemption. You have set out a marvelous and mysterious plan to redeem and forgive sins. And at the center of this plan, You have foreordained Your Son to be its head. Glorious and all gracious Father, may we as Your people praise You today for the grace you have lavished on us in this cosmic plan for reconciliation. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “No creature that deserved redemption would need to be redeemed.” C.S. Lewis “The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.” C.H. Spurgeon [Slide 3] “If I had the wisdom of Solomon, the patience of Job, the meekness of Moses, the strength of Samson, the obedience of Abraham, the compassion of Joseph, the tears of Jeremiah, the poetic skill of David, the prophetic voice of Elijah, the courage of Daniel, the greatness of John the Baptist, and the endurance of Paul, I would still need redemption through Christ's blood, the forgiveness of sin.” R.I. Wheeler [Slide 4] “There can be no thought of “cheap” forgiveness when we remember that our redemption cost God the life of His beloved Son.” Geoffrey B. Wilson May these words help prepare our minds for the exposition of the text this morning. I.) The Father's riches of grace secured our redemption through Christ's atonement, so we must praise the Father. a. [Slide 5] 7 - In Him i. The section we are beginning in this doxological eulogy has not quite turned to Christ just yet. Paul is still talking about God the Father. ii. However, rather than seeing what the Father HAS blessed us with in the past, now Paul turns to what the Father is blessing us with in the present. iii. The preposition “in” again is referring to a location. iv. But the pronoun “him” must be referring to Jesus based on the context. v. Once again Paul is relaying to us the Spiritual benefits The Father gives us by uniting us to Christ. vi. So, what other Spiritual benefits has The Father blessed us with? b. [Slide 6] we have redemption through His blood, i. Let's begin with the preposition through. It is describing to us the means or the path by which we have this next benefit. ii. It is by the means of Christ's blood, which is certainly talking about His sacrificial atoning death on the cross, which has secured for us this benefit. iii. Much like we see the sacrifices in the Old Testament being the means God used to cover or pass over the sins of His people. However, our benefit is not a covering or a passing over… iv. The benefit is redemption. v. Before we define redemption, it is important to see that this particular benefit is not something that God did in the past for us. Rather this particular benefit is something we HAVE. Present tense. The Greek present tense emphasizes the action happening at the time of writing and usually implies a continuous effect. vi. So, what does it mean we have redemption in Christ? vii. Redemption is a legal term indicating that we have been released, delivered, or ransomed. viii. Depending on the context we could see either a simple deliverance from bondage or the paying of a ransom price in order to secure that redemption. ix. Since both are taught in scripture, I think you can land on either side, but we should not see Christ's blood as the payment itself. x. If it were, Paul would have said “with” His blood and not “through” His blood. xi. His blood is a metaphor for the payment for sin, which is death. And the payment of that ransom was not paid to Satan, but was rather the cost of freeing us from our bondage to sin and Satan. xii. Sin and Satan trapped us because we were estranged to God. Christ's death brought peace with God and release from Sin and Satan. xiii. This is made even more clear in the next statement. c. [Slide 7] the forgiveness of our transgressions, i. This phrase is called appositional. What that means it that it serves to rename or re-word what was previously stated. ii. What is our redemption through His blood? iii. It is forgiveness of our transgressions. iv. We should not see forgiveness as if our transgressions are simply forgotten or ignored. Forgiveness is more of a financial term here, where the debts are paid by someone else. v. It has the idea of a formal release or pardon. vi. The reason for the release or pardon is because someone paid the debt we owed. Namely, Christ. Therefore, since the payment has been made, we are free to go. vii. But what caused our debt? viii. It is our transgressions. ix. Transgressions here is the idea of a wrongdoing, a false step, an offense, or a blunder. x. Paul uses this term and others to describe sin in general. There may be subtle nuances between the different words Paul uses, but we see him use words almost interchangeably in similar constructions throughout the New Testament. xi. Christ's atonement and sacrificial death on the cross specifically redeems and forgives us of the debt we had accrued toward God because of our sins. xii. Paul says elsewhere that the wages of sin is death. Therefore, the deliverance or the ransom paid to God for our sins against Him is to God to cancel our debt and free us. xiii. Christ's death secured our deliverance. xiv. Why would God do this? d. [Slide 8] according to the riches of His grace i. According to here is once again showing us the source of all that has been done. ii. What source led to Christ's sacrifice to redeem and forgive us for our sins? iii. It is none other than the riches of His grace. iv. “His” here is difficult to determine. We are a good way away from Paul talking about God the Father. v. We could see this as the Triune God, although that would be even more “out of left field.” vi. The most recent subject would have been Jesus Christ. vii. Certainly, Jesus can show riches in grace. viii. However, contextually, since Paul has not quite finished praising the Father, it seems better to see this as the grace of the Father. ix. And so, God the Father's uniting us to Christ in His atonement as the means to forgive and release us from our sin debt, flows out of His abundant grace toward us. x. And so once again, it comes back to the grace of the Father. His powerful favor He gives to us, His people, enabling us to do what we could never do for ourselves. e. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: Paul's primary point is to turn to the here and now. What Spiritual benefits do we have presently from the Father? In this, Paul reveals that out of the riches of grace of the Father, He has secured our redemption and forgiveness through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ, His Son. God has given His powerful favor to do what we could not do and atone for our sins and secure our pardon. God has released us from sin and death by providing the atonement and payment for our sins. Is there any other response that a believer can offer to this, than praising God? Transition: [Slide 10 (blank)] But providing to us a redemption is not the only Spiritual blessing the Father has given in His grace that we enjoy today. What else has God's grace done for us? II.) The Father's abounding grace has made known to us His redemption plan in Christ, so we must praise the Father. a. [Slide 11] 8 - which He caused to abound to us i. Still speaking of the Father's grace, Paul continues on his quest to show how praiseworthy God is for His blessing us. ii. Literally the Greek text says, “Which abounded to us” iii. Because this is a little weird sounding in English, many translations including the LSB add a word to try to help. “Which He made to abound”, or “which He richly poured,” or as here “caused to abound.” iv. All of this is an attempt to bring the thought over to English readers. v. But we get the idea, mostly because Paul has already talked about how God has lavished His grace on us. vi. However, the way in which He has done so is different here as he continues. b. [Slide 12] in all wisdom and insight, i. Scholars are fairly divided over how to read this. There are basically three ideas. 1. First, that God sourced our redemption in His grace which He abounded to us with His wisdom and insight. Meaning that this provides the motive or the manner in which God gave us grace and redemption. a. God is most certainly all wise and discerning. b. His plan of redemption reflects masterful planning and execution that certainly baffles the minds of men and angels. c. This is an attractive option because it refers back to what He has already said about the predestination, election, and redemption of His people. d. However, I'm not fully convinced that Paul is talking about that necessarily. 2. A second idea goes forward, in that God's wisdom and insight has made known to us the mystery of His will. a. This would mean that God uses his divine wisdom and discernment by making known to us what His cosmic plans are. b. This is an attractive option because this is more or less what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus in verse 15-22 of chapter 1. c. However, I'm not fully convinced of this one either. 3. A third option is that these are actually further Spiritual benefits to those whom God has redeemed. a. This would mean that God has actually given wisdom and insight to us in order that we would know and understand God's eternal purpose in redemption. b. And also, that we would know and understand God future plans for our redemption. c. This has the advantage of looking back and forward in the context of Ephesians. d. This is the interpretation that I will preach from, but know that the others are fully biblical views as well. ii. God the Father's grace was given in abundance to us in that He has given us wisdom, which is the use of knowledge and experience. iii. His grace has also given us insight, which is our capacity for rational thought, inference, or discernment. iv. But it is not simply these gifts, because in some ways He has given these things to all men as image bearers. v. Instead, these gifts are especially abounded in grace so that we would know, experience, and understand what He makes known to us… c. [Slide 13] 9 - making known to us the mystery of His will, i. Making known is another circumstantial participle which conveys to us that this making known is related to God's causing of grace to abound to us. ii. In other words, it is directly connected to His grace given. iii. In His abounding grace He has given us wisdom and insight by making known to us the mystery. iv. Mystery refers to a divine secret or secret doctrine. v. Today, we would be very wary of “secret doctrines” because the scriptural canon has been closed and we believe that the fullest revelation of God's Word to us is in Jesus Christ. vi. But Paul writes of that very thing happening. That Christ came and revealed doctrines that were veiled in the Old Testament that are now unveiled. vii. But what is the mystery of God's will? viii. Scholars almost unanimously agree that this points us back to God's plan to save His people. ix. Paul is again referencing what he has discussed in verses 3-8. x. This mystery which was not fully known, has been made known to us. xi. God's grace abounded to us, giving us wisdom and insight to understand this divine mystery of God adopting us and choosing us in Christ, redeeming and forgiving our sins through Christ's atonement. xii. The only reason we even learn about God's plan is because God reveals it to us. Without God revealing it… none would ever know it. xiii. But what is the motive that God had in making His mysterious will known to us? d. [Slide 14] according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Him i. God has revealed it to us out of His good pleasure. ii. God was delighted to make this mystery known to us. iii. The next phrase, “which He purposed in Him”, is difficult to understand. iv. First, we must understand that this is connected to God the Father's good pleasure. Whatever follows is related to the Father's delight. v. Second, we must deal with the meaning of the word purposed. vi. Purposed means to set before, usually meant to set before someone for consideration as the reason or purpose. We could even say, established. vii. However, it is in the middle voice meaning God does this for or to Himself. viii. Paul then adds “in Him” at the end of this which could be talking about Christ or it could be talking about the Father in which case it would take a reflexive meaning… in Himself. ix. It seems best to take this “in Him” as talking about Christ specifically. This makes good sense in the context. x. So, what does this little phrase mean? xi. God delighted to reveal His mysterious redemption plan which He determined or established in Christ. Christ becomes the focal point of this plan which the Father is delighted to reveal to us. e. [Slide 15] Summary of the Point: Before, Paul showed us that The Father's riches of grace provided redemption and forgiveness to us by Christ's sacrificial and atoning death on the cross. But the Father's abounding grace also has given us wisdom and understanding making known to us His mysterious redemption plan that He has determined in Christ. And God was delighted to make this known to us. Again, I ask, what does a believer in Christ have to say to this other than, Praise the Father! Transition: [Slide 16 (blank)] But what is the purpose of God setting out this redemption plan in Christ? What is the goal? And why Christ? III.) The Father's redemption plan is for an administration with Christ as all in all, so we must praise the Father. a. [Slide 17] 10 - for an administration i. What is the overarching goal of God's redemption plan in Christ? ii. For an administration. Well, what does that mean? iii. The word administration means stewardship or management. iv. It carries the idea of the activity of managing or administrating or governing. v. This entire redemption is for the purpose of setting up a system, an economy, or an administration. vi. An administration of what? b. [Slide 18] of the fullness of the times, i. Well, what does that mean? ii. The management or the administration is of the completion or the full to capacity of the times. iii. Meaning that God's purpose in this redemption plan in Christ, is to lead to the end of all things. That all things would be complete in Him. iv. This plan started before the foundation of the world and its aim is the end of the world, and beyond. v. And what does that administration of the fullness of time look like? c. [Slide 19] that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, i. The words “that is” are not in the text but they help us to see that this is a renaming or a further explanation of the administration of the fullness of the times. ii. The purpose of this great redemption plan, with Christ as the center, is to bring all things in summary into Christ. iii. The word “summing up” is used of the summarization of a speech. In summing up a speech, you take the key points and ideas and bring them all into one sentence or paragraph, and discard the rest. There are actually applications that do this at the click of a button for us today. In this process they peel away the points that are most relevant to the document and discard what is not as relevant or is repeated. iv. Therefore, we could see this “summing up” as an ordering or a restructuring. It takes the chaos of what the world has become and brings it back into order. v. So that Christ will be all in all. That all things will be united into Christ. vi. The redemption plan God set forth in Christ is ultimately designed with the purpose to bring everything into order under Christ. vii. Everything? d. [Slide 20] things in the heavens and things on the earth in Him. i. Not just men… everything. ii. This is a cosmic plan of God that goes beyond merely the salvation of a people. iii. It includes all the realms of all creation. iv. There are both friends and enemies of God in the heavens and on the earth. v. God's mysterious redemption plan set forth in Christ, includes the whole of creation. vi. Indeed, all creation groans for that day. e. [Slide 21] Summary of the Point: Continuing the thought from before, how God's redemption extends to a mysterious plan he set up or established in Christ, Paul now shows us why. Why has God done this? It is so that this new order may come about, a new economy that will complete and subsume all of history and ultimately reorder and unite all things under Christ. So that Christ will be all in all. This is the wonderful purpose of God's mystery of redemption which He was delighted to make known to us. In hearing this glorious message, true Christians can only praise the Father for His glorious will. Conclusion: So, what have we learned this morning that refines our beliefs and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 22] The grace of the Father is on display once again. God's powerful favor to His people to bring to them a redemption and forgiveness through His Son's sacrificial atonement for them. His grace brings us wisdom and discernment so that the mystery of His will in this plan would be made known to us. And He does all this for us because He is delighted to reveal to us a new administration that He is establishing in His Son to bring all of creation back into perfect order and harmony under Him. Wow. God's redemption plan is so much bigger than you! It is so much bigger than me. In fact, God's redemption plan… is all about Christ. What is our role as those who have believed on Christ? Is it not to praise the Father for all of these Spiritual blessings? Let me get more specific on these things. 1.) [Slide 23] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that The Father's grace was lavished on us in His providing redemption and forgiveness. a. God's Grace as we've come to see is God's powerful favor given to those whom He freely wills to enable them to be, do, and receive what they are unable and unwilling to be, do, and receive for themselves. b. The Father's grace then is meeting us in our inability. We cannot atone for our own sins. We are unable and really we are unwilling. c. Unbelievers who joke about being in the lake of fire with their friends have no concept of the unspeakable horrors of their punishment for their sins. d. And the punishment there will be eternal, implying of course that their sins will never truly be paid for, even given an eternity. e. And so, the Father has given us lavish grace to provide for us redemption and forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Christ. f. He has sacrificed Himself so that we might be pardoned. He has taken our shame and our guilt and our condemnation and He has given us His sonship in return. g. We were estranged from God and held captive by sin, death, and Satan. But Jesus has made peace with God by paying for our sins. All the roadblocks preventing us from being God's true children are removed by the sacrificial atoning death of Christ on the cross. h. This we must believe. 2.) [Slide 24] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that The Father's grace was lavished on us to make known to us the mystery of His will. a. In 1 Corinthians 2 we are told more of this marvelous mystery. In verses 6-16 Paul says that natural man cannot understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. b. Which is just a long way of saying what Romans 10 says – faith comes through hearing and hearing by the Word of God. c. Not one single human being would wake up one day and understand and believe what God has said about His Son, if God had not revealed the mystery to Him. Not one. d. God must reveal this marvelous mystery. e. Lydia, dear Lydia, in Acts 16 is down by the river praying. And Luke's comment is that God opened her heart to receive the teachings of the gospel. f. What a glorious truth that God is still actively revealing this mystery today to more and more. g. May we pray and continue to pray that He would open the eyes of the blind and set captives free. 3.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that it was the Father's delight to reveal this mystery to us. a. A more glorious truth I cannot confess. b. God does not begrudgingly open the mystery of His redemption. c. Indeed, the gospel call goes to all men everywhere. d. Not just Jews but Gentiles too. e. Not just men but women also. f. Not just to those who will believe, but to those who won't too. g. The gospel call rings out. God is delighted to send His word through His disciples and He is delighted to reveal the mystery of these things to those who believe on Christ. h. What a good and patient Father who is not slow to keep His promises. His Word won't return to Him void. He will have a harvest. 4.) [Slide 26] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that The Father's only purpose in redemption, is us. a. Such is popular today. b. We fight constantly to keep man worship out of the worship of God. c. And it becomes even more challenging when we consider that the Father truly does love us. He does! d. But popular songs and teachings attempt to emphasize that God's love for us is the only motive in sending Christ as the Redeemer. e. But friends… God's cosmic plan of redemption is for ALL of creation… not even just men. f. All of creation is broken. g. Just as we are made a new creation in Christ, He is bringing a new Kingdom and a New Heaven, and a New Earth. h. Indeed, all things will be made new. i. Do not short change the Father's plan to only include our souls. Oh, it is so much bigger than that. 5.) [Slide 27] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that The Father established this redemptive plan in Christ so that all creation would be ordered in Him. a. Why would God do this? b. Philippians and Colossians will help us greatly in understanding this as we come to them. c. But for now, it is important for us to understand that the Father sent His Son to do this work. As a reward for His humiliation and obedience, Christ has been made over all Kings and all powers. d. Why is that significant? Wasn't He God before He came? e. Certainly… but now He is also man. f. How can a man sit on the throne that belongs to the Ancient of Days? How can a man sit on God's throne? g. This is how. The Father's establishment of this redemption plan in Christ ensures that all things… ALL THINGS… will be ordered and untied to Him. h. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. i. Christ will be all as all things are in Him. j. What should we do with all of this? 6.) [Slide 28] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must praise the Father for what He has done. a. Once again, Paul's words here are to illicit deepest praise from those to whom he writes. b. Paul is stringing together subordinate clause after subordinate clause in a feverish listing of all that God has done to bless us. c. And he makes no bones about it… God is praiseworthy for all of it. d. And what we've learned today only amplifies this. e. God the Father is delighted to redeem, forgive, and make known to us His mysterious plan of redemption established in Christ. A plan that will complete time and finally bring everything back into order. f. He started before the creation of the world with this plan… and it will go on… forever. g. My friends. If you are a believer here today, that is worthy of praise. 7.) [Slide 29] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” God truly has declared the end from the beginning. a. Getting a peek at this today we can go back to Isaiah 46:10 and recognize that the words of the prophet are indeed true. b. “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, “my counsel will be established and I will accomplish all my good pleasure.” c. Boy that sounds familiar doesn't it. d. God has a redemptive plan. In the Old Testament much of it was a mystery only to be fully revealed in Christ in the New. e. This gives us hope that God isn't on plan B. He only has plan A. And He is still on it. And He will finish with it too. 8.) [Slide 30] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” All things will be reordered in Christ. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Repent and believe on Him and you will be saved. a. To believers the idea that all of creation will be ordered and united under Christ, is truly a message of hope and worthy of praise. b. But to those who are not following Christ, part of that ordering is the dismissal of those who are wicked. c. In Revelation it talks about this Kingdom coming. It uses the image of a city. But those who are sinners. Those who love their sin and continue to practice it – they will be excluded from the city. They will be cast into the lake of fire with the devil and his angels forever. d. How can one message be received in two different ways? It all depends on what you do with Jesus. e. If Jesus is your hope, your savior, your Lord… then such a future is bright and blessed. f. If Jesus is nothing to you, or a talisman, or a magic genie, or an accepting person who never tells you to stop sinning… then you will not be with Him in His new Kingdom. g. I invite you to repent of your sin, the very thing that made Christ's sacrifice necessary, and that you would believe on Him and follow Him the rest of your days. [Slide 31 (end)] Let me close with a word of prayer from the puritan Anthony Burgess O Lord, I bless you, not only for your pardon of those sins I have committed, but also for your goodness in preserving me from those many thousands of other sins I was prone to fall into. If I could repent to the highest degree, or achieve the holiness of men and angels, it could not make up the damage sin has made upon me. Who was more plunged into sin than I? Whose diseases were greater than mine? It may be that thousands and thousands of other souls are now taking their place in hell, for less and fewer sins than I have committed. I do not call upon you to repeal any threat or nullify your word. I do not ask you to become unjust. But your wisdom has found out a way that I may be pardoned and you may be satisfied. Your overflowing goodness overcomes me. If only I had the hearts of all men and angels to praise you. I confess this to you in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May your prayers be counted as incense; The lifting up of your praise as the evening offering. Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father. Until we meet again, grace and peace to you.

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The Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 09-21-2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Some RCC and EO adherents don't even know what The Gospel is/ Is there a commandment against debating?/ The Parable of The Unjust Steward/ Is Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhoff Good?/ Can a Christian be Friends with Unbelievers?/ Email Questions Answered/ How do we Align Ourselves with God, and How do we Know we are Doing It?/ 2 Peter 3—Not "Any" Should Perish?/ A Comment on Matt's Last Debate/ September 21, 2026

The Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 09-21-2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Some RCC and EO adherents don't even know what The Gospel is/ Is there a commandment against debating?/ The Parable of The Unjust Steward/ Is Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhoff Good?/ Can a Christian be Friends with Unbelievers?/ Email Questions Answered/ How do we Align Ourselves with God, and How do we Know we are Doing It?/ 2 Peter 3—Not "Any" Should Perish?/ A Comment on Matt's Last Debate/ September 21, 2026

There are only two places people go when they pass from this life: heaven or hell. Believers go into eternal bliss with their heavenly father where they remain forever. Unbelievers go to eternal suffering in the flames of an eternal hell where they remain with their leader: Satan.

In this sermon on Ephesians 2:14–16 titled “He is Our Peace,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the main purpose of Paul's letter to the Ephesians is to encourage the church in the peace of Christ. Christians have been saved and are in the body of Christ and as such, they have been redeemed and the war with God is over. They now have the peace of Christ that governs them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that the realization that Christ is the peace of believers is one of the most significant and meaningful encouragements to the soul. Only when people understand the true nature of sin do they understand the true nature of salvation. Additionally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses some who would discount the first few chapters of Genesis. Dr. Lloyd-Jones stresses that without the beginning of the Bible, people will not understand why the world is as corrupt as it is, nor will they witness the roots of the gospel. Without understanding the sin that originates in Genesis, people will be confused about the lack of peace in the world. Unbelievers will never have peace with each other unless they have peace with God in salvation. Thankfully Jesus made a way to have peace with God through His death on the cross. Through Christ, all can have lasting peace.

In this sermon on Ephesians 2:14–16 titled “He is Our Peace,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the main purpose of Paul's letter to the Ephesians is to encourage the church in the peace of Christ. Christians have been saved and are in the body of Christ and as such, they have been redeemed and the war with God is over. They now have the peace of Christ that governs them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that the realization that Christ is the peace of believers is one of the most significant and meaningful encouragements to the soul. Only when people understand the true nature of sin do they understand the true nature of salvation. Additionally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses some who would discount the first few chapters of Genesis. Dr. Lloyd-Jones stresses that without the beginning of the Bible, people will not understand why the world is as corrupt as it is, nor will they witness the roots of the gospel. Without understanding the sin that originates in Genesis, people will be confused about the lack of peace in the world. Unbelievers will never have peace with each other unless they have peace with God in salvation. Thankfully Jesus made a way to have peace with God through His death on the cross. Through Christ, all can have lasting peace. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

In this sermon on Ephesians 2:14–16 titled “He is Our Peace,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the main purpose of Paul's letter to the Ephesians is to encourage the church in the peace of Christ. Christians have been saved and are in the body of Christ and as such, they have been redeemed and the war with God is over. They now have the peace of Christ that governs them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that the realization that Christ is the peace of believers is one of the most significant and meaningful encouragements to the soul. Only when people understand the true nature of sin do they understand the true nature of salvation. Additionally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses some who would discount the first few chapters of Genesis. Dr. Lloyd-Jones stresses that without the beginning of the Bible, people will not understand why the world is as corrupt as it is, nor will they witness the roots of the gospel. Without understanding the sin that originates in Genesis, people will be confused about the lack of peace in the world. Unbelievers will never have peace with each other unless they have peace with God in salvation. Thankfully Jesus made a way to have peace with God through His death on the cross. Through Christ, all can have lasting peace. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

I. Christians are to no longer live like many Christians used to live, v17. II. Sin had negatively affected their hearts, minds, desires, and activities, vv17-19. III. Their thoughts were futile, and understanding darkened. IV. They were alienated from spiritual life. V. Their hearts were hard, morally culpable, and calloused. VI. They gave themselves over to sensuality and were greedy for impurity. VII. Only Christ can rescue us!

Life Is Hard for Unbelievers. Those who do not know Jesus Christ, as their personal Lord and Saviour, find, even in their teens, that day to day living can be very difficult and hard. We can learn this important truth from reading Proverbs chapter 13 verse 15. If you don't believe there is a God, who cares about you, then you can find that life is indeed difficult and also have no real meaning for you. Those that believe that there is a God, who cares about them and then give their life to Him, by accepting Jesus Christ, as their own personal Lord and Saviour, find that when they do so that life has great meaning and purpose. They gain favour with God because they learn to listen to Him, through their spirit and progressively begin to know how to handle any life situations that comes their way.

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This is the final video in Pastor Derek's series on Eternal Judgment, focusing on the final Great White Throne Judgment. At the end of time, all the spiritually) dead (unbelievers) will be resurrected and stand before Christ, will will sit on the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15), for their final sentencing and dismissal into the Lake of Fire. Understand about the Lamb's Book of Life, and the books of each man's life and works that will be opened that day. It is essential that we understand these truths and are prepared for God's Eternal Judgment, that will seal our eternal destiny.

This is the final video in Pastor Derek's series on Eternal Judgment, focusing on the final Great White Throne Judgment. At the end of time, all the spiritually) dead (unbelievers) will be resurrected and stand before Christ, will will sit on the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15), for their final sentencing and dismissal into the Lake of Fire. Understand about the Lamb's Book of Life, and the books of each man's life and works that will be opened that day. It is essential that we understand these truths and are prepared for God's Eternal Judgment, that will seal our eternal destiny.

Sermon from 08-16-2026

People all around us are seeking peace, meaning, and eternal life—but that doesn't mean they're seeking the Lord. Today, R.C. Sproul distinguishes between those who seek God and those who seek the benefits God provides. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/do-unbelievers-seek-god/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Father Christopher Mahar earned a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from Providence College in 2000 and subsequently completed his Bachelor's degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 2003. He was ordained a deacon in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in 2003 and a priest in the Diocese of Providence in 2004. He currently serves as Pastor at St. Augustine Church in Providence, Rhode Island.  In Today's Show: Why are so many people unbelievers? Am I allowed to buy a pre-owned/vintage rosary online if it is likely or even probable that the rosary is already blessed? How does one confess past sins? ​​Should Catholics avoid Sturgis? And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Have you ever heard someone say, "I wish I had faith like you do. For some reason I just can't seem to believe." They may sense something inside that prevents faith. For them it's a struggle to believe God exists or that they could have a relationship with Him. Faith is a remarkable quality. For some it comes as naturally as breathing while others find it hard to even imagine a spiritual realm exists. Why is this? Are some people "wired" by nature to perceive spiritual realities and others not? Actually, I suspect there is some truth to that statement, but in the passage we'll study today Paul says faith is available to all. He says when the gospel is preached, faith is present. God offers if to us as a gift. It Isn't something we can produce naturally; it's a miracle that's given to us, but we still have a part to play: that gift must be received. And that's where the problem lies. There are powerful forces at work in the human heart that can prevent people from receiving faith. Real faith is a miraculous change of mind implanted in us by the Holy Spirit, so any human being, regardless of their background, can believe and be saved when they hear the gospel. Yet many don't. Today let's listen to Paul explain why, and then let's reflect on how a believer can pray effectively for someone who struggles. To receive a free copy of Dr. Steve Schell's book Understanding Romans, email us at info@lifelessonspublishing.com and ask for your copy at no charge. The book has all the notes from each sermon in this series. Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge. And if you would like to receive a copy of Pastor Steve's newest book Study Verse by Verse: Revelation at no charge, we are still giving this book out as well!  

The Agony of Separation: The Price He Paid MESSAGE SUMMARY: In today's message, we're reminded of the profound truth that Jesus is the answer to the deepest struggles of humanity. We're called to open our eyes to the suffering around us - broken relationships, addictions, financial burdens, and physical ailments. This reflection challenges us to see beyond our own circumstances and recognize the pain in others.   The central theme echoes Christ's compassion and His desire for a relationship with each of us. As His body, the church, we're entrusted with the responsibility to extend His love to those in need. This message invites us to consider: How can we be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world crying out for hope and healing?   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Fear. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Forgiveness. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  John 14:6; Acts 4:12: Matthew 9:36; Colossians 3:12; Isaiah 53:5; James 5:16; Revelation 3:20; John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 3:20; Ephesians 4:11-12. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

God's Gospel Goes Global   After Peter told the story of his vision and going to Joppa to the home of Cornelius, we read in Acts 11:18 that "… the believers in Jerusalem had no further objections and praised God saying, 'So even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.'" And now the barriers that had existed between the Jewish world and the non-Jewish world are down in a single moment. The believers in Jerusalem that had grown up as devout Jewish people had their eyes opened to understand the new age that God promised had arrived. AND God's Gospel Goes Global!!!   Then + Now  GOD's Plan - His plan and intent have always been to win the entire world to Himself. God's plan is coming to fruition. Romans 10:12-13 we see that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile because the Lord saves all who call on Him.   In verse 19 and 20 we read that those scattered by the persecution following Stephen's martyrdom are spreading into Cyprus, Phoenicia and Antioch sharing the gospel message to Jews and Greeks. Peter's ministry to Cornelius opened the flood gates!!  Verse 21 tells us that the Lord was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.   We see the gospel exploding in Antioch, a place with many from multiple backgrounds and cultures, a wealthy city and an incredibly immoral city and this is where the Gospel explodes!!  Unbelievers discover what they are living for has no lasting value, leaving them empty.  Does this sound like the world today?  It is there that God desires to bring the Good News that changes people lives, transforming them from the inside out, that brings an eternal destiny, and great joy and He does that through His people then and NOW!   God's People - God uses His people to do mighty things. He desires to use us to touch our families, neighbors, and even our enemies with His word and his love. In verse 22 the news of the spread of the Gospel got back to the church in Jerusalem, so they send Barnabas to Antioch. Barnabas was from Cypress and was known as an encourager and once he saw what the grace of God was doing there, he encouraged the new believers to persevere in their faith with all their hearts, just as we need to do TODAY!   God's Grace - God's breaks into our lives because He is good, not because of anything we have done, but because He is gracious. It is all based on what Jesus did at the cross. We all need to encounter that grace and know that God cares for us. His grace is powerful and changes lives, families, marriages, communities and the world both then and NOW!.   God's Leaders - Through Barnabas a great number of people are brought to the Lord. And Barnabas goes to Tarsus to bring Saul to Antioch. God assembles a great group of leaders, an amazing team uniquely qualified to carry out God's plan. In verse 26 we read that great numbers of people in Antioch were taught for an entire year by this leadership team, equipping God's people to know God, His Word, His guidance, His direction, and His Holy Spirit. These leaders were specially needed in a corrupt age, in a corrupt city, because if God's people are not equipped they will fall prey to the enemy. Today we see God continuing to raise up leaders to do His work, in His strength and with His guidance and Holy Spirit.    God's Teaching - we need to be instructed in the Truth.  It is a matter of connecting what the Bible says to the life of a believer.  Orthodoxy - right opinion - Beliefs - essential to be grounded in God's truth - the message of Christ's forgiveness. Orthopraxy - right practice - Conduct - knowing how to live our lives in a fallen world.  It's not just head knowledge, it is about heartfelt, Spirit-guided living - conduct that becomes a follower of Jesus.   Titus 2:11-14 - the grace of God offers salvation to ALL people and teaches us to live self-controlled, godly lives as we await Christ's return.    God's Mercy - In verses 28-30 we read that Agabus, a prophet, predicts a famine, so the disciples decide to support the believers living in Judea. In the mercy of God they reached out to those in the midst of famine, then. Today, God's mercy shows in us as we walk by faith and follow the Holy Spirit's leading.   … and God's Gospel continues to Go Global!   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 11-12.    Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/videos   Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us that the message of the cross is the power of God to those who believe. Discover how living out your faith with love, humility, and authenticity can point unbelievers to the hope found in Jesus Christ. Our culture often questions God's existence or dismisses Christianity altogether. Michelle Lazurek explores why believers shouldn't be surprised by skepticism and how our greatest witness isn't winning arguments—it's reflecting Christ through our words, actions, and unconditional love. As we faithfully share our testimony and live transformed lives, God can use our example to draw others to Himself. Highlights: Discover why the message of the cross seems foolish to unbelievers. Learn how a transformed life is one of the strongest testimonies of God's power. Be encouraged to respond to skepticism with grace, love, and humility. Understand the importance of sharing your personal testimony. Explore how authentic Christian living points others to Jesus. Find encouragement to faithfully represent Christ, even in a culture that rejects biblical truth. Join the Conversation How has your personal testimony helped someone better understand the hope found in Christ? What opportunities has God given you to reflect His love to those who don't yet believe? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do You Believe that “He {God} gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”? MESSAGE SUMMARY:  You have got to believe; but until you get your thinking right, your life will not change – you have got to believe! It is hard for some people, today, to believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus celebrated on Christmas day. Ok, just start where you are in what you believe. Can you believe that you are a sinner? Can you believe that you are not perfect? Can you believe that you have violated God's laws? Despite this life background, can you believe that God loves you just as you now are? Can you believe that God sent His Only Son, Jesus, to save all that believe in Him so that you would not perish but have eternal life? Maybe this is where you start in believing in the miraculous birth of Jesus; you need to start where you are. Jesus' life was defined by His death on the cross and by His resurrection, thereby, living up to the translation of His name, Jesus – “Salvation”. The Apostle John succinctly summarized the purpose of Jesus birth in John3:16-17: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, fill me with the simple trust that even out of the most awful evil around me, you are able to bring great good — for me, for others, and for your great glory. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 91). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart. I will trust in the Lord with all of my heart and lean not on my own understanding.  In all my ways I will seek to know Him, and He will make my pathways straight.   From Proverbs 3:5f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 1:1-18; Luke 1:27-38; Luke 2:1-22; John 20:27-29; Psalms 69b:13-24. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

The Agony of Separation: The Price He Paid MESSAGE SUMMARY: In today's message, we're reminded of the profound truth that Jesus is the answer to the deepest struggles of humanity. We're called to open our eyes to the suffering around us - broken relationships, addictions, financial burdens, and physical ailments. This reflection challenges us to see beyond our own circumstances and recognize the pain in others.   The central theme echoes Christ's compassion and His desire for a relationship with each of us. As His body, the church, we're entrusted with the responsibility to extend His love to those in need. This message invites us to consider: How can we be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world crying out for hope and healing?   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Heartlessness. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Kindness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  John 14:6; Acts 4:12: Matthew 9:36; Colossians 3:12; Isaiah 53:5; James 5:16; Revelation 3:20; John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 3:20; Ephesians 4:11-12 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Look Out! The Holy Spirit Directs the Particulars MESSAGE SUMMARY: On this day of Pentecost, we're invited to explore the profound significance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The message takes us through Jesus' teachings in John 14, where He promises the coming of the Helper - the Holy Spirit. We learn that the Spirit is not just a distant force, but a personal presence that dwells within us, bringing the very essence of Christ into our hearts. This indwelling Spirit transforms us, making us more like Jesus and empowering us to do His works. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to consider how we're allowing the Spirit to work in our lives. Are we grieving or quenching the Spirit through unforgiveness or sin? Or are we opening ourselves fully to His guidance and power? This Pentecost, let's renew our commitment to living Spirit-filled lives, recognizing that God's desire is for His presence to be with us always, not just now, but for eternity.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Resentment. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Compassion. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Number 11; 2 Chronicles 15:1; 1 Samuel 10:16; 1 Samuel 16; Luke 2:25; Acts 2:42; Acts 2:2-4; John 14:6 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Shares in the Divine Nature MESSAGE SUMMARY: In this powerful exploration of Jesus' identity, we delve into the profound High Priestly Prayer found in John 17. This prayer reveals Jesus not just as a teacher or prophet, but as one who shares in the divine nature with God the Father. We're challenged to consider: Who is Jesus to us personally? The prayer showcases Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, calling Him 'Father' over 160 times in the Gospels. This intimacy extends to us as believers, inviting us into the very fellowship of the Trinity. As we contemplate this, we're reminded that our unity as Christians is rooted in our union with God Himself. The prayer also reveals Jesus' eternal existence and His role in creation, emphasizing His divinity. This understanding transforms how we view the cross - not as a tragedy, but as our salvation. Let's reflect on how this deeper knowledge of Jesus' nature can impact our daily walk with Him and our relationships with others.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I press on toward His goal for me (Philippians 3:12f). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14) SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): James 1:21-25; John 17 (entire chapter); John 10:30; John 10:27-33; Colossians 1:15; Colossians 1:19; 2 Peter 1:4 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon:  “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing. Jesus said, I AM the Main Thing! MESSAGE SUMMARY: Today, we delve into the profound mystery of the Holy Spirit and its vital role in our Christian walk. We're reminded that it's not just about having the Holy Spirit, but allowing the Spirit to have us - to lead and guide our lives. The message emphasizes three key sins against the Holy Spirit: grieving, quenching, and blaspheming. When we choose bitterness over love, or hold onto unforgiveness, we grieve the Spirit. Every time we sin, we quench the Spirit's flow in our lives. Yet, there's hope in confession, which reopens the floodgates of the Spirit's presence. This teaching challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we truly yielding to the Spirit's guidance? Are we living holy lives that honor God? It's a call to deeper surrender and a reminder of our constant need for the Spirit's empowering presence in our faith journey.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Self-Centeredness. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Love. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Thessalonians 5:19; John 14:19; John 8:51; John 11:25; Exodus 3:14; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 3:20 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

God gives us everyday opportunities even your workplace to make the name of Jesus known

Status, Power, Influence, Like Refuse Paul Threw It All Out MESSAGE SUMMARY: What are we truly aiming for in life? This powerful message challenges us to examine our ultimate goals and purpose. Drawing from Philippians 3:7-15, we're invited to reflect on the Apostle Paul's radical transformation - from chasing earthly accolades to pursuing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul's journey reminds us that success without Christ isn't true success at all. The message encourages us to shift our focus from temporary achievements to lasting transformation, emphasizing that our identity should be rooted in our relationship with Jesus, not in our accomplishments or status. As we contemplate our own lives, we're urged to consider: are we striving for Christ-centered righteousness or merely following religious rules? This introspection can lead us to a deeper, more purposeful faith journey.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Anger. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Forgiveness. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Philippians 3:7-15 (main passage); Philippians 3:4-6; Acts 9 (Paul's conversion); Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers” , at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers MESSAGE SUMMARY: From the Gospel of Luke (10:1-20): Life Laborers Are Few This “Life Lesson from Luke” focuses upon the Apostle Luke in the context of “Luke the Evangelist” – telling the good news of Jesus the Christ. Introduction:  Jesus, in Luke 11:11-13, compares asking God versus an earthly father being asked by his son: “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”. God desires to give to us before we even ask Him but ask, we must. Since we must ask for the Holy Spirit, it is good to begin our daily prayers with: “Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit.”. From Luke 11:1-13, we have a Life Lesson on Prayer. Life Laborers Are Few:  As Jesus sends the Seventy-two out on a mission trip (Luke 10:1-20), He tells them, in Luke 10:2: “And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'". As in the First Century, today we can make the same observation as Jesus: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” – where are the laborers for His Kingdom today? People all around us are in need. This passage from Luke 10:1-20 reveals God's plan and model for evangelism – the ministry of the Gospel. Further, Jesus instructs us to: “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” – God's harvest. This model for the ministry of the Gospel is not just for Clergy, this model is for all followers of Jesus. To meet the needs of today's plentiful harvest, the Christians in the Church must become the Christian in the marketplace pf unbelievers. To be effective in this plentiful marketplace, we must be ourselves and a willing vessel for God's will and for God to fill us with the Holy Spirit. Additionally, we must be a willing laborer for the ministry of the Gospel – the harvest is plentiful. Be God's hand!   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

If Jesus makes no difference in our lives, then why would anyone serve Him? If Christ-followers live just like those who are unsaved, why would anyone follow? We would all readily acknowledge that we are not perfect; only Jesus is perfect, but wouldn't you agree that Jesus changes those who believe in Him?Main Points:1.  I believe one of the questions people around us are silently asking is, “Does Jesus make a difference in your life?” Unbelievers are watching, often without us noticing, and they are wondering, “Is she different? Is he different, now that He is a follower of Jesus?” 2. When we place our faith in Jesus and confess Him as our Lord and Savior, His Spirit comes to reside within us. God's work of sanctification begins. To “sanctify” means to set apart. God is at work in our lives to set us apart from the unbelieving world by helping us to be like Jesus in our character. 3. By the Holy Spirit, and with our cooperation, God will change us. He will change our attitude, our conversation, our choices, decisions, reactions, and our lifestyle. He will change our desire, our dreams, and our ambitions. Before our relationship with Christ, we lived only for ourselves; now we live for God and His glory.Today's Scripture Verses:Philippians 2:13 - “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”Romans 12:1-2 - “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”Philippians 1:6 - “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

“Did you know that God is a God of judgment? That's His nature.” Many believers rejoice in God's love, grace, and mercy, yet struggle to understand the biblical doctrine of eternal judgment. Christ has taken God's wrath for those who believe, yet Scripture clearly teaches that every person will one day stand before God and give an account. Understanding this truth is not intended to produce fear, but rather gratitude for the salvation Christ has provided and a sense of urgency to share the gospel with others.In Episode 12 of "Born Again, What Now?", Duane Sheriff explores the sixth and final elementary principle of the Doctrine of Christ—eternal judgment. Drawing from Hebrews 6, Revelation 20, Romans 5, and other key passages, we learn that God's judgment is revealed in different ways. Christ bore God's wrath at the cross. God lovingly chastens His children. Unbelievers will face judgment in the future, and believers will one day stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.Discover why eternal judgment remains a foundational doctrine, what believers have been saved from, and how understanding God's justice, mercy, and future accountability helps us become mature disciples who live with an eternal perspective.

Message delivered on 7/19/26.

Calvary Live is an outreach ministry of GraceFM at Calvary Church in Aurora, ColoradoPastor Ed Taylor is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Church –you can find more about him at edtaylor.orgBooks by Pastor Ed along with other curated discipleshipresources from his home church bookstore are available at calvaryco.storeIf you like what you hear on Calvary Live – don't forget tofollow us, and share it with your friends and family!

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Sam Marr will answer a question about the different parts of a Human being. As relates to the immaterial […]

Many Christians dismiss the evidence from near-death experiences on biblical or theological grounds by quoting Hebrews 9:27, citing soul sleep, worrying about new age associations, or treating any extra-biblical vision as automatically suspect. But are those objections actually warranted by Scripture? Dr. Steve Miller returns to walk through twelve of the most common biblical and theological objections Christians raise against NDEs. CHECK OUT: Logos Bible 60 Day Free Trial (https://logos.com/mcdowell) 00:00 Intro 01:10 How should Christians approach NDE and deathbed accounts? 10:13 The Billy Graham and Dr. Randy Steer accounts 17:46 Objection #1 — Some NDEs report false doctrines 21:40 Objection #2 — NDEs lead people to new age teachings 28:23 Objection #3 — Hebrews teaches we die only once 34:15 Objection #4 — Unbelievers should experience judgment, not love 39:35 Objection #5 — NDEs are more consistent with new age than Christianity 45:00 Objection #6 — Visions are no longer needed after the New Testament 47:47 Objection #7 — Experiencers see their own gods 49:51 Objection #8 — The Bible teaches soul sleep 59:42 Objection #9 — Faith should come only from Scripture 57:00 Objection #10 — No one can go to heaven before death 59:36 Objection #11 — Experiencers may be demonically deceived 1:01:01 Objection #12 — There's no biblical precedent for NDEs 1:02:04 Common theological assumptions worth re-examining *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [smdcertdisc] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://x.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sean_mcdowell?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does the Bible actually say about natural law? In part two of our three-part series, host Phil Cecil and his guest make the biblical case that God has woven a real, knowable moral order into creation — one that even unbelievers can perceive.Guided by three questions (Is there an objective moral order? Has it been revealed? Can the unregenerate perceive it?), they walk through the key Old Testament texts: the ordered creation and image of God in Genesis 1–2, the universal Noahic covenant and the institution of human government in Genesis 8–9, and the wisdom-in-creation theme of Proverbs 3 and 8. Along the way they explore why capital punishment is distinct from murder, the "two governments" framework, Solomon's famous judgment between two mothers, and Old Testament unbelievers like Abimelech and Jethro who clearly grasp God's moral order. They then turn to the New Testament, beginning with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6 and what our instinctive moral reactions reveal about the law written on the heart.The discussion continues in part three next week. Theologically Driven is a podcast of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. Learn more at dbts.edu.00:00 Introduction and recap 02:24 Three guiding arguments for natural law 06:16 Genesis 1–2: an ordered, purposeful creation 09:08 The image of God and human nature 13:33 The Noahic covenant and human government (Genesis 8–9) 20:53 Wisdom in creation: Proverbs 3 and 8 26:32 Solomon's judgment and the limits of "rules" 28:52 Unbelievers who perceive moral order: Abimelech and Jethro 32:13 Turning to the New Testament: Jesus in Matthew 6 35:06 What our moral instincts reveal 36:37 Wrapping up — and a look ahead to part 3

What happens after death for those who reject Christ? In this episode, Matt and Todd explore what the Bible teaches about hell, judgment, and eternity, while also highlighting God's desire that no one should perish. Along the way, they discuss Jesus' sacrifice for sin, the rich man and Lazarus, the Great White Throne Judgment, and why the gospel offers hope to anyone who will trust in Him.

Prayer ascribes to God the right and honor to be the free and sovereign God that he is to choose and to save sinners.

Tom Mason uses Romans 1 to show that all unbelievers will resist and reject the knowledge of God, both in Scripture and in Creation itself. Text: Romans 1:18-32. Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ccc-online.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more messages and resources, including music and our summer VBS!

We will begin our discussion of the Eternal State with a New Heaven and a New Earth for Believers, and Eternal Separation from God for Eternity for Unbelievers. Where will you spend Eternity?

From beginning to end, the Bible presents two paths, one leading to death and one to life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). It is only in Christ Jesus that a person finds life, and the evidence that a person is in Christ is their spiritual “fruit.” What fruit are you producing, and what does it say about the path you are on? “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13–14).Take-Home Message: You are either on the path leading to death or the path leading to life.The path leading to death (20–21).Believers, Unbelievers, and Shame:Believers are not ashamed of Jesus.Believers are ashamed of past sins.Unbelievers take pride in what is shameful.Believers and unbelievers have historically held opposing views of what is shameful.In the end, believers will be vindicated, and unbelievers will be put to shame.The path leading to life (22–23).Roadblocks to Good Fruit:“I don't know the Bible.”“I don't know how to put it into practice.”“I don't want to put it into practice.”

Calvary Live is an outreach ministry of GraceFM at Calvary Church in Aurora, Colorado.Pastor Ed Taylor is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Church –you can find more about him at edtaylor.orgBooks by Pastor Ed along with other curated discipleshipresources from his home church bookstore are available at calvaryco.storeIf you like what you hear on Calvary Live – don't forget tofollow us, and share it with your friends and family!

The Day God's Patience Ran Out. One day the Sun will set on this Day of Grace. Someone's non-decision for Christ will be crystalized as a decision against Christ. Unbelievers will have to lament with Jeremiah that "Harvest is past, Summer is ended, and we are not saved." Today our study of the book of Revelation takes us to the last of the Last Judgments. And there's an announcement about the future of the program coming, after we hear from Jim. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS06052026_0.mp3Scripture References: Revelation 14:14-16;21

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260520dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:12-14 You Are Blessed! “Wow, what a blessing!” “He’s so blessed!” “Count your blessings!” “Too blessed to be stressed!” These are ways we sometimes talk about blessings. It’s refreshing to hear people use the word “blessed” instead of “lucky.” Counting our blessings and remembering where they come from can keep us grounded and remind us to be thankful to God, who gives us all good things. However, are blessings only things we would naturally call good? The apostle Peter mentions blessings we wouldn’t normally think of as blessings. He doesn’t say, “If lots of people like you, you are blessed.” Or, “If you’ve got good health and wealth, you're blessed!” Instead, he says, “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” Don’t let worldly standards and perceptions tell you what it means to be blessed. The world may look at a Christian and criticize them for “outdated beliefs.” Unbelievers might call Christians “close-minded” for confessing that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. But the one who is truly blessed is the one who belongs to Jesus. Belonging to Jesus means that we do not belong to this world. It means a Christian doesn't fit into the world’s skewed ideas of what it means to be blessed. If you believe in Jesus, and the world looks at you sideways, or responds with even more hostility, let it remind you that you are blessed because you belong to Jesus. This blessing lasts beyond the rejection of the world. This world’s insults don't stick because God’s glorious blessings of forgiveness and life rest on you. Prayer: Lord, thank you for the blessings of being connected to you and the gift of your grace. Even when the world doesn’t call me blessed, make me a blessing to those around me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Responding to questions from listeners about confronting a brother who's in a relationship with an unbeliever, understanding the difference between the Holy Spirit talking to us and our own conscience, and what should happen with conspiracy theories come into the church. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!