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Experiencing the “first upper room” means God lovingly confronts the areas of our hearts that need to change so he can prepare us for all he has planned.Subscribe to daily devotions e-mails: https://wcmin.us/ddsub
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://uprmchurch.cls.co/XyVr Romans 8 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroom.cls.co/qmVv Field Guide https://uprmchurch.cls.co/HJcs UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
This sermon explores Jesus's final words to His disciples in the Upper Room, focusing on His promise not to leave them as orphans. The central message addresses how believers often struggle with an "orphan spirit"—a mindset of living as though we are abandoned, unprotected, and forced to survive on our own, rather than as beloved sons and daughters of God. Through the promised Holy Spirit (the Paraclete), believers receive not just God's presence but His power, advocacy, and constant affirmation of their identity in Christ. The sermon challenges the congregation to stop confusing God's silence with His absence and to transition from trying to earn God's love through performance to resting in the security of being permanently adopted into His family. The key is learning to approach God's Word not as a legal obligation or audit of performance, but as a love letter from a Father who speaks life-giving promises over His children.Read John 14:15-18Jesus promised He would not leave us as orphans. In your moments of silence from God, remember that silence does not equal absence. The disciples faced their greatest fear—abandonment by the One who gave them identity and purpose. Yet Jesus assured them of the Holy Spirit's coming. Today, examine where you've confused God's silence with His absence. Are there unanswered prayers causing you to doubt His faithfulness? The Spirit of God stands with His arm around you, silencing every accusation. You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. His presence is with you forever—no conditions, no clauses, just unwavering commitment to remain with you always.Discussion Questions:-In what ways have you confused God's silence with God's absence in your own life, and how might understanding the difference transform your relationship with Him?-How does viewing God's Word as a love letter rather than a rulebook change the way you approach Scripture and obedience?-Which of the promises listed in the sermon (forgiven, loved, chosen, blameless, complete, etc.) do you struggle most to believe about yourself, and why?
Long before Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, Taja Sevelle joined me in the studios of Upper Room with Joe Kelley on WVOF 88.5 FM for this in-depth conversation from 2002.Taja reflects on her years with Prince and Paisley Park, recording her debut album, collaborating with Nile Rodgers, becoming an independent artist, songwriting, creativity, and where her career was headed at the time.More than two decades later, this conversation offers a fascinating snapshot of an artist who forged her own path after one of the most recognizable chapters of her career.If you enjoy conversations about Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, and the artists who helped shape that musical era, you'll enjoy this rare archival interview.Topics include:Prince and the Paisley Park yearsRecording her debut albumWorking with Nile RodgersIndependent music and creativitySongwritingLife after Paisley ParkFuture projects
Series: Gospel of John: The True LightService: Wed Bible StudyType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Marlin Chapman
We live in a culture that has completely mastered the art of "Main Character Energy." From curated social feeds to algorithms that cater to our exact preferences, we have optimized our daily lives to be served, coddled, and insulated. But the hidden side effect of this consumer-driven lifestyle is a profound, aching emptiness. In Week 5 of our Zoeology series, we expose the ultimate paradox of the Kingdom of God: true, overflowing abundance (zoe) is never found in what we accumulate or who bows to us, but in how we empty ourselves for others. If you want to experience the fullness of life, you have to lay down the right to be served.In this episode, we step directly into the cognitive dissonance of the Upper Room. While the disciples are actively bickering over which of them is the greatest, Jesus answers their verbal posturing with a silent, shocking act of physical demotion. By unpacking the raw cultural scandal of John 13, we discover a King who willingly unclasped the robes of a Rabbi to wrap a slave's towel around his waist—kneeling to wash the feet of his closest friends, and notably, his ultimate betrayer.Key Takeaways:The Royal Contrast: How King Haakon VII of Norway's wartime humility sets the stage for a King who traded His crown for a towel.The Anatomy of a Scandal: A deep dive into first-century culture and why a Rabbi putting on a lention (slave's apron) shattered the ancient framework of status and honor.Theory vs. Towel: The brutal gap between agreeing with the theory of serving (Mark 10) and actually picking up the basin when it's right in front of us (John 13).Washing the Traitor: The radical, costly grace of Jesus choosing not to skip the seat of Judas Iscariot.Scripture: John 13:1-17; Luke 22:24-27; Isaiah 53:1-5
What did you think of this episode?Is your writing a result of perseverance? Sarah Schwerin shares her story behind The Willow Still Sings and tips to equip your writing. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It's great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue the new addition to Your Best Writing Life, The Story Behind the Stories series.Today's guest, Sarah Schwerin, a former homeschool mom, is an author, a speaker with Stonecroft Ministries, and a mentor with Word Weavers International. Her writing has appeared in publications including Mature Living, Bible Advocate, and The Upper Room. Her 1950s historical novel, The Willow Still Sings, is available now on Amazon.Tell us the story behind The Willow Still Sings· The Willow Still Sings is loosely based on my mother's journey with polio. Her faith and compassion in the face of hardship helped me become who I am today. The end of my book includes my mom's story in her own words. I'm awed that her story can encourage and inspire others just as it did me. · In The Willow Still Sings, Florence struggles with misplaced guilt from her childhood, which shapes many of her reactions in the novel. My journey mirrors Florence's in that I have struggled with shame but have embraced the hope and healing only God provides. · After homeschooling my two sons, I began to pursue writing and speaking full-time. At my first conference, I felt overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and the eventual rejection. At my second conference, God taught me an important lesson when I lost a contest and had to accept an award for a friend. Be happy for your writing friends and enjoy the journey. Every writer's journey is unique. Your day will come. It won't look like someone else's. But your writing will do just what God wants it to do. · Writing The Willow Still Sings helped me realize the truth that there is nothing new under the sun. Polio outbreaks were similar to life during the COVID pandemic. People had to quarantine, and there was widespread fear and confusion. We can learn a lot from our past. Three tips for writers.· Research helps a story come alive for readers. Research can be conducted in a variety of ways, including my favorites: interviewing others and taking field trips. · Events in our lives and the lives of family members can encourage others and provide a way for our loved ones' legacies to live on. · Events in our lives and the lives of family members can provide “story seeds” for our current and future projects. What will the listeners gain from your book? · Listeners will learn the importance of perseverance. Like Florence, we must continue to choose to love and to remain in God's calling, even when life is difficult. · Listeners will learn to use stories from their lives as a seed to begin or enhance their own stories. · Listeners will learn about the importance of research in their writing projects. Free download – Giveaway | Sarah SchwerinLINKS· Website: sarahschwerin.com· Amazon book link: https://a.co/d/065Jtq26 · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchwerinAuthor/· Instagram: InstagramVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Join us for our "Upper Room" Series / Sunday, July 12th, 2026 Website: www.wellspring.one Facebook: / njwellspring Instagram: njwellspring TikTok: NJWellspring "Every Soul has a seat”
In this Summer Nights message, Pastor Josh shares how biblical community is about more than surrounding ourselves with people who look, think, or act like us—it is about becoming people who carry one another toward Jesus. Through the Tower of Babel, Pentecost, and Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 14, we learn that unity without surrender to God can lead us in the wrong direction. True spiritual unity is centered on Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and committed to building up the body of Christ. God desires to fill us with His Spirit—not so we can build a name for ourselves, but so we can encourage others, speak life, walk in obedience, and help one another remain prepared for Christ's return. Listen and be encouraged to pursue biblical community, spiritual maturity, and a life that reflects the power and love of Jesus.
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://uprmchurch.cls.co/jQmV Romans 7-8 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroom.cls.co/qmVv Field Guide https://uprmchurch.cls.co/HJcs UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
This sermon explores John 14:1-14, examining Jesus's words to His disciples in the Upper Room after announcing His betrayal and departure. Jake addresses how Jesus comforts troubled hearts not by changing circumstances or providing explanations, but by offering Himself as the answer. The message emphasizes that when life falls apart and we don't know which way is up, Jesus doesn't wait for our pain to be resolved before sitting with us in it. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—not just information about God, but the very presence of God with us in our darkest moments. The sermon challenges believers to stop shelving their pain and instead bring their unresolved grief, disappointment, and confusion directly to Jesus, who understands troubled hearts because He Himself was troubled.Read John 14:1-4Jesus speaks His most comforting words in the most painful moments. When the disciples' world was collapsing, He didn't offer explanations—He offered Himself. Notice that Jesus doesn't deny the reality of their circumstances or pretend their fear isn't valid. Instead, He acknowledges their troubled hearts while pointing them toward something greater than their circumstances. The God we serve doesn't comfort us by pretending our suffering isn't real. He enters into it with us. Today, whatever has stolen the air from your room, know that Jesus isn't waiting for you to understand it before He sits with you in it. His presence is the promise.What circumstance are you waiting to understand before you bring it to Jesus?Discussion Questions:-When have you experienced a moment where the air felt like it was sucked out of the room, and how did that affect your faith in God's presence during that time?-The pastor mentioned that we often shelve our pain and keep following God without knowing what to do with our grief or disappointment. What have you placed on the shelf, and what would it look like to bring that before Jesus today?-Philip asks to see the Father while looking directly at Jesus. In what ways might you be asking God to reveal himself while missing his presence that is already with you?-Jesus tells his failing, doubting disciples that they will do greater works, not because of their competency but because of his presence. How does this challenge your belief about needing to have it all together before God can use you?
5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids.
Send us Fan MailJoin 5-Minute Parenting with special guest, Diana Derringer, as she shares her compelling story as the caregiver of her husband for the past twenty years. Diana shares candidly about the miracles, hard times, and blessings of being his caregiver. Her husband's health diagnosis 21 years ago launched Diana on a roller coaster ride, with many ups and downs. But in the midst of it all, Diana chooses joy daily, and is on the show today to share encouragement for riding the challenges and sometimes chaotic circumstances of caring for someone with a serious health diagnosis. Although Diana's story is one of a spouse, her wisdom and practical tips apply to anyone in a caregiving situation. Parents are the ultimate caregivers, of course, and many are in that tough life stage called "The Sandwich Generation." Caring for kids and aging parents. Is that you? Listen in and be encouraged! Diana is an award-winning writer and author who shares hope and joy through devotions, articles, dramas, Bible studies, planning guides, and poems in more than 70 publications, including The Upper Room, Guidepost, The Secret Place, and Missions Mosaic. She also writes radio dramas and television programs for Christ to the World Ministries and shares weekly blog posts on Words, Wit, and Wisdom. Her adventures as a social worker, adjunct professor, youth Bible study teacher, friendship family for international university students, and caregiver for her husband supply a constant flow of writing ideas.
Join us for our "Upper Room" Series / Sunday, July 5th, 2026 Website: www.wellspring.one Facebook: / njwellspring Instagram: njwellspring TikTok: NJWellspring "Every Soul has a seat”
Send us Fan MailScammers aren't just pretending to be idols anymore. They're reportedly impersonating entertainment companies to pitch fake performances and pull in serious investment money, and we dig into why Cube Entertainment's warning matters for fans, promoters, and anyone who treats a viral post like “proof.” If you follow K-pop news on X, Instagram, or Weverse, you'll recognize how fast these schemes can spread and how hard it is to tell what's real when everything looks official at a glance.We also talk about the kind of controversy that never seems to stay gone: fashion choices that collide with history. Mark's (Mark Lee formerly of NCT) new label issues an apology after a Confederate flag T-shirt appears in posted photos, and we break down why “vintage” is not the same as “harmless,” especially in a global music industry. From there we shift into better headlines, celebrating ATEEZ hitting a new career high in first-week sales for Golden Hour Part 5, and reacting to T.O.P's Asia fan meeting tour announcement and the intriguing “pre-studio” idea.On the J-pop and J-rock side, we're genuinely excited about STARTO Entertainment opening a free multilingual news archive for international fans, plus the formation of YAO with Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK, and Paledusk timed around Tanabata. Then Sarah absolutely spirals in the best way when Ohno Satoshi reappears online with Satojima, a salon-style platform for sharing daily life, hobbies, and future events. Hit play, share the episode with a friend, and leave us a review, what headline made you do a double take this week?Support the showPlease help Music Elixir by rating, reviewing, and sharing the episode. We appreciate your support!Follow us on:TwitterInstagramBlueskyIf have questions, comments, or requests click on our form:Music Elixir FormDJ Panic Blog:OK ASIA
Join us as Pastor Chris kicks off our summer series, titled The Upper Room.
Today we come to one of the most amazing promises in all ofScripture as we look at Philippians 4:7. After Paul tells us to pray abouteverything, he now tells us what God gives us in return. Verse 7 says: “Andthe peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your heartsand minds through Christ Jesus.” Noticethat Paul does not promise that every problem will immediately disappear.Instead, he promises something even greater. God will give us peace—a peace inthe midst of the trials, the challenges, the problems, the disturbances, andeven the tragedies that come into our lives. This is not merely peace with God,which we receive when we trust Jesus Christ as our Savior. Romans 5:1 says: “Therefore,being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord JesusChrist.” No, this is the peace of God—the very peace that fills Hisown heart. Rememberwhat Jesus said to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. Theirhearts were deeply troubled as they gathered with Him in the Upper Room. Jesussaid to them in John 14:1: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe inGod, believe also in Me.” Then, in verse 27 of that same chapter, He said: “PeaceI leave with you.” Remember Jesus was about to leave them, yet He said, “Ileave My peace with you.” Why? Because He had just promised them the HolySpirit, who would come and dwell within them. The peace that comes from theHoly Spirit—the fruit of the Spirit—is the peace of Christ abiding in ourhearts. Jesus continued: “My peace I give unto you: not as the worldgiveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it beafraid.” Oh,what a wonderful peace God gives us! It is a calm assurance that He is incontrol. Paul says this peace passes all understanding. The world cannotexplain it. It simply does not make sense from a human perspective. How can wehave peace when we are facing cancer? How can we sing while sitting beside ahospital bed? How could Paul and Silas sing in prison after they had beenbeaten and their backs were bleeding? It is because our peace does not comefrom our circumstances. Our peace comes from God. Pauluses a military term when he says God will keep our hearts. The word literallymeans "guard." It pictures a soldier standing watch over a city or anarmy. Paul was writing this letter from a Roman prison, undoubtedly seeingRoman guards every day. He says that God's peace stands guard over our heartsand minds. It protects us from fear. It protects us from despair. It protectsus from becoming overwhelmed. And He does it all through our Lord Jesus Christ.He is the source of our peace. Isaiah26:3 gives us this wonderful promise: “You will keep him in perfect peace,whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.” My friend, whenyou put your trust in God, you are trusting the One who is in complete controlof all things. You yield everything to Him—your possessions, your health, yourfuture, your family—everything. When we cling too tightly to the things of thisworld or become consumed with material gain, it often reveals that we have notfully surrendered those areas of our lives to the Lord. Andwhen anxiety begins to fill our hearts, remember the words of Psalm 37: “Fretnot thyself because of evildoers.” When we find ourselves fretting, it isoften an indication that we are not trusting the Lord as fully as we should.But when we know Him—when we truly know His character and trust His promises—wediscover that He will guide us, keep us, and fill our hearts with His peace. Oh,what a wonderful, wonderful peace! Todaywe may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the One who holds tomorrow. God bless!
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://uprmchurch.cls.co/Ddcq Luke 5 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroom.cls.co/qmVv Field Guide https://uprmchurch.cls.co/HJcs UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
Thirteen Observations from the Upper Room - John 13 1-20 - Pastor Dave Kiehn
God visits prepared places. In this message, Pastor Scott Johnson takes us throughout Scripture, revealing this Kingdom pattern—from Abraham's covenant, Moses and the Tabernacle, Jericho, the Upper Room, and the parable of the ten virgins—God's presence and power shows up where people and places are prepared. Don't wait—join us as we answer the call to this season of preparation!
Join us for our "Upper Room" Series / Sunday, June 28th, 2026 Website: www.wellspring.one Facebook: / njwellspring Instagram: njwellspring TikTok: NJWellspring "Every Soul has a seat”
June 29, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 16:13-19Daily Lectionary: Joshua 4:1-24; Acts 9:23-43“And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Peter and Paul. The “Prince of the Apostles” and the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” They both are great movers and shakers in the first generation of the New Testament Church—heroes of the faith. And we remember them with appreciation and thanksgiving, sometimes in our stained glass windows, or even with statues flanking the Risen Christ on some altars. It is good to remember them and give thanks.But is it the wisdom and skill of Simon and Saul? Did Simon Peter pass some exam with flying colors, giving Jesus the right answer? Did Saul of Tarsus suddenly realize he was wrong on the Road to Damascus, and shout, “My bad!” as he made up his own mind to start a new life? Here is a hint: even with the greatest saints, they could “not by [their] own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ [their] Lord, or come to Him.”The Father in heaven gave His Spirit to these men, that they might come to faith in Christ, and be great apostles to build the foundation of the Church. These two had a great many things in common. Peter raised Dorcas from the dead; Paul raised Eutychus. Peter was released from jail in Jerusalem by an angel; Paul by an angel in Philippi. Both preach to thousands, both Jew and Gentile, around the Roman Empire. And then, the last thing they shared in common: they both were martyred in Rome during Nero's persecution of Christians. Paul, as a Roman citizen, was given a swift, less torturous death by beheading. Peter, as merely a subject of the Empire, was crucified.Ah! But there is yet another thing in common. These two saints now rest from their labors, asleep in Jesus. And they are awaiting the Resurrection at the Last Day. The Resurrection foreshadowed in the empty tomb, and revealed to Peter in the Upper Room and at breakfast on the beach. The Resurrection was revealed to Paul when he was “knocked off his high horse” and saw and heard the Risen Christ on the Road to Damascus.The Gospel of this Resurrection is revealed to you, too. Through the Word of God delivered by these two saints (and so many others!), you have been blessed and are being prepared for the Resurrection.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We praise You for Saint Peter; We praise You for Saint Paul; They taught both Jew and Gentile That Christ is all in all. To cross and sword they yielded And saw Your kingdom come; O God, these two apostles Reached life through martyrdom. (LSB 518:19)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://uprmchurch.cls.co/VdPH Galatians 5 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroom.cls.co/qmVv Field Guide https://uprmchurch.cls.co/HJcs UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
This sermon explores Jesus' radical act of washing the disciples' feet in the Upper Room as a demonstration of true greatness and the path to a flourishing life. Challenging cultural assumptions that equate upward mobility with success and fulfillment, the message reveals that Jesus modeled downward mobility—moving from the highest position of divine authority to the lowest position of servant. The sermon emphasizes that genuine blessing and deep soul-level joy come not from climbing over others to reach the top, but from humbling ourselves to serve others, even those who betray us. This posture of servanthood is presented as the uniform of every Jesus follower and the key to experiencing the abundant, flourishing life Christ promises.Read John 13:6-9; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10Peter's resistance to having his feet washed reveals a profound truth: sometimes it's harder to receive than to give. American culture celebrates self-sufficiency, but the Kingdom operates differently. Admitting we need help, allowing others to serve us, and being vulnerable about our weaknesses requires tremendous courage. Yet Jesus says if we won't let Him wash us, we have no part with Him. Salvation itself is an act of receiving what we cannot earn. Today, consider where pride might be blocking your blessing. Are you resisting community because you don't want to appear weak? Are you refusing help because you want to maintain control? True strength is found in vulnerability. Let someone wash your feet today—metaphorically or literally—by admitting you need prayer, help, or support.Discussion Questions:-How does Jesus' movement from highest authority to lowest position challenge our culture's definition of success and upward mobility?-Why is it sometimes harder to be served than to serve, and what does our resistance to receiving help reveal about our hearts?-How can we distinguish between serving others out of genuine humility versus serving to be recognized as the greatest servant?-What would it look like for you to put on the uniform of a servant this week in your workplace, school, family, or neighborhood?
Join us for our "Upper Room" Series / Sunday, June 14th, 2026 Website: www.wellspring.one Facebook: / njwellspring Instagram: njwellspring TikTok: NJWellspring "Every Soul has a seat”
Join us for our "Upper Room" Series / Sunday, June 22nd, 2026 Website: www.wellspring.one Facebook: / njwellspring Instagram: njwellspring TikTok: NJWellspring "Every Soul has a seat”
Father's Day at Upper Room Ohio | Pastor Greg Simmons Mission, Vision & Core Values Our Mission is To reveal the goodness of God to everyone everywhere. Join us at 10 am every Sunday Morning or for our Livestream worship service at 10 am on Facebook and at UpperRoomOhio.com Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UpperRoomOhio/ Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/upperroomohio Give us a call: 937-667-5585 Address 648 N. Hyatt St. Tipp City, OH 45371
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://uprmchurch.cls.co/CgTN John 14:1-3 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroom.cls.co/qmVv Field Guide https://uprmchurch.cls.co/HJcs UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
Welcome to Madang.Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renowned authors, leaders, public figures, and scholars on religion, culture, and everything in between.This is the 61st episode of Madang Podcast hosted by Baptist News Global featuring Rev. Dr. Rachel Kessler, who is an Episcopal priest serving as campus chaplain at her alma mater, Kenyon College, and rector of Harcourt Parish in Gambier, OH. An “exvangelical” and progressive Christian influencer, she is known on social media as “The Nerdy Priest.” She earned her PhD in Old English literature from the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto, and she teaches part-time in the Kenyon English department. She is the author of Nerd Faith: 60 Second Sprints of Spiritual Guidance for the Occasionally Uncool.On this episode of Madang Podcast hosted by Baptist News Global, Kessler and I talk about her new book, Nerd Faith: 60 Second Sprints of Spiritual Guidance for the Occasionally Uncool. We discuss God, faith, TikTok, Lord of the Rings, deconstructing, and so much more.I am grateful to the many sponsors of this Madang Podcast episode.1.Church PublishingMadang podcast is grateful to Church Publishing for sponsoring this episode. Please order your copy of Nerd Faith: 60 Second Sprints of Spiritual Guidance for the Occasionally Uncool. Please visit www.churchpublishing.org to find all the latest books and resources. Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) is a leading global, multi-market publisher of a wide variety of books and resources, serving millions of readers. 2. Upper RoomHey Madang listeners, what if your daily devotional connected you to a larger story of God's work in the world?The Upper Room Disciplines is a unique 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary, the three-year cycle of scripture readings used by many churches around the world. Each day's devotion pairs the lectionary scripture with a meditation from one of 53 diverse Christian thought leaders — voices like Willie James Jennings, Joerg Rieger, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, and ME! — writers who bring the texts alive with theological depth and pastoral heart.Whether you're a pastor, a small group leader, or simply someone seeking a deeper rhythm of prayer and reflection, Disciplines offers daily scripture, thoughtful meditations, and prayers to help you encounter God's presence throughout the year.Join thousands of readers who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for study, worship, and spiritual growth.Preorder your copy of The Upper Room Disciplines 2027 today and save 20% with promo code MADANG at Store.UpperRoom.org/MADANG.
I was only 14 when I was baptised in the Holy Ghost. What I wanted was what was in the Bible, the baptism of fire, of power. I knew that when the fire came down on 120 people in the Upper Room, they became fiery evangelists – and immediately Peter held the first evangelistic crusade of the early Church! You see, they were searching for God, waiting expectantly! And on the day of Pentecost, the miracle happened – the same Holy Spirit that had transformed Jesus, the same dynamic power that turned Him from the carpenter's son into the Son of God, the same power that raised Him from the dead – this same power came on the first church, changed their lives and suddenly there was an explosion of evangelism, thousands of people saved – people who had come to Jerusalem from all over the world to celebrate the Jewish festival of Pentecost – these were the ones who found the reality of salvation, the miracles of healing – and now these were the ones who went out in the power of the Holy Spirit to spread the news of salvation worldwide. First evangelists, then missionaries! The same explosion can happen today! When I was searching for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I wanted something explosive that would change my life. If you do not want that – if you want a quiet life, enough money to buy your food, some nice clothes – you will get what you want, but nothing more!
Learn about how God fulfills His promises in Episode 56 of Contemplata, The Secret of the Upper Room. What should we learn from Mary's undoubting and faithful example? What should we learn from her life of trust in God's promises? Join Fr. James Brent, O.P., as he explains how God wants to fulfill his promises to us through our prayers. Contemplata is available wherever you get your podcasts.Follow us on:Instagram: @contemplatapodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/DominicanFriarsMediaSupport: If you want to support this podcast, please visit dominicanfriars.org/contemplata
All of us once were sinners whom God loved, chose, fashioned and created. As an evangelist I know that when God looks at sinners, He doesn't just see alcoholics, drug addicts, the hopeless broken lives. What He sees is the potential, what you can be when He touches you! God is always seeing the future. When you were still a sinner, God saw something in you He wanted. Sometimes it takes a long time – with Moses it took 80 years to form the real man that God could use to do the job! If only you knew what God sees in you, if you could see yourself as He sees you, not as you see yourself! What a difference it could make in your life if you would recognise your potential with God! When God deals with you, He does something unique. So often we want what other people have. In my relationship with God, I have never wanted what somebody else has. I want what is in His Word, what God has for me personally! Don't copy other people. If you want the power of God, that power is not going to come from somebody else. Yes, others can lay their hands on you, but the power is going to come from God. Not from me, nor from someone else. You must get it direct from God and His Word. I was only 14 when I was baptised in the Holy Ghost. What I wanted was what was in the Bible, the baptism of fire, of power. I knew that when the fire came down on 120 people in the Upper Room, they became fiery evangelists – and immediately Peter held the first evangelistic crusade of the early Church!
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://uprmchurch.cls.co/RhpW Leviticus 23:40 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroom.cls.co/qmVv Field Guide https://uprmchurch.cls.co/HJcs UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
Father Mitch Pacwa S.J. recounts and comments on his last 50 years on the eve of the 50th anniversary of his ordination. Jonathan Liedl of the National Catholic Register comments on politics in the pulpit. Steve Ray opens up the topic of 120 "Names" in the upper room. Plus, T's Two Sense looks at the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Join us for our "Upper Room" Series / Sunday, June 8th, 2026 Website: www.wellspring.one Facebook: / njwellspring Instagram: njwellspring TikTok: NJWellspring "Every Soul has a seat”
From the Upper Room to today, God is still sending His life-changing power. In this sermon, discover what happens when heaven suddenly shakes the house.Be part of what God is doing at Mount Holly. To learn more about our ministries, our pastor, and to plan your visit, click here: https://www.mountholly.orgThank you for partnering with us. Click here to give cheerfully: https://www.mountholly.org/give
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://uprmchurch.cls.co/MXYP Colossians 2:6-7 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroom.cls.co/qmVv Field Guide https://uprmchurch.cls.co/HJcs UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
The Upperroom captepillars and spiders an 800 LBS man When we return to the upper room we are heard, because we are HIS!!!!
R-Soul: Reclaiming the Soul of Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice
For PRIDE Month, join Kelley Fox and Rev. Terry Williams for a discussion about LGBTQ+ liberation, reproductive freedom, and the power of personal storytelling! No matter who you are or what your life experiences have been — where, when, if, and how you share your story matters. Comparing the similar ways that personal stories about reproductive experiences and human sexuality are treated in society, Kelley and Rev. Terry offer important tips for stewarding your own story, selecting your audience with care, and standing in the power of your own decision making when it comes to sharing personal reflections and history. Join us for this PRIDE-inspired, intersectional trip through the journey of narrative storytelling and personal empowerment Links to discussed content: Find us at PRIDE!: https://www.faithchoiceohio.org/events Dayton PRIDE: https://www.faithchoiceohio.org/events/dayton-pride-2026 Canal Winchester PRIDE at David's UCC: https://www.faithchoiceohio.org/events/canal-winchester-pride-2026 Cincinnati PRIDE: https://www.faithchoiceohio.org/events/cincinnati-pride-2026 Akron PRIDE: https://www.faithchoiceohio.org/events/akron-pride-2026 Chrysalis by the Upper Room: https://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis "Spoon Theory," by Christine Miserandino: https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/2020-05/Spoon%20theory%20by%20Christine%20Miserandino.pdf Abortion Care Package Program: https://www.faithchoiceohio.org/abortion-care-packages Music by Korbin Jones
Season 22: Abide | #7 – Imitate JesusSHOW NOTES: In this season of Walk with God, we are looking at Jesus' command for His disciples to “Abide in Me.” John 15 records Jesus' words to the disciples in the Upper Room before His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. These words apply to our lives today. We are Christ's followers, and this instruction applies to each of us.NEW! Watch us ONLINE! Click here!But whoever keeps His word, in Him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. 1 John 2:5-6 (ESV)This is God's intention for believers that they …· “Abide” by immersing yourself in His Word· “Allow” Jesus' words to saturate your mindReturning to our key passage in John 15, we find clear instruction in Jesus' words.“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” John 15:10“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:14 Are you beginning to see that you can't do this on your own? We are utterly dependent on God to live the Christian life because it isn't merely holding to a subjective set of moral principles. Jesus set the example for us and invites us to “Abide in Me.”SONG: More Like Jesus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g807Remhvtc&list=RDg807Remhvtc&start_radio=1
(5) James Tabor describes Mount Zion in Jerusalem as the world headquarters of the early movement. Archaeological evidence suggests the "Upper Room" sits atop a first-century foundation of a house-synagogue. In this space, Maryserved as a matriarch and hostess, greeting early pilgrims and figures like the Apostle Paul. This segment portrays a vibrant Jerusalem-based community where the "genius" of the early church thrived. Tabor envisions the household dynamics on Mount Zion, where Mary remained a central figure of authority, hospitality, and memory following the death of her son.1787 Death of Socraates
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://uprmchurch.cls.co/SYkr Colossians 3:5-10 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroom.cls.co/qmVv Field Guide https://uprmchurch.cls.co/HJcs UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11; St. John 7:37-52; 8:12 Pentecost reveals the God who never ceases to act for our salvation, giving His people exactly what they need—from the Law at Sinai, to the Incarnation, Cross, and Resurrection, and finally the gift of the Holy Spirit. The kneeling prayers for the departed flow naturally from Christ's descent into Hades, for if Christ sought those held by death, His Incarnate Body, the Church, continues to seek them through prayer and love. We pray for the departed not because we possess a detailed map of the afterlife, but because Christians imitate Christ, whose love always seeks healing, relief, and salvation for all. Enjoy the show! --- Today we celebrate Holy Pentecost. And when we celebrate Pentecost, we are celebrating much more than a single event in Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago. We are celebrating the God who never ceases to act for our salvation. When Moses encountered God in the burning bush and asked His name, God answered: "I AM WHO I AM." This is not merely a statement about existence. It is a revelation of who God is. He is not distant. He is not passive. He is not absent. He is the living God who is always present and always acting. Throughout the history of salvation, whenever humanity has been in need, God has provided exactly what was needed for our healing and salvation. When the children of Israel were enslaved, He delivered them. When they wandered in the wilderness, He fed them. When they thirsted, He gave them water. When they were attacked, He defended them. When they were lost, He guided them. And when they needed protection from the worst effects of sin and chaos, He gave them the Law. The first Pentecost was the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. And we should remember who it was who appeared there. It was God who spoke to Moses, who appeared in fire and cloud, who gave the Law to Israel, was the pre-incarnate Word of God—the same Christ whom we know from the Gospel. St. Paul tells us that the Law was a guardian and tutor. It restrained evil. It taught obedience. It preserved Israel until the fullness of time should come. The Law was not the final gift. It was the gift God's people needed at that moment. But humanity's deepest problem could not be solved by commandments alone. We needed more than instruction. We needed healing. We needed forgiveness. We needed life. So the same Christ who gave the Law came among us in the flesh. He taught. He healed. He cast out demons. He suffered. He died. He descended into Hades. He rose again. At every stage He was giving humanity what humanity needed. And then, after His Resurrection, He ascended into heaven. At first glance, that seems strange. Would it not have been better if Christ had simply remained visibly among us? Yet He Himself tells the disciples: "It is to your advantage that I go away." Why? Because humanity now needed another gift. The Law had been given. The Incarnation had taken place. The Cross had been accomplished. Death had been trampled down. Now Christ would send the Holy Spirit. At Sinai, the Law was written on tablets of stone. At Pentecost, the Spirit is written upon human hearts. At Sinai, God formed a people. At Pentecost, He fills that people with His own life. At Sinai, God instructed His people from without. At Pentecost, He begins transforming them from within. The Holy Spirit is not an optional addition to the Christian life. He is the very life of the Church. He is the One who unites us to Christ, who makes us temples of God, who heals what is broken, who perfects what is lacking, and who leads us into all truth. Christ ascended so that He might send us exactly what we needed. As St. Nikolai Velimirović loved to remind us, there is no corner of creation into which Christ has not carried His saving love—not Sinai, not Bethlehem, not Golgotha, not the Upper Room, not even Hades itself. And today we celebrate yet another gift that flows from all of this. This afternoon we will kneel for the first time since Pascha. And in the kneeling prayers we pray not only for ourselves. We pray for the departed. To some Christians this seems strange. Why pray for the dead? What can our prayers accomplish? But the answer begins with Christ Himself. Because Christ did not merely die. He descended into Hades. He entered the realm of death itself. As we sing at Pascha: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life." The Harrowing of Hades was not a symbolic gesture. It was an act of divine love. The Lord entered the place of darkness to bring light. He entered the place of bondage to bring freedom. He entered the place of death to bring life. As St. John Chrysostom proclaims in his Paschal Homily: "Hell was embittered when it encountered Thee below." Death thought it had gained a victim. Instead, it encountered Life Himself. Hades thought it had secured its prisoners. Instead, it found its gates shattered and its captives being led forth into freedom. If Christ Himself went to those held by death, why would we not pray for them? If Christ sought those in Hades, why would His Incarnate Body—the Church—cease to seek them? The prayers for the departed are not an embarrassment or an afterthought. They are one of the most natural consequences of Pascha. They are a continuation of Christ's own work. The Scriptures show us that death does not sever the bonds of love within the Body of Christ. Our God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And those who belong to Him remain alive in Him. We do not claim to know every detail of how God's mercy operates beyond the grave. The Orthodox Church has never attempted to construct a detailed system like the doctrine of Purgatory. We know less than some would like. But we know enough. We know that Christ conquered death. We know that He descended into Hades. We know that love never fails. We know that the Church has always prayed for the departed. We know that the Church's liturgical life—from the ancient Liturgies to the kneeling prayers of Pentecost—bears witness to that practice. And we know that Christians are called to imitate Christ. Ultimately, that is the deepest reason we pray for the dead. Not because we possess a detailed map of the intermediate state. Not because we can explain every mechanism. But because this is what love does. Love intercedes. Love seeks healing. Love seeks relief. Love seeks salvation. Love refuses to abandon those who suffer. This is what Christ does. And therefore it is what Christians do. The same Lord who gave the Law at Sinai, who became incarnate, who died and rose again, who descended into Hades, and who poured out the Holy Spirit upon the Church, continues even now to seek the salvation of all. And He calls us to join Him in that work: to pray, to love, to intercede, to hope, and to trust that the God who has always given His people exactly what they needed continues to pour out His mercy upon the living and the departed alike.
Season 22: Abide | #6 – My Soul WaitsScripture: Psalm 62:1-7 NEW! Watch us ONLINE! Click here!Show Notes: The vineyard has seasons. After flowers appear on the branches, grapes will be ready for harvest 150-180 days later. What happens to the vine and branches during the rest of the year? Jesus gave His disciples the command, “Abide in Me,” in the Upper Room before His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. How do we abide in the True Vine?For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress.I shall not be greatly shaken.Psalm 62:1–2 True peace belongs to those who abide in quietness of heart before Him. Silence is not emptiness — it is an invitation. When we quiet the noise around and within us, we create space for God to speak. Most of us are deeply uncomfortable with silence. We fill every gap with sound, activity, or distraction. Yet it is often in silence that God does His deepest work in us. Waiting is also an act of faith. When we wait on the Lord, we say with our actions what David said with his words: I trust that You are at work, even when I cannot see it. I believe Your timing is best for me. Waiting is not doing nothing — it is choosing to hold still long enough for God to move. It is resisting the temptation to run ahead of Him or to manufacture our own solutions. It is one of the most difficult yet holy things a believer can do.Truly, He is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress. I will not be shaken.Psalm 62:6 THE PRACTICE OF ABIDING – It is the daily practice of ABIDING in the VINE — in prayer, the Word, worship, and quiet dependence. This is a deliberate, intentional posture.When we set the Lord before us (Psalm 16:8), we find He is already there, waiting for us to come in silence. From that place of nearness, we can face whatever comes with courage and calm, not because our circumstances are easy, but because our God is faithful. “I will not be shaken” is not wishful thinking — it is a declaration rooted in the character of the One who holds us.Song: Speak O Lord - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH1Wn4fTiBs&list=RDaH1Wn4fTiBs&start_radio=1
The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052426-DayIn today's homily, Fr. Chris Alar, explains the meaning of Pentecost and the two moments when the Apostles received the Holy Spirit.In John 20, Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, giving them grace for personal sanctification and the forgiveness of sins. In Acts 2, fifty days after the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit descends publicly upon the 120 gathered in the Upper Room, launching the Church's mission to the world. These two Pentecost moments are not contradictory — they reveal different manifestations of the same Holy Spirit: personal, sacramental, communal, and missionary. ★ Support this podcast ★
In this fifth session on the Luminous Mysteries, Kimberly walks us through the Fifth Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist. Join her as she highlights the announcement of Christ's Kingship, the institution of Holy Orders, and the revelation of Christ's True Presence in the Eucharist. Additionally, Kimberly guides us through this mystery with personal testimony, insightful notes from the Catechism, and astonishing prefigurements mentioned in the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the New. Whether you're watching on your own, with daughters or friends, or leading a parish study, this series is an invitation to grow as a woman of faith and grace, reflecting on the Luminous Mysteries of Jesus.
Read OnlineJesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” John 20:21–23Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, which took place fifty days after Jesus rose from the dead. Today's Gospel recounts Jesus' first appearance to the Apostles as a group—Thomas being absent—on the evening of the Resurrection. During this appearance, Jesus conferred on them the authority to forgive sins, a power foundational to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This gift anticipates the fuller outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, when the Apostles were empowered to carry out their mission with boldness and divine strength.By breathing on the Apostles, Jesus recalls the creation account in Genesis, when God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7). Now Christ, the New Adam, breathes new life—the divine life of grace—into His Apostles. While this breathing conveys the Holy Spirit in an anticipatory manner, Pentecost represents the full bestowal of the Spirit upon the Church, sanctifying and empowering the Apostles and all disciples.Our knowledge of Pentecost comes to us from the Acts of the Apostles, Luke's continuation of his Gospel in which he details the beginning of the Church: “And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them” (Acts 2:2–3).When the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles at Pentecost, there were physical manifestations. God often accompanies significant biblical actions with visible signs to reveal the invisible reality of His presence and activity. Though the transforming reality of Pentecost was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the accompanying signs teach us about the Spirit's nature and work.The “strong driving wind” that “filled the entire house” symbolizes the ongoing, life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. Like the wind, the Spirit is unseen yet powerful, moving where He wills and producing visible effects in the lives of believers. Though we understand the natural causes of wind today, its mystery and uncontrollable nature remain, reflecting the Holy Spirit's divine origin and unstoppable work in the world. He comes from God's hidden presence, unseen but active, bringing about a new creation in the Church and in every soul He touches.The “tongues as of fire” signify the Spirit's purifying and transforming action, burning away sin and igniting hearts with zeal for God's mission. Together, these signs reveal the Spirit as the powerful, life-giving, and sanctifying presence of God, animating the Church and guiding her to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.Before Pentecost, the disciples hid in the Upper Room, fearful and uncertain. Though Jesus had taught them, performed miracles, and revealed His perfect love, their hearts were not yet fully transformed. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came as a divine fire, emboldening them to become fearless witnesses.When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive the same gift bestowed upon the disciples at Pentecost. We might not feel a strong driving wind or see tongues of fire descend from Heaven, but the reality is the same. The signs at Pentecost were not only for the disciples, they were also for us, revealing the Holy Spirit's workings and power in our lives.Reflect today on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Have you experienced the Spirit's presence in your life? Like the first disciples, have you allowed the Holy Spirit to fill you with power from on high, emboldening you, purifying you, and setting you on fire with zeal to fulfill the mission God has entrusted to you? The Holy Spirit will transform us—if we let Him—setting our feet on the path to eternal glory.Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The fresco of Pentecost in the church Dreifaltigkeitskirche by August Müller (1923).Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
The Upper Room Mystery: Unlocking Mary's Hidden Role at Pentecost. If the Holy Spirit had already overshadowed Mary at the Annunciation, why did she need to be there for Pentecost? This week, we go beyond the surface of Acts 2 to explore the breathtaking theological reality of the Virgin Mary's relationship with the Holy Spirit. We trace the scriptural threads from Genesis to the Upper Room to reveal how Mary acts as the bridge between Christ and the Church. If you've ever wanted to understand the Holy Trinity deeper, or wondered about the true roots of Marian theology, this episode is for you. Key Topics Covered: The Spouse of the Spirit: Understanding the unique, unrepeatable bond between Mary and the Third Person of the Trinity. The Mother of the Church: How Mary's maternal role shifted on the day of Pentecost. True Spiritual Fire: What the "tongues of fire" mean for modern Christians striving for holiness. ✨ Loved this episode? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps us bring these deep truths to more listeners around the world! All of Father Luke's Masses are live-streamed at Our Lady's Blue Army Facebook and Youtube, and homilies posted at Daily Homilies from the Blue Army Shrine.
In this episode, film producer Adriana Gonzalez joins the show from Verona, Italy, to discuss her ecumenical documentary, That They May Be One. She shares how a personal, life-changing baptism in the Holy Spirit fueled her passion for Christian unity, explaining why bridging denominational divides can start with something as simple as inviting your neighbor over for dinner.The Official Film Website: thattheymaybeonefilm.com (Where listeners can watch the trailer and find local theater ticket listings for the theatrical release). Released May 19th, 2026.The 10-Day Prayer Plan ("10 Days in the Upper Room"): flourishyourfaith.org (The free Pentecost novena prayer resource companion to the film featuring contributors like Francis Chan and Dr. Mary Healy).
In this episode of The Leader's Notebook (Ep. 313), I take you back to the very moment the church was born at Pentecost. Acts 2 tells the story: wind, fire, tongues, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on believers. But beyond the signs, what truly happened was far greater—God inaugurated a Spirit-filled, miraculous movement that continues today. This message explores the power, reality, and relevance of Pentecost for every believer, showing that the Holy Spirit is not just historical but alive and active in our lives now. From personal struggles to divine encounter, discover how God's Spirit transforms emptiness into power, fear into faith, and despair into joy. Experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit as it shapes the church and equips us for obedience, service, and leadership in His name. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders' Notebook(00:00:31) - Pentecost(00:04:47) - What Really Happened in the Upper Room at Pentecost(00:11:40) - The importance of Pentecost(00:18:41) - How an Angry Pastor Became a Christian(00:24:05) - Desperate for the Holy Spirit(00:29:15) - A Christian was healed by the Holy Spirit(00:34:24) - The power of the Holy Spirit(00:40:22) - A Mercedes for Preachers(00:46:14) - The Leader's Notebook
In this fifth session on the Luminous Mysteries, Kimberly walks us through the Fifth Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist. Join her as she highlights the announcement of Christ's Kingship, the institution of Holy Orders, and the revelation of Christ's True Presence in the Eucharist. Additionally, Kimberly guides us through this mystery with personal testimony, insightful notes from the Catechism, and astonishing prefigurements mentioned in the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the New. ✨ Join the largest group Bible Study in America—Bible Across America ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.com/america Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconfere...