Podcasts about western church

Friends of the Rosary,Yesterday, three months after the December 8 celebration of her immaculate conception as the child of Sts. Joachim and Anne, we rejoiced in the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Saint Augustine described her nativity as an event of cosmic and historic significance and an appropriate prelude to the birth of Jesus Christ."She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley," he said.The fourth-century bishop, whose theology profoundly shaped the Western Church's understanding of sin and human nature, affirmed that "through her birth, the nature inherited from our first parents is changed."Mary was born to free humanity from the ancient bondage of sin, as the Roman Martyrology stated.Born immaculate and full of grace, Mary was conceived to be the mother of God, the spiritual mother of all mankind, and the distributor of all divine grace. With Mary, all human nature is exalted.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠September 9, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET  

In this episode, Dr. David Alan Black, in a comprehensive discussion about the authorship of the book of Hebrews, explores both internal and external evidence that supports Pauline authorship. Dr. Black shares his journey into New Testament studies, the historical context of authorship debates, and the significance of early church fathers in affirming Paul's authorship. The conversation emphasizes the importance of examining Greek texts and challenges common assumptions about the differences between Hebrews and other Pauline epistles.

Friends of the Rosary,While we continue praying for the two children killed, the injured, and their families, at a shooting during a Mass held at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, by a demonic gunman, today, August 28, the Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Augustine (354-430).Born at Tagaste, North Africa, the son of St. Monica had a life of excesses until St. Ambrose converted him.The prayer and tears of his mother, the sanctity of Milan's Bishop Ambrose, the book of St. Anthony the hermit, and the sacred Scriptures brought him to conversion (metanoia), sealed by baptism on Easter night 387, with his mother as witness.Returning to Tagaste, he distributed his goods to the poor and was ordained a priest. He was appointed bishop of Hippo at the age of 41 and became one of the most influential theologians, particularly in clarifying the doctrines of the Trinity, grace, and the Church.Augustine, numbered among the four great Doctors of the Western Church, was a prolific writer and a saint with an inexhaustible spirituality. He wrote the Confessions and The City of God, a worthy memorial to his genius, a philosophy of history.Augustine's episcopal life was filled with battles against heretics. From his encounter with Pelagius, who denied the necessity of grace, he earned the surname "Doctor of grace."As an emblem, Christian art accords him a burning heart to symbolize the ardent love of God which permeates all his writings.Founder of canonical life in common, Augustinian monks and the Hermits honor him as their spiritual father.He famously said, "Restless is the heart until it rests in God."“The life and witness of St. Augustine reminds us that each of us has received gifts and talents from God and that our vocation, our fulfillment, and our joy come from giving them back in loving service to God and others,” Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian, said today.Not surprisingly, his papal motto, “In Illo uno, unum” (“In the one Christ, we are one”), comes from a homily by St. Augustine.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York• August 28, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Why does the Western church struggle to talk about grief, loss, and suffering? Pastor Karl Fay joins Tim Ahlman for a raw and inspiring conversation about faith, art, and the power of walking through brokenness instead of avoiding it.Karl—an artist, husband, dad, and senior pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church—opens up about:- Why Western Christians often ignore death and suffering- How grief and melancholy shape authentic faith- The surprising ways art can give us language for pain and hope- Why Jesus Himself should be seen as an artist who transforms suffering into beautyThis episode will challenge your view of grief, faith, and creativity—and may just change how you see the role of art in the church.Support the showWatch Us On Youtube!

On this episode of the Older Pastor/Younger Pastor Podcast, Dave gives his input on what he believes is the greatest challenge facing the Western Church today.

On this episode of the Older Pastor/Younger Pastor Podcast, Ryan gives his input on what he believes is the greatest challenge facing the Western Church today.

Send us a textStrength for the Weary Soul | A Global Prayer for Spiritual Exhaustion | Psalm 119:28 DevotionalWelcome to Unshakeable: A Daily Christian Devotional Podcast with Reverend Ben Cooper Broadcasting from the United Kingdom to hearts across the world, this podcast is your spiritual anchor in uncertain times—offering biblically grounded encouragement, global perspective, and authentic prayer.Soul weariness is real—and it's global. Whether you're in London, Lagos, Mumbai, Melbourne, or Los Angeles, spiritual exhaustion knows no borders. In today's deeply moving five-minute devotional, Reverend Ben Cooper invites believers around the world to confront the heaviness of soul fatigue with honesty, faith, and the power of God's Word.Drawing from Psalm 119:28, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word,” this meditation uncovers the sacred space where human sorrow meets divine strength. Many believers silently suffer under the weight of spiritual tiredness—this episode speaks directly to that pain with compassion and scriptural truth.Biblical Foundations This devotional immerses listeners in several key scriptural moments:Psalm 119:28 – David's transparency gives believers permission to confess their weariness and seek strength in God's Word.Matthew 26:38 – Jesus, in Gethsemane, said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Even the Son of God embraced the reality of soul weariness.2 Corinthians 4:7-10 – We are jars of clay, fragile yet filled with resurrection power.Isaiah 40:29-31 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”1 Peter 5:10 – After suffering, God Himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. Life Application:This prayerful reflection breaks through cultural expectations—especially in the Western Church—that portray faith as constant strength. Real discipleship allows space for lament, for weariness, and for holy surrender. This episode gently dismantles perfectionism and offers an invitation to step into God's strength, not by striving but by receiving.Listeners are guided to release burdens, renounce self-reliance, and speak truth over their own lives. The prayer becomes a spiritual recalibration—reminding you that "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). This episode is ideal for morning devotion, late-night reflection, or any moment when your spirit needs a reset.A Global Invitation:Wherever you're listening from—whether facing persecution, battling burnout, navigating grief, or simply running dry—this prayer is for you. God's Word strengthens the missionary, the mother, the pastor, the student, and the seeker alike. Let this devotional be a spiritual lifeline across time zones and borders.Call to Action:Subscribe now to Unshakeable: A Daily Christian Devotional Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoogSupport the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

Ever wondered why Orthodox churches are filled with icons while Catholic ones aren't? This fascinating conversation with David Latting and Ben Langlois (Orthodox Luigi) takes us deep into the heart of Orthodox Christianity and its distinctive practices.  The discussion uncovers how icons serve as "windows into heaven" for Orthodox believers—not just beautiful art, but portals into the divine realm. Langlois explains the theological reasoning behind the two-dimensional nature of icons, tracing this tradition back to the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 CE. For those curious about Christian history, the episode offers a refreshing perspective on how the ancient Church used visual imagery to teach biblical stories to illiterate believers, challenging common misconceptions about scripture access in early Christianity.  One of the most enlightening segments addresses the Great Schism between Eastern and Western Christianity. Rather than a simple split in 1054, we learn how the separation evolved gradually over centuries, with fascinating insights into how the pre-schism Western Church was considered Orthodox despite cultural differences. This nuanced historical understanding helps bridge denominational divides and fosters appreciation for shared Christian heritage.  The conversation doesn't shy away from difficult questions, including a thoughtful Protestant concern: "Why would I give my attention to anyone but Jesus?" The response offers a compelling parallel between asking friends for prayer and requesting intercession from saints, demonstrating how Orthodox veneration practices ultimately maintain Christ's centrality while honoring the communion of saints across time.  Whether you're deeply familiar with Orthodox traditions or completely new to them, this episode will transform your understanding of Christian worship, history, and theology. Subscribe to Cloud of Witnesses for more thought-provoking conversations that explore the depth and richness of Christian faith across traditions. Visit Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://cloudofwitnessesradio.com/ Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

On this episode of the Westminster Effects Doxology Podcast, we sit down with Mary Ellen Lovin, a missionary to the Middle East supported by Resurrection Church. Mary Ellen shares what it's like to do ministry in a region rich in both history and hardship, how the gospel is moving, and what the Western Church can learn from believers abroad.This conversation is part of our Common Thread series, highlighting faithful Christians from across traditions and contexts.Support Mary Ellen at:https://rceinternational.givingfuel.com/staff?staffId=25953https://www.thriftbooks.com/list/share/5c7bd446e3e9f7ca756df5efddbdc02e/

In this episode of Ask the Church, we unpack one of the most debated lines in the Nicene Creed: “who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” Why did the Western Church add “and the Son”? Why do Eastern Christians omit it? And what does it tell us about the dynamic life of the Trinity?In the next five minutes, we'll discuss: - The biblical basis for the Spirit's procession (John 15:26)- How the concepts of “eternal source,” “eternal begetting,” and “eternal procession” help us understand the three Persons of the Trinity- The history and impact of the Filioque controversy and the Great Schism- Anglican flexibility in confessing or omitting the “and the Son” (Filioque) clause

Who are the men behind the liturgical renewals within our Synod? Who are the men at the tip of the spear when it came to talking about the importance of retaining the historic liturgy, rites, and ceremonies of the Western Church? The next installment of the liturgical biographies we're going to cover is Paul H.D. Lang. Mark Braden (pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI, and Departmental Editor of Gottesdienst: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgy) walks us through his early ministry, highlights some of his writings, and then dives into two of his most notable works: What An Altar Guild Should Know and Ceremony and Celebration. This is part one of a two-part series.  Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ Please like, share, and review this podcast. It only takes a few minutes for you, but it means a lot to us.   

The global church is exploding with growth and miracles, but what's their secret? We sit down with Ryan Skoog, founder of Venture & Co, to uncover how radical prayer, not just leadership principles, is fueling a worldwide revival.Ryan's ministry works in the “three UNs”—UNsafe, UNreached, and UNresourced parts of the world, where partners face persecution and miracles are commonplace. He shares eye-opening insights from his book, Lead With Prayer, revealing how the fastest-growing churches on earth are powered by a deep, authentic prayer life.Join us as we dive into:✅The shocking truth about prayer among Western leaders: Why more experience and education often lead to less prayer.✅“Friendship First”: How dynamic prayer lives are built on simply “wasting time” with Jesus, not just a laundry list of requests.✅Crafting a Day with God: Practical rhythms and habits to integrate prayer throughout your day, from morning psalms to blessing strangers.✅From Spiritual Warfare to Miracles: Ryan shares a raw, personal story of how daily communion transformed his family's battle with demonic nightmares and saved his business during COVID.✅Prayer Forges Courage: Discover how spending time in God's presence equips leaders to make tough decisions with humble confidence (hear the wild story of Ryan's dad!).✅Communal Prayer & Maximum Yield: How individual prayer ignites corporate movements, and how discerning God's will through prayer can lead to unprecedented fruitfulness in ministry and life.This conversation will challenge your assumptions about what prayer can be and inspire you to engage with God in a more profound, transformational way. Take the Bible seriously, but learn not to take yourself too seriously, as we explore the radical middle of Word + Spirit.0:00 Introduction: Ryan Skoog on Prayer2:57 Inspiration for the Book on Prayer5:57 Western Church & Dependence on the Spirit9:47 Prayer Vs. Functional Atheism18:08 Rhythms of Prayer28:37 Humility & Western Culture32:04 The Right Steps to Cultivate Prayer41:13 Rewiring the Brain45:50 How to Make It Meaningful50:00 How to Create a Culture of Prayer58:45 Closing ThoughtsABOUT THE GUEST:BOOK & RESOURCES https://www.leadwithprayer.com/ Subscribe to The Remnant Radio newsletter and receive our FREE introduction to spiritual gifts eBook. Plus, get access to: discounts, news about upcoming shows, courses and conferences - and more. Subscribe now at TheRemnantRadio.com.Support the showABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO:

Mozarabic? Braga? Ambrosian? Catholics are familiar with the Roman Catholic Mass in its traditional form and that of the "Novus Ordo," but many do not realize the liturgical diversity that once existed throughout the Western Church.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today's episode will help us move from self-reliance to Spirit-empowered living by embracing daily surrender and rediscovering the power of the Holy Spirit in our walk with Jesus. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Empowering Every Believer: Activating the Priesthood of All Believers - Disciple Maker's Podcast Ep. 7   Unlocking the Power of the Holy Spirit: A Call to Bold Witness and Total Surrender   In this impactful episode, Josh Howard and Jason dive deep into the significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. They discuss the challenges modern Christians face, including the startling statistic that 98% of Christians in America never share their faith outside of their immediate families. They highlight two main problems: the lack of witnessing and the often forgotten role of the Holy Spirit in many churches. Through scriptural examples, particularly from the Book of Acts, they showcase the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the necessity of full surrender and consecration to experience true spiritual empowerment. They argue that without daily dying to oneself and being filled afresh with the Spirit, believers cannot effectively witness or make disciples. The conversation underscores the critical need for revival and a personal challenge to be a true burnt offering for God's glory. Join them in a heartfelt prayer of surrender, and take the first steps toward becoming a vessel for the Spirit's power in your life.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 00:52 The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Church 03:01 The Power of Witnessing and the Holy Spirit 05:57 Daily Surrender and Empowerment 12:18 Living Sacrifice and Community Support 22:35 The Demands of Discipleship 23:14 The Reasonableness of Total Surrender 24:27 Living as a Burnt Offering 30:02 The Power of the Holy Spirit 32:17 A Call to Radical Transformation 37:42 Prayer of Surrender 45:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: Podcast Recap: S3 Ep. 2 – Life in the Spirit In this episode, Jason and Josh dive into a real, honest conversation about what it means to live a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. They go back and forth between light-hearted banter and weighty truths, creating a natural rhythm that feels both grounded and inspiring. They kick things off with a laugh, joking about how hard it can be to start episodes smoothly—before easing into the heart of the conversation. The big focus? The Church's need to make more room for the Holy Spirit—not just in Sunday services, but in everyday life. Jason shares how some churches unintentionally sideline the Spirit, joking about the tendency to worship “God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Bible.” Josh jumps in to remind us that real power—boldness, witness, and transformation—comes from the Holy Spirit. They unpack Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His followers they'll receive power when the Holy Spirit comes. Josh points out a sobering stat: 98% of American Christians never share their faith outside their family. The answer isn't trying harder—it's surrendering deeper. Josh describes how the disciples went from hiding in fear to boldly preaching the gospel after being filled with the Spirit. He draws from Romans to say the same power that raised Jesus now lives in us—meaning we're equipped for far more than we realize. A key theme in the episode is daily surrender. Josh shares a vivid metaphor: believers “leak,” so we need to keep coming back for a fresh filling. They talk about how true revival starts when we lay ourselves down—day after day—like living sacrifices. They also explore the idea that you can't have Pentecost without Calvary. In other words, the power of the Spirit comes through death to self. Drawing on Old Testament sacrifices, they paint a picture of what it means to live fully surrendered—acknowledging our tendency, like a goat, to crawl off the altar. Community plays a big role here too. Josh emphasizes how we need each other to keep living that surrendered life—through encouragement, accountability, and prayer. Toward the end, they call out how the Western Church often gets caught up in debates and performance, losing sight of the simple, powerful truth: Jesus rose, and His Spirit lives in us. They warn against letting the flesh take the lead again and call for a return to Spirit-led living. The episode wraps with lyrics from a Casting Crowns song that challenge superficial faith and call for genuine heart change. It's a fitting close to a conversation all about real transformation—from the inside out. Jason and Josh finish with a heartfelt prayer, asking for the Spirit's guidance, power, and presence to shape every part of our lives. Bottom line: If you're hungry for deeper discipleship and lasting impact, it all starts with surrender—and the Holy Spirit is ready to lead the way.

Millennial Mustard Seed PodcastWelcome to the Millennial Mustard Seed Podcast, where we dive into the unusual, unexplained, and unexplored aspects of our world—always filtered through a biblical lens. With a seeker's humility, we spark deeper conversations about faith, technology, spiritual warfare, and biblical prophecy.Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠Millennial Mustard Seed Podcast Subscription⁠Watch on YouTube: ⁠Millennial Mustard Seed Channel⁠Follow on Facebook: ⁠Millennial Mustard Seed Facebook Page⁠Guest Introduction:Laura Gallier is the acclaimed author of The Delusion series, a gripping young adult fiction series tackling themes like suicide, depression, and spiritual warfare. Laura is a sought-after speaker and is currently working to bring The Delusion to the big screen. Through her transparent journey of emotional healing and spiritual renewal, Laura's message is a powerful reminder that authenticity, not performance, is the currency of God's Kingdom.Website: LauraGallier.comSocial Media: @LauraGallierOfficialCore Topics Covered: Laura's raw and honest journey through a four-year season of debilitating depression and trauma recovery.How God leads us through the valley of the shadow of death—not around it—and why the "middle of the valley" is often where healing begins.The toxic cycle of performance-based Christianity and the invitation to authentic intimacy with God.How unresolved childhood trauma often underpins emotional and mental health struggles—and why God won't let us carry old baggage into new seasons.The role of spiritual warfare in mental health, and why holistic healing must include the body, soul, and spirit.Laura's behind-the-scenes look at writing The Delusion series and how her personal battles shaped the characters and storylines.Why the Western Church struggles with authenticity, and how to break free from a culture of performance to embrace God's true freedom.Key Quotes & Insights“The enemy is always trying to get us to prove ourselves, but the truth is—if you're in Christ, you already have nothing to prove. You are fully loved.”“You cannot cast out a broken heart, and you cannot heal a demon. You have to know the difference.”“God's correction is always wrapped in His tenderness. He doesn't rush us out of our grief; He sits with us in it.”The Delusion Series by Laura Gallier – Available on AmazonLauraGallier.com – Sign up for updates on her upcoming movie project.Related Podcast Episodes:Spiritual Mapping & Emotional Healing – Dr. Laura SangerThe Cosmic Battle for Identity – Ryan PittersonCall to Action:Be sure to subscribe to the Millennial Mustard Seed Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube at MMSeed7. Leave us a review to help spread the word about these powerful, truth-centered conversations!Want to support exclusive content and help us grow? Visit our subscription page and consider becoming a monthly partner.

In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the mDNA (Movement DNA) of missional-incarnational impulse. This mDNA has been a missing component in the Western Church for too long. We have been called not to missional activity, but to live on mission, embodying the teachings of Jesus in our communities. We include practical examples of missional living, the significance of personal calling, and the practices that shape a missional lifestyle, such as building relationships and creating spaces for community engagement. All of this conversation is rooted in a desire to see gospel flourishing in all aspects of life.

The story of how Hebrew was smuggled into the Western Church is long and complicated; it spans centuries and involves hundreds of men. In this episode, we have narrowed down the story to a handful of key figures who played pivotal roles. At many points in this timeline, Christian men could have stood up and defended the inspired Greek of the Septuagint, but essentially none did so. At any point in this timeline, Christian men could have stood up and repudiated the wicked use of the Hebrew, but only two did so — both former (converted) Jews. Satan does not have the limitation of a lifespan of but eighty or so years, and he does not sleep or grow tired; the story of Hebrew is the story of Satan's long-term plan to undermine and collapse the Western Church, and, with her, Christendom. In this second-half of the historical portion of the Septuagint series, we cover the history of the Western Church (from, roughly, Jerome to the Reformation) with regard to how Hebrew came to be used as the basis for the Old Testament. Notably, this history of the Septuagint is almost devoid of any actual use of the Septuagint by the men whose lives and actions make up the narrative, because we, like the Israelites of the Old Testament, left the Word of God sitting in a basement, abandoned and largely forgotten — and, worse, we accepted a corrupted counterfeit from rabbis and made it the basis of our translations. Mercifully and according to His promises, God preserved the Greek for us, and so we can undo the foolishness of centuries past — a topic we will take up in the last episode in this series. Show Notes See Also Further Reading “Johannes Reuchlin (1455–1522): A Unique Philosemitic Public Intellectual” “Johannes Reuchlin: A Voice of Humanism and Esoteric Wisdom” [This site is full of things we categorically recommend against — it is linked for the sole purpose of this one article on Reuchlin.] Parental Warnings At the end of the episode, Luther is quoted and the quote includes the words “whore” and “slut”.

The experience of reading Saint Isaac the Syrian is something like being caught up in a vortex; not a linear explanation of the spiritual life or spiritual practices, but rather being drawn by the Holy Spirit that blows wherever It wills. It is not as though Isaac's thought lacks cohesiveness, but rather he presents the life of faith and life in Christ to us as an artist painting with broad strokes. This is especially true in the first six homilies that speak of the discipline of virtue. Isaac seems to be more concerned about our breathing the same air as the Saints. He wants us to be swept up by our desire for God and in our gratitude for His love and mercy. Our life is not simply following a series of teachings or a moral code, but rather embodying very life of Christ. We are to love and console others as we have been loved and consoled by the Lord. If our spiritual disciplines do not remove the impediments to our capacity to be loved and to love others, then they are sorely lacking.  In every way, our lives should be a reflection of Christ and the manner that we walk along the path of our lives should be reflective of His mindset and desire. In other words, we should desire to do the will of God and to love Him above all things, including our own lives. We are to die to self and sin and have a willingness to trust in the Providence of God that leads our hearts to desire to take up the cross daily and follow him. We begin to see affliction as something that not only shapes are virtue and deepens our faith, but that is a participation in the reality of redemption. We are drawn into something that is Divine and Saint Isaac would not have us make it something common. The Cross will always be a stumbling block when gazed upon or experienced on a purely natural level. But for those who have faith, we begin to see and experience the sweetness of God's love and intimacy with him precisely through affliction. Isaac would have us know that joy in all of its fullness. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:10:51 Catherine Opie: Hi there, where are we in the text? 00:12:03 Lori Hatala: pg 122 Cover a sinner... 00:13:10 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "pg 122 Cover a sinne..." with

Notes - Class notes and timelines --> https://www.generationword.com/notes/End_Times_Review/03-charts.pdfeBook "Lifeboats and Maps for the Titanic Faith of the Western Church" here --> https://www.titanicfaith.org/

In Episode 7 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor are joined by guest Preston Perry, an apologist, evangelist, and poet. Tune in as they discuss the importance of evangelism for the growth of the Church and how to make it a natural part of daily life. Learn practical strategies and the spiritual disciplines needed to engage in more meaningful, Spirit-led gospel conversations. Find the courage to step out in evangelism with boldness and love even when you don't have all the answers. Also in this episode: Discover the significance mentors play in training and modeling evangelism for the next generation Gain insights on why evangelism hasn't been prioritized among believers in the Western Church and how to remedy these issues Learn how the Holy Spirit equips and empowers believers to boldly speak the name of Jesus Be reminded of how essential kindness is in evangelism since the gospel message is already offensive enough to the lost Find resources on how churches can create a culture of evangelism within the church and equip members to share the gospel Helpful Resources:  How to Tell the Truth Everyday Evangelism NAMB Evangelism Kit Connect with Preston Perry: Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook, preston-perry.com ★     Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★     Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform. —————————————————————————————————————————– Shareable Quotes: “Why am I doing evangelism? Am I doing this to look intelligent, like I'm better than the next man? Am I doing this to feel good about myself or because I have a savior complex? Or am I doing this to lead somebody to the Lord? Am I doing this to win a heart?” —Preston Perry “Let's redefine the win. The win is not getting the person to pray to receive Christ on the spot. The win is just starting a spiritual conversation.” —Paul Worcester “Every heart has a cry. We must ask the right questions to hear it. A lot of times, we don’t hear the cry because we're so busy arguing. I try to ask the right questions so I can hear the cry. And then, once I hear the cry, I can serve.” —Preston Perry “Evangelism is not just going and telling people about your church. Telling people about your church is good marketing, but good evangelism is telling people about Jesus.” —Shane Pruitt “Trusting in the Holy Spirit and being led by the Lord will help us avoid arguments during spiritual conversations. I think we often get into arguments because we are trusting in our own knowledge.” —Preston Perry “We're not talking about Jesus because we're not excited about Him ourselves. The first step to evangelism is sitting at the feet of Jesus.” —Shane Pruitt

Happy Eastertime! Celebrating the Ascension of Christ and Bright Week! Keep in mind that 'Bright Week' (Eastern Church) or 'Easter Week' (Western Church) starts the fifty days of welcoming the wonderful miracle that Jesus Christ has given us! Jesus gave up his human life, an innocent man dying on the cross, allowing us God's gift of the Resurrecting of him for all humankind. A rebirth for humankind to live in him and he in us. Let the celebration continue! Christ Has Risen!   And on a solemn note during this celebration, I want to offer condolences to all my friends in the Roman Catholic Church on the passing of Pope Francis, the day after Easter of this year 2025 of the Lord.   There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com

Welcome to the Daily Living for Christ podcast. In this powerful episode, we introduce the ancient yet deeply relevant practice of Centering Prayer—a silent, contemplative form of prayer that opens the soul to God's presence and action within.Rooted in the early Christian contemplative tradition and reintroduced to the Western Church in the late 20th century, Centering Prayer is not a technique to achieve something from God, but a sacred way of consenting to His love, transformation, and divine will. Donald guides us through the biblical foundation of this practice, drawing from Matthew 6:6 and John 15:1-5, showing how Jesus invited us to a secret, abiding relationship with the Father through stillness and surrender.In this episode, you'll explore:✅ The origins and purpose of Centering Prayer in Christian tradition✅ The four core elements of the practice: Intention, Sacred word, Consent, and Humility✅ How silent prayer aligns with the call to “be still and know” God✅ The connection between kenosis (self-emptying) and spiritual growth✅ Practical guidance for starting Centering Prayer—including choosing a sacred word and managing distractionsWhether you are just beginning your contemplative journey or looking to go deeper in your prayer life, this episode will inspire you to create space for stillness, abide in God's love, and experience the fruitfulness that comes from spiritual attentiveness.Download this episode now, and remember to follow us so you don't miss the rest of this transformative series on sacred intention, stillness, and the contemplative path to wholeness in Christ."Have Questions, Send us a Message" This podcast is a production of The Center for Biblical Coaching and Leadership. If this episode has been useful or inspiring to you in any way, please share it with someone else. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and write a review.Visit our website, tcbcl.org, to learn more about our mission and vision.

Did Jesus spend three days in the Grave? If Jesus died on Good Friday in the late afternoon and was resurrected on Sunday, how does this accounting add up to three days? Is the Bible wrong about the three days, or are we missing something in the Western Church? This question is of personal significance to me. Tales of Glory, episode 141, is part I of a multi-episode investigation that rebuilds the timeline that Jesus and the disciples experienced during this cosmic event.Timeline:00:00:00 Intro00:01:00 Introduction - The True Timeline for the Crucifixion and Resurrection00:02:41 The Western Church Conundrum00:05:00 Explanation of the Hebrew Calendar00:09:06 Framing the Timeline00:09:46 Tuesday - 2 Days Before the Pesach - The Plot to Kill Jesus00:11:37 Jesus Anointed at Bethany00:13:41 Satan Enters Judas00:15:42 Judas to Betray Jesus00:16:10 The Passover Preparation with the Disciples00:17:22 Sundown Tuesday Marks the Start of a New Day - Wednesday00:17:41 The Passover with the Disciples00:18:42 The Institution of the Lord's Supper00:20:48 Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial00:22:15 Jesus Prays in Gethsemane (Mount of Olives)00:24:47 Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus00:27:16 Jesus Faces Annas and Caiaphas00:27:59 Peter Denies Jesus00:29:28 Jesus Mocked00:29:56 Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council00:31:19 Sunrise on Wednesday Morning - The Day of Preparation00:31:55 A Good Place to Pause for Part I00:35:14 Conclusion

Send us a textIn this second episode of a three part series, my favorite cohost Ellen and I survey the development of the papacy from the eighth through the early eleventh century. Among the topics we discuss are who and what the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties of Francia were; Pope Zacharias' legitimization of Pepin the Short's deposition of a puppet Merovingian king and his elevation to the throne; the "donation of Pepin" that created the papal states; the "Donation of Constantine," forged in the papal chancery to justify the donation of Pepin; the partnership between Charlemagne and the papacy in reforming the Western Church; Pope Leo III's coronation of Charlemagne as Emperor of the Romans on Christmas Day, 800; and how the papacy was reduced once again to being the local bishops of Rome under the control of the Roman aristocracy in the tenth century after the collapse of the Carolingian empire. This is the period that historians see as the nadir of the institution that featured some memorably bad popes, though we conclude with a few good ones under the Ottonian emperors.This episode includes audio snippets Musician Ernst Stolz playing the pilgrims' song,  "O Roma nobilis" on tenor vielle, recorder and gemshorn. From his YouTube channel "My Years with Early Music: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf3_3065gmU)Gregorian Chant - Agnus Dei, posted by fgl music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YZI4cyBkvIListen on Podurama https://podurama.com Intro and exit music are by Alexander NakaradaIf you have questions, feel free to contact me at richard.abels54@gmail.com

All men have limitations — be they physical, intellectual, or something else. One such limitation is a thing we call, in the technology fields, a “context window”. In essence, a context window is the amount of relevant information that a man can hold in his mind at a given moment. In a conversation, it is the history of the conversation (along with any previous history from prior conversations, et cetera); in a relationship, it is the entire history of that relationship. In all cases, only to the extent such information can be held in the mind. Some questions call for a small context window (e.g., a bar fight may require only ten or twenty minutes of context to understand) and some questions call for a significantly larger context window (e.g., the current state of the Western Church is a matter of millennia). Not all men are equally suited to handle all matters — a man can be competent or incompetent with regard to a particular question or a particular discussion. In this preliminary episode leading into our upcoming series on the Septuagint (LXX), we discuss the concept of a context window and how it plays into the LXX specifically and many issues in our daily lives generally. Show Notes See Also Further Reading What Is a Context Window? [YouTube] Parental Warnings None.

In this NEW Special, Dr. Michael Youssef invites you to join him in the studio to talk about Jesus' words in Revelation—and how they apply to Christians in the 21st century. You'll see how God is speaking to His Church across history. See the urgent spiritual diagnosis Dr. Youssef gives the Western Church today, and heed Jesus' words of comfort, conviction, and hope in times of temptation and opposition.

We are thrilled to welcome Stefan and Suzanne Von Ruti, two of our amazing mission partners. They will share their insights into what God is doing in the Western Church, especially concerning Unstoppable Faith, and its implications for us! We deeply appreciate having such an extraordinary voice from beyond our community to guide us in discerning the Spirit's direction. Fully Committed to God's Mission - Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). - God's command is always "Go!" (Matthew 28:18-20). From Comfort to Commission - Paul faced hardships but stayed committed (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). - Challenges shouldn't make us lose sight of the vision (Philippians 4:6-7). Reclaiming the Dream – Where Is Your Spain? - Paul longed to go to Spain (Romans 15:23-28). - Too many Christians settle for less. - America has a pioneering spirit – are you still hungry for revival? Challenge: What big dream is God calling you to? Where is your Spain?

In this NEW Special, Dr. Michael Youssef invites you to join him in the studio to talk about Jesus' words in Revelation—and how they apply to Christians in the 21st century. You'll see how God is speaking to His Church across history. See the urgent spiritual diagnosis Dr. Youssef gives the Western Church today, and heed Jesus' words of comfort, conviction, and hope in times of temptation and opposition.

In this NEW Special, Dr. Michael Youssef invites you to join him in the studio to talk about Jesus' words in Revelation—and how they apply to Christians in the 21st century. You'll see how God is speaking to His Church across history. See the urgent spiritual diagnosis Dr. Youssef gives the Western Church today, and heed Jesus' words of comfort, conviction, and hope in times of temptation and opposition.

Send us a textA few years ago, someone prophesied a warning to me about "the spirit of Schism." Schism is a funny little word rarely used in English anymore except when we think of Church history and "the great 'schism,'" or division between the Eastern Church and the Western Church. A schism is a division. Despite the warnings and our best efforts, we have taken a hit from the spirit of schism. Let me get vulnerable with you today as I ask for your prayers and share my heart concerning our difficult time.❤️ SHOW YOUR SUPPORT - LINKS BELOW...➡️ Email me: https://www.karlgessler.com/contact➡️ DONATE ➡️  Join our team!https://www.givesendgo.com/karlgesslerfamilybandhttps://www.patreon.com/karlgesslerhttps://cash.app/$KarlgesslerSocial Media➡️Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089357625739➡️Telegram - https://t.me/FaithoftheFathers➡️Truth Social - https://truthsocial.com/@UCLOvq6O4aIXLrkKxwXkq3uASupport the show

A caller named Mike from Jacksonville asks the big question: Should Catholics receive Communion on the hand or on the tongue? Here's Patrick's response... What the Church Says: -Traditionally, Communion has always been received on the tongue in the Western Church. -After Vatican II, some people started receiving on the hand as a kind of liturgical trend. At first, the Church said, “No, you shouldn’t do that.” Yet people just kept doing it, and it became so widespread that eventually, St. Pope John Paul II permitted it to avoid constant conflict. -In the Eastern Churches (e.g., Byzantine Rite, Eastern Orthodox), receiving in the hand is unthinkable. Communion is always spooned directly into the mouth, and the idea of touching the Eucharist with your hands is considered outrageous. What’s Allowed Now: -The Church officially permits receiving Communion on the hand, but the preferred method is still on the tongue. -If you choose to receive in the hand, it’s recommended to make an extra sign of reverence, like a bow or making the Sign of the Cross. -Standing is the norm in the U.S., but kneeling is also allowed if you prefer it. Why Patrick Thinks Communion on the Tongue is Better: -Hands Matter: Priests’ hands are consecrated as part of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The rest of us? Not so much. So, there’s a reverence factor there. -Tradition Matters: For about 1,500 years, the standard practice was to receive on the tongue, kneeling if possible. Sure, there were some places in the early Church where Communion in the hand happened, but that was far from the norm. -Personal Conviction: Patrick admits he’s in the minority here, but he thinks the traditional way is better because it emphasizes reverence and respect for the Eucharist. The Bottom Line: Yes, you can receive Communion in the hand, but if you ask Patrick: on the tongue is better. He thinks most people just automatically receive on their hands because that's how they were raised.

In this NEW Special, Dr. Michael Youssef invites you to join him in the studio to talk about Jesus' words in Revelation—and how they apply to Christians in the 21st century. You'll see how God is speaking to His Church across history. See the urgent spiritual diagnosis Dr. Youssef gives the Western Church today, and heed Jesus' words of comfort, conviction, and hope in times of temptation and opposition.

In this NEW Special, Dr. Michael Youssef invites you to join him in the studio to talk about Jesus' words in Revelation—and how they apply to Christians in the 21st century. You'll see how God is speaking to His Church across history. See the urgent spiritual diagnosis Dr. Youssef gives the Western Church today, and heed Jesus' words of comfort, conviction, and hope in times of temptation and opposition.

He was born in Rome to a wealthy senatorial family. He received a good education in secular and spiritual learning, and became Prefect of Rome. While still in the world, he used his great wealth mostly for the good of the Church, building six monasteries in Sicily and another in Rome itself. At this monastery, dedicated to the Apostle Andrew, Gregory was tonsured a monk. He was appointed Archdeacon of Rome, then, in 579, Papal legate to Constantinople, where he lived for nearly seven years. He returned to Rome in 585 and was elected Pope in 590.   He is famed for his many writings, his generous charity (he gave almost all his income to the poor, and often invited the poor to share his table), and for initiating missionary work among the Anglo-Saxon peoples. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, celebrated on Wednesday and Friday evenings during Great Lent, was compiled by him. St Gregory introduced elements of the chanting that he had heard in Constantinople into Western Church chant: The Gregorian Chant which beautified the Western churches for many years is named for him. Its system of modes is related to the eight tones of the Eastern church. He is called 'the Dialogist' after his book The Dialogues, an account of the lives and miracles of Italian saints.   Saint Gregory reposed in peace in 604.

THE TRACKING TOWARD TRIBULATION SPECIAL OFFER! Shop Here https://www.skywatchtvstore.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/the-tracking-toward-tribulation-special-offerEach and every news cycle brings inhabitants of planet Earth closer to the Tribulation-the time Jesus called the worst of human history. Tracking toward Tribulation and the Soon Sudden Intervention by Jesus Christ is an intensively concentrated effort by fifteen of the top writers and broadcasters of our time to analyze the end-times issues and events bombarding America and the world. From the evil and wickedness developing that makes these days like those of Noah and of Lot to Israel becoming a hated nation, as prophesied by the prophet Zechariah, God's words about the end of the age are precisely on track for fulfillment.However, the authors, in thoroughly examining all things involved in the swift movement toward the establishment of Antichrist's world-controlling regime, present a glorious prospect for all who cling to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Blessed Hope of Titus 2:13. Delve into the troubling although exciting developments that are so perplexing to the world at large, but that are made understandable through dissection and exploration by these spiritually attuned authorities in Bible prophecy.All that is happening in every direction we look on the troubled horizon points only to an astonishingly spectacular truth: Jesus Christ is about to call all Christians to Himself into the clouds of glory!Support SkyWatchTV https://www.skywatchtvstore.com/collections/make-a-donationFOLLOW US!Facebook: @SkyWatchTV @SimplyHIS @EdensEssentials @DonnaHowellShowInstagram: @SkyWatchTV @SimplyHisShow @EdensEssentialsUSA @DonnaHowellShowX: @WatchSkyWatchTV @@Five_In_TenSkyWatchTV.com | SkyWatchTVStore.com | EdensEssentials.com | WhisperingPoniesRanch.com

In this episode, Madeline chats with James Ronan, a British paleontologist. During their conversation, they discuss his undergrad degree in geography, his masters in paleobiology from the University of Bristol, his work with CAFOD, what higher education looks like in his country, the sorts of things you learn about as a paleontologist, his field work in Montana, how science can lend credence to certain aspects, his fascination with hadrosaurs, being Catholic in England, advocating in an inviting way, demographic problems in the Western Church, the call to helping others, his science communication work, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore, including episode 39 of this podcast. You can also check out James' work on his website.Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!

What happens when deep cultural roots meet the life-changing power of the Gospel? Tara Shinja knows firsthand. Raised between two distinct cultures, Tara's journey is a powerful testimony of God's transforming grace and the strength it takes to stand firm in the Christian faith.In this episode, Tara shares her family's story of radical transformation—from a mother raised in foster care yet captivated by Christ's love to her father's unexpected journey from Hinduism to Christianity, as a child who grew up between two cultures, Tara shares unique insight into the Eastern and Western churches. What You'll Hear:The challenge of living out your faith in a complex cultural landscapeHow God's truth brought clarity and freedom in the midst of confusionThe power of prayer and discipleship to impact lives and change heartsPractical tips for sharing your faith with those who are searching, including the power of persistent prayer for the lostIf you're navigating faith in a multicultural world or seeking encouragement to share the Gospel with boldness, this episode is for you. Listen now and be inspired by God's unstoppable grace!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others. 

Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 327The Saint of the day is Saint ColetteSaint Colette's Story Colette did not seek the limelight, but in doing God's will she certainly attracted a lot of attention. Colette was born in Corbie, France. At 21, she began to follow the Third Order Rule and became an anchoress, a woman walled into a room whose only opening was a window into a church. After four years of prayer and penance in this cell, she left it. With the approval and encouragement of the pope, she joined the Poor Clares and reintroduced the primitive Rule of St. Clare in the 17 monasteries she established. Her sisters were known for their poverty—they rejected any fixed income—and for their perpetual fast. Colette's reform movement spread to other countries and is still thriving today. Colette was canonized in 1807. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on March 6. Reflection Colette began her reform during the time of the Great Western Schism (1378-1417) when three men claimed to be pope and thus divided Western Christianity. The 15th century in general was a very difficult one for the Western Church. Abuses long neglected cost the Church dearly in the following century. Colette's reform indicated the entire Church's need to follow Christ more closely. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the paradigm shift of embracing discovery-based learning in the context of disciple-making instead of the traditional lecture-based teaching of the Western Church. Jesus is of course the model for this, but our own experiences in disciple-making are a testament to the necessity of this way of thinking. We will also explore the challenges and pushback faced when implementing discovery-based methods and address some of the concerns we regularly hear about heresy and shallowness. Our encouragement to you, if you're longing to see movement, is to embrace a discovery-based paradigm.

The Catechism introduces us to the Holy Spirit and describes how the Spirit reveals the Father and the Son to us. It also gives us some background and context regarding the way we describe the Holy Spirit in the Roman Catholic Church compared to the way that the Eastern Orthodox Church describes the Holy Spirit. Fr. Mike breaks it down for us and gives us some hope for a future reconciliation between Eastern and Western Churches. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 243-248. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Full Text of ReadingsFeast of the Presentation of the Lord Lectionary: 524The Saint of the day is Presentation of the LordThe Story of the Presentation of the Lord At the end of the fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Her journal, discovered in 1887, gives an unprecedented glimpse of liturgical life there. Among the celebrations she describes is the Epiphany, the observance of Christ's birth, and the gala procession in honor of his Presentation in the Temple 40 days later. Under the Mosaic Law, a woman was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth, when she was to present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice—her “purification.” Contact with anyone who had brushed against mystery—birth or death—excluded a person from Jewish worship. This feast emphasizes Jesus' first appearance in the Temple more than Mary's purification. The observance spread throughout the Western Church in the fifth and sixth centuries. Because the Church in the West celebrated Jesus' birth on December 25, the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days after Christmas. At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession; at the end of the same century the blessing and distribution of candles which continues to this day became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: Candlemas. Reflection In Luke's account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Early references to the Roman feast dub it the feast of Saint Simeon, the old man who burst into a song of joy which the Church still sings at day's end. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Psyshologist Linda Mintle talks about how we consume our news, especially when we do it too narrowly, shapes us emotionally and mentally.  She also addresses what God calls us to when we engage in our divided world with grace and kindness.  Missionary doctor Ryan Porter, author of "Gospelsick," addresses our problem of gospel deficiency in the Western Church and how it can prevent us from experiencing revival in our lives and our nation.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

What would you say if you knew you were dying? In this powerful final episode of our 40-week series, we share an extraordinary message from Richard, a British financial advisor facing terminal cancer, who reveals game-changing insights about money, giving, and eternal impact. You'll discover: How Western Christians are sitting on a $100 billion opportunity for kingdom impact The shocking truth about what percentage of Christian giving actually reaches global missions Why being "rich toward God" looks different than most people think How a failed actor became an unlikely expert in kingdom investing The surprising joy that comes from radical generosity What George Mueller's legacy in China teaches us about strategic giving   Key Stats That Will Challenge You: Only 2.5% - What Western Christians currently give Only 0.25% of Western Christian giving reaches outside the West $30,000/year puts you in the top 1% globally What $1 million strategically invested can accomplish: • Fund 500 evangelists for 3 years • Plant 1,000-1,500 churches • Help 10,000 women out of poverty • Translate the Bible for 20 million people • Share the gospel 100 million times in unreached nations   Resources Mentioned: Simple Money, Rich Life (Our Book): https://seedtime.com/free God Calling Devotional Organizations Referenced: • Five Talents • Jesus.net • 500K in India SeedTime Money 40-week checklist (mentioned as part of our ongoing series): https://seedtime.com/give1m BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/lnBFd_cSYJQ)!  

My guest today is Phil Moore, author of the book "The Forgotten Manifesto of Jesus." Phil is a former megachurch pastor in London who went through a major shift during the pandemic. See, Phil was leading this thriving church, doing all the things we're told to do to grow a big, successful congregation. But then COVID hit, and everything changed. Why? Because Phil started asking some hard questions - is what we're doing really working? Is this the way Jesus wants us to make disciples? What Phil discovered by connecting with disciple-making movements in places like Iran and India completely upended his approach. He realized the key to mature disciples of Jesus isn't about gathering big crowds, but about empowering everyday believers to make disciples who make disciples. It's a radically decentralized, reproducible model. As Phil will share, when we rediscover the simple, revolutionary teachings of Jesus in Matthew 10 and Luke 10, it has the power to transform not just our churches, but the very way we think about the Great Commission. This is a conversation that could be a real game-changer for how discipleship works in the body of Christ. So join us as we learn how to make disciples that make disciples. Phil is an author, speaker and teacher based in London, UK. Phil came to faith as a student at Cambridge University and was trained within the Newfrontiers family of churches. He serves as a teacher, speaker, DMM leader and encourager of churches, both in the UK and beyond. He is the author of "The Bible in 100 Pages", "The Forgotten Manifesto of Jesus" and the "Straight to the Heart" series of devotional commentaries.In his latest book, "The Forgotten Manifesto of Jesus", Phil has the privilege of telling the story of underground house church movements across India, Iran, Afghanistan and the Middle East. The leaders of these movements are skilled at hiding their identities, but they were able to communicate securely with Phil so that he could pass on their amazing story of God's faithfulness to the world.Phil is married to Ruth and they have four young children. Together, they love eating strange and exotic food, as well as anything to do with campervans. They also love Roald Dahl, which makes Phil's children complain that his own books do not contain enough pictures, talking animals or chocolate factories.Phil's Book:The Forgotten Manifesto of JesusPhil's Recommendation:Spirit WalkJoin Our Patreon for Early Access and More: PatreonConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.yFaith Meets Academia Transform faith-based values into personal growth, career success and academic excellence.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

This illustrious light of Orthodoxy in the Western Church was born in Gaul in 349, but his widowed mother took the family to Rome while he was still a small child. Brilliant and well-educated, he was made a provincial Governor in 375 and took up residence in Milan. In those days, the Arian heresy was still dividing the Church, despite its repudiation at the Council of Nicaea in 325. When the time came to elect a new Bishop in Milan, the Orthodox and Arian parties were so divided that they could come to no agreement on a new Bishop. When Ambrose came as Governor to try to restore peace and order, a young child, divinely inspired, called out "Ambrose, Bishop!" To Ambrose's amazement, the people took up the cry, and Ambrose himself was elected, though he tried to refuse, protesting that he was only a catechumen (it was still common in those days to delay Holy Baptism for fear of polluting it by sin). He even attempted to flee, but his horse brought him back to the city. Resigning himself to God's will, he was baptized and, only a week later, elevated to Bishop. Immediately, he renounced all possessions, distributed all of his money to the poor and gave his estates to the Church. Straightaway, he entered into a spirited defense of Orthodoxy in his preaching and writings to the dismay of the Arians who had supported his election. Soon he persuaded Gratian, Emperor of the West, to call the Council of Aquilea, which brought an end to Arianism in the Western Church. (Arianism, however, continued to prosper among the barbarian nations for many years; see the Martyrs of Africa, also commemorated today).   Several times the holy Bishop was called upon to defend the Church against domination by the secular powers. Once, putting down an uprising in Thessalonika, the Emperor Theodosius punished the city by ordering the massacre of thousands of its residents. When the Emperor later visited Milan and came to the Cathedral to attend the Liturgy, Saint Ambrose stopped him at the door, condemned his crime before all the people, forbade him entrance to the church and excommunicated him for eight months. The Emperor went away weeping, and submitted in humility to the Church's discipline. When he returned after long penance to be restored to Communion, he went into the sanctuary along with the clergy, as had been the custom of the Emperors since Constantine the Great. But again the holy Ambrose humbled him in the sight of all the people, saying "Get out and take your place among the laity; the purple does not make priests, but only emperors." Theodosius left without protest, took his place among the penitents, and never again attempted to enter the sanctuary of a church. (When the Emperor died, it was Bishop Ambrose who preached his funeral eulogy).   Saint Ambrose, by teaching, preaching and writing, brought countless pagans to the Faith. His most famous convert was St Augustine (June 15), who became his disciple and eventually a bishop. Ambrose's many theological and catechetical works helped greatly to spread the teaching of the Greek fathers in the Latin world. He wrote many glorious antiphonal hymns which were once some of the gems of the Latin services.   Saint Ambrose reposed in peace in 397; his relics still rest in the basilica in Milan.

Judges 7:24-25   The world has always been obsessed with outward boast and human glory.  Sadly, much of the Western Church is on par with this thinking.  If a man has charisma and can hold an audience captive with stories and personal anecdotes, we make him a minister!  The pulpits up and down the length and breadth of this country are full of such men.  They look more like action men than they do God's men.  It's not what a man is on the pulpit that counts so much as what he is off it!  Character my friends is where it's at!  How a man conducts himself amid conflict says a lot about his character.  Leaders are called to be peacemakers.  Having beheld Gideon the man, in this sermon, we behold Gideon the peacemaker.  Through one man's leadership, a nation is spared from civil war. I pray the Lord ministers to your heart through Gideon's example.

Rob Kelly is the Founder & CEO of the FORCLT Network which connects pastors for personal, church, and city renewal. Rob is also co-founder of the City Leaders Collective which connects and equips city network leaders globally. In Part 2 of our Union With Christ series, you'll hear from Rob about why our union with Christ is such a misunderstood, revolutionary and often overlooked concept in scripture. This conversation reveals how union with Christ transforms identity, relationships, and our vocation. We also discuss why this conversation has often not been fully embraced in the Western Church, and some suggestions for answering the question, "how then should we live?" On Union with Christ: “When you understand your union with Christ, it changes how you even understand your salvation... When we talk about salvation, you're talking about what you're saved from, which is our sin that did ... What? Separated us from God. So if our sin separated us from God, then what did our salvation do? It united us to him. So can we not talk only about what we're saved from, but more joyfully, what we're saved into? Yes, Jesus died for our sin. Yes, our sin needed to be washed. It's through the blood of Christ the scripture says, right? This is amazing truth, that he paid the price for us that we could not pay for ourselves. Yes. But in so doing, he brought us back into the place that we were always created for in the first place, which is literally in God who is our salvation. On moving from Eden to the Eternal City: "We start in the garden with two, we end in a city with multitudes, a fully cultivated creation where we are one with God, where every tear is wiped away, everything is set back to right. Everything is not just set back toward the Edenic state, but in a more full, beautiful, shalom Edenic state, greater, that it's no longer perishable, but it will be raised imperishable. How? Because Jesus' body is made imperishable. It is because he is the new creation. "If you are in Christ, a new creation," Paul says."   RESOURCES Download the episode transcript. Rob Kelly on LinkedIn Learn more about Rob Kelly and FORCLT Metanoia: How God Radically Transforms People, Churches, and Organizations From the Inside Out by Rob Kelly Rob Kelly is the founder and lead author of the State of the City Report

Kelly discusses the state of the Western Church with one of His Hill's Guest Lectures whose identity must be protected because of the dangers of persecution that he faces in his home country.www.instagram.com/thehishillpodcast/www.hishill.orgkelly@hishill.org