Podcasts about when christ

Luke 24:50-53 | JD Summers The incarnation and resurrection of Jesus are essential and wonderful truths, but we should not ignore his ascension either. When Christ ascended into heaven, he gave us a great cause for rejoicing. Jesus has been accepted by the Father, who has exalted him to his own right hand. Jesus has fulfilled God's promises and provided salvation! This should lead us to worship and to share the gospel, proclaiming our risen, exalted Savior and encouraging one another that he is returning soon.

Luke 2:15–21 declares a simple and eternal truth: Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. The shepherds hear the word, go to see Christ, and respond with obedience and praise. Pastor Steve Miller points us to the sufficiency of Jesus alone. He is enough to save, enough to rule, and worthy of all rejoicing. When Christ is rightly seen as Lord, worship follows. Join us Sundays at 9:00 & 11:00

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251231dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2:16 The Comfort of Christmas Herod, furious that the Magi left without telling him where Jesus was, went scorched earth and ordered every boy in the vicinity two years old and younger to be killed. Historians estimate that twenty to thirty children were murdered in his desperate attempt to eliminate the Christ child. It is uncomfortable to read this so soon after Christmas. Wouldn’t it be better to skip this part? Why remember such horror during Christmastime? Because it shows what happens when light enters a world of darkness. When the light arrives, the darkness does not politely step aside. It tries to snuff the light out. This is why Jesus came: to battle the darkness that rejected him from his very first days. This same battle between light and darkness continues in your own heart. When Christ’s light shines within you, your sinful nature fights against it. Yet God remains on your side—God rescued his Son from Herod’s sword so that his Son could rescue you from eternal darkness. Jesus’ death and resurrection became the ultimate light that conquers the darkness. And here lies one of the Bible’s hardest truths: though God possesses all power and hates evil, he still permits suffering. So here is the comfort of Christmas: God may save us from evil, or he may save us through evil. The boys of Bethlehem died tragically, but Christ the Savior was born not to save them from Herod, but from hell, and that is what he did. With God, wherever there is weeping, comfort follows. The grieving mothers of Bethlehem would see their sons again because their King came to save them through tragedy into heaven’s triumph. This is the comfort of Christmas. That even though the darkness could take the boys of Bethlehem away from their parents, it could not take them away from Christ. It cannot take you away from him either. Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for the comfort of knowing that no darkness can separate me from the light of your Son. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251231dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2:16 The Comfort of Christmas Herod, furious that the Magi left without telling him where Jesus was, went scorched earth and ordered every boy in the vicinity two years old and younger to be killed. Historians estimate that twenty to thirty children were murdered in his desperate attempt to eliminate the Christ child. It is uncomfortable to read this so soon after Christmas. Wouldn’t it be better to skip this part? Why remember such horror during Christmastime? Because it shows what happens when light enters a world of darkness. When the light arrives, the darkness does not politely step aside. It tries to snuff the light out. This is why Jesus came: to battle the darkness that rejected him from his very first days. This same battle between light and darkness continues in your own heart. When Christ’s light shines within you, your sinful nature fights against it. Yet God remains on your side—God rescued his Son from Herod’s sword so that his Son could rescue you from eternal darkness. Jesus’ death and resurrection became the ultimate light that conquers the darkness. And here lies one of the Bible’s hardest truths: though God possesses all power and hates evil, he still permits suffering. So here is the comfort of Christmas: God may save us from evil, or he may save us through evil. The boys of Bethlehem died tragically, but Christ the Savior was born not to save them from Herod, but from hell, and that is what he did. With God, wherever there is weeping, comfort follows. The grieving mothers of Bethlehem would see their sons again because their King came to save them through tragedy into heaven’s triumph. This is the comfort of Christmas. That even though the darkness could take the boys of Bethlehem away from their parents, it could not take them away from Christ. It cannot take you away from him either. Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for the comfort of knowing that no darkness can separate me from the light of your Son. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251231dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2:16 The Comfort of Christmas Herod, furious that the Magi left without telling him where Jesus was, went scorched earth and ordered every boy in the vicinity two years old and younger to be killed. Historians estimate that twenty to thirty children were murdered in his desperate attempt to eliminate the Christ child. It is uncomfortable to read this so soon after Christmas. Wouldn’t it be better to skip this part? Why remember such horror during Christmastime? Because it shows what happens when light enters a world of darkness. When the light arrives, the darkness does not politely step aside. It tries to snuff the light out. This is why Jesus came: to battle the darkness that rejected him from his very first days. This same battle between light and darkness continues in your own heart. When Christ’s light shines within you, your sinful nature fights against it. Yet God remains on your side—God rescued his Son from Herod’s sword so that his Son could rescue you from eternal darkness. Jesus’ death and resurrection became the ultimate light that conquers the darkness. And here lies one of the Bible’s hardest truths: though God possesses all power and hates evil, he still permits suffering. So here is the comfort of Christmas: God may save us from evil, or he may save us through evil. The boys of Bethlehem died tragically, but Christ the Savior was born not to save them from Herod, but from hell, and that is what he did. With God, wherever there is weeping, comfort follows. The grieving mothers of Bethlehem would see their sons again because their King came to save them through tragedy into heaven’s triumph. This is the comfort of Christmas. That even though the darkness could take the boys of Bethlehem away from their parents, it could not take them away from Christ. It cannot take you away from him either. Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for the comfort of knowing that no darkness can separate me from the light of your Son. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

When Christ returns, it will be swift and sudden. In three parables, Jesus warns believers to be prepared for His return, because there will be consequences for those who were lazy and complacent.  If you do not spend the time to study His word, you are a Christian in name only.   VF-2520 Matthew 24-25 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

Missionary martyr Jim Elliot famously wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Those words capture a vision of life that values eternal reward over temporary success—and they're being lived out today in an unexpected place: the NFL.When many people think of professional athletes, generosity may not be the first word that comes to mind. But Kirk Cousins, a 4-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is quietly challenging that assumption. For Cousins, faith isn't a compartment—it's the lens through which he approaches football, finances, family, and the future.A Faith Shaped at HomeKirk often points back to his upbringing as a pastor's kid. His parents modeled two complementary virtues: careful stewardship and open-handed generosity. Budgets mattered. Overspending was avoided. But when it came to helping others, generosity was practiced freely.That example left a lasting impression. As Kirk puts it, generosity was caught, not just taught. Watching his parents hold money loosely prepared him for a future where financial decisions would come with far greater stakes—and far greater temptation.When Kirk entered the NFL, the learning curve was steep. His first signing bonus—a six-figure check—was unlike anything he had ever seen. Unsure how to handle it, he called his dad for advice, only to discover they were navigating unfamiliar territory together.That moment marked the beginning of a stewardship journey that continues today. From the start, Kirk committed to simple but demanding principles: give first, save wisely, and live within bounds. Practicing those habits early helped anchor him when income grew and public pressure mounted.The Tension of a Finite CareerUnlike many professions, professional athletics comes with a built-in expiration date. That reality creates a unique tension: the need to save aggressively while still giving generously. For Kirk, that tension has become an invitation to trust God more deeply.Giving can feel risky when a career is visibly diminishing. Yet Kirk sees those moments as opportunities to shift the pressure off himself and back onto God—to believe that obedience and generosity create space for God to provide and direct what comes next.From Rules to RelationshipOne of Kirk's most compelling insights is the distinction between religious box-checking and genuine discipleship. It's possible, he admits, to treat giving like a checklist—do the minimum, meet the requirement, move on. But that's not the abundant life Jesus describes.Instead, Kirk points to Jesus' parable of the hidden treasure. When the treasure is truly seen as valuable, surrender becomes logical, even joyful. Financial decisions don't lead the heart; the heart leads the finances. When Christ is the treasure, generosity follows naturally.Scripture doesn't give a universal percentage or spending rule for believers. That absence is intentional—it drives us to prayer and discernment. Kirk and his wife, Julie, continue to wrestle with what “enough” looks like for their family, recognizing that the answer requires humility, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit's leading.Money, Kirk says, is a tool—a test, a testimony, and a means to an end. Growth without purpose risks becoming a search for control rather than an instrument for Kingdom impact. The question isn't just how much is being accumulated, but why.Unity in GenerosityOne of the most formative pieces of advice Kirk received early in his career was simple: always give in unity with your wife. That principle has shaped every major giving decision he and Julie make.Disagreement isn't ignored—it's prayed through. Spousal unity, Kirk believes, is often a channel through which God provides clarity and protection. Generosity practiced together strengthens both stewardship and marriage.As they consider estate planning and their children's future, Kirk and Julie intentionally prioritize wisdom over wealth. Their hope is not simply to pass down assets, but to raise children who can steward them faithfully.Their long-term vision includes generous support for their foundation and Kingdom causes, with no desire for wealth to linger aimlessly beyond its intended purpose. In Kirk's words, the goal is impact—not permanence.One place especially close to Kirk's heart is Christian education. His experience attending a Christian high school profoundly shaped his faith, and he's passionate about ensuring future generations have access to a similar formative environment. Supporting schools, teachers, and students has become a meaningful outlet for his generosity.A Different Definition of SuccessKirk Cousins' story reminds us that success isn't measured by contracts, trophies, or net worth—but by faithfulness. In a world that applauds accumulation, his life points to something better: surrender, trust, and joyful generosity rooted in Christ.As Ron Blue often says, the question isn't how much we can keep, but how much is enough—and what God would have us do with the rest.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I recently sold my business, and after paying off debts and taxes, I expect to have approximately $2–$2.5 million. It's a bit overwhelming, but I feel incredibly blessed and grateful. I have a few questions: How should I invest this money safely, given that I'm pretty risk-averse? How much cash should I keep on hand? And I also have a question about tithing.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Kirk CousinsJulie & Kirk Cousins FoundationWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4

In this message, Pastor Dale ministers on the power of the name of Jesus. When Christ was seated far above all demonic powers, He was also given a name that is far above every other name. As born again believers seated with Christ, the authority to use the name of Jesus has been delegated to us. While the Blood of Jesus qualifies us for our seat in the heavenlies, His name is what empowers us to conduct Kingdom business as His Body in the earth. Authority must be exercised in order to be effective, and it is our responsibility to use His name by speaking it with boldness and skill.

Christ In You Part 3 // Pastor Rafy PanlilioDecember 21, 2025Matthew 1:21–25; Colossians 1:27–29Christmas reminds us that Jesus is Immanuel—God with us. But the Gospel does not stop there. In Christ In You Part 3, we are reminded that while Jesus was with us in the flesh for a season, God's greater purpose is that Christ now lives in us.Anchored on Colossians 1:27–29, this message explains how Christ in you is not just a truth to believe but a power to experience—both in serving and in living.First, Christ in you gives you the power to serve. God calls every believer to serve, but never in our own strength. Ministry requires toil and perseverance, yet Scripture reminds us that it is God's power at work within us that sustains our service. As we commit ourselves to God's purpose, He supplies the strength we do not have (Zechariah 4:6; 1 Corinthians 15:9–10).Second, Christ in you gives you the power to live. Life is filled with changing seasons—plenty and lack, joy and hardship. When Christ reigns within us, we gain inner strength that allows us to remain content, faithful, and loving in every circumstance (Philippians 4:12–13; Ephesians 3:14–21). His power within us enables us not only to endure life but to reflect His love to others.This message challenges us to move beyond seeing Jesus only in the manger and to allow Him to become the Lord and Manager of our lives. When Christ truly dwells in us, His power is evident—in our service, our endurance, and the way we live every day.Watch it in 4K on our official YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/FXRcG_KnjAM#ChristInYou#GTCSundayService#WhereLivesChange

This is the Christmas message - but not the version wrapped in tinsel. This is the raw and real truth of the nativity: that the birth of Jesus was not a quaint moment but a cosmic confrontation. When Christ came, light clashed with darkness. A new King arrived, and the kingdoms of the world bristled. In this message, we move past sentimental imagery to rediscover the spiritual tension that surrounds the birth of Jesus. Herod is disturbed. Political powers are threatened. The arrival of the true King sparks resistance. And it still does. His coming always demands a response. This Christmas, we are invited not only to adore the baby in the manger but to crown Him King. For those who receive Him, Jesus brings peace, joy, and new life. But His coming also means surrender - because the crib, the cross, and the crown are inseparable.

It is mandatory that we know how greatly we are blessed by God.  Especially those of us who live in the United States must realize how much we have been blessed. And we must be thankful.  When Christ healed ten lepers, only one returned to give him thanks.  You must be that one. Speaker: Ray … Continue reading Count Your Blessings – Luke 17:11-19

When Christ was born, so was our hope. This is why I love Christmas. The event invites us to believe...

The Bible says the Good News will produce an abounding life in us when Christ takes first place. When Christ is first, He holds everything together. Do you want a life that is held together? Listen to this challenging message about how Jesus controls the chaos when He comes to have "first place in me, my marriage, and my home." This is part 3 from our series "The First" from Colossians 1. First Place in Everything Pastor Heath Harris

Todaywe are looking at Ephesians 4:17–19. Here, the Apostle Paul explains thatbecause we have now trusted Christ—because He has saved us, changed us,transformed us, and seated us in the heavenly places, and because we havereceived the Holy Spirit—we are called to live differently. Hebegins explaining this in verse 17, where he gives a strong warning. He tellsbelievers not to live the way the lost world lives—the unconverted, those whohave never been regenerated. Their lives are described as empty in theirthinking, darkened in understanding, separated from the life of God, and drivenby ignorance and spiritual blindness. This way of life ultimately leads tomoral insensitivity, impurity, and greed. Paulbegins with a negative instruction: do not walk in that direction. Do notfollow the pattern of the lost world. He speaks with authority, testifying inthe Lord, reminding us that Jesus Himself has taught us how to walk inrighteousness—pursuing what is good, holy, just, and pure. This is the kind oflife Jesus described in Matthew chapter 5 through the Beatitudes, which revealthe attitudes that should mark a believer's life. Oneof the first things we notice in this passage is that Christians are different.How are we different? We no longer think the way unsaved people think. There isa strong emphasis on the mind in verses 17 and 18—the futility of themind, darkened understanding, and spiritual ignorance. But asbelievers, “we have learned Christ” (v. 20). Remember Jesus invited usto “come and learn of me” in Matthew 11:29:  Learning Christ meanswalking with Him—following His Word, embracing His truth, and moving in thesame direction He walked. And that direction is one of continual obedience tothe will of God and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paulreminds us in Philippians 2:5-8, that we are to have the same mind that was inChrist Jesus. What kind of mind was that? A mind of obedience, sacrifice,humility, and devotion to the Father's will. Jesus lived for the glory andpleasure of the Father. He said that He must be about His Father's business.This kind of mindset changes everything. As a result, we no longer walk as theGentiles walk, in the futility of their minds. That word futility speaks ofemptiness—a life without purpose. When Christ comes into our lives, we live alife of repentance, which means a changed mind. We change our mind about God.We change our mind about sin. We no longer seek the pleasure of sin; instead,we desire the pleasure of God. Ourvalues change. Our goals change. Our entire view of life changes. When Christcomes in, everything becomes new, just as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 5:17.“Old things pass away, and new life begins”. Pauldescribes the mindset of the unconverted person in Romans 1:21-23: “Because,although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, butbecame futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professingto be wise, they became fools, This is a life marked by empty thinking, darkened hearts,and self-deception. This is the futility of the mind. It is a life without truepurpose, without eternal focus. That is why we see so much violence, despair,and hopelessness in the world today. People fail to respect life because theydo not recognize God as the Creator and Giver of life. Butas believers, we are different. Our focus is no longer on temporary things orpersonal feelings alone, but on eternal realities and the life that only Godcan give through Jesus Christ. We think differently because; “… we do notlook at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. Forthe things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen areeternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18). ThankGod for that difference. May the Lord bless you today as you think on thesethings (Philippians 4:8).

When Christ came into the world, He didn't come so He could be served—He came to serve. As Christians, we have the same purpose, but our tendencies toward self-centeredness and independence can easily get in the way of how Jesus wants to serve others through us.In this message, Jill Briscoe gives some practical ways for us to break free from our selfishness, step into dependence on Jesus, and live lives that have a lasting, eternal impact on those around us. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

The holidays promise joy and togetherness but for many couples, they also bring stress, busyness, and mismatched expectations. In this episode, we're helping you slow down, reconnect, and approach the season with intention. We talk honestly about why couples often drift spiritually and emotionally in December and offer simple, realistic ways to stay grounded in Christ and connected to each other. From aligning holiday expectations to creating meaningful traditions, you'll walk away with practical tools to cultivate peace, gratitude, and unity in your marriage. Whether this season feels exciting or overwhelming, this conversation will help you not just survive the holidays—but truly thrive together.   Episode Highlights: The holidays can magnify an already existing disconnect. When Christ isn't the center of the holidays and your marriage, both will suffer. True joy doesn't come from a full schedule. Quotes from Today's Episode: When we take our eyes off the true reason for Christmas—Christ—we get caught up in the world's chaos.  Don't abandon what nourishes your soul just because life gets hectic. The habits that sustain you all year are even more vital during the holidays. Keep your year-round rhythms strong—pray together, make time to communicate, and carve out quiet moments as a couple amid the December rush. Acts of generosity spark joy and deepen your connection. Intentionality is everything—if you aren't purposeful, the busyness will steal your time and memories.  Release the pressure to do it all—focus on what brings true joy to your family. Give yourself permission to let go of traditions that drain you, making room for new ones—or simply space to rest, bake cookies, and enjoy music by the tree.   Couple's Conversation Guide: 1. Which part of the holidays tends to be most stressful for each of us, and why? 2. Is there a simple spiritual practice we could commit to together this December?   3. Where do our expectations differ when it comes to gifts, gatherings, travel, or downtime? 4. What new tradition could we create this year that fits who we are as a couple right now? Mentioned in this Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram. It's not too late to start our Very Married Christmas Couple's Advent Calendar. Our Annual Marriage Check Up Guide is the perfect way to assess what's working and set new goals for what's not. We gathered all 665 answers, organized them into the top 10 themes, and added 1 practical step for each theme so wives can better meet their husband's needs. 10 Things Husbands Want Their Wives to Understand Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. How do we take a season that is often filled with stress and anxiety and turn things around? An Awesome Marriage Christmas goes over four things you can do as a couple to reduce the stress and anxiety of the season and help you focus on Jesus. If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at Dr. AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Speaking of being intentional! Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our 10 Things Husbands Want.  

In this message from the When God Moves In series, Will Warren takes us to Luke 2 and the moment Simeon finally sees the Messiah he had spent a lifetime waiting for. Will reminds us that Jesus is the arrival of real, lasting hope — the kind that strengthens us in waiting, steadies us in uncertainty, and reveals the perfection of God's timing. When Christ entered the world, hope didn't just grow…it showed up in person. 

Malachi 4:1-6 A Day of Deliverance Please turn to Malachi 4. This is the last chapter in Malachi and our last sermon. Last week we considered the distinction that God would make between the righteous and the wicked. On the one hand are the righteous who reverently fear the Lord and who demonstrate their fear by serving and honoring him. On the other hand are the wicked, who do not fear nor honor the Lord. That distinction comes down to whether you know and follow Christ. And also last week, we touched upon the day of the Lord. That phrase is introduced in chapter 3. It's described as the day of the Lord's coming. It's the day, as chapter 3 says, when God will make up his treasured possession. Well, this morning's text continues and expands on that day. It answers the question of what that day is like and how we should prepare for it. As I read, be thinking about Malachi's audience. They were in a dicey and unsettling situation in Jerusalem. Despite their situation, some of them feared the Lord… but others rejected him. So, as you hear these words, think about how each group would receive this prophecy. Reading of Malachi 4:1-6 Prayer In the summer after graduating high school, I worked at a summer camp. One of my responsibilities involved leading a group of teenagers on a long multi-day canoe trip. We were in northern Wisconsin. One day, after a long journey through the various lakes we decided to set up camp on a small island. We thought it would be fun. And it was until the middle of the night when a massive storm rolled in. We woke up to thunder and lightning and then heavy winds followed by a downpour. On top of that, when the front rolled in, the temperatures dropped about 20 degrees. We were cold and wet and since we were on an island, there was no place to go. Well, the rain stopped just before dawn. As soon as it started to get light out, we scrambled to get a fire going. But that was difficult given all the rain. Some of the kids were literally shaking because they were so cold. The fire helped some, but it was still breezy and we had limited wood. But then it happened. The clouds parted, the sun came up, the wind died down. We all just stopped and soaked in the rays. It was like instant warmth. Physically and emotionally… and spiritually. We had been praying for help and within minutes the sun warmed us. In Malachi 4, the people had been enduring a period of life storms in different ways. They had been enduring a period of darkness. They couldn't see how the future promises of God would be fulfilled. Yet, they are told that when the day of the Lord comes, the sun of righteousness will rise. That's spelled s-u-n. He will come. The promised Messiah will come. And his coming will be like the rising of the sun after a long cold night. As I mentioned, these verses are centered around the day of the Lord. That day is spoken of multiple times here. ·      Look at the first sentence there in verse 1. “For behold, the day is coming.” ·      Then the very next sentence in the same verse says the same thing: “the day that is coming…” and it goes on. ·      Now jump down to the end of verse 3. It says, “on the day when I act, says the Lord of Hosts.” ·      And the last one is there in verse 5. “I will send Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” …or as some translations say, the great and awful day of the Lord. I mentioned last week that the day described is a day of judgement. Well, that same idea is mentioned in chapter 4 verses 1 and 3. That final judgment will happen when Christ returns. So, there's definitely a sense in which this day will be fulfilled in our future. However, the returned exiles are told that Elijah the prophet will come before that great day. That prophecy has been fulfilled in John the Baptist. We considered a similar prophecy earlier in chapter 3. In other words, there's also a sense that Jesus first coming (you know, his first advent) fulfilled this prophecy about the day of the Lord. John Calvin held that view, and it makes sense considering the reference to Elijah. I think the best understanding is to consider that the “day of the Lord” began at Jesus first advent and will come to completion at his second advent. In other words, for us, there's both a “now” and “not yet” to this “day of the Lord.” In the apostle Peter's sermon at Pentecost, he quotes the prophet Joel's prophecy about the day of the Lord. And he indicates that it is being fulfilled. Other New Testament texts speak of the last days that we are in, which will come to a final completion when Christ returns. So, the day has come, and it will come. However, from the perspective of the people in the Old Testament, it appeared to them be one event. Think about it this way. It's kind of like driving through a mountain range. This last May we were driving through the Rocky Mountains. If you've ever been there, you'll know that the mountains are massive. Sometimes, though, you'll see an especially large mountain, but as you drive past it, you realize that, oh no, that was not one mountain, it was actually two mountains. It just looked like one mountain from a distance. The “Day of the Lord” prophecy is like that. To God's people in the Old Testament, it looked like one event. Yet for us, who live after Jesus first coming (and who have the New Testament) we realize that the prophecy both has been fulfilled and it will be fulfilled. We are living in that day now with all the benefits and blessings of Jesus first coming, but with anticipation of his second coming. And when he comes again, the full judgment and mercy of God will be fulfilled. But the people in Jerusalem just needed to know that the Messiah was coming. And when he came, it would be the day of the Lord. And the Lord tells them through Malachi, what that day will be like and how to prepare for it. It's the same application for us. The difference is that for them it was entirely a future reality that they needed to prepare for. For us it's both a present and future reality, but with the same call to prepare. So, let's dive in answer those two questions. What is the day of the Lord like? And, how should we live in it and prepare for it? By the way, you'll see an outline there in the bulletin. 2 points going along with those two questions. 1. The Day of the Lord: Beholding its Light 2. The Day of the Lord: Living in its Light So, beholding and living in the day of the Lord. 1. The Day of the Lord: Beholding its Light By the way, I'm using the word “beholding” because twice in this text, they are told to “behold!” Verses 1 and 5. We saw the same word back in chapter 3 verse 1. Behold! The day is coming. Wake up. Be ready! God will fulfill his promise. It's like what the angels said to the shepherds in Luke 2. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Behold. And what will that day be like? Well, we're given a picture. By the way, did you notice all the imagery in these verses? Oven, fire, stubble, branch, root, sun, wings, a calf, ashes, and feet. It is a picture of what the day will be like. They needed to know. And the first thing they needed to know, which is a continuation from chapter 3, is that it will be a day of judgment. It will be like an oven. The wicked will be like stubble burned in a fire. Have you ever taken pine straw or wood shavings and thrown them into a fire? It sparks up and bursts into a flame. The wicked are described as being set ablaze. Their branches AND roots will be burned. And in verse 3, they will be trampled underfoot. And remember, the Lord had been speaking to Israel. Malachi was prophesying to the people who had returned from Babylon to Judah and Jerusalem. Many of them fell into the category of wickedness. They didn't fear the Lord. Their words and actions displayed a lack of faith. Even though they were counted among God's people, they didn't return to him. What I am saying is that as much as these verses are an encouragement to the people who feared the Lord, they are also a graphic warning to those who do not know nor fear him. Return to me or on that day, you shall be ashes trod underfoot by the righteous. It will be a day when the Lord “acts.” Verse 3. From their perspective, there had been a lot of in-action by the Lord. But that will all change when the day of the Lord comes. But beware, because that action will in part be action against the wicked. So that's the warning… but there are also some very encouraging aspects to the coming day. As I already mentioned, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. For us, that feels like a strange mixing of metaphors. The sun and wings. But the best understanding of this is how the sun would be painted.  Picture the sun like a yellow platter with squiggly lines radiating from the platter. Well, those squiggly lines that someone would draw were called the sun's wings. It's the rays of the sun beaming down on the people. And those rays heal. The people back then knew this by experience.  And we know this by the sun's healing properties. We don't just receive warmth, but our bodies produce vitamin D from the sun light. That boosts our immune system. Being in the sun also lifts our mood.  And when we are in the sun for a little bit every day, we even sleep better at night. What this is saying is that God's righteousness will be like the sun! God will shine his holiness and his goodness and his truth upon us on the day of the Lord. And all of that has been and will be fulfilled in Jesus. We have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. His righteousness has been and is being displayed for all the world to see. And Jesus' ministry is a ministry of healing, is it not? Let me highlight three ways. ·      Number 1, Jesus' heals our relationship with God. Through the cross and in the resurrection, we've been given peace and reconciliation with him. ·      Number 2. He ministers his healing in all the sorrows and grief in life. God in Christ ministers to us in our weakness and our burdens and our trials. Jesus said, “come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest for your soul… for my yoke is easy and my burden is light” ·      And number 3. Christ will ultimately heal all of creation. He will restore all things. This is definitely part of the future promises of the day. When Christ returns in glory, all things will be made new. The groaning of all creation will be no more. The old will be burned up and the new will come. Creation will no longer be fractured and marred by sin, but rather it will be perfect and unblemished... and the light of Christ's righteousness will shine forever. There will be no need for the sun because Christ's glory will be the light. The sun of Righteousness has and will come with healing in his wings! Some of those things have come true and some will come true at the end of the age. And… what a joy it is to know the healing ministry of Christ. And speaking of joy, that is the other description we're given. On that day, the righteous in Christ will leap like a calf full of energy as it leaps for joy! I've never actually seen a calf in such a state, but I've read that it is quite the scene. After a calf has been in a stall all night, and it is then let out… apparently it bursts forth in uncontained exuberance. It leaps and twists and bucks and it runs in circles. It's like a ball of uninhibited joy as it bounds around. Our dog, Toby, was like this when he was a puppy. Sometimes we would have to leave him in his crate for a while, otherwise he would eat our socks. When we got home, we would let him outside in the backyard… and he would race around in circles as fast as he could. And then he would want to play. That is the kind of joy that we will experience to the fullest extent… when the Lord returns. Nothing will be able to contain our excitement on that day. So, the day will be a day of judgment, but it will also be a day of righteousness and healing, and a day of great joy. 2. The Day of the Lord: Living in its Light Which brings us to the concluding verses of Malachi and point #2. Living in its Light. The next question is, how should we live in the day of the Lord now? And related to that, how should we prepare for his future coming? First, look at verse 4. the Lord commands them… “remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules, that I commanded him at Mount Horeb…” It's referring to the 10 commandments. Mount Horeb and Mount Saini are the same place. All throughout Malachi, God has been revealing to the people how they had forgotten his law and commands. They had wandered from him by breaking his law. They were doing things that God commanded them not to do, and not doing things that God commanded to do. And so he commands them to remember his law. But in order to return to God's law and to him, they needed to repent. They needed to turn from their faithlessness and sin and back to God. That is what verses 5 and 6 are alluding to – turning back to God and to one another. What I mean is that in verse 5, Elijah is mentioned. Elijah is THE representative prophet. His message, which was the message of all prophets, was a message of repentance. Malachi's prophecy is likewise a message of repentance. Return to me, the Lord has said through Malachi. And in verse 6, this new Elijah that is coming will also turn the hearts of fathers to their children and children to their fathers. It's the same message of repentance but focused on our relationships with one another. In fact, in Luke chapter 1. The angel of the Lord tells John the Baptist's father, Zechariah, three things about his son related to this. #1, “he will turn many of the children of Israel back to the Lord their God.” #2. John “will go before the [Lord] in the spirit and power of Elijah.” And #3. The angel quotes Malachi 4:6. John will turn “the hearts of fathers to their children.” You see, this turning people to the Lord and to one another is the message of repentance. That is exactly what John the Baptist preached. He said, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” So, Moses and Elijah. The Law and the prophets. God's commands for us and his call for us to repent. Really, it summarizes both Malachi and the entire Old Testament. Think about our study of Malachi. Here's how it's gone: The Lord said: 1. I have loved you. 2. But your words and actions have betrayed that love. 3. You have therefore been faithless. 4. Return to me for the day of the Lord is coming. 5. If you do return, you will be counted among the righteous on that day. If you do not return, you will be counted among the wicked. And 6. The concluding words here: So, remember my law and repent. And notice the very last words, “lest I strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” The Lord opened up his prophecy through Malachi with the words, “I have loved you” and he concludes with this warning. It is one last appeal that they examine their hearts, or they will reap the consequences of their unbelief. Are you following how these last verses summarize Malachi? And, as I mentioned, this conclusion also summarizes the entire Old Testament. Again, Moses and Elijah - the law and the prophets. At one point in Jesus's ministry, he went up on a mountain with three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John. And when Jesus was on the mountain, he shone with the glory of his divine nature as sovereign King. The Gospel writers say that he was transfigured. Now, listen to what Matthew said. He said that Jesus' face “shone like the sun.” s-u-n. And guess who appeared from heaven with Jesus? Moses and Elijah. God the Son, the sun of righteousness, revealed his glory as the one who fulfilled all the words of the law and the message of prophets. In him, the day of the Lord has come. For Malachi's original audience, the day was coming soon. For us, it has and it will come. Well, I would be remiss if I didn't end with the call for you and me. It's really the same call now as it was then. We are to remember the law of Moses. The 10 commandments are not something from a bygone era that has no relevance today. No, rather, we are called to pursue the Lord and his commands. We're to love him with all our heart and soul and mind and strength. And we're to love our neighbors as ourself. And when we fail, we are to repent and return to him in faithfulness. None of that is works salvation. Rather, it is responding to the love of God in Christ Jesus, who gave himself up for us. Just like Malachi's audience, God loves us. We are his people, whom he elected from before the foundation of the world. In love, he gave us his commands that we would know him and walk in his ways. And just like them, we often fail, but God does not treat us as our sin deserves. No, he calls us to repent and return to him. And he will lovingly receive us again. All because the sun of righteousness has come with healing in his wings. So may we do just that. May we heed the warning of judgment. And may we rejoice this advent, with exuberant joy, basking in all the rays of the righteousness of Jesus – our Savior and our Lord. For his day has come and he will come again.

Share a commentWho really belongs to Abraham's family—those with the right ancestry, or those with the right faith? We follow Paul's lead and ask a simple question that cuts through centuries of argument: what do the Scriptures say? From Romans 4 to Galatians 3, the promise to Abraham narrows to a single point of focus—the Seed—and widens to welcome the nations through faith in Jesus Christ.We explore the historical rise of Islam, from Muhammad's early claims and adoption of Jewish forms to the later pivot toward Mecca and distinctive rites. That backdrop sets the stage for a frank, respectful comparison of core doctrines: the identity of God, the person of Jesus, and the cross. When Christ's crucifixion and resurrection are denied, the gospel itself is removed. When Christ is confessed as the promised Seed, Abraham's blessing becomes a living reality, not a contested storyline. This is more than religious trivia; it is the hinge of assurance. Abraham believed God was able to perform what he promised, and that same assurance rests on the finished work of Christ.We also turn the lens on ourselves. Respect for Muslim neighbors must be real—patient listening, clear words, genuine friendship. Recognition must be firm—Allah is not Elohim, and the Jesus of the Quran is not the Jesus of the Bible. And rededication must be practical—recovering habits of prayer, fasting, public witness, and heartfelt worship that match our message. Passion without truth misleads, but truth without passion misrepresents. Abraham's true heirs are those who trust the Son, and their lives should carry the sound of that promise kept.If this conversation helps you think more clearly and live more boldly, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Share a commentWho really belongs to Abraham's family—those with the right ancestry, or those with the right faith? We follow Paul's lead and ask a simple question that cuts through centuries of argument: what do the Scriptures say? From Romans 4 to Galatians 3, the promise to Abraham narrows to a single point of focus—the Seed—and widens to welcome the nations through faith in Jesus Christ.We explore the historical rise of Islam, from Muhammad's early claims and adoption of Jewish forms to the later pivot toward Mecca and distinctive rites. That backdrop sets the stage for a frank, respectful comparison of core doctrines: the identity of God, the person of Jesus, and the cross. When Christ's crucifixion and resurrection are denied, the gospel itself is removed. When Christ is confessed as the promised Seed, Abraham's blessing becomes a living reality, not a contested storyline. This is more than religious trivia; it is the hinge of assurance. Abraham believed God was able to perform what he promised, and that same assurance rests on the finished work of Christ.We also turn the lens on ourselves. Respect for Muslim neighbors must be real—patient listening, clear words, genuine friendship. Recognition must be firm—Allah is not Elohim, and the Jesus of the Quran is not the Jesus of the Bible. And rededication must be practical—recovering habits of prayer, fasting, public witness, and heartfelt worship that match our message. Passion without truth misleads, but truth without passion misrepresents. Abraham's true heirs are those who trust the Son, and their lives should carry the sound of that promise kept.If this conversation helps you think more clearly and live more boldly, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

When Christ informed his disciples that one of them would betray them, their response was, 'Is it I, Lord?' When I'm confronted with something that I did wrong or an accusation, most often my immediate response is, 'What are you talking about? I didn't mess that up! How could you accuse me of such a thing?!?' Hmmm. Very telling. I'm obviously not disciple worthy yet! However, I can work on developing the ability to look inward, to see my own failings and weaknesses that will allow me to take responsibility by asking, 'Is it I?' rather than looking outward to blaming, accusing, or criticizing others. It's a process of growth to get there, for all of us, but get there we will if we continue to figure it out a piece at a time. Thanks for listening!  Want to learn more about this concept?  Check out these podcasts: #26 Taking Offense on Apple on Spotify #34 Self-Compassion on Apple on Spotify #55 Don't Should Yourself on Apple on Spotify #70 Self Reflection and Self Coaching on Apple on Spotify #83 Self-Honesty on Apple on Spotify #108 Spiritual Submission & Self-Worth on Apple on Spotify #110 The Cost of Being Right on Apple on Spotify #156 The Benefits of Being Wrong on Apple on Spotify #173 A Space For Grace on Apple on Spotify #196 How to Break the Blame/Defense Cycle on Apple on Spotify #203 Cleaning Up Your Apology on Apple on Spotify #225 Shame, Blame, and Disempowerment on Apple on Spotify #235 The Beautiful Mess on Apple on Spotify #238 Overflow on Apple on Spotify #242 Circling Back Around on Apple on Spotify Are you curious about what it would be like to work with me? Here are three options: Group coaching classes are available at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Talk with Tanya is a free monthly webinar where you can ask me anything and we can have a great discussion.  You can sign up for that at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Interested in a free 90-minute coaching/consult with me?  Access my calendar at: https://tanyahalecalendar.as.me/

This week we begin Advent by looking at the promised Light that breaks into our darkness. Isaiah 9:2 reminds us that all of us face darkness, all of us needed God's intervention, and all of us needed the Hope that was foretold Jesus, the Light of the World. When Christ shines, clarity replaces confusion, hope overcomes despair, and life triumphs over death. This message invites us to remember that even in darkness, God promised and provided Hope.

Isaiah 9:6 tells us what Jesus, the name above all names, means to us. Pastor Greg Laurie brings us insight in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Isaiah 9:6 Jesus Christ.That is the name above all names. Isaiah 9:6For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be calledWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. From Heaven’s perspective, Jesus was given.From earth’s perspective, Jesus was born. Jesus lived our life and then He died our death. The first Christmas gift was not a gift to a child but the gift of a child. Each of these descriptions of Jesus’ name deals with an important part of our life. Jesus said, “Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of Me.(Hebrews 10:7 KJV) Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed and in the New Testament revealed. Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad.”(John 8:56 KJV) Jacob wrestled with Jesus.Before conquering Jericho, Joshua met Jesus and bowed before Him. Let’s look at these descriptions Isaiah gives us of Christ. #1 His name is Wonderful: this takes care of the dullness of life. Wonderful comes from the word wonder. There is nothing this world has to offer that will fill the void in your life.That’s where Jesus comes in. The word, wonder, means:amazement, surprise, astonishment, admiration, bewilderment, worship, and awe. The best way to sum it up is, “God is awesome!” Knowing this wonderful God personally takes care of the dullness of life. When the shepherds shared what happened,“All that heard it wondered at these things told to them by the shepherds.”(Luke 2:18) Everything about Jesus was wonderful:His birth, His life, His words, His death, and His resurrection. Wonder will lead to worship and a desire to know Jesus better. #2 His name is Counselor: this takes care of the decisions of life. Do you know that God wants to give personal counsel and direction to you? Psalm 73:24 (NKJV)You will guide me with Your counsel,And afterward receive me to glory. Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, Jesus Christ, is offering you His counsel. Jesus, our Counselor, has a plan for our lives. Jesus has given us His word so we might learn to think and act biblically.Everything you need to know about God and life is found in Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16–17All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is trueand to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.It is God's way of preparing us in every way,fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. But your Counselor, Jesus, is very involved and wants the best for you. Jesus, our Counselor, prays for us too. #3 His name is Mighty God: this takes care of the demands of life. Jesus Christ was not just a “good man,” but the “God-Man.” The Creator became a creation.He did not lose His deity, but He added humanity. Eternal, yet an infant, the Infinite became touchable. Jesus was fully God and became fully man. Jesus did not become identical to us, but He did become identified with us. Jesus could not have identified with us more closely than He did.It was total identification without any loss of identity. Jesus claimed to be God many times. On one occasion, Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee and He fell asleep.What could be more human than that? Jesus rebuked the storm and it stopped instantly.What could be more divine than that?He was fully God. Being fully human reminds you that He understands what you are facing. Some say, “It’s very hard to be a Christian.” It’s impossible to be a Christian without the power of Jesus Christ. That’s like trying to run your electric car with no charge. We work out what God has already worked in. We don’t manufacture the power, we access it. You say, “I can’t break free from drugs or drinking or immorality.”The bible says, “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” #4 His name is Everlasting Father: this takes care of the future of life. We know life is not merely what we experience here and now on earth.As Christians, we will live forever. God is the Everlasting Father. He will always be there for you. With so many broken homes today and absentee fathers, this is a great comfort. You have an Everlasting Father who chose you. After His resurrection, Jesus said to Mary, “I go to my Father and your Father.” #5 His name is Prince of Peace: this takes care of the disturbances of life. In the storms of life, we all long for peace within. Isaiah 9:6And the government shall be upon His shoulder. For over 2000 years we are awaiting the fulfillment of this verse when Jesus returnsand establishes His kingdom (at the end of the 7-year Tribulation). When Christ returns there will be no more corruption, war, or terrorism. He will reign righteously as King of kings and Lord of lords. The five names represent five dimensions of what every believer needs:“Wonderful” answers our disillusionment.“Counselor” answers our confusion.“Mighty God” answers our weakness.“Everlasting Father” answers our loneliness.“Prince of Peace” answers our turmoil. Every knee will bow. Will you bow before Him today? — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isaiah 9:6 tells us what Jesus, the name above all names, means to us. Pastor Greg Laurie brings us insight in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Isaiah 9:6 Jesus Christ.That is the name above all names. Isaiah 9:6For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be calledWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. From Heaven’s perspective, Jesus was given.From earth’s perspective, Jesus was born. Jesus lived our life and then He died our death. The first Christmas gift was not a gift to a child but the gift of a child. Each of these descriptions of Jesus’ name deals with an important part of our life. Jesus said, “Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of Me.(Hebrews 10:7 KJV) Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed and in the New Testament revealed. Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad.”(John 8:56 KJV) Jacob wrestled with Jesus.Before conquering Jericho, Joshua met Jesus and bowed before Him. Let’s look at these descriptions Isaiah gives us of Christ. #1 His name is Wonderful: this takes care of the dullness of life. Wonderful comes from the word wonder. There is nothing this world has to offer that will fill the void in your life.That’s where Jesus comes in. The word, wonder, means:amazement, surprise, astonishment, admiration, bewilderment, worship, and awe. The best way to sum it up is, “God is awesome!” Knowing this wonderful God personally takes care of the dullness of life. When the shepherds shared what happened,“All that heard it wondered at these things told to them by the shepherds.”(Luke 2:18) Everything about Jesus was wonderful:His birth, His life, His words, His death, and His resurrection. Wonder will lead to worship and a desire to know Jesus better. #2 His name is Counselor: this takes care of the decisions of life. Do you know that God wants to give personal counsel and direction to you? Psalm 73:24 (NKJV)You will guide me with Your counsel,And afterward receive me to glory. Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, Jesus Christ, is offering you His counsel. Jesus, our Counselor, has a plan for our lives. Jesus has given us His word so we might learn to think and act biblically.Everything you need to know about God and life is found in Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16–17All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is trueand to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.It is God's way of preparing us in every way,fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. But your Counselor, Jesus, is very involved and wants the best for you. Jesus, our Counselor, prays for us too. #3 His name is Mighty God: this takes care of the demands of life. Jesus Christ was not just a “good man,” but the “God-Man.” The Creator became a creation.He did not lose His deity, but He added humanity. Eternal, yet an infant, the Infinite became touchable. Jesus was fully God and became fully man. Jesus did not become identical to us, but He did become identified with us. Jesus could not have identified with us more closely than He did.It was total identification without any loss of identity. Jesus claimed to be God many times. On one occasion, Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee and He fell asleep.What could be more human than that? Jesus rebuked the storm and it stopped instantly.What could be more divine than that?He was fully God. Being fully human reminds you that He understands what you are facing. Some say, “It’s very hard to be a Christian.” It’s impossible to be a Christian without the power of Jesus Christ. That’s like trying to run your electric car with no charge. We work out what God has already worked in. We don’t manufacture the power, we access it. You say, “I can’t break free from drugs or drinking or immorality.”The bible says, “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” #4 His name is Everlasting Father: this takes care of the future of life. We know life is not merely what we experience here and now on earth.As Christians, we will live forever. God is the Everlasting Father. He will always be there for you. With so many broken homes today and absentee fathers, this is a great comfort. You have an Everlasting Father who chose you. After His resurrection, Jesus said to Mary, “I go to my Father and your Father.” #5 His name is Prince of Peace: this takes care of the disturbances of life. In the storms of life, we all long for peace within. Isaiah 9:6And the government shall be upon His shoulder. For over 2000 years we are awaiting the fulfillment of this verse when Jesus returnsand establishes His kingdom (at the end of the 7-year Tribulation). When Christ returns there will be no more corruption, war, or terrorism. He will reign righteously as King of kings and Lord of lords. The five names represent five dimensions of what every believer needs:“Wonderful” answers our disillusionment.“Counselor” answers our confusion.“Mighty God” answers our weakness.“Everlasting Father” answers our loneliness.“Prince of Peace” answers our turmoil. Every knee will bow. Will you bow before Him today? — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colossians 4:2-6 | November 30, 2025 | Pastor Todd SmithIn this powerful exploration of Colossians 4:2-6, we're challenged to live out the supremacy of Christ in three transformative ways that directly impact our daily interactions with the world around us. The passage calls us first to pray steadfastly—not just occasionally or when convenient, but with courageous persistence that characterizes our entire day. This isn't about bowing our heads at meals; it's about maintaining a constant dialogue with heaven, being spiritually nocturnal as we navigate the darkness around us. The second call is to walk wisely among outsiders, recognizing that we carry the 'Believer's Behavior Version' of the Bible everywhere we go. People are watching through both binoculars and microscopes, and our conduct gives credibility to our words. Wisdom isn't just knowledge—it's learning to connect the dots of life through God's perspective, making the best use of our vanishing commodity called time. Finally, we're urged to speak graciously, seasoning our words with salt that makes them savory and engaging rather than harsh or sanctimonious. This means being prepared to answer questions about our hope with gentleness and respect, not as God's lawyers arguing a case, but as His witnesses sharing what we've experienced. When Christ truly becomes our everything, these three practices—steadfast prayer, wise walking, and gracious speaking—flow naturally from lives transformed by His lordship.To find out more about Crossroads Community Church or to connect with us, visit the following links:→ lifeatcrossroads.org→ facebook.com/lifeatcrossroadsTo give online: lifeatcrossroads.org/giveonline.CCLI License: 2915685CCS WorshipCast License: 9466GRANT OF LICENSE. Crossroads Community Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play, perform, and transmit via the website noted above, any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC), as stated in the CCS WORSHIPcast License Terms and Conditions.

Colossians 4:2-6 | November 30, 2025 | Pastor Todd SmithIn this powerful exploration of Colossians 4:2-6, we're challenged to live out the supremacy of Christ in three transformative ways that directly impact our daily interactions with the world around us. The passage calls us first to pray steadfastly—not just occasionally or when convenient, but with courageous persistence that characterizes our entire day. This isn't about bowing our heads at meals; it's about maintaining a constant dialogue with heaven, being spiritually nocturnal as we navigate the darkness around us. The second call is to walk wisely among outsiders, recognizing that we carry the 'Believer's Behavior Version' of the Bible everywhere we go. People are watching through both binoculars and microscopes, and our conduct gives credibility to our words. Wisdom isn't just knowledge—it's learning to connect the dots of life through God's perspective, making the best use of our vanishing commodity called time. Finally, we're urged to speak graciously, seasoning our words with salt that makes them savory and engaging rather than harsh or sanctimonious. This means being prepared to answer questions about our hope with gentleness and respect, not as God's lawyers arguing a case, but as His witnesses sharing what we've experienced. When Christ truly becomes our everything, these three practices—steadfast prayer, wise walking, and gracious speaking—flow naturally from lives transformed by His lordship.To find out more about Crossroads Community Church or to connect with us, visit the following links:→ lifeatcrossroads.org→ facebook.com/lifeatcrossroadsTo give online: lifeatcrossroads.org/giveonline.CCLI License: 2915685CCS WorshipCast License: 9466GRANT OF LICENSE. Crossroads Community Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play, perform, and transmit via the website noted above, any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC), as stated in the CCS WORSHIPcast License Terms and Conditions.

Sermon by Fr. Peter Smith1st Sunday of AdventQuestions for Group Discussion1. In the course of a normal week, how often are you mindful of the truth that Christ will come again in glory?2. When Christ's second coming comes to your mind, what feelings typically accompany it?3. How does Advent help us resist both despair of this life and inordinate love of this life?4. When Jesus or the Apostles warn us to “stay awake” or “be ready” for Christ's appearing, what do you think they mean by that?5. With regard to Christ's second coming, what is one area in which you might ask the Holy Spirit to help you experience more growth or focus?

When we encounter God for ourselves and believe in Him, the only natural response is for us to go and invite our family and friends to “come and see” for themselves. When Christ met Saint Andrew, the First-Called Apostles, the first thing Saint Andrew did was go and tell his brother Simon (Peter) to “come and see”. Later Christ called Philip and he went and told Nathaniel. The only appropriate response for us to is to invite our family and friends to Church to “come and see” Christ, so they can encounter God and believe in Him.

Hope can feel hard to come by these days. We move from Thanksgiving straight into Christmas at full speed, yet our hearts are often tired, distracted, or weighed down. In Colossians 1:25 to 29, Paul reminds us of a truth that can steady us in every season. The mystery once hidden has now been revealed. Christ lives in us. He is our hope of glory. In this message, Pastor Darren shows how Advent calls us to slow our pace and remember the hope that is already ours. True biblical hope is not wishful thinking or blind optimism. It is a confident expectation rooted in the character, promises, and presence of Jesus. When Christ abides in us, he transforms how we see our struggles, how we endure hardship, and how we move forward in faith. Is your hope anchored in circumstances that shift every day, or in the Christ who holds all things together?

Isaiah 47:1-15 ; Isaiah 48:1-22 Introduction This week is the beginning of Advent Anticipation of Christ's first coming When Christ was born shepherd's saw heaven's filled with angels proclaiming Him Luke 2:14 “14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”” Strangely (perhaps)…

When Christ lives in us, we become 200% people—ourselves plus Jesus—with unlimited capacity to wage war, pray, and do miracles. Graham Cooke reveals why we should stop trying to fix weaknesses and instead embrace all of Christ's strengths, how true accountability calls people up to their identity rather than out on their behavior, and what it means to explore Kingdom territory with holy curiosity. Discover Graham's vision of a nameless, faceless generation doing ordinary signs and wonders daily, becoming so embedded in their communities that they're irresistible, and turning the world upside down as heaven invades earth.Key Scriptures:+ Galatians 2:20. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."+ Colossians 2:10. "And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power."+ 2 Corinthians 5:17. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."+ Acts 17:6. "But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, 'These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.'"**Want to explore more?**

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI John 3 The Father's love is demonstrated by calling His disciples His children, a truth the world cannot grasp because it does not know Him. When Christ appears, Christians will be like Him, and this hope inspires believers to live with purity. Those who persist in sin reveal that they do not know Christ, while those who live righteously demonstrate that they belong to Him. A defining characteristic of God's children is their love for fellow believers. They are called to love other Christians in a world filled with hatred and malice. Hatred brings spiritual death, while love brings life and unity. By following God's commands and believing in Jesus, they gain assurance before Him. This confidence comes from knowing that God abides in them through the Spirit He has freely given.  We find our identity in being children of God, and that truth changes how we live. We are not shaped by the world's view of us; rather, we are shaped by the love the Father has shown us. Our hope of becoming like Christ compels us to live with purpose and purity. We cannot claim to follow Him while embracing sin; rather, we must abandon sin and move from death into life. In that life, loving other believers is not optional but essential. Our actions must align with our words, demonstrating kindness, grace, and support. When we love one another well and obey the commandments of our Savior, we defy the world's evil and stand boldly for the truth.  Loving Father, thank You for welcoming us as Your children and promising us eternal life in Your presence. Give us the courage to honor Your grace by pursuing purity and rejecting lawlessness. Root out any sin among us and help us turn away from it immediately, proving ourselves to be Your children. Purge us of any hatred akin to Cain, and help us learn to love fellow believers deeply and with a willingness to sacrifice for their good. May our hearts never condemn us but encourage us to love people and engage in willful obedience to Your commandments in Jesus' name.   Thought Questions: If God is your Father, and you will one day see Him, how does that impact your pursuit of purity, discipline, and ongoing righteousness? If Jesus' victory destroys the devil's work, why do we sometimes still choose sin? How will we react differently to our sin than the world?   How important is love of the brethren? What helps you grow in serving God's people, and what motivates you to serve sacrificially?

When Christ died for us, he did not buy the freedom from having to hold fast, but the enabling power to hold fast.

Send us a textA desperate father in Mark 9 says five words that many of us whisper in the dark: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” That moment becomes our roadmap. We walk through the emotional break that follows Christ's invitation—“If you can believe, all things are possible”—and trace how a shift in address from “Jesus” to “Lord” reframes worship, prayer, and the very posture of our hearts. Titles aren't semantics; they're signals of allegiance. When we call Him Lord, we approach Him as the One who commands storms, silences demons, and holds our lives together.From there, we get honest about fractured faith. Belief often comes in pieces—bold in the morning, brittle by night. Rather than shaming that reality, we dig into why the father's plea is both humility and good theology: if all things are possible with the Lord, then stronger faith is one of those “all things.” We challenge the myth that grace starts you and you carry the rest. Scripture calls us to work out salvation, not work for it; Christ is not a distant examiner but the Author and Finisher who strengthens, preserves, and completes.We also lift the lens to spiritual authority. When Christ rebukes the unclean spirit and raises the child, He signals the limits of Satan's reach and the nearness of the kingdom. That changes how we face doubt, attack, and dry seasons. Instead of spiraling, we return to the prayer that cannot be refused: help my unbelief. If language shapes worship, this prayer shapes endurance. It keeps our eyes on the Lord's sufficiency rather than our stamina, and it turns daily uncertainty into an open door for grace.Listen for a practical path you can follow today: honor Him as Lord, confess real belief without pretending it's perfect, and ask for the help only He can give. If this conversation steadies your faith or challenges your habits, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review to help others find it. Where do you need help believing right now?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

When Christ is your confidence, nothing else can take His place. Pastor Lee continues our series in the book of Philippians.Welcome to Heights Baptist Church! Our mission is to love and to lead all people to a new life with Christ.Digital Connect Card: https://www.heightschurch.org/connectTo watch services online: https://www.heightschurch.org/mediaTo give online: https://www.heightschurch.org/give

Almost 2000 years have passed since Jesus returned to heaven. In the last 500 years, denominational segregation has plagued the body of Christ. We all go to different churches on Sunday. We live in a town of about 2000 people with 15 different churches and 15 different denominations. Very little ministry is coordinated for the ministry to this small town by the leaders of those churches. There is hope because marketplace and political leaders are unifying in Christ to bring flourishing to this town. When we are unified as followers of Jesus, outside our denominational hold, we can impact our cities and communities for good. When we face the problems together, we are so much stronger and more powerful. When Christ followers unite, no weapon of the enemy can stand against us. Those weapons may be poverty, drug addiction, broken families, et cetera. Let's unite as Jesus followers and bring good to our cities. 

Summary In this sermon from Romans 7:7–13, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks one of Scripture's most complex questions: If God's law is good, why does it seem to lead us into sin? Paul reminds us that the problem isn't the law—it's the sin within us. God's law is holy, righteous, and good, but sin twists what is good into an opportunity for rebellion. Dr. Easley outlines seven functions of the law, revealing that while the law defines and exposes sin, it cannot save us from it. The law condemns, provokes, and reveals the depth of our sinfulness, pointing us instead to our desperate need for Christ. No set of rules or moral codes can make us good; only intimacy with Jesus transforms the heart.  When we seek fulfillment in Him rather than in the false promises of the world—whether through lust, greed, or pride—sin loses its grip. Dr. Easley reminds us that the Christian life isn't about trying harder to stop sinning; it's about walking more closely with Christ. Only when He becomes our “all in all” can we find the true freedom the law could never provide. Takeaways God's law is holy, righteous, and good—but sin twists it into an opportunity for rebellion. The law reveals sin's power but cannot save us from it. No number of rules can make us righteous; only Christ can transform the heart. Sin deceives and provokes, taking what is good and turning it against us. True freedom comes not from resisting sin but from pursuing intimacy with Jesus Christ. When Christ becomes our all in all, the world's temptations lose their hold. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4) Every believer has been called to preach God’s Word, not just pastors of churches. When Christ gave... More...

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.Ecclesiastes 3:11-147 “Listen, my people, and I will speak;     I will testify against you, Israel:     I am God, your God.8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices     or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.9 I have no need of a bull from your stall     or of goats from your pens,10 for every animal of the forest is mine,     and the cattle on a thousand hills.11 I know every bird in the mountains,     and the insects in the fields are mine.12 If I were hungry I would not tell you,     for the world is mine, and all that is in it.13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls     or drink the blood of goats?14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God,     fulfill your vows to the Most High,15 and call on me in the day of trouble;     I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”Psalm 50:7-1527 And as it is appointed unto men once to die,Hebrews 9:27"All Is Vanity”“The Vanity of Wisdom”“The Vanity of Self-Indulgence”“The Vanity of Living Wisely”“The Vanity of Toil”11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.Ecclesiastes 3:11-14“Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in': aim at Earth and you will get neither.”C.S. Lewis33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Matthew 6:33We can live FOR this world and give up heaven. We can live FOR heaven and attempt to avoid this world. Or we can live IN CHRIST and experience the best of both.10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.John 10:10WHEN WE FOCUS ON EARTH, WE CAN'T SEE HEAVEN19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.Matthew 6:19-24King Tut's Coffin Photo*It has been wisely observed that a moving truck full of possessions never follows a hearse. Everything one might take with them to the world beyond is left behind. The pharaohs of Egypt were buried with gold and treasures to take into the afterlife, but they left it all behind. Even further, though gold is a precious thing on earth, God uses it to pave the streets of heaven.David GuzikBut the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.Romans 1:19-23 (MSG)22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.Matthew 19:22WHEN WE FOCUS ON HEAVEN, WE CAN'T SEE EARTH30-32 Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.Luke 10:30-32(MSG)“Don't be so heavenly minded that they're no earthly good.”WHEN WE FOCUS ON CHRIST, WE SEE THE BEST OF BOTHSince, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.Colossians 3:1-431 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” 34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. John 4:31-38EVERY SEASON IS BEAUTIFULEVERY GIFT IS FROM GODEVERY TASK IS WORTH THE EFFORT

You don't have to be who you were. In Jesus, you are made new. The things that used to define you — the mistakes, the shame, the labels, the addictions — they don't have the final word anymore. When Christ steps into your story, He doesn't just clean up your past; He gives you a brand-new identity. The old life is gone, and a new life has begun. You can stop living like the person you used to be and start walking in the freedom, purpose, and grace that only come from being made new in Him.#ThisChangesEverything #StoryChanged #CedarPointRecovery #NewCreation

Holiness is Contagious: Why God's Power is Bigger Than Your Spouse's SinAre you afraid the world will pull you down? Worried that your unbelieving spouse will contaminate your faith? In this powerful message from 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Pastor Alex destroys “little God theology” and reveals a truth that will change how you see marriage, friendship, and evangelism forever: holiness is contagious.We're continuing our series through Corinthians with one of the most challenging passages in Scripture. Paul addresses two critical groups: Christian couples considering divorce and believers married to unbelievers. Both situations reveal something radical about God's character that most churches get wrong.This message unpacks: • The communicable and incommunicable attributes of God (immutable, infinite, impassable) • Why “little God theology” keeps Christians trapped in fear • What Jesus actually said about divorce in Matthew 5, 19, and Mark 10 • The counter-cultural call to stay married—even to unbelievers • What it means that an unbelieving spouse is “sanctified” through their believing partner • Why your holiness won't contaminate—it will transform • The biblical destruction of the “chair illustration” youth pastors use • How Christ touching the leper proves God pulls people UP, not downHere's the truth that will set you free: When Christ touched the leper, the leper didn't infect Jesus—Jesus healed the leper. That's how powerful God's holiness is. And that same holiness lives in YOU.Paul's message is astronomically counter-cultural. In a Greco-Roman world where “no-fault divorce” was as easy as walking out the door, Paul says: stay married. Why? Because your holiness is contagious. Your unbelieving spouse will be made holy. Your children will be holy. Not saved automatically—but positioned in a power sphere where God's transforming holiness operates.This isn't about tolerating abuse or staying in danger—Christians always err on the side of life. But it IS about understanding that you don't save people by avoiding them. You save them by being in their lives while God does the heavy lifting.We end with a powerful reflection on communion and what it means that the table can heal—because what it points to is REAL.Join us at House Church Kauai as we learn to be disciples, not just Christians—people with fruit, not just a title.House Church Kauai - Meeting in our garage, staying together in the rain, believing God for a tentSupport this ministry: housechurchkauai.com Get full access to Amen Podcast at amenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Holiness is Contagious: Why God's Power is Bigger Than Your Spouse's SinAre you afraid the world will pull you down? Worried that your unbelieving spouse will contaminate your faith? In this powerful message from 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Pastor Alex destroys “little God theology” and reveals a truth that will change how you see marriage, friendship, and evangelism forever: holiness is contagious.We're continuing our series through Corinthians with one of the most challenging passages in Scripture. Paul addresses two critical groups: Christian couples considering divorce and believers married to unbelievers. Both situations reveal something radical about God's character that most churches get wrong.This message unpacks: • The communicable and incommunicable attributes of God (immutable, infinite, impassable) • Why “little God theology” keeps Christians trapped in fear • What Jesus actually said about divorce in Matthew 5, 19, and Mark 10 • The counter-cultural call to stay married—even to unbelievers • What it means that an unbelieving spouse is “sanctified” through their believing partner • Why your holiness won't contaminate—it will transform • The biblical destruction of the “chair illustration” youth pastors use • How Christ touching the leper proves God pulls people UP, not downHere's the truth that will set you free: When Christ touched the leper, the leper didn't infect Jesus—Jesus healed the leper. That's how powerful God's holiness is. And that same holiness lives in YOU.Paul's message is astronomically counter-cultural. In a Greco-Roman world where “no-fault divorce” was as easy as walking out the door, Paul says: stay married. Why? Because your holiness is contagious. Your unbelieving spouse will be made holy. Your children will be holy. Not saved automatically—but positioned in a power sphere where God's transforming holiness operates.This isn't about tolerating abuse or staying in danger—Christians always err on the side of life. But it IS about understanding that you don't save people by avoiding them. You save them by being in their lives while God does the heavy lifting.We end with a powerful reflection on communion and what it means that the table can heal—because what it points to is REAL.Join us at House Church Kauai as we learn to be disciples, not just Christians—people with fruit, not just a title.House Church Kauai - Meeting in our garage, staying together in the rain, believing God for a tentSupport this ministry: housechurchkauai.com Get full access to Amen Podcast at amenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Are you the kind of person everyone looks at and assumes you are strong and you have it all together? You too, huh? Many of us look fine on the outside, but the human condition is often much different on the inside.Proverbs 31:25 says this of a godly woman: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”As believers, we can laugh in the midst of struggle because God did not make us to have a spirit of fear. He never planned for us to suffer from depression or anxietyLook—life happens. Sometimes…many times…we are rocked by our circumstances. But God's Word says that we don't stay there. We keep our eyes on Him, and He is our strength. It's not even our job to find the strength to breathe and go about our day. It's our reliance on God—that is our job.The person who endures a cancer diagnosis isn't doing it on her own. The man or woman experiencing sudden job loss doesn't stand tall by him or herself. When Christ dwells in you, He takes the burdens and promises that in the end, we will be healed. And He will provide. That's not a guarantee that the things of this life will all work out in a positive and favorable way, but our reliance on Christ is the answer.If you look like a confident statue on the outside, but you're about to lose it on the inside, take time to tell that to Jesus. Give Him your fears and doubts.Let's pray.Lord, thank you that we're not in this alone. Your grace is sufficient for all of our needs, every day. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

When Christ redeems marriage, he does not dismantle loving headship and willing submission. He restores it.

For many people, contentment feels just out of reach—always tied to the next raise, the next purchase, or the next season of life. Yet Scripture calls us to something deeper and more lasting: a contentment that doesn't depend on circumstances but rests in Christ Himself.Psalm 23 begins with a stunning declaration:“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” — Psalm 23:1 (NLT)David's words remind us that contentment doesn't come from acquiring more but from trusting the One who provides. Just as sheep rest securely under the care of their shepherd, we can rest in God's faithful provision.True contentment isn't about suppressing desire—it's about redirecting it. When we find sufficiency in Christ rather than in money, possessions, or achievements, we're freed from the trap of covetousness and anchored in the truth that in Him, we already have all we truly need.The Ancient Lie of DiscontentmentDiscontentment has plagued humanity from the beginning. In Eden, Adam and Eve had everything they needed, yet the serpent's lie convinced them they lacked something essential. Discontentment still whispers, “God is holding out on you—you'd be better off if you had more.”Today, that same voice is amplified through advertising, social media, and cultural comparison. We scroll through highlight reels and feel our lives don't measure up. But Hebrews 13:5 offers the antidote:“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”The cure for discontentment isn't having more—it's remembering that God is always with us.The Freedom of “Enough”Contentment is not resignation—it's liberation. It frees us from envy, overspending, and the crushing weight of comparison. Instead of striving endlessly for more, we learn to steward wisely what God has entrusted to us.Proverbs 30:8–9 captures this balanced perspective beautifully:“Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me…”The wise steward seeks enough—not excess. When we live this way, our financial decisions change. We spend with purpose. We give with joy. We save with peace. Contentment reorients money from being our master to being a tool for God's Kingdom.Think of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17. With only a handful of flour and a little oil left, she faced famine. Yet when Elijah asked her to make him a cake first, she trusted God's word—and He provided, not with overflowing barns, but with daily sufficiency.Or consider the Macedonian believers in 2 Corinthians 8. Paul wrote,“In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity.”Despite having little, they gave with glad hearts because their contentment was in Christ, not in their circumstances.These examples remind us that contentment and generosity often go hand in hand. When we are satisfied in Christ, we're free to bless others.Trusting the God Who ProvidesAt the heart of contentment is trust. Jesus said in Matthew 6:25–26,“Do not be anxious about your life… Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”Contentment flows from believing that God knows what we need and delights to provide for His children. As Elisabeth Elliot once wrote, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”When Christ becomes our treasure, everything else finds its proper place.That's why Paul could say in 1 Timothy 6:6:“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”Contentment isn't a loss—it's true gain. It's the kind of wealth no market downturn can erase and no thief can steal. Choosing contentment doesn't mean settling for less; it means resting in the sufficiency of Christ.When we stop chasing “more” and start trusting God's daily provision, we discover freedom, peace, and joy. That's the essence of faithful stewardship—not just managing money, but aligning our hearts with the One who promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I own several rental properties and would like to leave one to each of my children. I still want to collect the rental income, but I'd like to avoid probate and ensure a smooth transition when I pass away. How can I set up a trust to do that, and what's the best way to move forward?I got divorced in my mid-50s and had to start over from scratch. I'm now 66 with a little over $37,000 in my 401(k), which I'm eligible to roll over into an IRA. I'd really like to invest that money through a biblically based firm, but most of the ones I've contacted require a minimum investment of $50,000. Do you have any suggestions? And how can I build my savings over the next four years? $37,000 won't last long.I'm retired, and my husband will be retiring soon. We don't have a lot saved, but he does have a 401(k) through work. We're unsure what to do with it or how to ensure we'll have enough to live on in retirement. Can you help us think through the next steps?I work with students, and I've offered to invest $4,000, allowing them to choose some stocks to learn how investing works. Since I'll keep the money but let them make the decisions, what's the best way to buy individual stocks for this kind of project?My daughter's credit score is around 625, and she's committed to improving it. My score is over 800, and I've heard that adding her as an authorized user on my credit card could help her. Can you explain how that works and whether it could affect either of our credit scores?I feel completely lost when it comes to finances, but I want to set my family up for success. Can you recommend a reliable resource or starting point for learning the basics of managing money wisely?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Open Hands FinanceFidelity | Charles Schwab | Robinhood | Public | Stash | SoFi InvestYour Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard DaytonMaster Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael BlueRedeeming Money: How God Reveals and Reorients Our Hearts by Paul David TrippMoney, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy AlcornWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Christ was really born and what that birth should mean to us.  The 1st part of the message is a study of the courses of the priests to determine when John the Baptist was born, and ultimately to the time of Christ's birth. The 2nd half is focused on the “fall and rising again of many...”  We were chosen to be among those risen up by His coming and that is the best Christmas message we could ever receive. VF-1852  Luke 2:34 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. © 2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

Pastor Greg Laurie provides his biblical perspective on Israel and the end times in today's message. Notes: Focus verses - Romans 11, 1 Thessalonians 4 God keeps every one of his promises to us. #1 God says we will never be alone in life.Isaiah 41 Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)For Jesus Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." #2 God promises to get us through whatever we’re facing.Isaiah 43:2 Psalm 119:50 (ESV)This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. #3 Jesus promised that He would come again.John 14:1–3 We know God’s future promises are true because He has kept His former promises. Genesis 12:2–3 #1 Because God kept His promises to Israel, we know He will keep His promises to us!Romans 11:17 #2 God uses us to bless the people who have blessed us.Romans 11:14 #3 Israel plays a key role in the last days.Romans 11:25–26 Romans 11:2 (ESV)God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. A sign of the times of the last days is the regathering of the nation Israel to their land. A modern-day miracle occurred when the Jews formed a nation on May 14th, 1948. The Jews are the indigenous people that God himself gave that land to. A checklist of things the Bible predicted about Israel:Israel will be scattered.Israel will be regathered.Israel will regain Jerusalem.Israel will be isolated.Israel will be attacked. God will intervene on behalf of Israel.Ezekiel 38:18 God promises to pour His spirit out on Israel.Ezekiel 39:29 Romans 11:25 Every soul matters to God. When the rapture happens, we will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.1 Thessalonians 4:16 #4 What is the rapture? 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 Jesus spoke of the rapture.John 14:3 Believing in and teaching about the rapture brings much needed hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who have died, so that you will not grieve as those who have no hope. Revelation promises a blessing too. Believing in and teaching about the rapture motivates godliness.1 John 3:3 One of the signs of the last days will be a renewed interest in bible prophecy. Daniel 12:4 (NLT)But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase." The rapture must take place first before the Antichrist will be revealed.2 Thessalonians 2:7–8 If antichrist is close, then the coming of Jesus Christ is even closer! #5 When is the Rapture?Matthew 24:36 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 When Christ returns for us in the rapture, first up is the resurrection of the dead.Then we who are alive will meet them in the air.1 Thessalonians 4:16 –17 THE RAPTURE WILL BE A STEALTH EVENT.THE SECOND COMING WILL BE A VERY PUBLIC ONE. IN THE RAPTURE, JESUS COMES IN THE AIR.​​​​IN THE SECOND COMING, HE COMES TO THE EARTH. DURING THE RAPTURE, CHRIST COMES FOR HIS BRIDE.DURING THE SECOND COMING, HE COMES WITH HIS BRIDE. IN THE RAPTURE, CHRIST COMES LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT.​IN THE SECOND COMING, THE WHOLE EARTH SEES HIM.​IN THE RAPTURE, JESUS COMES BEFORE JUDGMENT.IN THE SECOND COMING, JESUS COMES WITH JUDGMENT. If we are a believer, we should be awake and spiritually alert.Romans 13:11 #2 if you are not yet a Christian, you should get right with God. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.