Podcasts about when faith

More persecution for Early Rain Covenant Church in including Pastor Wang Yi in prison and church leaders still outside of prison (at least for now). Also, more churches were just closed by the government in Algeria. Todd Nettleton shares what you can do to help. Todd Nettleton is the author of When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, and the Host of Voice of the Martyrs Radio. CLICK HERE to learn more.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Bloye - When People Meet Jesus: "When Faith and Unbelief Collide" 

In Hebrews 11 you'll find listed a great hall of faith. There are names like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Rahab and others. However, often neglected are those who were martyred for their faith.--The concept of martyrdom is a foreign concept to those of us who live in prosperous America, yet even today there are those around the world who are laying their lives down for the cause of Christ.--The day of the Christian martyr is June 29th and joining Jim to discuss it was Todd Nettleton. Todd is the Chief of Media Relations and Message Integration for Voice of the Martyrs. He's host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio and author of, When Faith is Forbidden- 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians.

In Hebrews 11 you'll find listed a great hall of faith. There are names like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Rahab and others. However, often neglected are those who were martyred for their faith.--The concept of martyrdom is a foreign concept to those of us who live in prosperous America, yet even today there are those around the world who are laying their lives down for the cause of Christ.--The day of the Christian martyr is June 29th and joining Jim to discuss it was Todd Nettleton. Todd is the Chief of Media Relations and Message Integration for Voice of the Martyrs. He's host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio and author of, When Faith is Forbidden- 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians.

Just a few days before government-mandated “celebrations” of the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, we finish a conversation with Bob Fu, former prisoner for Christ and the founder of China Aid Association. Bob points out the terrible cost of decades of control in China by a philosophy that places zero value on human life. Bob will talk about the choice some Chinese Christians are making to stay in their country in spite of the constant threat of persecution. He'll also tell how some Christians are choosing to leave, seeing no future under President Xi Jinping. China's pressure and persecution efforts also reach outside their borders—including harassing Bob and his family in the United States. Bob will help us pray for Christians in China; he also says Chinese Christians are praying right now for the United States and believers here. Bob Fu is the author of two books: God's Double Agent, which tells the story of Bob's coming to faith in China and eventually being forced to flee the country; and The Politics of Inclusive Pluralism: A Proposed Foundation for Religious Freedom in a Post-Communist, Democratic China. You can listen to the first part of our conversation with Bob here. This month you can receive a free copy of When Faith is Forbidden, the new book by VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton, when you make any donation to help persecuted Christians through The Voice of the Martyrs. Learn more and give online. Never miss and episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Bob Fu is a former prisoner for Christ and the founder of China Aid Association, serving and sharing the stories of persecuted Christians in China. He says persecution of Christians in communist China is the worst it has been in 40 years—since the days of the Cultural Revolution. Bob will share a recent case of persecution and the story of how our brother Chen Wensheng—a former mafia leader—thought of ten days in prison as a “spiritual retreat.” Brother Chen went right back to publicly witnessing for Christ the moment he was released. Pastor Bob says Chinese Christians understand they are in a spiritual battle, rather than a physical one. Listen to hear how they gain strength to face opposition and persecution, and how the church prepares believers—even youth—to stand strong. Bob Fu is the author of two books: God's Double Agent, which tells the story of Bob's coming to faith in China and eventually being forced to flee the country; and The Politics of Inclusive Pluralism: A Proposed Foundation for Religious Freedom in a Post-Communist, Democratic China. This month you can receive a free copy of VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton's new book, When Faith is Forbidden, when you make any donation to help persecuted Christians through The Voice of the Martyrs. Learn more and give online. Never miss and episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

(An excerpt from The Strangest Secret Library – available on Amazon) Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire The Second Step toward Riches FAITH is the head chemist of the mind. When FAITH is blended with the vibration of thought, the subconscious mind instantly picks up the vibration, translates it into its spiritual […] The post Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire – 02 appeared first on Living Sensical.

(An excerpt from The Strangest Secret Library – available on Amazon) Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire The Second Step toward Riches FAITH is the head chemist of the mind. When FAITH is blended with the vibration of thought, the subconscious mind instantly picks up the vibration, translates it into its spiritual […] The post Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire – 02 appeared first on Living Sensical.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to journey with persecuted brothers and sisters, don’t miss this edition of Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman. For more than 20 years, host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio, Todd Nettleton has traveled the world interviewing hundreds of Christians who've been persecuted. “When Faith is Forbidden.” Hear the stories he uncovered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when faith is forbidden? Listen as Todd Nettleton shares stories of persecution from the frontlines of mission fields around the world and how we can learn from them when facing a culture that is canceling Christianity. Nettleton, chief of media relations and message integration for The Voice of the Martyrs USA and host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio, introduces his new podcast, "Forbidden Faith," providing interviews of people who see it as an honor and a privilege to suffer for Jesus. Get a copy of Nettleton's book "When Faith is Forbidden."

​Believers around the world are facing persecution right now. And you’ll hear some of their stories on Chris Fabry Live. Our guest is host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio, Todd Nettleton. The lives he chronicles will help us understand the reality of persecution, the need to pray, and give motivation for us to live boldly for Christ. When Faith is forbidden—on Chris Fabry Live.

We’re leaving for the airport in twenty-five minutes. I hope you’re ready. I’m rushing around my house, trying to figure out how to get my suitcase closed and which things in it I won’t actually need on the trip. I check my phone again to see what the weather is predicted to be: the warm jacket takes up a lot of suitcase space. Will I need it? Will I need a nicer pair of shoes for church? Is anyone going to expect me to be wearing a tie? Every extra item prompts a tiny cost-benefit analysis. Yes, it would be nice to have my running shoes in case the hotel has a fitness center. But they take up precious space. Yes, I’d love to have my personal Bible, but my traveling New Testament is much smaller and lighter—and I have the whole Bible on my phone if I need it. And I always hope to have a little bit of extra space when I leave, because invariably I come home with a small souvenir for my wife or a gift for my sons (when they were young, their favorites were swords, knives, or any sort of weapon!) and daughters-in-law. _ Adapted from When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians by Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs (©2021). Published by Moody Publishers. Used with permission.

March 14, 2021 – Pastor Dave McTaggart The post When Faith and Love Walk Together appeared first on Southgate Church.

In this episode Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley dive into Genesis 17-19 to discuss why Sarah laughs, a Christophany?, and what really happens at Sodom.Questions Covered in This Episode:So the Lord appears to Abraham and they begin a conversation about Sarah. This sounds like the beginning of Genesis 17, is this the same encounter from a different angle or is it a different event?Why is Sarah laughing?Is one of these three men a Chirstophany?What happens when Sarah lies to God?Abraham starts to talk with God, is Abraham changing God’s mind in this passage?Why is Lot rescued, is it because he is righteous?Why is Lot at the gate?What really happens at Sodom?What is Sodom’s primary sin?Is there a significance to salt? (Genesis 19:26)Helpful Definitions:Christophany: An appearance of the Son of God before the incarnation.Immutable: God is always the same.Impassibility: God does not feel emotions. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Genesis 18-20, Genesis 17, Genesis 16:13, Joshua 7, Acts 5:1-11, Exodus 33, 2 Peter 2:6-7, Hebrews 13, Luke 17:31-33, Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 16:24-25, Luke 17:32-33, Galatians 2:20, Genesis 9:18-27, RuthKnowing Faith Episode #102 – Abrahamic CovenantKnowing Faith Episode #103 – Abraham, Hagar, and the ChildThe Trinity by Andrei RublevAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Sponsors:To learn more about the Southern Seminary PhD mentioned in this podcast, please click this link.When Faith is Forbidden: When Faith is Forbidden is a 40-day journey to meet brothers and sisters who share in the sufferings of Christ. Ministry Grid is the online tool to develop and disciple your church. You can use their 800+ pre-built training courses or create and customize your own. The possibilities are truly endless. They are offering our podcast listeners $200 off the regular Ministry Grid price. For just $399 a year, you can get unlimited access for your church. Just use go to minstrygrid.com/knowingfaith to learn more about this special offer.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaith

Welcome to COFFEE with Kim with Special Guest Justina Page. Topic:  When Faith is Tested We often talk about our faith being tested by fire. For Justina Page, our next guest on COFFEE with Kim, life changed forever when fire literally swept through her home, taking the life of one twin son, severely injuring the other twin, and leaving Justina with third-degree burns over 55% of her body. You will not want to miss her powerful story filled with honesty, hope, and triumph. This week's conversation will leave you marveling at the beauty God is able to bring from the ashes of life's fires. The opinions expressed during this broadcast are for inspiration, information and motivational purposes.  Enjoying the Conversation?  Subscribe to the Show!  Visit the COFFEE with Kim Show Page at www.up2meradio.com to learn more about the network, the show, Host Kim Crabill and guests. This show is a production of Up2Me Radio in coordination with the Media Team of the Roses and Rainbows Ministry.  Visit the ministry at www.rosesandrainbows.org You can find, like and share us on Facebook at Up2Me Radio, follow us on Twitter @Up2Meradio and on Instagram at Up2Me.Radio

As a teenager in Cuba, “Maria” encountered the book Tortured For Christ, written by VOM’s founder, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand—when she was told to burn the books before Cuban authorities could find them and arrest her father! Today, Maria and her husband, “Pedro,” help VOM serve persecuted Christians in Cuba and other Latin American nations. Listen as they share a recent experience when Cuban authorities issued an arrest warrant for Pedro, and how Pedro and Maria experienced the prayers of Christians around the world in that time of pressure and trial. Listen also to learn how Cuban pastors are pressured by communist authorities, and whether or not anything changed for Cuban Christians after the death of Fidel Castro. Bonus content: This is release week for the new book, When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines With Persecuted Christians, written by VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton. We’ve posted the first two chapters of the audiobook version into the podcast stream. Listen to:  Departure Day: Preflight Checklist and Day 1: Beyond Our Control. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

This is release week for VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton’s new book: When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, published by Moody Publishers. In this special bonus episode, VOM Radio listeners can hear a preview of the audiobook version, which will be available soon wherever audiobooks are distributed. Today’s chapter is Day 1: Beyond Our Control. You can learn more about the book, and order your copy, at www.WhenFaithIsForbidden.com. Also, be sure to register to be a part of this weekend’s Imprisoned For Christ Virtual Event and watch as Todd interviews former prisoners for Christ (and former VOM Radio guests), Dan Baumann and Pastor Andrew Brunson.

A progressive pastor is claiming that the Bible is neither the Word of God, nor inerrant! But if that's true, why go to church at all? I'll give you my thoughts. Plus: Todd Nettleton from The Voice of the Martyrs stops by to discuss his book, "When Faith is Forbidden." Join us for Thursday's JANET MEFFERD TODAY.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley continue with the story of Abraham by taking a look at Genesis 16-17.Questions Covered in This Episode:So after God cuts covenant with Abraham, Abraham immediately starts behaving righteously right?Who is Hagar? Where has she come from?Are Abraham’s and Sarah’s actions wrong here?What are we to make from the angel's interaction with Hagar?Why can’t Ishmael be the promised child?What is the covenant promise?What is the significance of circumcision? Why this symbol?Helpful Definitions:Christophany: An appearance of the Son of God before the incarnation.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Genesis 16-17, Genesis 12, Genesis 15:6, Galatians 3, Genesis 3:15, Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Sponsors:To learn more about the Southern Seminary PhD mentioned in this podcast, please click this link.When Faith is Forbidden: When Faith is Forbidden is a 40-day journey to meet brothers and sisters who share in the sufferings of Christ. Unravel confusing Old Testament stories for a deeper understanding of God’s love in Lauren Chandler’s new Bible study, With Us in the Wilderness: A Study of the Book of Numbers.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaith

Today is release day for VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton’s new book: When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, published by Moody Publishers. In this special bonus episode, VOM Radio listeners can hear a preview of the book: the first chapter of the audio book, available soon wherever audiobooks are distributed. You can learn more about the book, and order your copy, at www.WhenFaithIsForbidden.com.

We’re trading chairs this week on VOM Radio! Todd Nettleton has a new book releasing March 2 from Moody Publishers: When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines With Persecuted Christians. So he’s in the guest chair this week, and Janet Parshall—nationally syndicated host of In The Market With Janet Parshall—has graciously agreed to fill in as our VOM Radio host for the week. Todd’s new book contains 40 of the most powerful and inspiring stories he’s heard in interviews with persecuted Christians over the past 20+ years. He’ll also share a little of how God brought him to work at VOM, including time as a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea. You can learn more about When Faith is Forbidden, including links to order your copy, at www.WhenFaithIsForbidden.com. In celebration of the book’s launch, we’ll offer the first two readings from the audio book version in the podcast stream next week. So be sure to subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast! Don’t forget to register for the Imprisoned For Christ Virtual Event, coming up on March 5.

Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs joins Kelli and Steve to discuss his latest Moody Publishers book release, "When Faith is Forbidden". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Karl and Crew Mornings, we continued our theme week: "Grace-Based Spirit Walkers".  We discussed the struggle and consequences when we try to rely on our own strength and not God.  Positive thinking can't stand without Truth.  We need to align our life with the Holy Spirit.  Our scripture reference was Galatians 3:3.  The questions we asked were, "Where do you get tripped up in your own efforts?   What area of your life are you most likely to go back to relying on your own strength and not on God's?".   We also talked with Todd Nettleton, Chief of Relations and host of the Voice of the Martyrs Radio.  Todd has traveled the world to interview hundreds of Christians who've been persecuted for the name of Christ, and now has has written a book sharing those powerful stories called "When Faith is Forbidden".  Check out the Karl and Crew Showcast to hear some of the best moments from today's show.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do Christians stand firm while suffering for their faith in hostile and restricted nations? Why does it matter that we hear their stories and also share them with our kids? Join us as we talk with Todd Nettleton, host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio, about the blessing of learning about our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ and his new book, "When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians."

When Faith and life intersect amazing things happen. Here is a story of another "Mysterious Encounter" I have experienced in my lifetime. In this "encounter" I "heard God" tell me to stop praying for a sick family member...so I obeyed and stopped praying. The result was an amazing and mysterious encounter with the Almighty God of the universe who chooses to interact with the simple and ordinary of His creation.

(An excerpt from The Strangest Secret Library – available on Amazon) Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire The Second Step toward Riches FAITH is the head chemist of the mind. When FAITH is blended with the vibration of thought, the subconscious mind instantly picks up the vibration, translates it into its spiritual […] The post Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire appeared first on Living Sensical.

(An excerpt from The Strangest Secret Library – available on Amazon) Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire The Second Step toward Riches FAITH is the head chemist of the mind. When FAITH is blended with the vibration of thought, the subconscious mind instantly picks up the vibration, translates it into its spiritual […] The post Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire appeared first on Living Sensical.

When Faith and Reality Collide

BRIDGING THE GAP: MANAGING THE WAITING PERIOD ••• Bible Study Verses: Genesis 12.1-7, Genesis 6:5-22, Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 37:5-7. “This is the most precious answer God can give us: wait. It makes us cling to Him rather than to an outcome. God knows what I need; I do not. He sees the future; I cannot. His perspective is eternal; mine is not. He will give me what is best for me when it is best for me” Vaneetha Rendall Risner, The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering † “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27.14 KJV What was Noah doing when he was waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promise? What were the 3-components of God’s promise to Abraham? What was Abraham doing when he was waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promise? What was Joseph doing between the time he got the promise of God and time of the fulfillment of the promise? How often is there a gap between God’s promises and it’s fulfillment? What may cause an abortion of God’s promise to you? Is there a difference between the tomorrow of your dreams and the reality you are experiencing today? Does your today look exactly like the future you desired and dreamnt about? Why is there a Gap? Why Wait? What do you do When the Heaven is Silent? What do you do When Hell Seems to Be Unleashed What do you do When Faith is Questioned? What do you do When Abandonment Seems Real? What do you do When Nothing Makes Sense? What do you do when you are waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises? What are 7-requirements for the fulfillment of God’s promise for your life here on earth? What are 9-negative consequences of mismanaged waiting periods? What were 6-life actions of Noah during his waiting period? How long was Jesus’s waiting period before the 3-year ministry He had which led to His passion? How are you managing your waiting period? Pastor Godwin Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on September 5th, 2020 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible. This Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in it’s mission through prayer and support. Thank you. Study Guides at: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes COVER ART CREDIT: Photo by Tommy Lisbin, art direction by gil on his mac. † Source: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/waiting-on-god Podcaster Website: http://www.lifelonganointing.com/FERP200905 Episode #136 GOT200905ep136 Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The post When Faith is Tested appeared first on University Reformed Church.

The post When Faith is Tested appeared first on University Reformed Church.

(An excerpt from The Strangest Secret Library – available on Amazon) Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire The Second Step toward Riches FAITH is the head chemist of the mind. When FAITH is blended with the vibration of thought, the subconscious mind instantly picks up the vibration, translates it into its spiritual […] The post Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire – 03 appeared first on Living Sensical.

(An excerpt from The Strangest Secret Library – available on Amazon) Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire The Second Step toward Riches FAITH is the head chemist of the mind. When FAITH is blended with the vibration of thought, the subconscious mind instantly picks up the vibration, translates it into its spiritual […] The post Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire – 03 appeared first on Living Sensical.

Struggling to convince your loved one that your political perspective is the right one? Or is he expecting you to come around to his way of seeing things? Do your discussions turn into debates that leave you feeling frustrated, even alienated from one another? Maybe you’ve decided to stuff your opinion just to avoid the conflict. In a world where countries and communities are being torn apart by the political divide, how do you keep your own relationship tight and intact? Will your marriage withstand the pressure? Is it possible to live and work together from opposite sides of the fence? In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, Talking Politics in Marriage, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband, Dale, help a wife who is worried that political divisiveness is affecting her marriage. Listen and learn how to keep political issues from turning into marriage issues. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: My husband and I have different political views. How should I handle this? Key Topics: Why you shouldn’t feel alone in this predicament How today’s politics of personal destruction is invading relationships How to relieve the pressure with a “politics-free zone” 6 guidelines that will help replace heated debate with helpful dialogue How “relationship maintenance” can save a politically-mixed marriage or relationship Practical advice from real political rivals who are happily married “How I love this podcast!! The principles, examples, and how-to information that Ramona and Dale share help me every day as a wife and in all my relationships!” ✮✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcasts listener Related episodes: When Faith is an Issue in Your Marriage His Criticism Hurts: What to Do When He’s Unkind or Unfair Seeing Eye to Eye: What to Do When You Don’t

Matt. 13:44  The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  The Treasure is Jesus Christ and His Authority over the fallen world the world. The Field is The Kingdom of GOD, the Environment of Jesus. SO the intent of Jesus’ message about the K’dom is to make clear that the Treasure and the Field are INSEPARABLE!  It’s IMPOSSIBLE to have Jesus without selling off the world to relocate to His Kingdom.  And further… It’s IMPOSSIBLE to have His POWER without living under His AUTHORITY.     ----more---- Jesus said w/o being Born Again (finding the Treasure) you can’t See or Enter the KOG.  But after you’re Born WHERE are you going to ABIDE?   (1) ABIDING: The 1st Rule of K’dom Authority ABIDING in the K’dom is where Authority comes from.  Born-again Christians who don’t ABIDE in the K’dom lack Authority. Satan’s concentrates his greatest efforts at getting you to slip out from under the Authority of Jesus’ Lordship and live by your own independent will and impulses.  Because his greatest threat is not from BA Christians, but from KOG ABIDERS.  It took a soldier to understand Jesus’ Kingdom Authority. Matt. 8:7-10 And he said to him (the centurion), “I will come and heal him.”  But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I TOO am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”  When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. What was it that made Jesus marvel?  It was the fact that the Centurion understood the nature of Jesus’ Kingdom AUTHORITY and saw Jesus ABIDING in the Chain of Command. John 5:19  So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. The reason Jesus was able to Heal ALL who came to Him was that He never attempted to do anything out from under the Father’s Leading.  Jesus was led moment by moment.  There was never a time when He allowed Himself to disengage His awareness from the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of GOD’s Authority.   Is the Holy Spirit able to tell you not to jump up right now and go to the restroom???  Or does He have to fight through your Impulsiveness and Rationalization?  The answer to that question reveals whether you’re living in the KOG or just another Christian saved by Grace.   (2) Using KINGDOM AUTHORITY Manifests Jesus 1John 3:8  For this purpose the Son of God was MANIFESTED, that He might destroy the works of the devil.  The only thing that can destroy the works of the devil is the MANIFESTATION of Jesus.  And the reason is because Satan has no defense against GOD’s AUTHORITY.  “Then Jesus said to them, “ALL authority (even Satan’s) in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations…” —Mt 28:18-19 i.e. the 7 Sons of Sceva.   MANIFESTING Jesus is an Act of K’dom AUTHORITY.  You can only do it by operating on earth as an Ambassador from the KOG.  Christians who ABIDE in the K’dom have His AUTHORITY.  They KNOW Who they represent and what they have to work with… Acts 3:6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I do HAVE I GIVE you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, stand up and walk!”  Peter was Filled with the AUTHORITY of the K’dom.  Because he had let go of all his own pride and self-defense, and totally surrender to Jesus as King over his life, GOD’s Authority was overflowing within him.  It wasn’t Faith that enabled Peter to Give healing but K’dom AUTHORITY.  When Faith doesn’t seem to be moving mountains it’s usually because it’s not coming from a heart that’s operating under K’dom AUTHORITY.   Anyone of us can operate in that level of AUTHORITY if we’re willing to unseat SELF from the throne of our hearts, and Relocate to the KOG.

Is your husband uninterested (or less interested than you are) in spiritual matters? Are you wishing he’d step up and lead your family in religious practice? Perhaps he’s even expressing (or exhibiting) antagonism toward God or religion in general. If you are a woman of faith, whatever your religion or personal practice, feeling disconnected from your husband on a spiritual plane is difficult. What do you do with your disappointment and loneliness? How can you reach or motivate him when you’re feeling frustrated and resentful? Throw Me a WifeSaver: “We don't hold up on our spiritual traditions as much as we used to unless I lead the way. I feel like I carry most of the family unity and spiritual engagement. Why can’t he?” In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, When Faith is an Issue, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie and her husband, Dale, answer four different wives who are each despairing of their husband’s level of spiritual enthusiasm and commitment. Listen and learn how to turn spiritual disparity to the positive and feel more peace in your home. Key Topics: Possible reasons for his lack of interest or leadership Why pushing, pulling, hinting, or convicting him don’t work The true test or measurement of his “spiritual leadership” 4 things to consider that will help mitigate your frustration Why his approach to spirituality may be different than yours How his male fears plus your expectations play into his choices Your best chance of winning him over The Four “P’s”: solutions to the dilemma of spiritual disparity “I am loving the overall philosophy Ramona and Dale have on marriage. They are so consistent in their message and everything feels digestible and succinct, something I like in a podcast. I am already seeing improvements in my relationship with my husband! ✮✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcasts listener Related episodes: When He’s Overwhelmed by Family Life It’s Not Fair (but who’s keeping score) Seeing Eye to Eye: What To Do When You Don’t

Faith Underwood is a published author and CEO of Infinite Faith Publishing & Ent., LLC. She balances being a CEO, Mother, Campaion, Creator and more. Faith is an avid crystal collector, meditator, and sci-fi entertainment lover who enjoys reading feel-good news stories, gardening and adding new stamps to her passport. When Faith isn’t doting on her baby girl or writing her next novel, RECOIL, she is busy spending time with her family and finding new ways to enjoy life. Faith has BA in Biology from Georgia Southern University, a BA in Chemistry from Wesleyan College, and an M.A.T. in Secondary Science Education from Georgia College & State University. She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association. https://www.diaryoffaith.com/ifpe.html --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bankedouttradioshow/support

(An excerpt from The Strangest Secret Library – available on Amazon) Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire The Second Step toward Riches FAITH is the head chemist of the mind. When FAITH is blended with the vibration of thought, the subconscious mind instantly picks up the vibration, translates it into its spiritual […] The post Faith – Visualization and Belief in Attainment of Desire – 02 appeared first on Living Sensical.

Public Enemy Number One – The Spirit of Fear1. Fear Thoughts Produce a Defeated Expectation 2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear (dread, uneasiness, anxiousness) but of power and of love and of a sound mind.• Fear is a spirit and like all spirits they have no hope of salvationLuke 21:26-28 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (look up not down or at bad circumstances) • Sound mind - safe thinking, good judgement, disciplined thought patterns, the ability to understand, make right decisions, and it also means self-controlled thoughts, and fear makes people irrational • Men's hearts will fail them because of fear based expectation • What we expect will produce faith and connect us to victory (joy) or fear will produce torment and connect us to defeat and death I Jn 4:18 There's no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, for fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love 2. Fear Always Rushes in When Faith is Not Present Mk 4:35,37-38 “Let us cross over to the other side.” And a great storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, (“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”)• I'm afraid of what, we must identify and confront this with the truth Jn 8:31-32 “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”3. Conquering Fear Through the Heart and Mouth Connection #releaseLk 8:25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”• Where is it? - At what point did you leave your faith, what stole it Mk 4:15 As soon as they hear it (The word), Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in them• They were highly developed in the fear of death, and they were in the clutches of the spirit of fear and it was only going to get worseHeb 2:15 he releases those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.• Fear God Only – to reverence, honor and be in awe of, we will not reverence or honor sickness and disease, we will be wise and smart but will never worship fear, never afraid Prov 4:20-24 My son, pay attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Guard your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. (Minds = hearts = mouth = our life) Matt 12:34 For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.Prov 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.WebsiteFreedom FacebookFreedom InstagramFreedom SoundcloudP. Jason Lozano FacebookP. Jason Lozano Instagram

Faith Joyner had experienced coach hurt like many emerging entrepreneurs out there who were hoping to learn the how-to strategies of a successful biz owner. Instead she found that some of the people she admired didn’t have real businesses and were using faith as the veil to cover up greed in their coaching practices. When Faith joined Purpose to Platform, she knew she had found a purpose-first community. Since then, Faith has experienced incredible results. She’s re-branded her own podcast – For Love Only – and built a deeper connection with a now thriving audience of women she knows 100% she was called to serve. She’s refined the method for how she serves women dealing with the trauma of relationship betrayal and has even raised her prices so that she can actually pay a team to support her holistic retreats and still have money left over to finally pay herself!  Join us as Faith shares her experience with Purpose to Platform and her biggest takeaways and most radical outcomes since enrolling. This episode is brought to you by Purpose 2 Platform, a 20-week business accelerator and mentorship program that will get you clear on HOW to package your PURPOSE, communicate your PROMISE to your ideal audience, choose the best PLATFORM for your personality and lifestyle and create a PREMIUM offer so you can increase impact, influence and income with integrity! Through this program, you’ll receive accountability and support in a dynamic community designed so you can finally make progress and be ready before you even need to pull that trigger on what’s no longer serving you. Book a Breakthrough Call today at https://patricewashington.com/talk LINKS:  To advertise on the podcast: http://www.patricewashington.com/podcastads Become an Official Purpose Chaser: http://www.iamapurposechaser.com Join Patrice’s Pod Club: http://www.patricespodclub.com  To check out ALL of our past guests + episodes: http://www.patricewashington.com/Listen  If you have questions about booking Patrice or sponsoring the podcast, email us at info@seekwisdomfindwealth.com. Find me in Social Media: Our podcast hashtag is #RedefiningWealth  Instagram: @SeekWisdomPCW Twitter: @SeekWisdomPCW Facebook: @SeekWisdomPCW  YouTube: @SeekWisdomPCW  

When Faith is not Enough - Grant Scheepers by Connect Church SA

This is a continuation of last weeks sermon and the notes are the same but they are included below. We have been physically born into a life that we cannot live because our only option in handling the problems of life is to do so sinfully. We must die to this life, and that is only possible by placing our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we are born into this world, we are dead to the things of God (Eph 2:1-2). But God makes us alive to Him at the moment that we believe in Jesus (Eph 2:5). This means that we have, in turn, died to sin, and have been raised to a newness of life.The believer in Jesus Christ is placed “in Christ” at the moment of faith. This establishes the believer with a new identity, being a new creation, and now having a glorious standing of righteousness before a holy God. Jesus’ perfect provision is our distinct privilege.Do we reallybelieve this? Our answer is predicated on our belief in the truthfulness of God’s Word, for in it are the factsof all history, seen and unseen, natural and supernatural, past, present, and future. Reality finds its meaning and purpose only in God’s holy Word.Why are we Missing the Power to Live the Christian Life?For many, Scripture seems disconnected from the “reality” of our modern age causing us to reluctantly dismiss the biblical record of the Holy Spirit’s work as borderline fiction. Such unbelief in the Bible’s accuracy has robbed us of the Spirit’s power in our lives. If we are not believing in what God has already said, why would we believe that He would work gloriously among us? When we render the Word of theLord as being mundane and ordinary, the Lord passes us by, just as He did in Nazareth. We are told haunting words by Matthew, “And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief” (Matt 13:58). However, the Spirit’s power has been freely given to all who believe in Christ being freely available in abundance, and yet it lies dormant because of our unbelief, and more particularly our unbelief regarding what God has said in His holy Word. The believer in Christ is already “in Christ!” Thus, our position before God is one that is established in victory because Christ is victorious over sin, death, and the grave. His win is the provision for our lives to “win” also. Van Gelderen explains, “As children of God, Christ is living in each of us right now… Faith turns what is true provisionally into experience practically. We simply must choose to depend on the reality of the words declared by God in order to access the benefit of what God says is so.”[1]“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). Believing His Word, moment by moment, is what it means to “abide,” and abiding in Christ is the answer to our power problem. Jesus references His own abiding in the Father in John 15:10. He tells His disciples, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just asI have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (emphasis added). Just as Jesus’ life was a model of constant obedience to the Father, so our lives in abiding in Christ must be one of constant obedience to Him. This is not a “do more, try harder” approach, but a “trust Him fully” way of thinking. No one obeys a command without believing it to be true. So it is with the relationship of “believing” and “obeying” in the Christian Life. This means that His Word is paramount and there are no worthy competitors. With His Word being our chiefconviction, we find our lives full of the Spirit’s power because all has come under submission to His will.[2]R.A. Torrey brings understanding to Jesus’ words regarding the power that is available when the believer is abiding in Christ. He writes, “If we are to obtain from God all that we ask from Him, Christ’s words must abide or continue in us. We must study His words, fairly devour His words, let them sink into our thought and into our heart, keep them in our memory, obey them constantly in our life, let them shape and mold our daily life and our every act.This is really the method of abiding in Christ. It is through His words that Jesus imparts Himself to us. The words He speaks unto us, they are spirit and they are life (John 6:63). It is vain to expect power in prayer unless we meditate much upon the words of Christ, and let them sink deep and find a permanent abode in our hearts. There are many who wonder why they are so powerless in prayer, but the very simple explanation of it all is found in their neglect of the words of Christ.”[3] Power in the Christian Life is NEVER our power, but the power of the Spirit flowing through us because we are in full dependency of the Word of the indwelling Christ. We must well-remember that Truth is a Person, Jesus Christ, and this Person operates and is who He is in complete consistency with His Word. This is a sound and consistent factto rest ourselves upon.Factshave power, and those facts are found ONLY in God’s Word. When we speak of facts, we are speaking of authority. Understanding this, every situation, decision, and concern must have an authority in place. Therefore, it must be brought to the Word of God. It is the engine that provides the power for the F-Train to move forward. The remaining cars of faithand feelingshave no real power. Therefore,they only lead in wrong directions and to wrong responses. Their proper place is in submission to the authority (facts), for only the authority has power.Sadly, there are many instances in life where God’s Word is not the authority. This finds the other cars of faithand feelingscompeting for the lead position, and in turn, stalling all progression and growth in the Christian Life. Let’s look at the problems that are created when God’s Truth is removed from the forefront of our lives.When “Faith” is the Lead CarThis is a particularly sensitive area for many people because it strikes at the core convictions that one holds dear. Some have “grown up this way,” or “that’s just the way we do it,” or “It’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand.” You get the picture. Using the above rationales are really a defense mechanism to excuse sin. Some of the common phrases that are identifiers of this are:· I believe…· I think…· You ought to…· You shouldn’t…· Well, everybody does/believes/etc.· Well, they say… (who are “they”?)All of these have one thing in common: they are rooted in man’s opinion, having no foundation for their assertions, stemming from the biased minds and corrupted hearts of created, fallen beings. Each statement makes a man-centered assumption about how life should be or how situations and relationships should be handled, but fall seriously short when asked to provide a greater reason for these convictions other than, “Well, that’s just what I think ought to happen.” Life’s decisions should not be based on shaky ground.Only God is True. Only God is Eternal. Only God is the Creator. Therefore, His commentary and interpretation of existence, as foundin the Bible, is the final authority, telling us the Truth (facts) about everything.Though the person is obviously “believing” in something (faith), the object of their belief is not the Word of God. Therefore, it is considered unbelief, regardless of motives or heartfelt sincerity.Paul stresses the maturity that comes from a church body that is benefiting from the implementation of the Word of God as they are being taught it. He writes, “we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph 4:14). The “trickery of men” and “deceitful scheming” are the false convictions (faith) that stem from a sinful mindset. The Word of God must be at the forefront if we are to think correctly about life, existence, relationships, eternity, etc.“I’m Religious”Many people portray a sincere “faith” and they communicate this by stating, “I’m religious,” “well, my faith is my own,” or something like “you believe in your god and I will believe in mine.” Another favorite is, “I think that god would…” In each of these statements their convictions about deity are revealed, demonstrating a god who has been fashioned according to their personal expectations. The very idea of deity has been diluted seeing that man is really in control. This is exactly the type of deity that the human race clamors after… one that can do or not do, be or not be, everything that the person who worships it wishes that it would do or not do, be or not be. Who is REALLY superior in this relationship?The self-serving nature of such diminished faithhas shown itself in all religions, being nothing new. Looking at Acts 17:22-27, we find Paul’s words to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers at Mars Hill. He notes that they are “very religious” (17:22). Faithis not their problem. They very much believe in a whole lot of gods, beings, and deities (17:16b). But as stated before, because their belief was not placed in the Wordof God, it is actually unbelief. Paul also notes one altar that was “to an unknown god” (17:23). Notice that this was a place of “worship” (feeling) that had an ascribed object as its focus (“an unknown god”) who is without identity or substance, having no foundation (unlike the factsof God’s Word). Yet, they were “very religious” (faith). How does Paul correct the F-TRAINof the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers?Paul tells them the facts. Follow the train of thought (no pun intended): 1. God made the world (17:24a). He is the Creator of all things. 2. He is the “Lord (Master) of heaven and earth” (17:24b) who is beyond temples, structures, and altars (17:24c). 3. He is not served with human hands because He is self-sufficient and is in need of nothing (17:25a). 4. He is the one who gives the human race life and breath. He is the Life-Source (17:25b). 5. God created them, and every man who has ever lived (17:26a), and He alone determines the when and where of their existence (17:26b) so that every person would know Him personally (17:27). Paul gave these “very religious” people an engine (facts) to get their F-TRAIN moving. He immediately identified the problem that Athens was facing. They had faith, though it was faithin the wrong object (unbelief), and by worshiping these “unknown” gods and having an air of superiority (Acts 17:21), they had feelings(worship) that were being dictated by their misdirected faith/unbelief. What they needed was something worth believing in; something sure and certain; something worthy of devotion. So, Paul introduces to them their Creator (facts) so that they can believe in Him (faith) and worship (feelings) the right and true Object. It is essential for faithto always be found in the facts, for faithwill always have worshipas the primary feelingthat follows it. “Worship” (literally “worth-ship”) ascribes value to an object. If you are enthralled with a celebrity, it is because you believe (faith)that they have done well and you are ascribing a higher value to them. The feelingthat proceeds out from that conviction (faith)is elation, pride,or what have you, because worth has been ascribed to this object. Faith will always have worshipas the primary feelingthat follows it.Misplacingfaith in something other than God’s Word leads to worship being ascribed to something other than God. This is the fabrication of idolatry in the heart, leaving one’s affections unchecked with trust and worth being issued to an object of complete inferiority. All things are less than God. Jeremiah the prophet exclaims, “There is none like You, O Lord; You are great, and great is Your name in might” (Jer 10:6).Identity CrisisOne of the greatest cries among this current generation is “Who am I?” This question is a result of banning the Creator God from the education of children, and thus banning His given purpose for our identities. Today we are seeing a flesh-led quest for identity in YouTube videos, Facebook posts, Snapchat, Instagram, etc., as well as the gay, lesbian, and transgender movement. Shock and awe are the calling cards of the culture and conformity is demanded in the name of originality (notice the contradictions that these worldviews create).It was obvious that the Spirit wanted us to know our identities up front. Only twenty-six verses into the first chapter of the Bible we read, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (Gen 1:26-28).With His Word, God established the unchanging factof our identity. Every person is made in His likeness and in His image. This Truth holds great weight and significance, showing the Creator to be full of care and creating us for a purpose. Yet, our nation’s suicide rate among young people is skyrocketing. Could it be that the quest for “Who am I?” has already been answered by God, but the problem is that many are led to believe (faith) something else, leading to feelingsof inferiority, insignificance, and marginalization?This is a factthat is true for the Christian as well as the non-Christian. For the believer, they have an extra advantage, with the Holy Spirit residing in them and leading them into all Truth (facts- John 16:13). These factskeep us grounded in trying times, for we have the risen Lord hiding us with Himself in the Father (Col 3:3). The believer has died to this life of sin and has been raised to a newness of life, being given a new identity by being “in Christ!” How helpful this is in such confusing and trying times. Handley Moule captures this, writing, “In temptation, in spiritual languor and decline, in care and perplexity and toil, let me draw upon the fact – not the feeling but the fact – of ‘Christ in me.’”[4]When “Feelings” are the Lead CarThe idea that “feelings” can be the lead car are more of an excuse than a reality. What is meant by this is that all feelingsare actually a result of what it is that we are truly believing (faith), or what we are valuing as the “most true” concept at any given time. By believing something other than God’s Word, we have settled for a lesser truth that is really no truth at all because it is not God’s Truth (facts). In a situation where a heinous crime is committed because of someone’s reaction to something that they were surprised with, we may describe such rash actions as a “blind rage” (feelings). However, if the police believe that the person had pondered this crime for some time before committing it, they would call this “premeditated,” meaning that they had been believing (faith) this to be the right response for some time.We often phrase the reasons for our beliefs about something as “well, I feelthat…” when feelings are actually the result of our faithin a matter. When a reason is asked for why we did something wrong, we usually respond with a feelingsanswer: “I felt like I had to…” Many times, we find that the only way that we can express ourselves is in terms of feelings.It would seem that the three most prominent feelingsthat we are faced with are doubt, anger, and revenge.DoubtInMatthew 11:2-6, we return to the moment where John the Baptist struggled with doubts (feelings) about Jesus being the Promised Messiah. Though he himself had been His forerunner, John’s present situation made his susceptible to doubts (feelings), finding himself in a prison at the order of King Herod, all because he stood up for the truth (facts). “Are You the Expected One,” he asked through his disciples, “or shall we look for someone else?” (Matt 11:3). John’s feelingsabout his current situation had taken the place of the lead car, causing unbelief (faith) in who Jesus is. When we find ourselves in difficult situations, and especially in situations that are going to go on for some time, we may be tempted to lose faithin the facts. As a model example, Jesus does not scold John for his doubt (feelings), but turns his attention to the factsof Scripture: “the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matt 11:5). All of this was happening in John’s day, yet, knowing the Scriptures, John would have understood that the prophecies of the Messiah as told by Isaiah were being fulfilled (Isa 29:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1). Therefore, Jesus was placing the facts at the front of the conversation so that John would have faithin them, and in light of this new stability, his feelingswould change.AssuranceThis is true for those Christians who are struggling with an assurance of salvation. Whether it is where they are in life, their past sins creeping up to beat them down, or some ongoing sin in their lives that they just can’t shake, many Christians, who are eternally secure in Christ, frequently doubt their salvation. They feellike they are not saved. Because they are not willing to conclude that they are lost shows that they are not fully buying in (faith) to the idea, but they are struggling, nonetheless. In this case, feelingsare leading the train, faith is being placed in those feelings, which will ultimately cause a reinterpretation of the facts, concluding in something like “Jesus will only keep me saved if I am a good person who only commits little sins.” By letting their feelingstake the lead car, and by believing those feelingsas truth, the F-TRAINis now traveling backwards with the factsbeing reinterpreted by their feelings. Is this factual? What does the Truth (facts) say about this matter?There are many verses and whole passages that could be cited that speak to the eternal, forever security of the believer in Christ, but we will only choose two, and with minimal elaboration. First, Romans 8:38-39states, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Nothing, not even ourselves, can separate us from the love of God. This is a fact; a Truth with power to propel us forward if we would only believe (faith) what God is telling us. If we do, we will not just feelsaved, we will feelblessed!Another good passage that needs little explanation is 2 Timothy 2:13. It reads, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” The word “faithless” here actually means, “to have nobelief, disbelieve.”[5]This means that even if we are unbelieving in our lives, the Lord remains faithful to His promise of eternal life to us. Lea and Griffin explain this writing, “Paul was asserting that despite human unfaithfulness God’s saving purpose has not retreated. Timothy and all those with him were to continue their endurance that they might experience God’s blessing. Paul did not state these words to open the door to apostasy and disobedience but to soothe a troubled conscience and to provide encouragement to return to God.”[6]God is always faithful to His promises (facts) and He has promised us eternal life.AngerAnger is a big one! Everyone struggles with getting mad, and sometimes at the littlest things. However, being angry is not the real issue. As stated above, anger is the result (feeling) of a conviction (faith) that we are holding tightly. For those who seem to have a habitual problem with anger, their ultimate issue is the need to have control in situations. This is derived from a pride problem that believes (faith) that they are right and everyone else is wrong. Only their way is the correct way, and everyone else is “ignorant, stupid, uneducated,” or “means well, but they really don’t know what they are talking about.” This is pride, and when pride does not get its way, and a situation is not able to be controlled in the manner that “we think” (faith) it should be controlled, we get angry (feeling).Pride is the exact same sin that the devil had/has (Isa 14:13-14). It is a natural conclusion to see that this should have no part in us. Pride asserts one’s rights and fosters entitlement (faith). We feellike we deserve something or should be listened to because of who we are or what we have done, but these are really the convictions that we hold dear (faith). None of this is acceptable before the eyes of the Father. Instead, we are to humble ourselves before Him. How do we correct the problem of our cars getting out of order when it comes to anger?James 1:19b-20states, “Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Being rash (feelings) never works. What we should seek in every situation is for God’s righteousness to shine forth and be the center of attention. Only He is right (facts), we are not. Our anger (feelings) will not accomplish His righteousness in any situation. Therefore, anger must be abandoned as a suitable option in handling conflict. By holding fast to this Truth (fact) and believing (faith) that it is in fact true, our feelingswill come to a place of humility knowing that it is possible for God’s righteousness to be displayed in every trial. This is not a “maybe” situation, but a certainty that rests upon our submission to His Word (facts). Will He not do what He has said?Biblically speaking, it is not wrong to be angry if you are angry about the right things. Ephesians 4:26-27says, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” You can be angry about something and not sin. But the way to allow for anger to become sin is if you are not dealing with it properly. If it is prolonged, the devil will grab a foothold in your life. Being angry because of the abortion problem in the United States is a real and right reason to be angry. Being angry because you were lied to is a legitimate reason because truth (facts) has been bypassed for falsehood. But each of these situations needs to be addressed in the heart and brought before the Lord. They are not to fester and grow to an unhealthy dynamic. You see, feelingsare not bad when they are properly placed at the end of the train because of the faiththat you are exercising in the Truth of God’s Word (facts).RevengeWe’ve all been there. When someone has wronged us, they need to pay! So, we devise ways in our mind that they are going to pay, how we wish to see them pay, or how we are going to make them pay(feelings). The factis, we have been wronged and we will not allow ourselves to be treated in such a horrible fashion (feelings). So, obviously revenge is the best option… or is it?In Romans 12:19, Paul writes, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” This is Truth (fact). We may feeldisenfranchised in some way, but we must remember that the Lord knows all things and that He will bring all situations to justice. By claiming (faith) this Truth (fact), we can now rest (feeling) in God’s care, knowing that He will take care of what or who has wronged us with much greater precision than we would ever be able to muster in our sinful flesh.______________________________________Q: Do you believe what God has said about who you are, your current situation, the choices that you are making, or the handling of your future? If not, why not? Q: Where did God get it wrong? Where has His Word misspoken? How has He failed you in the past convincing you that you cannot trust Him anymore? Such questions should expose the root of the real reason why we are not trusting what He has already said in His Word. We are either convinced that there is a greater truth than what He has said about a particular matter (faith)or we know that His Word will keep us from the excitingly sinful situation that our flesh wants to participate in (feelings). Such conclusions dismiss the factsaltogether, exchanging God’s revealed Word for our sinful desires. ___________________________________It is possible to abide in Christ. We can experience the fullness of who He is because He is in us. In looking to Him as the Truth, and therefore looking to God’s Word as given through Him, we are submitted to His facts. He is so much more than many of us initially think or believe. Let’s close by illustrating this with a personal account of this grand realization. Charles Trumbull (1872-1941) was the editor of the Sunday School Times periodical. He was a committed and devout man, constantly championing the cause of Christ for some twenty years before He fully grasped the significance of Christ in him. He obviously knew the Word and all that it taught of Christ and the Christian Life, but he came to realize that he was not confidently convinced of what it was actually saying to him about the nature of Christ’s Life in relationship to his person. In the profound little booklet The Life That Wins, we find his personal testimony in coming to this profound realization. He writes, “I had always known that Christ was my Savior, but I had looked upon Him as an external Savior, one who did a saving work forme from outside, as it were; one who was ready to come close alongside and stay by me, helping me in all that I needed, giving me power and strength and salvation. But now I knew something better than that. At last I realized that Jesus Christ was actually and literally withinme and that He had constituted Himself my very life, taking me into union with Himself- my body, mind, and spirit- while I still had my own identity and free will and full moral responsibility. Was not this better than having Him as a helper or even than having Him as an external Savior? To have him, Jesus Christ, God the Son, as my own very life. It meant that I need never again ask Him to help me as though He were one and I another, but rather simply to do His work, His will in me and with me and through me. My body was His, my mind His, my will His, my spirit His- and not merely His but literally a part of Him. What He asked me to recognize was that ‘I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me.’ Jesus Christ had constituted Himself my life- not as a figure of speech, remember, but as a literal, actual fact, as literal as the fact that a certain tree has been made into this desk on which my hand rests. For ‘your bodies are members of Christ,’ and ‘ye are the body of Christ.’”[7]The F-TRAINis a simple illustration that points to this greater truth. Christ, the Word of God, is telling us the Truth (facts) about life, reality, and Himself. His Word is giving us the answers, the factsabout every situation. By believing (faith) upon what He has already told us, we find heights previously unknown and provision much deeper than first assumed. How can humility and gratitude (feelings) not be the result of such amazing grace? “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11b). To live our lives in the light of His Truth (facts) is to have Him live His Life through us. This is most certainly a Life worth living![1]John Van Gelderen, Experiencing Jesus: Personal Revival Through the Spirit-Filled Life(Ann Arbor, MI: Revival Focus, 2017), p. 105-106.[2]See H.C.G. Moule, Practicing the Promises (Chicago: Moody Press, 1975), p. 65-71.[3]Reuben Archer Torrey, How to Pray(Chicago; New York: Fleming H. Revell company, 1900), p. 71–72.[4]H.C.G. Moule, Practicing the Promises (Chicago: Moody Press, 1975), p. 54.[5]Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon, p. 57.[6]Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), p. 211.[7]Charles G. Trumbull, The Life That Wins(Fort Washington, PA: CLC Publications, 2015), p. 20-21.

We have been physically born into a life that we cannot live because our only option in handling the problems of life is to do so sinfully. We must die to this life, and that is only possible by placing our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we are born into this world, we are dead to the things of God (Eph 2:1-2). But God makes us alive to Him at the moment that we believe in Jesus (Eph 2:5). This means that we have, in turn, died to sin, and have been raised to a newness of life.The believer in Jesus Christ is placed “in Christ” at the moment of faith. This establishes the believer with a new identity, being a new creation, and now having a glorious standing of righteousness before a holy God. Jesus’ perfect provision is our distinct privilege.Do we reallybelieve this? Our answer is predicated on our belief in the truthfulness of God’s Word, for in it are the factsof all history, seen and unseen, natural and supernatural, past, present, and future. Reality finds its meaning and purpose only in God’s holy Word.Why are we Missing the Power to Live the Christian Life?For many, Scripture seems disconnected from the “reality” of our modern age causing us to reluctantly dismiss the biblical record of the Holy Spirit’s work as borderline fiction. Such unbelief in the Bible’s accuracy has robbed us of the Spirit’s power in our lives. If we are not believing in what God has already said, why would we believe that He would work gloriously among us? When we render the Word of theLord as being mundane and ordinary, the Lord passes us by, just as He did in Nazareth. We are told haunting words by Matthew, “And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief” (Matt 13:58). However, the Spirit’s power has been freely given to all who believe in Christ being freely available in abundance, and yet it lies dormant because of our unbelief, and more particularly our unbelief regarding what God has said in His holy Word. The believer in Christ is already “in Christ!” Thus, our position before God is one that is established in victory because Christ is victorious over sin, death, and the grave. His win is the provision for our lives to “win” also. Van Gelderen explains, “As children of God, Christ is living in each of us right now… Faith turns what is true provisionally into experience practically. We simply must choose to depend on the reality of the words declared by God in order to access the benefit of what God says is so.”[1]“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). Believing His Word, moment by moment, is what it means to “abide,” and abiding in Christ is the answer to our power problem. Jesus references His own abiding in the Father in John 15:10. He tells His disciples, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just asI have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (emphasis added). Just as Jesus’ life was a model of constant obedience to the Father, so our lives in abiding in Christ must be one of constant obedience to Him. This is not a “do more, try harder” approach, but a “trust Him fully” way of thinking. No one obeys a command without believing it to be true. So it is with the relationship of “believing” and “obeying” in the Christian Life. This means that His Word is paramount and there are no worthy competitors. With His Word being our chiefconviction, we find our lives full of the Spirit’s power because all has come under submission to His will.[2]R.A. Torrey brings understanding to Jesus’ words regarding the power that is available when the believer is abiding in Christ. He writes, “If we are to obtain from God all that we ask from Him, Christ’s words must abide or continue in us. We must study His words, fairly devour His words, let them sink into our thought and into our heart, keep them in our memory, obey them constantly in our life, let them shape and mold our daily life and our every act.This is really the method of abiding in Christ. It is through His words that Jesus imparts Himself to us. The words He speaks unto us, they are spirit and they are life (John 6:63). It is vain to expect power in prayer unless we meditate much upon the words of Christ, and let them sink deep and find a permanent abode in our hearts. There are many who wonder why they are so powerless in prayer, but the very simple explanation of it all is found in their neglect of the words of Christ.”[3]Power in the Christian Life is NEVER our power, but the power of the Spirit flowing through us because we are in full dependency of the Word of the indwelling Christ. We must well-remember that Truth is a Person, Jesus Christ, and this Person operates and is who He is in complete consistency with His Word. This is a sound and consistent fact to rest ourselves upon. Facts have power, and those facts are found ONLY in God’s Word. When we speak of facts, we are speaking of authority. Understanding this, every situation, decision, and concern must have an authority in place. Therefore, it must be brought to the Word of God. It is the engine that provides the power for the F-Train to move forward. The remaining cars of faithand feelingshave no real power. Therefore,they only lead in wrong directions and to wrong responses. Their proper place is in submission to the authority (facts), for only the authority has power.Sadly, there are many instances in life where God’s Word is not the authority. This finds the other cars of faithand feelingscompeting for the lead position, and in turn, stalling all progression and growth in the Christian Life. Let’s look at the problems that are created when God’s Truth is removed from the forefront of our lives.When “Faith” is the Lead CarThis is a particularly sensitive area for many people because it strikes at the core convictions that one holds dear. Some have “grown up this way,” or “that’s just the way we do it,” or “It’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand.” You get the picture. Using the above rationales are really a defense mechanism to excuse sin. Some of the common phrases that are identifiers of this are:· I believe…· I think…· You ought to…· You shouldn’t…· Well, everybody does/believes/etc.· Well, they say… (who are “they”?)All of these have one thing in common: they are rooted in man’s opinion, having no foundation for their assertions, stemming from the biased minds and corrupted hearts of created, fallen beings. Each statement makes a man-centered assumption about how life should be or how situations and relationships should be handled, but fall seriously short when asked to provide a greater reason for these convictions other than, “Well, that’s just what I think ought to happen.” Life’s decisions should not be based on shaky ground.Only God is True. Only God is Eternal. Only God is the Creator. Therefore, His commentary and interpretation of existence, as foundin the Bible, is the final authority, telling us the Truth (facts) about everything.Though the person is obviously “believing” in something (faith), the object of their belief is not the Word of God. Therefore, it is considered unbelief, regardless of motives or heartfelt sincerity.Paul stresses the maturity that comes from a church body that is benefiting from the implementation of the Word of God as they are being taught it. He writes, “we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph 4:14). The “trickery of men” and “deceitful scheming” are the false convictions (faith) that stem from a sinful mindset. The Word of God must be at the forefront if we are to think correctly about life, existence, relationships, eternity, etc.“I’m Religious”Many people portray a sincere “faith” and they communicate this by stating, “I’m religious,” “well, my faith is my own,” or something like “you believe in your god and I will believe in mine.” Another favorite is, “I think that god would…” In each of these statements their convictions about deity are revealed, demonstrating a god who has been fashioned according to their personal expectations. The very idea of deity has been diluted seeing that man is really in control. This is exactly the type of deity that the human race clamors after… one that can do or not do, be or not be, everything that the person who worships it wishes that it would do or not do, be or not be. Who is REALLY superior in this relationship?The self-serving nature of such diminished faithhas shown itself in all religions, being nothing new. Looking at Acts 17:22-27, we find Paul’s words to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers at Mars Hill. He notes that they are “very religious” (17:22). Faithis not their problem. They very much believe in a whole lot of gods, beings, and deities (17:16b). But as stated before, because their belief was not placed in the Wordof God, it is actually unbelief. Paul also notes one altar that was “to an unknown god” (17:23). Notice that this was a place of “worship” (feeling) that had an ascribed object as its focus (“an unknown god”) who is without identity or substance, having no foundation (unlike the factsof God’s Word). Yet, they were “very religious” (faith). How does Paul correct the F-TRAINof the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers?Paul tells them the facts. Follow the train of thought (no pun intended): 1. God made the world (17:24a). He is the Creator of all things. 2. He is the “Lord (Master) of heaven and earth” (17:24b) who is beyond temples, structures, and altars (17:24c). 3. He is not served with human hands because He is self-sufficient and is in need of nothing (17:25a). 4. He is the one who gives the human race life and breath. He is the Life-Source (17:25b). 5. God created them, and every man who has ever lived (17:26a), and He alone determines the when and where of their existence (17:26b) so that every person would know Him personally (17:27). Paul gave these “very religious” people an engine (facts) to get their F-TRAIN moving. He immediately identified the problem that Athens was facing. They had faith, though it was faithin the wrong object (unbelief), and by worshiping these “unknown” gods and having an air of superiority (Acts 17:21), they had feelings(worship) that were being dictated by their misdirected faith/unbelief. What they needed was something worth believing in; something sure and certain; something worthy of devotion. So, Paul introduces to them their Creator (facts) so that they can believe in Him (faith) and worship (feelings) the right and true Object. It is essential for faithto always be found in the facts, for faithwill always have worshipas the primary feelingthat follows it. “Worship” (literally “worth-ship”) ascribes value to an object. If you are enthralled with a celebrity, it is because you believe (faith)that they have done well and you are ascribing a higher value to them. The feelingthat proceeds out from that conviction (faith)is elation, pride,or what have you, because worth has been ascribed to this object. Faith will always have worshipas the primary feelingthat follows it.Misplacingfaith in something other than God’s Word leads to worship being ascribed to something other than God. This is the fabrication of idolatry in the heart, leaving one’s affections unchecked with trust and worth being issued to an object of complete inferiority. All things are less than God. Jeremiah the prophet exclaims, “There is none like You, O Lord; You are great, and great is Your name in might” (Jer 10:6).Identity CrisisOne of the greatest cries among this current generation is “Who am I?” This question is a result of banning the Creator God from the education of children, and thus banning His given purpose for our identities. Today we are seeing a flesh-led quest for identity in YouTube videos, Facebook posts, Snapchat, Instagram, etc., as well as the gay, lesbian, and transgender movement. Shock and awe are the calling cards of the culture and conformity is demanded in the name of originality (notice the contradictions that these worldviews create).It was obvious that the Spirit wanted us to know our identities up front. Only twenty-six verses into the first chapter of the Bible we read, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (Gen 1:26-28).With His Word, God established the unchanging factof our identity. Every person is made in His likeness and in His image. This Truth holds great weight and significance, showing the Creator to be full of care and creating us for a purpose. Yet, our nation’s suicide rate among young people is skyrocketing. Could it be that the quest for “Who am I?” has already been answered by God, but the problem is that many are led to believe (faith) something else, leading to feelingsof inferiority, insignificance, and marginalization?This is a factthat is true for the Christian as well as the non-Christian. For the believer, they have an extra advantage, with the Holy Spirit residing in them and leading them into all Truth (facts- John 16:13). These factskeep us grounded in trying times, for we have the risen Lord hiding us with Himself in the Father (Col 3:3). The believer has died to this life of sin and has been raised to a newness of life, being given a new identity by being “in Christ!” How helpful this is in such confusing and trying times. Handley Moule captures this, writing, “In temptation, in spiritual languor and decline, in care and perplexity and toil, let me draw upon the fact – not the feeling but the fact – of ‘Christ in me.’”[4]When “Feelings” are the Lead CarThe idea that “feelings” can be the lead car are more of an excuse than a reality. What is meant by this is that all feelingsare actually a result of what it is that we are truly believing (faith), or what we are valuing as the “most true” concept at any given time. By believing something other than God’s Word, we have settled for a lesser truth that is really no truth at all because it is not God’s Truth (facts). In a situation where a heinous crime is committed because of someone’s reaction to something that they were surprised with, we may describe such rash actions as a “blind rage” (feelings). However, if the police believe that the person had pondered this crime for some time before committing it, they would call this “premeditated,” meaning that they had been believing (faith) this to be the right response for some time.We often phrase the reasons for our beliefs about something as “well, I feelthat…” when feelings are actually the result of our faithin a matter. When a reason is asked for why we did something wrong, we usually respond with a feelingsanswer: “I felt like I had to…” Many times, we find that the only way that we can express ourselves is in terms of feelings.It would seem that the three most prominent feelingsthat we are faced with are doubt, anger, and revenge.DoubtInMatthew 11:2-6, we return to the moment where John the Baptist struggled with doubts (feelings) about Jesus being the Promised Messiah. Though he himself had been His forerunner, John’s present situation made his susceptible to doubts (feelings), finding himself in a prison at the order of King Herod, all because he stood up for the truth (facts). “Are You the Expected One,” he asked through his disciples, “or shall we look for someone else?” (Matt 11:3). John’s feelingsabout his current situation had taken the place of the lead car, causing unbelief (faith) in who Jesus is. When we find ourselves in difficult situations, and especially in situations that are going to go on for some time, we may be tempted to lose faithin the facts. As a model example, Jesus does not scold John for his doubt (feelings), but turns his attention to the factsof Scripture: “the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matt 11:5). All of this was happening in John’s day, yet, knowing the Scriptures, John would have understood that the prophecies of the Messiah as told by Isaiah were being fulfilled (Isa 29:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1). Therefore, Jesus was placing the facts at the front of the conversation so that John would have faithin them, and in light of this new stability, his feelingswould change.AssuranceThis is true for those Christians who are struggling with an assurance of salvation. Whether it is where they are in life, their past sins creeping up to beat them down, or some ongoing sin in their lives that they just can’t shake, many Christians, who are eternally secure in Christ, frequently doubt their salvation. They feellike they are not saved. Because they are not willing to conclude that they are lost shows that they are not fully buying in (faith) to the idea, but they are struggling, nonetheless. In this case, feelingsare leading the train, faith is being placed in those feelings, which will ultimately cause a reinterpretation of the facts, concluding in something like “Jesus will only keep me saved if I am a good person who only commits little sins.” By letting their feelingstake the lead car, and by believing those feelingsas truth, the F-TRAINis now traveling backwards with the factsbeing reinterpreted by their feelings. Is this factual? What does the Truth (facts) say about this matter?There are many verses and whole passages that could be cited that speak to the eternal, forever security of the believer in Christ, but we will only choose two, and with minimal elaboration. First, Romans 8:38-39states, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Nothing, not even ourselves, can separate us from the love of God. This is a fact; a Truth with power to propel us forward if we would only believe (faith) what God is telling us. If we do, we will not just feelsaved, we will feelblessed!Another good passage that needs little explanation is 2 Timothy 2:13. It reads, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” The word “faithless” here actually means, “to have nobelief, disbelieve.”[5]This means that even if we are unbelieving in our lives, the Lord remains faithful to His promise of eternal life to us. Lea and Griffin explain this writing, “Paul was asserting that despite human unfaithfulness God’s saving purpose has not retreated. Timothy and all those with him were to continue their endurance that they might experience God’s blessing. Paul did not state these words to open the door to apostasy and disobedience but to soothe a troubled conscience and to provide encouragement to return to God.”[6]God is always faithful to His promises (facts) and He has promised us eternal life.AngerAnger is a big one! Everyone struggles with getting mad, and sometimes at the littlest things. However, being angry is not the real issue. As stated above, anger is the result (feeling) of a conviction (faith) that we are holding tightly. For those who seem to have a habitual problem with anger, their ultimate issue is the need to have control in situations. This is derived from a pride problem that believes (faith) that they are right and everyone else is wrong. Only their way is the correct way, and everyone else is “ignorant, stupid, uneducated,” or “means well, but they really don’t know what they are talking about.” This is pride, and when pride does not get its way, and a situation is not able to be controlled in the manner that “we think” (faith) it should be controlled, we get angry (feeling).Pride is the exact same sin that the devil had/has (Isa 14:13-14). It is a natural conclusion to see that this should have no part in us. Pride asserts one’s rights and fosters entitlement (faith). We feellike we deserve something or should be listened to because of who we are or what we have done, but these are really the convictions that we hold dear (faith). None of this is acceptable before the eyes of the Father. Instead, we are to humble ourselves before Him. How do we correct the problem of our cars getting out of order when it comes to anger?James 1:19b-20states, “Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Being rash (feelings) never works. What we should seek in every situation is for God’s righteousness to shine forth and be the center of attention. Only He is right (facts), we are not. Our anger (feelings) will not accomplish His righteousness in any situation. Therefore, anger must be abandoned as a suitable option in handling conflict. By holding fast to this Truth (fact) and believing (faith) that it is in fact true, our feelingswill come to a place of humility knowing that it is possible for God’s righteousness to be displayed in every trial. This is not a “maybe” situation, but a certainty that rests upon our submission to His Word (facts). Will He not do what He has said?Biblically speaking, it is not wrong to be angry if you are angry about the right things. Ephesians 4:26-27says, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” You can be angry about something and not sin. But the way to allow for anger to become sin is if you are not dealing with it properly. If it is prolonged, the devil will grab a foothold in your life. Being angry because of the abortion problem in the United States is a real and right reason to be angry. Being angry because you were lied to is a legitimate reason because truth (facts) has been bypassed for falsehood. But each of these situations needs to be addressed in the heart and brought before the Lord. They are not to fester and grow to an unhealthy dynamic. You see, feelingsare not bad when they are properly placed at the end of the train because of the faiththat you are exercising in the Truth of God’s Word (facts).RevengeWe’ve all been there. When someone has wronged us, they need to pay! So, we devise ways in our mind that they are going to pay, how we wish to see them pay, or how we are going to make them pay(feelings). The factis, we have been wronged and we will not allow ourselves to be treated in such a horrible fashion (feelings). So, obviously revenge is the best option… or is it?In Romans 12:19, Paul writes, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” This is Truth (fact). We may feeldisenfranchised in some way, but we must remember that the Lord knows all things and that He will bring all situations to justice. By claiming (faith) this Truth (fact), we can now rest (feeling) in God’s care, knowing that He will take care of what or who has wronged us with much greater precision than we would ever be able to muster in our sinful flesh.______________________________________Q: Do you believe what God has said about who you are, your current situation, the choices that you are making, or the handling of your future? If not, why not? Q: Where did God get it wrong? Where has His Word misspoken? How has He failed you in the past convincing you that you cannot trust Him anymore? Such questions should expose the root of the real reason why we are not trusting what He has already said in His Word. We are either convinced that there is a greater truth than what He has said about a particular matter (faith)or we know that His Word will keep us from the excitingly sinful situation that our flesh wants to participate in (feelings). Such conclusions dismiss the factsaltogether, exchanging God’s revealed Word for our sinful desires. ___________________________________It is possible to abide in Christ. We can experience the fullness of who He is because He is in us. In looking to Him as the Truth, and therefore looking to God’s Word as given through Him, we are submitted to His facts. He is so much more than many of us initially think or believe. Let’s close by illustrating this with a personal account of this grand realization. Charles Trumbull (1872-1941) was the editor of the Sunday School Times periodical. He was a committed and devout man, constantly championing the cause of Christ for some twenty years before He fully grasped the significance of Christ in him. He obviously knew the Word and all that it taught of Christ and the Christian Life, but he came to realize that he was not confidently convinced of what it was actually saying to him about the nature of Christ’s Life in relationship to his person. In the profound little booklet The Life That Wins, we find his personal testimony in coming to this profound realization. He writes, “I had always known that Christ was my Savior, but I had looked upon Him as an external Savior, one who did a saving work forme from outside, as it were; one who was ready to come close alongside and stay by me, helping me in all that I needed, giving me power and strength and salvation. But now I knew something better than that. At last I realized that Jesus Christ was actually and literally withinme and that He had constituted Himself my very life, taking me into union with Himself- my body, mind, and spirit- while I still had my own identity and free will and full moral responsibility. Was not this better than having Him as a helper or even than having Him as an external Savior? To have him, Jesus Christ, God the Son, as my own very life. It meant that I need never again ask Him to help me as though He were one and I another, but rather simply to do His work, His will in me and with me and through me. My body was His, my mind His, my will His, my spirit His- and not merely His but literally a part of Him. What He asked me to recognize was that ‘I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me.’ Jesus Christ had constituted Himself my life- not as a figure of speech, remember, but as a literal, actual fact, as literal as the fact that a certain tree has been made into this desk on which my hand rests. For ‘your bodies are members of Christ,’ and ‘ye are the body of Christ.’”[7]The F-TRAINis a simple illustration that points to this greater truth. Christ, the Word of God, is telling us the Truth (facts) about life, reality, and Himself. His Word is giving us the answers, the factsabout every situation. By believing (faith) upon what He has already told us, we find heights previously unknown and provision much deeper than first assumed. How can humility and gratitude (feelings) not be the result of such amazing grace? “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11b). To live our lives in the light of His Truth (facts) is to have Him live His Life through us. This is most certainly a Life worth living![1]John Van Gelderen, Experiencing Jesus: Personal Revival Through the Spirit-Filled Life(Ann Arbor, MI: Revival Focus, 2017), p. 105-106.[2]See H.C.G. Moule, Practicing the Promises (Chicago: Moody Press, 1975), p. 65-71.[3]Reuben Archer Torrey, How to Pray(Chicago; New York: Fleming H. Revell company, 1900), p. 71–72.[4]H.C.G. Moule, Practicing the Promises (Chicago: Moody Press, 1975), p. 54.[5]Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon, p. 57.[6]Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), p. 211.[7]Charles G. Trumbull, The Life That Wins(Fort Washington, PA: CLC Publications, 2015), p. 20-21.

"When Faith is Uncomfortable," a sermon by Becca Bedell on Matthew 15:21-28; 5:5

We were thrilled to welcome Elaine Soloway to the booth for episode 92! Check out her bio here. She is something else. Between her two memoirs, her Roman à clef, the essays she writes for her blogs, and having part of her life fictionalized on the television show, Transparent, Elaine is "living out loud." Learn about her books and essays by going to Elaine's website. Or friend her on Facebook. At 80 years old, she regularly communicates on social media and has 4,000 FB friends!   Elaine grew up on Division Street in Chicago. Her memoir about those years is called Division Street Princess. We highly recommend that and all of her books! Elaine's "audacious" daughters are Jill and Faith Soloway, whose many remarkable accomplishments include creating the sensation called The Real Live Brady Bunch at Chicago's Annoyance Theatre. This project was a huge hit and wound up traveling the country with a first rate cast including Jane Lynch and Andy Richter. Check out this video rehearsal footage. Faith is a musician & producer of rock operas. She regularly works as a collaborator with her sister, Jill, who wrote created the ground-breaking and award-winning show Transparent. The character of Maura was inspired by their father and Elaine calls Judith Light's wonderful character a "version" of herself. Jill Soloway's other credits include writing for the TV show Six Feet Under. When Faith & Jill were growing up, their family lived in "South Commons" in Chicago for 10 years. The intention of this 30 acre community was to integrate people of different races, incomes, home styles, and ages. There was a K-3 school on the campus and a community center with tons of exciting activities. Elaine, who had been an unhappy housewife, was soon editor of the community paper and had started a musical theatre company. Her husband and daughters starred in some of those shows. Elaine thinks that community helped make her extraordinarily talented daughters who they are. GZ & Frank review the movie Cold War and give it a big thumbs up. Elaine tells us about a recent comedy pilot writing class she took at iO taught by Mike McCarthy. Gary shares the sighting of Deep Blue, one of the largest great white sharks in the world. more than 20 feet long and 2.5 tons at age 50. Check out this amazing story. Elaine appeared on Season 3, Episode 3 of Transparent and was fabulous. She talks about what a warm family the cast is and how much fun it is to be on the set. We ask about our favorite Chicago actors on the show, Alexandra Billings and Amy Landecker. She adores them. Season Five is going to be a 2-hour musical (!) and Elaine reports the entire cast can really sing. Faith is writing the music. To be released this year. We can't wait! Kiss of Death: Francis Grill - Founder of Click Model Management. Read the NYT obit by Rachel Felder here. Grill's story is remarkable. She founded the first inclusive modeling agency and the way she got her start is fascinating. Look up some of the images of models she represented.

When Faith is on the Line by Dr. Russell Duck

Josh Thompson is the Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Legacy City Church, located in Studio City, CA where he lives with his wife Katie and their daughter Eden. He was born and raised in Riverside, CA with his two younger brothers Jake and Jesse. After attending Harvest Christian Fellowship in High School, he was brought on staff in 2002 working with the high school ministry.   A few years later, Josh got to attend a pastors-in-training school in Mexico with Pastor Jon Courson. He also got to spend some time studying in Israel after that. Upon returning, he continued to help with the Harvest Crusades and eventually came on staff under Greg Laurie in 2010, where he served until 2014 when he was called to plant a church in L.A. Aside from spending most of his free time with his wife, he loves to surf, play music, and preach the Word of God!   In this interview Josh shares more about how he developed into the man he is today. He talks about how humility is cultivated, what fuels faith, how to pursue intimacy with God, and secret skills he possesses. He also shares about some of the darkest times in his life and how God brought him through those seasons, as well as discussing suicide and it's ramifications.   For the full show notes, visit: theupandcomersshow.com/episodes/josht     Time-Markers:   6:00 - Josh's Little Known Superpower 8:30 - What Josh Does 10:00 - All Things Surfing 16:00 - Leading with Humility 26:00 - Josh's Development / Growth 30:00 - Building Blocks for Constructive Criticism 32:30 - Josh's Childhood / Background 41:00 - Challenges Josh Faced 47:00 - Impact of Losing His Mother 54:00 - How Josh Was Called to Ministry 1:01:30 - What Faith Means / Looks Like 1:09:00 - When Faith is Hardest 1:11:30 - Faith-Fuel 1:15:00 - Intimacy with God 1:22:00 - Early Church-Planting Years / Josh's Darkest Moments 1:30:30 - Message for People Contemplating Suicide 1:34:00 - What Josh Reminds Himself of Most 1:35:00 - What Book(s) Have Left Biggest Impact 1:37:30 - New Habit/Belief with Most Positive Impact 1:39:00 - TED Talk Josh Would Give 1:40:00 - Morning Text Reminder

What do you do when that thing you were believing and praying for doesn’t happen? How do you navigate through the trying experience of disappointed faith? Join us as Pastor Jeff brings some answers in his message, “When Faith is Disappointed.”

What do you do when that thing you were believing and praying for doesn’t happen? How do you navigate through the trying experience of disappointed faith? Join us as Pastor Jeff brings some answers in his message, “When Faith is Disappointed.”

When Faith and Culture Collide

When Faith is Tested by New Grace

When Faith and Culture Collide

Author & international speaker Sharon Roberts talks about how she learned to let go of guilt & shame when her world fell apart - the loss of her baby. When Faith is gone Let go of Guilt Let go of Shame Desperation to Inspiration Self care for grieving moms Self care for entrepreneur moms Book Titles: Lead Author Teaching Mental Health: John Wiley & Sons Publishing company Mental Health Training, Education and Practice: (Pavilion Publishers) For more info on this episode: http://relaunchshow.com/534 Podcast tips: http://relaunchshow.com/PodcastTips 972-885-8384  

1 Jn 5:3-4 this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commands are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world our faith1. Love is To Save Souls and Make DisciplesMatt 28:18-19 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing themThe nature of soul winning and disciple making is the nature of sacrificial love, It is to give of my life so someone else can liveJn 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.Jn 13:34-35 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”Gal 6:7,9 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 9 So let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.2. Love is Serving One Another - We love God by serving His BodyGal 5:13-15 through love serve one another.Matt 20:26-28 it shall not be with you; for whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life so many could live.”Job 35:11 if they obey and serve Him, they shall spend there days in prosperity, and their years (2016) in pleasure.3. Love is Quick To Believe and Quick To Forgive #2016 #good2greatMatt 18:21 “Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother? Up to 490 times?”Mk 11:23-25 I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 25 “And when you're praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you of your sins.Our faith will not work properly without loveGal 5:6 our faith is working through love.1 Cor 13:2-3 though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing and my faith profits me nothing. When Faith is working with love it becomes an unstoppable force1 Cor 13:7-8 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends].1 Pet 3:8-11 all of you should be of one mind. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For “If you want to enjoy your life and see many happy and great days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and seek for peace, and work to maintain it.WebsiteFreedom FacebookFreedom InstagramFreedom SoundcloudP. Jason Lozano FacebookP. Jason Lozano Instagram

"When Faith and Culture Collide", Pastor Chris Hodge

2013/09/25 ~ When Faith and Confession Collide

2013/09/25 ~ When Faith and Confession Collide

2013/09/25 ~ When Faith and Confession Collide

One of the compromisers on the doctrine of creation is Dr. Gregg Davidson. He is a committed theistic evolution. I give detailed analysis of his views, particularly his book, -When Faith and Science Collide.-

One of the theistic evolutionists who has compromised on the doctrine of creation is Dr. Gregg Davidson. This is part 2 of my analysis of his views, particularly his book, -When Faith and Science Collide.-

When Faith and Finances Collide- trusting God in all areas of life

When Faith and Finances Collide- trusting God in all areas of life

When Faith and Finances Collide- trusting God in all areas of life

When Faith and Finances Collide- trusting God in all areas of life

When Faith and Finances Collide- trusting God in all areas of life

When Faith and Finances Collide- trusting God in all areas of life

When Faith and Politics Collide

When Faith is Tested

When Faith is Tested

Poem read by Classic Poetry Aloud: http://classicpoetryaloud.podomatic.com/ Giving voice to classic poetry. --------------------------------------------------- Idea LXI by Michael Drayton Since there's no help, come let us kiss and part. Nay, I have done, you get no more of me; And I am glad, yea glad with all my heart, That thus so cleanly I myself can free. Shake hands for ever, cancel all our vows, And when we meet at any time again, Be it not seen in either of our brows That we one jot of former love retain. Now at the last gasp of Love's latest breath, When, his pulse failing, Passion speechless lies; When Faith is kneeling by his bed of death, And Innocence is closing up his eyes-- Now, if thou wouldst, when all have given him over, From death to life thou might'st him yet recover!