Podcast appearances and mentions of king saul

What if the prophecy that came true wasn't from God at all? Scripture says that not only is that possible, but it's happened before. And, it's happening now. How can you tell the difference?ABOUT THE EPISODE:Michael Rowntree tackles the question, "Can demons prophesy?" The answer matters because it changes how prophecy gets practiced, interpreted, and discerned. Starting with King Saul's unsettling character arc across 1 Samuel 10, 18, and 19, Michael traces how the same Hebrew word for prophesying gets applied to the Spirit of the Lord, to a harmful spirit, and to the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18.Michael also examines whether demons can predict the future and explores why that question has to be answered carefully. Satan isn't the opposite of God, and he doesn't share God's omniscience, but Scripture and church history both describe a limited, counterfeit version of foresight that can look convincing. Join Michael to better understand, from Scripture and church history, whether demons can prophesy and learn how to discern the real from the counterfeit.0:00 – Introduction0:33 – King Saul's Demonic Spirit2:04 – Saul's Election Prophecy2:58 – Spirit of Lord Returns5:02 – Prophets of Baal5:52 – Micaiah's Lying Spirit6:49 – Deuteronomy 13 Nuance8:01 – Irenaeus and Marcus9:13 – Chrysostom on Discernment9:56 – Can Demons Predict Future?13:17 – Demonic Prophecy Conclusion14:22 – Testing the SpiritsRESOURCES MENTIONED:- 1 Samuel 10, 18, 19 (ESV)- 1 Kings 18, 22 (ESV)- Deuteronomy 13, 18 (ESV)- Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV)- Acts 16:16-18 (ESV)- 1 Corinthians 12; 1 John 4- Irenaeus, Against Heresies- John Chrysostom, Homily on 1 Thessalonians 5 Support the showABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO: The Remnant Radio exists to equip believers who are hungry for the radical middle of both Word and Spirit. Subscribe for twice-weekly content on theology, church history and the gifts of the Spirit.

Like a festering rot, jealousy wreaks havoc in our lives. Today, R.C. Sproul considers how King Saul's envy for David's fame led to his own downfall. With your donation, receive an exclusive Renewing Your Mind journal, plus a digital download of R.C. Sproul's teaching series The Life of David: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the digital teaching series with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Pastor Matt Sturdevant and the pastoral staff of Hope Church continue their two-week series through the Book of Esther, using the Three C Podcast to go deeper than Sunday morning allowed. The big idea of the series is this: certainty is not knowing what will happen next — it is knowing who you can trust when you don't know what's coming. The team unpacks three anchoring truths: God is in control even when we are not, God is working even when we cannot see it, and God has a purpose even when we do not understand it. They also offer a crucial warning — the message of Esther is not that trusting God guarantees the outcome we want. The answer to an uncertain world is not a principle; it's a person — Jesus Christ. The podcast then goes several layers deeper into the historical and Biblical context of the story. Pastor Matt draws a fascinating line connecting Haman the Agagite back to Agag, the Amalekite king whom King Saul failed to destroy in 1 Sam. 15, and traces Mordecai's lineage back to the house of Kish in the tribe of Benjamin — the same lineage as Saul himself. This means the conflict between Mordecai and Haman is, in many ways, a generational rematch of Saul versus Agag. Even further, Haman's plot to annihilate every Jew across all 127 provinces is not merely a political threat — it is an assault on God's covenant promise to Abraham in Gen. 12 and Gen. 22, and ultimately an attempt to destroy the messianic line before the Messiah could come. The team then moves into application, wrestling with the tension between trusting God and falling into passivity. Using a framework of opportunity, obedience, and outcome, they make clear that God provides the opportunities and governs the outcomes, while human responsibility lives in the middle — faithful obedience. They walk through a sweeping list of things we can influence but cannot control: other people's decisions, our children's faith, our health, our reputations, and the growth of the church. The takeaway is both humbling and freeing — we are responsible for our response and our faithfulness, and we can trust God with everything else.

Episode Description: In this teaching celebrating 25 years on the radio, Brother Mike addresses one of spiritual deception's greatest strongholds: shift-blaming. Analyzing biblical examples from Adam and Eve to King Saul, Cain, and Aaron, Brother Mike illustrates how refusing to take personal responsibility drains spiritual authority and stalls growth. Listeners learn how to break free from self-justification, overcome deceptive mental patterns, and access prayer support and deliverance resources through the Arizona Deliverance Center. Key Takeaways: The Danger of Shift-Blaming: Refusing to accept responsibility for personal actions weakens spiritual growth, compromises integrity, and prevents true repentance. Biblical Examples of Justification: Examples throughout Scripture—from Adam in the Garden to King Saul and Aaron—demonstrate how blame shifting leads to spiritual breakdown. Rooting Out Narcissism & Self-Deception: Placing the blame on others or environmental factors traps believers in destructive patterns rather than allowing for genuine transformation. Pathways to Spiritual Freedom: True recovery and spiritual progress begin with personal accountability, earnest prayer, and deliverance ministry. Scripture References: Genesis 3:12–13 – "Then the man said, 'The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.' And the Lord God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman said, 'The serpent deceived me, and I ate.'" 1 Samuel 15:20–21 – "And Saul said to Samuel, 'But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord... But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.'" Exodus 32:22–24 – "So Aaron said, 'Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil... And I said to them, "Whoever has any gold, let them break it off." So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.'" Support the show: https://hardcorechristianity.com/donations/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once, I found myself working for the person who received the promotion I was recommended to receive. My jealousy turned into disdain for my new boss and damaged our working relationship.  King Saul had similar feelings about David when Saul allowed seeds of jealousy to take root. After Saul returned from a victorious battle, the ... The post The Seeds of Jealousy appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook (Ep. 330), I take a closer look at one of the lesser-known and most complicated seasons in the life of David. From 2 Samuel 2 through the events surrounding the death of Saul, Jonathan, Abner, and Ish-bosheth, we see a man moving from shepherd, to warrior, to exile, to king. David's journey reminds us that God's destiny is often reached through a long and difficult process, not by shortcuts. Again and again, David chooses to honor God, respect what God has established, and remain faithful even when those around him do not. There is a powerful lesson here for anyone waiting on God: when you cannot yet do anything to advance your ultimate calling, do what God has placed in front of you and do it with excellence. Encourage yourself in the Lord, follow the plan, take the next step, remain true to your values, and let God make the way forward. “Wait, I say, on the Lord” is not passive resignation—it is faith that trusts God's timing. David's story ultimately brings us to the 23rd Psalm, where the warrior king speaks from the heart of a shepherd: “The Lord is my shepherd.” The same God who led David through the valley was faithful to lead him into his destiny, and He is still faithful to lead us today. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:28) - David and Bathsheba(00:02:07) - David the Great(00:03:32) - David's Loyalty(00:11:31) - Saul's Emotional Apology(00:12:47) - The Death of King Saul(00:16:57) - David the Conqueror(00:20:19) - David on His Ultimate Destiny(00:27:09) - David vs. Joab(00:33:35) - The Story of Abner and Michal(00:36:07) - 4 Life Lessons of David(00:42:09) - Promotion cometh from the Lord(00:43:54) - David's Destiny Is Complete

This sermon examines King Saul's tragic decline in 1 Samuel 28, contrasting his outward religious appearance with his inward spiritual ruin. The sermon outlines five stages of Saul's fall: mere appearance of righteousness, seeking human approval over divine guidance, abandonment of God for forbidden practices, self-deception through disguise, and ultimate spiritual defeat through the attack of the enemy. By analyzing Saul's consultation with the witch at Endor, the text highlights how sin grows when it is not repented of and it leads to total ruin apart from God. The message warns believers against trusting in external righteousness while harbouring secret sins, emphasizing that true safety lies only in Christ. Ultimately, the sermon urges listeners to mortify the flesh and seek spiritual nourishment through prayer and Scripture rather than succumbing to fear or worldly solutions.

Come Bible Study WITH ME through 1 Chronicles 10 and ask all the questions!

The Jews in Susa defend themselves against their enemies and ultimately emerge victorious. But what's behind this remarkable turn of events? The role of Mordecai, the king's new trusted advisor, and how his influence helped to turn the tide in favor of the Jews. Esther's request to Xerxes to extend the decree for another day for the Jews in Susa was a crucial factor in the outcome. The Jews refuse to take the plunder of the enemies they kill. How Esther parallels with the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15, where Saul's disobedience to God's instructions led to the rise of the Amalekites, who would later become a thorn in the side of the Israelites. If you want to support the Bible Explained: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more:www.lifeaudio.com Need help memorizing Scripture? Check out Verse in the Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/@VerseintheChrous Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The sermon explores Psalm 57, using the example of David hiding from King Saul to illustrate how believers can maintain steadfast faith during times of severe affliction. By seeking refuge in God's sovereign protection rather than relying on personal efforts, individuals find comfort and confidence even when circumstances appear hopeless. The preacher emphasizes that difficult seasons often serve as instruments of divine providence, driving hearts toward deeper reliance on God's covenant love and truth. This unwavering trust transforms fear into worship, allowing believers to praise God before deliverance arrives. Ultimately, the message encourages the audience to fix their minds on God's character, ensuring that trials strengthen rather than shake their faith.

Come Bible Study WITH ME through 1 Chronicles 8 and ask all the questions!

In the Bible we have some wonderful examples on how to live and honor God, but there are also some examples on what not to do! And in the passage before us King Saul is trying to do things his own way, attempting to fight the flesh with the flesh. And that never goes well! Pastor Ed is going to take this opportunity to encourage us to do the right thing, the right way, with the right motive! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/302/29?v=20251111

We've all found ourselves in moments where getting even felt completely justified. You've been slandered, betrayed, or relentlessly pursued, and suddenly life drops an easy opening into your lap to strike back and balance the scales..In 1 Samuel 24:1–15, David is hiding out in the arid limestone bluffs of En-gedi. King Saul brings three thousand elite soldiers to run him to the ground. When Saul walks into a dark cave alone to relieve himself, completely unaware that David and his band of outcasts are deep in the shadows, the dynamic reverses instantly. To David's men, this looks like providential vengeance handed to them on a silver platter. But David is not so sure.Let's enter the cave together to examine how David places his defense entirely before God.

Today, Pastor Al Dagel tells of David's integrity by describing how he mourned the death of King Saul, who called David his enemy.  Could you be like David?

David had been determined to carry out an act of great cruelty, and he would have done it, had not Abigail intervened with her great wisdom. Accepting personal responsibility for the foolish and evil behaviour of her husband, Nabal, she reminded David that as God's anointed king, he must gain his power in God's way, and not by the power of his own military action.This was something that David had already resolved in his dealings with King Saul. David now saw that he must implement the same principle in everything that he did. God could deal with Nabal and his wickedness; David did not need to act - rather, he could and should hand the matter over to God.

Welcome to The Daily. Go ahead and pick up your 1 Peter Scripture Journal now. Our text today is 1 Peter 3:8-12: Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."  — 1 Peter 3:8-12 People are easy to love when they're lovable. But the real test comes when they aren't. It's not difficult to be kind when people are kind to you. It's not hard to be patient with people who understand you, appreciate you, and treat you well. But what do you do when someone criticizes you, wounds you, misunderstands you, or repays your kindness with hostility? How should believers respond when people hurt them? Peter broadens the conversation in this section. After speaking specifically to wives and husbands, he says, "Finally, all of you..." This isn't just marriage advice anymore. It's discipleship. It's a snapshot of the kind of people Christians are called to become. Peter gives five characteristics that should mark followers of Jesus: Unity of mind. Sympathy. Brotherly love. Tender heart. Humble mind. Imagine if churches were known for this. Imagine if Christian families reflected this. Imagine if believers became recognized not for outrage and division, but for compassion and humility. But Peter raises the standard even higher. "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless..." That's where Peter's instruction becomes challenging. Retaliation feels natural. Someone insults you, and you want to insult them back. Someone gossips about you, and you feel justified in returning the favor. Someone hurts you, and everything in you wants them to feel what they've made you feel. Peter knew those instincts well. This is the same Peter who drew his sword in Gethsemane and cut off Malchus's ear (John 18:10). Peter wasn't naturally gentle. Peter wasn't even naturally restrained. But years of walking with Jesus had transformed him. The man who once retaliated now says: "Bless them." Not because evil isn't evil. Not because hurt doesn't hurt. But because followers of Jesus belong to a different kingdom, with different behaviors due to transformed lives. Peter then quotes Psalm 34, and it's not accidental. David wrote those words after escaping danger, humiliation, and fear of King Saul and King Achish. He had every reason to become bitter. Instead, he testified: "Taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8). God's people have always faced the same choice. Will hardship make you bitter? Or will it make you faithful? You don't control how people treat you. You don't control whether they apologize. You don't control the words they say or the wounds they leave behind. But by God's grace, you do have a choice about what grows in your heart because of it. Don't let hurt disciple you into bitterness, resentment, or the very patterns of evil that wounded you. The world multiplies sin and invites us to pass it along. Christians interrupt it. The people who hurt you don't get to determine who you become. Jesus has already spoken to that through the cross and the resurrection. So instead of replaying the offense today, pray for the person who hurt you by name. Ask God to help you respond in a way that reflects Christ amid the pain. Ask Him to heal what has been wounded in you. And by His grace, let the cycle of hurt stop with you. DO THIS: Think about someone who has hurt you recently. Instead of replaying the offense, pray for them by name today and ask God to help you respond in a way that reflects Christ. ASK THIS: How do I naturally respond when someone hurts me? Is bitterness or resentment taking root in my heart? What would it look like to bless instead of retaliate in this situation? PRAY THIS: Father, You know the wounds I carry and the people who have hurt me. Guard my heart from bitterness and teach me to respond as Jesus did. Fill me with sympathy, humility, and love. Help me interrupt the cycle of evil with grace so that my life reflects Your goodness. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Raise A Hallelujah."

We hope that episode 242 will bless you in a big way.  We hope you join us as we recap the  holy fear of God in John Bevere's book, The Awe of God. Each chapter starts with a quote such as: “Men reverence one another, not yet God.” Henry David ThoreauKate's one word summary was humility and Sheila's was obedience. Both words heighten our awareness of God's holiness, which starkly contrasts with our deficiencies. This awareness can be a catalyst for becoming poor in spirit. When we realize that we are spiritually bankrupt we trust God and obey him.  Wasn't that King Saul's problem? He was prideful and did not trust or obey Him. He lacked a hold fear of God and this led to jealousy, anger, and impatience.James 4:8 tells us to “purify our hearts by embracing the fear of the Lord.”Psalms 112:1-2 “How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands…”Let's discover the joyful bliss of this holy fear as we dive into The Awe of God! Blessings dear listeners! Thank you for joining in as we connect to reflect!

We live in a culture obsessed with optics. We look at the resume, the title, the charisma, the net worth, and the social media following, assuming that is what makes a real leader.In 1 Samuel 16, even the veteran prophet Samuel falls into the exact same trap. Grieving the failed reign of King Saul—a man who looked the part but lacked character—Samuel is sent to Bethlehem to anoint Israel's next king. One by one, Jesse parades his tall, impressive, older sons before the prophet, and each time God delivers a quiet but firm "No." The real choice isn't even invited into the room—he's out in the pastures, doing the dirty, unglamorous work of guarding sheep.God wasn't looking for someone who merely looked impressive on the outside. He was looking for a person whose heart belonged entirely to Him. Let's enter Jesse's home to examine how God measures true character and what it means to be the people God created us to be.

What does it mean to have a heart after God? Drawing from the life of David and the raw honesty of Psalm 51, we see that genuine faith is not about external religious activity but about the condition of the heart. God does not want behavior modification. He wants to do a deep work of transformation from the inside out. Like David, a heart after God is not a perfect heart. It is a heart that keeps turning back toward Him, grieves over sin, savors His grace, and cannot help but sing of His love. The contrast between King Saul and David makes this clear: the difference was never ability or opportunity. It was always the heart.

You can be completely functional and still not be free.SIGN UP FOR FREEDOM HERE https://oasistn.church/freedomYou can go to work, raise your family, show up every week... and still have something quietly running the show underneath all of it.In week 3 of the Freedom series, Stephanie walks through the story of King Saul, a man who ignored some small, easy-to-miss insecurities until those same insecurities were the ones making his decisions for him. What starts as a little fear or a little compromise doesn't stay little. Left alone, it turns into a leash, and whatever's on the other end of it starts deciding where you go.In this one, you'll hear:Why chains almost never look dangerous when they startThe difference between being functional and being freeHow undealt-with stuff in you eventually starts affecting the people around youWhy admitting you're wrong isn't the same as actually surrendering itIf you've ever wondered what's really steering some of your decisions, this one's worth the watch.

“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” (Psalm 141:3 NLT) It’s been said that God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason: He wants us to listen more and to speak less. Think of how often we jump to conclusions or pass judgment in a situation. The writer of Proverbs warned, “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish” (Proverbs 18:13 NLT). Nevertheless, when we hear something damaging about another person, our first instinct is to conclude immediately that the person is guilty as charged. And instead of saying, “Let’s go to that person and find out the truth,” we start to spread the news as if it were fact. In the old days when you went to a doctor, he would ask you to stick out your tongue. Then he would pull out a tongue depressor and tell you to say, “Ahhh.” Why? Because the tongue can be an indicator of what’s going on inside you. By observing your tongue, a doctor could tell what was wrong with the rest of you. The principle applies in a spiritual sense as well. Our tongue—or, more specifically, our words—are the table of contents to our lives. What we say gives away who or what we really are. That’s why David wrote, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips” (Psalm 141:3 NLT). In essence, he was saying, “Lord, set a watch over my mouth. I can’t stop other people from speaking evil about me, but I will not do the same to them. I will not be guilty of it, Lord. But I need your help. I can’t do this in my own strength.” Keep in mind that David faced off against a lion, a bear, the murderous King Saul, and a host of other enemies. He stepped onto a battlefield with the warrior giant Goliath with no fear and barely a second thought. Yet he knew what he was up against with the tongue. We need to follow his lead. We can accomplish some important work with our words. The apostle Paul wrote, “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:5–6 NLT). He also wrote, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT). And the writer of Proverbs advised, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4 NLT). But we can’t do those things on our own. Like David, we must pray that the Lord will set a guard over our mouths and keep a watch over the door of our lips. Reflection question: In what areas do you need the Lord to help you guard your lips? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Share a commentGod's silence can feel mysterious until you realize what King Saul refuses to face: you can't demand closeness with God while you're actively protecting the sin you already know needs confession. We walk through Saul's final descent and why his complaint “God won't answer me” isn't a puzzle, it's a mirror. Along the way, we use a painfully funny illustration about a man hiding a lit cigarette from his pastor to expose how often we try to “stuff” disobedience out of sight while still asking for guidance, comfort, and clarity.From there, the story turns darker and stranger as Saul seeks out the medium at Endor. We unpack the reality of the unseen spiritual world without sensationalizing it, and we talk candidly about spiritual deception: why evil doesn't know the future the way God does, how it can still manipulate with real information, and why chasing supernatural shortcuts can pull us away from God's revealed Word. We also explain why the passage reads most naturally as a genuine appearance of Samuel delivering God's final message to Saul.Then comes the gut punch: a 48-hour death notice. Saul is handed a last mercy window, yet he chooses denial and control, marching toward the outcome he's been warned about. That leads us to the bigger contrast that closes the message with hope: Saul's death looks like the end of Israel's future, but it opens the way for David's line and ultimately the Messiah. Jesus Christ's death looks like the end of spiritual hope, but it becomes the doorway to the church, saving grace, and a coming kingdom for unlikely people like us.If this conversation sharpens your thinking, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find it. What would you change today if you truly believed time is shorter than you think?Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Share a commentGod's silence can feel mysterious until you realize what King Saul refuses to face: you can't demand closeness with God while you're actively protecting the sin you already know needs confession. We walk through Saul's final descent and why his complaint “God won't answer me” isn't a puzzle, it's a mirror. Along the way, we use a painfully funny illustration about a man hiding a lit cigarette from his pastor to expose how often we try to “stuff” disobedience out of sight while still asking for guidance, comfort, and clarity.From there, the story turns darker and stranger as Saul seeks out the medium at Endor. We unpack the reality of the unseen spiritual world without sensationalizing it, and we talk candidly about spiritual deception: why evil doesn't know the future the way God does, how it can still manipulate with real information, and why chasing supernatural shortcuts can pull us away from God's revealed Word. We also explain why the passage reads most naturally as a genuine appearance of Samuel delivering God's final message to Saul.Then comes the gut punch: a 48-hour death notice. Saul is handed a last mercy window, yet he chooses denial and control, marching toward the outcome he's been warned about. That leads us to the bigger contrast that closes the message with hope: Saul's death looks like the end of Israel's future, but it opens the way for David's line and ultimately the Messiah. Jesus Christ's death looks like the end of spiritual hope, but it becomes the doorway to the church, saving grace, and a coming kingdom for unlikely people like us.If this conversation sharpens your thinking, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find it. What would you change today if you truly believed time is shorter than you think?Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Share a commentOne person with the wrong theology and the right access can tilt a whole nation. We start with a surprising historical thread, Rasputin's shadow over the Russian monarchy, and use it to spotlight a timeless pattern: when a culture gets “all aflutter” with mysticism and the occult, deception doesn't stay on the fringe. It moves inward, shaping decisions, weakening trust, and leaving real damage behind. Then we open to one of the darkest scenes in the Bible, the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28. King Saul is terrified as the Philistines mass for war, and when he asks God for direction, heaven is silent. We talk honestly about why that silence happens, how unrepentant sin cuts off fellowship, and why blaming God misses the real issue. Saul's next move is the turning point: he disguises himself, seeks a medium, and tries to force guidance from the dead after rejecting the guidance God already provided. We also tackle the big question head-on: was it really Samuel who appeared? Walking through the details in the text, we explain why this moment reads like a sober act of God's judgment, not a party trick, and why the occult remains spiritually dangerous even when it seems to deliver “legitimate” information. If you care about biblical teaching, spiritual warfare, and learning to hear God without chasing shortcuts, this conversation will challenge you. If this helped you think clearly, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review. What do you reach for when God feels silent?Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Share a commentOne person with the wrong theology and the right access can tilt a whole nation. We start with a surprising historical thread, Rasputin's shadow over the Russian monarchy, and use it to spotlight a timeless pattern: when a culture gets “all aflutter” with mysticism and the occult, deception doesn't stay on the fringe. It moves inward, shaping decisions, weakening trust, and leaving real damage behind. Then we open to one of the darkest scenes in the Bible, the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28. King Saul is terrified as the Philistines mass for war, and when he asks God for direction, heaven is silent. We talk honestly about why that silence happens, how unrepentant sin cuts off fellowship, and why blaming God misses the real issue. Saul's next move is the turning point: he disguises himself, seeks a medium, and tries to force guidance from the dead after rejecting the guidance God already provided. We also tackle the big question head-on: was it really Samuel who appeared? Walking through the details in the text, we explain why this moment reads like a sober act of God's judgment, not a party trick, and why the occult remains spiritually dangerous even when it seems to deliver “legitimate” information. If you care about biblical teaching, spiritual warfare, and learning to hear God without chasing shortcuts, this conversation will challenge you. If this helped you think clearly, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review. What do you reach for when God feels silent?Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

The David Alliance  TDAgiantSlayer@gmail.com Garth Heckman Urge   INTRO: Its a strange memory at best: A young man at church - my sister Renee's friend. HS stud athlete, great looking, always jumping in and out of bed with whomever he could. Now in his early 30's he came to church and Renee said one night after church… he better hurry up and figure out life - his hair is getting thinner and his glasses are getting thicker.  Funny, sad, but telling of his life falling apart. He lived his life by his emotions… his “URGES” if you will.    the phrase "a piece of work" originated as a high compliment before evolving over centuries into a sarcastic insult. The Literary Origin Its earliest famous usage comes from William Shakespeare's Hamlet (around 1601). In Act II, Scene 2, Prince Hamlet marvels at the creation of humanity: "What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty..."       He's a piece of work ISRAELS FIRST KING!  King Saul had it all but lost his call as a know it all only to fall.      Saul's ultimate downfall was not a lack of talent or opportunity; it was a fundamental flaw in his internal compass. Saul lived a life governed by feelings rather than character.     Have you ever met someone who lives by their emotions/feelings/the wind?     I used to say to my boys… “dad is in a bad mood today, so don't push it”. WHAT I WAS REALLY SAYING WAS DAD IS IN THE FLESH… LIVING BY HIS URGES!        Romans 8:5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)         King Saul highlights critical decisions based on fear, jealousy, and impulsivity rather than steadfast character and obedience.     1 Samuel 13:8-12 (Impatience and Panic): When the prophet Samuel delayed his arrival and the Israelite army began to scatter out of fear, Saul panicked. Instead of trusting God and waiting, his anxiety drove him to unlawfully offer the burnt offering himself. Emotions make God's Word feel optional rather than authoritative. When feelings become the filter for truth, scripture gets reduced to "does this resonate with me" instead of "is this what God said." Jeremiah 17:9 warns that the heart is deceitful above all things — not evil in a cartoonish sense, but genuinely unreliable as a final authority. A Christian who only obeys when it feels right isn't actually submitted to Christ's lordship; they're submitted to their own emotional state, with God's Word as an occasional consultant rather than the authority.   Abortion, adultery, fornication, bitterness, gossip… emotions muddy up the water.   Anterior Midcingulate Cortex it behaves like a muscle, shrinking when underused and expanding physically when you engage in effortful, resistance-heavy activities.   Anatomy of the aMCC The Friction Requirement: The aMCC only grows when you face friction or internal resistance. Pushing through a workout you love doesn't trigger the same growth as forcing yourself to do a workout—or a task—that you genuinely do not want to do     The Battle of Sarx (The Flesh): Paul describes the "flesh" not merely as the physical body, but as the path of least resistance—primal drives, comfort-seeking, and self-preservation.    The body only wants to eat, sleep be tickled and have sex!      In Galatians 5:17, he notes: "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other." The subjective internal friction you feel when forcing yourself to do a hard task is the exact experiential battleground Paul describes. Mortification (Nekroo): In Colossians 3:5 and Romans 8:13, the New Testament commands believers to "put to death" or "mortify" lower impulses. This is not a passive event; it is an active, effortful override of natural inclination—the exact stimulus that drives aMCC hypertrophy.     How do you put to death the desires of the flesh? Lets put this misconception to bed for good! You do the opposite of the flesh according to scripture.       1 Samuel 14:24, 43-44 (Rashness and Impulsivity): Driven by the heat of battle, Saul made a foolish, impulsive oath binding his army to fast until evening. This emotional decision left his men exhausted and nearly resulted in the execution of his own son, Jonathan, who had unknowingly eaten honey.   Emotional highs get mistaken for spiritual maturity. Feeling moved during worship, feeling peace after a decision, feeling conviction in the moment — these can be real and God-given, but they can also be manufactured by music, social pressure, or just brain chemistry. The danger is building a faith that needs a constant emotional high to feel "real," which sets people up to crash hard when the feelings fade — and many walk away from faith entirely when the emotional experience stops delivering, mistaking the absence of feeling for the absence of God.   **When emotions supersede logic or common sense, they will typically supersede Gods best as well.     MANY/MOST times God will ask you to do something that goes against your emotions!    1 Samuel 15:24 (Fear of Man over Integrity): After failing to completely destroy the Amalekites as God commanded, Saul shifted the blame. He finally confessed to Samuel that his lack of character stemmed from insecurity, stating: "I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them.” Remember… He's the King! And he is afraid of the men? It makes obedience conditional instead of covenantal.  Abraham didn't feel like sacrificing Isaac.  Jesus, didn't feel like going to the cross —    Obeying when you feel like it is not obedience its convenience!    men: leading a family, staying faithful in a hard marriage, disciplining kids, showing up to serve when you're exhausted — none of that runs on feelings. It runs on covenant commitment that outlasts emotion.   *If I win the lottery I will definitely tithe and even give more than 10%.  NOPE! If you can't give $10 out of $100 you won't give 1 Million out of 100 Million.      1 Samuel 18:10-11 (Uncontrolled Rage): Saul's jealousy quickly escalated into murderous anger. While David was playing the lyre to soothe him, Saul was overcome by an evil spirit and his own rage, throwing his spear at David twice in an attempt to pin him to the wall.   Emotional volatility becomes a discipleship excuse instead of a growth area.  "I just felt led" or  "I couldn't help how I reacted"  “We are in Love”.  “She started it”. “It was Tuesday”    The flesh wether in a high or a low is meant to be cultivated by the fruits of the Spirit!    I love what Socrates said “any virtue in and of itself is a danger, it must be balanced with another virtue. i.e. if you are generous but do not balance that with wisdom, you will give all your money away and your family will starve. This is what the fruits of the Spirit do for us when in the midst of great emotion.

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com  Garth Heckman   INTRO: Its a strange memory at best: A young man at church - my sister Renee's friend. HS stud athlete, great looking, always jumping in and out of bed with whomever he could. Now in his early 30's he came to church and Renee said one night after church… he better hurry up and figure out life - his hair is getting thinner and his glasses are getting thicker.  Funny, sad, but telling of his life falling apart. He lived his life by his emotions… his “URGES” if you will.    the phrase "a piece of work" originated as a high compliment before evolving over centuries into a sarcastic insult. The Literary Origin Its earliest famous usage comes from William Shakespeare's Hamlet (around 1601). In Act II, Scene 2, Prince Hamlet marvels at the creation of humanity: "What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty..."       He's a piece of work ISRAELS FIRST KING!  King Saul had it all but lost his call as a know it all only to fall.      Saul's ultimate downfall was not a lack of talent or opportunity; it was a fundamental flaw in his internal compass. Saul lived a life governed by feelings rather than character.     Have you ever met someone who lives by their emotions/feelings/the wind?     I used to say to my boys… “dad is in a bad mood today, so don't push it”. WHAT I WAS REALLY SAYING WAS DAD IS IN THE FLESH… LIVING BY HIS URGES!        Romans 8:5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)         King Saul highlights critical decisions based on fear, jealousy, and impulsivity rather than steadfast character and obedience.     1 Samuel 13:8-12 (Impatience and Panic): When the prophet Samuel delayed his arrival and the Israelite army began to scatter out of fear, Saul panicked. Instead of trusting God and waiting, his anxiety drove him to unlawfully offer the burnt offering himself. Emotions make God's Word feel optional rather than authoritative. When feelings become the filter for truth, scripture gets reduced to "does this resonate with me" instead of "is this what God said." Jeremiah 17:9 warns that the heart is deceitful above all things — not evil in a cartoonish sense, but genuinely unreliable as a final authority. A Christian who only obeys when it feels right isn't actually submitted to Christ's lordship; they're submitted to their own emotional state, with God's Word as an occasional consultant rather than the authority.   Abortion, adultery, fornication, bitterness, gossip… emotions muddy up the water.   Anterior Midcingulate Cortex it behaves like a muscle, shrinking when underused and expanding physically when you engage in effortful, resistance-heavy activities.   Anatomy of the aMCC The Friction Requirement: The aMCC only grows when you face friction or internal resistance. Pushing through a workout you love doesn't trigger the same growth as forcing yourself to do a workout—or a task—that you genuinely do not want to do     The Battle of Sarx (The Flesh): Paul describes the "flesh" not merely as the physical body, but as the path of least resistance—primal drives, comfort-seeking, and self-preservation.    The body only wants to eat, sleep be tickled and have sex!      In Galatians 5:17, he notes: "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other." The subjective internal friction you feel when forcing yourself to do a hard task is the exact experiential battleground Paul describes. Mortification (Nekroo): In Colossians 3:5 and Romans 8:13, the New Testament commands believers to "put to death" or "mortify" lower impulses. This is not a passive event; it is an active, effortful override of natural inclination—the exact stimulus that drives aMCC hypertrophy.     How do you put to death the desires of the flesh? Lets put this misconception to bed for good! You do the opposite of the flesh according to scripture.       1 Samuel 14:24, 43-44 (Rashness and Impulsivity): Driven by the heat of battle, Saul made a foolish, impulsive oath binding his army to fast until evening. This emotional decision left his men exhausted and nearly resulted in the execution of his own son, Jonathan, who had unknowingly eaten honey.   Emotional highs get mistaken for spiritual maturity. Feeling moved during worship, feeling peace after a decision, feeling conviction in the moment — these can be real and God-given, but they can also be manufactured by music, social pressure, or just brain chemistry. The danger is building a faith that needs a constant emotional high to feel "real," which sets people up to crash hard when the feelings fade — and many walk away from faith entirely when the emotional experience stops delivering, mistaking the absence of feeling for the absence of God.   **When emotions supersede logic or common sense, they will typically supersede Gods best as well.     MANY/MOST times God will ask you to do something that goes against your emotions! 

Send us Fan MailAfter David defeats Goliath, the people cheer for him, but King Saul becomes jealous and angry. Even while David plays his harp, Saul tries to hurt him. Thankfully, David has a true friend in Saul's son, Jonathan. Jonathan helps David learn whether it is safe to return to the palace, but when Saul throws a spear at Jonathan too, they both know David must run.David hides in caves with his family, friends, and hundreds of men while Saul searches for him. Then one day, Saul walks right into the very cave where David is hiding. David has the perfect chance to hurt Saul, but he chooses mercy instead. This story reminds kids that true friendship is loyal, jealousy is dangerous, and God can help us do what is right even when others treat us unfairly.Talk about it:Why did King Saul become jealous of David?How did Jonathan show that he was a true friend?Why did David refuse to hurt Saul in the cave?What does this story teach us about mercy and loyalty?How can you be a faithful friend this week?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe'd love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.Or write to us by mail:Kathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

Spirit of God E6 — In the biblical story, God's Spirit fills specific characters. They are to lead and organize Israel, to be priestly mediators of God's covenant, and to prophetically speak God's words to the people. We're calling the Spirit's special anointing on these prophet-priest-kings, “the Spirit of the messiah.” In this episode, Jon and Tim explore the Spirit of the messiah in King Saul and King David,  two very different portraits of a Spirit-filled ruler. CHAPTERS Recap and Setup for Saul and David (0:00-12:13) The Spirit Rushing on Corrupt Saul (12:13-33:43) An Anointing Spirit for David and a Bad Spirit for Saul  (33:43-49:18) The Power of the Spirit and a God-Aligned Heart (49:18-1:01:21) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode's official transcript. REFERENCED RESOURCES The First Book of Samuel (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) by David Toshio Tsumura Correction: in chapter 3 of this episode, Tim accidentally cites 1 Samuel 13:15 as the place where Samuel says “the LORD has sought for Himself a man after his own heart.” This sentence actually appears in 1 Samuel 13:14. Correction: also in chapter 3 of, Tim accidentally cites 1 Samuel 15:22 as the place where Samuel says “You, Saul, have rejected the word of Yahweh. Just like the people rejected me by choosing a king, now you, their king, have rejected me, and so he rejects you from being their king.” This sentence actually appears in 1 Samuel 15:23. Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Refuge” by Lofi Sunday, Just Derrick “Warm Hugs” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin “Fellowship” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey and Aaron Olsen edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We delve into the tumultuous period following the death of King Saul, as David ascends to the throne amidst civil war in Israel. We explore David's profound mourning for Saul and Jonathan, illustrating his respect and loyalty despite Saul's hostility. We highlight the power struggle between David and Ishbosheth, Saul's son, leading to a fierce civil war. We witness the political maneuvering of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, and the violent repercussions of Joab's quest for vengeance. David's commitment to peace and justice is emphasized through his reactions to betrayal and murder. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Just as human self-reliance brought collapse to both 18th-century Scotland and King Saul’s Israel, true victory only comes when we trade our own foolish plans for radical obedience to God. Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 13:1-22 Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel Gene Pensiero Jr Find the rest of the series […]

What does it mean to be welcomed somewhere we have no right to be? In 2 Samuel 9, we encounter one of the most striking stories in all of Scripture -- a story that cuts straight to the heart of grace. Mephibosheth, the crippled grandson of King Saul, David's greatest rival, is summoned not for punishment but for an invitation. David, having established his kingdom and secured peace on every side, goes searching -- not for more enemies to conquer, but for someone to whom he can show kindness. This is peak David, the covenant-keeping king who seeks the forgotten. The Hebrew word used here is hesed -- a loving kindness that is pure, selfless, and completely unearned. What makes this story so arresting is how thoroughly it dismantles our instinct toward merit. Mephibosheth had nothing to offer. He lived in Lo-debar, a place whose name means no pasture, no provision, no word from anyone. He called himself a dead dog. And yet the king sought him out, restored his inheritance, provided for his family, and seated him permanently at the royal table as one of his own sons. We are invited to see ourselves in Mephibosheth -- not because we enjoy thinking of ourselves as broken or forgotten, but because recognizing our true condition is exactly what opens us to the depth of what grace actually is. The question this passage presses us to answer is not whether we deserve a seat at the table. We do not. The question is whether we will receive the kindness of the king.

Just as human self-reliance brought collapse to both 18th-century Scotland and King Saul’s Israel, true victory only comes when we trade our own foolish plans for radical obedience to God. Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 13:1-22 Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel Gene Pensiero Jr Find the rest of the series […]

We explore the tumultuous events surrounding the end of King Saul's reign and the rise of David. As David navigates his complex relationship with the Philistines, he faces the aftermath of an Amalekite raid on Ziklag, leading to a daring rescue mission. Meanwhile, Saul's tragic downfall unfolds as he battles the Philistines, resulting in his death and the fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

We delve into the turmoil of King Saul as he faces a massive Philistine army at his doorstep. Desperate for divine guidance, Saul finds himself in a dark place, seeking help from a medium at Endor, despite having banned such practices. This act of desperation marks a turning point as he attempts to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. Samuel's spirit delivers a grim prophecy, foretelling the fall of Israel and Saul's demise, alongside his sons, in the upcoming battle. Meanwhile, David navigates his complex relationship with the Philistine king Achish, who believes David to be a loyal ally.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Today, we explore the story of Esther's selection as the new queen of King Ahasuerus: After the king's wrath against Vashti subsided, he remembered her sadly and decreed a beauty contest to find a new queen to take his mind off her. The king's servants sought out beautiful young virgins from all provinces, who were taken to the citadel of Susa to be trained and prepared for the king's harem. The significance of Esther's family background, revealing that she was from the royal bloodline of the Benjamites, a lineage that dates back to King Saul. Mordecai, Esther's cousin, adopted her after her parents' death and instructed her to keep her Jewish identity hidden. Esther's beauty won over the king, who eventually made her queen instead of Vashti. Related Episode: 1 Samuel 15:1-11 (From Creation) - Why Did God Want Saul to Kill ALL The Amalekites? Be sure to click every link: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more:www.lifeaudio.com Need help memorizing Scripture? Check out Verse in the Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/@VerseintheChrous Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pharmakeia — Show Notes: Fight Laugh Feast Documentary In this Fight Laugh Feast documentary, CrossPolitic traces a single Greek word — pharmakeia — from Homer's Odyssey through the book of Revelation to argue that the ancient world never separated medicine from sorcery, and that the modern West's attempt to draw that line may be its most consequential mistake. The film follows materialism's promise from the Big Bang to the therapy couch, tracks the ladder from prescription pharmaceuticals to ayahuasca retreats in Peru, and asks why the men who most loudly deny the existence of demons are increasingly found in dark rooms communing with named spirit entities. Along the way it draws on C.S. Lewis, Aldous Huxley, Peter Hitchens, and the testimony of a man who sat in fifteen ayahuasca ceremonies — and what finally set him free. The answer is not another ceremony. It is guilt, repentance, and the One who drank the cup fully awake so we wouldn't have to. Timestamps 0:24 — What is a woman? What is a human being? — and why getting the answer wrong collapses everything 1:04 — The materialist answer: evolved apes, accidental universe, cosmic soup — and why it can't hold 2:06 — Materialism as a religion — no God, no soul, just chemicals and atoms colliding 2:39 — The swept house: materialism cleared out demons and filled the room with diagnoses and serotonin levels 3:36 — Ayahuasca retreats, psilocybin therapy, and $7,000–$20,000 luxury ceremonies in Jamaica and Peru 4:00 — Pharmakeia — one Greek word from Homer to Revelation meaning both medicine and sorcery 4:40 — The ladder: prescription → marijuana → ecstasy → mushrooms → the dark room in Peru 7:52 — Huxley's 1962 Berkeley lecture: the controlling oligarchy will get people to love their servitude 8:43 — Peter Hitchens and the Uvalde shooter — the marijuana detail that disappeared from the New York Times 11:12 — Attacker Smoked Cannabis — the man with a laptop building the file the national press unpublished 12:08 — Orwell's jack boots vs. Huxley's chains — drugs and sex as the state's soft bribe 13:20 — Dominion Wealth Strategies — sponsor read 14:41 — CS Lewis: the materialist magician — science and magic as twins, one that worked better 16:39 — Lewis's nightmare: magic returning in a lab coat, using the language of forces and energies 17:31 — The swept house revisited — Jesus's words and the seven demons worse than the first 18:06 — Henry's Demons — marijuana at 11, madness at 14, and the father who named it correctly 20:26 — Pharmakeia in Homer, Exodus, Galatians, and Revelation — nations deceived by one word 22:38 — The seam we drew — medicine on one side, sorcery on the other, and the line beginning to blur 24:00 — PhDs communing with Mama Ayahuasca — named entities, published journals, and credit cards accepted 25:57 — Demons allowed in as aliens — keeping God out while keeping the master narrative intact 27:29 — Lewis in Screwtape: the greatest evil is conceived in carpeted offices by quiet men with smooth cheeks 28:51 — Deuteronomy 18 — the law against consulters with familiar spirits, and the modern retreat that crosses every line 29:38 — King Saul, the demonized boy, and Legion — the man in the tombs clothed and in his right mind 31:04 — 2020: churches closed, pot shops open, abortion clinics essential — and how few said no 33:03 — Nepho — morally alert: Peter's word before warning that the devil prowls looking for someone to devour 34:29 — Red Balloon Recruiter — sponsor read 35:09 — Thomas Szasz and therapy culture — the inversion of personal responsibility 36:13 — Trauma culture in the church — the failure of biblical counseling and the endless loop of buried pain 37:47 — The man who sat in fifteen ceremonies: what finally changed him was guilt 38:25 — You are not evolved slime — made in the image of God, body and soul, homesick and lost 39:34 — Circe's cup and Odysseus's men — forgetting home, waiting to be turned into pigs 40:09 — The trade runs backwards: when Jesus showed up, the demons went into the swine 40:32 — One more cup — Christ at Golgotha refusing the narcotic, drinking the wrath fully awake 42:02 — The cure: a renewed mind, a household, a book, the discovery that responsibility is the greatest pleasure 43:39 — The real hero's journey — available for free, already paid for by another Fight Laugh Feast 2026: Holy Wars Join us October 1–3 in Franklin, Tennessee at The Factory in Franklin for the Fight Laugh Feast Conference. This year's theme is Holy Wars — Just War, the Crusades, and the Christian Life. Featuring Doug Wilson, Joe Boot, George Grant, Jared Longshore, Joe Rigney, Ben Merkel, and the CrossPolitic crew. Early Bird pricing ends July 1st — nearly halfway sold out. Tickets: https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference This Episode's Sponsors Dominion Wealth Strategies How you handle your money is not a neutral act — it is not separate from your walk with Christ. Dominion Wealth Strategies helps families think biblically and act wisely about what God has entrusted to them: budgeting, saving, debt management, life insurance, estate planning, and multigenerational financial vision. Not about chasing wealth. About faithfulness. Schedule a complimentary consultation today. Website: reform.money Red Balloon Recruiter An engaged, aware employee can grow your company's performance by 5, 10, or even 25%. Red Balloon's personalized source-and-screen process connects you with top talent — people who show up sober, think in straight lines, and take responsibility before anyone asks. Revenue up, costs down. Website: redballoon.work About CrossPolitic CrossPolitic exists to put Jesus over Politics and reclaim the public square through bold, joyful, biblically grounded media. We confront the chaos discipling America and build the next generation of Christian media infrastructure. Our mission is simple: all of Christ for all of media for all of America. Mainstream media is collapsing. Eighty-seven percent of journalists identify as progressive, and even many conservative outlets prioritize profit over principle. Meanwhile, billions of hours of digital content are discipling the world every day. CrossPolitic stands in that gap, producing courageous, entertaining, truth-filled media for households, churches, and leaders across the nation. Become a CrossPolitic Club Member Support the mission and unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes shows, and theology series. https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/menu/checkout Subscribe & Share! Every like, comment, and share helps push Christian media back into the algorithm where it belongs. Follow CrossPolitic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSPOLITIC X: https://x.com/CrossPolitic Facebook: https://facebook.com/crosspolitic Instagram: https://instagram.com/crosspolitic Join our Email List: https://crosspolitic.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NRBTV, DirecTV, Dish, and everywhere podcasts are found. #CrossPolitic #Pharmakeia #FightLaughFeast #Drugs #Ayahuasca #CSLewis #ChristianMedia #Materialism

Pharmakeia — Show Notes: Fight Laugh Feast Documentary In this Fight Laugh Feast documentary, CrossPolitic traces a single Greek word — pharmakeia — from Homer's Odyssey through the book of Revelation to argue that the ancient world never separated medicine from sorcery, and that the modern West's attempt to draw that line may be its most consequential mistake. The film follows materialism's promise from the Big Bang to the therapy couch, tracks the ladder from prescription pharmaceuticals to ayahuasca retreats in Peru, and asks why the men who most loudly deny the existence of demons are increasingly found in dark rooms communing with named spirit entities. Along the way it draws on C.S. Lewis, Aldous Huxley, Peter Hitchens, and the testimony of a man who sat in fifteen ayahuasca ceremonies — and what finally set him free. The answer is not another ceremony. It is guilt, repentance, and the One who drank the cup fully awake so we wouldn't have to. Timestamps 0:24 — What is a woman? What is a human being? — and why getting the answer wrong collapses everything 1:04 — The materialist answer: evolved apes, accidental universe, cosmic soup — and why it can't hold 2:06 — Materialism as a religion — no God, no soul, just chemicals and atoms colliding 2:39 — The swept house: materialism cleared out demons and filled the room with diagnoses and serotonin levels 3:36 — Ayahuasca retreats, psilocybin therapy, and $7,000–$20,000 luxury ceremonies in Jamaica and Peru 4:00 — Pharmakeia — one Greek word from Homer to Revelation meaning both medicine and sorcery 4:40 — The ladder: prescription → marijuana → ecstasy → mushrooms → the dark room in Peru 7:52 — Huxley's 1962 Berkeley lecture: the controlling oligarchy will get people to love their servitude 8:43 — Peter Hitchens and the Uvalde shooter — the marijuana detail that disappeared from the New York Times 11:12 — Attacker Smoked Cannabis — the man with a laptop building the file the national press unpublished 12:08 — Orwell's jack boots vs. Huxley's chains — drugs and sex as the state's soft bribe 13:20 — Dominion Wealth Strategies — sponsor read 14:41 — CS Lewis: the materialist magician — science and magic as twins, one that worked better 16:39 — Lewis's nightmare: magic returning in a lab coat, using the language of forces and energies 17:31 — The swept house revisited — Jesus's words and the seven demons worse than the first 18:06 — Henry's Demons — marijuana at 11, madness at 14, and the father who named it correctly 20:26 — Pharmakeia in Homer, Exodus, Galatians, and Revelation — nations deceived by one word 22:38 — The seam we drew — medicine on one side, sorcery on the other, and the line beginning to blur 24:00 — PhDs communing with Mama Ayahuasca — named entities, published journals, and credit cards accepted 25:57 — Demons allowed in as aliens — keeping God out while keeping the master narrative intact 27:29 — Lewis in Screwtape: the greatest evil is conceived in carpeted offices by quiet men with smooth cheeks 28:51 — Deuteronomy 18 — the law against consulters with familiar spirits, and the modern retreat that crosses every line 29:38 — King Saul, the demonized boy, and Legion — the man in the tombs clothed and in his right mind 31:04 — 2020: churches closed, pot shops open, abortion clinics essential — and how few said no 33:03 — Nepho — morally alert: Peter's word before warning that the devil prowls looking for someone to devour 34:29 — Red Balloon Recruiter — sponsor read 35:09 — Thomas Szasz and therapy culture — the inversion of personal responsibility 36:13 — Trauma culture in the church — the failure of biblical counseling and the endless loop of buried pain 37:47 — The man who sat in fifteen ceremonies: what finally changed him was guilt 38:25 — You are not evolved slime — made in the image of God, body and soul, homesick and lost 39:34 — Circe's cup and Odysseus's men — forgetting home, waiting to be turned into pigs 40:09 — The trade runs backwards: when Jesus showed up, the demons went into the swine 40:32 — One more cup — Christ at Golgotha refusing the narcotic, drinking the wrath fully awake 42:02 — The cure: a renewed mind, a household, a book, the discovery that responsibility is the greatest pleasure 43:39 — The real hero's journey — available for free, already paid for by another Fight Laugh Feast 2026: Holy Wars Join us October 1–3 in Franklin, Tennessee at The Factory in Franklin for the Fight Laugh Feast Conference. This year's theme is Holy Wars — Just War, the Crusades, and the Christian Life. Featuring Doug Wilson, Joe Boot, George Grant, Jared Longshore, Joe Rigney, Ben Merkel, and the CrossPolitic crew. Early Bird pricing ends July 1st — nearly halfway sold out. Tickets: https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference This Episode's Sponsors Dominion Wealth Strategies How you handle your money is not a neutral act — it is not separate from your walk with Christ. Dominion Wealth Strategies helps families think biblically and act wisely about what God has entrusted to them: budgeting, saving, debt management, life insurance, estate planning, and multigenerational financial vision. Not about chasing wealth. About faithfulness. Schedule a complimentary consultation today. Website: reform.money Red Balloon Recruiter An engaged, aware employee can grow your company's performance by 5, 10, or even 25%. Red Balloon's personalized source-and-screen process connects you with top talent — people who show up sober, think in straight lines, and take responsibility before anyone asks. Revenue up, costs down. Website: redballoon.work About CrossPolitic CrossPolitic exists to put Jesus over Politics and reclaim the public square through bold, joyful, biblically grounded media. We confront the chaos discipling America and build the next generation of Christian media infrastructure. Our mission is simple: all of Christ for all of media for all of America. Mainstream media is collapsing. Eighty-seven percent of journalists identify as progressive, and even many conservative outlets prioritize profit over principle. Meanwhile, billions of hours of digital content are discipling the world every day. CrossPolitic stands in that gap, producing courageous, entertaining, truth-filled media for households, churches, and leaders across the nation. Become a CrossPolitic Club Member Support the mission and unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes shows, and theology series. https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/menu/checkout Subscribe & Share! Every like, comment, and share helps push Christian media back into the algorithm where it belongs. Follow CrossPolitic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSPOLITIC X: https://x.com/CrossPolitic Facebook: https://facebook.com/crosspolitic Instagram: https://instagram.com/crosspolitic Join our Email List: https://crosspolitic.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NRBTV, DirecTV, Dish, and everywhere podcasts are found. #CrossPolitic #Pharmakeia #FightLaughFeast #Drugs #Ayahuasca #CSLewis #ChristianMedia #Materialism

In this episode, David becomes a fugitive in his own land. Once a trusted figure in King Saul's court, David is forced to flee for his life due to the king's paranoia and jealousy. His close friendship with Jonathan plays a crucial role in his survival, as Jonathan warns David of Saul's deadly intentions. We follow David's journey as he seeks refuge in Nob, receives holy bread from the priest Ahimelech, and narrowly escapes harm in Gath by feigning madness before King Achish. Amidst these challenges, David's leadership shines, attracting followers even in hiding at the Cave of Adullam.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Send us Fan MailKing Saul is troubled, and David is called to the palace to play his harp and help calm the king. But when the Philistines gather for battle, a giant named Goliath steps into the valley and challenges Israel's army every morning and evening for forty days. Everyone is afraid, until David arrives with food for his brothers and hears Goliath mocking God's people.David is only a shepherd boy, but he remembers how God helped him protect his sheep from a lion and a bear. Refusing Saul's heavy armor, David walks toward Goliath with his sling, his staff, and five smooth stones. Goliath comes with a sword and spear, but David comes in the name of the God of Israel. This exciting story reminds kids that the battle belongs to God, and when He is with us, we can be brave.Talk about it:Why were Saul and the Israelite soldiers afraid of Goliath?What helped David believe God would be with him in the battle?Why did David choose not to wear Saul's armor?What does it mean that “the battle belongs to God”?What is one scary or hard thing you can trust God with this week?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe'd love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.Or write to us by mail:Kathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

Do I have to learn every deception of the enemy to be victorious? I know God feels emotions, but what does that mean for how He treats us? How could Jesus be truly tempted if He is God? Are we forgiven by God each time we confess or all at once? What if asking for forgiveness daily just makes me feel better? Why did King Saul call upon a witch? I know someone who was kicked out of church. Is there any place for that? Did the Apostles ever do that?

Share a commentHave you ever felt like life turned against you for no good reason? You did the right thing, obeyed God, and served faithfully, only to watch storm clouds gather where the sun had just been shining. What do you do when doing right leads to being hunted?In this episode, Stephen Davey opens 1 Samuel 19 and 20 and continues his series on the life of David. The pretense is finally over. King Saul openly orders his son and servants to kill David. Stephen walks you through the crushing losses David absorbs in rapid succession. His position, his wife, his spiritual mentor, and finally his closest friend, Jonathan. Every layer of stability is stripped away, not because David sinned, but because he stood faithfully in the will of God.Stephen also draws in the courageous witness of Jonathan, a son who refused to imitate his father's evil, and points to David's honest cries in Psalm 59 as the very songs forged in these dark days. Alongside David's story, Stephen brings you into 2 Corinthians 4, where Paul confesses he too has been pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and knocked down, yet never crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed. God, who raised us up, wants us to stand. And He wants us to remember how.This message will comfort your heart when the storm refuses to lift. Desperate times have a way of redefining your sources of strength and rewriting your list of priorities. Every roof will leak except the roof of your Sovereign shelter. Look up. Look ahead. What you see now is not all there is. God will make everything right, even if He waits until glory. Until then, keep singing the song of faith that is being forged in your own hideout.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Philippe Sterling are continuing to talk about the life of King Saul. Another one of his unfortunate decisions, after […]

Share a commentHave you ever felt like life turned against you for no good reason? You did the right thing, obeyed God, and served faithfully, only to watch storm clouds gather where the sun had just been shining. What do you do when doing right leads to being hunted?In this episode, Stephen Davey opens 1 Samuel 19 and 20 and continues his series on the life of David. The pretense is finally over. King Saul openly orders his son and servants to kill David. Stephen walks you through the crushing losses David absorbs in rapid succession. His position, his wife, his spiritual mentor, and finally his closest friend, Jonathan. Every layer of stability is stripped away, not because David sinned, but because he stood faithfully in the will of God.Stephen also draws in the courageous witness of Jonathan, a son who refused to imitate his father's evil, and points to David's honest cries in Psalm 59 as the very songs forged in these dark days. Alongside David's story, Stephen brings you into 2 Corinthians 4, where Paul confesses he too has been pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and knocked down, yet never crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed. God, who raised us up, wants us to stand. And He wants us to remember how.This message will comfort your heart when the storm refuses to lift. Desperate times have a way of redefining your sources of strength and rewriting your list of priorities. Every roof will leak except the roof of your Sovereign shelter. Look up. Look ahead. What you see now is not all there is. God will make everything right, even if He waits until glory. Until then, keep singing the song of faith that is being forged in your own hideout.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Share a commentHave you ever felt like life turned against you for no good reason? You did the right thing, obeyed God, and served faithfully, only to watch storm clouds gather where the sun had just been shining. What do you do when doing right leads to being hunted?In this episode, Stephen Davey opens 1 Samuel 19 and 20 and continues his series on the life of David. The pretense is finally over. King Saul openly orders his son and servants to kill David. Stephen walks you through the crushing losses David absorbs in rapid succession. His position, his wife, his spiritual mentor, and finally his closest friend, Jonathan. Every layer of stability is stripped away, not because David sinned, but because he stood faithfully in the will of God.Stephen also draws in the courageous witness of Jonathan, a son who refused to imitate his father's evil, and points to David's honest cries in Psalm 59 as the very songs forged in these dark days. Alongside David's story, Stephen brings you into 2 Corinthians 4, where Paul confesses he too has been pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and knocked down, yet never crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed. God, who raised us up, wants us to stand. And He wants us to remember how.This message will comfort your heart when the storm refuses to lift. Desperate times have a way of redefining your sources of strength and rewriting your list of priorities. Every roof will leak except the roof of your Sovereign shelter. Look up. Look ahead. What you see now is not all there is. God will make everything right, even if He waits until glory. Until then, keep singing the song of faith that is being forged in your own hideout.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Philippe Sterling talk about David sparing Saul's life. This happened more than once. What was David's motivation to spare […]

Share a commentHave you ever wondered what wisdom really looks like in the middle of ordinary life? Not the wisdom of clever answers or shrewd strategies, but the kind that shapes how you respond to praise, criticism, promotion, and setbacks. What does godly wisdom actually look like in flesh and blood?In this episode, Stephen Davey opens 1 Samuel 18 and continues his series on the life of David. Fresh from defeating Goliath, David is suddenly a national hero. Songs are sung in his honor. Jonathan gives him his own robe and sword. Everyone loves him. But behind the celebration, King Saul begins to boil with envy. Stephen walks you through this chapter and shows how David quietly displays three defining marks of wisdom while Saul digresses into hostility and hatred.First, walking wisely means responding to promotion with humility. David rises to command, yet he never boasts, never gloats, and never rubs his success in anyone's face. Second, walking wisely means tolerating the weaknesses of others with grace. When Saul hurls spears at him, David does not pick them up and throw them back. He offers the benefit of the doubt and refuses to join the downward spiral of hurt, hate, hostility, and harm. Third, walking wisely means surrendering to the providence of God without complaint. David is demoted, denied a promised bride, and then handed a deadly dowry, yet he keeps trusting the Lord and refuses to defend his own honor.This message will reshape how you handle both the applause and the arrows in your own life. You do not have to answer every insult. You do not have to defend every slight. You do not have to grasp for what God has not yet given. Walk humbly. Extend grace. Trust the God who is quietly writing your story.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Philippe Sterling will discuss further King Saul's sad legacy. He perhaps started well, but made some poor, misguided decisions. […]

Share a commentHave you ever wondered what wisdom really looks like in the middle of ordinary life? Not the wisdom of clever answers or shrewd strategies, but the kind that shapes how you respond to praise, criticism, promotion, and setbacks. What does godly wisdom actually look like in flesh and blood?In this episode, Stephen Davey opens 1 Samuel 18 and continues his series on the life of David. Fresh from defeating Goliath, David is suddenly a national hero. Songs are sung in his honor. Jonathan gives him his own robe and sword. Everyone loves him. But behind the celebration, King Saul begins to boil with envy. Stephen walks you through this chapter and shows how David quietly displays three defining marks of wisdom while Saul digresses into hostility and hatred.First, walking wisely means responding to promotion with humility. David rises to command, yet he never boasts, never gloats, and never rubs his success in anyone's face. Second, walking wisely means tolerating the weaknesses of others with grace. When Saul hurls spears at him, David does not pick them up and throw them back. He offers the benefit of the doubt and refuses to join the downward spiral of hurt, hate, hostility, and harm. Third, walking wisely means surrendering to the providence of God without complaint. David is demoted, denied a promised bride, and then handed a deadly dowry, yet he keeps trusting the Lord and refuses to defend his own honor.This message will reshape how you handle both the applause and the arrows in your own life. You do not have to answer every insult. You do not have to defend every slight. You do not have to grasp for what God has not yet given. Walk humbly. Extend grace. Trust the God who is quietly writing your story.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

In this episode of Bible Stories, hosts Matt Mullins and Todd Haymans continue their Confrontations series by examining the powerful story of Samuel confronting King Saul in 1 Samuel 15. Together they explore one of the Bible's most challenging lessons: "To obey is better than sacrifice." Why did Saul lose God's favor? What does partial obedience reveal about our hearts? How should Christians lovingly confront sin, and how should we respond when we're the ones being corrected? In this Bible study, you'll discover: • Why partial obedience is still disobedience • The meaning of 1 Samuel 15:22: "To obey is better than sacrifice" • How to confront others with truth and grace • Why humility is essential for spiritual growth • Biblical principles for repentance, accountability, and Christian discipleship Whether you're studying 1 Samuel, preparing to teach the Bible, leading a small group, or simply seeking to grow in your walk with Christ, this episode offers practical, biblical encouragement for everyday faith. Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:10–26 Topics: King Saul, Samuel, 1 Samuel 15, obedience, confrontation, repentance, humility, discipleship, Christian living, Bible study, Old Testament, spiritual growth.