Podcasts about Christians

People who adhere to Christianity

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    Pray the Word with David Platt
    Proclaim His Name to All Nations (Luke 24:46–47)

    Pray the Word with David Platt

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2025 4:48


    In this episode of Pray the Word on Luke 24:46–47, David Platt reminds us of our call to obey the Great Commission.Listen to our newest podcast, Everyday Radical!Explore more content from Radical.

    The Bible Study Hour on Oneplace.com
    A Nation Under God: Part 3

    The Bible Study Hour on Oneplace.com

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2025 25:15


    Why is it that, with all the advantages we have as Christians…the programs, the services, the books and the conferences…most of us make such small gains in living the Christian life? The answer is that we really don't want to change and we're content with where we are. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he contrasts our present condition with the state of the Israelites in Nehemiah's day who embraced change through the winds of revival. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29

    To Be a Christian: The Anglican Catechism in a Year
    Day 278. Are all images wrong? (2025)

    To Be a Christian: The Anglican Catechism in a Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2025 8:30


    Today is day 278 and we are studying The Second Commandment. 278. Are all images wrong? No. God forbade the making of idols and the worship of images, yet commanded carvings and pictures for the tabernacle depicting creation. Christians are free to make images—including images of Jesus and the saints—as long as they do not worship them or use them superstitiously. (Exodus 37:1–9; Numbers 21:4–9; 1 Kings 6:23–35; 7:23–26; John 3:9–15) We will conclude today by praying the The Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent found on page 606 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to ⁠anglicanchurch.net/catechism⁠. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

    VOMRadio
    MALAYSIA: Government Denies Christian Converts Changed ID Cards

    VOMRadio

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 24:59


    In Malaysia, every citizen carries an ID card that includes religion; every person is classified as either “Muslim” or “Non-Muslim.” The Malaysian constitution promises religious freedom and the right to choose one's religion. So what happens if a citizen changes their faith? “Brother Samuel” will answer that question this week on VOM Radio. Born into a Muslim family, he came to know that Jesus was the Son of God, then chose to leave Islam behind to follow Christ. At first, he kept his newfound faith quiet, knowing that being publicly identified as a follower of Jesus could bring all kinds of trouble. But as he grew in faith, he felt convicted about his silence. Jesus had died for him. How could he be unwilling even to acknowledge Christ? Learning of his conversion, Samuel's family encouraged him to dive more deeply into Islamic training and activities. Wanting to honor his father and his family, Samuel agreed to attend Islamic classes. But instead of bringing him back to Mohammed, the training forced him to become more rooted in Biblical truth and more capable at explaining and defending Christian doctrines. In 2018, Samuel began the process of applying for a new national ID card, changing his religion from “Muslim” to “non-Muslim.” Seven years later, his court case is still dragging on. While the most famous case of Christian persecution in Malaysia is the abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh, Samuel says there are hundreds of Christians right now in the same situation he's in: trying to get the government to issue them new ID cards that accurately reflect their faith. Please pray this week for Samuel and for other Christians in Malaysia. Next month is the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP). The Voice of the Martyrs has resources to help you and your church pray for persecuted Christians on November 2 and throughout the year, including a new film telling the story of ongoing persecution in Democratic Republic of Congo. Access all VOM's IDOP resources here.

    Pray the Word with David Platt
    Lead by Serving (Luke 22:26)

    Pray the Word with David Platt

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 5:21


    In this episode of Pray the Word on Luke 22:26, David Platt challenges us to embrace the biblical model of leadership.Listen to our newest podcast, Everyday Radical!Explore more content from Radical.

    Rick & Bubba University Podcast
    Ep 16 | Pagans in the Military, Demons in Dreams | Strange Encounters with Rick Burgess

    Rick & Bubba University Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 41:34


    As the nation moves farther away from God, the U.S. military seems to be as well. Norse paganism, also known as heathenry, is a polytheistic religion focused on the worship of Norse gods like Odin and Thor. The trends we are seeing in the military leave us troubled, and we caution our armed service members to stay away from this false religion. This week we also hear letters from the audience that detail demonic oppression in the form of dreams. How should Christians deal with these attacks? Hear the biblical truth as Rick Burgess uses the power of the Bible to win the spiritual war going on around us on this episode of "Strange Encounters." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    FLF, LLC
    Which Politics: Conservative or Christ [God, Law, and Liberty]

    FLF, LLC

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 8:48


    Today, David looks at a recent statement by a Christian pro-family policy organization fitness standards for combat service to see what arguments complementarian thinking about men and women leaves Christians about women in combat. Complementarian thinking is the "in" word for political conservatives when addressing the male-female "divide," but is that an unnecessary Christ-denying capitulation? David explains how he would now approach these issues.

    Her Faith Inspires Podcast
    Ep 309: Mere Spirituality: Returning to the Heart of Christian Faith with Joshua Spatha

    Her Faith Inspires Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 55:14


    What does it mean to pursue true spirituality in a culture filled with self-help messages and shallow substitutes? In this episode, Shanda sits down with Joshua Spatha, author of Mere Spirituality, to talk about what it looks like to return to the essence of authentic faith. They discuss the biggest misconceptions Christians have about spirituality, how Scripture defines spiritual depth, and why simplicity doesn't have to mean shallowness. Joshua also shares which spiritual disciplines are most neglected today, how the church can move past performance-driven environments, and what encouragement we can hold on to when our faith feels like just going through the motions. If you've ever longed for a faith that's real, grounded, and centered on Christ, this conversation will help you rediscover the beauty of mere spirituality.   Find Shanda www.shandafulbright.com Instagram & Facebook: @shandafulbright Email: hello@shandafulbright.com Free Resources: https://shandafulbright.com/links YouTube: http://bit.ly/ShandaYT2021 Store: www.Shandafulbright.com/shop  

    Banned Books
    411: Forde - Are we puppets, being jerked around against our wills by a malevolent puppeteer?

    Banned Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 187:58


    Master of Puppets. In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Bondage of the Will, with Gerhard Forde's book, The Captivation of the Will. We discuss the human will — what it is, what it does, what it wants — and why we are compelled to insist that we have free choice. We also talk about the two paths: one, the path of forgiveness, and the other, the way of morality. Why do we default to morality in matters of choice, and why is the preaching of God's grace over against morality so offensive to Christians who confess that our knowledge of good and bad is a direct consequence of the original sin in the garden? We also talk about drunkenness, women's ordination, the offense of irresistible grace, and what the Holy Spirit is up to amidst the disruption that occurs when he sends his preachers to declare an end to the illusion of free choice and reveal his death sentence to bound wills. SHOW NOTES:  The Captivation of the Will: Luther Vs. Erasmus on Freedom and Bondage by Gerhard O. Forde https://amzn.to/4mOYuPx  HWSS SD 2025 https://www.1517.org/events/hwss-2025-sd  Whalerider (2002) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298228/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 The Antioch Bible https://www.gorgiaspress.com/surath-kthob Escape from Evil https://amzn.to/4mJLqdd Young Man Luther: A Study in Psychoanalysis and History https://amzn.to/4pYSSnY    More from 1517: Support 1517 Podcast Network: https://www.1517.org/donate-podcasts 1517 Podcasts: http://www.1517.org/podcasts 1517 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1517org 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/1517-podcast-network/id6442751370 1517 Events Schedule: https://www.1517.org/events 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education: https://academy.1517.org/   What's New from 1517: Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Prayers-Devotions-Christ-Psalms/dp/1964419263 Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales https://shop.1517.org/collections/new-releases/products/9781964419039-remembering-your-baptism  Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419152-sinner-saint  The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley https://shop.1517.org/products/9781962654708-the-impossible-prize    More from the hosts: Donovan Riley https://www.1517.org/contributors/donavon-riley  Christopher Gillespie https://www.1517.org/contributors/christopher-gillespie   MORE LINKS: Tin Foil Haloes https://t.me/bannedpastors Warrior Priest Gym & Podcast https://thewarriorpriestpodcast.wordpress.com   St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) - FB Live Bible Study Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356667039608511  Gillespie's Sermons and Catechesis http://youtube.com/stjohnrandomlake  Donavon's Substack https://donavonlriley.substack.com Gillespie's Substack https://substack.com/@christophergillespie  Gillespie Coffee https://gillespie.coffee   Gillespie Media https://gillespie.media     CONTACT and FOLLOW: Email mailto:BannedBooks@1517.org  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BannedBooksPod/  Twitter https://twitter.com/bannedbooks1517   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BannedBooks Rumble https://rumble.com/c/c-1223313  Odysee https://odysee.com/@bannedbooks:5 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-books/id1370993639  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahA20sZMpBxg9vgiRVQba  Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1370993639/banned-books 

    The Christian Worldview radio program
    Topic: Improving Your Evangelism

    The Christian Worldview radio program

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 53:59


    Send us a textGuest: Mark Spence, Evangelist and Senior VP, Living WatersWhile he was imprisoned in Rome and shortly before being martyred, the apostle Paul, in some of his final words to his understudy pastor Timothy, exhorted him to “be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).After Christ rose rose from the grave and ascended to heaven, His followers couldn't stop speaking the good news and saving message that “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).Evangelism, explaining the good news of the gospel to others, is more than a command for the Christian—it should be a response of gratitude to God for personal salvation and an act of love toward others who need salvation more than anything. Think about this—Christians have the great privilege of being used by God as He redeems souls from destruction to glory!But opening up our mouths with the gospel has its difficulties. We're not quite sure how to transition a conversation from the temporal to the eternal. We're concerned how unbelievers—or our family members—will respond. Or, we conclude that “evangelism is for those with the gift.”Mark Spence is an evangelist with the ministry Living Waters, which “seeks to train the members of Christ's Body in the principles of biblical evangelism and to provide them with practical tools to proclaim the gospel.” This past week, the Living Water team of Ray Comfort, Emeal Zwayne, Mark Spence and others were invited by Turning Point USA to do an open-air Q and A and gospel presentation on the California State Fullerton campus.

    Christadelphians Talk
    Keeping your Garments in a Shameless World #2 'The Woman is the Glory of the Man' with Gary Steel

    Christadelphians Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 46:37


    ‘Keeping Your Garments in a Shameless World'This two-part presentation was prompted by comments made on line by female Christian writers on the subject of nudity and dress codes. The comments were discovered by the presenter during research on the subject of modesty. In the opinion of these writers ‘there is no dress code' in the Bible. Furthermore, given that God at creation pronounced Adam and Eve ‘very good' in their naked state, then the concern for their nakedness and fig leaf invention and the subsequent skin covering provided by God was only to appease their shame. The writer's conclusion being that God was fine with them staying as they were. In fairness the author discussing nudity, was not suggesting that women should go about naked but simply that public nudity was not at a fundamental level a problem with God. The purpose of our presentations is to explore the Bible position on dress code, and nudity in session one, under the title “God Doesn't Care What I Wear”, and the second session the more nuanced subject of Modesty, under the heading of “The Woman is the Glory of the Man”. A @Christadelphians Video: Description: As far as God is concerned, clothing was designed to represent humility and separation. We find that the Bible starts with nakedness and ends with appropriate clothing. God's view of modesty expected in a worshipper, as outlined in the Bible, is explored. Consideration is given to the roles of men and women as symbolising Christ and his Bride."Highlights

    Wretched Radio
    FEAR GOD, OR JUST FEAR HELL? HOW TO KNOW OUR CONVERSION IS REAL

    Wretched Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025


    It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • What do you mean when you say that God desires tear-filled converts instead of fear-filled converts? • Why don't you use illustrations or personal stories in your preaching? Segment 2 • Should Christians leave bad business reviews if a company wronged them? • Are women as deacons biblically supported? Segment 3 • What should a church member do if they discover their pastor is using AI to write or heavily edit sermons? • Is anointing your home with oil a biblical practice or superstition? Segment 4 • What counts as “secondary issues” in theology? • Why would you attend a Catholic funeral but not a Catholic wedding—what's the difference? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

    Pray the Word with David Platt
    Seek the Lost (Luke 19:41)

    Pray the Word with David Platt

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 5:13


    In this episode of Pray the Word on Luke 19:41, David Platt challenges us to be loving toward those who are far from Him.Listen to our newest podcast, Everyday Radical!Explore more content from Radical.

    Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson
    What It Means to Be in Christ

    Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 7:45


    One prepositional phrase lies at the heart of our identity as Christians: we are “in Christ.” Today, Sinclair Ferguson concludes our gospel grammar lessons by considering the theological riches contained in these two words. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/what-it-means-to-be-in-christ/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

    In the Market with Janet Parshall
    Hour 2: The Doubters Club

    In the Market with Janet Parshall

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 45:16 Transcription Available


    Is it possible to grow in our Christian faith without engaging the doubter or the skeptic? And if growing in our faith means growing closer to the doubter, how do we do that without compromising what we believe to be true? Preston Ulmer will teach us how to rebuild the impression the other person has of us as Christians. Discover the power of authentic Christianity.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Excel Still More
    I Timothy 5 - Daily Bible Devotional

    Excel Still More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 5:50


    Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Timothy 5Paul gives Timothy practical guidance on how to treat different groups within the church. He urges him to treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. Paul also provides detailed advice on the conduct of widows and their care, emphasizing that family members should support their own before the church intervenes. Only widows who are genuinely in need and demonstrate godly character should receive support from the church. Paul follows by addressing elders, stating that those who lead well are deserving of honor, particularly those who preach and teach. He cautions against favoritism, encourages carefulness in correcting leaders, and calls for personal purity. The brethren are encouraged to flee sin, as sin will inevitably be exposed.  We are called to care for one another with deep respect and compassion. Our relationships in the church should reflect the love of a family. We must treat others with honor, seeing their value through God's eyes. When needs arise, we must fulfill our God given responsibilities. We are part of a body that cares, serves, and protects. Godliness is expected of everyone, from the young to the widows. We also learn the importance of honoring those who lead well and holding each other accountable with grace and wisdom. Leadership and community are not casual responsibilities. We must walk with integrity and seek to do what is right. God calls us to live purely and never to conceal sin. Loving Lord, we thank You for placing us in a community where we can grow, serve, and be loved. Teach us to honor one another with kindness, to care for those in need, and to treat each person with dignity. Help us to see our brothers and sisters through Your eyes. Show us how to serve without expecting praise and to lead with humility. Give us the strength to correct with graceful wisdom and be patient with our approach, knowing You see all and know every heart. May we be faithful and free from sin and its consequences.   Thought Questions: Why is it important for younger Christians to show honor and respect for older members of Christ's body, specifically widows and elders? Several categories of widows are noted in this text. How many can you identify? Why are younger widows often encouraged to remarry? Why must believers honor local elders, and how must accusations against elders be handled? Why is this careful process important? 

    Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture
    Cultural Update: Faith and Politics after Charlie Kirk; Human Eggs from Skin Cells; Pregnancy Robots

    Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 59:52 Transcription Available


    Scott is joined by colleague Rick Langer to discuss: Faith and Politics after the Kirk Shooting – A provocative article on whether Christians should see themselves as warriors or servants, contrasting combative approaches with Dallas Willard's vision of gentleness in apologetics and civil discourseAbortion Statistics: Good News and Bad News – New data shows reduced abortions in some states with restrictions, but also a troubling rise in overall numbers due to abortion pills, raising questions about law, intention, and outcomesHuman Eggs from Skin Cells – Recent breakthrough in creating eggs from skin cells, its promise for fertility, and its troubling ethical implications around commoditization of human lifePregnancy Robots and Artificial Wombs – A look at claims from China about developing robotic artificial wombs, and the broader concerns about manufacturing babies and eroding human dignityListener Question on End-of-Life Care – Response to a heartfelt question about “minimal comfort feeding” in hospice, reflecting on the distinction between preserving life and prolonging death==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

    TGC Podcast
    Mental Health in the Church

    TGC Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 46:34


    In this talk from TGC25, Jeremy Pierre looks at Scripture's vision for mental well-being and offers suggestions for how to talk about mental health wisely and avoid common errors. Rather than accept or reject specific terms, he looks at the purpose of language and argues that we should use language that aligns with our own purpose, to know God. Pierre provides practical guidance for pastors and counselors to help Christians use biblical categories to understand and address their struggles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Paul Tripp Podcast
    944. Was Homosexuality Added To The Bible in 1946? | Ask Paul Tripp

    The Paul Tripp Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 23:41


    Welcome to Ask Paul Tripp, a weekly podcast from Paul Tripp Ministries where pastor and best-selling author Dr. Paul David Tripp answers your questions, connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.Today, Paul responds to a listener wrestling with how to reconcile the Bible's teaching on homosexuality with the growing claim among some Christians that Scripture doesn't actually address it. The question highlights a young woman who argues that homosexuality wasn't in the Bible until 1946 and views her queerness as an essential part of following Christ.If you have a question you'd like to ask Paul, you can email ask@paultripp.com or submit it online at PaulTripp.com/AskParenting Never EndsParentingNeverEnds.com

    The Righteous Remnant Podcast
    Ep. 120 - Is Capital Punishment Biblical?

    The Righteous Remnant Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 67:07


    In this episode Dennis and Ashleigh discuss "tough on crime" measures like capital punishment. Are these things biblical? What should Christians think?

    The Patrick Madrid Show
    The Patrick Madrid Show: October 03, 2025 - Hour 1

    The Patrick Madrid Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 51:06


    Patrick opens the show by responding thoughtfully to a listener from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, sparking an honest examination of Mormon origins and Catholic-LDS differences while stressing civility and mutual respect. Global tragedies follow; Christian persecution in Nigeria, rising antisemitism, violence and indifference. Patrick finishes by fielding calls on family struggles with gender identity, guiding listeners to hold fast to Catholic truth with candor and compassion in a world bristling with confusion and bitterness. Dale (email) - Why would Joseph Smith have fabricated such an elaborate hoax? (01:02) Audio: Senator Brownback on the rising Muslim persecution and killings of Christians in Nigeria (21:34) Audio: Incredible story of a reporter who wanted to write up a Palestinian redemption story about a Gaza woman who he thought would have reformed after Israel saved her life twice over. What he discovered interviewing her shocked his conscience. (25:19) Audio: Bill Maher on the actual genocide of Christians in Nigeria - Bill Maher shares disturbing reason corporate media covers Israel-Gaza War, but ignores Christian genocide in Nigeria (32:16) John (email) - Selective reporting of any issue is a problem (38:21) Lucy - My brother has a nephew who is transgender. I got into an argument with him about it. My brother said he would never tell an obese person not to lose weight. (43:57)

    Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Podcast
    Salvation- Of God, through Christ

    Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025


    Romans 8:3-4 — What is the purpose of God's law and why was it given? From the pulpit of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:3–4 titled “Salvation of God through Christ,” listen as the words of Paul are explained showing what the law could not do, why the law could not do it, how the Lord has done what the law could not, and the result that is produced in Christians. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones walks through these four points in his sermon. The law cannot enable the sinner to fill its own demands, which is righteousness. A believing Christian is no longer under the law or the under the reign of sin, but rather living a life under grace in a new life with Christ. The law fails because it depends on the person and their efforts and they are weak. However, it does show the great need to be delivered from sin. Finally, at the heart of the gospel, God has provided salvation through His own actions. God gave the law, but not in order to save. Christ alone produces the only way of salvation and justification. Dr. Lloyd-Jones continually emphasizes Paul's point that the law cannot save and that it only allows the Christian to see the sin in their lives.

    Cwic Media
    Mark Driscoll Doubles Down and Who Decides Who is a Christian?

    Cwic Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 43:40


    This episode is a little off-brand for me, but I'm not going to put up with this any longer. Pastor Mark Driscoll has taken the tragedy in Michigan as an opportunity to bash Mormons. Despite the online outcry, Driscoll has doubled down and produced an anti-Mormon eBook, "Are Mormons Christian?" Driscoll specifically states that Mormons do not believe the Creeds and therefore are not Christians. Of course, Latter-day Saints do not accept the Creeds and are therefore "Non-Creedal Christians." Greg states that this is the best description of "Mormons" as Christians. And we fully accept it. Website: www.cwicmedia.com 

    Compared to Who?
    A Christian Woman's Guide to Stop Overthinking: Featuring Erin Kerry

    Compared to Who?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 47:45


    Are you an overthinker? Do you find yourself replaying conversations from weeks ago, worrying about every possible outcome, or getting stuck in endless thought spirals? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Join host Heather Creekmore and special guest Erin Kerry—health coach, mental health advocate, and original friend of the show—for an honest, hope-filled conversation about overthinking and how to break free. Erin shares insights from her new book, "Live Beyond Your Label," diving deep into why we overthink, how our bodies and minds respond to stress, and what true relief looks like from both a scientific and biblical perspective. What you’ll hear in this episode: How to recognize if you’re an overthinker—and why it’s more common than you think The physical and emotional roots of overthinking Why “just take your thoughts captive” isn’t always enough (and what’s missing from that advice) The body’s built-in responses to stress and fear, and how you can work with your physiology instead of against it Simple, practical strategies to calm your mind, address anxiety, and ground yourself in truth Encouragement for Christians who feel stuck, powerless, or alone in their mental battles How to move forward when labels, diagnoses, or past trauma have left you feeling “broken” Plus: Erin and Heather talk about slowing down, why true rest matters, and how to build daily habits that soothe both body and soul. You’ll discover you’re not the only one wrestling with these thoughts—and there is real hope for change! Ready to stop overthinking and start living free? Listen now and be encouraged, empowered, and equipped—with both biblical truth and holistic mental health wisdom. Resources and Next Steps: Find Erin Kerry’s book: Live Beyond Your Label (Amazon and wherever books are sold) *Amazon affiliate link. Join Heather’s 40-Day Journey group coaching experience at improvebodyimage.com – scholarships available! Get Erin’s free Food is Mood guide and Mood Reset Assessment at erinbkerry.com Follow Erin on Instagram: @sparkingwholeness Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    Down in Alabama with Ike Morgan
    Election '26: Finebaum's decision, Marshall's endorsement

    Down in Alabama with Ike Morgan

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 29:19


    Mike Cason joins us today to talk Alabama politics, particularly next year's U.S. Senate race that Paul Finebaum said he might enter. Read more of Mike's work here Also, we have Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo's firing, a really, really old crab that's named after a retired football coach, where Rock the South is going, and the percentage of Alabamians who identify as Christians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love
    Fertile Ground: Cultivating a Heart That Truly Hears God's Word

    Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 35:31


    In this solo episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb explores the profound depths of Jesus' Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. While this parable might seem unassuming compared to others, Jesse reveals how it serves as the "granddaddy" of all parables—offering a God's-eye view of salvation through the ordinary imagery of farming. The episode examines why different people respond differently to the same gospel message, and challenges listeners to consider what kind of soil their own hearts represent. Through historical context and theological reflection, Jesse unpacks how this parable prepares believers for the mixed responses they'll encounter when sharing the gospel and reminds us that the efficacy of salvation depends not on the sower's skill, but on God's sovereign work in preparing hearts to receive His Word. Key Takeaways The Parable of the Sower provides a framework for understanding the various responses to the gospel message, serving as preparation for disciples who would face both acceptance and rejection. Jesus' parables, particularly the Sower, demonstrate how God uses ordinary, mundane things to express profound spiritual truths about His kingdom. The efficacy of salvation doesn't depend on the skill of the sower but on God's sovereign work in preparing the soil of human hearts. God's Word never returns void but always comes back "full" of either acceptance or rejection—it accomplishes exactly what God intends. Historical context matters: Jesus' audience had high expectations for a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, but Jesus was revealing a different kind of kingdom. The Parable of the Sower shows that the kingdom of God isn't received equally by all—some receive it with joy while others reject it outright. Having "ears to hear" is a gift from God through the Holy Spirit, not merely intellectual understanding but spiritual receptivity. The Word That Never Returns Void The power of God's Word stands at the center of the Parable of the Sower. Jesse highlights Isaiah 55, where God declares that His word "shall not return empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose." Unlike human words that often fall flat, God's Word always achieves its intended effect. This doesn't mean universal salvation, but rather that God's purposes are never thwarted. When the gospel is proclaimed, it always returns to God "full" of something—either acceptance or rejection. The parable illustrates this reality by showing the various responses to the same seed. This should encourage believers in evangelism: we are simply called to faithfully sow the seed, while God determines the harvest according to His sovereign purposes. Our success is not measured by conversions but by faithfulness in proclamation. Kingdom Expectations vs. Kingdom Reality The historical context of Jesus' ministry reveals a profound disconnect between what people expected from the Messiah and what Jesus actually delivered. Jesse explains how the Jewish people anticipated a conquering king who would overthrow Roman oppression and establish a visible earthly kingdom. Instead, Jesus announced a kingdom that begins in the heart, dividing even families according to their response to Him. The Parable of the Sower anticipates this mixed response, preparing disciples for both acceptance and rejection. This teaches modern believers an important lesson: the gospel will not be universally embraced, even when perfectly presented. Some hearts are like paths, others rocky ground, others thorny soil. Yet we continue sowing because God has appointed some to be good soil—hearts prepared by the Holy Spirit to receive the Word and bear fruit. This reality should both humble us and embolden our witness. Quotes "The power of this message is in the message itself, but the medium by which it is delivered... it does pierce the heart. It does pierce through bone and marrow. It does divide because it always returns full of either acceptance or full of rebellion and denial." - Jesse Schwamb "We find ourselves humbled. We find ourselves rushing in, coming into the kingdom, fighting to come into it because God has impassioned us with that same zeal that has accomplished this very thing. He implants it in our hearts, in our minds, in our guts, so that we would come before him and worship him." - Jesse Schwamb "Consider what it means that this good news... that God's word is his deed. This is why... it's such a blessing to live in this period of time where we have such easy access for most of us to the word of God, and that we ought to be zealous about getting that word out to all people because behind it and within it and around it is the full power of the Holy Spirit." - Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript Welcome to episode 463 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse, and this is the podcast for those with ears to hear. Hey, brothers and sisters, so I am just one half. Of the Reform Brotherhood squad. Tony, of course, wanted to join us on this episode, but it sometimes happens in life. Our schedules were a little bit crazy this week, and God gave us responsibilities that put us in opposite directions for part of the time. And so that means that today on this episode, I thought. You and I, we could just hang out and Tony will be back to join us in the next episode. [00:01:20] Solo Episode and Parable Series Overview But for now, this is one of those solo or formed brotherhood episodes. And if you have been tracking with us, we just started this great and amazing journey on going through all the parables that our Lord and Savior gives to us in teaching us about the kingdom of God and its power. And we just started by talking about the parable of the sower, in fact. In the last episode, we just covered basically the first two soils, the first half of that amazing little story, and I thought it would be really, really great to camp out in that for just a little bit more because even though Tony's not here, the podcast goes on and we, Tony and I never really. Thinking about these things and when we start a series in particular, we always find that we just gotta keep going back on it in our minds ruminating on what we said and what God was teaching us and the conversations like all good conversations that draw your mind back to the things that you talked about, which I should say maybe before I begin in earnest, that is also my denial, which is saying things like, let's camp out in this text now to be. Sure. There's no wrong reason why, or there's no bad reason to say words like that. It's just when I hear myself say them, I think about all the things that Christians say, like saying like, we should camp out in this text, or Let's sit in it for a while. And I think maybe it's because I'm just not into camping or maybe because I think most of the time when you use the phrase like, sit in, it's not. A happy or blessed or joyful thing that you're describing. So I always find that funny, and yet here I am saying it because I just couldn't think of anything better to say except, you know what? We should pause and maybe ruminate a little bit more. On all of this good stuff that's in Matthew chapter 13, where Jesus gives us the parable of the sower, so you can join me in sharing which little Christian phrases maybe you think you hear, we say too much or just become rote or part and parcel what it means to talk. The best way for you to do that is do me a. Go to your favorite internet device and in the browser, type T me slash reform brotherhood, that will just take you that little link to a part of the internet using an app called Telegram where a bunch of brothers and sisters who listen to the podcast are chatting about the podcast, their live sharing prayer requests, and there's even a place for you to share, Hey, what are the things that Christians say that you think. Why do we say that? Why are we always talking about hedges of protection? Why are we always talking about camping out in a text? So that's a place that you can come hang out. So go to t.me/reform brotherhood. [00:03:56] Deep Dive into the Parable of the Sower But enough of that, let's talk a little bit more about this incredible parable that our Lord and Savior gives us in Matthew chapter 13. It's so, so short in fact that I figured. The best parts of any conversation about the Bible is just hearing from God in his word. So let me read just those couple of verses. It's just eight verses beginning in Matthew chapter 13, the parable of the sower. That same day, Jesus went out from the house and sat beside the sea and great crowds gathered about him so that he got into a boat and sat down and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables saying a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched. And since they had no roots, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seed fell on good soil and produced grain. Some a hundred fold, some 60, some 30. He who has ears let him hear. [00:05:09] Personal Reflections on the Parable I have to say that of all the parables, and we mentioned in the previous episode that this one is kind of the granddaddy of them all. It's a god's eye view on salvation told in this lovely kind of encased way about horticulture and farming and growing plants. But to be totally transparent, I never really got into this parable. It was never really my favorite one. Like of all the things that Jesus says, of all the creative and wonderful terms of phrase, this one for me always just seemed to be lacking That stuff. You know, it doesn't have really strong characters. It's about a sower, seed and soil, and compared to some other things that seems kind of unassuming and. Not very exciting, quite honestly, to me, and it's not as exciting, I think, as stories about, I don't know, losing something of value and then suddenly finding it and rejoicing and having the characters, feeling yourself in those characters as they go about experiencing all the emotions. That Jesus expresses and keyed in these lovely little riddles called parables. And so for this one, it's always been a little bit kind of like a, okay. It's interesting and the point seems fairly straightforward and it just doesn't captivate me as the others. And I've been thinking about about that, how even in this, it just seems like a really normal, mundane, kind of pedestrian expression of a life in that time. And it's all wrapped up in gardening. And throwing seeds into the ground, not even having control of their outcome. And then in this way, though, expressing and explaining this grand narrative and arc of salvation from God's perspective. So it is, again, another lesson in God using ordinary, normal, almost seemingly mundane things to express his power, to express our lack of control and to show so that he does. Did I just say so to, so that he does all things and certainly we get so much of that in this parable, and so it made me think this week after Tony and I talked about it a little bit. Just how it raises a question in this really normative, kind of unassuming, almost boring, if I can say way, this really profound question, which is, will we be this fruitful, fertile soil? Will we be fruitful followers? Of Jesus Christ. And it doesn't just raise this question, I suppose it also gives us some hope, but it also does so with a warning. It is a maybe a little bit of law and gospel even embedded in these simple means of, again, talking about what it means to plant something and to entrust the planting, the acy of the growth there to the soil and the seed, and there's hope. There's warning and there's so much of that that's in this context of the parable, and that's what's led me to wanna talk to you all a little bit about that as we kinda process together more of what this means. [00:08:00] Historical Context and Expectations of the Messiah I was thinking that when Jesus began his ministry, when he's coming forward, he's really announcing the arrival of the kingdom of God. And it's helpful, I think, to meditate as a second on how profound that is, that he comes again, not just as the message, but the messenger and the medium of that message. I was just kinda ruminating on the fact that. Everybody had high expectations. There was no one, I think, with kind of a low opinion of what was about to happen or of what the Messiah was going to bring or what he was going to do. And here you have like explicitly Jesus' hearers, their ancestors would've been taken into exile and captivity because they had broken the covenant with God. And the prophets had made this case for God's punishment because of their idolatry and their injustice. But that message, and you get this especially in in books like Isaiah. Where there's this mixture that's bittersweet. There is not only an exclusive message of woe for the people, but there is at the same time up against sick, almost running parallel. This promise of a day when God, by his own effort in Zeal, would bring about a restoration where he'd set up visibly an earthly reign through his anointed Wanda Messiah. And so I can only imagine if I could. Even partially put myself in the place of these people who are hearing this particular parable, that there is all this sense that we have strayed from God, that we're covenant breakers, but that he has promised to make a way and that his own zeal will very much accomplish this, but it will be visible and earthly, not just spiritual in the sense that we believe these things and we internalize them in the sense for our being, and therefore we speak about them in these kind of grandiose and ephemeral terms. But more than that, that God was going to come and set up an earthly reign, purely manifested in the world in which we live and breathe and have our being. And so two things would happen. Israel's oppressors would be defeated. And God would institute a pure worship and a reestablished pure worship. And so I can't help but think maybe there was some of this expectation. They're, they're seeing this Messiah, this Jesus, the one who speaks with a different kind of authority, come into their midst. And there I think all these things are somewhere in their minds as their processing. Maybe they should be in ours as well. And so there's this portrait that's being painted here of the prophet saying there's gonna be. Restoration and this image of a seed being sown. And then of course you have these metaphors that Jesus is employing in his own time. Very reminiscent of passages like in Isaiah 55, where you find the prophet saying, for as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there, but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater. So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. It shall not return empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and I shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. What an amazing, glorious promise of God that there is no suboptimal nature. In his expression of who he is and what he's accomplished, that the very thing that he intends to do, he always does, and this word comes back. I think what really strikes me about this passage in particular is the fact that it does not return to God empty. I mean, think about what that means. It's strange in a way. That. In other words, it's full of something. And here I think it's full of response. It's full of anticipation. It's full of this. Like what? What has gone out is now received by the individual and then returns with either acceptance or denial, very much in the same way that we're about to receive it in this parable before us. And in fact, even our ability to understand the parable. This if you have ears, he has ears. Let him hear that itself is an expression. So in other words. The power of this message is again, in the message itself, but the medium by which it is delivered, it does pierce the heart. It does pierce through bone and marrow. It does divide because it always returns full of either acceptance or full of rebellion and denial. And so when we think about the people of Israel. They exactly in that way. They return from exile under Ezra Nehemiah. But even those returns, even those improvements or some of that remediation seems to me like to come short of expectations. You know, Ezra rebuilt the temple, but it paled in comparison to Solomon's original, in fact. If we go to Ezra chapter three, there's like so much honesty as the people are seeing this rebuilt temple. Their response is, is like tragic in a way. So this is Ezra chapter three, beginning verse 12. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers houses, old men. Who had seen the first house as the temple of God wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy so that the people cannot distinguish the sound of the joyful from the sound of people's weeping for the people shouted with a great shout and the sound was heard far away, even in just the setting up the foundation, the base layer. There are those saying this is. This is not like it used to be. Even this is just far piles in comparison and falls very far short of the original. And of course you have Nehemiah's rebuilt wall around Jerusalem. Couldn't even ensure the holiness of God's people. And so everything up to that point. All of it was still just a shadow. It was like a big, giant disappointment, a blemish as it were, on God's people. Even as there was an attempt to restore, there was still this longing from the inside to have the real McCoy to everything made right to have the true Messiah come, not the one that was the type. Not the thing that was the shadow, not the the poor replacement or the analog, but the real thing. And so you have in response to this, you know, some of God's people move into the wilderness and pursue holy living. Some accommodated to Roman occupation like the Sadducees, some retreated into kind of individual individualistic piety or rule keeping like the Pharisees. And then there's all kinds of accounts of God's people in rebellion. Like Simon, the Zealots. There were some who even located themselves under the legitimate, yet Roman endorsed leadership of Herod, you know the Herodians. So you have all of these people you can imagine literally in the same audience. Jesus pushes back and he begins to teach them. And he starts by talking about horticulture. He starts by saying, A sower goes out and he throws all this kind of seed. And it's not difficult to imagine that all of the seed, all the soil, everything is represented in what he's saying right there. And then it's not a story as if like, well, you take this away and try to process it in such a way that you might come to terms with it later on. It's happening in the here and now. Even what he's saying. Even the message that he's communicating is being man made manifest right there in their midst, and it's not returning a void to him. The one who wrote it to begin with is the one who's speaking it, and it's having its desired effect, even as we read it now, and it reads us today. [00:15:13] Jesus' Ministry and the Kingdom of God And so it's amazing that it's on this stage that Jesus steps out and he stands, especially in the synagogue when he reads from the Isaiah scroll. And he announces that the true jubilee has now arrived and it's arrived in him. You know, by the way, what's interesting there is we have, we have no real reason to think that Israel ever really practiced Jubilee as it was outlined in the scriptures. So we have this beautiful instruction for a reset, a pure reset, and one that is liberty and freedom in so many ways, but especially demonstrated in this economic reality. And Jesus commences his public ministry proclaiming the good new. News that the kingdom of God has arrived. I feel like we have to go there, right? Because this is just so good. So in MOOC chapter four, Jesus stands up. He asks for the scroll, and this is what he reads. Loved ones. These are fantastic words. I mean, hear them from the mouth of our Savior. Again, Jesus reads this, the spirits of the Lord is upon me. Because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. It's such incredibly strong and powerful news. We're getting this sense that there are those who are poor that need. To hear that something will be different. That they are her, that they're seen that all of the straining in life and all of their labor is not in vain, but here is one who's come to rescue them and that those who have been set in prison, those who are chained and under duress and find themselves locked up. That here he has come to proclaim liberty to the captives, and then for those that cannot see, that have lost their way entirely, that are groping in the dark, here is one that's coming to recover the sight. Hear that word, not to give it brand new, but to restore that which was originally present to begin with. Imagine the horror of having your sights and then having it taken away that. Knowing that there was something there that was beautiful in your midst, something that was precious to you, and now to have that restored, in fact, like Blind by de MEUs the Greek, there is more when God says, or Jesus rather, says, what do you want me to do for you? The Greek is very clear, just says, sight again, sight again. And I think we like our ancestors and Israel here before us. We ought to be always clamoring and crying. Then I tell God like, son of David sight again. Would you help me to see truly not as the world appears to be, but we spiritual eyes, to know the truth, to understand how much you love me, and would you gimme the strength to love you? Me back love you back by way of giving, yes, this sight. And then for all those who are downtrodden. Where, wherever, and whatever that means, physically, emotionally, spiritually, that here's the one who has come to, again, set you at liberty and then to say, do you know what this time is? This is the time of the Lord's favor. Why? Because the son of man is here and where the son of man is. There is freedom and restoration. There is a new king over all things. There's one who super intends over all of the earth. Who has been given control over all things and has come to win literally the day for those who are rebellious before God, for those who have sinned, who are covenant breakers, who are gospel abusers, while we were at yet enmity with God at the right time, Jesus and his son for us. And so we find that it's like the pretext, it's the context for all of this, and especially this parable. And of course, rather than. Everybody listening to what Jesus has to say here and just being one over being filled with some kind of winsome logic of what's being said here, of being thoroughly convinced. We know that of course it's not just a matter of evidence, but unless the Holy Spirit comes the same spirit, which is upon Jesus, the sin of God, to change us, to open our ears, that we do not hear these things, we don't hear them as we ought to. We do not give them heed. We do not internalize them, and we cannot understand them. And so because of that, rather than of course meeting with universal acceptance, Jesus, of course, he encounters a host of reactions. Some opposed him. The crowds sometimes were way more motivated, like people in our day by novelty or curiosity or by presume rewards or blessings. You can imagine this is what makes, of course, something like the Blat and grab, its kind of gospel, the prosperity of some of our modern evangelical expression, so incredibly dangerous. Because of course people will say, well, if I can get that blessing, of course I want Jesus. Or if I'm gonna be made, well, yes, I'll, I'll find, I'll take Jesus. If I'm gonna get wealth and riches and a 401k, that's gonna suit my every need. Well sure I'll take Jesus. And of course, the blessing, the reward of getting Jesus is getting the son of God, getting the one who restores us first and predominantly. With God the father himself, that all of those blessings are already ours in the spiritual realm because of Jesus. In fact, we've, we've already been placed with him in the heavenly realms. That is the reward. And so sometimes the gods were a little bit more motivated by, this guy's given us bread before. Let's see if there's gonna be another buffet, rather than he says We ought to eat and drink his flesh. That in that is eternal life, and so we get distracted. And so sometimes novelty and curiosity just win the day. And then of course, on the other hand. Some of the most unlikely unseemly, most sinful were responding with incredible joy and embracing Jesus and his announcement. Tenaciously like voraciously, the ones who were humble, who knew that they needed a savior, they needed a reconciliation that was alien and outside of themselves. Something powerful that could defeat even the sin that was within them and bring about a pure and unbridled atonement, unreserved in its ability to clean. These were the ones who were saying, come, Lord Jesus, these were the ones crying out, saying, have mercy on me, son of David. And we like them. Ought to follow that example. And so throughout Matthew's Gospel and Luke's gospel. There's a mixed response throughout the entire ministry of Jesus. And again, what's unique about this parable, I think, is that Jesus comes setting the stage for that unique response. All of those different kind of options and how people will perceive him, how they respond to him, what they will say to him. And so whether as you go through the narratives in the gospels, you look to. The Samaritan Leopard or the blind beggar, or the Chief tax Collector, or the impoverished widow, all of these were those who were forcing their way into the kingdom in response during the good news. There's really something I think that's beautiful about that, that God allows for us to force our way as it were. When we are convicted of this kingdom, that he is the kingdom and that he brings it to us. That we come headlong, rushing in, falling over ourselves to get into that kingdom by the power of the Holy Spirit. And that's why I think, why, why Luke writes in chapter 16 of his gospel. The law in the prophets were until John. Since then, the good news of the kingdom of God is preached and everyone forces his way into it. What a amazing and lovely thing that God allows us. Which is the truth, to force our way into that. So these were the ones who proved to be the fertile soil for the word of the kingdom, not the ones who chose the places of honor or the privilege, or we saw Jesus one of many important priorities to be managed. What we have here is the ones who forced their way in. These were the ones who proved to be the fertile soil, and I'm not gonna steal. Any of our thunder, because Tony and I are gonna talk about that in the next episode. But I bring that up merely to say there's so much that's rich here. When we think about are we as Christians fruitful and fertile? In our following, after the Lord Jesus Christ. And that's Matthew's great theme of reversal, like beginning in the birth narratives of Jesus and continuing through the very end of his gospel count. Even like in his final parable, Jesus forced the confrontation with his opponents by declaring that God would give the kingdom to those who had produce a harvest for God in honor. His son. That's the truth. And so he was more than simply this messenger in these cleverly created stories announcing the arrival of God's reign. He was the one who brought the kingdom. And actually, in fact, Jesus embodies the kingdom because he was the king, not only of Israel, but the royal son of God who would rule the nations. And because of that. He did represent a threat to overthrow to some just as much as he was meant as a salvation and a blessing to others. He is divisive. In fact, what's interesting is if you track Jesus standing up in the temple. And he comes forward and reads from Isaiah. It's interesting where he stops reading. This is really before kind of the, all the language about the second coming back, him really coming not to bring just salvation, but to bring retribution, to bring justice and punishment for those who are God's enemies. And so really this first coming. Jesus is all about this. It's it's all about having the message of God go out in that return void. It's returning full of the response of God's people, full of the response of God's enemies and therefore. This parable, an ex explanation to his inner circle would be understood as an accounting for the surprising range of responses. And even more than I think like an ex explanation, like explicitly it would be this kind of preparation. This kind of, again, setting a table or opening up a pathway for this hard road that lay ahead for those who would remain true to Jesus. These would be the ones who would serve the ultimate purpose of God's great act of sowing in his son to produce a great harvest. And of course. That is partly what lies the hope for us. I mean, I think I said last time we spoke about this, what I appreciate about this teaching is not only that it doesn't pull any punches, but it's just so. Real, it's so resonant because Jesus already gives us some of the breadth and scope or the continuum of the responses so that when we go out and we should so unreservedly that that is by proclaiming Jesus as the king who has come as the kingdom already ushered in as here, but not yet. When we do this, we can expect already that there'll be various responses. So one for us, it takes away the surprise. The second is it does prepare us. That these things might in fact happen. And three, it gives us a sense that, again, the efficacy of salvation. And we're getting, by the way, this view of salvation from, from God isn't again dependent on the skillset of the sower. Instead, it is God's prerogative. It's always God's prerogative. And here as loved ones, you've heard me say again, I must invoke the phrase, we have God doing all the verbs, right? He's the one walking in the field. He's the one reaching in into the seed bag, as it were. He's the one casting it liberally across the ground. He's the one making it grow. All of this is what God is doing. The preparation of the soil, the casting of the seed, the being present in. Farmland. All of this is what God is doing now. We emulate that by design. So now the call is to do what Jesus has done here in Mala for us, and that is that we also go out into the world and we proclaim this good news because what is unequivocally true is that the good news of Jesus Christ. Is for all people. Now, this does not mean that all people will accept it. That is abundantly clear in the message that Jesus gives to us. It does not prevent though us or him from casting it out to all people. We see that really, really. Vividly. Some will be given ears to hear. We ought to pray that our neighbors, our children, those in our churches and our communities, our politicians, we ought to be praying that all would be given ears to hear, and the seed of God's word will accomplish exactly what God intends and Jesus' word, a proclamation announcing the good news of the kingdom of God. We see vividly the point that God's word is. Deed that this word that he spoke speaks is his action. It's not simply that God says what he will do, but that his very act of speaking is the means by which he does that very thing. When we hear God speak to us, it is proof that we are alive. Not only do like dead men tell no tales, I think I've just inadvertently like quoted from Disney's. Um. Pirates movie, but they hear no tells as well. You know, you have been born again, not a perishable seed, but of imperishable through the living and abiding word of God. Incredible. Isn't it? Loved ones like it's incredible this story that to me on the beginning seems like so kind of. Boring and not particularly catchy and maybe not as interesting as some of the others contained within. This is literally all the words of life in the seed that we've seen thrown and in. It is like the continuum we find, not that it emulates the Old Testament, or that it somehow compliments New Testament, but within all within this parable is all of the scriptures and all of the full plan of God and all of his great love for us. That again, while we were at his enemies, he came and on this path, as he walks among the field, he casts the seed. To all, and he, by his power, gives to some these ears to hear. We find ourselves humbled. We find ourselves rushing in coming into the kingdom, fighting to come into it because God has impassioned us with that same zeal that has accomplished this very thing. He implants it in our hearts, in our minds, in our guts, so that we would come before him and worship him, fall down and find. The one who is our savior, who ushers in the visible kingdom of God, the one that is not built merely on political theories, on good rules. The kind of gospel that didn't come to make bad people good, but came to make dead people alive again. And I think that that is the absolute. Untouchable, unfathomable, almost completely un understandable, if you will, truth of this particular parable. I think this is why the Westminster confession describes the word of God, and particularly the preaching of the word as a means of grace. The word is powerful in itself by the spirits of God. I had to quote the Westminster, of course, at least in honor of Tony, so. [00:30:02] Call to Action and Final Thoughts That's my little challenge to you on this short little episode. It's just you and me and I'm saying to you loved ones. Consider this parable again. Consider how palpable this parable is. Consider what God has for us in it. Consider this soils. And then think about what it means that this good news, we see this within it, this vivid point again, that God's word is his deed. And so this is why though we do not create any kind of legalistic, conscription, or prescription around something like daily Bible study. Why? It's such a blessing to live in this period of time where we have such easy access for most of us to the word of God, and that we ought to be zealous about getting that word out to all people because, because behind it and within it and around it is the full power of the Holy Spirit that is always going out into the world and returning full with response and that when God. Speaks his word. He's always accomplishing his act in that very deed. And so it should be a blessing. We should be compelled to find ourselves in it as much as often as we can because what we're finding there is the power of God for us, in us speaking, administering to us to produce in us a great harvest. That's the promise it's coming, and we're gonna get there in the next. Episode, but what I'll leave you with is just those first two soils thinking about if you have ears to hear, if you have been made alive together with Christ, then consider that there was a time when you are one of the other soils and God who's being rich in mercy has rescued you. Not because of work done in righteousness, not because you've come forward and. Elevate your place to the, to elevate your state to the place of deserving poor. Not because like you came forward with, with empty hands and somehow convinced God that you are worthy enough, or sorry enough or contrite enough. But because of his great mercy, and it's that mercy, I think that compels us to say things to Jesus like Son of David Sight again. Son of David, have mercy on me, son of David. You are the real arrival of the Kingdom of God and your word bears testimony and your Holy Spirit has in a great work in my life. And to that end, I want to follow you and I want to ensure that this word that you've given to me is given to all people. So there's work to do, loved ones. And there's a lot there to process. I hope that you will take some time. Think about this in your own way, and as you are processing this as God is speaking to you, as you are joining together with loved ones from literally all over the world who are hanging out and listening to Tony and I chat about this stuff, that again, you would share your own voice, the best way to do that. Why do you make me beg you? Come join the Telegram chat. You'll have a great time. It's super fun. T me slash Reform Brotherhood. I would also be remiss if I didn't on behalf of myself and Tony, thank everyone who does hang out there, everyone who sent us the email, everyone who shares prayer requests or has prayed for us, and as well everyone who makes sure that this podcast. Is free of charge. It comes with its own expenses. It's not free to produce. And so we're so thankful that those who've said, listen, I've been blessed by the podcast, or It's just been important or special to me. God has done something in it. Or God has renewed a different kind of desire and passion to talk about the things of God or to encourage me in my life. I'm so happy if other things have happened. By the way, it's not because of Tony or me. It's because God is good to us. I mean, can I get an amen? I see that hand. In the back, God is good to Tony and me and we're just so thankful that we get to do this. And so if you'd like to join in supporting financially. Every little gift helps. You can go to patreon.com/reform brotherhood patreon.com, reform Brotherhood, and there you can find a way to give one time or reoccurring all of those gifts together. Make sure that there's no payrolls on this bad boy that you're not gonna get any super weird ads in the middle of it. You're just gonna get us talking. We want to em, I would say be emblematic of what we've talked about here, which is. Freely we've received freely want to give. And for those who join and say, I wanna make that possible so that no one has to be compelled to pay for this kind of thing, I love that we are here for that every day of the week and twice on the Lord's day. So next episode, Tony and I are gonna continue in this parable. We're probably, you know, gonna get together. We'll set up our tents, we'll just camp out here for a little bit. So until we get the tents out, we get the s'mores. And we start camping. Honor everyone love the brotherhood.

    Inside The Epicenter With Joel Rosenberg
    Special Episode - October 7th: Bearing Witness to the Massacre - Todd Morehead #317

    Inside The Epicenter With Joel Rosenberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 53:35


    In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, host Joel Rosenberg is joined by filmmaker Todd Morehead to discuss the harrowing events of October 7, 2023—a day that, as Joel describes, marks the most significant tragedy for Israel since the Holocaust. Together, they delve into Todd’s new documentary, October 7th: Bearing Witness to the Massacre, which offers firsthand survivor accounts and a clear-eyed look at what really happened during the attack. Joel and Todd talk about the challenges of telling such a difficult story, the importance of combating misinformation, and the vital role of Christian communities in responding to these events with truth, compassion, and action. Listen in for insights into the making of the film and practical advice for engaging your church, small group, or community with this powerful story. (00:02) "October 7th: A Defining Moment"(03:10) "Educating Truth on October 7th"(07:20) Evangelicals Visit Israel Post-Conflict(11:14) "Film Recommendation by Host"(14:16) "Filmmaking Team Raises Awareness"(18:50) "Watch and Discuss Important Film"(20:21) "October 7th: Witnessing the Massacre"(27:22) Charlie Kirk's Impactful Assassination Analyzed(30:56) Vicious Narrative Against Jews(34:43) Israel's Internal Conflict Over Netanyahu(36:09) "Discussing Hope in the Holy Land"(40:28) Arab Leaders' Hidden Stance on Hamas Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.comMake a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua FundStock Media provided by DimmySad / Pond5 Verse of the Day: 2 Timothy 3:1 -5 that in the last days difficult times will come for men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips without self control, brutal haters of good, treacherous, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power, avoid such men as these. Pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem.Pray for the Arab people that they come to Christ, and pray for the salvation of all. Todd Morehead Biography Todd Morehead lives in California with his wife and four children. He holds an M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Talbot School of Theology. Todd is the Founder and Director of Grafted Ministries, an organization committed to awakening Christians to their biblical role and responsibility toward the Jewish people. He is the author of Grafted In: Understanding God’s Role for You and Your Jewish Neighbors and has a deep passion for leading Christians to Israel—a land he has visited thirty times—to cultivate a heart for both the people and the Land. Todd is the Creator and Producer of the documentary films Promised Land: Israel Through The Eyes of Surfers (2012), Hope in the Holy Land: Delving Beneath the Surface of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (2021), October 7: Bearing Witness to the Massacre (2025), and the docuseries Hope in the Holy Land: The Series (2023-present). https://www.october7film.com/ Related Episodes: Alaska Epicenter Cruise Session 3: Behind the Scenes at the Bible Society in Israel with Victor Kalisher Why Gazans Are Leaving Islam and Finding Hope in Christ #313Alaska Epicenter Cruise Session 2: Why Jews & Muslims are Coming to Jesus in Record Numbers #311 Trey Yingst's Inside Story of October 7th #239 Donate a generous monthly gift to The Joshua Fund to bless Israel and Her Neighbors now and for the long haul. Become an Epicenter Ally today! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    From the MLJ Archive on Oneplace.com
    Salvation- Of God, through Christ

    From the MLJ Archive on Oneplace.com

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 43:28


    Romans 8:3-4 — What is the purpose of God's law and why was it given? From the pulpit of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:3–4 titled “Salvation of God through Christ,” listen as the words of Paul are explained showing what the law could not do, why the law could not do it, how the Lord has done what the law could not, and the result that is produced in Christians. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones walks through these four points in his sermon. The law cannot enable the sinner to fill its own demands, which is righteousness. A believing Christian is no longer under the law or the under the reign of sin, but rather living a life under grace in a new life with Christ. The law fails because it depends on the person and their efforts and they are weak. However, it does show the great need to be delivered from sin. Finally, at the heart of the gospel, God has provided salvation through His own actions. God gave the law, but not in order to save. Christ alone produces the only way of salvation and justification. Dr. Lloyd-Jones continually emphasizes Paul's point that the law cannot save and that it only allows the Christian to see the sin in their lives. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

    Mike Gallagher Podcast
    Mike Gallagher Show Week in Review for 10.03.25

    Mike Gallagher Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 30:10


    This is the Mike Gallagher Show Week in Review Podcast for Friday, October 3rd, 2025. This week, Hillary Clinton opens up about white Christians, the government shuts down over healthcare, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams drops out of the race for re-election. That and more coming up on the Week in Review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Black and Blurred
    #201 Candace Owens and the Christian Mind: Discernment, Deception, and Dismissal

    Black and Blurred

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 107:28 Transcription Available


    SEND US A MESSAGE! We'd Love to Chat With you and Hear your thoughts! We'll read them on the next episode. This episode started off as an episode on the conspiracy debates and slander tossed toward those who engage in them. Though we eventually get to the crux of the conversation (Minute 50), we began our episode reflecting on the last 200 episodes of Black and Blurred and how this podcast started. We also reflected on the ministry of Pastor Voddie Baucham and his influence on many believers today. In the latter half of this lengthy episode, we dive into the banter around Candace Owens, her work and the slander towards her that seems to just roll off of the lips of those who have no connection to her. How should Christians view the work of someone like Candace Owens? Is she a psyop? Is she a liar? Is she out to make money off of gossip and confusion? How should Christians think about these "conspiracy theories" in general? Is there a place in the Christian mind for entertaining the possibility of such great deception? Walk with us and hear our thoughts on why you shouldn't be so quick to dismiss those the world tells you to. SHOW NOTESSupport the showHosts: Brandon and Daren Smith Learn of Brandon's Church Planting CallPatreon: www.patreon.com/blackandblurredPaypal: https://paypal.me/blackandblurredYouTube: Black and Blurred PodcastIG: @BlackandBlurredPodcastX: @Blurred_Podcast

    Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio
    Free-Text Friday: Exit Strategy: Planning Your Funeral While You Still Can

    Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 59:51


    Modern funerals increasingly look like Pinterest boards and social media tributes rather than Christian worship. How should believers think about death when it comes knocking? We'll explore why Christians need to write down their funeral wishes, what Scripture teaches about the intermediate state between death and resurrection, and why burial versus cremation matters theologically. Death remains our enemy, but it's a defeated enemy. Christians mourn, but not without hope. From building relationships with funeral directors to understanding what happens the moment after we die, this conversation tackles the questions we often avoid until it's too late.  The Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the Christian view of death.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

    Text Talk
    Mark 4: Of Course, Jesus Cares

    Text Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 15:31


    Mark 4:35-41 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin consider Jesus calming the storm, who that means He is, and why the disciples didn't need to fear.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=22881The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

    Things You Don't Hear in Church
    Should Christian's be Anti-Muslim? #289

    Things You Don't Hear in Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 48:51


    In this video, we dive into a controversial but important question: How should Christians respond to Islamic immigration? Recently, videos have gone viral of people protesting Islam in ways that seem “Christian” on the surface—but are they actually following Christ's commands?As believers, we need to recognize that while Islam as an ideology stands against Christianity, our response as followers of Jesus cannot simply mirror the culture's hostility. The Bible calls us to something greater: to love our neighbors, love our enemies, and show radical hospitality.In this discussion, we talk honestly about Islam, Christianity, and the tension between the two faiths—but we also highlight the unique way Christians are called to respond. Instead of reacting with fear or hatred, we are commanded to extend love, compassion, and the hope of the gospel to Muslim immigrants.Whether you're a Christian wrestling with these issues, a skeptic curious about faith, or someone who's struggling to reconcile love and truth, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to live out the teachings of Jesus in a broken world.Enjoy!Got any questions or topics you'd like to hear about? You can email us at ⁠tydhcpod@gmail.comLike our content? Consider helping us grow through Patreon, a follow, or subscribe!Leave a rating on whatever platform you listen on and write some nice commentsYOUTUBE ⁠here⁠PATREON  ⁠here⁠INSTAGRAM: ⁠www.instagram.com/thingsyoudonthearinchurchpod⁠

    Right on Radio
    Tinderbox World: Faith, Fallout, and the Road to Global Upheaval

    Right on Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 41:33 Transcription Available


    In this episode the host opens with urgent news items—an attack on a London synagogue, Keir Starmer's comments on immigration and anti‑Semitism, and global trends toward social media policing—then connects them to wider concerns about free speech, Bill C‑9 in Canada, and the perceived exclusion of protections for Christians. Mentioned guests and figures include MPP Leslyn Lewis (whose parliamentary remarks on Bill C‑9 are highlighted), references to Charlie Kirk and the eccumenical movement that has kicked into full gear since his death. The conversation moves from current events into strategic geopolitics: the host explains the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia pact, rising Israel–Iran tensions, the role of the United States and potential military action, and claims about unusual diplomatic messaging from Russian envoys tying Putin, Trump and Xi together. These developments are framed against a broader sense that the world is a “tinderbox” with the real possibility of escalating conflict. Domestic politics get detailed attention: the U.S. government shutdown, the transfer of power to the executive branch, and how staff cuts and reorganizations may accelerate AI governance. The host outlines a theory involving centralized banking, the Great Reset, and a controversial view that elites and hidden networks are orchestrating global chaos—drawing a throughline between geopolitical pressure, domestic political theater, and cultural control. On spiritual and pastoral themes the host plays the show's recurring segment Word on Word, comparing 1 John 3:16 and 1 Peter 1:3, and uses scripture as a lens to interpret events. Practical faith guidance is offered: the importance of strengthening willpower and intent, memorizing scripture, preparing mentally and spiritually for persecution, and cultivating a personal “why” to sustain faith under pressure. Listeners are warned about cultural and technological shifts—memes and media warfare, the rise of AI (including a speculative suggestion that multiple AI systems could function as ruling "heads"), and the changing role of NGOs and government agencies. The host also touches on darker conspiracy elements referenced in the episode, arguing they function as leverage in elite politics and contribute to widespread moral collapse. The episode closes with personal reflections from the host about time spent in scripture and family, an invitation to a Saturday prayer meeting on Telegram, and a call to love God, family and neighbor while preparing spiritually and mentally for turbulent times. Expect a mix of news recap, geopolitical analysis, prophetic interpretation, and practical faith application. Thank you for Listening to Right on Radio. Prayerfully consider supporting Right on Radio. Click Here for all links, Right on Community ROC, Podcast web links, Freebies, Products (healing mushrooms, EMP Protection) Social media, courses and more... https://linktr.ee/RightonRadio Live Right in the Real World! We talk God and Politics, Faith Based Broadcast News, views, Opinions and Attitudes We are Your News Now. Keep the Faith

    The John Bevere Podcast
    Why Some Christians Will Miss the Rapture

    The John Bevere Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 45:32


    American Christianity needs to wake up.In this episode, John and Arden Bevere issue a powerful challenge, drawing parallels between the church of Sardis in Revelation and today's Christian culture. They show how small compromises with culture can lead to spiritual slumber. They challenge listeners to return to their first love, stay alert, and keep their hearts pure. Do you want to grow closer to God and be ready for Christ's return? Listen now in part 3 of their conversation.______________________________________FREE Show Notes Here: https://page.church.tech/0360f43d______________________________________Support this podcast by becoming a Patron here (tax-deductible): https://3szn.short.gy/JBgive 

    The Apologetics Guy Show - Dr. Mikel Del Rosario
    Did Jesus Really Say He Was God? Discover the Historical Answer Now!

    The Apologetics Guy Show - Dr. Mikel Del Rosario

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 36:42


    Did Jesus actually say He was God, or did Christians just make that up later? In this episode, we look at the historical evidence you can't ignore. From Jesus' claim to forgive sins to His Jewish trial, the evidence points to His divine claim. What you'll discover: ✅ Why His enemies accused Him of blasphemy ✅ How His miracles connect Him to the God of the Old Testament ✅ Archaeology that confirms early Christians worshiped Him as divine ✅ Why this matters if you want more confidence in your faith If you've ever wondered how to explain Jesus to friends who say, “He was just a good teacher,” this conversation gives you the facts — and the courage — to answer.

    Anointed Radio Network
    Anointed Radio Show (Interview with Comedian BIGskinny)

    Anointed Radio Network

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 87:54


    https://linktr.ee/bigskinnyshowAward-Winning Anointed Radio Network is a Las Vegas ChristianRadio Station provides a platform for all Christians to come and share about their businesses or talents. The Anointed Radio Motto is that (It is time to unite) every Wednesday 6 pm-7 pm (Pacific Standard Time (PST)Download the Anointed Radio Network App from the Google Play or Apple App Store.www.anointedradio.com/Social Media: Twitter:@lvanointedradio Instagram:@lvanointedradio Facebook:@ Anointed Radio Business inquires email: Lvanointedradio@gmail.com

    Ordinary Discussions with Jeremy McCommons
    Ep 136 | Here's Why You Should Shift Into OC Groups & Still Multiply

    Ordinary Discussions with Jeremy McCommons

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 10:47


    Don't just lead a group and then do a hard stop! Stay connected, develop more intentional relationships, do mission together, and keep the first things first. Launch an OC Group. They are independently run by past group participants or leaders and exist to keep the disciple-making movement an ongoing reality. How frequently groups meet are up to each facilitator. Meet monthly, bi-weekly, or whatever works best for each group. Groups are easy to execute, easy to join, and highly reproducible. Because each meeting stands alone, if you miss a meet-up, you won't be behind. Rotating facilitators is encouraged to keep these groups manageable and ongoing. Sign up to launch one and see the PDF guide here: https://ordinarymovement.com/oc-groupsOrdinary Movement is a discipleship platform that equips men and women to be disciples who make disciples. Our focus is on supporting small groups led by ordinary/everyday Christians. We have specialized discipleship tracks that center around Intimacy with Jesus, Intentional Relationships, and Multiplication. Groups are designed for individuals to easily engage in leading groups.Ready to be a disciple who makes disciples?If so, come and join us!Visit ordinarymovement.com to learn more!#discipleship #disciplemaking #disciple

    Living the CLOVER life
    The Luminous Mysteries: The Baptism Of Jesus

    Living the CLOVER life

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 19:22


    Episode 193 - In this episode, Fr Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea discuss the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, focusing on the significance of the Baptism of the Lord. They discuss the role of John the Baptist, the importance of understanding our identity in Christ, and how these mysteries call us to live out our baptismal promises. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the need for Christians to recognize their access to divine grace and their role in God's plan.

    Toolbox
    The Early Church's Biggest Challenges (and Why They Matter Today) | Church History and Theology 2

    Toolbox

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 36:34


    Support us: Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://veritas-ministry-415223.churchcenter.com/givingThe early church faced challenges that feel strikingly familiar to us today. From opposition to the deity of Christ, to the rise of proto-Gnosticism, to the pluralism of pagan culture, and even internal conflicts like the Jerusalem Council—Christians in the first century wrestled with many of the same issues we see in our modern “pre-Christian” world.In this lecture, Christian Barrett explores:- Why the Jewish leaders opposed Jesus and the early Christians- How "Proto-Gnostic" ideas threatened the church's doctrine- Paul's bold response to paganism in Athens (Acts 17)- The Jerusalem Council's decision and its impact on salvation by grace- How these early challenges equip us to face today's cultural and spiritual questionsWhether you're a student, pastor, or just curious about church history, this teaching will help you see that “there is nothing new under the sun”—and that the gospel is still the power of God for every generation.00:15- How studying history can help us face our challenges today07:31- The First Challenge: Judaism8:50- Why did the Jews kill Jesus?19:54- The Second Challenge: Proto-Gnosticism28:39- The Third Challenge: Paganism34:13- The Fourth Challenge: LegalismDiscussion Questions:1. What are some problems or challenges you see in Christianity today that you think the early church also faced?2. Why do you think acknowledging Jesus as God was so controversial then? Why is it still controversial today? A. How can we defend Christ's deity?3. Where do we see similar “spiritual elitism” or denial of physical reality in our world today?4. Why is it hard for people today to accept that Jesus is the only way?5. What are ways people today still try to add requirements to salvation, instead of trusting Christ alone?6. Which of these early challenges (hostility, false teaching, pluralism, legalism) feels most pressing to your faith right now? Why?Recommended Resources: Nick Needham, 2000 Years of Christ Power, Vol 1: https://www.amazon.com/000-Years-Christs-Power-Vol/dp/1781917787Justo Gonzalez, The Story of Christianity, Vol 1: https://www.amazon.com/Story-Christianity-Vol-Church-Reformation/dp/006185588XThe Shepherd of Hermas: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0201.htmThe Apostles' Creed: https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/creeds/apostles-creedThe Didache: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm#ChurchHistory #EarlyChurch #ChristianFaith #CollegeMinistry #Apologetics

    Creation Instruction Association

    Why Christians should celebrate Yom Kippur

    Pod Have Mercy
    Episode 209: REV. KATHLEEN MCSHANE

    Pod Have Mercy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 65:58


    In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we sit down with Rev. Kathleen (Kathi) McShane. lawyer, pastor, innovator, and changemaker. After an early career as a civil litigator in San Francisco, Kathi followed her call to ministry, serving four congregations and later as vice president for Institutional Advancement at the Pacific School of Religion. She most recently retired as an Elder in the California-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church, but her work is far from over.As the Director of Learning and Innovation for the Texas Methodist Foundation, Kathi continues to re-imagine what leadership in the church can look like. She is also the co-founder of The Changemaker Initiative, a movement equipping lay people to embody compassion-driven change in their communities, and co-author of Picking Up the Pieces: Leadership After Empire, written with Rabbi Elan Babchuck.In our conversation, Kathi shares insights on innovation, what it means to lead with courage in a changing church, and how Christians can become changemakers like Jesus in today's world. From her vineyard home on the Central Coast of California, Kathi is shaping a vision for the church as a force of transformation and hope.https://thechangemakerinitiative.org

    March or Die
    Stop Drowning in Chaos: Tim Challies' Simple Rule for Christian Living

    March or Die

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 35:49


    In today’s episode of the March or Die Show, Jeremy Stalnecker sits down with pastor, author, and blogger Tim Challies to discuss faith in a post-Christian culture, the role of books in shaping the Christian life, and how to process grief and loss through the lens of God’s sovereignty. Tim shares insights from traveling the world, why Christians must focus on the basics of faithful living, and how books can serve as spiritual companions in a distracted age. He also speaks candidly about personal tragedy and how his family found hope in God after the unexpected passing of his son. Whether you’re a pastor, parent, or simply trying to live faithfully in a confusing world, this conversation will equip you with timeless principles to move forward in faith when it feels easier to give up. Connect with Tim Challies: https://www.challies.comHit Subscribe, share this episode with your community, and drop a comment on what landed hardest for you. Want more reinforcement? Subscribe to our newsletter, The Forward Edge, to go beyond the podcast and dig deeper into these topics and more: https://marchordie.substack.com! Join us daily for encouragement and biblical truth with the Mighty Oaks Daily Devotional, you can sign up for reminders: https://mightyoaksprograms.org/daily-devotional Follow March or Die: https://instagram.com/MarchOrDie https://Facebook.com/MarchOrDieShow https://TikTok.com/March_or_Die Follow Jeremy:https://instagram.com/jeremystalnecker https://jeremystalnecker.com Follow Sean:https://instagram.com/seantopgunkennard https://youtube.com/@SeanTopGunKennard Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    C-Suite for Christ Podcast
    Episode 149: Hell Can't Stop Us: The Call to Offensive Christianity

    C-Suite for Christ Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 56:20


    On this episode of the C-Suite for Christ Podcast, we're calling out the passive faith that's infected the boardroom and the breakroom. Enough with defense. Enough with retreat. Today, we rip the mask off complacency and sound the call to spiritual arms.No celebrities. No soft edges. Just you, me, and the unfiltered Word of God, face-to-face with a world that wants us silenced. The devil's running up the score while the Church sits on defense—but not anymore. We declare it: “The gates of Hell shall not prevail!” (Matthew 16:18). Christ didn't die to keep us safe—He died to send us out.Here's the question: When Hell pushes, will you push back? When the darkness presses in, will you storm forward?Buckle up. This one's raw. Real. Rooted in Truth. Victory is guaranteed—if you'll take the field.Episode Highlights:11:05 - History has taught us this lesson time and time again. Think back to the years leading up to World War II. Adolf Hitler didn't become powerful overnight—he rose step by step because the rest of the world played defense... That's exactly what the Church is doing at this very moment. We think if we keep our heads down, if we stay quiet, if we avoid confrontation, then maybe Satan is going to leave us alone. But the enemy never leaves you alone. The enemy exploits weakness. The enemy feasts on passivity. And the Church's passive defense has created a cultural vacuum that darkness has filled... Defense without offense doesn't hold the line. It gives ground.20:07 - Let's be blunt here. We've raised generations of Christians who are more afraid of offending man than offending God. We've trained pastors to worry more about likes and shares than about souls. We've built entire denominations on the lie that Christianity can be cool, hip, trendy and unoffensive. And in doing so, we've stripped the gospel of its power.45:12 - When we go on offense as Christians, victory is not a possibility, it's guaranteed. Jesus himself said in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.'" Notice that—he doesn't say I might overcome. He declares, "I have overcome." Past tense. Already accomplished. The victory is secure. That means when we storm the gates of Hell, we're not charging into a battle with an uncertain outcome.Connect with Paul M. NeubergerWebsite  

    Thinking Out Loud
    What Is the Progressive Story? Douthat, Klein & the Search for Meaning

    Thinking Out Loud

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 37:10


    In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron unpack the recent conversation between Ross Douthat and Ezra Klein, diving deep into the question: What is the guiding story of progressive politics today? With insight, wit, and theological reflection, they explore the cultural crisis of meaning, the limits of techno-utopianism, and why modern narratives—both secular and spiritual—are failing to satisfy the human soul. Drawing from Joan Didion, Charles Taylor, and American pop culture, they challenge Christians to consider how the gospel offers a fuller, more coherent vision of life, purpose, and hope. If you're a believer wrestling with the intersection of faith, politics, and culture, this thoughtful analysis will sharpen your mind and deepen your understanding of the stories shaping our time.DONATE LINK: https://toltogether.com/donate BOOK A SPEAKER: https://toltogether.com/book-a-speakerJOIN TOL CONNECT: https://toltogether.com/tol-connect TOL Connect is an online forum where TOL listeners can continue the conversation begun on the podcast.

    Unashamed with Phil Robertson
    Ep 1178 | Willie & Jase Robertson Revisit Phil's Legacy & The Question Your Obituary Should Answer

    Unashamed with Phil Robertson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 57:49


    Willie and Jase lean hard into brotherly rivalry as Willie reveals his slow-drip strategy for getting under Jase's skin, then they turn their sights on Zach for some good-natured teasing. Al notes that both brothers are channeling their inner Phil, and Willie credits Phil for inspiring his latest book, “Courage: 40 Days to Sharing Your Faith.” The guys contrast Zacchaeus's willing heart with the rich young ruler's unwilling spirit and deliver a legacy gut-check: when it's all over, what will people say your life was really about? In this episode: Romans 10, verse 17; Luke 19, verses 1–10; Luke 18, verses 18–30; Galatians 5, verses 19–26; Galatians 2, verses 11–14; John 17, verses 18–23; 1 Peter 3, verse 15; Colossians 4, verse 6. “Unashamed” Episode 1177 is sponsored by: https://chministries.org/unashamed — See why Christians are ditching health insurance for good. Get a simpler alternative at half the cost! https://ruffgreens.com — Get a FREE Jumpstart Trial Bag for your dog today when you use promo code Unashamed! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @‌trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/ROBERTSON! #trueclassicpod https://andrewandtodd.com or call 888-888-1172 — These guys are the real deal. Get trusted mortgage guidance and expertise from someone who shares your values! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Chapters: 00:00–9:23 Willie & Jase Gang Up on Zach 09:24–24:14 What's Up in the World of Willie 24:15–36:01 Phil's Choice Changed the Robertson Legacy 36:02–47:13 Preaching the Barroom Gospel 47:14–56:51 What'll They Say About You When You're Gone? — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Renewing Your Mind with R.C. Sproul
    The Prophet Muhammad

    Renewing Your Mind with R.C. Sproul

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 26:23


    Who was Muhammad? Today, James Anderson provides a biographical sketch of this seventh-century figure. He explains that for Christians to understand the religion of Islam, we must know about its founder. Request today's resource bundle with your donation of any amount. You'll receive the book A Field Guide on False Teaching, James Anderson's teaching series Exploring Islam on DVD (plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide), and digital access to The Cross and the Crescent teaching series with R.C. Sproul and Abdul Saleeb: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4299/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Get both digital teaching series, the digital study guide, and the ebook for your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   James Anderson is Carl W. McMurray Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary. Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

    Insight for Living Daily Broadcast
    Cultivating a Spirit-Controlled Life, Part 2

    Insight for Living Daily Broadcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 27:30


    Paul desires for all Christians to experience God's leading and fearless intimacy with Him every day. While not always easy, choosing obedience and Spirit-led living brings blessing. Tune in to hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll teach how a Spirit-controlled mind-set leads to abundant life (Romans 8). Examine the changes that occur when the Holy Spirit is in control of your life. Give God full control. Prioritize obedience and let Him sanctify you.

    Knowing Faith
    Is Tithing Biblical? Do I Have To Tithe?

    Knowing Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 38:41


    Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley have a conversation around giving and generosity in the life of a believer.Questions Covered in This Episode:What does the word “tithe” mean?Where do we get the principle of the “tithe?”What's the difference between tithes and offerings?How is Israel functioning in the Old Testament?Is tithing biblical? Must Christians tithe?Should they give 10% of their earnings/income?How do you pastor people regarding giving and generosity?What are some of the wrong messages that can be taught around giving?Should Christians do more than tithe?Helpful Definitions:Tithe: Maintaining the bottom line of Israel's religious life, supporting the ongoing ministry functions. Offering: Responsive gifts given out of thanksgiving or celebration.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:21Deep Discipleship Program Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcast:Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.