Podcasts about who is jesus

Who are we becoming? Every day, our lives are being shaped by something whether it be our relationships, our experiences, our ambitions, or our struggles. Whether people know it or not, the biggest shaper of our identity is not just who or what we worship, but what we believe about Jesus.In this series, we'll walk through the Book of Colossians to discover who the Bible says Jesus is and what it means to become rooted in Christ, transformed by the gospel, and shaped into people who reflect Jesus in every area of life. As we grow deeper in our relationship with Him, we'll ask not only, “Who am I?” but “Who am I becoming?”Today's Text: Colossians 1:15-23Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) September 27, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Who Is Jesus?| The Gate And The Good Shepherd | Drew Marchesani

To awaken our delight in God means not striving harder, but returning—again and again—to the garden of God's presence. There, rooted in His unwavering delight for us, we cultivate practices that transform both us and those around us for His glory. In this closing episode of our Awaken Delight series, Stephanie explores explore the core themes of awakening delight in God—what it looks like, why it matters, and how we can cultivate it as our spiritual reality.You are invited to purchase Stephanie's book on this topic, Awaken Delight, here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ Stephanie Rousselle opens by reflecting on her early Christian days at a Parisian church, noticing how fellow believers exuded a love and delight in the Lord that initially felt foreign yet deeply compelling. This spiritual delight, she observes, stems not from duty, but from truly tasting and seeing God's goodness (Psalm 37:4). She encourages us to pursue not just knowledge of God, but a transformative, experiential joy in His presence.Throughout the series, Stephanie introduced ten common spiritual struggles. Which ones do you relate to? Are you…Spiritually exhausted, faith dulled by life's demands, longing for rest deeper than sleep?Intellectually driven, disconnected from the living presence of Jesus?Facing chronic physical pain, learning to believe through suffering?Battling mental oppression, struggling to feel God's presence despite knowing His promises?Enduring spiritual dryness, persisting out of stubborn faith?Grappling with profound grief, finding grace in the midst of loss?Seeking reconciliation after conflict with loved ones?An achiever whose identity is tangled in performance, avoiding vulnerability?Losing the centrality of Jesus amidst your Christian routines?Trapped in spiritual habits that have become legalistic, losing wonder and enjoyment?Each of us may relate to one or more of these journeys. Which character sounds most like your current season? Many of us embody more than one.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive prayer as we wrap up our series, to rekindle your delight in God: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 464. Give us your email, and you will receive the full prayer in your inbox immediately!We've all experienced the universal hunger for spiritual delight, which can be found in Christ alone. Towards that end, Stephanie introduces the metaphor of the garden—a symbol of paradise in biblical tradition. The garden has various areas, all representing a particular spiritual discipline rooted in Jesus:Hidden benches and ponds: Silence, solitude, meditation—habits growing our identity in God. We are created as “imago Dei” dust: both gloriously made in God's image and profoundly humble in our origins. Embracing this paradox breeds humility—knowing our worth and brokenness—and freedom—living authentically in Christ. When we remember whose delight defines us, we are freed from chasing identity in performance, approval, or escapism.Pergolas and open spaces: Service, fellowship, missions—habits shaping our purpose alongside others. Hospitality, service, discipleship—rooted in purpose and love for others. Delight begets delight. As we root our lives in God's delight over us, we are empowered to reflect that joy to others—making space for them to experience God and closing the loop of love and worship.Flowers and fruit trees: Gratitude, creativity, lament, and stewardship—blending personal and communal practices. Gratitude, simplicity, lament, suffering, fasting—individual and communal practices. Your core identity is this: God delights in you. Awaken to his love, and let your life become a fruitful, joyful garden of intimacy with Jesus—bearing delight for yourself and for others.Anchors: Bible study as a meadow, prayer as a greenhouse, worship as fountains. God invites us to co-cultivate this garden, discovering new spiritual “flavors” over a lifetime.Brook of Living Water: Jesus himself, sustaining every corner of the garden. God is both gardener and host, inviting us to co-cultivate habits that lead to ever-deepening delight.As we leave this series:Remember: God's delight defines our core identity.Practice: Lean into personal disciplines, both alone and with others, to cultivate awareness of God's goodness.Reflect: Trade escapism or performance for honest worship and humble belonging.Share: Help others encounter the intoxicating joy of Christ.You are invited to purchase Stephanie's book on this topic, Awaken Delight, here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ MORE ABOUT “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in Godreshapes sufferingquiets restless strivinganchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of youLearning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Purchase here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ More details at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightWhat you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.Let's be completely honest. Are you…Exhausted by trying to “feel” spiritual?Performing faith without real joy?Feeling unworthy despite consistent effort?Wondering if Psalm 37:4 really works?What if the problem isn't your faith, but the way you've been pursuing God? Delight isn't about effort; it's about learning how to receive God as your deepest joy.This isn't extra joy on Sundays. It's the foundation for deep delight in God which willstrengthen your prayer lifeprovide you with resilient peace,reframe your pain and suffering,transform your obedience into soul-satisfying joy.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded, Scripture-centered spiritual formation book that helps believers recover a resilient, Christ-centered spiritual life. In short, it's practice for heaven.Purchase here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ More details at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."―Psalm 37:4. But, what if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb?Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself.You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle connects scriptural and theological truth to your everyday life so you can experience what delighting in God really means. It's not about checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list or mustering a constant state of positive feelings. Rather, delight is about satisfying your soul's deepest longing through a vibrant relationship with the living God.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselleshows how delighting in God is crucial for spiritual growth,provides spiritual habits that help you live in delight, andincludes discussion questions and Bible engagement great for book clubs or small groups.By looking to Christ as your model of divine delight, you can discover that no matter what you're experiencing―whether weariness, sorrow, hope, or happiness―you truly can "taste and see that the Lord is good." If you are longing for a revived faith filled with hope, delight, worth, and grace, Awaken Delight invites you to cultivate a worshipful, life-giving delight in God that's rooted in God's delight in you.Purchase here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ More details at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightDISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Who are we becoming? Every day, our lives are being shaped by something whether it be our relationships, our experiences, our ambitions, or our struggles. Whether people know it or not, the biggest shaper of our identity is not just who or what we worship, but what we believe about Jesus.In this series, we'll walk through the Book of Colossians to discover who the Bible says Jesus is and what it means to become rooted in Christ, transformed by the gospel, and shaped into people who reflect Jesus in every area of life. As we grow deeper in our relationship with Him, we'll ask not only, “Who am I?” but “Who am I becoming?”Today's Text: Colossians 1:1-14Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) September 20, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

CheckoutThe God Centered Concept Academy Training Community to learn what growth in Christ isTUVU CommunitiesCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.Who is Jesus—and why does the answer matter more than any other question we will ever face?In this episode of Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, T. S. Wright welcomes back Rev. Stu Woods from Australia for a powerful teaching from John 1:1–14.Rev. Woods walks through one of Scripture's clearest declarations concerning the identity of Jesus Christ: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”Throughout this message, Rev. Woods explains that Jesus is not merely a prophet, moral teacher, religious figure, or created being. Jesus is the eternal Word of God, the Creator of all things, the source of life, and the Light that darkness cannot overcome.In this episode, you will discover:• Why Jesus is called “the Word” in John 1• Why Jesus existed before creation and is Himself uncreated• How Jesus participated in the creation of all things• Why Jesus is the source of life and the Light of mankind• How the Light of Christ overcomes spiritual darkness• The prophetic ministry of John the Baptist• Why many failed to recognize Jesus when He came into the world• What it means to receive Jesus and become a child of God• Why salvation cannot be inherited through family or religion• The importance of receiving Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior• A clear invitation to repentance, forgiveness, salvation, and eternal lifeRev. Woods also challenges listeners to examine one of the most important questions anyone can answer:Who do you say Jesus is?If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, this episode includes a prayer inviting you to turn from sin, receive His forgiveness, and follow Him as Lord and Savior.And if you already belong to Christ, you are challenged to share the truth of Jesus with others so that more people may hear the Gospel, believe, and be saved.Scripture Focus: John 1:1–14Go forth in total surrender to the One who owns and reigns over all creation—and let the Great Harvest begin.Keywords / TagsJesus Christ, Who Is Jesus, John 1, John 1:1-14, Jesus Is God, Word of God, The Word Became Flesh, Divinity of Jesus, Deity of Christ, Jesus Creator, Creator God, Light of the World, Eternal Life, Salvation Through Jesus, Gospel of Jesus Christ, Born Again, Christian Salvation, Son of God, Christian Podcast, Bible Teaching, Biblical Christianity, Christian Apologetics, Christian Discipleship, Gospel Message, Sinners Prayer, Rev Stu Woods, Stu Woods, TS Wright, Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, Great Harvest, Great Harvest Network, Christian Evangelism, Jesus Lord and SaviorCall to ActionIf this message helped you understand more clearly who Jesus is, share this episode with someone who needs to hear the Gospel. Subscribe to Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, follow the show so you never miss an episode, and help us spread the message of Jesus Christ around the world. If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, go back to the prayer in this episode, call upon Jesus as Lord and Savior, and begin your journey of following Him today. Then go forth, share the Good News, and let the Great Harvest begin.

Who Is Jesus? | The Bread Of Life | Christopher Bradshaw

If you've been waiting for a sign that you can share your faith and that it doesn't require perfect answers, just an invitation, then this is it! You'll walk away with renewed confidence, a clear next step, and a fresh perspective on what it means to invite others into the goodness you've found in Jesus.

Delight in God is not about trying harder, but awakening to what the Spirit is already doing within you. Spiritual disciplines, when fueled by delight rather than duty, become joyful pathways to God's presence. With this in mind, today, Stephanie explores how spiritual routines, while helpful, can drift from vibrant relationship into rote performance if not animated by delight and the Spirit's leading.Ready to awaken your delight in God through "Awaken Delight" the book? Purchase it here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ   Based on Stephanie's book, Awaken Delight, together today we willUnderstand the difference between spiritual discipline and delightIdentify the pitfalls of performative spiritualityCultivate habits that foster genuine intimacy with GodEmbrace the Holy Spirit's role in awakening spiritual delightOur FREE gift to you today! An exclusive, in-depth 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God through simple spiritual disciplines: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 460. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Using the French word habit (meaning both “habit” and “clothing”), Stephanie illustrates how habits are like the outfits we choose—some visible, some hidden. Just as we select clothes for comfort or occasion, we "wear" attitudes like praise or cynicism, gratitude or resentment. Good spiritual habits must be intentionally chosen and “worn” daily, but the aim is not outward perfection.Stephanie suggests that delight is not a discipline itself, but the mindset that enlivens every spiritual discipline. Like a long-lasting marriage, delight requires both initial joy and persistent, intentional commitment.Awakening delight is the Spirit's initiative—it is not about finding God as a hidden treasure, but becoming aware of the glory already present. We don't manufacture spiritual joy by effort; the Spirit awakens what He already plants within us. Spiritual disciplines are windows that open us to God's light, not machines that generate it. Ask the Holy Spirit to awaken delight within you as you practice spiritual disciplines.Reflect:Have you ever found that spiritual practices became more about “doing” than connecting with God?Evaluate your spiritual “wardrobe.” What are your default attitudes, and do they help you delight in God?Engage in prayer, scripture, or worship not to mark a checkbox, but to encounter and enjoy God's presence.Examine your spiritual routines: Are they animated by delight or weighed down by duty?Invite the Holy Spirit daily to nurture within you a “Jesus habit”—habits that make space for God's joy.Key Questions:Are your spiritual habits shaped by a desire to appear godly, or are they rooted in genuine pursuit of God?Where do you experience delight vs. maintenance in your faith?MORE ABOUT THE BOOK “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."―Psalm 37:4What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb?Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself.You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle connects scriptural and theological truth to your everyday life so you can experience what delighting in God really means. It's not about checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list or mustering a constant state of positive feelings. Rather, delight is about satisfying your soul's deepest longing through a vibrant relationship with the living God.What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselleshows how delighting in God is crucial for spiritual growth,provides spiritual habits that help you live in delight, andincludes discussion questions and Bible engagement great for book clubs or small groups.By looking to Christ as your model of divine delight, you can discover that no matter what you're experiencing―whether weariness, sorrow, hope, or happiness―you truly can "taste and see that the Lord is good." If you are longing for a revived faith filled with hope, delight, worth, and grace, Awaken Delight invites you to cultivate a worshipful, life-giving delight in God that's rooted in God's delight in you.Purchase here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ More details at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightDISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

For some, the Parables of Jesus seem like a complex word puzzle, but for others they are relatable pictures that help make the Truths of Scripture more relatable. That was by God's design. This series we will look to unpack some of the parables of Jesus and see how they connect with our lives today.Text: Matthew 18:21-35 Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) September 6, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Who Is Jesus? | The Word Became Flesh | Trent Elliott

What if Jesus is more than you think He is? In Part 1 of The Father's Heart series with Demetrius Archontakis, we explore what it really means to follow Jesus - and what changes when we move beyond religious titles, accomplishments, and simply having knowledge about Him to truly understanding who He is, what He represents, and what He has done for us. Demetri shares why he believes modern Christianity has lost something essential: discipleship. We explore the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Him personally, why our past does not have to define our identity, and what it means to live from the freedom Christ has already given us. Whether you're a business owner, leader, parent, pastor, or simply someone seeking to follow Jesus more fully, this conversation challenges us to look beyond what we think we know and ask a deeper question: Who is Jesus - and what does it really mean to follow Him? What We Discuss Why Jesus (not our titles, accomplishments, or gifting) is our true qualification The difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Him personally What it means to make Jesus the center of our identity Why discipleship is not just for pastors or people working in ministry How our everyday lives become our sphere of influence and discipleship What Jesus meant when He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" Understanding Jesus not as someone who shows us the way, but who is the Way Why our past does not have to define who we are What it means to live from the freedom Christ has already given us How the renewal of our minds helps us walk in that freedom The difference between finding Christ and finding His life Why transformation begins in the heart What Jesus teaches us about selflessness, surrender, and dying to self Jesus as the ultimate model of leadership - never hurried, never striving, always about His Father's business What we can learn from those throughout history who valued following Christ above comfort or even life itself Understanding Chronos and Kairos moments and why we can't remain stuck in yesterday Why salvation isn't the end of the journey, but an invitation into a new way of living Episode Highlights  00:00 — Introduction  02:25 — Ministry Beyond the Church Walls 04:24 — What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple Maker? 06:46 — Your Accomplishments Don't Define You 09:11 — Identity Begins with Christ 11:37 — What Does It Mean to Be "In Christ"? 13:52 — Breaking Free from the Identity of Your Past 16:04 — Who Is Jesus? The Way, the Truth & the Life 18:09 — Knowing Christ vs. Living His Life 20:38 — Transformation Begins in the Heart 22:59 — Jesus: The Ultimate Model of Leadership 24:50 — What Are We Willing to Give Up to Follow Jesus? 26:51 — What It Means to Die to Self 29:15 — Chronos, Kairos & Moving Forward 31:41 — Salvation Is the Beginning, Not the Destination Episode Resources: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/spirituality/558-the-fathers-heart-part-1-simply-jesus-with-demetrius-archontakis  Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com ________

For some, the Parables of Jesus seem like a complex word puzzle, but for others they are relatable pictures that help make the Truths of Scripture more relatable. That was by God's design. This series we will look to unpack some of the parables of Jesus and see how they connect with our lives today.Text: Matthew 25:14-30 Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comTHIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) August 30, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

This week in our verse-by-verse journey through Matthew, Pastor Karl unpacks Matthew 22 — a pivotal chapter set on the Tuesday before Jesus' crucifixion, where four different groups challenge his authority, only to be silenced one by one.Pastor Karl opens with a look at how authority is viewed differently across generations, from the positional authority respected by Baby Boomers to the influencer-driven authority sought by Gen Z, and asks a pointed question: what — or who — do we actually let have authority in our lives?From there, the message walks through Jesus' encounters with the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and religious lawyers, showing how Jesus asserts his authority over five key areas: how we enter the Kingdom (the Parable of the Wedding Feast), what we owe the Kingdom (the "render unto Caesar" exchange), what Scripture means (the resurrection debate), what matters most (the greatest commandment), and ultimately, who he is (the identity of the Messiah).The big idea: Jesus alone has the authority to define the Kingdom, define truth, define obedience, and define our relationship with God. This isn't a Jesus who asks for a place in your life — it's a Jesus who claims authority over all of it.Join us in person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

"Who Is Jesus' True Family?"A message preached by Pastor Mike Henry at Royal View Baptist Church.Worship Guitar - 100 Beautiful Hymns - Instrumental - Peaceful Gospel Music --- Used by the permission of the artist Josh Snodgrass.

Who is Jesus really?The Gospel of John begins by presenting Jesus as more than a teacher, religious leader, or historical figure. Jesus is the eternal Word, the Creator, and the One who makes the invisible God known.In the opening message of our Come and See series, Dr. Gregg Marutzky explores John 1 and the meaning of Jesus as the Logos—the personal bridge between God and humanity. He explains the incarnation, what it means for Jesus to be full of grace and truth, and John's invitation to believe in Jesus and receive life in His name.This series invites us to do more than know facts about Jesus. It invites us to encounter Him, believe in Him, and grow in our relationship with Him.In this episode:Why John begins differently from the other GospelsWhat it means for Jesus to be the WordHow Jesus makes God knownThe meaning of the incarnationGrace and truthBelieving and becoming children of GodThe signs and “I Am” statements in JohnWhy John wrote his GospelTimestamps:00:00 Welcome00:27 Introducing Come and See02:02 Knowing About Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus03:41 A Little Translation Humor07:50 Why John Begins Differently11:26 What Does “The Word” Mean?13:29 Jesus Makes God Known19:57 The Word Became Flesh22:22 Full of Grace and Truth25:08 Believing and Becoming God's Children28:09 Who Is Jesus?31:19 Signs and “I Am” Statements32:52 Why John Wrote His Gospel34:41 Final BlessingClick here to donate to the programClick here for more sermonsOC Church of Christ

Many mature Christians experience seasons when Jesus feels distant—not through dramatic sin or faith crisis, but a slow, subtle drift into spiritual dryness. Today, Stephanie explores how to recognize, understand, and rekindle true delight in God when faith feels flat.As she has with every episode in our “Awaken Delight” series, Stephanie has invented a fictional character – who might feel eerily familiar! In today's episode, we're introduced to “Claire”—a faithful, seasoned believer admired by others, with a life marked by steady commitment to Christ, church, and family. Yet, despite external faithfulness, she privately mourns the loss of intimacy and vividness in her spiritual life. Claire's story demonstrates how even longstanding believers can slide into a functional, uninspired relationship with Jesus—doing all the “right things,” but missing the joy and depth once present.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive, in-depth 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of flavorless faith: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 458. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Key Symptoms of a “flavorless faith”:Bible reading and prayer become duty-bound, not joy-filled.Worship songs and sermons feel routine, not stirring.Service continues, but the heart feels unengaged and tired.Delight is more than an emotion—it's the warm, relational savoring of God Himself, not just His gifts or outcomes.Distinctions:Happiness: Circumstantial, fleetingContentment: Sufficient, sometimes passiveDelight: Active, relational enjoyment—the “flavor” and “fragrance” of life with GodDelight in God is like savoring real vanilla versus imitation—the fake might have the form, but lacks the richness and depth. When we lose delight, all becomes bland.Distance from Jesus is often gradual. Common causes include:Over-familiarity: The truths of gospel become like a painting you stop noticing.Busyness & Burnout: Life's cares crowd out time to “linger” with Jesus.Duty Replacing Delight: We obey and serve, but lose relational warmth.When delight cools, our spiritual life becomes transactional, our joy fades, and other things gain center stage in our hearts.Psalm 34:8 invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good”—not just agree intellectually, but experience Him proportionally.Delight in God requires attention; it calls for slowing down, “beholding,” and returning to the gospel as if it's fresh.It's not manufactured by willpower, but reawakened by honesty and pursuit.Prayerfully confess where delight has dimmed and ask Jesus for renewed appetite.Ultimately, delight is about communion—living in God's presence, savoring Him as the ultimate gift.Our delight fuels resilience, combats burnout, and makes our faith not merely correct, but alive and fragrant to those around us.Practical Steps to Awaken DelightSlow Down & Linger: Don't skim Scripture or prayer; bring your full heart, even your boredom and disappointment.See God as Beautiful: Move beyond doctrine; gaze at Jesus' beauty, not just His utility.Cultivate Stillness: Create time to notice God's presence and gifts; fight cultural hurriedness.Receive, Don't Achieve: Delight is a relationship to receive by the Spirit, often through the ordinary or through suffering.Honest Prayer: Admit to God when delight feels absent; let Him rekindle it.If you, like Claire, feel distant from Jesus, don't despair. He hasn't moved; beauty can be rediscovered. Ask God to awaken your delight, to move you beyond belief into joy in His presence. Let your soul savor Him again.“Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” – Psalm 51:12MORE ABOUT THE BOOK “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."―Psalm 37:4What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb?Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself.You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle connects scriptural and theological truth to your everyday life so you can experience what delighting in God really means. It's not about checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list or mustering a constant state of positive feelings. Rather, delight is about satisfying your soul's deepest longing through a vibrant relationship with the living God.What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselleshows how delighting in God is crucial for spiritual growth,provides spiritual habits that help you live in delight, andincludes discussion questions and Bible engagement great for book clubs or small groups.By looking to Christ as your model of divine delight, you can discover that no matter what you're experiencing―whether weariness, sorrow, hope, or happiness―you truly can "taste and see that the Lord is good." If you are longing for a revived faith filled with hope, delight, worth, and grace, Awaken Delight invites you to cultivate a worshipful, life-giving delight in God that's rooted in God's delight in you.Purchase here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ More details at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightDISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

For some, the Parables of Jesus seem like a complex word puzzle, but for others they are relatable pictures that help make the Truths of Scripture more relatable. That was by God's design. This series we will look to unpack some of the parables of Jesus and see how they connect with our lives today.Text: Various Texts Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) August 23, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Thank you for joining us this morning. Today we continue our series, Who is He, where we are exploring the identity of the One who gives us ours. We're glad you're here.ABOUT US | We are cultivating a vibrant community of faith, hope and love that follows Jesus into the world so our neighbors may also experience God's goodness. Learn more at https://www.cpchb.org/core-values/PRAY  | To request prayer or pray with us, visit https://www.cpchb.org/prayer GIVE  |  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people, visit  https://www.cpchb.org/give/ PRAYER REQUESTS | https://www.cpchb.org/prayerGIVE  | https://www.cpchb.org/give/CONNECT  |  We want to connect with you!  Visit us at  https://www.facebook.com/cpchb/    https://www.instagram.com/christpacificchurch/    Weekly eBlast: https://tinyurl.com/swy75ujv  MORE INFO | https://www.cpchb.org/

This Sunday we returned to our series in the Gospel of Luke as Pastor Alex delivered a sermon centered on Luke 9:1-20, in which he examined the question: “Who Is Jesus?” May you be blessed by this week's message.

For some, the Parables of Jesus seem like a complex word puzzle, but for others they are relatable pictures that help make the Truths of Scripture more relatable. That was by God's design. This series we will look to unpack some of the parables of Jesus and see how they connect with our lives today.Text: Matthew 21:28-32 Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) August 16, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

 Matthew 21 opens with Jesus's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem—his coronation as King. Pastor Karl unpacks why this moment was unlike any earthly coronation: a king who arrived not on a warhorse but on a humble donkey, fulfilling prophecies spoken generations earlier through Isaiah, Zechariah, and Daniel. As King, Jesus fulfills God's mission, exercises God's authority, restores proper worship according to God's Word, and extends God's compassion. From the crowds shouting "Hosanna" to Jesus clearing the temple of corruption, this passage reveals a King who demands total allegiance while never withholding compassion from those who come to Him in need. Join us in person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

For some, the Parables of Jesus seem like a complex word puzzle, but for others they are relatable pictures that help make the Truths of Scripture more relatable. That was by God's design. This series we will look to unpack some of the parables of Jesus and see how they connect with our lives today.Text: Matthew 20:1-16 Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) August 9, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

The opening of John's Gospel answers some of the biggest questions about who Jesus is and why He came. Jesus is identified as the Word, the full revelation of God, who existed before creation and through whom all things were made. He entered the world as the true light, yet the world did not recognize Him. To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God, regardless of background or past. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, making the presence of God accessible to everyone. Jesus is not one path among many but the source of all light, life, and truth. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.Support the show

For some, the Parables of Jesus seem like a complex word puzzle, but for others they are relatable pictures that help make the Truths of Scripture more relatable. That was by God's design. This series we will look to unpack some of the parables of Jesus and see how they connect with our lives today.Text: Luke 15:1-7 Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) August 2, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Today's episode of Gospel Spice, centered on the launch of "Awaken Delight," is a timely exploration of the Christian experience of suffering. Stephanie combines personal vulnerability—sharing excerpts from her new book about living with chronic pain and deep questions—with biblical wisdom on how hardship fits into our walk with God.In suffering, God does not abandon; he lovingly prunes and allows thorns for our growth. The path to deeper faith, humility, and delight in God runs directly through honest wrestling with pain—and leads to true spiritual fruitfulness.Christians often wonder: If I am serving God, why do I suffer? Is suffering a sign of God's displeasure or my failure? Stephanie shares that Christians who suffer yet trust God often appear as if they're not suffering—because they refuse let suffering have the final word.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive, in-depth 10-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of deep pruning from God's hand: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 454. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Just as fig trees need hard soil to bear fruit, Christians grow most deeply in spiritually tough conditions. Comfort produces "leaves without fruit," but hardship develops true character and delight in God.In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul's incredible spiritual experiences led God to allow him a "thorn"—not as punishment, but to keep him humble and dependent on God. Paul's journey shows that deep suffering is not proof of failure or sin, but God's purposeful investment in our transformation.In John 15, Jesus says that healthy, fruitful branches are the ones pruned by the Gardener (God), so they'll bear even more fruit. Pruning feels like loss or reduction but is God re-focusing our lives on what truly matters.Pruning is when God removes something from our lives. It is the elimination of even good things for us to be more fruitful and focused. By contrast, thorns are when God allows painful weaknesses or situations to remain. These serve a specific, humbling, and formative purpose. Both types invite deeper dependence on God.We misunderstand suffering when we see it as divine punishment. Biblical teaching says it's part of God's commitment to us—not against us, but for us. The goal is not mere improvement, but transformation—making us more like Christ."Faith" is not something we muster by willpower, but a posture rooted in humility: recognizing our need for God and opening ourselves to His work. Humility is both the soil in which faith grows and the fruit that results from faith.Christ was not merely "pruned"—he was "cut off" entirely for our sake, taking on the ultimate suffering so we would never face it alone. Now, even our suffering is transformed by his presence and purpose.Practical ApplicationWhen hardship comes, instead of merely asking "Why me?" or "How can I escape this?", ask "What is God showing me?" and "How can I delight in Him through this?"Choose to see suffering not as a sign of God's absence, but as the attentive hand of the Gardener who loves and invests in us.Remain in Christ—even weak connection is connection, and transformation is always worth the pain.Reflective action: Next time you face loss or pain, remember the lessons of pruning and thorns. Ask God to help you trust His restorative, purposeful hand, and seek delight in Him above all.We are in the middle of our “Awaken Delight” series, based on Stephanie's new book. Each week, we explore a different facet of what makes delight in God difficult and challenging. How can we live the reality of Psalm 37:4 when life is hard? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

For some, the Parables of Jesus seem like a complex word puzzle, but for others they are relatable pictures that help make the Truths of Scripture more relatable. That was by God's design. This series we will look to unpack some of the parables of Jesus and see how they connect with our lives today.Text: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comTHIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) July 26, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Who Is Jesus? — Luke 7:18–23John the Baptist knew Jesus was the Messiah, but he did not yet understand the full order of His mission. John expected judgment; Jesus revealed that salvation would come first.Through His works, Jesus fulfilled the prophetic signs of Isaiah and confirmed His identity as the Christ. Even when God's plan unfolds differently than expected, faith rests in who Jesus is.Read the full lesson and supporting study notes here on Let's Talk Scripture.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For some, the Parables of Jesus seem like a complex word puzzle, but for others they are relatable pictures that help make the Truths of Scripture more relatable. That was by God's design. This series we will look to unpack some of the parables of Jesus and see how they connect with our lives today.Text: Luke 12:13-34Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) July 19, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It's a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God' goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It's a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you're interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com **Together, let's encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Deep suffering and the felt absence of God are not signs of weak faith, but invitations to deeper trust, raw honesty, and the formation of roots that will later sustain delight when the next “spring” arrives. This week, Stephanie centers on understanding Christian suffering, especially in seasons when God feels absent, and explores how to trust Christ in the midst of pain, grief, and confusion.We are in the middle of our “Awaken Delight” series, based on Stephanie's new book. Each week, we explore a different facet of what makes delight in God difficult and challenging. How can we live the reality of Psalm 37:4 when life is hard? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of pain and suffering: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 452. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.This week, Stephanie invites us to examine the nature of suffering from a Christian perspective. She addresses different types of pain—physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual—and affirms that suffering is a universal human experience. She shares several composite stories:Thomas: Endures chronic physical pain, wrestling with why healing hasn't come but continues to pray and trust that God is enough.Aisha: Struggles against spiritual oppression and insomnia, clinging to God's promises despite not sensing His presence.Dan: Faces depression and spiritual dryness, with faith persisting stubbornly beneath the surface.Margaret: Grieves the loss of her spouse, finding grace in small mercies.Javier: Suffers the pain of family estrangement, daily choosing forgiveness and hope for reconciliation.We are encouraged to identify with these stories and realize we are not alone.Common Experiences in Christian Suffering1. Feeling MisunderstoodSufferers often receive shallow platitudes from others—such as “God's got this” or “Count it all joy”—which, while technically true, are often hurtful when mistimed. Suffering Christians primarily need presence, not slogans.2. Emotional FluctuationSuffering brings emotional unpredictability—peace and panic, gratitude and anger. These ups and downs do not mean spiritual instability; rather, they are normal human responses.3. Seeking Comfort, Not ExplanationAlthough initial pain leads us to search for answers, comfort is ultimately found not in reasons but in the Shepherd's presence.4. Holding Both Faith and AnguishMature Christian suffering means affirming both God's goodness and the reality of pain simultaneously; raw, honest prayers replace polished formulas.5. Reduced Religious PerformanceSuffering eradicates concern for spiritual image. Depth in Scripture reading grows—not in breadth, but as a lifeline, especially in Psalms, Job, and the story of Jesus' suffering.6. The Role of LamentLament becomes covenant communication: honest complaints, questions, and cries are not signs of weak faith but of depth and intimacy.While suffering may sometimes result from sin, it is not always the case. Discernment and the Holy Spirit's clear conviction are key. Vague guilt and general feelings of punishment are not from God; His conviction is always specific.When God seems silent, it's not proof He has abandoned us. Moments of suffering can be where He works most deeply, just as the cross felt like God's greatest absence but was His greatest act of love. Faith in suffering is not the absence of questions, lament, or feeling lost, but the commitment to remain with God—even if only weakly.Practical Lessons1.      Pray honestly and directly, not just politely.2.      Resist withdrawal from God and community.3.      Remember: God's commitment is final and irreversible—even when you cannot sense Him.4.      Trust His heart even when you cannot see His hand.DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

For some, the Parables of Jesus seem like a complex word puzzle, but for others they are relatable pictures that help make the Truths of Scripture more relatable. That was by God's design. This series we will look to unpack some of the parables of Jesus and see how they connect with our lives today.Text: Luke 14:7-24Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) July 12, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Praise and worship are two distinct acts. Praise looks back at what God has done, while worship sets everything aside to focus entirely on who God is. To truly worship God, we must truly know God, because you can only love someone as much as you know them. Familiarity with church and with God can quietly erode our sense of awe, leaving us going through the motions without genuine submission. Like the sinful woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears, real worship requires letting go of pride and dignity. God is holy in a way that should produce reverence, not casualness. Because of what Jesus did at Calvary, we have access to a holy God, and that access is worth far more than we typically treat it. He deserves our full, undignified, wholehearted worship.Support the show

Join us as we dive into the different parables of Jesus!Mark 4:1-34Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) July 5, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

As believers, Missions is not just something we do, it's who we are. We live on mission because we emulate Jesus. This series reminds us the purpose of outreach and missions but also helps us to see how God is working in and through Bethany and our mission partners. Text: Matthew 5:14-16Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) June 28, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Who Is Jesus? (Matthew 26: 1-13) Chris Steinbarger Download Worship Guide

Most people who grew up in church have never actually met the real Jesus — not the real one.They've met Therapist Jesus. Political Jesus. Mascot Jesus. In this episode, we set those substitutes aside and go back to the Gospels to meet the real Jesus — the one who emptied rooms with his words, claimed to be God to his own people's faces, and ate dinner with everyone the religious establishment had written off.This is the final episode in our 3-part series:Pride Month → Hell & Judgment → The Real Jesus.In this video:

Success in the Christian life is not measured by relentless output, but by deep enjoyment and awe of God. The high-performer's journey is to move from striving to abiding, from anxious self-optimization to restful delight. This week, Stephanie challenges us to reconsider our definition of success: Will we dare to let our delight in God, and His delight in us, become our most treasured spiritual possession?Many Christians find themselves exhausted, seeking spirituality through constant effort rather than true joy. In our current series, Awaken Delight, we explore different ways that prevent us from living the reality of Psalm 37:4, Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.This week, we explore the dangers of "high-performance Christianity" and discover the invitation to redefine success by delighting in God rather than striving to impress Him.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are feeling weary and exhausted in your faith: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 448. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Let's be completely honest. Are you…Exhausted by trying to “feel” spiritual?Performing faith without real joy?Feeling unworthy despite consistent effort?Wondering if Psalm 37:4 really works?What if the problem isn't your faith, but the way you've been pursuing God? Delight isn't about effort; it's about learning how to receive God as your deepest joy.This isn't extra joy on Sundays. It's the foundation for deep delight in God which willstrengthen your prayer lifeprovide you with resilient peace,reframe your pain and suffering,transform your obedience into soul-satisfying joy.Many Christians become experts in prayer, service, and discipline but forget the joy of simple communion with God. This mindset measures spiritual health in terms of effort and accomplishment: “Did I pray enough? Did I do enough?”The Dangers:Spiritual Output over Relationship: Faith becomes a checklist of activities rather than a relationship rooted in love and delight.Performance Equals Worth: Feelings of worth rise and fall based on spiritual “productivity.” Rest becomes guilt-ridden and Sabbath feels inefficient.Comparisons and Insecurity: The high-performer compares their visible fruit to others', believing that more impact equals more favor from God.This mindset leads to spiritual dryness. High performers feel relationally undernourished: “Effective for God, but not really deeply at rest in God”. Growth is sought in results, but true spiritual maturity often appears slow, cyclical, and hidden. When setbacks arise, self-worth plummets, and failures feel catastrophic.At its core, this approach makes delight in God seem like a luxury reserved for the less “serious." But Scripture repeatedly calls delight foundational, not optional. "Delight in the Lord" is central — it deepens trust, strengthens endurance, and transforms work into worship.How do we shift from performance to delight? We must reorder our ambitions with God at the center. As Stephanie explains, “Your problem isn't that you're too serious, it's that you're too serious through the lens of a secular operating system”. The calling isn't to do less, but to let delight in God be the fuel, not the reward, of our efforts.Practical Steps:Identity Rooted in God's Delight: Our worth is anchored in God's unshakeable love, not our achievements.Work Flows from Delight: We work, rest, and strive not to prove ourselves, but out of the security that comes from being loved by God.Resilient Obedience: Obedience is rooted in delight, not desperation; failure or success does not shake our identity.Delighting in God is not just an emotion—it is a chosen, steady confidence that allows us to pursue excellence without fear. When rooted in God's love, ambition becomes resilient, setbacks less threatening, and rest becomes restorative. As Stephanie encourages, “Taste and see that the Lord is good”. This call is an invitation into a secure, unshakeable identity and delight —the true measure of success."Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith:“Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content"I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky"Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

As believers, Missions is not just something we do, it's who we are. We live on mission because we emulate Jesus. This series reminds us the purpose of outreach and missions but also helps us to see how God is working in and through Bethany and our mission partners. Text: John 4Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) June 14, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

The Gospel of John, chapter 9, is entirely dedicated to the story of one poor blind man and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. It was one of the “sign” miracles that the apostle John included in his gospel – miracles that displayed the glory of God in Christ. This man was blind from birth and would never be able to see apart from divine intervention. How similar to this is our own condition. We are also blind from birth as far as the spiritual dimension is concerned. In our natural condition, we are not able to see and appreciate Christ for Who He is. Nor do we rightly understand our own standing before God as sinners. Our message this week looks into the circumstances of this man's story and how it applies to us even today.  

As believers, Missions is not just something we do, it's who we are. We live on mission because we emulate Jesus. This series reminds us the purpose of outreach and missions but also helps us to see how God is working in and through Bethany and our mission partners. Text: Acts 6:1-7Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) June 7, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

This week we're diving into Matthew 16 and one of the most important questions Jesus ever asked His disciples—and really, all of us: “Who do you say that I am?” In a world full of competing voices, beliefs, and ideas about Jesus, this passage brings us back to the foundation of our faith and reminds […] The post Matthew 16:13-28 – Who Is Jesus? appeared first on Sierra Bible Church.

In this powerful message from the "Who Is Jesus?" series, we explore one of Jesus' most counter-cultural teachings: loving our enemies. Through Matthew 5:38-44, we discover that Jesus isn't calling us to be doormats, but to engage in creative, non-violent resistance that exposes injustice while seeking reconciliation over revenge.  Drawing from the Civil Rights Movement and examining the cultural context of "turning the other cheek," "giving your coat," and "going the extra mile," this sermon reveals how Jesus' radical approach to enemies transforms both victim and perpetrator. The core challenge: Can we hate the darkness without hating the person trapped inside it?  Because while we were still God's enemies, Christ died for us—and now calls us to love others with that same extravagant grace. Matthew 5:38-44 For more information about our church, visit npfcc.org To help support the ongoing work of NPFCC and our mission partners around the globe, you can make a donation at npfcc.org/give

Send us Fan MailJamie Tidwell's story starts where a lot of people stop: homelessness, grief after losing her husband, meth addiction, and legal trouble that leaves her exhausted and numb. What caught us off guard is how God uses small, steady moments to change a life that feels beyond repair. Jamie wasn't raised in church and didn't even know many Bible basics, so her first steps of faith begin with a children's Bible, patient mentors, and a growing awareness that she's being pursued, not discarded.We talk about the night-and-day difference between trying to manage addiction alone and choosing faith-based recovery with accountability. Jamie shares what temptation feels like early on, how stress used to trigger her, and what she does now instead: step back, pray, and let the moment pass. She explains the kind of peace she has today, the shift from anxiety to trust, and why daily time with God “coffee with Jesus” becomes a non-negotiable anchor for her mindset.This conversation also gets practical about restoration. Jamie is nearing two years sober, rebuilding relationships with her parents and kids, working again, and taking steps toward nursing license restoration. She also speaks with uncommon tenderness about street outreach, giving to homeless neighbors, and “planting a seed” because she remembers exactly what it feels like to be unseen. The core message is simple and searching: God's rerouting is not condemnation, it's a new path forward when you've taken a wrong turn.If you've been wrestling with addiction, anxiety, shame, or the fear that you've gone too far, come listen and consider what a reroute could look like for you. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so more people can find these stories of restoration.Support the showThank you for listening! Please help us by sharing this podcast with your friends and telling someone about what Jesus has done for you. If you would like to share your story, visit our website https://thepromoter.org/

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It's a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God' goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It's a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you're interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com **Together, let's encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!In this brand-new series centered around Stephanie's new book, we explore several ways that we lose and can recover our delight in God, rooted in His delight of us. Today, in this first episode in our series, Stephanie explores spiritual fatigue in faithful believers and guides us toward God's invitation to restoration, not just endurance.What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb? Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself. You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."If you're spiritually weary, your fatigue does not prove you're far from God. You're invited to rest in the truth that delight begins by receiving God's delight over you. Come honestly, bring your tired self, and let God awaken delight in your soul again. Your greatest need is not more pressure, but more permission to rest and be restored as His beloved.Many mature Christians find themselves exhausted, faithfully serving God while inwardly feeling emotionally distant. Obedience becomes duty, prayer is reduced to quick requests or guilty silence, and Scripture feels like data instead of bread. Outwardly, they are strong—teaching, leading, serving—yet inside, numbness, irritability, and spiritual dehydration prevail.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are feeling weary and exhausted in your faith: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 446. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Key Symptoms | When Weariness Overtakes Christians—Rediscovering Delight as God's BelovedDuty without delight;Spiritual dryness, despite regular disciplines;Resentment towards expectations and responsibilities;Prayers and scripture reading that feel obligatory, not life-giving.Spiritual depletion rarely stems from bad theology or outright rebellion. Instead, it often results from:Years of faithful overextension;Ignored grief or disappointment;Trying to do more and more to compensate for the sense of lost delight;Living off “old oil”—past experiences with God, not present intimacy;Feeling that delight and intimacy with God are for someone else, perhaps just for earlier seasons.Weariness emerges when we serve God from muscle memory, not fresh encounter, or confuse emotional invulnerability with spiritual maturity.The temptation is to force spiritual disciplines, tightening up routines, and demanding more from ourselves. But a weary Christian doesn't lack discipline. Oftentimes, we lack receptivity. More striving usually deepens the exhaustion and guilt, rather than reviving joy.Instead of seeking restoration, weary believers mistakenly try to manufacture delight by moral strain or performance, but delight is not manufactured by moral strain.The path back is not correction but replenishment. Stephanie urges us to “come nearer, slower, truer,” rather than to “try harder”. Restoration means:Honest lament and silence before God;Allowing ourselves to be ministered to;Sabbath, rest, and simplicity in spiritual practice;Confessing not just sin, but exhaustion, disappointment, and overextension;Even our ache for God is proof that love is alive in us, not that faith has died. Jesus doesn't just forgive; He invites the weary to come to Him for rest.Ultimately, our delight in God is rooted in His delight in us. Before time began, God chose to love and delight in His people, even at great cost to Himself through the cross. Our identity is found not in our ministry, productivity, or others' approval, but in God's unwavering, delighted gaze."Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith:“Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content"I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky"Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

The Bible is full of beautiful, descriptive, rich, and wonderful truths! It also has some rather… odd… stories than by themselves leave readers with more questions than answers. Passages which on the surface standout as being weird, funny, confusing, or all of the above. This series dives into some of those unique stories to help us mine for the Truth within the curious. Today we look at the story of seven brothers who have a unique encounter with a man possessed by a demon.  Text: Acts 19:11-20Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) May 31, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

The Bible is full of beautiful, descriptive, rich, and wonderful truths! It also has some rather… odd… stories than by themselves leave readers with more questions than answers. Passages which on the surface standout as being weird, funny, confusing, or all of the above. This series dives into some of those unique stories to help us mine for the Truth within the curious. Today we look at the story of a man possessed by a legion of demons and the freedom he finds in Jesus.  Text: Genesis 9:18-28Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) May 24, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

We live in a world that tells us we can be anything we want. But is that even something we should wish for? What if our greatest freedom came, not from choosing who we are, but from embracing the fullness of who God made us to be? And what if God has wired us to be our freest, best selves when we become who Jesus says we are in Him? Finally, what if it took one another to discover more fully who we are in Christ, and who He is in us?In last week's and today's episodes, Stephanie explores how the lives of Adam and Eve, the first humans, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, serve as unexpected companions in the story of Scripture. Their experiences help us answer Jesus's central question: "Who do you say that I am?" Together, they offer distinct perspectives that deepen our understanding of who Christ is and who we are in Him.This is Part 2 of this teaching. Part 1 became available last week, in Episode 443! Scroll to the bottom of these shownotes for application questions relevant to Part 2 of this teaching. Here's more:Both Adam and Eve and Mary faced a common enemy—the serpent, the epitome of evil and deception. For Adam and Eve, the serpent was literal; for Mary, it manifested in cultural pressures and theological misunderstandings about the Messiah. We, too, face our own serpents today—temptations and misunderstandings that threaten our faith.They also were witnesses to God's grace through forms of incarnation. Adam and Eve experienced creation, while Mary witnessed the birth of Jesus, God made flesh. Both sets of experiences pointed to the unfolding of God's salvation story.Death and Resurrection: Adam and Eve endured the first human death—Abel's murder—a result of their choice and the entrance of evil. Mary witnessed her son's crucifixion, the ultimate act of innocent suffering, completing the cycle begun by Abel. Jesus's death is portrayed as the "last death," closing the loop and offering resurrection life.Choice and Consequence: Adam and Eve chose rebellion, not foreseeing its consequences. Mary chose surrender, trusting God's goodness even amidst uncertainty. We are reminded: we control our actions, not their outcomes.Creation and Incarnation: Adam and Eve were created but not born, bearing no belly buttons—a symbol of their unique origin. Jesus was born but not created, affirming his eternal existence. Mary bridges the two, being both a descendant of Adam and the mother of her Creator.Passing on Humanity and Sin: Adam and Eve pass on a nature of dust—sin and rebellion. Mary, as Jesus's mother, passes on humanity, not sinlessness (contrary to some traditions), proving salvation is by grace, not works.Second Adam: Paul equates Jesus and Adam, stating Jesus is the "life-giving spirit." Mary becomes a vessel of grace, not its source, just as Adam and Eve are vessels of sin, not its origin.Garden Parallels: Adam and Eve's failure in Eden contrasts with Jesus's victory in Gethsemane. Where Adam was silent, Jesus faced his trials alone, faithfully surrendering.Tree of Life: Adam and Eve chose the tree of knowledge, bringing death. Jesus—born to die—offers access to the tree of life, opening paradise to believers, reversing the curse.Blessing and Curse: Mary receives both blessing and curse, echoing Adam and Eve's experience. Yet her surrender transforms curse into blessing—her obedience stands in contrast to Adam and Eve's blame-shifting.Scripture invites us to gaze at Jesus, the bridge between Old and New Testaments. Our identity is found only by answering, "Who do you say that I am?" Like Mary, we are called to surrender, transforming uncertainty into destiny. Our lives are blessed when rooted in Christ—the source of life, hope, and redemption.APPLICATION QUESTIONSHere are some questions for your time in Scripture this week, following in the footsteps of this conversation:1.      What is the significance of Adam and Eve being created but never born, and Jesus being born but never created? How does this highlight the uniqueness of both creation and incarnation?2.      In what ways does the symbolism of gardens—Eden and Gethsemane—illustrate the journey from separation to restoration with God?3.      How does the contrast between the two trees in Eden (Tree of Life and Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil) inform our understanding of free will and the choices we make about who Jesus is to us?4.      Reflect on the concept of "paradise" or "Eden" as described in this lesson. How does seeing Jesus as the way back to Eden impact your spiritual walk?5.      Mary responded to God with "May it be done to me as you will." In what areas of your life do you feel challenged to respond to God with that same surrendered attitude?Feel free to use these questions for group discussion, personal reflection, or in your quiet time through the week!GO DEEPERWalk alongside unexpected companions from Scripture who have discovered freedom in their God-given identity. They have dared to answer Jesus' question to them, "Who do you say that I AM?" and, in the process, have heard Him answer their own question to Him - "Jesus, who do YOU say that I am?"Consider our full Gospel Spice Course, UNEXPECTED COMPANIONS, available at https://www.gospelspice.com/unexpected Use coupon code HEART for 25% off this course and every course on Gospel Spice at https://www.gospelspice.com/store Imagine a conversation between, for example, Jacob and Peter about Jesus Christ. And then, imagine joining in the conversation to share your own perspective! We will approach the pages of Scripture each week by comparing and contrasting one person from the Old Testament with one person from the New Testament in order to draw parallels from their lives and experiences that we can then apply to our own lives. Of course, the Old Testament person has never technically met Jesus, but the pages of the Old Testament are replete with prophecies and types of Christ to point us to Him. So, with each session, we are inviting an unexpected pair of biblical heroes around a coffee date, and we let them chat about their own personal life experience and how it reveals God. We will find that our own experience of Jesus Christ will echo theirs in more ways than one! By the end of our time together, we will be able to give a fuller answer to Jesus' question to each one of us—“who do you say that I AM?” We will also be able to hear His answer to our own question to Him—”Jesus, who do You say that I am?”We are intentionally choosing unexpected pairs from Scripture – someone from the Old Testament and someone from the New Testament that you may never before have thought to pair up. It will keep things spicy and interesting! Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

We live in a world that tells us we can be anything we want. But is that even something we should wish for? What if our greatest freedom came, not from choosing who we are, but from embracing the fullness of who God made us to be? And what if God has wired us to be our freest, best selves when we become who Jesus says we are in Him? Finally, what if it took one another to discover more fully who we are in Christ, and who He is in us?In today's and next week's episodes, Stephanie explores how the lives of Adam and Eve, the first humans, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, serve as unexpected companions in the story of Scripture. Their experiences help us answer Jesus's central question: "Who do you say that I am?" Together, they offer distinct perspectives that deepen our understanding of who Christ is and who we are in Him.This is Part 1 of this teaching. Part 2 will be available next week! Scroll to the bottom of these shownotes for application questions relevant to Part 1 of this teaching. Here's more:Both Adam and Eve and Mary faced a common enemy—the serpent, the epitome of evil and deception. For Adam and Eve, the serpent was literal; for Mary, it manifested in cultural pressures and theological misunderstandings about the Messiah. We, too, face our own serpents today—temptations and misunderstandings that threaten our faith.They also were witnesses to God's grace through forms of incarnation. Adam and Eve experienced creation, while Mary witnessed the birth of Jesus, God made flesh. Both sets of experiences pointed to the unfolding of God's salvation story.Death and Resurrection: Adam and Eve endured the first human death—Abel's murder—a result of their choice and the entrance of evil. Mary witnessed her son's crucifixion, the ultimate act of innocent suffering, completing the cycle begun by Abel. Jesus's death is portrayed as the "last death," closing the loop and offering resurrection life.Choice and Consequence: Adam and Eve chose rebellion, not foreseeing its consequences. Mary chose surrender, trusting God's goodness even amidst uncertainty. We are reminded: we control our actions, not their outcomes.Creation and Incarnation: Adam and Eve were created but not born, bearing no belly buttons—a symbol of their unique origin. Jesus was born but not created, affirming his eternal existence. Mary bridges the two, being both a descendant of Adam and the mother of her Creator.Passing on Humanity and Sin: Adam and Eve pass on a nature of dust—sin and rebellion. Mary, as Jesus's mother, passes on humanity, not sinlessness (contrary to some traditions), proving salvation is by grace, not works.Second Adam: Paul equates Jesus and Adam, stating Jesus is the "life-giving spirit." Mary becomes a vessel of grace, not its source, just as Adam and Eve are vessels of sin, not its origin.Garden Parallels: Adam and Eve's failure in Eden contrasts with Jesus's victory in Gethsemane. Where Adam was silent, Jesus faced his trials alone, faithfully surrendering.Tree of Life: Adam and Eve chose the tree of knowledge, bringing death. Jesus—born to die—offers access to the tree of life, opening paradise to believers, reversing the curse.Blessing and Curse: Mary receives both blessing and curse, echoing Adam and Eve's experience. Yet her surrender transforms curse into blessing—her obedience stands in contrast to Adam and Eve's blame-shifting.Conclusion | Scripture invites us to gaze at Jesus, the bridge between Old and New Testaments. Our identity is found only by answering, "Who do you say that I am?" Like Mary, we are called to surrender, transforming uncertainty into destiny. Our lives are blessed when rooted in Christ—the source of life, hope, and redemption.APPLICATION QUESTIONSHere are some questions for your time in Scripture this week, following in the footsteps of this conversation:1.      How does the question Jesus asks in the Gospels, "Who do you say that I am?" resonate with you personally after hearing this lesson?2.      In what ways does comparing Old Testament and New Testament figures, like Adam & Eve with Mary, help you gain a deeper understanding of Jesus?3.      What common enemy did Adam and Eve and Mary face, and how does that relate to the adversities or "serpents" we encounter today?4.      How do the experiences of loss—like Adam and Eve grieving Abel and Mary witnessing Jesus's death—shape our perspective on suffering and hope?5.      Discuss the differences between Adam and Eve's initial response to God's command and Mary's surrender to God's will. What lessons can we draw for our own lives?Feel free to use these questions for group discussion, personal reflection, or in your quiet time through the week!GO DEEPERWalk alongside unexpected companions from Scripture who have discovered freedom in their God-given identity. They have dared to answer Jesus' question to them, "Who do you say that I AM?" and, in the process, have heard Him answer their own question to Him - "Jesus, who do YOU say that I am?"Consider our full Gospel Spice Course, UNEXPECTED COMPANIONS, available at https://www.gospelspice.com/unexpected Use coupon code HEART for 25% off this course and every course on Gospel Spice at https://www.gospelspice.com/store Imagine a conversation between, for example, Jacob and Peter about Jesus Christ. And then, imagine joining in the conversation to share your own perspective! We will approach the pages of Scripture each week by comparing and contrasting one person from the Old Testament with one person from the New Testament in order to draw parallels from their lives and experiences that we can then apply to our own lives. Of course, the Old Testament person has never technically met Jesus, but the pages of the Old Testament are replete with prophecies and types of Christ to point us to Him. So, with each session, we are inviting an unexpected pair of biblical heroes around a coffee date, and we let them chat about their own personal life experience and how it reveals God. We will find that our own experience of Jesus Christ will echo theirs in more ways than one! By the end of our time together, we will be able to give a fuller answer to Jesus' question to each one of us—“who do you say that I AM?” We will also be able to hear His answer to our own question to Him—”Jesus, who do You say that I am?”We are intentionally choosing unexpected pairs from Scripture – someone from the Old Testament and someone from the New Testament that you may never before have thought to pair up. It will keep things spicy and interesting! Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

A tiny course correction can change everything—our daily choices are quietly shaping a direction that leads somewhere. In Romans 6, Paul invites us to look honestly at the fruit of our lives and reminds us that we're not choosing isolated moments, but a trajectory that leads either toward death or toward life in Jesus. The good news is that through Christ, we've been set free to walk a new road—one formed not by what we earn, but by the gift of grace that leads to true life.Catch the sermon on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or bridge.tv/sermons.To support this ministry and help us continue our God given mission, click here: http://bit.ly/2NZkdrCSupport the show

Who Is Jesus? Pride, Jealousy, and the Battle for Belief – John 7:25–52 In this episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane dive into John 7:25–52, where confusion, pride, and jealousy collide around one central question: Who is Jesus? As the crowd debates His identity and the religious leaders resist Him, we see how hardened hearts can miss what's right in front of them. Together, they unpack how pride can block revelation, how jealousy distorts truth, and why humility is essential to truly see Jesus for who He is. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts—are we open to truth, or are we filtering Jesus through our own expectations? If you've ever wrestled with doubt, comparison, or control, this conversation will call you back to simple, surrendered belief. Is there anything in my heart—pride, fear, or expectation—that's keeping me from fully seeing Jesus for who He is? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

What if the way you see Jesus isn't fully accurate? In Luke 7, we encounter two powerful moments that challenge our assumptions and expand our understanding of who Jesus really is. From a Roman centurion with unexpected faith to a grieving widow met with deep compassion, we see a Savior who is both fully authoritative and deeply personal. This message walks through how our view of Jesus shapes everything—our faith, our trust, and ultimately how we live. If Jesus truly is who He says He is, then we can't stay the same.• A surprising faith: how a centurion recognized Jesus' authority more clearly than those who knew Scripture• A compassionate Savior: how Jesus steps into pain uninvited and brings life where there was none• A defining question: what you believe about Jesus will determine how you respond to HimKey Scriptures: Luke 7:1–17Matthew 8:5–131 Kings 17:17–24Hebrews 11:6If Jesus is more powerful and more compassionate than you imagined, what does that mean for your life today? Take a step of faith—trust Him not just in what you know, but in how you live. Share this message with someone who needs to see Jesus more clearly.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Chad Beckman | April 19, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship