Podcasts about why jesus

Christmas doesn't always feel joyful.For many of us, it feels heavy… lonely… or painful.

Have you ever wondered why nobody made room for a pregnant woman about to give birth to the Savior of the world?

This Christmas, many of us are carrying more than joy—stress, loss, unanswered questions, or a sense of distance from God.The heart of Christmas reminds us of this truth: God didn't wait for us to find Him—Jesus came to find us.In this message, we'll step into the Christmas story and see why worship is more than a song—it's a response to who Jesus is and what He's done. Through the stories of Mary and the Wise Men,we'll discover how worship turns chaos into calm, striving into trust, and emptiness into deep, lasting joy.You'll hear:Why Jesus is Immanuel—God with us, even in hard seasonsHow worship brings peace when life doesn't get easierWhy bowing our hearts before Jesus leads to freedom and restThis message is for anyone feeling tired, distant, or searching for something more this Christmas.Come and see. Come as you are. Come ready to bow your heart and worship Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25 The post #3 Why Jesus is the Presence of Hope appeared first on Trinity Church Mount Barker.

Pastor Kyle walks through Luke 2:1-20, showing how God announces the birth of Jesus in an unexpected way to ordinary, overlooked shepherds in the middle of the night. Set against the power of Caesar and the noise of a busy world, this passage reveals that God's good news doesn't arrive through strength, status, or spectacle, but through humility, grace, and divine initiative. This message invites us to slow down and reconsider what we are beholding this Christmas. In a world marked by fear, distraction, and broken peace, we are reminded that true joy flows from good news, real peace comes from giving God glory, and salvation is found not in what we do but in what Christ has done. The Savior has come not to impress the powerful, but to rescue the lost. Jesus enters our darkness with light, our fear with joy, and our striving with grace, inviting us to behold Him, believe the good news, and live transformed lives marked by worship, peace, and praise. In this message, we see: - How God uses ordinary people and unexpected moments to reveal His greatest work - Why the announcement of Jesus' birth is good news—not good advice - The difference between temporary happiness and lasting joy rooted in the gospel - How beholding Christ shapes who we are becoming - Why Jesus enters the mess of our world rather than avoiding it - How God's upside-down kingdom welcomes outsiders and the forgotten - Why glory to God and peace for humanity are inseparably connected

Christmas is one of the most meaningful seasons of the year.It's full of joy, generosity, family, and tradition — and yes, sometimes a little pressure too. Between gifts, meals, schedules, and expectations, it can feel like a lot to carry.But what if Christmas isn't just something to get through?In this solo episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick explores why Christmas is actually one of the greatest leadership stories ever told. Long before Jesus ever preached or led publicly, leadership was already being shaped through humility, restraint, and power under control.This conversation looks at: • Why Christmas can feel demanding and meaningful at the same time • How expectations can overshadow what really matters • Why Jesus modeled leadership through humility and presence • What “power under control” looks like in real life • How leadership always shows up first in relationships • Why self-care is stewardship, not indulgenceThis episode is thoughtful, encouraging, and practical — designed to help you slow down, reflect, and lead well during this season.Support the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTube SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube

Isn't it beautiful that the deepest meaning of Christmas is found in the One who first gave Himself to us? In this Christmas episode, John continues part two of his Christmas to Remember series, inviting us to step beyond the noise of the season and seek its spiritual core. Through the beloved story “The Man and the Birds,” popularized by Paul Harvey, he offers a vivid picture of God’s compassion and the miracle of Christ coming near, on the rich invitation behind Adeste Fideles (“O Come, All Ye Faithful”) and how its message still calls our hearts today. With gentle guidance and meaningful insight, he encourages us to pause, remember Christ’s gift again, and consider who in our lives may need a simple invitation to experience the wonder of Christmas Eve. In this episode, John discusses:  Stepping away from holiday stress to rediscover the spiritual heart of Christmas The powerful message of The Man and the Birds and how it illustrates God’s love The personal invitation of Adeste Fideles (“O Come All Ye Faithful”) and what it calls us toward Why Jesus is the ultimate gift that gives meaning to every other gift we give Key Takeaways: Christmas is a revelation of God drawing near, stepping into our world so we could understand His love in a way we would never grasp on our own. Every act of giving, kindness, or generosity this season becomes a small reflection of God’s heart, who gave Himself fully and freely. Before we give anything away this season, we’re invited to rest in Jesus, remember Him, and let His presence shape our celebrations. Christmas Eve offers a simple but meaningful opportunity to extend an invitation—one conversation, one question, can open a door for someone to encounter the heart of Christmas. “Christ is not one of the gifts under the tree. He is the gift above the tree.”   CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL!   MUSIC: Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) Howard Kopp (Chimes) and Philip Hauser (Organ) (1917) - YouTube - posted by 'Hankfan Hankfan Christmas'  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z65WouWzxwM VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES in THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!  

 A conversation about WHY Jesus arrived, WHO He arrived for and HOW He arrived. 

In a world marked by uncertainty, fear, and hardship, hope can feel fragile—or even unrealistic. But in this Advent message, Pastor Corey walks through 1 Peter 1 and Isaiah 7 to show that the hope God offers is not wishful thinking or blind optimism—it's stubborn, resilient, and secure.From Winston Churchill's refusal to surrender during World War II to King Ahaz trembling before overwhelming enemies, Scripture reminds us that true hope is not rooted in circumstances, but in confidence. When Judah faced invasion and fear gripped the nation, God gave a sign that pointed far beyond the moment—a promise of Immanuel, God with us.This message reveals how the birth of Jesus is a hope that holds—not just for Israel then, but for believers now. While hope killers like past pain, uncertainty about the future, health struggles, broken relationships, or financial pressure can leave hearts weary, God offers a living hope grounded in His faithfulness and proven track record throughout history.Biblical hope isn't passive—it's a confident expectation anchored in who God is and what He has already done. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, our hope is alive, secure, and eternal.If you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or worn down by life, this message will remind you where lasting hope is found—and why it never fails.✔ Why Christian hope is confident, not circumstantial✔ How God's faithfulness in the past fuels hope for the future✔ Why Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises✔ How to hold onto hope in seasons of hardship✔ Why setting your hope on Christ leads to sustained enduranceShare this message with someone who needs to be reminded that no matter how dark things feel, our hope is alive—and it holds.

Our culture often defines love as emotion, affirmation, or sentiment. But Jesus defines love differently: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” In this Advent message, Pastor Nathan teaches from John 14 that true love for Jesus is not mental assent or spiritual feelings—but a life shaped by obedience, holiness, and submission to His Lordship. This kind of love is only possible because of the grace of God at work in us through Christ. 

Matthew 1:1-17 The post #2 Why Jesus is the Promise of Hope appeared first on Trinity Church Mount Barker.

In this lesson from our Hebrews class, we continue our study through Hebrews chapters 1 and 2, focusing on why Jesus is greater than the angels and why His message carries ultimate authority. Written to Jewish Christians struggling with whether following Jesus was worth the cost, Hebrews makes a powerful case that Christ is not just another messenger from God—He is God's Son.We explore how God previously spoke through prophets and angels, but now speaks through His Son, and what that means for believers today. The lesson highlights Jesus' humility in becoming “a little lower than the angels,” His suffering and death on our behalf, and His role as our merciful and faithful High Priest.This episode also emphasizes Jesus' relationship with believers—not ashamed to call us brethren—and how His incarnation enables Him to sympathize with our weaknesses and help us in times of temptation.Key themes include:Why Jesus is greater than the angelsThe danger of neglecting Christ's messageJesus' suffering, death, and victory over the power of deathChrist as our Brother, High Priest, and SaviorOld Testament connections from Psalms and IsaiahThis class reminds us that Jesus is not only enough—He is supreme.

As we enter the Christmas season, we see a lot of Nativity scenes/sets and hear a lot about Jesus Christ's birth. Have you ever wondered WHY Jesus was born; what makes His birth so special; or what should it mean to us, today? Listen as Pastor Kyle addresses these issues as he begins a mini-series for Christmas.

In this message, we step into “The Awe of Christmas” by tracing God's redemptive story from Malachi to Luke to John—from 400 years of silence to the arrival of Jesus Christ. Through the promise of Elijah, the birth of John the Baptist, and the coming of the true Light of the world, we see how God was never absent—He was always at work.This sermon reminds us that Christmas is more than busy schedules, gifts, and traditions. It's about heaven coming down, God with us, and a Savior who didn't just arrive in a manger—but came to carry away the sins of the world.✨ In this message, you'll discover: • Why God's silence is never God's absence • How the promise in Malachi is fulfilled through John the Baptist • What it means to find awe in the waiting and awe in the arrival • Why Jesus is called the Lamb of God who takes away our sin • How Christmas proves God keeps every promise He has ever madeWhether you're feeling overwhelmed, distracted, doubtful, or longing for hope, this message points us back to the heart of Christmas—our greatest need met in Jesus Christ.“Our biggest need isn't wrapped under the tree.It was wrapped in swaddling clothes… and later carried to the cross.”

Isaiah 7:1-17 John Warner – Isaiah The post #1 Why Jesus is the Hope for the Hopeless appeared first on Trinity Church Mount Barker.

Sermon Series: THE PROMISE FULFILLED — A 4-Week Advent JourneyPastor Verna DeHart | Soul Harvest Worship CenterMessage Date: December 7, 2025Before the angels rejoiced, before the shepherds watched, before the wise men traveled… there was a whisper of Christmas spoken in the Garden of Eden.In this Advent message, Pastor Verna DeHart takes us back to Genesis to reveal the very first prophetic promise of Jesus — a promise spoken immediately after the fall, proving that God's plan of redemption was set into motion long before humanity even knew it needed saving.This message will strengthen your faith and remind you that the same God who fulfilled His promise in Christ will also keep every promise spoken over your life.In This Episode You'll Discover:• How the fall in Genesis 3 did not derail God's plan• Why Genesis 3:15 is the very first promise of Jesus• How the “Seed of the Woman” points to the virgin birth• How the promise was preserved through generations• Why Jesus' resurrection is the fulfillment of the serpent's crushed head• What this means for your life, purpose, and future

In this final episode of the Psychic Liberation series, we explore the hidden esoteric technology of Jesus and why his message is still the most powerful blueprint for spiritual sovereignty, abundance, and liberation from fear.This is not religious dogma.This is not theology.This is the Christ Code—the original transmission that dissolves hierarchy, shame, punishment, and the war-based consciousness of the Lack Matrix.In this conversation, we uncover:✨ The debt–forgiveness code and why Jesus begins with “the debt is already paid”✨ How Christ embodies the Cosmic Jubilee that resets the human psyche✨ Why forgiveness is the master key to breaking trauma contracts and war consciousness✨ How the Lack Matrix inverted Jesus' message into control, shame, and spiritual abuse✨ Why “giving your life to Jesus” means living from the liberation operating system✨ How Perfect Love casts out fear and ends the psychic economy of punishment✨ Why Jesus is the original anomaly who broke the spiritual algorithm from the inside✨ The Christ Frequency as the path to creative sovereignty and true abundance✨ How empaths and sensitives can recognize Christ Consciousness as their natural state.Whether you believe Jesus was a historical figure, an archetype, a myth, or a consciousness—his teachings hold the code for exiting the Lack Matrix and returning to the Abundance Field.This episode is for you if you're:*An empath or intuitive coming out of religious trauma*A mystic or creator reclaiming your sovereignty*Someone raised in a closed belief system*A spiritual entrepreneur or anomaly leader exploring Christ Consciousness*Anyone seeking a direct, intimate connection with Source beyond hierarchyChrist didn't come to create a new cult.Christ came to end the cult of lack.If you resonate with this transmission, comment below and let me know what part activated you the most.✨ WANT TO GO DEEPER?

Midweek Move: Jesus's Death and Direct Access to God (Mark 15:33-41) Join Dallas and Carlos Renfroe as they dive into the final, dark moments of Jesus's life. We examine the supernatural darkness, Jesus's cry of separation, the prophetic tearing of the Temple Curtain, and the faith of the Centurion who became the first Gentile convert. We also offer practical advice for trusting God when facing your own dark seasons of suffering. Listen as we discuss: The supernatural three hours of darkness over the whole land and the agony of the crucifixion process. Why Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" as He bore the sin of the world. Practical ways to rely on "stones of remembrance" and God's promises during difficult times. The profound significance of the Temple Curtain tearing, granting direct access to the Father through Christ. The Roman Centurion's declaration ("Truly this man was the Son of God") and encouragement for praying for unlikely converts. The role of Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome as faithful witnesses who stayed when the other disciples fled.   ==========

In this episode, Dr. Greg and Fr. Colin Lomnitzer dive into the real St. Joseph—the man who quietly shaped Jesus' courage, work, identity, and tenderness far more than most people realize. For anyone wrestling with father wounds, questions about masculinity, or mission, this conversation offers a powerful and healing perspective.   Key Topics: The surprising ways Joseph reverses generations of wounded fatherhood stretching from Adam to Abraham The invitation to let Joseph father you where your own story carries hurt, fear, or mistrust Why Jesus needed a real mother and a real father—and what that means for your own healing The hidden "reparenting" offered through baptism and why Mary and Joseph matter for your emotional life The overlooked link between Joseph's example and how Jesus treated women in the Gospels Why the Church may be recovering a deeper understanding of Joseph right when the world needs fathers most Learn More: Connect with Fr. Colin Lomnitzer — Discover more about Fr. Colin's ministry accompanying newly-ordained priests. From the Desk of Fr. Lomnitzer (Substack) – Reflections, notes, and insights from life as a Catholic priest. Guardian of the Redeemer – St. John Paul II's apostolic exhortation on the person and mission of St. Joseph "Double Trinity" Painting – The artwork featured on Fr. Colin's ordination card  Consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph – A 44-day deep dive into the life and meaning of St. Joseph and Our Lady as they relate to our integrated human journey growing closer in union with Jesus Christ. Related episodes on fatherhood and masculinity: Ep. 163: Leading with Weakness: Authenticity in Fatherhood Ep. 248: The Hard Part about Being Dads and How to Do It Well Ep. 31: What Everyone Gets Wrong about St. Joseph  Understanding "Development of Doctrine" (Referenced in this Episode) – Learn more in Being Human Episode 250 Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

12-07-2025 - Why Jesus by Pastor Adam Bennett

In this episode, Petia breaks down the popular New Age idea of “Christ consciousness” and explains why it doesn't align with biblical Christianity. Learn what the New Age means by this term, why it can create confusion for believers, and what Scripture actually teaches about transformation, the Holy Spirit, and having the mind of Christ. --- ### **What You'll Learn** • What “Christ consciousness” means in the New Age  • Why it is *not* a biblical concept  • The difference between spiritual awakening and Holy Spirit transformation  • What the Bible teaches about the mind of Christ  • How to recognize subtle New Age beliefs that sound spiritual but are unbiblical  • Why Jesus is a Person, not a consciousness  --- ### **Key Scriptures** - 1 Corinthians 2:16 – The mind of Christ  - Romans 12:2 – Transformation by renewing of the mind  - 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Becoming more Christlike  - John 14:6 – Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life  --- ### **Call to Action** If this episode brought clarity for you, you're invited to join my **free online Bible study, Deeply Devoted** — a safe, Scripture-rooted community of women growing in truth, discernment, and intimacy with Jesus.  Click here to join us: **https://bit.ly/DeeplyDevotedBIBLEstudy**  Come study with us, ask questions, and build deep Christ-centered friendships!

Every year, Advent shows up with candles, wreaths… and, strangely enough, apocalyptic readings. And if you've ever thought, “Wait—why are we talking about the end of the world when we're gearing up for twinkle lights and baby Jesus?”—you're in good company.In this episode, I'm talking about why the church calendar always begins with the end. Why Jesus keeps bringing up apocalyptic moments. And why “apocalypse” doesn't really mean destruction—it's about transformation.I share a story about binge-watching House when my daughter Evelyn was a newborn (yes, really), and how a cliffhanger episode helped me understand what Advent is actually trying to teach us: We don't know every detail of what's ahead, but we do know how the story ends—with God gathering all things in love.And maybe that's why Martin Luther could say, “If I knew the world was going to end tomorrow, I'd still plant my apple tree today.” Because faith in an apocalyptic God isn't about fear—it's about hope. It's about trusting that God is already in the future, pulling us toward something good, something whole, something new.As we step into Bethany's Advent theme, The Beginning of Everything, I pray this episode helps you hear those apocalyptic texts not as doom, but as a promise: Something new is beginning. Something hopeful. Something God-shaped.Thanks for listening, and as always—stay in peace.Sunday School Remix is a new Together 4 Good series re-examining familiar Bible stories to uncover what they really tell us about faith, humanity, and grace today.

Dr. Chris Croghan joins Scripture First to break down the many preaching moments found in this lectionary text about John the Baptist including: Why the wilderness is significant,The definition of repentance,The definition of the kingdom of heaven,Why Jesus calls the Pharisees and Sadducees a brood of vipers, And why you don't need to fear when you hear that the ax is lying at the root of the tree and Jesus has his winnowing fork in his hands.You don't need to make yourself into wheat. You need to receive a promise of forgiveness. CHALLENGE GRANTA Luther House of Study donor is sponsoring a challenge grant. If you sponsor one podcast episode by the end of the year, another podcast episode will be sponsored on your behalf. If you'd like to have your donation doubled, email Sarah Stenson at sarah@lhos.org or go to lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - Addiction GOSPEL Matthew 3:1-12 1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" 4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this week's Follow Up episode, Pastors Jack and Arlen dive deeper into John 8 — one of the most theologically dense and debated chapters in the New Testament. They discuss why Jesus says He is “the light of the world,” what it means that He uses the divine name “I AM,” and how to think about faith when people ask for more “proof.”They also address the famous passage of the woman caught in adultery — why it appears in some Bibles and not others — and why textual transparency actually strengthens rather than weakens our confidence in Scripture.Other themes include:• How assumptions distort our view of Jesus• Why every worldview relies on faith• How logic and experience work together• The tension of truth and grace• Why Jesus' clarity is actually compassionThis episode offers a grounded, pastoral, and thoughtful exploration of what Jesus claimed about Himself — and what that means for us today.

My hunch is that the whole Christmas thing began well before that starry night in Bethlehem. A long time before. Question is – how come God came up with it? IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE I have to tell you it Is hard to believe that we are on the home straight again – just turned that corner into December again – the end of another year. The shops are full of Christmas decorations. You know, it seems like just yesterday it was January and here we are, another one over – it's hard to believe. As I sat down this year to think about messages for December, you know, the whole Christmas, New Year thing, I just felt that this year, we need to take some time and start looking and talking about Christmas just a bit early. You know this whole rush, rush, rush thing that many of us go through and then in the middle of it all, in this clamber and noise and busyness, the end of the year, you hear ministers talking about the "real meaning of Christmas" – yea, right! I just want to get over the line; I just want to finish the year. Ever thought about this – the challenge for ministers and people like me is to talk about Christmas each year. In part there's a sense of, "Well, what do I say? I mean, it's Christmas – we all know the story; we all know the meaning." Do we, really? Rush, rush, rush, buy the turkey, the Christmas pantomime and then it's all over. And all the time you know, people are living lives that fall so short of, well, a full life; a satisfying life. Now sometimes people criticise me for saying things like that. "You religious people are always telling us that our lives fall short; you tell us something is missing; you tell us this and that". There's a tension between what I call the advertising industry view of the world, on the one hand and, you know, the glossy images of success we are all trying to live up to and the reality on the other. And it's not just me – there's a great song by Sting a few years ago called, "Message in a Bottle" – remember that one? This is how the lyrics start off: Just a castaway, an island lost at sea.Oh another lonely day and no one here but me. Oh more loneliness than any man could bear Rescue me before I fall into despair. I'll send you an SOS to the world I hope that someone gets my message in a bottle. And it finishes up like this: Walked out this morning, don't believe what I saw Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore. Seems I'm not alone at being alone. Hundred billion castaways looking for a home. I'll send an SOS to the world I hope that someone gets my message in a bottle. It's a song that connected with a lot of people. It's a song that tells it just the way things are for so many people. It flips under that thin veneer of so called "success" – all those glossy, successful images the advertising industry used to get us to buy their stuff. And somehow, this song, "Message in a Bottle", speaks to the heart – it's real. So what are you saying, Berni, that we are all a bunch of losers? No, not that. Look around – there are so many people succeeding; doing amazing things: they're talented; their able; their committed – there's lots of good stuff happening in the world. Mixed up with lots of bad stuff too – it's always been that way. I guess though, I want to think for a moment about this whole "Message in a Bottle" thing. Is it true? Are there a whole bunch of lonely people out there? I was reading an article in the weekend newspaper the other day about the internet and blogging. The word 'blog' is short for 'weblog'. It's where people, mostly young, but plenty of not so young as well, get on line on the internet and they share their thoughts and their photos and their videos on this – it's like a personal billboard – for the whole world to see. How many people do you think there are on the internet, blogging – you know, people with their own personal blog sites? Over a hundred million! A hundred million – all sending out their 'message in a bottle' – all crying out to be noticed; all wanting to be significant. I asked my daughter – "what's it all about – I mean, you know, why do you do this blogging thing?" And she said it's all about how many friends you can have subscribing to your blog – whether it's on myspace.com or youtube or – it seems like this "message in a bottle" thing is happening in a way today, that Sting could never have imagined when he wrote that song a few years ago. Maybe you're not a blogger – I'm not – but you know what I'm talking about. There's this search for significance; looking for that place where, finally "I've found myself. I've discovered who I am. There's a deep sense of satisfaction about life and me and how I fit in." Well, often it's not so much about our circumstances but just about finding who we are and connecting and knowing why we are here and what our future is and where we're going. People are sending out their message in a bottle in the most amazing way. Sometimes it's through crime – it's about attention; about wanting to be noticed and needed. Yet the vast majority, I believe, live out life without ever really discovering who they are and why they're here and where they are going. Here we are at the beginning of December, hurtling towards Christmas. I know what you are thinking! 'Isn't it a bit too early for you to be talking about Christmas, Berni? Well not really – the shops have had their Christmas decorations up for weeks now. We are taking an early look at Christmas over these next few weeks because Christmas started well before Christmas; well before that starry night in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. The first Christmas started a long time before that. We know that Christmas probably wasn't in December because the shepherds were unlikely to be tending their flocks out by night in the middle of winter. And I guess, we all kind of know the Christmas story, the whole baby Jesus, born in a manger thing – Mary and Joseph and the donkey and the shepherds and the wise men from the East – all that stuff. But my hunch is the whole Christmas thing started well before that night in Bethlehem.   A RADICAL CONCEPT I was saying before that the whole Christmas thing started well before that night in Bethlehem. In fact, we know that it did. If you look through the Old Testament – if you've got a Bible, grab it because we are going to go there in a minute – the old Hebrew Scriptures, thirty nine books, written by different people over many centuries before Jesus was born. And the Old Testament contains a whole bunch of predictions or prophesies about Jesus – some are very, very specific, like: He would be born in Bethlehem, born of a virgin, of the tribe of Judah, the house of David – well over a hundred and that's a conservative estimate. It predicted how He would die; it predicted there would be soldiers gambling away His clothes; all sorts of things, things that Jesus would have found pretty hard to arrange for Himself, unless of course, He was who He says He was. Kind of a weird thing – what was God up to? Why are these predictions throughout the Old Testament about Jesus the Son of God? In fact, can I ask even a more direct question than that? Why Jesus at all? I mean why send Jesus His only Son to become a man and ultimately to die for you and me? Why not just forgive us and be done with it. I mean, I'm sorry to sound cynical, but why the theatrics? This is how I used to think. Not bad questions really. One of these places in the Old Testament that points forward to Jesus and shows us the shepherd heart of God happens in the Book of Ezekiel, chapter 34. If you've got a Bible, open it up; let's go to Ezekiel, chapter 34 and verse 11 – this is what it says: I myself will search for My sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so I will look after My sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. And again in verse 16: I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd My flock with justice. There's this sense of the heart of a shepherd and you see it right through the Old Testament, over and over again, God talking about His shepherd heart; His heart to be in our midst. What if God saw all our bottles lying on that beach, like we heard in that song; the lyrics from "Message in a Bottle"? What if He heard the cry of our hearts? What if God always knew that the only way to still our hearts and satisfy our souls was for us to know Him? What if, well, what if Jesus is God's "Message in a Bottle" to us; to you and me? For me the constant theme of the Bible, from beginning to end, is God's heart to be in our midst. You see it over and over and over again. Remember the Exodus, when God heard the cry of His people who were oppressed in Egypt as slaves and He sends Moses to Pharaoh to tell Pharaoh, "Let My people go." And so eventually they flee and God protects them and they pass through the Red Sea and then they spend forty years in the wilderness. Let me ask you, where's God in all of this? Where's God in the wilderness? Come with me to Exodus, chapter 40 – the last chapter in the Book of Exodus – we'll have a look at verses 1 to 5. It says this: Then the Lord said to Moses, "Set up the Tabernacle or the Tent of the Meeting Place on the first day of the first month. Place the Ark of the Covenant in it and shield the Ark with a curtain. Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it, then bring in the lamp stand and set up its lamps. Place the gold alter of incense in front of the Ark of the Testimony and put the curtain at the entrance to the Tabernacle or the Tent. (The word "tabernacle" means "tent".) And again later in that chapter, beginning at verse 34, it says this: Then, when Moses had done all of these things, a cloud covered the Tent of the Meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tabernacle, they would set out but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out until the day that it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the Tabernacle by day and fire was in the cloud by night in the sight of all the House of Israel during all their travels. See, all the other gods that the different nations worshipped were up on hills – they lived in temples. That's why the Old Testament talks about and condemns the high places because people had to go to those tin-pot little gods and idols up on the temples on hills and worshipped them – the people went to the gods. But the real God; the God of Israel – God wanted to be in the midst of His people. This notion was so radically different. I mean, we weren't there and so it's harder for us to appreciate how radically different God's approach is. And He was the only God who was like this. When they camped, the Tabernacle – the Tent of the Meeting; the Tent where God's presence resided – was right in the middle of them. There were twelve tribes of Israel – they would camp three to the north, three to the south, three to the east and three to the west. God was smack, bang in the middle. And you notice what it says here: In all the travels … (Exodus, chapter 40, verse 36) Notice how God uses "all": In 'all' the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tabernacle, they would set out but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the Tabernacle by day, fire was in the cloud by night in the sight of 'all' the House of Israel during 'all' their travels. That's why again, over and over in the Scripture, you read these words and you can read them with me here in Leviticus, chapter 26, verses 11 and 12. God says: I will put My dwelling place among you and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God and you will be My people. Please understand with me, how radical this is – how totally contrary it is to people's expectation about a god – how different the true God is from all the other gods that all the nations worship. Their concept was by and large of appeasing the gods so they wouldn't be punished. Here the God of Israel says, "I'm a God of relationship. I want to be with My people, on their journey, in their midst, all the time, where all the people can see Me." And then the whole of the rest of the story of the Old Testament is about Israel's struggle with God. That word "Israel" literally means "he struggles with God". Over and over again God sent His prophets to call the people back to Him and over and over again Israel rejects God and suffers the consequences. And for me the whole of the Old Testament is kind of screaming out, "IT AIN'T WORKING!" We can't hold up our end of this bargain – we need a different approach – and so it was.   IN THE FLESH Christmas is such a wondrous time and it's true for so many of us, it's easy to miss in the hurly burly of life. I wonder as you chew over the Scriptures we've looked at today how radical is it to you, this shepherd heart of God; this heart that God has to be in our midst? It's one thing to read about it, as God expressed it back then, but here and now? I don't know about you, but I find it easy to forget – to forget that God is on this journey with me. Let's look at Ezekiel's words again. Ezekiel, chapter 34, verse 14: I will tend them in a good pasture and on the mountain heights of Israel will be your grazing ground. There they will lie down in good grazing land and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I, Myself will tend My sheep and have them lie down', declares the sovereign Lord. What's this "lying down" business? Have you ever asked that question? Well, it's shepherd language. See a shepherd knows that sheep will only lie down when they feel safe and when they feel at peace. And often you see it, the shepherd walks in their midst and they start to lie down because they feel safe – they don't feel like they've got to run away from danger. And for God in this language here in Ezekiel, He's saying, "By putting Myself in the midst of the people, I want to bring them peace and rest and joy in a good pasture, in good grazing land where they can feed on rich pasture." So we see God with this amazing heart to be smack, bang in the middle of our lives. And the logical extension of that, as He talks about it in the Old Testament, is He becomes one of us – flesh and blood; human. It's exactly what John writes – he called Jesus "The Word", the expression of who God is; God talking to us and telling us who He is, through Jesus. And the beginning of John's Gospel starts this way: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning and through Him all things were made. Without Him nothing was made that has been made. But look just a bit further down in that same chapter – John, chapter 1, verse 14: Then the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory; the glory of the One and only who came from the Father full of grace and truth. See the next logical step is that God becomes man. And the word that John uses for "made His dwelling among us", means "tabernacle or tent". "The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us," is what John writes here. He pitched His tent right in our midst. What does that remind you of? The Exodus story, we looked at just before on the programme – God on our journey with us. It's come back to the radicalness of this thing that God did. The Son of God becomes the Son of Man. We'll look at that and what it says to us a bit more next week. But talk is cheap, right? Anyone can talk – God can talk but actions speak louder than words – that's what Christmas is about. Christmas is about the shepherd heart of God in action – it's a radical step. God slips quietly into this world in a stable – humble but not unnoticed. At Christmas God slips quietly into our lives and on our journey. How different would our lives look if we truly came to grips with the fact that God is on this journey with us? Maybe I'm thick, but whenever troubles or opposition or tension or temptation comes in my life, I find it very, very easy to forget that, through Jesus God is on this journey with me. Like all the other nations around Israel who had gods out there; gods that they had to go to; gods that they had to shout a distance to; gods that they had to appease, you and I when life gets hard, can be like them. You know what; the only thing that stops me from living my life under the yolk of that terrible misconception is that I spend a lot of time in God's Word. My Rock and my anchor – God is speaking to me every day, through His Word, saying to me, "I am on this journey with you. When I sent My Son to become a man, one of the prime things I was saying to you is that I have come to tabernacle in your midst – I have come to be in this place with you – I have come to walk the roads that you walk, to feel the pain that you feel, to deal with the temptations and the trials that you have to deal with." Jesus is God in our midst. That's why in Isaiah it says: Thou shall call Him Emmanuel – God is with us. And as Jesus walks with us and we walk with Him and we build that relationship, His heart is for us to lie down in good pasture, to have peace. My peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. "I know how you feel, not just because I'm God but because I've walked the road ahead of you. I've dealt with all the things you have to deal with." I don't know about you, I wasn't born in a stable, but my Saviour was. I didn't have to flee King Herod as he tried to kill me, but my Saviour did. Come on! How different would our lives be if we lived them in the certain knowledge that this radical God took this radical step at Christmas? He stepped out of the comfort of heaven onto the dusty roads of Israel, to walk them ahead of me, to be my God, to be with me on my journey, to be with us in our midst.

Wonder Project Trial Here: https://watch.thewonderproject.com/Ruslan0:00 - Jack shares his testimony and encounter with the gospel10:02 - Reaction to The Jesus Revolution and reflections on Chuck Smith16:05 - Signs of revival or awakening in today's generation22:22 - Why some church leaders aren't called to be pastors35:00 - What is dispensationalism? A biblical explanation40:03 - God's covenant with Israel and the danger of replacement theology45:37 - Is modern-day Israel the fulfillment of biblical prophecy?50:26 - Romans 11: Israel's hardening and future redemption54:04 - Israel's politics, morality, and God's promises today1:00:32 - Balanced critique of Israel, Candace Owens, and antisemitism1:05:00 - Why Jesus' return is tied to Jerusalem and Zion1:10:00 - Evangelizing Jews and “forbidden” Old Testament verses1:18:00 - Chuck Smith, failed predictions, and date-setting dangers1:24:00 - Healthy eschatology: “Occupy until I come” mindset1:28:00 - Trump, Christian nationalism, and faith in politics1:34:00 - Immigration, Old Testament law, and real enforcement stories1:40:00 - Trump's character, policy vs. personality, and spiritual impact

In this Thanksgiving episode, we dig into something most of us don't think about, but everyone around us feels: our countenance! How we carry ourselves, the look on our face, and the posture of our heart all reveal who we've been with… and where our hope rests.Using scriptures like Ezekiel 36:26, Exodus 33–34, Mark 6:56, 1 Corinthians 13, and Mark 1:35, we explore how God shapes our attitude and expression when we spend time in His presence. Moses' face literally changed after meeting with God, and ours can too.We talk about:• Why Jesus is relational and knows everything about us• Showing up during the holidays—even when it feels uncomfortable• Praying Scripture over people you're believing God to reach• How your presence at a family gathering might be someone's answered prayer• Why forgiveness is supernatural and why God empowers us to actually forget• How to guard your witness from holiday offenses• The quiet power of setting the tone for your day by meeting with the FatherThis episode is your reminder: you can do this. Someone is praying for one more moment with you this holiday season. Let your countenance reflect who you've been with. Let it shine with the goodness of God.Happy Thanksgiving!

The conversation explores first-century Jewish apocalyptic expectations, drawing on scholarly work about messianic figures and prophetic forerunners. Discover why John's Gospel omits the heavenly voice at Jesus's baptism—because Jesus doesn't need confirmation of his identity. Instead, the baptism becomes John the Baptist's moment of witness, setting up the gospel's major theme: discipleship as testimony.Whether you're preparing Sunday's sermon, leading Bible study, or deepening your understanding of John's unique theological perspective, this episode offers rich insights into witness, identity, and relationship with God. Perfect for preachers, lay leaders, and anyone seeking to understand how John's Christmas season texts invite us to "behold" Emmanuel—God with us.Episode Highlights:* John the Baptist as witness rather than Elijah or "the prophet"* The meaning of "Lamb of God" in Johannine theology* Why Jesus's baptism in John serves a different purpose than in the synoptics* First-century Jewish messianic expectations and apocalyptic figures* "Sin" as separation from God versus moral failure* The "come and see" invitation throughout John's gospelTIMECODES:00:00 Introduction to the Gospel of John03:05 The Role of John the Baptist05:50 Witnessing and Testifying to Jesus09:12 Understanding Sin and Relationship with God

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson and Kathryn Schifferdecker as they welcome Karoline Lewis, Luther Seminary's resident Gospel of John expert, for the first episode in John's gospel year. This timely discussion explores John 1:19-34, perfect for the first Sunday after Christmas and sermon preparation for the Narrative Lectionary. In this episode, the hosts unpack John the Baptist's crucial role as witness rather than baptizer in the Fourth Gospel. Unlike the synoptic gospels, John presents the Baptist not as Elijah or "the prophet," but as one who testifies to Jesus's identity. Caroline Lewis illuminates how John 1:29's declaration—"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"—reveals a profound theological distinction: in John's gospel, "sin" isn't a moral category but describes separation from God. The conversation explores first-century Jewish apocalyptic expectations, drawing on scholarly work about messianic figures and prophetic forerunners. Discover why John's Gospel omits the heavenly voice at Jesus's baptism—because Jesus doesn't need confirmation of his identity. Instead, the baptism becomes John the Baptist's moment of witness, setting up the gospel's major theme: discipleship as testimony. Whether you're preparing Sunday's sermon, leading Bible study, or deepening your understanding of John's unique theological perspective, this episode offers rich insights into witness, identity, and relationship with God. Perfect for preachers, lay leaders, and anyone seeking to understand how John's Christmas season texts invite us to "behold" Emmanuel—God with us. Episode Highlights: * John the Baptist as witness rather than Elijah or "the prophet" * The meaning of "Lamb of God" in Johannine theology * Why Jesus's baptism in John serves a different purpose than in the synoptics * First-century Jewish messianic expectations and apocalyptic figures * "Sin" as separation from God versus moral failure * The "come and see" invitation throughout John's gospel TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to the Gospel of John 03:05 The Role of John the Baptist 05:50 Witnessing and Testifying to Jesus 09:12 Understanding Sin and Relationship with God

In this transformative teaching, Ambassador Elisha unveils a powerful truth many believers have never been taught: Earth belongs to you, not just heaven

In this episode of the Jesus Everyday Podcast, Ethan Callison, Andrew McPheron, and Ken Nienke unpack John 7:37–52, where Jesus stands up on the climactic final day of the Feast of Booths and cries out:“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”This is one of the most powerful scenes in John's Gospel — rich with Old Testament symbolism, dramatic tension, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

In the powerful conclusion to our Resurrection series, Tim and Steve explore what it really means to live in light of Jesus' resurrection.This episode takes a hard look at the way Western theology has drifted into escapism—through rapture teaching, disembodied heaven myths, and even the use of violence in the name of Christ. They unpack the biblical and early church vision of new creation, how our glorified bodies will participate in it, and what happens when we die.

Mark 14:53-72 — What really happened when Jesus stood before the Sanhedrin, and why did His words trigger an immediate death sentence? In this episode, we break down the chaos inside the council chamber, the meaning of Jesus' declaration “I am,” and Peter's painful denial outside in the courtyard. Jesus' trial is the start of the most painful moments of Jesus' life. Today, we examine how the Sanhedrin twisted His words, why His silence mattered, and how His final response was an unmistakable claim to divine authority. We also follow Peter's emotional collapse—what drove him to deny Jesus, and what this moment still teaches us about failure, fear, and restoration. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:01 – Why Mark 14 is so dense (and why slow study matters) 03:29 – Setting the scene: cold night, chaos, fear, and fatigue 05:15 – Peter follows Jesus into danger 06:02 – What Peter may have been thinking in the courtyard 08:17 – False witnesses and twisted testimony 10:23 – When people twist your words—how should Christians respond? 14:52 – Caiaphas confronts Jesus directly 15:37 – Why Jesus finally says “I am” 18:06 – The Sanhedrin's explosive reaction 19:03 – Mocking, spitting, beating, and what those actions meant culturally 22:11 – The brutality and chaos of the moment 24:54 – Peter's three denials begin 26:37 – Emotional collapse and the weight of guilt 27:21 – The warning and the hope in Peter's failure 29:31 – How God restores those who fall

In today's Grateful Rebels message, Pastor Ken Senchal takes us deep into one of the most misunderstood — and most life-changing — principles in Scripture: the biblical tithe. Long before there was a law… long before Israel… long before the church… God was teaching His people to honor Him with their first and best. Abel brought God the firstborn from his flock. Abram brought a tenth to Melchizedek out of honor and gratitude. Jacob declared that everything God gave him, he would return a tenth to the Lord. Tithing wasn't born from rules — it was born from relationship. In this message you'll learn: • Why God uses the tithe to reshape our heart, not deplete our wallet • Why the early church continued the principle of "firstfruits" even after the law • Why Jesus corrected the Pharisees on tithing — not to stop it, but to reset it • How tithing breaks the power of greed, fear, comparison, and self-entitlement • How generosity positions your life under God's blessing • And why the tithe is still divinely blessed today This message isn't about what God wants from you — it's about what God wants for you. Experience the freedom that comes from trusting God first.

Luke LeFevre has been in rooms where God showed up in unexpected ways. From studying historic revivals like the 1950s Hebrides awakening to witnessing Saddleback Church's sacred assembly firsthand, he's watched a pattern emerge—one that suggests we're entering a decades-long season of spiritual renewal in the West.In this episode, Luke shares:Why Gen Z is attending church more than any other generation.The prophetic word he received while flying home from Scotland that changed everything for Saddleback.What Duncan Campbell's Hebrides revival teaches us about holiness and awakening today.Why Jesus' words to the church at Ephesus might be the most relevant message for Western churches right now.His bold prayer for 100 million people to choose to follow Jesus in North America.If you're a pastor or church leader who's been quietly contending for more—this conversation is for you.Links:Website: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnovativeChurchLeaders/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/catalyzingcommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovative-church-leaders/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders Eric Bryant Website: https://ericbryant.org/ Eric Bryant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericmichaelbryant/ Eric Bryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericbryant/ Eric Bryant LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-bryant-397003172/ Eric Bryant X: https://x.com/ericbryant Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-post-christian-podcast/id1509588357 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZeQIrzr2tCMyq1VdwxGNn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this Straight Bible study, we break down Jude 8–10 — one of the most intense and misunderstood passages in the New Testament.Jude warns about “filthy dreamers” who defile the flesh, despise dominion, and reject spiritual authority. In this episode, Matt, Top, and The Raven cross-reference Matthew 23, Titus, Hebrews 12, and 2 Peter to show how Jude exposes false teachers, fake spirituality, and modern church culture that looks holy on the outside but is “full of dead men's bones.”We dig into:

This week at Venture, Don Ross continued our Journey Through Ephesians series with a powerful and challenging message from Ephesians chapter 4:1–16. Speaking into the heart of Paul's words from prison, Don reminds us that unity is our calling — not uniformity, but a shared commitment to the mission of Christ. In a divided world, the church shines brightest when we walk in humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Don also unpacks the gifts of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, explaining how every believer is uniquely equipped to build up the body of Christ. We are not spectators — we are contributors. As each of us steps into obedience, the church grows stronger, healthier, and more unified. This message calls us to maturity, to bold faith, and to using our gifts for the sake of the Kingdom. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Venture Church Online00:21 – Don Ross opens the message00:43 – The early days of Venture: “It'll never take… and here you are.”01:23 – Introduction to Don's network role and ministry02:02 – Don's book resources03:02 – Opening prayer03:10 – The city of Ephesus and why it mirrors Seattle03:37 – The three themes of Ephesians04:00 – Paul's perspective writing from prison04:24 – Why God uses difficult circumstances05:17 – “God allows situations for your good — and others' good.”06:16 – Ephesians 4:1–2 — living worthy of our calling06:50 – Unity in a divided world07:42 – Unity ≠ agreement, unity = shared mission08:26 – Jesus calls Simon the Zealot and Matthew together09:31 – Unity above politics10:18 – You are a citizen of heaven10:33 – Make every effort to keep the unity11:00 – The seven “ones” of unity12:01 – One Father: approaching God with intimacy13:02 – Why Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father”13:45 – One baptism explained14:05 – Baptism in the Holy Spirit14:27 – The power needed to walk in unity15:16 – Water baptism: going public with your faith15:40 – Three types of spiritual gifts16:04 – Gifts of the Father (Romans 12)17:00 – Examples: leadership, teaching, giving18:17 – Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)18:39 – The Holy Spirit activates the gifts19:15 – A story of healing and obedience19:38 – Gifts of the Son (Ephesians 4)20:09 – Christ's ascension and the giving of gifts21:14 – Christ descending and ascending22:10 – The five-fold ministry: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers23:04 – What apostles and prophets do today24:44 – The call of the evangelist25:28 – Evangelism in everyday life26:30 – The role of the pastor — equipping, not replacing27:13 – Obedience: stepping out when the Spirit prompts28:16 – No longer infants tossed by every wind of teaching29:05 – Speak the truth in love30:04 – Every supporting ligament: everyone has a role30:38 – Are you contributing… or consuming?31:22 – Producing fruit vs. being a “sucker” branch31:59 – Response: stepping into obedience32:35 – Prayer33:14 – Closing and next steps33:39 – Don's book table + building expansion reminder33:59 – Thank you for joining Venture Online

Discover the raw truth behind one of the most intense exorcisms in the Gospels. In Mark 9:14-29, Jesus confronts a vicious demon tormenting a boy from infancy—throwing him into fire and water to kill him. The disciples fail. The father wavers. Jesus acts with sovereign authority. But what really angered Jesus wasn't the father's doubt—it was the disciples' self-reliant unbelief.

Discover why the world is not as it seems through a stunning surfing revelation and Jesus' shocking prophecy about Jerusalem's magnificent Temple. In this powerful Pentecost sermon from Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, Dean Malcolm Clemens Young unveils how God's reality of love and joy lies hidden beneath the surface of worldly power—and what this means for us today.  What You'll Discover:  ✅ The surfing moment that revealed paradise hidden in the ordinary gray world   ✅ How Jerusalem's dazzling Temple—covered in gold and silver—seemed permanent but was destined for destruction   ✅ What "apocalyptic" literature really means: an unveiling of hidden truth, not just disaster predictions  ✅ Why Jesus contrasted the wealthy donors with the poor widow who gave everything   ✅ How the early church survived as an illegal religion facing persecution for refusing to worship Roman emperors   ✅ The revolutionary nature of early Christian communities that welcomed everyone equally—slaves and free, men and women, rich and poor   ✅ How the Eucharist became a radical act of love that upended Roman social hierarchy   ✅ Why theologian Karl Barth said Jesus' whole mission is to bring joy—even before faith   ✅ The connection between enduring suffering and gaining your soul   ✅ What Ingathering Sunday teaches us about rejecting the rule of "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must"  This message offers hope for anyone seeking to see beyond surface appearances to God's deeper reality of transformation and love.  About This Sermon:  Preached: November 16, 2025, Location: Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, California Service: 23 Pentecost (Proper 28C, Track 1), 11 am. Eucharist | Ingathering Sunday Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 Preacher: Malcolm Clemens Young, Dean  Related Topics: Apocalyptic literature, Jerusalem Temple destruction, early church persecution, Christian martyrs, Roman persecution, Eucharist history, social justice, Karl Barth theology, Christian joy, endurance and suffering, Ingathering Sunday, biblical prophecy, Luke Gospel, new heavens and new earth, radical equality, counter-cultural Christianity, religious freedom, immigrant rights, dignity for all, Grace Cathedral sermons 

Ever wondered what Jesus was really facing in the Garden of Gethsemane? It wasn't just death—it was something infinitely heavier. In this powerful Bible study, we walk through Matthew 26:36-56, exploring Jesus's darkest hour and the moment Judas betrayed him with a kiss.What You'll Discover:* Why Jesus sweat drops of blood in the garden (and what that reveals about his humanity)* The real meaning of “the cup” Jesus was about to drink* How to actually fight temptation (watch AND pray—not just one or the other)* Why Judas's greeting was one of the most disrespectful acts in history* What “speaking the truth in love” really means (and how it gets weaponized)* Why Jesus didn't call down 12 legions of angels to save himselfThis Episode Addresses:* The false teaching that Jesus didn't have a real body* Why your resolutions aren't enough to keep you from falling away* How Jesus empathizes with every weakness you face* The weight of what Christ actually suffered for you* Why the Garden of Gethsemane is called “the garden of crushing”Support Amen Podcast: We're 100% ad-free and sponsorship-free, running entirely on your generous donations. With Giving Tuesday coming up on December 2nd, please consider supporting our ministry:* Website: amenpodcast.com* Ways to Help Us Grow:

Ever wondered what Jesus was really facing in the Garden of Gethsemane? It wasn't just death—it was something infinitely heavier. In this powerful Bible study, we walk through Matthew 26:36-56, exploring Jesus's darkest hour and the moment Judas betrayed him with a kiss.What You'll Discover:* Why Jesus sweat drops of blood in the garden (and what that reveals about his humanity)* The real meaning of “the cup” Jesus was about to drink* How to actually fight temptation (watch AND pray—not just one or the other)* Why Judas's greeting was one of the most disrespectful acts in history* What “speaking the truth in love” really means (and how it gets weaponized)* Why Jesus didn't call down 12 legions of angels to save himselfThis Episode Addresses:* The false teaching that Jesus didn't have a real body* Why your resolutions aren't enough to keep you from falling away* How Jesus empathizes with every weakness you face* The weight of what Christ actually suffered for you* Why the Garden of Gethsemane is called “the garden of crushing”Support Amen Podcast: We're 100% ad-free and sponsorship-free, running entirely on your generous donations. With Giving Tuesday coming up on December 2nd, please consider supporting our ministry:* Website: amenpodcast.com* Ways to Help Us Grow:

Ever wonder why Jesus didn't recruit from the religious elite? In this powerful episode of Raising The Standard, Josh Khachadourian breaks down the 5 strategic traits Jesus looked for in His disciples—and why these same characteristics are essential for Kingdom-driven men today.Jesus didn't go after scholars or theologians. He walked straight to the marketplace and chose builders, business owners, and risk-takers with calloused hands and the courage to bet everything on a moment's notice. These weren't random choices—they were strategic decisions that reveal what Christ needs in men who will advance His Kingdom.In this episode, you'll discover:✅ Why Jesus recruited BUILDERS who owned businesses, homes, and had families (and why you need to be building something right now)✅ The shocking truth about discretionary time and money—why the disciples could leave their businesses for 3 years and what that means for your financial stewardship✅ How community experience qualified the disciples for Kingdom work (and why isolation is disqualifying you from your assignment)✅ Why high risk tolerance was non-negotiable for fishermen on the Sea of Galilee—and why playing it safe is the riskiest move you can make✅ The power of swift, high-risk decision making—why the disciples dropped their nets immediately and what's holding you back from decisivenessThis episode is for you if you want:- Biblical masculinity principles that create real transformation- Strategic insight into Jesus' leadership and disciple selection- Practical coaching questions to challenge your current trajectory- Tools to step into your full Kingdom assignment- To understand what qualifies a man for greater responsibility in God's KingdomPowerful coaching questions inside:- What are you building right now that Jesus could point to?- Do you have margin? Could you step away if God called you today?- Who's in your corner holding you accountable?- Where are you playing it safe instead of stepping into risk?- What decision are you avoiding that God has already spoken to you about?Josh Khachadourian is the author of "Kingdom Driven: The Definitive Guide for How Driven Christian Men Can Dominate In Life" and founder of the Standard 59 Mastermind—a brotherhood of Kingdom-driven men connecting with God, mastering their minds, multiplying their finances, and taking dominion.CONNECT WITH JOSH:

What if Judas wasn't just a betrayer, but the first to politicize Jesus? Judas's story exposes a much older problem: the temptation to make Jesus “fit” the system. Domenic Scarcella (author of the book and Substack Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen) returns to argue that Judas tried to make the Messiah more respectable to rulers, trading costly faithfulness for public influence. From the temple clashes of Holy Week to today's culture wars, they trace how disciples drift when we ask Jesus to fit the system instead of following Him out of it.  Domenic explains why anti-Christ means impostor (not merely opponent) and how post-Constantine Christianity flipped from persecution to privilege, and why coercion never appears in Jesus' toolkit for discipling nations. From Caesar to modern politics Domenic and Craig trace how compromise creeps in when disciples trade the cross for influence,and faithfulness for respectability.  Constantine's empire did to the Church's soul, and how grace keeps the Gospel alive even when the Church gets it wrong. “Judas didn't hate Jesus…he just wanted Him to be more compatible with the government.” If you've ever wondered what it means to follow Jesus in a world addicted to power, this conversation will challenge and comfort you. The Kingdom of God still runs on love, not control.  We cover: Judas was the “normal” disciple, and that's what makes him dangerous The difference between Antichrist and Contra Christ (imposter vs. opponent) Why Jesus never used coercion or political force How Constantine flipped Christianity from persecution to privilege Hope for the remnant: good neighbors, bad citizens under “No King but Christ”  

In this episode of the Jesus Everyday Podcast, Ethan Callison and Andrew McPheron open John 7:14–24, where Jesus steps into the temple during the Feast of Booths and teaches with divine authority — without any formal credentials. The religious leaders are shocked: “How does this man have learning, when he has never studied?”Jesus responds not with defensiveness, but with truth: “My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me.”

What does it look like to worship Jesus when everyone around you thinks you're wasting your time?In Matthew 26:1-13, we see two opposite responses to Jesus. Religious leaders plot His death in secret, thinking they're in control. But Jesus knows exactly when He'll die—on Passover, according to the Father's plan. Then there's Mary, who pours out expensive perfume on Jesus in extravagant worship. The disciples call it wasteful. Jesus calls it beautiful.Mary's name means three things: rebellious, bitter, and beloved. And if we're going to follow Christ, we need to be like Mary—rebelling against evil, making people bitter with our worship, and knowing we're deeply loved by God.In this episode, we break down:* Why Jesus was in control even when His enemies thought they had the upper hand* What Mary's extravagant worship teaches us about loving Jesus* How to keep worshiping even when people around you don't understand* The connection between knowing you're beloved and living boldly for ChristIf you're facing opposition, persecution, or people who think your faith is “too much,” this message is for you.

What does it look like to worship Jesus when everyone around you thinks you're wasting your time?In Matthew 26:1-13, we see two opposite responses to Jesus. Religious leaders plot His death in secret, thinking they're in control. But Jesus knows exactly when He'll die—on Passover, according to the Father's plan. Then there's Mary, who pours out expensive perfume on Jesus in extravagant worship. The disciples call it wasteful. Jesus calls it beautiful.Mary's name means three things: rebellious, bitter, and beloved. And if we're going to follow Christ, we need to be like Mary—rebelling against evil, making people bitter with our worship, and knowing we're deeply loved by God.In this episode, we break down:* Why Jesus was in control even when His enemies thought they had the upper hand* What Mary's extravagant worship teaches us about loving Jesus* How to keep worshiping even when people around you don't understand* The connection between knowing you're beloved and living boldly for ChristIf you're facing opposition, persecution, or people who think your faith is “too much,” this message is for you.

71% of Americans admit they're losing sleep over money—but Jesus already gave us the cure in the most famous sermon ever preached. In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack the surprising connection between mammon, anxiety, and misplaced treasure—and share the one simple prayer that can break financial fear and open the door to God's peace and provision. They walk through Matthew 6:19–34, revealing how birds and lilies understand something most believers forget: your value isn't in what you own—it's in who owns you. What You'll Learn: The hidden link between serving mammon and constant money stress Why Jesus' words in Matthew 6 are a direct cure for financial anxiety The "treasure principle" that keeps peace and provision flowing How comparison steals your provision (and how to stop) A practical, Biblical step you can take today to renounce financial fear Scripture References (NLT): Matthew 6:19–34 — "You cannot serve both God and money." Philippians 4:6–7 — "Don't worry about anything; pray about everything." Genesis 8:22 — "Seedtime and harvest will never cease."   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel! (https://youtu.be/BkqokuEOHM8)   BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books."  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.   

Don't Hide What God Gave YouWhat happens when fear makes you bury the gifts God gave you? In this episode, we break down Jesus' Parable of the Talents and why faithfulness—not perfection—is what matters to God.We're diving into the fourth of Jesus' five parables about His second coming, and this one hits different. It's about a master who entrusts his servants with investments before going on a journey. Two servants double what they're given. One servant? He digs a hole and hides it out of fear.Jesus isn't calling you to be perfect. He's calling you to be faithful with what He's given you—whether that's hospitality, preaching, serving, or loving the people everyone else ignores. This parable shows us that slothfulness isn't just laziness—it's spiritual passivity. It's wanting God without the work. It's playing it safe when Christ never called us to be safe.In this episode:* Why faithfulness matters more than the size of your gift* What it means to be a “good and faithful slave”* How fear and passivity can bury your God-given talents* Why Jesus took the place of the “worthless slave” on the cross* How to identify and invest the gifts God has given YOUAfter the Amen Question: What are the talents God has given you that you need to be more responsible with?