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In a world that is full of death and decay, what can it look like to truly live, fully alive in Christ?We hear the words "from dust you are and to dust you shall return" (Gen. 3:19), but those words don't just apply to a future state. Without Christ, we are spiritually dead, even in this life. But, that's not what Jesus wants for us.Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10).Join us for this conversation as we reflect on what it looks like to live truly alive in Christ in this life.We hope you enjoy it!
There is a stability that comes from truly knowing Jesus. Colossians 2 shows us that we have been made alive, forgiven, and set free through the finished work of the cross. Salt Church in Wilmington, NC, led by Pastors Parker & Jessi Green, exists to know Jesus, worship Him, and do the works He did.Plan Your Visit to SALT Church:https://www.saltchurches.com/Ways to Support the Ministry:https://www.saltchurches.com/givingSubscribe:https://www.instagram.com/saltchurches/Subscribe @saltchurchNC Connect with Parker + Jessi Green:Instagram Parker / https://www.instagram.com/parkerrichardgreen/Instagram Jessi /https://www.instagram.com/jessi.green/Websites https://www.saltchurches.com/https://www.jessi-green.com/https://www.saturateglobal.com/#prayer #bible #biblestudy #saltchurch #revival #parkergreen #jessigreen
Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley discuss how our identity is found in our relationship with God instead of our works. When our relationship is secured in the righteousness of Christ, then our will is free to share life with God and with other people. Without Christ, our lives are lived in bondage to our transactions. You can learn more by reading Dr. Martin Luther’s Bondage of the Will. Beer Break This episode features a beer from a Wisconsin brewery, Stubborn Brothers Brewery. Mike and his wife went for a ride in their camper around Lake Michigan. He had a great Reuben there and enjoyed the beer. American Wheat. Shawano has to be a great city because this is where this beer is from, but also because this is where Evan was born. Sweet Peel American Wheat.
Christianity without Christ? Many today make the mistake of assuming that the purpose of religion is simply to help people become moral and feel good. And if that's the case then Jesus isn't necessary. It reduces Christianity to a pamphlet instead of a person. However, if you notice, when Jesus called the disciples, He didn't say, “Follow this lifestyle.” He said, “Follow Me.” (This is an encore presentation which was aired originally on January 27, 2023)
Send us a textBrothers and sisters, the powerful image of Jesus as light runs through all the readings this Sunday.In the first reading the prophet Isaiah refers to Christ as the light that dispels the darkness of this world.The psalmist today says,The Lord is my light and my salvation. St Paul in the 2nd reading advises the Corinthians to live as children of Light, steering clear of division and rivalry, things of darkness.St Matthew in the gospel wanted his readers to recognize that the Light of which Isaiah spoke had finally appeared with the coming of Jesus Christ. By His ministry of inviting people to His kingdom of peace through preaching, healing and calling people to repent, He is bringing them from darkness into light. Friends to fully understand what Jesus is doing, lets reflect briefly on this question. How do we see anything? We can only see if there are two things present. Light and a healthy eye, or good eyesight. Without Christ the light, we are in total darkness. We are spiritually blind and unable to see what we are, who we are and where we are going as pilgrims in this life.How do we respond to this light - Look at how Peter, Andrew, James and John responded when they entered the light - They did not hold on to anything they had or knew. Instead they dropped everything, their livelihood, their culture, their plans, their hopes and basked in the light of Christ, reflecting it and like stars radiating this light - pointing the way to Jesus, the true light. Friends in Christ, we thank God for Jesus and pray for the grace like the disciples to radiate his light when we receive him in Holy communion, pointing our brothers to this Light - The eternal Light. Support the show
The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012126.cfmMany people struggle with the Bible because they sense a tension between the Old Testament and the New. The God of the Old Testament is sometimes portrayed as harsh, violent, even distant, while the New Testament reveals mercy, healing, and love. Father Chris Alar, MIC addresses this confusion directly by reminding us of the question Christ Himself poses: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” (Mk 3:4; NABRE).Without Christ, humanity's vision is limited. In the Old Testament, death, war, and violence reflect a world still waiting for the full revelation of divine life. The Catechism teaches that God gradually prepared His people to receive the Gospel through salvation history, leading them step by step toward Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church §122). The New Testament does not contradict the Old; it fulfills it.This contrast becomes striking when we consider Saint Agnes, whose feast the Church celebrates. Her very name echoes the Latin agnus, meaning lamb. Young, pure, and wholly given to Christ, she chose life in the fullest sense, even when it led to martyrdom. Her witness stands between death and life, between the violence of the world and the light of Christ. As Scripture proclaims, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10; NABRE).The culture of death persists whenever Christ is rejected, whether in ancient persecution or modern disregard for human dignity. Yet Christ remains the Light of the world, drawing us from darkness into truth, from death into life. In Him alone do we find the way, the truth, and the life. ★ Support this podcast ★
As it states in Genesis 6:5, the intentions and “thoughts of [our] heart[s] [are] only evil continually.” Without Christ's forgiveness, we are sorely lost, thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. As those who are redeemed, we cling to the promise of His mercy and go joyfully to Him in prayer with nothing but the certain knowledge of the forgiveness of sins. We receive this forgiveness on account of Christ, and it is on account of Him that we forgive others. Rev. Samuel Bobby, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 5th Petition of the Lord's Prayer. To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit redeemerlincoln.org. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.
As we look around, we see chaos everywhere. It seems like there's a different war every week! When there is lying and corruption involved, of course, chaos will ensue. Today, Pastor Ken says the only person who can save this world is Jesus. Without Christ, we're broken, but with Him we're redeemed. Rest in your relationship with Jesus today! He loves you and desires to be close to you. Even through your flaws, Jesus wants a relationship with you so He can fill your doubts with love and grace.
Without Christ, we were all outsiders to God, spiritual refugees. When Jesus came, He didn't just save us, He destroyed the walls between us and God and between each other. And now we are included in the Kingdom and Family of God.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.
1. Knowing the Mystery2. Knowing Our Message3. Knowing Our PurposeToday's sermon explored the profound truth that every believer in Christ has been called by God for something far greater than anything we could accomplish on our own. Through the Apostle Paul's example as a prisoner of Christ, we examined how God revealed the mystery that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews in God's family. Paul, once a proud religious scholar who persecuted Christians, became a humble servant who considered himself "the least of all saints." His transformation reminds us that our conversion is not the end but the beginning of God's workmanship in our lives. We are called to be stewards of the Gospel, serving God with boldness and confident access through faith in Christ.Takeaways:- God has called each of us to serve Him. Like Paul, we must move beyond selective hearing and truly submit to God's calling on our lives. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared beforehand for us to walk in.- Without Christ, we are nothing. Paul's humility teaches us that our effectiveness comes not from our own knowledge, titles, or abilities, but from the power of God working through us. We must be willing to become prisoners of Christ by our own free will, allowing Him to use us for His purposes.- We are called to preach the Gospel and be ready in season and out of season. In these last days, people around us are suffering, making bad choices, and need to hear that forgiveness of sins and a fresh start are possible. God's purpose for us is to serve as voices of reason and compassion in a dark world.As we move through this week, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to be captive to Christ? Are we fulfilling our ministry by sharing the Good News that Jesus came, died, and rose again? May we never be too big for God to use, but humbly available for His service.
1. Knowing the Mystery2. Knowing Our Message3. Knowing Our PurposeToday's sermon explored the profound truth that every believer in Christ has been called by God for something far greater than anything we could accomplish on our own. Through the Apostle Paul's example as a prisoner of Christ, we examined how God revealed the mystery that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews in God's family. Paul, once a proud religious scholar who persecuted Christians, became a humble servant who considered himself "the least of all saints." His transformation reminds us that our conversion is not the end but the beginning of God's workmanship in our lives. We are called to be stewards of the Gospel, serving God with boldness and confident access through faith in Christ.Takeaways:- God has called each of us to serve Him. Like Paul, we must move beyond selective hearing and truly submit to God's calling on our lives. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared beforehand for us to walk in.- Without Christ, we are nothing. Paul's humility teaches us that our effectiveness comes not from our own knowledge, titles, or abilities, but from the power of God working through us. We must be willing to become prisoners of Christ by our own free will, allowing Him to use us for His purposes.- We are called to preach the Gospel and be ready in season and out of season. In these last days, people around us are suffering, making bad choices, and need to hear that forgiveness of sins and a fresh start are possible. God's purpose for us is to serve as voices of reason and compassion in a dark world.As we move through this week, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to be captive to Christ? Are we fulfilling our ministry by sharing the Good News that Jesus came, died, and rose again? May we never be too big for God to use, but humbly available for His service.
Pastor Carter preaches "What Would A Christmas Without Christ Look Like" at Mission Point.Click to donate to Mission Point!Click to find a podcast app for your computer, phone or tablet.Find us on:SpotifyApple PodcastsPodcast IndexRSS FeedAmazon Music
The Gospel of John Week 26 Scripture: John 20:19 - 21:25. Today's study will conclude our two year study of the Gospels with a dramatic and amazing ending. We begin with John 20:19, it is the first day of the week (Sunday) and the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly Jesus was standing among them saying "Peace be with you." This is a phrase in English that sounds so common, like "have a good day." But in Hebrew it carries much more meaning. Shalom (peace) more than just an absence of conflict or warfare, it refers to all creation - it means everything is right between us and God. Real peace, lasting peace, God's peace, life-changing peace the way things were intended to be before sin broke into a perfect creation. Jesus shows them His hands and side and the disciples are overjoyed. Everything the Jewish people have been longing for has come to a dramatic crescendo. Then He breathed on them saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." In verse 23 Jesus says, "If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Pastor spends time digging into what this verse is really saying. When we accept Jesus as our Savior our sins are forgiven through faith in Christ. But to those who say they don't need a Savior, that think they are just fine on their own, we can say to them, "That won't cut it. Without Christ there is no hope." Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." This commission from Jesus is given so that they can speak truth, so that they can use it to draw people into a relationship with the Living God. We read next of "Doubting Thomas." The disciples are again gathered together and Jesus appears, "Peace be with you. Put your finger here and put your hand into my side and stop doubting and believe!" And Thomas replies, "My Lord and my God!" That's not just an expression, this is a clear biblical title for the Living God. And Thomas suddenly realized that Jesus is not only alive, but He is the very One that was promised. Jesus is more than a miracle worker, He's more than a great teacher, He is God come to earth. John concludes chapter 20 with these words, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." We move into chapter 21, the epilogue. Pastor starts this chapter by sharing the story of a friend, a Russian Jew, who moved to Israel and became a Messianic believer and follower of Jesus. Pastor goes on to share the growth of Jewish believers in Jesus worldwide. Our story continues with the disciples fishing all night and not catching anything. Then a voice calls out to them to put their nets on the right side of the boat. When they do they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John knows who the man is, "It is the Lord!" And Peter swims ashore. Pastor talks about the importance of the fire Jesus had started on shore to emphasize God's intentions. Jesus invites them to breakfast with Him but Jesus has a personal conversation with Peter. Purposefully, Jesus asks Peter 3 times (remember Peter denied knowing Jesus 3 times), "Do you love Me?" Peter responds yes each time and Jesus replies with, "Feed my sheep." Peter is forgiven, restored. This gospel ends with these dramatic words, "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." Jesus is in the business of redeeming and restoring and renewing, changing lives, transforming families, rebuilding communities, changing entire nations and continents. John is saying you've only caught a glimpse! Can you imagine the stories we're going to hear after Jesus returns! This is an incredible, amazing, uplifting, joyful, thought provoking, life-changing book! Thank you for joining us on this great two year tour of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 ⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and and we see many things that we missed before.
This sermon emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the essential foundation of the Christmas holiday, arguing that secular celebrations lack true meaning without His presence. By citing various biblical passages, the text illustrates that the birth of the Messiah was a divine intervention intended to provide humanity with eternal salvation rather than temporary festive cheer. The author asserts that while decorations and gifts are pleasant, authentic joy and peace are only accessible through a personal relationship with the Savior. Ultimately, the source serves as a spiritual call to action, encouraging believers to prioritize worship and gratitude over the commercial aspects of the season. It concludes by highlighting that the transformation of the human heart is the greatest miracle associated with the Nativity story.
Christmas is increasingly reduced to a celebration of vague “positive values.” But if God did not truly become Man, everything else collapses. Fr. McTeigue examines what's at stake when the Incarnation is replaced with sentiment. Watch on YouTube: Christmas Without Christ?
Recorded March 9, 2025 - Sunday Morning Service
What happens when we leave Christ out of Christmas?
December 15, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 30:27-31:9; Revelation 3:1-22"A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain." (Isaiah 40:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When John the Baptizer was asked who he was, he pointed to this verse from Isaiah. So, how did he change the landscape? By preaching repentance. Turns out people aren't generally keen on confessing their sins. The world is not a very forgiving place. We ourselves have been trained from the earliest ages to find reasons why our wrongs were actually rights. A child who is confronted with knocking over a lamp might blame a stuffed animal. That doesn't work, but our reasoning gets more sophisticated as we grow. It was a sibling's fault. It was a parent's fault for putting the lamp so close to the edge. It was an emergency, so haste was more important than the lamp. Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter. So long as someone believes it, we show ourselves to be right.We live in a world that demands self-righteousness. If you cannot justify yourself, you will be blamed. However, when people without faith sin in such a way that they cannot justify themselves, it breaks them. Guilt overwhelms them. All that self-justification was actually protection. And without it, people lose their minds, which is why confession and absolution in the Church is so weird to people. Why would anyone willingly put themselves through such guilt and shame? However, the repentance of a Christian has two parts. First is sorrow over our sin. That is the same as anyone else. It's the second part that is different. The second part is hope. A sure and certain hope that all our sin is forgiven. The guilt is made Christ's. The shame hangs on His shoulders. His blood pays for it. And His life is given for our salvation.Without Christ, we would make mountains to hide our sin behind. We would bury in whatever valley we could. But the way of the Lord leaves nowhere for our sin to hide. All our hiding places are made an open field, so the sin can all be seen. And so that Jesus can take it all away. That is why we are so willing to turn in repentance. That is why we willingly confess our sins. Because we know the one who takes them and makes them His. And they're ours no longer. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Make ye straight what long was crooked; Make the rougher places plain. Let your hearts be true and humble, As befits His holy reign. For the glory of the Lord Now o'er earth is shed abroad, and all flesh shall see the token That His Word is never broken. (LSB 347:4)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.
This morning, Hank continued our Advent series in Ephesians 2:13-18. As we consider our place in this world, we need to consider our status before God. Without Christ, we are hostile and enemies with God, through Christ, we are heirs of the kingdom and at peace with God. We hope the sermon blesses you in the Lord. Originally December 7th, 2025. Hank Atchison. Covenant Church. Tuscaloosa, AL,
A new MP3 sermon from Sovereign Grace Chapel is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Without Christ, In Christ Speaker: Joe Galuszek Broadcaster: Sovereign Grace Chapel Event: TV Broadcast Date: 11/9/2025 Bible: Ephesians 2 Length: 28 min.
Paul talks about some definite things that have brought these twogroups together who usually were at odds with one another. In the first versesof this chapter Paul is addressing both the Jews and the Gentiles. Paul tells bothJews and Gentiles that God has made alive those who were dead in trespasses andsins. Remember that a Gentile is anyone who is not born of Jewish descent. Paulreminds them and us how before salvation in Christ we are all dead in ourtrespasses and sins because sin works against us. We're disobedient. We'redepraved, and we're doomed, and we are children of wrath. But God, but God whois rich in His mercy with a great love that He's loved us. And with that loveHe has now brought us salvation and reconciliation and redemption by His graceand through our faith in Christ (vv. 4-9). God has a plan for our life and weare His workmanship, land He has before ordained before the foundation of theworld that we should walk in these wonderful works of God, the good works thatonly He can do through us and let the light of Christ shine out of us andthrough us to a dark world. Nowwe come to verse 11. Here Paul is particularly addressing theGentiles, those who are not of Jewish descent. First, He reminds them, you'recalled uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision (the Jews) made in theflesh by the hand. The Jews look down upon the Gentiles, calling them the uncircumcision.The Gentiles were like dogs in many cases for most of the Jewish people. Inverse 12 Paul points out that the Gentiles were without Christ being aliensfrom the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promisehaving no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you whowere once a far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. The one wordthat best describes the Gentiles is without. They were “outside” in severalrespects. They were without Christ. They're without citizenship in the nationof Israel without the covenants. The covenants were given to Abraham and to hisseed. BothJews and Gentiles were without hope. Historians tell us that a great cloud ofhopelessness covered the ancient world. Philosophies were empty; traditionswere disappearing; religions were powerless to help men face either life ordeath. People longed to pierce the veil and get some message of hope from theother side, but there was none (1 Thes. 4:13-18). Theywere without God. The heathen had gods aplenty, as Paul discovered in Athens(Acts 17:16-23). But the pagan, no matter how religious or moral he might have been,did not know the true God. The writer of Psalm 115 contrasted the true God withthe idols of the heathen. Itis worth noting that the spiritual plight of the Gentiles was caused not by Godbut by their own willful sin. Paul said the Gentiles knew the true God butdeliberately refused to honor Him (Rom. 1:18-23). Religious history is not arecord of man starting with many gods (idolatry) and gradually discovering theone true God. Rather, it is the sad story of man knowing the truth about Godand deliberately turning away from it! It is a story of devolution, notevolution! The first eleven chapters of Genesis give the story of the declineof the Gentiles; and from Genesis 12 on (the call of Abraham), it is the storyof the Jews. God separated the Jews from the Gentiles that He might be able tosave the Gentiles also. "Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22). Godcalled the Jews, beginning with Abraham, that through them He might revealHimself as the one true God. With the Jews He deposited His Word, and throughthe Jews He gave the world the Savior (Rom. 9:1-5). Israel was to be a light tothe Gentiles that they too might be saved. But sad to say, Israel became likethe Gentiles, and the light burned but dimly. This fact is a warning to thechurch today. When the church is least like the world, it does the most for theworld.
What happens when a church goes through the motions but forgets the love that first ignited its faith?
Without Christ we were slaves, trying to earn God's approval, but Jesus redeemed us and adopted us as sons and daughters. Now we don't come to God by fear or performance, we come as family. Through the Holy Spirit, we get to enjoy access to our Father. Without access to the Father, we are slavesThe Son has given us access through adoptionThe Spirit enables us to enjoy our access Life Group Discussion:Where do you personally feel tempted to drift back into “slave mentality” in your walk with God?What experiences with earthly fathers or authority figures might affect how you view God as Father?What does it practically look like to enjoy God instead of just obeying Him from obligation?
Without Christ we were slaves, trying to earn God's approval, but Jesus redeemed us and adopted us as sons and daughters. Now we don't come to God by fear or performance, we come as family. Through the Holy Spirit, we get to enjoy access to our Father. Without access to the Father, we are slavesThe Son has given us access through adoptionThe Spirit enables us to enjoy our access Life Group Discussion:Where do you personally feel tempted to drift back into “slave mentality” in your walk with God?What experiences with earthly fathers or authority figures might affect how you view God as Father?What does it practically look like to enjoy God instead of just obeying Him from obligation?
Welcome Graham fam! We are so glad you could watch Sunday morning online with us. IntroductionWe have been talking about receiving a new heart. You need the desire to receive it. You must decide to have the transplant. If you do, you will receive a brand new tender and responsive heart. It will not be a weak heart, but a powerful heart with a purpose! Without Christ, our hearts wander from thing to thing. We seek purpose and meaning in many places, but God offers a heart with meaning and purpose through Christ. ScriptureHebrews 8:8–12“The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah… I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people… And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” Additional Scriptures: Psalm 49:7–9; Philippians 3:7–8 Points God gives a promise! He initiated the covenant, paid the price, and offers fellowship now and forever. (Psalm 49:7–9; Philippians 3:7–8) God gives obedience! His Spirit writes His law on our hearts, transforming our desires and enabling us to live in freedom and joy. God gives fellowship! We are invited into partnership with God—sharing His purpose and experiencing true satisfaction. God gives purpose! A calling that impacts eternity and sets us free to challenge the status quo of this world for His glory. If you would like to watch our past services, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/teaching/ Like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel, Graham Chapel Youth! We are producing some funny videos as well as live streaming our Wednesday night youth group: https://is.gd/grahamyouth. If you would like to give to Graham Chapel, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo, SC which is near Cowpens and Chesnee in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. We are affiliated with the Wesleyan denomination and have a diverse congregation. We would love to have you join us on Sunday mornings in person, or on Wednesdays with our youth! Visit our website to learn more.
Are you running the wrong race? Ecclesiastes 6 gives us two striking examples of people who looked like winners but were actually losing. One man had wealth, possessions, and honor. The other had a large family and a long life. Yet both lacked the one thing that matters most—a relationship with God. In this episode, Stephen Davey takes you to Solomon's sobering observations about life “under the sun.” Success, family, possessions, and status can all be good gifts. But without God, they quickly become heavy burdens that leave the soul unsatisfied. Solomon himself serves as a case study: famous, wealthy, and powerful, yet weighed down with emptiness. The truth is, life is not about how far you get ahead or how fast you run. It's about balancing what truly matters: knowing God, walking with Him, and enjoying His gifts with gratitude. Without Christ, even a thousand years of living and a house full of children lead to futility. With Christ, even ordinary days are filled with meaning. Join Stephen in this Wisdom Journey lesson as he unpacks the rules of life's race and points you to the only One who can give true satisfaction. Stephen Davey's newest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Are you running the wrong race? Ecclesiastes 6 gives us two striking examples of people who looked like winners but were actually losing. One man had wealth, possessions, and honor. The other had a large family and a long life. Yet both lacked the one thing that matters most—a relationship with God. In this episode, Stephen Davey takes you to Solomon's sobering observations about life “under the sun.” Success, family, possessions, and status can all be good gifts. But without God, they quickly become heavy burdens that leave the soul unsatisfied. Solomon himself serves as a case study: famous, wealthy, and powerful, yet weighed down with emptiness. The truth is, life is not about how far you get ahead or how fast you run. It's about balancing what truly matters: knowing God, walking with Him, and enjoying His gifts with gratitude. Without Christ, even a thousand years of living and a house full of children lead to futility. With Christ, even ordinary days are filled with meaning. Join Stephen in this Wisdom Journey lesson as he unpacks the rules of life's race and points you to the only One who can give true satisfaction. Stephen Davey's newest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Without Christ, we are spiritually dead. But in Ephesians 2:1–10, Paul reminds us of the hope we have through Jesus—God's mercy, grace, and love make us alive in Him. In Sunday's message, Pastor Josh unpacks the reality of sin, the power of salvation, and the vision God is calling us into as a church. As we look to the future, we want to gather together and go together, so more family members, friends, and neighbors experience new life in Christ. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live
The positive command to rejoice in the Lord includes the negative command to cease exalting in human standards. Stop taking so seriously your resume or your portfolio or lack of one. Without Christ, these are nothing but false paths to an illusive dream of a good life. Trash that story as your primary life narrative. Jump into your participation in the big Story of Jesus. That's a way to joy. And to find how all those skills and all that training really fits into a life lived for the glory of God.
The positive command to rejoice in the Lord includes the negative command to cease exalting in human standards. Stop taking so seriously your resume or your portfolio or lack of one. Without Christ, these are nothing but false paths to an illusive dream of a good life. Trash that story as your primary life narrative. Jump into your participation in the big Story of Jesus. That's a way to joy. And to find how all those skills and all that training really fits into a life lived for the glory of God.
Wrestling with God: The Struggle That Forms Disciples Today's reading reflects on Jesus' words, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few,” . . . . . . emphasizing that the “harvest” refers not to the perfect or righteous, but to the broken, wounded, and lost . . . a world in desperate need of salvation. The Homily challenges the common, passive prayer for vocations, asserting that vocations do not arise from nothing; they come from a Church that is itself faithful, rooted, and committed to spiritual struggle. Jacob Wrestling and Its Lesson Drawing from the story of Jacob wrestling through the night and leaving with a limp, the Homily powerfully illustrates that authentic discipleship requires tenacity, struggle, and a willingness to hold fast to God even when it's difficult. True laborers in the Lord's harvest are formed in the soil of the Church, shaped by prayer, moral conviction, and fidelity. Only then can they reach out to others with strength and purpose. Ultimately, the homily challenges all to not just pray for vocations, but to live in such a way that they help create them. How? Listen more to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Wrestling with God: The Struggle That Forms Disciples ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote From The Homily And it's important that we recognize this because there's a certain naive way of hearing these words about the harvest and laborers that allows us very quickly to miss the point and the thrust of what Jesus is talking about here. It is not a harvest of the perfect, but a harvest of the broken. It is not a harvest of the found, but a harvest of the lost because without Christ, that is what the world is. Without Christ, that is what the human heart is. There are none that are healthy. There are none who are found. All are lost. All are wounded. All are guilty. This is the harvest, the world that needs saving. And so it is then that the Lord looks out at that tremendous need for salvation, this ocean of need that he says pray. Then ask the Lord of the harvest to send Laborers for the laborers are few. And again, we have to pause. What does it mean recognizing that the laborers are few, . . . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jacob Wrestling with the Angel: French Painter, Illustrator and Artist: Gustave Doré: 1855 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 32-38 First Reading: Genesis 32: 23-33
Istrouma Baptist Church (ASC) Jul 6, 2025 ========== July 6 - These Words Changed My Life Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo The Church As Family Mark 3:31-35 (CSB) Mark 3:31-35 (CSB) 31 His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent word to him and called him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him and told him, “Look, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside asking for you.” 33 He replied to them, “Who are my mother and my brothers? ” 34 Looking at those sitting in a circle around him, he said,“Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” I. We Are Members of God's Family Through His Obedient Son Ephesians 1:3-6 (CSB) Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. Dietrich Bonhoeffer — “Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community or more or less than this…Without Christ we should not know God, we could not call upon him, nor come to him. But without Christ we also would not know our brother, nor could we come to him. The way is blocked by our own ego.” II. As Members of God's Family We Have a New Father and Belong to a New Household A New Family Salvation is a community creating event Matthew 13:54-55 (CSB) “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? 55 Isn't this the carpenter's son? A New Father Displays the Authority of God has over His Church Matthew 23:8-9 (CSB) “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,' because you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. Do not call anyone on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is in heaven.” A New Father Displays the Care of God for his People Matthew 7:10-11 (CSB) “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.” III. This Family Language Establishes How We Should Relate to One Another in the Church Acts 9:13-17 (CSB) 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him,“Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Ananias went and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” How We Relate as Family 1. Commitment 2. Conflict 3. Care 4. Cost IV. The Church is a Real Family Not a Perfect One Trevin Wax — “It's paradoxical but true. You can only truly benefit from the community of faith in its healthiest expressions when you don't expect something from the church that God alone can give. The church doesn't solve loneliness. Only God does that. Yes, often he does that through his people. But the way he accomplishes this work is by putting you through the difficult, sanctifying process of loving people who don't seem to love you back and remaining fiercely committed to people who may be a source of heartbreak in your life. This is the hard part of seeing the church as family: bearing with your siblings through thick and thin, recognizing Jesus in them but also realizing they're not Jesus. That's the only way we can live and love as the family of God, without idealistic expectations crushing our spirits.”
A blog by Jason Cherry. Jason Cherry is an elder at Trinity Reformed Church, as well as a teacher and lecturer of literature, American history, and economics at Providence Classical School in Huntsville, Alabama. He graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary with an MA in Religion and is the author of the book The Culture of Conversionism and the History of the Altar Call, now available on Amazon. He is husband to Traci, who is proficient at blessing others, and father to Anily and Gaby, who are gifted in the art of laughter. Trinity Reformed Church is a CREC church in Huntsville, AL. seeking to extend and unite the Kingdom in the Huntsville area. Check out our website, Facebook, or YouTube!
Without Christ working in us we are all bound to a life of sin and consequences that could've been avoided had we heeded wise instruction from Scripture. Rather than living childish lives that run after the pleasures of the world, we need to submit to God and allow Him to change us from the inside out. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/640/29
Without Christ working in us we are all bound to a life of sin and consequences that could've been avoided had we heeded wise instruction from Scripture. Rather than living childish lives that run after the pleasures of the world, we need to submit to God and allow Him to change us from the inside out.
This sermon unfolds gradually but surely. We do not know exactly where the preacher will take us, but he is evidently following a planned route, and so we are content to take each development of his theme as he introduces us to it. Considering the fundamental truth that without Christ no Christian can do anything of any spiritual value, Spurgeon first of all considers our Lord's assertion as an aspiration of hope. Then he feels it as a shudder of fear. It presses upon him and us next as a vision of failure. Then we hear it as a voice of wisdom. Finally, it rings out as a song of content. In this way, the same statement is made of various use to those who are or profess to be followers of the Lamb, and each comes in its turn. Even the sequence is interesting: hope comes first, then warning, then instruction, then comfort and joy, so that we are pointed in the right direction, cautioned with regard to the prospect, but then encouraged concerning the final outcome. There is a great deal of discernment, then, not only in the substance of the sermon but in its arrangement, as we walk away impressed with the need for a known and felt union with our Lord Jesus if we are to be fruitful in his service. Read the sermon here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/without-christ-nothing Check out the new From the Heart of Spurgeon Book! British: https://amzn.to/48rV1OR American: https://amzn.to/48oHjft Connect with the Reading Spurgeon Community on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ReadingSpurgeon Sign up to get the weekly readings emailed to you: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/from-the-heart-of-spurgeon. Check out other Media Gratiae podcasts at www.mediagratiae.org Download the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
This sermon unfolds gradually but surely. We do not know exactly where the preacher will take us, but he is evidently following a planned route, and so we are content to take each development of his theme as he introduces us to it. Considering the fundamental truth that without Christ no Christian can do anything of any spiritual value, Spurgeon first of all considers our Lord's assertion as an aspiration of hope. Then he feels it as a shudder of fear. It presses upon him and us next as a vision of failure. Then we hear it as a voice of wisdom. Finally, it rings out as a song of content. In this way, the same statement is made of various use to those who are or profess to be followers of the Lamb, and each comes in its turn. Even the sequence is interesting: hope comes first, then warning, then instruction, then comfort and joy, so that we are pointed in the right direction, cautioned with regard to the prospect, but then encouraged concerning the final outcome. There is a great deal of discernment, then, not only in the substance of the sermon but in its arrangement, as we walk away impressed with the need for a known and felt union with our Lord Jesus if we are to be fruitful in his service.
A new MP3 sermon from Bloomington Reformed Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Life Without Christ Speaker: Richard Holdeman Broadcaster: Bloomington Reformed Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday - AM Date: 6/1/2025 Bible: Revelation 9:1-21 Length: 42 min.
The importance of a firm, stable, and secure foundation is made evident when Jesus said in the culmination of His Sermon on the Mount, the relevant question left to be answered is this: “What kind of foundation are you building your life on?” Without Christ as our foundation, we are susceptible to all the storms that life brings. With Him, we can face any storm and remain firmly rooted, coming out victorious on the other side. Are you ready to make Christ the foundation for your life today?
A global call for unity. World faith leaders join hands. The Pope declares peace is the only path forward. But what if this ‘peace'… is a prophetic setup? What if unity without Jesus isn't hope — it's deception? This isn't just politics or religion — it's the fulfillment of Bible prophecy in real time. Today, we expose the spiritual danger behind the headlines. This is False Peace, Real Prophecy — and you need to hear this. --------------- 📚: Check out Jerusalem Prophecy College Online for less than $60 per course: https://jerusalemprophecycollege.com 📱: It's never been easier to understand. Stream Only Source and access exclusive content: https://watch.osn.tv/browse ⭐️: Birch Gold: Claim your free info kit on gold: https://www.birchgold.com/endtime ☕️: First Cup Coffee: use code ENDTIME to get 10% off: https://www.firstcup.com 💵: American Financing: Begin saving today: https://www.americanfinancing.net/endtime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Anna Rose Garrett | Respond Anna Rose kicks off the women's retreat by speaking on the supremacy of Christ from Colossians 1:15–20.She invites us to reflect on three key questions:How can we grasp Christ's supremacy?What does it reveal?What do we do with it?Anna shares honestly about becoming numb to Scripture and how we often trade Christ's rule for our own fears, idols, and ambitions.This message is a call to let go of what we cling to and trust that Jesus—who is over all—is the only one who can truly set us free.Colossians 1:15-20Respond Women's RetreatPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.
Mark 5:1-20 is the second of four miracles that display Jesus' power as God in flesh. At the end of chapter 4, Jesus calmed a storm by rebuking it. Creation bowed to its master as the wind and waves obeyed. The creator is sovereign over His creation. Mark 5:1-20 shows us that Jesus also holds power over the spiritual realm, the armies of Satan, and the kingdom of darkness. When Jesus arrives at the opposite shore of the Sea of Galilee, a man enslaved by unclean spirits meets Him. Mark provides significant detail regarding this man's hopeless and tormented condition (v. 1-5). As the narrative progresses, we learn that a legion of unclean spirits inhabits him. But even thousands of demons cannot withstand His authority. Jesus triumphs over the host of enemy powers with the same authority and word that stilled the storm. Jesus has come to set the captive free. This man's circumstances are extreme, but they are not the only picture of someone enslaved to Satan's kingdom. Without Christ, all of Adam's descendants are held under Satan's power (1 John 5:19; Eph. 2:1-2; Col. 1:13-14). If Jesus can conquer the army garrisoned within this man, He can free any captive and save any soul enslaved by sin. There are several twists in this narrative involving suicidal pigs and a howling graveyard dweller, but as we have seen before, Jesus is the "Son of the Most High God" (Mark 5:7) and possesses the power to bring the kingdom of God into the darkness. Mark ends this passage by displaying how the townspeople and the recently delivered man respond to Jesus. One is commissioned, while the others beg Jesus to leave. I. The Plight Of The Enemy's Slave (v. 1-5) II. The Power Of The Sovereign Son (v. 6-13) III. The Responses To This Lord & King (v. 14-20) In Christ, Jason Velotta worship-connect-serve
In today's sermon, Pastor Andrew Coleman preaches from John 21: 1-14 and looks at the 40 day period between Christ's ascension and resurrection. Through this passage, we can see several key truths. First, Without Christ, we can do nothing that is eternal. Second, God's people are incredibly diverse—all for his glory and purposes. Third, God's people must learn to recognize, trust, and obey him. When we do this, there will be miraculous results and blessing. Ultimately, it is only the power of Christ and his Gospel that will change the world! ________________________________________ Links to Sermon Notes & Answers: ➤Sermon Notes (Blank): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_0f9ec8abdcd94706976f383bdd2f03fc.pdf ➤Sermon Notes (Answers): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_f8ef758a6db442baaa772b5386044521.pdf ________________________________________ In this video: Review of previous sermons in series Main Points Application ________________________________________ Subscribe to this channel to catch weekly expositional sermons from the Bible. ________________________________________ Explore more sermons and information: https://www.sheridanhills.org/watch-new ________________________________________ Follow us: ➤Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheridanhills/ ➤Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheridanhills01 ➤Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanhills/
Lent 2025Today's transcript. We depend on donations from exceptional listeners like you. To donate, click here.The Daily Rosary Meditations is now an app! Click here for more info.To find out more about The Movement and enroll: https://www.schooloffaith.com/membershipPrayer requests | Subscribe by email | Download our app | Donate
Are you willing to let Jesus open your eyes? Without Christ, we live in spiritual blindness—searching or longing for something we may not fully understand. Yet, when Jesus meets us in our brokenness, He meets us exactly where we are and offers His transformative power. The key is our willingness to acknowledge our need for Him. Only then can we receive His gift of sight and salvation. Join us as we reflect on the story of the blind man in John 9, exploring how Jesus opens our eyes—both spiritually and miraculously.
This Valentine's Day week, we're bringing you a couple's story that is rare and raw. From our Homewood community, JT and Katie Thornbury openly share about the profound emptiness in their lives and marriage prior to knowing Christ—and how they miraculously came to know Him, together, well into their 30s. For years, troubled pasts and past experiences influenced how JT and Katie approached life and faith. Plus, striving in their careers and in their parenting meant they usually focused on themselves and not on each other. But through a series of hard circumstances and intense searching, JT and Katie found their hearts and marriage healed by Him. What better way to celebrate Valentine's than to cheer on the Thornburys and their saved marriage? And even better, their secured salvation in Christ! In this episode, you will learn: –Without Christ's loving direction, all areas of your life will bend toward emptiness. –Seek Him and you will find Him; He can use your doubts to draw you to Himself. –Even after we come to know Christ, every day requires surrender and dependence. Links: Reason for God by Tim Keller Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Listen to a similar story: Andrea & Greg Carlisle- Ep. 98: “Broken & Restored: A Marriage Story and Sand & Oscar Price- Ep. Taste of Patreon Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Katie & JT and past storytellers Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings! Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!
Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comMatthew 8Matthew's gospel has a purposeful structure to build out the authority of Jesus. Chapters 1-4 tell the story of Jesus in prophecy. Chapters 5-7 are filled with Jesus' life-changing teachings. Now, in chapters 8-9, the focus is placed squarely on miracles. In today's short chapter, we are gifted the following stories: the healing of the leper, the healing of the Centurion's servant, the healing of Peter's mother-in-law, the calming of the sea of Galilee, and the demons cast into the swine. This list forms a dynamic way of showing the power of Jesus over all things. Upon closer examination, it shows He can heal the body, He has authority over space and time, He overpowers the spiritual forces of darkness, and even the natural world obeys His mighty will. Where can we go to escape the jurisdiction of Jesus? And why would we even try? These stories give us tremendous confidence in how Christ can benefit our lives. As a man was burdened with decay through leprosy, so are we with physical sickness and spiritual death. Jesus, filled with compassion, promises to heal us of spiritual disease, and often helps with our physical needs! Jesus casting out demons reminds us that He is mightier than Satan and his workers. Without Christ's power and presence, we would be helpless in the spiritual warfare beyond our sight as well as the daily storms of life. Jesus alone has the might to protect us. May we put our faith and trust in Him. Oh Great God of majesty, may we take a moment today and be in awe of Your limitless power over all things. Thank you for demonstrating Your might through Jesus Christ. The natural world, the spiritual world, the human body, and the soul, are all subject to the glory and ability of Jesus. May our faith never limit the display of His power. Father, the storms of life often distract us. Help us to never give in to fear, but to turn to our Savior and call upon His presence to calm the storm and hold us close. Thought Questions: - What will happen if you approach Jesus with your sins like the leper in today's chapter? How does Jesus respond to such humility? - How far does the authority of Jesus reach? Is there any request you can make in faith that will be too much for Jesus? Go for it! - If Jesus controls the storms and the demons, two things outside of you and beyond your control, how should that affect how you pray today?