Podcasts about worldliness

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Worldliness characterizes Babylon. Worldliness is whatever makes wickedness look normal and righteousness look strange. That is prevalent everywhere you look. God's people can feel small and insignificant in the belly of Babylon, but the truth of the matter is: God rules “Babylonian” leaders and “Babylon” for the good of his people.A megalomaniac's testimony...1) Intellectual disruption2) Experiential crisis3) Volitional submissionText: Daniel 4:1-37

"Warning Against Worldliness" (James 4)_Speaker: Mike Mahoney

Jesus said it best in Luke 17, "Remember Lot's wife!" We know the infamous story of her turning into a pillar of salt for looking back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. What is the warning for us, Christians, mercifully rescued by our Savior?

In this letter, Seneca talks about intentionally pulling back from societal pressures to find real fulfillment and contentment. He talks about living a life away from the spotlight, but also recognizes that our past achievements can't be erased.Today's episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss' Audio. Get the free PDF at tim.blog/seneca

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Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Today’s message continues our study of 1 John and is titled “Light Reveals Love.” The Apostle John, known as the Apostle of Love, had a different disposition in his younger years. He and his brother James were nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus due to their hot-tempered and impulsive nature. However, after years of reflecting on Jesus' teachings and experiencing both physical and spiritual maturity, he recognizes that Love is the better way to navigate life. Love is the central theme of today’s message. How we love others is a significant indicator of whether we are genuine followers of Jesus. We live in a world of spiritual darkness; John tells us that we know we are true followers of Christ if we walk in the light and love our fellow brothers and sisters as Christ does. A clear sign of our love is how far we are willing to limit our spiritual liberties to avoid becoming a stumbling block or, in other words, a negative influence in someone else’s life. Scripture warns strongly against those who would cause a weaker or younger believer to stumble and fall away from God's grace. Our Christian liberties come with serious responsibilities and consequences if we live carelessly. Worship and study with us as we are encouraged and challenged in our exploration.

Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Today’s message continues our study of 1 John and is titled “Light Reveals Love.” The Apostle John, known as the Apostle of Love, had a different disposition in his younger years. He and his brother James were nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus due to their hot-tempered and impulsive nature. However, after years of reflecting on Jesus' teachings and experiencing both physical and spiritual maturity, he recognizes that Love is the better way to navigate life. Love is the central theme of today’s message. How we love others is a significant indicator of whether we are genuine followers of Jesus. We live in a world of spiritual darkness; John tells us that we know we are true followers of Christ if we walk in the light and love our fellow brothers and sisters as Christ does. A clear sign of our love is how far we are willing to limit our spiritual liberties to avoid becoming a stumbling block or, in other words, a negative influence in someone else’s life. Scripture warns strongly against those who would cause a weaker or younger believer to stumble and fall away from God's grace. Our Christian liberties come with serious responsibilities and consequences if we live carelessly. Worship and study with us as we are encouraged and challenged in our exploration.

Series: N/AService: Radio Program / PodcastType: Radio Program / PodcastSpeaker: E.R. Hall, Jr.

Series: N/AService: Radio Program / PodcastType: Radio Program / PodcastSpeaker: E.R. Hall, Jr.

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James 4:1-12For more information about Sojourn Montrose, visit sojournmontrose.org

Worldliness is whatever makes wickedness look normal and righteousness look strange. Worldliness characterizes "Babylon". Babylon is in every country in the world. It's also present in our communities, schools, and places of employment. So how do God's people live wisely in Babylon? Join us as we begin a new series on the book of Daniel, which serves as a manual for wise living in Babylon.Life in Babylon...1) How we get there2) What we maintain there3) Who we bless there4) The promise we cling to while thereText: Daniel 1:1-21

Pastor John Biddle James 4:4

Lisa and I continue our conversation on spiritual mothering. I consider how helpless the church becomes when it follows the whims of the world, explore Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife, seek out ministry partners and consider the good and the bad of conviction and compromise.

2 Thessalonians charges out of the gate by discussing two of the scariest subjects in Scripture: hell and the antichrist. Both of these frightening subjects carry a message of hope for the church experiencing a sampling of hell and antichrist-like figures.

Today on Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we're discussing Kanye West's latest internet meltdown and what it reveals about the state of our unfortunate over-sexualized and depraved culture. From celebrity chaos to societal decay, it's clear—without God, the world spirals into total confusion and sin. We're breaking down the bigger picture and talking about why it's time to turn away from worldliness/wickedness and the dysfunction of degeneracy and back to the truth and love of Christ. Jesus is the only sane way forward, ladies and gentlemen.--https://www.thebrandsunday.com/products/the-bible-study-copy?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=tbs_thebiblestudy_searchads-nixwdmd&tw_source=google&tw_adid=608801073541&tw_campaign=17672311083&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC-_2dRN1WU6lhTaWFNApFgzBkVe_&gclid=CjwKCAiAwaG9BhAREiwAdhv6Y_Xc6w4LM7_4otTu1-XgzYjKKwhwbNBCdqLFVTDdXToND7Rt6JU2hBoC3hsQAvD_BwE

Sermon: Revelation 2:12-17 – To the Church in Pergamum, The Danger of Worldliness Worldliness – any thought, attitude, or behavior that is shaped by the values and priorities of a fallen, rebellious world system rather than by the kingdom of God. Main Point: Stand fast against the pressure of the world and root out all […] The post To the Church in Pergamum, The Danger of Worldliness (Revelation 2:12-17) appeared first on Grace Church Crystal Coast.

Preaching Point: Knowing that worldly desires wreak havoc on God's people and even oppose God, every Christian must examine their desires and, when necessary, repent and seek God's forgiveness.Main Text: James 4:1–10 (ESV) 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Main Text: James 4:1–10 (ESV) 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.Preaching Point: Knowing that worldly desires wreak havoc on God's people and even oppose God, every Christian must examine their desires and, when necessary, repent and seek God's forgiveness.Teaching Points:Keep Your Desires in Check vv1-4Expect God to Pursue You vv5-6Humbly Respond to God vv7-10

Fr Antony Jukes says that to overcome the world, as described in the Gospel of St. John, means resisting all that is opposed to God—hatred, rejection of truth, and temptation—while staying faithful to Christ. It involves steadfast faith during persecution, scandals, and worldly distractions, seeking only to please God rather than seeking approval from others

Timestamps to Know ·  00:27 – Intro ·  04:15 – How Bob Kauflin Was Introduced to Messiah ·  07:30 – Non-Christians Singing the Scriptures in Messiah ·  15:00 – John Newton and Handel's Messiah ·  18:20 – The Means and Methods for Communicating the Gospel ·  26:02 – Leaders Should Bring Explanation ·  30:04 – Un-Training Musicians Out of a ‘Performance' Mind-set ·  38:02 – Counsel for Those in the Arts as Their Vocation ·  43:07 – If Handel Were to Publish Messiah Today ·  46:14 – Pastoring Those With Gifts that Need to Be Dialed Back ·  53:00 – How Can We Magnify Christ in Our Focus? ·  57:16 – Sovereign Grace's Advent Season ·  1:00:35 – Closing Thoughts and Outro   Resources to Click · “Profane Sacrilege or Redeemer's Praise: John Newton on the Messiah and the 1784 Commemoration of Handel” – Ben Purves ·  “Handel's Messiah: Worship, Worldliness, and the Way of True Praise” – Bob Kauflin ·  GLAD Acapella Full Album · “The Handel Commemoration 1784” – Jenny Ruthven · “The 1784 Handel Commemoration as Political Ritual” – William Weber · The Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser at Handel Reference Database · “Newton Script to Interweave with Part 2 of Handel's Messiah” ·  “Fifty Sermons on Handel's Messiah” – Robert Manson Myers ·  Sound Plus Doctrine Podcast ·  Theme of the Month: Handel's Messiah: Singing Scripture's Hallelujah ·  Give to Support the Work of COA   Books to Read ·  The Works of John Newton – John Newton ·  Entertaining Crisis in the Atlantic Imperium 1770-1790 – Daniel O'Quinn ·  Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God – Bob Kauflin ·  True Worshippers: Seeking What Matters to God  – Bob Kauflin ·  The Poems of William Cowper – William Cowper ·  Handel's Messiah: Comfort for God's People – Calvin R. Stapert ·  The Cross and Christian Ministry – D.A. Carson

“[Worldliness] is as common and as fatal a symptom of hypocrisy as any other, for by no sin can Satan have a surer and faster hold of the soul, under the cloak of a visible and passable profession of religion, than by this; and therefore Christ, having warned us against coveting the praise of men, proceeds next to warn us against coveting the wealth of the world... lest we be as the hypocrites are, and do as they do: the fundamental error they are guilty of is, that they choose the world for their reward...” -Matthew Henry

Check out this combined reading of Bob Kauflin & Ben Purves' articles Time Stamps to Know

A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Reformed Congregation is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: How can I cultivate godliness and fight worldliness? Speaker: Dr. Joel Beeke Broadcaster: Heritage Reformed Congregation Event: Youth Date: 12/8/2024 Length: 53 min.

Numbers 22:1-6,Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho. 2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel. 4 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” So Balak the son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, 5 sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the people of Amaw, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me. 6 Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” Well, in Numbers chapter 22, we read that the Israelites have made it to the plains of Moab. Which was near the Jordan River. Near the city of Jericho. Near the long-anticipated promised land of Canaan. What this signals for us then, is the beginning of a transition, a passing over of the baton, from the first generation of Israelites who failed to trust God in the wilderness, to the second generation of whom God said, “They shall inherit the land.” And it's no coincidence that as bookends to this section of Scripture (Numbers 22-25), we find two contrasting men on either side. One, who like the first generation, seems to know a thing or two about God, seems to claim a sort of allegiance to him, yet proves, in time, to be far from him. His name is Balaam, and his story will run through chapters 22, 23, and 24. In chapter 25, we'll see the second man, Phinehas. A man who not only knows about Yahweh and has given his allegiance to Him, but demonstrates that allegiance through action.So the aim for this morning is to analyze these two men, asking, on one side, What are the marks of worldliness? (And we'll spend the majority of our time there,) and what are the marks of godliness? We'll then end with a look at a third question: what are the promises given to the godly? What are the marks of worldliness?What are the marks of godliness?What are the promises given to the godly?1. Worldliness (Balaam)So, first question: what are the marks of worldliness? We're asking because, as Christians, we believe that examples of worldliness like these are in Scripture for our benefit… That we might inspect them, and so learn from them of how not to be.Just as Paul says, regarding these Old Testament examples of worldliness, 1 Corinthians 10:6, …these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”And in his very next sentence, he references this very narrative here involving Balaam, saying:We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did [that is, the people we'll meet this morning in Numbers 25] and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.”Application, 1 Cor. 10:12, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”The marks of worldliness are here to serve as lenses into our own hearts. Lenses through which to look and ask: Where do I see remnants of this yet dwelling in me?With that, let's take a look at Numbers 22. So, as Peter just read, Israel is in Moab, and they're not alone. The people of Moab and Midian are there as well, and they're in “great dread” and “overcome with fear” on account of mighty Israel's arrival. Balak, King of Moab, fears war with the Israelites. He knows he cannot defeat them by force. But, he thinks, “perhaps I can through sorcery.” Enter Balaam — the Gentile prophet for hire. In verse 6, King Balak sends his messengers to Balaam, saying, “Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me.” And whether its a show of flattery, or something he actually believes it, Balak says of Balaam what should never be said of anyone other than God. “For I know [Balaam] that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” What follows can be a bit of a confusing story. Confusing because it can leave us a bit unsure of what to do with Balaam. What should we make of him? Is he godly? Is he worldly? At first glance, it can seem tough to tell. After all: Balaam is going to refer to God by his covenantal name, Yahweh. God himself is going to speak to Balaam and through Balaam for the good of his people. In challenging moments, Balaam is going to claim that he's under obligation to speak only what God tells him.Those sound like marks of godliness, right? Well, they're not. And that's going to become increasingly apparent throughout these chapters. In fact, we can begin to see that as early on as verse 8. After all, just put yourselves in Balaam's shoes for a moment, and ask yourself: How might I respond, were these messengers to show up at my door, and say, “Our Master Balak wants to hire you to curse Israel, for he knows that he whom you curse is cursed and he whom you bless is blessed,”?How might you, given all you know of what God has said and done concerning this people Israel, beginning in Genesis, and stretching all the way through Exodus, Leviticus, and this point in Numbers. What might you say to these men? “Get lost,” right? Israel is the apple of God's eye (Zech. 2:8). Israel is God's treasured possession (Ps. 135:4). The people with whom God has made a covenant. The people of whom God said, “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you, I will curse” (Gen. 12:3). You don't love God and curse his people, do you? That is not Balaam's response. But, rather, verse 8, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.” First Mark of WorldlinessWe're looking for marks of worldliness. Well, here's the first: Worldliness considers sin, ponders it, weighs it in a balance. It says, “Wait here a moment, while I calculate whether this is worth my disobedience to God.”It does not slam the door upon sin, as it ought. It does not resist sin at first sight, as it ought. Instead it demonstrates a deadly patience toward sin, allowing it to linger, and make its case, and then mull over its prospect.Where is this kind of mulling over the prospect most likely to happen in our lives today? I'd venture to say that's its most likely to happen with a screen open before you, and the thought beginning to work its way into your mind: Perhaps this click is worth my disobedience to God. Worldliness considers sin. Balaam should've slammed the door in the face of those men. Instead, he welcomed them in.Let's pick up the speed a bit. Second Mark of WorldlinessBalaam's going to inquire of God — “Should I curse this people?” God's going to give his response. And it's not complicated. Verse 12: “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” End of story, right? Not exactly. Balaam will turn away this first group of messengers, but King Balak will simply send back more, and with an even sweeter offer, in verse 16:“Let nothing hinder you from coming to me [Balaam], for I will surely do you great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Come, curse this people for me.” But Balaam's already got his answer, right? God has told him clearly not to go. So why does Balaam say this, in verses 18-19?“Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God to do less or more. So you, too, please stay here tonight, that I may know what more the LORD will say to me.”What more? God has given you his answer Balaam — What more need he say?Do you see what's going on here? Balaam is feigning ignorance. Pretending he actually does not know what God wants of him… Sure, God said not to go the first time, but what about now? Perhaps there's a chance he's changed his mind. Perhaps there's more nuance to his answer. Perhaps there's more that needs to be considered before I completely shut the door here.Here's a second mark of worldliness. Worldliness pleads ignorance. It claims: I just don't know what God thinks about this thing. I just don't know what God thinks about me sleeping with my boyfriend. I just don't know what God thinks about me going to this party. I just don't know what God thinks about me cheating on this test.The fact is, most of us know all too well what God thinks about these things, and many others — we just doesn't like it. Least not by nature. And so, we play pretend. We shut our eyes and stop our ears, and say, “Well, since I really can't know for sure…” Second mark of worldliness. Worldliness pleads ignorance.And like the kid who just keeps shaking up the eight-ball till he finally gets the answer he wants, Balaam is just going to keep “inquiring of God,” as if he didn't know any better, till God finally lets him go. And God will. God will give him over to what he truly wants. “Balaam, you want to go, you can go,” but, verse 20, “You can only do what I tell you.”Third Mark of WorldlinessNow, just a show of hands quick: You ever experience a bit of car trouble while out on the road? Flat-tire, over-heated engine, the kind of thing that forces you to pull over on the side of the road? It's amazing, even in our “post-Christian” age, people still tend to attribute that kind of thing to an act of God. “An act of God prevented me from making it to my intended destination.” Well, at this point of the story, Balaam is going to experience not a bit of car trouble, but a bit of donkey trouble. Three-times over, his donkey is going to prevent him from making progress toward the plains of Moab. And amazingly, Balaam is never once going to consider that it may actually be God whose preventing his progress. His donkey will. In fact, unlike Balaam, the donkey is going to see the angel of the LORD standing in his way with sword drawn, and that's the reason he's going to stop these three times.During stop number 3, God's going to do something remarkable. In verse 28, he's going to open the mouth of Balaam's donkey to speak to him. God can use Balaam, a prophet-for-hire as his mouthpiece, and he can even use a donkey to do the same. God then opens Balaam's eyes to finally see what's in front of him. Verse 31, “Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand.”Jump down to the middle of verse 32: “Behold [says the angel], I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.”And now, just consider all that Balaam has experienced of God up to this point: God has spoken to him, twice. God has opened the mouth of his donkey. God has revealed an angel to him. In just a short while, God himself is going to speak through him. And God's even going to use him to bless his people. But you know what's really alarming? None of these experiences will ultimately change Balaam's heart.Sure, Balaam's going to be humbled in verse 31 — Frightened by this angel, he'll not dare go beyond what God says to him, for fear of his life.Balaam's going to be grieved in verse 34 — confessing his sin of ignorance (I didn't know the angel was there) but not his rebellion (I shouldn't have even been there in the first place). Balaam's even going to show some interest in God's people — 23:10, “Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his [meaning Israel's]” None of it will fundamentally change Balaam. Like the parable of the soil and the weeds, Balaam's apparent interest in God will be choked out by the cares of this world.Balaam's EndAnd that's not conjecture. Scripture tells us that Balaam's last act, following these events, did not involve a dedication of his life to God. But a back-door method for getting paid. The advising King Balak and the women of Moab — “Look, you can't curse Israel, but you can seduce them.” As Numbers 31:16 reads, “…on Balaam's advice, the women of Midian caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord.” As 2 Peter 2:15 reads, Balaam did this because he loved gain from wrongdoing. Third, and most alarming mark of worldliness: Worldliness can experience God and go on unmoved. Brothers and sisters, beware of heart-absent Christian activity. In your Bible reading, prayer, church life — beg God to awaken you to his glory. Plead with God to change you from one degree of glory to the next. Ask God, “Father, show me your glory through this act of worship before you.” What are the marks of worldliness?Worldliness considers sin, feigns ignorance, and can even go on unmoved by the experience of God.So, that's Balaam. Our portrait of worldliness. Far more briefly now, we'll look at Phinehas, and he as a portrait of godliness.2. Godliness (Phinehas)Turn with me over to chapter 25, and see that it opens with the Balaam-incited episode between the sons of Israel and the daughters of Moab and Midian. Verse 1, “While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor.”They were seduced into idolatry.God's response to this peoples' sin, just as in other times, was righteous wrath. Plague breaks out. Verse 9 tells us that 24,000 Israelites died in this incident — likely finishing off the remainder of that first generation of Israelites of whom God said would not enter the land but die in the wilderness.Now, 24,000 is a large number. But it would've been even larger had it not been for Phinehas. Again, we're looking for marks of godliness, and what we'll see in Phinehas is essentially the opposite of what we saw in Balaam. It begins with the disturbing scene of verse 6: “And behold, one of the people of Israel came and brought a Midianite woman to his family, in the sight of Moses and in the sight of the whole congregation of the people of Israel, while they were weeping in the entrance of the tent of meeting.”Israelites are literally dropping left and right because of the plague. Mourners have gathered near the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. And in the sight of everyone, this man Zimri takes a Midianite woman in his hand and leads her to his chamber, nonchalantly walking past the Holy Tabernacle of God as they do so. Worldliness considers sin, yes? Godliness does not — but strikes it down from the start. So, verse 7: “When Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose and left the congregation and took a spear in his hand.”He does not consider following suit and he too grabbing the hand of a Midianite woman. He grabs his spear instead. First Mark of Godliness: Godliness opposes sin from the start.And why does he? What's so wrong about taking this Midianite woman? Maybe Zimri really likes her. Maybe she likes him. Maybe it's really no big deal. Worldliness feigns ignorance, yes? Godliness doesn't. God has said, Ex. 20:2-3, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me.” Yet this man is bowing down to these Midianite gods.God has said, Numbers 15:30, “But the person who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native or a sojourner, reviles the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from among his people.” Yet this man is carrying out his sin in the sight of the whole camp, and without a care.God has said to Moses and Aaron, Num. 3:38, “guard the sanctuary…protect the people of Israel. And any outsider who [comes] near [they are] to be put to death.” Yet this man is bringing a Midianite woman right past the Holy sanctuary, threatening to defile it as they pursue their end.Worldliness feigns ignorance, yes? Godliness responds to God's word. Phinehas knows what God had to say about these things. So, again, he takes his spear. Lastly, Worldliness experiences God and goes on unmoved, yes? Phinehas, as Aaron's grandson, member of this second generation of Israelites, had seen all that God had done, heard all that God had said, throughout the years of the wilderness wanderings. And he did not go unmoved by them. He became captivated by the glory of God through them, and jealous for the spread of his glory in the world. As we read in 25:11, Phinehas did what he did out of jealousy for God's name. His heart won over to God's.What are the marks of godliness?Godliness opposes sin from the start.Godliness responds to God's word.Godliness is jealous for God.3. PromisesSo, we've got Balaam and worldliness on one side. Phinehas and godliness on the other. In between, promises given to the godly. Briefly, one of the most encouraging things to note regarding these God-given oracles of Balaam in chapters 23-24 is that for the most part, they're simply reaffirming the promises God has already made to this people before. For example: To Abraham he said, Gen. 22:17,“I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore.”Numbers 23:10,“Who can count the dust of Jacob or number the fourth part of Israel.”Ex. 29:45,“I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God.” Numbers 23:21 reads,“The Lord their God is with them, and the shout of a king is among them.”Gen. 22:17,“…Your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies”Num. 24:8,“God brings him out of Egypt…he shall eat up the nations, his adversaries,”The fact that God is reiterating his promise here should greatly encourage us. For though this first generation has proven faithless, God remains faithful. His promises still stand though the first generation failed to receive them. For, as 23:19 states,“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” God never fails to keep his promises. Which means that, as his new covenant people, when Jesus says things to us, like John 10:27-30: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand..” And we think, “well, yeah, but what about my inadequacy? My failings? My sin? Won't my shortcomings erode God's promise to me? In the midst of such worry and anxiety, we remember:“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” A Coming KingNow, I had said that most of these promises simply reaffirm the promises God has already made to this people. But what brings us to the table this morning is the introduction of a new promise here in Numbers. The promise of a coming king.In 24:17, we read:“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly. And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities!”This coming king will rise up out of Jacob. This coming king will crush the enemies of God's people. And indeed, he already has. And in this season of Advent, we're waiting for him once more. What brings us to the table this morning is the reality that King Jesus has come and disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame. He has crushed our greatest enemy, death itself, through his own death and resurrection, in which robbed the grave and stole Hell's keys, and now bids us all, “Come to me, and I will give you eternal life.” This meal which represents Jesus' broken body and shed blood is a meal for those who love this King Jesus. So if you're here today and you've trusted in Jesus, then we invite you to take and eat. If you've not put your trust in Jesus, we ask that you'd let the elements pass for now, but encourage you in this moment, turn to Jesus and receive this King and his promises offered to you.

The post Worldliness appeared first on Grace Bible Church.

Watch Out for Worldliness | The Narrow Junior High Ministry | Drew O'Connell

Lord's Day Worship Service

Worship Service

At the climax of James' sermon, he accuses many in the church for being double minded and refusing to walk in Christian wholeness. The reason? We are divided by desires.

Worship Service

Shane sits down with Pastor James and Hope Johnston to see how our we should live our lives in the world but not loving the world.

Pastor James continues our series, Authentic, walking through the book of 1 John. This week we saw that authentic followers of Jesus are not to love the world.

The post “I think I may be worldly. What’s worldliness?” appeared first on Key Life.

In this episode, we explore James chapter 4, where James sheds light on the dangers of worldliness creeping into our lives and the church. He describes the conflict and strife caused by selfish desires and offers practical steps to turn back toward God. Worldliness isn't just about what we do—it's about how we think and live, often ignoring God's presence in our decisions. James warns that becoming a friend of the world makes us enemies of God, but there's hope: "He gives more grace." By submitting to God, resisting the devil, and drawing near to Him, we can regain spiritual clarity and direction. James also reminds us that our plans should always align with God's will, saying, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” Join us to learn how to take these important steps to resist the world's influence and embrace God's wisdom. If you're struggling with spiritual drift, this episode will help guide you back.

Segment 1 • If you want to manage anxiety better, first decide where your trust lies—God or self? • Being "alone" is vastly different from being a "child of God." Anchor yourself in God's identity. • Anxiety isn't something you'll avoid, but trusting God over yourself changes everything. Segment 2 • If you bet on yourself, anxiety will persist. Put both feet into the Christian camp for real peace. • Shocking stats reveal many Christians think viewing porn is compatible with a healthy life. Is it really? • To experience a life of meaning, lose the things that drag you down and fully embrace following Jesus. Segment 3 • Ronald Reagan spoke with themes that elevated people's thinking. Where are today's leaders who inspire and challenge us? • Hollywood's trashy movies and "no fault divorce" legacy contrast sharply with elevated thinking. • Worldliness makes sin look normal and righteousness look strange. It's time to discern. Segment 4 • Reciting creeds like the Westminster Catechism offers guidance on living righteously in an age of slander. • Standing firm for truth isn't the same as slandering others. Righteousness requires integrity in how we speak and act. • There's a time for firm words, but slander defames both people and God's law. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Send us a textClick link for ESM Journal Page:Excel Still More Journal at the Spiritbuilding PublishersVideo to describe the ESM Journal.Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com   Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-8487Shia LaBeouf has had a troubled past. He is still not aware of the fullness of God's saving grace in Christ. But he is on a journey that started with a dramatic turn. This turn is needed in the lives of many, even among our own fellowship. In some ways, abandoning my managerial skills to give God control, is something I need to renew and commit to as well. Maybe we can encourage one another. Here is the section from his interview:My opinion about God before my world had crumbled was – art, love and God – they all mean the same thing, they are synonymous.  And I had also been told my whole life, your life is your life, you have to make with it what you can, you know. You've got to be a good guy, and then you got to get married, then you have to get a house and you have to get a job, and be good at your job – and like – your life is your life. And things will work out if you put the effort in, and I always really felt that.  And it made it hard to believe in God, because it felt like my managerial skills are what are going to amount to a fulfilled existence. When all of my designs failed, when all of my plans went out the window, when my life had led to serious infliction of pain and damage to other people – I threw up my hands like – my plans are garbage and I don't want to be here anymore.  Pain made me willing to go about this in a different way than I had previously. The news that had come out is that I had been abusive to women, and I've been shooting dogs, and I've been willingly giving women STDs and like – it's disgusting, it's depraved. I felt deep shame, deep guilt, shame like I had never experienced before. The kind of shame where you forget how to breathe.  It was seeing other people who had sinned beyond anything I could even conceptualize also being found in Christ that made me feel like, okay well, that gives me hope. I started hearing experiences, of other depraved people who had found their way in this. The Gospel gave me this invite to just let go. I came from the school of – God helps those who help themselves. That's not what I found. God comes to those who ask, that's what I have experienced. 

Authentic Palpable Faith: Conflicts, Worldliness & the Nature of Repentance

Worldliness and Godliness | Yound Adults Panel Discussion | PM Service by Father's House SA

October 6, 2024.