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This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Kate Williams, the vice president of sacred music at GIA Publications, publisher of the “Gather” and “Worship” hymnals. Ashley, Zac and Kate discuss: - Why Catholics don't sing at Mass - How the role of music in liturgy changed post-Vatican II - Why the slightest changes in language make all the difference when it comes to hymns In a brief “Signs of the Times,” Ashley points to America's coverage of Pope Leo's first major document, “Dilexi Te,” and calls for audience comments and questions. Links for further reading: Latin chant or folk music at Mass? A debate on what makes liturgy ‘reverent' The new Gather hymnal is just good enough — and that's perfect What makes for good liturgical music? St. Thomas Aquinas has 3 criteria for what works at Mass. Pope Leo in first major document: Love for the poor is not optional for Christians Read “Dilexi Te” You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is Jewish music a form of Torah (spiritual wisdom)? Joey Weisenberg, a musician, composer, and founder of Hadar's Rising Song Institute, thinks so. He joins Dan Libenson and Lex Rofeberg for a conversation about contemporary singing communities, the history of wordless melodies (nigunim) and unbound approaches to prayer. This episode is the second in an ongoing mini-series of Judaism Unbound episodes mobilizing Jewish music -- past, present, and future -- as a launching point into conversations about contemporary Jewish life and experience.Head to JudaismUnbound.com/classes to check out our up upcoming courses in the UnYeshiva. Amazing learning opportunities are available for registration exploring the book of Jubilees, Jewish Exile and Liberation, the Talmud, and Antisemitism Unbound! Financial aid is available via this link.Purchase Joey Weisenberg's most recent album, Selah, via this link. And access full shownotes for this episode via this link. If you're enjoying Judaism Unbound, please help us keep things going with a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation -- support Judaism Unbound by clicking here!
Celebrated songwriter Fanny Crosby wrote over 9,000 hymns in her lifetime, often writing as many as 6 or 7 songs a day. Despite being blind from infancy, she also played harp, piano, guitar, and other instruments, as well as singing soprano. She wrote the lyrics to many well-known hymns and while she did compose music to accompany a few of her songs, she partnered with many talented composers to write the music that accompanied her words.She used as many as 200 pseudonyms to publish her work, with a goal of maintaining humility. The author was admired for both her poetry and her music during her lifetime, but she wasn't motivated by personal fame.Fanny Crosby was so well-known in her day that musicians often came to her for lyrics. One day, musician William Doane dropped by for a surprise visit, begging her to put words to a tune he had recently written and was set to perform at an upcoming Sunday School convention. The only problem was that his train to the convention was leaving in 35 minutes. He sat at the piano and played the tune.“Your music says, ‘Safe in the Arms of Jesus,''' Fanny said, scribbling out the hymn's words immediately. “Read it on the train and hurry. You don't want to be late!” The hymn became one of Crosby's most famous.Fanny Crosby could write very complex hymns and compose music with a more classical structure, but she preferred to write sweet, simple verses that could be used for evangelism. She sought to share Jesus at every turn and to use her talents for God's glory. Let's pray.Dear Lord, thank you for the beautiful gift of music. We are so grateful for your love and for the opportunity to praise your name through song. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.
In today's episode, Ellie Holcomb — 3× Dove Award winner, bestselling author, and songwriter for Amy Grant, Francesca Battistelli, Riley Clemmons, and more - shares the story behind her new album Far Country. She joins me for a powerful conversation about grief, longing, and the steadfast love of God. Ellie's album, Far Country, was born out of a season of deep grief and honest wrestling — yet it radiates with hope and the nearness of God. We talk about: The story behind Far Country and what inspired her to write from a place of sorrow and longing The balance of beauty and brokenness in her music and how God meets us there Her song “You Give Me Your Hand” and the hope of resurrection in the midst of unanswered questions How to hold on to truth when life doesn't make sense The song(s) she's most connected to on the album This episode will comfort anyone walking through uncertainty, doubt, or loss — and remind you that God's presence is constant, even when the road ahead feels unclear. Links: Listen to Ellie's Album, Far Country, on the She Lives Purposefully Christian Music & Worship playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0MW7HE4KkPHZyUC14NQqGu Episode Timeline: 00:00 Intro 04:00 What stories of grief inspired this album, Far Country 10:50 Wrestle with God 15:00 Hope in the midst of pain 22:00 Losing loved ones and the song Give Me Your Hand 28:30 There will be both: sorrow and hope 32:30 God's presence during our pain 41:00 Ellie's favorite songs from her album ___ #EllieHolcomb#ChristianPodcast#FaithThroughSuffering#FarCountry#SheLivesPurposefully Ellie Holcomb interview, Far Country album, Christian music 2025, faith and suffering, grief and hope, God's steadfast love, Christian podcast for women, She Lives Purposefully, purpose podcast, Christian encouragement, finding faith in hard times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When it comes to money, the issue isn't just budgets or bank accounts—it's identity and ownership.In Christ, we're a new creation and God's dwelling place, which means money is something we manage for the Owner. Today, we'll explore what it looks like to live as God's stewards with Dr. Derwin Gray.Dr. Derwin L. Gray is a former NFL player turned pastor, author, and speaker. He co-founded Transformation Church in South Carolina and is the author of multiple books on faith, discipleship, race, and gospel-centered unity.From Ownership to StewardshipOne of the most significant shifts we can make as followers of Christ is to stop thinking like owners and start thinking like stewards. Scripture makes the point that: “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).God doesn't want something from us—He wants something for us. He longs for us to share His generous heart, free from the grip of idolatry. When Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both God and money,” He drew a line we cannot straddle. Money is a tool to serve God's purposes, not a master to rule our lives.A powerful illustration of this danger can be found in The Lord of the Rings. Smeagol, once a hobbit, discovered a ring of dark power and quickly became consumed by it. Calling it “my precious,” he was slowly deformed—body and soul—by his obsession.Money can do the same thing when it takes God's place in our lives. Instead of being a tool to serve God, it becomes a master that warps our hearts and dehumanizes us. But when grace reshapes our perspective, we see money for what it truly is: not a god to worship, but a resource to manage for God's glory.Generosity Flows from the GospelThe Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 8:9, “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich.”Generosity is not our idea—it is God's nature. Giving is worship, an overflow of gratitude to the One who gave Himself for us. When we give our first and best to God, we not only honor Him but also discover peace, freedom, and deeper trust.This isn't only about giving. Stewardship encompasses saving, investing, and living debt-free. But generosity is foundational. When we trust God with our finances, we learn to trust Him with every other area of our lives. Our High CallingWe are not owners. We are managers of what the King of kings has placed in our hands. Every dollar entrusted to us is an opportunity to worship Him, serve others, and reflect His generous heart.When we embrace this calling, stewardship stops being a burden and becomes a beautiful privilege. How might God be inviting you to live more fully as His steward today?On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I had to retire early because of health issues for both me and my wife. As a custodian, I wasn't able to save much, and now we're living on about $2,400 a month from Social Security. What's the best way to wisely manage these limited resources?I'm 80 years old and have been taking required minimum distributions from my IRA for about ten years, giving some of those funds to charity each year. When I pass away, my children will inherit the IRA. Will they need to continue taking required minimum distributions?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Transformation Church | I Am A Steward (Sermon by Dr. Derwin Gray)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This is the Thursday evening liturgy during the Fall season of Ordinary Time for the Compline podcast from the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University. For more about the Center for Worship and the Arts, as well as the resources we provide, visit us at https://www.samford.edu/worship-arts/.CREDITS:© 2021 Center for Worship and the Arts, Samford University.Engineered and produced by Wen Reagan for the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University.SPOKEN WORD:Wen Reagan, Stacy Love, Tracy Hanrahan, Meagan Kennedy, Pierce Moffett, Eden Walker.MUSIC:“Compline #5” by Wen Reagan, © 2020 Sursum Corda Music (BMI).“Wishing Elsewhere” by Emily Hanrahan, © 2020 Emily Hanrahan.“My Savior Left His Throne Above” by Julie Anne Vargas and Zac Hicks, © 2015 Unbudding Fig Music (ASCAP) & Julie Anne Vargas, CCLI #7056910.TEXTS:The liturgical words for this podcast series include original phrasings, but were primarily curated and designed from several public domain sources, including “An Order for Compline” from the Anglican and Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and collects collected from Grace Cathedral and the University of Notre Dame.SOUNDS:The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA."Door, Front, Opening, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org."Door, Front, Closing, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org.“06 – Crackling Candle.wav” by 14GPanskaLetko_Dominik of Freesound.org.“Lights a Candle Light with a Match” by straget of Freesound.org.The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.“Soft Shoes Walking on a Dirt Road” by Nagwense of Freesound.org.“Match Being Lit.wav” by Jeanet_Henning of Freesound.org.“Candle Blow.wav” by Bee09 of Freesound.org.Mentioned in this episode:Discover Samford's Center for Worship and the Arts - the creator...
How would you feel, if you suddenly lost the gifts so many of us take for granted, such as vision, hearing, or the ability to walk? Fanny Crosby was struck blind at just 6 weeks of age, but God had a plan for her. She was raised by her mother and grandmother after her father's death when she was about 6 months old, and although she grew up poor, she was blessed to attend an excellent school for the blind in New York state, near where the family lived.Fanny enrolled at the New York Institution for the Blind in 1835, just before her 15th birthday. She was a student of the school for 11 years, eventually joining the faculty as a teacher for another 12 years. During her time at the school, she learned to play the piano, organ, harp, and guitar, and became a good soprano singer. After graduation, she joined a group of lobbyists in Washington, D.C., arguing for support of education for the blind. Fanny was the first woman to speak in the United States Senate when she read a poem on the Senate floor encouraging funding for state schools for the blind.Fanny befriended 17-year-old Grover Cleveland, future President of the United States, while she was a teacher, and in fact, she knew each of the presidents who served during her lifetime through her work as a celebrated poet and songwriter.She later stated: “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow, I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”Let's pray.Lord, help us to set aside every distraction and focus on your plan for us. We often take for granted the gifts you've given us. Remind us to be grateful, and to use our gifts for your glory. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.
I've found that often times worry has to do with the fear of what could happen. They haven't happened. We don't know if they will happen, but we fear they could happen. This internal stress causes anxiety, fear, and apprehension. Not only can it make us emotionally and mentally unwell, but it can also cause physical illness too. Is there a cure?Main Points:1. The dictionary defines worry as giving way to anxiety or unease: to allow one's mind to dwell on difficulties or trouble, whether actual or potential.2. So, is there an answer? Is there a cure for worry? Is Jesus' command to not worry about our lives possible? What can we do? 3. I believe the answer is found in worship. In fact, it's very hard to worry and worship at the same time. Worship reorients our focus. A shift is made. A transition happens in our thoughts and in our spirit. As we worship our savior, we focus on his greatness, his goodness, and his faithfulness. We begin to remember that he is in control and there is nothing he cannot do. Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 6:25 - “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life."Matthew 6:25-26 - ““Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”Matthew 6:27 - “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”Philippians 4:6-7 - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Quick Links:Subscribe to The 5 Minute Discipleship NewsletterDonate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group
When we think about financial threats, inflation, taxes, and debt are often the first that come to mind. But Scripture tells us there's a deeper, more dangerous threat—covetousness. Left unchecked, it poisons our joy, drives us to make poor financial choices, and blinds us to God's generosity.Covetousness is more than wanting what we don't have. It's a disordered desire that whispers: “I must have that to be happy, safe, or fulfilled.” Paul warns in Colossians 3:5, calling covetousness “idolatry.” Why? Because it dethrones God and places possessions on the throne of our hearts.In our finances, covetousness often manifests subtly—comparing our homes to those of our neighbors, upgrading cars that are still running well, or chasing investments out of envy. These patterns reveal misplaced worship.The Antidote: Contentment in ChristThe opposite of covetousness isn't deprivation—it's contentment. In Philippians 4:11–13, Paul testifies that he has learned contentment in every circumstance through Christ's strength.Contentment doesn't come naturally—it's cultivated. And when we trust in God's abundance, we no longer grasp at what others have. Instead, we rest in His provision. Think of Jesus feeding the 5,000: what looked like scarcity became abundance in His hands.Social media magnifies our envy, turning vacations, houses, and life stages into comparison traps. The tenth commandment—“You shall not covet”—goes straight to the heart, reminding us that God cares not just about our actions but about our desires.If you feel this struggle, take heart—you're not alone. The Spirit empowers us to shift from envy to gratitude, from restless striving to restful trust.Practical Steps to Combat CovetousnessFighting covetousness is not about self-shame—it's about redirecting our worship. Here are three practices rooted in Scripture:Practice Gratitude—1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to give thanks in all circumstances. Keeping a daily gratitude list shifts focus from what's missing to what God has given. Budget as Worship—A budget isn't just restrictive—it's a discipleship tool. By directing money toward giving, saving, and wise spending, we declare, “Lord, I want You to guide my resources.” Give Generously—Paul urges believers to “be rich in good works, generous and ready to share” (1 Tim. 6:18). Every gift declares that our identity is not in what we own but in who owns us.Redirecting Desire Toward ChristJesus warns in Luke 12:15: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” The rich fool who built bigger barns illustrates the danger of letting wealth replace intimacy with God.Covetousness dies when Christ becomes enough. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”At its root, covetousness is a worship issue. We long for what others have because our hearts are restless for the only One who satisfies. St. Augustine put it well: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”The cure isn't less desire but rightly directed desire—desire fulfilled in Christ. When we practice gratitude, budget as worship, and live generously, we shift our gaze from possessions that perish to a Savior who is more than enough.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:We sold our house after some delays, but in the meantime, I withdrew funds from my IRA, intending to pay them back within 60 days. Since the sale took longer, are there any IRS rules or options to reduce the taxes on that withdrawal?I'm turning 59½ and retiring early. I have a TSP and the option to roll it into a fixed index annuity with a bonus from Allianz. What's your perspective on this type of annuity?We sold a property through owner financing after owning it for 15 years, though it wasn't our primary residence. When should I report the taxes, and is it treated as a long-term capital gain? Is there any tax benefit to having held it long-term?My sister has money sitting in a savings account that earns very little interest, and my name is also on it. Since she doesn't use email, could I open a joint high-yield online savings account with my email, transfer the funds there, and earn more interest?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This is the Wednesday evening liturgy during the Fall season of Ordinary Time for the Compline podcast from the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University. For more about the Center for Worship and the Arts, as well as the resources we provide, visit us at https://www.samford.edu/worship-arts/.CREDITS:© 2021 Center for Worship and the Arts, Samford University.Engineered and produced by Wen Reagan for the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University.SPOKEN WORD:Wen Reagan, Stacy Love, Tracy Hanrahan, Meagan Kennedy, Pierce Moffett, Eden Walker.MUSIC:“Compline #5” by Wen Reagan, © 2020 Sursum Corda Music (BMI).“Wishing Elsewhere” by Emily Hanrahan, © 2020 Emily Hanrahan.“My Savior Left His Throne Above” by Julie Anne Vargas and Zac Hicks, © 2015 Unbudding Fig Music (ASCAP) & Julie Anne Vargas, CCLI #7056910.TEXTS:The liturgical words for this podcast series include original phrasings, but were primarily curated and designed from several public domain sources, including “An Order for Compline” from the Anglican and Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and collects collected from Grace Cathedral and the University of Notre Dame.SOUNDS:The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA."Door, Front, Opening, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org."Door, Front, Closing, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org.“06 – Crackling Candle.wav” by 14GPanskaLetko_Dominik of Freesound.org.“Lights a Candle Light with a Match” by straget of Freesound.org.The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.“Soft Shoes Walking on a Dirt Road” by Nagwense of Freesound.org.“Match Being Lit.wav” by Jeanet_Henning of Freesound.org.“Candle Blow.wav” by Bee09 of Freesound.org.Mentioned in this episode:Discover Samford's Center for Worship and the Arts - the creator...
Worship led by Gabe Velasquez
Fanny Crosby was a prolific songwriter and poet born in 1820, and she overcame challenges including blindness and poverty from an early age — but she didn't allow her disability, or her circumstances, to hold her back.As a Christian, Fanny understood the importance of looking forward. When a preacher once remarked that it was a pity Fanny could not see because she had been given so many other gifts, she responded:“Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind? Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”Philippians 3:12–14 says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”Fanny Crosby was struck blind as an infant, lost her father before the age of one and was raised by a working single mother and her grandmother at a time when this was not at all common — but she never gave up. She allowed the Lord to shape her story, and used her talents to praise Him, and inspire others to do the same.Let's pray.Dear Lord Jesus, we ask you to be present in our current circumstances. Help us to look forward and keep our eyes on you, rather than dwelling on the past. You have a plan, and you are present in our lives. Thank you for that. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.
Join Apostle Jim Raley in this compelling sermon titled 'Miracle Mercy,' where he explores the concept of divine mercy and its profound impact on our lives. Through biblical teachings and personal insights, Apostle Raley takes listeners on a spiritual journey to the 'mercy seat,' a place where faith meets divine grace. Experience a transformative message that emphasizes the power of worship, the role of mercy in overcoming life's challenges, and the enduring hope found in God's presence.
Candace and Lisa close out Lisa's time on Body & Soul by tackling your extra questions—from supplements (electrolytes, collagen, colostrum) and protein goals to walking vs. heavy workouts, gut health, and the Dutch test. They talk honestly about idolatry in fitness, movement as worship, and what premarital counseling could've saved them from learning the hard way. Expect lighthearted moments (the “fishy” collagen era, beef-tallow face cream, and perfume confessions) alongside practical takeaways on reading labels, measuring portions, and choosing real food first. Plus: where to find past season guides, the free Whole Body Guide, and a heads-up about upcoming expert episodes on women's health and nutrition. · Grab the free Whole Body Guide at Candace.com to keep growing through Body & Soul. · Get tour tickets (Nov 20–23) at Candace.com/tour — games, Q&A, and real talk. · Revisit past seasons and download guides at Candace.com. · Ask your question for future episodes at Candace.com. Follow Lisa Whittle Instagram: / @lisawhittle Website: https://www.lisawhittle.com YouTube: / @lisawhittleofficial Substack: https://letsbeclear.substack.com Sponsors -WeShare: https://www.weshare.org/candace -Truth and Treason: angel.com/candace -Nuethix: https://nuethix.com/ Use code CANDACE -IFCJ http://IFCJ.org -Grand Canyon University: https://www.gcu.edu/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pr. Sean Daenzer Director of Worship for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod LCMS Worship The post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (Three Year Lectionary): Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Pr. Sean Daenzer, 10/7/25 (2803) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
In this Best of BaseCamp Live flashback, host Davies Owens sits down with pastor, musician, and author Jacob Hess to explore how story, liturgy, and imagination shape the hearts of our children - and why the stories we tell matter now more than ever.
“Migration is grace,” says UCLA professor Robert Chao Romero, author of Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity. In this episode, he joins Mark Labberton to discuss the immigration crisis through stories from Southern California, theology of migration, and the challenge of Christian nationalism for the American response to the immigration crisis we face. Romero narrates heartbreaking accounts of ICE raids, racial profiling, and dehumanization, while also offering hope rooted in scripture and the early church. He points out the “Xenodochias” of the ancient and medieval church that cared for migrants. And he shows how biblical narratives—from Abraham to Jesus—reveal God's mercy in migration. Romero calls Christians to see the image of God in migrants, resist the “Latino threat narrative,” and reclaim the church's historic role in welcoming the stranger. Episode Highlights “Migration is grace. … You wouldn't have a Bible without migration.” “Jesus lived and died as an outsider in solidarity with all outsiders, and he rose to new life among outsiders.” “The gospel is an outward pushing invitation… it is the pushing out actually into the far and remote places of suffering in need.” “This level of targeting of the Latino community has not happened since 1954 and Operation Wetback.” “We think that crossing the US border is like crossing the Jordan into the promised land, and we're baptized into the Yankee Doodle song.” Helpful Links and Resources Brown Church by Robert Chao Romero UCLA César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies Fuller Seminary's Centro Latino CLUE: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice World Relief About Robert Chao Romero Robert Chao Romero is an associate professor in the UCLA César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies and in the Asian American Studies Department. With a background in law and history, his research and teaching explore the intersections of race, immigration, faith, and justice. He is the author of Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity (IVP Academic), which chronicles the long history of Latino Christian social justice movements. Romero is also an ordained pastor, active in local church ministry and theological reflection on immigration, Christian nationalism, and the global church. Show Notes Immigration Crisis and ICE Raids Student testimonies of fear and trauma at UCLA during immigration crackdowns Stories of ICE targeting bus stops, car washes, and Home Depots in Southern California Latino citizens, veterans, and even high school students detained despite legal status A man fleeing ICE was killed in traffic, sparking vigils and protests Historical Parallels and Christian Nationalism Comparison to Operation Wetback of 1954, when over one million were deported Escalating racial profiling, reinforced by Supreme Court decisions “Latino Threat Narrative” portrays Latinos as criminals and unwilling to assimilate Christian nationalism merges citizenship and faith, echoing “manifest destiny” Theology of Migration and Outsiders Migration as grace: God intervenes with compassion in nearly every biblical migration story “We live alongside the world. We don't belong to the world.” “ Jesus lived and died as an outsider in solidarity with all outsiders, and he rose to new life among outsiders.” (Jorge Lara-Braud) Jesus as an asylum seeker in Egypt; Ruth and Joseph as biblical migrants Early church created “xenodochias”—ancient and medieval social service centers for immigrants and the poor Outsider theology: Christians as strangers and aliens, called to care for outsiders “Jesus lived and died as an outsider in solidarity with all outsiders.” Policy Challenges and Misconceptions Millions of mixed-status households trapped by the “10-year bar” in immigration law Asylum seekers legally present cases at the border under U.S. law Refugees undergo extensive vetting, often over decades Common myths about immigrants as “illegal” are contradicted by law and history Faith, Empathy, and the Church Empathy as central to Christian response, counter to narratives of fear and scarcity Latino pastors passing on both the gospel and nationalism from missionary influence The church historically provided refugee care before the UN Refugee Agency existed Worship with immigrant congregations as a source of hope and resilience Orthodox theology: worship joins heaven and earth, every tribe and nation before the Lamb Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.
Join Kasey Olander, Neil Coulter, and Todd Agnew as they explore why the arts matter for Christian life and worship — from the creative process to art's role in community, theology, and incarnational praise. TimeStamps 5:37 What is Art? 10:26 Enjoyment in the process 17:00 The Role of Art in our Worship with God 24:13 The Impact of World View on the Meaning of Art 41:31 Advice to Appreciating Art Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This is the Tuesday evening liturgy during the Fall season of Ordinary Time for the Compline podcast from the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University. For more about the Center for Worship and the Arts, as well as the resources we provide, visit us at https://www.samford.edu/worship-arts/.CREDITS:© 2021 Center for Worship and the Arts, Samford University.Engineered and produced by Wen Reagan for the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University.SPOKEN WORD:Wen Reagan, Stacy Love, Tracy Hanrahan, Meagan Kennedy, Pierce Moffett, Eden Walker.MUSIC:“Compline #5” by Wen Reagan, © 2020 Sursum Corda Music (BMI).“Wishing Elsewhere” by Emily Hanrahan, © 2020 Emily Hanrahan.“My Savior Left His Throne Above” by Julie Anne Vargas and Zac Hicks, © 2015 Unbudding Fig Music (ASCAP) & Julie Anne Vargas, CCLI #7056910.TEXTS:The liturgical words for this podcast series include original phrasings, but were primarily curated and designed from several public domain sources, including “An Order for Compline” from the Anglican and Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and collects collected from Grace Cathedral and the University of Notre Dame.SOUNDS:The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA."Door, Front, Opening, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org."Door, Front, Closing, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org.“06 – Crackling Candle.wav” by 14GPanskaLetko_Dominik of Freesound.org.“Lights a Candle Light with a Match” by straget of Freesound.org.The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.“Soft Shoes Walking on a Dirt Road” by Nagwense of Freesound.org.“Match Being Lit.wav” by Jeanet_Henning of Freesound.org.“Candle Blow.wav” by Bee09 of Freesound.org.Mentioned in this episode:Discover Samford's Center for Worship and the Arts - the creator of
Faith isn't belief or hope—it's assurance. In this message, Dr. Gabe unpacks the true meaning of faith, challenging common misconceptions and encouraging listeners to move beyond hope into the assurance of God's reality. He explores how faith is not just belief or hope, but the unwavering confidence in God—regardless of circumstance or outcome. To live by faith is to possess an unwavering assurance in God's love, sovereignty, and presence, regardless of circumstances. It is to embrace sacrifice and trust, even when there's no earthly guarantee. As Pastor Gabriel concludes, the invitation is clear: “At some point in your walk with the Lord… you gotta choose the cross.”Support the showText encounteratl to 94000 to stay up-to-date on all things Encounter.Worship with EncounterSundays at 9 AM ET | Wednesdays at 7:30 PM ETSupport EncounterText egive to 77977 Connect with EncounterFacebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | WebsiteConnect with Dr. GabeInstagram | YouTube | Website
Francis was just 6 weeks old when she became ill in the spring of 1820. The family doctor was out of town, and a charlatan pretending to be a doctor prescribed a treatment that rendered the baby completely blind, although she recovered from the initial illness. A few months later, her father died, and her mother went to work as a maid to support the family. She was raised by her grandmother, a devoted Christian who taught her granddaughter from the Bible.At the age of 8, the little girl wrote this poem,“Oh, what a happy soul I am,Although I cannot see!I am resolved that in this worldContented I will be.”The little girl was encouraged to work to the best of her abilities, and not to view herself as limited by blindness. She carried that resourceful attitude throughout her 94 years of living, and during her lifetime penned over 9,000 hymns.You may not have heard of Fanny Crosby, but if you've ever sung or listened to favorite hymns in church, chances are you've heard her music.She poured out her heart writing hymns, many of which are still sung today, nearly 200 years after her birth. Songs such as “Blessed Assurance” and “To God be the Glory” are treasured classics in many denominations.This is my story, this is my song,Praising my Savior all the day long.Fanny Crosby was struck blind as an infant, but she allowed the Lord to shape her story, and used her talents to praise Him, and inspire others to do the same.Let's pray.Lord, the story of Fanny Crosby is an encouraging reminder to rely on you, no matter our circumstances. You had a plan for her life from the very beginning, and the songs you wrote on her heart continue to inspire us today as we worship Your Holy Name. Thank you for writing Fanny's story so beautifully. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.
Our great friend, Nick Person is preaching on our POSTURE of worship. He opens up the Word to David 6, when David is accused of “undignified worship”. Nick shares how David's worship was probably the most dignified and proper worship that we should begin to emulate. How can we practice UNDIGNIFED worship today, as our lives, as Christ Followers, demonstrate heaven meeting earth to everyone around us? And the atmosphere of every room we enter should CHANGE because of our undignified worship.
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Faith with Friends podcast, host Lisa Lorenzo dives deep into the profound subject of worship, exploring its meaning beyond just the songs sung during a Sunday service. The episode eloquently delves into the reason why Christians worship, focusing on the idea that Jesus is worthy of all our praise. Worship is depicted as an act that extends into eternity and is an expression of gratitude and surrender to God.The discussion enhances understanding of worship by underscoring the notion that acceptable worship goes beyond hollow rituals and becomes a living sacrifice. Lisa highlights key biblical references, like Romans 12:1 and Revelations 5:12, which serve as foundational texts for understanding worship in a biblical context. The episode also emphasizes how worship can transform individuals by breaking down pride and making them more receptive to God's voice. Lisa provides listeners with a clear, heartfelt call to let worship become a life-altering act of surrender that fosters a deeper relationship with God.Key Takeaways:Worship is about recognizing Jesus as worthy, extending far beyond just musical performances to become a profound act of surrender and gratitude.Acceptable worship involves offering ourselves as living sacrifices, surrendering our whole selves to God, including our bodies, minds, hearts, and wills.True worship enhances personal transformation, helping to diminish pride and making individuals more receptive to divine guidance.Religious texts such as Romans 12:1, Revelations 5:12, and Colossians 1:16 provide critical insights into the essence and purpose of worship.Worship should form the core of daily life, offering transformative power when approached as a sincere, relational practice rather than mere ritual.Notable Quotes:"Worship is truly about worth, and Jesus is worthy.""Acceptable worship is not about perfection. It is about surrender.""The cross, it proves his love. The resurrection, it proves his power, and heaven proves his worth.""Worship helps us tune out the noise of the world and tune in the spirit of God.""Before you step into this new week, let worship be more than a song. Let it be your surrender."Resources:Follow Faith with Friends on Instagram: faithwithfriendsTune in to the full episode for an
What does bold faith look like when the cost is everything?In this powerful episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl are joined by Lanny Tucker, Monty Tuttle, and Jim Black to reflect on their recent journey through the Baltics. Around kitchen tables and in quiet conversations, they heard testimonies of courage, exile, and hope—from a Belarusian family who risked it all to follow Christ, to local leaders once caught in addiction and despair, now shepherding others with the gospel, to a woman whose life was radically transformed from generational witchcraft to radiant faith in Jesus.These stories are raw, humbling, and unforgettable. They reveal not only the weight of persecution but the beauty of perseverance, and the unstoppable power of God's Word in the darkest places. If you've ever wondered what it really means to follow Jesus when it costs everything—or if you need encouragement to keep pressing on in your own walk of faith—this episode is for you.Download the Baltics Trip Report: https://www.eem.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Baltics-Trip-Report_Podcast-.pdf Follow us on: PRAY.COMShow Notes:Follow us on: PRAY.COMConnect with EEM:EEM WebsiteEEM FacebookEEM LinkedInEEM InstagramEEM Media
How can we delight in the good work we do while keeping our work in its proper place? Pastor John situates daily work within God's larger purposes.
In this episode Raffi Greco sits down with special guest Aaron Tedeschi and talk about emotions and worship through answering the question: “How can we affectively use emotions in worship? (Submitted by: Grant from Ohio)Check out our website, Thehandlebarpodcast.com for more information, merch, how to partner with us and more. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thehandlebarpodcastYou can purchase BIG JESUS by Aaron Smith here: https://upperroom.store/products/big-jesus
This is the fifth lesson in Dr. William Wood's Reformed Academy course, Redemptive History and the Regulative Principle of Worship. This lesson covers the following topics: 0:00 Archetypal Heavenly Temple in Genesis 1:1–2 12:29 Creation in General as Protological Temple in Genesis 1 20:18 Eden in Particular as Protological Temple in Genesis 2 27:47 Postlapsarian Worshipful Ascent up God's Holy Mountain 39:19 Revelation Concerning the Tabernacle and Temple 52:23 Christ's Ascent into Heaven through Sacrifice Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to twenty-seven additional video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/red... Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #biblicaltheology #worship #reformedtheology
From his days growing up in rural Indiana, to teaching middle school English, to meeting Gloria and writing the songs we're all still singing, Bill Gaither put his stamp on gospel music. And at 89 he's not done yet!
There are times we will suffer for our righteousness, so what do we do when we don't know what to do? Pastor Bianca Juarez teaches us that the most important question in the face of suffering, when we change our question from “why” to “what,” God can show us how to hold on to our hallelujah.
This is the Monday evening liturgy during the Fall season of Ordinary Time for the Compline podcast from the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University. For more about the Center for Worship and the Arts, as well as the resources we provide, visit us at https://www.samford.edu/worship-arts/.CREDITS:© 2021 Center for Worship and the Arts, Samford University.Engineered and produced by Wen Reagan for the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University.SPOKEN WORD:Wen Reagan, Stacy Love, Tracy Hanrahan, Meagan Kennedy, Pierce Moffett, Eden Walker.MUSIC:“Compline #5” by Wen Reagan, © 2020 Sursum Corda Music (BMI).“Wishing Elsewhere” by Emily Hanrahan, © 2020 Emily Hanrahan.“My Savior Left His Throne Above” by Julie Anne Vargas and Zac Hicks, © 2015 Unbudding Fig Music (ASCAP) & Julie Anne Vargas, CCLI #7056910.TEXTS:The liturgical words for this podcast series include original phrasings, but were primarily curated and designed from several public domain sources, including “An Order for Compline” from the Anglican and Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and collects collected from Grace Cathedral and the University of Notre Dame.SOUNDS:The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA."Door, Front, Opening, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org."Door, Front, Closing, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org.“06 – Crackling Candle.wav” by 14GPanskaLetko_Dominik of Freesound.org.“Lights a Candle Light with a Match” by straget of Freesound.org.The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.“Soft Shoes Walking on a Dirt Road” by Nagwense of Freesound.org.“Match Being Lit.wav” by Jeanet_Henning of Freesound.org.“Candle Blow.wav” by Bee09 of Freesound.org.Mentioned in this episode:Discover Samford's Center for Worship and the Arts - the creator of...
Send us a textWhat if the title you're most proud of is the very thing holding you back from who you're meant to become? That's the heart of this powerful conversation with Marine infantry officer turned pastor and Mighty Oaks Foundation CEO, Jeremy Stalnecker. From leading Marines in the 2003 push to Baghdad with 1/5 to leading a church in Oceanside, Jeremy opens up about anger, dislocation, and a misplaced identity that nearly cost him his marriage and his calling—until trusted mentors stepped in with hard truth and hope.We unpack what it means to be a leader instead of just doing leadership, and how faith reframed Jeremy's view of the Marine Corps as a noble chapter—not a permanent identity. If you've ever felt stuck between who you were and who you're becoming, this episode offers clarity, courage, and perspective. The uniform comes off, but the mission continues.Connect with Jeremy Stallnecker
Who is the author of your story? Is it your parents, or maybe a grandparent or special mentor who had a hand in raising you? Maybe your best friend gets some of the credit, sharing in adventures the two of you recall with laughter every time you're together. Or perhaps your spouse is a co-author of your personal story, as you make decisions together that honor your partnership, or help your family grow and thrive.Psalm 102:18 says, “Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.”The Lord asks us to invite Him to be the author of our story, and it's a choice that makes an incredible difference in our lives today, changes the lives of future generations, and can define your story for all eternity. Accepting Jesus into your heart and giving your life to Him means trusting Him every moment and leaning into His plan for each of us. Growing in faith means handing editorial control of your story over to God, even as the world tells us to seize control of our own destiny.So, what is your story, friend? And how has that story been changed, because you know Jesus? God has a plan for your life, and a beautiful story is unfolding every day. Even in the midst of tough times, God knows your name. He has a plan, and the ending — eternity alongside the Lord, is the very best part!Let's pray.Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us enough to not only create us, but to want to be part of our individual stories. We love you, we trust you, and we ask you to be present every moment of every day as our lives unfold. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.
In this compelling sermon, we explore the concluding chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians, uncovering the profound insights on Worship, Formation, and Glory. Through this message, we examine how generosity and giving are deeply intertwined with our spiritual formation and alignment with God's mission. Discover the true essence of contentment and how it transcends our circumstances, calling us to a life of faith and trust in Christ. As Paul shares his experiences from imprisonment, learn how his teachings challenge common misconceptions about money and inspire us to view generosity as worship and participation in the gospel. Whether you're seeking to start your journey of tithing or looking to deepen your faith, this sermon offers valuable lessons on living a life rooted in devotion and partnership with God. Join us to be inspired and transformed by the power of God's word.
This episode explores how each person is intentionally designed by God for both universal and unique purposes, emphasizing the importance of loving God, others, and oneself. Drawing from key scriptures, Sam encourages listeners to embrace their value, pursue holiness, and trust in God's redemptive plan even through failures.
In a season of Stillness, but I'm still here. ❤️
What do you do when the battle isn't out there—but inside your own heart? We all get fired up about the war out there—but the greatest battle is often the one within. In week four of Worship is War, Pastor Joby unpacks the story behind “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and the confession that still speaks to every believer: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it.” Through Romans 7, we're reminded that even when our hearts drift, God's grace pursues us. Worship realigns our spirit to the truth that Jesus has already won the war—and invites us to come home to the One who never stops seeking us.
Worship with us on VIZION CHURCH ONLINE every Sunday at 9:30am and 11:00am EST: https://live.vizionchurch.com Visit Our Website: https://www.vizionchurch.com/ FOLLOW VIZION CHURCH ► / vizionchurch ► / vizionchurch What we give to God cannot compare to what He has given us: His inexpressible gift. If you feel lead to support Vizion Church, visit the online giving center. ►http://bit.ly/2gLulBw About Vizion Church: Vizion is a vibrant church located in Uptown Charlotte. Our mission is to empower people to live out the extraordinary vision of God. 704-560-8335 info@vizionchurch.com 1113 Fordham Rd Charlotte, NC 28208
This is the Sunday evening liturgy during the Fall season of Ordinary Time for the Compline podcast from the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University. For more about the Center for Worship and the Arts, as well as the resources we provide, visit us at https://www.samford.edu/worship-arts/.CREDITS:© 2021 Center for Worship and the Arts, Samford University.Engineered and produced by Wen Reagan for the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University.SPOKEN WORD:Wen Reagan, Stacy Love, Tracy Hanrahan, Meagan Kennedy, Pierce Moffett, Eden Walker.MUSIC:“Compline #5” by Wen Reagan, © 2020 Sursum Corda Music (BMI).“Wishing Elsewhere” by Emily Hanrahan, © 2020 Emily Hanrahan.“My Savior Left His Throne Above” by Julie Anne Vargas and Zac Hicks, © 2015 Unbudding Fig Music (ASCAP) & Julie Anne Vargas, CCLI #7056910.TEXTS:The liturgical words for this podcast series include original phrasings, but were primarily curated and designed from several public domain sources, including “An Order for Compline” from the Anglican and Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and collects collected from Grace Cathedral and the University of Notre Dame.SOUNDS:The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA."Door, Front, Opening, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org."Door, Front, Closing, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org.“06 – Crackling Candle.wav” by 14GPanskaLetko_Dominik of Freesound.org.“Lights a Candle Light with a Match” by straget of Freesound.org.The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.“Soft Shoes Walking on a Dirt Road” by Nagwense of Freesound.org.“Match Being Lit.wav” by Jeanet_Henning of Freesound.org.“Candle Blow.wav” by Bee09 of Freesound.org.Mentioned in this episode:Discover Samford's Center for Worship and the Arts - the creator of...
Oct 5, 2025GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHNeil McClendon, Lead PastorGrand Parkway Baptist ChurchMatthew 5:27-30The High Price of Lust1. Jesus upholds the sufficient sanctity of marriage, v. 27-28 • Genesis 2:24God's design for marriage… a) priority loyalty- “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother… b) lifelong loyalty- …and hold fast to his wife… c) bodily loyalty- …and they shall become one flesh.” 2. The eye reveals what is in the heart, v. 28Lust does four things… a) starts with dissatisfaction b) turns people into things c) teaches you to relate to the world out of your appetites instead of your understanding d) trains you to sow to the flesh • Galatians 6:7-8 • Galatians 5:19-21Signs You Are Sowing to the Flesh 1) Pleasure becomes your master- "sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality . . .” 2) Worship is misplaced- “. . . idolatry, sorcery . . .” 3) Conflict is your pattern- “. . . enmity, strife, jealousy . . .” 4) You can't control your emotions- “. . . fits of anger . . .” 5) Competitiveness is your posture- “..rivalries, dissensions, divisions . . .” 6) You refuse to celebrate others- “. . . envy . . .” 7) Escapism is a way of life- “. . . drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.”3. Jesus is trying to change the way we view sin, v. 29-31 • Matthew 7:24-27Mental worship… 1. In your opinion, have Christians changed the way the culture views marriage or has the culture changed the way Christians view marriage? 2. Is there anybody or anything that you currently desire too much? 3. What struck you today as something you will need to think more about? 4. If you are a Christian, how has your view of sin changed since you came to faith? 5. How do you feel when the rain, floods and wind beat down on your life?
Join us this week as we hear another sermon from Wayne Rodgers as we continue this series of sermons. This week, he is speaking on the need to worship in prayer. Visit our linktree: https://linktr.ee/scatteredabroadnetwork Visit our website, www.scatteredabroad.org, and subscribe to our email list. "Like" and "share" our Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/sapodcastnetwork Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ the_scattered_abroad_network/ Subscribe to our Substack: https://scatteredabroad.substack.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Scattered Abroad Network Contact us through email at san@msop.org. If you would like to consider supporting us in any way, don't hesitate to contact us through this email.
Jessi Marcus Come Let Us Worship: Week 4, Ritual & Story Hebrews 10:23-25, Hebrews 11:1-2, Hebrews 11:39-40 website: jacobswellchurch.org facebook: jacobswellkc twitter: @jacobswell
Welcome to At the Movies! Because this series uses copyrighted movie clips, most of the message and service cannot be shown online. However, we've included a portion of worship for you to enjoy wherever you are. We'd love for you to join us in person for the full service and our next message series that is called BOLD & BIBLE. Until then, may this time of worship refresh and encourage you today. Stay Connected: Give: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Online Service: Sundays 9 AM (YouTube & Facebook Live) Connect: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Instagram: @wearetheechochurch #EchoChurch #MadeToGarden #ChristianSermon #FaithGrowth #BibleTeaching
The story about how the walls of Jericho came “a-tumblin' down” is a favorite. But it's also the target of a great deal of skepticism. Today, we're going to look briefly at three of the most frequently asked questions related to the battle of Jericho, and then we'll seek to apply the events of that day to our day.1. Is Jericho a real historical site?Yes! In fact, Jericho is known as the oldest continually inhabited city on earth. Archeologists have uncovered artifacts that indicate a large city did exist in the late Bronze Age—the time of Joshua.2. Is it possible that such complete destruction could actually occur?Yes! Jericho is located in the Jordan Rift—one of our planet's most seismically vulnerable places. In addition, it was built on sandy soil. Likely, an earthquake occurred, causing the walls of the city to collapse. Then the Israelite armies could enter the city through the breaches in the walls.Suggesting an earthquake could have brought down the walls doesn't negate the miracle. That it happened exactly when and how God said it would is the miracle! 3. How can we reconcile God's order to kill all the city's inhabitants?This is a tough question, but that difficulty is eased some when one considers the sociological history of that region at that time.Historians have verified that Jericho's Canaanitish culture was unquestionably as perverse and corrupt as any in the history of our planet. Among other perversions, hideous forms of child abuse were rampant.In light of this, if the living God, as Great Physician, determines in the interest of the larger body of the human race to perform radical surgery, to eradicate the cancer of a culture so corrupt that it can only corrupt and destroy others, then are not His actions indeed loving and just? They had ample time to repent. Rahab did and was saved! But they refused, and judgment fell.HIS CITY—YOUR CITY—OUR CITYWith that groundwork, let's consider Joshua's city (Jericho), your personal city, and our city—the place we live. When God gave Joshua instructions for taking Jericho, He commanded them to use trumpets, not drums, like armies typically would. Drums are a function of hands. Trumpets are a function of breath—ruach—spirit. Breath that offers praise.The Lord was underscoring to His people that the impossible walls they were facing would not come down through human effort, but through divine power that flowed out of obedience and praise. So, for six days, they walked around the city, following God's strategy for city-taking. They walked in unity. They walked and worshiped. Then, when told to, they shouted. And the walls fell. Just as worship played a role in overcoming Joshua's city, it is powerful in facing the walls in our lives.Worship is not only glorifying to God, but it is debilitating to the forces of evil. We all have walls, things that defy forward movement. Those walls could be blockaded relationships, crippling emotional issues, painful physical maladies, unbreakable habits, or chronic financial challenges. Could it be that the strategy for your city-taking is the same as it was for Joshua? That God is calling you to walk in faith, praising Him even before you see the walls come down? What about in our city, the place we live? How do we begin to see the walls come down so God's Kingdom can break through?What if we borrowed Joshua's strategy for our city? Walk your neighborhoods and worship. Walk and pray—for schools, for neighbors, for streets. Who knows what might happen if we did? Text: Joshua 6Originally recorded on September 18, 2016, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN
Pastor Aaron McRae unpacks the heart of true Biblical worship. Worship isn't just about singing songs on Sunday—it begins with surrender. Looking at Exodus 34, we discover that God reveals Himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, and faithful. When we see God for who He truly is, the only right response is worship—our whole lives offered in surrender.From Moses' bold prayer to see God's glory, to John 3:16's ultimate revelation of God's love, we are reminded that worship is not performance, ritual, or appeasement—it is bowing our hearts, our wills, and our lives before a God who is worthy.True worship flows from surrender. Will you give God more than a song—will you give Him your life?Resources MentionedThe Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. TozerRooted: Theology for Growing Christians – Medders & SmithThe Unfolding Mystery of the Divine Name – Michael KnowlesGod Has a Name – John Mark ComerBible Project – Dr. Tim Mackie on Exodus 34Scriptures ReferencedExodus 33:18–20Exodus 34:4–7Exodus 3:13–14John 3:16Psalm 95:6–7Psalm 103; Psalm 111; Psalm 1452 Chronicles 30:6–9Joel 2:12–14Jonah 4:1–4John 1:14Romans 12:1For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel. Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurchInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurchesWebsite | https://hillsidechurches.com
Pastor Randy continues our series on the Questions Jesus Asked with a message on Jesus' question Why Are You Anxious? Pastor walks us through how worry divides, worry subtracts, and Jesus adds. Questions for this week: - What does Paul mean when he says to "take every thought captive to Christ"? What are the effects of allowing thoughts to run wild? - How does worry play out like functional atheism in our lives? - Why do you think Jesus ended His discussion on worry with these words, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”? How is it meant to bring you comfort?
What did worship in ancient Israel actually sound like? Were the Psalms quiet devotionals, or loud, communal songs that echoed through the temple courts? In this episode, Dr. Kevin Foth, Academic Dean at Prairie College and author of Semantics and Poetics of the Righteous and the Wicked in the Psalms, joins Johnny Ova to bring the Psalms to life.Together they explore how the Psalms were sung, the instruments and voices that may have filled the temple, and how these songs carried Israel through exile, injustice, and joy. We also dive into why lament was central to worship, how Israel wrestled with God's silence, and why these ancient songs still challenge and comfort us today.