Podcasts about yet jesus

Aloha and welcome to The Mission North Shore's podcast! This powerful message takes us into Mark chapter 2, where we witness Jesus doing something absolutely scandalous for His time: calling a despised tax collector named Matthew to be His disciple. Tax collectors in first-century Israel were considered traitors, thieves, and outcasts, completely cut off from religious and social life. The rabbis even taught that repentance was virtually impossible for them. Yet Jesus walks right up to Matthew's tax booth, looks him in the eye, and says those same words He spoke to Peter and the other fishermen: "Follow me."Jesus once again sets the example, displaying compassion for broken people who desperately need a Savior. "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but the sinner."

You can be doctrinally correct, faithfully serving, and completely checked out of your relationship with Jesus — all at the same time.The church in Ephesus was one of the strongest in the New Testament — active, discerning, and uncompromising in truth. Yet Jesus had one charge against them: they had abandoned the love they had at first. This message from Revelation 2:1-7 unpacks the quiet danger of spiritual drift — how activity for God slowly replaces intimacy with God, and how Jesus's call to Remember, Repent, and Return is less a warning and more an invitation home.Whether you've noticed a growing distance between you and Jesus, or you're simply going through the motions of faith without feeling much behind it, this message is for you.In this message you'll discover:Why the greatest danger to your faith isn't false doctrine — it's a cold heartHow spiritual drift happens gradually through a thousand small decisions, not one sudden fallThe difference between being busy for God and being genuinely close to GodJesus's three-step path back to your first love: Remember, Repent, and ReturnKey Scriptures: Revelation 2:1-7, Luke 10:41, John 5:39, Matthew 6:21

The Blessed Life According to the Son, Pt. 1Blessed are the Empty and BrokenMatthew 4:17, 23-25; 5:1-4 | King's Chapel Live StreamEveryone wants the blessed life.We pursue happiness, success, comfort, and fulfillment, believing that these things will finally satisfy us. Yet Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with a surprising declaration. The truly blessed are not the self-sufficient, the powerful, or the accomplished. The truly blessed are the poor in spirit and those who mourn.In this message, we begin a new journey through the Sermon on the Mount by exploring the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus came proclaiming the Kingdom, demonstrating its power, and calling people everywhere to repent and believe.The blessed life begins when we recognize our spiritual poverty before God. It begins when we stop trusting in ourselves and cling to Christ alone. It continues as we mourn over our sin and the brokenness of this fallen world, trusting in God's promise that His people will be comforted.The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who know they need a Savior.If you are weary, burdened, broken, or searching for lasting hope, this message reminds us that true blessing is not found in self-sufficiency but in surrender to King Jesus.Connect with King's Chapel in Longwood, FL - ▶️ www.kingschapelfl.com▶️ https://www.facebook.com/KingsChapelfl▶️ https://www.instagram.com/kingschapelfl/For the GLORY of our Great GodFor the GOOD of our NeighborSermon on the Mount sermon, Matthew 5 sermon, Beatitudes explained, blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, Kingdom of Heaven sermon, gospel of the kingdom, Christian hope and comfort, King's Chapel Longwood FL, Jesus Sermon on the Mount

Jesus is starting a revolution, but not the kind anyone expected.  His followers would have felt unqualified to challenge the systems around them.  Yet Jesus insists that darkness is not defeated by power, but it is overcome by light.

Some Christians wonder if the Trinity is an impractical doctrine. Yet Jesus devoted some of His most important hours with the disciples to teaching this truth. Today, Sinclair Ferguson focuses on Jesus' words in the upper room. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/what-jesus-taught-about-the-trinity/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In this powerful episode of the God is the Issue Podcast, Brad Bright tackles one of the more divisive topics in our culture: White Privilege. As a follower of Jesus and a white man, Brad examines the origins of the term and its troubling history and core assumption.Brad shows that Privilege is real — but not just White Privilege— and that it can never be eliminated—only transferred. The conversation underlying Privilege isn't primarily about equality, but about who controls the redistribution of power. Yet Jesus offers a radically different solution—Spiritual Privilege. And it's available to everyone.Discover how God's answer doesn't eliminate privilege, but defangs it. Brad closes with a powerful call to action to plant the seeds of Spiritual Privilege today that could give birth to radical change tomorrow. If this episode encouraged you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the bell

View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.lordoflords.org/sermons/funeral-sermon-for-doris-miller-faithful-unto-death/Watch this sermon directly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VdyEzsPZwIIn Jesus Christ's Revelation to Saint John, Jesus is speaking in chapters 2 and 3 to the seven churches in Asia Minor. In verses 8 through 11 of chapter 2, Jesus is speaking directly to the church in Smyrna. He says, "I know your suffering and your poverty―but you are rich. And I know the blasphemy that comes from those who say they are Jews but are not; rather, they are a synagogue of Satan."Smyrna was one of the finest seaports in the Roman world. Smyrna had exclusive rights to export myrrh, which was a valuable spice. Smyrna is named after myrrh. This is like the valuable spice in Star Wars with Han Solo's Kessel Run.Jesus noticed that the Christians in Smyrna were enduring a great deal of persecution or pressure. There was an ancient torture where a victim was laid on his back while a series of weights were laid on his chest. The three weights on the chest of the church of Smyrna were poverty, blasphemy, and persecution.It was a poor church -- a sitting duck for the afflictions Satan wanted to pour out on its members. Yet Jesus commends them. Despite their monetary poverty, because they held on to their faith in Jesus Christ, they were eternally rich.The angel at Jesus' open tomb tells the women, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay" (Matthew 28:5-6). The resurrected Christ later tells the women, "Do not be afraid. Go, tell my brothers that they should go to Galilee, and there they will see me" (Matthew 28:10). The ascended Lord Jesus tells the Christians in Smyrna, "Do not fear anything that you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you will be tested, and you will suffer for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).The force of the verbs in Greek is "Stop being afraid." Stop being afraid -- not just once -- but always. Stop being afraid, because there is no one and nothing that can defeat you, overwhelm you, or take you out of the nail-scarred hands of your Good Shepherd. St. Paul gives this encouragement to the Christians in Rome, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).Jesus gives the goal for every Christian to be faithful in enduring whatever pressures he may allow Satan to set on our chests. Jesus desires Christians who are willing to suffer for him. Then they will receive the crown of eternal life. The crown is given to God's saints as they enter the glories of heaven. Jesus Christ is victorious as he sits on his higher throne, wearing his golden crown and robed in glory. Jesus -- our King, Savior, and Shepherd -- gifts his faithful saints with a crown as they gather around his golden throne for all eternity.Our faithful God gave physical life to Doris on October 6, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He then gave the gift of spiritual life through water and the Word when Doris was baptized at St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Milwaukee on October 14, 1933. Doris attended Sunday School and Catechism classes at St. Lucas during her childhood years. On May 25, 1947, she made her vows of faithfulness to her faithful God in her confirmation at St. Lucas. Doris was asked similar questions as these at her confirmation, "Do you intend to continue steadfast in this teaching and to endure all things, even death, rather than fall away from it? Do you intend faithfully to conform all your life to the teachings of God's Word, to be faithful in the use of the Word and Sacrament, and in faith and action remain true to God---Father, Son, and Holy Spirit---as long as you live?" The response to both questions is, "I do, and I ask God to help me."Doris chose Revelation 2:10 as her confirmation verse. "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." By God's grace and the working of the Holy Spirit, Doris took her confirmation vow seriously. It was a vow of life and death. Doris made another vow of faithfulness to Bob and the Lord on December 6, 1952, at St. Lucas. By God's grace, Bob and Doris remained faithful in marriage for 58 years, until God called Bob to receive his crown of life in 2011. God blessed Bob and Doris' marriage with seven children.You can witness Doris' faithfulness in her various vocations as wife, mother, and employee. In Milwaukee, Doris was employed as an office worker. When she lived in Casper, she served as a medical records clerk, she volunteered as an office worker for the Casper Police Department, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She was always busy packing lunches, doing (I'm assuming lots of) laundry, cooking meals, cleaning the house, and cleaning up after seven children. It was a challenge to get seven children to church, but they always made it.Doris was a good cook. She made peanut butter sandwiches served with chocolate milk. She made excellent potato pancakes. She even made tater tots taste good! She would get up early to ask how her kids were doing before they started the early shift at work. She made sure her children made it to doctor or dentist or ophthalmologist appointments. She volunteered to help with crafts at the St. Lucas Girls Club -- but not in her kids' classes -- to the chagrin of her children, who heard from other students, "Your mom is so nice!" She would play the organ in the family room, often taking requests. "Hernando's Hideaway" was the most popular request of her children. It seems that Star Wars theme music became popular with her grandchildren.Bob served in the U.S. Air Force. While Bob was stationed in Tripoli, Libya, Africa, he, Doris, and the first of their two children lived in an apartment building. During the day when Bob was at the airbase, an Arab man knocked on the apartment door. Doris opened the door, and the Arab man began insisting that he babysit the two daughters. The man continued to insist, trying to work his way inside the apartment, while Doris kept telling him to leave. This had no effect. So, she reached grabbed the shotgun on the wall, that was there for emergencies and pointed it at him. The Arab screamed and ran down the hallway. He never returned. I wonder why. Doris was faithful in protecting her family ... with a shotgun, if necessary.The family has great stories to tell. I encourage you to ask them to go more in-depth later in the fellowship hall. The beautiful part of a Christian funeral is that God is able to mix laughter and joy with our grief and tears.When Bob and Doris moved to Casper in 1981, Lord of Lords was small and only had a handful of members. You can imagine that those members were excited to see the Miller clan in church because they doubled the size of the congregation! Ruthie volunteered her mom to Pastor Russow to play the piano for worship. She played for a long time, until her fingers didn't cooperate. Doris made many of the banners that beautify our sanctuary. These were ways that the Lord of the Church used Doris and her vow of faithfulness to the Lord for his kingdom work.The members here miss Doris making coffee for them in the coffee pot every Sunday morning. When Doris became homebound, I took on that task of making coffee. That lasted two weeks ... until I was banned from making coffee. You can also ask me later to tell you the story of that misadventure.As faithful as Doris was in her vocations as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, employee, organist, and church member, she did not do it on her own. Because of her inborn sin passed on to her from her parents Edward and Emilie, and because of her actual sins, Doris could not be faithful. None of us can be faithful for the same reasons. Not to our spouse or our children or our employers ... and especially not to our God. By his grace, God both calls us to be faithful and gives us the sanctified ability to be faithful. All through the faithfulness of his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus makes us faithful.Jesus knows from experience about the pressures on his chest. The pressures of being born into a world that did not want him -- where the king of the country tried to murder him as an infant. The pressures of the Devil's 40-day desert temptations. The pressures of his hometown neighbors attempting to throw him off a cliff. The pressures of the Jewish religious leaders opposing everything Jesus claimed about himself. The pressures of the gates of hell being opened, so the demons possessed so many people. The pressures of one of his closest friends betraying him, another denying him, and the rest deserting him.Jesus was perfectly faithful in worship to his heavenly Father, faithful in respect to his earthly parents, faithful in his protection of life, faithful in his sanctity of marriage, and faithful in the way he never coveted a home, a meal, or even a pillow, since he didn't own any of those things. Why did he do this? Because he knew that Doris, and we as Doris' family and friends would not and could not be faithful. We don't always worship the Lord -- we skip worship if the weather is too nasty or too nice. We disrespect our parents and are frustrated with our children. We don't protect the lives of the most helpless among us. We are not faithful before marriage or during marriage. We have been given so much, yet we still covet more.Jesus was faithful, so he could give his faithfulness to cover our unfaithfulness. Jesus was perfect to cover our imperfections. Jesus was holy to cover our unholiness and then make us holy. More than that, Jesus went to the cross to pay for all our unfaithfulness.For every cowardly act on our part, Jesus stood strong against the temptations of Satan. Every time we put him last on the weekend, he made our salvation his singular thought on the cross. Every time we are afraid to be forsaken by friends or family because of our faith in Jesus, he endured being forsaken by his heavenly Father. He was crowned with thorns so that we might receive a crown of glory. He walked the streets of sorrow so that we might walk streets paved with gold. He endured an eternity of hell on the cross so that we might spend an eternity in heaven with him in Jerusalem the Golden. He was covered with blood so that we might be covered with his robes of righteousness.Today we celebrate that by God's grace, through his Word, Baptism, and Lord's Supper, Doris remained faithful to the Lord. On May 7, she entered the gates of heaven. Jesus was there to say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Then Jesus put a white robe and a golden crown on his new heavenly saint. Now the encouragement for you is to follow Doris' example as your mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Remember, remain faithful to the Lord unto death. Not because of the vow you make before God's altar in church, but because of the vow Christ made to you on the altar of his cross. He is the One who is speaking in Revelation 2:10. He makes his promise to you: "Do not fear anything that you are about to suffer. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Amen.

The Beatitudes | Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted What does it mean to be blessed when following Jesus costs us something? In the final Beatitude, Jesus makes a surprising promise: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.” In a world that often values comfort, approval, and acceptance, Jesus teaches that living for His Kingdom may bring opposition—but it also reveals where our true citizenship lies. This message explores why persecution is not a sign of God's absence, but often evidence of a life shaped by His Kingdom. As we look at the example of Jesus and the witness of Scripture, we discover that faithfulness to Christ may create friction with the values of the world, yet God's blessing remains upon those who stand firm. In this message we reflect on: • Why persecution is the final Beatitude and how it completes Jesus' teaching • The difference between personal righteousness and Kingdom righteousness • How Jesus Himself experienced rejection, suffering, and opposition • Why following God's ways can bring us into conflict with the values of the world • The connection between peacemaking, righteousness, and persecution • How believers can remain joyful and faithful when facing resistance for their faith The Beatitudes paint a picture of the kind of people God is forming—people who are poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, and committed to His Kingdom. As these qualities grow within us, they inevitably challenge the values of a broken world. Yet Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom belongs to those who remain faithful, even when obedience comes at a cost. This final Beatitude points us beyond temporary approval and toward the eternal reward found in Christ.

Luke: To the Least, the Last, & the Lost - Luke 5:27-32Jobey McGintyJesus doesn't keep His distance from the people the world avoids or calls outsiders. In Luke 5, we see Him walk straight toward a hated tax collector named Levi. Levi hasn't cleaned up his life...he hasn't somehow made himself worthy or earned a place at God's table. And Levi knew he didn't belong. Everyone else agreed. Tax collectors were seen as traitors and thieves. Yet Jesus stops, looks at him, and says, “Follow me” (Luke 5:27–28). Jesus comes for sinners, not the respectable. When religious leaders complain, Jesus answers clearly: “Those who are well have no need of a physician… I have not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Luke 5:31–32). Grace moves first. Jesus eats with Levi. He calls him before he changes. And that call leads to real repentance and real joy.

Faith can feel intimidating when we think it requires certainty, confidence, or having it all figured out.But Jesus points to something much smaller—a mustard seed. A reminder that faith isn't about how much we have, but where we place it.Sometimes we struggle to believe that change is possible, that God can work in our circumstances, or that He can do something meaningful in us. Yet Jesus sees more in us than we often see in ourselves. He specializes in taking small beginnings and doing what seems impossible.Because sometimes all it takes is a mustard seed of faith to trust that God is still at work.

In a world of shifting loyalties and temporary kingdoms, we are constantly pulled to give our hearts and allegiance to things that will not last. From nations to teams to personal ambitions, everyone is building or following a kingdom. Yet Jesus calls us to something higher, His Kingdom, one that cannot be shaken or replaced.

Our Modern-Day Golden CalfJonah Series Introduction | June 14, 2026This week, Pastor Mark opened our new Jonah series by addressing a question that sits at the center of every believer's life: Who has authority over us?It's a question that affects far more than our church attendance or our Sunday morning worship. It impacts our spiritual growth, our relationship with God, our daily decisions, and ultimately our eternity.Pastor Mark pointed out that many Christians would enthusiastically respond "Amen!" when asked if they want to walk in God's power, experience healing, live in obedience, or hear God's voice more clearly. Yet there is often a disconnect between what we affirm in church and how we live throughout the week. The issue may not be that we don't know the truth. The issue may be whether we truly submit to it.Throughout Scripture, authority has always been a central issue. From the Garden of Eden to Jonah's rebellion, humanity has wrestled with the same question: Will we trust God's authority, or will we choose our own way?Jonah's story begins with a direct word from God. The problem wasn't that Jonah didn't hear God. The problem was that he didn't like what God said. Instead of submitting, he ran. Pastor Mark challenged us to recognize that we often face the same temptation. God has already spoken through His Word, yet many times we resist because His instructions conflict with our preferences, emotions, or plans.The sermon invited us to honestly evaluate whether we truly view God's Word as the final authority in our lives. If we did, our actions would reveal it. We would read Scripture to know it, study it to understand it, memorize it to share it, meditate on it to obey it, defend it rather than reshape it, and live it out without shame. Submission to God's Word would become more than intellectual agreement. It would become a lifestyle.Likewise, living under God's authority means yielding our will to His. It means following His plans instead of insisting on our own, responding to the Spirit rather than our flesh, listening to His voice above competing voices, and allowing Scripture to shape our moral compass instead of personal preference. It means viewing correction as spiritual guidance rather than a personal attack.Pastor Mark contrasted God's offer of truth with the world's offer of sin. God freely gives truth that leads to life, while the world continually markets alternatives that appeal to our desires but ultimately lead us away from Him.One of the most challenging portions of the message focused on why many people reject God's authority in the first place. The answer may be found in the nature of God's Word itself.Hebrews 4:12 describes God's Word as living, active, and sharper than a two-edged sword. It cuts. It exposes. It reveals motives and desires that we would often rather keep hidden. While we naturally seek comfort, control, safety, and independence, God's Word confronts those things. It shines light into places we would rather leave untouched.This is why many people resist inner healing. Instead of allowing God to expose wounds, struggles, and areas of brokenness, we convince ourselves that we're fine. We compare ourselves to others, dismiss our struggles as unimportant, or tell ourselves we've learned to live with them. Yet Scripture reminds us that nothing is hidden from God. Everything is already exposed before Him.The goal of exposure is not shame. The goal is healing.Pastor Mark challenged the common belief that we can hide parts of ourselves from God or manage our brokenness on our own. The hidden areas of our lives are often the very places where God desires to bring freedom and restoration. Refusing to acknowledge them only prolongs the struggle.This led into the central theme of the sermon: the modern-day golden calf.When we hear about idols in Scripture, it's easy to imagine carved statues or ancient acts of worship that seem distant from our lives. But Pastor Mark suggested that today's golden calf often looks much different.What if the idol isn't made of gold?What if the idol is ourselves?He challenged the congregation with the possibility that God's greatest rival in our lives may be our own desires, opinions, feelings, and self-will. While we may worship God with our lips on Sunday, we can spend the rest of the week crafting a version of life centered around ourselves.The comparison to King Nebuchadnezzar was powerful. We often marvel at the arrogance of a king who built a giant image of himself and demanded worship, yet we can do something remarkably similar when we elevate our own wisdom above God's and insist on living life according to our own terms.This deception is often difficult to recognize because deception, by definition, remains hidden until it is exposed.Pastor Mark encouraged everyone to ask a difficult question: Does what I praise God for on Sunday align with the way I live throughout the week?If we truly believe God is our provider, why do we so often place our trust in people before Him? If we truly believe His Word is true, why do we knowingly continue in patterns of sin? If we genuinely trust God, why do we so easily believe the lies of the enemy over the promises of Scripture?Many believers walk defeated not because God has abandoned them, but because they have chosen to trust voices other than His.Drawing from Hebrews 12, Pastor Mark warned against refusing to listen when God speaks. The people of Israel suffered consequences when they rejected God's message through earthly messengers. How much more serious is it to reject the One who speaks from heaven?The sermon then addressed one of the defining challenges of our culture: the elevation of feelings and emotions above truth. When individuals or entire societies become driven primarily by emotions, God can no longer function as an authority in their lives because truth becomes subject to personal preference.Looking at the life of Jesus, Pastor Mark pointed out that Christ never altered truth to accommodate feelings. He used Peter as a powerful example. Peter frequently approached Jesus with strong emotions, opinions, and reactions. Yet Jesus consistently responded with truth rather than emotional validation. Whether Peter was resisting Jesus washing his feet, objecting to Jesus' mission, or wrestling with failure after denying Christ, Jesus continually called him back to obedience, purpose, and truth.As the introduction to the Jonah series concluded, Pastor Mark brought everything back to the central issue that runs throughout Jonah's story and throughout human history.The issue is authority.The same question that surfaced in Eden remains before us today. Who gets the final say? God or us?When humanity rejects God's authority, we begin redefining the things He has already established. We place ourselves in the position of determining right and wrong, truth and error, purpose and identity. The farther we move from God's authority, the more confusion and brokenness we experience.Pastor Mark also referenced a recent survey indicating that a significant percentage of churchgoers trust artificial intelligence more than biblical preaching rooted in God's Word. While the statistic was startling, it underscored the larger point: every person is living under some form of authority. The question is whether that authority is God, culture, feelings, popular opinion, personal preference, technology, or self.The message ended with a challenge that every believer should carry into the coming weeks as we journey through Jonah together:What authority do you live under?Who are you submitted to?And perhaps most importantly:"God, what is on Your heart?"

Every person longs for mercy at some point in life. We hope for mercy when we have failed, when our mistakes are exposed, and when we need someone to look beyond our shortcomings and offer compassion instead of condemnation. Yet Jesus teaches us that mercy is not only something we receive from others, it is also something we are called to give. In Matthew 5:7, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” In the world's kingdom, success often belongs to those who demand their rights, protect their interests, and repay others according to what they deserve. But in the kingdom of God, Jesus reveals a different way. The blessed person is not the one who seeks revenge or holds tightly to bitterness, but the one who reflects the mercy of God toward others. The mercy Jesus describes is not simply feeling sorry for someone. It is a compassionate heart that moves us to act with kindness, forgiveness, and grace. It flows from understanding the great mercy we have already received through Christ. As we have been forgiven, we learn to forgive. As we have been shown compassion, we extend compassion. Today, we will see that mercy is both the evidence of a transformed heart and the pathway to experiencing the fullness of God's mercySeries: The Beatitudes: Kingdom Living in a Fallen World Scripture: Matthew 5:7 Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Give Us This Bread What are you truly hungry for? In Episode 162 of 2 Minute Disciple, we meditate on John 6:30–34, where the crowd asks Jesus for a sign and points back to one of Israel's greatest miracles—the manna God provided in the wilderness. Despite witnessing the miraculous feeding of thousands, they still want more evidence. Yet Jesus gently redirects their attention. The manna was never the point. The miracle was never the destination. The bread in the wilderness was always pointing to something—and Someone—greater. Jesus tells them that it was not Moses who gave bread from heaven, but the Father. And now the Father is offering the true Bread from Heaven: the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. The crowd doesn't fully understand yet, but their response is beautiful: “Sir, give us this bread every day.” They are asking for more than they realize. And often, so are we. Many of our prayers begin with earthly needs, surface desires, and immediate concerns. Yet beneath them lies a deeper hunger—a longing for life, peace, purpose, belonging, and communion with God. Jesus is the answer to that deeper hunger. This passage reminds us that even when our understanding is incomplete, we can bring our desires honestly to Christ and trust Him to give us what we truly need. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why the crowd kept asking Jesus for more signs • The connection between manna in the wilderness and Jesus • What it means that Jesus is the true Bread from Heaven • How God often answers our prayers with something greater than we expect • A practical way to bring your deepest longings to Christ Scripture John 6:30–34 (NLT)

Friends, on this Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel is about Jesus sending the Twelve on a mission. Whenever we hear about the Twelve, it's the Church in seminal form. And here's what I want to focus on: Whom does Jesus call to be his apostles? Not the best and brightest people of his time but fairly ordinary and even compromised characters. Yet Jesus sees something in every one of them—some gift, virtue, or capacity needed in the life of the Church.

Today we're slowly walking through the calling of Matthew. Jesus saw Matthew at the tax collector's booth; we have to understand some of tax collector culture to grasp why Matthew would have had a negative reputation amongst his people. He's basically an IRS agent working in collaboration with the Roman empire to extort money from his own people. So yeah, he wasn't liked. Yet Jesus calls him anyway. What did Jesus see in him? What did Jesus recognize that he hadn't yet recognized about himself? Jesus is always doing stuff like this because apparently, this is how grace works. Grace sees something in people before it fully exists. Grace recognizes the person you can become before you can see the person you can become. So let's talk about the booth, which is more than just a piece of furniture. What does it represent? Safety. Security. Predictability. Identity. And yet, he leaves it behind. Why? Who knows? But the call of Jesus into something new was stronger than the comfort he's known in his booth. We all have booths. Some of us are sitting in them now. The booth of bitterness. Of cynicism. Of Certainty. Of other peoples' expectations of us. Of our past wounds or failures. All kinds of booths. Here's the thing about booths: they can become so familiar that they begin to feel like home. Even when they shrink our souls and keep us from becoming the person we were made to be. Jesus says, "Follow me, I've got something better in store for you." Then the story gets interesting. He's at Matthew's home eating with tax collectors and sinners. This makes the religious people nervous. Who you eat with reveals who your people are. And Jesus keeps surprising people with who he eats with. He doesn't just preach grace, he practices it. Makes it visible. So the religious people question him. In response, he says, "It isn't the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Here's what's funny. No one questions a doctor for spending time in the hospital. Jesus being with these people doesn't mean he's a failure as a rabbi, it shows his purpose. Then he says the thing about God desiring mercy, not sacrifice. He's saying that when religion gets disconnected from compassion, it loses its heart. It stops looking like and revealing God. Then he says the thing about calling not the righteous, but the sinners. What's the difference between righteous people and sinners? The sinners know they're in need of healing. The righteous KNOW they DON'T need healing, which, of course, is the thing that makes them sick. This is an invitation to move toward transformation. The righteous don't want transformation because they don't think they need it. But the sick...they notice that Matthew doesn't stay in his booth. He leaves it behind and is transformed. Then he eventually writes it down. He's transformed and helps the generations that follow find healing, too. He becomes a witness. Because that's what grace does. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13 http://bible.com/events/49620456

When Jesus comes to John for the baptism that sinners have been receiving, John objects and says that Jesus ought to baptize him instead. Yet Jesus' humility is fitting, for He has come to John's baptism as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and fulfills all righteousness in the place of sinners. The theophany of the Triune God confirms the importance of Jesus' Baptism, as the Spirit descends on Him and the Father declares Jesus to be His beloved Son. In this way, God's Word teaches us of the great blessing He gives to us in our Baptism.  Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 3:13-17.  To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelroswell.org. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Discover the incredible transformation story of Levi the tax collector in this powerful message about grace, redemption, and following Jesus. Learn why Jesus chose to call one of society's most despised outcasts and what it means for us today. This biblical teaching explores Mark chapter 2 and reveals how God's grace reaches the most unlikely people. In first-century Jewish society, tax collectors were considered traitors and outcasts, even lower than lepers in social standing. They collaborated with Roman oppressors and grew wealthy by overtaxing their own people. Yet Jesus chose to call Levi while he was actively working in his tax booth, demonstrating that God doesn't require us to clean up our lives before coming to Him. This sermon examines four key scenes from Mark 2: Jesus teaching by the sea, the radical call at the tax booth, the transformative banquet at Levi's house, and the religious leaders' criticism. Each scene reveals important truths about salvation, grace, and discipleship that apply to believers today. Key topics covered include: the nature of God's calling, the meaning of true discipleship, how to respond to religious criticism, and using our influence to introduce others to Jesus. This message is perfect for anyone struggling with feelings of unworthiness, those seeking to understand God's grace, or believers looking to grow in their faith and witness. The transformation of Levi into Matthew the gospel writer shows how an encounter with Jesus can completely change our purpose and legacy. This inspiring biblical story demonstrates that no one is too far gone for God's grace and that Jesus still calls people today just as He called Levi - not because we're good enough, but because He loves us enough to transform us. Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, this message will encourage you to examine your own response to Christ's call and challenge you to use your relationships and influence to point others toward Jesus.

What happens when the Light exposes what you’ve worked so hard to hide? In John 8, Jesus declares, “I am the Light of the World,” and shows us exactly what that means. His light exposes darkness, reveals truth, and leads people to life. Yet Jesus does not expose our sin to shame us. He reveals what is broken so His grace can heal, restore, and transform us. From John 8

In this sermon, we explore the transformative power of the Bible's unnamed characters, focusing on the young boy who offered his five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. When we swim in a culture of scarcity, it is tragically easy to leap from "it's not enough" to "I'm not enough," weaponizing our insignificance and discounting both ourselves and others. Yet Jesus disrupts this rigid math of uncounting by offering radical thanksgiving for the cheap grain, the small fish, and the child who didn't legally matter. Ultimately, this story reveals a grace-filled economy where no one is a nobody, reminding us that those who are dismissed by the world still count deeply to God.

Pastor Adam BowersIn this message, Pastor Adam continues our Revelation series by exploring Jesus' letter to the church in Ephesus. The Ephesian church was known for its strong doctrine, perseverance, and commitment to truth. Yet Jesus confronts them with a sobering warning: they had abandoned their first love. Through the history of Ephesus and the words of Paul, Timothy, John, and Jesus Himself, we discover why God's design for His church has always been uncompromising truth and authentic love working together.What should our church be known for? And what happens when we become more concerned with being right than loving people well?Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7, Acts 20 28-30, Ephesians 4-5

In Week 3 of our Jesus Chats series, Pastor Chris explores one of the most surprising conversations Jesus ever had, His encounter with the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10:17-22.Unlike the broken and hurting people we've looked at in previous weeks, this man appeared to have everything together. He was successful, respected, moral, and spiritually sincere. Yet Jesus saw something beneath the surface that no one else could see.Through this powerful conversation, we discover that outward success can sometimes hide inward emptiness, and that the greatest obstacles to following Jesus are often the things we trust more than Him. Whether it's money, achievement, approval, relationships, control, or certainty, Jesus lovingly exposes the hidden idols that compete for our hearts.This message reminds us that surrender is not about losing life, it's about finding it. Because every conversation with Jesus eventually leads to the same question:What still owns your heart?Join us as we discover how Jesus confronts hidden idols, invites us into deeper trust, and leads us into the freedom that only true surrender can bring.

The Bread and the Boy What if the thing you've been dismissing as too small is exactly what Jesus wants to use? In Episode 158 of 2 Minute Disciple, we meditate on John 6:1–13 and John's unique account of the feeding of the five thousand. While the miracle itself is familiar, John highlights a detail the other Gospel writers leave out: the five loaves and two fish belonged to a young boy. A child in the crowd becomes part of one of the greatest miracles Jesus ever performed. Andrew notices the boy and brings him to Jesus, but then immediately questions the value of the offering: “What good is that with this huge crowd?” His words reveal a struggle many of us know well. We bring what we have to God, but then we apologize for it. We assume our resources, talents, time, influence, or efforts are too small to matter. Yet Jesus never comments on the size of the gift. He simply takes it, gives thanks, and begins to distribute it. The miracle follows. This passage reminds us that Jesus does not ask us to determine whether our offering is enough. He asks us to place it in His hands. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why the boy's simple offering still speaks to us today • How self-doubt often disguises itself as realism • The danger of disqualifying our gifts before God can use them • What Jesus teaches us about gratitude, trust, and generosity • A practical habit for giving without qualification Scripture

Reflecting on the greatest demonstration of love ever shown, Elder Bruce Whitehead’s message “The Love That Opened the Veil” centers on the truth that God’s love made a way for sinners to come directly to Him through Jesus Christ. Drawing from John 3:14-17, this sermon magnifies the grace, mercy, and sacrifice of God, who gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Beginning with a personal testimony of prayer and preparation, Elder Whitehead shares how the Lord directed his thoughts toward the overwhelming reality of God’s love. Though many struggle with feelings of unworthiness or question whether God truly loves them, Scripture provides a clear answer: the cross is proof of God’s love for humanity. The message revisits Christ’s words in Luke 10, where the disciples returned rejoicing that demons were subject to them. Yet Jesus redirected their focus, telling them not to rejoice in power or accomplishments, but to rejoice that their names were written in heaven. Elder Whitehead emphasizes that the greatest reason for joy is not what we do for God, but what God has done for us through salvation. Looking back to the Old Testament, the sermon explores the ministry of the Levites and the enormous effort required under the law to minister before God. Thousands of Levites were assigned to various responsibilities in the temple, offering sacrifices, maintaining worship, and serving as intermediaries between God and the people. Yet all of that pointed forward to something greater. When Jesus died on the cross, everything changed. At the moment of His death, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, opening direct access to God for all who believe. Through Christ’s sacrifice, the barrier between God and man was removed. No longer would people need earthly mediators to approach the Lord. Through Jesus, every believer can come boldly into God’s presence. The sermon highlights the significance of this moment as one of the clearest demonstrations of divine love. God did not merely provide instructions or religion. He provided Himself. The tearing of the veil declared that salvation was available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. Elder Whitehead repeatedly returns to the beautiful simplicity of the gospel. The promise is for “whosoever.” Salvation is not based on denomination, status, achievements, or personal goodness. It is offered freely through faith in Christ. God’s desire is not condemnation but redemption. The message also points toward communion and Christ’s desire to fellowship with His people. Just as Jesus longed to share that final meal with His disciples, He continues to call sinners to Himself today. The invitation remains open to all who will believe. Throughout the sermon, listeners are encouraged to reject the lies that question God’s love and instead rest in the certainty of what Christ accomplished on the cross. Because of His sacrifice, names can be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, sins can be forgiven, and souls can be reconciled to God. “The Love That Opened the Veil” is a powerful reminder that every part of the gospel story is rooted in love. From the cross to the empty tomb, from the torn veil to the promise of eternal life, God’s love remains the foundation of salvation and the greatest reason for rejoicing.

Most people spend their lives trying to satisfy their hunger. We hunger for success, security, comfort, acceptance, pleasure, and significance. We chase one desire after another, convinced that the next achievement, possession, or experience will finally make us content. Yet no matter how much we gain, the hunger remains. The world offers countless promises of satisfaction, but it never truly fills the emptiness within the human heart.In the Beatitudes, Jesus turns our thinking upside down. He declares, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6). This is a surprising statement because hunger and thirst are normally uncomfortable conditions. They remind us of something we lack. Yet Jesus says that those who feel a deep spiritual longing are actually blessed.This hunger is not a casual interest in spiritual things. It is an intense craving for God's righteousness, for a right relationship with Him, a holy life that reflects His character, and a world where His justice reigns. Jesus promises that those who seek these things above all else will not be disappointed. Unlike the empty promises of the world, God alone can truly satisfy the deepest needs of the soul.Today, we will examine what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness, why this hunger is essential to the Christian life, and how Jesus Himself is the only One who can fully satisfy it.Series: The Beatitudes: Kingdom Living in a Fallen WorldTitle: They That Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: The Fullness of HungerScripture: Matthew 5:6Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Read Online“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:43–44How generous are you? This is a challenging question, yet one worth considering. Does your generosity reflect God's boundless generosity? Do you struggle with selfishness and greed, failing to live out the Gospel call to poverty, detachment, and charity? Most people likely fall short of this ideal. Acknowledging this, though difficult, is an act of honesty and humility. Such humility disposes us to receive an outpouring of heavenly riches, which far surpass any earthly possessions or attachments we may cling to or desire.In today's Gospel, set just days before His Passion, Jesus warns the people about the scribes. In a previous discourse, He had highlighted their limited understanding of His divine identity and their overly legalistic approach to Scripture. Today, He condemns them for their excessive attachment to external displays of piety—such as “long robes” and public honors—as well as their greed, neglect of the poor, and hypocritical religiosity. He concludes His warning with a sobering statement: “They will receive a very severe condemnation” (cf. Mark 12:38–40).The scribes likely thought highly of themselves and sought to outdo one another in outward show. They fasted, meticulously followed the Law as they interpreted it, recited lengthy prayers in public, and cultivated a religious culture that held them in high esteem. Yet Jesus' harsh condemnation of them was spoken out of love. They, more than anyone in the Temple area, needed to hear His words and repent. Perhaps some were convicted by His rebuke, but for most, His words only hardened their hearts—ultimately leading to their plot to crucify Him.That same day, Jesus taught the people—and the scribes who were listening—that the Law's fulfillment is found in love, not in multiplying empty displays of piety. When asked by a scribe which commandment in the Law was the greatest, He proclaimed: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…. You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31).In today's discourse, Jesus provided the people and the scribes who were listening with a concrete, visual example of His teaching. He pointed to a poor widow who placed two small coins in the Temple treasury, declaring that she had “put in more” than all the others. The coins she gave were called lepta (sometimes referred to as “mites”), the smallest denomination in circulation at the time. A single lepton was worth approximately 1/128 of a denarius, the standard daily wage for a laborer. In modern terms, if a daily wage were $170 USD, her two coins would amount to roughly $2.66—a seemingly insignificant sum, yet one of immense spiritual value in God's eyes.When God looks at your generosity, He looks into your heart and judges according to what He sees. He is not impressed by wealth or poverty, nor does He measure generosity by the size of a gift. Rather, He looks at your willingness to put love into action—loving “with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This love is first directed to God and then expressed through an unwavering love of neighbor. How much should we give to God and others? Like the poor widow, we must give our “whole livelihood,” meaning the totality of who you are and what you can do. That is what Jesus praised, and it is what He expects of us.Reflect today on the radical generosity to which we are all called. As finite beings, we cannot meet every need in the world—but that is not our duty. Our duty is to offer all that we are and have to God in service of His will. Though such generosity may feel difficult, the pain we experience does not come from giving but from the remnants of selfishness resisting detachment. Pray for the grace to be so generous that it purges all selfishness from your heart, soul, mind, and strength. When that happens, God will see your goodness and bless you abundantly.Most generous Lord, You have given me everything and invite me to offer all in return, out of love for You and my neighbor. Fill my heart with the grace of radical generosity, that I may give my time, energy, and resources without hesitation, offering my whole self in Your service. Help me to see the wisdom in such self-giving, trusting that Your goodness is never outdone in generosity. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The widow's mite By João Zeferino da CostaSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

In the film Where the Wild Things Are, a boy in a wolf suit discovers what most of us already know but rarely say out loud: loving others is hard. The wild things wanted a king who could keep them together and shield them from sadness — but no king, no matter how great, can do that. And neither can we. In this beautifully crafted episode, Sophia Bricker weaves together film, literature, Scripture, and raw honesty to name something we all experience but often feel guilty admitting — that love, in all its forms, is messy, costly, and sometimes feels beyond us. C.S. Lewis wrote that to love at all is to be vulnerable — that a heart given to anyone will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. Yet Jesus, who knew this better than anyone, chose to love anyway. He gave up divine privilege, took on human flesh, and died a criminal's death — not because it was easy, but because love requires sacrifice. Paul's instruction to the Philippians was simple and staggering all at once: have the same mindset as Christ in your relationships. That kind of love — wildly generous, sacrificial, seeking the good of others above our own — is not natural to us. But it is possible. Not through sheer willpower, but through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in us, mirroring back the love we have already received from the nail-scarred hands of God. Today's Bible Verse "Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross." — Philippians 2:6-8, NLT Ponder Today Loving others is hard — and admitting that is not a failure of faith. Every family, friendship, and community experiences conflict, hurt, and misunderstanding. Acknowledging the difficulty of love is the first honest step toward growing in it. To love is to be vulnerable. As C.S. Lewis reminds us, a heart kept safely away from others is a heart that never truly loves. The risk of being hurt is not a reason to withhold love — it is the very nature of it. Jesus is the ultimate model of sacrificial love. He did not cling to comfort or divine privilege. He entered our mess, bore our sin, and loved us at great personal cost. That is the standard — and the Spirit in us makes it possible. We are not more deserving of love than those we struggle to love. As Sophia asks so pointedly — are we not equally guilty of breaking a heart or speaking a careless word? Remembering our own need for grace softens us toward others who need it too. A Prayer for You Today Savior, I am amazed by Your choice to enter this broken world, taking the curse of sin upon Yourself to save all people. Who am I that I should receive such love? Yet I confess that I struggle to love those around me — people with pasts and flaws not so different from my own. Work in me to produce the fruit of sacrificial, wildly generous love that seeks nothing other than to reflect what You have given me. Produce in me by Your Spirit a new way of life marked by grace and mercy — and the courage to love, even when it's hard. In Your name, Jesus, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer stirred your heart toward someone you've been finding hard to love, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to grow your faith and deepen your love for God and others every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Let'sbegin by reading Philippians 2:19-20: "But I trust in the Lord Jesus tosend Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know yourstate. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for yourstate." What a remarkable statement! Remember, Paul is writing from aRoman prison. He is chained to a Roman guard. He is uncertain about the outcomeof his trial. Yet even while facing his own problems, his heart is focused onthe believers at Philippi. That is the mark of a mature Christian. A matureChristian does not become consumed with his own troubles. He remains concernedabout others. Paulwanted to know how the Philippian believers were doing. Were they standingfirm? Were they remaining united? Were they growing spiritually? He careddeeply about them. But Paul faced a problem. He could not go himself. So helooked around for someone he could trust. Among all the believers in Rome, Paulfound one man whom he believed would genuinely care for the Philippians. Thatman was Timothy. Paul says, "I have no one like-minded." Thephrase "like-minded" carries the idea of being of the same soul orkindred spirit. Timothy had spent years traveling with Paul, learning from him,serving alongside him, suffering with him, and praying with him. Over time,Timothy began to develop the same heart that Paul had. That is whatdiscipleship is all about. Jesusspent three years with His disciples. Paul spent years with Timothy. Godlycharacter is often caught as much as it is taught. Timothy learned how to carefor people by watching Paul care for people. I am reminded of what Paul wrotein 1 Corinthians 11:1: "Imitate me, just as I also imitateChrist." Every believer needs someone to learn from and someone tohelp. One of the greatest needs in our churches today is spiritual mentoring.Older believers should be encouraging younger believers. More mature Christiansshould be helping those who are younger in the faith. Timothyhad a servant's heart. Notice Paul says that Timothy would "sincerelycare" for their welfare. The word means genuine concern. Not professionalconcern.    Not forced concern. Notconcern because it was his job. Genuine concern. Timothy truly cared aboutpeople. That immediately raises a question for us. Do we genuinely care aboutothers? It is easy to become wrapped up in our own schedules, our own plans,our own problems, and our own needs. Yet Jesus constantly looked beyond Himselfto the needs of others. Even while hanging on the cross, He cared for Hismother. Even while suffering, He prayed for His enemies. Even while dying, Hesaved a thief. That is the heart of Christ. Onepastor said, "People don't care how much you know until they know how muchyou care." How true that is.Peopleare looking for genuine Christians who will listen, pray, encourage, and help. Asimple phone call can change someone's day. A handwritten note can strengthen adiscouraged believer. A visit can encourage someone who feels forgotten. Aprayer can lift a burden. You never know what God can dothrough a caring heart. The submissive mind always produces concern for others.Selfishness asks, "What can others do for me?" Love asks, "Whatcan I do for others?" Perhapstoday there is someone God has placed on your heart. Maybe it is a familymember. Maybe it is a neighbor. Maybe it is a fellow church member. Maybe it issomeone who is hurting. Don't ignore that prompting. Reach out. Encourage them.Pray for them. Show them the love of Christ. That is exactly what Timothy wouldhave done. And that is exactly what Christ would have us do. Let'spray. Father, thank You for the example of Timothy. Give us hearts thatgenuinely care for others. Deliver us from selfishness and help us to seepeople through Your eyes. Use us today to encourage someone and point them toJesus Christ. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Episode 154 of 2 Minute Disciple Season 5 examines one of Jesus' most challenging teachings in Matthew 10:34–39. At first glance, His words seem startling: “I came not to bring peace, but a sword.” Yet Jesus is revealing a profound truth about the nature of discipleship. Following Christ is not merely a private belief or a spiritual hobby. It reshapes our loyalties, priorities, relationships, and identity. Sometimes, choosing faithfulness to Jesus creates tension with the expectations of others—even those closest to us. In this contemplative Christian podcast episode, Nick guides listeners through a peaceful rhythm of slowing down, reading Scripture, noticing, meditating, responding in prayer, and practicing a daily spiritual habit. Together, we reflect on Jesus' call to take up our cross, release our grip on lesser things, and trust that true life is found not in self-preservation but in surrender. This episode is for anyone wrestling with obedience, sacrifice, difficult choices, competing loyalties, or the challenge of placing Jesus first. It is a reminder that while following Christ may cost us something, He is worth infinitely more than anything we could lose.

Do you have to be a bad person to need Jesus? What if being a "good person" isn't enough?In this message, Minister Mark Ashton explores one of the most famous conversations in the Bible: Jesus' late-night encounter with Nicodemus in John 3. Nicodemus was moral, religious, respected, educated, and sincere. Yet Jesus told him something shocking: "You must be born again."This message challenges the common belief that Christianity is primarily about becoming a better person. Instead, Jesus teaches that what we need most is a spiritual transformation that only God can provide. Through the story of Nicodemus, the bronze serpent in the wilderness, and the truth of John 3:16, we discover why salvation isn't based on performance, religion, morality, or good works, but on faith in Jesus Christ.If you've ever wondered whether you're good enough for God, how to be born again, what John 3:16 really means, or how to find forgiveness and eternal life, this message is for you.At Christ Community Church, we believe no one is beyond God's grace and no one is so good that they don't need it.

What does it really mean to be happy? In a world that equates happiness with success, wealth, popularity, and comfort, Jesus offers a completely different perspective.In this message, Pastor B. explores the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 and discovers how Jesus redefines what it means to be truly blessed. The Beatitudes are not a list of rules to follow but a description of the heart of those who belong to God's kingdom. Jesus begins His most famous sermon with blessings, revealing the qualities that mark genuine followers of Christ.We will examine the progression of spiritual transformation that begins with recognizing our spiritual poverty, mourning over sin, and developing meekness and dependence on God. As believers hunger and thirst for righteousness, their lives begin to reflect the character of Christ through mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking.This message also addresses the challenges of living as citizens of God's kingdom. Following Jesus often creates tension with the world around us, and persecution for righteousness is a reality for those who faithfully live out the Gospel. Yet Jesus promises that those who endure are truly blessed.If you are searching for lasting joy, purpose, and fulfillment, this teaching will encourage you to look beyond temporary happiness and discover the abundant life found only in surrendering to Jesus Christ.

Thursday May 28, 2026Week after PentecostToday's episode reminds us that God is gathering His people, grounding them in truth, and strengthening them to endure opposition.In **Ezekiel 37:21–28**, God promises to restore and reunite His scattered people under one shepherd and one covenant of peace. No longer divided or defiled, they will dwell securely with God's presence among them forever. It's a powerful vision of restoration, unity, and the faithful reign of the coming King.In **1 John 2:18–29**, believers are warned about deception and false teaching in the last days. John encourages the church to remain rooted in the truth they received from the beginning and to abide in Christ. Those who truly belong to Him will persevere in faith and walk in righteousness, guided by the Spirit's anointing and discernment.Finally, in **Matthew 10:16–23**, Jesus Christ prepares His disciples for the realities of mission in a hostile world. They are sent out as sheep among wolves, called to be wise, innocent, and courageous in the face of persecution. Yet Jesus assures them that the Holy Spirit will give them the words they need and that God remains with them through every trial.Together, these passages remind us: God is building a restored and unified people, truth must be guarded and lived out faithfully, and followers of Christ are called to endure with courage as they carry His message into the world.

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit. What does it actually look like to follow Jesus in everyday life? Not just during the big spiritual moments, but in the ordinary rhythms of work, family, uncertainty, relationships, and daily routines. In this powerful message from John 14 and Romans 8, we begin the Ordinary Time series by exploring one of the most important and often misunderstood realities of the Christian life. The Holy Spirit grows our intimacy with God. As Jesus prepares His disciples for His death, resurrection, and ascension, He tells them something shocking. It is actually better for them that He goes away because the Holy Spirit will come. For the disciples, this would have been difficult to understand. They had walked with Jesus face to face. They had watched Him teach, heal, perform miracles, and transform lives. Yet Jesus promises that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will now dwell within His followers and continue His work in them. This sermon unpacks what it means to live with the Holy Spirit in the ordinary seasons of life. From graduations to career changes to moments of uncertainty, life often moves from anticipation into reality very quickly. We all experience moments where we realize, “This is my life now.” The question becomes, how do we continue following Jesus faithfully in those ordinary moments? One of the central themes of this message is intimacy with God. Many believers are comfortable seeing God as authority, leader, or boss, but struggle to experience Him as Father. Through the work of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit, believers are adopted into the family of God as sons and daughters. Romans 8 reminds us that we have not received a spirit of fear or slavery, but the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” This sermon also addresses several common misunderstandings about the Holy Spirit. Following the Holy Spirit is not reserved for elite Christians or spiritual experts. There is no secret formula, advanced level, or hidden knowledge required. Every believer receives the Holy Spirit at salvation, and the Holy Spirit works in every follower of Jesus to increase intimacy with God, illuminate Scripture, and shape us into the image of Christ. Throughout this teaching, we are reminded that the Christian life is not sustained through human effort alone. The fruit of the Spirit is not the result of self improvement, achievement, or performance. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control are produced through the Holy Spirit working within us. God has a vision for our lives, and through the Spirit He lovingly shapes us as His children. This message also offers hope for those carrying wounds, especially wounds connected to fathers, authority, shame, or fear. Many people struggle to trust God because of painful experiences in earthly relationships. Yet through the Holy Spirit, God patiently teaches His people what it means to truly know Him as a loving Father whose acceptance and love are secure through Jesus Christ. If you have ever felt distant from God, unsure how to grow spiritually, confused about the Holy Spirit, or exhausted from trying to earn God's approval, this sermon will encourage you. It points back to the truth that intimacy with God is not something we achieve. It is something God grows in us through His Spirit. Join us as we begin the Ordinary Time series and discover how the Holy Spirit helps us follow Jesus faithfully in the everyday moments of life.

May 25, 2026Today's Reading: John 3:16-21Daily Lectionary: Numbers 22:1-20; Luke 22:1-23“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”  (John 3:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Why did Jesus come down from heaven to dwell on the earth? Easy, right? To die for the sins of the world. The familiar words of John 3:16 tell us that. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” But don't stop there! John 3:17 expresses the same thought but in the opposite way. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved.” Why did Jesus come? Because God doesn't want to condemn the world, He wants to save it! It seems so obvious, and yet the devil, the world, and our own sinful nature are constantly trying to convince us that God is sitting in heaven like a crabby old man just waiting to punish all those who disobey Him. But that couldn't be further from the truth. “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and He wants all people “to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth,” (1 Timothy 2:4). This should be some of the most comforting news we've ever heard! God wants us to be saved. God does not want to condemn you or anybody else, for that matter. I don't know about you, but when I consider my own sins, and the terrible things that I've done and the awful things I've thought, I wonder how God could possibly not condemn me. Yet Jesus reminds us that He lived, suffered, and died precisely so that I wouldn't have to be condemned.  Sadly, not everyone will receive this salvation. Many will choose to live outside of God's love and condemn themselves. But this is not what God wants. He tells us that He has “no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live,”(Ezekiel 33:11).There are people that I know and love who are currently choosing to live without Christ's forgiveness. I'm sure you do too. And while that makes us sad, we can rejoice knowing that God doesn't want them to be condemned. He's given Jesus to the world because He doesn't want them to be condemned. This means that God will continue to reach out to them all with His love through His Means Of Grace, His Word and Sacraments, offering forgiveness and working through the Holy Spirit to bring them to faith. Therefore, we can rest assured that God won't give up on them, just as He hasn't given up on us.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God would not have the sinner die; His Son with saving grace is nigh; His Spirit in the Word declares How we in Christ are heaven's heirs. (LSB 571:3)Rev. Aric Fenske, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life.

Join Pastor JD Small for Week 7 of, "Jesus Said What?"   What happens when following Jesus creates tension with the people we love most? In Matthew 10:34-37, Jesus makes a challenging statement, following Him may even divide families. For the people hearing this, family meant everything: identity, security, and belonging. Yet Jesus calls us to put Him above all else.   This message challenges us to ask: are we truly following Jesus, or just a comfortable version of Him that never disrupts our lives? Following Christ fully may bring tension, but the promise is worth it. Whatever we lose here, we gain eternally in the Father's house, where our true belonging, identity, and inheritance are found.

The life of Jesus changed the course of history for mankind. Yet Jesus change the course of history, one life at a time. Today Tom looks at three individuals from the gospel of John who met Jesus personally and came away very different.

The mission is too big, the message is too hard, and we are too weak to accomplish it on our own. In a world centered on self, the call to repentance and salvation can feel uncomfortable. Yet Jesus did not leave his disciples alone. The Ascension means that he is not absent, but completely available to the Church he sends on mission. The Lord who sends us, goes with us, gives us everything we need for the mission. And the image of the Ascending Lord shows us that this promise is guaranteed.

JOHN 21:15-25 - FEED & TEND MY SHEEP - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025JOHN 21:15-25 "15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of ]Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of ]Jonah, do you love Me?”He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you [g]love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”The Beloved Disciple and His Book20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen."To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

Ever feel like you're working hard for God but somehow missing Him in the process? Jesus met His disciples after a long, fruitless night of fishing and asked them to throw their nets on the other side. When they obeyed, they couldn't haul in the catch—153 fish that should have torn their nets but didn't.Here's the powerful truth: Peter had denied Jesus three times. Yet Jesus didn't reject him—He made him breakfast. Then He asked three times, "Do you love me?" Three questions for three denials. Not to shame Peter, but to restore him. Jesus transformed Peter from working FOR Him to following WITH Him.The question for us today: Do we need Jesus for what we're doing? Or are we so busy doing good things that we've stopped abiding in Him? Jesus doesn't just want servants—He calls us friends. He invites us to sit at His table, to know His heart, to join what He's already doing.Stop working for Jesus. Start following Him.

We all wear glasses in this room. I am not referring to your contacts or the physical glasses your eye doctor prescribed. I am referring to your worldviewthe lenses through which you interpret everything you see: God, yourself, others, suffering, evil, history, the purpose of life, and the future. In our world today, people use a wide range of worldviews to make sense of reality. Theism holds that a personal God created and rules the world. Naturalism holds that the physical universe is all that exists. Pantheism identifies God with the world or sees God as present in everything. Postmodernism treats truth as personal, socially constructed, or tied to power. Nihilism holds that life has no ultimate meaning, purpose, or moral order. Most people do not wear only one pair of glasses. They switch lenses depending on what suits thema little theism for comfort, a little secularism for control, a little skepticism against authority, and a little self-rule for freedom. It may feel meaningful in the moment, but it cannot finally correct the vision problem. It still leaves reality blurred. One of the clearest symbols of modern humanitys hope was the World Trade Center. It took twelve years, from the earliest design stages in 1961 to the ribbon-cutting in 1973, to complete the Twin Towers, at a cost of about $900 million. The chief architect, Minoru Yamasaki, said the World Trade Center should become a living representation of mans belief in humanity, his need for individual dignity, his belief in the cooperation of men, and through this cooperation his ability to find greatness. That is a remarkable statement. The towers were meant to say something about us: our greatness, dignity, cooperation, and our ability to build a better world. Yet on September 11, 2001, it took less than two hours for those towers to fall, and nearly 3,000 lives were lost. Brothers and sisters, that is not merely a tragedy in American history. It is a parable of the world we inhabit. We live in a world of conflict, bloodshed, injustice, suffering, and death. We build towers and call them peace. We create systems and call them progress. We trust power, wealth, cooperation, technology, politics, and human greatness to bring stability. Yet again and again, the world proves unable to save itself. What we need is a biblical worldviewa way of seeing the world through the lens of Gods Word. Revelation pulls back the curtain on human historypast, present, and futureso we can see things as they really are. In Revelation 6:18, that curtain is drawn back on the world we know all too well: a world marked by conquest, war, famine, injustice, suffering, and death. Yet Revelation does not show us these things to make us despair. It shows us these things so we will see that the horsemen are permitted to ride only because the Lamb has the authority to open the seals. Before we go any further in this sermon, do not miss who opens each seal. It is not the horsemen. It is not the devil. It is not the antichrist. It is not kings, nations, armies, or empires. The Lamb alone has the authority to open the seals and to allow the horsemen to ride. As the Lamb opens the first four seals, do not think of the horsemen as strange figures waiting to be released in the distant future. Instead, think of them as the symbolic unveiling of the very world Jesus told us to expecta world marked by conquest, violence, exploitation, and death. Yet Revelation 6 shows us something the evening news never can: the horsemen ride only because the Lamb opens the seals, and He alone is worthy to do so. The Horsemen and the World Jesus Told Us to Expect We are now entering a section of Revelation that may challenge how many of us have been taught to think about the end times. For many Christians, passages such as Revelation 6 and Matthew 24 have been interpreted almost entirely as future events, often within a framework known as the seven-year tribulation. Many have also been taught that the church will be removed from the earth before that tribulation begins. I realize that, for some of you, that may be the only framework for understanding the end times you have ever known. Faithful Christians have held different views on these matters, so my goal is not to mock what you have been taught or force you into a different system. My goal is simply to ask you to do what the Bereans didto search the Scriptures and see whether these things are so (see Acts 17:10-11). What I want to show you is that Revelation 6 and Matthew 24 are not describing realities completely disconnected from the churchs present life. Jesus Himself told His disciples what this present age would look like: And Jesus answered them, See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. (Matt. 24:4-8) Revelation 6 is not describing a strange world the church has never seen. It pulls back the curtain on the age Jesus describeda world marked by conquest, violence, exploitation, suffering, and death. The four horsemen symbolize realities that have marked human history since Christs ascension and will end when He returns. Yet Jesus words also keep us from hopeless despair. These things are not the end. They are birth pains. And as painful as birth pains are, they remind us that something is coming: the kingdom of Christ in all its fullness. Until that day, the horsemen ride. Like birth pains, the realities they represent continue throughout this age and increase in frequency and intensity as history moves toward the return of Christ and the birth of the new creation. But understand this: they do not roam at their own leisure. The Lamb reigns, and He alone has the authority to open the seals. So when the Lamb opens the seals and the four horsemen are revealed, we are shown the world Jesus told us to expect. But we are also shown what the world cannot see: conquest, violence, exploitation, and death are not rogue realities, nor do they unfold outside His sovereign will and authority. The White Horse: The Lust for Conquest (vv. 1-2) There is some debate about what the rider on the white horse represents, largely because certain features seem to mirror the way Jesus appears in Revelation 19:1116, particularly the white horse He rides and the crown He wears. Others believe the rider represents a false Christ or even the antichrist because he seems to mimic Jesus appearance. The problem with these views is twofold: first, Jesus is the One who opens each of the seals; and second, the remaining horsemen clearly represent forces of destruction rather than specific individuals. There are other suggestions, but the context of Revelation 6 suggests that the rider on the white horse belongs with the other three horsemen: war, famine, and death. Together, they represent the destructive realities that mark this present age. This connection may be reinforced by the first living creature who announces this horse and rider. Notice that the first living creature has the face of a lion, representing strength, majesty, and power among the wild creatures. It is this creature that introduces the rider on the white horse. If there is a symbolic connection between the creature who speaks and the horseman who appears, then the first horseman fittingly represents conquestthe lust of kings, nations, empires, and rulers to expand their power, secure their kingdoms, and impose their will on others. Unlike the kingdom Jesus will bring, this rider represents fallen humanity grasping for dominion apart from God. This horse and its rider promise peace but never deliver it. Their creed is simple: If we can gain enough territory, enough power, enough influence, enough control, then we can secure the future. But Revelation shows us the truth: conquest does not lead to peace. It prepares the way for the red horse. The Red Horse: The Vandalism of Peace (vv. 3-4) The Lamb then opens the second seal. In response, the heavenly creature with the face of an ox, representing domesticated strength, service, and laborthe kind of creature people use to bring forth life from the earthsays, Come! Then the red horse appears, and its rider is permitted to take peace from the earth so that people may slay one another. If the white horse represents the lust for conquest, the red horse reveals what that lust produces. The world promises peace through power, but Revelation shows that power seized apart from God does not preserve peace; it vandalizes it. When God gives sinners over to themselves, the restraints that hold back violence are removed, and the human heart is exposed as it is and what it is capable of. This is why the rider is given a great sword, symbolizing violence, bloodshed, and the destructive force of war. From the first murder in Genesis 4 to the wars and rumors of wars Jesus said would mark this age like birth pains in Matthew 24, human history has been stained with the blood of those created in Gods image. Nations rise against nations. Kingdoms seek to outdo kingdoms. Brother turns against brother. Neighbor turns against neighbor. When sin-cursed humanity seeks dominion apart from God, even in the name of peace, peace is among the first casualties. Make no mistake: the rider on the red horse is not rogue. He is only permitted to take peace from the earth because the Lamb has authority to break the second seal. He does not seize the sword; he is given a great sword. The breaking of the second seal shows that even the violence of this age is not outside the sovereign hand of the Lamb. While the serpent of old was a murderer from the beginning and is the father of lies (John 8:44), Humanitys propensity toward violence is the result of its fallen nature; it is mankind that robs the earth of the shalom it was created to experience. Yet even this violence remains under the authority of the Lamb. The Black Horse: Exploitation of Need (vv. 5-6) The Lamb opens the third seal, and the living creature with the face of a man says, Come! The irony is that while man symbolizes wisdom, reason, and the stewardship God entrusted to humanity, the black horse and its rider represent the exploitation of creations needs by mankind. The rider is seen holding a pair of scales, and a voice is heard saying, A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine. The scales symbolize measurement, rationing, and scarcity. In Johns day, a denarius was a days wage, so the announced prices of wheat and barley reveal a world where food is available yet barely affordable. A person could work all day and still barely survive. Meanwhile, the command not to harm the oil and wine suggests that while daily bread becomes burdensome for the poor, others comforts and luxuries remain protected. Human need becomes an opportunity for human greed. The black horse reveals that much of the worlds suffering stems from the corruption of human stewardship. Humanity was created in Gods image to cultivate the earth, care for one another, and administer justice for the good of mankind and the rest of creation. But when people seek dominion apart from God, the needs of the earth and those who live on it are twisted into opportunities for profit. When mankind is given over to itself, human beings exploit one another and anything else in creation that offers an opportunity to get ahead of their neighbor. Yet even here, the rider is not sovereign and does not ride beyond the authority of the Lamb. The Pale Horse: The Dominion of Death (vv. 7-8) The Lamb opens the fourth seal, and the creature with the face of an eagle says, Come! Consider what an eagle represents: swiftness, height, watchfulness, and the realm just above the earth. When John hears this single word, he sees a pale horse, and its rider is named Death, with Hades following him. While the eagle soars over the earth, the pale horse gathers what mans lust for conquest, readiness to kill, and greed producenamely, death. The horses color is disturbing. The Greek word translated pale (chlōros) denotes a greenish hue, suggesting the sickly color of decay, disease, and death. There is little left to the imagination with the name given to this rider. He is Death, and Hades follows behind him like a grave, collecting what death has taken. This is the world east of Eden, where sin has brought decay to everything God created good. Death follows kings and nations. Death follows war. Death follows hunger, poverty, disease, and the neglect of creation. Death is the final enemy, and no human kingdom, political system, technological advancement, or amount of wealth or power can ultimately escape it. But while the pale horse and its rider may terrify us, they are not sovereign. The Lamb is the One who breaks the seal. Death rides, yet the Lamb reigns. And all who belong to the Lamb are assured that in a world where the four horsemen are permitted to ride for a time, the One who opens the seals also says to His people: Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades (Rev. 1:1718). Conclusion What the apostle John and the seven churches likely found most reassuring in the vision of the four horsemen is the reminder that it is the LambChrist Himselfwho breaks each seal and permits the horsemen to ride. The power wielded by rulers and nations is granted by the One who sits sovereignly on the throne. Revelation 6:18 is given so that we might see the world as it really is and see the Lamb as He truly is. The horsemen do not ride because chaos reigns. They ride because the Lamb opens the seals. And when the four living creatures cry, Come! their summons echoes the prayer Jesus taught us to pray: Your kingdom come, your will be done... (Matt. 6:10). The Lamb gives mankind over to its wickedness, not because evil is sovereign, but because He is accomplishing His sovereign purposes until His rule and reign are fully manifested on earth as it is in heaven. The four horsemen reveal to those who belong to the Lamb that Gods kingdom is indeed coming. Gods kingdom comes not only through salvation, but also through judgment upon everything that ruins His creation.

This weekend we dove into two of the most memorized, most known, most powerful verses in all the Bible… Romans 12:1-2 tells us to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.”Let's be honest… The pattern of this world is pretty chaotic. It's not very hard to find bad news. Because of that it becomes easy as believers to live, not in response to the grace of God, but in reaction to the chaos of the world. When we constantly consume the chaos, we will conform to the chaos. It gets into our minds and soul and affects every part of our life. Yet Jesus, the Prince of Peace, walks into the middle of our chaos and offers relief. He urges us to live in reaction, not to chaos, but his mercy. These verses help us to better understand how what we consume shapes who we become, why chaos is constantly fighting for our attention, what it means to become a “living sacrifice.” Scripture urges us to take chaotic thoughts captive before they take us captive, and how can we allow Jesus to renew our minds and form us into people of peace. Tune into this week's message as we unpack this in a message called, “No Longer Conforming to Chaos.”Join us for service online or in person every Sunday at 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am, & 5pm (C&V Service).Connect to Captivate! - https://shorturl.at/nKxQuDownload the Captivate App to Stay Connected! - https://shorturl.at/5PfXPIf you want to share how God is moving in your life through this ministry, please let us know at info@captivatesd.com!Decided To Follow Jesus? Sign up to receive a copy of our “I Have Decided” booklets - https://shorturl.at/93CHSGet plugged in!Next Steps - captivatesd.com/next-stepsVisit - captivatesd.com/visitCommunities - captivatesd.com/communitiesIf you would like to support Captivate financially you can give online through our website by clicking here captivatesd.com/giving Need prayer? Please let us know! - https://captivatesd.churchcenter.com/people/forms/597023For more information about Captivate Church, visit captivatesd.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.Instagram - Instagram.com/captivatechurchsdFacebook - facebook.com/captivatesdWatch More Messages: youtube.com/@CaptivateChurch/videos

Dave Brisbin 5.17.26 Jesus never told his friends to worship him. He told them to follow him…not conceptually or theologically or even physically, but to follow his Way of living and seeing. To worship Jesus as savior is a passive waiting for transformation to be gifted from outside in, a static bestowal for which we conform, not transform. But Jesus insists that the awakening that is Kingdom is not out there somewhere to be entered from outside in. To follow Jesus is to actively emulate his Way of becoming attuned to an experience of God's presence directly, from inside out. Following Jesus' Way develops the one skill that changes everything, or better, opens the door to everything: awareness—the ability to notice thought itself. To be able to step back from the torrent of our minds' activity, to observe it without identifying with it any longer. To realize that our thoughts aren't us, just the by-product of what minds do. Without this one skill nothing else along Jesus' Way is available because, carried along by thoughts and their attendant emotions, we can't be present, see what is really sharing the moment with us, give what love requires. Cognitively fused with unconscious beliefs and fears, we're trapped inside a bubble that extends only as far as the inside of our eyelids. When Jesus says from the cross, forgive them, they don't know what they are doing, he is speaking to this unaware state. When he urges to sell all we possess, he's showing us how to strip down to naked awareness of a truth that makes us free. He starts with the law. As long as unquestioned thoughts believe blind obedience is enough, will contractually gain God's favor, we're not free, not aware that passive conformance doesn't even scratch the active surface of transformation. Yet Jesus isn't abolishing. He deconstructs only what is necessary to reclaim awareness. That's the lesson. Not deconstruction for its own sake, but to graduate from blind obedience to thoughts that rule like law, to develop that one skill…to notice our thoughts, not as mandates to obey, but a threshold to cross on the Way to reclaim our awareness and remember who we are.

Dave Brisbin 5.17.26 Jesus never told his friends to worship him. He told them to follow him…not conceptually or theologically or even physically, but to follow his Way of living and seeing. To worship Jesus as savior is a passive waiting for transformation to be gifted from outside in, a static bestowal for which we conform, not transform. But Jesus insists that the awakening that is Kingdom is not out there somewhere to be entered from outside in. To follow Jesus is to actively emulate his Way of becoming attuned to an experience of God's presence directly, from inside out. Following Jesus' Way develops the one skill that changes everything, or better, opens the door to everything: awareness—the ability to notice thought itself. To be able to step back from the torrent of our minds' activity, to observe it without identifying with it any longer. To realize that our thoughts aren't us, just the by-product of what minds do. Without this one skill nothing else along Jesus' Way is available because, carried along by thoughts and their attendant emotions, we can't be present, see what is really sharing the moment with us, give what love requires. Cognitively fused with unconscious beliefs and fears, we're trapped inside a bubble that extends only as far as the inside of our eyelids. When Jesus says from the cross, forgive them, they don't know what they are doing, he is speaking to this unaware state. When he urges to sell all we possess, he's showing us how to strip down to naked awareness of a truth that makes us free. He starts with the law. As long as unquestioned thoughts believe blind obedience is enough, will contractually gain God's favor, we're not free, not aware that passive conformance doesn't even scratch the active surface of transformation. Yet Jesus isn't abolishing. He deconstructs only what is necessary to reclaim awareness. That's the lesson. Not deconstruction for its own sake, but to graduate from blind obedience to thoughts that rule like law, to develop that one skill…to notice our thoughts, not as mandates to obey, but a threshold to cross on the Way to reclaim our awareness and remember who we are.

How Christians Recognize False Teaching EarlyAuthor: Dave JenkinsShow: Anchored in the Word with Dave JenkinsDate: May 14, 2026Show SummaryFalse teaching rarely begins with obvious denials of the truth. More often, it starts with subtle distortions that gradually move people away from the authority of God's Word.In this episode of Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins, Dave explains how Christians can recognize false teaching before it spreads, remain grounded in Scripture, and grow in biblical discernment.Drawing from Matthew 7:15, Acts 20:28–31, Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 2 Timothy 4:3, and Hebrews 5:14, this episode shows why false teaching is a biblical reality, how it often begins with small shifts, and how believers can guard themselves through sound doctrine, spiritual maturity, and life in the local church. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}Listen to the EpisodeWatch the EpisodeKey ScripturesMatthew 7:15Acts 20:28–31Acts 17:111 Thessalonians 5:212 Timothy 4:3Hebrews 5:14Episode HighlightsWhy false teaching is a biblical realityHow false teaching often begins with subtle doctrinal shiftsWhy Scripture alone is the final authority for faith and practiceWarning signs Christians should recognize earlyHow false teaching spreads when discernment is neglectedHow believers can guard themselves through sound doctrine and local church lifeWhy biblical discernment is rooted in love for Christ and His peopleFull ArticleHow can Christians recognize false teaching before it spreads?That is not only an important question. It is a necessary one for every Christian and every church today.Throughout church history, false teaching has never announced itself clearly. It rarely begins with open rejection of the gospel. Instead, it often begins subtly, with small distortions that slowly move people away from biblical truth. Scripture does not call believers merely to respond to error after it has done damage. It calls us to recognize it early and remain anchored in Christ through His Word. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}False Teaching Is a Biblical RealityThe New Testament repeatedly warns believers about false teachers. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:15 that false prophets come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Paul warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 that false teachers would arise even from among God's people. Peter addressed deception directly in his letters, showing that this danger is not rare or unexpected.False teaching is part of life in a fallen world. Christians should not be surprised by it. We should be prepared for it. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}False Teaching Often Begins with Small ShiftsError rarely starts with outright heresy. It often begins with smaller shifts that appear harmless at first. A teacher may begin by adding another authority alongside the Word of God. Biblical terms may be redefined. Experience may be elevated over truth. Spiritual power may be promised without repentance. Personal revelation may begin to rival the authority of Scripture.These changes can seem small in the moment, but over time they reshape both doctrine and practice. That is why discernment matters so much. Christians need to be grounded in the Bible, shaped by the truth, and alert to what subtly pulls people away from Christ. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}Scripture Alone Is the Primary TestThe first and most important question Christians must ask is simple: Does this teaching align with the Word of God?Not partial Scripture. Not isolated verses. Not emotional impressions. The standard is the whole counsel of God. Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans because they examined the Scriptures daily to test what they heard. Biblical discernment always returns to God's Word as the final authority for faith and practice.Christians must test everything and hold fast to what is good. Discernment does not move away from the Bible. It goes back to it again and again, asking what God has actually said and what His Word actually means. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}Warning Signs Christians Should Watch ForScripture teaches believers to watch for patterns.One warning sign is when authority begins to shift away from the Word of God and personal visions, prophecies, or impressions are treated as equal to Scripture. Another warning sign is when Christ becomes secondary and teaching focuses more on human potential, success, or influence than on the saving work of Jesus.Repentance also disappears in false teaching. The gospel calls sinners to repentance and faith, but false teaching often replaces repentance with affirmation. Emotional manipulation can also overtake biblical truth when feelings become the measure of what is real instead of Scripture regulating how we think, live, and respond.Another serious warning sign is the rejection of accountability. False teachers resist correction and avoid biblical oversight. Yet Jesus said that we recognize teachers by their fruit, not merely by their charisma. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}Why False Teaching Spreads So QuicklyFalse teaching spreads because it often promises what sinful hearts naturally want. It offers certainty without submission to the Word of God. It offers power without holiness, blessing without suffering, and authority without accountability.Paul warned in 2 Timothy 4:3 that people gather teachers who tell them what they want to hear. That is why discernment requires humility, not just knowledge. Christians must be willing to submit their desires, assumptions, and preferences to the truth of Scripture. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}How Christians Can Guard ThemselvesScripture gives practical help for guarding against false teaching.Know sound doctrine so truth becomes more recognizable.Stay rooted in a faithful local church where there is biblical shepherding and accountability.Test teaching patiently instead of assuming that popularity equals faithfulness.Grow in spiritual maturity, since mature believers have trained discernment.Prioritize Christ above personalities, remembering that faith is anchored in Him, not in human leaders.God protects His people through His Word, through faithful shepherds, and through the life of the local church. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}The Goal of DiscernmentDiscernment is not about suspicion for its own sake. It is not about controversy, pride, or constant criticism. Biblical discernment is about love.It is love for Christ, love for His truth, love for His church, and love for people who might otherwise be led astray. Discernment protects the gospel and helps keep people anchored in Christ as He is revealed in Scripture.Biblical discernment is not cynicism. It is judging teaching by the truth of God's Word, speaking the truth in love, and exposing error so that the gospel remains clear. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}Takeaways and Reflection QuestionsAre you testing what you hear by the whole counsel of God?Do you recognize how false teaching often begins with small shifts rather than obvious denials?Are you rooted in a faithful local church where biblical accountability is present?Are you growing in discernment through sound doctrine and spiritual maturity?Do you see discernment as an act of love for Christ and His people?Related ResourcesServants of GraceMore podcast episodes at Servants of GraceCall to ActionIf this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, subscribe to Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins, YouTube, and visit Servants of Grace for more biblical teaching that helps you stay rooted in the Word of God and anchored in Christ.

Where Do We Draw the Line? Love Beyond the Lines We know it's important to speak and act from principle and to set clear boundaries; but how do we balance that with compassion, empathy, humility, and forgiveness? Scripture is full of rigid rules and regulations, often coming with harsh consequences—Yet Jesus teaches and models unconditional love, awesome compassion, deep understanding and forgiveness! How can we hold both of these truths simultaneously and not draw fuzzy lines? What does it look like to love beyond the lines—after the line has been crossed? “This they said, tempting him, that they might have reason to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.” (John 8:6) with Alan Cowley 5/10/26 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Subscribe and review our podcast wherever you get your podcasts. It is the #1 way to support this podcast, and it's free! Go to the main podcast page, scroll down and at the bottom you'll find a place to rate the podcast and to leave a review.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube @newchurchlive  Visit our Website and Make a donation to support our church community Video of Service HERE

The sermon centers on Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane, emphasizing His sovereign control amid betrayal, abandonment, and violence, as prophesied in Scripture. Through the shocking betrayal by Judas with a kiss, the impulsive violence of Peter cutting off the high priest's servant's ear, and the subsequent flight of all the disciples, the passage reveals the depth of human failure and the cost of discipleship. Yet Jesus remains calm and authoritative, affirming that His arrest fulfills divine prophecy, not human schemes, and demonstrating that true power lies not in force but in submission to God's will. The narrative underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, the necessity of prayerful humility, and the profound loneliness Jesus endured—abandoned by friends, family, and even His Father—while offering hope that He remains a compassionate, forgiving Savior who restores even the most broken. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to extend grace to fallen Christians, recognizing that failure does not erase redemption, and to find deep fellowship in Christ's own experience of isolation and suffering.

The sermon centers on Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane, emphasizing His sovereign control amid betrayal, abandonment, and violence, as prophesied in Scripture. Through the shocking betrayal by Judas with a kiss, the impulsive violence of Peter cutting off the high priest's servant's ear, and the subsequent flight of all the disciples, the passage reveals the depth of human failure and the cost of discipleship. Yet Jesus remains calm and authoritative, affirming that His arrest fulfills divine prophecy, not human schemes, and demonstrating that true power lies not in force but in submission to God's will. The narrative underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, the necessity of prayerful humility, and the profound loneliness Jesus endured—abandoned by friends, family, and even His Father—while offering hope that He remains a compassionate, forgiving Savior who restores even the most broken. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to extend grace to fallen Christians, recognizing that failure does not erase redemption, and to find deep fellowship in Christ's own experience of isolation and suffering.

One of the most stunning portraits of Jesus' love overcoming prejudice and meeting human desperation is found in John 4:4–26—the story of the woman at the well. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Jesus' decision to travel through Samaria was shocking. Many Jews would take a longer, harsher route just to avoid contact with Samaritans. Yet Jesus deliberately walked into Samaria, sat at the well, and waited—tired from the journey, but intentional in His mission. The Samaritan woman was scorned on multiple levels: by ethnicity, by gender, and by her moral reputation. And still, the Son of God addressed her personally: “Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7). With one sentence, Jesus shattered social barriers and opened a door to saving Truth—showing that no person is beyond His reach and no stigma is strong enough to repel His mercy. This devotional turns the spotlight toward your everyday life. The Lord has placed you at a “well” in your community—neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and people whose values or backgrounds differ from yours—so you can lovingly point them to the Savior who gave His life for them. Prayer: Father, help me to have a desire to share Your love with everyone, no matter what their cultural background. Open my eyes to see those You have placed in my community who need to hear the Gospel. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Encountering Christ, Freedom from Bondage: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW   The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

In Episode #207 of the Way of the Bible podcast, we continue our examination of the closing words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on one of the most sobering and revealing passages in all of Scripture: Matthew 7:21–23. In this teaching, Jesus draws a sharp and eternal distinction between those who merely claim to follow Him and those who truly belong to Him.Jesus declares that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. This statement immediately challenges assumptions about what it means to be a disciple. Many equate discipleship with outward expressions—words, works, or even spiritual activity. Yet Jesus dismantles this notion by describing individuals who prophesy, perform miracles, and cast out demons in His name, but are ultimately rejected with the words, “I never knew you.”This episode explores the deeper meaning behind doing the will of the Father. Drawing from John 6, the will of God is revealed not as a list of external actions, but as a call to believe in the One He has sent—Jesus Christ. This belief is not merely intellectual agreement, but a genuine, Spirit-enabled faith that transforms the heart. It is a faith that entrusts one's entire being to Christ and results in true righteousness.The discussion connects this teaching to the broader biblical narrative, particularly the concept of righteousness by faith. Beginning with Abraham, who believed God and was credited with righteousness, and continuing through the writings of Paul in Romans, the episode highlights that salvation has always been rooted in faith rather than works. While works may accompany true faith, they are not the foundation of it.A key emphasis in this episode is the role of the Holy Spirit. True belief is not self-generated but is enabled by the Father and brought to life through the Spirit. This explains why some who hear the message respond in faith while others do not. It also underscores the necessity of a transformed heart, rather than mere outward conformity.The episode also addresses the reality that false disciples exist within the broader community of believers. In a world with thousands of denominations and countless interpretations, the presence of those who claim Christ but do not truly know Him should not be surprising. This reality reinforces the importance of personal discernment and a genuine relationship with Christ.Ultimately, this teaching leads to a deeply personal question: Is one's faith rooted in authentic belief and relationship with Jesus, or merely in outward expression? The difference is eternal.As Jesus' words make clear, the issue is not whether we know about Him—but whether He knows us.

In times of mourning, we often feel anything but blessed. Yet Jesus singled out the mournful people of God as those who will enjoy His comfort. From his sermon series in the gospel of Matthew, today R.C. Sproul to survey the surprising blessings of the Beatitudes. Get R.C. Sproul's commentary on the gospel of Matthew with your donation: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the Matthew commentary ebook with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts