Podcasts about your church

June 21, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 15:1-10 or Luke 15:11-32Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 24:1-22; John 19:1-22“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.You would expect a father to be furious with his son. First, this son asks for his inheritance while his father is still living - implying that his father is better to him dead than alive. Then, he wastes all of his father's possessions and has the audacity to come home to his father. It's worth noting that the son wants to beg to be his father's servant rather than demanding his place as a son, but it is still insulting. You would expect the father to be angry with his son. But this is a parable told by Christ Jesus, and so it should be no surprise that things go differently than expected. Notice what has happened. “While he was still a long way off,” —the father kept an eye out for his son, waiting for him to return as if he knew the man would come back. The father looks for his son. We might think he'd be waiting to give his son a piece of his mind for trashing the good things he gave him. That's what we expect. But when the father sees his son, he feels compassion for him, not anger. He looks upon this starving, hurting son with mercy and love. And then the father runs to him. He does not wait for the wayward son to reach the house but meets him with love, hence the hugging and kissing. That's not the expectation. No self-respecting landowner would run, especially to a disgraceful son. But to the father, this is a joyous reunion and one of celebration. The father sends for fine clothes and a feast and for merriment because his dead son is alive again; he was lost and now is found. Our Lord tells a parable full of unexpected actions to show how God is. God sees a sinful world full of sinners who take His good gifts and abuse them. He sees a world so broken it would kill His Son. But even while we were far off, not even seeking Him, He ran to us and sent for fine clothes, reinstating us as His children. You are made a son of the Father because He has compassion on you. You are clothed with righteousness won by Christ Jesus on the cross. In your Baptism, you were made His child. You were dead in your sins, and He has made you alive. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord God, heavenly Father, we all like sheep have gone astray and have allowed ourselves to be led from the right path by Satan and our sinful flesh. We implore You, graciously forgive us our sins for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Enliven our hearts by Your Holy Spirit, that we may abide in Your Word in true repentance and steadfast faith, and so continue in Your Church to the end and obtain eternal salvation; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

Dads, what was the best advice or wisdom you have recieved on fatherhood? If you're a dad looking for encouragement or have benefited from learning about fatherhood in the local church, join us for Equipped. Chris Brooks will encourage dads to see the church as a place to grow and train in becoming a better father. Featured resource:Article: 6 Ways to Prepare Men in Your Church for Fatherhood June thank you gift:72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be by Tim and Mark Shoemaker Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here.

Thom is a community group teacher/leader at The Church at Spring Hill, where Jess is pastor. He is leading his group through the book, "Loved and Unashamed," by Sam Rainer. His group has raved about the book and the accompanying video teaching. One participant said he had studied the Bible all of his life, and this is his best study on Romans. The post The Best Overview of Romans for Your Church’s Groups appeared first on Church Answers.

View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.lordoflords.org/sermons/ministry-is-based-on-mercy/Moses was the newborn son of Hebrew slaves. After he was found floating in a reed basket in the Nile River by Pharaoh's daughter, she adopted him into the royal family. Moses received a noble Egyptian education. But he remained a Hebrew. When he was 40 years old, Moses saw an Egyptian guard beating a Hebrew slave. Moses struck and killed the guard. Then he fled into the Sinai mountains and became a shepherd for 40 years.That's when the Angel of the Lord -- the pre-incarnate Jesus -- appeared to Moses in a burning bush. The Lord didn't see a weak, whining, inadequate shepherd. He saw a man who would speak face-to-face with God as a friend; who would be his chosen servant to speak face-to-face with Pharaoh and say, "Let my people go"; and would lead God's people out of Egyptian slavery and into the Promised Land of Canaan. Jesus -- as the Angel of the Lord -- appeared to Moses to call him into his public ministry.Matthew was a tax collector. As a Jew, he was employed by the hated Roman Empire to collect taxes from his own Jewish people. Tax collectors were notorious for their greed and corruption. When Jesus came upon Matthew's booth, he didn't see a sinner to shun. He saw a soul sick with sin that the Physician of body and soul could save. He saw a man who would no longer take taxes from people. He saw his future disciple, apostle, and evangelist who would give God's Word to the people. Jesus appeared to Matthew to call him into his public ministry.On the road to Damascus, the ascended Lord Jesus appeared to Saul as a bright light. Jesus knocked Saul off his horse and onto his self-righteous butt. In Paul's own words, "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 1:13-14).The voice of the crucified One spoke from heaven: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me" (Acts 9:4)? And suddenly the shoe was on the other foot. The arrester was arrested. The slayer was slain. Saul was struck down and made blind. But three days later, he was baptized. His sight was given back. His life was given back -- a new life, a difficult life, and with this new life he was given a new name -- no longer would he be known as Saul, but now as Paul. Through Christ's grace and mercy, he was no longer a persecutor, but a preacher. No longer hunting those with Christ's name, but he was now a missionary serving in Christ's name. The ascended Jesus appeared to Paul to call him into his public ministry.Who would want these guys as their pastors? A murderer and run-away scaredy cat. A hated traitor to your culture and suspected cheater. A violent man who hunted your Christian siblings, threw some in jail, and killed others. Yet, these were some of the greatest leaders, apostles, and missionaries in the Bible -- Moses, Matthew, and Paul!God used them for his ministry. God used Moses' leadership, Matthew's wisdom, and Paul's passion. That's what he was looking for in his pastors.The Lord in his mercy called Moses, Matthew, and Paul into his public ministry. He said, "I want you. Leave your old life and follow me in a new life. No longer as a shepherd, but as my chosen leader. No longer as a tax collector, but as an apostle. No longer as a persecutor, but as a missionary." And for countless generations, the Lord has called men so they are no longer a farmer or businessman or builder or soldier or student or whatever, but as a pastor of God's people.What do you look for in a pastor? What are his duties? What is his role in the congregation?The pastor is a leader, yet he is also your servant. He is a shepherd, yet he is also a sinful sheep. He heals, skillfully using the double-edged scalpel of Law and Gospel. He is an evangelist, a teacher, a preacher, a confidant, a counselor, a scholar, an entertainer, and a friend. He visits the sick, marries those in love, comforts the grieving, buries the dead, admonishes those who sin, chases down the wandering, and feeds the faithful.He plans worship services, teaches Bible classes at church and in homes, visits members in the hospital or when they're homebound, goes out for coffee with members and outreach prospects, canvasses homes, organizes events like soccer camp and for WELS Wyoming Youth, does counseling, records podcasts, creates social media content, and more. So, when he posts pictures on Facebook of his hiking exploits, some friend will always ask, "Do you work?"The Scriptures have some demanding qualifications for every man who is called into the public ministry. Here are just a few of God's qualifications: He must be above reproach, self-controlled, respectable, an example for believers in life, in love, in faith and purity, watching his doctrine closely, blameless, upright, holy, and disciplined (1 Timothy 3:2-7; 1 Timothy 4:12,15-16; Titus 1:6-8).Ministry is based on mercy. Christ shows the minister mercy. Then the minister shows Christ's mercy to those to whom he is called to minister.The minister does not do his job to speak to an audience but to preach God's Word to God's people. It's not about gaining glory but about being used by God to gain souls for God's Kingdom to his glory. It's not about receiving prestige or power, but about becoming weak so Christ can be his strength (2 Corinthians 12:10).There is both honor and humility for a pastor when he sees God using men like Moses, Matthew and Paul in his public ministry. If God can use "losers" like these three, well ... then God can use a loser like your pastor, too. If God could convey his message through a staff-turned-snake to stir Pharaoh (Exodus 7:10), and teach a lesson to an unhappy preacher through a vine (Jonah 4:10) or speak to Balaam through a donkey (Numbers 22:28) ... then God can speak through someone like your pastor.It's through Christ's mercy that both pastors and people confess with Pastor Paul: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life" (1 Timothy 1:15-16).Do you remember playing dodgeball in grade school? I shared a meme this week that dodgeball felt like being a rebel on the planet Hoth dodging laser bolts from AT-ATs. Most of us weren't good at dodgeball. No arm. Slow. Can't catch. Can't dodge. Just getting pummeled!Paul doesn't sugarcoat it. Satan pummels us with our sins! Don't worship. Don't pray. Don't respect our leaders. Don't evangelize. We curse. Cuss. Gossip. Despair. Cheat. Hate. Retaliate. Lust. We're mean. Lazy. Greedy. Hypocritical. We are the worst of sinners! Chief of sinners, though I be!The surprise for Paul was that God chose him despite whom he had been. The surprise is that God chose a man to be your pastor despite who he is. The surprise is that God chooses you despite whom you had been ... and still are. Understanding that we are the worst, God sent Jesus to display his unlimited patience, to forgive us, give us faith, call us to follow him, and grant eternal life. What a stunning expression of mercy!Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "We hold this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). What a stunning expression of mercy that God continues to convey his treasure of salvation through a cracked pot like your pastor.By his mercy, God uses men like Moses, Matthew, Paul, me and other pastors to preach, teach, absolve, counsel, and administer the sacraments. It is both in humility and with great honor that the pastor is the voice of Christ to speak his Word of forgiveness to sinners and proclaim comfort to the suffering and grieving. He is the man Christ has appointed to exercise his keys -- locking heaven for the unrepentant and unlocking heaven for the repentant.Your pastor may not be the greatest orator, but it is the pen of the Holy Spirit who gives your pastor the words to preach. The pastor may dress up to look classy or dress down to look cool, but that's why your pastor wears a clerical robe. Then you don't focus on the man and his clothing but focus on the message and Christ's righteousness which covers the man like a white robe. The pastor may not be the greatest counselor, but he has compassion for the wounded sheep and hurting lambs in his flock. Your pastor may not be the greatest singer, but as one of my previous organists pointed out, "Pastor, we should write music for the three notes you can sing."At one time you may have a pastor who is fresh from the Seminary, but your sins are still absolved even though the pastor lacks experience, for Christ is speaking through your pastor and Jesus has plenty of experience forgiving sins. Another time you may have a pastor who is older, getting close to retirement age, his cadence may be slow, but Christ's voice is still clearly heard and the gospel still purely preached. You may have a pastor who is no longer as young and energetic as he once was, but God still works through him to grow his kingdom, feed his sheep, and baptize and commune his family. You may have a pastor who grew up working on a farm so working hard is what he expects of himself.Through his mercy, Jesus uses men like Moses, Matthew, Paul, and your pastors to minister to you with Word and Sacraments. Through his mercy, Jesus brings sinners like you into his church. To pray. To praise. To confess. To listen. To sing. To support his church.I visited Bob Albrecht this week as a shut-in visit. We talked about God bringing new families to our church. Bob is one of the founding members of Lord of Lords. I thanked Bob for God using him and others to start this church. Some of you were here when Bob and Doris Miller came to Lord of Lords with their seven children. People were excited to see them because they doubled the size of the church. God may move you away from Casper someday. Then he can use you to start a church out of your home -- much like Lord of Lords was started.In my office is a framed picture of Martin Luther's Sacristy Prayer. It was a gift from the Altar Guild at Water of Life. "Lord God, You have appointed me as a Bishop and Pastor in Your Church, but you see how unsuited I am to meet so great and difficult a task. If I had lacked Your help, I would have ruined everything long ago. Therefore, I call upon You: I wish to devote my mouth and my heart to you; I shall teach the people. I myself will learn and ponder diligently upon Your Word. Use me as Your instrument -- but do not forsake me, for if ever I should be on my own, I would easily wreck it all."Though Moses, Matthew, and Paul were not great to begin with, God made them great and grew his Kingdom through them. Please pray that your pastor may be a leader like Moses, an evangelist like Matthew, and a preacher like Paul. Pray that God may show mercy to your pastor so he may convey God's mercy to you. Pray that God may show mercy as he continues to minister to you through his Church. Amen.

Time is running out to register for Sacred Heart Radio’s 25th Anniversary banquet! On June 13th, Join Matt and Anna (and Paul!), along with keynote speaker and Mass celebrant Fr. Wade Menezes, Ken Craycraft, and bishops and priests who’ve been part of our mission, to celebrate a quarter century of sharing the Catholic Faith over the airwaves. The ticket price includes dinner, wine, and dessert…. it’ll be an epic birthday celebration! Register here. Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Greg Willits to continue our series on his book, “God Doesn’t Hate Me After All.” Other guests include Fr. Phillip Larrey on how tech companies are responding to the pope’s new encyclical, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Bone Church Revival podcast to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** St. Monica Sodality Prayer for Fallen Away Catholics “Eternal and merciful Father, I give You thanks for the gift of Your Divine Son Who suffered, died and rose for all mankind. I thank You also for my Catholic Faith and ask Your help that I may grow in fidelity by prayer, by works of charity and penance, by reflection on Your Word, and by regular participation in the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist. You gave Saint Monica a spirit of selfless love manifested in her constant prayer for the conversion of her son Augustine. Inspired by boundless confidence in Your power to move hearts, and by the success of her prayer. I ask the grace to imitate her constancy in my prayer for [name(s)] who no longer share(s) in the intimate life of Your Catholic family. Grant through my prayer and witness that (he/she/they) may be open to the promptings of Your Holy Spirit, and return to loving union with Your Church. Grant also that my prayer be ever hopeful and that I may never judge another, for You alone can read hearts. I ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. ***** Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For today’s episode, we’ve gone back to the vault for an episode on how to know if your church is ready to be revitalized. In this re-released episode from the archives, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss five key indicators that a church may be prepared to enter a season of church revitalization, spiritual renewal, and gospel renewal. Whether your congregation is struggling, plateaued, or simply seeking renewed mission and health, this conversation offers practical insight for pastors, church leaders, and revitalization teams. In this episode, the team explores: Why humility is essential for church revitalization How a renewed passion for evangelism and community outreach signals readiness for change Why submitting fully to biblical authority matters in church renewal The importance of faith-filled risk-taking in revitalizing dying churches How belief in God's power to restore struggling churches fuels long-term renewal 5 Ways to Know Your Church Is Ready to Be Revitalized Humble hearts: “This is the Lord's church, not ours.” A desire to reach the community with the gospel: “This is our mission field.” Commitment to biblical authority: “The Word of God is our guide.” Willingness to take risks and do whatever it takes: “We are desperate to see God move.” Faith that God can revitalize dying churches: “God isn't done with us yet.” Resources Related to This Episode: Falling in Love with Jesus (Again) by David Jackson Flickering Lamps: Christ and His Church by Henry and Richard Blackaby God's Not Done with Your Church by Mark Hallock If you’re praying for church renewal, leading through congregational change, or exploring how to revitalize a declining church, this episode will encourage and equip you for the journey.

May 27, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 11:1-9Daily Lectionary: Numbers 23:4-28; Luke 22:47-71“Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth.” (Genesis 11:9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When Noah and his family left the ark, God sent them forth with the blessing He had first given to Adam and Eve; “And you, be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it,” (Genesis 9:7). Maybe it was just sinful pride or perhaps it was out of fear that God would go back on His promise and send another flood upon the earth, Noah's descendants willfully disobeyed God's directions. Instead of multiplying on the earth, they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth,” (Genesis 11:4).In response to this sinfulness, God came down and confused their language, and He dispersed them across the earth. This event not only explains the origins of the different races and languages on the earth, it also teaches us an important lesson about the nature of sin. Sin always causes division. Sin divides us from God, and it divides us from one another. Whether in sinful pride or because we fail to trust God as we should, every sin we commit is a crime against God or our neighbors, or both. We hurt ourselves and we hurt others. Our relationship with God is strained, and our earthly relationships are also hampered. Many of you have probably seen that sin has the power to destroy even the strongest bonds. Thankfully, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit shows us that there is something even stronger than sin, with the power to heal broken relationships and bring us back together. That, of course, is the blood of Jesus, which covers all our sins. When the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles that day, He gave them the ability to preach the Gospel in different languages, so that each person might hear “in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11). With that, the curse of Babel began to unravel. Today, as the Holy Spirit comes to us through God's Means Of Grace, He cleanses us in the blood of Jesus and reconciles us to God. That means that our relationship with God has been restored. God no longer regards us as enemies, but as His own beloved children (Romans 5:10, Ephesians 2:12-13). And with that, God also begins to reconcile us to each other. In forgiving our sins, the Holy Spirit is both teaching and empowering us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God (Matthew 6:12, Colossians 3:13), so that we might live as God's children, united and at peace with those around us. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, You reconciled the world to Yourself and have given to Your Church the ministry of reconciliation. Strengthened by Your forgiveness, grant that Your whole Church may live in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.Rev. Aric Fenske, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life.

Get the notes!Why Is Jesus Greater Than Angels? (Hebrews 1:4–14)An Deep-Dive Expositional Study from Let's Talk ScriptureWhen believers face intense social pressure, professional pushback, or cultural isolation because of their faith, the temptation to compromise rarely looks like a dramatic, overnight abandonment of the truth. Instead, it looks like a quiet withdrawal—a slow, subtle slide into comfortable religious traditions that allow us to blend back into the background.This is precisely the pastoral crisis confronting the original readers of the Epistle to the Hebrews.In this complete expositional study, we will dig directly into Hebrews 1:4–14 to uncover a truth that shatters the illusion of any “safe” religious compromise: Jesus Christ is not merely a prominent historical prophet or an exalted spiritual option. He is the self-existent, unchangeable Creator who sits enthroned far above the highest angelic orders. —1. The Historical Emergency: The Temptation of the Quiet WithdrawalTo fully grasp the architecture of Hebrews chapter 1, we must first step into the sandals of the first-century Hebrew congregation receiving this letter.The Pressure of Persecution: These Jewish believers were enduring severe societal distress, legal threats, and intense ostracization by the broader Jewish nation. While the text notes they had not yet resisted unto blood or physical martyrdom, the emotional and economic toll of being cut off from their community was immense.The Illusion of a Lateral Shift: Internal pressure mounted to return to the public safety of Temple Judaism—the operational world of animal sacrifices and institutional Mosaic worship. Believers began to muse to themselves that they could temporarily mask or deny their public confession of Jesus, conform outwardly to localized temple rituals until the social storm blew over, and then quietly return to Christ later.The Pre-70 AD Context: Because the author frequently references operational temple sacrifices as an ongoing daily reality, we know this letter was written prior to 70 AD—the historic year Roman legions razed Jerusalem and burned the temple to the ground.The author of Hebrews writes to dismantle their compromise immediately. He establishes a profound structural truth: turning away from the final revelation of the Son to seek refuge in old, temporal shadows is not a lateral cultural shift—it is absolute theological ruin.2. Having Become So Much Better: The Paradox of Christ's Humanity“Having become so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.” — Hebrews 1:4In first-century Jewish thought, angels were held in the highest possible regard. They were viewed as glorious, disembodied celestial powers who stood directly in the Divine Council and served as the majestic mediators who delivered the Law of Moses on Mount Sinai. Proving how a historical human figure—One who walked the earth, ate, slept, and suffered a shameful physical crucifixion on a Roman cross—surpassed these immortal spiritual beings was an absolute logical necessity.The passage solves this by addressing both Christ's divine nature (ontological state) and His historic mission (redemptive state):Ontologically: As the second member of the Godhead, Jesus is inherently, eternally, and uncreationally superior to all things.Historically: In the Incarnation, Jesus took on a true human nature and was temporarily positioned “lower than the angels” in His localized, earthly state.Authoritatively: Through His absolute, sinless obedience, His finished redemptive work on the cross, and His subsequent physical resurrection, He elevated human nature within His own person. In His glorified humanity, He “became” positionally and officially superior, ascending back to the cosmos to take possession of His ultimate inheritance: the personal, holy covenant name of God, Yahweh.3. Family vs. Instrumentality: Metaphysical Sonship (Hebrews 1:5–7)The author builds an unyielding wall of contrast between the Son and the angels using the relational language of family versus the mechanical language of tools.A. The Sovereign Decree of SonshipThe author challenges the reader rhetorically: “For to which of the angels did He ever say: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You'?” (quoting Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14).While angels are collectively labeled “sons of God” in a generic sense because they are created spiritual entities, no individual angel has ever been granted a personal decree of sonship from the Father. The phrasing “Today I have begotten You” points directly to the public coronation and cosmic enthronement of the Davidic King. Jesus is the unique, ontological Son who shares the exact inner life, substance, and nature of the Father.B. Command For Angelic WorshipInstead of treating Christ as an equal celestial peer, the Father issues an absolute imperial mandate in verse 6: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” Holy angels strictly refuse worship from created things (as demonstrated uniformly throughout scripture, cf. Revelation 22:8–9). Therefore, the fact that the Father commands the entire angelic host to bow before the incarnate Christ is absolute biblical proof of the Son's true and total deity.C. The Mutable Status of AngelsIn stark contrast to the stable identity of the Son, verse 7 defines the boundaries of the angelic host: “Who makes His angels winds, and His ministers a flaming fire.” The key verb here is makes. Angels are created, mutable instruments. The text utilizes the Greek term leitourgos, which identifies a public officer or liturgical servant. Angels are majestic, swift, and powerful, but they are ultimately subordinate tools shaped by the Creator's will to execute localized, operational tasks.4. The Seated Monarch vs. The Standing Servants (Hebrews 1:8–14)The final section of the text provides an unmatched portrait of cosmic sovereignty, contrasting the permanent, resting posture of the King with the continuous, alert posture of His couriers. THE COSMIC CONTRAST (HEBREWS 1:13-14) [ THE SON ] [ THE ANGELS ] Ontological God Created Instruments ▼ ▼ POSTURE: SEATED POSTURE: STANDING (Right Hand of Majesty) (Attentive Before Throne) ▼ ▼ SACERDOTAL STATUS: FUNCTIONAL ROLE: Completed Sacrifice Ministering Spirits Sent to & Perfect Redemption Serve the Heirs of Salvation A. Direct Attribution of DeityIn verse 8, the Father addresses the Son directly with words that leave no room for theological ambiguity: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Jesus occupies the one true divine throne because He alone is ontologically qualified to sit upon it.B. Creator Over Blind EntropyQuoting Psalm 102, the text applies the personal name of God (Yahweh) directly to Jesus: “You, Lord, in the beginning founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.” The material cosmos is fundamentally temporary. The author uses a vivid clothing metaphor, stating that the heavens will wear out like an old garment and be rolled up like a mantle by Jesus Himself. This reveals that the end of our physical universe is not an accident of natural thermodynamic decay or blind cosmic entropy. Rather, cosmic dissolution is an active, personal, master-stroke executed by the unchangeable, immutable hands of Christ.C. The Posture of Finished RedemptionThe climax of the chapter turns on a visual contrast:The Son Is Seated: “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” In Old Testament tabernacle architecture, there were no chairs. The Levitical priests stood daily because their sacrifices were repetitive and could never fully remove sin. Christ's seated posture proves the finality, perfection, and non-repeatable nature of His redemptive work.The Angels Are Standing: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” Angels stand attentively before the throne, waiting to be dispatched as spiritual couriers.The ultimate insight here provides profound encouragement for every believer. Though human beings are currently physically weaker than angels within our space-time framework, the ultimate cosmic inheritance does not belong to celestial spirits—it belongs to Christ and His church. Angels inherit absolutely nothing; they are assigned to serve as guardians and witnesses of the great redemption God is completing through you.Bring This Expositional Study into Your Church or Home GroupIf your soul was blessed by this deep-dive study of Hebrews 1:4–14, you can now bring the complete teaching architecture into your own ministry, small group, or personal study library. We have packaged the entire expositional workflow into a premium, publication-grade digital curriculum suite.Available Now: The Hebrews 1:4–14 Complete Curriculum SuiteThis premium digital bundle is fully optimized for immediate download and print distribution, beautifully styled in our signature deep slate blue and gold publication layout to enable seamless, text-centered instruction.What's Inside the Bundle:Master Exegetical Outline (PDF): A comprehensive, verse-by-verse academic breakdown of the text using an un-bulleted, strict alphanumeric hierarchy. It includes bold time-markers matching our video teaching, allowing you to copy, paste, and adapt the material directly into Microsoft Word without losing structural indents.Interactive Bible Study Lesson (PDF): An expositional narrative guide packed with interactive multiple-choice questions (numbered with alphabetical choices) and dedicated reflection boxes to spark robust table talk in your small group.Dual Curriculum Guides (Teacher & Student Editions): * The Teacher's Edition includes a complete instructional blueprint, pedagogical directives, and a detailed diagnostic answer key with deep theological commentary.The Student's Edition features a clean text layout and specialized, dashed write-in sections for intentional study journal notes.Complete Print Quiz & Answer Matrix (PDF): A standalone, non-interactive 13-question examination tool designed for academic evaluation, paired with a separate master answer sheet detailing extensive exegetical explanations for each correct option.Invest in uncompromising, textually grounded biblical instruction. Equip your home or church study group with the tools needed to proclaim the absolute preeminence and sovereign majesty of Jesus Christ.

Should I leave my church? If you're wrestling with church hurt, spiritual abuse, or unhealthy leadership, this conversation is for you.In this episode of Shepherd's Heart, Stewart and Alycia White walk through 7 biblical questions to help you discern whether to stay, leave, or let God do deeper work in your own heart first. With humility and gospel-centered clarity, we speak to wounded believers and thoughtful leaders alike — pointing you back to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who loves His church more than we ever could.⏱ CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction: Should I Leave My Church? The Hard Question01:15 - The Three Outcomes When Questioning Your Church03:20 - When Abuse Is Present: When You Must Leave Immediately04:14 - Question 1: Is the Gospel Truly Being Preached?10:24 - Action Step: How to Directly Ask Your Pastor About the Gospel14:19 - Question 2: Is Scripture the Authority or Just an Accessory?17:57 - Red Flags: Ignoring and Misusing Scripture in the Church22:42 - Question 3: Is Unrepentant Sin Confronted or Ignored in Your Church?31:49 - Question 4: Are Your Leaders Qualified and Accountable?43:15 - Question 5: Is Your Soul Being Fed or Starved at Church?47:59 - Question 6: Have You Exhausted the Biblical Path of Appeal?53:05 - Question 7: Are You Leaving Toward Something?56:01 - Bonus Question: Why Do I Want to Leave or Stay?58:58 - Jesus Addresses Tolerance in the Church1:00:36 - Final Thoughts

 Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the Ascension of Your Son into glory, we thank You for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life. Lord Jesus, though You ascended to the Father, You remain with us always through the Holy Spirit, guiding Your Church with love and strength. Help us to keep our hearts fixed on heaven while faithfully carrying out Your mission on earth. Give us courage to proclaim the Gospel, hope in times of doubt, and trust in Your constant presence. May the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints intercede for us, so that one day we may share fully in the glory of Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Delivered by Greg and Kezia from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral and Dwi Setyo from the Parish of the Assumption of Mary Mamajang in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 1: 12-14; Rs psalm 27: 1.4.7-8a; 1 Petrus 4: 13-16; Yohanes 17: 1-11a.ALL IS ONE HEART IN PRAYER The theme for our meditation on this 7thSunday of Easter is: All Is One Heart in Prayer. There were a dog and a catalways gathered as friends behind the church. Leftover food from the rectorykitchen and the parish canteen made them together. But when renovations wereunderway at the rectory and parish canteen, all cooking and food salestemporarily stopped. So there was no more food for the dog and cat. The cat asked his friend, "How can I get food,because the kitchen and canteen are barely stocked? Where are the mothers andsisters who usually cook and sell food in the canteen?" The dog,understanding the cat's plight, immediately replied, "Don't you know? Theyalways order food online. That's the online world. So you have to be onlineuser too and diligently follow them wherever they go, and you'll getfood." Animals can experience our loss. We normally move fromthe church or chapel to the public space of online media. In the today'slifestyle, we constantly interact online. Even spiritual activities likeprayer, faith sharing, Holy Mass, and catechesis can be done online. The smallchurch is the heart of every one of us and online media has become a virtualchurch that bring us together to express their faith. Our spirit of prayer after the Ascension of Jesus and in waiting the day of Pentecost continuesto grow with joyful expectation. We all become one heart in prayer to prepareourselves for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We follow the example of theapostles and Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, who gathered in prayer togetherin a room in the city of Jerusalem, more than 2000 years ago. Our preparationfor welcoming the Holy Spirit must be in the way of prayer in one hearttogether, and not the activities and undertakeings that do not provide spacefor prayer.                                                                                                             Today the Lord Jesus teaches us about praying with allour hearts, and in unity with our brothers and sisters in the same faith. Aprayerful person who is faithful and holy will contribute to a fervent andfruitful prayer of the community of the people of God. This way of our prayerswill certainly help shaping our community prayers pleasing to God. The presenceof the Virgin Mary as Mother of the Church in every moment of our prayertogether is a best offering that our Church can give to the Lord. This is avery lovely active participation of all beloved children of God in the makingof one heart of all faithful in prayer. Virgin Mary as a caring mother willremind or reprimand us if our disposition in prayer is not in line with whatthe Holy Church practices. We are supposed to do what Jesus says in the Gospeltoday, namely: We should know the Father as the only true God and the One whomthe Father sent, Jesus Christ, if we remain in this spirit of prayer. The HolySpirit helps us to grow in this spirit of prayer. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O most loving Father in heaven, make usprayerful people so that we become the members of Your Church who alwaysglorify You with our prayers. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name ofthe Father ...

Happy feast of Pope St. Pius V! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to discuss more of his life and legacy. Other guests include Gary Michuta with more prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament, and Rita Heikenfeld with Bible Foods. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** Collect Prayer for the Memorial of Pope St. Pius V O God, who raised up Pope Saint Pius Vto defend the faith and reform Your Church,grant that through his intercession,we may remain steadfast in our love for Youand Your Holy Church.Help us to uphold the truths of our faithwith courage and zeal, and to always seek Your glory.Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. ***** Justin DeMoss is online at legatus.org and benedictine.edu. Full list of guests ***** RECIPES FROM RITA: MARY GARDEN IDEAS Mint – since this herb used for tithing in Bible days is an invasive herb, it’s great for containers. So many kinds, from peppermint to spearmint to ginger, mojito and chocolate mint. We make cream mints for Mother’s Day and finely chopped fresh mint is so good in them. (That’s the recipe I’m sharing today). Basil – the legend is that basil was found growing outside of Christ’s tomb after He resurrected. For containers, there’s a small leafed basil called globe or minuet. Leaves are so small no chopping needed. Dill – Another tithing herb mentioned by Jesus, and yummy with seafood and potatoes. Dukat and Fernleaf are good specimens. Cilantro – Analagous with the manna of the Bible, the seed is called coriander. This bolts to seed in hot weather, so take that into consideration. Thyme – French and English are the gold standards, and there are creeping thymes that hang nicely over the containers edge. Marigold – For Mary! Calendua is a lovely marigold with edible flowers. ***** RECIPE: CREAM MINTS Let the little ones hand form them or use molds. When using molds, roll the mints in granulated, sanding or sparkling sugar before putting into molds. Ingredients4 oz cream cheese, softened (use block, not spreadable cream cheese)1 tablespoon butter, softened4 cups powdered sugar, plus a bit extra for forming mints if necessary1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract1/8 teaspoon vanillaFood coloring (optional) InstructionsBeat cream cheese and butter together, then add 2 cups sugar, blending well.Add extracts, and then rest of powdered sugar.Dough should be very stiff and not sticky – like a play dough consistency so you may need to add a bit more sugar.Add a tiny bit of food coloring and blend.Roll dough into teaspoon sized balls.Place on parchment lined baking sheet and dip the tines of a fork in powdered sugar and gently but firmly press down on each mint.OR roll into balls, then in granulated, sanding or sparkling sugar, then press into molds, smoothing tops.Store at room temperature for a week in single layers or in refrigerator for longer storage.Can also be frozen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many factors can affect the pace of change in a church. Thom discusses three of the biggest factors. The post Three Major Factors That Determine How Long It Will Take to Implement Change in Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."Today bring to Me THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE SEPARATED THEMSELVES FROM MY CHURCH, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church, My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion." Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet1 - Use a Rosary(Optional Opening Prayer) You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.(Repeat three times) O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!2 - On the three beads of the rosary pray the Our Father,the Hail Mary and the Apostles Creed:I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.3 - Begin each decade with the Our Father beads by praying:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. 4 - Complete the decade on the 10 Hail Mary beads by praying:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for each decade on the rosary beads5 - Once you have prayed all 5 decades, you finish the Chaplet by praying the following prayer 3 times:Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.(Optional Closing Prayer) Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.Amen.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Do you want to lead change in your church? If you do, you will need to build allies and supporters to work alongside you. Jess and Thom share the five most common sources to build an eager coalition. The post How to Build an Eager Coalition for Change in Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome John Kraemer from the Lego Church Project to discuss his latest build, and thoughts on accommodating people with disabilities at the upcoming crowded Holy Week liturgies. Other guests include Stephanie Mann with more thoughts from Robert Hugh Benson’s “Friendship with Christ.” and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** Prayer for God’s Mercy by Padre Pio O Lord, we ask for a boundless confidence and trust in Your divine mercy, and the courage to accept the crosses and sufferings which bring immense goodness to our souls and that of Your Church. Help us to love You with a pure and contrite heart, and to humble ourselves beneath Your cross, as we climb the mountain of holiness, carrying our cross that leads to heavenly glory. May we receive You with great faith and love in Holy Communion, and allow You to act in us as You desire for your greater glory. O Jesus, most adorable Heart and eternal fountain of Divine Love, may our prayer find favor before the Divine Majesty of Your heavenly Father. ***** John Kraemer and the Lego Church Project are online at prayingbricks.substack.com. E.P. Cowley, author of Tales from Wakken Wood Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the secret to standing out as a leader isn't about being smarter, more connected, or going viral - but about 12 simple habits you can learn? In this energizing conversation, William Vanderbloemen—founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group—shares why he's more bullish on the church than he's been in 30 years, what data reveals about top-performing leaders, and the one habit that naturally atrophies if you don't fight it.Discover why agility matters more than ever and how these 12 data-driven habits can transform your leadership starting today.Key Insights:02:48 - Why William Is More Bullish on the Church Than Ever 05:11 - Are We Living in the Last Days? 07:22 - To Be a Good Pastor, Smell Like the Sheep 08:47 - Your Superpower: You're the Only Pastor for Your Church 12:29 - 12 Habits, Not Traits (You Can Learn These) 16:08 - The Habit of Agility: The Only One That Atrophies 20:39 - Why Agility Matters Most for the Next 10 Years Resources Mentioned:Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest by William VanderbloemenVanderbloemen Leadership PodcastSimple Church by Eric Geiger and Thom RainerFollow Innovative Church Leaders:Website: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnovativeChurchLeaders/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/innovativechurchleaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovative-church-leaders/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleadersEric Bryant: https://ericbryant.org/ William Vanderbloemen: https://www.vanderbloemen.com/Pastoral Cohort with N.T. Wright: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-post-christian-podcast/id1509588357Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZeQIrzr2tCMyq1VdwxGNnYou don't need to be the next viral preacher. Your people need YOU—their pastor. Get practical leadership tools weekly at innovativechurchleaders.org#ChurchLeadership #PastorLife #LeadershipDevelopment #BeTheUnicorn #SpiritLed #ChurchGrowth #PastoralCare #DataDrivenLeadership #Agility #Innovation

February 22, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 4:1-11Daily Lectionary: Genesis 4:1-26; Mark 2:18-28“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Because of our sinful nature, it doesn't always take a whole lot of prodding from Satan for us to succumb to temptation.Are you ever tempted by selfishness? After all, look at how much you've sacrificed for others. Are you ever tempted to complain? Why not? There's certainly enough wrong with this world and my life to be upset. Are you ever tempted to pass the blame? It's a dog-eat-dog world out there. You've got to be a little unscrupulous if you want to succeed in life. Are you ever tempted to worship something or someone else before God? There's always a temptation to neglect being in worship! Are you ever tempted by lust or by gossip or by greed? Are you ever tempted by worry or by laziness or by pride? How often do these temptations result in sinful action?  We cannot escape the daily assault of temptations that the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh visit upon us. And there is nothing that we can do to overcome them. For this reason, we need a Savior! Thanks be to God, this is the Savior we've been given in Christ Jesus. Though He is God (100% divine), Jesus is also a human being (100% man). Because of this union, Jesus is the perfect human being who has done everything right where we have done wrong. He was tempted in every way that we are, yet without sin. He fulfilled God's plan for the salvation of all the world and actively kept the Law of God perfectly for you. His perfect life wasn't just to show you how it's done, but it was actually a necessary part of God's plan to save you.   Not only is Jesus' dying part of God's plan, but also His living- His succeeding where we fail. And His success in withstanding Satan's temptations was perfect.  Now, through faith, the victory over Satan that Christ accomplished is your victory. He shares it fully and freely with you. What Jesus did right is credited to you; it is declared by God to be your own! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the Promised Land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

This week we're in Acts 9 and yes — it includes a woman named Dorcas

January 24, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 24:42-47Daily Lectionary: Joel 3:1-21; Romans 12:14-13:14“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:45)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In the space of just a couple of verses, Jesus plays the part both of a midnight thief and a delayed master. This fits with the broader context of Matthew 24, where Jesus preaches concerning the end times. He jumps from the things that will happen in the next few years to the things that will happen upon His return on the Last Day. He switches His similes just as abruptly: Noah's flood (Matthew 24:37–39); men in the field and women at the mill being taken away (Matthew 24:40–42); a thief who breaks in at an unannounced hour (Matthew 24:43–44); a master who returns after a long trip (Matthew 24:45–51). No shortage of false teachings have come from people trying to parse these sayings of Jesus and assign specific and definite meanings to the figures in His speech. But it's an impossible task. No one knows exactly what Jesus means here. But the point isn't to figure Jesus out. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36).Whether it's a delayed master, a sneaky thief, a disappearing mate, or Noah's flood, the point is that you should never be unprepared for Jesus to return. “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).How do you prepare for Jesus to return? The last simile points you in the direction to look. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?” Since His departure, the Lord has ordered His household to prepare for His return. This includes appointing faithful servants to oversee the household and ensure everyone gets fed. In other words, Jesus has established the ministry of the Church.On this day of remembrance for St. Timothy, we remember not just the man but his service. St. Timothy, along with St. Paul and all the ministers of the Church who have faithfully proclaimed the Holy Gospel and administered the Holy Supper, are the faithful servants of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:1) who have kept the food on the table, so to speak. Thanks be to God for his faithful servants and for His food.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given to Your Church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and feed Your flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer Your means of grace, and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to life eternal; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Author: Rev. Jacob Ehrhard, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Chicago, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

What is your church known for – and is that perception helping or hindering the gospel? In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and church branding strategist and author Mark MacDonald discuss how churches can develop a branding and communications strategy that clarifies their message, reshapes their perception and helps them rise above the noise of today's culture. Bonus! Gain tips on creativity and what to do when your ideas are rejected. 

What is an evangelical, really—and is evangelicalism actually biblical? In this episode, Joel from The Think Institute makes a robust, Scripture-packed case that evangelicalism (rightly defined) is not a shallow, American invention but a deeply biblical, historically rooted movement. He walks through the history, four core pillars, and nine key Bible passages that together challenge Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and others to take a fresh look at evangelical faith. Joel also shares how The Think Institute exists to help Christian men become the worldview leaders their families and churches need, and why he's stepping into the gap as a Protestant apologist engaging Eastern Orthodox critics and online “ortho-bros.”In This Episode You'll Hear About:Why the word evangelical has fallen on hard times—and why Joel refuses to abandon it. How evangelicalism is a movement, not a single denomination, and why Joel calls it “the most biblical form of Christianity” (without claiming to be the one true church). The historical roots of modern evangelicalismThe four pillars of evangelicalism Joel's response to the claim that there are few strong Protestant apologists engaging Eastern Orthodoxy—plus why Joel happily says, “I'm your huckleberry.” Live Q&A highlights, including questions about repentance, hell, worship, and whether Jesus is the only one who ascended into heaven.Key Scriptures in This EpisodeUse these passages to follow along or study later:Acts 17:10–12 – The Bereans and noble-minded Scripture testing 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture as God-breathed and sufficient Romans 3:23–25 – Christ as our propitiation1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – “Of first importance”: Christ died, was buried, and was raised Ezekiel 36:26–27 – New heart and new SpiritJohn 3:3–7 – “You must be born again”Acts 3:19 – “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission and discipling the nations James 1:27 – Pure and undefiled religion before GodNext Steps for Christian MenJoin the Hammer & Anvil Society – Get weekly cohort calls, courses, challenges, and brotherhood to become the worldview leader your family and church need.

Today we're talking about something the modern church desperately needs to remember:The Church didn't start inside a building…And it was never meant to stay in one.Jesus healed in the streets.He preached on mountainsides.He discipled on footpaths.He ministered in homes.He broke bread at tables.He cast out demons in graveyards.He delivered truth in marketplaces.Almost 90% of Jesus' ministry happened outside what we would call “church.”So why do we sometimes act like following Jesus only counts when we're in a sanctuary?Brother… listen:Church is not where you go —Church is who you are.And when that truth clicks…Your entire life becomes a mission field.

Today's episode starts innocently enough with a simple question about office hours……and ends with one of the wildest Reddit pastor stories we've EVER read.We're talking:• Should pastors still keep traditional office hours?• How do you stay available without being chained to a church building?• Where do you meet people for confidential conversations?• How do you build culture when your staff is hybrid or remote?• AND… what happens when a pastor and his wife get “caught” in the church office after hours

“The Church from You, dear Master, Received the gift divine; And still that light is lifted O'er all the earth to shine. It is the chart and compass That, all life's voyage through, Mid mists and rocks and quicksands Still guides, O Christ, to You. “O make Your Church, dear Savior, A lamp of burnished gold To bear before the nations Your true light as of old! O teach Your wand'ring pilgrims By this their path to trace Till, clouds and darkness ended, They see You face to face.”

We want to hear from you! Submit your Thanksgiving Prayer or a short note of thanks! Your submissions could be featured on Your Daily Prayer as we lead up to Thanksgiving Day. Thank you again for your continued support—we can’t wait to hear from you! https://tinyurl.com/322k4xau God never intended for us to do life alone. As our daily prayer and reflection remind us, from the beginning of creation, He designed us for community — with Him and with one another. Yet, for many believers, being part of a church family isn’t always easy. Differences in opinion, leadership conflicts, or even personal wounds can cause deep pain within the very place meant to nurture our faith. In this compassionate reflection, Laura Bailey reminds us that while church hurt is real and painful, Christian community is still God’s plan for His people. Just as Adam was not meant to be alone, neither are we. Throughout Scripture, we see how God uses relationships — even messy ones — to shape us, refine us, and reveal His grace. From the early church in Acts to the disciples who followed Jesus, believers have always grown stronger in community. Though it can be hard to stay when relationships feel strained, the call of Christ is not to walk away but to lean in — to forgive, to reconcile, and to remain united under His love. Today's Bible Reading:“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” – Genesis 2:18, NIV

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology.  Today's episode will help us understand the transformative power of incorporating prayer and fasting into our spiritual practices, leading to deeper personal and communal spiritual growth. In this episode titled "Prayer and Fasting Ministry in Your Church," the speaker passionately emphasizes the importance of incorporating prayer and fasting into the spiritual practices of a church community. The presentation begins with a warm welcome and a logistical check to ensure everyone has necessary materials. The speaker highlights the significance of starting their time together with prayer, asking for God's presence and blessings on their discussions about spiritual disciplines, particularly prayer and fasting. The speaker shares personal insights and experiences, underscoring the transformative power of spiritual disciplines when integrated into everyday life. Emphasis is placed on prayer as a critical component of spiritual growth and ministry effectiveness. The speaker recounts how consistent prayer can lead to significant changes, both personally and within a church community. Anecdotes are shared to illustrate how prayer and fasting are frequently practiced by those who seek a deeper relationship with God and those who wish to bring about meaningful changes in their ministries. The narrative transitions into an examination of the frequency and importance of prayer in Jesus' life, highlighting that Jesus often retreated to solitary places to pray, showing the importance of finding time and space for uninterrupted communion with God. The speaker stresses that effective prayer requires dedication, discipline, and a genuine desire to communicate with God. Moving to the topic of fasting, the speaker defines fasting and describes it as abstaining from food or drinks (or other significant activities) for a designated period to focus on spiritual growth and God's purposes. The speaker clarifies fasting can extend beyond abstaining from food to include activities such as solitude, demonstrating that the essence of fasting is dedicating time to spiritual pursuits and seeking God's guidance. The speaker outlines various types of fasting observed in the Bible, including normal fasting (abstaining from food and drinking only water), partial fasting (abstaining from certain types of food), and absolute fasting (no food or water). They also discuss individual, group, and national fasts, emphasizing that fasting can be a powerful communal activity for a church. Practical advice on starting a fasting practice is provided, advising beginners to start small, such as fasting through one meal, and gradually extending the fasting period as they grow more comfortable. The speaker also offers guidance on planning, communicating with family, and ensuring fasting does not negatively impact health. Throughout the episode, the speaker highlights that fasting should be coupled with prayer, reading scripture, and reflecting on one's spiritual journey. They also remind listeners that God is pleased when His followers make sacrifices through fasting, underscoring the spiritual benefits and joys that come from engaging in these disciplines. In closing, the speaker encourages the audience to persist in their practices of prayer and fasting, promising that these disciplines will lead to personal and communal spiritual growth. They conclude with a heartfelt prayer, blessing everyone in the group and their respective ministries, stressing that through prayer and fasting, believers can draw closer to God and experience His power in transformative ways.

What gives someone the courage to stand up for truth—even when it costs them everything? Martin Luther’s bold stand for the Gospel wasn’t born from rebellion but from revelation. Rooted in Ephesians 2:8, his discovery that salvation comes by grace through faith ignited a movement that changed history. Having the heart of a reformer means loving God, loving His Church, and being unwilling to compromise the truth of Scripture—no matter the consequences. Highlights A reformer’s heart begins with a deep passion to draw close to God and live by His Word. Luther’s relentless study of Scripture led him to uncover the truth of salvation by grace, not works. True reformers love the Church enough to seek its correction, not its destruction. Luther’s bold action—nailing his 95 Theses—sparked a spiritual awakening that shaped Christianity. Sharing the truth requires courage, humility, and a willingness to face rejection. Luther’s legacy reminds us that faithfulness to God’s Word outweighs fear of man. Every believer is called to carry that same conviction—to speak truth in love and protect the purity of the Gospel. Join the Conversation What truth has God been stirring in your heart to stand for, even if it’s uncomfortable? Share your thoughts with us and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithThatTransforms #StandForTruth #HeartOfAReformer.

Sam welcomes Amanda Jass to the Rainer on Leadership podcast. Amanda serves as the general editor for the "NLT GO Bible" and is a gifted writer, editor, illustrator, and encourager. She has a passion for creating content for all ages, with a special focus on resources for kids and families. The post How to Get Families in Your Church to Read the Bible Together appeared first on Church Answers.

TODAY'S LESSONLet's be real—money makes people squirm. Talk about generosity in church, and folks start checking their wallets or bracing for a guilt trip. But generosity isn't about pressure—it's about power. It's about advancing the Kingdom of God and unleashing blessing in your own life.Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that God loves a cheerful giver. Not a reluctant giver. Not a guilt-driven giver. A cheerful giver. Why? Because giving is worship. It reflects the heart of God, who is the greatest Giver of all.Here's the truth: a stingy church is a weak church. But a generous church? That's an unstoppable force. Generosity fuels missions. It feeds the hungry. It cares for the hurting. It builds spaces where the Gospel can be proclaimed. And beyond the dollars, generosity in time, encouragement, and service creates a culture where the love of God is visible.But let's not sugarcoat it—generosity costs. It means letting go of comfort, security, or control. And that's exactly why it's powerful. Every time you give, you declare that your trust is in God, not your bank account. Every time you serve, you declare that your life is not your own.When believers live generously, the Church becomes a lighthouse to the world. It shines with a radical love that the culture can't explain.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

TODAY'S LESSONHere's a truth most people don't realize: your spiritual leaders carry more weight than you can see. They're not just preaching on Sundays. They're fighting unseen battles during the week. They're interceding for families, counseling the broken, leading through conflict, and standing on the frontlines of spiritual warfare.And let's be blunt—too often they're doing it tired, discouraged, and under attack. The enemy knows if he can take out a leader, he can scatter the flock. That's why Scripture commands us: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls.”Supporting your leaders is not about blind loyalty. It's about recognizing the God-given responsibility they carry and choosing to strengthen their hands instead of weighing them down.Support looks like prayer—consistent, intentional, covering prayer. Support looks like encouragement—reminding them they're not alone. Support looks like stepping up to serve, not waiting for them to do everything.A church that supports its leaders creates an atmosphere where Kingdom work multiplies. But when leaders are constantly drained, the mission slows.Let's stop critiquing from the sidelines and start carrying weight with them. Because when you support your leaders, you're not just helping a person—you're strengthening the whole Body of Christ.

TODAY'S LESSONLet's not sugarcoat it: we are living in one of the most divided times in history. Politics, culture, even petty differences rip people apart. Sadly, the Church isn't immune. Denominations split. Friendships collapse. Whole communities fracture. And every time we let division win, the enemy laughs.But Jesus prayed something radical in John 17: that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one. Think about that—He tied the credibility of our witness to the world directly to our unity. In other words, the world won't believe our message if they don't see our love for one another.Unity doesn't mean uniformity. We don't all look the same, think the same, or worship the same way. But unity means we recognize we're on the same team, fighting the same enemy, under the same Lord. It means we value the mission over our preferences. It means we refuse to cancel each other when disagreements come.Here's the truth: the devil doesn't fear a big church; he fears a united one. A divided church is powerless. A united church is unstoppable.Unity requires humility. It requires forgiveness. It requires dying to self. But the reward? A witness so powerful the world can't deny it.

TODAY'S LESSONOne of the greatest deceptions in the Church today is the idea that ministry belongs only to the pastor, the worship team, or the missionaries. That's a lie. Scripture makes it clear: every believer has been given a gift, and every gift has a purpose.Think about this: God handcrafted you with unique abilities, experiences, and passions. None of that is random. It's divine design. And He didn't give you those gifts so they could sit unused while you watch others serve. He gave them to you so His Church could flourish and His Kingdom could expand.Peter wrote, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.” That's not optional language. That's a command. Serving is not a side hustle in the Kingdom—it's the mission. And here's the kicker: when you withhold your gift, the Body of Christ feels the loss. The Church is less effective, less powerful, and less complete when believers bury what God placed inside them.And don't miss this—using your gift isn't just about others. It's also about you. Serving is how your faith grows muscles. It's how you mature in Christ. You will discover God's presence and power in ways you never will if you just sit back.The bottom line: your gift isn't for storage. It's for service.

This week Lloyd and Pastor Bennett share their thoughts on the tragedy of Charlie Kirk's death and the state of our broken nation. Armed Lutheran Radio is a listener-supported podcast. If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, The Reformation Gun Club! http://gunclub.armedlutheran.us Links of Interest Buy Duty to Defend, Volume 2 on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3D3frE5* Duty to Defend (Signed Copies!) – https://www.armedlutheran.us/product/duty-to-defend-2nd-edition-signed-copy Prayer of the Week Keep, we implore You, O Lord, Your Church with Your perpetual mercy; and because the frailty of mankind without You cannot but fall, keep us ever by Your help from all things hurtful and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. Get in Touch Visit our Feedback Page - http://www.armedlutheran.us/feedback Please tell your friends about us, leave an iTunes review, and like us on Facebook Join our Facebook group - http://www.armedlutheran.us/facebook Subscribe to us and follow us on Youtube - http://www.armedlutheran.us/youtube Check Out More at our Website- http://www.armedlutheran.us Use these Links to Support Armed Lutheran Radio If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, or shopping at your favorite online stores using the links below. Check out the other Great Armed Lutheran Books - http://www.ArmedLutheran.us/Books Shop at Amazon* - http://www.armedlutheran.us/amazon Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network - https://www.armedcitizensnetwork.org Disclaimer The links above which are indicated with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that I have experience with all of these items, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you. Original Music by Reformer Keep Shooting, Keep Praying, We'll Talk to you Next time!  

Matt and Zach sat down with Rev. Kellen Roggenbuck who is the Executive Director of NextGen Ministries at Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Church. Kellen has a new book out called Called Out: Discerning God's Plan for Your Church and the Beards talked about the book and a few other things. Check it out.Check out us out at www.beardedtheologians.com

Thom and Jess discuss how smartphones have reshaped connection — and disconnection — in the church. From constant distraction to reduced attention spans, they explore how devices affect worship, community, and discipleship. The post The Smartphone Problem in Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com        Did I fall off the wagon? Where have I been? Oh man, church and life has been just crazy. We are getting ready to do a major kick off for church and we are launching a new Discipleship program for the whole church and it is 80 weeks long and will repeat itself until I die or leave the church…  But I am back.   NFL news… Justin Herbert owns the chiefs, Aaron  Rodgers seems to still know how to throw the ball and so many other teams are just down to the wire… but my question is… the bengals… they are looking a little tired… I hope they can show up this season.   Anywhooo Don't forget my friends about The first step towards revival isn't action, it's conviction.  Are you convicted, that God desires to have a worldwide great awakening?  If not could you please ask Him to give you His conviction.  Are you willing to Ask others to pray for a Worldwide Great Awakening. Your Church, friends, families, and even your enemies. Could you please share with them the website collectiveprayernetwork.org Remember faith with out works is dead… the first work is that of prayer… make it happen, we need revival. Again please visit the website collectiveprayernetwork.org     In 1902 President Teddy Roosevelt went on a Bear Hunt and was not successful.  One of his friends went out and found a wounded bear, tied it up to a tree and took the president out to shoot it. Teddy was completely offended by this and refused to shoot a wounded and tied up bear. When a cartoon came out about this story - Inspiration: Brooklyn candy maker Morris Michtom saw the cartoon and was inspired to create a stuffed fabric bear and called it Teddys Bear. He sold the bears in his candy shop. It became so popular that he started a toy company selling  AI suggests that as of today several billion dollars have been made from the Teddy Bear.    ITs all about Jesus - and he is the center of scripture… but make no mistake WE ARE THE MAIN SUBJECT! 

In this episode, we re-examine a major demographic shift reshaping communities and churches: the decline in mobility across the United States. Americans are moving far less than they did in previous generations, especially millennials. While older generations often relocated for work opportunities or family, today's younger adults are more likely to stay put. Rising housing costs, tighter job markets, student loan burdens, and a growing preference for stability have all contributed to this trend. For church leaders, this change presents both challenges and opportunities. The post Millennials Move LESS than Gen X and Boomers (New Implications for Your Church) appeared first on Church Answers.

Read Online“Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19–20This is a bold and awe-inspiring promise from our Lord. This passage reveals Jesus' desire that we pray with others, uniting our prayer as one and offering it to the Father. Jesus says that when we do this in union with His prayer, our prayer will be answered.The first thing to note is that this passage could easily be misunderstood. For example, is Jesus telling us that if two or more people get together and pray that it rains, then it will happen? Certainly not. The key to understanding this passage is found in the last line: “...there am I in the midst of them.” This means that the goal of gathering together with two or more people in prayer is to unite our unified prayer to the prayer of Jesus. The Father always hears and answers the prayer of the Son. No matter what the Son asks the Father, it is granted. Thus, this passage tells us that the goal of gathering together in prayer with others, that is, with the Church, is to unite ourselves with the one and eternal prayer of God the Son. This is first and foremost fulfilled within the Sacred Liturgy. When we come together in the Liturgy, our prayer is always heard. Why? Because the Liturgy is first an action of God the Son in which He invites us, the Church, to share. And the prayer that is offered is the one and eternal prayer by which God the Son asks the Father to bring salvation to all those who accept the saving action of His sacrifice on the Cross. When we join in this prayer, it is granted.What type of prayer is not answered? First, God does not grant that which fails to serve His mission. Second, if we pray for God's will but fail to do our part, then our prayer cannot be answered. For example, if you pray that you overcome a particular sin but then fail to respond to the grace God gives, then this is not the fault of God. Third, praying for vengeance on those who have hurt us is ineffective. And fourth, praying for the conversion of one who refuses to repent will also be unable to be fulfilled, unless they ultimately repent. These are but a few examples.What type of prayer is effective? As already mentioned, the prayer of the Liturgy as the one Sacrifice of Christ is always heard when we participate in it. But there are other ways that our united prayer will be fulfilled with certainty. For example, if you gather with others and together pray for the grace of deeper conversion, you can be certain that the grace will be offered. It is then up to you to open your heart to that grace so that it is effective. Or if you pray that God offers His mercy to someone caught in sin, you can be certain that that grace will be offered, even if the person refuses to accept it. And the list could go on. Simply put, if we gather with others and seek to unite our prayer to the one and perfect prayer of God the Son as it is offered to the Father in Heaven, then that prayer of the Son in which we share will be answered. Perhaps the best way to pray together in this way is to pray the “Our Father” prayer with another. This prayer is always heard and answered by the Father since it is the prayer given to us by the Son. Reflect, today, upon God the Son praying to the Father. What is His perfect prayer? What does He ask the Father? Look for ways in which you can join with others to unite your own prayer to this prayer of the Son of God. Do this first and foremost in the Sacred Liturgy, but look for other ways in which you can practice this form of prayer. Praying together with others in union with the one prayer of Jesus will always be answered by the Father in Heaven.  My perfect Lord, all that You ask of the Father is granted to You. Please draw me and all the members of Your Church into Your perfect prayer to the Father. May we participate in this prayer especially through the Sacred Liturgy, and also as we gather as two or more. May we pray only with You and in accord with Your perfect will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Image via Web Gallery of ArtSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Send us a textWhy are God's people stronger together? What does it mean to be committed to believers, and what does that look like in your life? We teach new converts that their involvement with God's people is their lifeline, but are we demonstrating that years after becoming a Christian?Daily Bible Devotional (Volumes 1 and 2):Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.comTyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-8487Why do we need each other?1) We grow stronger together (Proverbs 27:17)2) We carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2)3) We reflect the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:27)4) We remind each other of the Truth (Hebrews 3:13)5) We are more effective in ministry together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)What does it mean to invest in a spiritual community?1) Choosing Presence over Convenience2) Giving without Expecting3) Committing for the Long Haul4) Prioritizing People over Productivity 5) Reflecting the Familial Heart of GodHow can I practically do better at this?1) Show up Consistently, not Casually (commit to a year)2) Join a Small Group or Bible Study (weekday sessions)3) Serve with Your Gifts (Ask: "Where am I needed?)4) Build Real Relationships (more than just foyer talk)5) Pray for Your Church (the culture and mission)#christianfellowship #faithfulness #realrelationships #stronger together

Have you ever crawled your way out of an emotionally abusive relationship, finally free, only to be met with cold shoulders, Christian cliques, and confused stares from the very people who should've been first in line at your welcome-back party? Or maybe you've thought about getting out, but your instincts all tell you that you'll lose everyone you love in the process?In this episode, I answer two listener-submitted questions that go straight to the heart of what so many Christian women wrestle with post-abuse: rejection from family, exclusion in church, and the confusion that comes with trying to be a decent human in the aftermath of emotional trauma.We talk:The underbelly of emotional immaturitySpiritual bypassing in religious circlesWhat “grace” actually looks like (hint: it's not begging for scraps)And why your healing is not up for debateThis one's for every woman who's been ghosted by her family or made to feel like a spiritual pariah in the church lobby.Read the full show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Get a free chapter of my book, “Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage” and companion workbook when you hop on my mailing list. Listen to some related Flying Free Podcast episodes, including “Why Being Rejected by Your Church and Family Hurts So Bad” and “When You've Been Hurt by Church.”

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Jimmy Kim explores the heart of family ministry—what it is, why it matters, and how churches can cultivate it in their own context. With over 20 years of experience across youth, college, and family ministry, Jimmy offers a practical and gospel-centered approach for churches of all sizes and backgrounds.Jimmy serves as the Executive Director of Family Transformation at Perimeter Church near Atlanta, GA. He's a husband to Shin and dad to two soccer-loving kids. His ministry journey spans both immigrant and multiethnic church contexts, with academic roots at the University of Maryland, Washington Bible College, Atlanta Christian College, and Reformed Theological Seminary.Rooted Resources:How to Start a Family Ministry in Your Church by Andy CornettResources for Family Ministry (Rooted Roundup)Perspectives on Family Ministry: 3 Views by Timothy Paul JonesFollow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

Welcome to Day 2679 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2679 – New Testament Orientation – “The Church, Salvation, and Eschatology: God's Unfolding Plan”Putnam Church Message – 07/20/2025Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation Message 12: “The Church, Salvation, and Eschatology: God's Unfolding Plan” Last week, we explored "The General Letters of the New Testament:” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NLT) 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[a] a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God's mercy.”[b]This week is the 12th and final message in our New Testament Orientation Series, and we will learn: The Church, Salvation, and Eschatology: God's Unfolding Plan” Ephesians 2:13-14 (NLT) "But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united us both into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us."Opening PrayerOur Loving and Sovereign God, as we reach the culmination of our journey through Your New Testament, we pause to reflect on the grand tapestry of Your plan for Your Church, for our salvation, and the culmination of all things. We pray that You would open our eyes to see these profound truths with the clarity and anticipation of the early believers. May we grasp the depth of Your reconciliation, the wonder of Your salvation, and the glorious hope of Your coming kingdom. Empower us, by Your Spirit, to live as Your unified people, eagerly awaiting the Day of Christ. Amen.Introduction: The Final Unveiling of God's Purpose We've journeyed from the Jewish roots of the Gospels, through the explosive growth in Acts, and explored the profound theology of Paul's letters and the General Epistles. Today, we bring it all together by considering three essential topics that define the conclusion of God's unfolding story: the Church, the nature of Salvation, and Eschatology—the doctrine of last things.Our core verses from Ephesians 2:13-14 serve as a magnificent summary of the radical new reality Jesus inaugurated: "But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united us both into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us." This passage speaks of a profound reconciliation, not just between humanity and God, but between the two great divisions of humanity: Jew and Gentile. This reconciliation defines the very nature of the Church.For the early...

*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. Welcome everyone to this time of worship and praise to the Lord. Please join with us as we express our deep love and thankfulness for His presence with us today. I Love You Lord Standing in Thy presence Lord, Waiting on Thee. Thou shalt renew my strength, For Thou hast promised me! For Thou hast promised me, my Lord. Thou hast promised me. My strength shall be renewed as I wait, As I wait, my Lord, on Thee! I abide in Thee, my Lord, And Thy Word abides in me, I'll ask what I will and it shall be done, For Thou hast promised me! For Thou hast promised me, my Lord. Thou hast promised me. I'll ask what I will and it shall be done, If I abide in Thee! When I keep my eyes on Thee, My heart shall know steadfast peace. My trust can be in Thee alone, For Thou hast promised me! For Thou hast promised me, my Lord. Thou hast promised me. My trust can be in Thee alone, For Thou hast promised me. Amazing Grace Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught me heart to fear, And grace me fears relieved: How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed. Worship in the Spirit Amazing Grace The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. Thru many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise, Than when we'd first begun. I Love You, Lord I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice. To worship You, O my soul, rejoice! Take joy, my King, in what You hear; May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear. I love Your Word, and I lift my voice. To praise You, Lord, O my soul, rejoice! Take joy, my King, in what You hear; May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear. I love Your Church, and I lift my voice. To thank You, Lord, O my soul, rejoice! Take joy, my King, in what You hear; May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear. Psalms I lift my voice O Lord. We lift our voices in one accord today. Cause we love You Lord. And we thank You Lord. There's a rejoicing in our voices. We are free and rejoicing in You. We love You Lord. We love You Lord.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to diagnose whether your church is ready to enter into a season of revitalization and renewal: Hearts that are humble – “This is the Lord's church, not ours.” Desire to reach the community with the gospel – “This is our mission and mission field.” Commitment to submit to the Bible – “The Word of God is our authority.” Willingness to take risks and do whatever it takes – “We are desperate to see God move here.” Belief that God can actually revitalize dying churches – “God isn't done with us.” Resources Related to This Episode: Falling in Love with Jesus (Again) by David Jackson Flickering Lamps: Christ and His Church by Henry and Richard Blackaby God's Not Done with Your Church by Mark Hallock

Read Online“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:17–19Saints Peter and Paul are often referred to as two of the great “Pillars of the Church.” They each played an incredibly essential role in the establishment of the early Church. And though each of their roles was essential and foundational, their roles were as different as they were different as persons.Peter was a family man, a local fisherman, uneducated and quite ordinary. From what we know about him prior to being called by Jesus, there was nothing that made him uniquely qualified to become one of the pillars of the new Church to be established by the Son of God. Jesus simply called him, and he responded. Jesus got into Peter's boat, ordered him to lower the nets, and produced a huge catch of fish. When Peter saw this miracle, he fell down at Jesus' feet and acknowledged that he was “a sinful man” who was unworthy of being in Jesus' presence (See Luke 5:8). But Jesus informed Peter that he would from now on be catching men. Peter immediately left everything behind and followed Jesus.Paul describes himself as “a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cili′cia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gama′li-el, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as you all are this day” (Acts 22:3). Paul was well educated in the strictest interpretation of the Jewish law, understood philosophy and was quite zealous as a young man. Recall, also, that prior to becoming a convert to Christianity, he “persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it” (Galatians 1:13). In many ways, Paul would have been seen as the most unlikely person to be chosen to be a pillar of the Church, because he so vigorously opposed it at first. He even supported the killing of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Though each of these men would have been considered by many as very unlikely founders of the Christian Church, this is exactly what they became. Paul, after his conversion, traveled far and wide to preach the Gospel, founding several new Churches throughout Asia Minor and Europe. Eventually he was arrested in Jerusalem, brought to Rome for trial and was beheaded. Over half of the New Testament books are attributed to Paul and half of the Acts of the Apostles detail Paul's missionary journeys. Paul is especially known for his missionary activity to the Gentiles, those who were not Jews. Peter's role was truly a unique one. His name was changed from “Simon” to “Peter” by Jesus. Recall Jesus saying, “And I tell you, you are Peter (Petros), and on this rock (petra) I will build my church…(Matthew 16:18). “Peter” in Greek is Petros. However, the Greek word petra means a rock as a solid formation that is fixed, immovable, and enduring. Therefore, Jesus chose to make Peter a solid foundation of immovable rock on which the Church was to be built.You, too, have been called by our Lord to a unique mission within the Church that has not been entrusted to another. In your own way, God wants to use you to reach certain people with the Gospel as He did with Saint Paul. And like Saint Peter, God wants to continue to establish His Church upon you and your faith. Reflect, today, upon these two holy and unique pillars of our Church. As you do, ponder how God may want to use you to continue their mission in this world. Though Saints Peter and Paul are among the greatest and most consequential Christians within our world, their mission must continue, and you are among the instruments that God wants to use. Commit yourself to this mission so that the preaching of the Gospel and the rock foundation of our Church will remain strong within our day and age just as it was of old. Saint Peter, you were uniquely chosen to be a rock foundation of faith upon which the Church was established. Saint Paul, you went forth to preach this faith far and wide, establishing many new communities of faith. Please use me, dear Lord, to continue the mission of Your Church so that the faith may be firmly planted in the minds and hearts of all Your people throughout the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jusepe de Ribera, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

A woman named Lori from Lexington shares a powerful, hope-filled, and heartfelt call-to-arms for all the men out there trying to live with purity and strength in a world full of distractions. This is the kind of encouragement you’ll want to keep in your back pocket: Brothers, You Were Born for Battle Lori gets it: life is full of struggles, and custody of the eyes (aka, keeping your eyes and heart pure) is a tough one. But here’s what she says: “You were made for this battle.” Not just called to it. Not assigned it like a boring chore. You were built for it. Reframe the Fight Instead of saying, “This is too hard,” Lori wants men to think: “This is hard... because it matters. And I was made to rise to it.” You’re not fighting against women; you’re fighting for their dignity, even when they don’t realize it themselves. You’re protectors, not consumers. You’re glorious warriors, not helpless victims of temptation. “That’s Not for Me.” Lori shares how she also made the decision to divert her eyes, saying: “That’s someone else’s husband. Someone else’s son. That’s not for me.” Simple. Dignified. Beautiful. Women, Back the Men Up! She also issues a challenge to the ladies: "Pray for our men." They’re not weak. They’re not doomed to fail. They’re under attack, and they need our support as they go into the spiritual trenches every day. The Final Word: Men, You Can Do This Lori’s words are necessary. She reminds every man listening that: You’re strong. You’re capable. You’re not alone. You were made for this. With God’s help (and Our Lady’s!), you can win. So don’t give up. Don't believe the lies. Don't sit out the fight. Your sisters are praying for you. Your Church is cheering for you. And Jesus is with you.

REFLECTOR- Fr. JimMUSIC- Alleluia, Sing to JesusPOPE FRANCIS PRAYERGracious God,Hear our voice above the murmurs of sorrow for it is the voice of confusion, seeking Your still small voice of calm.Hear our voice as we give thanks for Your faithful servant, Pope Francis. For it is the voice of praise, joining with sadness and joy.Hear our voice as we pray for the future, for it is a voice of hope longing to see Your Church made whole.Hear our voice as we watch with those who deliberate, for it is the voice of humility asking for their wisdom and discernment in electing our new pontiff.Hear our voice as we pray in solidarity with the poor, for it is the voice of peace searching for justice that Francis prayed with such faithful devotion.O God, in Easter joy we lift our hopes and this prayer, with confidence and trust. We offer back to You, our brother, Your son, Francis, a leader and pontiff we will always remember with fondness and gratitude.In the name of the Risen Lord we pray, Amen.

Yes, there are times when you should consider changing your church's name. Jess and Thom review six of them. Look at our other podcast this week, where we review the top 15 most common church names. The post Six Reasons You Should Change the Name of Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.