Podcasts about zacharias

Back with a new episode of The Real Deal Podcast featuring Award Winning Sports Broadcaster Mary Claire Zacharias.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-deal-with-courtney-harden--3678816/support.

In Episode 346 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Rudy A. Zacharias and Terry Elkins of About That... to explore one of the most misunderstood topics in business: branding. Drawing on decades of experience helping organizations navigate growth and transformation, Rudy and Terry explain why a brand is far more than a logo. It is the sum total of what people think, feel, and experience when they interact with your company. Together, they unpack the warning signs that your business may have outgrown its brand, the importance of aligning perception with reality, and why successful companies often reach a point where evolution becomes necessary.The conversation also provides a behind-the-scenes look at About That...'s own transformation from G Squared to its new identity. Rudy and Terry share the intentional process behind the rebrand, the challenges of balancing existing brand equity with future growth, and the critical role of employee buy-in, change management, and communication throughout the journey. Whether you're considering a full rebrand, a brand refresh, or simply want to better understand how your organization is perceived, this episode offers practical insights into building a brand that reflects who you are today and where you want to go tomorrow.Key Takeaways: A brand is not your logo. Your brand is the sum total of what people think, feel, and experience when they interact with your company.The biggest reason companies rebrand is misalignment. When who you are as a business no longer matches how you are perceived in the market, a rebrand may be necessary.Growth often creates branding challenges. As companies evolve, expand into new markets, add services, or change leadership, their original brand may no longer accurately represent them.Living things grow and living things evolve. Businesses that remain exactly the same year after year risk becoming stagnant and losing relevance.Rebranding should never start with design. Before changing logos, websites, or visual identity, organizations must first understand their values, purpose, positioning, and stakeholder perceptions.Internal alignment comes before external messaging. Employees must understand and believe in the brand before the marketplace ever sees it. Your team becomes your most important group of brand ambassadors.The truth about your brand is often found through listening. Leadership's perception of the company can be very different from what employees, customers, vendors, and partners actually experience.A rebrand is not always the answer. Sometimes a refresh, updated messaging, service clarification, culture improvements, or operational changes can solve the real issue without a complete overhaul.Successful rebrands require change management and communication. If stakeholders do not understand why a change is happening, they will create their own narratives and assumptions.Values must be lived, not displayed. Trust is built when customers and employees can clearly see an organization's values reflected in its actions, decisions, and relationships every day.Connect with Rudy A. Zacharias & Terry Elkins

Luke 1:70-80 New International Version 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant,73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death,to guide our feet into the path of peace.” 80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit[a]; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke now begins writing about a priest and his wife, Zachariah and Elizabeth, who were both righteous in the sight of God, Luke 1:5-14.It is what God sees that is most important. When you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work at the cross and resurrection, God sees you as righteous in His sight. This is good news.Luke then, gives us the time frame, the names of the people, and their situation before God and before people. They had no children and they were both old and had been praying for a child. When the angel Gabriel came to Zachariah, the priest, he gives him the answer to their prayer. They would have a boy. His name would be called John. His birth would bring joy to them and to many.Let's join Dr. Mitchell in Luke 1:5 on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

Luke 1:57-71 New International Version The Birth of John the Baptist 57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” 62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him. Zechariah’s Song 67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John is born. At his circumcision, Zacharias names him, and his mouth is opened to prophesy about John. John grows and becomes strong in spirit.Join Pastor Daryl as he journeys through the entire Bible.Visit the radio station website.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Subscribe to Pastor Daryl's daily devotional and listening plan.If you enjoy Simply the Bible, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot!Calvary Chapel Treasure Valley now meets Sunday mornings in a tent on our church property at 3853 E Lake Hazel Road in Meridian. For service times, online messages, and info on small groups meeting throughout the week, please visit our website at calvarytv.org.

Many messages have been preached about Zacharias; often, they focus on how he was rendered mute because of his doubt. But few talk about the man's nature. Bro. Sullivan suggests that we can sum up his life in one word: Devoted. Zacharias and Elisabeth lived blamelessly before God — faithful in their duties despite carrying a quiet burden. In their culture, Elisabeth's barrenness was often whispered about as a sign of hidden sin. Yet they never wavered. They kept their spirits pure and continued serving, day after day. In our text, Zacharias is chosen to burn incense in the temple of the Lord. Due to the way the priestly duties were administered and chosen, this honor could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest. When you are devoted in your service to God, there will be moments when God will show up unexpectedly. On this day, for the first time in over 400 years, God spoke to mankind through the angel Gabriel. Zacharias received a word from God while doing what he knew how to do. The ones doing the daily work will see a miraculous work. God thrives in the repetition of the faithful. Unwavering devotion is never wasted. Zacharias didn't receive his breakthrough because he did something extraordinary — he received it in the middle of his ordinary, faithful service. When the weight of unanswered prayer feels heavy, keep serving. When silence makes you question, keep showing up. Your breakthrough may not come when you expect it, but it will come while you are devoted. Stay faithful. Stay committed. The same God who spoke after 400 years of silence is still speaking — and He is looking for those who never stopped serving.

Many messages have been preached about Zacharias; often, they focus on how he was rendered mute because of his doubt. But few talk about the man's nature. Bro. Sullivan suggests that we can sum up his life in one word: Devoted. Zacharias and Elisabeth lived blamelessly before God — faithful in their duties despite carrying a quiet burden. In their culture, Elisabeth's barrenness was often whispered about as a sign of hidden sin. Yet they never wavered. They kept their spirits pure and continued serving, day after day. In our text, Zacharias is chosen to burn incense in the temple of the Lord. Due to the way the priestly duties were administered and chosen, this honor could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest. When you are devoted in your service to God, there will be moments when God will show up unexpectedly. On this day, for the first time in over 400 years, God spoke to mankind through the angel Gabriel. Zacharias received a word from God while doing what he knew how to do. The ones doing the daily work will see a miraculous work. God thrives in the repetition of the faithful. Unwavering devotion is never wasted. Zacharias didn't receive his breakthrough because he did something extraordinary — he received it in the middle of his ordinary, faithful service. When the weight of unanswered prayer feels heavy, keep serving. When silence makes you question, keep showing up. Your breakthrough may not come when you expect it, but it will come while you are devoted. Stay faithful. Stay committed. The same God who spoke after 400 years of silence is still speaking — and He is looking for those who never stopped serving.

Many messages have been preached about Zacharias; often, they focus on how he was rendered mute because of his doubt. But few talk about the man's nature. Bro. Sullivan suggests that we can sum up his life in one word: Devoted. Zacharias and Elisabeth lived blamelessly before God — faithful in their duties despite carrying a quiet burden. In their culture, Elisabeth's barrenness was often whispered about as a sign of hidden sin. Yet they never wavered. They kept their spirits pure and continued serving, day after day. In our text, Zacharias is chosen to burn incense in the temple of the Lord. Due to the way the priestly duties were administered and chosen, this honor could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest. When you are devoted in your service to God, there will be moments when God will show up unexpectedly. On this day, for the first time in over 400 years, God spoke to mankind through the angel Gabriel. Zacharias received a word from God while doing what he knew how to do. The ones doing the daily work will see a miraculous work. God thrives in the repetition of the faithful. Unwavering devotion is never wasted. Zacharias didn't receive his breakthrough because he did something extraordinary — he received it in the middle of his ordinary, faithful service. When the weight of unanswered prayer feels heavy, keep serving. When silence makes you question, keep showing up. Your breakthrough may not come when you expect it, but it will come while you are devoted. Stay faithful. Stay committed. The same God who spoke after 400 years of silence is still speaking — and He is looking for those who never stopped serving.

Message Take Aways:1. Hannah desperately brought her petition for a son before the Lord who heard and answered her prayer—“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:42. Elizabeth & Zacharias experienced unexpected providence as the Lord blessed them with a son despite their old age—“I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” Job 42:23. By humbly submitting to God's will, Mary received the extraordinary privilege of bearing the Messiah—“Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments.” Psalm 112:1

Luke 1-68-80: Monday 5-4-26: The Word of the Day with Rene' Holaday. Join me for "Zacharias' Prophecy" to hear some things you may not already know!

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we bring to you the seven questions we received over the past month or so, and these questions include: whether idols are mere human inventions or empowered by real spirits… why God created the devil knowing he would bring sin into the world… what Jesus meant by “none good but God”… how Moses and Elijah appeared before Christ's death… the meaning of “mingling with the seed of men” in Dan. 2:43… how long Jacob worked for Rachel… and why Zacharias didn't want to name his son John. We feel confident that you will be blessed by this Q&A, so come on, and study God's Word with us today!

In this episode of Native Circles, co-hosts Dr. Farina King and Eva Bighorse speak with Dr. T. Christopher (Chris) Hoklotubbe and Dr. H. Daniel (Danny) Zacharias, co-authors of Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: An Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation (2025). Chris Hoklotubbe, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, holds a ThD from Harvard and serves as Director of the Indigenous Theology Circle and Coordinator of the Graduate Studies Group for NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community, the first accredited theological institute designed, developed, delivered, and governed by Indigenous peoples.Danny Zacharias is a Cree-Anishinaabe/Métis and Austrian scholar from Winnipeg, Manitoba (Treaty One Territory) with ancestral ties to Treaties Two, Three, and Five. He lives in Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia) and is Associate Dean and Professor of New Testament Studies at Acadia Divinity College, as well as adjunct faculty and journal editor for NAIITS.Together, they explore what happens when the Bible is read from Turtle Island through Indigenous histories, geographies, and intellectual traditions. The conversation examines scripture's entanglement with colonization, missionization, and boarding schools, and highlights Indigenous survivance, responsibility, and resurgence. Rather than treating the Bible as a text detached from land and power, Chris and Danny open space for Indigenous-centered approaches that honor both sacred text and sacred place.Resources:Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: An Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation by T. Christopher Hoklotubbe and H. Daniel ZachariasCivilized Piety: The Rhetoric of Pietas in the Pastoral Epistles and the Roman Empire by T. Christopher HoklotubbeStringing Rosaries: The History, the Unforgivable, the Healing of Northern Plains Boarding School Survivors by Denise K. LajimodiereNAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community

This episode covers the latest developments in the Peloton ecosystem and the broader fitness industry. We start by looking at recent media appearances, including the "At The Next Table" episode featuring Cody Rigsby, Alex Toussaint, and Adrian Williams, as well as Peloton IQ's segment on Good Morning America. We also review current events affecting users, such as a reported house fire in New Jersey allegedly involving a Peloton Bike, the dismissal of the rust lawsuit, and a known logging issue affecting Android users.On the events front, we discuss Peloton's partnerships with the Longevity Show in London and The Big Retreat Festival in Pembrokeshire, alongside instructor appearances at various upcoming festivals and conferences. Listeners should also note the scheduled studio maintenance pausing live classes from April 6 to April 12.Finally, we detail the latest fitness programming additions. This includes the upcoming live cross-training program, Emma Lovewell's new 45-minute Pilates class, the Dale Rhythm Collection celebrating Puerto Rico, and new additions to the Bench Collection. We close with practical tips, including a new AI method for class discovery and our regular listener-recommended class roundup.Episode Topics:Peloton's "At The Next Table" episode features Cody Rigsby, Alex Toussaint, and Adrian Williams.A Peloton Bike allegedly starts a house fire in New Jersey.Peloton IQ is featured on Good Morning America.Android users experience issues logging distance on their "Just Workout" sessions.Peloton partners with the Longevity Show in London.Peloton appears at The Big Retreat Festival in Pembrokeshire.Reminder: No live classes from April 6 to April 12 due to PSNY and PSL studio maintenance.The Peloton Bike rust lawsuit is officially dismissed.Robin Arzon and Camila Ramon attend the Me, Myself & I Festival.Rebecca Kennedy is featured in People Magazine.Logan Aldridge is set to lead a conference workout at NIRSA 2026.Tunde Oyeneyin is scheduled to speak at the Conferences for Women.Hannah Corbin's Country Happy Hour fitness classes return to the schedule.Jenn Sherman adds two new dates to her Dear FoundHer tour.Fitness wearable company Whoop raises $575 million in new funding.TCO Top 5: Listener-recommended classes for you to check out this week.This Week at Peloton: A review of recent highlights across the platform.Details on the upcoming launch of Peloton's live cross-training program.Emma Lovewell introduces her first 45-minute Pilates class.Peloton celebrates Puerto Rico with the new Dale Rhythm Collection.A breakdown of Peloton's new Kettlebell Challenge.Zacharias' Yoga program goes back to the basics.The Bench Collection receives two new class additions.An interesting AI hack to optimize your fitness class discovery.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bible instructs us to pray without ceasing. But so many times, our prayers seem to go unanswered. In this message, Adrian Rogers observes the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth in Luke 1 to explain what to do when prayer seems unanswered. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29?v=20251111

In this episode, we break down the latest news shaping the Peloton ecosystem and the broader fitness industry. We start with Peloton's introduction of a new live cross-training program and discuss the company's retail shift as apparel becomes available at Costco. We also cover casting calls for an upcoming commercial and review the debut of the Peloton Off Air series.The fitness landscape continues to evolve as brand-sponsored classes arrive on the platform. We examine Peloton's strategic expansion into Poland and a new partnership with Facebook groups designed to drive Team challenges. Our coverage also includes significant updates from the instructor roster: Ash Pryor's recovery timeline following knee surgery, Robin Arzon's achievement as a New York Times Best Selling author, Ally Love's appointment to JP Morgan Chase's Athlete Council, and Olivia Amato's new role as a Lululemon ambassador.Beyond the platform, we report on Peloton co-founder Tom Cortesi's new startup venture and recent coaching departures at Tonal. To round out the discussion, we highlight our recurring segments, including the TCO Top Five, a preview of upcoming classes on the TCO Radar, and our review of Peloton IQ.Episode Topics:Peloton announces a live cross-training program.Peloton apparel is now available at Costco.Peloton seeks members for a new commercial campaign.Episode 1 of Peloton Off Air drops.Brand-sponsored classes land at Peloton.Peloton partners with Facebook groups for Teams challenges.Peloton expands operations into Poland.Ash Pryor is sidelined by knee surgery.Robin Arzon becomes a New York Times Best Selling author.Ally Love joins JP Morgan Chase's Athlete Council.Zacharias is confirmed for Day 1 of Faces of Fitness Chicago.Olivia Amato becomes a Lululemon ambassador.Ben Alldis launches his personal website.The latest artist series features Justin Bieber and Backstreet Boys.Peloton co-founder Tom Cortesi launches a new startup.Tonal loses another coach.TCO Top Five: A weekly recap of listeners' favorite classes.This Week at Peloton: What is happening across the platform this week.TCO Radar: Classes we are looking forward to taking.Eid Al-Fitr classes are added to the schedule.We review the Peloton IQ game.Peloton Birthdays: Celebrating Becs Gentry on March 27.Subscribe to the podcast to stay informed on weekly industry developments, and share this episode with others looking for reliable news on fitness and training platforms.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Each of the Great Feasts of the Church is followed by a commemoration of some holy one who figures in the events of the Feast. So, today we commemorate the Holy Archangel Gabriel, who brought the glad news of the conception of Christ to Mary, the Theotokos. The Prologue gives the following teaching:   "The herald of the incarnation of the Son of God, he is one of the seven great angels who stand before the throne of God. He revealed to Zacharias the birth of the Forerunner, and said of himself: 'I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God' (Lk. 1:19). His name, Gabriel, signifies 'man of God'. Speaking about the Annunciation, the holy Fathers comment that an angel with such a name was sent to signify who He was, and of what nature He was, who would be born of the most pure Virgin. He would be the Man of God, the Man-God, the strong and mighty God. Others have found that it was this same Gabriel who announced the conception of the Virgin Mary to Joachim and Anna, and that it was he who taught Moses in the wilderness to write the Book of Genesis. The holy Fathers consider that Gabriel belongs to the foremost and highest order of the heavenly powers, the seraphim, since the seraphim stand closest to God. And so he is one of the seven seraphim closest to God. The names of these seven are: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selathiel, Jegudiel and Barachiel. Some would add Jeremiel to this number. Each has his own particular service, but all are equal in honour. Why did God not send Michael? For the reason that Michael's service is the suppression of the enemies of God's truth, while Gabriel's is the annunciation of the salvation of the human race."

His father, Carion the Egyptian, forsook his family to become a monk, taking Zacharias with him. Though very young, Zacharias manifested gifts of grace rarely seen among the elders of Sketis. Abba Moses once asked him, 'What does it mean to be a monk?', to which Zacharias replied by taking off his hat and treading it underfoot, saying 'If a man be not so broken, he cannot be a monk.' After shining as a great light among the holy monks of Scetis, he reposed at a young age.

In this week's episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Chris Hoklotubbe and Danny Zacharias about biblical interpretation through an Indigenous American perspective. They explore how cultural identity, history, and social location shape the way people read Scripture, and why Indigenous perspectives challenge assumptions many Christians take for granted. Together, they invite listeners to read the Bible more thoughtfully, remaining aware of their own context and open to voices that have too often been overlooked. Show Notes → http://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episodes/bible-episode-321-h-daniel-zacharias-t-christopher-hoklotubbe-native-american-biblical-interpretation Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/WxojcdyBgoI ********** This episode is sponsored by Factor. Head to factormeals.com/normalpeople50off and use code normalpeople50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. Eat like a pro this month with Factor. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. ********** This episode is brought to you by Brooklyn Bedding, which knows sleep isn't one-size-fits-all. That's why they offer mattresses for every body, every sleep style – even in hard-to-find sizes. Go to brooklynbedding.com and use promo code BIBLE at checkout to get 30% off sitewide. This offer is not available anywhere else. ********** This episode is sponsored by ButcherBox, which delivers over 100 premium protein options straight to your door, including 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, crate-free pork, and wild-caught seafood. New listeners can get their choice between organic ground beef, chicken breast or ground turkey in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/NORMALPEOPLE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of AACS Today, Jamison is joined by Dan Zacharias, Executive Director of the Old Dominion Association of Church Schools (ODACS), to discuss the landscape of Christian education in Virginia. As ODACS celebrates its 50th anniversary, the conversation highlights the association's unique role in supporting member schools across the state of Virginia.A primary focus is the recent legislative battle over House Bill 359, a radical proposal that sought to grant the state absolute control over private school hiring, curriculum, and disciplinary procedures by broadly defining private donations as "public assistance." While the bill is currently stalled in appropriations due to its significant fiscal impact, Jamison and Dan emphasize that this is only a temporary victory requiring continued vigilance. The episode also recounts vital regulatory victories involving childcare ratios and fundraising overreach, underscoring the necessity of active political engagement. Looking forward, Zacharias and Coppola explore the "golden opportunity" presented by the Education Freedom Tax Credit, a federal provision set for 2027 that will allow taxpayers to reclaim funds for Christian education. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the spiritual importance of maintaining a Biblical worldview in the classroom.

As the war against Iran instigated last week by Israel and the United States continues to spread through the Middle East, we explore how it affects tourism in the Arabian Gulf, of which art and culture more generally have been a cornerstone. One of The Art Newspaper's Middle East correspondents, Melissa Gronlund, joins Ben Luke to discuss the latest news. The 82nd biennial at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York opens this weekend and our editor-in-chief in the Americas, Ben Sutton, and Elena Goukassian, our senior editor of museums and heritage, tell us what they thought of it. And this episode's Work of the Week is the Vision of Zacharias in the Temple (1633) by Rembrandt. Researchers at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam have demonstrated that the painting, which had previously been documented as a copy of a lost original, is in fact an authentic work by the Dutch master. We speak to Jonathan Bikker, curator of 17th-century Dutch paintings, who was part of the team that secured the attribution to Rembrandt. The picture is now on view to the public at the Rijksmuseum.Whitney Biennial 2026, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, 8 March-23 AugustRembrandt's The Vision of Zacharias in the Temple is now on view at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.Save up to 50% on The Art Newspaper's annual print and digital package with a new limited-time offer. Subscribe by 19 March to receive the April edition including our annual Visitor Figures guide and a special report on EXPO Chicago. In May, don't miss our Venice Biennale Guide and map to must-see exhibitions and pavilions.www.theartnewspaper.com/subscriptions-MARCH50?promocode=MARCH50&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=MARCH50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Refugee status becomes temporary in asylum shake up Rembrandts Vision of Zacharias in the Temple rediscovered after 65 years France to boost nuclear arsenal and extend deterrence to European allies Bowen Three days in, we still have no idea where this war is heading Everything has changed Missile attacks shatter Dubais safe haven image Starmer criticises Trump over Iran strikes, as he defends UK position Brewdog Bars close and hundreds lose jobs as beer firm sold in 33m deal Saturday Night Live criticised by charity for hurtful Tourettes sketch In maps Strikes across Iran and the Middle East What is behind the strategy to take out Irans leadership

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv France to boost nuclear arsenal and extend deterrence to European allies Everything has changed Missile attacks shatter Dubais safe haven image In maps Strikes across Iran and the Middle East Bowen Three days in, we still have no idea where this war is heading Refugee status becomes temporary in asylum shake up Rembrandts Vision of Zacharias in the Temple rediscovered after 65 years What is behind the strategy to take out Irans leadership Saturday Night Live criticised by charity for hurtful Tourettes sketch Brewdog Bars close and hundreds lose jobs as beer firm sold in 33m deal Starmer criticises Trump over Iran strikes, as he defends UK position

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Rembrandts Vision of Zacharias in the Temple rediscovered after 65 years Bowen Three days in, we still have no idea where this war is heading Brewdog Bars close and hundreds lose jobs as beer firm sold in 33m deal Starmer criticises Trump over Iran strikes, as he defends UK position Refugee status becomes temporary in asylum shake up What is behind the strategy to take out Irans leadership In maps Strikes across Iran and the Middle East Saturday Night Live criticised by charity for hurtful Tourettes sketch Everything has changed Missile attacks shatter Dubais safe haven image France to boost nuclear arsenal and extend deterrence to European allies

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Bowen Three days in, we still have no idea where this war is heading Rembrandts Vision of Zacharias in the Temple rediscovered after 65 years Saturday Night Live criticised by charity for hurtful Tourettes sketch What is behind the strategy to take out Irans leadership Brewdog Bars close and hundreds lose jobs as beer firm sold in 33m deal Everything has changed Missile attacks shatter Dubais safe haven image In maps Strikes across Iran and the Middle East Refugee status becomes temporary in asylum shake up France to boost nuclear arsenal and extend deterrence to European allies Starmer criticises Trump over Iran strikes, as he defends UK position

11:37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. 11:40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. 11:45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. 11:46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. 11:47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 11:48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. 11:53 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: 11:54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

11:37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. 11:40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. 11:45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. 11:46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. 11:47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 11:48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. 11:53 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: 11:54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Rev. Christopher Zacharias is a powerful example of what it means, as Walt Whitman described, to contain multitudes. It starts with his religious calling and belief in engaging across faith traditions to advance equity and justice in communities where they have been denied. He uses his voice to call out policy decisions and corporate practices that harm communities of color and identifies the action steps needed to produce solutions. Rev. Zacharias is grounded in his position as Senior Pastor of the John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington DC, an historic pillar of America's civil rights movement. On this episode of Power Station I speak with Rev. Zacharias about his interconnected roles as Executive Director of Interfaith Action for Human Rights, whose legislative campaigns are designed to stop the overuse of solitary confinement in prisons within DC, Maryland and Virginia and his leadership of Boycott Target DC, a coalition organized in response to Target's rejection of its DEI programs and $2.5B commitment to Black businesses after the 2025 election of Donald Trump. Momentum is building for each, and corporate and public leaders are paying attention. Rev. Zacharias invites us all to exercise our passion and purpose.

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores what it means to be righteous before God, focusing on the example of Zacharias and Elizabeth as described in Luke 1. He emphasizes that true righteousness is recognized by God alone, not by human praise or approval. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of performing good deeds, prayer, fasting, and obedience in secret, seeking God's approval rather than human recognition. He highlights the need to fear God above all else and to live according to God's standards, not the world's. The sermon addresses reverence for God, prioritizing the kingdom of God over material needs, and obeying God rather than men. Fr. Matthias encourages self-examination of motives, urging believers to align their hearts with God's righteousness for eternal reward. Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

“That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.”... More...

“That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of... More...

When the ever-virgin Mary's forty days of purification were passed, according to the Law of Moses she took her son Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, to dedicate him to God as her first-born son. At the temple the Lord's parents offered the sacrifice of a pair of doves (Luke 2:22-23), from which we learn that they were poor, since those who were able were required to offer a lamb. At the Temple, the Lord was met by Zacharias, father of St John the Baptist, and by the aged, righteous Symeon, who had awaited the salvation of God for many years. (Sts Symeon and Anna are commemorated tomorrow.) We are told that some Pharisees, seeing the child Jesus recognized as the Messiah of Israel, were enraged, and went to tell King Herod. Realizing that this must be the child of whom he had been warned, Herod immediately sent soldiers to kill Him. But the righteous Joseph, warned in dream, fled with the child and his wife, the most holy Theotokos, into Egypt, and they were preserved.   The Feast of the Meeting of the Lord was observed in Jerusalem at least from the fourth century. Its observance was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor Justinian in 542. In the West it is called the Feast of the Purification of the Mother of God, or Candlemas Day.

Poem III from Charlotte Mason's “The Saviour of the World” Volume I Book I, with the corresponding Scripture reading.

What if the language you're learning to speak has nothing to do with your circumstances and everything to do with your identity? In this episode, we explore waking up to who we are in Christ and how God's vision of us is rigid, inflexible, and unchanging—in the best possible way. Graham invites us to discover how we're known in heaven, long before we even knew ourselves.Key Scriptures:+ 2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.+ Colossians 3:2. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.+ Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.+ Malachi 3:6. For I am the Lord, I do not change.+ Luke 1:13-17. The angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John..."+ Matthew 5:17-48. The Sermon on the Mount - "You have heard it said, but I say to you..."+ Matthew 17:1-8. The Mount of Transfiguration - Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing.+ Luke 16:16. The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached.Want to explore more?

Send us a text*DISCUSSION TOPICS*Tunde on Tyler Perry's Sistas!Ally Love is back!How is it going with the new instructors (Johanna, Zacharias, and Greta)?How's everything going with Kendall's app?Alex Breanne Corporation Update!Why is Danielle going to Trader Joe's but not Costco?Peloton New Year Classes! How were they?The Market has no faith in Peloton. Are they right?Who is Lorde?Class Recommendations!

Canadian film legend Zacharias Kunuk (Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner) has made more than 30 films and documentaries over his career — almost entirely in Inuktitut. His latest film, Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband), is an epic historical drama set 4,000 years ago in what we now call Nunavut, where supernatural forces threaten the promised marriage of lovers Kaujak and Sapa. Zacharias joins guest host Talia Schlanger to discuss the traditional Inuit stories that inspired the film, what he says John Wayne movies have in common with Inuit storytelling, and why he's hoping audiences a century from now will still be studying his acclaimed body of work.

When John the Baptist was born, his father Zacharias praised God in song. From his sermon series in the gospel of Luke, today R.C. Sproul examines this song, the Benedictus, to consider what the birth of the forerunner to Jesus means for God's unfolding plan of redemption. Request R.C. Sproul's commentary on the gospel of Luke with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4484/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the Luke commentary ebook with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The Christmas story is filled with miracles—not just to amaze us, but to inspire us to believe that God still works miracles today.In this episode, Three Keys to Receiving a Miracle, we explore why Scripture is filled with supernatural events and how those moments were written to strengthen our faith and raise our expectation for God's intervention in our lives.God is famous for great and unexpected acts. From the virgin birth to angelic visitations, dreams, visions, and signs in the heavens, the miracles of Christmas remind us that the supernatural is part of God's nature—and part of His plan for us.This teaching reveals three essential biblical keys to receiving a miracle, drawn from the Christmas story and the lives of Mary and Zacharias.In this episode, you will learn:Why believing God's promise must take priority over circumstancesHow past disappointments can weaken our expectation if we allow them toWhy aligning your words with God's promises mattersHow spoken faith helps prepare the way for miraclesWhy understanding God's love is essential to receiving from HimThe contrast between Mary and Zacharias highlights two very different responses to God's promise. Mary believed and aligned her words with God's Word, while Zacharias allowed years of disappointment to shape his response. Their stories reveal how belief, words, and trust in God's character work together in the miracle process.This episode also addresses a common struggle many believers face—the belief that they are not worthy of a miracle. The Christmas story declares the opposite truth: God's love is greater than every disqualifier. Jesus was given not because we were worthy, but because God loved us.As we reflect on the miracles of Christmas, this message invites us to respond like Mary:“Be it unto me according to your word.”God is still a God of miracles. He is still surprising His people. And He is still ready and willing to move in your life today.

From Sunday 28 December 2025, Dr. Russell Fuller has a message from Isaiah titled “The Prophecy of Zacharias Concerning Salvation” Luke 1:68-79 fbcmw.org

Mary had an accepting heart, one that remained simple and uncomplicated. And she had a trusting heart, because she had obviously been well trained in the Word of God and knew its promises and prophecies. When this incredible message came to her from Gabriel that she would bear this miracle baby, she was prepared to trust because she knew God’s Word. Let’s look further at this story to get a better understanding of the heart of Mary. When the angel left her, she went to the one person with whom she could share the news, the one person she knew would understand, her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth was bearing a miracle baby, too—a child given to her in old age, beyond child-bearing years. It’s interesting to note how Zacharias, Elizabeth’s husband, reacted when the angel told him that his wife would have a special baby. He said: “How shall I know this for certain?” He focused on the facts as he saw them: his body was old, his wife’s body was old, and they could not have children. He doubted the angel’s message and asked for a further sign. Because of his lack of faith, he became speechless and remained that way until his son was born. I’m afraid Zacharias’ reaction is more like what mine would have been, how about you? He considers the circumstances and loses sight of the power of God to change circumstances, and he does a foolish thing—he fails to trust God. Let’s learn a lesson from Zacharias and set our hearts to trust God no matter what. Don’t look at the circumstances when God gives you a promise. God is never limited by any physical circumstances. Gabriel said it to Mary, very succinctly: For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37). When Mary comes into Elizabeth’s presence, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and immediately recognized Mary’s news even before Mary could tell her. She calls Mary blessed, and Mary answers with one of the most beautiful passages in all of Scripture. It is commonly called The Magnificat, and I encourage you to read it anew this Christmas season, as found in Luke 1:46-55. It is beautiful poetry, but far beyond its literary beauty is its content. Remember, Mary was a young girl, with probably no formal education. But she had obviously been taught the Scriptures, for as she recites her praise to God, she draws from several Old Testament sources. Again, we get a look at the heart of Mary. It is an accepting heart, a trusting heart, and it is a heart of praise. Many women would have focused on the negatives of this situation. Many would have run into Elizabeth and said: “Oh, Elizabeth, what am I going to do? What will I tell people? Will you shelter me? What will Joseph say?  Help me, please Elizabeth.” But Mary had an eternal point of view and a total trust in God, so that she was able to see the real importance of her position and was able to thank and praise God for his eternal purposes, though her life on earth was very difficult. What a wonderful role model this simple lady is for us today. Do you have a heart of praise? That’s what you need to find favor with God, as Mary did. How much time do you spend each day simply praising him for who he is and what he has done for you? Have you ever analyzed your prayer time? How much is just sheer praising the Lord? Notice that Mary used Scripture to recite back to the Lord in praise. That’s a wonderful way to praise God, by reciting Scripture. You could use this wonderful Magnificat for your own personal praise time. I think we also have to take a look at Joseph. I’m sure he was chosen of God for his part in this, as much as Mary was. He could have easily refused to marry Mary. Most men would have done that, under the circumstances. By agreeing to marry her and support her through this birth, he took on a heavy responsibility. Can you picture that trip to Bethlehem? It's almost a hundred miles, so it took days. It must have been a tiring trip for a pregnant woman. We aren't told what manner of transportation they had—perhaps a donkey or a cart or they just walked. But any way you look at it, it's not a trip a very pregnant woman would want to take in those days. But Mary did it and Joseph gently and carefully took care of her. Joseph must have felt great frustration when he realized Mary was going to deliver there, away from home and friends and people to help with Mary and the baby. No doubt God provided for their needs, but it was a very humble birthplace—especially for the one and only one born as a King. But with Mary in hard labor, he finds a place where she can deliver. Of course, life doesn’t get any easier for Joseph. Soon he has to take his wife and this child and flee his country. He has to leave his home and his business and take her to Egypt. Never could he have thought that this would be required of him. But when the angel gives him these instructions, he obeys. Joseph had a very obedient heart and a non-complaining spirit. His love for the Lord and for Mary must have been enormous. And having delivered this little miracle baby, I’m sure he felt a very real sense of responsibility as well as privilege to be able to take care of this God-child for a few years. Mary must have thanked God for Joseph time and again. If you knew, as Mary did, that you were bearing the Son of God, how would you feel when you realized that your delivery room was to be so dismal? After all, Mary knew this child within her was of the Holy Spirit. Everyone else had to take it by faith, but Mary knew that she had never known a man, and yet here she was ready to give birth to a child. How could God allow his Son to be born in such a degrading manner? She must have been puzzled. And then, almost adding insult to injury, while they’re still in this terrible situation, just having given birth, in come these lowly shepherds to find this baby. We don’t know how many there were, but they invade Mary’s delivery room, and come in upon a weary mother and child. Not exactly what you would plan for the reception committee of the King of kings and Lord or lords, right? But Mary allows them in, and we are told she “pondered all these things in her heart.” Instead of questioning or rebelling, instead of being discouraged or disheartened, Mary pondered on everything that had happened, and treasured it up in her heart. In addition to an accepting heart and a praising heart, Mary had a meditative heart. She thought a lot more than she spoke. She remembered what God had said and what he had done, and she stored up the truths and treasures. We need to have hearts that treasure up God’s goodness and God’s promises to us, and hearts that meditate on those things. Then the day came when Jesus left his home and his mother to pursue the ministry God had planned for him, a brief ministry, ending in a crucifixion. He leaves her to become the Savior of the world, and indeed to become her Savior as well, for she was in need of redemption like everyone else. She watched him suffer and die. I can imagine that Mary must have found it difficult to believe at this point that she was “blessed above all women.” Here she is, probably a widow with her beloved Joseph gone, and her precious treasure, her miracle baby, gone as well. Crucified, of all things. If you ever think you’ve got it tough, think about Mary. How could she hold up under this incredible load of suffering and confusion and emotional pressures she endured? She was chosen for this because her heart was right: She had an accepting heart. She kept things very simple and didn’t ask “why’s” and “how’s.” She accepted and she trusted. She had a praising heart, that saw the positive and not the negative. And she praised God from a heart that had been filled with the Word of God. And she had a meditative heart, that treasured up God’s goodness and God’s promises. As we close our thoughts about Mary, the Mother of Jesus, I want to share a chapter from Max Lucado’s book God Came Near. Max does an incredible job of helping us see the incarnation of God becoming Man in new and marvelous ways. This chapter is entitled “Twenty-five Questions for Mary.” Imagine sitting with Mary and asking her: “What was it like watching him pray? How did he respond when he saw other kids giggling during the service at the synagogue? When he saw a rainbow, did he ever mention a flood? Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how he created the world? When he saw a lamb being led to the slaughter, did he act differently? Did you ever see him with a distant look on his face as if he were listening to someone you couldn’t hear? “How did he act at funerals? Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep under your own roof? Did you ever try to count the stars with him. . . and succeed? Did he ever come home with a black eye? How did he act when he got his first haircut? Did he have any friends by the name of Judas? “Did he do well in school? Did you ever scold him? Did he ever have to ask a question about Scripture? What do you think he thought when he saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body he made? “Did he ever get angry when someone was dishonest with him? Did you ever catch him pensively looking at the flesh on his own arm while holding a clod of dirt? Did he ever wake up afraid? When someone referred to Satan, how did he act? “Who was his best friend? Did you ever accidentally call him Father? What did he and his cousin John talk about as kids? Did his other brothers and sisters understand what was happening? Did you ever think, ‘That’s God eating my soup’?” It is an incredible truth God became flesh and dwelt among us, and for his earthly mother, we can only imagine the joy and the amazement she knew as she watched this miracle baby grow, and the pain she knew because of his sufferings. It will be good in heaven someday to hear her answer some of these questions.

Join Southwest Radio Ministries' 'Watchman on the Wall' as they delve into the intriguing topic of Jesus' true birthdate, featuring insights from Noah Hutchings. Discover the historical and biblical evidence presented in Hutchings' 1995 article, exploring the significance of December 25th. Reflect on the spiritual meaning of Christmas and its connection to the birth of Jesus through a biblical lens. This audio presentation offers a deep dive into the scriptural narrative, examining the events surrounding the birth of Christ and the prophecy of Elijah as a forerunner.

Share a commentThe hush before the first carol was not empty—it was charged. We step into the holy place with Zacharias, incense curling upward, when Gabriel appears and declares that the long night is ending. This is where Christmas begins: with a promise spoken into fear, a calling placed on an aging couple, and the first shockwave of good news that will roll from a quiet temple to a manger and beyond.We walk through the world of Herod's Judea and the deep ache of barrenness that marked Zacharias and Elizabeth, showing how faith endures when culture misreads suffering. Then the scene opens: a once-in-a-lifetime priestly duty, a famous messenger blazing with authority, and a message rooted in Malachi's prophecy. Their son will prepare the people, turn hearts, and ready a nation for the Messiah. Along the way, we explore why angels matter without making them the main act—how Scripture positions them as servants of God's redemptive plan and why the first New Testament use of “good news” comes from an angelic voice.Doubt doesn't disqualify; it gets refined. Zacharias asks for proof, and Gabriel answers with presence: I stand in the presence of God. The sign is silence—hard, humbling, and holy—until promise becomes reality. When John is born, the sunrise from on high is named and the dawn truly breaks. If you've wrestled with unanswered prayers, wondered about angelic ministry, or wanted to see how the Christmas story actually starts, this journey through Luke 1 will steady your hope and sharpen your vision.If this story stirred your faith, share it with a friend, subscribe for part two on Gabriel's message to Mary, and leave a review so others can find the good news that still breaks the dark.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Share a commentThe hush before the first carol was not empty—it was charged. We step into the holy place with Zacharias, incense curling upward, when Gabriel appears and declares that the long night is ending. This is where Christmas begins: with a promise spoken into fear, a calling placed on an aging couple, and the first shockwave of good news that will roll from a quiet temple to a manger and beyond.We walk through the world of Herod's Judea and the deep ache of barrenness that marked Zacharias and Elizabeth, showing how faith endures when culture misreads suffering. Then the scene opens: a once-in-a-lifetime priestly duty, a famous messenger blazing with authority, and a message rooted in Malachi's prophecy. Their son will prepare the people, turn hearts, and ready a nation for the Messiah. Along the way, we explore why angels matter without making them the main act—how Scripture positions them as servants of God's redemptive plan and why the first New Testament use of “good news” comes from an angelic voice.Doubt doesn't disqualify; it gets refined. Zacharias asks for proof, and Gabriel answers with presence: I stand in the presence of God. The sign is silence—hard, humbling, and holy—until promise becomes reality. When John is born, the sunrise from on high is named and the dawn truly breaks. If you've wrestled with unanswered prayers, wondered about angelic ministry, or wanted to see how the Christmas story actually starts, this journey through Luke 1 will steady your hope and sharpen your vision.If this story stirred your faith, share it with a friend, subscribe for part two on Gabriel's message to Mary, and leave a review so others can find the good news that still breaks the dark.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

This episode explores what I call the miracle before the miracle of Christmas. Before Bethlehem. Before the manger. Before angels filled the sky. God was already at work. In this teaching from Luke chapter 1, we walk through the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth, the priesthood, and the grace of God that moves even when prayers feel unanswered and seasons feel barren. This is a message for anyone who has: - Remained faithful while waiting - Served God without seeing change - Wondered if time has passed them by - Felt marked by past mistakes, family history, or reproach You'll see how God's grace: - Qualifies who we think are disqualified - Answers prayers we've stopped believing for - Removes shame and restores calling - Prepares the way for His promises This message is deeply rooted in Scripture, moving from Exodus to Luke, Galatians, 1 Peter, and Revelation, revealing how God establishes a royal priesthood and remains faithful across generations. Whether you're listening during the Christmas season or any time of year, this teaching is a reminder that God is faithful, even in the waiting. Chapters 00:00 The Christmas Spirit and Its Relevance 03:05 Exploring God's Kingdom and the Priesthood 08:51 The Role of the Levites and Their Significance 14:55 The Miracle of John the Baptist's Birth 20:52 Faithfulness Amidst Barrenness 27:01 The Power of Prayer and God's Faithfulness 36:09 The Role of Faithfulness in God's Plan 45:04 The Prophetic Words of Zacharias 57:11 The Christmas Miracle: Hope and Redemption About your host: Jaime Luce' testimony has daunting personal mountains and treacherous financial valleys. She was trapped in day-to-day stress and couldn't see a way forward. But how she started is not how she finished! And she wants you to know God has a plan for your life too, no matter how tough it seems. Today, Jaime has been married to the love of her life for almost three decades, owns two companies, and has become an author and podcaster. God's way is always the blessed way! Free chapter of Jaime's new book: You Don't Need Money, You Just Need God: https://jaimeluce.com/book/ Connect: - Website: https://jaimeluce.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.luces.page - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaime_luce/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-luce-00395691/

Here we discuss dreams and angels; introduce Mary and Elizabeth; and have some laughs with Zacharias.

We all love to tell the story of Jesus' birth. We love the vulnerability behind God's choice of Mary, the young woman who was engaged to Joseph to be Jesus' mother. We love the humility of his being born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. We love the magnificence of the angel announcing his birth to shepherds and then having the heavenly host of angels praising and glorifying God. We love the reverential sobriety of the wise men coming with gifts for the small child, Jesus. Some of the things we don't focus as much attention on are how God used specific individuals surrounding all of these events to speak in a prophetic way and outline in great detail what this series of incredible experiences would mean. Today we pause and consider the words of Zacharias and Elizabeth who were the parents of John the Baptist, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Simeon the prophet and Anna the prophetess. Zacharias Let's begin with Zacharias, the Jewish priest who, because of his initial doubt, was struck mute by the angel Gabriel until the birth of his son John. This silence became a period of reflection, enabling him to connect Old Testament prophecies with Gabriel's announcement. At John's circumcision, Zacharias was again able to speak. He prophesied about both John's role as forerunner and Jesus as the "horn of salvation." His prophecy was powerfully based upon the words and promises of the Old Testament. Elizabeth and Mary His middle aged and childless wife, Elizabeth, rejoiced at God's mercy in giving her a son. Filled with the spirit, she recognized Mary's child as her Lord and humbly celebrated Mary's blessing. Mary herself responded with faith and praise, further echoing Old Testament themes of God's mercy, strength and justice. Simeon After Jesus' birth, Simeon, an aged and devout man who had been promised he would see the Messiah before death, prophesied about Jesus as salvation for both Israel and the Gentiles. Again, Old Testament prophecies were clearly linked to the work that Jesus would later accomplish. Anna Anna, an elderly prophetess, added her testimony, giving thanks and speaking of redemption to those awaiting Jerusalem's deliverance. Together, these accounts show God's spirit orchestrating events and inspiring faithful individuals to proclaim truths that connected Old Testament promises with New Testament fulfillment. Their obedience, humility and prophetic insight highlight the broader plan of redemption for all, unfolding through Jesus' birth.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    The Mahotmetan writers suggest that Elizabeth was 89 years old… what does that say in the natural?      Luke 1: 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.  **Blameless but childless Historically in these times it meant that Elizabeth was cursed, a sinner punished by God.   Only God knows your heart, your prayer your need   You can be blameless and wonder to God… what is happening.   You can be blameless and others won't see it.   advanced in years. GK Pro-bay-ee-No elderly saints    8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. There are over 20,000 priests and Zachariah is old… probably has given up on many of his dreams… Being able to go into the Holy of Holies Having a Child   10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, (STARE AT HIM) standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.   He's praying but not for a child… that has long passed!    Luke 1:18 And Zachariah said to the angel, By what shall I know and be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years. 19 And the angel replied to him, I am Gabriel. I stand in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent to talk to you and to bring you this good news. 20 Now behold, you will be and will continue to be silent and not able to speak till the day when these things take place, because you have not believed what I told you; but my words are of a kind which will be fulfilled in the appointed and proper time.

What do you do when God feels silent?In this powerful message, Pastor Jason Daughdrill walks us through Luke 1 to remind us that God's silence is never His absence. After 400 years without a prophetic word, heaven finally speaks—not to a king or a prophet, but to an ordinary priest named Zacharias. What unfolds teaches us how God works in seasons of waiting, silence, and uncertainty.If you've ever felt like God is quiet in your life, this message will help you understand what He may be preparing behind the scenes and how your response when He speaks truly matters.Key Scripture ReferencesLuke 1:5–25; 57–66 (NKJV)Amos 8:11Exodus 30:7–8Psalm 141:2Revelation 8:3–4Revelation 2:17Big IdeaSilence doesn't equal distance. God's silence is often intentional—and deeply redemptive.Message HighlightsWhy silence makes us uncomfortable—and what God does in itWhat God was doing during 400 years of biblical silenceHow God answers old prayers in new seasonsWhy unbelief doesn't stop God's plan—but can silence our participationHow silence can become a sanctuary where faith is rebuiltTrading pessimism for praise when God fulfills His promiseThis message is part of our December series at GTWY Church and is especially meaningful for anyone walking through a quiet or waiting season with God.

There’s more to the Christmas story than you may realize. There’s a prequel... In this message, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us to the story of a godly, elderly couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist. Notes: Luke 1 Luke gives us the prequel, the story before the story. Luke opens by saying, “In the days of Herod.”That’s like saying, “In Germany, in the days of Hitler.” Heaven’s light was about to break. Read Luke 1:5–17 Luke’s narrative finds Israel in the midst of a long night of spiritual darkness. Israel was now under the control of mighty and cruel Rome.But there was something in the air that things were about to change. A promise to Israel of better days to come – Malachi 4:2 NIVBut for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Malachi 3:1 NIV“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. John the Baptist was the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. God was now going to answer the prayer and heart cry of Israel. God sent the mighty angel Gabriel. The last appearance of an angel had been to the prophet Zechariah nearly five centuries earlier. Whenever angels appeared, they would say, “Do not be afraid!” Gabriel came to an elderly couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth. The name Zacharias means, “God remembers.”Elizabeth means, “My God is an oath.” God remembers His promises and always keeps His word. God was making up for lost time, and He gave them a baby like no other,John the Baptist. #1 Zacharias was a humble man. James 4:6 ESV“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The obsession with ourselves is at the root of our problems. The humble Zacharias was a country priest. There were many priests in Israel at this time.To be a priest meant you represented the people to God. The priest also represented God to the people.The priest would interpret scripture, counsel, and provide wise judgment for the people. I understand that I, too, am a representative of God to people. You, too, are a priest.And you, too, represent God to people. You are the only bible some people will ever read. #2 Zacharias was a faithful man. God called:Moses, when he was tending sheep.David, while he was watching sheep,Elijah, when he was plowingPeter and John, when they were mending nets.God calls busy people. It’s hard to steer a parked car. If you are faithful in small things, God will give you greater opportunities. God has given to every believer spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6 NLTGod has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. Romans 12:7 NLTIf your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. Romans 12:8 NLTIf your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. Paul told Timothy to “not neglect the gift that is in you.” Zacharias was faithful to do what God had set before him. #3 Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly and blameless people. Luke 1:6 NKJVAnd they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. To be blameless does not mean they were sinless. They lived lives of integrity, not perfection. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Not to have any children was thought to be a curse from God. Little did they know that God would answer their prayers and give them a prophet. Their son, John, would be the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. Perhaps you are going through a time of difficulty right now. God was preparing Zacharias and Elizabeth for this day, and now the reward for faithfulness has come. Luke 1:13 NKJVBut the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. God hears our prayers as well. God promises us that if we call out to Him, He will hear and answer.Psalm 34:15 Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Just because our prayers are not answered does not mean God does not hear them. There is an amazing story in Daniel 10 where a mighty angel appeared before the prophet.The angel told Daniel that the prophet’s prayer had been heard in heaven 21 days earlier. God’s delays are not necessarily his denials. The devil and his fallen angels are very active right now. Revelation 12:12b NIVThe devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short. The bible tells us that in the last days there would be “satanically energized times” and that things would go from bad to worse. So, what should we do in light of this?We need to use our two secret weapons, preaching and prayer. We have no idea of what is going on in the invisible world of angels and demons.Revelation 8:3–4 God hears and stores our prayers; not one is wasted. Every prayer is answered with either yes, no, or wait. God is aware of each and every request made for His glory and in His will. God heard and recorded the prayer of this godly couple. Zacharias prayed for 30 years for a son.The reason he was surprised when Gabriel came was because he had prayed for so long. In the same way, your prayers are in God’s to-do box.Even if you have forgotten about them, God has not. Don’t give up on your prayers. This happened with the believers praying for the deliverance of Simon Peter.When the answer to their prayer arrived, they did not believe it. #4 Zacharias was human and flawed just like us! Luke 1:18 NKJVAnd Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” Luke 1:19 NKJVAnd the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. Luke 1:20 NKJV“But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words.” Zacharias could have rejoiced, but instead he questioned. We can choose to worship God, or we can choose to question God. It’s not a bad thing for a Christian to struggle or even ask God, “Why?” Some people have experienced tragedy and disappointment and have questions for God. But there comes a point when we choose to trust. Even John the Baptist had a momentary doubt.He misunderstood the mission of the Messiah like so many others. John, the greatest Old Testament prophet, sitting in a dungeon, sent word to Jesus, “Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Jesus reassured John and sent him back to the scriptures. Zacharias couldn’t speak, so he tried to explain what happened through hand gestures.Luke 1:21 Lessons from the lives of Zacharias and Elizabeth:To be humble and wait on the Lord and serve HimTo keep praying and not give up because our prayers are heard and rememberedTo believe what God tells you and act in faith, not by feeling The biblical characters were quite ordinary.They were hopelessly human, remarkably unremarkable. They were also available and obedient to the Master’s call. A 1964 Aston Martin sold for $4.6 million. The value is not in the car, but in the one who drove it. The same is true of us. The value isn’t in the vessel; it’s in the One who fills it. For centuries, the world waited. For decades, a faithful couple prayed.And at just the right time, God said, “Now!” Maybe you’ve been praying for something. Your “now” can begin today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s more to the Christmas story than you may realize. There’s a prequel... In this message, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us to the story of a godly, elderly couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist. Notes: Luke 1 Luke gives us the prequel, the story before the story. Luke opens by saying, “In the days of Herod.”That’s like saying, “In Germany, in the days of Hitler.” Heaven’s light was about to break. Read Luke 1:5–17 Luke’s narrative finds Israel in the midst of a long night of spiritual darkness. Israel was now under the control of mighty and cruel Rome.But there was something in the air that things were about to change. A promise to Israel of better days to come – Malachi 4:2 NIVBut for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Malachi 3:1 NIV“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. John the Baptist was the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. God was now going to answer the prayer and heart cry of Israel. God sent the mighty angel Gabriel. The last appearance of an angel had been to the prophet Zechariah nearly five centuries earlier. Whenever angels appeared, they would say, “Do not be afraid!” Gabriel came to an elderly couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth. The name Zacharias means, “God remembers.”Elizabeth means, “My God is an oath.” God remembers His promises and always keeps His word. God was making up for lost time, and He gave them a baby like no other,John the Baptist. #1 Zacharias was a humble man. James 4:6 ESV“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The obsession with ourselves is at the root of our problems. The humble Zacharias was a country priest. There were many priests in Israel at this time.To be a priest meant you represented the people to God. The priest also represented God to the people.The priest would interpret scripture, counsel, and provide wise judgment for the people. I understand that I, too, am a representative of God to people. You, too, are a priest.And you, too, represent God to people. You are the only bible some people will ever read. #2 Zacharias was a faithful man. God called:Moses, when he was tending sheep.David, while he was watching sheep,Elijah, when he was plowingPeter and John, when they were mending nets.God calls busy people. It’s hard to steer a parked car. If you are faithful in small things, God will give you greater opportunities. God has given to every believer spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6 NLTGod has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. Romans 12:7 NLTIf your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. Romans 12:8 NLTIf your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. Paul told Timothy to “not neglect the gift that is in you.” Zacharias was faithful to do what God had set before him. #3 Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly and blameless people. Luke 1:6 NKJVAnd they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. To be blameless does not mean they were sinless. They lived lives of integrity, not perfection. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Not to have any children was thought to be a curse from God. Little did they know that God would answer their prayers and give them a prophet. Their son, John, would be the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. Perhaps you are going through a time of difficulty right now. God was preparing Zacharias and Elizabeth for this day, and now the reward for faithfulness has come. Luke 1:13 NKJVBut the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. God hears our prayers as well. God promises us that if we call out to Him, He will hear and answer.Psalm 34:15 Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Just because our prayers are not answered does not mean God does not hear them. There is an amazing story in Daniel 10 where a mighty angel appeared before the prophet.The angel told Daniel that the prophet’s prayer had been heard in heaven 21 days earlier. God’s delays are not necessarily his denials. The devil and his fallen angels are very active right now. Revelation 12:12b NIVThe devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short. The bible tells us that in the last days there would be “satanically energized times” and that things would go from bad to worse. So, what should we do in light of this?We need to use our two secret weapons, preaching and prayer. We have no idea of what is going on in the invisible world of angels and demons.Revelation 8:3–4 God hears and stores our prayers; not one is wasted. Every prayer is answered with either yes, no, or wait. God is aware of each and every request made for His glory and in His will. God heard and recorded the prayer of this godly couple. Zacharias prayed for 30 years for a son.The reason he was surprised when Gabriel came was because he had prayed for so long. In the same way, your prayers are in God’s to-do box.Even if you have forgotten about them, God has not. Don’t give up on your prayers. This happened with the believers praying for the deliverance of Simon Peter.When the answer to their prayer arrived, they did not believe it. #4 Zacharias was human and flawed just like us! Luke 1:18 NKJVAnd Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” Luke 1:19 NKJVAnd the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. Luke 1:20 NKJV“But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words.” Zacharias could have rejoiced, but instead he questioned. We can choose to worship God, or we can choose to question God. It’s not a bad thing for a Christian to struggle or even ask God, “Why?” Some people have experienced tragedy and disappointment and have questions for God. But there comes a point when we choose to trust. Even John the Baptist had a momentary doubt.He misunderstood the mission of the Messiah like so many others. John, the greatest Old Testament prophet, sitting in a dungeon, sent word to Jesus, “Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Jesus reassured John and sent him back to the scriptures. Zacharias couldn’t speak, so he tried to explain what happened through hand gestures.Luke 1:21 Lessons from the lives of Zacharias and Elizabeth:To be humble and wait on the Lord and serve HimTo keep praying and not give up because our prayers are heard and rememberedTo believe what God tells you and act in faith, not by feeling The biblical characters were quite ordinary.They were hopelessly human, remarkably unremarkable. They were also available and obedient to the Master’s call. A 1964 Aston Martin sold for $4.6 million. The value is not in the car, but in the one who drove it. The same is true of us. The value isn’t in the vessel; it’s in the One who fills it. For centuries, the world waited. For decades, a faithful couple prayed.And at just the right time, God said, “Now!” Maybe you’ve been praying for something. Your “now” can begin today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.