LifeJourney

God is just — and the book of Amos makes that unmistakably clear. But did you know Amos also closes with one of the most stunning promises of hope in all the Minor Prophets? In this episode, Rob Pine digs into Amos 9:11–12 and why James — standing before the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 — turned to this very passage to settle one of the most consequential debates in the early church: must Gentiles be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to belong to God's people? We'll trace God's ancient covenant with David through 2 Samuel 7:16, unpack what "David's fallen shelter" really means, and discover how the inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom wasn't a plan B — it was always the promise. And we'll close with Amos 9:13–15 and a question worth sitting with: are you waiting for that glorious day? This is Lesson 5 in the series The Word of the Lord Came: Major Prophecies of the Minor Prophets, companion to the study guide available on Amazon.

The Word of the Lord Came | Lesson 4: Indictments and Pardon — Do You Know God? There's a difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God. One changes everything. The other changes nothing. In this episode of The Word of the Lord Came: Major Prophecies of the Minor Prophets, Rob Pine explores one of the most searching questions in all of Scripture — drawn from Hosea chapter 4. God's indictment against Israel wasn't simply that they had sinned. It was that they didn't know Him. They knew His acts, His history, His miracles — but not His nature, His character, His ways. And that gap cost them everything. Rob traces this theme from Hosea to Moses to Isaiah, asking the question that cuts just as deep in 2026: Can we really know God in an experiential way that shapes how we actually live? Drawing on J.I. Packer's Knowing God, the prayer of Moses in Exodus 33, and God's own self-revelation on Mount Sinai in Exodus 34, this episode unpacks what it looks like to move from knowing about God to knowing Him personally — with energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him. In a world marked by anger, chaos, and unrest, the ways of God — mercy, grace, patience, steadfast love, faithfulness, and justice — are not hidden. They're revealed. And they're available to you. Next week: Rob moves to the book of Amos and a remarkable revival you may not have fully considered before. This podcast complements the LifeJourney study guide and companion video available on the Lifemark Ministries website and YouTube channel.

What does a broken marriage have to do with your social media feed, your portfolio, or your political party? More than you might think. In this episode of The Word of the Lord Came: Major Prophecies of the Minor Prophets, Rob Pine digs into Hosea chapters 1–3 and the profound, uncomfortable topic of idolatry. God commanded Hosea to live a life that illustrated something stunning: His own faithfulness to a people who had betrayed Him. Hosea's wife Gomer represents Israel's spiritual adultery — seeking identity, security, and blessing from sources other than God. Rob offers two working biblical definitions that bring idolatry out of the ancient world and squarely into modern life. Idols in 2026 aren't carved from stone. They're the obsessions of our heart — the things we run to for identity, security, and worth when we should be running to God. This episode will challenge you to take an honest look at what — or who — may be competing with God for your worship. Next week: What does it truly mean to know God — and why does it matter in a world of chaos and corruption? Join us for Lesson 4: Indictments and Pardon. This podcast complements the LifeJourney study guide and companion video available on the Lifemark Ministries website and YouTube channel.

Have you ever read a verse in Scripture and moved right past it without stopping to consider the wonder behind the words? In this episode, Rob Pine takes two verses — one from Joel and one from Obadiah — and unpacks what they really mean, for the people who first heard them and for us today.   The first is Joel 2:32: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." It sounds familiar. But what does it actually mean to call on the name of the Lord? Rob traces this phrase from Abraham and Isaac building altars in Genesis, to Moses at the burning bush, to the Ten Commandments, to Jesus praying for His disciples on the Mount of Olives the night He was betrayed — and to Paul quoting Joel directly in Romans 10:13 to the church. Calling on God's name isn't just a phrase. It's an intimate relationship. It's a life lived in a way that reflects who He is.   The second is Obadiah 1:15: "For the day of the Lord draws near on all the nations." Obadiah was written about Edom — a proud, fortress-secured nation that God said He would utterly destroy. And He did. There is no nation of Edom today. But Rob points out what's easy to miss: God didn't say the Day of the Lord was coming for Edom only. He said it was coming for all nations. What happened to Edom is a preview — a forerunner — of what will happen when Christ returns.   In this episode you'll explore:   •  What "calling on the name of the Lord" meant from Genesis through the New Testament   •  How Jesus' prayer in John 17 defines what it means to truly know God's name   •  The third commandment — and the ways we take God's name in vain that have nothing to do with swearing   •  The fall of Edom and what it tells us about God's consistency and faithfulness   •  The Day of the Lord as the return of Christ — and what it means for believers and non-believers alike   •  The hope of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 for those who are in Christ   The Day of the Lord is coming. Are you ready? Is your family ready?   Study Guide: Available on Amazon — search "The Word of the Lord Came: Major Prophecies of the Minor Prophets" Find a Study Group or Start One: lifemarkministries.org/programs Video Lessons: Available on YouTube and Vimeo   Next Episode: What does God consider idolatry? A look into the book of Hosea — you may be surprised by the answer.

Welcome to The Word of the LORD Came — a 13-episode podcast from Rob Pine and Lifemark Ministries designed to complement the Bible study of the same name. In this introductory episode, Rob sets the stage for the entire series by walking through 450 years of biblical history and the geography of two world empires in the ancient Middle East.   These 13 podcasts are companion pieces to the study guide and 10-minute video lessons. The podcast's purpose is to dig deeper — bringing historical, geographical, and spiritual context to the passages you'll study, so you can understand and apply them more fully.   In this episode you'll hear:   •  How the Minor Prophets ministered over a sweeping 450-year period beginning around 851 BC   •  The story of Israel's split into two kingdoms in 931 BC — and why it matters   •  The Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah) — who they were, what happened to them, and which prophets spoke to each   •  The spiritual backdrop of Deuteronomy 28 — God's covenant blessings for obedience and discipline for disobedience — and how it frames everything the Minor Prophets wrote   •  Why the Minor Prophets are quoted throughout the New Testament — by Jesus, Peter, Paul, Jude, and the writer of Hebrews   •  How these ancient prophets pointed to the first coming of Jesus — and to His return   •  What this study is really about: the character and nature of God   Whether you're a longtime Bible student or exploring the Minor Prophets for the first time, this episode will give you the context you need to go deep.   Study Guide: Available on Amazon — search "The Word of the Lord Came: Major Prophecies of the Minor Prophets" Find a Study Group or Start One: lifemarkministries.org/programs Video Lessons: Available on our Website - lifemarkministries.org/resources, YouTube and Vimeo   Next Episode: "The Day of the Lord" — exploring Joel and Obadiah

Apply the gospel to everyday life with Galatians 6:1-18. Learn how to restore fallen believers gently, carry each other's burdens, sow to the Spirit, and never grow weary in doing good. This final Bible study in Galatians covers practical instructions for Christian community, the principle of sowing and reaping, and Paul's passionate focus on the cross of Christ. Perfect for small groups and practical discipleship.

Discover the life-changing contrast between flesh and Spirit in Galatians 5:16-26. Learn the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This Bible study explains how to walk by the Spirit, overcome the acts of the flesh, and produce spiritual fruit in your daily life. Perfect for anyone wanting to grow in spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.

Learn what Christian freedom really means in Galatians 5:1-15. Discover why mixing law and grace doesn't work, how faith expresses itself through love, and the danger of trying to be justified by keeping the law. This Bible study explains how to stand firm in the freedom Christ purchased and use that freedom to serve others in love. Essential teaching for every believer struggling with legalism or license.

Discover the powerful allegory of Hagar and Sarah in Galatians 4:21-31. Learn what these two women represent about law and grace, slavery and freedom, human effort and divine promise. This Bible study explains how we are children of promise like Isaac, born through God's power not human effort. Understand the difference between Mount Sinai (law) and Jerusalem above (grace) and why we must get rid of slavery to the law.

Experience Paul's passionate concern for the Galatian churches in Galatians 4:8-20. Learn why returning to religious rules and rituals is like going back to slavery after being set free. Discover how to recognize false teachers, welcome truth-tellers, and allow Christ to be fully formed in you. This Bible study challenges believers to stand firm in freedom and not waste the grace they've received.

Understand your identity as a child of God in Galatians 4:1-7. Learn how Christ redeemed us from slavery under the law to become adopted sons and daughters of God. Discover what it means to cry 'Abba, Father' through the Holy Spirit and the incredible inheritance waiting for believers. This Bible study reveals the benefits of being in God's family and living as heirs of God's promises.

Explore the relationship between God's promise to Abraham and the Mosaic Law in Galatians 3:15-29. Learn why the law came 430 years after the promise, what purpose the law served, and how we become children of God through faith in Christ. This Bible study explains covenants, promises, and how believers are heirs according to the promise. Perfect for understanding salvation history and God's eternal plan.

Discover Paul's passionate defense of the gospel in Galatians 3:1-14. Learn why Paul called the Galatians foolish for turning back to the law after receiving the gospel. This Bible study examines three powerful arguments: appealing to their experience of the Spirit, appealing to Abraham's faith, and explaining how the law brings a curse while Christ brings blessing. Understand the difference between law and grace and why faith in Christ alone saves us.

Understand the critical doctrine of justification by faith in Galatians 2:11-21. Watch Paul confront Peter's hypocrisy and learn four powerful principles: committed Christians confront error, we are justified by faith not works, boomerang believers who return to law-keeping blunder, and God's grace grows gratitude. This Bible study clearly explains how we are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by keeping the law or doing good works.

Learn the ten ministry skills Paul demonstrated in Galatians 2:1-10. Discover how to be reverent, relational, responsible, a runner with urgency, a resistor of false teaching, resolute in truth, regular without favoritism, recognizable by spiritual fruit, reciprocal in fellowship, and remembering the poor. This practical Bible study equips pastors, ministry leaders, and all believers with biblical principles for effective service. Perfect for leadership training and ministry development.

Explore the simply divine structure of faith in Galatians 1:11-24. Paul reveals three essential elements: God's truth as the foundation of faith, God's call as the focus of faith, and God's service as the fruit of faith. Learn how Paul received the gospel by direct revelation from Jesus Christ, how God calls each believer for a specific purpose, and how our faith should produce visible fruit. This Bible study will help you understand your calling and purpose in God's kingdom.

Discover Paul's powerful teaching on spiritual parenting in Galatians 1:1-10. Learn the seven traits of good spiritual parents: confirming authority, wanting the best, reinforcing teachings, correcting quickly, warning about false teachers, teaching consequences, and being a parent not a friend. This Bible study explores how Paul defended the true gospel and confronted those who were twisting God's message. Perfect for pastors, Bible study leaders, small groups, and anyone wanting to grow in discipleship and mentoring others in the Christian faith.

A Tale of Two Destinations - Matthew 7:13-29

Planks, Pearls, and Persistent Prayers - Matthew 7:1-12

Wealth and Worry - Matthew 6:19-34

What is Done in Secret - Matthew 6:1-18

But I Tell (Part 2) - Matthew 5:33-48

But I Tell You (Part 1) - Matthew 5:21-32

Salt and Light - Matthew 5:13-20

Be Blessed - Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount.

The gospel of Jesus comes to a dramatic climax in answer to the two questions Mark wants his readers to understand. Join Rob Pine to discover four passages at the end of Mark's book that make clear the gospel of Jesus. Who He is and why He came.

Let's reflect and ponder on a story of such bold, authentic, audacious worship that Jesus told His disciples to tell the story of her wherever the gospel is preached.

There is an encounter with Jesus in the Temple with a teacher of the law that is different than the others. Rob Pine wonders why Jesus said this scribe is not far from the kingdom of God.

Mark records the only destructive miracle of Jesus. He tells His disciples to have faith in God and why forgiving others is so important.

Jesus describes for His disciples how we are to receive the eternal kingdom of God, what can prevent it, and the blessing found in receiving it as He encounters someone wanting to know what to do to receive eternal life.

Explore the radical changes in thinking about greatness, exclusivity and hell that Jesus teaches His disciples are absolutely counter cultural but necessary to be His disciple today.

Did Jesus lose some power and foreknowledge healing the blind man in Bethsaida? How did Peter know Jesus was the Christ? If you have confessed Jesus as the Christ how are you blessed?

What did Jesus mean when he said, "Follow Me"? Is everyone who identifies as a Christian a disciple of Jesus? How effective are we today in following Jesus command to make disciples?

Jesus cares personally for you. He not only is the good news, has all authority, and has established a kingdom. Jesus is your HOPE. That's who Jesus is.

The Kingdom of God is mentioned 16 times in Mark's account of the gospel of Jesus. Explore with Rob Pine the nature of the Kingdom of God. What and where it is. Citizenship in this kingdom of God is what you want on your birth certificate and passport.

Mark's account of the gospel quickly and decisively establishes Jesus as the new authority. What Jesus has authority over and how people respond are both examined.

Mark begins his book by telling the reader that it is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus. Join Rob Pine for a discussion on what is that gospel, where did it come from, and what do I do with it.

The gospel according to Mark begins with the clear theme that a special historic event has taken place – the kingdom of God has arrived on earth with Jesus the Son of God. How do we benefit most from this study to revitalize, renew, rebuild, restore or even establish for the first time our relationship with God through Jesus the Christ? An introduction.   Our website is LifeMarkMinistries.org.

LifeMark Ministries is releasing a new study titled A Time of New Authority, The Gospel According to Mark. Rob Pine, Executive Director explains how you can participate in this study of the most remarkable story in human history. You will be glad you did.   Study Guide available on our website: LifeMarkMinistries.org/Resources

A Difficult Time for God's Glory At this point, Luke brings to Theophilus and all readers an inside look at the hearts and minds of the disciples 10 to 11 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. A persecuted group of people yet continuing to add to their number. A praying group of people yet wondering if God can answer. A faithful group of people yet their faith at times is weak. An ordinary group of people yet powered by the Spirit used by God to accomplish His extraordinary purpose.

Turning Point, Controversy, and Expansion A watershed moment for the church occurred at the home of a Gentile Roman Centurian named Cornelius. Upon hearing the Gentiles had believed the word of God, some Jewish believers in Jerusalem confronted Peter for having been in a Gentile home and eating with them. Peter related the story, and all objections were settled with this group. A division in the church over this issue would grow into a major problem in years to follow. At the scattering of the believers from Jerusalem, a church was established in Antioch with a great number of people including Gentiles of the Greek culture and custom. Barnabus and Saul began to minister together in Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians.

From Persecutor to Proclaimer The conversion and transformation of a Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus, from a lead persecutor of the disciples of Christ to the lead proclaimer of the gospel of Christ. This event is so significant for Luke that it is told three times. First, here in Acts 9, then from Paul himself, recorded by Luke in chapters 22 and 26 of Acts

The Gospel Spreads to Samaria and Ethiopia The Biblical record often relates how God uses what is evil intended to go against His purpose, He uses to accomplish His purpose. God's ability to use all things for His glory is demonstrated in the story of Philip's activity after the death of Stephen and following the persecution of the church. Powered by the Holy Spirit, Philip preaches and teaches the gospel, opening the doors of the church to Samaritans and an official of the Queen of Ethiopia.

Men of Good Reputation, Full of the Spirit, and Wise hurch growth created issues for the early church. A particular group, Hellenistic widows, in the church in Jerusalem were underserved. The apostle's wisdom called for the people of the church to solve the problem by selecting men of specific character to serve in a special capacity. One of the men, Stephen, was called upon by God to be the first martyr of the church, setting the stage for the church to expand outside of Jerusalem.

A New Community Under New Authority The community of believers was functioning as God intended to the point that the Jewish officials (the Sanhedrin) were losing the respect of the people for their position as religious authority. The Holy Spirit was working signs and wonders through the apostles that drew crowds to hear the gospel and establish the apostle's authority in the rapidly growing church.

Challenge to Authority The authority of the Jewish elders, priests, and scribes, known as the Sanhedrin, faced a challenge to their authority from the apostles. They were accused of rejecting and condemning the very Messiah prophesied by the prophets. The Sanhedrin attempted to stop the apostles from preaching, teaching in the name of Jesus, but their response not only failed, but promoted the spread of the name of Jesus as the Messiah.

Undeniable Restoration and Refreshment   The work of God, through the Spirit in the name of Jesus, moves to the gate leading to the temple where a no-name beggar, lame from birth, is healed to the wonder and amazement of the crowd. Peter healed him in the name of Jesus, which drew a crowd to hear Peter preach his second recorded gospel sermon, and many believed. The church now numbered 5,000 men.

The Power of the Holy Spirit Arrives   At the celebration of the annual Jewish festival, Pentecost, Jews of many languages from many cities, provinces, and nations were gathered to thank God for His provision of the harvest. The Holy Spirit manifests itself on Jesus' disciples this day, giving them the ability to speak in languages they did not know, appearing as tongues of fire. Peter delivers the first gospel message to this crowd and 3,000 believe the message, repent, are baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' Kingship and Command At his ascension to heaven, Jesus revealed His immediate plan for continuing His work and eternal vision for His church. Beginning with about 120 men and women disciples in Jerusalem, this led to the explosive growth by the power of the Holy Spirit to include all people on earth.