The Gleanings: A Podcast of IBC - Beulah

Have you heard the expression, “my own worst enemy”?  In our daily lives, do we recognize the enemy within?  What do we do with indwelling sin?  Where do we find hope for the battle?  Find out on today’s episode of The Gleanings.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Kris Lundgaard, The Enemy Within: Straight Talk about the Power and Defeat of Sin (P&R Publishing: 2023)

Do you know the story behind our national anthem?  What does “The Star-Spangled Banner” have to do with a hostage-recovery mission?  Let's learn about Francis Scott Key, his three arenas of duty, and the writing of America's National Anthem in today’s episode of the Gleanings!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories (Thomas Nelson: 2003)

You’ve heard of Restless Leg Syndrome, but what about Restless Heart Syndrome?  Do you find that you have a restless heart?  How and where do our restless hearts find real, true rest?  Let us consider this quote from Augustine's Confessions as answer to these questions on today’s episode of the Gleanings.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Saint Augustine, Confessions (Penguin Classics: 1961)

When the journey of your life leads you to and through fiery trials – what song will be found upon your lips?  What precious promises will be your strength and your hope?  When the mind is wearied with sorrow, songs confessing our confidence in solid gospel truths can see us through the night!  Let us consider one such song in today’s episode of the Gleanings -- How Firm a Foundation!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories (Thomas Nelson: 2003)

In a fallen world that can be quite discouraging and full of discomfort, where do we as Christians find our comfort in life and death?  This question begins the more than 100 questions of the Heidelberg Catechism.  Let’s take a look at the comfort of a Christian on this week’s episode of The Gleanings!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:You can find the Heidelberg Catechism online or in print from numerous sources.

What does it look like to live a life that depends on the provision of God?  Certainly this looks different in everyone’s context – but are there examples of people whose lives are undeniably marked by both prayer and God’s answers to those prayers?  Let us consider the life of George Müller on today’s episode of the Gleanings!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)George Müller, The Autobiography of George Müller (Whitaker House: 1996)Roger Steer, George Müller: Delighted in God (Christian Focus: 2015)Roger Steer, Spiritual Secrets of George Müller (Harold Shaw Publishing: 1992) - based on his journalsJohn Piper, 27 Servants of Sovereign Joy: Faithful, Flawed, and Fruitful (Crossway: 2022)

Have you ever felt “prone to wander” from the God you love?  If we are honest, we have all felt the slow fade of our spiritual fervor, and with that, our nearness and love for God.  What kind of petitions might we offer and to what hope might we cling?  Let’s consider a song that offers both on today’s episode of the Gleanings. Let's learn about Robert Robinson's hymn "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessings."For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories (Thomas Nelson: 2003)

What comes to your mind when you think of discipleship? What comes to your mind when you think of fitness? Rarely do we see these two terms in connection, but let’s consider how these terms connect in today’s episode of the Gleanings! We will be thinking this idea of Complete Discipleship or "full spectrum fitness." That is to say we consider all the domains of our lives that contribute to our ability to endure and face all the challenges that life throws at us… The four categories we will consider are: Physical fitness, mental fitness, social fitness, and spiritual fitness.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcast

We have often heard the phrase, “The last full measure of devotion” in relation to those who give their lives in the service of their country.  Join us today as we consider someone who gave the last full measure of devotion for the greater country, an eternal one – a city whose foundations were laid by God.  Today we briefly consider the life of Perpetua on the Gleanings!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)

Where does knowing God begin?  What does it mean for us to know Him?  Is He an object merely to be studied as one would study any other thing?  Is there more to our “knowing God” than just familiarity with platitudes?  Let’s consider this topic of knowing God as described by A.W. Tozer in today’s episode of the Gleanings!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God (Moody Publishers: 2015)

What songs do you sing to help you in the battle of the Christian Life?  When the stressors of this life squeeze you and entice you, what keeps you pressing forward in the battle? Let’s take a moment to consider one such hymn on today’s episode of the gleanings: "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?"For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories (Thomas Nelson: 2003)

Where do Martyrdom and Chocolate connect? Where did Valentine’s Day come from? Let’s find out about love worth dying for in today’s church history snapshot on the Gleanings.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)Cheryl Odden, Valentine: God's Courageous Evangelist (Voice of the Martyrs: 2020)

Do you struggle at times to pray? I know I do!  What can we do when we face motivational deficiencies?  Perhaps taking some to consider the great privilege of prayer may be a help – join us as we discuss this today on the Gleanings!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Edited by David B. MacKinnon, Refreshment for the Soul: A Year of Daily Devotional Readings from the ‘Heavenly Doctor’ Richard Sibbes (Banner of Truth: 2022)

Have you ever heard the song of the Neander-Thal?  It is a hymn that many are familiar with, but what do we know of the author?  Listen to today's Church History Snapshot about Joachim Neander's 1680 hymn, "Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty" and find out more!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories (Thomas Nelson: 2003)

How do we see the doctrine of effectual calling in C.S. Lewis' fictional work, "The Silver Chair"? Today we will consider a scene from that book and how it points to these Scriptural truths.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair, vol. 4 of 7 (HarperCollins: 1994)

In today's episode, we are considering a "Quotation for Cogitation" from William Gurnall's "The Christian in Complete Armour." As we "soldier on" in the Christian life, we must remember that it is "God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). Let us consider the power of God as (1) the Author; (2) the Finisher; and (3) the One at work within us.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour, Vols. 1-3 (Banner of Truth: 1990)Dane Ortlund, Deeper: The Real Change For Sinners (Crossway: 2021)

As we begin this New Year, it is naturally a time to reflect and “take stock” of our spiritual condition. And as we think about a "New Year" today we reflect on the "newness" of regeneration. Join us as we reflect on 5 "New" things about being made new: you have a new birth; you are a new creation; you are a new man, with a new heart and new nature! Happy New Year!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Charles Leiter, Justification and Regeneration, 2nd Ed (Granted Ministries Press: 2009)

Do you have a "rule" for daily living? By what kind of principles do you structure your life? One pastor, instrumental in the generation following the start of the Reformation, sought to pass on to his son 10 Rules for living. Listen to today's Church History Snapshot about Heinrich Bullinger's rules for daily living and how we too can live by similar principles.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)

In today's Church History Snapshot, we consider the life, suffering, and execution of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In a time when the visible church was struggling with stagnancy and compromise on biblical truths, and when many Christians went along with atrocities committed against entire people groups, Dietrich Bonhoeffer stood up and stood out as shining light in the midst of darkness. Join us as we consider Bonheoffer's willingness to fight for the Bride of Christ; his opposition against wicked government and those who went along with it; his imprisonment and execution; and Bonheoffer's focus.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)Eric Metals, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (Thomas Nelson: 2020)Janet & Geoff Benge, Dietrich Bonhoeffer: In the Midst of Wickedness - Christian Heroes: Then & Now (YWAM Publishing: 2012)Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship (Touchstone: 1995)Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together (HarperOne: 1978)Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letter and Papers from Prison (Fortress Press: 2015)RADIO THEATRE: Paul McCusker, Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom (Focus on the Family Radio Theatre: 1997)aMOVIE: Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace, Directed by Eric Till, Christian History Institute Video

What was the heartbeat of the Protestant Reformation? One key principle was "Soli Deo Gloria" -- what does that mean and why does it matter today? Join us as we discuss the drumbeat of the Christian life -- for God's Glory Alone. We will consider what the phrase means, how the glory of God is unfolded in the Scriptures, and how we can live for God's glory today.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:David Vandrunen, God's Glory Alone: The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life (Zondervan Academic: 2015)Paul Tautges, Remade: Embracing Your Complete Identity in Christ (P&R: 2023)

What was the heartbeat of the Protestant Reformation? One key principle was "Solus Christus" -- what does that mean and why does it matter today? Join us as we discuss the doctrine of salvation through Christ alone through three lines of thinking: (1) the elements of Solus Christus (the exclusivity of His person and sufficiency of His work); (2) Solus Christus in the Reformation; and (3) the importance of Solus Christus today.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Stephen Wellum, Christ Alone: The Uniqueness of Jesus as Savior (Zondervan Academic: 2017)John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied (Eerdmans: 2015)

What was the heartbeat of the Protestant Reformation? One key principle was "Sola Fide" -- what does that mean and why does it matter today? Join us as we discuss the doctrine of salvation through faith alone from a historical perspective, sola fide defined, and some key biblical passages which speak of sola fide.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Thomas Schreiner, Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification (Zondervan Academic: 2015)Brian Vickers, Justification by Grace through Faith: Finding Freedom from Legalism, Lawlessness, Pride, and Despair (P&R: 2013)R.C. Sproul, Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification (Baker: 2017)

What was the heartbeat of the Protestant Reformation? One key principle was "Sola Gratia" -- what does that mean and why does it matter today? Join us as we discuss how the doctrine of salvation by grace alone was recovered in the reformation, grace defined biblically, and grace explored in Ephesians 2:1-10.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Carl Trueman, Grace Alone: Salvation as a Gift of God (Zondervan Academic: 2017)Kevin DeYoung, Grace Defined and Defended: What a 400-Year-Old Confession Teaches Us about Sin, Salvation, and the Sovereignty of God (Crossway: 2019)

What was the heartbeat of the Protestant Reformation? One key principle was "Sola Scriptura" -- what does that mean and why does it matter today? Join us as we discuss how Scripture is our final authority, our inerrant authority, and our sufficient authority.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Matthew Barrett, God's Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture (Zondervan Academic: 2016)R.C. Sproul, Scripture Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine (P&R: 2013)Don Kistler (editor), Sola Scriptura: The Protestant Position on the Bible (Ligonier Ministries: 2009)Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, 2nd Ed (Zondervan Academic: 2020)B.B. Warfield, The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible (P&R: 2020, reprint)

What comes to mind when you hear the date October 31st?  Is it Reformation Day??  Why is this day so important to Protestant Christians and to the history of the church? Find out in today's Church History Snapshot, we consider Martin Luther's contribution to the Protestant Reformation!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:R.C. Sproul and Stephen J. Nichols, The Legacy of Luther (Ligonier Ministries: 2016)Roland H Bainton, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther (Abingdon Press: 2013, reprint)Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)Steven J Lawson, The Heroic Boldness of Martin Luther (Ligonier Ministries: 2013)MOVIES: Luther, Directed by Eric Till, MGM VideoTorchlighters, The Martin Luther Story, a product of Voice of the Martyrs

In the midst of Pastor Appreciation Month, we take some time to (a) mention the joy it is serve as Pastors at IBC and (b) share some reflections on four faithful pastors that have challenged and shaped Pastors Jeremy and Phil.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcast

In today's Church History Snapshot, we consider the life of Captain Allen Francis Gardiner and the missionary conviction which drove his life. We will consider his upbringing, his conversion and calling, the setbacks and opposition he met along the way, and his perseverance regardless of seeing no apparent fruit of his mission.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)

In today's Church History Snapshot, we consider the life of William Tyndale - one of our favorite figures from the Reformation era–and we will consider the great cost and some of the great privileges and responsibilities of having the Scriptures in our own language.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)Brian H Edwards, God's Outlaw: The Story of William Tyndale and the English Bible (Evangelical Press: 1976)Steven Lawson, The Daring Mission of William Tyndale (Ligonier Ministries: 2015)

In today's Church History Snapshot, we enjoy a fun consideration from colonial New England and the struggle common to us all -- the struggle to stay awake during long and "ponderous sermons." We will enjoy a laugh and hear a story about a snoozer and a woodchuck.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)

In today's Church History Snapshot, we consider the godly heritage of spirited and determined personalities in the Watts Family. We consider the lives of "Grandpa Watts," Isaac Watts Sr, and Isaac Watts Jr (the famous hymn writer). What are the personality qualities or talents that God has entrusted to you - and to your family members - that can be shepherded into a life glorifying God?For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)

How can we share our testimony in biblically faithful ways?  What does it practically look like? Today's episode is Part 2 of a 2 part discussion surrounding the idea of our "testimony." In this episode, we are discussing (a) keeping the focus on Christ, (b) having honesty in our past, (c) having honesty in our present, and (d) having hope for our futureFor information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcast

Have you ever been asked to share your testimony? What does that mean? Is that a biblical concept? This is Part 1 of a 2 part discussion surrounding the idea of our "testimony." In today's episode, we are discussing (a) the Old and New Testament words related to testimony and witness; (b) that to which people in the Bible "bore witness;" (c) how the Greek word for "witness" became tied to the English word "martyr"; and (d) introducing Part 2 of our discussion about how to share our personal testimony. For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:G.D. Taylor, Lexham Theological Wordbook, "Testimony" (Lexham Press: 2014)

Today we are considering a "Quotation for Cogitation" - something that we have come across that made us think. This quote also comes from a collect of daily readings from C.S. Lewis. In this quote, Lewis addresses the way God often interrupts our false ideas of happiness so that He may give us a more lasting joy. In this episode we also consider a precious prophecy about the Lord Jesus and both biblical and modern day examples of those who have modeled this.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:C.S. Lewis, The Business of Heaven: Daily Readings (HarperOne: 2017)Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed (Banner of Truth: 2021)

Today we are considering a "Quotation for Cogitation" - something that we have come across that made us think. This quote is from a collect of daily readings from C.S. Lewis. In this quote, Lewis addresses how our desires are often weak when it comes to eternal things because we are too easily pleased with temporal things. We will consider also how to cultivate your desires for eternal things.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:C.S. Lewis, The Business of Heaven: Daily Readings (HarperOne: 2017)

In today's Church History Snapshot, we look at the life of John Craig and the strange and creative providences which worked to his deliverance. We will note (1) his willingness to die for what he believed, (2) that string of providences, (3) how God's interventions were not wasted, and (4) examples of providence from both the Scriptures and our own lives. Stick through to the end to hear an amazing story from Phil's time in Kenya.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)

What does Latin have to do with your daily life and motivation? In today's episode we consider four Latin phrases, phrases from this dead language, that may inspire you to live more fully, more faithfully, and more fruitfully: memento mori, memento vivere, carpe diem, and coram Deo.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, The Practice of the Presence of God (ICS Publications: 1994)

In today's Church History Snapshot, we look at the life of Wilfred Grenfell, a life lived "in the glorious indulgence" of those things which he loved so much! We are looking at how to rightly order our "loves" in submission to the one great love.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)

How do we see the doctrines of regeneration and sanctification in C.S. Lewis' fictional work, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader"? Today we will consider a scene from that book and how it points to these Scriptural truths.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the 'Dawn Treader,' vol. 5 of 7 (HarperCollins: 1994)

Today we are considering a "Quotation for Cogitation" - something that we have come across that made us think. This quote is from Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Daily Devotional. We examine Hebrews 12:25-29, read the quote from Spurgeon, and share some thoughts. The focus is on unshakeable things in a shakeable world.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Charles Spurgeon, Mornings & Evenings: A New Edition of the Classic Devotional (Crossway: 2003)

In today's Church History Snapshot, we look at 3 unnamed Korean laborers who labored to bring the Gospel to unreached Korea in the 1880's. As we reflect on their lives, we will consider (1) God's sovereignty in salvation, (2) a love of God, His Word, and for People, and (3) zealous seed sowing. For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)Brother Andrew, God Smuggler (Chosen Books: 2015)Brother Andrew, Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ (Revell: 2008)

In today's episode we are introducing a new topic of conversation, "Redemptive Fiction." The best stories, the most enduring and endearing stories, have elements of THE story within them. Today we are going to consider several of the categories by which we can consider the elements of "The story" within stories:(1) Allegory(2) Clear 1-to-1(3) Fantastical Fiction with Christian themes(4) Virtues and Elements of "The Story" which show up in secular fiction(5) Opportunities for discussion when worldviews collide(6) Connection points for evangelism in secular fictionFor information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:Don Richardson, Eternity in their Hearts (Bethany House: 2006)Nancy Pearcey, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity (Crossway: 2008)

Today we look at Part 2 of a 2 episode consideration of the dangers of spiritual idolatry. In today's episode, we are also considering a "Quotation for Cogitation" from William Gurnall's "The Christian in Complete Armour." The two points examined are: (1) a Christian’s call to service includes putting sin to death; and (2) you must make war, not deals, with your idols.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour, Vols. 1-3 (Banner of Truth: 1990)

Today we look at Part 1 of a 2 episode consideration of the dangers of spiritual idolatry. In today's episode, we are laying a broad biblical framework for understanding the concept of idolatry in (1) the Old Testament, (2) the New Testament, and (3) relation to our identity.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:G.K. Beale, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry (IVP: 2008)

In today's Church History Snapshot, we consider a few life lessons from a letter of Isaac Watts Sr who, while in prison, wrote 8 charges to his 11 year old son. In these charges, Watts Sr. speaks of (1) the Word of God; (2) prayer to God; (3) Hope in the Gospel of God; (4) Serving God; (5) Worshiping God; (6) the Truth of God; (7) Suffering for God; and (8) Duty to God in Obeying Authorities.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010)

What does it look like to be #blessed? In today's episode, we take a look at Psalm 1 and vital role that "delights" and "disciplines" play in developing the direction of our lives.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcast

Today we are considering a "Quotation for Cogitation" - something that we have come across that made us think. This quote is from William Gurnall's 3 volume exposition of Ephesians 6:10-20, "The Christian in Complete Armour." In this episode, we are reflecting on (1) the Divine Commission from our Divine Captain; (2) the Testimony of our Fellow Soldiers; and (3) the Crowd of Witnesses cheering us onward!For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour, Vols. 1-3 (Banner of Truth: 1990)William Gurnall, Daily Readings from the Christian in Complete Armour (Moody Publishers: 2015) [Edited by James Bell Jr.]

Today we are considering a "Quotation for Cogitation" - something that we have come across that made us think. This quote is from J. C. Ryle in the ESV Church History Study Bible comment on Luke 13:1-5. In the quote, we hear the importance of sharing though words, but sharing them in love.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:ESV Church History Study Bible (Crossway: 2023).

In today's Church History Snapshot, we consider 5 life lessons from William Grimshaw's faithful life of ministry in an obscure town. Specifically we consider (1) the eternal difference between knowing Christ and merely being part of the visible church; (2) the importance of faithfully serving - even in obscurity - unto God and not personal fame; (3) having an eternal focus; (4) heartache over a worldly son; and (5) faithful speaking the gospel truth unto his death.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010).

In today's Church History Snapshot, we consider a few life lessons from Athanasius' commitment to Defend the Faith. Specifically we consider that (1) Defending the faith is a call to all Christians; (2) Defending the right things calls us to "Theological Triage;" and (3) Defending the truth often costs us something -- requiring "Ministry Moxie."For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResource mentioned in today's episode:Robert Morgan, On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes (Thomas Nelson: 2010).Albert Mohler Jr., A Call For Theological Triage and Christian Maturity (https://albertmohler.com/2005/07/12/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity).Gavin Ortlund, Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage (Crossway: 2020).

One of the most common questions asked in counseling is "How can I change?" Today we take a look at Romans 12:1-2 and consider how Paul paints the path to transformation: (1) it Commences with Mercy; (2) it Compels Complete Sacrifice; (3) it Contrasts with Worldly Conformity; and (4) it is Catalyzed by a Renewed Mind.For information on Immanuel Baptist Church, visit https://ibcbeulah.comFor more information on "The Gleanings," visit https://ibcbeulah.com/podcastResources mentioned in today's episode:John Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress (Pinguin Classics: 2009)William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour (Banner of Truth: 1990)John Owen, Spiritual Mindedness (Banner of Truth: 2021)