Disciple Radio

Click the icon below to listen.

What if real confidence isn’t thinking more of yourself—but finally seeing yourself the way God does?

Composer Conner Savoca talks about his path from the earliest music lessons to scoring recent episodes like “This Is My Story.” Conner honors the legacy of Odyssey’s music while adding his own voice. Plus: a preview of the upcoming episode “Accountability, Please”

On this episode, David Wollen and Dane Ortlund explore why Christ’s compassion for sinners and sufferers does not shrink in our weakness—but instead draws even nearer in the very moments we need Him m

Selflessness doesn’t come naturally; our sinful nature is hardwired to look out for number one. But in reality, selflessness is crucial to our own survival, as well as the survival of others. Today on Pathway to Victory, Dr. Robert Jeffress looks at several people from Scripture who illustrate the importance of putting others first.   To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.

You’re trying to stay strong—for your family, your church, your calling. But the cracks are showing, and you’re not sure what to do with them. Dave Harvey, author of The Clay Pot Conspiracy: God's Plan to Use Weakness in Leaders, flips the script: what if your weakness isn’t the problem—but the point? This conversation digs into purpose within suffering and failure, and finding real strength where you least expect it. Show Notes and Resources Get Dave Harvey’s book The Clay Pot Conspiracy: God’s Plan to Use Weakness in Leaders at revdaveharvey.com Subscribe to Dave Harvey’s Tenacious Tuesday devotional and ongoing resources at revdaveharvey.com/Tenacious-Tuesday Become a monthly partner with FamilyLife Today — your gift is matched for a full year (double your impact!)  Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com. Follow us on all social platforms: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Find resources from our podcast at shop.familylife.com. Download FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

For the last few weeks we've been in Genesis, and we're spending a considerable amount of time in chapter three, which of course is where the fall of man and the curse are described for us.  We don't want you to miss God's message of grace, even in the midst of the Curse. Though there would be judgment for Adam and Eve, there's also the hope of salvation and forgiveness to cling to.

Prayer is one of the most powerful gifts a parent can give to their children. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson shares a classic conversation with Pastor Jack Hayford about the discipline of praying specifically and faithfully for your family. Pastor Jack offers a deeply moving account of how his father prayed for his children five times a day, and the remarkable fruit it bore.

Chip continues this message on developing and deploying your spiritual gifts.Broadcast ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional ResourcesTake The Real You AssessmentConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

We all have a stubborn streak, especially when our personal plans conflict with God's. In desperation inside the great fish, Jonah turned to the Lord, confessing his sin. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shows us what God was doing in Jonah by listening to his prayer. Are we desperate for God now, or will we wait for God to make us desperate? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/  <span class= "EOP SCXW138557294

When the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, panic spread quickly through the camp. Yet Moses gave a powerful command: “Do not fear. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” In this encouraging message, Pastor Jeff Schreve explains how real faith believes God, obeys God, and experiences the power of God. When you take that step of faith and trust His promises, you’ll begin to see God move in ways you never thought possible.

When the pressure mounts and the tank runs dry, Paul has four anchors that will hold you.  Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe brings a message with a word straight from 2 Timothy … Power, Purpose, Person, and Presence.  These aren’t just theological concepts.  They’re lifelines for the moments when keeping going feels impossible ... listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe. Bold Steps Gift: Strong in Battle: Why the Humble Will PrevailBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helping you connect with God. Every day. Every way.  Read along with today’s devotional: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/joy-from-jesus  Want to get Our Daily Bread’s daily devotionals delivered to your inbox or mailbox? Subscribe for free here: https://odbm.org.   Our Daily Bread Ministries helps millions of people connect with God each day. For more than 75 years, our purpose has remained the same: to reach people with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.   All Scripture from the New International Version, unless otherwise noted.  SUPPORT Our Daily Bread Your generous support helps us make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to people around the world. https://donations.ourdailybread.org/intm9.html?motivation=INTM9  More Podcasts from Our Daily Bread: Discover the Word: https://www.discovertheword.org God Hears Her: https://www.godhearsher.org/podcast  Ways To Connect With Us:  Facebook: https://facebook.com/ourdailybread ​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdailybread/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ourdailybread​ Print Subscription: https://odb.org/getprint​ App: https://odb.org/mobile-resources​ Web: https://odbm.org  #ourdailybread #dailydevotional #bible 

God has a plan for your life, and He desires for you to discover and obey it.Donate: https://store.intouch.org/donate/generalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It would be strange to walk up to an apple tree expecting to pick a sweet, juicy apple, only to find a shriveled up, moldy lemon! The fruit your life produces comes from what’s inside.As our thanks for your gift of any amount this month:Called to Thrive: Finding Freedom, Fullness, & Fruitfulness in Christ.Drawing from Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s biblical teaching, Called to Thrive takes you through three life-giving themes: freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness—each grounded in Scripture, each deeply practical.Give today

Do you have a problem with that verse in the Lord’s prayer where it says […]

There has never been a more confusing time to figure out how to eat to be sustainably healthy. It’s not that advice is lacking; it’s that there’s way too much of it. Sisters Pearl and Serene, who are behind the Trim Healthy Mama movement, will talk about The 7 Skills to Lasting Health. Hear about a practical path forward for diet, exercise, and overall health on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:The 7 Skills to Lasting Health by Pearl Barrett & Serene Allison May thank you gift:Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms by Jon Gauger Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here. Become a monthly Back Fence Partner or increase your monthly gift between May 25-29 and your first month's gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's important to start a race well. It's even more important to finish well. Wednesday on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us chart a course for a successful Christian life over the long haul. Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” – but do we really live like we believe that all work matters to the church? Matt Rusten will help us see what a faithful life at work looks like. Be encouraged to represent Christ while doing your daily work when you join us for Equipped with Chris Brooks. Featured resource:Pastoring for Monday by Matt Rusten May thank you gift:Raising Daughters: A Christian Mom's Guide for the Lifelong Journey by September McCarthy Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here.Become a Monthly Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/equipped/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington Watch Reporter Mary Stackhouse reports on the elections in Texas, the U.S. Department of Justice's request to lift an injunction that paused the progress on the White House's East Wing construction project, and a court ruling blocking

Welcome to Church Spotlight, heard exclusively on the Disciple Radio Network. Each week at this time, we feature a rotating lineup of Bible teachers from select churches throughout our listening area.This week:Camas Valley Christian Fellowship - Travis Hunt

The romantic love story of Isaac and Rebekah continues. Abraham’s servant has been sent back to their home country to choose a wife for his son, Isaac. The way the servant finds God’s choice for a wife paints a beautiful parallel to how God sends His Spirit into the world today to seek out and capture the affection of God’s bride, the church.

A father asks his two sons to go and do something. One son says, “Yes sir!” The other son says, “No way!” Which of the two sons did what their father asked? Pastor Colin talks about why what matters is not what you say, but what you do.

Running from God never leads to freedom. Dr. Tony Evans explores Jonah’s story and shows why rebellion always comes with consequences.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that determination means staying faithful. Staying committed to Christ, trusting in His plan, and continuing to obey Him no matter what, is the real discipline of determination.

Would you like to have more knowledge and wisdom to better understand your purpose in life? Well, these answers aren’t hidden or limited to some special group. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro shares how these treasures of wisdom are freely available in Christ.

Jesus invites us to move from conversion to commitment. Just take the disciples for example. They started out skeptical and confused but became fully devoted believers and bold evangelists for the Gospel! On this episode of Know The Truth, Pastor Philip profiles another one of Jesus’ disciples.

What if the only thing standing between you and a breakthrough is the moment you feel most like giving up?

For some people, history is a boring subject. And while not all of us were destined to be history buffs, most of us at the very least recognize its value. Dr. Robert Jeffress encourages us to avoid the mistakes of past generations and use their experiences to make better choices.   To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.

If you’re drowning in debt and someone offers a lifeline, make sure it’s not really an anchor. When debt feels overwhelming, it’s natural to look for a way out. And there are several options that sound helpful at first: debt consolidation, debt settlement, and debt management. But while those terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same—and they can lead to very different outcomes. Neile Simon, a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors (CCC), joined the show today to explain the differences and help listeners understand which approach best reflects both financial wisdom and biblical responsibility. Debt Consolidation: A Quick Fix With Real Risks Debt consolidation is often appealing because it rolls multiple debts into one new loan. Instead of making several payments to different creditors, you make one payment on the consolidation loan. That may sound simpler and, in some cases, reduce confusion. But Neile explains that these loans often come with interest rates between 15% and 22%, depending on your credit score. And while consolidation may feel like a fresh start, it does not necessarily solve the deeper problem. The biggest risk is that consolidation allows you to keep your credit card accounts open. If spending habits don’t change, many people end up running up new credit card balances while still owing on the consolidation loan. In other words, consolidation can turn one debt problem into two. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Debt freedom usually doesn’t come through a quick fix. It comes through steady, faithful steps over time. Debt Settlement: A Dangerous Path Another option people often hear about is debt settlement. These companies typically promise to negotiate with creditors so you can pay less than the full amount owed. But Neile warns that debt settlement can be misleading and financially damaging. In many cases, debt settlement companies require you to stop paying your creditors. That means your credit may be severely damaged, and the impact can be almost as serious as bankruptcy. There are other consequences as well. Any forgiven debt may be treated as taxable income, and you may receive a 1099-C at the end of the tax year. In addition, after a period of nonpayment, creditors may pursue legal action, which could result in liens on property or wage garnishment, depending on your state. For Christians, there’s also a biblical concern. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back.” While every situation requires wisdom and compassion, Scripture calls us to take responsibility for what we owe whenever it is in our power to do so. Debt Management: A More Faithful Way Forward Debt management is different from both consolidation and settlement. Through a credit counseling agency like Christian Credit Counselors, you can enroll in a debt management program that helps you repay your debts in full while often reducing your interest rates and monthly payments. Instead of taking out a new loan, you make a single monthly payment to the credit counseling agency, which distributes it to each creditor in the program. The goal is not to avoid the

Outnumbered and outgunned, a soldier finds that his faith holds firm even when survival seems impossible. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson continues his inspiring conversation with decorated Army Ranger and veteran Jeff Struecker, who survived the deadliest battle in American military history since Vietnam. He shares how that harrowing night in Mogadishu ignited a lifelong calling to prepare others for eternity.

You have a God-given gift inside of you that has the power to give direction and purpose in your life. It can unlock personal freedom and give you a sense of deep affirmation of God’s own value of your life – why you matter to Him. Join Chip if you want to know how to discover this gift.Broadcast ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional ResourcesTake The Real You AssessmentConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Do you feel as though you are always carrying a load of responsibilities and work that keep you exhausted and frustrated? If that describes you, it could be because you’ve never learned how to say “no.” I often think about the difference between my lifestyle and that of my grandmother’s. She worked physically harder than I do, I’m sure, but her lifestyle was much simpler. Not easier but simpler. She never drove a car, was never a soccer mom, and had no time for much outside of her home except church. While I wouldn’t want to go back to that time, there are things I envy about her lifestyle. Our society has placed a yoke upon us through remote controls, computers, microwave ovens, smart phones, and now AI—to mention a few. As Alice Fryling puts it in her booklet “Too Busy? Saying No Without Guilt”: “Laptops, iPads and cell phones promise an easier life, but in reality they deliver increased stress and pressure. Physicians and psychologists tell us that our bodies are not designed for the constant input of our technological age, for being always ‘on.’ We need ‘down’ times when our adrenaline can subside, when we can muse and dream and be restored. But the God-given rhythms of day and night, work and rest, have been usurped by technological potential.”[1] Jesus said his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Ask yourself: “Whose yoke am I under: My own self-inflicted yoke of busyness, trying to please people, trying to multi-task and meet all my deadlines, or the yoke of Jesus, which is easy?” That doesn’t mean you’re never busy or tired; Jesus was often weary from the pressure of people and preaching and healing. But he knew when to say no and when to get away for rest. Learning to say “no” appropriately means learning when you must shut down for some time of restoration—a few hours, a day, a week. And yet, if you’re like me, you tend to feel guilty for taking down time when you still have things to do! This is false guilt; we need to recognize it and refuse to be in bondage to it. — [1] Fryling, A. (2002). Too Busy? Saying No Without Guilt [Review of Too Busy? Saying No Without Guilt]. IVP.

There's a heavy cost in trying to outrun God's sovereign plan. Even a prophet's defiance cannot stop God's work from moving forward. In this message, Pastor Lutzer provides four takeaways about God's will and our obedience. What if we laid down the weapons of a rebel for a yielded heart?  This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    <div cl

Fear can make even the strongest person feel trapped and overwhelmed. In this message, Pastor Jeff Schreve takes us to Exodus 13, where the Israelites found themselves caught between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s advancing army. Discover how God often allows impossible situations so His power can be clearly seen. When you remember that God has a plan and choose to trust Him, the place of your greatest fear can become the place of your greatest deliverance.

A slow leak is more dangerous than a blowout … because you don’t notice until you’re already flat.  Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe brings a timely word for anyone who’s been running on empty without quite knowing how it happened.  Drawing from Paul’s letter to a worn-out young Timothy, this message gets honest about spiritual exhaustion … and where to go when you’ve got nothing left ... Listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe. Bold Steps Gift: Strong in Battle: Why the Humble Will PrevailBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five beaches became bloody battlefields, and that became the turning point of World War II. It was D-Day, June 6, 1944 when the allied forces invaded those beaches on the coast of France and began to move against and tore Germany. Of course Nazi stronghold after Nazi stronghold fell to those advancing allied troops, but the war still dragged on. Finally, the allies smashed into Berlin; the war still was on. Eventually, it came down to a few blocks around Hitler's bunker, and finally only after Hitler's death, the surrender came. Then the war was over. There had been a lot of victories along the way, but the war wasn't over until the last stronghold surrendered. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Last Stronghold." Our word for today from the Word of God comes right out of the life of Abraham. He has walked with God many years at the time this happens. And now in Genesis 22, the ultimate test of his faith. "Some time later, God tested Abraham, He said to him, 'Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he replied. Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Man! Imagine this! This is the son God promised; this makes no sense. And yet, Abraham, with the son he deeply loves, marches up Mount Moriah with the knife in his hand, with the wood for the sacrifice altar. In fact it says, "Early the next morning Abraham got up, saddled his donkey, and took with him his son, Isaac." Now, as I pointed out, when this happens, Abraham has walked with God many years. He's sacrificed his security back in his homeland. He's taken many risks for the Lord. He's fought battles for the Lord. He's believed God over and over again. And now God takes him to the edge of faith and asks him to surrender the dearest treasure he's got - Isaac - the last stronghold. Here is Abraham with his love for God on one hand and his love for something earthly on the other hand, and he must choose. Do you see what he does? He's up early the next morning. I would at least slept till noon. But he's up early the next morning; instant, immediate response, obedience. Look, you've walked awhile with the Lord, and maybe you've fought battles for him and you've sacrificed some security for Him, you've taken some risks, you've believed Him. But now the Lord is coming to you to ask you to surrender your Isaac; to do whatever He chooses to do with it. God supplied a ram in the thicket for Abraham, and it did not cost him his son. But Abraham didn't know that when he made this walk. What's your Isaac? A lifetime ambition, a dream of being married, your career, a position you really want, some material expectations, maybe a child that's become too important to you, your ministry. God is looking for you to take back that contract you've asked Him to sign. At the bottom, you know, you've got the things the way you want them and at the bottom you want it signed GOD. No. He wants a blank piece of paper that you have signed. He'll write on it. Are you going to obey Him? He'll never do you wrong. He died for you. It's a crisis in Lordship. Today He's asking you to lower that flag that says "Mine" on the last stronghold and raise the flag that finally says "His," because if He can have this, He can have anything. Once you release to God what or who you love the most, God will release to you power and peace like you have never known before.

Helping you connect with God. Every day. Every way.  Read along with today’s devotional: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/acting-with-integrity  Want to get Our Daily Bread’s daily devotionals delivered to your inbox or mailbox? Subscribe for free here: https://odbm.org.   Our Daily Bread Ministries helps millions of people connect with God each day. For more than 75 years, our purpose has remained the same: to reach people with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.   All Scripture from the New International Version, unless otherwise noted.  SUPPORT Our Daily Bread Your generous support helps us make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to people around the world. https://donations.ourdailybread.org/intm9.html?motivation=INTM9  More Podcasts from Our Daily Bread: Discover the Word: https://www.discovertheword.org God Hears Her: https://www.godhearsher.org/podcast  Ways To Connect With Us:  Facebook: https://facebook.com/ourdailybread ​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdailybread/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ourdailybread​ Print Subscription: https://odb.org/getprint​ App: https://odb.org/mobile-resources​ Web: https://odbm.org  #ourdailybread #dailydevotional #bible 

Dr. Stanley uses the life of Saul to illustrate what happens when we choose to ignore God and go our own way.Donate: https://store.intouch.org/donate/generalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Pragmata’ surprises with its emotional father-daughter storyline. But trigger-pulling peril and foul language will keep younger players ducking.   Read the full review.   If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.

Ambushed by the enemy, Steven Elliott, an Army ranger, mistakenly fired the shots that killed fellow soldier and former NFL player Pat Tillman. In the aftermath, he fought remorse, depression, addiction, and PTSD that claimed his marriage, his faith---and nearly his life. Discover how he ultimately found forgiveness. Don’t miss a minute of this riveting discussion.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Memorial Day edition of Washington Watch, we feature excerpts from FRC's God and Government course taught by Tony Perkins, exploring the connection between biblical principles and American government. Today, with gratitude, we honor the

The Bible points out that sin is pleasurable for a season. But sin gives way to guilt, and guilt gives way to sorrow. Tuesday on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the better pathway. It's an inspiring study in the book of Nehemiah. Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Memorial Day brings feelings of gratitude for those who have given their lives for the freedom we enjoy. Author and director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Seminary, Dan Darling believes in biblical patriotism. Is it possible to love your country without making it an idol? Don’t miss Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:In Defense of Christian Patriotism by Daniel Darling May thank you gift:Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms by Jon Gauger Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here. Become a monthly Back Fence Partner or increase your monthly gift between May 25-29 and your first month's gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where is God in the midst of violence and terror? Chaplain and firefighter Bob Ossler made his way to Ground Zero to serve and comfort the horror-stricken in New York City following the attacks on September 11, 2001. On this Memorial Day edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks, he shares stories from first responders and shares God's comfort during times of trauma, violence, and loss. Featured resource:Triumph Over Terror by Bob Ossler and Janice Hall Heck  May thank you gift:Raising Daughters: A Christian Mom's Guide for the Lifelong Journey by September McCarthy Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here.Become a Monthly Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/equipped/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As our study of Genesis continues, we find Isaac grown and Abraham anxious to marry him off to a godly woman. The nearby Canaanites are idol worshippers, so Abraham sends his servant back home to find a suitable match. What happens next? Join us on the Bible Bus and find out.

If only you didn’t have this illness… if only you had a believing spouse… if only the circumstances of your life were different, then you’d finally be able to offer yourself fully to God. Pastor Colin talks about why this approach to life is an illusion.

“Lukewarm” isn’t really a desirable trait in, well, just about anything. After all, is there anyone who actually looks forward to a lukewarm cup of coffee in the morning? But when Jesus uses this word, what he has in mind is something far worse. In this message from Revelation 3, Pastor J.D. takes us through John’s last three letters to the churches. Though Jesus doesn’t have anything negative to say to the church at Philadelphia, he has plenty to say to the congregation of Laodicea, and it begins with his visceral reaction to their halfhearted Christianity. We, of course, have to be careful not to fall into the same trap: claiming the name of Jesus with our lips but living lives that are in no way distinct from the world.

Dr. Tony Evans explains why God’s plans are not limited by our perspective and how even doubt doesn’t disqualify us from His purposes.

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 32Hebrews 11:21 says, “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.”Many of us think self-sufficiency is a virtue, but truthfully, it is a vice. After deceiving his father to obtain his brother Esau’s birthright, Jacob was on the run for his life. God used this moment to cause Jacob to cease depending upon his own schemes. Jacob’s story reveals three principles to remember as we learn to lean on God.First, God will protect us, but He will not pamper us.In Genesis 32, Esau was pursuing Jacob with a vengeance. God appointed angels to protect Jacob on his journey, but Jacob needed to learn that his flattery and strategy would not work.Second, God will hurt us, but He will not harm us.Adrian Rogers explains, “God brought Jacob to realize that his only hope was God: not his scheming, but his surrendering; not his bargaining, but his begging.” As He loved Jacob, God loves us too much to leave us self-sufficient.Genesis 32:24-25 says, “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him.”Finally, God will break us, but He desires to bless us.Genesis 32:27-28 says, “So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”God gave Jacob a new name: no longer was Jacob a schemer or conniver; when he learned to lean on God, he became a prince, Israel.Following this encounter, Jacob was left with a limp. All his life, Jacob leaned upon his staff—but he was stronger with a limp than he ever would have been on his own two feet.Adrian Rogers says, “Men throw broken things away, but God never uses anything until He first breaks it.”Apply it to your lifeFailure doesn’t need to be final; if you’ll judge yourself, you won’t have to be judged. Lean on the Lord Jesus Christ; it is your worship by faith that really matters.