Brooklyn Tabernacle - Audio Sermons Feed: Recent Episodes
Brooklyn Tabernacle
We all love to be right. We argue and fight cultural and religious wars. But we must be aware of the hypocrisy and appearances all around us. The Bible shows us what living for Jesus really looks like. He's not a religious leader or a social-media sensation. Jesus has to be King of our hearts.
Many of us feel we have too much on our plates and too little time or resources. But we should give our needs to Jesus and be thankful for what we do have. Today let’s put everything in the hands of Jesus and watch Him do amazing things!
The account of five loaves and two fish feeding five thousand people is so special. That bread and fish was enough to feed everyone—and it came about because the disciples put what they had in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should do that too. We might think that we have nothing, but what we have is enough if the Lord has it in His hands.
People look for satisfaction in all kinds of places—a vacation in Bermuda, material things, a great time with friends. But after we enjoy these things, we’re still hungry. What we need is Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. When Jesus feeds us, we’re satisfied.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus prayed so much? Isn’t He the Son of God? Why would He need prayer? Because He wanted to spend time with God the Father. Jesus was busier on earth than we’ll ever be. But He made time. We have full schedules, but we can find time to be with God. Let’s pray and spend time with our Father today.
What are you struggling with today? Jesus sees you. He knows what you are going through, and He wants to help. The problems we face—even the trials that make us feel like we’re drowning—bring Jesus to us. All we have to do is let Him in. Jesus is faithful. Let’s seek His help today.
How often do we reach out to Jesus? People in the Bible did everything they could to get to Him—even just to touch His clothes. The faith in that action was enough to heal them. What happened to those who wouldn’t go the extra few steps? We don’t know if they got healing or not. Let’s learn from those who were filled with faith. Let’s get to Jesus.
The traditions of religion can be overwhelming—or even hurtful. We get so caught up in practices that we neglect what’s really important: our hearts. Instead of trying to keep all the traditions, what if we just focused on the Lord today? Let’s ask Him to give us tender hearts toward Him.
“Religion” can be an intimidating word. Many of us associate religion with rules, traditions, and unmeetable standards. But when Jesus saw people holding tightly to religious traditions—He said they invalidated God’s commands! Let’s focus more on obeying God and less on the expectations of others.
Most of us have heard about traditionally unclean foods. But what does God say about them? Are we supposed to follow the Old Testament food laws? Not according to Jesus. If we want to know what God is like, we should look at the face of Jesus—not at a law, a preacher, a leader, or an influencer. We can live a life that pleases God once we focus on Him.
Nobody says, “Let’s build a nice condo in the graveyard! I love to be near those tombs.” But that’s where a man Jesus met lived—driven away from social intercourse, from people, from love. Satan tries to isolate us too. “No one likes you at that church.” “That church is a joke.” But God says, “Don’t stop meeting together.” Thank God for the body of Christ.
Do you have to be special for God to work through you? No, He can use anyone at any moment! One way He does that is through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We don’t have to try being people we’re not. We can just be ordinary. God is not looking for ability—He is looking for availability. Let’s be available for the Spirit to fill us and for God to use us.
Life gets overwhelming sometimes. We have schedules to keep and bills to pay. But we can get so caught up in work that we forget that the Bible tells us to rest. God has given us this gift so we don’t burn out. Let’s make time to rest in the Lord today as we work for Him.
Many of us have hurtful family stories. The sons of King David were hurt too—and they became bitter. But unforgiveness can destroy lives. Roots of bitterness in our hearts will cause us to make choices we never imagined we would. There is no room in the Christian heart for bitterness. We must call on God today to help us forgive others!
None of us wants to keep living in sin. But we can’t solve the problem by ourselves. The good thing is, God is so wonderful and loving that He didn’t just save us and forgive us—He also promises to work in us as believers. God will replace all that is negative and hurtful with goodness and healing if we allow Him. Will you let Him do that today?
How do you feel when you get corrected? Herod certainly didn’t feel too happy about it when John the Baptist told him he was wrong. Instead, he blamed John and put him in prison. We too often try to find something wrong with the person correcting us, even when they’re right. Let’s be open to God warning us when something’s wrong in our lives.
Nobody wants to be told that they’re wrong. It’s not a very popular message! John the Baptist saw that firsthand. But we are called to speak the truth with love. If we love others, we should want to tell them the truth of the gospel! Let’s do it today.
We could change the world—if we would lean into the power of prayer like Paul did. When he was in prison, he wasn’t worried about how matters would work out. He knew that the Holy Spirit was helping him and that people were praying for him, so everything would be okay. What faith! Let’s start praying and trusting the Spirit today.
The disciples “went out and preached that people should repent” (Mark 6:12). But they didn’t yet understand the full message of the gospel—that repentance must be followed by believing in Jesus. Salvation isn’t just repentance, and it isn’t just believing. It’s both. Let’s repent of our sin and believe in Jesus to save us from sin today.
Nobody leaves behind his wallet, suitcase, and snacks before a trip. But that’s exactly what Jesus told His disciples to do! He gave them everything they needed, including spiritual authority. When we follow Jesus’ instructions, we are examples of His power.
We often hide what’s going on inside. We put on masks and act the part. But God sees what’s inside us. He is the Father of mercy and comfort—He wants to help us! Even now we can take what we are facing and let Him fix it. Let’s receive comfort from God and show it to others too.
Sometimes don’t see how God could solve our problems, so we say, “He can’t do it.” That’s what the people of Jesus’ hometown did. They were actually offended by the Lord’s homecoming because they doubted His ability and authority. But Jesus wants us to have faith like children. Let’s believe that He can do what He says He will.
We all have little problems piling up that bring us stress. Yet how often do we take them to God? Jesus cared enough about the little things to get food for a girl He had just brought back to life. Even our biggest problems are small to God. He can take care of our needs if we let Him.
Anytime we want to get involved in the work of the Lord, we will be attacked. That’s what happened to Nehemiah when he tried to rebuild the temple. He was opposed and mocked at every turn. But he knew what to do: “Don’t be afraid!” he told the people. “Remember the Lord, and fight!” God says the same thing to us today. Let’s be strong in the Lord and stay in the fight.
Do you think Jesus has favorites? Of course He loves everybody, but He often brought three specific disciples into His confidence, like he did when he healed Jairus’s daughter. If we’re going to grow in the Lord, we need to surround ourselves with friends of like spirit who will encourage us in our faith.
We all face circumstances that make us afraid. But fear is never God’s will for us. The Lord cares so much about us. He has the last word on everything! When Jairus’s little daughter was at the point of the death, Jesus told him five key words that we can implement still today: “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.”
Faith is nothing more than taking what’s offered to us. One woman in the Bible was incredibly ill, but she had so much faith in Jesus that she was healed just by touching the hem of His garment. What are you facing today? Take it to Jesus in prayer, and trust that the Lord will give you what you need.
Jesus is our good shepherd. He keeps us safe; He sees our needs; He welcomes us back if we stray. But we see people every day who are hurting and spiritually hungry, and worldly things will never fill their spiritual void. It’s up to us to point them to the good shepherd—the only One who can meet their needs.
God understands what we are going through. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can take any issue we have to a God who is empathetic. He has what we need to face any struggles—He just asks that we take our problems to Him. Let’s trust in something bigger than ourselves to take care of our needs.
Jesus is the answer to any problem we face. He overcomes every kind of evil—hate, racism, loneliness. As we see in the story of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5, no human force can restrain sin. Praise God, Jesus can break the power of sin!
If you saw a maniac become calm and sane, wouldn’t you want to follow the One who had healed him? But the crowds who witnessed that very miracle chose to run Jesus out of town. When people turn their backs on Jesus and say, “Get out,” He leaves. But wherever we invite Jesus, He will come. Let’s invite Jesus into our lives today.
Sometimes, we all need a breakthrough in our lives. Jacob found blessing and breakthrough by wrestling with God. But as Christians, we don’t have to wrestle with the Lord. He has made His home in our hearts! Today let’s surrender to God and be blessed.
We don’t have to be theologians to tell someone our testimonies. When Jesus freed a man from demon possession, He told him to stay home and tell everyone his story. Our testimonies are irrefutable! No one can say, “I don’t see it that way.” Let’s tell somebody today what Jesus has done for us.
The ultimate deception is going by the feeling of truth. Faith is not about feeling. Let us not be like King Herod, who felt a stirring in his spirit but didn’t change anything. May we act on our faith in Jesus Christ our Savior!
God lives within us. Why? Because we need Him to rule our hearts every day, 24/7, 365. Our words and actions can be evil if we do not let Jesus be King of our hearts. Let’s ask the Lord to work in our lives today.
How often we give up on our prayers when we don't get the immediate answer we want. But the Lord loves persistent faith and prayer! The Bible tells us to keep asking and seeking. May we continually bring our prayers to Him.
Some of us aren’t sure if Jesus can really heal. Others of us might be afraid to bother Him. But Jesus wants us all to come to Him. Through the faith-filled actions of a religious leader and a chronically ill woman, we see how God honors every kind of faith—even when it isn’t perfect. May we have the bold faith to touch Jesus and let Him touch us.
Do we believe that God is capable of doing the impossible? We often put Him in a box and expect Him to act in certain ways. But we shouldn’t picture in our minds what we want God to do. Instead we should say “Come, Jesus, come.” Let’s welcome the Lord into our lives today and see what He will do.
In the midst of a terrible storm, the disciples panicked. But when they awakened Jesus, He said, “Why don’t you have any faith?” When Jesus tells us that we’re going to the other side of the lake, we are going to get to there. How encouraging that is! We will make it until Jesus comes again, as long as He’s in the boat with us.
When we sow the seed of the gospel, the results might look insignificant. But look what the Christian church has grown into since Jesus planted the gospel in people’s hearts! Lives by the millions have been changed. Thank God for the church of Jesus Christ. Let’s enjoy its fellowship this week, and let’s continuing sowing the seed of the good news.
Too often our Bible reading is looking for verses to back up what we already believe. But just as Jesus taught the disciples privately what His parables meant, so we need to ask the Spirit of Jesus, “Open my heart. Teach me what Your Word means.” We all understand in part. Let’s take time to search the Word and let the Holy Spirit teach us.
If a farmer sowed his seed but then dug it up after two weeks because nothing was coming up, he would ruin it. When we sow the seed of the gospel, we water it with prayer. God shines on it by His power. Then, mysteriously, the seed starts growing. Who are you praying for today? Don’t quit! The seed is germinating within hearts. Soon we’re going to see a harvest.
Too often we don’t use what God has given us. We don’t give, serve, share, shine our lights. But Jesus said that if we use what we have, more will be given us—and if we don’t use it, it will be taken away. It’s God’s reverse welfare. Whatever God has blessed us with, let’s use it, share it, shine it, go after it, and more will be given to us.
“Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” What does that mean? Jesus is represented on earth today by the Holy Spirit. If we reject the Spirit’s conviction, His voice, His work in our lives, then there’s nothing left except eternity without God. Let’s enjoy the presence and power of the Holy Spirit and be wide open to all He wants to do in our lives.
Who is closest to Jesus? In Mark 3, it wasn’t His mother or His brothers. It was whoever did God’s will. That means obeying the Word of God and also following the personal, individual promptings of His Holy Spirit. Do we want to be in intimate, close, fellowship with Jesus? Then let’s, by His grace, do God’s will.
“Pay close attention to what you hear.” That’s what Jesus said. Every time we pick up the Bible, go to church, read a spiritual book, we should pray, “Oh, God, give me ears to hear.” Why? Because when we really listen, God will teach us more. Let’s listen carefully today!
Whatever God gives us is for other people. That’s why Jesus said, “A lamp isn’t put under a basket! It’s put on a stand, where its light can shine.” What are we doing with the light God has given us? He teaches us so we can teach others. He encourages us so we can encourage others. Let’s let our light shine today, in Jesus’ name.
Some Christians are more interested in rules than in people getting saved. “Do you keep the Sabbath?” “You can’t wear makeup.” “How often do you take communion?” But Jesus got upset with people who were stuck on the letter of the law but had no compassion in their hearts. Let’s not glorify the law. Instead, let’s give glory to Jesus and tell others of His love.
Jesus told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He was asking him to do what he couldn’t do. As the man stretched out the thing that was a limitation in him, he was healed. What’s holding you back today? Laziness, materialism, unforgiveness, a secret sin? Stretch it out in the name of Jesus today. He will set you free.
Jesus never promoted Himself. But large crowds followed Him anyway. They heard by word of mouth how He was doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. We do one thing for God, and we want everyone to know about it. Why don’t we just do good and help people and then seek obscurity? The more we give Jesus all the glory, the more the Holy Spirit will strengthen, bless, and help us.
Ron Hicks was sentenced to life in prison. But in that hopeless situation, he heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he was transformed by the power of God. After decades preaching Christ in prison, he was miraculously released. Now he asks us, “Is there anything too hard for God?” No matter our story, God can transform us in Jesus. There is nothing impossible with God.
The Word of God is all powerful. But Jesus said that thorns can choke it out and make us unfruitful. What are the thorns? “The worries of this life, deceitfulness of wealth and desires for other things.” Let’s pray, “Lord, don’t let worries and material desires crowd out what You want to do in my life.”
The Word of God is powerful. But if it’s going to bear fruit in our lives, it has to get into our hearts. As we read God’s Word each day, let’s pray, “God, help me to hear what You’re saying in that verse, and let it get deep inside me.” When the Word goes deep into the soil of our hearts, we’ll start seeing changes in our lives without even trying to make them happen.
Some people receive the Word of God with joy. But when trouble or persecution come, they give it up. They’re shallow. But God is always trying to take us deeper. Let’s open wide our hearts today and say, “Lord, let Your Word go deep within my heart.”
When Jesus called the twelve disciples, He didn’t choose anyone wealthy. No one trained religiously. No one strong or educated. He chose people with no aptitude—except an aptitude to make mistakes at first. Doesn’t that encourage us? God is not looking for ability. He is looking for availability. Let’s follow Jesus today.
We can read the Bible and never get to Jesus. But Jesus said, “He who has an ear, let him hear.” Hear what? What the living Christ is saying to us through the Word or by His Spirit. The Word is supposed to point us to Jesus Himself. Let’s ask the Lord today to tune our ears to hear Him speaking to us.
Life can get hectic. We can all relate to Martha in the New Testament, who was worried and upset preparing dinner while her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet. But Mary chose what is better. We can too. Let’s stop trying so hard to do everything right and instead take time to quiet our hearts and sit with Jesus. He wants to meet us and help us more than we know.
Jesus’ family didn’t understand His mission. When the Lord became so busy doing God’s will that He had no time to eat, His family tried to stop Him. Yes, we need balance and rest. But we also have to follow the will of God—and sometimes that means lots of work. Jesus didn’t get irate. He just kept doing what God had called Him to do. We can’t please everyone. Let’s keep doing what God wants us to do today
Disunity will hurt a church. Maybe even destroy it. That’s why Jesus said, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). Why then is Sunday morning at eleven, like Martin Luther said, the most segregated hour of the week? We can be unifiers, or we can be dividers. Let’s rejoice with everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.
Jesus is stronger than demons. In the name of Jesus, the strong man, Satan, can be bound so that people can be set free. Throughout church history, darkness has been invaded by light, not by people with a mental knowledge of the Bible who want to argue about doctrine, but by people who come in the power of the name Jesus. Let’s enjoy that victory today, in Jesus’ name.
When some people hear the Word of God, it doesn’t sink in. Satan quickly distracts them. “Nah, don’t listen to that. You don’t want to be a holy roller.” For the Word of God to bear fruit in our lives, it has to sink into our hearts through acceptance, meditation, and faith in Christ. Let’s not let Satan steal the Word of God from us today.
Jesus was constantly butting up against certain Old Testament teachings. “No, it doesn’t matter what you eat,” He told people. Instead, He taught, “I’m going to give you a new heart and mind.” That’s why He said new wine needs new wineskins. We don’t live by the old letter of the law. No. In Jesus Christ, we have new life.
Have you ever fasted? When we need more prayer, more Bible study, more waiting on God, more faith for victory over big mountains, fasting is appropriate as the Lord leads. How often? How regularly? Jesus didn’t say. But when we spend time with God and deny the physical world, the things of eternity will come closer to us.
Jesus was so famous so that He barely had time to eat. Why? Not by promoting Himself. Rather, because God was doing something new and powerful through Him. Our churches should be like that—people coming not because of our fancy buildings or fog machines but because God is among us, souls are getting saved, miracles are happening. People will be pick up on it and be blessed.
We’re not saved to say “Whoa! God helped me! Now it’s back to the same old routine.” No. We can learn from Peter’s mother-in-law who, the minute she was healed by Jesus, began to serve Him and His disciples. If we’ve experienced the gracious touch of Jesus Christ in our lives, let’s reach out and touch others in the name of our Savior. We’ve been saved to serve.
Right now what the church needs is people who perceive the spiritual moment we’re in and know what to do. Like the men of Issachar, who gave themselves to help make David king, believers in America and around the world need to realize, “This is a critical moment. We need to make Jesus King over more people. We’re going to give ourselves to it.” Let’s do it today.
Jesus ministered nonstop, healing sick people, driving out demons. But notice, “Early in the morning, while it was still dark,” He found a deserted place to pray. Jesus needed balance. So do we. As Christians, we should work, volunteer, serve. But we also need time alone with God. Work and devotion. Service and prayer. May God give us balance today.
How do we know what God wants us to do each day? The same way Jesus knew God’s will: from spending time with the Father. Just as the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus has sent us into the world. To do what? Whatever He tells us. May the Lord give us today our daily marching orders for Him.
When Jesus called a hated tax collector to follow Him, it caused a problem. “Why is He with riffraff?” the religious leaders said. But Jesus didn’t come for people who have it all together. He came for people who are messed up. If we have good doctrine in our churches but don’t love people, we’re missing the heart of God. Let’s be like Jesus.
Jesus had just healed a paralyzed man, and the people were giving God glory. But not the religious leaders. They had seen the miracles of Jesus. But they refused to believe in Him. That’s a word of caution for us. We can listen to daily devotions, go to church, read God’s Word, but it can become mechanical. Let’s be intimate with the Lord today. Let’s be open to His working and give Him glory.
Does our friend have a need? Let’s get him or her to Jesus. That’s what intercessory prayer is all about. Four men in the Bible were so intent on getting their paralyzed friend to Jesus that they tore up a roof and lowered him down in front of the Lord. Let’s be like those men and drop someone, in faith and prayer, right in front of Jesus today for salvation, deliverance, healing.
Some of us are lonely. We feel like no one cares. But Jesus has compassion on us. When a leper found the faith to ask Him for healing, Jesus didn’t just speak to the man’s disease. He touched him—an untouchable. Aren’t you happy that God in the flesh didn’t say, “Uh, step back a little bit.” Jesus wants to touch you and me today and fill us with His joy, peace, and healing.
What are you going through today? Do what the leper did: bring it to Jesus. Your marital problem, aching heart, financial pressure, assault from the enemy, out-of-control habit, secret that’s eating you up—Jesus has authority over it. And He’s willing to heal it. Stir up fresh faith, and bring your need to Jesus today.
What was it about Jesus that first got people’s attention? It wasn’t a miracle. It was His teaching with authority. A sermon or conversation can be doctrinally correct but can put us to sleep. We need spiritual authority when we speak for the Lord—for witnessing to people, talking to our spouses, trying to turn a relative toward God. May God give us spiritual authority in the name of Jesus.
When we follow Jesus, He doesn’t give us an itinerary. It’s like when He called James and John from their father’s fishing boat: “Follow Me.” No explanation. But those two young men left their father, his boat, and the hired men, and they followed the Lord. When we yield ourselves to His will, even though we don’t know the path ahead, Jesus gives us joy unspeakable and full of glory.
When Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove. Even Jesus needed the unction of the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and preach sermons. How much more, then, do we need the Spirit in order to obey God and love others and grow in Christ? Let’s be seeking the Holy Spirit more and more.
You know what the hardest thing is when sharing Jesus with others? It’s not figuring out how to dazzle people or be clever. It’s getting out of the way so that Jesus gets all the attention. John the Baptist said, “I’m not even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals.” He was just an arrow pointing people to Jesus. That’s all any of us can be.
John baptized people with water. But Jesus came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit. This is where the power and change in Christianity are found. Water baptism is about repentance, but it doesn’t empower us to change. But when we’re baptized in the Spirit, Christ within us gives us the power to be steadfast and bold for Christ. What good news.
What background in training did the disciples have? They were fishermen. Some Christians today say, “Before we hire this guy, he needs to take this personality test.” Not Jesus. He told Peter and Andrew, “I will make you fishers of men.” It’s not what we have. It’s what God can make of us. All we have to do is follow Jesus. He will use us in ways we can’t imagine.
When life is tough, we want solutions. But the apostle Paul prayed that God would give us something else: the power to endure trials with patience. Jesus lived as a suffering servant—and this is the example we are to follow. We don’t have to react to suffering in our typical ways. Jesus within us will give us power to endure with patience.
Some churches harp on people, “Repent! You’re a mess!” Other churches teach the opposite: “Just believe. God loves you! You’re going to fulfill your destiny.” But Jesus taught the gospel, which includes both: “Repent and believe the good news!” Let’s be honest and repent of our sin, and then let’s cling to Jesus and trust Him for the abundant life He offers us.
Barren wilderness. Satan attacking. Wild animals. That’s what surrounded Jesus when the Holy Spirit led Him into the desert. But angels ministered to Him. We can be under assault, in the worst circumstance, but if we’ll open our hearts, God will send angels to minister to us—a scripture, comfort from the Holy Spirit, an encouraging friend. The Lord is merciful and compassionate. Let’s look up.
You want bad news? Turn on the television. But aren’t you happy that the gospel of Jesus is Christ is good news? When the gospel begins to work in us, our lives are changed—past, present, and future. That’s triple good news! Let’s praise Jesus Christ today for what He came to do for you and me.
“Repent! Make things right!” That’s what John the Baptist preached to prepare the way for Jesus. Today the word “Repent” is unusual in the church. But we can’t experience the joy of Jesus until we’ve repented of sin. The good news begins with the bad news that we’re in trouble. But the good news is that Jesus came for people in trouble, like you and me.
Do you call other believers “brother” and “sister”? That pleases God. But we can’t just call each other “Brother This” and “Sister That.” We need to care about each other. When Jesus returns, we’ll be with our brothers and sisters in Christ forever. Let’s start having fellowship now, looking for ways to encourage each other, pray for each other, rejoice together. God put us in a family. Let’s enjoy it.
The writer of Hebrews prayed that God would equip us with everything good. Why? To do His will. “No, I want to be on The Voice,” we say. “I want to win the lottery.” But God doesn’t equip us to chase our dreams. He equips us to do His will. Let’s ask the Lord for both the desire and the ability to do what is pleasing to Him. Then we’ll have joy unspeakable
Do you need peace today? Maybe you’re agitated and worried. You’re operating with inner friction and turmoil because someone has let you down, you’re under pressure, your children are into bad things. But God is a God of peace. Let’s ask God to fill us with His Spirit and produce His fruit in us—the fruit of peace.
It’s miserable to have an unclear conscience. When that “umpire” inside us is nagging at us, calling out “Strike!” we can’t enjoy anything. But praise God, the blood of Jesus cleanses us! If we confess our sin, we can have clear consciences. Oh, thank God for His mercy.
Everybody needs someone praying for them. That’s why the author of Hebrews wrote, “Pray for us.” God uses prayer as a channel to dispense grace, blessings, strength, love, encouragement, guidance, consolation. What would happen if we all started praying for each other? Let’s pray for someone we love today, and let’s ask others to pray for us.
Hebrews describes a healthy local church: the leadership is like Jesus, who washed the disciples’ feet, and the members submit to the leader because they know God put that person there. Is the leader perfect? No. But we respect the authority of a leader who is watching out for our souls, preaching the Word, and declaring Jesus. Let’s serve the Lord together in peace and harmony.
Did your parents ever say to you, “Why don’t you listen?!” God says that to us too: “If my people would only listen to me!” (Psalm 81:13). Too often we’re distracted, and we miss God's voice. But if we will listen, the Lord will guide us, protect us, delight in us, and bless us abundantly. When the Lord whispers to our hearts, it changes everything. Let’s listen to Him today.
What makes God happy? According to Hebrews 13:16, God is pleased when we “do good” and “share with others.” We can do good, even to our enemies. And we can share with others, buying someone lunch or helping with a need. The more we do it, the more we’ll enjoy it, and God will be happy with our sacrifice to Him.
A lot of people don’t like to submit to leaders. Are there bad leaders? Absolutely. But a true shepherd is not after people’s money or bragging about their church. A true shepherd watches over people’s souls. Let’s make sure that we’re worshiping where we can cooperate biblically with those who are over us in the Lord, and then let’s honor our leaders.
Jesus has done so much for us! His blood has totally covered our sins. Now we don’t need incense. We don’t need rituals. Because of this, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise. Not just on Sundays but in the subway, on a bus, in a car, in the shower, in the morning, in the evening, on the street. Jesus deserves our praise.
Jesus didn’t die so we could have organized religion. He died so we could belong to Him. So let’s not just go to church on Sundays. Instead, let’s do what Hebrews tells us to: profess Jesus’ name openly, do good, and share with others. We can praise the Lord today, and we can do good to someone today, and we can share with someone today. As we do, our Father will look down on us and say, “Well done.”
A lot of us praise God only in church. But Hebrews says that we should “continually” offer God a sacrifice of praise. Jesus gives us grace, blesses us, protects us 24/7, but we can praise Him only on Sunday for seventeen minutes? Let’s freely, openly, unashamedly praise Jesus today. He’s worthy of our praise.
Many religious groups say, “We are the way.” But Jesus isn’t found in any religious system. We have to experience Jesus personally, “outside the city gate” (Hebrews 13:12), where He died when He was totally rejected by the Jewish religious system. Praise God for the life we have in Jesus Christ alone.
How many Christians are “looking for the city that is to come”? Yes, we live in this world—we rent, we buy, we vote. But this world is not our home. Let’s not get entrenched here on earth, because everything we have will pass away in a millisecond. Let’s be looking for the city that Jesus is preparing for us in heaven.
Many denominational traditions make themselves the portal of salvation. “Join us. Go to our church. That’s where it’s at.” But true Christianity is not anywhere but outside the city gate, at the cross of Christ. Have we met Jesus there, or are we religious? Let’s go to Him, outside the gate, willing to bear the disgrace He bore for us.
Christianity has nothing to do with pomp and ceremony. In the Old Testament, the worshipers had an altar of sacrifice. But in the New Testament, our altar is the old rugged cross. And the only one who can partake of this altar is the one who accepts Jesus as his or her Savior. Let’s rejoice in Him today.
Strange teachings have been around for a long time. That’s why the writer of Hebrews told us not to be “carried away” by teaching that’s not in the Bible. Supposed miracles or ceremonial rules don’t matter. We go by the Word of God. It’s not religious practices that strengthen our hearts—it’s the grace of God, which cleanses us from all our sin.
People can be moody. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What Jesus has always been—loving, patient, forgiving—He will be today and for eternity. Let’s learn from Scripture how Jesus was yesterday so that we can count on Him always. Thank God for Jesus Christ and His unchanging love for us.
Faith rubs off on other people. When a godly leader follows Jesus, it can make us say, “I want to imitate how he carries himself, how happy she is in Jesus, how he has faith in hard times.” Let’s thank God for positive spiritual influences in our lives. Let’s also be conscious that we too will impact people today. Let’s influence them for Jesus.
Where would we be without anointed men and women of God who have spoken the Word into our lives? Hebrews tells us to remember them. Many leaders today are not teaching God’s Word but talking about dreams, psychology, or positive thinking. Let’s thank God for anyone who gave us His Word, and let’s pray that God will raise up more like them.
Do you know anyone in prison? How can you reach out to them? Hebrews reminds us to remember prisoners as if we ourselves were in their position. The apostle Paul always thanked God for those who visited him, helped him, cheered his spirits when he was in chains. Let’s remember those in prison and show God’s heart to those who are hurting.
Jesus tells us, “Come to me.” Praise the Lord! But after we come to Him, Jesus tells us, “Follow me.” Where do we follow Him? To the poor, the prisoners, the blind. Jesus is not with the high and mighty and popular people. He’s with the broken, wounded, and hurting. Let’s come to Jesus, and then let’s go to Him—outside the world’s value system—to serve others.
Sex and money—so many people idolize these things. Even churches today wink at sexual immorality, and Christians become consumed with riches. But Hebrews tells us to avoid both sexual immorality and the love of money. May God help us to love Him first. Let’s choose Jesus today and stay close to Him.
Some people are always complaining—they’re never happy. But the Lord wants us to be content with what we have, whether it’s a little or a lot. Our money could forsake us; so could family or friends. But God will never leave or forsake us. Let’s be content and make the Lord happy with our testimony for Him.
Where do you need help? In your emotions? Your finances? An attack from the enemy? God is your helper. Not just was your helper or will be your helper. God is your helper today. Because of that, you can say with confidence, “I will not be afraid.” No matter what’s against you today, you’re not alone. The Lord is your helper. Praise His name.
God is drawn to people who are vulnerable and in pain—the widow, the orphan, the stranger. That’s why the writer of Hebrews tells us to remember those who are mistreated as if we ourselves were suffering. Every day we should have our antenna up: is someone mistreated, down, discouraged? Oh, Lord, give us hearts to help them.
Isn’t it horrible when Christians say, “Church is so much fun”? It’s a joy to go to church, but we are to worship God “with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). Yes, we are to come to our loving, gracious Father, but that call is mixed with a warning: “Our God is a consuming fire.” May the Holy Spirit open our eyes to our heavenly Father who loves us but is also worthy of our reverence and awe.
What do we value—our stocks? Our houses? Our phones? Hebrews warns us that, as He once shook the earth at Mount Sinai, God’s going to shake the earth again so that everything that can be shaken will be obliterated. What will remain? Love, salvation, eternal rewards, Jesus, heaven. Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. What we have, nobody can take away.
How seriously do we take God’s new covenant? It’s a better covenant with better promises, offering us cleansing, freedom, and peace. But we’ve got to pay attention to it. Hebrews says, “If God punished people under the old covenant when they refused Moses’ warnings, how much more us if we refuse God calling us into fellowship?” Let’s enjoy fellowship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, today.
We can refuse God. We can grieve the Holy Spirit. The Bible says so. “No, we can’t,” some say. “God is sovereign.” That’s true. But God has arranged it so that we will love Him from our hearts and not out of coercion. That’s why the writer of Hebrews says, “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks” (Hebrews 12:25). Let’s have soft hearts that we might hear God today.
The law with its holy commandments can save no one. “No,” we say, “but I’m going to try.” Our desire is good, but it won’t change our behavior. What we need are new hearts and new minds, and no one can get those through the law. Ah, but the new covenant mediated by Jesus! It’s a better covenant, because in it our sins are washed away, forgiven, forgotten. We can rejoice in that today
You ever notice that people who are into Old Testament legalism are also into vengeance? They say, “You’re denying Christ? We’re at war with you.” But Jesus said, “Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you.” The old covenant spilled people’s blood for vengeance. In the new covenant, Jesus shed His blood to give us peace. Praise God for the blood of Christ that brings us eternal life.
Your name might be on a church roll—but is your name written in heaven? If you’ve come to Jesus, then you’ve come to “the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven” (Hebrews 12:23). Too many of us find our identity in ethnicity, race, or political affiliation. But our identity is in being part of Jesus’ church. Thank God, as needy and undeserving as we are, our names are written in heaven.
We want a good report card from God. So we go back to the old-covenant way of trying to keep the law. But the law gives everyone an F. Praise God for the new covenant, which brings us to the city of the living God, where thousands of angels are rejoicing in His goodness and grace! We get forgiveness and heaven not through the law but by believing Jesus—and staying with Him.
Instant gratification. We’ve all given into it—temptation, harsh words, cheating. But it costs us. We lose out with God. Esau learned this when he gave up a beautiful spiritual blessing for a single meal. “Don’t be godless like Esau,” the writer of Hebrews tells us. Let’s value spiritual realities over immediate satisfaction.
“Make every effort,” the writer of Hebrews says, “to be holy.” But wait a minute. We can’t be holy in our own effort. Yes, the Holy Spirit is the only One who can make us like Christ. But we aren’t to sit back and say, “It’s a done deal.” Like the apostle Paul, we should “press on” to be more like Jesus every day.
Many Christians are anxious about the future. Our culture has drastically changed, rejecting God’s authority and glorifying sex, money, and power. But God tells us what He told the Jews who were exiled in Babylon: “I have plans to give you a future and a hope.” It may look like Babylon is winning, but we can be faithful, fruitful, and full of hope in the victory of God that's sure to come.
Are you stuck in the old covenant? Trying but failing to keep the law? The old covenant, Hebrews tells us, is gone. A new, better covenant has come, with the good news of Jesus Christ. Too many of us mix the two and miss God’s purpose for us. But we have not come to Mount Sinai, to the law. Thank the Lord, we have come to the new covenant of mercy and love.
Have you ever met a bitter person? Angry. Accusing. Playing the blame game. Every one of us could be bitter about something—but we don’t have to be. We have Jesus. Let’s make sure “that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15). God’s grace can keep us sweet.
Are you fearful? Anxious? Unsettled? Jesus offers us a peace that no one can take away. We think, “It’s just a little unsettledness. It’s no big deal.” But God says “Be anxious for nothing.” We don’t have to fight for God’s peace. We just need to take command of our hearts and turn from our troubles to God’s faithfulness. It will restore peace and joy to our souls.
“What have I done?” We’ve all had those moments. We can’t undo our mistakes, recover our losses, take back our words. When Esau came to his senses after selling his blessing for a bowl of soup, he wanted the blessing back. But he couldn’t get it. Let’s speak and act prayerfully and carefully. Jesus will help us do it today.
Hebrews tells us, “Make every effort to live at peace with everyone.” There is no such thing as a healthy fighting Christian. We should do whatever we can to live at peace with people, even those who disagree with us or we think are in the wrong. May God help us to avoid contention like the plague so that we can be more like Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Sometimes we run the race of faith with a limp. That’s why the writer of Hebrews tells us to take stock of our lives: where are we lame or weak? We should pinpoint the spot, then strengthen ourselves in God! We’ve got a race to run. Let’s throw off self-pity and be healed so that we can run with endurance.
When our parents disciplined us, it wasn’t pleasant, especially if we got a spanking. But it taught us right from wrong. It’s the same with God’s discipline. When we submit to the Lord in the disappointments and hardships of life, God will train us by them—and produce in us a harvest of righteousness and peace.
We don’t like hardship. But the writer of Hebrews reminds us that God uses hard times in our lives to discipline us. An intelligent son realizes, “Dad’s disciplining me because he loves me.” Everything God does is for our good, even the spankings and corrections. Let’s receive God’s discipline so that we can really live.
When we love someone, we want them to love us back. It’s no different for Jesus. One family in the Bible especially loved the Lord—Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. That’s why going to their home was so special for Him. Do we love Jesus? Let’s see how Martha’s service for Jesus, Lazarus’s communion with Jesus, and Mary’s worship of Jesus can encourage us to love Him even more.
The Christian church in America today has lost the message of holiness. People make light of the things of God. But God wants us to be partakers of His holiness. The culture says, “I’ve got to be me,” but Christianity says, “I’ve got to be like Christ.” Let’s embrace God’s discipline so that we, by His grace, can be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
In Hebrews 12:5 we find a strange “word of encouragement”: “Do not make light of the Lord’s discipline.” In our narcissistic society, that doesn’t sound like encouragement. But it is. Discipline is proof that God loves us. A wise person takes the rebuke of the Lord; a fool fights against it. Let’s receive hardship as God’s correction—and proof of His love.
The more like Jesus we become, the harder things will be. The spirit of antichrist in this world picks up the scent of Christ that we carry and says, “I hate that.” But when Satan comes at us with a one-two punch, let’s consider what Jesus went through so that we won’t grow weary and lose heart. Christ died for us; He loves us. He’s going to help us.
Jesus suffered. So will we. But Jesus knew how to handle the pain He endured: He looked ahead to the joy before Him. He knew that His suffering would end—and that the reward would be worth it. No matter what we suffer in Christ—hardship, disappointment, temptation, onslaughts of Satan—let’s fix our eyes on Jesus. He rejoiced. So can we. It will be worth it all.
What are you going through today? Problems, anxiety, heartache? Fix your eyes on Jesus. Not only is He the originator of faith, but He also helps us in our own races of faith. He knows that we can’t do anything on our own, and He helps us as we’re running our long marathons. Whatever your need, you can trust God to help you today.
We’re not the first people ever to believe. Think of it: we’re successors in the school of faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Samuel. That’s why Hebrews tells us, “The great men and women of faith went this way first. Remember what you’re part of! Throw off everything that hinders you, and run with perseverance.” Let’s keep running the race today.
We’re in a race. And Hebrews 12:1 tells us to run our race “with perseverance.” Not only that, but we also have to stay on the course “marked out for us.” Are you running on the track God wants you on? Or are you fighting cultural, political, racial, financial wars? We need to run with perseverance, and we need to stay on track—in the race of faith.
A lot of people don’t like the word “sin.” It’s negative. But Christians have to deal with this issue, because Hebrews tells us to throw off “the sin that so easily entangles.” Jesus didn’t save us so we would put up with sin but so we would overcome! Let’s pray and root for each other to avoid sin at all costs—by the grace of God.
Ever tried to run with a ten-pound weight on your back? It slows you down. That’s why the writer of Hebrews told us to throw off “everything that hinders.” Whatever slows us down—staring at our phones, binge-watching a show, getting likes on social media—let’s throw it off. We need endurance. Let’s get in shape spiritually.
Too many Christians today have lost sight of heaven. They’re earthly minded. But the real reward of faith is not here on earth. How could it be when some of the heroes of faith were sawn in two, or beaten half to death, or lived in holes in the ground? No, our reward is in heaven. God’s got something better for us than anything on this earth.
Have you ever heard a preacher say, “Just have faith, and you’ll never have trouble”? The Bible says the opposite. Faith is a mystery. Sometimes we’re delivered from trials—and sometimes we’re strengthened in our trials. Let’s not be knocked down by persecution. Let’s be strong in faith, like the Old Testament saints were. Our real hope is in heaven.
Too many of us quake when we’re challenged about being a Christian. “Well, I go to church, but I’m really not into it that much.” But the heroes of Hebrews 11 faced “jeers and flogging, chains and imprisonment,” and they stood—by faith. Let’s stand for the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. He’s watching, and we will get our reward.
There’s a dichotomy in faith. Sometimes it delivers, and sometimes it says, “You’re going to go through a rough patch, but hold on. Keep your testimony. Keep believing. Your reward will be greater on the other side.” Yes, things are hard, but it’s not the end of the world. Let’s not fear when difficult times come. Our citizenship is in heaven, and it’s a lot better there than anything we have here.
Before He left the earth, Jesus told His disciples, “Tell people about Me. That’s your mission.” Where were they to start? At home. It’s hard to talk about missions around the world if we don’t start right where we live. But they couldn’t do this without power—and neither can we. Let’s ask God to fill us with His Spirit so that we can be His witnesses, starting at home and then to the ends of the earth.
Do you believe in miracles? Jesus said, “Only believe. All things are possible,” and no scripture says that He’s changed that. In Hebrews 11, “women received back their dead.” It’s rare, and God is sovereign over healing, yet He calls us to believe. Or maybe you have a son or daughter who is dead in sin. God can save them. Let’s draw a line in the sand and believe the Lord to raise our children to life.
We never know what God can do until we step out by faith into battle. The Old Testament heroes of the faith became powerful, where? “In battle.” They trusted God for victory and said, “Let’s go face this.” What battles does the Lord want you to fight in ministry, in your family, in His calling on your life? Let’s find out how powerful God will be when we face them in faith.
God loves to take weak people and make them strong. How? By faith. We’re all weak. But when Satan berates us and says, “How can you live for God? That habit is too strong. You don’t know enough verses. How will you stand for Christ in that job when people mock you?” we can go to God and say, “God, You love to turn weakness into strength. By faith, I trust in You.” God will make us strong.
What mountain are you facing today? The Old Testament men and women of faith conquered kingdoms—not by weapons but by faith. For those kingdoms that have to come down in front of us today, let’s not feel sorry for ourselves, complain, give way to anxiety. Let’s face the challenges and trust God. Faith is the victory. It overcomes the world, conquers kingdoms, and gets what’s promised.
Nobody’s perfect. Not even the Old Testament people God commended in Hebrews 11—Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah. But God so honors faith that He mentioned these people by name. What an encouragement to us. So we’ve failed. So we haven’t had faith. We can overcome our failures and obstacles—not by trying harder but by faith. With God nothing is impossible. Let’s try Him, and we’ll see.
What honors God? Not perfection. Rahab, a prostitute, was honored by God. Why? She risked her life to side with the Israelites—by faith. If God was honored by perfect holiness, who would He honor? We’re all sinners. Rahab had some things to straighten out, but she dared to stand by faith. Let’s be courageous and stand for Jesus today. Faith always has its reward.
Are you discouraged, thinking that God doesn’t care about your need? Too often we lose our grip on faith, but Jesus empathizes with weaknesses! The enemy wants to steal God’s blessing on our lives, but we need to fight back by approaching God’s throne of grace. What’s your need today? Don’t lose your grip. God has enough power to move the mountains in your life.
Sometimes walking by faith means doing things that don’t make sense. God told Joshua, “March around Jericho silently for seven days. Then blow the trumpets and shout!” The people must have wondered how in the world that would give them victory. But they did it by faith. Has God asked you to do something that you don’t understand? Walk by faith and not by sight.
Do you believe that Jesus’ blood is enough to cleanse you from your sin? When God told Moses to put the blood of the Passover lamb on the doorposts to be saved from the death angel, he had to believe God. And by faith he obeyed. If you too believe God and apply Jesus’ blood to your heart and conscience, no judgment will come upon you, because Christ bore your judgment. Let’s do it today.
Maybe today you are facing a Red Sea. It’s scary, yet you hear God saying, “Move on. Go! Trust Me.” But those walls of water on either side! Will they crash down? We want a guarantee that God will take us safely through, but He says, “March! Go forward by faith.” Don’t panic; keep your eyes on Jesus. The just shall live by faith.
Moses saw the invisible. How? By faith. Too often we look at our deteriorating situations, and we get anxious and nervous and despairing. But when our hearts perceive God as His Word becomes alive in us, we see Jesus, and we know that we know that He is with us. Don’t look just at what you see physically. Look at God today, and see what He can do.
The church today has lost its awareness of our glorious hope: Christ’s return and our going to heaven to be with Him. But Moses understood it, for Hebrews 11:26 says that “he was looking ahead to his reward.” He thought, “God has something better for me down the road, and I’m going to walk by faith, even if I suffer.” No hardship is worthy to be compared with the glory that God is preparing for us.
Identifying with Christ can mean difficulty. Are we willing for that? Moses was. By faith, he said, “No, I’m not Egyptian; I’m Hebrew,” even though it meant leaving the palace and joining the mistreated Israelites. But hardship is only for a season. Jesus is coming back to take us home! Let’s leave the pleasures of sin and identify with Jesus today.
Pastor Cymbala uses the words of David in 1 Samuel 24:8-15, as he challenges us to leave matters in God’s hands when we have differences with other believers.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the difference between true repentance and shallow emotion, as he explores King Saul’s mood swings in the account in 1 Samuel 24:16-22.
Pastor Brian Pettrey delivers a message of hope, as he speaks about the purpose of pain and suffering in our lives.
Pastor Cymbala discusses how faith works, as he focuses on the life of the prophet Samuel, culminating in 1 Samuel 25:1.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the folly of ingratitude as he begins the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:2-11.
Pastor Charles Hammond shares some valuable lessons on prayer that we can glean from the biblical account of Elijah and the healing of Naaman’s leprosy in 2 Kings 5:1-15a.
Pastor Cymbala warns against being easily provoked and easily angered, as he continues the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:12-17.
Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to let go of grudges, unforgiveness and bitterness, as he continues to explore the story of David, Nabal and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:18-27.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the conflicts that peacemakers are able to diffuse, as he continues to review the story of David, Nabal and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:28-34.
Pastor Cymbala references the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery and their journey to the Promised Land, as he challenges us to consider whether we are living the abundant life Jesus promises.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the blessing of having a wise friend, as he focuses on 1 Samuel 25:32-35 and Abigail’s good judgment in keeping David from avenging himself through unnecessary bloodshed.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 25:36-40, Pastor Cymbala notes that it is better to entrust yourself to the Lord than to get in the mud with someone who wants to cause trouble
Pastor Cymbala speaks about an oft-neglected element of prayer that will not only help us to receive direction from God but also fill us with peace when our hearts are troubled.
Pastor Cymbala shows how wisdom is associated with humility, as he concludes the story of David, Nabal and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:41-45.
Pastor Cymbala contrasts the double-mindedness of Saul in 1 Samuel 26:13-25 with the blessing of being all out for the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala warns against four big lies that Satan uses to try to deceive us regarding truth, righteousness, the Word of God, and the Lord’s love for us.
Pastor Cymbala points to a weak moment in David’s life in 1 Samuel 27:1 as an admonition for us to acknowledge and put our trust in the Lord rather than rely on our own human reasoning.
Pastor Cymbala has a word of caution for anyone who may be on the verge of taking a misstep as a result of being worn down by Satan and by life’s circumstances, as was the case with David in 1 Samuel 27:2-11.
Pastor Cymbala has an encouraging word from Luke 10:38-42 about the best place to be in order to receive peace, strength, comfort, and direction from above.
Pastor Cymbala warns against consulting fortunetellers, horoscopes, or anything else that God has forbidden, as he reviews the tragic story of Saul and the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 27:12—28:7.
Pastor Cymbala shares a prayer for those times when we find ourselves drifting because of hurt, temptation, disappointments, and the storms of life.
Pastor Cymbala highlights the wake-up call that Israel’s King Saul received but did not heed in 1 Samuel 28:11-19, as he appeals to us to always be ready to confess our sins and say to the Lord, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
Pastor Cymbala challenges us to consider whether we are fighting the right battles, as he explores the lessons we can learn from a story with three endings in 1 Samuel 28:3-7; 31:1-6.
Pastor Cymbala urges us not to let ourselves be robbed of our peace, as he finishes reviewing the story of Saul and the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28:20-25.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 1 Samuel 29:1-11 and the chaos and confusion that can ensue when we don’t consult the Lord in everything we do.
Dr. Charles Mully, founder of the Mully Children's Family, gives an update on this ministry, which has rescued over 26,000 children in Kenya and supports others working among vulnerable children all over the world.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about finding strength in the Lord, as he highlights a harrowing episode in the life of David in 1 Samuel 30:1-6.
Pastor Cymbala references 1 Samuel 30:7-15, as he encourages us with the biblical truth that God will come through for us when we seek his direction.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 30:16-18, Pastor Cymbala has a remedy for when the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy.
Pastor Cymbala shows us what God’s mercy looks like and provides biblical insight into the best way to secure God’s mercy.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 Samuel 30:18-20, detailing what the enemy of our souls wants to steal from every Christian and showing us from Scripture how to fight the good fight to recover our stolen property.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 Samuel 30:21-22 and warns against selfishness and those who cause trouble in the body of Christ.
Missionary Adam Boyd shares personal experiences related to his work on the translation of the recently completed, first-ever New Testament in the Enga language of Papua New Guinea.
Pastor Cymbala asks us to consider God’s calling on our lives, as he reviews 1 Samuel 30:23-25.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to imitate our Lord by being kind, as he reviews 1 Samuel 30:26-31.
Pastor Cymbala warns against fighting the wrong battles, as he discusses the death of King Saul and his sons in 1 Samuel 31:1-2.
Pastor Cymbala has an uplifting message from Psalm 119 for anyone who has ever felt far from God.
Using the example of King Saul in 1 Samuel 31:1-4, Pastor Cymbala warns against leaning on our own understanding rather than acknowledging God in all our ways.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the importance not only of beginning the race but also of finishing well, as he highlights the tragic end of King Saul’s life in 1 Samuel 31:5-13.
Pastor Cymbala concludes his devotional series by using examples from the book of 1 Samuel to show that we can be more than conquerors as we faithfully serve the Lord.
Pastor Brian Pettrey references 1 John 4:8, Romans 3:23, and John 3:16-18, as he challenges us to remember our mission in this message on sharing the good news of Jesus with a world in need.
Pastor Cymbala provides background information, as he begins his new devotional series on the book of Hebrews.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant, as he discusses Hebrews 1:1-2.
Pastor Brian Pettrey speaks about having a prayer life that bears fruit, in this message based on Matthew 21:18-22.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on the encouraging thought in Hebrews 1:3-4 that Jesus is able to sustain us by his grace.
Pastor Cymbala asks who the happiest people on earth are, as he highlights Hebrews 1:5-9.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on Exodus 15:22-25, 27 and the different seasons of life, in this message of encouragement for anyone going through a difficult time.
Highlighting Hebrews 1:10-12, Pastor Cymbala speaks about both the power and tenderness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Highlighting Hebrews 1:13, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to follow the example of Jesus as we wait on God to fulfill his promises to us.
In this message based on Exodus 15:1, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to sing to the Lord and glorify his name as we think back on all that the Lord has done for us.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Hebrews 1:14—2:1 and the warning against drifting away from the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the reasons why ours is a great salvation that we ignore to our peril, as he reviews Hebrews 2:2-3.
Highlighting Hebrews 2:3-4, Pastor Cymbala discusses the many ways in which the message of salvation was confirmed to be true, and the real reason why it is nevertheless rejected by some.
Ronald Olivier, a former inmate serving a life sentence in the notorious Angola Prison in Louisiana, shares his powerful story of redemption, which is the subject of his newly published book, 27 Summers.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Hebrews 2:5-9 and exhorts us to be heavenly-minded rather than being taken up with money, politics and other earthly things that will pass away.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Hebrews 2:9 and asks us to consider whether we have the confidence that we belong to Christ.
Pastor Alex Burgos has a message of restoration for those times when we face disappointments and are let down by others.
Pastor Cymbala explores the biblical truth in Hebrews 2:10-11 that our Lord Jesus Christ and we who are saved through his sacrifice on the cross are of the same family.
Highlighting Hebrews 2:11-15, Pastor Cymbala reminds us that Jesus came to free us not only from the bondage of sin but also from the fear of death.
BT Young Adult Ministry (SanctusNYC) Director Luke Pettrey speaks about the fruitfulness, blessing and fulfillment that result from walking in the will of God.
Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to fight the right battles with the right team, as he reviews the lesson we can learn from the life of King Saul’s son, Jonathan.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to hold on to what God has promised us in his Word, as he highlights the season in David’s life when he was being persecuted by Saul.
Pastor Cymbala presents us with what appears to be an oxymoron, as he challenges us to pray that the Holy Spirit might quicken and equip us to rise to meet the need presented by the Lord in Matthew 9:35-38.
Highlighting Hebrews 2:17-18, Pastor Cymbala urges us to avail ourselves of the help that Jesus wants to provide when we are being tempted and our faith is being tested.
Pastor Cymbala goes back to Hebrews 3:5-6 to discuss the biblical truth that “we are God’s house.”
Pastor Cymbala goes back to Hebrews 3:7-8 to reinforce the biblical truth that “today” is the only day we can count on.
As he revisits Hebrews 3:10, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to go deeper than we’ve ever gone in knowing God’s ways.
Pastor Cymbala shows us from Scripture how we can avoid being a quitter in life, despite the difficulties and obstacles we may be facing.
Focusing on Hebrews 3:11-12, Pastor Cymbala encourages us with the thought that the Lord, who is the living God, wants to commune with us today.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the warning in Hebrews 3:13 about being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on the exhortation in Hebrews 3:12-14 that we “hold our conviction firmly to the very end.”
Pastor Cymbala tackles the subject of unbelief in this devotional study on Hebrews 3:15-16.
Referencing Hebrews 3:17-19, Pastor Cymbala uses the story of God’s people in the Old Testament to warn us against coming out of the bondage of sin yet missing out on the Promised Land of all that God has for us.
As he discusses Hebrews 4:1-2, Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to keep on believing, trusting and walking with Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala explores what it means to enter God’s rest, as he reviews Hebrews 4:3-6.
Highlighting Hebrews 4:12-13, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the living Word of God and how it can, through the Holy Spirit, penetrate a heart that is open.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the privilege we have of bringing every negative thought, burden, temptation and hurt to Jesus, who represents us before our Father in heaven.
Pastor Cymbala delivers a Christmas message, focusing on Luke 2:1-15 and the good news that the angel announced to the shepherds.
Pastor Cymbala begins his devotional series with the pre-Christmas story of the birth of John the Baptist, as it is told in Luke 1:1-7, and a discussion on those who are great in God’s sight.
Pastor Cymbala continues to explore the pre-Christmas story of the birth of John the Baptist in Luke 1:8-13, as he encourages us with the biblical truth that God answers prayer.
Pastor Cymbala urges us to hit a note of harmony by adapting ourselves to others, as we rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn
Pastor Cymbala concludes his devotional study on the pre-Christmas story of the birth of John the Baptist in Luke 1:13-20 by urging us to open our hearts and let the Holy Spirit make God’s Word alive to us.
Pastor Cymbala begins his devotional study on the Christmas story in Luke 1:26-38; and he encourages us to yield to the word of the Lord, as Mary did when the angel announced to her the coming birth of our Savior.
Pastor Cymbala points to the pre-Christmas story of the birth of John the Baptist, as he encourages us to keep waiting on God for answers to our prayers.
Pastor Cymbala goes over Hebrews 3:7-9 once again, focusing on the consequences of murmuring and complaining.
Pastor Cymbala concludes his devotional study on the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-12 and exhorts us to pray that the Lord would make our hearts a manger where he can rest and live and show people, through our lives, how beautiful he is.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Hebrews 4:15 and the biblical truth that Jesus knows and can empathize with our weaknesses.
As he continues to review the story of the birth of Jesus in Luke 1:39-45, Pastor Cymbala focuses on the fact that there was no room in the inn for Jesus, and what that means for us today.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the promise of Christmas and the importance of believing God and waiting with expectancy for his Word to be fulfilled in our lives.
Pastor Cymbala reminds us of the invitation in Hebrews 4:16 to keep going to God at the throne of grace with all our cares and needs.
Pastor Cymbala continues to explore Hebrews 4:16 and the confidence we should have in approaching God at the place of prayer.
Pastor Cymbala continues his devotional study on Hebrews 4:16 with an encouraging word on the mercy of God.
Pastor Cymbala points to Psalm 1 to show us how we can have the best year ever in 2024.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to begin the new year saying, “Ebenezer!”—which means, “Thus far the Lord has helped us,”—as we look forward to the Lord’s continued help and provision.
Has your tongue ever gotten you in trouble? One minute you’re praising God, and the next you’re gossiping or tearing someone down. This should not be, James tells us. No matter how hard we try, we can’t tame our tongues, but God can help us use our mouths to praise Him and build others up
Too many of us try to be Old Testament Christians. But Hebrews tells us, “Don’t get locked into priests and buildings and rules. That’s done away with!” Jesus completely paid the price for every sin when He sacrificed Himself on the cross. That’s the whole point of Hebrews: we can’t add a thing to what Jesus has done for us. Let’s rejoice in that today.
What challenges are coming at you today? It doesn’t matter how big they are—if God is for you, no one can be against you! When Jesus lives inside you, He will help you overcome, because He loves you, and nothing can separate you from His love. He is for you today.
What do you need from God today? You can come into His very presence, where Jesus is serving at the true tabernacle in heaven. You don’t need to come to a building, a pastor, an altar on earth. God is just as likely to answer your prayer while you’re riding to work in your car as when you’re sitting in church. Jesus is with you today, as close as the mention of His name.
Many of us have been influenced by Old Testament Christianity—“Do this. Don’t do that. Keep that law.” But Hebrews tells us, “That’s gone. Christ has come now. It’s a whole new system.” We obey God today by obeying the teachings of Jesus: “Love one another.” “Have faith in God.” “Take up your cross, and follow Me.” It’s not about trying. It’s about trusting. Let Jesus work in and through you today.
“Oh, God, I messed up. Forgive me. But now I mean business! I’m going to do good things so You’ll approve of me.” That’s Old Testament. No matter how hard we try under this system, we fail again. And again. That’s why God made a new covenant! If the devil is beating you down because you’ve failed today, be encouraged by this reminder from Hebrews that Jesus has made a new way.
Have you ever felt forgotten by God? Forsaken? Depressed because you’ve failed and think God is punishing you? Be comforted. God loves you! When the devil comes in like a lion, push him away and say, “I have victory through the One who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
“Try harder.” “Obey.” “Do more.” Commands like these come from the old covenant, which was, “Here’s My law; you do it.” Now, under the new covenant, God says, “If you’ll just believe in Jesus, I will do it.” Be encouraged today that the new covenant is not about what we do; it’s about what God does for us.
Are you trying to please God by keeping rules? “Don’t wear those clothes.” “Worship in this place.” Outward religion can never please God. What we need is heart change! That’s why He says, “I’ll put My law in your hearts and minds.” In other words, “I’ll change you from the inside out.” Let’s believe in Jesus to transform us today.
Too often we are afraid of people and the control we think they have over us. We jump through hoops to try to please them. But God says, “Don’t fear man. Fear Me.” When we take our eyes off people and put them on Jesus, He lives through us and gives us a confident peace and joy in the midst of any circumstance.
If you’re a Christian, everything wrong you’ve ever done has been forgiven. Satan might dangle your sins in front of you to bring you into condemnation, but he’s a liar. God has forgiven us, and our wickedness He remembers no more. It's settled; over; done with. Praise God! Let that make you glad today.
What decision are you making today? Too many Christians try to navigate life with their IQs. But in the new covenant, God says, “I’ll send you My Spirit. He will guide you into all truth.” When we’re not led by the Spirit, we walk in the dark. Ask Jesus, “What should I do?” His Holy Spirit will light your way.
Did you know that God treasures your prayers? The book of Revelation says that the prayers of God’s people are like incense kept in bowls. Don’t let anything stop you from pouring out your need to God, even if you don’t have the right words. God’s ear is open to your cry. He delights in hearing and answering the prayers of His children.
It is estimated that people make some 35,000 decisions every day. Too often, though, we make decisions without God in mind—and end up frustrated. To live out God’s purpose for our lives, we need His guidance, and that requires surrender. Be encouraged today to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and He will direct your paths.
Are your sins under the blood of Jesus? Some people are offended by this idea. Others have negatively called Christianity a bloody religion. But for those of us who know how Jesus’ blood has cleansed our hearts and consciences, we sing, “Oh, the blood of Jesus, it washes white as snow.” What a gift of God!
None of us could walk up to a king’s palace and say, “Yo, I want to talk to the king.” We would need an invitation. But right now you and I can have an audience with the King of kings, God Almighty. He is constantly inviting us into His presence. We’re not worthy, but Jesus is, and He has made the way. Come to the King today. He will heal you and help you.
The blood of Jesus cleanses our consciences so that we don’t have to live with soiled, condemned minds, thinking, “Oh, no, I’m in for it now!” Praise God! But do we take advantage of it? We can study about it, but we should also act on it. Talk to God; come into His presence; tell Him what you need. Let’s enjoy the gift of a clean conscience today.
Jesus has cleansed our consciences so that we can serve the living God. But Satan accuses us, saying, “How can you go into God’s presence? You just yelled at your wife. You kicked the dog!” Don’t argue with him. Point to the cross of Calvary and say, “Jesus died for me. He cleansed my heart and my conscience, and I’m coming through Him into the presence of God.” Let’s do it today.
God doesn’t wink at our sin. No, He is holy. He can’t have fellowship with sinners. But God sent Christ to be our ransom—to take our punishment for sin so that we would be clean. Because of that, we can now receive the promised eternal inheritance—an eternal home in heaven. The glory of it is beyond telling! Praise God today for the undeserved gift He has given us.
Look at the sun and the stars! If God spoke the heavens and earth into existence, He can solve any problem in your life. Just as He hovered over the earth in the beginning, so He is hovering over you. He wants to bring order out of your disorder and light out of your darkness! Surrender to Him today.
Without blood, Hebrews tells us, there is no forgiveness of sin. That is why under the old covenant, animals had to be sacrificed. But the blood of Jesus is better than the blood of bulls and goats! Jesus willingly gave His life, like a lamb led to the slaughter, so that we could be free. That should make us love Him a little bit more today.
The Old Testament sanctuary was a copy. It wasn’t the genuine article. But now we have access to the genuine article, heaven, where Jesus, our high priest, is representing us. Why then do we cling to the old covenant, trying to please God through ceremony or good works? We can rest in Jesus and His once-and-for-all sacrifice on Calvary.
Jesus’ rule of life was one thing: find God’s will and do it. Yet the idea of yielding to the Lordship of Christ is foreign to many Christians. Are you on your own errand instead of God’s? God has plans for you! Live close to Him, and He’ll whisper them to you. Like Jesus, let’s find out what God wants us to do and be faithful to do what He says.
People laugh at the idea of sin: “Don’t judge me! I do what I feel.” But Hebrews says that when we die, God will judge us. Those who reject Jesus will hear, “Depart from Me. I never knew you.” But those who put their faith in Jesus will be saved, because our sin was already judged when Jesus died on the cross. Have you put your faith in the Lord? You can do it today.
How many of us who follow Jesus long for His return? Some of us are so locked into the things of this world that we don’t anticipate the coming of Christ. But Hebrews says that Jesus is coming back “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Let’s be like the early Christians, who looked up every morning and said, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Let this be the day.”
A lot of people don’t like to hear about the inferiority of the Old Testament. But the Word of God says that the Mosaic law is only a shadow, not the reality itself. The reality is Jesus! He calls us much higher than the Old Testament. Let’s serve God today not in the old letter of the law but in the newness of the Spirit, who gives us life.
Sin is so ugly. If you want to know how bad sin is, look at what Christ suffered on the cross. Many of us think that we are basically good people, but sin is so serious that the blood of animals couldn’t pay the price for it—only the blood of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, could save us. Let’s love Jesus for the great love He showed us first.
The gospel is so simple. It’s just, “Behold, the Lamb of God. One look at Jesus will save you.” Religion imposes rules and rituals, but when Christ came into the world to pay the price for our sins, God did away with all that. We don’t need complicated teachings and practices. We just need Jesus and Him crucified.
“I want to follow my destiny.” How many of us have heard that said? But when Jesus came to establish the new covenant, He said to His Father, “I have come to do Your will.” Destiny and dreams are not what the New Testament highlights. No, it says that he or she who does the will of God will abide forever. Let’s ask God to help us do His will today, wherever that might lead us.
Do you find it hard to extend mercy to people who curse God? Jesus doesn’t. After He offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, Jesus didn’t obliterate His enemies. Instead He sat down at God’s right hand, where He waits for His enemies to be made His footstool. While He waits, the gospel is going out, and even persecutors of Jesus are being saved and transformed. Praise God for His amazing grace.
Waiting can be hard. But it might encourage us to remember that Jesus understands waiting. He waits today in heaven for the Father to say, “Go back to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords, make Your enemies Your footstool, and bring Your people to heaven.” Waiting is the ultimate sign of faith. Let’s wait with our Lord today, whatever our need might be. As we do, He will renew our strength.
We can’t improve, no matter how hard we try. What we need is for God to put new hearts within us! That’s what the new covenant is all about. Instead of us fighting against our selfish nature, God puts His laws in our hearts and gives us a willingness to please Him. It’s not, “Come on, do better.” No, the Holy Spirit works in us, giving us new hearts to live out of. Praise God.
Satan says to us, “Think about your sins every day. God remembers them, and He has it in for you.” But God says, “Their sins I will remember no more.” What a gift! If you are being attacked about what you did, what you said, what mistake you made, accept God’s forgiveness, and let His peace and joy flood your soul.
Are you confident to enter the most holy place—the presence of our holy, perfect God? You should be, because Jesus opened up the way for us by His blood and His broken body. We get caught up in, “I met a movie star!” But because of what Jesus did, we who are weak and faulty can be with Almighty God! Since we have this new and living way, why not enjoy it?
Satan says to us, “Think about your sins every day. God remembers them, and He has it in for you.” But God says, “Their sins I will remember no more.” What a gift! If you are being attacked about what you did, what you said, what mistake you made, accept God’s forgiveness, and let His peace and joy flood your soul.
Do you want communion with God? Then you’ve got to have full assurance that you have a clean conscience. But this is easier said than done. If you are bound by guilt or some sin from the past, you who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are forgiven, and God has forgotten your sin. You can live today in newness of life, with a clear conscience and a heart sprinkled with the blood of Christ.
God asks us to draw near to Him. What a privilege! But the fact that God asks us to come to Him means that we can be Christians and not be living near to Him. We can be distant, aloof, preoccupied with everything but the main thing. Do you need a fresh encounter with Jesus? Make the main thing the main thing today.
What will ruin your day? A guilty conscience. But praise God, we can be free of a conscience that’s condemning us through the sprinkled blood of Jesus. Let’s walk in the light, confessing any known sins, and claim the power of the blood of Jesus Christ to keep our consciences clean.
The test of a real relationship with the Lord is how we get along with people. Some of us say, “I love God. I just can’t stand people.” But Christians are not to isolate themselves from others. We are to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” We can spur others to love just by loving them. Why don’t we do it today?
Anytime a believer forsakes gathering with other Christians, unless there’s a physical reason that he or she can’t meet, that person is on the road to ruin. The gathering of the saints is of vital importance! In the midst of a dark and evil culture, we need each other. If you’ve given up meeting with other believers, come back. You can encourage others—and you will be encouraged too.
What does Easter save us from? Hell. As believers in Christ, the sobering reality of people facing eternity without God should stir our hearts. Jesus said that the road to destruction is broad and that many are on it. May the love of Jesus in us compel us to courageously share His gospel with others so that they too can be saved from darkness and brought to light.
Today’s passage is highly debated by those who believe that once you’re saved, you can never lose your salvation. Others point to this passage to say that salvation can be lost. As we consider this, let’s remember that others are people whom Christ died for. We can leave things with Him. If we show mercy, we will receive mercy.
Today’s passage is a warning—written to Christians. Why would God warn believers of judgment except to tell us, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling”? As Warren Wiersbe said, there are just enough warnings in the Bible that if we think we are standing firm, we should be careful that we don’t fall. Whatever our theology is, let’s stay close to Jesus today.
Is it possible that a believer could fall away from the faith? Or is it once you’re saved, you’re always saved? The warning in Hebrews 10:26–31 is to believers—people who have experienced grace and are now insulting grace. But let’s remember, “The Lord will judge his people.” We aren't the judges. In the end, God’s going to settle everything.
Are you going through something hard and the enemy or some carnal Christian says, “What’s wrong with you? Look, if you aren’t getting well, there must be sin in your life," or, "You don’t have faith.” But the early believers went through a great conflict of suffering, and they endured. Problems don’t mean that you’re not right with God! Rejoice. If we endure with Christ, we will reign with Him.
The Christianity of the Bible includes suffering. The early believers faced insults, persecution, the confiscation of their property—and they did it joyfully. Christianity isn’t measured by pleasure, money, possessions, or dreams and destinies. God give us the courage to say “Thank You, Jesus, that we are counted worthy to suffer for Your sake.”
Have you ever worn a mask—acting one way in church and another way at home? That’s what the religious leaders of Jesus’ day did, and when Jesus called them out for it, they killed Him. We’re all guilty of hypocrisy in one way or another. But it doesn’t matter what people think; what matters is what God thinks. Whatever we’re going to be, let’s be real.
When you trusted in Jesus, did you know that were signing up not just for peace and joy but also for suffering, persecution, and rejection? But Hebrews 10:35 encourages us: “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Our focus is on eternity! Are things shaky in your life? Hold on to God. The best is yet to come.
There’s some funny business going on in Christian theology today. Since the Protestant Reformation, no one has ever said, like many Christians do today, “Fulfill your destiny, your dreams.” No. They said, “Do the will of God.” Our dreams could be whacked. In any decision or plan we need to make, we should say, “Lord, let me do Your will.”
The Christian life begins with faith—but it also has to be lived out by faith. In other words, we have to persevere in trusting Jesus and not shrink back. If it wasn’t possible for us to shrink back from faith, why would God warn us in both the Old and New Testaments to endure? We can choose to panic or try to solve our own problems, or we can choose to trust the Lord. Let’s live by faith and see God deliver us.
Everyone in this world can let you down—your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, your best friend, your spouse. But God can never let you down. Why? Because He who promised is faithful. Every promise God has made to us He will keep! Let’s persevere in our faith, holding fast to the hope we have in Jesus.
Too often we say, “I prayed on Tuesday, and now it’s Thursday, and nothing’s happened. God, where are You?” But we need to be like the men and women in the Bible who were commended for their faith. They so trusted God, so received His word to them, that they banked their lives on it. We can be confident and assured that whatever God has spoken to us, it is real. He will bring it to pass.
God is impressed by one thing: faith. Never once did Jesus say, “Wow, is that guy smart!” or “Did you hear the woman sing?” Instead, He commended people like David, Abraham, and Sarah, not because they were perfect, but because of their faith. These people banked their lives on God’s promises—and so should we. What’s concerning you today? Give it to the Lord, and honor God with your faith.
What problem are you facing? If God created the entire universe just by speaking it into existence, then no problem of ours is so big that He can’t handle it. Our God, who created everything out of nothing, is even tender enough that He sent Jesus to die for us and to touch our hearts with His grace and love. God never says to us, “I can’t do that.” Nothing is impossible with Him.
Paul, the greatest Christian we know of, said, “Pray for me.” He had been to the third heaven and seen things he couldn’t even talk about, yet he asked ordinary Christians to pray for him and his ministry. How much more do we, pastors and lay people, need prayer? Let’s not let pride keep us from asking others to pray for us. As we ask, Jesus will work through us in power.
Not everything we do in the name of God pleases Him. Hebrews 11 tells us that God was happy with Abel’s offering—but not Cain’s. Why? Because Abel gave his offering by faith. We can serve God mechanically, out of duty or routine, or we can serve Him by faith—leaning on Him, trusting Him, communing with Him. It’s not our service alone that pleases God but our faith.
As Christians, we have faith that God has washed away our past sins. But we also need faith to live for God every day. Actually, we need to trust Him hour by hour—talking to Him, praising Him, walking with Him. If God can keep us for one hour, then He can keep us for the next hour! Enoch understood that, and that’s why God was pleased with Him. Let’s trust God every hour today.
God can be made happy, and He can be made sad. So what displeases Him? When we walk in unbelief. “I’m never going to make it; the world is against me.” That’s not faith. God rewards those who trust Him and come to Him and pray, “God, I’m asking You to meet my needs.” Remember Paul’s statement of faith: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Let’s make God happy today.
For many of us, God is a subject in our minds that we study. But God is not a subject. He’s a living person. He is. How few of us have a living God! Our lives would completely change if we walked in the faith that Jesus is with us—listening to us, watching us, directing us moment by moment. This isn’t mysticism. It’s the life that pleases God.
Noah didn’t see any rain, but when God told him to build an ark, he did it. By faith, he was sure that if God had warned of a flood, there would be a flood. God has warned us too of judgment to come—and He has sent us an ark named Jesus. Are you in that ark? By faith, trust Jesus, and when judgment comes, He will be your salvation.
What would you do if God told you, “Leave your home, your job, your church, and I’ll show you where to go”? We like security, predictability, five-year plans. But Abraham didn’t even have a five-minute plan! He obeyed God, not knowing where he was going. That’s not emotionalism or fanaticism. It’s true biblical faith. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to lead us.
The first thing God ever said to Abraham was, “Get out of town. I have great plans to bless you, but not where you are.” Not everyone should leave home, but the greatest stories in the Bible are about people who left the familiar to go to something God had for them. It might feel scary, but when we step out in faith to obey the Shepherd, goodness and mercy will follow us all our lives
When Abraham got to the promised land, you’d think he would have built himself a nice, big house to settle down in. But he lived in tents, like a stranger in a strange land, his entire life. Why? He was looking forward to heaven. The promises of God were more real to him than the earth around him. By faith, let’s live as strangers in this world. Soon we’ll go home and see Jesus.
There’s one thing that always accompanies faith: obedience. Abraham had no idea how leaving home and going to an unknown land would work out, but when God asked him to do it, he obeyed. What is God asking us to do? Let’s do it. Like Abraham, let’s believe God so completely that we don’t just intellectually agree with Him but we act on our faith in Him.
Too many Christians are not just in the world, they’re of the world. But anyone who is walking with Jesus by faith is a pilgrim on this earth. We should never settle down in this world, because God has something far better for us! Like Abraham, we should be looking forward to the heavenly city God has promised us and be shaped by its values. This world is not our home; heaven is.
God doesn’t commend our intelligence; He knows everything. He doesn’t commend our wealth; He owns everything. He doesn’t commend our talents or abilities; He gave them to us! But faith? Childlike trust? That means so much to God. Stop worrying. Don’t be afraid. Whatever you’re going through today, put your hand in the hand of Jesus Christ, and say, “Lord, You have this.” And He does.
Pastor Cymbala reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways, as he challenges us to believe what God has promised, no matter how impossible it may seem.
Everyone God has greatly used throughout church history has had to leave what they’re used to and go to a new place. Sometimes we get our definitions more from our church cultures than from God’s Word, and God says, “Leave.” That’s what He told Abraham—and John Wesley, and George Whitfield, and William Booth, and many others. To be used by God, we need to step out in faith.
The faith of Abraham and Sarah that they would have a child started with a promise from God. Faith is not “If I believe hard enough, it’ll happen” or dreaming something into existence. It has to be initiated by God. Then, when His promise is a long time coming, we can keep believing, because God said it would happen. What has God spoken to you? Believe Him today. God is good.
A lot of people don’t believe that Jesus is coming back again. You can tell by the way they live. But to the men and women of faith in Hebrews 11, heaven was so real that they lived as strangers and foreigners on Earth. Faith brings a consciousness of God, His promises, the value of a soul—the invisible things of eternity. We can live by sight, or we can live by faith. Let’s walk by faith.
What are you tolerating in your life that’s offending the Lord? Even as Christians, we put up with things that hurt us and hold us back. Yes, we should be tolerant of people, loving them, being patient with them. But as Jesus told the churches in the book of Revelation, we should never tolerate sin. If we love the Lord, we should love what He loves and hate what He hates.
Is heaven on your mind? When we don’t have faith, we settle down on this earth—and our hopes and fears go up and down with news headlines and the market numbers. But God wants us to walk above all that by faith, focused not on this world but on the kingdom of heaven. If you’re worried about politics or the economy, get heaven on your mind. Our great hope is going home to be with Jesus.
Abraham had waited years for a son, but then God said, “Offer Isaac to Me as a sacrifice.” What? But God was testing him—and he passed the test. When God asks us to do what makes no sense, we can reason, like Abraham did, “God promised me good, so I know that He will make this work. He will never fail in His promise to me.” Let’s glorify God with our faith, believing that He will bring us through.
We go to church; we read our Bibles; we pray. But in Psalm 50, we find out that even when we’re doing all the right things, God still calls us to account sometimes. Why? Because we forget to thank Him. God judges His people and says, “Don’t just give Me your regular routine. Sacrifice thank offerings to Me!” Let’s thank God every day, every hour, for every single thing He does for us.
Some of us don’t believe that God can reveal anything—and our church services reflect it. But just as God revealed blessings to Isaac, and Isaac spoke them over his sons by faith, so the Lord will speak to us too by His Spirit. We don’t want fake emotionalism, but we do want the faith that the Holy Spirit wants to create in us. Let’s expect God to bring the supernatural to bear in our daily living.
What did Jacob, Joseph, and Moses have in common? They were so sure of God’s promises that they acted in faith—even when the answers didn’t come until after they had died! When the invisible promises of God are made real to our hearts, and we know with absolute surety what God has said, we act on those promises. Let’s believe God with all our hearts and then do what He tells us to do.
Moses had it all. He was Pharaoh’s daughter’s son, after all. Then he realized, “Wait a minute. I’m a Hebrew.” So by faith he said, “I’m not identifying with what’s easy. I’m identifying with who I really am in God.” We Christians can be so tepid. Who are you—Democrat, Republican, white, black, southern, American? Or by faith will you boldly say, “No, I’m a Christian.” Let’s be courageous. Let’s walk by faith.
Pastor Cymbala discusses Jesus' titles, "our apostle and high priest,” in Hebrews 3:21band what they mean for us today.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Hebrews 3:4-6 and encourages us to hold on to the blessed hope of Christ’s return.
Pastor Cymbala shows us that it is possible to have misplaced zeal, as he goes over a story in 1 Samuel 24:1-7 that takes place during the time when David was being persecuted by King Saul.
Highlighting David’s narrow escape from danger in 1 Samuel 23:24-29, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to look back on our own lives and thank God for all the times he has brought us through.
Highlighting King Saul’s spiritual delusion in 1 Samuel 23:19-23, Pastor Cymbala cautions against mixing the holy with the unholy.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the channels of grace through which we receive the help that we need from the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the gift of encouragement, as he highlights the help that was provided to David by his friend Jonathan in 1 Samuel 23:14-18.
Using an example from the life of David in 1 Samuel 23:8-13, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the blessing of listening for God’s voice.
Pastor Cymbala challenges us to inquire of the Lord about our work assignment for the day, as he highlights the completion of David’s work assignment in 1 Samuel 23:5-7.
Pastor Cymbala illustrates through 1 Samuel 23:2-5 the importance of knowing when to fight and when to walk away.
Pastor Cymbala urges us to inquire of the Lord before we make any life decision, following David’s example in 1 Samuel 23:1-2.
Pastor Cymbala warns against the destruction that jealousy and envy can leave in their wake, as he highlights King Saul’s downward trajectory in 1 Samuel 22:6-19.
Guest speaker, Pastor Josh LeBlanc of Philadelphia Tabernacle, encourages us with the biblical truth that despite the obstacles and challenges of life, we are called to have victory under pressure.
Highlighting a lesson from the life of David in 1 Samuel 22:5, Pastor Cymbala shares a personal story to illustrate that God can still guide his people today.
Focusing on 1 Samuel 22:3-4, Pastor Cymbala urges us to trust God even though he hasn’t yet shown us the end game in all of our life situations.
Pastor Cymbala discusses what it means to identify with Jesus today, as he reviews 1 Samuel 22:1-2.
Pastor Cymbala asks whether fear and lack of faith have ever caused us to act foolishly, as he delivers a message of encouragement based on 1 Samuel 21:10-15.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the key to success for a believer, as he discusses David’s wrong calculation in 1 Samuel 21:8-9.
Pastor Cymbala uses the story in 1 Samuel 21:1-7 to remind us that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Samuel 20:41-42 and the opposition Christians often face even from members of their own family.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 1 Samuel 20:18-33 and the testing of our allegiance to the Lord by the desire to be accepted by the culture and by others.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 20:16-17, Pastor Cymbala discusses what we should do if someone has set themselves up as our enemy.
Pastor Cymbala has a word of encouragement from 1 Samuel 20:3-15 for anyone who may be faltering because of what they are facing in life.
Pastor Cymbala challenges us to be a good friend to someone today, as he discusses the relationship between David and King Saul’s son Jonathan in 1 Samuel 19:15—20:2.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on Matthew 3:11 and how we can have strength, boldness and power in our work for the Lord and in our everyday lives.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on the importance of knowing when to stand and fight, and when to walk away, as he continues to review the story of David and King Saul in 1 Samuel 19:7-14.
Pastor Cymbala warns against the mood swings and instability exhibited by King Saul in 1 Samuel 19:1-6, reminding us that they are not a good advertisement for Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Samuel 18:18-30, as shares about a choice we all have to make that will determine how victorious our lives will be.
Pastor Cymbala uses the example of King Saul’s unfounded fear of David in 1 Samuel 18:12-17 to show us how jealousy and envy can distort a person’s view of someone.
Title: The Lord Is with You! Description: Pastor Cymbala explains what it means to have the Lord be “with” you, as he reviews 1 Samuel 18:12.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the inevitable progression that ensues when jealousy is left unchecked, as he continues to discuss the relationship between Israel’s King Saul and David in 1 Samuel 18:10-11.
Pastor Cymbala warns against the twin evils of jealousy and envy, as he explores the relationship of Israel’s King Saul with David in 1 Samuel 18:1-9.
Pastor Cymbala reminds us that Jesus has already won the victory for us against the forces of darkness, as he continues to review the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:51-52.
Pastor Cymbala stresses the importance of having reminders of answered prayers and the victories God has given us, as he speaks about the trophies David kept from his victory against Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:53-58.
Pastor Cymbala references David’s use of a sling and a stone to slay the giant in 1 Samuel 17:50, as he encourages us regarding the battles we fight in our own lives today.
Pastor Cymbala has a message of encouragement from 1 Kings 19:1-18 for anyone who may be feeling overwhelmed by life’s struggles.
Pastor uses the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:48-49 to encourage us to face the giants in our lives in the name of the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala has a powerful message from God’s Word for anyone who wants to secure the blessing of God on their life.
Pastor Cymbala has a word of encouragement for anyone going through a spiritual battle, as he continues to review the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:46-47.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 17:45, Pastor Cymbala urges us to remember whom we are representing as we fight the good fight of the faith.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the intimidating thoughts that can tempt us to back down from what God called us to do, as he continues to review the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:41-44.
Pastor Cymbala has a message for every Christian who wants to be used by God, as he continues to review the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:38-40.
Reviewing the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:29-37, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to remember God’s proven track record in our lives, so that we can continue to trust him in every situation.
Pastor Cymbala alerts us to one reason why our emotions might yo-yo up and down when we want to step out in faith, as he continues his devotional study on David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:27-28.
Have you ever thought you were doing well in your Christian walk until you faced something called “real life”? Pastor Cymbala challenges us with this question as he continues to explore the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:12-26.
As he begins the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:1-11, Pastor Cymbala has a message for anyone who might be feeling intimidated by the enemy of our souls.
Pastor Cymbala shares a way to quiet our minds and hearts when we are troubled, as he highlights 1 Samuel 16:19-23.
Noting the various giftings of King David, as they are listed in 1 Samuel 16:14-18, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to pray to be a well-rounded Christian with the Spirit of God helping us to strike a beautiful chord in our service to God and to others.
Pastor Cymbala has a word of encouragement for anyone who longs to be a blessing to others, as he highlights the source of David’s strength in 1 Samuel 16:11-13.
Speaking on 1 Samuel 16:8-12, Pastor Cymbala challenges us with the thought that it’s all about the heart as we worship the Lord and serve the body of Christ.
Pastor Cymbala discusses how judging by outward appearances can have serious repercussions, as he focuses on 1 Samuel 16:4-7.
Pastor Cymbala challenges us to trust that God will not let us down but will instead meet us at our point of need, just as he promised the prophet in 1 Samuel 16:2-3
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to seek God and wise counsel so that we can know when it is time to move on from certain situations, as the prophet Samuel had to do, according to 1 Samuel 16:1.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to fight the right battles, as he reviews 1 Samuel 15:31-35.
Did you know that today we can make God happy, or we can make him sad? Pastor Cymbala challenges us with this thought as he focuses on 1 Samuel 15:27-30 and the downfall of Israel’s King Saul.
Pastor Cymbala applies to our situation today the warning given to the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6 to wake up before it is too late.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the sins to which arrogance and rebellion are compared in 1 Samuel 15:23, as he continues to explore the downfall of Israel’s King Saul.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Samuel 15:17-22 and explains the prophet’s words to King Saul: “to obey is better than sacrifice.”
Pastor Cymbala discusses the benefit of owning up to our mistakes, as he continues to explore the downfall of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:13-16.
Pastor Cymbala admonishes us to consider our motives in everything we do, as he discusses 1 Samuel 15:12 and King Saul’s downfall.
Pastor Cymbala challenges us with some thoughts on the things we justify and condone in this devotional study on the fall of Israel’s King Saul, as it is recounted in 1 Samuel 15:7-11.
Pastor Cymbala has good news for anyone who is finding it difficult to obey the Lord’s commands; and it comes from today’s reading in 1 Samuel 15:1-6.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the blessing of being trusted by Jesus to do exploits for him, as he reviews 1 Samuel 14:47-52 on the mighty men that King Saul recruited into his service.
Pastor Cymbala warns against making rash vows that can have bad outcomes, as he recounts the consequences of King Saul’s impulsiveness in 1 Samuel 14:41-46
Do you want to hear from God? Pastor Cymbala tells us how, as he refers to an incident in the life of Israel’s King Saul that is recounted in 1 Samuel 14:31-37.
Pastor Cymbala uses the story of Jonathan’s disregard for his father’s foolish oath in 1 Samuel 14:24-30 as a lesson in misplaced family loyalties and how they can take us away from following and obeying the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala uses 1 Samuel 14:15-23 to show that God is the source of all victory, but he uses people who are willing to fight the good fight of faith.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us not to give up or give in to fear, as he highlights 1 Samuel 14:8-14 on Jonathan’s victory over the enemy that was attempting to intimidate him.
Pastor Cymbala points to the devotion of Jonathan’s armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 14:7, as he encourages us to live for Jesus with all that is within us.
Pastor Cymbala uses the example of Israel, as they faced the enemy without any weapons in 1 Samuel 13:15-22, to warn us against being robbed of the weapons of our warfare by the enemy of our souls.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 13:5-7, Pastor Cymbala speaks to any believer in Christ who may be fearful about facing times of trouble and testing.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 13:1-4, Pastor Cymbala warns against not only boasting about what you have done but especially boasting and taking credit for what someone else has done.
Pastor Cymbala shows us how we can live to please God, according to God’s Word, and how it changes everything in the life of the believer.
Pastor Frank Lorenzo of Selah City Church cautions that in our efforts to help ourselves, we could end up bypassing the power of God that we rely on to help others.
Pastor Cymbala shows us from Scripture how we can do great things for God’s kingdom, no matter our limitations.
In this inspiring message, Pastor Cymbala takes us back to the beginning of the church era and revivals throughout church history to highlight the need for visitations from God in the body of Christ, both corporately and in our individual lives.
Our guest speaker, Pastor Paul Purvis of Mission Hill Church, who is also President of the Florida Baptist Convention, delivers an encouraging message on how the biblical promise that God works all things together for our good is lived out through the difficult circumstances of our daily lives.
Pastor Cymbala points to a prayer by the Psalmist David that shows us how we can build up our faith as we approach God in prayer.
In this Easter message, Pastor Cymbala explores the unfathomable love of God and what it cost the Lord to make a way for us to spend eternity with him.
Pastor Alex Burgos asks a series of probing questions to highlight what we miss out on when we neglect prayer.
Pastor Brian Pettrey shows us from God’s Word how God has provided for every believer in Christ to be able to live the life that he wants us to live once we are born again.
Pastor Cymbala shares a vital message from God’s Word on securing the blessing of God on our lives.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Samuel 12:1-4 as he exhorts us to follow the example of the prophet Samuel, who kept a clear conscience before God and before the people.
Pastor Cymbala references the account of the renewal of Saul’s kingship in 1 Samuel 11:14 as he encourage us to celebrate God’s faithfulness in our lives.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 11:9-13, Pastor Cymbala points to the example of Saul in the early days of his reign, when he refused to exact revenge on those who despised him.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the people’s response to the news of Saul’s kingship, as it is recounted in 1 Samuel 10:14-27, as well as Saul’s response to those who opposed him.
Pastor Cymbala reminds us of God’s Word that says, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” as he contrasts King Saul’s beginnings in 1 Samuel 10:9-13 with the end of his life.
Jesus has commanded us to make disciples of all the nations of the world. There are 7000 unreached people groups in the world (nations) that still desperately need residential disciple making, church planting missionaries. If we are going to obey the great commission we are going to have to love Jesus, preach the Gospel, die, and be forgotten.
What happens when you think you’re in one place spiritually in your life but God knows you’re really in another place? You think you’re full but God knows you’re empty. How does God get us to the place where He truly wants us? Pastor Ken Whitten will speak to us on Running On Empty.
Pastor Cymbala stresses the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, as he highlights the prophet Samuel’s words to Saul in 1 Samuel 9:18-20.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Samuel 9:21-23 and the humility Saul had before he was anointed king by the prophet Samuel.
Pastor Pettrey encourages us to pray with an encouraging message from God’s Word on our response to the promises of God.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 Samuel 9:24—10:1 and the anointing of Saul as king of Israel.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 8:4-7, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the Israelites’ demand for a king; and it leads to a discussion on the problem of believers who want to fit in with the culture today.
Pastor Cymbala uses the story in 1 Samuel 7:13-14, on the victory of God’s people against the enemy, to encourage us with the biblical truth that God recovers stolen property.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 7:15—8:3, Pastor Cymbala discusses the corruption of Samuel’s sons; and he ends with a prayer that God might raise up faithful pastors, missionaries and other workers for his vineyard.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 10:2-7, Pastor Cymbala discusses the prophet’s word to Saul regarding God’s favor upon his life, and the encouragement this word has for us today.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Samuel 8:4-7 once again, as he speaks on the importance and blessing for Christians of living lives that are different from what is promoted by the world and the culture.
Pastor Cymbala references Jesus’ letter to the church in Smyrna in the book of Revelation to encourage anyone going through a difficult time in life.
Speaking on 1 Samuel 8:8-9, Pastor Cymbala warns against persistence in asking for what is not in God’s will for our lives.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 Samuel 8:10-20 about the warnings that the prophet gave to God’s people when they demanded a king; and he exhorts us to apply the lesson to our own lives today.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 1 Samuel 8:21—9:6 and how the Lord many times uses the circumstances of life to bring about his plan for our lives.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Samuel 8:7-16 as he shares an encouraging word on God’s merciful response to the cry of the people who had rejected him.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 9:17-18 and how God showed the prophet Samuel whom to anoint as king of Israel, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to ask for God’s direction in our own lives today.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 7:7-8, Pastor Cymbala discusses the repentant attitude of God’s people as they faced the threat of an attack of the enemy; and he concludes with the lesson it provides for us today.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 Samuel 7:5-7 on Samuel’s intercession for the people of Israel, and he exhorts us to rid ourselves of anything in our conversation or everyday living that might offend God and end up hurting us.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Samuel 7:2-4, which speaks about the repentance of the people of Israel, as he exhorts us to put away anything that compromises our devotion to the Lord.
Pastor Brian Pettrey speaks about the example Jesus provided, which can strengthen us to stand through the assaults of the enemy of our souls and to be victorious over the temptations that come our way.
Pastor Willy Rice, from the Calvary Church in Clearwater, Florida spoke at the Brooklyn Tabernacle about fervent prayer.
Highlighting 1 Samuel 6:13-20, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the return of the ark of the covenant to Israel and the importance of honoring the presence of God in our lives.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 Samuel 6:7-12 on the return of the ark of the covenant, symbolizing the presence of God, to the place where it belonged: with God’s people.
Pastor Cymbala uses the story of the ark of the covenant in enemy territory, as it appears in 1 Samuel 5:8—6:6, to demonstrate the spiritual insanity of choosing worthless idols over the one true God.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the story in 1 Samuel 5:1-4 of the ark of the covenant after it was captured in war, and what it tells us about the one true God.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 1 Samuel 4:12-22 regarding the capture of the ark of the covenant by the Philistines when the Israelites were defeated in battle; and he warns against letting the glory of God depart from our lives.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on the lessons we can learn from the account in 1 Samuel 4:10-11 of the defeat experienced by the Israelites in a battle against the Philistines.
Pastor Cymbala uses the account of a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:1-9 to warn against depending on anything other than God.
Pastor Cymbala expounds on 1 Samuel 3:15-19, focusing on the phrase, “the Lord was with Samuel,” and what it means for us today.
Pastor Cymbala reviews what God said was the sin of Eli and his family, as it is set forth in 1 Samuel 3:11-14; and he relates it to the responsibility we bear because of the light that we have as believers in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala uses 1 Samuel 3:10 as a springboard for a discussion on the need to develop an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying.
Pastor Cymbala begins the account of the call of God on Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:2-10 and encourages us to have the same attitude and response to the Lord that Samuel had.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Samuel 3:1 and the spiritual antenna we need in order to be tuned in to what the Lord is saying.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 Samuel 2:34-36 and what God is looking for in those who serve him.
Pastor Cymbala highlights the story in 1 Samuel 2:22-26 about the mistake that Eli the priest made in not dealing appropriately with his corrupt sons; and he speaks about the need to love the Lord and truth more than anything else.
Pastor Cymbala uses the account in 1 Samuel 2:27-29 of the prophecy against the house of Eli the priest to warn against using what is due to God for selfish gain.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on the upbringing of the boy Samuel, as it is described in 1 Samuel 2:18-21, and discusses what it means to be right in God’s sight.
Pastor Cymbala uses the story of the corrupt sons of Eli the priest in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 to warn against greed and the love of money.
Pastor Cymbala reads the rest of Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:6-11 and encourages us with the biblical truth that the same God who answered Hannah’s prayer and took care of her son, Samuel, will take care of us as we look to him and trust him.
In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Cymbala shares an encouraging word that Jesus gave his disciples, even though he knew they would fail him in the end—a word that also provides hope for anyone who would put their trust in him today.
Pastor Cymbala reads Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-5 and encourages us to pray as she did, because God is able to turn around that difficult situation we may be facing.
Pastor Cymbala continues the story of Samuel’s birth in 1 Samuel 1:21-28 and encourages us to follow the example of Samuel’s mother Hannah by sharing our own testimony of how God has been faithful to supply our needs in answer to prayer.
Pastor Cymbala highlights 1 Samuel 1:17-20 and introduces one of the key themes in the book of 1 Samuel: we have a prayer-answering God.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 Samuel 1:9-16 and the prayer that Samuel’s mother Hannah prayed in her heart out of the anguish of her soul.
Pastor Cymbala concludes his introductory Old Testament overview by exhorting us to submit to God’s authority instead of doing what is right in our own eyes, as the people were sinfully doing at the end of the book of Judges.
Pastor Cymbala continues his historical overview of the Old Testament as an introduction to 1st Samuel, and he concludes by encouraging us to do what God has called us to do.
Pastor Cymbala continues his historical overview of the Old Testament as an introduction to the book of 1st Samuel; and he urges us not to forget God amid all the blessings he bestows on us.
Pastor Cymbala continues his historical overview of the Old Testament as an introduction to his devotional series on 1st Samuel, and he ends with a probing question: Are we walking in the promises and blessings of God?
NYC Sanctus Director, Luke Pettrey, speaks on the Lord’s promise to not only see us through but also give us perfect peace as we walk through life’s storms.
Pastor Cymbala concludes his devotional study on 2 Peter with the declaration in 2 Peter 3:18: “To him be glory both now and forever!”
Pastor Cymbala speaks on the command given in 2 Peter 3:18 that we might grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Highlighting 2 Peter 3:17, Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to be alert and fill ourselves with God’s Word so that we can distinguish truth from error.
Pastor Pettrey introduces a vital aspect of prayer, as he speaks on the importance and blessing of waiting on God.
Pastor Cymbala highlights the warning in 2 Peter 3:16 about the distortion of Scripture, as he exhorts us to consider the whole counsel of God.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the declaration in 2 Peter 3:15 that “the Lord’s patience means salvation.”
Pastor Cymbala discusses the exhortation given in 2 Peter 3:14 about living lives pleasing to the Lord, as we eagerly await his return.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on the new heaven and the new earth that we should be looking forward to, according to 2 Peter 3:12b-13.
Pastor Cymbala continues his discussion on 2 Peter 3:10 and God’s coming judgment of the world by fire.
Pastor Cymbala expounds on "the day of the Lord,” which will come like a thief, according to 2 Peter 3:10.
Pastor Cymbala celebrates the patience and mercy of God, who doesn’t want anyone to perish, according to 2 Peter 3:9.
Highlighting 2 Peter 3:8, Pastor Cymbala shares the biblical truth that God’s timing may not be our timing, but he’s never late.
Pastor Cymbala reviews the stern warning given in 2 Peter 3:7 about God’s impending judgment of the world by fire.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the scoffers who will come in the last days, according to 2 Peter 3:5-6, deliberately forgetting God’s judgment in the days of Noah.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the scoffers that 2 Peter 3:3-4 says will come in the last days, mocking Christians for holding on to God’s promises.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 Peter 3:2 and discusses the importance of remembering what God has said in his Word.
Pastor Cymbala finishes chapter 2 of 2 Peter with a warning against becoming entangled once again in the lifestyles from which we were delivered when we came to faith in Christ
Pastor Cymbala warns against false teachers who infiltrate the church promising people freedom while they themselves are slaves of depravity, according to 2 Peter 2:18-19.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on the warning given in 2 Peter 2:17 about the fate awaiting the false teachers.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on the Old Testament story of Balaam, which is referred to in 2 Peter 2:15-16, to warn against the danger of letting false teaching infiltrate the church.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 2 Peter 2:13-14, exhorting us to pray for discernment so that we can maintain the integrity of the church by identifying those who come in to do harm.
Pastor Cymbala highlights 2 Peter 2:13 and warns against the leaven of false teachers in the church who influence others to engage in ungodly living.
As he reviews 2 Peter 2:11-12, Pastor Cymbala focuses on the biblical truth that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Pastor Cymbala contrasts the fate of those who despise authority according to 2 Peter 2:10, with those who submit to God.
Continuing his discussion on the sure judgment of false teachers, Pastor Cymbala explores the example given in 2 Peter 2:6-8 of the judgment that came upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Continuing his discussion on the sure judgment of false teachers, Pastor Cymbala explores the example given in 2 Peter 2:6-8 of the judgment that came upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
As he continues his discussion on the sure judgment of false teachers, Pastor Cymbala explores the comparison made in 2 Peter 2:5 with the judgment visited upon the ungodly in Noah’s day.
Speaking about the judgment of God that awaits false teachers, Pastor Cymbala explores the comparison made in 2 Peter 2:4 with the judgment of angels who sinned against God.
Pastor Cymbala gives us one sure sign of a false teacher, as it is set forth in 2 Peter 2:3.
Pastor Cymbala continues his study on 2 Peter 2:1 and discusses how we can tell what is false teaching.
Pastor Cymbala begins a discussion on 2 Peter 2:1, which introduces the apostle’s warning about false teachers in our midst.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 2 Peter 1:20-21 and discusses the authority of Scripture in our ministries and in our personal lives.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 1 Peter 2:16-18 and the biblical truth that the Christian life has to be worked out through a daily walk with Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 2 Peter 1:16 and the fact that Peter and the other disciples were eyewitnesses of the life and ministry of Jesus when he was here on earth.
Highlighting 2 Peter 1:13-15, Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to remember what we are supposed to remember and forget what we are supposed to forget.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 2 Peter 1:12, emphasizing that we need continual reminders of the solid truths of the faith.
Pastor Ron Brown spoke at this Tuesday evening prayer service at the Brooklyn Tabernacle.
Pastor Cymbala discusses how to confirm your calling and election, as it is set forth in 2 Peter 1:10.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about love, which we are to add to our faith, by God’s power, according to 2 Peter 1:7.
As we step into this New Year, we can rejoice knowing that every day with the Lord is filled with opportunities and challenges planned by Him. He will pour out abundant blessings and goodness on His people, so that we can truly live in the favor of our Heavenly Father.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the quality of “brotherly kindness” (or “mutual affection”), which we are to add to our faith by God’s power, according to 2 Peter 1:7.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the quality of “godliness,” which we are to add to our faith by God’s power, according to 2 Peter 1:6.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the quality of “perseverance,” which we are to add to our faith by God’s power, according to 2 Peter 1:6.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the quality of "goodness," which we are to add to our faith by God's power, according to 2 Peter 1:5.
Pastor Cymbala expounds on the recipe for spiritual growth that we find in 2 Peter 1:5-8.
Highlighting 2 Peter 1:4, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the blessing of believing God’s promises.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 2 Peter 1:3 and the divine power that is available for Christians to live a godly life.
Pastor Cymbala begins his devotional series on 2 Peter, highlighting how the apostle introduces himself in his New Testament letter and what it means for us today.
Pastor Cymbala concludes his series on Key Verses for 2023 with an exhortation, based on Hebrews 6:10, on the measure of our love for God.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Hebrews 4:16 and what God has waiting for us at the throne of grace.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on John 3:27 and the biblical truth that we were created by God to receive from him everything we need, so that we can do what he called us to do.
Highlighting Hebrews 11:1, Pastor Cymbala focuses on the two realms in which the Lord wants us to live.
Pastor Cymbala introduces his 5-day devotional series, Key Verses for 2023, with a look at Hebrews 11:6 and a discussion on how to have more faith in the new year.
Reading from chapter 2 of the book of Luke, Pastor Cymbala explores why Jesus was born in a manger and how that challenges us all today.
Pastor Cymbala discusses John 1:9-12 and what it means to receive Jesus, who is the light of the world.
Pastor Cymbala reads Matthew 11:28 and emphasizes that one reason Jesus came to this world was to reveal who God is.
Pastor Cymbala reviews the theme of Mary’s song of praise in Luke 1:46-55, and how that theme can impact our lives today.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to believe in the promises of God, as he recounts the story in Luke 1:26-38 of how the angel told Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God.
Pastor Cymbala elaborates further on the birth of John the Baptist as it is set forth in Luke 1:15-17, and he gives an encouraging word on how John would ultimately be able to fulfill the mission that God had planned for him.
Pastor Cymbala elaborates further on the story of the birth of John the Baptist as it appears in Luke 1:18-25, and he encourages us to believe what God has promised.
Pastor Cymbala continues to relate the story of the birth of John the Baptist, as it appears in Luke 1:10-13, and speaks about the uplifting lesson it provides on the power of prayer
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Matthew 1:24—2:6 and the humble circumstances of our Savior’s birth.
Pastor Cymbala highlights Matthew 1:22 and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy that Jesus would be called Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
As he comes back to Matthew 1:18, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the miracle of Jesus having been conceived in Mary’s womb through the power of the Holy Spirit, and what this miracle means for us today.
As he reviews the genealogy of Jesus set forth in Matthew 1:4-6, Pastor Cymbala focuses on David and Bathsheba and what their tragic story means for us today.
Pastor Cymbala begins his devotional study on the Christmas story by speaking about the lessons we can learn from the genealogy of Jesus as it appears in the gospel of Matthew.
Our guest is author and speaker, the Rev. Alton Garrison, who delivers a timely message on how hope is destroyed and how it is restored.
Pastor Cymbala ends his devotional series on the book of Galatians with the apostle Paul’s closing prayer for the believers.
Pastor Cymbala reads Galatians 6:17 and speaks about persevering through the hardships that we may face as followers of Christ.
Pastor Cymbala highlights Galatians 6:14 and gives an encouraging talk on the way God can bring about victory out of what might seem like defeat and loss in the natural.
Pastor Cymbala discusses Galatians 6:15 and the hope that Christ provides for those who put their trust in him.
Pastor Cymbala discusses Galatians 6:13 and warns against getting distracted from the true message of the gospel.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 6:11-12 and warns against compromising when it comes to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Cymbala goes back to Galatians 6:9-10 and gives a personal testimony about doing good to others.
Title: Don’t Give Up! Description: Pastor Cymbala discusses the exhortation in Galatians 6:9 to keep on doing good.
Highlighting Galatians 6:8, Pastor Cymbala explains what it means to please the flesh and what it means to please the Spirit.
Pastor Cymbala covers Galatians 6:4-5, which warns us against comparing ourselves with others.
Pastor Cymbala begins a discussion on Galatians 6:1, which focuses on what happens when a Christian gets caught in a sin.
Guest speaker Pastor Ron Brown, executive director of Teen Challenge Southern California, delivers an encouraging message, reminding us that God by his grace has planned our lives and provided for everything we will need, because we are his children.
Pastor Cymbala continues his discussion on Galatians 6:1, comparing the restoration of a brother or sister in Christ to the delicate operation of mending bones.
Pastor Cymbala highlights the appeal in Galatians 6:2 for us to carry one another’s burdens.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the warning in Galatians 6:3 about thinking we are something when we are not.
Pastor Cymbala continues his discussion of Galatians 6:1 with an admonition that we guard against self-righteousness.
Pastor Brian Pettrey reminds us of the importance of our motivation in prayer as we bring our needs before the Lord.
Highlighting Galatians 5:26, Pastor Cymbala warns against the folly and danger of being conceited, especially in our interactions with one another.
Pastor Cymbala concentrates on Galatians 5:24-25 and discusses what it means to crucify the flesh and keep in step with the Spirit.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Galatians 4:19 and speaks about the apostle Paul’s travail on behalf of the Galatians, that they might be able to tell what was real from what was counterfeit.
Sydney Deloch and Ron Olivier, former Angola Prison inmates who were serving life sentences since their youth and are now out of prison serving as chaplains in the Mississippi State Penitentiary, share their stories of redemption and transformation through the power of the gospel.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “dissensions” and “factions,” as he continues his devotional study on the works of the flesh that are listed in Galatians 5:19-21.
Pastor Cymbala goes over Galatians 4:24-25 again, focusing on the freedom and acceptance we have with God as believers in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “joy” as he continues his discussion on the fruit of the Spirit as it is outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about our being peacemakers as he continues his discussion on the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about Satan’s strategies and shows us from Scripture how to resist him when he comes to tempt and attack us.
Pastor Cymbala concentrates on what it means to walk by the Spirit as he continues his discussion on the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the difference between having peace with God and having the peace of God, as he continues his discussion on the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “anger” and "ambition," as he continues his devotional study on the works of the flesh outlined in Galatians 5:19-21.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “hatred” and “jealousy,” as he continues his devotional study on the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the works of the flesh as they are outlined in Galatians 5:19-21.
Guest speaker, Pastor David Myers of Eastwind Church in Palm Bay, Florida, speaks about God's presence as the most precious commodity on earth; and he shares how we can enter that place of favor on a regular basis.
Pastor Cymbala continues his review of Galatians 5:17-18 and describes the turmoil we experience within when the flesh opposes the good desires that the Holy Spirit gives us.
Description: Stressing the importance of Galatians 5:16-17 for every believer, Pastor Cymbala reviews the passage once again and speaks about the secret to living a victorious Christian life.
Pastor Cymbala contrasts our net worth here on earth with our real net worth in heaven and speaks about the assurance God gives every believer in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala continues his discussion on Galatians 5:16-17 and shares an allegory showing how we can live a victorious Christian life.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Galatians 5:16-17 again as he speaks about a life controlled by the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 5:17 and discusses the conflict that exists between our sinful nature and the Holy Spirit that lives in us.
Highlighting Galatians 5:16, Pastor Cymbala speaks of God’s plan that our thoughts, impulses and desires might be influenced by Christ, who lives in us through his Holy Spirit.
Pastor Cymbala stays on Galatians 5:15 and speaks of love as the goal of our being conformed to the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to proclaim and find hope in the testimony that we have of God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives.
Pastor Cymbala concentrates on Galatians 5:14-15 and contrasts how folks in the world are treating one another today on social media and elsewhere with how Scripture says that Christians should treat on another.
Highlighting Galatians 5:12-13, Pastor Cymbala describes our sinful nature and warns against indulging the flesh.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “envy” and drunkenness” as he continues his devotional study on the works of the flesh outlined in Galatians 5:19-21.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “love” as he begins a discussion on the fruit of the Spirit as it is outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “patience,” as he continues his discussion on the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “kindness” as he continues his discussion on the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Highlighting Galatians 4:24-26, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the difference between the old covenant of the law and the new covenant of grace.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on Galatians 4:21-23, referencing the story of Abraham as he encourages us to wait on God’s promises.
Pastor Brian Pettrey speaks on the mercy of God and how it can fill us and overflow to others, refreshing them and stirring them to trust in God’s love.
Pastor Cymbala discusses Galatians 4:18-19 and encourages us not to be sectarian but rather to root for one another.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “goodness” and “faithfulness,” as he continues his discussion on the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “gentleness,” as he continues his discussion on the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on “self-control,” as he concludes his discussion on the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pastor Cymbala summarizes his discussion on the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, concluding with the apostle Paul's own words in Galatians 5:23: "Against such things there is no law."
As Pastor Cymbala goes over Galatians 5:15 again, he reminds us that one day we will give an account for every word we have ever spoken.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Galatians 4:17 and warns against factions, or a party spirit, as a work of the flesh.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on Galatians 5:11 and the offense of the message of the cross, which is foolishness to those who are perishing, according to God’s Word.
Pastor Cymbala shares a powerful message on how to live the Christian life where the rubber meets the road.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Galatians 5:10 and emphasizes how dangerous it is when someone brings false teaching into the church.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 5:7-9 and the need to guard against even the most seemingly innocuous wrong teaching, which could spread like yeast throughout the church.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 5:6, which speaks of the only thing that counts with God.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Galatians 5:5 and speaks about the fulfillment of our salvation.
Highlighting Galatians 5:4, Pastor Cymbala warns against the danger of adding anything to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the way to have acceptance with God, as it is set forth in Galatians 5:2-3.
Pastor Cymbala highlights Galatians 5:1-2 and exhorts us to enjoy the freedom that we have in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala uses the passage from Galatians 4:29-31 as a springboard to speak about the dangers of legalism.
Highlighting Galatians 4:28, Pastor Cymbala explores the comparison that the book of Galatians makes between the Old Testament patriarch, Isaac, and those who are in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on Galatians 4:15 and the humility that enables us to accept correction when it is needed.
Highlighting Galatians 4:15, Pastor Cymbala discusses the fact that, in Scripture, God doesn’t tell us everything we want to know, but he does tell us what we need to know.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 4:12-14 and how the Galatians first heard and received the gospel message.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the danger that the apostle Paul warns against in Galatians 4:10-11.
Pastor Cymbala goes over Galatians 4:7 again and discusses what it means to be a son or daughter of God.
Pastor Cymbala discusses Galatians 4:6-7, reminding us that the God who created the universe is our heavenly Father through faith in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 4:6 and the freedom we enjoy as believers because of our adoption to sonship in Christ.
Our guest speaker, Pastor Alec Rowlands of Westgate Chapel in Edmonds, WA, speaks about a way God has provided for us to take out the giants occupying our spiritual inheritance in these challenging times.
Pastor Cymbala covers Galatians 3:29—4:5 and discusses what it means to be an heir according to the promise God gave to Abraham, the father of faith.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 3:21-22 and the biblical truth that as we admit and confess our weakness, we find the strength of God.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 3:12-14 and the counterintuitive way to become more Christlike every day.
Pastor Cymbala concentrates on Galatians 3:10 and the difference between law and grace.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on Galatians 3:8-9 and how God’s power is activated in our lives.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Galatians 3:7 and encourages us to follow the example of Abraham, the father of faith in the Bible, who had the audacity to believe God.
Pastor Cymbala concentrates on Galatians 3:20-21 and the biblical truth that Christianity is about life.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about a sure, biblical way to secure God’s blessing in our lives.
As he highlights Galatians 3:18, Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to give up trying to change on our own and encourages us to look to Jesus instead.
Pastor Cymbala discusses Galatians 3:15-17 and the secret of looking at what God has done instead of erroneously focusing on what we have done to try to earn his favor.
Pastor Cymbala expounds on Galatians 3:27-28 and the unifying power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Highlighting Galatians 3:23-25, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the role of the Old Testament law as a guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith and have a new beginning.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 3:26 and the biblical truth that, as Christians, we are all children of God through faith.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us with two great facts about God that will help us in our prayer life and in our Christian walk overall.
Speaking on Galatians 3:19, Pastor Cymbala focuses on the reason for the Old Testament law and what it means for us today.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 3:6 and the example of Abraham in the Old Testament, who believed what God promised.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us from Scripture to be bold in reminding God about what he has promised.
Pastor Cymbala goes back to Galatians 3:5 to show that, as Christians, we are in the school of faith.
Pastor Cymbala summarizes what has been discussed in the devotional study so far (through Galatians 3:5), emphasizing that Christianity is based not on merit but on faith, from beginning to end.
As he goes over Galatians 3:3-5, Pastor Cymbala provides a word of encouragement for anyone whose trust in God has broken down.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on Galatians 3:2-3 and the importance of not only beginning well but also finishing well in terms of our faith in Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on the question in Galatians 3:2: Did God save us because we were good enough, or did he save us because we believed the message of salvation?
Pastor Cymbala uses passages from both the Old and New Testaments to let us know what God thinks of grumbling and arguing and the effect that it has on our lives as well as our witness for Christ.
Pastor Cymbala concludes Galatians 2 with Paul’s admonition not to set aside the grace of God.
Pastor Cymbala introduces Galatians 3 with the apostle Paul’s desperate plea that the Galatian Christians not be bewitched into trying to merit God’s favor.
Using the life of Jesus as an example, as well as examples from the early church, Pastor Brian Pettrey challenges us with the thought that we can joyfully spread the resources we have, however limited they may be, to bless the world.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 2:6-9, encouraging us with the thought that we can make converts, see lives changed, and see people of all different backgrounds love one other, because God is at work.
Highlighting the apostle Paul’s conversation with Peter, James and John in Galatians 2:9-10, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the only way to salvation for Jew and Gentile alike.
Continuing his study on the confrontation between the apostle Paul and Peter in Galatians 2:11-14, Pastor Cymbala warns against trying to rely on our own merits for salvation and also in our walk with the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 2:15-16 and the apostle Paul’s declaration that a person is justified not by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala gives an exhortation on Galatians 2:15-16 and the humility it takes for a person to admit their need of a Savior.
Pastor Cymbala goes over Galatians 2:11-16 once again, emphasizing the biblical truth that we are justified by faith in Christ alone.
Pastor Cymbala warns against trying to earn God’s favor in order to be saved, and also in our walk with the Lord once we are saved.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 2:19 and highlights the difference between being command-conscious and God-conscious as a believer in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala explores what it means to be crucified with Christ, as it is set forth in Galatians 2:20.
Pastor Cymbala concludes his devotional study on Galatians 2:20 with an exhortation on what it means to live by faith in Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Galatians 2:4-5 and speaks about the apostle Paul’s strong defense of the gospel and the freedom we have in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala presents a message from God’s Word that challenges us to think about whom or what we’re leaning on in these uncertain days.
Pastor Alex Burgos encourages us to pray with an important lesson about God’s answers to our prayers.
Speaking on Galatians 1:17 and the silent years of Paul’s life as a Christian, Pastor Cymbala discusses how we can live every day in a way that is pleasing to God.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 2:12-13 and how the apostle Paul took a stand against compromising the message of the gospel.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Galatians 2:11-12 and the confrontation that the apostle Paul had with Peter when Peter became intimidated by those who had infiltrated the early church and were insisting that Gentile believers follow the Jewish customs.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Galatians 2:1-3 regarding Paul’s visit to Jerusalem to present to the leaders there, who had been in the faith longer than he, the unadulterated gospel he had been preaching among the gentiles.
Pastor Cymbala goes over Galatians 1:18-24, focusing on how God was glorified through Paul’s testimony and applying it to our lives today.
Pastor Cymbala offers an insightful word from Scripture on how we can please God as we are going about our everyday lives.
Pastor Cymbala shares a modern-day conversion story and relates it to the testimony of the apostle Paul, as it appears in Galatians 1:13-16.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the measure of spiritual maturity in terms of our posture toward those who need restoration in the body of Christ.
Pastor Cymbala highlights Galatians 1:9 and warns against adding to or subtracting from the one true gospel.
Pastor Cymbala explores what the apostle Paul says in Galatians 1:10 about seeking the approval of God rather than the approval of human beings.
Highlighting Galatians 1:11-12, Pastor Cymbala speaks of the unique nature of the apostle Paul’s story and how he received the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Highlighting Galatians 1:6-7, Pastor Cymbala discusses the confusion that false teaching brings.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 1:8 and what it has to say about any distortion of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 1:1-2 and discusses the apostle Paul’s credentials, which qualify him to address the churches in Galatia.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Galatians 1:3-5, which leads to the only pertinent question for us today.
Pastor Alex Burgos encourages us with a word from Scripture showing how our sovereign God chooses where to pour out his salvation and his mercy.
Pastor Cymbala tells us how we can have joy and go from strength to strength despite the trials we go through and the turmoil in our world today.
Pastor Cymbala delivers a much-needed message in these troubled times on the care, protection and provision of the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala highlights Proverbs 22:13 and discusses the power, love and self-discipline that are available to every believer in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala reviews the exhortation in Proverbs 22:24-25 to avoid wrong associations.
Pastor Cymbala introduces his new devotional series by providing an overview of the New Testament letter to the Galatians and the main reason why the apostle Paul wrote it.
Pastor Cymbala reads Proverbs 22:17-21 and exhorts us to focus on God’s Word, so that we can have our hearts filled with faith and be a blessing to others.
Highlighting Proverbs 22:28, Pastor Cymbala warns against neglecting eternal biblical truths to pursue new gimmicks and fads.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on Proverbs 22:22-23 and God’s concern for those who are vulnerable.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Proverbs 22:9 and God’s promise concerning those who are generous.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Proverbs 22:10 and how to deal with those who cause division and strife.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about a gift of God that is often overlooked but that is essential for living a healthy and victorious life.
Pastor Cymbala highlights Proverbs 22:6,8 on the principle of sowing and reaping as we raise our children and in the way we treat others.
Pastor Cymbala introduces a 2-week study on Proverbs, with comparisons to lessons from the New Testament; and he begins with Proverbs 22:1 on the thought that “a good name is more desirable than great riches.”
Pastor Cymbala concludes this devotional series with a discussion on the command in 1 John 5:21: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
Pastor Cymbala encourages us with a discussion on what every Christian should know, according to 1 John 5:19.
Pastor Cymbala relates the biblical story of a great victory that God gave when his people praised him; and he encourages us to do the same in the battles we face today.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the exhortation in 1 John 5:16 to pray for brothers and sisters in Christ who are caught in sin.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 John 5:14-15 and what it means to pray according to God’s will.
Highlighting 1 John 5:13-14, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the believer’s assurance of salvation and answered prayer.
Pastor Brian Pettrey gives a word of exhortation in preparation for the serving of Communion.
Highlighting 1 John 5:11, Pastor Cymbala speaks about God’s gift of eternal life for all who put their trust in Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala reminds us that the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 5:9-10 and speaks about the choice each of us has to make about whether or not to believe what God has said.
Highlighting 1 John 5:7-8, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the testimony that God has given about his Son.
Speaking on 1 John 5:6, Pastor Cymbala challenges anyone who is wondering whether they are a Christian to settle the question once and for all.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on what it means to obey God’s commands, which are not burdensome according to 1 John 5:2-3.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the victory that has overcome the world, according to 1 John 5:4.
Pastor Cymbala gives us practical ways to become renewed within, every single day, so we can avoid the temptation to drop out of life’s race and God’s plan for our lives because of the cares and vicissitudes of life.
Pastor Cymbala takes us through the Scriptures to show us the best thing we could do for God, and how it blesses us in the end.
Pastor Cymbala concludes his discussion on 1 John 5:16 and what we should do when a fellow believer has committed a sin.
Pastor Cymbala highlights 1 John 3:13-14 and discusses a truth that should not surprise any Christian today.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 4:14-16 and discusses the difference between knowing God’s acts of power and knowing his ways.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 4:20-21 and discusses one of the greatest deceptions in spiritual life.
Pastor Cymbala goes over 1 John 3:14 once again and discusses how we know that we have passed from death to life.
Pastor Cymbala has an encouraging word on 1 John 4:4, which tells us that “greater is the one who is in us than the one who is in the world.”
Pastor Cymbala has an encouraging word on the importance of trusting God, especially in those times when we seem to be in the dark about what is happening around us and in our own life situations.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 1 John 4:1, which urges us to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
Pastor Cymbala speaks about our need to have the power that raised Jesus from the dead operating in our lives, enabling us to share the gospel and live victorious lives.
Pastor Cymbala shows us how we can tell whether someone is a false prophet, according to 1 John 4:2.
In this special Good Friday devotional, Pastor Cymbala provides a word of encouragement on how longsuffering the Lord is toward us.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 3:7-8 and contrasts the practice of sinning with being tempted and falling into sin as a Christian.
Pastor Cymbala shares the story of the birth of Moses as a lesson in the power of desperate prayer and the prayer of faith.
Highlighting 1 John 3:6, Pastor Cymbala tells us what distinguishes a believer in Christ from someone who does not know the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala covers 1 John 3:23 and speaks of the command of God that sets the captive free.
Pastor Cymbala highlights 1 John 3:21-22 and speaks about praying in faith, with confidence before God.
Pastor Cymbala challenges us with the question: Are we living on the superabundant resources that Jesus has promised us?
Pastor Cymbala highlights 1 John 3:4 and speaks about the importance of acknowledging what sin is, in order to be able to understand what salvation is.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 1 John 3:9, which says that “no one who is born of God will continue to sin.”
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 3:8b and shares the secret to overcoming sin in our daily lives.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 5:1 and what it says about everyone who is born of God.
Pastor Cymbala delivers a message on what it means to seek God, and what we need to be able to seek him with all our heart.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 4:18-19 and discusses the only thing that can drive out fear in our lives
Highlighting 1 John 4:10, Pastor speaks about the ultimate love, which is God’s love, and what that love engenders in us
Pastor Cymbala offers words of hope from Scripture for anyone who has ever found themselves getting cold and distant from the Lord because of the cares and distractions of life.
Pastor Brian Pettrey delivers an inspirational message on the power of love and unity in the body of Christ.
Referencing 1 John 2:20, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the work of the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all the truth, according to God’s Word.
Pastor Cymbala continues a story illustrating the biblical truth that whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Reviewing 1 John 2:20, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the Holy Spirit, who helps us discern truth from error.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the promise of eternal life that the apostle John speaks about in 1 John 2:25.
Speaking on 1 John 2:26-27a, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to ask the Holy Spirit to illumine our hearts and minds as we open God’s Word.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 2:29 and explains why there is no such thing as a plan of salvation that doesn’t change a person's life.
Pastor Cymbala speaks from God’s Word about the challenges and rewards of waiting on God and reminding the Lord of his promises to us.
In this day and age, when the world is questioning their identity, Pastor Cymbala delivers a message from God’s Word that challenges us to think about who we are.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 John 3:3 and how we should live in anticipation of the return of Christ.
Pastor Cymbala relates the apostle John’s words in 1 John 2:10-11 to the Lord’s commandment to love one another.
Pastor Charles Hammond encourages us to anchor our souls in God’s Word when everything around us seems to be in chaos.
Pastor Cymbala goes over the apostle’s strong words in 1 John 2:11 concerning those who claim to be in the light but hate a brother or sister in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 2:12 and tells us to rejoice that our sins are in the sea of God’s forgetfulness because of the name of Jesus and what he accomplished for us on the cross.
Pastor Cymbala points out that the believers in Christ are addressed as “little children” in 1 John; and he explores the significance this has for us today.
Pastor Cymbala shows us from God’s Word how we can be strong in the Lord so that we can fight the good fight of faith.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 2:5-6, which challenges the person who claims to have fellowship with God to live as Jesus did.
Pastor Brian Pettrey speaks on “Persistence: The Evidence of Faith” as an encouragement to pray and never give up.
Pastor Cymbala summarizes 1 John 2:3-6 with the biblical truth that fellowship with the Lord is based on knowing and loving him.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to pray that the Lord’s grace might hold us all day long, so that we will be able to follow the exhortation in 1 John 2 to live as Jesus did.
Highlighting 1 John 4:14-16, Pastor Cymbala emphasizes that our faith has to rest on the Rock that is Christ Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 4:11-12 and discusses what the acid test of Christianity is.
Pastor Cymbala speaks from God’s Word about overcoming the distractions, hurts and letdowns we encounter in our Christian journey.
Pastor Cymbala delivers an encouraging message on what to do when you are at the end of your rope regarding that impossible situation in your life.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the declaration in 1 John 3:15 that “anyone who hates a brother or a sister is a murderer” in God’s sight.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 3:11-12 and discusses a virus that is worse than COVID.
Pastor Cymbala reviews the second part of 1 John 5:1 regarding what it means to love our heavenly Father.
Pastor Cymbala points to a story from Scripture to illustrate the signs of real love for Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala goes over 1 John 3:11-13 once again, and discusses the opposition to Christ and what is right that we encounter in the culture today.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the day that turned the tide of human history forever, and what that means for you today.
Pastor Alex Burgos speaks about the emotional pain that Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane, even before the physical agony that he endured on the cross.
Pastor Cymbala concludes the third chapter of 1 John with verse 24b, which reveals how we know that God lives in us.
Pastor Cymbala revisits 1 John 3:24 and speaks about the gift of the Holy Spirit and his work in our lives.
Pastor Cymbala discusses what is happening in our day as the fulfillment of what Scripture says in 1 John 4:3.
Pastor Cymbala shares that life’s race is not a sprint, but rather a marathon, and that we can get tired because of the cares of life. He exhorts us from God’s Word to not only keep on keeping on but also to encourage someone else along the way.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 5: 5-6, contrasting the viewpoint of the world with the viewpoint of those who know the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 John 4:7 as an introduction to a longer section on the love of God and the love that believers should have for one another.
Pastor Brian Pettrey speaks from God’s Word about the life of peace, love and joy that is available to every believer as we bring our thought life into submission to Jesus.
Highlighting 1 John 2:7-11, Pastor Cymbala speaks about a command that the apostle John said was old and yet new.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about stepping out in faith and seeing God do miracles as we use the blessings God has given us to bless others.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us with a message from God’s Word for anyone who needs a breakthrough in their life.
Highlighting 1 John 2:16, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the pride of life, which focuses on “me, myself, and I,” rather than God and others.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 John 2:17, contrasting the world and its desires, which pass away, with things that have eternal value.
Reviewing 1 John 2:17b, Pastor Cymbala speaks about God’s will—both his general will for all believers and his individual plan for each of us.
Speaking on 1 John 2:21-23, Pastor Cymbala warns against following unbiblical models that deny that Jesus is the Christ.
Pastor Alex Burgos encourages us to pray as he speaks on “The Power of a Proper Perspective.”
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the warning in 1 John 2:24 not to move away from our sure foundation in Christ.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 2:18-19 again and discusses the last days before Christ’s return, as he encourages us to stand firm in the faith.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about our response in the face of the evil and chaos in our world today.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 2:27 and the great need every Christian has each and every day.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 2:27b and contrasts the real anointing of the Holy Spirit, which leads you to remain in Jesus, with the counterfeit that tries to take the place of Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 2:28 and speaks about being prepared for when Jesus returns.
Pastor Cymbala continues his teaching on 1 John 3:1 and our identity as children of God.
Pastor Cymbala reviews 1 John 3:1b and discusses why Christians don’t fit in with the world
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 3:2 and discusses the reason for our transformation when Jesus Christ returns.
Pastor Cymbala introduces the third chapter of 1 John and speaks about the great love that God has lavished on us.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about being strong in the Lord and overcoming the evil one, according to 1 John 2:13-14.
Pastor Cymbala discusses the claim in 1 John 4:8 that “whoever does not love does not know God.”
Pastor Cymbala revisits 1 John 2:15-17 and begins a two-part story about the will of God.
Pastor Cymbala questions the end result of all the Easter celebrations around the world.
Pastor Cymbala once again reviews 1 John 2:23-25 and the warning that is given against false teaching.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on 1 John 2:26 and what it says about those who want to lead us astray.
Pastor Cymbala closes out the Romans study by exhorting us to give all the glory to God through Jesus Christ.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on 1 John 1:7, as he warns against the deception of knowing the truth but not practicing it.
On this last day of the year, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the victory that overcomes any fear we may have of the unknown challenges in the year ahead.
Pastor Cymbala concludes his devotional study on the book of Romans by encouraging us to ask and trust the Lord to do his work in us.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 1 John 2:3-4, which says that if we truly know God, we will keep his commands.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the importance of giving thanks to God and the impact it has on our lives.
Pastor Cymbala elaborates on 1 John 1:9, explaining that the condition for being forgiven of our sins as Christians is agreeing with what God says about our sin and then confessing it before him.
In this review of 1 John 1 and 2:1-2, Pastor Cymbala discusses the difference between the professing Christian who repents and confesses his sin, and the one who practices sin and is unrepentant.
Highlighting 1 John 2:1, Pastor Cymbala celebrates the biblical truth that when we confess our sin as Christians, we have Jesus as an advocate who pleads our case so that we can have restored communion with the Father.
Pastor Cymbala challenges and encourages us with a message on 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Speaking on 1 John 1:6, Pastor Cymbala emphasizes that now that we’re Christians and have been brought into the kingdom of God’s marvelous light, we have to stay in the light and walk in the light.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the key to living victoriously, no matter what is happening around us.
Referencing 1 John 1:5, Pastor Cymbala discusses the message that the apostle John had received: that God is light and in him is no darkness at all.
Pastor Cymbala delivers an encouraging message on how to have a different and better new year, in spite of the confusion and turmoil in our world today.
Reading from Joshua chapter 3, Pastor Cymbala compares the challenges that the Israelites faced as they were about to enter the Promised Land with the challenges that we face as we prepare to begin a new year.
In this Christmas Eve devotional, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth and what this means for us today.
Pastor Cymbala reminds us of the importance of giving thanks to the Lord, as he introduces powerful testimonies of answered prayer and the thanksgiving that followed.
Pastor Cymbala concludes Romans chapter 15 by exhorting us to take advantage of the times of refreshing that come from being with God’s people.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about how imperative it is, in these difficult days, for Christians to avoid distractions and focus on the reason why Christ saved us.
Speaking on Romans 15:31, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to follow the apostle Paul’s example in bringing our needs, our challenges, and even our daily schedules, to the Lord.
Reviewing Romans 15:30, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to follow the apostle Paul’s example by asking our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for us as we face our struggles in life.
Speaking about the contribution from the Gentiles that the apostle Paul was carrying to Jerusalem for the Jewish believers there, Pastor Cymbala takes time to thank God for the mutual appreciation and sharing that is possible when the body of Christ is operating in love.
Pastor Cymbala speaks on Romans 14:13-14 and counsels us to avoid doing anything that will put a stumbling block in the way of another believer in Christ.
Speaking on Romans 15:5, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the importance of sticking together and loving one another as members of the body of Christ.
Speaking on Romans 15:20-22, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to ask God for opportunities to plant the flag of Jesus Christ in the life of someone who doesn’t know the truth as it is in Jesus.
Reviewing the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 15:18-19, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the goal and privilege of being a conduit through which God’s power and grace can flow on behalf of people who need the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Romans 15:17 and speaks about the strength and joy we find as we glory in Christ Jesus over everything else in our lives.
Expounding on Romans 15:14-16, Pastor Cymbala speaks about an offering we can all give that is pleasing to God.
Pastor Cymbala focuses on Romans 15:16 and discusses one of the priestly duties of a Christian, according to the apostle Paul.
As we prepare for a new year with all of its unknowns, Pastor Cymbala says that we will know what to do when we seek God’s presence and follow his direction.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the hope we have in the blood of Jesus, which according to Scripture speaks a better word than the blood of Abel in the Old Testament.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Romans 15:15 and speaks about the importance of being reminded of the truths from God’s Word that we need to keep in our hearts every day.
Guest speaker Ron Brown, Executive Director of Teen Challenge of Southern California, delivers a challenging message on the life of a Christian.
Pastor Cymbala expounds on the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 15:14 about the competency of believers in Christ to instruct one another through the Holy Spirit who lives in them.
Highlighting Romans 15:13, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the hope we have in Christ in the midst of all the turmoil in this world.
Speaking on Romans 15:5-6, Pastor Cymbala encourages Christians to talk about Jesus and to glorify him with one mind and one voice.
Speaking on Romans 15:3-4, Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to fill ourselves with God’s Word, so that we will have endurance and will be able to stand unmovable on the Rock that is Christ Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala introduces Romans 15 by encouraging us to please others rather than ourselves as we follow the example of Jesus.
Pastor Cymbala concludes Romans chapter 14 by reminding us that God desires unity and love in the body of Christ.
Speaking on Romans 14:20-21, Pastor Cymbala urges us to accommodate ourselves to others in love, without compromising our biblical convictions.
Pastor Cymbala offers practical advice from Scripture to help us live lives that are pleasing to the Lord.
Discussing Romans 14:6-8, Pastor Cymbala challenges us with the thought that we and our fellow Christians all belong to the Lord and answer to him in everything we do.
Pastor Brian Pettrey shares biblical truths from the story in Matthew 8:23-27 of when Jesus calmed the storm.
Speaking on Romans 14:5-6, Pastor Cymbala warns against arguing about secondary matters, such as what day of the week is regarded as sacred; and he exhorts us to focus on Jesus instead.
Pastor Cymbala highlights the apostle Paul’s warning to believers in Romans 14:4 about judging "someone else’s servant," meaning other Christians, whose master is the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala introduces 1 John by sharing with us the two-fold purpose of this New Testament letter; namely, to provide assurance to those who are in the faith and to warn against false teachers.
Pastor Cymbala contrasts the discourse in today’s cancel culture with the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 14:10: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister?”
Pastor Cymbala reminds us that as Christians, we have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.
In this pre-Christmas message, Pastor Cymbala urges us to keep believing for what we have committed to the Lord in prayer, because nothing is impossible with God.
Highlighting the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 15:14, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to aspire to be full of goodness through the Holy Spirit who lives in every believer.
Speaking on Philippians 2:1-8, Pastor Cymbala challenges us to seek to have the mindset of Jesus so that, in humility, we can live together in love and harmony in these contentious times.
Pastor Cymbala continues his devotional study on Joshua 3 and tells us that in order to be led by God, we have to learn to wait for his timing and for his voice.
BT Women’s Ministry Director, Susan Pettrey, speaks about the glory of God and how we can fulfill the purpose for which we were created by reflecting God’s glory to a world desperately in need of the Savior.
Pastor Cymbala discusses 1 John 1:1-2, where the apostle John speaks about the gospel message as the Word of life.
Pastor Cymbala reviews Romans 15:8-12 and speaks about God’s mercy extended to Jews and Gentiles alike.
Speaking on 1 John 1:9-10, Pastor Cymbala warns Christians against treating sin lightly.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us, if our hearts ever grow cold, to remember the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for our sins, because of his great love for us.
Pastor Cymbala summarizes the apostle John’s declaration in 1 John 2:3-4 with the thought that a true relationship and communion with God is going to result in a changed life.
Reviewing 1 John 2:2, Pastor Cymbala asks us to consider the power that is in the blood of Jesus, which was sufficient to provide for the redemption of the whole world.
As he expounds on 1 John 1:3, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to have fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Cymbala recaps the first few verses of 1 John 1 by reminding us that rather than just head knowledge and concepts, we have a living, abiding Savior who can touch us, bless us, and give us peace in troubled times.
Speaking on Joshua 3:5, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to consecrate ourselves so that we can be a part of the amazing things God wants to do in the coming year.
Highlighting Romans 15:28, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the grace we need, not only to start but also to maintain and complete what we set out to do for the Lord.
astor Cymbala explains the apostle Paul’s prayer for the Christians, as it appears in Romans 16:20: “The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Highlighting the apostle Paul’s commendation of the believers in Romans 16:19-20, Pastor Cymbala speaks of the great testimony it would be for all of our churches to be known as being obedient to the Lord—worshiping God, preaching the Word, and loving one another.
As he reviews Romans 16:17-18, Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to pray for the wisdom, balance, and discernment we need so that we can be simple and childlike in our faith without being naïve and, therefore, susceptible to being taken in by false teaching.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about Romans 16:17 and what the apostle Paul says regarding those who cause division in the body of Christ.
Pastor Cymbala concludes his reading of the apostle Paul’s greetings at the end of his letter to the Romans with a lesson on people valued by God and used in the building of the body of Christ, then and now.
Reviewing the list of people to whom the apostle Paul sends greetings at the end of his letter to the Romans, Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to follow their example of devoted work as co-laborers with Christ.
In this Christmas message, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the peace that Jesus came to bring to a world in darkness and despair.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to follow the example of the apostle Paul in Romans 15:29, as we ask God for “the full measure of the blessing of Christ” when ministering to others.
Focusing on Romans 16:3-5, Pastor Cymbala speaks about the church as the salt of the earth and about the appreciation we should have for the people God has used to help us along the way.
Pastor Cymbala uses the example of the deaconess, Phoebe, who was lauded by the apostle Paul in Romans 16, to encourage us to be a blessing to others.
Reading Romans 16:1-2, Pastor Cymbala urges Christians to welcome and greet one another with an open heart and kindness in the name of the Lord.
Pastor Cymbala speaks about the secret of staying connected to Christ in order to live a victorious and fruitful life.
Pastor Cymbala takes a hiatus in his devotional series on the book of Romans to speak about the birth of John the Baptist and to encourage us to keep praying and believing God for that seemingly hopeless situation we may be facing in our own lives.
Highlighting Romans 14:19, Pastor Cymbala exhorts us to avoid division and instead to seek to build up one another in the faith.
Pastor Cymbala encourages us to accept the invitation in Scripture to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we can receive the help that we need.
Pastor Cymbala discusses Romans 14:17, which tells us that the kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Summarizing 1 John 1:6-7, Pastor Cymbala encourages us with the biblical truth that the safest place to be is walking in God's light.
Pastor Cymbala provides hope from God’s Word for every Christian who has ever failed God.