[{"success":"1","id":12315,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/resurrection-of-the-lord\/","title":"Resurrection of the Lord","fileCat":"RSB","fileID":"RSB050-YearA-ResurrectionOfTheLord","youtubeID":"1pH4397i3XQ","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":false,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"","videoimg":"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/1pH4397i3XQ\/hqdefault.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Resurrection of the Lord<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every once in a while, we witness a moment so full of life that it takes our breath away \u2014
\na baby\u2019s first cry, a long-awaited reunion, a sunrise breaking through after a storm. These moments remind us that joy can arrive suddenly, surprising us with hope we didn\u2019t know we were waiting for.<\/p>\n

Easter begins with this kind of joy.<\/strong>
\nA joy that bursts into the world like new life after winter, like light flooding a darkened room. It is joy born not from circumstance, but from the One who stepped out of the tomb and made all things new.
\nThe resurrection is God\u2019s declaration that life has the final word,<\/strong> that love cannot be buried, and that joy is stronger than sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Psalm 118 proclaims, \u201cThis is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.\u201d
\nOn Easter, this is more than a call to worship. It is an invitation into a whole new reality.
\nThe \u201cday\u201d God has made is resurrection itself.
\nA new creation. A fresh start for the whole world.<\/p>\n

Think of that first resurrection morning. A grieving follower comes to the tomb expecting loss and silence, only to find that what seemed final is undone. The stone is rolled away. Emptiness is transformed into promise. Sorrow turns into wonder as the truth slowly settles in. The crucified one is alive, and nothing will ever be the same.<\/p>\n

The resurrection is not God undoing death by force. It is God transforming death itself, filling it with divine life until it can hold us no longer.<\/p>\n

This is why we rejoice today.
\nBecause Christ is alive.
\nBecause new life is here.
\nBecause joy has risen with him.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Easter joy is not flimsy.
\nIt does not depend on everything in our lives being perfect or easy.
\nIt is the joy of knowing the risen Christ walks with us, calling us into hope wherever we go.<\/p>\n

As we celebrate the resurrection today, let\u2019s reflect together:<\/p>\n

Reflect on the empty tomb for a moment. What aspect of Jesus\u2019 character becomes clearer to you? Is it his faithfulness, his power, his compassion, or something else?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As we hold this hope of new life and joy, we return to the story where it all began to unfold in human hearts. On that first Easter morning, grief met grace, and sorrow met the risen one. As we listen now, pay attention to how gently Jesus makes himself known, and how personally he comes to those who seek him.<\/p>\n

11 <\/sup><\/strong>But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12 <\/sup><\/strong>and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 <\/sup><\/strong>They said to her, \u201cWoman, why are you weeping?\u201d She said to them, \u201cThey have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.\u201d 14 <\/sup><\/strong>When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 <\/sup><\/strong>Jesus said to her, \u201cWoman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?\u201d Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, \u201cSir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.\u201d 16 <\/sup><\/strong>Jesus said to her, \u201cMary!\u201d She turned and said to him in Hebrew]<\/sup> \u201dRabbouni!\u201d (which means Teacher). 17 <\/sup><\/strong>Jesus said to her, \u201cDo not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, \u2018I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.\u2019\u201d 18 <\/sup><\/strong>Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, \u201cI have seen the Lord\u201d; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
\nJohn 20:11\u201318 NRSV<\/p>\n

As we rejoice in the risen Lord, may the life of Christ rise within us.
\nThe One who stepped out of the tomb now walks with us, calling us into joy, into hope, into new creation.<\/strong>
\nMay his resurrection fill our hearts and guide our steps as we live in the light of this glorious day.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1pH4397i3XQ","catslug":"rcl-sermon-bumpers","catname":"RCL Sermon Bumpers","rssurl":"","appleurl":"","playurl":"","googleurl":"","spotify":"","sticher":"","podaddict":"","airdate":"2026-04-06"},{"success":"1","id":12312,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/good-friday-2\/","title":"Good Friday","fileCat":"RSB","fileID":"RSB049-YearA-GoodFriday","youtubeID":"4uaiKcXUzQA","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":false,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"","videoimg":"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/4uaiKcXUzQA\/hqdefault.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Good Friday <\/strong><\/p>\n

Some stories break our hearts. Some stories hold our hearts. But there are a few stories, like this one, that change our hearts forever.<\/p>\n

On Good Friday, we gather at the foot of the cross, where the depth of human suffering meets the depth of divine love. Jesus, the innocent one, stands in the place of the guilty. The Son of God enters into the darkest places of human pain, not to condemn, but to redeem. This is not suffering without purpose. This is suffering that leads to exaltation. <\/strong>This is suffering that leads to Jesus being lifted up on the cross, then lifted up to sit at the right hand of his Father in heaven.<\/p>\n

In the mystery of God\u2019s kingdom, exaltation is not a reward for strength but the fruit of self-giving love. Jesus is lifted up not in spite of his suffering, but through it. It reveals a truth the world cannot comprehend. At the cross, humiliation becomes the doorway to glory. Surrender becomes the path to victory. In allowing himself to be handed over, Jesus hands over the powers of darkness to defeat. In embracing weakness, he reveals the strength of the Father\u2019s redeeming love. God does not triumph by force, but by transforming suffering into salvation and death into the beginning of new life. Christ\u2019s exaltation shows us that.<\/p>\n

On Good Friday, we see a savior who does not turn away from suffering but steps into it to be with us. On the cross, Jesus enters the deepest places of human pain, carrying abandonment, grief, and injustice in his own body. Yet this suffering is not the end of the story. What looks like defeat becomes the place where God\u2019s faithfulness shines most brightly.<\/p>\n

The one who is wounded brings healing.
\nThe one who is rejected opens the way of redemption.
\nThe one who is humiliated is the one whom God exalts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Through the cross, Jesus opens a new and living way for us by revealing the depth of God\u2019s self-giving love. In sharing our suffering all the way to death, he gathers up our pain, our fear, and our failure into his own life. He brings it into the healing presence of the Father. Our salvation does not rest on a punishment being paid, but on the faithful love of Father, Son, and Spirit, who refuse to let brokenness have the final word. Even in the darkest moment, there is already a quiet hint of victory. Good Friday is not the end. It is the turning point where suffering begins to give way to glory. Death begins to give way to life. And the cross becomes the doorway into resurrection hope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As we stand before the cross today, let\u2019s reflect together:<\/p>\n

Where do you need to trust that God is saving you, working redemption even in the painful places of your story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:13\u201315; 53:4-5 NRSV]
\n13 <\/sup><\/strong>See, my servant shall prosper;
\n    he shall be exalted and lifted up,
\n    and shall be very high.
\n14 <\/sup><\/strong>Just as there were many who were astonished at him[<\/sup>a<\/sup><\/a>]<\/sup>
\n    \u2014so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance,
\n    and his form beyond that of mortals\u2014
\n15 <\/sup><\/strong>so he shall startle many nations;
\n    kings shall shut their mouths because of him;
\nfor that which had not been told them they shall see,
\n    and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.<\/p>\n

4 <\/sup><\/strong>Surely he has borne our infirmities
\n    and carried our diseases;
\nyet we accounted him stricken,
\n    struck down by God, and afflicted.
\n5 <\/sup><\/strong>But he was wounded for our transgressions,
\n    crushed for our iniquities;
\nupon him was the punishment that made us whole,
\n    and by his bruises we are healed.<\/p>\n

 <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As we remember the cross, may our hearts be drawn into the mystery. It\u2019s a mystery of a love so deep that Jesus chose to walk with us even into death.
\nThe one who suffers with us is the one who leads us into life.
\nThe one who is humbled is the one in whom God\u2019s glory is revealed.
\nMay this shared journey of suffering and love hold us in the sorrow of Good Friday.
\nMay the Spirit gently open our eyes to the dawn of resurrection hope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4uaiKcXUzQA","catslug":"rcl-sermon-bumpers","catname":"RCL Sermon Bumpers","rssurl":"","appleurl":"","playurl":"","googleurl":"","spotify":"","sticher":"","podaddict":"","airdate":"2026-04-04"},{"success":"1","id":12309,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/maundy-thursday-2\/","title":"Maundy Thursday","fileCat":"RSB","fileID":"RSB048-YearA-MaundyThursday","youtubeID":"71PHFHFRnWM","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":false,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"","videoimg":"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/71PHFHFRnWM\/hqdefault.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Maundy Thursday <\/strong><\/p>\n

There are moments when love is revealed in ways so simple, so humble, that they take our breath away. On the night before his death, Jesus gathered his closest friends for a meal that would change everything. What began as the familiar Passover supper became the doorway into a deeper mystery. The doorway to a love that pours itself out, a Savior who kneels instead of conquers, a King who serves instead of demanding to be served.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In this quiet upper room, Jesus took the posture of a servant, washing the dust from the disciples\u2019 feet, including the feet of the one who would betray him. And then, with bread in his hands and redemption in his heart, he revealed himself as our Passover Lamb. Jesus is the one whose self-giving love delivers us from sin and death.<\/p>\n

Maundy Thursday invites us into the heart of a story rooted in ancient memory. For generations, God\u2019s people gathered at Passover to remember the lamb that was slain. They remembered the blood that marked their deliverance. And they remembered the God who rescues and redeems. The psalms sung that night echoed through the temple courts as the paschal lambs were offered. Then the psalm echoed again around tables where families ate the lamb in full, remembering God\u2019s faithfulness. As God\u2019s ancient people acted out a future deliverance, the lamb was consumed completely \u2014 nothing left behind.<\/p>\n

And now, in the upper room, Jesus reveals that he is the fulfillment of that promise.
\nHe takes the bread and says, \u201cThis is my body.\u201d
\nHe takes the cup and says, \u201cThis is my blood of the covenant.\u201d
\nHe becomes the Lamb we receive, the Lamb who sustains, the Lamb who frees.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Then he kneels.
\nHe washes their feet.
\nHe shows that the love of God is not distant or demanding. It is humble, kneeling, cleansing, and self-giving.<\/p>\n

Peter resists at first, unable to imagine a Messiah who stoops so low. But Jesus insists. Jesus gives himself to us fully, enabling us to follow him.<\/p>\n

As we enter this holy night, let\u2019s reflect together:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Where is Jesus inviting you to receive his self-giving love instead of relying on your own strength?<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. How might his example of humility reshape the way you serve others this week?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3 <\/sup><\/strong>Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 <\/sup><\/strong>got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 <\/sup><\/strong>Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples\u2019 feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 <\/sup><\/strong>He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, \u201cLord, are you going to wash my feet?\u201d 7 <\/sup><\/strong>Jesus answered, \u201cYou do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.\u201d 8 <\/sup><\/strong>Peter said to him, \u201cYou will never wash my feet.\u201d Jesus answered, \u201cUnless I wash you, you have no share with me.\u201d 9 <\/sup><\/strong>Simon Peter said to him, \u201cLord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!\u201d 10 <\/sup><\/strong>Jesus said to him, \u201cOne who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.\u201d 11 <\/sup><\/strong>For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, \u201cNot all of you are clean.\u201d<\/p>\n

    12 <\/sup><\/strong>After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, \u201cDo you know what I have done to you? 13 <\/sup><\/strong>You call me Teacher and Lord\u2014and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 <\/sup><\/strong>So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another\u2019s feet. 15 <\/sup><\/strong>For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

    John 13:3\u201315 NRSVA<\/p>\n

    As we remember Jesus\u2019 final night with his disciples, may we receive his love with open hands and humble hearts.
    \nThe one who kneels to serve is the one who saves, the Passover Lamb who delivers us into life.<\/strong>
    \nMay his humility shape our worship, and may his self-giving love lead us all the way to the cross and the joy beyond it.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=71PHFHFRnWM","catslug":"rcl-sermon-bumpers","catname":"RCL Sermon Bumpers","rssurl":"","appleurl":"","playurl":"","googleurl":"","spotify":"","sticher":"","podaddict":"","airdate":"2026-04-03"},{"success":"1","id":12274,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/palm-sunday-2\/","title":"Palm Sunday","fileCat":"RSB","fileID":"RSB047-YearA-PalmSunday","youtubeID":"irBOxEuLPVM","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":false,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

    Palm Sunday shows us Christ as the King who willingly walks toward the cross out of love for us. In Jesus, suffering is met with hope, and God gives us new life.<\/p>\n

    More about the GCI Worship Calendar here: https:\/\/www.gci.org\/articles\/the-churchs-worship-calendar<\/p>\n

    Narrated by: Dids Raduban – Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines<\/p>\n

    Copyright 2026 – Grace Communion International All Rights Reserved<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/irBOxEuLPVM\/hqdefault.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

    Palm Sunday<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Crowds once filled the streets of Jerusalem, waving branches and shouting \u201cHosanna!\u201d as Jesus rode into the city. Their voices rose with hope, longing for a king who would restore, redeem, and rescue. But beneath the sound of celebration was another path unfolding, a path Jesus already knew well.<\/p>\n

    Palm Sunday is not only a moment of triumph.
    \nIt is the doorway into Holy Week, the beginning of the journey of love that leads to the cross.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Jesus entered Jerusalem with full awareness of what awaited him. He would face betrayal, suffering, abandonment, and death. Yet he came willingly. He came for us, moved by compassion deeper than we can imagine. He was determined to confront evil with the only force able to defeat it. Self-giving love.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Psalm 31 gives us language for the inward experience of suffering. It is as if the psalmist\u2019s words rise from the very places where fear grips the heart and sorrow weighs down the soul.<\/p>\n

    You can hear the ache as he prays, \u201cHave mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.\u201d<\/strong>
    \nHis strength slips, his hope fades, and he confesses, \u201cMy life is spent with sorrow.\u201d<\/strong>
    \nThe pain becomes so deep that he feels invisible to the world around him, saying, \u201cI am forgotten like one who is dead.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

    These are not distant cries from an ancient voice.
    \nThey echo through the story of Jesus as he walks toward the cross.<\/p>\n

    Jesus knows the weight of sorrow.
    \nHe knows the sting of betrayal.
    \nHe bears the burden of humanity\u2019s pain in his own body.<\/p>\n

    But the psalm does more than name suffering.  It declares trust in the God who saves.
    \n\u201cBut I trust in you, Lord\u2026 You are my God\u2026 Let your face shine upon your servant.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

    This is the heart of Holy Week.
    \nIn Jesus, we see that suffering does not have the final word.
    \nEvil does not win.
    \nDeath does not hold dominion.<\/p>\n

    Jesus\u2019 faithful obedience and unwavering trust in the Father reveal a deeper truth.
    \nThe Kingdom of God triumphs over the kingdom of evil not by force, but through sacrificial love.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Today, as we enter Holy Week, we prepare to hear the Passion of Christ. It\u2019s the story of his trial, his suffering, his crucifixion. It\u2019s the story of the fierce compassion that carried him through every moment.<\/p>\n

    Palm Sunday invites us to hold celebration and sorrow together. It invites us to trust that Jesus walks toward suffering in order to redeem the world and overthrow evil from within.<\/p>\n

    As we begin this sacred week, let\u2019s reflect together:<\/p>\n

    What step of humility or compassion might Jesus be inviting you to take as you follow him into Holy Week? <\/strong><\/p>\n

    9<\/sup><\/strong>Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
    \n    my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
    \n    my soul and body with grief.
    \n10 <\/sup><\/strong>My life is consumed by anguish
    \n    and my years by groaning;
    \nmy strength fails because of my affliction,
    \n    and my bones grow weak.
    \n11 <\/sup><\/strong>Because of all my enemies,
    \n    I am the utter contempt of my neighbors
    \nand an object of dread to my closest friends\u2014
    \n    those who see me on the street flee from me.
    \n12 <\/sup><\/strong>I am forgotten as though I were dead;
    \n    I have become like broken pottery.
    \n13 <\/sup><\/strong>For I hear many whispering,
    \n    \u201cTerror on every side!\u201d
    \nThey conspire against me
    \n    and plot to take my life.<\/p>\n

    14 <\/sup><\/strong>But I trust in you, Lord;
    \n    I say, \u201cYou are my God.\u201d
    \n15 <\/sup><\/strong>My times are in your hands;
    \n    deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
    \n    from those who pursue me.
    \n16 <\/sup><\/strong>Let your face shine on your servant;
    \n    save me in your unfailing love.
    \nPsalm 31:9\u201316 (NRSV)<\/p>\n

    As we enter Holy Week, may our hearts be softened and our spirits attentive to the depth of Christ\u2019s compassion.
    \nThe one who prayed in anguish is the one who walks with us in love and triumphs on our behalf.
    \nMay his journey shape ours as we follow him, by his Spirit, toward the hope of resurrection.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=irBOxEuLPVM","catslug":"rcl-sermon-bumpers","catname":"RCL Sermon Bumpers","rssurl":"","appleurl":"","playurl":"","googleurl":"","spotify":"","sticher":"","podaddict":"","airdate":"2026-03-30"},{"success":"1","id":10965,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5018-two-kinds-of-people-in-the-world\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5018 | Two Kinds of People in the World","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5018-GW-TwoKindsOfPeopleInTheWorld","youtubeID":"uGe6bENKFlY","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

    People often divide others into groups, but it is not fair to generalize individuals based on group labels. Instead, we can focus on embracing our unique identities and purpose as individuals just like God created us to be. Paul encourages us to embrace our life in Christ and the way others reflect his image.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SpOL5018-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

    Speaking of Life 5018 | Two Kinds of People in the World
    \n<\/strong>Greg Williams<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Have you ever heard someone say, \u201cThere are two kinds of people in the world\u201d? This is usually followed by a joke or some oversimplified statement about people.<\/p>\n

    Here is one that does both: \u201cThere are two kinds of people in the world. Those who put everyone into two groups\u2026 and those who don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Well, I guess that was someone\u2019s attempt to make fun of the idea of dividing people into two groups. But it\u2019s no laughing matter when people are depersonalized by such groupings. Surely there is more to being an individual than the generalizations often attached to group labels.<\/p>\n

    Some group labels do have an element of truth to them: \u201cThere are two kinds of people in the world. Those who live as if they belong to Christ, and those who don\u2019t.\u201d This is similar to a \u201ctwo kinds of people in the world\u201d statement found in the Bible.<\/p>\n

    Although it is not worded exactly like that, let\u2019s notice how Paul puts it in the book of Romans.<\/p>\n

    For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 
    \n<\/strong>Romans 8:6-9 (ESV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Unlike many \u201ctwo kinds of people in the world\u201d statements, this one is not depersonalizing. In fact, it is intended to do just the opposite. Paul can make this division between two groups because he is basing it on reality. When God came in human form, he chose all of humanity. All people were created to belong to Christ and have abundant life in him.<\/p>\n

    But not everyone believes that or wants it yet. However, there is no other option left for us. We either live by the truth of who we were created to be, or we choose to live a lie, which amounts to no life at all. So, Paul is encouraging us to embrace the life we have in Christ and live it out. That is a personalizing life. That is a meaningful life that carries forward into eternity.<\/p>\n

    Paul reminds us that no matter how many kinds of people there are, there is no life outside our life in Christ, who is continuing to pursue, draw, and embrace all of humanity to himself. Embrace the one who has embraced you.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uGe6bENKFlY","catslug":"speaking-of-life","catname":"Speaking of Life","rssurl":"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/SpeakingOfLifeMp3","appleurl":"","playurl":"https:\/\/playmusic.app.goo.gl\/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/m\/Invbqg3jtwxr3zeouhpqgcgred4?t%3DSpeaking_Of_Life_-_Audio_Podcast%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16","googleurl":"https:\/\/www.google.com\/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL1NwZWFraW5nT2ZMaWZlTXAz","spotify":"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0UEvj3BfvF58BdlJCg5Zxz","sticher":null,"podaddict":null,"airdate":"2026-03-23"},{"success":"1","id":10964,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5017-he-sees-the-heart\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5017 | He Sees the Heart","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5017-JB-HeSeestheHeart","youtubeID":"Lwvue532hkI","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

    Are you quick to judge others based on appearance or labels? Like Samuel, we can never see what is in the heart of others. May we learn to see through the eyes and heart of Jesus so that others may come to experience his love through our actions.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SpOL5017-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

    Speaking of Life 5017 | He Sees the Heart
    \n<\/strong>Jeff Broadnax<\/strong><\/p>\n

    I once saw someone wearing a t-shirt that said, \u201cI don\u2019t know why judges get paid so much. I judge everyone for free!\u201d Unfortunately, this funny line has a lot of truth in it. Human beings are often quick to judge others and place labels on them. If we do not see a person as part of our group, we can be tempted to overlook his or her wisdom, experience, personality, value, and ability to change and we place them into a little box whenever it is convenient.<\/p>\n

    We can disregard another\u2019s humanity, dismissing them with labels like liberal, conservative, millennial, boomer, vaxer, anti-vaxxer, not to mention racial and ethnic labels. Many times, we do this unconsciously and without even thinking. Other times, we may consciously harbor bad feelings towards others because of how we were taught or how we interpret our life experiences.<\/p>\n

    God knows about this human tendency; however, he does not share it. In the book of 1 Samuel, God sent Samuel the prophet to the house of Jesse with an important task. One of Jesse\u2019s sons was to be anointed by Samuel as the next king of Israel, but God did not tell the prophet which son to anoint. Jesse brought seven impressive-looking sons before Samuel, yet God rejected them all. Eventually, God chose David to be the next king \u2014 the youngest son who was almost forgotten and looked the least how Samuel imagined a king should look. As Samuel viewed the first seven sons, God spoke these words to him:<\/p>\n

    But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.\u201d
    \n1 Samuel 16:7<\/strong><\/p>\n

    We can often be like Samuel and incorrectly judge a person\u2019s value by superficial things.<\/p>\n

    Like Samuel, none of us can see others clearly because we cannot see what lies in a person\u2019s heart. The good news is that Jesus Christ can. As Christians, we must learn to rely on Jesus and see others through his eyes, which are filled with compassion, empathy, and love.<\/p>\n

    We cannot hope to have healthy relationships with our neighbors by relating to them without acknowledging Christ\u2019s relationship with them. When we see them as belonging to him, we seek to love our neighbor as Christ loves them. This is the new commandment Jesus gave his disciples in the Upper Room.<\/p>\n

    Jesus loves each and every one of us. This is our most important label. To him, this is the identity that defines us. He does not judge us by one aspect of our character, but by who we are becoming in him. We are all beloved children. While that might not make a funny t-shirt, it is the truth by which Christ-followers live.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019m Jeff Broadnax, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lwvue532hkI","catslug":"speaking-of-life","catname":"Speaking of Life","rssurl":"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/SpeakingOfLifeMp3","appleurl":"","playurl":"https:\/\/playmusic.app.goo.gl\/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/m\/Invbqg3jtwxr3zeouhpqgcgred4?t%3DSpeaking_Of_Life_-_Audio_Podcast%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16","googleurl":"https:\/\/www.google.com\/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL1NwZWFraW5nT2ZMaWZlTXAz","spotify":"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0UEvj3BfvF58BdlJCg5Zxz","sticher":null,"podaddict":null,"airdate":"2026-03-16"},{"success":"1","id":10963,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5016-busy-work\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5016 | Busy Work","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5016-GW-BusyWork","youtubeID":"rvFh7fJMtfs","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

    Are you tired of feeling like your suffering is just ‘busy work’ with no purpose? Put your rest on Jesus. Only he can redeem your suffering and turn it into a time of growth and hope.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SpOL5016-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

    Speaking of Life 5016 | Busy Work
    \n<\/strong>Greg Williams
    \n<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Have you ever been assigned \u201cbusy work?\u201d I despise doing \u201cbusy work?\u201d It\u2019s the type of work that doesn\u2019t have a purpose except to keep you\u2026well\u2026busy. Sometimes this happens on a job where the boss feels like he needs to keep the employees working even though there is nothing left to do. I understand some busy work was necessary to keep employees employed during the pandemic, but I am easily frustrated with busy work \u2013 I want to be productive.<\/p>\n

    Suffering can sometimes seem like busy work; it can take up a lot of our time and keeps us from accomplishing the goals we have. And there is no getting around suffering; it is something we all face. And for someone like me, I get can get frustrated at the lack of productivity that suffering can induce. But perhaps during those times of suffering, there is a different way to be productive.<\/p>\n

    We know we will suffer, Jesus himself told us we would. He doesn\u2019t bring suffering to us, but he wanted us to be aware it would come. Then he told us he came to take<\/em> our suffering upon himself. And he did. He took (and continually takes) all our suffering, including our self-inflicted suffering, to the cross, and redeems it for his own good purposes toward us. The totality of our sufferings are now his which he took through death into resurrected life.<\/p>\n

    Because of this, our sufferings are now Christ\u2019s own sufferings which we can endure with hope, knowing they will be used to contribute to the ultimate purpose he has for us. But what does this have to do with feeling like suffering is busy work \u2013 keeping us from being productive?<\/p>\n

    Paul addresses this in a rather shocking manner. He speaks of suffering as a point of rejoicing. He tells us that suffering, because of what Jesus has done, can actually produce something important:<\/p>\n

    \u201cNot only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God\u2019s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.\u201d <\/strong>
    \nRomans 5:3-5 (ESV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Suffering is a part of our broken world. Paul doesn\u2019t mean we will enjoy suffering or that we should go looking for it. But, when it comes our way, which inevitably will, we can be assured that Jesus will meet us in our afflictions. This is why we can rejoice.  Because our suffering is not lost, through Christ our suffering is redeemed. We can anticipate the good work the Lord is doing in us, through all our circumstances. It\u2019s not a time of busy work \u2013 where we are just waiting for the suffering to end \u2013 it\u2019s a time of God producing good fruit in us.<\/p>\n

    Just as Christ learned through his suffering, we too are formed more into the image of Christ through our suffering.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rvFh7fJMtfs","catslug":"speaking-of-life","catname":"Speaking of Life","rssurl":"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/SpeakingOfLifeMp3","appleurl":"","playurl":"https:\/\/playmusic.app.goo.gl\/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/m\/Invbqg3jtwxr3zeouhpqgcgred4?t%3DSpeaking_Of_Life_-_Audio_Podcast%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16","googleurl":"https:\/\/www.google.com\/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL1NwZWFraW5nT2ZMaWZlTXAz","spotify":"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0UEvj3BfvF58BdlJCg5Zxz","sticher":null,"podaddict":null,"airdate":"2026-03-09"},{"success":"1","id":10962,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5015-blessed-to-be-a-blessing\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5015 | Blessed to Be a Blessing","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5015-MF-BlessedToBeABlessing","youtubeID":"ONSHPzH-tBA","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

    Every day, we are surrounded by blessings, big and small. Through the grace and love of God, as revealed in His Son, Jesus Christ, the promise of blessings for all people has been fulfilled. Guided by the Holy Spirit, let us embrace and live out this blessed life, and share it with others.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SpOL5015-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

    Speaking of Life 5015 | Blessed to Be a Blessing
    \n<\/strong>Cara Garrity<\/strong><\/p>\n

    There is a popular old hymn called \u201cCount Your Blessings\u201d.
    \nThe chorus simply says: <\/p>\n

    \u201cCount your blessings, name them one by one. <\/em><\/p>\n

    Count your blessings, see what God hath done. <\/em><\/p>\n

    A friend of mine shared a story of how he was reminded about counting his blessings while stocking greeting cards at grocery stores. In one store, the greeting card section was right near one of the checkout lines and he could hear the checker give a compliment to every person that went through his line. My friend also noticed there were several people in this checkout lane, and not many in others.<\/p>\n

    He decided to buy something and the checker quickly complimented him on his new haircut. My friend then asked the checker how his day was going. The checker responded by saying, \u201cOh man, I am blessed!<\/em>\u201d To which my friend responded, \u201cYeah, I\u2019m doing good as well.\u201d<\/em> The checker then said, \u201cI didn\u2019t say I was doing good. I said I am blessed.\u201d<\/em> My friend appreciated the reminder, smiled, and admitted that he was also, indeed, blessed.  <\/p>\n

    In Genesis 12, we see a story of blessing-happy God. This story is the pivotal moment in the history of the nation of Israel and would become equally important to the whole world. <\/p>\n

    The<\/strong>\u202f<\/strong>Lord<\/strong>\u202f<\/strong>had said to Abram, <\/strong>\u201c<\/strong>Go from your country, your people and your father<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>s household<\/strong>\u202f<\/strong>to the land<\/strong>\u202f<\/strong>I will show you.\u201d \u201cI will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.<\/strong>\u202f<\/sup><\/strong>I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.\u201d<\/strong> 
    \n<\/strong>Genesis 12:1-3<\/strong><\/p>\n

    In this passage of scripture, we see the word \u201cblessing\u201d five times, making God\u2019s intention to bless both Abraham and the whole world abundantly clear to Abraham. Although God had the power to accomplish his will, because of who he is, he invited Abraham to participate to follow where the Spirit led. And where he went, he went with the blessing of God and the promise that through him all people would be blessed.  <\/p>\n

    This promise has been fulfilled in the person, and work of Jesus Christ. He took upon himself the consequences for the sin of mankind. He has taken our darkness and has restored us to fellowship with our Heavenly Father. <\/p>\n

    Paul says this in his letter to believers in Galatia:<\/p>\n

    He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.\u201d<\/strong> 
    \n<\/strong>Galatians 3:14<\/strong><\/p>\n

    We have been abundantly blessed in Christ Jesus, whom we follow by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Every day is a walk with God to leave behind our old ways and walk into a life that is blessed beyond measure.  <\/p>\n

    Like Abraham before us, we have been sent out into this world to make a blessing-happy God known to others. It\u2019s so much easier to be a blessing to others when you know how much you have been blessed.<\/p>\n

    Like the hymn reminds us, let us count our many blessings and see what God has done.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019m Michelle Fleming, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ONSHPzH-tBA","catslug":"speaking-of-life","catname":"Speaking of Life","rssurl":"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/SpeakingOfLifeMp3","appleurl":"","playurl":"https:\/\/playmusic.app.goo.gl\/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/m\/Invbqg3jtwxr3zeouhpqgcgred4?t%3DSpeaking_Of_Life_-_Audio_Podcast%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16","googleurl":"https:\/\/www.google.com\/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL1NwZWFraW5nT2ZMaWZlTXAz","spotify":"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0UEvj3BfvF58BdlJCg5Zxz","sticher":null,"podaddict":null,"airdate":"2026-03-02"},{"success":"1","id":12188,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/easter-preparation-led-by-the-spirit\/","title":"Easter Preparation \u2013 Led by the Spirit","fileCat":"RSB","fileID":"RSB046-YearA-EasterPrep","youtubeID":"PpEEk05UlV4","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":true,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

    Jesus trusted God in the wilderness and relied on his word instead of power or pride. Through Christ, our times of testing become places where faith is strengthened. He shows us that true life is found in depending on God.<\/p>\n

    More about the GCI Worship Calendar here: https:\/\/www.gci.org\/articles\/the-churchs-worship-calendar<\/a><\/p>\n

    Narrated by: Takalani Musekwa – Solid Rock, South Africa<\/span><\/p>\n

    Copyright 2026 – Grace Communion International All Rights Reserved<\/span><\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/PpEEk05UlV4\/hqdefault.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

    Easter Preparation \u2013 Led by the Spirit
    \n<\/strong>
    \nJourneys of transformation often begin in a place of testing. The wilderness is not a place of punishment. It is a place of preparation. It is where noise fades, distractions fall away, and truth rises to the surface. Easter Preparation reflects this posture of reorienting our hearts to depend on Christ.<\/p>\n

    After his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.<\/strong> There, among the rocks and silence, he faced hunger, loneliness, and temptation. Yet he was not alone. The same Spirit who descended on him in the waters now strengthened him in the desert.<\/p>\n

    In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted to take control, to prove his power, and to seek glory apart from the Father. But he chose trust over control, obedience over pride, and worship over compromise.
    \n<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The wilderness became a space where faith was refined and identity affirmed.
    \nWe, too, are led into wilderness seasons, not to be abandoned, but to be strengthened.<\/p>\n

    In these forty days, we remember that life is not sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. In Christ, our hunger becomes dependence, our struggle becomes formation, and our emptiness becomes space for grace.<\/p>\n

    As we begin this season of Easter preparation, let\u2019s reflect together:<\/p>\n