[{"success":"1","id":12624,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/exodus-the-freedom-and-presence-of-god\/","title":"Exodus: The Freedom and Presence of God","fileCat":"RSB","fileID":"RSB055-YearA-Proper16","youtubeID":"LPFd0iy0th0","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\/LPFd0iy0th0\/hqdefault.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Exodus: Freedom and the Presence of God<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sometimes the most important moments in life feel like standing at a doorway. Behind you is the life you have always known. Ahead lies a future you cannot yet see.<\/p>\n

The book of Exodus tells the story of a people standing at such a threshold. It is the story of a God who opens a path from bondage to freedom and leads his people into a new life shaped by his presence.<\/p>\n

God hears the cries of an oppressed people and moves with compassion and power to bring them out of slavery and into a new life.<\/p>\n

Through Moses, God confronts the powers that hold his people captive. The plagues reveal that the God of Israel is not distant or indifferent. He is the living Lord who sees suffering and acts to bring deliverance.<\/p>\n

When the people pass through the waters of the sea and step onto dry ground, they discover that freedom is not simply escape from oppression. It is the beginning of a relationship.<\/p>\n

God rescues his people so they can belong to him.<\/p>\n

In the wilderness, God begins forming his people into a new kind of community. At Mount Sinai, he gives them his covenant and his law. These instructions are not meant to burden them, but to guide them into a life that reflects God\u2019s justice, mercy, and holiness.<\/p>\n

The law becomes a way of learning how to live as a people shaped by God\u2019s character.<\/p>\n

Freedom leads to a life shaped by God\u2019s ways.<\/p>\n

But the story of Exodus goes even deeper. At its heart is not only freedom or instruction, but the presence of God himself.<\/p>\n

God tells his people to build a tabernacle so that he may dwell among them. The Creator of heaven and earth chooses to live in the midst of his people, guiding them through the wilderness and forming them into a community that reflects his glory.<\/p>\n

God\u2019s deepest desire is to dwell with his people.<\/p>\n

The story of Exodus reminds us that God\u2019s work of salvation is not only about rescue. It is about relationship. The God who brings his people out of bondage also leads them forward into a life shaped by his presence.<\/p>\n

The journey of Exodus shows us a God who hears, rescues, and remains with his people. In the passage that follows, we hear the words that reveal God\u2019s heart and his promise to dwell among those he has redeemed.<\/p>\n

14 <\/sup><\/strong>The Lord replied, \u201cMy Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

15 <\/sup><\/strong>Then Moses said to him, \u201cIf your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 <\/sup><\/strong>How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?\u201d<\/p>\n

17 <\/sup><\/strong>And the Lord said to Moses, \u201cI will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.\u201d<\/p>\n

Exodus 33:14-17<\/strong><\/p>\n

May we remember that the God who delivers his people is also the God who walks with them. And may our lives reflect the freedom, trust, and hope that come from living in his presence.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=LPFd0iy0th0","catslug":"rcl-sermon-bumpers","catname":"RCL Sermon Bumpers","rssurl":"","appleurl":"","playurl":"","googleurl":"","spotify":"","sticher":"","podaddict":"","airdate":"2026-08-24"},{"success":"1","id":11193,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5039-%e2%94%82-god-redeems-our-misfortunes\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5039 \u2502 God Redeems our Misfortunes","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5039-HT-GodRedeemsOurMisfortunes","youtubeID":"bQpwTe9nB4c","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

Just as James Clear’s tragic accident led him on a path of growth and resilience, Joseph’s trials and hardships eventually placed him for greatness and allowed him to be a blessing to many. In both stories, God is present. We are reminded that even during our difficulties, we can trust that God is working for our good and that he can bring beauty out of our pain.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SpOL5039-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Speaking Of Life 5039 <\/strong>\u2502<\/strong> God Redeems our Misfortunes
\nHeber Ticas<\/strong><\/p>\n

When James Clear was in High School, he was accidentally struck in the face by a classmate\u2019s baseball bat. The injury was so severe that he almost died at the hospital. After his horrific injury, James had a long road to recovery.<\/p>\n

A year after the accident, James fell behind his teammates, but during his junior year he made it on the junior varsity baseball team. The next year they put him on the varsity team, but he saw almost no playing time.<\/p>\n

James decided to find out how he could make improvements to his game. He studied everything he could find about making small daily habits that would eventually help him to succeed.<\/p>\n

By his junior year in college, he not only played on his varsity team, but he also became the team-captain, and was named as an Academic All-American.<\/p>\n

James became passionate about sharing his results with others and started writing a series of articles for major publications. His writings were read by coaches of various professional sports leagues, who in turn, shared those articles with their players.<\/p>\n

His book, Atomic Habits<\/em>, became a #1 New York Times bestseller which has inspired millions. He states none of this would have been possible without the tragedy that befell him on the baseball field.1<\/sup> <\/p>\n

The Bible records a similar success story of a boy who had to overcome his own tragedy. Out of jealousy, his brothers threw him into a pit and then sold him to slave merchants who sold him to Egypt.<\/p>\n

As Joseph grew, he found favor in Pharoah\u2019s household. He even becomes one of the most powerful individuals in the land.<\/p>\n

Years later, during a famine, Joseph\u2019s brothers come to Egypt for grain. When they arrive, they are brought before Joseph and don\u2019t recognize him. Joseph recognizing his brothers, decided to play a little game with them. Ultimately, he couldn\u2019t contain his emotions and he revealed who he is.<\/p>\n

Then Joseph said to his brothers, \u201cCome closer to me.\u201d And they came closer. He said, \u201cI am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.  <\/sup>And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life<\/em><\/strong>.
\nGenesis 45:4-5 (NRSVUE) <\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite the tragedies he went through, because of God\u2019s intervention, Joseph was able to accomplish great things. If Joseph had just lived his life without his trials, he wouldn\u2019t have ended up in the position to be a blessing to so many people.<\/p>\n

Joseph recognized how God used his life circumstances to prepare him for leadership. As he gave God praise for his plan, wisdom, and graciousness. Joseph also learned to hold no bitterness towards those who were responsible for his trials.<\/p>\n

Most of us have probably encountered events that caused us to feel helpless. Situations where we ended up thinking there can\u2019t possibly be anything good that comes from this.<\/em> However, we can look back and see that God did make something good out of the situation. What once felt hopeless, turned to another reason to praise God.<\/p>\n

Maybe you are going through something difficult right now. Acknowledge that God is greater than your situation. Ask him to help see you through whatever it is that you are facing, all the while trusting that his intentions for you are always wise and loving.<\/p>\n

Mi nombre es Heber Ticas, Hablando de Vida.<\/p>\n

1) James Clear: \u201cAtomic Habits\u201d <\/em>An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones: (New York, NY: Avery, An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2018)<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=bQpwTe9nB4c","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":"2026-08-17"},{"success":"1","id":11194,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5038-remembering-salvation\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5038 | Remembering Salvation","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5038-GW-RememberingSalvation","youtubeID":"cBftK-PDgzM","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":false,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

When we forget God\u2019s presence and what he has done for us, we experience fear and anxiety. Through constant reminders from the Bible and our Christian community, we can find peace and joy in remembering that Christ is always with us even in our darkest days.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SpOL5038-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Speaking of Life 5038 | Remembering Salvation
\nGreg Williams<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have you ever had your memory save you?<\/p>\n

For example, you find yourself locked out of your house and after hours of trying to find a way in you finally remember that you left a spare key hidden in the flower bed. Or, you have a flash of panic in the security line at the airport when you discover that your wallet is not in your back pocket. But then you recall that you chose to pack it in your carry-on for safekeeping. Or perhaps you wake up fearing you have overslept because you forgot to set your alarm only to have your wife or husband remind you that it\u2019s a holiday.<\/p>\n

You may never have found yourself in one of these exact scenarios, however, I imagine you have had similar experiences where your memory bailed you out of a tense situation. Of course, we realize it wasn\u2019t really our memory<\/em> that saved us, rather it was that hidden key, misplaced wallet, or forgotten holiday that amounted to our rescue. But what an important role our memory played. What we needed most in those moments we already had, but when forgotten, we were left in fear, anxiety, and panic.<\/p>\n

I think it is safe to say that this is very similar to our lives of faith. We have been saved by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That\u2019s a fact that cannot be taken away. He is everything we need, and we never need to fear that he leaves or forsakes us. However, when we forget his saving presence, we experience fear and anxiety. In those moments, what we need most is to remember who Jesus is and what he has done for us. Either we are reminded of what the Lord has said to us in his word, or a fellow believer reminds us of the good news we have in Christ. It\u2019s these constant reminders that chase away our fears and worries and help us return to the peace and joy held out to us in Jesus.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, we are very forgetful creatures. But thankfully, we have been given God\u2019s word in scripture and a community of brothers and sisters in Christ to worship with as a way of remembering over and over the extraordinary good news of who our Father is and what he has done for us in his Son Jesus by the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n

Listen to the interplay of worship and remembering that leads to rejoicing in this Psalm:<\/p>\n

\u201cOh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
\n<\/strong>Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
\n<\/strong>Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
\n<\/strong>Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
\n<\/strong>Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
\n<\/strong>O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!\u201d
\n<\/strong>Psalm 105:1-6 (ESV)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This exhortation to worship and remember is echoed throughout scripture. Jesus gave us the communion sacraments so that we would remember. May we continue to remind one another of the good news we have in Christ Jesus as we worship together and make witness of his wondrous works.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Greg William, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cBftK-PDgzM","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":"2026-08-10"},{"success":"1","id":11192,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5037-%e2%94%82-prevailing-with-god\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5037 \u2502 Prevailing with God","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5037-CG-PrevailingWithGod","youtubeID":"BYzQnzNh3lg","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32 shows how God humbly engages with us, allowing us to boldly wrestle and be transformed. By surrendering ourselves to be molded and transformed by God’s unwavering love, we fulfill the intimacy desired by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/SpOL5037-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Speaking Of Life 5037 <\/strong>\u2502<\/strong> Prevailing with God
\nCara Garrity<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever spent any time in a park, you\u2019ve probably observed a parent with a toddler who wants to race. The three-year-old doesn\u2019t care that her legs are about a third of the length of her parent\u2019s legs \u2013 she simply wants the joy of running and connecting with her parent. You may have watched the parent let the toddler get a head start and then take smaller steps to give the little one a chance. The parent may have even let the toddler win despite being superior in size and coordination. When I see something like this, it makes me think of how God approaches us with humility, compassion, and kindness, wanting us to boldly wrestle and engage with him. There\u2019s no better story to illustrate this than Jacob wrestling with God as told in Genesis 32.<\/p>\n

The chapter begins with Jacob receiving the news that his brother Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men. Jacob is worried because he schemed to get Esau\u2019s firstborn birthright, and he was sure Esau was coming to take revenge. Jacob divided his camp to make it look smaller, and he sent his wives and children ahead of him, along with gifts for Esau. That night, alone and in his solitude, Jacob wrestles with an unidentified man until daybreak. Let\u2019s see what happens next:<\/p>\n

When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket, and Jacob\u2019s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then [the man] said, \u201cLet me go, for the day is breaking.\u201d But Jacob said, \u201cI will not let you go, unless you bless me.\u201d So [the man] said to him, \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d And he said, \u201cJacob.\u201d Then the man said, \u201cYou shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans and have prevailed.\u201d Then Jacob asked him, \u201cPlease tell me your name.\u201d But [the man] said, \u201cWhy is it that you ask my name?\u201d And there he blessed [Jacob]. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, \u201cFor I have seen God face to face, yet my life is preserved.\u201d The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
\nGenesis 32: 25-31 (NRSVUE)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Up to this point in his life, Jacob had relied on scheming and manipulation to get what he wanted. These methods weren\u2019t without consequence, though. He was estranged from his family and fearful of his brother\u2019s wrath. Jacob\u2019s wrestling match with the man, whom Jacob identified as God in verse 30, resulted in his transformation because Jacob refused to let go of God, and God was willing to let Jacob prevail to help him change.<\/p>\n

The evidence of this radical transformation is both physical and emotional. Jacob\u2019s damaged hip caused him to limp, and though we don\u2019t know how long his hip injury persisted, we do know that the Israelites would not eat that hip muscle of a sacrificial animal, out of respect for Jacob\u2019s wound from God. We also see that Jacob\u2019s name was changed to Israel, which means \u201cone who prevails with God and humans.\u201d<\/p>\n

We can learn from this story that some of our transformations come through perseverance and wrestling with God. More importantly, God wants us to engage this way \u2013 boldly asking for blessing, unafraid, not because we deserve it but because we know God wants to give it. Jacob\u2019s face-to-face confrontation with God shows us the intimacy God desires from us. God comes to us in humility, letting us prevail like a toddler racing a parent.<\/p>\n

May we boldly wrestle with God when the mysteries of life confront us, like great beauty and great sorrow. May we offer the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit the intimacy they desire by allowing ourselves to be sculpted, renamed, and transformed by the Love that won\u2019t let us go.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Cara Garrity, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BYzQnzNh3lg","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":"2026-08-03"},{"success":"1","id":11169,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5036-stubbornness\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5036 | Stubbornness","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5036-GW-Stubbornness","youtubeID":"SMcDw0rS95c","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

Just as we can demonstrate stubbornness in our unwavering love for our family or friends, God’s faithfulness and love towards us are characterized by an unyielding commitment that nothing can separate us from His love. In Romans, we are assured that nothing in all creation can hinder or break the relationship of God’s love for us in Christ Jesus, giving us hope, courage, and the assurance of His unwavering affection.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/SpOL5036-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Speaking of Life 5036 | Stubbornness<\/strong>
\nGreg Williams<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have you ever been accused of being stubborn? I\u2019m sure we\u2019ve all had our moments. My wife and I sometimes joke around about which one of us is more stubborn. Truth be told, it\u2019s me.<\/p>\n

Stubbornness often gets a bad rap, and it is often equated with refusing to admit when you make a mistake. And that\u2019s a problem. But when we look at the definition of stubbornness, we see there is a good side. It is defined as a dogged determination not to change one\u2019s attitude or position on something. <\/em>Some positive words associated with stubbornness include persistence, resolve, determination, and tenacity.<\/p>\n

When I talk about my love for my wife, children, or grandchildren, I\u2019m proud to say my love for them is not determined by their actions, their emotions, or their words. I have a stubbornness \u2013 a dogged determination to not change my mind about how much I love them.<\/p>\n

I share this because when I think of God\u2019s faithfulness, I see that same stubbornness. He refuses to change his mind about how much he loves me and you. He has a resolute commitment to his love to always have the last word.<\/p>\n

Take for example one of the most stubborn expressions of God\u2019s love found in the book of Romans.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.\u201d
\n<\/em><\/strong>Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

God\u2019s stubbornness toward his love for us is what gives us hope, courage, strength in times of trial, and the motivation to love him in return. Stubbornness in his case includes faithfulness. We can absolutely trust that we will never be separated from his love for us.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s the kind of stubbornness I\u2019d love my wife and family to blame me for. I\u2019d just smile and remind them of my love for them \u2013 much like God does for us in this passage from Romans.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=SMcDw0rS95c","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":"2026-07-27"},{"success":"1","id":11168,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5035-he-is-already-here\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5035 | He is Already Here","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5035-HT-HeIsAlreadyHere","youtubeID":"IMerouSGc18","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

In our mission to engage with the world, we must remember that we don’t “take” Jesus to places. Rather, we join Him where He already is. Just as God was present in Jacob’s ordinary place, Jesus is already at work in our neighborhoods. Knowing all this, we can confidently love our neighbors and bear witness to the greatness of our Lord, knowing that He is with us wherever we go.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SpOL5035-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Speaking of Life 5035 | He is Already Here
\nHeber Ticas<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded his followers to go into the world and make disciples. Few believers could argue against the idea that Christians are commissioned by Christ to engage in mission. However, our missional mindset matters. Do we believe we are taking Jesus somewhere? Or are we joining him where he already is? Many Christians have been taught that we need to take Jesus out of the four walls of the church \u2013 where he has made his home \u2013 and into our communities. Do we really believe we can \u201ctake\u201d Jesus somewhere?<\/p>\n

Scripture reveals that we don\u2019t take Jesus, we join him. He is already at work in our neighborhoods. In Genesis 28, Jacob is given a vision of God\u2019s activity on earth.<\/p>\n

He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a stairway set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the <\/strong>Lord<\/strong> stood beside him and said, \u201cI am the <\/strong>Lord<\/strong>, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring, and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go and will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.\u201d Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, \u201cSurely the <\/strong>Lord<\/strong> is in this place\u2014and I did not know it!\u201d
\nGenesis 28:11-16 (NRSVUE)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The angels ascending and descending on the stairway symbolize God\u2019s continual work on the earth. The promises God made to Jacob would come about by God\u2019s effort not Jacob\u2019s. Jacob thought he was sleeping in an ordinary place. However, he came to realize that God was already there and at work and he was unaware. Even before the creation of the Promised Land, God\u2019s presence was already there.<\/p>\n

The same is true for our neighborhoods. As we go and engage our neighbors, we should have the mindset of participating in the work of Jesus Christ. Instead of doing what we think is right, we should be looking to see what Jesus is already doing.<\/p>\n

The truth is we cannot bring Jesus anywhere. He already fills all things and holds everything together. As Jacob learned, there are no ordinary places because God is everywhere. This should give us the confidence to love our neighbors and bear witness to the greatness of our Lord. As we go, not only is Jesus with us, he is already at work all around us. <\/p>\n

Mi nombre es Heber Ticas, Hablando de Vida.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IMerouSGc18","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":"2026-07-20"},{"success":"1","id":12416,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/matthew-the-kingdom-hidden-in-plain-sight\/","title":"Matthew: The Kingdom Hidden in Plain Sight","fileCat":"RSB","fileID":"RSB054-YearA-Proper10","youtubeID":"jDBYrihAdVA","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\/jDBYrihAdVA\/hqdefault.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Matthew: The Kingdom Hidden in Plain Sight<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sometimes the most important things in life are easy to overlook.<\/p>\n

A small seed planted in quiet soil may seem insignificant at first. Yet beneath the surface, something extraordinary is happening. Roots stretch downward. Life begins to unfold. In time, what once seemed small, grows into something that gives shade, shelter, and nourishment.<\/p>\n

Jesus often spoke about the kingdom of God this way. Not as something loud or forceful, but as something quietly unfolding in the midst of ordinary life.<\/p>\n

(B-roll: Seeds falling into soil; a farmer\u2019s hand planting; time-lapse of plants growing.)<\/em><\/p>\n

In the stories Jesus tells, the kingdom is like a mustard seed growing into a great tree, like yeast slowly transforming dough, like treasure hidden in a field waiting to be discovered. These images remind us that God\u2019s kingdom does not always arrive with spectacle. It often begins quietly, working within hearts and communities until its life becomes visible.<\/p>\n

Yet Jesus also reveals that recognizing the kingdom requires more than simply seeing with our eyes. Some hear his words and understand, while others hear the same words and remain confused. The difference is not intelligence or status, but openness of heart.<\/p>\n

The kingdom is revealed to those willing to listen, to trust, and to receive what God is doing in their midst. The very life of Jesus is a revelation of the kingdom. And understanding is a gift from God. May we receive it.<\/p>\n

As the story unfolds, we see another dimension of God\u2019s kingdom through the actions of Jesus himself. He meets people where they are \u2014 feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and welcoming those who felt like outsiders. Again and again, Jesus shows that the kingdom is not only something we learn about; it is something we experience through his compassion.<\/p>\n

Where others saw limits, Jesus saw possibility. Where others saw scarcity, Jesus provided abundance. Where others saw barriers, Jesus extended grace.<\/p>\n

Through these encounters, we begin to see the heart of God\u2019s reign. The kingdom grows quietly. It transforms lives from the inside out. And it reveals itself most clearly through the compassion and generosity of Christ.<\/p>\n

Those who follow Jesus are invited to participate in that same kingdom life \u2014 trusting that even small acts of faith and love can become part of God\u2019s greater work in the world.<\/p>\n

The stories and actions of Jesus invite us to look deeper, to listen carefully, and to recognize the kingdom already unfolding around us. As we turn to today\u2019s passage, we hear Jesus describe the surprising and transformative nature of God\u2019s kingdom.<\/p>\n

9 “<\/sup><\/strong>Whoever has ears, let them hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

10 <\/sup><\/strong>The disciples came to him and asked, \u201cWhy do you speak to the people in parables?\u201d<\/p>\n

11 <\/sup><\/strong>He replied, \u201cBecause the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. <\/p>\n

16 <\/sup><\/strong>But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 <\/sup><\/strong>For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”<\/p>\n

Matthew 13:9\u201311, 16\u201317<\/p>\n

As we continue exploring the Gospel of Matthew, may we grow attentive to the quiet work of God\u2019s kingdom among us. And may our lives reflect the compassion, generosity, and hope we see in Jesus.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jDBYrihAdVA","catslug":"rcl-sermon-bumpers","catname":"RCL Sermon Bumpers","rssurl":"","appleurl":"","playurl":"","googleurl":"","spotify":"","sticher":"","podaddict":"","airdate":"2026-07-13"},{"success":"1","id":11166,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5033-our-great-resolution\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5033 | Our Great Resolution","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5033-CG-OurGreatResolution","youtubeID":"akb_X9XB5RY","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

Even when we struggle keeping resolutions, the apostle Paul reminds us that our own efforts often fall short. Instead, our hopes and answers lie in Jesus Christ, who brings us true change and delivers us from sin, offering us peace and the power to live transformed lives. He is the ultimate resolution we need, this year and every year to come.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SpOL5033-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Speaking of Life 5033 | Our Great Resolution
\nCara Garrity<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are in the middle of the year and it\u2019s time to ask how your New Year\u2019s resolution is going. What was your resolution?<\/p>\n

One company tracked the top resolutions for 2022. Ranging from, exercising more, to having more time for friends and family, to spending less time on social media, and lastly reducing stress at work<\/p>\n

Some of us might be doing great. Some of us didn\u2019t make any resolutions. And some of us might want me to change the subject. I get it.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t done so well on your resolution, don\u2019t be discouraged. In 2019, it was reported that only 8.9% of people polled succeeded in keeping their New Year\u2019s resolution throughout the previous year. That\u2019s a failure rate of over 91%.2 <\/sup><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n

A friend of mine told me about being quite convicted by a sermon when he was 13. He felt guilty about how he had been treating his younger brother, so he decided that he would show him kindness and not pick on him for an entire day. With all the strength and resolve he had in him, he set out to be a good brother. That lasted about thirty minutes. He discovered that while he knew what he should do, he didn\u2019t have it in him to do it. His resolve was good but misplaced.<\/p>\n

In the book of Romans, Paul shares our struggle with keeping resolutions as he wrote to Jewish leaders who were having a difficult time accepting the fact that they could not resolve their way out of sin. Paul explains his own struggle.<\/p>\n

So I find it to be a law that, when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched person that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
\nRomans 7:21-25a (NRSVUE)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Paul empathizes with us. We know what we want to do \u2013 thus the New Year\u2019s resolutions \u2013 but we can\u2019t follow through. Paul, himself, had to come to the end of self-effort and throw himself upon the mercy of God.<\/p>\n

In this passage, Paul comes to the one answer that gives him peace. Thank you, Jesus. He is the only true rescuer; he alone saves us.<\/p>\n

Right after sharing this with his readers, Paul informs them that in Jesus they are no longer slaves of sin, condemnation is removed, and they have been adopted into God\u2019s family and now live by the Spirit.<\/p>\n

Resolutions don\u2019t bring about change; Jesus does. We can\u2019t change, but he can change us. We learn to stop trusting in our own efforts but trust in the accomplishments of Christ Jesus. He is our hope and our answer. He is our great resolution this year, and every year to come.  <\/p>\n

I\u2019m Cara Garrity, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n

1) https:\/\/www.statista.com\/chart\/26577\/us-new-years-resolution-gcs\/<\/a><\/p>\n

2) https:\/\/dreammaker.co.uk\/blog\/new-years-resolutions-statistics\/<\/a><\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=akb_X9XB5RY","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":"2026-07-06"},{"success":"1","id":11165,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5032-therefore\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5032 | Therefore\u2026","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5032-GW-Therefore","youtubeID":"EDUOX1iqd54","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

The word “therefore” in the Bible indicates that God’s commands are rooted in important truths or promises, and are for our good and based on his love for us. In Romans, Paul reminds us not to let sin dominate our bodies because of our union with Christ, which frees us from sin’s bondage and allows us to live in righteousness.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SpOL5032-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Speaking of Life 5032 | Therefore\u2026
\nGreg Williams<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have you ever noticed how many times the word \u201ctherefore\u201d appears in the Bible? One rule of thumb that has been given to help understand a passage in scripture, is that when you see the word \u201ctherefore\u201d you need to look to see what it is there for.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a clever reminder that the author has previously told us something significant that will have implications for our lives. The \u201ctherefore\u201d means that what follows will be the implications of what the author shared. As a silly example, if I told you that your house was on fire, I may choose to add, \u201cTherefore, get out.\u201d I hope I would not have to tell you that, but I think you get the point. Because your house is on fire, you will want to respond in a fitting way, like getting out of the house or calling the fire department.<\/p>\n

The use of the word \u201ctherefore\u201d reminds us that when God gives us a command or some instruction, it springs out of an important truth or promise. Sometimes the actual word \u201ctherefore\u201d may not be written, but whenever you read a command or instruction, you don\u2019t have to look far to see what the command or instruction is there for. It may be in the immediate passage before or it may be embedded in several chapters leading up to it.<\/p>\n

In the book of Romans, we see an example where Paul has been talking about the reality of our union in Christ. On that basis, he then gives some implications of that wonderful truth with a \u201cTherefore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. <\/em><\/strong>
\nRomans 6:12-14 (NRSV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

If we read that passage and never looked to see what the \u201cTherefore\u201d was there for, the words may come across as burdensome and even impossible. But, because Paul has been talking about our union in Christ, these commands are fitting implications to the wonderfully good news that we have been freed from the bondage of sin to receive and live in his righteousness.<\/p>\n

The recurring \u201cTherefore\u201d in scripture is letting us know that the triune God is not in love with raw and arbitrary commands. Rather, he loves us. Everything he tells us flows from that love, and from his good purposes for us. In short, there is nothing God tells us to do that is not for our good or that we must do apart from him. That\u2019s what the \u201ctherefores\u201d are there for.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EDUOX1iqd54","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":"2026-06-29"},{"success":"1","id":11137,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5031-%e2%94%82-dead-to-me\/","title":"Speaking Of Life 5031 \u2502 Dead to Me","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5031-CG-DeadToMe","youtubeID":"7QSSU1DJf-Y","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

When Christ died on the cross, our old sinful nature died with him. This means we are free from the captivity of sin and can live a new life in Christ. We can live a life of love by helping, loving the people around us, and seeing the world through Jesus’ eyes.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/SpOL5031-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Speaking Of Life 5031 <\/strong>\u2502<\/strong> Dead to Me
\nCara Garrity<\/strong><\/p>\n

The phrase \u201cdead to me\u201d has unknown origins but saying that someone is \u201cdead to me\u201d communicates that you no longer want to speak or have any kind of contact with that person. This can be a harsh statement to make, especially if we consider that forgiveness benefits us as well as the person we think wronged us. But what if we use the phrase \u201cdead to me\u201d differently and apply it to the shadow side of ourselves? You know, the parts of ourselves that we wish we could change, like acting selfishly, thinking ourselves better than others, or feeling abandoned by God and other people.<\/p>\n

The truth is, you and I should consider ourselves dead to these negative behaviors and thought patterns and be alive for something bigger and more life-giving.<\/p>\n

The apostle Paul has written about this idea of considering certain aspects of ourselves as being \u201cdead\u201d, especially in the way our baptism mirrors Christ\u2019s death and resurrection. Let\u2019s take a look at what he says in Romans 6:<\/p>\n

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, so we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin.
\nRomans 6:5-7 (NRSVUE) <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

We learn that when Christ was crucified, our \u201cold self,\u201d our shadow side, was crucified with him. Why? So we would no longer be enslaved to sin. When we are in him, we are \u201cdead\u201d to those behaviors and thoughts that make us cringe and think, \u201cWhy did I do that? What was I thinking?\u201d Christ\u2019s death frees us from the power of sin and gives us another alternative.<\/p>\n

The old self, now dead to us, was preoccupied with egoic concerns, like personal preferences and opinions. If sin is dead to us, then we can be alive for something else. We\u2019re free to be alive in Christ. Let\u2019s continue this passage:<\/p>\n

But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
\nRomans 6:8-11 (NRSVUE) <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Notice that Christ\u2019s resurrected life is lived to God, and Paul is encouraging us to remember that we, too, are \u201calive to God in Christ Jesus.\u201d We are freed from our compulsion to egoic concerns and our feelings of unworthiness or separation from God. Instead, we are liberated to live a life of radical love, using our skills and resources to help those who are in need.<\/p>\n

Being alive to God means we view the world through Jesus\u2019 eyes and view others through his eyes as well. He often noticed tax collectors, women, and children \u2013 those who were judged by their culture. As we live to God, no longer slaves to sin, we allow him to bring to our attention the God-given dignity of all people.<\/p>\n

May you realize that sin is dead to you and no longer holds you in its grasp, thanks to our Savior Jesus. May you know the freedom of being \u201calive to God in Christ Jesus.\u201d And may you always join Jesus in looking for ways to lift up and bless others who need his radical love.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Cara Garrity, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7QSSU1DJf-Y","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":"2026-06-22"},{"success":"1","id":11136,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/speaking-of-life-5030-calling-911\/","title":"Speaking of Life 5030 | Calling 911","fileCat":"SpOL","fileID":"SpOL5030-GW-Calling911","youtubeID":"j6ZtLJRo6wY","isTooOld":false,"isVideo":true,"isAudio":true,"widescreen":false,"mp3Link":true,"mp4Link":true,"mp4LoRes":true,"mp4EngSub":null,"wmvVodLink":false,"wmvHRLink":false,"isoLink":false,"intro":"","teaser":"

Just as we rely on an emergency number like 9-1-1 for immediate help in serious situations, we depend on the Lord to answer our cries for help. The Psalmist expresses this trust, reminding us that we can call on the Lord in times of trouble and be confident that He hears us and responds with the right answer at the right time.<\/p>\n","videoimg":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/SpOL5030-Thumbnail-585x330-1.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Speaking of Life 5030 | Calling 911
\nGreg Williams<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have you ever had to call 9-1-1? I hope not, but if you have, it was probably because you were in a serious situation that needed an immediate response. That\u2019s why we call 9-1-1 here in the US. It\u2019s the one number we know will be answered immediately and we will get a quick response to our needs. Could you imagine calling 9-1-1 and getting a recording or being put on hold? Hopefully, that will never happen to you. When an emergency occurs, there is a bit of peace knowing we can depend on someone answering us when we dial 9-1-1.<\/p>\n

For those who have grown to know the Lord, 9-1-1 is likely the second call we make because our first cry for help is to the Lord himself. Like so many other believers, we have learned that the Lord is even more reliable than 9-1-1. He is always there to answer our call for help. Experience teaches us we can always turn to the Lord with our troubles, great or small because he has proven to be faithful to hear our call time and time again. Here is the beginning of a Psalm that expresses this trust:<\/p>\n

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
\nHe heard my cry for mercy.
\nBecause he turned his ear to me,
\nI will call on him as long as I live.
\n<\/strong>Psalm 116:1-2 (ESV)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

If you are watching this video, you probably don\u2019t need to call 9-1-1. But I\u2019m guessing many of you are facing troubles and trials. I encourage you to follow the wisdom of the one who wrote this psalm. Know and be confident in the truth that whatever troubles you are facing, either now or later, you can call on the Lord. Even when it seems he hasn\u2019t answered, or answers in a way different than you desired, you can be sure you are not getting a recording or being put on hold. He hears you and always responds with the right answer at the right time.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=j6ZtLJRo6wY","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":"2026-06-15"},{"success":"1","id":12394,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/romans-new-life-through-christ\/","title":"Romans: New Life Through Christ","fileCat":"RSB","fileID":"RSB053-YearA-Proper5","youtubeID":"z5mXo52zhuM","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\/z5mXo52zhuM\/hqdefault.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

Romans: New Life Through Christ<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most people know what it feels like to wrestle with change. We recognize the gap between the life we hope for and the life we often experience. We try to do better, try to grow, try to move forward. Yet sometimes the struggle itself reminds us how much we need help beyond our own strength.<\/p>\n

In Romans, the apostle Paul speaks directly into that human experience. He reminds us that our relationship with God does not begin with our effort, but with God\u2019s grace received through faith. Through Jesus, the Father draws humanity into a relationship of grace and transformation by the Spirit.<\/p>\n

Long before laws, rituals, or systems of religious performance, there was a man who simply trusted the promise of God. Abraham believed that the God who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence could fulfill what he had promised.<\/p>\n

This trust became the foundation of his relationship with God. Abraham\u2019s story reminds us that faith is not about perfect certainty or flawless obedience. It is about trusting the<\/p>\n

faithfulness of the One who makes the promise.<\/p>\n

From this foundation of faith, Paul unfolds the larger story of salvation. Through Jesus Christ, humanity is brought into peace with God. What was once broken has been reconciled. What was once marked by fear now stands within grace.<\/p>\n

Salvation is not a single moment but a living story with depth and movement. We have been welcomed into peace with God. We are being shaped and renewed through the work of the Spirit. And we look forward with hope to the fullness of life God is preparing.<\/p>\n

Even our hardships can become places where hope grows. Perseverance shapes character, and character deepens hope, until we discover that God\u2019s love has already been poured into our hearts.<\/p>\n

Paul then turns to one of the most powerful truths in the gospel. Through Christ\u2019s death and resurrection, we are invited into a new way of living. The old patterns that once held us<\/p>\n

captive no longer define who we are. We are called to live as people who belong to a different kingdom.<\/p>\n

This does not mean perfection overnight. Instead, it means that our lives are now shaped by a new allegiance. Where sin once held authority, grace now leads us toward righteousness and life.<\/p>\n

Yet Paul does not pretend that the journey is easy. In one of the most honest reflections in all of Scripture, he describes the struggle many believers recognize within themselves. The desire to do what is good meets the persistent pull of old habits and broken patterns.<\/p>\n

This tension reveals something important. The law can name what is good, but it cannot give the power to live it. The struggle itself reminds us that our hope does not rest in our own strength, but in the grace of God at work within us.<\/p>\n

Romans reminds us that the Christian life is not a straight path of effortless progress. It is a journey shaped by trust, grace, struggle, and hope.<\/p>\n

From Abraham\u2019s faith, to Christ\u2019s reconciling work, to the Spirit\u2019s transforming presence, the message echoes again and again:<\/p>\n

These words lead us to the heart of Paul\u2019s message in Romans. In the passage that follows, we hear how faith in Christ brings peace with God and fills our lives with a hope that does not disappoint.<\/p>\n

1 <\/sup><\/strong>Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 <\/sup><\/strong>through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 <\/sup><\/strong>Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 <\/sup><\/strong>perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 <\/sup><\/strong>And hope does not put us to shame, because God\u2019s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.<\/p>\n

Romans 5:1\u20135<\/p>\n

As we explore the book of Romans, may we rest in the assurance that our lives are held within God\u2019s grace. The one who began this work in us is faithful to carry it forward.<\/p>\n","downloadYouTube":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=z5mXo52zhuM","catslug":"rcl-sermon-bumpers","catname":"RCL Sermon Bumpers","rssurl":"","appleurl":"","playurl":"","googleurl":"","spotify":"","sticher":"","podaddict":"","airdate":"2026-06-08"},{"success":"1","id":12346,"url":"https:\/\/www.gci.org\/media\/videos\/trinity-sunday-3\/","title":"Trinity Sunday","fileCat":"RSB","fileID":"RSB052-YearA-TrinitySunday","youtubeID":"kXLsIEPqiKM","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\/kXLsIEPqiKM\/hqdefault.jpg","content":"","transcript":"

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

Names matter. They carry meaning, identity, and story. To speak a name is to acknowledge who someone is and how we are related to them. When Scripture speaks of God\u2019s name, it is never casual. It is an invitation to wonder, worship, and relationship.<\/p>\n

On Trinity Sunday, we pause to rejoice in God\u2019s majestic name \u2014 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.<\/strong> This name reveals not only who God is, but the shared life of love, unity, and communion that has existed from the beginning.<\/p>\n

From the opening pages of Scripture, God\u2019s majesty is made known in creation. The heavens declare his glory. The earth reflects his care. And humanity is created in God\u2019s image. We are created not in isolation, but in the likeness of divine communion.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Father, Son, and Spirit create together, delight together, and share life together. This shared life is not distant from us. It is the very life into which we have been welcomed. Through Christ, and by the Spirit, we are drawn into relationship with the Father and with one another.<\/p>\n

Jesus names this life when he commissions his followers, sending them into the world to make disciples and baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.<\/strong> This is not merely a formula. It is a declaration that the life of God is meant to be known, lived, and reflected among his people.<\/p>\n

The apostle Paul reminds us that the church is called to reflect this divine fellowship. Peace, love, unity, and maturity are not optional virtues. They are signs that we are learning to live within the life of the Triune God.<\/p>\n

To bear God\u2019s majestic name is to be shaped by it.
\nTo belong to Father, Son, and Spirit is to be formed into a community of grace.
\nAs the Trinity lives in perfect communion, so the church is invited to grow into oneness, mutual care, and shared joy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As we celebrate Trinity Sunday, let\u2019s reflect together:<\/p>\n