Category Archives: Podcast

Practical teachings from the Bible for everyday living are represented in the Light on Life podcast.

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How Does the Rapture of the Church Play Out On The Great Stage

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Thirty-Five

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How Does the Rapture of the Church Play Out On The Great Stage

Are you looking for Jesus to return in the glorious event mentioned in First Thessalonians four known as the Rapture of the Church? Famous Bible Expositor G. Campbell Morgan, said, “I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death. I am looking for Him.”1 Are you looking for Him? The early believers were not looking for something to happen, they were looking for Someone to come. Looking for the train to arrive is one thing, but looking for someone we love to come on that train is another matter.2 I was particularly moved by this story told by Joseph Stowell president of Moody Bible Institute. He said, “One day, while visiting a home for mentally handicapped children operated by a Christian friend, Joseph noticed the tiny handprints of children covering the window. Stowell remarked about them to his friend. “Oh, those,” he replied. “The children here love Jesus, and they are so eager for Him to return that they lean against the windows as they look up to the sky.”3 Little children are looking for Jesus to return. What about all of you big children? That’s why we are focusing on the matter of How Does the Rapture of the Church Play Out On The Great Stage. All on this week’s Light On Life.

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#S5-001: Escaping the Carnage of the Great Tribulation [Podcast]

[Tweet “The Word of God identifies for us the exact moment when the wrath of God starts.“]

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Why The Rapture and Jesus Second Coming Are Not the Same Event

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Thirty-Four

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Why The Rapture and Jesus Second Coming Are Not the Same Event

The Rapture is our focus as we motor along through chapter four of First Thessalonians. On the subject of the Rapture, the humorous story is told of an old farmer who brought his family to the big city for the very first time. They had never seen buildings so tall or sights so impressive. The farmer dropped his wife off at a department store and took his son with him to the bank—the tallest of all the buildings. As they walked into the lobby, they saw something else they had never seen before. Two steel doors opened. A rather large and elderly woman walked in, and the big doors closed behind her. The dial over the door swept to the right and then back to the left. The doors opened and a beautiful young lady came walking out. The farmer was amazed. He turned to his son and said, “You wait right here. I’m going to get your mother and run her through that thing.”1 At the Rapture, Jesus’ followers will be transformed — they will be changed — not like what happened in this funny story but changed nonetheless. We will be transformed. We will have resurrection bodies. Why The Rapture and Jesus’ Second Coming Are Not the Same Event. That’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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#S4-043: Prophetic End-Times: What You Need to Know [Podcast]

[Tweet “Here’s another difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming — the armies of heaven coming with Jesus.“]

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Why Grief Is a Killer and How You Can Side Step This Deadly Foe

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Thirty-Three

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Why Grief Is a Killer and How You Can Side Step This Deadly Foe

Paul writing to the Thessalonians addresses the subject of believers falling asleep in Jesus and the toxic grief that was occurring because of these deaths. The following illustration speaks to this thought. You know fifty years ago, industrialists thought they could just bury toxic waste and it would go away. We have since learned it doesn’t just go away. Toxic waste leaks into the water table contaminates crops, and kills animals. Buried grief does the same thing. Raw time doesn’t heal a thing. Buried pain leaks into our emotional system and wreaks havoc there. It distorts our perceptions of life, and it taints our relationships. That contamination happens subconsciously.1 You’ve heard the expression ‘time heals all wounds.’ I’m happy to bust the bubble on that. It’s misinformation — it’s incorrect — don’t believe it. Time is not the healer — Jesus is. Why Grief Is a Killer and How You Can Side Step This Deadly Foe. That’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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#S2-035: Why Calvary is the Home of the Double Cure [Podcast]

[Tweet “It’s not okay to be swallowed up with grief or be down in the dumps with depression or be continuously sad.”]

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Three Things You Can Do to Rise Above Unnecessary Drama in Your Everyday Life

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Thirty-Two

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Three Things You Can Do to Rise Above Unnecessary Drama in Your Everyday Life

Many a person enjoys watching a good drama-type show on television. But, did you know the Bible is stocked full of dramatic God encounters? These are the kinds of drama that are good, wholesome, and healthy. But what if you weren’t just being a spectator viewing or reading about the drama but you were embroiled in it yourself? What if you were the lead character? On the night of November 16, 1930, Mrs. Henrietta Garrett, a lonely 81-year-old widow, was the main character of what turned out to be a negative drama episode. She died in her home in Philadelphia and, unwillingly, started the most fantastic case of inheritance litigation in history. She had failed to leave a will, or no will was found, to her $17,000,000 estate; a mystery left unsolved. She had expertly handled her financial affairs since the death of her husband in 1895 and, therefore, she must have realized that, without a will, her fortune would become involved in many legal battles. Although Mrs. Garret had, at the time of her death, only one known relative, a second cousin, and less than a dozen friends attempts to prove a relationship to her and to claim a part or all her estate have since been made by more than 26,000 persons from 47 states and 29 foreign countries, represented by more than 3,000 lawyers. I’m talking drama here. In their frantic efforts, these alleged relatives have committed perjury, faked family records, changed their names, altered data in church Bibles, and concocted absurd tales of illegitimacy. As a result, twelve were fined, ten received jail sentences, two committed suicide and three were murdered. The estate has, in the meantime, increased to $30,000,000 and is not expected to be settled for some time.1 Drama: How can we embrace the positive and avoid the negative? That’s what this podcast is about today. That’s why we are giving you Three Things You Can Do to Rise Above Unnecessary Drama in Your Everyday Life all in this week’s Light on Life.

Now, Father God as we jump into your Word today grant unto us all a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you. Help us to know you better. Help us to know your ways. We receive this and thank you for it in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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#S4-023: Secrets to Hearing God: Are You Listening [Encore Podcast]

[Tweet “To live the ‘no negative drama life,’ strive to be a person of quietness.”]

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Why God Is Super Pleased with Holy Living and Right Conduct

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Thirty-One

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Why God Is Super Pleased with Holy Living and Right Conduct

Holiness is the word for today. It’s found in Paul’s simple message to the Thessalonians – this is the will of God your sanctification. Jerry Bridges, the author of many an article and book on the subject of holiness writes the following: “As I sat in the doctor’s waiting room, my attention was drawn to a portrait of a man sculpted out of a block of marble. The sculpture was complete down to about mid-thigh, but below that the partially chipped-away marble gradually phased into the outline of the original block. The man in the sculpture was handsome and robust, the kind of body any man would like to have. But the arresting thing about the picture was that the sculptor’s hammer and chisel were in the hands of the man being sculpted. The man was sculpting himself. As I pondered the painting, [this guy is working on himself] I was struck by its graphic portrayal of how many Christians seek to grow in personal holiness [by trying to work on themselves]. We try, as it were, to sculpt or mold ourselves. We seek to grow in holiness through our own personal efforts and willpower. And we’re just as ludicrous as a block of marble trying to sculpt itself. Holiness is not, as is so often thought, adherence to a set of rules. It is conformity to the character of God—nothing more, nothing less. It is God’s plan for us. He has “predestined [us] to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” [Romans 8:29]. To this end, Paul says, “We are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” — 2 Corinthians 3:18. 1. So in today’s podcast, we take up what Paul took up Why God Is Super Pleased with Holy Living and Right Conduct. That’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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Why It’s Important to Flow in Faith’s Domain

[Tweet “All of spiritual life falls under the heading of walking in love. But, there’s an absolute tie-in to sanctification or holiness.”]

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What to Do When the Answer to Your Prayer Is Delayed

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Thirty

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What to Do When the Answer to Your Prayer Is Delayed

Answered prayer is a joyous occasion indeed. But what happens when the answer to your prayer seemingly doesn’t come? What is up with this? Have you ever asked yourself why you didn’t get the answer? It’s okay to ask that question because the answer on the other end of that query leads to astounding insight into the character and mind of God. Let me say it boldly. It is God’s intent that every prayer prayed in Jesus’ Name, prayed according to His will, prayed in line with the Bible be answered one hundred times out of one hundred. Have you ever thought, ‘Wow, I sure missed it here? Well, are you sure you failed? George Muller thought he did. He wrote concerning his orphan ministry: “The funds are exhausted. We had been reduced so low as to be at the point of selling those things which could be spared.…” Then a woman arrived who had been traveling for four days, brought with her sufficient funds for the orphanage. Muller and his co-workers had prayed those four days for something God had already answered. Under these circumstances, Muller made the following observation: “That the money had been so near the orphan house for several days without being given, is a plain proof that it was from the beginning in the heart of God to help us; but because he delights in the prayers of His children, He had allowed us to pray so long; also to try our faith, and to make the answer so much sweeter.”[ 1. Cited in George Muller, Autobiography [Grand Rapids: Baker, 1981], p. 110.] There’s a tremendous lesson here. What to Do When the Answer to Your Prayer Is Delayed, that’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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How to Build Your Life Praying Bible Prayers

[Tweet “When you experience delays, keep standing. Delays are not denials. God has already sent the answer.”]

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Why You Can Overcome Fear and Anxiety In a World Gone Crazy

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Twenty-Nine

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Why You Can Overcome Fear and Anxiety In a World Gone Crazy

In today’s podcast, we take a broad look at the subject of anxiety, a symptom that’s on the rise in a mighty way in some as they struggle in uncertain times. In the book ‘Streams in the Desert,’ Mrs. Lettie B. Cowman tells of a minister who was heavily burdened under a load of anxiety and care. After carrying this weight for quite some time, he one day imagined that he could place his burden on the ground and stand back a step or two. Then he could look at it and analyze it. When he did that, he discovered that weight was made up almost entirely of borrowed things. A good portion of it belonged to tomorrow. An even larger amount of it belonged to the week to come. And a sizable percentage was a carryover from his yesterdays or his past. The author of this book indicates that this pastor was guilty of “a very stupid but very ancient blunder.” He had made the mistake of burdening himself in the “now” with things that belonged to “yesterday and tomorrow.”1. Did you know that there is money to be made in making people nervous? Journalist Eric Sevareid (1912–1992) said, “The biggest business in America is not steel, automobiles, or television. It is the manufacture, refinement, and distribution of anxiety.” 2. There is money in making people anxious. So in today’s podcast, we will address this issue as we continue on in our study on First Thessalonians. Why You Can Overcome Fear and Anxiety In a World Gone Crazy — that’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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The Value of Casting Your Care on the Lord

[Tweet “We know that Paul was caught up with anxiety in some of the other letters Paul wrote where he outright told us so.”]

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The Real Reward In Helping People Through A Tough Day

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Twenty-Eight

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The Real Reward In Helping People Through A Tough Day

Helping others is the focus today. On this subject of help, Tony Evans weighs in on a situation on an elevator. Tony said, ‘One time I was trapped on an elevator. The immediate reaction of all of the people was panic. We were trapped, stuck, and couldn’t get out. Some people were crying, “Help! Help! Help!” Were we sincerely crying out? Yes! Were we begging for help? Yes! But it wasn’t working. Other folks were banging on the door. Bam, bam, bam! No one was hearing all that noise, but those folks didn’t care. They kept right on banging. Desperate people do desperate things. They were crying out. There was one calm man on the elevator. I simply walked to the other side, pulled out a latch, picked up the telephone, and waited. A voice said, “Is there a problem?” I said, “We’re trapped on the elevator between this floor and this floor. Can we get some help?” They responded, “We’ll be right there.” See, everybody forgot about the phone. We were so into being trapped that we forgot there was a phone link to the security department. Merely by picking up the phone, we were released from our hostage situation. All the human effort we put forth, banging and yelling, wouldn’t work, but picking up the phone and asking for help did. We had to seek help using the connection.1 There’s a right way to help is one point you can glean from this illustration. In the first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul found a way to help those believers through their time of trial. Would you like to know what method he employed? Stay with us as we address the Real Reward in Helping People Through a Tough Day. That’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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What Is the Scoop on Holiness, Sowing and Reaping?

[Tweet “If you are taught the Word, share all good things with the one who teaches.”]

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Hindrances To The Gospel of Jesus: Do You Know What Goes On Behind The Scenes?

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Twenty-Seven

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Hinderances To The Gospel of Jesus: Do You Know What Goes On Behind The Scenes?

In today’s episode, we delve into the subject of hindrances to the gospel of Jesus Christ. These hindrances have only one origin, the Kingdom of Darkness. One gentleman said that the Lord has given to every man his work. It is his business to do it, and the devil’s business to hinder him—if he can. So, sure as God gives a man a work to do, Satan will try to hinder him. He may present other things more promising; he may allure you by worldly prospect; he may assault you with slander, torment you with false accusations, set you to work defending your character, employ pious persons to lie about you, editors to assail you, and excellent men to slander you. You may have Pilate and Herod, Ananias and Caiaphas all combined against you, and Judas standing by to sell you for 30 pieces of silver. And you may wonder why all these things have come to pass. Can you not see that the whole thing is brought about through the craft of the devil, to draw you off from your work and hinder your obedience to Christ? Keep about your work. Do not flinch because the lion roars. Do not stop to stone the devil’s dogs. Do not fool around your time chasing the devil’s rabbits. Do your work but, see to it that nothing hinders you from fulfilling the work God has given you. Let your aim be as steady as a star. Let the world brawl and bubble. You may be, as the Apostle Paul, assaulted, wrangled, insulted, slandered, wounded, and rejected. You may be chased by foes, abused by them, forsaken by friends, despised and rejected by men, but see to it that with steadfast determination and with unfaltering zeal you pursue that great purpose of your life and the object of your being until at last you can say; “I have finished the work which you, dear God, have given me to do?”1 Hindrances To The Gospel of Jesus: Do You Know What Goes On Behind The Scenes? That’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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Casting Crowns: Are Your Works Floor Worthy?

[Tweet “We’re more than conquerors. What does that mean? It means Satan can hinder you but he can’t stop you! “]

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Why It’s Important to Realize that the Wrath of God Will Balance Everything

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Twenty-Six

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Why It’s Important to Realize that the Wrath of God Will Balance Everything

In today’s episode, we peer into the open door of a subject mostly unspoken in our churches, the Wrath of God. It’s not a comfortable subject for sure. In Scripture, wrath is God’s stop sign showing His strong and vigorous opposition to everything that smacks of evil. Knowing that there are over 580 references to the wrath of God in the Old Testament alone, why is it that this subject is primarily unknown in our grace-filled churches? Concerning wrath, one gentleman said that when we speak of God’s wrath, we point to a kind of anger that results from a settled and consistent disposition, and not to a loss of one’s temper. God’s wrath is like that, rather than like human anger on a grand scale. With us, wrath always has elements of passion, lack of self-control, and irrationality. The wrath of God does not. 1 In other words, God’s wrath is not sudden explosive anger. It is clear that when we think of the word “wrath” as applicable to God, it must be divested of everything that is like human passion, especially the passion of revenge. [God’s wrath] is the opposition of the divine character against sin; and the determination of the divine mind to express that opposition in a proper way, by excluding the offender from the favors which He bestows on the righteous. We admire the character of a father who is opposed to disorder, vice, and disobedience in his family and expresses his opposition properly. We admire the character of a ruler who is opposed to all crime in the community, and who expresses those feelings in the law. Why shall we not be equally pleased with God, who is opposed to all crime in all parts of the universe, and who determines to express His opposition in the proper way for the sake of preserving order and promoting peace?[2, Albert Bones, Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002)] Why It’s Important to Realize that the Wrath of God Will Balance Everything, that’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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Why Jesus Substitutionary Death is the Greatest Exchange Ever

[Tweet “The wrath of God is not a popular subject. When was the last time you heard any teaching on this in our grace-filled churches?”]

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How the Word of God Is Remarkably at Work in You

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Twenty-Five

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How the Word of God Is Remarkably at Work in You

We’re talking about the Word of God today, specifically the Word of God working in you. AW Tozer had this to say about God’s Word. “The Bible is the written word of God, and because it is written it is confined and limited by the necessities of ink and paper and leather. The Voice of God, however, is alive and free as the sovereign God is free. “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The life is in the speaking words. God’s word in the Bible can have power only because it corresponds to God’s word in the universe. It is the present Voice that makes the written Word all-powerful. Otherwise, it would lie locked in slumber within the covers of a book.1 Tozer is right. We have to get the Word out of the book, out from between the leather covers and off the pages and down on the inside of us for God’s will to be performed in us. As we will see in this podcast, Paul commended the Thessalonians for this very thing. How the Word of God Is Remarkably at Work in You, that’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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Why The Gospel of Jesus Destroys the Gospel of Performance

[Tweet “We need to exhort one another to press on, to run, to hasten, to move rapidly and decisively forward in the things of God.”]

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How a Spiritual Dad Can Demonstrate the Love Walk towards His Children

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Twenty-Four

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How a Spiritual Dad Can Demonstrate the Love Walk towards His Children

During this Father’s Day season, we are talking about the subject of spiritual dads. Paul was a spiritual dad to the born-again believers of Thessalonica. Spiritual dads, natural dads, — it’s great when a natural dad is also a spiritual one. Some people say any man can be a father; it is a job that takes little talent. However, the rate of failure in fatherhood is actually higher than in any other occupation. Fathers have a colossal full-time job that most people underestimate. It is the most important task a man can tackle. Despite vast changes in America’s social fabric in recent years, one thread of tradition shows no sign of unraveling: sons and daughters who follow in their father’s footsteps. A nationwide survey was taken recently to determine how much time fathers were spending with their children. The results were astounding. Fathers with children between the ages of 2 and 12 were spending 12 minutes a day with their children. Twelve-minute dads contribute greatly to 12-year-old delinquents. But not all dads are 12-minute dads. A busload of dads and sons left a church parking lot for an overnight camping trip. The dads represented various vocations, but they all had one thing in common: they did not want to be 12-minute dads. You cannot substitute a popsicle for Pop himself, though both may have their places. Whether it be a car or a candy bar, a fishing rod or a hot rod, you cannot substitute these “presents” for the “presence.” America is standing at a crossroads of history; our very survival as a nation may depend on the presence or absence of masculine leadership in millions of homes; leadership in the form of loving authority; leadership in the form of financial management; leadership in the form of spiritual training and leadership in maintaining good marital relationships.1 We’re talking about spiritual dads today. How a Spiritual Dad Can Demonstrate the Love Walk towards His Children, that’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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#S2-008: What Is The Parable of the Sower? [Podcast]

[Tweet “Paul, as a model spiritual dad, had his heartstrings invested in the believers in Thessalonica.”]