Security expert Elizabeth Neumann, author of "Kingdom of Rage" and a former member of the Department of Homeland Security, responds to situations like what's been happening in Minneapolis.  How do you balance the need for border security and compassion?  How do you live a courageous faith in this context?  Religous researcher Ryan Burge, author of "The Vanishing Church," talks about how many churches have become culturally, economically, politically homogeneous.  This has impacted the broader society in negative ways, and our impact for the gospel.  

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This is a "best of" episode, which I’m calling this episode “The Potential for Joy.” I know that might sound like an unexpected title for a passage about foot washing—but stay with me, because Jesus gives us a picture here that can genuinely reshape the way we think about joy and peace. We’re sitting in the tension of the Last Supper: Jesus knows the cross is coming, He knows Judas will betray Him, and He also knows all authority has been given to Him. And then—this is the shocking part—He gets up, wraps a towel around His waist, and washes His disciples’ feet. Even Judas’.

What Jesus is showing us is that true spiritual power doesn’t flex—it serves. And joy isn’t just something we chase through circumstances; it’s something that grows out of love, security in Christ, and humble obedience. I’ll also give you a simple challenge for the week: spend time in Scripture (or worship) daily, and then share one thing you received with someone else. I really believe you’ll feel your joy rise—not because life got easier, but because your mind is being renewed by what’s true.

What We Cover:

• See what real power looks like in the Kingdom of God: Jesus uses His authority to serve, not to elevate Himself.

• Understand the spiritual meaning behind foot washing: it’s not just hospitality—it’s a living metaphor for Jesus cleansing, loving, and forming His followers.

• Notice what changed Peter’s response: following Jesus means letting Him love you in the places you’d rather hide or control.

• Be confronted by Jesus washing Judas’ feet: love and humility aren’t based on what someone “deserves.”

• Reframe joy as a deeper reality, not a mood: joy grows from security in Christ + humility + obedience, even when life is hard.

• Learn why renewing your mind matters: transformation happens as we intentionally fill our minds with God’s Word and truth.

• Get a practical one-week challenge: read Scripture (or listen to worship) daily and share one verse or takeaway with someone—text it, say it, post it, anything.

What Does It Mean for Me?

If you want to experience life with Jesus, you have to let him love you. You have to let him care for you. You have to let him see you for who you really are, which is a person who does need to be cleansed, right? And Jesus is saying to them, like, hey, you don't need to do this over and over again. It's not like a baptism over and over again. You already know me, you're clean and you're in me, but this is an act of me caring for you. This is an ongoing, this is what ongoing relationship looks like with me. What I'm doing for you, I am asking you do to for others.

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

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A person’s character shapes many aspects of their life, and it’s one of the most important qualities to consider in a prospective mate. Dr. Tony Evans talks about the dangers of being tempted to lower your standards and describes how God can guide you toward the love of your life.

What if the greatest threat to our witness today isn’t culture—but division within the church itself? In a time when opinions are loud and loyalties are competing, it’s easy to prioritize being right over reflecting Christ.

In this episode, Christine Caine walks through 1 Corinthians 1 to remind us that what unites us in Jesus is far greater than anything that divides us. Paul’s words to the Corinthian church speak powerfully to our moment—calling us back to humility, unity, and the centrality of the cross.

This message challenges us to elevate Jesus above personalities, preferences, and opinions, and to live in a way that truly reflects Him to a watching world. Unity isn’t optional—it’s essential to our witness.

✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:

● Why unity matters more than ever in a divided world

● How the cross confronts pride, power, and human wisdom

● What it looks like to live and lead with Jesus at the center

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Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this message with someone who needs encouragement today.

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PRE-ORDER Christine’s NEW book, The Faith to Flourish → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine

ORDER Christine's new devotional, "You're Not Finished Yet" → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine

For more great stuff, check out:

LISTEN to Christine Caine’s Life and Leadership Podcast→ https://linktr.ee/christinecaine

DONATE to Equip & Empower Ministries: https://linktr.ee/christinecaine

Follow Christine on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChristineCaine/

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Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and bestselling author who awakens people everywhere to discover their God-given purpose and live transformed lives for Jesus. Alongside her husband, Nick, she founded A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization that prevents exploitation, recovers victims, and empowers survivors. She also launched Propel Women, an initiative equipping women worldwide to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live confidently in their calling. Through Equip & Empower, Christine activates people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus.

Christine is the author of more than a dozen books and Bible studies, and she holds a Master’s Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. For over 30 years, she and Nick have faithfully served the global Church. You can tune into her weekly Equip & Empower and Life & Leadership podcasts for practical insights and encouragement, always pointing to the hope found in Jesus. Christine and Nick live with their daughters, Catherine and Sophia. To learn more about Christine and her resources, visit http://www.christinecaine.com.

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In this powerful talk from Cape Town 2010, Antoine Rutayishire reflects on reconciliation, healing, and the church’s role in mending nations broken by violence and division. Drawing on his experience from Rwanda’s tragic history and Christian renewal, Rutayishire reframes wounds not as weaknesses but as invitations to participate in Christ’s reconciling mission.

Here are links to episodes from the Lausanne Podcast Archive that relate to themes of reconciliation, mission in broken contexts, and the global Church’s role in healing:

Rev. Canon Dr. Antoine Rutayisire is a Rwandan Anglican minister, theologian, and survivor of the 1994 genocide, widely known for his gospel-centered preaching and leadership in healing and reconciliation in Rwanda and beyond. He has served the church as a pastor and Bible teacher, contributed to Rwanda’s National Unity and Reconciliation efforts, and speaks and writes internationally about forgiveness, peacebuilding, and Christian discipleship.

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Ready to finish what you started?  Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe reveals why avoiding battles only makes them stronger.  Through Joshua’s story in Joshua 10, we’ll discover how procrastination feeds our struggles and why God speaks when we march toward our calling.  Find courage to face your delayed battles … listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe.

Bold Step Gift: Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God

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In this powerful message, Pastor Sam lays the foundation for why your connection to the Church determines the strength of every other relationship in your life.

In this sermon, you’ll discover:

Why your vertical relationship with God produces horizontal consequences

How your atmosphere can either align with or sabotage your anointing

Why the Church of Jesus Christ is unstoppable—and what that means for you

What Jesus really meant by “the gates of hell will not prevail”

Why the Church is meant to live on offense, not defense

How submitting to Christ’s authority brings clarity, order, and victory

Why Christianity was never meant to be lived alone

Empires fall. Cultures shift. Systems reset.

This message will challenge how you see the Church, reshape how you see yourself, and ignite bold faith to declare victory right in front of hell’s gates.

Listen now and step into alignment.