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Why do we hold on to things that pull us away from God? In today’s episode, Dr. John explores Israel’s refusal to destroy the high places of idol worship—and how that compromise led to spiritual ruin. He challenges us to examine the hidden high places in our own lives that compete for our hearts, reminding us that God calls for complete devotion. True worship requires nothing less.

Living the Moral Life: A Practical Application for Every Generation: Morality cannot be reduced to a bumper sticker. Neither is it the sum total of our debates, campaigns or banners. Morality is presented by how we live. The book of Deuteronomy is a second presentation of God’s Law. It contains three sermons by Moses, as Israel stands on the border of the Promised Land. In this series, Dr. John highlights chapters 12- 17 in which Moses emphasizes living out God’s commands for a moral life. Why should we listen? Because living a moral life speaks louder than any bumper sticker.

A crypto enthusiast once wrote on Reddit, “Bitcoin is like winning the lottery in slow motion.” 

That might be a stretch, but one thing’s clear: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t going anywhere. Today, Mark Biller joins us to unpack how crypto is moving into the mainstream and what that means for investors trying to make wise decisions.

Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.

Here are two key insights to help investors make sense of today’s crypto market:

1. Bitcoin Stands Apart – It’s critical to understand that Bitcoin is not like the rest of the crypto world. It has emerged as a unique and dominant force, with widespread adoption, while other cryptocurrencies remain highly speculative.
    
2. Bitcoin Has Reached Critical Mass – Thanks to regulatory shifts and institutional adoption, Bitcoin seems to be here to stay. In just a few years, we've gone from government hostility toward crypto to SEC-approved Bitcoin ETFs and even a pro-crypto administration in the White House.

Bitcoin was the original cryptocurrency, launched in 2008, and today it represents about 60% of the entire crypto market. It’s gained institutional interest and widespread regulatory acceptance. By contrast, the remaining 40% of the crypto universe is fragmented, filled with thousands of projects, many of which will not survive.

Think of most other cryptos not as currencies but as startup tech ventures. That helps frame their high risk and their potential for failure. Bitcoin, meanwhile, has arrived. The rest? They’re still trying to prove themselves.

Many early Bitcoin advocates hoped it would serve as a usable currency outside of traditional financial systems. But that vision has mostly faded. Today, most investors treat Bitcoin like digital gold—a store of value designed to hedge against inflation and the devaluation of fiat currencies.

It’s volatile, yes. But its built-in scarcity (only 21 million bitcoins will ever exist) appeals to those who fear government overreach or reckless monetary policy. Bitcoin’s not just for tech enthusiasts anymore—it’s becoming a strategic asset for serious investors.

Generational preferences also shape Bitcoin’s rise. Younger investors, raised in a digital world of apps and virtual marketplaces, are far more comfortable with digital assets. What gold has long been to older generations, Bitcoin is becoming to younger ones: a hedge against inflation and a symbol of financial independence.

In fact, Bitcoin’s correlation with gold has grown significantly in recent years, signaling that institutions are viewing it in similar terms.

It’s not just individuals diving into Bitcoin. Global events—especially the 2022 freezing of Russian reserve assets—have prompted many nations to reassess their reliance on U.S. Treasury bonds. The result? A surge in gold buying by central banks, and increasing openness to alternatives like Bitcoin among private investors.

While governments aren’t yet buying Bitcoin, there’s reasonable evidence to suggest that gold investors are starting to “skate to where the puck is going,” diversifying small portions of their portfolios into Bitcoin as a forward-looking strategy.

With that being said, should we be concerned about the global shift away from U.S. treasuries?

Not immediately. While a shift away from U.S. Treasuries could eventu

Here's a crazy thought: Suffering is actually essential for spiritual growth and maturity - not exactly what everyone's preaching these days. Join Chip as he explains how the experience of suffering can bring us closer to Christ.

Review: Hope: The mental and emotional attitude that life is good, the future is promising, and progress is certain… even in the midst of difficult circumstances and challenging relationships.

Question: How do we experience this true HOPE in everyday life?

Answer: Philippians 3:10-11

Paul’s hope and consuming passion:

“I want to KNOW Christ (yada - Hebrew)

and the POWER of His resurrection, (dunamis - Greek)

and the FELLOWSHIP of His suffering, (koinonia - Greek)

BECOMING like Him in His death. (morphe - Greek)

and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

How do we experience this intimate relationship with Jesus?

1. His POWER in our weakness. - Romans 8:11 & 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
2. His PRESENCE in our pain. - 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 & Romans 5:1-5
3. His LIFE in our death. - Romans 6:4-7 & Galatians 2:20

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Today on Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe, as we continue our new series on the book of Ephesians, Mark is going to be diving into the topic of what it means to be Made Alive through God’s transforming power.  Join us as he explains three characteristics of those who are spiritually dead.  Today’s message comes from our series, When You Believe … Everything Changes.

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Talk therapy is speech, and the government has no authority to restrict that speech to just one viewpoint. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

Understanding the conflict between Israel and Iran requires us to look at it from a biblical perspective—not a geopolitical one. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses the current struggle between Israel and Iran, and what the Bible has to say about it. He offers insight on the history of the Middle East and the nation of Israel, illuminating the pattern of antisemitism we’ve watched for millennia. He also shares how we can respond to God shaking the earth. God will keep His covenant with His chosen people, and as Christ-followers, we need a deeper level of understanding of the significance of Israel and the Jewish people. God promises to bless those who bless Israel, so let’s continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, visit this link: allenjackson.com/podcastdonate

John 3:16-17

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

Question

Prayer

Amen