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1 John 5:21

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Question

Prayer

Your generosity isn’t measured by what you give but how you give. Spiritual Fitness Coach Seth Walker shares Jesus’ perspective for seeing and filling the needs of those around you.

As a thank you for your support this month, we’d love to bless you with a gift of your choice.Choose from three excellent books -each designed to encourage and equip you as you grow in Christ.

Tracing His Promise: Donna Amidon shares 25 OT stories revealing Jesus in God’s redemptive plan.

Tactics:  A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions  -   Practical tools to share and defend your faith with confidence and grace.

Discovering a Living Faith: Explore James with Pastor Bryan Clark – Insightful and practical guidance.

Yours with a gift of any amount.

Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ.

Sometimes what we think we want isn't the best God has for us. Dr. John explores Hebrews 12:18-24 and "The Better Gospel," contrasting the frightening revelation at Mount Sinai with the celebratory gathering at heavenly Mount Zion. While Israel received earthly promises like land and nationhood, believers inherit something far superior - the heavenly Jerusalem, perfect righteousness, and Jesus as covenant mediator. It's about recognizing when our earthly desires fall short of God's eternal plans.

The Jesus Effect: Faith in Jesus ought to make a difference in our lives. The good news is not simply a message of comfort or hope; the Gospel is a message of transformation! In this 10 message series, Dr. John teaches about the changes Jesus makes in our worship, conduct, and relationships. Listen to these messages and get ready to be changed.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your debts when you’re gone? Many assume obligations simply vanish, but the truth is more complicated. Without a plan, your loved ones could face creditors, confusion, and unnecessary heartache. Let’s explore how debt is handled after death—and the steps you can take now to protect your family.

Not all debts are treated the same after death.

• Secured Debt: These are tied to assets such as homes or cars. If you pass away with a mortgage, the heir who inherits the property also inherits the payments. Without the ability to pay, foreclosure or repossession is possible.
   
• Unsecured Debt: Credit cards and personal loans fall into this category. Unless someone is a joint account holder, heirs aren’t responsible. However, creditors can claim repayment from your estate before anything goes to heirs or charities.

• Student Loans: Federal student loans—including Parent PLUS loans—are discharged at death. Private student loans vary: some lenders forgive, others pursue repayment from the estate or co-signer.
   
• Medical Debt: Providers sometimes write off smaller balances, but they aren’t required to. With rising healthcare costs, debts can be substantial, draining family assets quickly.

Some resources are shielded from creditors:

• Life insurance proceeds
• Retirement accounts with named beneficiaries

These bypass the estate entirely and go directly to heirs. But accuracy matters—outdated beneficiary forms can unintentionally disinherit a spouse or child.

• Community Property States: In states like Texas, California, and Arizona, marital debts are often shared. Surviving spouses may be held responsible for balances they didn’t incur.
   
• Co-Signed Loans: Parents, grandparents, and friends often co-sign loans without realizing they’ll be responsible if the other borrower passes away.

Because the rules vary, consulting an estate attorney is wise. A one-time meeting can prevent years of stress later. But the best protection is simple: live with as little debt as possible. By building margin and reducing obligations, you bless your family with both financial relief and a legacy of stewardship.

Practical steps include:

• Reviewing accounts regularly
• Updating beneficiaries
• Paying down debts
• Organizing important records
• Creating a will or trust

Proverbs 13:22 tells us, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” That inheritance is about more than money—it’s about modeling wisdom, integrity, and trust in God’s provision. 

By stewarding your finances well today, you not only provide a cleaner path for your loved ones tomorrow but also leave them with a testimony of faith that points them back to Christ.

• My grandfather set up 529 plans for my kids years ago. When my older children graduate, can I use any leftover money for my younger daughter’s education? And eventually, could I split the remaining funds among all my kids?
• I’m the Power of Attorney for my 92-year-old mother, who has regularly helped my two sisters financially. I’d like to set up automatic monthly gifts of $1,500 to each of them to stay under the annual gift tax limit. I’m also retired and considering using some of her funds to help with my grandchildren’s college expenses. Is that ethical?
• I’m 71 and have been doing Roth conversions for the past two years. I opened a Roth account six years ago. Can I now withdraw money from those conversions without being restricted by a

Inside each of us is an innate sense of justice. When we see wrong, we want it put right. What does this reveal to us about God's justice? Are they related? Join Chip as he begins this talk on the justice of God.

Introduction: Two questions – that disturb believers and unbelievers alike

1. Why do bad things happen to good people?
2. Why do good things happen to bad people?

The real issue is... “Life is not fair!”

The deeper question is... “Does that mean God’s not fair?”

Defining the justice of God

• Revealed through Abraham -Genesis 18:25
• Revealed through the Psalmist -Psalm 97:2

How does God reveal His justice to us?

1. Through the NATURAL order -Romans 1:18-20
2. Through the HUMAN HEART -Romans 2:15-16
3. Through His role as JUDGE -Hebrews 12:23, 2 Timothy 4:8, John 5:22
4. Through the CROSS -Romans 3:25-26, 1 Peter 3:18
5. Through the promise of ETERNAL retribution: For Believers -1 Corinthians 3:10-15, For Unbelievers -Hebrews 9:27

How are we to respond to God’s justice?

1. CHOOSE to embrace Jesus today as your Savior rather than meet Him as your righteous Judge later. -John 5:22-24, 1 Peter 3:18
2. REFUSE to take revenge when treated unjustly knowing God and God alone is judge. -Romans 12:17-21
3. TAKE COMFORT when you encounter injustice knowing God will balance the scales either in this life of the next. -Psalm 73
4. MEDITATE DEEPLY on the reality of the Judgement Seat of Christ and the promise of spiritual rewards.

Broadcast Resource

• The Real God Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Daily Discipleship
• C.S. Lewis - The Chronicles of Narnia
• J.I. Packer - Knowing God
• C.S. Lewis - Mere Christianity

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Today on Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe … an in-studio discussion with Dr. Bill Thrasher, Moody Bible Institute professor and author, to talk about something that should be foundational to every believer’s life… but often feels like the most challenging thing we do… and that’s prayer. Join us for this conversation that could change your spiritual life.

For more behind the scenes and the full, uncut video interview, watch the Bold Steps T.V. episode!

Bold Step Gift:  Walk Like Jesus: Who He Calls Us To Be

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