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People skills are essential for building meaningful relationships. Debra Fileta explores the different levels of communication that determine how we care for others, even through hard times. By looking at how we show up in conversation, Debra encourages us to walk in our relationships with greater humility and awareness, no matter the social temperature.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: 1 Kings 22:1-14

1 Kings 22 tells the story of a prophet with an unchanging message to a changing world. After receiving counsel from 400 pandering prophets, King Ahab and Jehoshaphat hear from Micaiah, a true prophet of God. And rather than saying what they wanted to hear, Micaiah proclaims, “...As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak” (v. 14).

There are five things we can learn from Micaiah’s bold response.

1. It is better to be divided by truth than to be united in error.
Devoted believer Jehoshaphat had made an unholy, political alliance with the wicked King Ahab. Unity is a wonderful thing; the Church is called to do everything we can to preserve unity. But it must only be unity in Christ, and Christ alone.
2. It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals than to tell a lie that comforts and then kills.
The 400 prophets before Micaiah lied to please the king, but Micaiah refused to be bought or intimidated. Adrian Rogers says, “Rough truth is better than polished falsehood.”
3. It is better to be hated for telling the truth than to be loved for telling a lie.
Sometimes, we assume those who tell us the truth are our enemies. King Ahab hated Micaiah; prophets and disciples all throughout Scripture faced persecution, including Jesus Himself. People of God will not be loved by this world.
4. It is better to stand alone with the truth than to be wrong with a multitude.
The King’s Council tried to soften Micaiah, begging him to agree with the other prophets. But he stood by his conviction from God. The majority is almost always wrong; men and women of God have always stood alone.
5. It is better to ultimately succeed with the truth than to temporarily succeed with a lie.
Eventually, Ahab’s rejection of the truth cost him his life. Micaiah’s dedication to the truth brought him to power. This world is in desperate need of the truth; we cannot be intimidated by momentary threats of failure. The truth of Jesus Christ will outlast every lie this world could tell.

Apply it to your life
Are you sharing the unchanging message of the Gospel in this changing world? Remember the words of Micaiah: “As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak."

Spirit of God E1 — In 2017, we released a 3-episode series on the theme of the Holy Spirit. And now eight years later, we’ve decided there’s still a lot more to reflect on and explore! The word we translate in English as “spirit” is ruakh in the Hebrew Bible and pneuma in the Greek New Testament. The word refers to God’s personal presence, but it also often refers to wind, breath, and a human’s mind. So how can this word refer to God’s manifest presence and energy, but also created things? In this episode, Jon and Tim kick off a new expanded series on the Spirit of God.

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Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey and Aaron Olsen edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.

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The Grace to You radio broadcast for July 20, 2026.

Most Christian parents want their children to grow up with a strong faith—but it can be hard to know how to nurture that faith in everyday life. Tim Shoemaker shares creative and practical ways parents can make family devotions engaging, memorable, and meaningful for kids of all ages. You’ll discover how simple, intentional moments at home can help pass faith to the next generation while also growing parents in their own walk with God.
Receive a copy of "The Very Best, Hands-On, Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions, Volume 2" and an audio download of "More Unforgettable Faith Lessons to Do with Your Kids" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.
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Have you ever been asked in a job interview: “What are your weaknesses?” Some may avoid answering directly or flip the question to brag a little about themselves saying, “I work too hard” or “I care too much.” But in this program, Chip proposes that it’s vitally important we know our faults and that there’s actually a way to use them to our advantage. Join us to learn more!

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