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No matter how committed you are to Christ, your loyalty will be tested. Abraham faced the most difficult test a father could face—being asked to sacrifice his son. Abraham’s story is a great example of how trials can strengthen our commitment to God.

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What does it mean that all the promises are yes in Christ? I heard that you're not truly saved if you can't overcome every struggle. Is that true? If we die with unrepentant sin, are we still forgiven? Isn't it amazing that God has time for each one of us? That's the beauty of Christ in you!

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What if your creative breakthrough isn’t about striving harder, but about believing what’s already true about you? We explore five bold declarations from Scripture that dismantle shame, silence the inner critic, and help you create from a place of freedom, not fear. From the prodigal’s robe to the authority of being seated with Christ, you’ll hear a clear path to rebuild identity and align your art with God’s heart.

We start with restoration—full, generous, immediate—not a probationary return. Then we dig into adoption and delight, the difference between being barely forgiven and being joyfully welcomed into a family. You’ll hear how new creation identity and the Spirit’s equipping end the cycle of waiting for permission or perfect conditions. Resistance still comes, but we reframe the battle: not fighting for victory, but creating from victory, with stamina and peace. Finally, we talk about carrying light—how your presence and practice shift atmospheres, open hearts, and invite hope without forcing a message.

You’ll get a powerful daily affirmation to speak over your life and a free 31-day guide to renew your mind with Scripture-driven declarations: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/31-biblical-affirmations 

If you’re a Christian artist longing for clarity, courage, and creative flow, this conversation will help you stand firm in who you are and why you’re here—so your work can reflect heaven with honesty and excellence. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a comment with the declaration you’ll start practicing today.

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The new year began with a successful U.S. military operation to capture Venezuela's president. But the mission killed approximately 80 people and is being condemned by some American and international leaders as illegal. Esau McCaulley joins Phil and Skye this week to discuss the fallout from the operation. Was it legal? Was it moral? And what does it reveal about Trump's vision of America? Kaitlyn talks with author Sara Billups about her new book, "Nervous System," and how our age of anxiety is affecting Christians and the whole church. Also this week—the Trump administration celebrated the holidays with Christian memes, festive taunts, and "Ice Ice Baby."

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/147587950/

Bonus Interview with Sarah Billups:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/147498089/

0:00 - Show Starts

2:52 - Theme Song

3:13 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!

4:15 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!

5:23 - Christmas

7:35 - Trump Got Venezuela?

13:46 - What Does America Want to Be?

28:34 - Trump Administration's Christmas

36:10 - Optimism and America

44:50 - Sponsor - Poncho - If you've been looking for the perfect shirt—something breathable, fits great, feels even better, and stands out in a good way—give Poncho a try. Get $10 off your first order by using this link: https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/holypost

46:02 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Use code HOLYPOST for 30% off sitewide for a great night's sleep! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/holypost

47:04 - Sponsor - DripDrop - Fast hydration in 16 original flavors! Get 20% on your first order and use promo code HOLYPOST! Go to https://www.dripdrop.com

48:05 - Interview

50:28 - Why Write About Anxiety?

56:14 - Practicing Non-Anxiousness

1:02:40 - Lasting Effects of Fundamentalist Mindsets

1:09:17 - The Church as a Non-Anxious Presence

1:18:09 - End Credits

Links:

Nervous Systems: Spiritual Practices to Calm Anxiety in Your Body, the Church, and Politics by Sara Billups: https://amzn.to/3N0A60t

Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

Holy Post Patreon: https:/

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Independence is something we celebrate—but Dr. Tony Evans says we can become a little too self-sufficient for our own good. He explains why God wants us to live like managers instead of owners and what happens when we forget who our true Source is.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Reference: Acts 17:16-18

The opposition we, as Christians, face in this pagan world is nothing new. In Acts 17, Paul finds himself surrounded by a pagan society in Athens, Greece. Yet, the ones who opposed the Gospel in this passage are much like those who oppose the Gospel now. Paul’s response to this opposition is a picture of standing firm in a pagan world.

First, Paul met superstitious idolatry.

Acts 17:16 says, “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” An idol is anything you love, serve, fear or trust more than God. Paul saw idolatry everywhere he turned in Athens.

Our city and even sometimes our churches are filled with idolatry. There are gods of materialism, alcohol, sex, violence, and even gods of knowledge and wisdom. We all worship something because mankind is incurably religious.

Second, Paul faced self-righteous orthodoxy.

Verse 17 says, “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.” These religious men had their sterile orthodoxy. They believed in one true God, but they did not know Him; they did not understand that the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “It’ll be a great day in America when people stop enduring religion and start enjoying salvation.”

Thirdly, Paul met sophisticated philosophy.

Verse 18 says, “Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him...’” Paul encountered two types of philosophers: the Epicures and the Stoics. Epicureans sought pleasure above anything else. Stoics believed they were victims of fate, that God is in everything and everything is God. If this sounds familiar, it’s because we still encounter people who believe this way.

How did Paul deal with this opposition? He expressed confidence in his faith. He simply continued to preach, and reveal that God is a God of power, love, righteousness, and salvation.

Paul also expected converts as a result of his faith. Some mocked, some laughed and some procrastinated. But, thank God, others believed.

Apply it to your life

As we stand firm in this pagan world, we can’t make others believe, however, we have the opportunity to preach the Gospel anyway. Are you confident in your faith? Do you expect converts when you share the Gospel?