Life rarely goes according to plan — and Paul's journey to Rome was no exception. In this message, Dr. John follows Paul as he embarks on his voyage to Rome, tracing how God's providence weaves through every detail, from the kindness of a centurion to the dangers of a worsening sea. A grounding reminder that Christ, not circumstances, directs the lives of those who belong to him.

Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world’s worst cannot impede God’s best.

Jason and Tori Benham equip couples and families to face fear, panic and anxiety that would otherwise prevent us from doing what God has called us to do. They speak from firsthand experience about panic attacks, paralyzing fear and sleepless nights. They also describe a proven biblical and brain-based process that helped set them free from these kinds of debilitating struggles. The 3-step plan of attack involves recognizing what’s happening, renouncing the lie, and replacing it with the truth.

Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul’s earliest epistles to a local church.

From the Series: Contagious Christianity

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You don’t have to look very hard to find negative people filled with self-pity. That’s why it’s so refreshing to find positive people...no matter the circumstances.

Why does it bother us when someone doesn’t seem to like us?

In this episode, we unpack the tension between people-pleasing and God-pleasing. While the desire to gain favor with others can stem from good intentions, it can easily shift into seeking approval instead of living from love.

Scripture reminds us that our ultimate aim is not to please people — but to love them well. When love and faithfulness guide our thoughts, words, and actions, we find ourselves resting in God’s approval rather than striving for human validation.

What We Discuss

• The difference between loving people and pleasing people

• Why human approval is unstable

• How our hearts can deceive us

• Filtering our actions through biblical love

• What it truly means to gain favor in God’s sight

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

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Full Transcript Below:

Gaining Favor in the Eyes of God and Others 

By Keri Eichberger

Bible Reading:
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

The sad truth is, it sincerely upsets me when someone doesn’t seem to like me. And though I’ve certainly struggled with people-pleasing, I’ve come to the conclusion that my concern over how another may perceive me isn’t just about pleasing the person. Not to mention, I know people are impossible to always please. But I’m beginning to believe the majority of my mission to receive favor in the eyes of others is rooted in the desire to do the right thing. Not necessarily by them, but by God. But to be honest, discerning the God-honoring way can be tricky at times. Because my heart and mind can deceive me. That’s true for all of us. We may tell ourselves our words and actions are justified and right. But too often our human flesh naturally prompts us toward selfish motives. So occasionally, when someone seems to have an issue with me, I start to wonder if they are sensing such behavior, and are justified in their ill thinking and feelings. On the flipside, if someone seems to be pleased with me, if I appear to have their favor, it sometimes serves as an indicator that I’m on the right path. But then again, this thought process is flawed as well. 

Do you ever personally fall into people-pleasing? Or simply and strongly desire to gain favor in the eyes of others? If, like me, you do find yourself aspiring to find right standing with people, why does it matter to you? Though

At the completion of the temple, Solomon prays for the people—that the Lord might be gracious to them and bless them. He then represents the people in offering praise and sacrifice to the Lord, and the people go home joyful for the Lord’s goodness to them. Here we have a picture of the bliss of living under the Lord’s King and in the Lord’s presence—a beautiful picture of what it will be like to live in the heavenly Jerusalem.