Wave 94

In this special recap of the Abide Women’s Conference, Andrea Kramer sits down with Los Angeles-based content creator Talia Perez to discuss what it truly means to dwell in the presence of the Most High. Drawing from Psalm 91 and her life in the heart of the entertainment industry, Talia explains how we can remain "set apart" even in the darkest environments. This conversation is a call to move beyond Sunday-morning visits with God and into a daily lifestyle of abiding that protects our identity and strengthens our faith.

-- The Difference Between Visiting and Dwelling: Just as we wash off physical sand after a day at the beach, we must allow the Word of God to wash off the "dust and grime" of the world’s opinions and stresses.

-- The Strong Tower: Why running to the Lord—rather than doom-scrolling or complaining—is the only way to find true refuge during life's trials.

-- The Power of Praise: A look at how Paul and Silas saw their chains break not through murmuring, but through worship in the midst of their midnight hour.

-- Identity and Ownership: A powerful reminder that because God is our Creator, He is the only one with the authority to name and define us; culture has no right to rename what God has already claimed.

-- Spiritual Warfare with Scripture: Following the example of Jesus in the wilderness by using "It is written" as our primary weapon against the lies of the enemy.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Psalm 91:1-2

-- John 15:4

-- Proverbs 18:10

-- Numbers 14

-- Acts 16:25-26

-- Philippians 3:13-14

+++++++

Join us for church this Sunday.

For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/

References:

(1) When Mortimer Adler, editor of the Great Books of the Western World, was asked why the “God” section was the largest section in those books, he observed that it was because more implications FLOW from the SUBJECT of God than from any other subject.

(2) “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek says that the 5 most consequential questions are: origin, identity, meaning, morality, and destiny.

(3) The answers to each of these questions depend on the EXISTENCE of God. If God exists, then there is ultimate MEANING and PURPOSE to your life. If there is a real purpose to your life, then there is a REAL RIGHT AND WRONG WAY to live it. Choices you make now not only affect your life here and now but will affect your ETERNAL DESTINY.

(4) On the other hand, if there is no God, then your life ultimately MEANS NOTHING. Since there is no enduring purpose to life, there is no right or wrong way to live it. Dostoevsky said, “If God does not exist, everything is permissible.” So if there are no restrictions on morality; EVERYTHING GOES. And it doesn’t matter how you live or what you believe — your ultimate destiny is ANHILATION. All creation will be incinerated in the final heat death of the universe.

(5) So which world religion, if any, answers the God question correctly? Allow me to answer that question by saying, if you desire to work on a jig-saw puzzle, you know you need the PICTURE on the BOX TOP to help you. Correspondingly, does any religion provide the true box top for life?

(6) First, many say it is UNREASONABLE to believe that only one religion could be EXCLUSIVELY TRUE. Okay, let’s accept that statement for the time being. What is your evidence? Without evidence the statement is merely an opinion, and everyone has one. Don’t just spout out your opinion and leave it there. You have the right to your opinion, but all opinions are at the same level of value without evidence.

(7) If one religion were really true, it would mean billions of people from other religions are wrong today and have been wrong for centuries.

(8) Easygoing Americans are more likely to believe that NO RELIGION is the truth. This sentiment is often illustrated by a parable from an ancient Hindu text of 6 blind men describing an elephant. One man touches its trunk and compares it to a snake. Another feels its ear and compares it to a fan. The third man places his hand on the elephant’s leg and says it is like a tree trunk. A fourth pushes on the elephant’s side and insists it is like a wall. The fifth man holds the tail and suggests it is a like a rope. The last man feels a tusk and declares that the elephant is a spear.

(9) The skeptics HOPE has many things WRONG with it. On closer inspection the elephant story creates more problems than it SOLVES.

(10) In her book “Confronting Christianity” the author Rebecca McLaughlin lists seven problems: the problem of respect, truth, history, conversion, ethics, monotheism, and the problem of Jesus. I address only 3 only 3 of McLaughlin’s 7 problems.

(11) In terms of a Supreme Being or Beings that are worshiped, there is no absolute God in Buddhism, although many have interpreted Buddhism as a search for God. Many Buddhists believe that the existence of suffering and evil in the world offers evidence against belief in God.

(12) God doesn’t DECIDE to do holy, just, and right things; this is something He IS by nature. All that is right and holy, just and good is DERIVED from His core nature.

(13) In their book 77 FAQs About God and the Bible, Josh and Sean McDowell say, “This is incredibly important! What people miss and fail to understand about God is that He is PURE GOODNESS. All that is perfect and right and beautiful and complete and meaningful and eternally full of contentment, joy, and happiness is because of Him and comes from Him. His very nature and essence are good.”

This is episode 265.

In this sobering teaching, Servant Marcia Carty explores the striking parallels between our modern world and the era of Noah. She unpacks the spiritual and physical corruption that led to the ancient flood and warns that a similar state of "spiritual wickedness" is manifesting in the earth today. From the mysterious sounds the planet is making to the hidden sins of modern leadership, this message is a clarion call for every believer to examine their "wedding garment" before the door to the Ark closes once again.

-- We are currently living in the "Days of Noah" as prophesied in Matthew 24, marked by great wickedness and imaginations that are only evil continually.

-- The corruption of mankind is physically affecting the earth itself, leading to the "moaning and groaning" of creation as it waxes old like a garment.

-- True righteousness is not found in religious activity or outward appearance, but through the internal work of the Holy Spirit and the blood of the Lamb.

-- Many in modern church leadership are being led by carnal senses and lusts rather than the Spirit, mimicking the unfaithfulness of the "sons of God" in Genesis.

-- The "wedding garment" of righteousness is a requirement for the coming Kingdom; showing up to the marriage feast without it leads to being cast into outer darkness.

-- Salvation requires a conscious decision to "come out from among them," repent of secret sins, and maintain the linen of righteousness.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Genesis 6:5-8

-- Isaiah 51:6

-- Matthew 22:1-14

-- Matthew 24:37-39

-- Matthew 25:31-46

-- Romans 8:14-22

-- Galatians 5:24-25

-- 1 Timothy 1:5

-- 2 Timothy 4:1-4

-- Revelation 16:15

+++++++

We have begun building a new website which you can see here: https://www.noahdays.org/

When Jesus talks about His kingdom, He is talking about His eternal, spiritual kingdom.

*******

By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Jesus said that both He and His disciples are "not of the world."

*******

By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

The Bible describes a conflict between the Kingdom of God and "the world."

*******

By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

What does the Bible mean when it talks about "the world"?

*******

By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Does the Bible talk about being "in the world but not of the world"?

*******

By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

"Why persecutest thou me?" In Acts 9:4, Saul of Tarsus—a fierce persecutor of early Christians—is stopped in his tracks by a blinding light and a voice from heaven. The voice, belonging to Jesus, asks a piercing question: "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"

This moment marks one of the most dramatic conversions in biblical history, transforming Saul into Paul the Apostle, who would spread the Gospel across the Roman world. But beyond its historical impact, the question Jesus asked carries deep theological and spiritual significance.

First, the question reveals the intimate identification Jesus has with his followers. Saul had been imprisoning and harming Christians, yet Jesus does not say, "Why are you persecuting my people?" He says, "Why are you persecuting me?" This declaration affirms that the church is not merely a group of believers; it is the Body of Christ. To attack Christians is to attack Jesus Himself. This truth is echoed in 1 Corinthians 12:27, where Paul later writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." In Acts 9:4, Jesus establishes a profound unity between Himself and His people—one that exceeds physical presence and affirms spiritual oneness.

Second, the question is a divine confrontation wrapped in mercy. Saul was convinced he was defending God's truth by suppressing what he saw as a dangerous group who opposed God. Yet, Jesus does not respond with condemnation or wrath. Instead, He asks a question, inviting Saul to reflect, to reconsider, and to ultimately repent. This approach highlights the grace of God, who confronts sin not to destroy the sinner, but to redeem us. Saul's blindness in that moment was symbolic: though physically impaired, his spiritual eyes were about to be opened.

Third, the question initiates a radical transformation in Saul's identity and mission. Up until this point, Saul's life had been defined by religious zeal and rigid legalism, but the question Jesus asked dismantled his entire worldview. Saul realizes he has been fighting against the very God he claimed to serve. This revelation leads to a complete reorientation of his life. He becomes Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, whose writings—filled with themes of grace, unity, and spiritual maturity—make up much of the New Testament. The question, "Why persecutest thou me?" becomes the catalyst for a life of service, suffering, and proclamation of the Gospel.

Finally, this question speaks to every believer today. It challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we resisting God's work in subtle ways? Are we clinging to traditions or judgments that oppose the heart of Jesus? This same question reminds us today that our actions toward others, especially toward brothers and sisters in Christ, are actions toward Jesus. It's a call to humility, reflection, and alignment with divine purpose.

It is a personal invitation. Jesus identifies with His church, confronts sin with grace, and transforms life through truth. His question to Saul continues to echo through time, calling each of us to a deeper awareness of our own relationship with God.

*******

Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

Worshiping God when you don't feel like it. Worship is often connected in the human mind with joy, peace, or spiritual enthusiasm. Yet, Scripture teaches that worship is not grounded in emotion, but in truth and obedience. Throughout the Bible, God's people are shown worshiping Him not only in moments of joy, but also in seasons of sorrow, confusion, and weariness. These passages reveal that worship offered without strong feeling is not inferior; rather, it is often the most genuine expression of faith.

First, Scripture makes clear that worship is an act of obedience, not a response to emotional readiness. David declares, "I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth." The phrase, "at all times," includes moments of distress as well as delight. Job provides one of the clearest examples of this truth. After losing his children, his possessions, and security, "Job arose and rent his mantle and shaved his head and fell down upon the ground and worshiped" (Job 1:20). His worship did not flow from happiness, but from reverence and submission to God's sovereignty.

Second, the Bible shows that honest worship is acceptable and even welcomed by God. The Psalms repeatedly express sorrow, doubt, and anguish, yet they are preserved as inspired worship. David cries out, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me?" (Psalm 42:5). Rather than hiding his despair, he brings it before God. This teaches that worship does not require pretending to feel joy; it requires turning honestly toward God. As Psalm 62:8 instructs, "Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us."

When personal words fail, Scripture itself becomes the foundation for worship. Paul exhorts believers, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16). Even when the heart feels empty, God's word remains full of truth. The Psalms often function as prayers given by God to his people, enabling them to worship when their own strength is insufficient. In these moments, worship becomes an act of faith rooted in God's word rather than personal emotion.

Scripture also teaches that worship is primarily a matter of the heart, not outward expression. While singing and praise are biblical, Paul emphasizes inward worship when he writes, "Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19). Worship can be silent, quiet, or inward, yet still sincere. God reminds Samuel, "The Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). A bowed heart, even without spoken words, is true worship in God's sight.

The Bible describes worship offered in difficult circumstances as a sacrifice. Hebrews 13:15 states, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually." A sacrifice implies cost. Praise offered when it is difficult, when faith feels weak, or circumstances are painful is costly and therefore precious to God. This principle is echoed in Psalm 50:23: "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me." Praise that costs nothing glorifies little; praise offered in hardship glorifies God greatly.

Finally, Scripture shows that worship has the power to lead the heart rather than follow it. David speaks to his own soul, commanding it toward hope: "Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him" (Psalm 42:5). Rather than waiting for his emotions to change, he chooses worship in advance of feeling restored. This pattern teaches that obedience and worship often precede emotional renewal. As Isaiah 26:3 promises, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee."

*******

Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/