After we fail, it can be hard to open our Bibles. Comparing ourselves to biblical heroes can make us feel even worse. But the apostle Peter? He’s one of us. And on this episode of Know The Truth, Philip De Courcy reminds us that God used Peter despite his flaws—just like He wants to use us!

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We read 1 Thessalonians 4–5 out loud and sit with Paul’s straight talk about holiness, hope, and a life that actually pleases God. We wrestle with “God’s will” as less of a hidden dot to find and more of a direction to live, then we end with a simple question about rejoicing, praying, and gratitude. 
• Paul’s backstory with the Thessalonian church and why he writes with joy 
• God’s will as holiness rather than a perfect personal roadmap 
• Sexual integrity as self-control and honor, not cultural rule-keeping 
• Brotherly love that grows “more and more” through a quiet, steady life 
• Working with your hands, living decently before outsiders, avoiding needless dependence 
• Grief with hope because of Jesus’ death and resurrection 
• The Lord’s return, the day of the Lord, and why Paul says to encourage each other 
• Staying alert and sober as people of the light, anchored in faith, love, and hope 
• Three practices named as God’s will: rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything 

At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you’re there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. 

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What do you do when a friendship goes quiet after a hard conversation?

What if the most powerful thing you can do for your children is the one thing they can never stand in the way of—your prayers for them?

A few sincere words of encouragement can give someone the strength and confidence to keep going.

When you set out on a trip or vacation, you leave your home with a destination in mind. Dr. Robert Jeffress shows us that the same planning required for travel is required for every area of life. We can’t get to where God wants us to be without following a biblical roadmap!

To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.

A single Black woman. A married white guy with autism. A radio show that probably shouldn't work—but somehow does. Podcast hosts Brant Hanson and Sherri Lynn talk about unlikely friendships, honest feedback, and the kind of relationships that challenge your assumptions without turning into another argument. Because most of us like the idea of meaningful relationships, but fewer of us enjoy the awkwardness, honesty, and friction they require. Some lessons can only be learned shoulder to shoulder.

Show Notes and Resources

• Connect with Brant on Twitter @branthansen or on Facebook @branthansenpage.
• Learn more Brant on his website: branthansen.com
• Listen to Brant and Sherri's podcast
• And grab Brant's book, The Truth About Us: The Very Good News About How Very Bad We Are on our shop.
• Sign up for Janelle Breitenstein’s 5-session video series on mom anger at familylife.com/momanger

• Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
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Visit www.joniradio.org for more inspiration and encouragement!

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