Ascend: No Exaltation Without Humiliation

Life is full of ups and downs, peaks and valleys. Just like a delicious dinner requires cleaning a messy kitchen, or the joy of a family photo shoot is often preceded by sleepless nights and dirty diapers, spiritual growth requires descent before ascent.

In this episode of the Amen Podcast, Alex and Luke delve into Matthew 20:17-19, where Jesus predicts his journey to Jerusalem – a city always spoken of as a place of ascent. They explore the concept of spiritual ascension, emphasizing that true growth in faith often requires humility, service, and even humiliation before reaching a place of exaltation.

Join us as we discuss:

• The necessity of "going down" to "go up" in our spiritual journeys.
• The dangers of seeking honor and praise without service.
• How Jesus's life exemplifies the ultimate example of humility and exaltation.
• The role of suffering and hardship in our spiritual growth.
• Finding hope and purpose in the midst of trials.

Tune in and discover how embracing the "descension" can lead to true spiritual ascension and a deeper connection with God. Don't forget to share your own experiences of descent and ascent in the comments!

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In this video, we explore the theme of God's boundless generosity and how it should motivate our service to Him. We delve into the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) to understand the importance of serving out of love and gratitude, not out of a desire for reward.

We discuss the contrast between serving for God's sake and serving for our own benefit, highlighting the importance of recognizing our worth as servants of God. We also emphasize the grace of God, which allows us to be accepted and loved regardless of our past or present shortcomings.

Finally, we encourage viewers to shift their perspective from one of pride to one of gratitude, acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of blessings and that He freely bestows them upon us. We invite viewers to work with God, knowing that He is a just and loving employer who rewards faithfulness and trust.

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In this episode, we dive deep into Matthew 19, a chapter that tackles some of the most challenging aspects of Christian discipleship. We explore Jesus's teachings on divorce, singleness, and the cost of following Him.

Join us as we unpack these profound truths and discuss:

• ​The sanctity of marriage and the devastating impact of divorce.
• ​The unique gift of singleness and its potential for serving God wholeheartedly.
• ​The radical call to surrender everything and follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
• ​How to cultivate a heart of full commitment to God in the midst of a world that constantly pulls us in different directions.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the true meaning of discipleship and live a life fully devoted to Christ.

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Have you ever been hurt so badly that you thought forgiveness was impossible? In this episode of Amen Podcast, we dive deep into Matthew 18:21-22 to explore the challenging topic of forgiving the unforgivable.

Join us as we:

• Unpack Jesus's teaching on forgiveness and what it means for us today.
• Discuss the importance of forgiveness for our own spiritual well-being.
• Examine practical steps to take when faced with the seemingly impossible task of forgiving someone who has deeply hurt us.
• Discover the power of God's grace to help us forgive even when it feels impossible.

If you've ever struggled with forgiveness or wondered if it's even possible to forgive certain offenses, this episode is for you. Tune in and be encouraged to experience the freedom and healing that comes from extending forgiveness to others.

Do you ever struggle with giving or receiving criticism? In this episode of Amen Podcast, we dive deep into Matthew 18:15-20 and Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." We explore how to give and receive criticism in a loving way that builds each other up, rather than tearing each other down.

In this video, you'll learn:

• The biblical principles of giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Practical tips for communicating criticism effectively, with kindness and clarity.
• How to overcome the fear of confrontation and address difficult issues with grace.
• The importance of humility and a teachable spirit in personal growth.

Tune in and discover how to cultivate stronger relationships through the power of loving criticism.

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about: our UNRESTRICTED access to God as his children. AmenPodcast.com/Donate

Cutting off what causes you to stumble. Matthew 18:8-9 The LIVING Bible Translation. AmenPodcast.com/Donate

Living a humble, quiet life. Matthew 18:1-7. AmenPodcast.com/Donate