Do the tumultuous emotions of anxiety and anger seem all too familiar in your life? Our latest episode is a beacon of hope, offering insight into the transformative teachings of Jesus through the Beatitudes. We discuss how these ancient precepts provide not just a singular path, but a continuing journey that reshapes the very character of those who follow them. Unpack the beauty and challenge of an inner transformation that's meant to shine outwardly, much like the fruit of the spirit emerges in the life of a believer. Our conversation is a heartfelt invitation to reflect on the deep values that should anchor our existence and guide us toward a more visible expression of our faith.

As we navigate this spiritual expedition, we reflect on the profound growth that stems from recognizing our poverty of spirit and the humility of coming before the cross with nothing but our hearts laid bare. We draw inspiration from figures like Moses and Jesus, who exemplify meekness—a potent mixture of strength and gentleness. The episode pulses with the desire for righteousness and justice, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in a pursuit that aligns with God's heart, with promises of comfort and the kingdom of heaven as our compass. Join us as we dissect the implications of these beatitudes in our lives, finding solace in the transformative journey they chart.

Embracing the beatitudes means reflecting the character of Christ, even when the path leads us through the fires of persecution. We explore the virtues of mercy and peacemaking, and the strength that comes from purity of heart. For believers across the spectrum—from the self-assured to the overwhelmed by sin—we offer insights into how these principles can ground us in God's unwavering love. Together, we pray for and extend an invitation to those who stand at the crossroads, yearning for the peace and redemption that is found at the foot of the cross. Embark with us on this episode, where we seek to embody the fullness of Christ's character and embrace the profound rewards of a righteous life.

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

Discover the profound lessons embedded within the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as we journey through history to a time when divine silence was broken. Embark on a narrative adventure starting with the angelic announcement to Mary, moving through John the Baptist's fervent call for repentance, and culminating in Christ's own baptism, temptation, and early ministry. Our exploration promises to illuminate the inseparable link between Jesus' transformative words and His miraculous deeds, akin to the prophets of old, providing a compelling understanding of the true essence of His mission.

As we navigate the complexities of discipleship and the paradoxical nature of godly blessing, we unravel the depth of Jesus' mentorship to His disciples. Contrasting modern evangelical trends with the intimate, ripple-effect approach of Christ, we discern the weighty joy in the oracles of blessing and woe. Feel the pull towards a deeper connection with the divine as we parse the Sermon on the Mount, exposing a path to fulfillment that reaches far beyond earthly contentment.

Lastly, this episode addresses the heartrending yet transformative experience of godly sorrow, distinguishing it from the fleeting pangs of worldly regret. We offer solace and insight into the beatitudes, reflecting on the traits of kingdom citizens and the power of recognizing our need for redemption. Our prayerful closing invites listeners to embrace humility, seek repentance, and foster a relationship with the Almighty, ensuring a journey towards forgiveness and true spiritual freedom. Join us for this introspective episode, where ancient teachings meet the enduring quest for spiritual growth and understanding.

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

Suffering can often feel like an inescapable shadow, looming over our lives with a weight that is all too real. We look to the apostle Peter, the beacon of hope, as we walk through the deepest valleys of our human experience, discussing the many forms that suffering takes—mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual. Peter's letters speak to the heart of our struggles, offering not the secular hope of wishful thinking but a profound biblical assurance that anchors us firmly in the midst of life's tempests. As we unpack these messages, we're reminded of the grace that flows from understanding and embracing this hope.

Our exploration doesn't stop at the doorstep of adversity; instead, it leads us to the comforting doctrine of divine election and the thought-provoking concept of God's foreknowledge. Even as we wrestle with our flaws, we find solace in knowing that we are part of an eternal plan, chosen not for our merits but for His purpose. Through the lens of 1 Peter, we see how this knowledge offers us a stronghold during trying times, reinforcing our faith in the steadfast nature of God's love and His unshakeable commitment to us.

And in the stirring journey of salvation, we encounter the radical love of God—a deliberate choice rather than a fleeting emotion, as society often portrays it. The conversation extends beyond our initial transformation at conversion, delving into the ongoing process of sanctification by the Spirit. We discuss the intertwining of obedience and grace, understanding that while our paths may sometimes diverge from the divine, His enduring faithfulness remains our guiding star. Our discourse culminates with reflections on the stability of a life built upon the rock-solid foundation of Christ's teachings, leaving us with a prayer for strength and the comfort of His eternal refuge.

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

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From Noah’s Ark to the Cross: God's Faithfulness and Our Assurance (Genesis 8:20-9:17)

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1. The Faithfulness of God in the Flood (Genesis 8:20-22)

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2. The Sanctity of Human Life (Genesis 9:1-7)

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3. The Covenant with Noah: A Promise of Preservation (Genesis 9:8-17)

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Bringing It Home: Applying What We Have Learned

• Assurance in Times of Anxiety

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• From Noah’s Obedience to Faith in Christ
  • Hebrews 11:7
• The Ultimate Fulfillment: Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross
  • Romans 8:1
  • 1 Peter 3:18 
• Living Under the New Covenant
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20 

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

Genesis 3:9-24: "The Penalty of Guilt and the Promise of Grace: Understanding Sin's Gravity and Grace's Reach"

jameslongjr.org

The Penalty of Guilt and the Promise of Grace: Understanding Sin's Gravity and Grace's Reach (Genesis 3:14-24)

1. Prosecution (Genesis 3:9-13)

2. Penalty: The Divine Decree of Judgment (Genesis 3:14-19)

3. Promise: The Proclamation of Redemption (Genesis 3:15, 20-21)

4. Parting: The Expulsion and the Cherubim (Genesis 3:22-24)

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

Genesis 3:1-13 - "The Deception in Eden: How Satan's Doubts Lead to Humanity's Downfall"

James Long, Jr.  - https://jameslongjr.org/

Dive deep into Genesis 3:1-13 as we explore Satan's cunning tactics that led Eve to question God's Word, Character, and Authority. Understand the recurring pattern of sin through 'saw, desired, took' and see its parallels in the stories of Achan and David. Discover the immediate consequences: shame, fear, and guilt that resonate in our lives today.

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Message: Genesis 3:1-13 - "The Deception in Eden: How Satan's Doubts Lead to Humanity's Downfall"

1. Perversion: The Crafty Deception (Genesis 3:1-5)

• ‌Doubting God's Word (Commands) – "Did God actually say…?" (v. 1) 
• ‌Doubting God's Authority (Consequences)– "You will not surely die" (v. 4) 
• ‌Doubting God's Goodness (Character) – "You will be like God" (v. 5)

‌Temptation in Eden and its Parallels: 

• The serpent subtly contradicts God's command. 
• Sowing doubt in Eve's mind about God's truth. 
• The motivation, opportunity, and perceived benefits of disobedience.

‌2. Pretense: The Human Response (Genesis 3:6)

• The Repeated Pattern of Sin: 
  • Saw - The allure and attraction of sin (parallels with Achan & David). 
  • Desired - Internal battle and justification of sin. ‌
  • Took - The act of committing the sin. 

3. Panic: The Consequences of Disobedience (Genesis 3:7-10)

• ‌Shame – The immediate realization and self-awareness (v. 7) 
  • The instinct to Cover Up – Making of fig leaves. 
• Fear – The dread of facing God (v. 8-10) ‌
  • The instinct to Run and Hide – Hiding from God's presence. ‌

4. Pursuit: God Pursue, Prods, and Probes (Genesis 3:9-11)‌

• God pursues Adam (and Eve)‌
• God prods
• God probes‌
  • The instinct to Blameshift and avoid responsibility.

5. Prelude to God's response and hope for redemption.‌

• Application # 1: Know God’s Word
• Application # 2: Understanding the Word
• Application # 3: Trust in God's Character

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

Jude 17-25 - "God's Keeping Power in a Divisive Age"

James Long, Jr. 

Steadfast Living in an Unsteady World / Jude 17–25

Explore the profound truths in Jude 17-25 as we delve into the apostolic predictions, the call to fortify our faith, the urgency of reaching the lost, and the unwavering assurance of God's protective power. Join us in understanding how to stand firm in 'God's Keeping Power in a Divisive Age.'‌

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Message Exposition: God's Keeping Power in a Divisive Age (Jude 17-25)

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REMEMBER: Remembering Apostolic Predictions (Jude 17-19)

• ‌Warning - The importance of heeding apostolic teachings: The rise of scoffers in the last days (vs. 17-18)

Paul’s predicts that false teachers will invade the church (Acts 20:29-30 and
1 Timothy 4:1-3)

• Following their own passions
• The characteristics of divisive individuals
• Profile of False Teachers
• They cause divisions 
• They are worldly people
• They are devoid of the Spirit.

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REAFFIRM: Building Up in Faith (v. 20-21)

• Building: The call to spiritual growth and maturity.
• Praying: The role of prayer in the believer's life.
• Waiting: Abiding in God's love and awaiting Christ's mercy.

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RESCUE: Responding to the Lost (v. 22-23)

• ‌Doubters (those who doubt): Showing mercy to those who doubt

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REST ASSURED: The Assurance of God's Keeping Power (v. 24-25)

• ‌God preserves His people
• God presents His people before His glory with great joy
• ‌God deserves our highest praise

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

2 Peter 2:1-10a - "Guarding Against Deception: Recognizing and Rejecting False Prophets"

James Long, Jr. 

Steadfast Living in an Unsteady World / Deceit; False Teaching; Judgment; Discernment

Dive deep into 2 Peter 2:1-10a, understanding the dangers of false prophets, God's judgment on the unrighteous, and His promise of deliverance to the faithful. Find clarity in today's times with this powerful message.

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Sermon Outline:

• The Rise of False Prophets (2:1-3)
• ‌God's Past Judgments as Evidence (2:4-6)
• ‌God's Promise of Deliverance for the Righteous (2:7-9)
• ‌The Characteristics of the Unrighteous (2:10a)
• ‌Application for Today's Believer

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

Life often presents us with moments that require courage and strength beyond our own abilities. In the devotional on "Finding Strength and Courage in God," we draw inspiration from Joshua 1:9, where God assures us of His presence and empowers us to face challenges with unwavering faith. Let's embark on a transformative journey of discovering God's empowering love, overcoming fear, and finding the strength to embrace life's challenges.

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

Discover the power of embracing God's new beginnings through this uplifting devotional inspired by Isaiah 43:18-19. Explore the transformative message of leaving the past behind, embracing God's plans for the future, and finding hope in the promise of a fresh start.

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast