When God was silent, Saul turned to the occult — and it became the darkest night of his life. In this episode, we explore the mysterious encounter between King Saul and the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28. Was it really the prophet Samuel who appeared, or a deception from the enemy? Join us as we uncover the historical, biblical, and spiritual layers of this haunting story — what it reveals about Saul’s heart, God’s silence, and the danger of seeking power instead of seeking God. 0:14 Introduction to A Witch? 11:52 Saul's Desperate Search 17:24 The Medium of Endor 21:01 The Role of God in Saul's Life 36:13 The Nature of Samuel's Return 44:58 Seeking God vs. Seeking Power

In this episode, we hear from Sandra and Armando, a couple whose resilience in the face of adversity is rooted in their faith in God. Sandra recounts her battle with cancer, the emotional turmoil of a long hospitalization, and how her faith and family support helped her endure even the darkest moments. Armando shares the challenges of caring for both Sandra and his elderly mother with Alzheimer's, reflecting on their shared grief after her passing. Together, they highlight the role of prayer and community support in navigating their hardships. Sandra's journey illustrates how personal suffering can lead to a deeper purpose, as she finds opportunities to uplift others during her recovery. We also explore the teachings of Jesus on love, urging listeners to extend compassion beyond prejudice. The episode concludes with a prayer, encouraging faith and communal love through life's struggles, emphasizing that love can transform our experiences and connections with each other.

Unveil the profound meaning of loving God as the greatest commandment. Prioritizing God can shape your life with biblical insights and practical tips in this enlightening post.

In this episode, I emphasize the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God amidst life's demands. Using Matthew 6:33 as a foundation, I discuss how daily concerns can overshadow spiritual priorities and the need for intentional habits. Drawing from *Atomic Habits*, I highlight starting the day with God to reshape our routines. I also explore how following Jesus fosters self-denial and service to others, transforming our lives and communities. Ultimately, remaining in Christ is vital for bearing good fruit and defining our actions. Prioritizing God shapes our lives profoundly.

Discover the importance of finding balance in tension in various aspects of life to navigate social, political, and religious climates with practical insights.

In this episode, I explore John 16:25-33 and how we can find peace and assurance in Jesus despite life’s tribulations.

Discover the journey from sorrow to eternal joy through Jesus' final words. Join me in exploring John 16:16-24.

This episode is a sermon discussing Jesus' final words to his disciples, as found in the Gospel of John chapter 16. It highlights how Jesus' words serve as encouragement and guidance for life after his departure. The main focus is on the role of the Holy Spirit, referred to as the 'helper,' and how it is sent by Jesus from the Father to guide and support believers. The sermon touches on the challenges, persecutions, and hardships believers will face, stressing the importance of bearing witness and sharing the gospel. The Holy Spirit's role in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment is also discussed. The pastor encourages the congregation to frequently pray for the Holy Spirit, quoting Luke 11:13, and to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and power in their daily lives.

Join Marlon and his wife Vanessa for a special episode of their podcast, recorded from their home. They reflect on 18 years of marriage and answer questions submitted by listeners a year ago. In this candid and unscripted conversation, they discuss their relationship journey, how they handle challenges, and tips for maintaining a strong marriage. They emphasize that their advice is based on personal experience, not professional counseling. Watch as they share insights on communication, teamwork, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of their relationship.

Explore why Jesus warned His followers about being hated in this insightful post on John 15:18-25. Reflect on His earthly ministry and its relevance today.

"Discover how to find true joy through love and obedience! Join Pastor Marlon Seifert in unpacking Jesus' powerful teachings on love from John 15:9-17. Catch the full sermon on YouTube or on my blog, PrMarlon.com

In this episode, we begin the series "Jesus' Final Words," focusing on John chapters 15 and 16. I explore Jesus' declaration, "I am the true vine," and its significance for understanding our spiritual life through Him. We discuss the meanings of "takes away" and "prunes" as acts of God's loving care for our growth. Highlighting the importance of abiding in Christ, I emphasize that true spiritual vitality is reflected in the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, and peace—rather than external behaviors. I encourage listeners to reflect on their relationship with Jesus and conclude with a prayer for guidance and growth in faith.

In this episode, I delve into the profound concept of "Living Missionally," exploring Matthew chapter 28, where Jesus instructs His disciples to make disciples of all nations. I emphasize the importance of understanding our identity and purpose as Christians. Instead of just attending church and viewing ourselves as consumers, I propose adopting a missionary mindset, which shifts the focus from what we can receive to how we can serve others. This transformation begins with recognizing our responsibility to act in ways that reflect Christ's love and teachings.

In this episode, we conclude our exploration of the Book of Ruth, focusing on chapter four, which reveals profound insights about love and divine providence. Through Boaz's strategic dialogue with the unnamed kinsman-redeemer, we uncover themes of selflessness versus self-preservation. I encourage reflection on how our choices can impact not just our own lives but also those around us, especially when we resist fear-driven decisions. As Boaz secures his right to marry Ruth, the community's blessings highlight the transformative power of collective support. The birth of their son, Obed, signifies hope and continuity, reminding us that our acts of love resonate through generations. Ultimately, we are challenged to embrace our roles in spreading kindness, recognizing the profound ways our everyday choices embody divine grace.

In this episode, we explore the concept of chesed—selfless love and kindness—through the story of Ruth and Naomi. We emphasize their mutual commitment and resilience in supporting one another without demanding divine intervention, reflecting true covenant faith. I share insights on Ruth and Boaz’s relationship dynamics and the importance of clarity and commitment in love. As we analyze Naomi's bold plan for Ruth to seek security with Boaz, we highlight the risks and integrity involved in their actions. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to embody chesed in their daily lives, fostering genuine connections and a caring community.

This episode delves into the story of Ruth, highlighting her embodiment of "chesed," or loving-kindness, as she supports her mother-in-law, Naomi, during difficult times. I reflect on the importance of diligence in faith, drawing parallels to biblical teachings. We explore God's providence and Boaz's role as a figure of generosity, emphasizing the cultural dynamics of care for the vulnerable. I challenge listeners to embrace the spirit of kindness in their own lives, reinforcing our collective call to uplift one another through simple acts of love and service.

In this inaugural episode of a three-part sermon series, host Marlon introduces listeners to the Book of Ruth, a short yet profound biblical narrative. Described as a "delightful literary composition," the Book of Ruth is celebrated for its masterful storytelling, rich with dialogue, characterization, and thematic depth. Marlon sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of this four-chapter book, encouraging listeners to read it in preparation for the series. The episode focuses on Ruth Chapter 1, unpacking its historical context, key themes, and the complex interplay of faith, love, and hardship.

Jesus had to come and die for our sins, so why were all His followers so shocked by His death? Are we also in danger of not understanding what God is doing?

In this episode of the 'Prophecies of Hope' series, we delve into the biblical perspective on what happens when you die. The discussion includes various scripture references, starting with the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis and the death and resurrection of Lazarus in John 11. We analyze how both the Old and New Testaments, including the writings of Paul, describe death as a sleep and await the second coming of Jesus for resurrection. Key verses from Genesis, John, Thessalonians, Corinthians, Romans, and Revelation are explored to build a comprehensive understanding of the state of the dead according to the Bible. Join us for this deep theological study!

In this episode, I explore the biblical notion that "God is Love." I emphasize the importance of understanding 1 John 4:8 in shaping our interactions within the church community and beyond. Engaging with the complexities surrounding the concept of God, I reflect on how personal experiences can distort our perceptions, exemplified by the Israelites’ creation of the golden calf. I also discuss the misunderstandings of love, drawing on a personal story about disillusionment with love and the fear that holds us back from embracing it. I challenge listeners to consider how our actions reflect our understanding of divine love and stress the importance of modeling this love for future generations. Through relatable experiences, I illustrate how our definitions of love evolve and highlight the sometimes difficult choices that embody true love. I conclude by inviting the community to commit to understanding love in its fullness, guided by God's presence.