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Our goal is to bring you gospel-centered, family-focused, and kingdom-minded podcasts that can help you grow as a follower of Christ, and as a ministry leader. RESOUND PODCAST NETWORK Our goal is to bring you gospel-centered, family-focused, and kingdom-minded podcasts that can help you grow as a follower of Christ, and as a ministry leader. Podcast Categories Select Tags Abe Virella Frequency: Periodically BRIDGE Radio is a weekly Christian podcast that aims to bring awareness to classic and contemporary Christian books through author interviews. We have had the pleasure of interviewing guests such as D.A Carson, Joel Beeke, R.C Sproul Jr., J. Warner Wallace, Gary Habermas, James White, Douglas Wilson, Rosaria Butterfield and more. Our prayer is that through our podcasts, God would stir the heart of His people to pick-up and read great theology from gifted preachers and teachers of His church. Shannon Popkin Frequency: Bi-Weekly On the Live Like It's True Bible podcast, Shannon Popkin and her guests talk through some of the most interesting and astonishing stories of the Bible—and how to live like each one is true. Each biblical narrative gives you new ways to refute the false narratives of the world, and rehearse what is true. Come be inspired to know the Story, share the Story, and live like it's true! Mitchell Leach Frequency: Periodically "Retiring and Aspiring" is a unique podcast that bridges the wisdom of experience with the enthusiasm of ambition. Hosted by Mitchell Leach, a pastoral candidate with a vision to lead, this podcast delves into the insightful world of retired pastors who have completed their journey in church leadership. Each episode features candid conversations with these seasoned leaders, uncovering the rich tapestry of their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Listeners, whether aspiring pastors or those interested in the dynamics of spiritual leadership, will find a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. The podcast not only celebrates the legacy of retired pastors but also offers guidance and wisdom for the next generation of church leaders, making it a valuable resource for personal growth and spiritual enrichment in the realm of pastoral leadership. Ryan DB Kimmel Frequency: Periodically Pastoral Leadership Podcast coming Spring 2025 Stephanie Delger Frequency: Weekly Elizabeth Leach Mom Guilt is a podcast that addresses the guilt that every mom feels throughout the week. It's a conversation between two friends about parenting and living burdened-free lives that can only come through the gospel. Jon Delger Frequency: Weekly That's A Good Question is a podcast that answers questions you have about the Christian faith from pastors at Peace Church. This podcast is published on Tuesdays each week.

Become healthier personally. Or learn how you can become healthier as a church. The Resound Blog is a place you can trust for wise Gospel-Centered content. RESOUND BLOG Featured Posts Do the Resurrection Accounts Contradict? How differences in the Gospel accounts strengthen rather than undermine the credibility of the resurrection Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all give different accounts of Easter Sunday. It is beneficial to have multiple testimonies to an important event, but what if those testimonies contradict each other? Read More Jon Delger Is Prioritizing Love Un-Christian? What Does The Bible Say? Recently, the Vice President of the United States made a comment that sparked criticism from some Christians. Was he right? Was he wrong? Should Christians prioritize their love for others? Read More Jon Delger Mom Guilt and How to Fight It Read More Stephanie Delger RECENT BLOGS Filter to find a blog that's relevant to you Blog Categories Categories Filter by Contributor Select Contributor Miracle, Myth, or Meteor? Identifying What the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ Truly Was What is 'Probably' Missing From Most Nativity Sets Ryan DB Kimmel Read More Exploring the Role, Qualifications, and Purpose of Deacons in the Church What Is a Deacon? Jon Delger Read More A biblical definition of those who are called to lead What Is An Elder? Jon Delger Read More Discovering God’s Purposes for Motherhood More Than Meets the Eye Stephanie Delger Read More A Closer Look at Scripture’s Reliability, Inerrancy, and Historical Trustworthiness Is The Bible Really Without Error? Jon Delger Read More Why Recognizing Our Sin is Essential to Embracing God’s Gift of Salvation What is the Gospel? Jon Delger Read More Understanding the Weight of Jesus’ Warning About the Unforgivable Sin When Forgiveness Is Out of Reach Jon Delger Read More Balancing Discipleship and Trusting God with Our Children’s Salvation Nurturing Faith Stephanie Delger Read More Navigating the traps of comparison in parenting with wisdom from Scripture. Beyond Bluey Stephanie Delger Read More Understanding the Biblical Foundations of Church Membership Why Church Membership Jon Delger Read More To the Grieving Mom on Mother’s Day When Mother’s Day Hurts Stephanie Delger Read More Embracing Weakness as a Testament of Faith in Motherhood Grace in the Gap Stephanie Delger Read More The Significance of Making a Profession of Faith Beyond the Heart Jon Delger Read More Exploring the Rich Theology and Covenantal Roots Behind Baptizing Babies Why Do We Baptize Babies? Jon Delger Read More A Snapshot of the Spirit's Role in the Christian Life 10 (Quick) Things To Know About The Holy Spirit Ryan DB Kimmel Read More Examining God's Response to Eve's Transgression and Its Modern-Day Relevance Divine Discipline or Unfair Treatment? Stephanie Delger Read More A Journey Through the Realities of Being Saved from Sin's Consequences, Death's Finality, and Sin's Bondage Saved From What? Stephanie Delger Read More How Resurrection Rolls Teach the True Meaning of the Holiday Baking Up Easter Joy Stephanie Delger Read More How To Conduct Staff Reviews Jon Delger Read More How To Create A Church Budget Jon Delger Read More A Guide for Leaders to Articulate the Core of Reformed Belief What is Covenant Theology? Jon Delger Read More 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

Resound Media Contributors. While some contributors may hold personal beliefs that vary from Resound, all of the content that is published will always align with our statements of faith. Meet Our Contributors Aaron Lewis Wayland Campus Pastor Peace Church Wayland Cheyenne Werner Women's Ministry Director Peace Church Josh Hoekstra Worship Director Hudsonville Reformed Church Nate Harney Executive Pastor Peace Church Shannon Popkin Author & Podcast Host Live Like It's True Podcast Abe Virella Podcast Host Bridge Radio Elizabeth Leach Podcast Host Mom Guilt Podcast Logan Bailey Family Pastor Peace Church Rachel Bailey Executive Director Alpha Women’s Center Stephanie Delger Podcast Host Mom Guilt Podcast Andrew Zwart Asst. Prof. Of Interdisciplinary Studies Kuyper College Jon Delger Multiplication Pastor Peace Church Mitchell Leach Community Pastor Peace Church Ryan DB Kimmel Lead Pastor Peace Church Vicky Damico Special Needs Coordinator Peace Church

Explore the depths of Ministry with our blog's featured content on ministry. Delve into thought-provoking insights from a diverse community. Ministry Blog Category: Featured Theology Insights from a Reformed Worship Leader on the History of Contemporary Music Josh Hoekstra From Organ to Electric Guitar Read More Ryan DB Kimmel 3 Tips For Your Easter Series Read More A Guide To Pick A Women’s Ministry Curriculum Cheyenne Werner Think Tattoo Not Nail-Polish Read More Filter by Ministry Tags Select Ministry Tags Jon Delger What Is a Deacon? Exploring the Role, Qualifications, and Purpose of Deacons in the Church Read More Jon Delger What Is An Elder? A biblical definition of those who are called to lead Read More Jon Delger Why Church Membership Understanding the Biblical Foundations of Church Membership Read More Shannon Popkin How to Influence the Control Girls in Your Church Surrender: The Antidote to Control Read More Shannon Popkin We Villainize the Villains: Mistake #3 in Teaching the Bible A Shift in Perspective on the Villains of the Bible Read More Shannon Popkin Failing to Feel: Mistake #2 in Teaching the Bible Delving into the Emotional Tapestry of Biblical Characters Read More Shannon Popkin Killing the Characters: Mistake #1 in Teaching the Bible Bringing Characters to Life in Teaching the Word Read More Logan Bailey Avoiding the Burnout Trap Game-Changing Strategies for Student Ministry Leaders Read More Josh Hoekstra From Organ to Electric Guitar Insights from a Reformed Worship Leader on the History of Contemporary Music Read More Vicky Damico Jesus Met Them There, Can We? Igniting Special Needs Ministry in Your Church Read More Ryan DB Kimmel 3 Tips For Your Christmas Series Read More Ryan DB Kimmel 3 Things Every Lead Pastor Wants from His Executive Pastor Read More

10 (Quick) Things To Know About The Holy Spirit Theology Ryan DB Kimmel Lead Pastor Peace Church Published On: March 18, 2024 For being the third member of the Trinity, many Christian denominations and traditions (and Christians themselves) give embarrassingly little-to-no acknowledgment to the Holy Spirit.    This lack of focus and discipleship around the Holy Spirit in the modern church can often be a reaction to some churches’ over-emphasis on the “gifts” over the “fruit” of the Spirit, while also confusing biblical theology with emotional expression. So what ends up happening is an overreaction: many will make the error of deemphasizing or completely ignoring any speak regarding the person, power and presence of the Holy Spirit.  But lack of knowledge of the Holy Spirit isn’t a new phenomenon; even the Apostle Paul ran into some Christians who didn’t know about the Holy Spirit (see Acts 19:2).   The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is called Pneumatology, but make no mistake—He is not merely a set of parameters outlined by orthodoxy. He is the person, presence, and power of God in our lives.   And, yes, so much more can be said, but let’s look quickly at 10 things you should know about the Holy Spirit…     1. HE IS GOD  The single most important thing to know about the Holy Spirit is that He is God. Rather than just some ethereal non-personal power, the Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity who is not only present with us personally, but as we see in Scripture, He speaks (Acts 21:11, Hebrews 3:7), as well as filled our Savior while Jesus was on earth (Luke 4:1). Scripture tells us that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God (Acts 5:3-4), and blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the only unforgivable sin (Mark 3:22–30, Matthew 12:22–32, Luke 12:10).      When we baptize, we are to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit (Matthew 28:19). God does not share His name with anyone else and as we baptize into the name (singular) of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we are doing this because we are baptizing in the name of the one, triune God.     2. HE IS CREATOR  The Holy Spirit, while more fully detailed, described, and revealed in the New Testament, is present and active in the Old Testament (i.e. 2 Samuel 23:2, Ezekiel 2:2), since the very, very beginning.     The Holy Spirit was present at Creation (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Isaiah 32:15, Psalm 104:30). The second verse in the Bible says, “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2).    As we think about God as creator and sustainer of the universe, remember that the Holy Spirit was integral in the formation and life-giving aspects of Creation.     3. HE INSPIRED SCRIPTURES   The Word of God was composed by men but inspired by (carried along by) the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:16, 2 Peter 1:21, John 14:25-26, John 16:13-15), making the Holy Spirit the ultimate author of Scripture. While people were allowed to use their own languages and even slang, the Holy Spirit was there to ensure consistency through the 40 different authors and the hundreds of years between them, making sure that not only is every word as it should be, but that the unifying message of the Gospel is progressively revealed.    This is why it is so important to lean on and into the Holy Spirit when we read the Bible because He’s the ultimate author!     4. HE CONVICTS PEOPLE OF SIN  As Jesus teaches us, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin (John 16:8). Yes, we are to share God’s Word with people, helping them to see how they have violated God’s commands and how salvation is found in Jesus’ name… but we are just instruments in this process. For people to truly know the grievousness of their sin and their desperate need of a Savior, we need the Holy Spirit to be the one to open their eyes and hearts to this truth.    So, remember – when someone realizes their own sin, this is proof the Holy Spirit is working and this is to be recognized, nourished, and prayed over!     5. HE COMFORTS THOSE WHO FOLLOW JESUS  As the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, He also comforts the people of God.   Jesus even said that His departure back into heaven was for our “advantage” because by Him returning to heaven, He would send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7) and in John 14:26, Christ calls the Holy Spirit, “παράκλητος / paraklétos.” As you’ll see in different English translations, this word can be translated as Helper (ESV/NASB/NKJV), Counselor (CSB), Comforter (KJV), and Advocate (NLT/NIV). It’s not that any of those translations are wrong; rather they all go to help us understand in a fuller way how the Holy Spirit is here for our benefit, reassurance, guidance, peace, and faithfulness.     6. HE INDWELLS CHRISTIANS  Jesus tells His disciples that they already know the Holy Spirit, “for He dwells with you and will be in you.” Knowing this and knowing the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, the Holy Spirit is already active in us before we have full knowledge of faith, so that when we come to faith it’s because the Holy Spirit is already at work in us.     Paul writes and tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?”    You cannot be a true follower of Jesus and not have the Spirit already active in your life. It’s just that too many of us don’t fully recognize or consciously walk in His steps, allowing Him to not only work in our reading of Scripture, but also to lead us in every moment of our lives.      So, when you come to those crossroads and you have to ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?,” remember it’s the Holy Spirit who gives you the answer, whether through the Scripture He inspired, or the leading He brings to your mind in accordance with His Word.      7. HE IS OUR TRUE WORSHIP LEADER  The Holy Spirit is our ultimate worship leader, filling us as we worship (Ephesians 5:18-20, Philippians 3:3). The Holy Spirit is present in our worship ensuring that it is firstly grounded in God and His truth (John 4:24). We all know that music speaks to the soul and every person has their own musical preference, but the Holy Spirit is not there firstly to make sure our emotions are moved or that our experience is exciting… the Holy Spirit leads us, directing our worship to remain God-focused and truth-centered!    Ephesians 5:18-20 says, “… be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…”    So, when we worship, remember who is truly in charge, guiding us to give God our adoration and His glory.     8. HE PRODUCES THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES  "When people ask, 'How do we know a person is truly a Christian?', we need to understand that there are a number of ways to ask that question. However, one key way is to look at the evidence of their lives—specifically, the fruit of their lives: Do they bear the fruit of the Spirit?"  Galatians 5 tells us that we know we are in step with the Holy Spirit when the fruit He produces is evident in our lives. More than just being a nice person, the Bible tells us clearly what to look for as described in Galatians 5:22-23, “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control…”    Before I look for the demonstration of miraculous gifts, I want to know if a Christian is simply walking in step with the Spirit as shown by a life marked by love, joy, peace, and the rest of the fruit of the Spirit for these are markers of a person being filled with the Holy Spirit.     9. HIS GIVES US THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS   Let’s make something clear upfront: The Holy Spirit gives followers of Jesus incredible gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11) not so we can show the world a bunch of magic tricks, but rather – in order that the church of Jesus Christ can be built as we serve Jesus and each other (1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Peter 4:10) and this is so that all credit would go to the supernatural work of God, not the ingenuity of the human mind.   The Bible is clear: We are supposed to know about the gifts of the Spirit. Paul says he does not want us to be uninformed about the gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1). These are not physical gifts like we get for Christmas and birthdays; these are spiritual abilities (manifestations of the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:7) given to Christians that we may use in tandem with others in the Church (1 Corinthians 12:12, 25) to do the work God has called us to do in this world.     The gifts of the Spirit are detailed in passages like 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and 1 Peter 4.     If you don’t know your gift (or gifts) or don’t know how to use it in service at your church, talk with your pastor, elder, or ministry leaders about discerning and using your gifts! I know that’s a conversation they are eager to have with you!     10. HE GIVES US POWER!   The Holy Spirit gives us power. As Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…    So, the question is, “Power…to do what?” The way that some act, you would think the Holy Spirit’s power is to put on a spectacle of a worship service or draw attention to the worshipper or the pastor… but Jesus clarifies what this power is for – if we would just finish the verse….    Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”     The power we are given from the Holy Spirit is meant to empower our lives, not just our church services or worship experiences, but to empower our day-in-and-day-out lives so we can live more fully for God as we embody the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bring this message into the world.       Yes, we are given power from the Holy Spirit to demonstrate a life guided by the fruit of the Spirit, empowered by the spiritual gifts, so that the name of Jesus may be lifted high by our lives, actions, church, and mission.     Acts 4:33  says, “And with great power, the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”    We see here the disciples used the power given to them to share the Gospel. Simply put, the power of the Holy Spirit is given to us so that we can be effective in our mission as we proclaim the name of Jesus and give God all the glory.     TO GO FROM HERE  "Biblically speaking, the word 'spirit' is connected to the word for wind or breath. It's a movement we can't see, but we can feel." The Holy Spirit is to guide our spirits as we live and breathe to the glory of God.     There is so much to be said about the Holy Spirit, so continue to learn about who He is and His place in our faith and lives. Christians, lean into the Holy Spirit, pray in His name and realize – as the disciples were reminded – the Holy Spirit dwells within you, so live into the comfort and power that only He can provide.   To learn more about the Holy Spirit, watch this 4-part sermon series from Peace Church called, “ The Helper: The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. ” More Blogs You'll Like Do the Resurrection Accounts Contradict? How differences in the Gospel accounts strengthen rather than undermine the credibility of the resurrection Read More What is 'Probably' Missing From Most Nativity Sets Miracle, Myth, or Meteor? Identifying What the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ Truly Was Read More Is The Bible Really Without Error? A Closer Look at Scripture’s Reliability, Inerrancy, and Historical Trustworthiness Read More

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Ryan DB Kimmel Ryan is the lead pastor of Peace Church. He is also the host of Live Leadership, a podcast on the Resound Podcast network. Most Recent Content from Ryan DB Kimmel From Rejected to Restored Watch Sermon From Brokenness to Renewal Watch Sermon From Darkness to Light Watch Sermon What is 'Probably' Missing From Most Nativity Sets READ MORE 3 Things Every Lead Pastor Wants from His Executive Pastor I have served in the roles of Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, Executive Pastor, and now Lead Pastor. As I’ve spent time feeling the... READ MORE 10 (Quick) Things To Know About The Holy Spirit For being the third member of the Trinity, many Christian denominations and traditions (and Christians themselves) give embarrassingly little to no acknowledgment of the Holy Spirit. This is in part due to a lack of discipleship READ MORE 3 Tips For Your Easter Series It’s hard for me to think about Easter without thinking about this verse: 1 Corinthians 15:17 (ESV), “And if Christ has not been raised,... READ MORE 3 Tips For Your Christmas Series As a pastor who connects with other pastors, there are a few things I know to be true about this most wonderful time of the year. We love... READ MORE

Baking Up Easter Joy Christian Life Stephanie Delger Podcast Host Mom Guilt Podcast Published On: March 28, 2024 Easter is one of my favorite times of the year. Not only does it mean spring is on it’s way, but we get to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior! Every year on Easter Sunday, we come home from church and celebrate by making Resurrection Rolls. This is a fun way to share the joy of Easter with my kids while allowing them to get their hands dirty and put a sweet treat in their bellies. I want to share this tradition with you, in hope that it blesses your family as well. The meaning of resurrection rolls I make resurrection rolls with my kids to remind them that Jesus is alive. We don’t worship a dead Savior, but a Risen Lord! Resurrection rolls allow us to celebrate that on Easter Sunday all those years ago, the tomb was empty! Resurrection rolls are a tasty and fun illustration meant to remind us that Jesus’ body, which was placed in the tomb on Friday, was no longer there on Sunday morning! Resurrection rolls are marshmallows, dipped in butter, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and wrapped in a crescent roll. When this treat is baked, the marshmallow melts, leaving an empty crescent roll “tomb” with no body (marshmallow) inside. Your kids will be delighted to see the “body” they wrapped in the tomb, disappear! Recipe Ingredients: 1 8 oz can of refrigerated crescent roll dough 8 large marshmallows 6 tablespoons butter, melted 3 tablespoons white sugar 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl and set aside. Place the butter in a bowl and melt in the microwave in 15 second increments until the butter is completely melted. Allow the butter to cool slightly. Dip a marshmallow in the melted butter and roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the covered marshmallow in the center of a triangle of crescent roll dough. Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow. Make sure you thoroughly seal the crescent roll dough around the marshmallow. An unsealed roll will ooze out marshmallow as it melts, leaving a deflated crescent roll rather than a sphere shape. (If they aren’t sealed well, they will still taste delicious, you will just have a mess.) Place the wrapped marshmallows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for approximately 9-12 minutes. I set the timer for 9 minutes then continue to check every minute because there is a short window between golden brown and burnt. Allow to cool before eating, the melted marshmallow sugar is very hot! The Easter story told through resurrection rolls To make and assemble these treats with my children, I set all the ingredients in front of them on the counter. I have each of the kids grab a marshmallow and explain to them that the marshmallow is like Jesus’ body. I have each of the kids dip their marshmallow in the melted butter and roll it in cinnamon sugar. As they do this, I explain to them that after Jesus died on the cross, Jesus’ disciples and friends prepared his body for burial by wrapping his body in burial linens and spices. I then have each child grab a triangle of dough and as they are wrapping the marshmallow in dough, I tell them that after Jesus’ body was ready for burial, his friends placed his body in a tomb with a large stone rolled over the entrance. The people who killed Jesus wanted to make sure that no one took his body, so the stone was huge! I make sure to tell them the stone was really heavy, so they need to seal the tomb really well. I usually help them by checking to make sure everything is pinched and sealed well so the marshmallow doesn’t ooze all over the baking sheet in the oven. We repeat this process until all the dough and marshmallows are used and then I place the baking sheet in the oven. I explain to my kids that after they placed Jesus’ body in the tomb, his friends went home. I ask my kids how Jesus’ friends and followers would have felt after Jesus died. I usually turn on the oven light and let my kids “keep watch” to make sure no one steals the body from the tomb. As my children have gotten older, I also read to them Luke 19:40-42, which says, “ So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.” I like to read scripture to my kids while making these rolls because it shows them that I am not making things up. Reading from the Bible, or having one of my kids read the passage for us, helps them to know their Bible firsthand. They don’t have to rely on someone else to tell them what is in the Bible which equips them to start their own personal relationship with the Lord. When the timer goes off, I bring the baking sheet out of the oven and set it in front of my kids. I explain to them (while the treats are cooling) that some of Jesus’ friends came to Jesus’ tomb to continue getting his body ready for burial. I open my bible and read Luke 24:1-9 which says, “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.” By this time, the treats have cooled and my kids are able to take their roll and see that Jesus’ body is no longer in the tomb, He has risen! Jesus has risen indeed! Allowing children to use their hands to make these rolls is a fun experience for kids. Giving them the ability to see truths in the Bible, through illustrations like Resurrection rolls, is both delicious and memorable. Jesus has risen! I hope that you are able to use this resource in your home to share the joy of Easter and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. More Blogs You'll Like Is Prioritizing Love Un-Christian? What Does The Bible Say? Read More More Than Meets the Eye Discovering God’s Purposes for Motherhood Read More Mom Guilt and How to Fight It Read More

Redefining Helpmate In Marriage Christian Life Stephanie Delger Podcast Host Mom Guilt Podcast Published On: February 11, 2024 I don’t want to be a helpmate In Genesis 2:18 we read, “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” God then created Eve and presented her to Adam. This is God’s good design. As I was sitting down to write, my husband just called me into another room to help him. He has been remodeling our bathroom and has been working on tiling around our shower. He had unknowingly been dripping white grout water onto our new bathroom floor. What he was doing was time sensitive and he wasn’t able to stop what he was doing to clean up the floor. He needed my help to scrub the floor and lay down cardboard so that if he dripped more water, it wouldn’t wreck our floor. As I did this, lots of things were going through my head, but none of them were praising God for this design that is laid out for us in Genesis. I am conditioned by culture to think that a wife being a helper to her husband is demeaning. I am tempted to question if this is really what is best for me. Is it degrading to women for God to say He created women with the intention of them being a helper to their husbands? It is okay for us to ask questions. God invites us to ask questions and find the truth. And to find truth, we must turn to the Bible. The Bible shows us that God is good and His design is what is best for us. If we approach this verse with those things in mind, we can see God’s goodness in this design, instilling in us a deep desire to worship Him. Husbands and wives are equal in value yet distinct in role Scripture starts by telling us that God created humans in His image. Adam was created first and then Eve, but both were created in God’s image. We read this in Genesis 1:27-28, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them . And God blessed them . And God said to them , “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (emphasis mine) God ends this passage by saying that not only was this design “good,” but it was “very good.” (Genesis 1:31) Adam and Eve were created equal in dignity, worth, and value. They were both given the same goal. Both of them were to fill the earth with followers of God. They were both blessed with the command to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. In Genesis 2:18, God zooms in and shows that while Adam and Eve have the same goal, they will have distinct roles. Eve was created as a helper to her husband. This does not make her inferior to her husband because both were made in the image of God. We are tempted to say that a helper is inferior to the person they are helping, but this is not what the Bible says. Human beings have value not based on their role, or what they do, but rather because they are made in God’s image. This means that a doctor does not have more value than their patient. A president does not have more value than a citizen. A husband does not have more value than his wife. All humans are created in God’s image and role does not determine value. Helpmate implies the need for help God had told Adam that it was not good for him to be alone and that he needed a helpmate. I can imagine as all the animals walked by Adam thought to himself, “Nope, not my helpmate.” This story is presented with the tension of Adam trying to discern who his helpmate would be. As the line of animals started to dwindle, I wonder if Adam grew both increasingly anxious and thankful that none of the animals would be his helpmate. It was then that God caused Adam to go into a deep sleep and from his rib, God created Eve. God presented Eve and it was a joyous celebration. A design is given by God himself. God knew that Adam lacked the ability to follow God’s instructions by himself. God in his sovereignty created Adam to need a helper. It’s interesting that as a woman, I have read this verse and thought that calling a wife a helpmate is demeaning. Yet, I have never heard a husband complain about this verse. But the design of helpmate means a husband needs help. Needing help is at the core of the gospel. The entire Christian faith rests on the understanding that we are all in need of help. Romans 3:23-24 says, “ for f all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Paul in Romans doesn’t shy away from the fact that we are all in need of help and that God is our helper! Marriage is a parable of God and His people. The point of marriage is to point us to something greater. God is so good to have built into the marriage relationship a reminder that we all need a helper, our Savior Jesus Christ! Wives are designed with skills and abilities to share Only those who are lacking in something need help. But is someone a good helper if they don’t have what you need? If my car breaks down, would I take it to my local grocery store and ask them to fix it? Of course not. I would take my car to a mechanic. Why? A mechanic has the skills that I lack, which makes them the helper I need. A wife is a good helper when she uses her skills and abilities to help her husband. When God has designed wives to be helpmates to their husbands, it means that men and women are given different strengths, skills, and abilities. God’s good design for marriage is that a husband is the head of the household. Husbands will have to stand and give an account to the Lord for how they have loved, led, and provided for their family. Wives, will also someday stand and give an account of how they have helped their husbands. God will ask each of us how we have used our gifts to help our husbands. Being a helper to your husband means using the gifts that God has given you. If you have discernment, aid your husband in his leadership. If you have the gift of encouragement, use this to build him up, telling him how you see God at work in his life. Whatever gifts God has given you, should be used. Sometimes Christians mistake submission for silence. We can see in scripture that biblical submission doesn't mean that at all. Women were designed to be a helper to their husbands, which means using the gifts that God has given them. God is our helpmate One final reason why being a helpmate doesn’t equal inferiority, is that the Bible speaks of God being our helpmate. In Psalms 54:4 David praises God saying, “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.” In Isaiah 41:10 God speaks to His people saying, "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Being a helper to our husbands does not make us inferior, just as God is not inferior to us by being our helper. As a wife, we have the privilege and gift of being the helpmate to our husband. Rather than shying away from passages like this in the Bible which at first glimpse can seem harsh or demeaning, we can dig into them and study them. We can do so with the full assurance that we will encounter our all-knowing, compassionate, and loving heavenly father. God has revealed Himself and His good design for our lives through the Bible. We can trust God, love Him, and worship Him for who He is and all that He has designed for us. More Blogs You'll Like Is Prioritizing Love Un-Christian? What Does The Bible Say? Read More More Than Meets the Eye Discovering God’s Purposes for Motherhood Read More Mom Guilt and How to Fight It Read More

Three Practical Ways to Overcome Comparison Christian Life Shannon Popkin Author & Podcast Host Live Like It's True Podcast Published On: Once after my friend, Angela, visited, my husband asked why I was so grumpy. “You usually love having Angela come,” he said. But I replied, “Yeah . . . I don’t think I like Angela anymore.” My husband was puzzled. “Shannon . . . ” he said. “You love Angela! What’s going on?” It took me a bit to process, but eventually I realized that it wasn’t Angela that I didn’t like. It was being shown up as a mom. The whole weekend, Angela’s girls had sweetly played out in the sunshine, enjoying the pool and crafts and playing pretend. My boys had spent the entire weekend trying to shove each other into the pool and jockeying for attention. They had argued constantly, interrupting each other and trying to outdo each other’s stories—to the wide-eyed surprise of their young female audience. It was a painful weekend for me. I felt like such a “less than” mom—and that’s a really awful feeling. So what did I want to do? I wanted to pull away and sulk for a while. I wanted to make mental lists of why girls are easier to raise than boys. And I wanted to get out my magnifier and find some flaws in Angela’s kids so I could tell myself, “We’re not the only ones who aren’t perfect.” In a moment I’ll circle back and tell you why all of these are really bad ideas, but first, I’m wondering. As a mom, a wife, a housekeeper, a neighbor, an employee, a ministry worker, a friend . . . do you ever feel “less than”? The Wisdom That James Taught If you’re here on Resound Media, you’re probably someone who wants wisdom. You want to make godly choices and avoid temptations and traps. So with wisdom as our goal, I’d like to point you to some verses in the book of James which have helped me with my comparison struggles. James is a letter written by James, the pastor of the Jerusalem church and Jesus’ brother. It was one of the first books in the New Testament to be written; probably within a decade of Jesus’s death and resurrection. When he asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” ( James 3:13 ), James knows that the logical answer a decade or so ago would have been the Pharisees and religious leaders. But their “wisdom” led them to murder Jesus—our highly exalted King! James calls for a new kind of wisdom which is stripped of the world’s measure-up way of thinking. Listen as he connects measure-up comparison (in bold) with the wisdom of our enemy (underlined): If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth . This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly , unspiritual , demonic . For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice . ( James 3:14–16 , emphasis mine) Do you see the connection? Our enemy loves these two things, which happen when we measure ourselves against ourselves: Jealousy is when we measure ourselves against someone else and come up lacking (like I did with Angela). Selfish ambition is when we want to be the ones measuring up, and we drive ourselves to outdo others. Both require measure-up comparison, which—as James points out—is rooted in the wisdom from below. Wisdom, whether from above or below, is always saying, “You should do this . . . ” It takes our hand and leads us in a certain direction. Where does our enemy want to lead us? Straight into bondage, and he often uses measure-up comparison to do it. Using my situation with Angela, let’s consider three measure-up messages from below alongside the wisdom from above, which leads us a different way. Three Measure-Up Messages to Reject: 1. You should pull away. The enemy always wants me to pull away from other Christians. Sometimes he tempts me to pull away out of inferiority. Other times he tempts me to pull away in pride and think that someone is “beneath” me. But Jesus desires that we as the Church draw together in unity, always building one another up ( Eph. 4:12 ). Angela is a dear friend, and I’m a better mom because of her influence. She consistently reminds me of what is true and gives me crisp examples of how it looks to live by the wisdom from above. Pulling away from her puts me at a deficit. I need faith-building friends like Angela, and she needs me. We are better together and weaker apart. 2. Her strengths aren’t so great. Any desire to minimize my friend’s successes or strengths is drenched in envy and bitterness—which is exactly what the enemy wants my heart to be filled with. When I’m envious, I might be glancing over at someone else, but my eyes are on myself. When I’m bitter, I tend to see everything with a tainted me-focused perspective. I can’t rejoice in a good thing unless it’s my good thing. In contrast, look at the me-free theme which flows through James’s description of heaven’s wisdom: “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” ( James 3:17 ). See how selfishness is the opposite of every one of those descriptors? Heaven’s me-free way of living allows me to appreciate my friend Angela and celebrate her amazing parenting skills. Rather than feeling threatened by her, I’m able to learn from her and grow into a better parent myself. 3. My weaknesses aren’t so bad. Notice this part of James’s warning: “If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth” ( James 3:14 ). The natural wisdom-from-below response when I’m feeling “less than” is to puff up and make myself seem “greater than.” I’m tempted to boast about my successes or sweep my failures under the rug. This is what the Pharisees did. They were constantly bragging and making themselves look big in the eyes of other people. Wisdom from above leads me in a completely different direction. God is pleased when I make myself small in repentance and humility. Honestly, Angela’s visit exposed some parenting holes. There were things I needed to work on with my boys, but recognizing this required humility. I needed to first make myself small and say, “Okay, Lord. What are you showing me? How can I grow?” Here’s the thing about humility: God favors it. James says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” ( James 4:6 ). Friend, who have you been measuring yourself against? Which of these measure-up messages have you been entertaining? Hold onto these me-free truths today: ● I need faith-building friends. We are better together. ● A me-free perspective allows me to celebrate others’ strengths, without being threatened. ● When someone’s strength exposes my weakness, it’s an opportunity to humble myself and grow. For more on this topic, check out Shannon’s book, Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World . More Blogs You'll Like Is Prioritizing Love Un-Christian? What Does The Bible Say? Read More More Than Meets the Eye Discovering God’s Purposes for Motherhood Read More Mom Guilt and How to Fight It Read More

How to Surrender Control and Trust God with Your Child’s Salvation Christian Life Shannon Popkin Author & Podcast Host Live Like It's True Podcast Published On: When my kids were little, I wasn’t the mom who insisted on bike helmets and sunscreen. I fed my kids plenty of junk food and let them loose on our trampoline, which had no net. While I didn’t obsess over their health and safety, there was one concern that kept me up at night: my kids’ salvation. I didn’t worry about undertows, kidnapping, and allergic reactions; I worried about the words of Jesus who said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” ( Matt. 10:28 ). Nothing terrified me more than the thought of one of my kids traipsing down the wide path that leads to destruction. I wanted each of them to choose the narrow path that leads to life ( Matt. 7:13 )! But unfortunately, I thought it was my job to get them there. My kids still vividly remember the day I demonstrated the discomfort of hell using a candle. I had gathered them for Bible time and was talking somberly about their need for salvation—which was not out of the ordinary. But this time as I talked about sin, Jesus, and the cross, Cade (who was four at the time) was being silly and playing with our dog, Theo. In frustration, I turned out the lights, lit a candle, and held Cade’s chubby hand over the flame until it grew uncomfortably hot. As you can imagine, I succeeded in getting everyone’s attention. I talked forcefully about hell’s lake of fire and outer darkness and gnashing of teeth ( Rev. 19:20 ; Luke 13:28 ). My kids also claim that I called Theo a “messenger of Satan” who was distracting them from truth ( 2 Cor. 12:7 ). All of this made quite an impression, but not the one I was going for. My kids thought I was crazy! They were more scared of me than of hell. Theo just wagged his tail. I promise you that I’m not completely crazy. My kids survived, and thankfully—in spite of the candle event and others like it—they each love Jesus and follow Him. But perhaps you’re wondering what might possibly prompt a mom of littles to turn off the lights and hold her preschooler’s hand over an open flame? I know what. Fear. Anger. But most of all a desire for control. Craving Control With the candle casting a dramatic glow to my face, I realized that I was driven by fear. Fear that they wouldn’t listen. Fear that they might not respond. Fear that I wouldn’t be able to persuade them. And I was also aware of my anger. Anger over the dog distracting them. Anger because I couldn’t get them to be serious. Anger that my plans to share truth were being upturned. My sinful anger and fear were obvious, but I was naively unaware of my underlying problem with control. As someone who relishes God’s sovereignty, I find my struggle with control ironic. I’m quick to argue that God is free to do all that He pleases. I’m also quick to affirm that salvation is held firmly in His hands. So why was I lighting candles? Apparently, I felt it necessary to squeeze my kids’ hearts with shame over their sin. It seemed good and right to take responsibility for their repentance. Commandeering my kids’ destinies not only felt possible, it seemed honorable, as if good moms were the ones who found a way to convince their kids to repent and be saved. Yet lunging for control—even over something as critical as my kids’ salvation—never produces the security, peace, and joy that I imagine it will. When I heap the burden of control up onto my own shoulders, I not only stagger under its weight, I also become the worst (angry, fretting, rattled, obsessed, hand-wringing, perfectionist, anxious, flame-lighting) version of myself. Rebekah’s Prophecy Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau, had the same struggle. Like me, Rebekah enthusiastically believed that God had sealed her sons’ destinies. But also like me, Rebekah mistakenly thought it was right and good to stand in for God and take control. Now Rebekah did have a special circumstance. Before her twins were born, God had prophesied, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided ; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” ( Gen. 25:23 , emphasis added) This was an extension of the prophecy given to Abraham about God making him a great nation, but the “divided” part was new. No doubt Rebekah found it troubling to learn that her family tree would be split in two. Jacob (the younger twin) would be the father to God’s people, and his older brother would become God’s enemy. But then came something even more troubling. When the twins were grown, Rebekah’s husband made plans to bless Esau—which was customary, since he was older—and name him as the leader of God’s people. He was completely disregarding a prophecy from God. So what did Rebekah do? She sabotaged her husband’s plans. I’m sure Rebekah was convinced that it was good and right to dress Jacob up in Esau’s clothes and put a steaming plate in his hand like a prop. I’m sure it seemed necessary to direct this charade so that she could trick her husband into blessing the rightful son—the one God had chosen ( Gen. 27 ). But as Rebekah stood in for God, she did not act in faith. As she manipulated the details and took control, she did not rejoice in God’s sovereignty. She did not trust God or anticipate the way He would make good on his promises. Instead, she revealed how much she doubted Him. She trusted herself to take control, not God. This same thing could be said of me the day I lit that candle—and on many other days like it. Rebekah’s story issued a stern warning against believing the façade that I can and should take control. But it also offers some strangely soothing comfort. A Comforting Truth When I read that before Rebekah’s twins were even born, God singled out one branch of the family tree to bless, it stirred up a whole bunch of salvation questions and concerns for my own children—and all the other people I want God to save. The possibility of our destinies being split like Rebekah’s family tree is horrifying! Yet tucked inside Rebekah’s prophecy is a striking truth which is helpful for Control Girl mamas like me. Here it is: your salvation is not based on who your mom is. Both Jacob and Esau had the same mom. Rebekah was neither the reason that Jacob followed God nor the reason that Esau didn’t. To find this comfort, you have to consider the alternative. What if, rather than a prophecy, Rebekah had been given a command? What if God had placed the responsibility for her sons’ destinies squarely on her shoulders? What if He expected Rebekah to produce God-honoring faith in the hearts of her two twin boys? And what if God expected this of me? What if it was my job to corral my kids onto the narrow path? What if their eternal destiny hinged on my ability to get them to listen and understand and repent and follow the Lord? How terrifying! How exhausting. I can only imagine what sort of candle-burning, fit-throwing, tactic-forming Control Girl mama I would become. And what if I could dress my child up and poke and prod him into winning God’s blessing? What would this say about God? He wouldn’t be in control; I would. And how comforting would that be? God Is in Control There is no relief or security in presuming that I can command my child’s destiny. None! Rebekah’s frantic manipulation demonstrates this well. As parents, we do have the privilege of laying out the jewels of the gospel and showing our kids how they sparkle, but that’s where our work ends. Salvation is God’s work, not ours, and oh, what comfort this brings. Rebekah’s prophecy was given so that we—as moms, dads, neighbors, and friends—might not become confused and assume that we can control anyone’s destiny. Romans 9:16 says, “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” My child’s destiny is held in the wise, merciful hands of God, not my faltering, candle-lighting ones. God is in control, which means I don’t have to be! Check out Shannon’s Book on this topic: Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women of the Bible . More Blogs You'll Like Is Prioritizing Love Un-Christian? What Does The Bible Say? Read More More Than Meets the Eye Discovering God’s Purposes for Motherhood Read More Mom Guilt and How to Fight It Read More