web01.fireside.fm Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:51:48 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) GRINDIT podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Persecution” https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/tags/persecution Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:45:00 -0400 Let's face it...life sometimes is hard and can just suck. When we are faced with life's challenges we can be discouraged, get tired, and become weary. What we need is motivation, encouragement, and a helping hand that keeps us going. That's the idea of GRINDIT! We find our strength to endure when we focus on Jesus. God's own Son wasn't exempt from life's challenges and He didn't do anything to deserve what he went through! And yet He did...willingly, therefore we find our hope in Him. en-us episodic We at GRINDIT want to encourage people to keep going, to keep grinding, when life gets hard. Quitting is not an option! Randall Tucker Let's face it...life sometimes is hard and can just suck. When we are faced with life's challenges we can be discouraged, get tired, and become weary. What we need is motivation, encouragement, and a helping hand that keeps us going. That's the idea of GRINDIT! We find our strength to endure when we focus on Jesus. God's own Son wasn't exempt from life's challenges and He didn't do anything to deserve what he went through! And yet He did...willingly, therefore we find our hope in Him. no Jesus, Christ, endure, grind, keep going, quit, death, life, heaven, throw in the towel Randall Tucker thegrinditpodcast@gmail.com Episode 546: 1 Corinthians 4 Part 3 You Think You’re All That But... https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/546 1263e6ba-a137-4407-a9a1-0680d7ae6b9a Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:45:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker The church at Corinth was prideful and arrogant, thinking they were living as kings... 40:50 no The church at Corinth has become proud and arrogant since Paul left. He started the church in Acts 18 and stayed in Corinth for a year and a half but after leaving, they turned inward and began to be jealous of one another and quarreling. He pokes at them a little by telling them they have become rich and have everything they need, living like kings who are sovereign and have lots of power. They have forgotten were their gifts come from—God, and they are relying on themselves. Paul will send Timothy to Corinth to help them learn some humility before he arrives for a visit. He gives them the option: learn now before I get there or it will not be pretty when I come! king, kings, power, reign, scepter, rule, authority, humility, mice, church, persecute, persecution, humble The church at Corinth has become proud and arrogant since Paul left. He started the church in Acts 18 and stayed in Corinth for a year and a half but after leaving, they turned inward and began to be jealous of one another and quarreling. He pokes at them a little by telling them they have become rich and have everything they need, living like kings who are sovereign and have lots of power. They have forgotten were their gifts come from—God, and they are relying on themselves. Paul will send Timothy to Corinth to help them learn some humility before he arrives for a visit. He gives them the option: learn now before I get there or it will not be pretty when I come!

]]> The church at Corinth has become proud and arrogant since Paul left. He started the church in Acts 18 and stayed in Corinth for a year and a half but after leaving, they turned inward and began to be jealous of one another and quarreling. He pokes at them a little by telling them they have become rich and have everything they need, living like kings who are sovereign and have lots of power. They have forgotten were their gifts come from—God, and they are relying on themselves. Paul will send Timothy to Corinth to help them learn some humility before he arrives for a visit. He gives them the option: learn now before I get there or it will not be pretty when I come!

]]> Episode 521: 2 Timothy 4 Part 4 Paul’s Final Words To Timothy https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/521 ca7cfcb5-7795-48df-af7b-1b0a185a8f2b Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0500 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Paul pens, or dictates, his final thoughts for Timothy... 34:12 no This is the last epistle Paul would write and he has encouraged Timothy to take the baton and keep going. He has warned him of the challenges he faces and he has exhorted him to continue even in the face of persecution. He gives some final thoughts and gives some greetings to some coworkers including Priscilla and Aquila. These two people started the church at Ephesus which is where Timothy is when he receives this letter. But as he closes his letter, Paul has one request for Timothy...he tells him to get there before Winter. Why? Because he had just told him to bring his coat that he had left behind with Carpus at Troas. The man needs his coat because it will be cold soon! Paul is ready to go and he sees death as a ride into eternity to be with his Savior. parchment, books, scroll, coat, winter, cold, church, challenge, persecution, death, the end This is the last epistle Paul would write and he has encouraged Timothy to take the baton and keep going. He has warned him of the challenges he faces and he has exhorted him to continue even in the face of persecution. He gives some final thoughts and gives some greetings to some coworkers including Priscilla and Aquila. These two people started the church at Ephesus which is where Timothy is when he receives this letter. But as he closes his letter, Paul has one request for Timothy...he tells him to get there before Winter. Why? Because he had just told him to bring his coat that he had left behind with Carpus at Troas. The man needs his coat because it will be cold soon! Paul is ready to go and he sees death as a ride into eternity to be with his Savior.

]]> This is the last epistle Paul would write and he has encouraged Timothy to take the baton and keep going. He has warned him of the challenges he faces and he has exhorted him to continue even in the face of persecution. He gives some final thoughts and gives some greetings to some coworkers including Priscilla and Aquila. These two people started the church at Ephesus which is where Timothy is when he receives this letter. But as he closes his letter, Paul has one request for Timothy...he tells him to get there before Winter. Why? Because he had just told him to bring his coat that he had left behind with Carpus at Troas. The man needs his coat because it will be cold soon! Paul is ready to go and he sees death as a ride into eternity to be with his Savior.

]]> Episode 477: 2 Thessalonians 3 Part 2 How To Have Peace No Matter What https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/477 d47be5fb-3ee2-4b10-bfda-85841da7a893 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker God's peace will see us through anything we face... 40:58 no Paul ends his letter like he started it, by telling the church, “May the God of grace give you peace...at all times...in every situation. The church at Thessalonica has gone through severe persecution since it started and they have lost loved ones because of it. They have to wonder what is coming next...Will they make it through the next day? Will they make it through the night? Are they going to get beaten before they get home from work or while they are out shopping? We may not be undergoing persecution like the church at Thessalonica, but we all face something in life that is difficult. As we do, our prayer is the same as Paul’s...may the God of grace give you peace at all times, in every situation. peace, grace, persecution, God, Jesus, guess, wonder, difficulties, hard times, comfort, relax Paul ends his letter like he started it, by telling the church, “May the God of grace give you peace...at all times...in every situation. The church at Thessalonica has gone through severe persecution since it started and they have lost loved ones because of it. They have to wonder what is coming next...Will they make it through the next day? Will they make it through the night? Are they going to get beaten before they get home from work or while they are out shopping? We may not be undergoing persecution like the church at Thessalonica, but we all face something in life that is difficult. As we do, our prayer is the same as Paul’s...may the God of grace give you peace at all times, in every situation.

]]> Paul ends his letter like he started it, by telling the church, “May the God of grace give you peace...at all times...in every situation. The church at Thessalonica has gone through severe persecution since it started and they have lost loved ones because of it. They have to wonder what is coming next...Will they make it through the next day? Will they make it through the night? Are they going to get beaten before they get home from work or while they are out shopping? We may not be undergoing persecution like the church at Thessalonica, but we all face something in life that is difficult. As we do, our prayer is the same as Paul’s...may the God of grace give you peace at all times, in every situation.

]]> Episode 476: 2 Thessalonians 3 Part 1 Don’t Be A Freeloader! https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/476 2ea1d7de-808e-4078-8f4c-46b419de416e Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker A revisit to chapter 1 then back to chapter 3... 31:40 no Paul is going to give some final thoughts to the church at Thessalonica as he wraps up this short letter in chapter 3. He tells them to avoid any brother or sister in Jesus who doesn’t live according to his rules and the example that he set before them. What rules? What example did he set? He tells them he could have eaten their food for free but they all worked hard day and night and paid for everything they received. Paul says if there is a brother or sister that wants to be a freeloader and not work, make plans to avoid them at all costs! hardship, persecution, trial, freeloader, bum, deadbeat, work, job Paul is going to give some final thoughts to the church at Thessalonica as he wraps up this short letter in chapter 3. He tells them to avoid any brother or sister in Jesus who doesn’t live according to his rules and the example that he set before them. What rules? What example did he set? He tells them he could have eaten their food for free but they all worked hard day and night and paid for everything they received. Paul says if there is a brother or sister that wants to be a freeloader and not work, make plans to avoid them at all costs!

]]> Paul is going to give some final thoughts to the church at Thessalonica as he wraps up this short letter in chapter 3. He tells them to avoid any brother or sister in Jesus who doesn’t live according to his rules and the example that he set before them. What rules? What example did he set? He tells them he could have eaten their food for free but they all worked hard day and night and paid for everything they received. Paul says if there is a brother or sister that wants to be a freeloader and not work, make plans to avoid them at all costs!

]]> Episode 471: 1 Thessalonians 5 Part 2 More of Paul’s Final Thoughts to the Thessalonians https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/471 768f6aab-633b-4fa2-82e5-0f2c703ad841 Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Part 2 and the conclusion to Paul's final thoughts to the church in Thessalonica 42:35 no After discussing Jesus’ return with the church at Thessalonia, Paul offers some final thoughts for them, encouraging them to stick it out with Jesus and follow the Spirit’s leading. In these thoughts, he gives another “This is God’s will for you...” He tells them to be thankful in ALL circumstances...could you imagine being persecuted, seeing your loved ones die for following Jesus, and then a man comes along and tells you to be thankful?!?! Jesus did the same thing in Matthew 5 when he was giving the Sermon on the Mount! But there is more to Paul’s final thoughts and we finish them up in this podcast. end times, Jesus return, second coming, sermon, persecution, persecute, encourage, encouragement, circumstance After discussing Jesus’ return with the church at Thessalonia, Paul offers some final thoughts for them, encouraging them to stick it out with Jesus and follow the Spirit’s leading. In these thoughts, he gives another “This is God’s will for you...” He tells them to be thankful in ALL circumstances...could you imagine being persecuted, seeing your loved ones die for following Jesus, and then a man comes along and tells you to be thankful?!?! Jesus did the same thing in Matthew 5 when he was giving the Sermon on the Mount! But there is more to Paul’s final thoughts and we finish them up in this podcast.

]]> After discussing Jesus’ return with the church at Thessalonia, Paul offers some final thoughts for them, encouraging them to stick it out with Jesus and follow the Spirit’s leading. In these thoughts, he gives another “This is God’s will for you...” He tells them to be thankful in ALL circumstances...could you imagine being persecuted, seeing your loved ones die for following Jesus, and then a man comes along and tells you to be thankful?!?! Jesus did the same thing in Matthew 5 when he was giving the Sermon on the Mount! But there is more to Paul’s final thoughts and we finish them up in this podcast.

]]> Episode 469: 1 Thessalonians 4 Part 4 The Return of Jesus https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/469 a803dec2-b97f-403f-af46-5d9e4c922f16 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker We give our take on Jesus' return and when it will happen... 1:07:48 no There has been person after person trying to predict when Jesus is coming back. They have sold books, made videos, movies, tv programs, etc talking about Jesus’ return. We talk about it in this podcast because Paul talks about it to the church in Thessalonica. He does so because he wants them to be encourage by it. They had lost loved ones to persecution and they thought they would never see them again, so Paul comforts them by telling them, “Jesus is coming back and when he does, your loved ones that were following him, they’re coming with him...” We’re going to look at the facts and stay away from the fluff... rapture, predict, prediction, return, persecution, wars, rumors, comfort, clouds There has been person after person trying to predict when Jesus is coming back. They have sold books, made videos, movies, tv programs, etc talking about Jesus’ return. We talk about it in this podcast because Paul talks about it to the church in Thessalonica. He does so because he wants them to be encourage by it. They had lost loved ones to persecution and they thought they would never see them again, so Paul comforts them by telling them, “Jesus is coming back and when he does, your loved ones that were following him, they’re coming with him...” We’re going to look at the facts and stay away from the fluff...

]]> There has been person after person trying to predict when Jesus is coming back. They have sold books, made videos, movies, tv programs, etc talking about Jesus’ return. We talk about it in this podcast because Paul talks about it to the church in Thessalonica. He does so because he wants them to be encourage by it. They had lost loved ones to persecution and they thought they would never see them again, so Paul comforts them by telling them, “Jesus is coming back and when he does, your loved ones that were following him, they’re coming with him...” We’re going to look at the facts and stay away from the fluff...

]]> Episode 465: 1 Thessalonians 3 Part 2 Does Your Love Overflow? https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/465 913dea0a-35a0-45d3-b9f4-7f5553b69c14 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Like flood waters rising and spilling over the river banks, so should our love for one another and the community around us. 42:32 no Paul tells the church at Thessalonica, “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.” The motivating factor for serving Jesus is and should always be “love.” Jesus told his disciples the people would know we belong to him because the love we have for one another. Paul says his love overflows for the church at Thessalonica but also he brags on their love for one another and their love for others in their community...and that is despite of persecution that the outsiders are bringing upon them! Does your love overflow into others’ lives? Can people actually see Jesus in you and your love for him? love, agape, deeds, community, overflow, disciple, grow, growth, evident, evidence, persecution, persecute Paul tells the church at Thessalonica, “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.” The motivating factor for serving Jesus is and should always be “love.” Jesus told his disciples the people would know we belong to him because the love we have for one another. Paul says his love overflows for the church at Thessalonica but also he brags on their love for one another and their love for others in their community...and that is despite of persecution that the outsiders are bringing upon them! Does your love overflow into others’ lives? Can people actually see Jesus in you and your love for him?

]]> Paul tells the church at Thessalonica, “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.” The motivating factor for serving Jesus is and should always be “love.” Jesus told his disciples the people would know we belong to him because the love we have for one another. Paul says his love overflows for the church at Thessalonica but also he brags on their love for one another and their love for others in their community...and that is despite of persecution that the outsiders are bringing upon them! Does your love overflow into others’ lives? Can people actually see Jesus in you and your love for him?

]]> Episode 463: 1 Thessalonians 2 Part 2 You Are Our Crown https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/463 285e875b-ee40-47e0-9123-a54d2fa080db Sat, 21 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Paul tells the persecuted church in Thessaloniki they are his crown. 36:50 no Could you imagine being a church that was being persecuted, you’re seeing your loved ones tortured, even killed for following Jesus, and the man who brought the gospel to you writes a letter of encouragement and during his letter, he says this, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” Paul reminds them to keep walking with the Lord because he will come to the rescue soon, and he says the church at Thessalonica are his glory and joy. We put stock in so many of our accomplishments: bank accounts, houses, fancy cars, etc...but what about the people we have shared the gospel with? Have you won anyone to Jesus? Do you consider them your joy and crown? crown, joy, hat, persecute, persecution, toture, Jesus, church, ekklesia, glory, gospel, rejoice Could you imagine being a church that was being persecuted, you’re seeing your loved ones tortured, even killed for following Jesus, and the man who brought the gospel to you writes a letter of encouragement and during his letter, he says this, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” Paul reminds them to keep walking with the Lord because he will come to the rescue soon, and he says the church at Thessalonica are his glory and joy. We put stock in so many of our accomplishments: bank accounts, houses, fancy cars, etc...but what about the people we have shared the gospel with? Have you won anyone to Jesus? Do you consider them your joy and crown?

]]> Could you imagine being a church that was being persecuted, you’re seeing your loved ones tortured, even killed for following Jesus, and the man who brought the gospel to you writes a letter of encouragement and during his letter, he says this, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” Paul reminds them to keep walking with the Lord because he will come to the rescue soon, and he says the church at Thessalonica are his glory and joy. We put stock in so many of our accomplishments: bank accounts, houses, fancy cars, etc...but what about the people we have shared the gospel with? Have you won anyone to Jesus? Do you consider them your joy and crown?

]]> Episode 462: 1 Thessalonians 2 Part 1 Persecution and the American Church https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/462 97f0e2ab-7b4f-4e2f-a235-3ce24169c42a Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker We, in the American Church, have no clue what the early church endured. We can see it 1 Thessalonians. 35:58 no One thing the early church had as a part of its DNA was persecution. Jesus told his disciples they would face it, he faced it, and after Acts 2, they faced it. Jesus even warned Paul he would be persecuted as he travels around taking the gospel to the Gentiles...and he was the very one who led the charge when it comes to persecution! He was there at the stoning of Stephen and he says he gave his approval when it happened. Now, this man and his colleagues, are getting beaten with rods, whipped, flogged, and even stoned! But...they never flinched or backed down. Why? How? Because the love they have for Jesus and how badly they wanted others to experience him! DNA, persecution, disciples, church, ekklesia, flogged, stoned, rods, endure One thing the early church had as a part of its DNA was persecution. Jesus told his disciples they would face it, he faced it, and after Acts 2, they faced it. Jesus even warned Paul he would be persecuted as he travels around taking the gospel to the Gentiles...and he was the very one who led the charge when it comes to persecution! He was there at the stoning of Stephen and he says he gave his approval when it happened. Now, this man and his colleagues, are getting beaten with rods, whipped, flogged, and even stoned! But...they never flinched or backed down. Why? How? Because the love they have for Jesus and how badly they wanted others to experience him!

]]> One thing the early church had as a part of its DNA was persecution. Jesus told his disciples they would face it, he faced it, and after Acts 2, they faced it. Jesus even warned Paul he would be persecuted as he travels around taking the gospel to the Gentiles...and he was the very one who led the charge when it comes to persecution! He was there at the stoning of Stephen and he says he gave his approval when it happened. Now, this man and his colleagues, are getting beaten with rods, whipped, flogged, and even stoned! But...they never flinched or backed down. Why? How? Because the love they have for Jesus and how badly they wanted others to experience him!

]]> Episode 339: Mark 14 Part 2 A Denial and Heavy Eyelids https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/339 47bd3f7b-ddc2-4e00-a576-138694420432 Sun, 10 Mar 2024 21:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Jesus and his disciples got to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and wait for the betrayer...one of his very own chosen disciples, Judas. 43:30 no Jesus and his disciples have finished the Passover meal and are headed to the Garden of Gethsemane so he can pray about what is to come. On the way there, he tells the disciples they will all deny him and Peter makes the infamous statement, "I will die with you and will never deny you!" and Jesus tells him, "You'll deny me three times before the rooster crows." When they get tto the garden, Jesus asks them to watch and pray but they fall asleep...three times. I know we all want to believe we would never deny Jesus but would we? Do we? When we are faced with persecution, would we be able to stick with Jesus? Peter and the rest of the disciples did not! They all denied him just as Jesus had said. Garden, Gethsemane, denial, deny, rooster, persecution, ear, blood, agony, betray Jesus and his disciples have finished the Passover meal and are headed to the Garden of Gethsemane so he can pray about what is to come. On the way there, he tells the disciples they will all deny him and Peter makes the infamous statement, "I will die with you and will never deny you!" and Jesus tells him, "You'll deny me three times before the rooster crows." When they get tto the garden, Jesus asks them to watch and pray but they fall asleep...three times. I know we all want to believe we would never deny Jesus but would we? Do we? When we are faced with persecution, would we be able to stick with Jesus? Peter and the rest of the disciples did not! They all denied him just as Jesus had said.

]]> Jesus and his disciples have finished the Passover meal and are headed to the Garden of Gethsemane so he can pray about what is to come. On the way there, he tells the disciples they will all deny him and Peter makes the infamous statement, "I will die with you and will never deny you!" and Jesus tells him, "You'll deny me three times before the rooster crows." When they get tto the garden, Jesus asks them to watch and pray but they fall asleep...three times. I know we all want to believe we would never deny Jesus but would we? Do we? When we are faced with persecution, would we be able to stick with Jesus? Peter and the rest of the disciples did not! They all denied him just as Jesus had said.

]]> Episode 298: Romans 13 Part 1 Obey Your Authorities https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/298 aed8bad6-9475-4f39-973f-2e446db93816 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker We don't have a choice. We have to obey the authorities. If awe don't, we are being disobedient towards God! 55:01 no Paul was telling the Christians at the church in Rome to love their enemies and bless them. In the very next breath he tells them to obey the governing authorities. He is speaking about the Roman government, the ones who were responsible for killing Jesus and persecuting Christians! What?!?! I have to be obedient to them?!?!? Yes, because God has established their authority and to be disobedient to them, is being disobedient to God. obedience, obedient, disobedience, obedient, persecution,. enemies, government, authority Paul was telling the Christians at the church in Rome to love their enemies and bless them. In the very next breath he tells them to obey the governing authorities. He is speaking about the Roman government, the ones who were responsible for killing Jesus and persecuting Christians! What?!?! I have to be obedient to them?!?!? Yes, because God has established their authority and to be disobedient to them, is being disobedient to God.

]]> Paul was telling the Christians at the church in Rome to love their enemies and bless them. In the very next breath he tells them to obey the governing authorities. He is speaking about the Roman government, the ones who were responsible for killing Jesus and persecuting Christians! What?!?! I have to be obedient to them?!?!? Yes, because God has established their authority and to be disobedient to them, is being disobedient to God.

]]> Episode 294: Romans 11 Part 2 Welcome Gentiles! https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/294 bcc1631d-5114-46f4-bd69-7c530225258c Mon, 28 Aug 2023 18:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker After hammering the Jews for 10 chapters, Paul turns to the Gentiles and welcomes them to the church... 40:01 no Jesus told his disciples that he had sheep that were “not of this fold” referring to the Gentiles. When he first come on the scene, he, and his disciples, ministered to the Jews only, with a few Gentiles sprinkled in here and there. Up until Acts 10, the church consisted of only Jews and was located in Jerusalem. When persecution came in Acts 8, the church scattered and went beyond Jerusalem but was still geared toward the Jews. Then Peter has a vision, Cornelius, a Gentile, has a visitation from an angel, and Peter goes to visit. When he does, he tells the Gentiles that had gathered at Cornelius’ house about Jesus and the Holy Spirit falls on them and Peter baptizes them. The Gentiles are now able to hear and accept the gospel. The church in Rome was made up of both Jews and Gentiles but for the first 10 chapters, Paul has been talking to the Jews. In chapter 11, he begins to address the Gentiles and how their salvation came about. Gentile, Jew, blood, covenant, rejected, reject, scatter, Jerusalem, Antioch, persecution Jesus told his disciples that he had sheep that were “not of this fold” referring to the Gentiles. When he first come on the scene, he, and his disciples, ministered to the Jews only, with a few Gentiles sprinkled in here and there. Up until Acts 10, the church consisted of only Jews and was located in Jerusalem. When persecution came in Acts 8, the church scattered and went beyond Jerusalem but was still geared toward the Jews. Then Peter has a vision, Cornelius, a Gentile, has a visitation from an angel, and Peter goes to visit. When he does, he tells the Gentiles that had gathered at Cornelius’ house about Jesus and the Holy Spirit falls on them and Peter baptizes them. The Gentiles are now able to hear and accept the gospel. The church in Rome was made up of both Jews and Gentiles but for the first 10 chapters, Paul has been talking to the Jews. In chapter 11, he begins to address the Gentiles and how their salvation came about.

]]> Jesus told his disciples that he had sheep that were “not of this fold” referring to the Gentiles. When he first come on the scene, he, and his disciples, ministered to the Jews only, with a few Gentiles sprinkled in here and there. Up until Acts 10, the church consisted of only Jews and was located in Jerusalem. When persecution came in Acts 8, the church scattered and went beyond Jerusalem but was still geared toward the Jews. Then Peter has a vision, Cornelius, a Gentile, has a visitation from an angel, and Peter goes to visit. When he does, he tells the Gentiles that had gathered at Cornelius’ house about Jesus and the Holy Spirit falls on them and Peter baptizes them. The Gentiles are now able to hear and accept the gospel. The church in Rome was made up of both Jews and Gentiles but for the first 10 chapters, Paul has been talking to the Jews. In chapter 11, he begins to address the Gentiles and how their salvation came about.

]]> Episode 234: Matthew 14 Part 1 If Momma Ain’t Happy… https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/234 d0af2c1b-a2f2-4cdc-8668-bb01ac51c499 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:00:00 -0500 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker The first martyr for the kingdom-John the Baptizer. 40:03 no This chapter starts off heavy because we learn of the death of John the Baptizer. He was beheaded because he had confronted the sin of Herod Antipas and his wife, who was married to his brother. They didn’t want to hear about their sin so she came up with a plan get John killed. She threw a birthday party for her husband, invited a bunch of buddies over, probably had some alcohol flowing freely, and then, when the time was right, she sent her daughter in the party to dance provocatively before her stepdad. She was so impressive that Herod promised her anything she wanted and her mom had told her she wanted John’s head brought to her on a silver platter. If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Momma got what she wanted and the kingdom lost a great man who paved the way for Jesus. John was the first martyr for the kingdom. martyr, death, persecution, truth, preach, jail, prison, platter This chapter starts off heavy because we learn of the death of John the Baptizer. He was beheaded because he had confronted the sin of Herod Antipas and his wife, who was married to his brother. They didn’t want to hear about their sin so she came up with a plan get John killed. She threw a birthday party for her husband, invited a bunch of buddies over, probably had some alcohol flowing freely, and then, when the time was right, she sent her daughter in the party to dance provocatively before her stepdad. She was so impressive that Herod promised her anything she wanted and her mom had told her she wanted John’s head brought to her on a silver platter. If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Momma got what she wanted and the kingdom lost a great man who paved the way for Jesus. John was the first martyr for the kingdom.

]]> This chapter starts off heavy because we learn of the death of John the Baptizer. He was beheaded because he had confronted the sin of Herod Antipas and his wife, who was married to his brother. They didn’t want to hear about their sin so she came up with a plan get John killed. She threw a birthday party for her husband, invited a bunch of buddies over, probably had some alcohol flowing freely, and then, when the time was right, she sent her daughter in the party to dance provocatively before her stepdad. She was so impressive that Herod promised her anything she wanted and her mom had told her she wanted John’s head brought to her on a silver platter. If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Momma got what she wanted and the kingdom lost a great man who paved the way for Jesus. John was the first martyr for the kingdom.

]]> Episode 178: Hebrews 3 Part 2 Don’t Get Sidetracked! https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/178 b79bc60e-305e-4158-83f1-0dcd828c8aa9 Mon, 11 Jul 2022 18:45:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker The author really encourages his readers to stay the course and not get sidetracked by discouragement. 42:13 no The book of Hebrews is written to a Jewish audience who has chosen Jesus and have been following him, but persecution is and has taken its toll on some of the believers. They have been in jail, beaten, and have lost all their stuff because they chose to follow Jesus but some of them are struggling with their faith and are giving up. This book is written to encourage them to stay the course and hold on because it will all be worth it in the end! And he really hammers this point home here in chapter 3 to not lose their confidence in Jesus and that he is coming soon and will not delay to rescue them. What a word for our day in time…people are discouraged on a daily basis and life is beating the crap out of us but we have to endure to the end for some day, it will all be worth it! Here is a link to my song sang by Frannie Hamrick called "Finding Strength": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxJPnunznDg discourage, discouragement, faith, endure, sidetrack, persecution, enemy The book of Hebrews is written to a Jewish audience who has chosen Jesus and have been following him, but persecution is and has taken its toll on some of the believers. They have been in jail, beaten, and have lost all their stuff because they chose to follow Jesus but some of them are struggling with their faith and are giving up. This book is written to encourage them to stay the course and hold on because it will all be worth it in the end! And he really hammers this point home here in chapter 3 to not lose their confidence in Jesus and that he is coming soon and will not delay to rescue them. What a word for our day in time…people are discouraged on a daily basis and life is beating the crap out of us but we have to endure to the end for some day, it will all be worth it!

Here is a link to my song sang by Frannie Hamrick called "Finding Strength":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxJPnunznDg

]]> The book of Hebrews is written to a Jewish audience who has chosen Jesus and have been following him, but persecution is and has taken its toll on some of the believers. They have been in jail, beaten, and have lost all their stuff because they chose to follow Jesus but some of them are struggling with their faith and are giving up. This book is written to encourage them to stay the course and hold on because it will all be worth it in the end! And he really hammers this point home here in chapter 3 to not lose their confidence in Jesus and that he is coming soon and will not delay to rescue them. What a word for our day in time…people are discouraged on a daily basis and life is beating the crap out of us but we have to endure to the end for some day, it will all be worth it!

Here is a link to my song sang by Frannie Hamrick called "Finding Strength":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxJPnunznDg

]]> Episode 94: Acts 26 thru 28 To Rome We Go! https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/94 cea9eb05-9b41-4838-924c-6fc231915f7a Tue, 24 Aug 2021 17:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker And that's a wrap on the Book of Acts...It ends with Paul telling the Jews in Rome that Jesus is the Messiah... 31:06 no Paul has an opportunity to share his defense with Agrippa and as he does, Agrippa comes to the conclusion that Paul could have been set free that day if he had not appealed to Caesar. But since he did, the book of Acts continues with Luke giving us a lot of details of the trip to Rome; how the weather was, where they sailed to and from, the storm that tore the ship the pieces, and even how the guests on the island of Malta treated them so well. He ends the book with Paul having a discussion with the Jewish leaders in Rome about Jesus and how he is the Messiah that the prophets wrote about. As usual, some believed but many didn't and Paul tells them that the Gentiles are more open than they are and that's who will continue to share the message of Jesus with. What happens after Acts 28? You can Google that because people smarter than me have taken pieces of history and scripture and came up with what they believed happened including Paul being set free and preaching in Spain! But unfortunately it comes to an end when Paul, along with many other Christians, are persecuted for their faith and he is beheaded under Nero's reign in 68AD. The question for you is: What are you going to do with the message of Jesus? Believe and live for him? Or reject and do your own thing? Paul, Jesus, Rome, Nero, persecution, Malta Paul has an opportunity to share his defense with Agrippa and as he does, Agrippa comes to the conclusion that Paul could have been set free that day if he had not appealed to Caesar. But since he did, the book of Acts continues with Luke giving us a lot of details of the trip to Rome; how the weather was, where they sailed to and from, the storm that tore the ship the pieces, and even how the guests on the island of Malta treated them so well. He ends the book with Paul having a discussion with the Jewish leaders in Rome about Jesus and how he is the Messiah that the prophets wrote about. As usual, some believed but many didn't and Paul tells them that the Gentiles are more open than they are and that's who will continue to share the message of Jesus with. What happens after Acts 28? You can Google that because people smarter than me have taken pieces of history and scripture and came up with what they believed happened including Paul being set free and preaching in Spain! But unfortunately it comes to an end when Paul, along with many other Christians, are persecuted for their faith and he is beheaded under Nero's reign in 68AD. The question for you is: What are you going to do with the message of Jesus? Believe and live for him? Or reject and do your own thing?

]]> Paul has an opportunity to share his defense with Agrippa and as he does, Agrippa comes to the conclusion that Paul could have been set free that day if he had not appealed to Caesar. But since he did, the book of Acts continues with Luke giving us a lot of details of the trip to Rome; how the weather was, where they sailed to and from, the storm that tore the ship the pieces, and even how the guests on the island of Malta treated them so well. He ends the book with Paul having a discussion with the Jewish leaders in Rome about Jesus and how he is the Messiah that the prophets wrote about. As usual, some believed but many didn't and Paul tells them that the Gentiles are more open than they are and that's who will continue to share the message of Jesus with. What happens after Acts 28? You can Google that because people smarter than me have taken pieces of history and scripture and came up with what they believed happened including Paul being set free and preaching in Spain! But unfortunately it comes to an end when Paul, along with many other Christians, are persecuted for their faith and he is beheaded under Nero's reign in 68AD. The question for you is: What are you going to do with the message of Jesus? Believe and live for him? Or reject and do your own thing?

]]> Episode 81: Acts 17 Part 1 Upside Down Or Right Side Up? https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/81 1cb7d1ca-1ffd-4c5d-9480-7b574d31aec1 Thu, 24 Jun 2021 16:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. Acts 17:6 30:13 no Have you ever seen water that was clear but yet you step in it or stir it and dirt and trash that had settled to the bottom rises up and the clear water has now become dirty, nasty looking? That’s what these people are saying about Paul and Silas. “Our city was calm, settled, peaceful, but these men have stirred the water and has made it nasty. The people called Paul and Silas "troublemakers" which is odd because they weren't violent and they were telling people about Jesus, the Prince of Peace! They are the ones that were out of control, yelling, berating Paul and Silas, and not only that, they go to Jason's house and rough him up, dragging him and other believers to the city council all because Jason let Paul and Silas stay in his house stay at his house! I'm thankful I live in the United States where we can worship with the absence of persecution but even today, there are many countries that will still persecute those who follow Jesus and they have to do so underground. Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters and pray for the church in America for she is beginning to come under some fire from the world. persecution, Jason, city, council, Jesus Have you ever seen water that was clear but yet you step in it or stir it and dirt and trash that had settled to the bottom rises up and the clear water has now become dirty, nasty looking? That’s what these people are saying about Paul and Silas. “Our city was calm, settled, peaceful, but these men have stirred the water and has made it nasty. The people called Paul and Silas "troublemakers" which is odd because they weren't violent and they were telling people about Jesus, the Prince of Peace! They are the ones that were out of control, yelling, berating Paul and Silas, and not only that, they go to Jason's house and rough him up, dragging him and other believers to the city council all because Jason let Paul and Silas stay in his house stay at his house! I'm thankful I live in the United States where we can worship with the absence of persecution but even today, there are many countries that will still persecute those who follow Jesus and they have to do so underground. Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters and pray for the church in America for she is beginning to come under some fire from the world.

]]> Have you ever seen water that was clear but yet you step in it or stir it and dirt and trash that had settled to the bottom rises up and the clear water has now become dirty, nasty looking? That’s what these people are saying about Paul and Silas. “Our city was calm, settled, peaceful, but these men have stirred the water and has made it nasty. The people called Paul and Silas "troublemakers" which is odd because they weren't violent and they were telling people about Jesus, the Prince of Peace! They are the ones that were out of control, yelling, berating Paul and Silas, and not only that, they go to Jason's house and rough him up, dragging him and other believers to the city council all because Jason let Paul and Silas stay in his house stay at his house! I'm thankful I live in the United States where we can worship with the absence of persecution but even today, there are many countries that will still persecute those who follow Jesus and they have to do so underground. Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters and pray for the church in America for she is beginning to come under some fire from the world.

]]> Episode 71: Acts 12 Part 1 The Great Escape https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/71 6fceee53-ea16-4c91-9ba0-3bacc0bb2c76 Thu, 13 May 2021 21:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Persecution has hit the inner circle! The apostle James is beheaded and Peter is next unless God intervenes! 28:10 no Persecution started in Acts 4 after Peter and John healed the lame man at the gate called Beautiful. They were given a stern talking to by the religious leaders and told not to preach or teach in the name of Jesus any more. From there it escalates until people began to be killed for their faith! In Acts 8 Stephen is stoned to death while Saul is going from house to house dragging men and women to jail. In Acts 12 it continues to escalate but now it is one of the apostles, James! James is beheaded and Peter is put in prison until he can have a trial after Passover is finished but an angel comes and helps him escape! Why did God spare Peter but not James? Why does bad tings happen to good people? We discuss this in this episode of the GRINDIT podcast. escape, angel, Peter, James, Agrippa, persecution Persecution started in Acts 4 after Peter and John healed the lame man at the gate called Beautiful. They were given a stern talking to by the religious leaders and told not to preach or teach in the name of Jesus any more. From there it escalates until people began to be killed for their faith! In Acts 8 Stephen is stoned to death while Saul is going from house to house dragging men and women to jail. In Acts 12 it continues to escalate but now it is one of the apostles, James! James is beheaded and Peter is put in prison until he can have a trial after Passover is finished but an angel comes and helps him escape! Why did God spare Peter but not James? Why does bad tings happen to good people? We discuss this in this episode of the GRINDIT podcast.

]]> Persecution started in Acts 4 after Peter and John healed the lame man at the gate called Beautiful. They were given a stern talking to by the religious leaders and told not to preach or teach in the name of Jesus any more. From there it escalates until people began to be killed for their faith! In Acts 8 Stephen is stoned to death while Saul is going from house to house dragging men and women to jail. In Acts 12 it continues to escalate but now it is one of the apostles, James! James is beheaded and Peter is put in prison until he can have a trial after Passover is finished but an angel comes and helps him escape! Why did God spare Peter but not James? Why does bad tings happen to good people? We discuss this in this episode of the GRINDIT podcast.

]]> Episode 61: Acts 8 Part 1 Saul's Passion For God https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/61 60edee25-57c4-4a5e-8d8d-d1da5254817e Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Saul thought he was serving God and doing the will of God but he was actually doing the opposite! Just like the religious leaders. he was wreaking havoc in the lives of Christ followers! 29:13 no When Stephen was stoned by the religious leaders, there was a man present who completely agreed with the stoning...his name was Saul. This is the same Saul, that later became Paul, and wrote two thirds of the New Testament. He was one, if not the, greatest missionaries that ever lived. Before his conversion he wreaked havoc on the church, going from house to house, dragging men and women from their homes and putting them in jail. In Saul's (Paul's) on words he "was the worst sinner of all" but when he was giving his resume in Philippians 3. Saul (Paul) said he was "zealous for the law and followed it without fault." Really? He agreed and took part in the stoning of an innocent man and he wreaked havoc in the lives of innocent people who followed Jesus! He had the same attitude of the religious leaders; They thought they were serving God and yet they killed God Himself! How many people today claim to be followers of Christ yet they don't even know the Christ they follow! Saul, havoc, persecute, persecution, church When Stephen was stoned by the religious leaders, there was a man present who completely agreed with the stoning...his name was Saul. This is the same Saul, that later became Paul, and wrote two thirds of the New Testament. He was one, if not the, greatest missionaries that ever lived. Before his conversion he wreaked havoc on the church, going from house to house, dragging men and women from their homes and putting them in jail. In Saul's (Paul's) on words he "was the worst sinner of all" but when he was giving his resume in Philippians 3. Saul (Paul) said he was "zealous for the law and followed it without fault." Really? He agreed and took part in the stoning of an innocent man and he wreaked havoc in the lives of innocent people who followed Jesus! He had the same attitude of the religious leaders; They thought they were serving God and yet they killed God Himself! How many people today claim to be followers of Christ yet they don't even know the Christ they follow!

]]> When Stephen was stoned by the religious leaders, there was a man present who completely agreed with the stoning...his name was Saul. This is the same Saul, that later became Paul, and wrote two thirds of the New Testament. He was one, if not the, greatest missionaries that ever lived. Before his conversion he wreaked havoc on the church, going from house to house, dragging men and women from their homes and putting them in jail. In Saul's (Paul's) on words he "was the worst sinner of all" but when he was giving his resume in Philippians 3. Saul (Paul) said he was "zealous for the law and followed it without fault." Really? He agreed and took part in the stoning of an innocent man and he wreaked havoc in the lives of innocent people who followed Jesus! He had the same attitude of the religious leaders; They thought they were serving God and yet they killed God Himself! How many people today claim to be followers of Christ yet they don't even know the Christ they follow!

]]> Episode 57: Acts 5 Part 2 Persecution begins... https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/57 4b81e292-ed9c-479e-977c-b8bfe79e759d Fri, 26 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0500 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker The apostles are arrested for a second time but this one has a different reason behind it...jealousy. The Sadducees are jealous of what is happening through the apostles and they want to put an end to it even if it means killing them! 30:07 no The apostles are arrested for a second time for telling people about Jesus but this arrest had a different motivation behind it...jealousy. The Sadducees were jealous and their power was being challenged by some "unlearned and ignorant men". People were coming by the groves to get their loved ones healed from sickness or delivered from a demon. They were being converted to Christ and the message was starting to flow outside of Jerusalem. It's beginning to spread and the religious leaders want to put a stop to it. The problem is they are fighting against God, not man so when they arrested the apostles, an angel came and freed them giving them instructions to go right back to the Temple and preach Jesus...and they did. They were arrested an third time and this time they were flogged, which was the same thing that happened to Jesus just before he was hung a cross. Persecution has begun but this didn't even slow them down for they met at the Temple daily and they went to people's homes to share Jesus! Do you share your faith? Do you tell people about Jesus? What is holding you back? church, apostles, persecution, Sadducees The apostles are arrested for a second time for telling people about Jesus but this arrest had a different motivation behind it...jealousy. The Sadducees were jealous and their power was being challenged by some "unlearned and ignorant men". People were coming by the groves to get their loved ones healed from sickness or delivered from a demon. They were being converted to Christ and the message was starting to flow outside of Jerusalem. It's beginning to spread and the religious leaders want to put a stop to it. The problem is they are fighting against God, not man so when they arrested the apostles, an angel came and freed them giving them instructions to go right back to the Temple and preach Jesus...and they did. They were arrested an third time and this time they were flogged, which was the same thing that happened to Jesus just before he was hung a cross. Persecution has begun but this didn't even slow them down for they met at the Temple daily and they went to people's homes to share Jesus! Do you share your faith? Do you tell people about Jesus? What is holding you back?

]]> The apostles are arrested for a second time for telling people about Jesus but this arrest had a different motivation behind it...jealousy. The Sadducees were jealous and their power was being challenged by some "unlearned and ignorant men". People were coming by the groves to get their loved ones healed from sickness or delivered from a demon. They were being converted to Christ and the message was starting to flow outside of Jerusalem. It's beginning to spread and the religious leaders want to put a stop to it. The problem is they are fighting against God, not man so when they arrested the apostles, an angel came and freed them giving them instructions to go right back to the Temple and preach Jesus...and they did. They were arrested an third time and this time they were flogged, which was the same thing that happened to Jesus just before he was hung a cross. Persecution has begun but this didn't even slow them down for they met at the Temple daily and they went to people's homes to share Jesus! Do you share your faith? Do you tell people about Jesus? What is holding you back?

]]>