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This last Christmas podcast and last podcast of the year is actually a throwback to a blog written in 2018 (of the same title). This episode poses the question: what if the heart, mind, and attitude of Christmas was something we pressed into and actually lived year round? We can be dismayed and depressed when the presents are over. When the trimmings are taken down. When January hits. But if our emotions are just based upon physical things, we miss the point entirely. Christmas IS a message we can take and live out throughout the year. Jesus came once and is coming again! Christmas reminds us that we must be ready for His Second Coming.

Article referenced in this episode: How December 25 Became Christmas

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This is a special "Christmas Edition" of the Hymns That I Love series. This episode features the hymn O Little Town Of Bethlehem. Written and published in the 1860s, there is a rich history to this song...a history that begins with a visit to the Holy Land for a Christmas Eve service. Pastor Phillips Brooks and his organist, Lewis Redner, collaborated to combine lyrics and melody. The song was originally used as a children's choir piece for a Christmas Eve service. Little did Brooks and Redner know, hundreds of years later the song would still be sung and popular with modern audiences.

Listen to Derek's Christmas album "GLORIA!" on Spotify (includes O Little Town Of Bethlehem)

Derek's Hymns Playlist On YouTube

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As we wrap up 2025 and start thinking about 2026, it is a natural time of the year to look at goals, priorities, and overall direction in life. As Christians, we must do this evaluation through the lens of Scripture. As we hear God's heart, how does it move us forward into next year? Where does He want us to focus? Certainly evangelism and preaching the Gospel are top priorities. We are also called to dream big dreams with Him and ask that He helps us as we step out and fulfill those callings. Today's episode gives us some concrete steps to take as we wind down 2025 and put our focus on 2026.

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Thanksgiving is the subject of this week's episode (part of the "Let's Talk About It..." series). As we think about thankfulness, how do we develop the sort of spirit that the Biblical writers had; an attitude that was thankful in all circumstances despite the difficulties they faced? We know some of hardship, maybe persecution, and pushback in our world. The New Testament writers knew of it all too well. Yet they were encouraged to say, "Be thankful." Our challenge in today's (shorter) episode is to take on that same mindset and to even be joyful when we face tough things in life.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

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The beloved hymn Rock Of Ages by Augustus M. Toplady was published in the late 1700s and came out of England. The hymn itself is still popular and sung worldwide, all these years later. While the hymn is well-known, some of the backstory and context surrounding Mr. Toplady is not. Toplady and evangelist John Wesley had a very public feud over something that is still being debated today: Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Toplady as a Calvinist had strong disagreements with Wesley's views and how much Wesley was influencing the Church of England. Today's podcast goes into this rift between these two men and the beautiful song that was written in the midst of it all: Rock Of Ages.

Rock Of Ages Cover

Derek's Hymns Playlist On YouTube

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I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

In recent weeks and months, a thread through many news events and stories seems to be violence and hatred against Christians (whether in the US or other parts of the world). This hatred has escalated to a point in which we must not only be aware of it but also prepared to deal with it in practical, Biblical ways. Today's episode dives into some responses we should take as Christians when we encounter hatred. Jesus said we would have trouble (tribulation) in this life. But He has also overcome the world. Our response must be layered with grace and love, while at the same time, rooted in the truth of God's Word.

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Let's talk about it! A quick 15-20 minute episode to jumpstart some thoughts to consider in your day. Life is busy but we want to mindful of the reason God placed us on this earth. One of those reasons is to share our faith in Jesus. Today we want to talk about why this is hard and also identify some ways we can push back against the barriers that keep us from sharing. Is there some commonality here between us (Derek and the audience -- you!)? I hope so! But let's spur one another on and pray for one another to be bold in preaching Christ.

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As we think about sharing the Gospel, are we aware of just how short our time on this earth really is? Is that something that propels us forward to share, knowing that life is short but eternity is forever? This episode reminds us to be ready to share and have a heart that shows Christ's compassion. All the while, we rely on the Holy Spirit's leading and guidance. He will speak as we step out in obedience. May we understand we carry an urgent message. May we proclaim Christ today.

“If by excessive labor, we die before the average age of man, worn out in the Master’s service, then glory be to God, we shall have so much less of earth and so much more of Heaven… It is our duty and our privilege to exhaust our lives for Jesus. We are not to be living specimens of men in fine preservation, but living sacrifices, whose lot is to be consumed.” Charles Spurgeon