We often say, “I’m praying for you”… but what actually gives prayer its power?

In this episode, we examine a sobering truth from Scripture: God does not separate prayer from obedience. Drawing from passages like Proverbs 28:9, Psalm 66:18, 1 John 3:22, and John 7:17, this message explores how a refusal to hear God’s Word can quietly affect whether He hears us.

This is not about technique or saying the right words—it’s about the condition of the heart. When obedience is set aside, prayer becomes uncertain. But when the heart returns to submission, prayer is restored to what it was meant to be: real communion with God.

A direct and searching look at the link between hearing God… and being heard by Him.

Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this meditation on Proverbs 6:16–35, we consider a solemn passage that begins with the seven things the Lord hates and then turns to the preserving power of His Word. The commandment is described as a lamp, the law as light, and reproofs of instruction as the way of life.

This portion searches the heart, warns against pride, lying, false witness, discord among brethren, and the deadly path of moral impurity. With direct Scripture readings from the KJV and commentary from Harry Ironside, this episode reminds us that God’s warnings are not given to burden the soul, but to preserve it from destruction.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says...” — Revelation 2:29

Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

John Brereton, in the late 1970's and early 1980's gave a 4-part series on the ground of gathering with God found in scripture. This excerpt is from John Brereton’s final talk in a four-part series on the Ground of Gathering.

Holiness, Discipline, and the "Within" and "Without" in the Assembly explains what is morally suited to God does not change between Old and New Testament dispensations: God gathers a holy people by His Spirit around a holy Person, Christ.

Using the Corinthian situation, Mr. Brereton argues that tolerated wickedness “leavens” the whole assembly and must be put outside, noting that while “deliver unto Satan” was apostolic, the principle of exclusion remains. The person dealt with is not set aside as a brother but as “that wicked person,” and obedience to Scripture, not excuses like love or reluctance to judge, requires separation from evil.

He emphasizes the biblical reality of “within” and “without,” insisting one cannot be excluded in one place yet received in another among those gathered to the Lord’s name by the same Spirit.

Original meeting can be found on www.WhoseFaithFollow.org

Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this meditation on Book of Proverbs 2:6-19, we consider the solemn difference between merely knowing truth and being governed by it.

These verses show that wisdom from God is not simply intellectual understanding or adherence to a theological system. Divine truth is given to preserve the conscience, guard the pathway, and deliver the believer from moral and spiritual danger.

Two enemies especially rise before us in this portion of Proverbs:
• The evil man — representing proud independence from God and the attraction of walking in darkness.
• The strange woman — portraying both moral corruption and the subtle deception of false religion.

Drawing from the comments of Harry A. Ironside, this podcast reflects on how truth must not only be searched for, but obeyed and walked in daily. The heart that humbly receives wisdom will find that God Himself preserves the path.

Scripture Readings:
• Proverbs 2:6-19
• John 7:17

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine…” — John 7:17

Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this meditation on Proverbs 1:2–9, we consider the opening foundation of the entire book of Proverbs and the great theme of true wisdom. Reading from the scriptures and drawing directly from the comments of Harry Ironside, this episode explores wisdom, instruction, understanding, discretion, and the teachable spirit that marks a wise soul.

At the center of these verses stands the searching declaration: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” This passage reminds us that true wisdom is not merely education or intellect, but humble submission to God and His Word. We also consider the danger of self-confidence, the importance of receiving correction, and the beauty of a heart willing to hear and increase learning.

A thoughtful meditation on the pathway of wisdom, the forming of godly character, and the voice of God speaking to the conscience through Proverbs 1.

Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

What does a life truly called by God look like?

In Genesis 12, Abraham’s response to God’s call is not complicated—but it is profound. Two things begin to define his life: an altar and a tent.

The altar speaks of worship—real, personal communion with God.
The tent speaks of separation—a life that is no longer rooted in this world.

In this episode, we connect these Old Testament pictures to New Testament truth, including what it means to worship the Father “in spirit and in truth” (John 4), and how believers today are called to live as strangers and pilgrims.

This is not about perfection—but direction.

A life turned toward God…
And a life not settled here.

📖 Scriptures Referenced

• Genesis 12:7–8
• John 4:23–24
• Matthew 6:21
• Romans 12:1–2
• 1 Peter 2:11
• 2 Timothy 4:10

🎙️ About This Series

This podcast series walks through the life of Abraham, tracing what it means to be called by God and to walk by faith—step by step.

Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this opening episode, we begin the life of Abraham where Scripture begins — not with a man seeking God, but with God calling a man out.

Abram was living in a settled, idolatrous world when “the God of glory” appeared to him and called him to leave everything familiar — his country, his family, and his father’s house — and go to a land God would show him.

This episode explores a foundational truth for every believer: faith begins with God’s call, and it advances through obedience. Abram did not receive the full plan upfront. He was given a word — and he had to act on it.

You’ll see why:

• God’s call always involves separation
• Obedience brings further light
• Partial obedience leads to delay
• True faith moves before it understands

With Scripture from Genesis 11–12 and Acts 7, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding not only Abraham’s journey, but your own walk of faith.

Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this episode, we walk through two powerful scenes from Scripture—1 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 13 (alongside 2 Samuel 6)—to uncover a sobering spiritual principle:

It is possible to have the right object, the right intention, and even unified agreement… and yet still miss God's mind entirely.

In 1 Samuel 7, Israel returns to the LORD with self-judgment, putting away idols and confessing, “We have sinned.” There is no outward display, no reliance on structure—yet God answers, thunders from heaven, and delivers them.

Decades later, in 1 Chronicles 13, David and the people seek to bring back the ark of God. The desire is right. The energy is high. The unity is strong. But instead of seeking the LORD according to His Word, they adopt a “new cart”—a method of convenience borrowed from the Philistines. The result is not blessing, but judgment.

This episode explores:

• The Philistine character—handling divine things in the flesh without self-judgment
• The difference between repentance and religious activity
• Why God required the ark to be carried on men’s shoulders, not placed on a cart
• How easily God’s order is replaced with what “seems right”
• And why David later confessed: “we sought Him not after the due order”

With a probing New Testament close from John 7:17, we are left with a searching question:

Are we truly seeking the will of God… or simply moving forward with what works?

Because in the end, God’s things must be handled God’s way—or they are not truly handled at all.

Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com