The Commands of Christ Podcast

How deeply are we pursuing God, and does prayer hold the central place in our lives that Christ desires? Through Jesus’ declaration that His house should be “called the house of prayer” and the life of A.W. Tozer, we are reminded that true spiritual influence flows from communion with God. Tozer’s ministry called believers away from shallow, entertainment-centered Christianity and back to a wholehearted devo...

How can we follow Christ’s example of greatness through humble service, and are we willing to serve those others overlook? Through the life of Silas Told we see that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found not in being served, but in becoming a servant. After Christ transformed his life, Silas devoted himself to teaching children and ministering to prisoners—especially condemned men facing death—bringing th...

What does it look like to forgive when the hurt runs deep, and how can we keep walking in forgiveness when painful feelings return? Through Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18 and the remarkable testimony of Corrie ten Boom, we see that forgiveness is not merely an emotion but an act of faith and obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we remember how freely God has forgiven us for Christ’s sake, we can forgive those who h...

How can a marriage remain strong under relentless pressure? What does it look like for husband and wife to reflect Christ and His Church through faithful love? Together we are encouraged by the testimony of Charles and Susie Spurgeon, whose life exemplified Christ’s design for marriage. As they faced demanding ministry, physical suffering, personal trials, and public criticism, they chose to draw nearer to Christ rather than ...

What does it mean to live a life fully consecrated to Christ? How do we guard our hearts against the pull of earthly possessions and instead treasure what is eternal? In this episode, we explore the life of hymn writer Frances Ridley Havergal through the lens of Jesus' command in Luke 12:15 to "beware of covetousness." Best known for beloved hymns such as “Take My Life and Let It Be” and "Like a River Glorious", Haverga...

How does the gospel transform a single life into a testimony that points countless others to Christ? Together we are reminded that our hope is found not in human eloquence or ability, but in faithfully looking to Jesus Christ and proclaiming Him to others. From Spurgeon’s dramatic conversion through the simple preaching of Isaiah 45:22, to his lifelong ministry centered on the cross, we see that the power of God rests in His ...

What does it mean to value the "little ones" as Christ does? How can compassionate faith transform grief into a ministry of hope? In this episode, we explore the inspiring life of Narcissa Whitman and her response to Jesus' command in Matthew 18:10 to "despise not one of these little ones." As one of the first women to cross the Continental Divide, Narcissa left behind the comforts of home to bring the gospel to the Native peoples ...

What does it truly mean to deny ourselves and follow Christ? In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of missionary David Livingstone and discover how his unwavering devotion to Christ embodied Jesus' call to "deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23–25). As we trace Livingstone's journey through hardship, sacrifice, and faithful service in Africa, we are challenged to see that no earthly cost...

What happens when a believer remains faithful to the gospel in places where few are willing to go? In this episode, we explore Christ’s command to “beware of the leaven” through the life of missionary Samuel Zwemer, widely known as the “Apostle to Islam.” Driven by a deep love for Christ, Zwemer devoted his life to bringing the gospel to the Muslim world. Through years of sacrifice, suffering, bold wit...

What does it look like to honor our parents in a way that reflects Christ? How can faithfulness in everyday relationships prepare us for greater service in God’s kingdom? In this episode, we consider Christ’s command to “honor thy father and mother” through the life of evangelist D.L. Moody. Though God used Moody to reach millions with the gospel, his devotion to Christ was most clearly seen in the ordinary ...

What does it mean to truly take Christ’s yoke and live in light of eternity? In this episode, we explore Christ’s command to “take my yoke upon you, and learn of me” (Matthew 11:29) through the remarkable life of missionary C.T. Studd. From fame as one of England’s greatest cricket players to a life poured out for the gospel in China, India, and Africa, Studd’s story demonstrates the joy of valui...

What happens when we obey the Holy Spirit’s promptings, even when they lead us beyond our comfort zone? In this episode, we reflect on Christ’s command, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear,” through the life and ministry of Ira Sankey, the beloved hymn writer and gospel singer who partnered with D.L. Moody. From a Civil War encounter spared by a hymn to countless opportunities to follow the Lord’s...

How can we live without fear when suffering feels overwhelming? In this message, we see through the life of Darlene Deibler Rose that Christ’s command to “fear not” calls us to trust the Lord more than our circumstances, feelings, or fears (Matthew 10:28). From the mission field of New Guinea to imprisonment under the Japanese during World War II, Darlene learned that Jesus could never be locked out, even from a d...

What does it look like to stand for truth with both courage and gentleness? In this message, we are reminded through the life of William Wilberforce that Christ calls us to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Though surrounded by the spiritual darkness and injustice of the British slave trade, Wilberforce’s heart was transformed by the gospel, and God used him to shine the light of Christ ...

How might God use one praying life to awaken many? In John Hyde’s life, we see Christ’s command to “Pray for Laborers” lived out through fervent intercession, sacrificial evangelism, and deep dependence on Jesus. We are reminded that revival is often won first in the secret place, where God gives His people His own burden for souls. May we draw near to Christ, pray with holy urgency, and go gladly into His h...

Are we willing to hold fast to God’s Word, even when it costs us something? We are reminded through the life of Martin Luther that true discernment begins with a heart anchored in Scripture, recognizing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone—not by human effort. As God opened Luther’s eyes to the gospel, he was compelled to stand against false teaching, not in pride, but in obedience to the truth...

What does it truly mean to walk the narrow way, and are we willing to follow Christ even when it leads through suffering? We are reminded through the life of John Bunyan that the narrow way begins with entering through Christ alone—the only gate of salvation—and continues as a daily walk of obedience, fixing our eyes on Him. Though Bunyan faced imprisonment and hardship for his faithfulness, we see that God used those v...

What does it truly mean to love others as Christ has loved us, and how far are we willing to go to live that out? We are reminded through the life of Mary Slessor that the call to “do unto others” is a call to sacrificial love—one that moves us beyond our comfort into compassionate action for others. From a life marked by hardship, she was transformed by Christ and sent to bring His light into deep darkness, rescu...

What does it truly mean to ask, seek, and knock? Does God still answers prayer today? How does a life devoted to prayer shape not only our hearts, but the world around us? We are reminded through the life of E.M. Bounds that prayer is not merely a duty, but a powerful communion with God through which He accomplishes His purposes. In trials, hardship, and ministry, E.M. Bounds continually turned to the Lord, showing us that persiste...