"King's X: A Timeless Sermon on God's Relentless Love"

In this powerful Day1 Classics episode, we revisit Rev. Dr. James A. Wharton’s 1972 sermon "King's X," a profound reflection on Hosea 11 and God’s unwavering love for His people—even when they turn away.

Host Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime is joined by Rev. Dr. Tom Long to unpack Wharton’s legacy as a preacher who bridged the Old and New Testaments, revealing a God of compassion rather than wrath. Together, they explore:
- Why Hosea 11 shatters misconceptions about the "angry" Old Testament God
- The cost of choosing idols over divine love
- How Wharton’s message speaks to today’s struggles with nationalism, consumerism, and environmental crisis
- The surprising hope in God’s "Kings X"—a divine refusal to let us go

Originally aired during the tense political climate of 1972 (Watergate, Vietnam War), this sermon remains startlingly relevant. Wharton’s storytelling brilliance and theological depth make this a must-listen for anyone wrestling with faith, doubt, or the call to live differently in a divided world.

🔊 "The rules of vengeance and retribution do not bind God. For He is God and not man."

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King’s X - Episode 4193 | Dr. James A. Wharton | Hosea 11:1-9 | August 3, 2025

In this week’s episode of Day1, Rev. Dr. Ebby Arnold invites us to “Go Outside and Play!”—a powerful sermon grounded in Genesis 15:1-6 and inspired by the call to reimagine faith beyond our walls. From Abram’s tent to the Pentecost moment in Acts 2, Ebby weaves scripture, scholarship, and everyday life into a message that renews our hope and expands our spiritual imagination.

Hosted by Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime, this episode also includes an insightful conversation on the intersections of church and academy, the importance of narrative in Paul's letters, and how imaginative faith shapes real-world transformation.

Listen now for encouragement, inspiration, and a gentle reminder that God often calls us to step outside—literally and spiritually—to see what’s possible.

📖 Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6
🗓️ Lectionary: 9th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14 (Year C)
🎙️ Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ebby Arnold (Candler School of Theology, Emory University)

Learn more and access the full transcript at https://day1.fm/4194

Go Outside and Play! - Episode 4194 | Rev. Dr. Ebby Arnold | Genesis 15:1-6 | August 10, 2025

Join us for Episode 4195 of Day1 featuring Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio, Old Testament scholar and professor at Emory’s Candler School of Theology. In his sermon “Daughters of Zelophehad,” based on Numbers 27:1-11, Dr. Bonfiglio explores how five courageous women shaped biblical tradition by seeking justice within their community. Through this powerful message, he invites us to wrestle faithfully with Scripture, embrace difference, and challenge echo chambers—all timely themes for this 10th Sunday after Pentecost. Tune in for a message of bold faith and hopeful engagement.


Daughters of Zelophehad - Episode 4195 | Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio | Numbers 27:1-11 | August 17, 2025

Join us for Day1 Episode 4196 with Rev. Shuna Dicks, minister of Cults Parish Church in Aberdeen, Scotland. Her sermon, "Thanksgiving and Gratitude, Despite the Mess of Life," based on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24, explores how gratitude can ground us—even in life’s most chaotic moments. Preaching with warmth and wisdom, Rev. Dicks reflects on covenant, community, and God’s abiding presence. This message aligns beautifully with the 11th Sunday after Pentecost and offers encouragement for anyone seeking peace in a turbulent world. Tune in for this honest and hope-filled word.

Thanksgiving and Gratitude, Despite the Mess of Life - Episode 4196 | Rev. Shuna Dicks | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 | August 24, 2025

Join us for Episode 4197 of Day1 Classics featuring Rev. Dr. Jorge Lara-Braud, founding director of the Hispanic American Institute in Austin, Texas. In his powerful 1976 sermon, "In Search of Another City," based on Hebrews 13:10-16, Lara-Braud calls us to live as pilgrims pursuing God's future, challenging nationalism, religious complacency, and false superiority. This bold message is especially fitting for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, offering hope rooted in Christ's liberating presence. Tune in for this timeless and prophetic word that still speaks today.

In Search of Another City - Ep 4197 | Rev. Dr. Jorge Lara-Braud | Hebrews 13:10-16 | August 31, 2025

Join us for Episode 4198 of Day1 with Rev. Dr. Barry Jones, Senior Pastor of Irving Bible Church in Dallas-Fort Worth. In his sermon “Seen, Known, Loved,” based on Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, Dr. Jones explores what it means to be fully seen, deeply known, and unconditionally loved by God. Speaking into the chaos, shame, and suffering we face, he reminds us of God’s abiding presence and grace. As we mark the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, tune in for this message of hope and encouragement!


Seen, Known, Loved - Episode #4198 | Rev. Dr. Barry Jones | Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 | September 7, 2025

Join us for Day1 Episode 4199 with the Rev. Dr. Theodore A. Gill of San Francisco Theological Seminary. In his sermon, "Our Lover's Quarrel with the World," based on John 3:13-17, Dr. Gill explores how Christians are called to both critique and cherish the world, holding together the tension of God’s judgment and God’s love. Originally preached in 1963, this message still speaks powerfully to Holy Cross Sunday, Year C. Tune in for this timeless word of faith, challenge, and hope.


Our Lover's Quarrel with the World - Episode 4199 | Rev. Dr. Theodore A. Gill | John 3:13-17 | September 14, 2025

In this landmark 4,200th episode of Day1, Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto and Rabbi Yael Splansky of Holy Blossom Temple reflect on Psalm 79 v1-13. In two powerful sermons—“Through, Not For” and “Insisting on Song: Cracking the Code of Psalm 79”—they explore themes of blessing, lament, resilience, and praise across Christian and Jewish traditions. Together, they invite us to consider how faith endures in times of devastation and how communities can embody hope and defiance through prayer and song. Tune in for this historic interfaith dialogue and message of enduring faith.

Insisting on Praise: Reading Psalm 79 Together

Join us for Episode 4201 as Rev. Jody Andrade (Presbytery of Greater Atlanta) shares “Dinner with a Prophet,” reflecting on Jeremiah 32:1–3a, 6–15. Drawing from Jeremiah’s bold witness, Jody explores how prophetic truth-telling, courageous love of neighbor, and everyday hospitality become investments in hope. Set in the 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22, Year C), this message invites us to pray, act, and trust God’s future even amid turmoil. Tune in for a thoughtful, faith-deepening conversation and sermon you can carry into your week.

Dinner with a Prophet - Episode #4201 | Rev. Jody Andrade | Jeremiah 32:1–3a, 6–15 | September 28, 2025

Join us for Episode 4202 with Rev. Mark Birch, Canon Rector of Westminster Abbey (London), preaching “Keep Faith and Guard the Good Deposit” on 2 Timothy 1:1–14. Drawing on coronation imagery and baptismal themes, Rev. Birch reflects on handing down a rich, sometimes mysterious faith—beyond metrics, success, or failure. In this Proper 22 (27), 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Year C) message, he encourages us to hold fast to the gospel entrusted to us with courage and hope. 

Tune in to be encouraged and inspired by a seasoned Anglican pastor.


Keep Faith and Guard the Good Deposit - Episode 4202 | Rev. Mark Birch | 2 Timothy 1:1–14 | October 5, 2025

In Episode 4203 of Day1, Rev. Dr. Charles Qualls, senior pastor of Franklin Baptist Church in Virginia, offers “Called to Trust God” rooted in 2 Kings 5 v1-14. Reflecting on Naaman’s story, Rev. Dr. Qualls explores why faith invites us beyond comfort—toward trust, humility, and obedience. He contrasts our instinct to ask “how?” with Scripture’s deeper “why?,” urging listeners to make room for God amid a frenetic world. From Advent’s call to quiet to the Jordan’s lessons in surrender, this message invites courage, integrity, and spiritual renewal. 

Called to Trust God - Episode 4203 | Rev. Dr. Charles Qualls | 2 Kings 5:1-14 | October 12, 2025

Day1 has been a trusted voice of hope and inspiration in the mainline Protestant tradition for 80 years. Founded in 1945 as a pioneering radio ministry known as "The Protestant Hour," Day1 has evolved into a multimedia platform that uplifts and connects faith and life. Through powerful sermons and engaging conversations with some of the nation’s most gifted preachers, we proclaim God’s love and grace across the airwaves, podcasts, and online platforms. Join us in continuing this legacy of sharing messages that inspire and transform lives around the world.