Podcasts about 'prepare

Sometimes we have been told we should have enough faith to be healed by God without medicine...but what if medicine is the plan God has desired? There are quite a few accounts where God used "medicine" in the Bible to heal someone, even if it was the mud made from the spit of Christ. "Isaiah said, 'Prepare a poultice of figs.' They did so and applied it to [Hezekiah's] boil, and he recovered." - 2 Kings 20:7

Freedom Day: Use your judgment on masks, Boris Johnson urges public | Rule changes: From home-working to care homes - what we know | Emma Raducanu: Wimbledon's new star ready to play to full house | Euro 2020: Danish coaching course that helped set Southgate on path to glory | Property: Commuter towns near London with biggest flexi season ticket savings | 'Prepare to be a calorie bore': The 10 new rules of post-lockdown dieting | Read all these articles and stay expertly informed anywhere, anytime with a digital subscription. Start your free one-month trial today to gain unlimited website and app access. Cancel anytime. Sign up here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Counter Narrative, we talk about: - Establishing this podcast in Christ - Catching up on political/medical censorship - The CGIden Administration - UAP/UFO impending disclosure and what that means spiritually - The downfall of Hollywood - Praying against the powers of deception Contact: - Email counternarrativepodcast@gmail.com - Twitter @CntrNrtv Intro music is 'Prepare to Die' by Carman from the album 'The Champion'. I don't own it. Some record label does. #music #bluebeam #freemasons #truth #counternarrative #conspiracy #illuminati #biden #tinfoilhat #censorship #Christian #podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/counternarrative/message

The Renewal of Repentance Matthew 3:1-2, 11-12 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, "Repent of your sins and turn to God for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." "I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am - so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire." Intro: Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." There Needs to be Repentance of Sin Matthew 3:2 "Repent of your sins" Romans 6:1-4 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. There Needs to be a Turning to Christ Matthew 3:2 "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 3:16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. There Needs to be a Fresh Baptism Matthew 3:11 "I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am - so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." There Needs to be a Focus on the Lords Coming Matthew 3:2-3 "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, "He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord's coming! Clear the road for hiim!" Matthew 24:44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. There Needs to be a Separation Matthew 3:12 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire." Matthew 24:46-51 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to peices and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Conclusion: Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because iam a man of unclean lips Joshua 3:5 Then Joshua told the people, "Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you."

He said to His disciples, -It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come- 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Be on your guard- If your brother sins, rebuke him- and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him.- - 5 The apostles said to the Lord, -Increase our faith-- 6 And the Lord said, -If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'- and it would obey you. - 7 -Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come immediately and sit down to eat'- 8 But will he not say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink- and afterward you may eat and drink'- 9 He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he- 10 So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves- we have done only that which we ought to have done.'- -11 While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him- 13 and they raised their voices, saying, -Jesus, Master, have mercy on us-- 14 When He saw them, He said to them, -Go and show yourselves to the priests.- And as they were going, they were cleansed. 15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been....

The 55-minute final of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/yezo6rlv9w4dclznt229dhym6a8ut7fw

The 55-minute final of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/yezo6rlv9w4dclznt229dhym6a8ut7fw

The 55-minute final of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/yezo6rlv9w4dclznt229dhym6a8ut7fw

The 55-minute final of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/yezo6rlv9w4dclznt229dhym6a8ut7fw

The 55-minute final of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/yezo6rlv9w4dclznt229dhym6a8ut7fw

The 55-minute final of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/yezo6rlv9w4dclznt229dhym6a8ut7fw

The 54-minute second of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/d45bbdtgc4tft9rump5gi5q9h7kgeczr

The 54-minute second of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/d45bbdtgc4tft9rump5gi5q9h7kgeczr

The 54-minute second of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/d45bbdtgc4tft9rump5gi5q9h7kgeczr

The 54-minute second of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/d45bbdtgc4tft9rump5gi5q9h7kgeczr

The 54-minute second of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/d45bbdtgc4tft9rump5gi5q9h7kgeczr

The 54-minute second of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/d45bbdtgc4tft9rump5gi5q9h7kgeczr

The 47-minute beginning of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/dqqko1g4yyfokc4bruu824n5uurz0nyu

The Essentials of Water Baptism Matthew 3:1-3, 13-17 (NLT) In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, "He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord's coming! Clear the road for him!'" John's clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you," he siad, "so why are you coming to me?" But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." The Essential of Repentance Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 3:6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. The Essential of Turning to God Matthew 3:2 "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 3:8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Matthew 3:11 "I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am - so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The Essential of the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 3:2 "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Acts 2:36-38 "So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!" Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Essential of Obedience Matthew 3:15 But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him. Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Essential of Heavens Approval Matthew 3:16-17 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." Acts 2:38 Peter replies, "Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The 47-minute beginning of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/dqqko1g4yyfokc4bruu824n5uurz0nyu

The 47-minute beginning of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/dqqko1g4yyfokc4bruu824n5uurz0nyu

The 47-minute beginning of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/dqqko1g4yyfokc4bruu824n5uurz0nyu

The 47-minute beginning of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/dqqko1g4yyfokc4bruu824n5uurz0nyu

The 47-minute beginning of a three-part series, featuring C.E.O. Mike Lindell's documentary, 'AbsoluteProof.'Prepare and share NOW (while ther's time) for the NEXT American Republic;https://www.spreaker.com/user/6646611/ubg092317-the-way-backFREE Current Show .MP3 available at; https://app.box.com/s/dqqko1g4yyfokc4bruu824n5uurz0nyu

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ (the Son of God). As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'" John (the) Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit."

Fr Wesley Brown Sermon for the Second Sunday of Advent titled 'Prepare the Way' on Dec 6, 2020.

+ Holy Gospel according to St. Mark 1: 1 – 8 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ (the Son of God). As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'" John (the) Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit." The Gospel of the Lord

Brendan McClenahan and Cher and Rick Velderman read and reflect on Mark 1:1-8. Please make sure to subscribe to this podcast! For the full Bible Reading Plan, head to victorypoint.org. To find out more about the context of Mark 1:1-8 head to https://thebibleproject.com/explore/mark. We would love to include your input on this podcast. Send us an email at brendanmcclenahan@victorypoint.org or leave a voice message by clicking the link below. There is more going on at VictoryPoint! (head to victorypoint.org for more trainings, events, worship gatherings, discipleship opportunities, giving, and ways to get connected). Here's the full text from today's scripture: 1:1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 1:2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ""See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 1:3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'"" 1:4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 1:5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 1:6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 1:7 He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 1:8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biblereadingplanvp/message

"'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.' John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." To prepare for the coming Lord, we turn from our old way of life to seek the face of God with greater fervor.

Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

Homily Given at the Heights School. Luke 17:7-10. Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table'? Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

- Press the PLAY button to listen to the catechesis of the day and share if you like - + A reading from the holy Gospel, according to Luke + The Lord said, "Who among you would say to your servant coming in from the fields after plowing or tending sheep: 'Come at once and sit down at table'? No, you tell him: 'Prepare my dinner. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink; you can eat and drink afterwards.' Do you thank this servant for doing what you commanded? So for you. When you have done all that you have been told to do, you must say: 'We are no more than servants; we have only done our duty.' The Gospel of the Lord.

Have you reviewed your retirement plan recently? Think your 401K is something that can wait until later? Listen about the new law effective as of January 1, 2020, a $1.4 Trillion spending package called the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 included the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act. Learn how these changes can benefit or effect you and your beneficiaries before it’s time to retire. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.

Mark, Summary Selections---The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.-As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,--Behold, I send my messenger before your face,- who will prepare your way,-the voice of one crying in the wilderness-- 'Prepare the way of the Lord,- make his paths straight,'---And a voice came from heaven, -You are my beloved Son- with you I am well pleased.---Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, saying, -The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand- repent and believe in the gospel.----Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.- ---What is this- A new teaching with authority- He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.- --Who can forgive sins but God alone-- -But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins--he said to the paralytic- -I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.- ---Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.---So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.----To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that--'they may indeed see but not perceive,- and may indeed hear but not understand,-lest they should turn and be forgiven.'---Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him---- -Daughter, your faith has made you well- go in peace, and be healed of your disease.--- -Do not fear, only believe.- --...

Psalm 16 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." 3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. 4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. 5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. A Corporate Prayer from Union Church: Our Father in Heaven,We are grateful that you guide us in the way of grace and truth.As we navigate this life, we pray for your Holy Spirit to direct, strengthen, and protect us. Remind us of our identity as your beloved children. Open our eyes to see how you’ve called us to be prayerful and present today. We ask all this for the glory of Christ alone, amen. Mark 1:1-13 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Ephesians 2:11-22 - 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands-- 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. And now, may the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

As we begin our study on John the Baptist, we are going to take the Scripture accounts of his life from all four gospels and merge them into one single narrative.  But rest assured, all you will see is nothing but Scripture.  Nothing has been added.  This helps us get a complete view of John's incredible ministry, the man Jesus said was without rival in all of humanity (Matthew 11:11). The following is the beginning of John's ministry as told from Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:4-8 and Luke 3:1-18. (LK) Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. (MT) In those days John the Baptist (MK) came baptizing in the wilderness (MT) of Judea. (LK) And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, (MT) saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, (LK) saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'" (MT) Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. (MK) Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, (MT) and all the region around the Jordan went out to him (MK) and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. (MT) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, (LK) he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, (MT) "Brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.'  For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.  And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees.  Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (LK) So the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?"  He answered and said to them, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?"  And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you."  Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?"  So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages." Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, (MK) and he preached, (LK) saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water (MT) unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry, [and] (MK) whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.  I indeed baptized you with water, but (LK) He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.”  And with many other exhortations he preached to the people. But there is so much more.  And note the substance of John's preaching.  It was of repentance and the coming Kingdom of Heaven.  Are they both related?  Absolutely. The Word of God Came to John Did you catch the open phrase of John's ministry?  It says "the word of God came to John in the wilderness" (Luke 3:2).  How did that happen?  What was that like?  Does God still reveal Himself to others as He did to John?  Or has that time of specific, intimate instruction from God to man somehow ceased?  And if the "word of God" doesn't come to individuals today, did God stop transmitting or did we stop receiving?  These are important questions you must answer for yourself as you grow in your understanding of Him.  But remember, God can do anything He wants to anyone under any circumstance and at any time that pleases Him, period.  And He doesn't ask you or me for permission or how comfortable we feel about what He is doing.  We just hang on for the ride. That's why it says in Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen. Did you get that?  Ask or think.  It may take a measure of faith to ask God for something, but it takes even less to think it.  And God can do "exceedingly abundantly" beyond what we dream about in the solitude of our mind late at night but would never allow it to pass our lips and be heard by others.  God has them both covered. Join with us as we look at the life of the greatest man that ever lived, according to Jesus.  And I think He is a perfect judge of character.  Don't you? The following is a study on the Beginning of the Ministry of John the Baptist and the Preaching of the Kingdom of Heaven.

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.' " John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:1-8 https://my.bible.com/bible/111/LUK.3.1-8

Show #709   Good morning, good afternoon and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily for Wednesday 26th February 2020. It’s Martyn Lee here and I go through every EV story to save you time.   Thank you to MYEV.com for helping make this show, they’ve built the first marketplace specifically for Electric Vehicles. It’s a totally free marketplace that simplifies the buying and selling process, and help you learn about EVs along the way too.   Some people think this is a podcast about EVs, I like to think it's about hope. For a cleaner, sustainable future where we're not burning something which we know will run out, and drive fast fun electric cars.   HAVE ALL TESLA MODEL Y OWNERS BEEN TOLD TO 'PREPARE'? Following yesterday's podcast where we heard from listeners and people on twitter who confirmed their Model Y AWD Performance cars were being prepared for delivery, now we have an up date on the story. It seems people who want the RWD Long Range version are also getting their "prepare for delivery" emails. The questions we need to ask is, has anyone who bought a Model Y NOT received their email? The AWD Long Range Performance and AWD Long Range were supposed to be the two models which were first going into production and the ones most likely to deliver in March. In fact the Founders Editions would technically be first. If we can believe Twitter, those who ordered the Long Range RWD with 5 seat configuration have had their email from Tesla, or in some cases, no email but their Tesla account has updated when they checked. And that's interesting because the LR RWD is no longer available to order online, despite those who originally ordered it being told Fall 2020. At the launch last year it was shown on the presentation as having 300 miles but remember since then, the Dual Motor AWD now has a range of 315 miles. What about those who ordered the 7-seat configuration? If Twitter is to be believed, some people have had 'Prepare for delivery' whilst others have been offered the following:   "If you’d like to take delivery of your Model Y next month, you can adjust your order to the standard five-seat interior, removing the $3,000 seven-seat interior upgrade cost. Contact a Tesla adviser to update your order today."   Is this just a courtesy note? Could it mean they are backing away from 7 seats? There's no evidence for that.   TESLA'S PROJECT ROADRUNNER "Tesla's secret Roadrunner battery project promises cheap and energy-dense batteries that will extend vehicle range, reduce car prices and possibly jolt Tesla to new highs. There's talk that a vehicle equipped with these batteries may even be revealed at Tesla's Battery Day event this April." reports Eric Loveday at InsideEVs: "The latest intel on Tesla's improved battery technology suggests that the targets are reduced costs (that magical $100 per kWh figure is possibly within Tesla's grasp) and improved energy density. In fact, the pace is so rapid that there seems to be some indication that a vehicle with these advanced batteries will be shown in less than two month's time."   Of course many people have pointed out the range quoted on future vehicles are not possible with current energy density without very large battery packs. So the Roadster at 620 miles, and the Cybertruck at 500 miles, both rely on future technology to make it to market. Even the Semi and the Plaid Model S could be transformed with better batteries.   SAMSUNG SDI REPORTEDLY IN BATTERY SUPPLY TALKS WITH RIVIAN "South Korea’s leading lithium-ion battery maker Samsung SDI is in talks with US-based electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian for a deal to supply the latter with batteries, according to industry sources on Thursday." reports Korea Herald: "Although the value of the contract has not been revealed, industry sources say Samsung could supply batteries for an estimated 100,000 electric vans to be commercialized later this year through 2024."   http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200227000345   TURNPIKE AUTHORITY TEAMS WITH TESLA TO MORE THAN TRIPLE EV CHARGERS "New Jersey Turnpike Authority commissioners approved an agreement Tuesday that will bring new electric vehicle charging stations to eight Turnpike service areas, increasing the total of EV chargers on the Turnpike from 20 to 76." according to NJ Biz: "The authority says the licensing agreement allows Tesla to install eight V3 Superchargers, the newest version of the company’s proprietary charging technology, at each of six service areas and to double the number of Superchargers already in place at two other service areas. Tesla also will build the utility infrastructure necessary for third-party providers to install at least two dozen additional non-Tesla charging stations on the Turnpike.  Once all the Tesla charging stations called for in the licensing agreement have been installed, there will be electric vehicle charging facilities at nine of the 12 New Jersey Turnpike service areas."   Eight V3's at six locations is 48, other news outlets said that was 64 because at the Cranbury Supercharger and the East Burnswick they're swapping out old V2's for V3's, making 64 in total.   https://njbiz.com/turnpike-authority-teams-tesla-triple-ev-chargers/   POLESTAR CEO CALLS OUT INDUSTRY, GOV’T, CONSUMERS FOR SLOW EV PACE "Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath dreads the thought of spending time at next week’s Geneva auto show defending Volvo’s decision to launch a stand-alone electrified brand." he tells Automotive News Europe: "“How long will we have to explain that it's not a crazy idea to create a new electric car company, that type of discussion has me fed up. We shouldn't still be questioning this.”   https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/polestar-ceo-calls-out-industry-govt-consumers-slow-ev-pace   POLESTAR PRECEPT REVEALED "Polestar has revealed its latest concept model, Precept. It's a model that isn't set to join the range that currently features the 1 and 2, but it does provide hints as to the brands next model." reports Next Green Car: "To minimise distractions, the screen will show only basic information until the car's sensors track the driver's eyes looking at it. By tracking the driver's sight lines, it will adjust displays depending on the view required. Additional sensors will also detect when a hand is approaching it, when more information will be displayed, buttons made larger for easier use, and the screen will become brighter."   https://www.nextgreencar.com/news/8869/polestar-precept-revealed/   LORDSTOWN MOTORS ELECTRIC PICKUP NABS FIRST CUSTOMER IN FIRST ENERGY "Lordstown Motors, a product of General Motors' sale of its Lordstown, Ohio manufacturing facility, has a customer." wrrites CNET: "First Energy has signed a letter of intent to purchase 250 Endurance electric pickup trucks.  On the decision, First Energy said it's "proud to partner" with Lordstown Motors and hopes to support electric car growth in the areas it does business. The company operates in the midwest and mid-atlantic regions."   https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/lordstown-motors-endurance-electric-pickup-first-energy/   DS 9 DUE WITH TRIO OF PHEV POWERTRAINS "DS Automobiles has revealed its new model – the DS 9. Looking to see the DS name return to the executive saloon market, the DS 9 will feature the firm’s E-Tense plug-in hybrid technology." says Zap Map in the UK: "Featuring an 11.9 kWh battery, the DS 9 will be able to cover between 25 and 31 miles on electric power alone. DS 9 will be added to shortly after launch with an additional two E-Tense PHEV options. The first will be two-wheel drive and feature an increased range, while the second will be a four-wheel drive model with 360 hp on tap."   https://www.zap-map.com/ds-9-due-with-trio-of-phev-powertrains/   VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG R PLUG-IN HYBRID COMING TO GENEVA MOTOR SHOW Volkswagen ramps up its electrified campaign in 2020: with the world premiere of the new Touareg R at the Geneva Motor Show, the brand’s top-of-the-range model now also features a plug-in hybrid drive.  When the battery is sufficiently charged, the new SUV always starts in electric E-MODE for zero emissions. The all-round talent can be driven at up to 140 km/h using electric power; above this speed, the turbocharged V6 petrol engine (TSI) supplements the electric drive motor. The Touareg R will cover most commuter distances fully electrically. The hybrid drive of the Touareg R essentially consists of a 2,995 cm3 V6 turbocharged petrol engine (250 kW/340 PS), the electric drive motor (100kW/136 PS) and a lithium-ion battery (energy capacity of 14.1 kWh) built into the luggage compartment underbody. An 8-speed automatic gearbox (with Tiptronic) and a transfer box transmit the power to the standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. Touareg R is designed for a superior maximum trailer weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. it is the first Volkswagen R model to feature a plug-in hybrid drive. It is also the first time a hybrid model has been the most highly-powered Volkswagen.   NEW QUESTION OF THE WEEK The MYEV.com Question Of The Week…   How to persuade your friends, family and colleagues to buy an EV?   I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the 235 patrons of this podcast whose generosity means I get to keep making this show, which aims to entertain and inform thousands of listeners every day about a brighter future. By no means do you have to check out Patreon but if it’s something you’ve been thinking about, by all means look at patreon.com/evnewsdaily   [mention for Premium Partners]   You can listen to all 708 previous episodes of this this for free, where you get your podcasts from, plus the blog https://www.evnewsdaily.com/ – remember to subscribe, which means you don’t have to think about downloading the show each day, plus you get it first and free and automatically.   It would mean a lot if you could take 2mins to leave a quick review on whichever platform you download the podcast.   And if you have an Amazon Echo, download our Alexa Skill, search for EV News Daily and add it as a flash briefing.   Come and say hi on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter just search EV News Daily, have a wonderful day, I’ll catch you tomorrow and remember…there’s no such thing as a self-charging hybrid.     PHIL ROBERTS / ELECTRIC FUTURE (PREMIUM PARTNER) BRAD CROSBY (PREMIUM PARTNER) AVID TECHNOLOGY (PREMIUM PARTNER) BRIGHTSMITHGROUP.COM – FOR CLEANTECH TALENT (PREMIUM PARTNER)   DAVID ALLEN (PARTNER) OEM AUDIO OF NEW ZEALAND AND EVPOWER.CO.NZ (PARTNER) PAUL O’CONNOR (PARTNER) TRYEV.COM (PARTNER) GARETH HAMER eMOBILITY NORWAY HTTPS://WWW.EMOBILITYNORWAY.COM/  (PARTNER) BOB BOOTHBY (PARTNER) ALAN ROBSON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ALAN SHEDD (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ALEX BANAHENE (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ALEXANDER FRANK @ https://www.youtube.com/c/alexsuniverse42 ANDERS HOVE (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ANDREA JEFFERSON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ASEER KHALID (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ASHLEY HILL (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) BÅRD FJUKSTAD (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) BRENT KINGSFORD (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) BRIAN THOMPSON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) BRIAN WEATHERALL (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) BRUCE BOHANNAN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) CHARLES HALL (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) CHRIS HOPKINS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) COLIN HENNESSY (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) CRAIG COLES (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) CRAIG ROGERS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DAMIEN DAVIS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DARREN BYRD (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DARREN FEATCH (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DARREN SANT FROM YORKSHIRE EV CLUB (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DAVE DEWSON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DAVID BARKMAN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DAVID FINCH (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DAVID PARTINGTON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DAVID PRESCOTT (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) DEREK REILLY FROM THE DUBLIN EV OWNERS CLUB DON MCALLISTER / SCREENCASTSONLINE.COM (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ENRICO STEPHAN-SCHILOW (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ERU KYEYUNE-NYOMBI (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) FREDRIK ROVIK (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) FREEJOULE AKA JAMES (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) GENE RUBIN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) GEOFF LOWE (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) HEDLEY WRIGHT (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) IAN GRIFFITHS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) IAN SEAR (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JACK OAKLEY (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JAMES STORR (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JERRY ALLISON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JIM DUGAN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JIM MORRIS (EXECUTIVE PRODICERS) JOHN BAILEY (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JOHN C SOLAR (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JOHN LACEY FROM CLICK CLACK VIDEO NZ (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JON AKA BEARDY MCBEARDFACE FROM KENT EVS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JON KNODEL (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) JUAN GONZALEZ (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) KEN MORRIS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) KEVIN MEYERSON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) KYLE MAHAN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) LARS DAHLAGER (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) LAURENCE D ALLEN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) LEE BROWN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) LUKE CULLEY (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MARCEL LOHMANN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MARCEL WARD (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MARK BOSSERT (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MARLIN SCHELL (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MATT PISCIONE (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MAZ SHAR (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MIA OPPELSTRUP (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MICHAEL PASTRONE (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MICHEAEL KYFFIN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MIKE ROGERS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) MIKE WINTER (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) NATHAN GORE-BROWN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) NEIL E ROBERTS FROM SUSSEX EVS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) NORTHERN EXPLORERS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) OHAD ASTON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) PAUL RIDINGS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) PAUL SHELLEY ((EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) PAUL STEPHENSON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) PERRY SIMPKINS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) PETE GLASS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) PETE GORTON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) PETER & DEE ROBERTS FROM OXON EVS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER)  PHIL MOUCHET (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) PONTUS KINDBLAD (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) RAJ BADWAL (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) RAJEEV NARAYAN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) RALPH JENSON (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) RENÉ SCHNEIDER (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ROB COOLING / HTTP://WWW.APPLEDRIVING.CO.UK/ (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ROB HERMANS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ROBERT GRACE (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) ROBIN TANNER (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) RUPERT MITCHELL (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) SARI KANGASOJA (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) SEIKI PAYNE (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) STEPHEN PENN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) STEVE JOHN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) THOMAS J. THIAS  (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) THE PLUGSEEKER – EV YOUTUBE CHANNEL (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) TIM GUTTERIDGE (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) WILLIAM LANGHORNE (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER)     CONNECT WITH ME! EVne.ws/itunes EVne.ws/tunein EVne.ws/googleplay EVne.ws/stitcher EVne.ws/youtube EVne.ws/iheart EVne.ws/blog EVne.ws/patreon   Check out MYEV.com for more details: https://www.myev.com

Have you reviewed your retirement plan recently? Think your 401K is something that can wait until later? Listen about the new law effective as of January 1, 2020, a $1.4 Trillion spending package called the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 included the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act. Learn how these changes can benefit or effect you and your beneficiaries before it’s time to retire.

The Collect of the Day Second Sunday of Advent Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen The Old Testament Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. Matthew 3:1-12 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

A voice calls in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way for the Lord'.

Join us as we begin our Advent theme of 'Prophet Not Profit'. This week's sermon, 'Prepare for the Day of the Lord', is given by Charlotte West, with readings from Isaiah 2: 1-5 and Matthew 24: 37-44. A background to the book of Isaiah is given by Charlotte before the first reading. Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to record the second reading. This is a podcast from Northern Lights MCC. To find out more visit our website www.northernlightsmcc.org.uk

Who is John the Baptist and why is he in the wilderness? Jesus calls people a brood of vipers! We're going to be baptized by fire?!Luther House of Study's co-director, Sarah Stenson, joins the podcast to discuss the Advent text, Matthew 3:1-12. There was a lot to unpack in this text. Adam, Kiri, and Mason asked questions about:What does Jesus mean he can raise ancestors of Abraham out of stones?What's the difference of a Baptism by repentance vs a Baptism by spirit? There's fire involved?How have we been elected and how can we avoid the unquenchable fire?Matthew 3:1-12 1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' " 4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."Support the show (https://www.lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate)

October 27, 2019 We are studying the book of Matthew together and seeing how Matthew uses the Old Testament in the first part of his book. In the genealogy, he has shown the Jewish readers that Jesus has fulfilled what God has promised to Abraham, David, and all of Israel. Then, in the birth and childhood of Christ, we have seen how Jesus fulfilled five Old Testament statements unusually. Matthew points to a small part of the prophecies with a greater context in mind, and he says, "This took place to fulfill what the prophet said." These prophecies show that Jesus is God, king, rescuer, comforter, and yet he is also despised. This morning, Matthew brings up another man whose coming was foretold. His name is John the Baptist. All four of the gospel accounts record John's message because he was a very well known figure in the first century. Some even believed that he was the Christ until Herod murdered him for making his adulterous wife angry. Today we are going to understand who John was in light of the Old Testament, what John taught, and then we are going to learn why Matthew wants us to know about John in his account of Jesus' life. Who Was John? (3:1-6) Matthew 3:1--6 (ESV) --- 1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'" 4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Fulfilling The Prophets Matthew says that John the Baptist came preaching in those days in the wilderness of Judea. This was just as Isaiah foretold in Isaiah 40:3. If you were here for the last sermon, you know what we have to do. We have to look at Isaiah 40 and understand the greater context. If you were to study the whole book of Isaiah, you would find that the first 39 chapters to be a mixture of judgment and promises. Many of the judgments are against the nations surrounding Judah, but chapter 39 contains judgment against Judah. Hezekiah, their king, has shown Babylonians the riches in the temple. Isaiah 39:5--6 (ESV) --- 5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: 6 Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. Isaiah 40:1--5 (ESV) --- 1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.", Isaiah 40:9--11 (ESV) --- 9 Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" 10 Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. In Isaiah, God is speaking of one who goes out before God to prepare the way and to proclaim God's arrival. This is typically what kings would do in those times. They would have one man go in front to make repairs to the road so that the king's chariot would not be damaged or overturned. Another man would go into the coming towns to proclaim the coming king's arrival and to prepare the people. Notice that this chapter points to the Lord's coming, and the glory of the Lord is being revealed. He says, "Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God comes with might." Matthew and all of the authors know that John has done this very thing. He has proclaimed the coming of the Lord, just as Isaiah foretold. The following chapters of Isaiah are primarily about the Lord's servant, who will come and save God's people. But Matthew has something else in mind as well. He points out the clothing of John as being camel's hair and a leather belt. This is relatively unusual attire for anyone to wear, but it matches the attire of a prophet in the Old Testament named Elijah. In 2 Kings 1:8, King Ahaziah described a man in a hairy garment with a leather belt, and he knows that it is Elijah the Tishbite. Why does Matthew say that John is dressed like Elijah? Malachi also told of a messenger who would come to prepare the way of the Lord in the last book of the Old Testament. Malachi 3:1 (ESV) --- 1 "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 4:5--6 (ESV) --- 5 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction." Matthew also wanted to tie John the Baptist with the later prophets so that everyone could see that he was not the Christ, but he prepared the way for the Christ to come just as the Old Testament promised. Also, notice for later that this was to avoid the decree of utter destruction. A Symbol of Holiness John stood as a symbol for the people. He was a man who lived in the middle of the wilderness for most of his life, eating locusts and wild honey. Isn't that odd? Why would God send a prophet out in the desert instead of into the heart of a city? His life was spent outside the corruptible influences of Jewish teachers and outside of the love of money. He was a simple man who was devoted to the Lord. What an example of devotion and faith! Jesus would go on to say that among those born of women, there is none greater than John. Can you imagine living this kind of life? He is giving up all of the comforts that he could enjoy to serve the Lord. How many of us are unwilling to let a few amenities go to be a little more devoted to the Lord. We add comforts to comforts in our lives, but John was willing to give it all up to fulfill his purpose in life. This serves as an example for us of one who loves God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. What Did John Teach? (3:7-12) John's message was a mixture of hope and "Hellfire and Brimstone." The core of his message was that people must "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." We see this as a fulfillment of Malachi's prophecy. He is trying to get the people to change before they are destroyed. Those who listened would receive the blessings of the kingdom, and those who refused would be punished. Throughout the prophets, we see a day of impending doom on all of God's people who fail to repent. The most vivid image is in Joel, where God displays his army coming in and destroying everything like a plague of locusts. The only way to be saved from this day of destruction is by rending or tearing open your hearts and calling on the name of the Lord before it is too late. The people heard John's message, and they were turning to the Lord to be baptized by him. They were confessing their sins and showing humility before the Lord just as God desired. But not everyone would respond in this way. Let's look at part of John's message that is recorded for us as he interacts with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 3:7--12 (ESV) --- 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." We see that John responds to the religious leaders by rebuking them. He does not consider them to be righteous and holy. They are the evil shepherds of Israel who more resemble the serpent than Abraham. John even tells them that they are trying to rely on their ancestry to give a right standing with God, but God can raise up children for Abraham from ordinary stones. This would be a huge cut to the Jewish reader who wanted to rely on their heritage. John is trying to humble these leaders who think they know so much. If they're going to flee the wrath to come, they must bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Throughout Matthew's account, he will show us how these Pharisees and Sadducees are all about appearing righteous on the outside. Still, inside, they are filthy and horrible sinners who love money and hate everybody. Beginning with verse 10, he describes judgment against them. He says, "Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Fire is a common description of judgment throughout the Old Testament. If these Pharisees refuse to submit to John with humility, how will they avoid the judgment? Verse 11 says, "I baptize you with water for repentance." Then, he says that one greater than he is will "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." What does this mean, and why does he say this in this way? First, finish the reading by understanding verse 12. In verse 12, he says, "His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Notice that verses 10, 11, and 12 promise fire. Verse 12 continues the discussion of judgment against those who refuse to repent by providing a picture of chaff and wheat being separated and the chaff being burned continually forever. John's message was full of judgment against these religious rulers. So, "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire," may be all about judgment for those who rebel. The baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire is a difficult thing to understand. As I see John anticipating the coming of the Lord to be full of judgment based on the words of the prophets, I think the primary emphasis is on the fire of judgment. So what is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and why is it joined to fire in this way? It could be that John is referring to Isaiah 4:4, where "spirit of judgment and spirit of fire" are mentioned. But it could also refer to the blessings that the one greater than John would bring. Many times the spirit is spoken of in the Old Testament as being poured out to provide blessings (Isa 32:14-18, 44:3-5; Eze 37:13-14, 39:28-29; Amos 9:11-15; Joel 2:28-3:1). John would go on to say, "The wheat will be gathered into the barn," so there is a hint of the blessing. You can see the combination of these fire and blessing in Malachi as well. Malachi 4:1--3 (ESV) --- 1 "For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. 3 And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts. Overall, John's message was one of great excitement as we see that the kingdom of heaven is at hand or near. To the Jews, that would mean that they are going to be restored and receive all the blessings promised by God. It would be even better than at any time in their history. But it was also intended to strike fear into the hearts of the people who believed that they could continue their idolatrous, sinful lives without repenting with all humility. His message comes on the heels of Malachi's message, breaking 400 years of silence. Men must fear the Lord to be saved from the wrath of God. Matthew wants that message to strike a chord with his readers. What Does This Tell Us About Jesus? In the next section, we will see how Jesus came to John to be baptized, but consider what Matthew has just revealed to us about Jesus through John's description and teaching. Some crazy guy wearing camel hair is out in the wilderness preaching, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew says that this John is preparing the way for one who is more significant than him. He is trying to turn the hearts of the people to be faithful and avoid destruction. Those who refuse to repent with all their heart will be destroyed with unquenchable fire. What does all of this tell us about Jesus? Jesus is not a fluffy little teddy bear. He did not come down to earth to pat everyone on the back and say, "You are doing a great job!" He came to complete what John has started. He came to solidify what John preached in the minds and hearts of the people. They must be transformed in their hearts and bear fruit in keeping with repentance before it is too late. In Isaiah 35, we see John's mission made clear. This is leading up to the Isaiah 40 description of John. Verse 1 talks about how the wilderness will be a place of gladness and rejoicing. Then verse 8 gives the main reason why. Isaiah 35:8 (ESV) --- 8 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. Here we see that the way of holiness is created in the wilderness. That means that those who go into the wilderness can find a way to become the holy people of God. They have found the way to walk and not go astray. What does this have to do with Jesus? He is the way! Matthew is pointing out that those who submit to John's water baptism will be prepared to see the way of holiness that Christ is going to offer. They must humble themselves and not believe that their righteousness is good enough to make them holy. Those who refuse to submit will be the ones receiving the wrath of God. They will be unclean and unable to walk in the way of holiness. But those who bear fruit in keeping with repentance will find the transformation they are looking for through Jesus. What About Us? Have we submitted our lives to the total transformation that John and all the prophets commanded? The religious world around us likes to soften the call to repentance, but John required a complete transformation from the heart. Jesus will, as well. At the end of this book, we see Jesus commanding his disciples to do the same thing that John was commanding. Matthew 28:18--20 (ESV) --- 18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." The message to us should be clear. We must bear fruit in keeping with repentance and humbly submit by confessing our sins and being baptized. Have you prepared your heart to walk down the way Jesus created? It is a way of holy living, devotion, and faithfulness to God. Maybe you think that it's impossible to live a life like that, but Jesus came to make it possible. He provides the forgiveness needed to help us as we learn to be God's holy people on the earth. What hinders you from submitting to God and being forgiven as you repent and are baptized into Christ?

Dr. Chris Croghan joins this week's conversation to talk about October 6th's lectionary text centering on how Jesus responds to the apostles' request to, "Increase our faith!"Questions we asked:What is faith?Is faith even something I can increase?Why don't the disciples believe Jesus is sustaining them?How can I trust Jesus?Gospel: Luke 17:5-105 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6 The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. 7 "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? 8 Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? 9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!' " Support the show (https://www.lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate)

As we come to our 100th episode, we take a moment to take stock of the journey we're on.   READING Mark 1:1-3 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'"   MUSIC Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult, St George Winyah Episcopal Church Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Sarah Noelle Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Hillbilly Thomists

'Prepare, Procrastinate, Perish' - Rehashing the parable of the 10 Virgins - Parable of the Talents, Spiritual Capital - Higher & Lower Laws in the Parables - The destruction of the temple of the Jews, the restoration of the temple of the Gentiles.   www.cwicmedia.com www.facebook.com/cwicmedia   Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

1 Kings 18:41-46 (NKJV) 41  Then Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain." 42  So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, 43  and said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." So he went up and looked, and said, "There is nothing." And seven times he said, "Go again." 44  Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, "There is a cloud, as small as a man's hand, rising out of the sea!" So he said, "Go up, say to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.' " 45  Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. 46  Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

'Find' is the last message (01/06/2019) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackIsaiah 60:1-6 - Matthew 2:1-12#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #find #isaiah-60 #matthew-2

'Find' is the last message (01/06/2019) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackIsaiah 60:1-6 - Matthew 2:1-12#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #find #isaiah-60 #matthew-2

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:'Prepare the way of the Lord;Make His paths straight.'"Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

'Welcome' is the fourth message (12/23/2018) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackMicah 5:2-5a - Luke 1:39-55#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #welcome #micah-5 #luke-1

'Welcome' is the fourth message (12/23/2018) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackMicah 5:2-5a - Luke 1:39-55#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #welcome #micah-5 #luke-1

'Do' is the third message (12/16/2018) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackZephaniah 3:14-20 - Luke 3:7-18#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #do #zephaniah-3 #luke-3

'Do' is the third message (12/16/2018) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackZephaniah 3:14-20 - Luke 3:7-18#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #do #zephaniah-3 #luke-3

Luke 3:1-6Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church from the Gospel of Luke:In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God

'Refine' is the second message (12/09/2018) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackMalachi 3:1-4 - Luke 3:1-6#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #refine #malachi-3 #luke-3

'Refine' is the second message (12/09/2018) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackMalachi 3:1-4 - Luke 3:1-6#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #refine #malachi-3 #luke-3

In this show we continue our series about Advent and about how to prepare for Christmas at home. We talk about the meaning of the second two candles 'Be Glad' and 'Prepare'. We think about those who are not looking forward to Christmas and how we can find deep joy even in the toughest situations. Read more about how to make a wreath and the prayers you can use at our website: https://www.yateparish.org/single-post/2018/11/24/Advent-Becoming-People-of-Hope-in-the-Darkness Let us know how you got on with making your advent wreaths by posting pictures on our social media. Don't forget to follow us on twitter: @yateparish https://twitter.com/Yateparish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yateparish/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yateparishchurch/

'Stand' is the first message (12/02/2018) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackJeremiah 33:14-16 - Luke 21:25-36#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #stand #Jeremiah-33 #luke-2

'Stand' is the first message (12/02/2018) in the 'Prepare the Way' series from the Alto area United Methodist Churches (A. Frank Smith UMC and Cold Springs UMC).afsumc.orgJohn R. BlackJeremiah 33:14-16 - Luke 21:25-36#afsumc #alto-methodist #csumc #christianity #prepare #stand #Jeremiah-33 #luke-2

Consequence 06       Jesus - the Object of our Faith   ~ In this brief series called Consequences, we are looking together at 7 consequences of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Today we continue to look a bit deeper into that God-man, Jesus Christ! ~ John 1:1 & 18“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning… No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.” ~ Why would God become a man? We see through the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ that God himself has taken on the responsibility for our sins. Jesus, the Son of God, bore our sins on the cross, became sin for us, even though he was without sin. By doing this we are drawn to God in a personal way through Jesus Christ. God has shown that he loves us and wants us in a relationship with himself. Through Jesus, God has bridged the gap between the supernatural and the natural, the infinite and the finite, to show us what He is like. Jesus as God in person gives humanity a focal point to respond to. In Jesus Christ, we see that by becoming a man, He humbled Himself (Philippians 2v8) in order to confirm God's promises (Genesis 3v15) and reveal God the Father (John 1v18, 14v9)! We see that Jesus came to become our high priest (Hebrews 8v1)intercessor, mediator and representative before God (1 John 2v1)! J esus, the Son of God, became human so as to destroy all the works of satan (1 John 3v8, Hebrews 2v14), to give humanity an example of living a holy life (1 Peter 2v21, 1 John 1v6) and to prepare for the redemption of all creation (1 John 2v2)! WOW! This Jesus was both fully God and fully human. This unity of divine and human nature is called ‘hypostatic union‘. Let us look briefly at this Jesus! ~ Jesus Was Fully Human Jesus was fully human! We know this because He is explicitly called a man (John 8v40; 1 Timothy 2v5), was born of a woman (Galatians 4v4), so at least in a prenatal state he was nurtured and formed as any other male baby was and is. Jesus exhibited normal human emotions such as love, sorrow, anger and anguish. Jesus wept tears of sorrow. Jesus ate and drank as any normal human did and He had a body and a soul (Matthew 26v26-38). He had normal human experiences – tiredness, sleeping, perspiration, temptations (Hebrews 2v18); hunger (Matthew 4v12). Jesus died just as all people do. Jesus was human in every way that we are - physically, mentally and emotionally. The only exception to this is that He was sinless (2 Corinthians 5v21; Hebrews 2v26). He was the Son of Man and Son of God and did not inherit the carnal nature that all humans have. But why does Jesus need to be fully human? Firstly, so Jesus death could appease God’s anger with us. Secondly, so that Jesus can empathize and pray for us in our own sufferings. Thirdly, Jesus exhibited true and perfect humanity and therefore is an example to follow. Fifthly, while God is both above and beyond creation, by becoming human, this shows that He is not so far removed from us, that He cannot interact with his creation. ~ Jesus Was Fully God Not only was Jesus fully human but He was simultaneously fully God! He is expressly called God - (John 1v1) The Word was God; (John 1v14), the only begotten God (John 20v28) and He accepted titles from others such as when the Apostle Thomas exclaimed “My Lord and my God”. Additionally Old Testament descriptions of God were applied to Jesus. (Matthew 3v3) 'Prepare ye the way of Jehovah!’ Jesus possessed the attributes of God - (John 14v6) Life; (John 8v58) Eternal; (John 14v6) Truth! The works of God are ascribed to Jesus - (Col 1v16) and Jesus receives honour worship and glory belonging to God alone.Jesus had equality with God - (John 10v30, 33) I and the Father are One; John 5v18)!  Jesus in His very nature was God; (1 Timothy 6v15) and King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Jesus was and is the Alpha and Omega! Jesus was the Christ; (John 8v58) and much to the chagrin of the Jewish religious leaders declared frequently that He was the great “I AM”, an explicit claim to be God! Jesus - fully God and fully human - the object of our faith! Tomorrow we look even closer at this man and in one particular aspect of his relevancy today - our suffering - in the next of our series, “Consequences”! See you soon at Partakers! ~ Right Mouse click or tap here to save this as an audio mp3 file You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

'And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great sounds of thunders, saying, The kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.' —Revelation 11:15 (Lamsa) 'AND I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away; and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and the very God shall be with them, and be their God; and He shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor wailing, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things have passed away. And He who sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.' —Revelation 21:1-5 (Lamsa) • Lyrics: The whole world gasps as it sees the mess: The briefcase is opened, the button is pressed. In the blink of an eye, the Earth will be aflame. We will all go together, we will all go the same. 𐬀𐬴𐬆𐬨 𐬬𐬊𐬵𐬏 𐬬𐬀𐬵𐬌𐬱𐬙𐬆𐬨 𐬀𐬯𐬙𐬍, but righteousness is lacking, and the nasty and the false have their flags all unfurled. Ahriman is cackling as fear grips the world. Ahriman is cackling as fear grips the world. Let the waters of life dry up and commence the dissolution of all human pretence. Mothers cry out as their children die from napalm and bombs falling out of the sky. The Antichrist seals a pact with each nation and declares the entire world his station. It's the beginning of the end for the human race: ܛܲܢܦܘܼܬܵ‌ܐ ܕܚܵܪܵܒܵܐ is in the holy place. ܛܲܢܦܘܼܬܵ‌ܐ ܕܚܵܪܵܒܵܐ is in the holy place. And I have retreated to my little house. The telly blares as the newscasters announce a financial collapse and declarations of war. I lean back in my chair; I'm feeling sore. As images of death play across the screen, I drink a little wine from my old canteen. And I pray a Collect for the hope of the world, yet the banner of Death has been unfurled. Yet the banner of Death has been unfurled. If only I had never even been born, I would never have been abused and torn apart by trauma and by insanity. I would never have wept for my humanity. I would never have mourned my dead and gone, I would never have stood before Babylon. I would never have comforted my ailing friends. I would never have had to make amends. I would never have had to make amends. As I ruminate alone, all weak and weary, the atmosphere turns from sad to eerie. A voice I hear—it cries from the desert, the voice of a prophet of joy and hurt. 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord,' he calls. As I jump from my chair, I nearly fall, but I rush upstairs and I look outside, and I see the glory of God worldwide. And I see the glory of God worldwide. I see Him coming from atop my little spire; He descends triumphant in wind and fire from clouds parting like the Sea of Reeds. He brings with Him a bag of seeds and sows them across all the lands of the Earth, making it new. It is the world's rebirth! הַעוֹלָם הַזֶּ֗ה has passed; הַעוֹלָם הַבָּא has arrived! Heaven and Earth have merged alive! Heaven and Earth have merged alive! Climbing out and then breaking Hell's jaws! Committing crimes against the accepted laws! Stealing and giving out all ill-gotten wealth! Spitting in the face even of the Devil himself! Ripping apart the very veil of night! As the dawn approaches and we start to see the light, a voice calls out like lightning and thunder: 'The idols have been cast down and rent asunder! The idols have been cast down and rent asunder!' • Credits: • Evangeline Sutherland ——vocals, production, guitar, synths, lyrics, composition

Many caregivers at some point or another find themselves in a hospital waiting room. Either a loved one has had an unforeseen medical emergency and you anxiously await the results, or perhaps your loved one has a long-term medical issue that has you in and out of hospitals all the time. Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff are often very helpful when at the hospital, bu what happens when something goes wrong or doesn't feel right? What can you do to advocate for your loved one as a caregiver, and what resources are available once you go home? To answer those questions, 'Prepare to Care' podcast host Marie-Pierre is turning to AARP Outreach and Advocacy State director, Isabel Longoria, and local patient advocate, Bonnie Shereen.

He Is LordScripture:Mark 1:1-8The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:"I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"—3 "a voice of one calling in the wilderness,'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: "After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."Sermon Notes:1. Christ has not __________________ you.2. Christ does not ________ in your box3. Christ will require you to ____________. Scripture taken from the New King James Version ®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The 'Prepare to Care' podcast has talked about the different resources available for people with Alzheimer's or Dementia, and the unique caregiving struggles they may present. The issue is how to tell when you're getting to that point. The brain works in mysterious ways, many of which science is only now starting to understand. So, how can we easily keep track of our brain health? In this edition of the 'Prepare to Care' podcast, host Marie Pierre speaks to Dr. Yael Katz and her colleague Jordan Weinstein about the brain and how it works. They have tips on how to keep the brain healthy and how we can tell if something isn't working properly before it is too late. Believe it or not, the answer may lie in an app they are both developing called BrainCheck. The idea is to learn from football players and concussions to help track cognitive health as we age.

When one thinks of caregiving one often thinks of it as a series of very personal interactions. Making dinner for the family, helping parents and other personal tasks. But what happens when we can't be there in person or burn out? What technologies are out there to help us? In this episode of our 'Prepare to Care' podcast, host Marie-Pierre talks to Nadia Morris. Ms. Morris is the director of AT&T Foundry for Connected health. They discuss technology and discuss all the fascinating things they are inventing to help caregivers in the not-so-distant future.

Have you ever started a job and forgot the ending? has your mom spent hours searching for her glasses only to find them on her head? We often play these off as "senior moments", but when do these innocent slips turn into something more serious like dementia? And what is the best way to care for a loved one who has trouble remembering? We try to get answers to those questions in this week's 'Prepare to Care' podcast. Host Marie-Pierre talks to Ann Marie McDonald, Chief Program Officer of the Houston and Southeast Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. They discuss games our brain can play on us and resources in Houston to help keep us healthy.

Caregivers are often in charge of making important health decisions for their loved ones, but there are some special challenges when it comes to dealing with legal documents and planning for the future. In this episode of the 'Prepare to Care' podcast Marie-Pierre talks to Crystal Jenkins about the dos and don'ts of will and deed transfer planning. Jenkins is a staff attorney and clinical teaching fellow with the South Texas College of Law. Her team provides free workshops around Houston to help educate people on sensitive legal topics.

When we think of the caregivers, we usually think of daughters taking care of their parents. While the average caregiver is a woman, about 49 years old, the latest numbers show 40% of caregivers in the United States are men. In this latest edition of the 'Prepare to Care' podcast, host Marie-Pierre talks to Stan Cutherell. He's a Houston musician and life coach who has done a lot of work with men. Cutherell has also been a caregiver for both of his parents.

This week on 'Prepare to Care', host Marie-Pierre talks to Dr. Jessica Lee. Dr. Lee specializes in geriatric medicine and she sheds some light on how to talk to your doctors about aging and how to talk to doctors as caregivers.

Often it is a group of family members who work together to take care of a parent or other loved one. While it is wonderful to have a group of family members to serve as caregivers, it can also be challenging dealing with family dynamics. Who makes decisions for loved ones especially when money is involved? In this 'Prepare to Care' podcast, host Marie-Pierre talks to Dr. Sunderland Manousso who specializes in family dynamics and elder mediation. She offers tips on dealing with tricky family problems. Find other podcasts at aarp.org/ptc and more on Dr. Sunderland Manousso at www.manousso.us .

This week 'Prepare to Care' podcast host Marie-Pierre looks at long distance caregiving. It can be challenging for both parties involved, but technology, planning ahead, and a little creativity are making it much easier for families.

This week 'Prepare to Care' podcast host Marie-Pierre talks with Brandon Wheeler about depression and "empathy burnout" in caregivers. Wheeler is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a private practice in Houston. As many of us know, caring for a loved one has many joys and growth opportunities, but it can also take a toll on us physically, mentally and emotionally.

Pastor Rus Says   Welcome to the sermon podcast for October 7 2016 from First Lutheran in Shelby, Ohio with Pastor Rus Yoak. When Jesus talks to his disciples he tells them the secret to having an amazing faith life is simple and small.  Have some mustard.  Actually he says have a mustard seed worth of faith and the rest will sort itself out....enough to throw a mulberry fig tree right out of the ground and into the ocean, but exactly how does that work?  The answer comes with mustard....  One more thing: A big thanks to my friend/colleague/Brother-In-Law/college-roomate Todd Zielinski for collaborating with me on writing this one.  Your mustard seed metaphor preached like a champ.   Luke 17:5-10 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 17:6 The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. 17:7 "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? 17:8 Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? 17:9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 17:10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'"

Two former U.S. Special Forces Green Berets with decades of operational experience invite you to join them for episode 3 of Ranger TV. Mike & Kev provide insight on YPG care packages, bug out bags, home defense, and a book review. We are still working on a format..

FieldCraft LLC presents Two former U.S. Special Forces Green Berets with decades of operational experience in hostile environments. Our purpose is to better prepare the American citizen with knowledge that will preserve life in worst case scenarios. All tactics, techniques and procedures discussed have been developed and gathered by former Special Operations soldiers and subject matter experts in their particular field of expertise. We have walked it, now it’s time to talk about it…Welcome to the Ready Room.

December 6, 2014 - Fr. Xavier asks: "How do you hear the meaning in 'Prepare the way of the Lord?'". Is it in the wars, poverty, the enormity of social unrest in the world, the eyes of those you meet? The answer is yes, the way of the lord is everywhere. Grace,love and Christare only effective if we act, graceneeds to be put into action;and we need to look into the eyes of Jesus within others.

Stories of Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Jim Jeffries and June Allyson. A story about atomic energy by Senator Brien McMahon and 'Prepare or Perish" by General George C. Marshall.