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The Gospel of John 2021 Part One: The Glory of the Son By Louie Marsh, 4-18-2021   Intro – 4 cartoons – last one robbed left with bad sheet.   The Glory of Jesus:   1) Jesus is eternally GOD.   “1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1–3, ESV)   In the beginning (ἐν ἀρχῃ [en archēi]). Ἀρχη [Archē] is definite, though anarthrous like our at home, in town, and the similar Hebrew be reshith [bərēʾšîṯ; בְּרֵאשִׁית] in Gen. 1:1. There is no argument here to prove the existence of God any more than in Genesis. Three times in this sentence John uses this imperfect of εἰμι [eimi] to be which conveys no idea of origin for God or for the Logos, simply continuous existence.   The Word (ὁ λογος [ho logos]). old word in Homer to lay by, to collect, to put words side by side, to speak, to express an opinion. Λογος [Logos] is common for reason as well as speech. Heraclitus used it for the principle which controls the universe. The Stoics employed it for the soul of the world (ἀνιμα μυνδι [anima mundi]) Marcus Aurelius used σπερματικος λογος [spermatikos logos] for the generative principle in nature.   At any rate John’s standpoint is that of the Old Testament and not that of the Stoics nor even of Philo who uses the term Λογος [Logos]   It therefore signifies both the outward form by which the inward thought is expressed, and the inward thought itself, the Latin oratio and ratio: compare the Italian ragionare, “to think” and “to speak.” As signifying the outward form it is never used in the merely grammatical sense, as simply the name of a thing or act (ἔπος, ὄνομα, ῥῆμα), but means a word as the thing referred to: the material, not the formal part: a word as embodying a conception or idea   As signifying the inward thought, it denotes the faculty of thinking and reasoning (Heb. 4:12); regard or consideration (Acts 20:24); reckoning, account (Philip. 4:15, 17; Heb. 4:13); cause or reason (Acts 10:29).   Vincent (1887) sums this up nicely for us:   As Logos has the double meaning of thought and speech, so Christ is related to God as the word to the idea, the word being not merely a name for the idea, but the idea itself expressed. The thought is the inward word...   The Logos of John is the real, personal God (1:1), the Word, who was originally before the creation with God, and was God, one in essence and nature, yet personally distinct (1:1, 18); the revealer and interpreter of the hidden being of God; the reflection and visible image of God, and the organ of all His manifestations to the world...   He made all things, proceeding personally from God for the accomplishment of the act of creation (1:3), and became man in the person of Jesus Christ, accomplishing the redemption of the world. -   With God (προς τον θεον [pros ton theon]). Though existing eternally with God the Logos was in perfect fellowship with God. Προς [Pros] with the accusative presents a plane of equality and intimacy, face to face with each other.   And the Word was God (και θεος ἠν ὁ λογος [kai theos ēn ho logos]). By exact and careful language John denied Sabellianism by not saying ὁ θεος ἠν ὁ λογος [ho theos ēn ho logos]. The subject is made plain by the article (ὁ λογος [ho logos]) and the predicate without it (θεος [theos]) just as in John 4:24 πνευμα ὁ θεος [pneuma ho theos] can only mean “God is spirit,” not “spirit is God.” So in 1 John 4:16 ὁ θεος ἀγαπη ἐστιν [ho theos agapē estin] can only mean “God is love,” not “love is God” as a so-called Christian scientist would confusedly say. For the article with the predicate see Robertson, Grammar, pp. 767f. So in John 1:14 ὁ Λογος σαρξ ἐγενετο [ho Logos sarx egeneto], “the Word became flesh,” not “the flesh became Word.”   2) Jesus is the CREATOR of the universe.   3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3, ESV)   3) Jesus is the LIFE & LIGHT of all people.   “4In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:4–9, ESV)   Jesus is our   “10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:10–13, ESV)   Jesus alone reveals who & what GOD   “14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (John 1:14–18, ESV)   4) Jesus is the core all true Christian TESTIMONY.   “29The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”” (John 1:29–31, ESV)        

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Hasan Almasi on Unsplash Thoughts By What Power In chapter 4, after Peter and John were arrested for talking about Jesus after the lame beggar was healed, and they were standing before the religious leaders, they were asked, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”, what does scripture say happened? It says, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit! Do you remember how often Peter would put his foot in his mouth when He was with Jesus? Sure, he got a few things right, but he often said exactly the wrong things, didn’t he? And now that he is filled with the Holy Spirit, God speaks just the right words through him.  Earlier in this chapter, we are told that after he preached, the number of the men added to the church was now about five thousand. The day before it was three thousand. So the Holy Spirit’s filling has made him a powerful and convincing speaker, wouldn’t you say? Peter Is Transformed What happened on the night that Jesus was crucified? Peter wouldn't even admit to knowing Jesus. He was afraid and perhaps even ashamed to acknowledge Jesus. And now, the words he speaks have brought about five thousand men to believe in Jesus. And we don’t know how many more women there were. So many of us are afraid to stand up and speak the name of Jesus. Here in Acts chapter four, Peter says to the religious leaders, “…if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-by this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. 12And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." How is that for boldness?  Now get this: “13Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” The Same Message Why did they recognize them as having been with Jesus? Because of the Holy Spirit’s speaking through them! They spoke in the same way as Jesus did! Well of course they did! God is One. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have the same message because they are One. The point to take away from this is that if you will let the Holy Spirit speak through you, you will have the right words to say…words that are from God and words that will change the hearts of people. Boldness And my friend, we need this kind of filling of the Holy Spirit as much today as they needed that day, because there are those who tell us, like the religious leaders told them, “Do not speak of Jesus!” You know it’s true, and it is only getting worse. If you are a believer, be ready to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. You will be amazed at what He will do through you. Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 3 HCSB, Ch. 4 NASB Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

The real meaning of possession should be clarified. 2Fear of possession is a perverted expression of the fear of the irresistible attraction of God. 3The truth is still that the attraction of God is irresistible at all levels, and the acceptance of this totally unavoidable truth is only a matter of time. 4But you should consider whether you want to wait, because you can return now, if you choose.2 Possession is a concept which has been subject to numerous distortions, some of which we will list below:3 Type 1: Possession can be associated with the body only. 2If this occurs, sex is particularly likely to be contaminated. 3Possession versus being possessed is apt to be seen as the male versus the female role. 4Since neither will be conceived of as satisfying alone, and both will be associated with fear, this interpretation is particularly vulnerable to psychosexual confusion.24 Type 2: From a rather similar reference point, possession can also be associated with things. 2This is essentially a shift from type 1 and is usually due to an underlying fear of associating possession with people. 3In this sense, it is an attempt to protect people from one’s possessiveness, like the superstition about “protecting the name” we mentioned before.35 Both type 1 and type 2 are likely to become compulsive for several reasons, including:a) 2They represent an attempt to escape from the real possession drive, which cannot be satisfied this way.b) 3They set up substitute goals, which are usually reasonably easy to attain.4c) 4They appear to be relatively harmless, and thus seem to allay fear. 5The fact that they usually interfere with good interpersonal relationships can be interpreted, in this culture, as a lack of sophistication on the part of the other (not the self), and this induces a false feeling of confidence in the solution. 6It is also fairly easy to find a partner who shares the illusion. 7Thus, we have any number of relationships which are actually established on the basis of type 1, and others which hold together primarily because of a joint interest in type 2.d) 8The manifestly external emphasis which both entail seems to be a safety device, and thus permits a false escape from much more basic inhibitions.5 9As a compromise solution, the illusion of interpersonal relating is preserved, along with the retention of lack of love. 10This kind of psychic juggling leaves the juggler with a feeling of emptiness, which in fact is perfectly justified, because he is acting from scarcity. 11He then becomes more and more driven in his behavior, to fill the emptiness.6 When these solutions have been invested with extreme belief, type 1 leads to sex crimes and type 2 to stealing. 2The kleptomaniac is a good example of the latter.7 Generally, three types of emotional disturbance result:a) 2The tendency to maintain the illusion that only the physical is real. 3This produces depression.b) 4The tendency to invest the physical with nonphysical properties. 5This is essentially magic and tends more toward anxiety-proneness.c) 6The tendency to vacillate from one to the other, which produces a corresponding vacillation between depression and anxiety.7All three result in self-imposed starvation.8 Type 3: Another type of distortion is seen in the fear of or desire for “spirit” possession. 2The term “spirit” is profoundly debased in this context, but it does entail a recognition that the body is not enough and investing it with magic will not work. 3This recognition accepts the fact that neither type 1 nor type 2 is sufficient, but precisely because it does not limit fear so narrowly, it is more likely to produce greater fear in its own right.9 Endowing the Spirit with human possessiveness is a more inclusive error than type 1 or type 2, and a step somewhat further away from the right mind. 2Projection is also more likely to occur, with vacillations between grandiosity and fear.6 3“Religion,” in a distorted sense, is also more likely to occur in this kind of error, because the idea of a “spirit” is introduced, though fallaciously, while it is excluded from type 1 and type 2. 4Witchcraft is thus particularly apt to be associated with type 3, because of the much greater investment in magic.10 It should be noted that type 1 involves only the body, and type 2 involves an attempt to associate things with human attributes. 2Type 3, on the other hand, is a more serious level confusion, because it endows the Spirit with evil attributes. 3This accounts both for the religious zeal of its proponents and the aversion (or fear) of its opponents. 4Both attitudes stem from the same false belief.11 This is not what the Bible means by “filled with the Holy Spirit.”7 2The concept of “speaking in many tongues” was originally an injunction to communicate to everyone in his own language, or at his own level. 3It hardly meant to speak in a way that nobody could understand.12 This strange error occurs when people do understand the need for universal communication, but have contaminated it with the possession fallacy. 2The fear engendered by this misperception leads to a conflicted state in which communication is attempted, but the fear is allayed by making the communication incomprehensible.8 3It could also be said that the fear induces selfishness or regression, because incomprehensible communication is hardly a worthy offering from one Son of God to another.13 Type 4: Knowledge can also be misinterpreted as a means of possession. 2Here, the content is not physical, and the underlying fallacy is more likely to be the confusion of mind and brain.9 3The attempt to unite nonphysical content with physical attributes is illustrated by statements like “the thirst for knowledge.” 4This is not what “thirst” in the Bible means.10 5The term was used only because of humanity’s limited comprehension and is probably better dropped.14 The fallacious use of knowledge can result in several errors, including:a) 2The idea that knowledge will make the individual more attractive to others. 3This is a possession fallacy.11b) 4The idea that knowledge will make the individual invulnerable. 5This is a reaction formation against the underlying fear of vulnerability.c) 6The idea that knowledge will make the individual worthy. 7This is largely pathetic.15 Like all of these fallacies, type 4 contains a denial mechanism, which swings into operation as the fear increases, thus canceling out the error temporarily but seriously impairing efficiency. 2For example, one person might claim she cannot read, while another might claim he cannot speak.1216 Note that depression is a real risk here, for a child of God should never reduce his efficiency in any way. 2The depression comes from a peculiar pseudo-solution which reads:3A child of God is efficient.4I am not efficient.5Therefore, I am not a child of God.136This leads to neurotic resignation, and this is a state which merely increases the depression.17 The corresponding denial mechanism for type 1 is physical inability, or impotence. 2The denial mechanism for type 2 is often bankruptcy. 3Collectors of things often drive themselves well beyond their financial means, in an attempt to force discontinuance. 4If this idea of cessation cannot be tolerated, a strange compromise involving both insatiable possessiveness and insatiable throwing away may result.18 An example is the inveterate or compulsive gambler, particularly the horse-racing addict. 2Here, the conflicted drive is displaced both from people and things, and is invested in animals. 3The implied derogation of people is the cause of the underlying extreme superstition of the horse-racing addict.14 4The alcoholic is in a similar position, except that his hostility is more inward than outward directed.15 5Defenses aimed at protecting (or retaining) error are particularly hard to undo, because they introduce second-order misperceptions which obscure the underlying errors still further.1619 The pseudo-corrective mechanism for type 3 is apt to be more varied because of the more inclusive nature of the error, which has already been mentioned. 2Some of the possibilities are listed below:a) 3One aspect of the possession/possessed conflict can be raised to predominance. 4If this is attempted in connection with possessing, it leads to the paranoid solution.17 5The underlying component of “being possessed” is retained in the “persecution” fantasies which generally accompany the paranoia.

This week are exploring some of the richest passages of scripture all about wisdom. Proverbs 8.1,22–31 8Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? 22 The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. 23 Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth— 26 when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world's first bits of soil. 27 When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, 29 when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, 30 then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, 31 rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race. [NRSV] Colossians 1.15–20 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. [NRSV] John 1.1–14 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

THE RAGGED EDGE RADIO BROADCAST WORLDWIDE DECEMBER 2020 THE INCARNATION IN LIGHT OF EVERYTHING ELSE In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light, that all men through Him might believe. 8He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify concerning the Light. 9 The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not know Him. 11He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. 12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1 ‘’Wayne Grudem states the significance of the virgin birth to Christ’s humanity similarly: The virgin birth also makes possible Christ’s true humanity without inherited sin. . . . All human beings have inherited legal guilt and a corrupt moral nature from their first father, Adam (this is sometimes called “inherited sin” or “original sin”). But the fact that Jesus did not have a human father means that the line of descent from Adam is partially interrupted. Jesus did not descend from Adam in exactly the same way in which every other human being has descended from Adam. And this helps us to understand why the legal guilt and moral corruption that belongs to all other human beings did not belong to Christ. . . . Such a conclusion should not be taken to mean that the transmission of sin comes only through the father, for Scripture nowhere makes such an assertion. It is enough for us merely to say that in this case the unbroken line of descent from Adam was interrupted, and Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. . . LIVE NOTES FOR THE RAGGED EDGE RADIO .COM BY RUSS DIZDAR © . Reflection on that fact allows us to understand that through the absence of a human father, Jesus was not fully descended from Adam, and that this break in the line of descent was the method God used to bring it about that Jesus was fully human yet did not share inherited sin from Adam. Clark, John; Johnson, Marcus Peter. The Incarnation of God (p. 107). Crossway. Kindle Edition. PREEMPTOR NEWS 1. THE ALTERNATIVES • From nothing to nothing • Just the misery • The counterfeits • Made in …. Finiteness 2. THE CLARITY OF THE INCARNATION • Did I say…….. massive communication? • They all declared the same thing • They all bowed 3. THE ASTOUNDING NATURE OF THE INCARNATION • It is totally personal • It is the only fix 4. THE PERFECT MIX GOD AND MAN • Who is Jesus LIVE NOTES FOR THE RAGGED EDGE RADIO .COM BY RUSS DIZDAR © 5. EVEN THE DARKSIDE KNOWS! • Before • During • After • Forever You believe that there is one God; you do well. The demons also believe and tremble. James 2

Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort for God's People 40Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,and cry to herthather warfareis ended,that her iniquity is pardoned,that she has received from theLord's handdouble for all her sins. 3A voice cries:In the wilderness prepare the way of theLord;make straight in the desert a highway for our God.4Every 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.5And the glory of theLordshall be revealed,and all flesh shall see it together,for the mouth of theLordhas spoken. The Word of God Stands Forever 6A voice says, Cry!And I said,What shall I cry?All flesh is grass,and all its beautyis like the flower of the field.7The grass withers, the flower fadeswhen the breath of theLordblows on it;surely the people are grass.8The grass withers, the flower fades,but the word of our God will stand forever. The Greatness of God 9Go 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!10Behold, the LordGodcomes with might,and his arm rules for him;behold, his reward is with him,and his recompense before him.11He 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.

Quote (Nov. 14, 2020): "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) Matt. 7:13 "Enter through the Narrow Gate." John 14:6 "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" Psa. 16:11He will make known to us the Path of LIFE. Psa. 119:105"Your word is a light for my feet, a lamp for my path."

THE RAGGED EDGE RADIO BROADCAST WORLDWIDE TODAY NOVEMBER 12th 2020 WHAT NO EARTHLY OR DARK SATANIC POWER CAN STOP https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=012a44d6e7986cf7f82de120f&id=7eaf3d2b58 As they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly troubled because they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3And they seized them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men grew to about five thousand. 5On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes 6were assembled at Jerusalem with Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and all who were of the family of the high priest. 7When they had stood them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we today are being examined concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, how this man has been healed, 10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole. 11He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’[a] 12 There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 13When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were illiterate and uneducated men, they marveled. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against it. 15 So when they had commanded them to go outside of the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that an acknowledged miracle has been done through them is revealed to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But lest it spread further among the people, let us threaten them that they no longer speak to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot help but declare what we have seen and heard.” 21 When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people. For all glorified God for what was done, 22 for the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was over forty years old. Acts 4 Intro- Whose votes count? The theft of votes and the doors of darkness https://christiannews.net/2020/11/11/member-of-church-of-englands-general-synod-claims-it-is-harmful-to-call-homosexuality-sinful/ Wilfred Wong info here LIVE NOTES FOR THE RAGGED EDGE RADIO WWW.THERAGGEDEDGERADIO.COM BY RUSS DIZDAR © [Date] 13 Nephilim Again https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=christian+song+of+truth&ru=%2fvideos%2fsearch%3fq%3dchristian%2bsong%2bof%2btruth%26FORM%3dHDRSC3&view=detail&mid=77F7519A570F3687A3BB77F7519A570F3687A3BB&rvsmid=2F7359AB28469D5201152F7359AB28469D520115&FORM=VDRVRV

7Por tanto, hermanos, tened paciencia hasta la venida del Señor. Mirad cómo el labrador espera el precioso fruto de la tierra, aguardando con paciencia hasta que reciba la lluvia temprana y la tardía. 8Tened también vosotros paciencia, y afirmad vuestros corazones; porque la venida del Señor se acerca. 9Hermanos, no os quejéis unos contra otros, para que no seáis condenados; he aquí, el juez está delante de la puerta. 10Hermanos míos, tomad como ejemplo de aflicción y de paciencia a los profetas que hablaron en nombre del Señor. 11He aquí, tenemos por bienaventurados a los que sufren. Habéis oído de la paciencia de Job, y habéis visto el fin del Señor, que el Señor es muy misericordioso y compasivo. Reina Valera Revisada (1960). (1998). (Stg 5.7–11). Miami: Sociedades Bı́blicas Unidas.

1.   What is the good news?…………God gave us a gift.…………God's Love + One Gift of Jesus Christ = Other Gifts………..Prompt for video of BeccaThis is my granddaughter Ra -Becca who would be three years old a few days after this film was taken… If you would, let's play the tape.                                    (17 seconds of tape)…………2.   How do we get these gifts?…………He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.  14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, "This is the one I spoke about when I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'") 16Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.                                                               John 1:10-16………….Receive them!……………When is the best time to receive gifts? ………..As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.                                                                        2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Acts 10 9The next day, as they were on their journey and getting near the town, Peter went up onto the roof of the house to pray. It was around midday; 10he was hungry, and asked for something to eat. While they were preparing it, he fell into a trance. 11He saw heaven opened, and a vessel like a great sail coming down towards the earth, suspended by its four corners. 12In the sail there was every kind of four-footed creature, reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. 13Then he heard a voice: ‘Get up, Peter!' said the voice. ‘Kill and eat!' 14‘Certainly not, Master!' said Peter. ‘I've never eaten anything common or unclean!' 15‘What God has made clean,' said the voice, coming now for a second time, ‘you must not regard as common.' 16This all happened three times, and then suddenly the sail was whisked back up to heaven. The Bible for Everyone: A New Translation . SPCK. Kindle Edition. O Love, O God who created me, in your love recreate me. O Love, who redeemed me, fill up in me whatever part of your love has fallen into neglect within me. O Love, O God, who first loved me, grant that with my whole heart, and with my whole soul, and with my whole strength, I may love you. Gertrude the Great

Series: The Jesus Way Title: We Journey Like Jesus John 14:5-15 5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.d From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you ask mee anything in my name, I will do it. Who is Jesus? He wasn’t white, he was a brown skinned-middle eastern Jew born to a working class family. He never owned a home. Never got a college degree. But Jesus was God’s level of listening and responding to humanity. Jesus was born in a part of the world that touches Africa, Asia, and Europe. He wasn’t a white man like me. Don’t ever say it’s a white man’s religion. It’s a world’s religion because Jesus belongs to the world! COMPASSION WITHOUT ACTION IS ONLY OBSERVATION God refused to observe, he stepped into our world to take action against sin! 1st Century Complexities: Roman occupation, Racial Tension, they would abuse the Jewish people and misuse their authority Classism, people struggling financially, broken social systems Jewish tax collectors who betrayed their own people, and temples that swindled people on the conversion to purchase necessary items Samaritans living in close proximity, you’re not supposed to interact with “those people” Leprosy running rampant, the only solution for leprosy is social distancing In the midst of the complexities Jesus is God’s level of listening. I heard your cry for an answer---Here is the way 2,000 years later: 21st Century Complexities: It’s no longer leprosy, it’s COVID 19, Social Distancing and an on going, global pandemic Meanwhile, large scale protest that can potentially spread the disease Meanwhile, riots and looting breakout, Meanwhile reports of outsiders, ANTIFA and others infiltrating the riots In the midst of the complexities Jesus has released His spirit into you and me,and now we must show the world the Jesus Way! When you meet the person, you get the full plan Jesus is the person, HE IS the plan. You can abolish laws, but only Jesus can truly reform the human heart. Where there are Fathers, there is no true failure Fathers are present even if they’re not perfect. Jesus said, OUR FATHER. If he could teach them to deal with the complexities of life by journeying with a father 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Many Pastors afraid to talk, but we aren’t speech writers, we are called to be spiritual fathers We love because we are loved John 1:10-13 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own,b and his own peoplec did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. “The closer the people of all races get to Christ and His cross, the closer they will get to one another.” —Billy Graham

Acts 4:8-13 8Peter was filled with the holy spirit. ‘Rulers of the people and elders,' he said, 9‘if the question we're being asked today is about a good deed done for a sick man, and whose power it was that rescued him, 10let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man stands before you fit and well because of the name of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead. 11He is the stone which you builders rejected, but which has become the head cornerstone. 12Rescue won't come from anybody else! There is no other name given under heaven and among humans by which we must be rescued.' The clash of loyalties 13When they saw how boldly Peter and John were speaking, and realized that they were untrained, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they recognized them as people who had been with Jesus. 14And when they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15They ordered them to be put out of the assembly while they conferred among themselves. The Bible for Everyone: A New Translation . SPCK. Kindle Edition. Goldingay, John. The Bible for Everyone: A New Translation . SPCK. Kindle Edition. Thank you, dear Jesus, for all you have given me, for all you have taken away from me, for all you have left me. Thomas More (c.1478-1535)

Psalm46:10-11He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Speaker or Performer: Pastor Grover Cleveland Scripture Passage(s): Isaiah 53:1-12 Date of Delivery: April 26, 2020 Isaiah 53 New King James Version (NKJV)1Who has believed our report?And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?2For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,And as a root out of dry ground.He has noform or comeliness;And when we see Him,There is no beauty that we should desire Him.3He is despised and rejected by men,A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.4Surely He has borne our griefsAnd carried our sorrows;Yet we [i]esteemed Him stricken,Smitten by God, and afflicted.5But He was wounded for our transgressions,He was bruised for our iniquities;The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,And by His stripes we are healed.6All we like sheep have gone astray;We have turned, every one, to his own way;And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.7He was oppressed and He was afflicted,Yet He opened not His mouth;He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,So He opened not His mouth.8He was taken from prison and from judgment,And who will declare His generation?For He was cut off from the land of the living;For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.9And they made His grave with the wicked—But with the rich at His death,Because He had done no violence,Nor was any deceit in His mouth.10Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;He has put Him to grief.When You make His soul an offering for sin,He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.11He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,For He shall bear their iniquities.12Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,Because He poured out His soul unto death,And He was numbered with the transgressors,And He bore the sin of many,And made intercession for the transgressors.

In today’s gospel reading, we are invited into a story, a story that simply did not just take place a long time ago, but a story that is truly our story, here and now.  Because of the nature of this gospel passage, I am going to do something different.  Before we hear the reading, I would like to share just a few insights with you.  The community to which the Gospel of John is addressed may very well have been expelled from the synagogue for confessing Jesus as Messiah.  They may well have felt isolated and abandoned.  So, as you experience hearing today’s reading about the isolated blind man, ask yourself how this passage might address the isolated and the abandoned, not only within John’s community, but also the isolated and abandoned among us today.  How does this story address us as we face a whole new form of living in isolation? Not only does this reading address the nature of this early Christian community, it also works to undermine a simplistic understanding of sin.  When the disciples voice a common view of the day that disability or hardship is the result of sin, a view some people today even continue to suggest, Jesus sharply disagrees.  Also, when the Pharisees assume that knowledge of the law automatically grants righteousness, Jesus counters their thinking by saying that precisely because they feel so certain regarding their understanding, because they deny their sin and claim to “see,” they are in fact sinning because they do not recognize and trust God’s very saving presence to them in the person of Jesus. So, are they really the blind ones? With these insights in mind, I invite you to listen or follow along and enter into this story.  John 9:1-41 As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” 12They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” 13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” 16Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. 17So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” 25He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out. 35Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” 37Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” 38He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.   Friends, to follow Jesus is to see differently.  Sometimes, to follow Jesus is to be brought into a messy situation, maybe even a crisis.  But, in the mess, we are called to trust that God is present and at work doing a new thing.  Sometimes, this newness means discovering that we are actually the blind ones when we think we see perfectly.  My friend, Pastor Bill Uetricht, quoted theologian John Petty on Thursday and then added some thoughts of his own. He wrote: “John Petty speaks of Lutheran irony, the notion that ‘it is precisely when we are most spiritually confident that we are in greatest spiritual danger, that it is precisely when we feel strong in faith, precisely when we are feeling the most committed, precisely when we are the most religious, that sin lies closest at hand.’”  My friend Bill then said, “I suspect that in the craziness of these current times, this wisdom is worth clinging to. Who knows for sure what it is all about? The call in the midst of it is not certainty, but trust. That isn't coming easy for me these days.” I agree with my dear friend, Bill.  That trust is not coming easy for me these days.  Yet, I do continue to trust God’s word to us.  That blind man was made new.  Theologian, Nadia Bolz Weber, writes, “New is often messy.  New looks like recovering alcoholics.  New looks like reconciliation between family members who don’t actually deserve it.  New looks like every time I manage to admit I was wrong and every time I manage to not mention when I’m right.  New looks like a very fresh start and every act of forgiveness.  New is the thing we never saw coming – never even hoped for – like our blind guy here.  But new ends up being what I needed all along.”  And, I would add, new is discovering the new ministries and new ways we are able to be together as people of Faith in the midst of the craziness of our present existence. Such newness is also what we call grace, it is what we call love.  Nadia Bolz-Weber continues by saying, “God simply keeps reaching down…reaching down into the dirt of your humanity and resurrecting you from the graves you dig for yourself through your violence, your lies, your selfishness, your arrogance, and your addictions.  And God keeps loving you back to life over and over….There are times when faith feels like a friendship with God.  But there are other times when it feels….I don’t know….more vacant.  Yet none of that matters in the end.  How you feel about Jesus or how close you feel to God is meaningless next to how God acts upon you.  How God indeed enters into your messy life and loves you through it, maybe whether you want God’s help or not.” In today’s story, one of the most remarkable things is the fact that the blind man didn’t seek out Jesus or ask his help.  Yet, he was healed and made whole.  And the powerful, life-giving truth of the gospel is that our suffering, our grief, the challenges we are currently facing, and even our sin will not have the last word. As our souls and bodies desperately cry out for relief, we hear the faint yet clear voice of the Christ calling us; reminding us that, through the cross, death and all its trappings have been swallowed up in victory. The final word rests not with suffering, not with blindness, not with this coronavirus and everything that we are currently facing and experiencing, but with the newness, life and peace that come through Christ. These days, we hear people reminding us to wash our hands over and over and over again, and it is a necessary reminder.  But, this story reminds us that the most sublime words imaginable are, “Go, wash.” And, I don’t mean just go wash your hands yet again.  I mean wash in the waters of your baptism and the water of life in which God daily bathes each one of us, whatever our circumstances.  We may not always sense this, but we trust God’s promise to us.  And, as the cool and refreshing waters of life wash over all of us – those baptismal waters in which we daily live – our eyes and our hearts are opened to behold the living Christ, standing as the chains of death and hell lay broken at his feet.  There is no other response than to simply trust, raise our voices and cry out at last, “Lord! I believe!”  

It is Not a Silent Night(Advent Series: Because of Bethlehem; Message Two) Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to herthat her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.3A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord;make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.5And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.6A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.7The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.8The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”9You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain.You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout,lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.11He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his armsand carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:1-11) A. Israel was longing for a word of peace-centered encouragement 1. They had been through a major battle and lost “Assyrians came down like the wolf on the fold, and his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold; and the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea, when the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee” (Lord Byron) 2. There had been no comfort among the Israelites; no peace in their lives 3. A new king promised the Israelites they could “go home” to Jerusalem B. They had been waiting for the “consolation” of Israel 1. The hope was that God would come and set everything right in the world 2. As word spread, hope was renewed - even though the reality was yet to come THE MESSAGE A. This text is God’s instruction to the prophet Isaiah1. It affirms that God’s ultimate purpose is not destruction but redemption 2. Those who speak God’s word to God’s people are to say, “Comfort!” “Your rod and your staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4) “As one whom his mother comforts, so I,” said God, “will comfort you.”(Isaiah 66:13) a. “Comfort” isn’t about “peace and quiet”; it’s not about being comfortable “He will come to build and destroy; he will destroy the heavens and the earth - subverting everything and everyone to judgment...” (Peter 3:10,13) “He will come to separate and to gather. As a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff, Christ will winnow his harvest - burning the chaff with fire and gathering his wheat into barns” (Matthew 3:12) b. “Comfort” (lit. “with strength”) is a word of strength and encouragement; an intimate word; a reminder that whatever grievous punishments they’ve endured, they’re in the past B. No matter how severely the Lord has dealt with you, be comforted: his grace, forgiveness, and restoration will bring you home THE MEANING A. Few people realized the event that took place in Bethlehem B. Now we can clearly see Jesus’ completed work 1. Our world is out of joint 2. The warfare the prophet talks about, is it ever really finished? C. That’s precisely the kind of world Jesus entered, to set everything right 1. He came to be one of us so that he could take up residence in us 2. He represents a peace - comfort - that reminds us, God has not forgotten us! a. Now he stands with us in this messy world as our crucified and risen Lord b. Nothing has changed. Everything has changed. All because of this child. c. There are no silent nights; but if we acknowledge Jesus, we can have a peaceful one 3. “Comfort to you!” because in Jesus your forgiveness is assured, your victory guaranteed, and your peace eternal D. Don't wait: open your heart and receive what God promised. Make sure this is for you!

Distraction is nearly unidentifiable in the moment, but it has incredibly far reaching consequences. It looks different for different people, but it has the same result - it pulls you away from what is important.While distraction shows itself in a lot of different way, I want to focus on four signs of a Distracted Heart, and then look at what we can do about it. We are usually battling against distractions in our personal lives because it can help us avoid folding our laundry or fixing that leaky faucet that needs to get addressed. These all apply in that space, but I want to look at these from the perspective of our jobs. How does distraction express itself at work, and how should we respond?1. The distraction of interruption2. The distraction of talk.Proverbs 14:23In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.3. The distraction of things.Proverbs 12:11He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.4. The distraction of pursuits.Proverbs 28:19He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.Does any of this sound familiar? Can you see any of this fruit in your life? In a way, I want to encourage you that it probably will at some point. And really, the good news is that these things can change.If this is where you find yourself, it doesn’t mean you are stuck here forever. Here are some things that can help you check your heart.1. Focus on GodIdentify God in the little things in life. If the weather is nice, thank Him for it. If you are enjoying your cup of coffee or tea, thank Him for it. If you see something beautiful, thank Him for it. When we see God evident in the things we see every day in life, we train ourselves to bring Him into every decision. 2. Focus on peoplePut your phone away. Leave it on your desk. Set it on the counter when you get home. Choose to leave it in your purse or pocket. Don’t allow something to step in between you and the other human beings around you. 3. Remember that you can’t change hearts.Often distraction stems from a misunderstanding that we can actually change the human heart. When you understand that God is who can harden or soften the heart, you begin to see early “solutions” as potential distractions.Call it out. “While this may be good, it is not required for God to move”.4. Be successful with what you already have.Do you really need anything different to be successful? What if you budget was cut 10% next year. Would you have to shut your doors? Probably not. In fact, I believe that your ministry might actually get better. You have less money to spend on things that distract you from actually engaging in ministry.5. UnplugFight against distractions. Leave your phone on the counter when you get home. Put it in your bag at work. Mute notifications. Don’t wear a smartwatch. Do whatever you need to to keep focusing on the things that are important.Protect time on your calendar.Work in a different location sometimes. Ask others to cover you while you hide.6. Pray before you act7. Remember the missionAt the end of the day, you can’t forget the mission of the organization that you were hired to serve. Your job is to help accomplish that mission. Remember it. Read it again. Go ask your boss why you are there. Talk to the one in charge of it all. Talk to people whose lives have changed in part because of your organization’s work. Remember why you are there and focus on it.

Instead of asking "Do you want to hear God better?" some people are unsure whether He speaks in this age or not.   But aren't you glad that He does. His most common way to speak to speak to us is through Scripture. Although we can understand the words with our mind, we need the revelation of Precious Holy Spirit to help us grasp the meaning of Scripture.   He also speaks to our spirit.   I remember the first time God spoke to my heart.   I was so concerned about my dad's salvation, so I was praying as I walked to my grandma's house. I saw a big hardened rock of clay in the ditch. I continued my prayer "God, My dad's heart is as hard as that rock."   God whispered, "I can melt the heart of stone." That one whisper was a promise I held onto for years and years until he was saved. I can't begin to tell you what it did for me.   Let me try to frame it this way, instead of fear I had hope that fueled my faith.     Did I really hear God?   I also remember an incident that made me doubt that I could really hear God's voice.   I felt impressed, which means a strong feeling in my heart, like I should stop by the church on my way home from work. But when I got to the church, the office was closed. I pulled my car under the portico and waited for awhile. I left feeling so stupid. I figured that I had totally missed God and  didn't hear God’s voice.    Win-Learn And I can miss Him! I have missed it. Humans make mistakes.   And when I make a mistake I repent and keep on learning.   I embrace the win-learn philosophy; not the win lose one that stops people from even trying!   But when I actually prayed about the situation, I felt God tell me, "Are you willing to obey me even when you don’t understand...even when you don't see any results?"   It was a truth I needed learn at that stage in my life. There have been so many times God has asked me to do things that I didn't understand!   His Word is proof.   Yet, there is a more important reason that makes me believe that God speaks today- His Word. We can't afford to base our beliefs on our experiences. The foundation for our faith and life must be based on Scripture.   So much I want to tell you   Look at John 16:12-15 NLT 12“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.15All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’   My Sheep know my voice   John 10:1-5 1“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!   2But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.   3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.   4After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”     Are you thinking, “Not me! I don't know His voice.”   We’ve all been there.   But maybe the problem is not that God is not talking, but only that we are not listening.   Psa 78:1 NLT O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your earsto what I am saying,    There are radio waves all around you right this minute! But in order to hear any of them you must tune in, then and only then will you hear them. As believers we have to learn, that's right learn to hear God.   Pay attention how you hear   Luke 8:18 NLT 18“So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”   Matthew 13:11-12 11He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.      I talk about these two verses in Episode 6 Right Thinking Begins With Right Listening. It is an episode in my launch series "Think God's Way for a Change." If you haven't listened to that series you are missing an opportunity to seriously change the way you think.  You can always listen to them on my website as well. https://www.patriciaholland.org/blog/ Hearing God’s voice is so important.   The albatross are magnificent seabirds. Both the mom and dad albatross take turns sitting on the eggs. That's not particularly unusual, but what is unusual is that they talk to their eggs. They crane their neck close to speak in their sweetest albatross language; eek, eek, eek! Yet, these birds aren't doing it to be sweet, it is critical that their baby learn to recognize their voice. The albatross nest in colonies, so when this baby hatches from it's egg, it must recognize it's parents voice. Only it's parent will feed it and if it can't recognize its parent's voice it won't make it back to the nest or to it's parent to be fed.     It is just as critical that you learn to recognize God's voice. There are many voices in this world...they can be very convincing! If you don't train your ears, you can get confused, sidetracked and lost!      Look at Moses in Exodus 3.   It's a familiar story, but let's look at it from the lens of how he listened to God.   1O One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. 3“This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” 4When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. 5“Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 6I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.   He was curious.   He wanted to know more.   So he moved closer to the fire.    He recognized it was Holy ground. Most of the time God speaks to us through the voice of Scripture. It is also the filter than you must use for whether it is God speaking to you or not. If it contradicts Scripture, then it’s not God.     He gave the Holy due reverence.   Humble yourself. Respect it for what it is.(Richard Crisco carried his Bible would never put anything on top of it.)  Make it a priority. Submit your opinion to embrace God’s. We don’t want the Bible to change our opinion; we want it to reinforce what we already believe. It’s supposed to change you. It’s supposed to challenge you.    Heb 4:12 ESV For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.    God can talk to you all sorts of ways              and in all sorts of places.   Mary Boyd will often ask children "Where was the most unique place you prayed this week?" I want to change that question a little, "Where was the most unique place God talked with you?" On a treadmill or a bicycle? On a roof? In a tree? Watching TV? In church?   The point is you don't have to be sitting in a prayer posture somewhere for God to speak to you.    Isaiah 30:21 NLT And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” God has all sorts of ways of getting our attention.   God is not a silent partner.   A.W. Tozer says "It's the nature of God to speak." He wants to guide you and instruct you. Yet, you must lean in to listen.   Without caller ID you recognize your husband's or best friend's voice because you know them. You've spent time with them. You know how they say things and the tone and quality of their voice. As you spend time with God you'll learn to recognize His voice better and better.   He knows what is best and directs us toward it.   Issaac Hoopii is a good example of how the Holy Spirit guides us. He was a Pentagon police officer when the Pentagon was hit on 9-11. Amidst the confusion and burning debris he called into the flames, "Come to my voice," Then he carefully guided the victims to safety.   That is one of the roles of Precious Holy Spirit.   He is an awesome guide. He'll never get you lost...but if you make a wrong turn you'll probably hear Him say something like recalculating as He guides you back on the correct route for your life.     I'd like to give you a free download...   this .pdf includes: 4 keys to help you hear God's voice, 3 filters to help you answer- "How do I know that I really heard God?" 10 reasons we don't hear God speak to us.    Here's the link:   https://www.patriciaholland.org/hearing-god/            

But God… Raised Him From the Dead! Simple words – powerful truth The Great Interrupter 45 times in the Bible D. Martyn Lloyd Jones – “these two words in and of themselves contain the whole of the gospel of Christ.” “But God” – radically transforms who we are But + God = nothing is impossible Resurrection is the ultimate “but God moment… Act 13:26-33 NASB God has a Message for Us …sons of Abraham's family, and those among you who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent – vs. 26 God has spoken generally through creation – Psalm 19:1 God has spoken specifically – through prophets, law, Scriptures We are confined – time & space Then God spoke to man – Adam in the garden Moses – burning bush Lightning storm on Mt. Sinai Still small voice to Elijah Truth & desires through many prophets The message: You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. (7) Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. (8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:6-8 NIV God Sent a Messenger to Us "For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him. Act 13:27 NASB God’s message is a Person That Person is Jesus Christ All of the OT scriptures & prophets pointed to Him Messiah – someone prepared and sent with a purpose Specific purpose – to save you from your sins God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, (2) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; Heb 1:1-2 NKJV God Knows the Misery of Sin in Us "And though they found no ground for putting Him to death, they asked Pilate that He be executed. (29) "When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb. Act 13:28-29 NASB God’s Messenger – innocent, perfect – executed as a criminal People didn’t want God’s message or Messenger He was the true Light There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. John 1:9-11 NASB People getting the Person of Christ wrong In Scriptures: Matthew 16:14 – John the Baptist, Elijah Luke 23:2 – tax evader John 6:14-15 – The Prophet – their new King John 7:12 – a good man John 10:20 – a demon Today – CNN, Discovery, History, Time MacLean’s… Who was Jesus?, The Real Jesus, Secrets of Jesus Christ Who is Jesus Christ to you?? Do you know Him? John 1:12 NASB But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name… God Works a Miracle for Us "But God raised Him from the dead“… – verse 30 Greatest words of hope! Sealed in a tomb, guards 24/7 …. But God! But God – is this the story of your life? But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) Eph 2:4-5 NASB Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Rom 6:4 NASB

8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

The Names and Titles of Jesus – Jesus The Light of the World - Episode 95 This series of the names and titles of Jesus will give us a more in-depth understanding of Jesus Christ our Lord. This is the fourth in the series. The following is an outline. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it. 6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. and[b] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. Jesus THE LOGOS HE IS THE REASON WHY FOR EVERYTHING Colossians 1:16 For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. Jesus The Word = Logos Light - Life - Truth Jesus the Light of the World 1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 1 Timothy 6:16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen Nothing is a coincidence with God – everything he's created can all be traced back to Jesus the 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome Throughout the Old Testament, we have this promise of a great light that comes into the world and would push back the darkness of the world. Prophecies Isaiah chapter 9 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (v. 2). In Isaiah 49 God says in relation to Messiah, the Servant of the Lord, He said: “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (v. 6). Isaiah 60: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord [Jehovah] will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you (vv. 1–2). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. Σκηνόω Dwelt =(tabernacled) Jesus the light of the World John 1:18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side [Jesus, the Logos/Word of God], he has made him known. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," [that God who spoke in Genesis 1] has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God [how?] in the face of Jesus Christ [the Logos, the Word]. After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, [d] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing … His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Philippians 2 15so that you will [i]prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you [j]appear as [k]lights in the world, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE LIGHT ARE THE GLORY OF GOD John chapter 1: 6-13 Jesus the light of the world and the glory of God God is zealous for his glory The heavens declare the glory of God The sun is our light by day that warms, lightens and gives us life The moon gives us a testimony of the light of the sun with its reflection That brings me to John's statement about John the Baptizer not being the light but a reflection of the glory of the true light Jesus Christ John the Baptist Matthew 11:11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist;… John the Baptist The light and Glory John contrasted to Jesus Jesus was in the beginning with God – John was sent from God Jesus was God – John was a man Jesus was the light – John was a reflection of the light Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and prophets –John terminated the prophets and law God has called us not just to survive in this world, but to be light that pushes back the darkness Jesus is the Light of the world He’s the “Star come out of Jacob” that we read about in Numbers 24:17 He’s the sun of righteousness risen with healing in His wings in Malachi 4:2 He’s the One that John saw in Revelation 1:16 whose face was like the sun shining in full strength. He’s the bright morning star we read about in Revelation 22:16. The Lamb, the Light of the world One day He will return. There will be one final great sunrise. And then there will be no more sunrises. We read in Revelation 21 about the new Jerusalem. This city “has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb [the Lamb, the Light of the world] and [the] gates [of that city] will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there” (vv. 21–23). As I studied this lesson on Jesus is light and in that light His life studied light itself the sun for instance gives us son gives us life and it is pure energy of God never does anything by coincidence the word is not even in the Hebrew language and so the sun is shoo-in that gives us life is also unapproachable if we got close to it we would be destroyed and so it is with God Timothy said he lives in unapproachable light no man can approach God and live Facts about Light The human eye sees specific areas of the spectrum, but other animals and insects can actually see parts of the spectrum that we can’t. Light travels in a vacuum at 300,000 km per second (186,000 miles per second). Space does not have any light. We can see things in space due to light bouncing off of the objects in space. Light is used by plants to convert the light into energy as their ‘food’. The process is called ‘photosynthesis’ and converts carbon dioxide through the energy of the light. 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The Names and Titles of Jesus – Jesus The Word/Logos This series of the names and titles of Jesus will give us a more in-depth understanding of Jesus Christ our Lord. This is the second in the series. The following is an outline. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it. 6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. and[b] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. Exodus 33 :20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.“ 1 Timothy 6:16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. 18No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and[b] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. Jesus the Word Pre-existent Co-existent Self-existent John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 1Co 1:24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God Col 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation Heb 1:6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God's angels worship him. 22“The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works,[c][d] before his deeds of old; 23I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be. 24When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; 25before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, 26before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. 27I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, 28when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, 29when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. 30 Then I was constantly[e] at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, 31rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. 32“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. 33Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. 34Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 35For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. 36But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.” Predetermined Counsel of God. Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, 1Pe 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake 7No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began The Wisdom of God 7No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. The Word = Logos is the name of Jesus Reason Why John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. The Jews understood that the Logos, the Word of God, was God revealing Himself, God creating, God acting, God alive in His creation Targum Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible. (Yahweh) Aramaic term that means “the word.” It’s the word memra. Greek Septuagint memra “the word.” translation logos in Greek for example, in Genesis 15: “After this, the word [logos] of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.” Psalm 33, verse 6: “By the word [by the logos] of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” -The apostle John is the only New Testament author to call Jesus “the Word.” He does so in the Gospel of John, and in his first Epistle of John, and also, as we’ll see, in the book of Revelation. -When he talks about the “Word,” that’s the Greek word logos. So when you see the “Word,” that’s the logos. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John said 4 things about the Word Logos His Eternity 2. His Personality 3. His Deity 4. His Humanity John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 2 Problems Too high a view of John 2. Too low a view of Jesus More divine than human? More human than divine? Partly human, partly divine? Fully human, fully divine! The Incarnation of the Word of Life 1 John 1 (NIV) 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. THE WORD I AM  (Yahweh) = LORD = “the word.” It’s the word memra= logos in Greek Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John infused this word with a richer, fuller meaning-- not an impersonal force but a person, God made flesh. Jesus was God’s mirror, God’s way of making Himself known to His creation. The definition of a word John 1:18,No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side [Jesus, the Logos/Word of God], he has made him known. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," [that God who spoke in Genesis 1] has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God [how?] in the face of Jesus Christ [the Logos, the Word]. Believe Credence - believing that the facts accepting the truth. 2. Confidence – believing in (trust and obey) 3. Continuance – go on believing (faith& faithfulness) John 20:31 Greek (present continual tense) Is this belief saving Faith Credence- believing that the facts accepting the truth John 8:24Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that [a]I am He, you will die in your sins.” Gospel Incarnation 2. Cross 3. Resurrection 4. Ascension 5. Second Coming Believe Credence - believing that the facts accepting the truth. 2. Confidence – believing in (trust and obey) 3. Continuance – go on believing (faith& faithfulness) John 20:31 Greek (present continual tense) Believe Heb 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek (present continual tense) Him. John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (present continual tense) THE WORD (logos) of God Revelation 19:12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word Logos of God.. TRUTH IS NOT A PROPITIATION IT IS A PERSON THE WORD THE LOGOS OF GOD Subscribe to the podcast: {Apple Podcasts}{Stitcher}{Google Play}{IHeartRadio}{YouTube}{Spotify}

Worship audio from February 25, 2018. Bulletin PDF or below:Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes! We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all. Come, let us worship!For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place. The restrooms are located on the lower level. Please ask if you have any questions or concerns.Lord Jesus, you alone sought us out, forgave us, bought us, made us your own. You promised a cross for all who follow you. Lead me to see your cross, that I may find joy in the cross you have given me; AMEN.Consolation & Comfort through Faith:In other words, sin terrifies consciences. This happens through the Law, which shows God’s wrath against sin. But we gain the victory through Christ. How? Through faith, when we comfort ourselves by confidence in the mercy promised for Christ’s sake. ... God’s wrath cannot be appeased if we set our own works against it. For Christ has been set forth as an Atoning Sacrifice so, that for His sake, the Father may be reconciled to us. But Christ is not received as a Mediator except by faith. Therefore, by faith alone we receive forgiveness of sins when we comfort our hearts with confidence in the mercy promised for Christ’s sake. Likewise, Paul says in Romans 5:2, “Through Him we have also obtained access” and adds, “by faith.” Therefore, we are reconciled to the Father and receive forgiveness of sins when we are comforted with confidence in the mercy promised for Christ’s sake.Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 5 (Concordia p. 130)Because He Knew:Jesus knew the cross that awaited him; he knew the resurrection afterward. He had told this to his disciples numerous times – and now, as the day draws nearer, Jesus prepared his disciples for a cross.What is our cross, and how may we carry it?SUNDAY SCHOOL: ”Friend, I’m Sorry”LITURGY: CW p. 38 Please rise.PRAYER OF THE DAY:M: Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.The WordFIRST READING: Genesis 28:10-17The merciful presence of God is certain, because of grace alone: 10Jacob set out from Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. 11He came to a certain place and decided to spend the night there, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from that place, put it under his head, and lay down to sleep in that place. 12He had a dream in which he saw a stairway set up on the earth with its top reaching to heaven. There were angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13There at the top stood the LORD, who said, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. The land on which you are lying, I give to you and to your descendants. 14Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed. 15Now, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back again into this land. Indeed, I will not leave you, until I have done what I have promised to you.” 16Jacob woke up from his sleep, and he said, “Certainly the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17He was afraid and he said, “How awe-inspiring is this place! This is nothing other than the house of God, and this is the gate to heaven.” PSALM OF THE DAY: 73, CW p. 94SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-11The miracle of Lent – Christ the innocent, suffering for sinners and in their place makes them innocent in God’s sight:Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Through him we also have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice confidently on the basis of our hope for the glory of God. 3Not only this, but we also rejoice confidently in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces patient endurance, 4and patient endurance produces tested character, and tested character produces hope. 5And hope will not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us. 6For at the appointed time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7It is rare indeed that someone will die for a righteous person. Perhaps someone might actually go so far as to die for a person who has been good to him. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, it is even more certain that we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. 10For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. 11And not only is this so, but we also go on rejoicing confidently in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received this reconciliation. THEME VERSE: Philippians 2:8Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Thanks be to God.GOSPEL READING: Mark 8:31-38The Cross:31Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things; be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the experts in the law; be killed; and after three days rise again. 32He was speaking plainly to them. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But after turning around and looking at his disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have your mind set on the things of God, but the things of men.” 34He called the crowd and his disciples together and said to them, “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36After all, what good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38In fact, whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.Praise be to you, O Christ!HYMN OF THE DAY: 434 – Lord, You I Love with All My HeartSERMON based on Mark 8: Preparation for the CrossCONFESSION OF FAITH: Apostles’ Creed, CW p. 41OFFERINGPRAYER OF THE CHURCH: CW p. 42Please rise.CLOSING PRAYER: CW p. 43CLOSING HYMN: 355 – Take the World, But Give Me JesusNOTESBowling today at 3 PM – see the sign-up sheet at the back lectern.Midweek Lenten services continue - 6 PM meal, 7 PM worship.Looking Ahead to Next Sunday:Theme Lent 3 – Because He Knew: He Put His House in OrderColor PurpleLiturgy Common Service, CW p. 15Hymns 401, 456, 532, 530; CWS Psalm 69Readings from John 2, Exodus 20, Romans 8Verse of the Day John 3:14-15THIS WEEKToday 1 Samuel 26 9:30 AM - Second Sunday of Lent 10:45 AM – Sunday School. Bible Class: The FloodMonday 1 Samuel 27Tuesday 1 Samuel 28 7 PM - CAPWednesday 1 Samuel 29 5-6 PM – Small Catechism Class 6 PM - Lenten Supper 7 PM - Ash Wednesday WorshipThursday 1 Samuel 30Friday 1 Samuel 31Saturday 2 Samuel 1Sunday 2 Samuel 2 9:30 AM - Lent 3 Worship with Holy Communion 10:45 AM – Bible class & Sunday SchoolGreen Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN. Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  Find us online: www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MNpastorhagen@icloud.com or (507) 236-9572 iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2 Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stprOr simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app. Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band. Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine. Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.    

               elcome to Shepherd of the Lakes! We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all. Come, let us worship!For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place. The restrooms are located on the lower level. Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns. Lord Jesus, you took on our humanity in order to live under the law and redeem us. Grant that I always marvel at your grace, and receive you with joy; AMEN.The Role of the Law in the Life of the Christian:The whole world with all diligence has struggled to figure out what God is, what He has in mind and does. Yet the world has never been able to grasp ‹the knowledge and understanding of› any of these things. But here [in the Apostles’ Creed] we have everything in richest measure. For here in all three articles God has revealed Himself and opened the deepest abyss of His fatherly heart and His pure, inexpressible love [Ephesians 3:18–19]. He has created us for this very reason, that He might redeem and sanctify us. In addition to giving and imparting to us everything in heaven and upon earth, He has even given to us His Son and the Holy Spirit, who brings us to Himself [Romans 8:14, 32]. For we could never grasp the knowledge of the Father’s grace and favor except through the Lord Christ. Jesus is a mirror of the fatherly heart [John 14:9; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3], outside of whom we see nothing but an angry and terrible Judge. But we couldn’t know anything about Christ either, unless it had been revealed by the Holy Spirit [1 Corinthians 2:12]. Large Catechism, Apostles’ Creed (Concordia p. 406)Born to Save Us:There is nothing trite or trivial in what has happened at Christmas: The deepest lowliness is but the mask for the greatest glory, the glory of him who came to be our Savior!How does the birth of Christ comfort & encourage us?OPENING HYMN: 56 – Gentle Mary Laid Her ChildLITURGY: Service of Word & Sacrament, CW p. 26Please rise.PRAYER OF THE DAY:M: Almighty God, grant that the birth of your one and only Son in the flesh may set us free from our old bondage under the yoke of sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.The WordFIRST READING: Isaiah 52:7-10God has kept his word: Hidden in the lowliness of the manger is the glory of God for our salvation. 7How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of a herald, who proclaims peace and preaches good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God is king!” 8The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voices. Together they shout for joy, because with both eyes they will see it when the LORD returns to Zion. 9Break out, shout for joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, because the LORD is comforting his people. He is redeeming Jerusalem. 10The LORD lays bare his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation from our God. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!PSALM: 98, p. 103SECOND READING: Hebrews 1:1-9In the manger, we see Eternal God in the form of a baby:In the past, God spoke to our forefathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways. 2In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of the divine nature. He sustains all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4The Son became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my Son. Today I have begotten you? And again: I will be his Father, and he will be my Son. 6And again, when he brought his firstborn into the world, he said: Let all God’s angels worship him. 7About the angels he says: He makes his messengers winds and his ministers flaming fire. 8But about the Son he says: God, your throne is forever and ever, and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions. THEME VERSE: Galatians 4:4-5Alleluia. When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law. Alleluia. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! GOSPEL READING: John 1:1-14As the manger and the Virgin’s arms held him whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, so we too recognize and receive him who has come in human flesh and blood to dwell in us through the Word and sacrament:In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him everything was made, and without him not one thing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as an eyewitness to testify about the light so that everyone would believe through him. 8He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9The real light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11He came to what was his own, yet his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who did receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband’s will, but born of God. 14The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.Praise be to you, O Christ!HYMN OF THE DAY: 35 – Of the Father’s Love BegottenSERMON based on Hebrews 2: Radiance in HumilityCONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 31OFFERINGADULT CONFIRMATIONSPRAYER & LORD’S PRAYERThe sacramentFor our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 40 – O Jesus Christ, Your Manger IsSONG OF THANKS: CW p. 36CLOSING HYMN: 58 – See in Yonder Manger LowNOTESNo 7 PM Worship tonight. Stay warm!February 4, Annual Voters’ Mtg.THIS WEEKToday Joshua 19 9:30 - Christmas 1 Worship with Holy CommunionMonday Joshua 20Tuesday Joshua 21Wednesday Joshua 22Thursday Joshua 23Friday Joshua 24Saturday Judges 1 8 AM - Men’s Bible Breakfast @The RanchSunday Judges 2 9:30 - Epiphany 1 Worship with Holy Communion; 40 Years of SOTL 10:58 - Bible Class: Genesis 3 & Godly Discipline                                                  

We all need activities or habits in our lives that fill us up and we need to be intentional about it because on one else will do it for us! Ecclesiastes 3:11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.Psalm 62:5-6Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.“Man has a purpose to be in a relationship with God. When he forgets his purpose he forgets who he is and what life means.”  Francis ShafferOutside of Jesus we won’t be satisfied!  He has also created ways to connect with us doing the things we love.  What fuels you?  Being outdoors?  Creating?  Exercise?Fill up on things that actually satisfy.Ephesians 5:18 “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,”If you want to find out what fuels you do a self study and observe the times you feel ‘full’ or ‘drained’.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help illuminate the ways God has wired you to feel alive.Listener survey - http://revivalhousepodcast.polldaddy.com/s/revival-house-listener-s-surveyInstagramFacebookrevivalhousepodcast@gmail.com

Oh my goodness. So much I could say about what we read today. Where to begin? In chapter 4, after Peter and John were arrested for talking about Jesus after the lame beggar was healed, and they were standing before the religious leaders, they were asked, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”, what does scripture say happened? It says, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit! Do you remember how often Peter would put his foot in his mouth when He was with Jesus? Sure, he got a few things right, but he often said exactly the wrong things, didn’t he? And now that he is filled with the Holy Spirit, God speaks just the right words through him. Earlier in this chapter, we are told that after he preached, the number of the men added to the church was now about five thousand. The day before it was three thousand. So the Holy Spirit’s filling has made him a powerful and convincing speaker, wouldn’t you say? What happened on the night that Jesus was crucified? Peter wouldn't even admit to knowing Jesus. He was afraid and perhaps even ashamed to acknowledge Jesus. And now, the words he speaks have brought about five thousand men to believe in Jesus. And we don’t know how many more women there were. So many of us are afraid to stand up and speak the name of Jesus. Here in Acts chapter four, Peter says to the religious leaders, “…if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-by this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. 12And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." How is that for boldness? Now get this: “13Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” Why did they recognize them as having been with Jesus? Because of the Holy Spirit’s speaking through them! They spoke in the same way as Jesus did! Well of course they did! God is One. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have the same message because they are One. The point to take away from this is that if you will let the Holy Spirit speak through you, you will have the right words to say…words that are from God and words that will change the hearts of people. And my friend, we need this kind of filling of the Holy Spirit as much today as they needed that day, because there are those who tell us, like the religious leaders told them, “Do not speak of Jesus!” You know it’s true, and it is only getting worse. If you are a believer, be ready to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. You will be amazed at what He will do through you. Your thoughts?

John 1:1-18 Christ the Great Evangelizer John 1 The Word Became Flesh  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.  9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.  14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15( John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") 16And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Deuteronomy 1:1-11He brought them out to bring them in.Going into the promise land means battle.Being in the promise land means knowing our duty.

click here Visit the Recover In Christ web site. Passage John 1 : John 1 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 19And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 22Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.