Podcasts about 19therefore

Matthew 5:17-2617 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teachers others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgement.' 22But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!' Will be liable to the hell of fire. 23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Sermon Questions:1. What are some areas in your life where you've established 'little laws' to help you know you're 'doing good?'2. How does God's requirement of holiness - perfect obedience to a perfect law - strike your heart?3. What are your tactics to 'deal' with your anger?4. Where is Jesus' righteousness striking tension with sin in your heart? Bring it to Jesus - repent, believe!5. Who has 'something against you?' Go, be reconciled to them. 

Esther 9 - 10:3 The Jews Destroy Their Enemies 1 Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them. 2The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples. 3All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them. 4For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces, for the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful. 5The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them. 6In Susa the citadel itself the Jews killed and destroyed 500 men, 7and also killed Parshandatha and Dalphon and Aspatha 8and Poratha and Adalia and Aridatha 9and Parmashta and Arisai and Aridai and Vaizatha, 10the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they laid no hand on the plunder. 11That very day the number of those killed in Susa the citadel was reported to the king. 12And the king said to Queen Esther, “In Susa the citadel the Jews have killed and destroyed 500 men and also the ten sons of Haman. What then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces! Now what is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what further is your request? It shall be fulfilled.” 13And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the Jews who are in Susa be allowed tomorrow also to do according to this day's edict. And let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.” 14So the king commanded this to be done. A decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged. 15The Jews who were in Susa gathered also on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and they killed 300 men in Susa, but they laid no hands on the plunder. 16 Now the rest of the Jews who were in the king's provinces also gathered to defend their lives, and got relief from their enemies and killed 75,000 of those who hated them, but they laid no hands on the plunder. 17This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested and made that a day of feasting and gladness. 18But the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness. 19Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the rural towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and as a day on which they send gifts of food to one another. The Feast of Purim Inaugurated 20And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 21obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year, 22as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor. 23So the Jews accepted what they had started to do, and what Mordecai had written to them. 24For Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur (that is, cast lots), to crush and to destroy them. 25But when it came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost Old Testament: Daniel 12:1-3 1“At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.2Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Psalm: Psalm 16 1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *        I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord,        my good above all other.” 2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *        upon those who are noble among the people. 3 But those who run after other gods *        shall have their troubles multiplied. 4 Their libations of blood I will not offer, *        nor take the names of their gods upon my lips. 5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *        it is you who uphold my lot. 6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *        indeed, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *        my heart teaches me, night after night. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; *        because he is at my right hand I shall not fall. 9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *        my body also shall rest in hope. 10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, *        nor let your holy one see the Pit. 11 You will show me the path of life; *        in your presence there is fullness of joy,        and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. Epistle: Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 11And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” 13and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” 14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. [15And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, 16“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds,” 17he also adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.] 19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Gospel: Mark 13:1-8 1As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” 3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 6Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!' and they will lead many astray. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.      

19Therefore let those who suffer according to God's willentrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Good Friday The Collect: Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Old Testament: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 13See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. 14Just as there were many who were astonished at him—so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals— 15so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate. 1Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account. 4Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. 9They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 10Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. 11Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 12Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Psalm: Psalm 22 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *        and are so far from my cry        and from the words of my distress? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *        by night as well, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are the Holy One, *        enthroned upon the praises of Israel. 4 Our forefathers put their trust in you; *        they trusted, and you delivered them. 5 They cried out to you and were delivered; *        they trusted in you and were not put to shame. 6 But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *        scorned by all and despised by the people. 7 All who see me laugh me to scorn; *        they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying, 8 “He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; *        let him rescue him, if he delights in him.” 9 Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *        and kept me safe upon my mother's breast. 10 I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *        you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *        and there is none to help. 12 Many young bulls encircle me; *        strong bulls of Bashan surround me. 13 They open wide their jaws at me, *        like a ravening and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water;    all my bones are out of joint; *        my heart within my breast is melting wax. 15 My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd;    my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *        and you have laid me in the dust of the grave. 16 Packs of dogs close me in,    and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *        they pierce my hands and my feet;        I can count all my bones. 17 They stare and gloat over me; *        they divide my garments among them;        they cast lots for my clothing. 18 Be not far away, O Lord; *        you are my strength; hasten to help me. 19 Save me from the sword, *        my life from the power of the dog. 20 Save me from the lion's mouth, *        my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls. 21 I will declare your Name to my brethren; *        in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. 22 Praise the Lord, you that fear him; *        stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;        all you of Jacob's line, give glory. 23 For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;    neither does he hide his face from them; *        but when they cry to him he hears them. 24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; *        I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him. 25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,    and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *       “May your heart live for ever!” 26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *        and all the families of the nations shall bow before him. 27 For kingship belongs to the Lord; *        he rules over the nations. 28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *        all who go down to the dust fall before him. 29 My soul shall live for him;    my descendants shall serve him; *        they shall be known as the Lord's for ever. 30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *        the saving deeds that he has done. Epistle: Hebrews 10:16-25 or 4:14-16; 5:7-9 16“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds,” 17he also adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. 19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. or 14Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered;9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, Gospel: John 18:1-19:42 1After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.”9This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. 11Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” 12So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. 15Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”18Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. 19Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” 24Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.25Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, “You are not also one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed. 28Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 32(This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. 39But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit. 1Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. 4Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” 5So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” 7The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.”8Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” 13When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. 14Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” 15They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus;17and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,' but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.'” 22Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” 23When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill what the scripture says, “They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.” 25And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. 28After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” 29A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35(He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” 37And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.” 38After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I […]

Revealed the Miracles of Jesus Pt. 2: Long Distance Healing By Louie Marsh, 8-20-2023 4 pics of distance healing   1) Jesus loves REJECTS.   “5When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6“Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.”  (Matthew 8:5–7, ESV)   During the New Testament era, a Roman centurion was a professional military officer commanding a platoon of troops called a “century.” This could be anywhere from nearly one hundred to several hundred men. Each Roman legion was composed of nearly 5,000 men, divided into multiple cohorts, each cohort composed of multiple centuries. As a result, a legion could contain as many as sixty centurions. Their importance was based on seniority, with the senior centurion in a legion being in a position of great prestige. Some historians have compared the top-level centurions to medieval knights. Roman centurions represented the bridge between enlisted troops and commissioned officers, in much the same way as warrant officers do in the modern U.S. military.   Soldiers were appointed as centurions by virtue of their bravery, loyalty, character, and prowess in battle. Centurions were held to high standards of conduct and were expected to fight on the front lines with their men. In fact, the centurion's designated place in formation was at the end of the very front row. As a result, Roman centurions were well paid and held in high esteem, and they experienced high rates of injury and death during war. The combination of wealth, power, and prestige made them influential in society.   2) I can never be GOOD ENOUGH for God's blessings.   3When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”  (Luke 7:3–4, ESV)   “6We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:6, ESV)   3) A SIMPLE view of faith.   8But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,' and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it.”  (Matthew 8:8-9, ESV)   ·       His understanding of faith hinges on AUTHORITY.   “18For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the Lord, and there is no other. 19I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.' I the Lord speak the truth; I declare what is right.” (Isaiah 45:18–19, ESV)   4) Simple faith is simply taking God at His WORD.   10When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.  (Matthew 8:10, ESV)   ·       I honestly confess my CONFUSION.   “18Why has my pain been perpetual And my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will You indeed be to me like a deceptive stream With water that is unreliable? 19Therefore, thus says the Lord, “If you return, then I will restore you— Before Me you will stand; And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman…” (Jeremiah 15:18–19a, NASB95)   5) God WELCOMES faith not heritage.    11I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  (Matthew 8:11–12, ESV)   “6And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6, ESV)   6) Simple faith simply WORKS.   13And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.” (Matthew 8:13, ESV)

1st Peter Pt. 8: Judgement & the House of God By Louie Marsh, 7-23-2023   1) When I suffer for Christ, I should REJOICE!   “12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12–14, ESV)   ·       It's NORMAL for Christians to suffer.   ·       Tests are not punishment, but to help me see the TRUTH.   2) Am I a Christian? Do I BELONG TO CHRIST?   15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (1 Peter 4:15–16, ESV)   “26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26, ESV)   ·       The word “Christian” changed it meaning over time.   Example – Gay [show video], Jesus Freak.   o   Best literal translation is probably, “belonging to Christ” or “slave of Christ.”   “28And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”” (Acts 26:28, ESV)   ·       Christians viewed spiritual slavery to Jesus as FREEDOM.   “18and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”…“22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” (Romans 6:18,22, ESV)   3) Judgement begins with…ME?   17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17, ESV)     4) When I suffer I must TRUST God.   18And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:18–19, ESV)   “15Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.” (Job 13:15, ESV)   “16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”” (Daniel 3:16–18, ESV)  

In this episode we continue our conversation about the will of God our FatherEphesians 1:11In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.Matthew 7:21Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.John 6:38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.Ephesians 6:6Not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,John 5:30 I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.John 5:19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.John 6:40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”John 1:13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.1 Thessalonians 4:3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.1 Peter 4:19Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.1 Peter 3:17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.Hebrews 10:7Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'”Mark 3:35For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”John 4:34Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his workMatthew 26:39And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”Psalm 40:8I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”Hebrews 10:7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (In the scroll of the book it is written of Me) To do Your will, O God.'”Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/622a9079e8fb640012cb94f3. I pray that God would "give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18I, pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance" https://plus.acast.com/s/blueprint-of-faith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 Peter 4:12-19 12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Teaching NotesSubmit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.James 4:7-8Sobering StatsWorry and anxiety are Westsiders' #1 struggle (45%)32.3% of all U.S. adults suffer from anxiety & depression symptoms50% of young adults (ages 18-24)Anxiety and depression has jumped 25% since the pandemicAnxiety is now the #1 issue for women and #2 for menWhen my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolation delights my soul.Psalm 94:19Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.Matthew 6:34The Four BucketsSituational (life)Spiritual (soul)Medical (body)Clinical (mind)You are allowed to be as human as Jesus.And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.Luke 22:44Take your anxieties head on.Invite the Lord into them.Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.1 Peter 5:6-7Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.Psalm 139:23Let yourself be held.Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.Colossians 3:15-16When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolation delights my soul.Psalm 94:19 SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHouse of The Lord- Phil WickhamSee A Victory- Elevation WorshipFear Is Not My Future- Maverick CityGod Of Revival- Bethel MusicWFC SpeedwayI Thank God- Maverick CityWorthy of It All- CeCe WinansFirm Foundation- Maverick CityGratitude- Brandon LakeBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Good Friday The Collect: Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Old Testament: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 13See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. 14Just as there were many who were astonished at him—so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals— 15so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate. 1Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account. 4Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. 9They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 10Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. 11Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 12Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Psalm: Psalm 22 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *        and are so far from my cry        and from the words of my distress? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *        by night as well, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are the Holy One, *        enthroned upon the praises of Israel. 4 Our forefathers put their trust in you; *        they trusted, and you delivered them. 5 They cried out to you and were delivered; *        they trusted in you and were not put to shame. 6 But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *        scorned by all and despised by the people. 7 All who see me laugh me to scorn; *        they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying, 8 “He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; *        let him rescue him, if he delights in him.” 9 Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *        and kept me safe upon my mother's breast. 10 I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *        you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *        and there is none to help. 12 Many young bulls encircle me; *        strong bulls of Bashan surround me. 13 They open wide their jaws at me, *        like a ravening and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water;    all my bones are out of joint; *        my heart within my breast is melting wax. 15 My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd;    my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *        and you have laid me in the dust of the grave. 16 Packs of dogs close me in,    and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *        they pierce my hands and my feet;        I can count all my bones. 17 They stare and gloat over me; *        they divide my garments among them;        they cast lots for my clothing. 18 Be not far away, O Lord; *        you are my strength; hasten to help me. 19 Save me from the sword, *        my life from the power of the dog. 20 Save me from the lion's mouth, *        my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls. 21 I will declare your Name to my brethren; *        in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. 22 Praise the Lord, you that fear him; *        stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;        all you of Jacob's line, give glory. 23 For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;    neither does he hide his face from them; *        but when they cry to him he hears them. 24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; *        I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him. 25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,    and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *       “May your heart live for ever!” 26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *        and all the families of the nations shall bow before him. 27 For kingship belongs to the Lord; *        he rules over the nations. 28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *        all who go down to the dust fall before him. 29 My soul shall live for him;    my descendants shall serve him; *        they shall be known as the Lord's for ever. 30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *        the saving deeds that he has done. Epistle: Hebrews 10:16-25 or 4:14-16; 5:7-9 16“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds,” 17he also adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. 19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. or 14Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered;9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, Gospel: John 18:1-19:42 1After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.”9This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. 11Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” 12So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. 15Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”18Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. 19Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” 24Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.25Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, “You are not also one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed. 28Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 32(This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. 39But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit. 1Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. 4Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” 5So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” 7The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.”8Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” 13When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. 14Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” 15They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus;17and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,' but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.'” 22Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” 23When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill what the scripture says, “They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.” 25And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. 28After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” 29A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35(He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” 37And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.” 38After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Nevertheless Surrender My Plans & Future Jim Moss / March 5th, 2023 John 10:1-18 NLT The desire to control things has eroded our sense of trust. You cannot seek to control people and love people well at the same time John 14:23 Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. The World Says: Trust yourself Follow your feelings / intuition Hustle More Chase your dream Take massive action God Says: Trust me Let me lead you Slow My yoke is easy, my burden is light Build my kingdom Come away with me Surrender says YES with my whole heart, with my whole mind, ALL the time. Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. We'll never be able to have a vision of surrender until we have an intimacy with our father God's commands are not designed to restrict life or happiness; they are designed to preserve life and happiness. Is there something I need to trust you for? Is there a step of obedience I'm unwilling to take? NT Wright Most modern Christians imagine that the gospel is about God rescuing souls from this world to go and live with him somewhere else. The Bible, however, insists that God wants to come and make his home with us – and that he has launched this project through Jesus and the Spirit. Matthew 28 16Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” As people who have been transformed by the gospel and find our primary identity in Christ, we now join God in His kingdom mission to redeem all of creation. Missional living begins in the heart of God. It is fueled by a love for all of creation and a desire to restore what has been broken by sin. God sends His kingdom people into the world to bring the reality of God's rule and reign wherever it is not present. Therefore, as image-bearers of God, we bring His kingdom—love, peace, justice, mercy, goodness, and compassion—to each and every place we go. It is God's desire that all would hear the good news of His kingdom (evangelism) and experience new birth through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit (salvation). Through the work of the Spirit, we are taught to wholeheartedly follow and obey Jesus (sanctification) and go into all the world making disciples, proclaiming the good news of God's kingdom (missional living). As the sent people of God, we rely on the Spirit living within us to empower us to live on mission. We go into every corner of the world to declare the kingdom of God, make disciples, baptize people, and teach them to walk in obedience to Christ. As a result of this missional mandate, we believe that every believer is a missionary: called by God to bring the gospel to each and every place we go. As we imitate the life of Jesus and proclaim the good news of the gospel, we push back the darkness and bring in the light of God's kingdom to every corner of our world, city, community, workplace, and neighborhood. As the people of God live out this missional mandate to go and make disciples, God brings His kingdom to earth through His people, the church. Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God Be still, and know that I am Be still, and know Be still Be

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany The Collect: Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Old Testament: Isaiah 58:1-9a, (9b-12) 1Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. 2Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God. 3“Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. 4Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. 5Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 6Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? 8Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. [If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,10if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. 11The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. 12Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.] Psalm: Psalm 112:1-9, (10) 1 Hallelujah!   Happy are they who fear the Lord *        and have great delight in his commandments! 2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *        the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, *        and their righteousness will last for ever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *        the righteous are merciful and full of compassion. 5 It is good for them to be generous in lending *        and to manage their affairs with justice. 6 For they will never be shaken; *        the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance. 7 They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *        their heart is right;        they put their trust in the Lord. 8 Their heart is established and will not shrink, *        until they see their desire upon their enemies. 9 They have given freely to the poor, *        and their righteousness stands fast for ever;        they will hold up their head with honor. [10 The wicked will see it and be angry;      they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *        the desires of the wicked will perish.] Epistle: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, (13-16) 1When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 4My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. 6Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. 7But we speak God's wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God's except the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. [13And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.14Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God's Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else's scrutiny. 16“For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.] Gospel: Matthew 5:13-20 13“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 5:13-20  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, doing good works and keeping God's commandments.  The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.  [Jesus said:] 13“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.   14“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.   17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” 

19Therefore, brothers,[a]since we have confidence to enterthe holy places by the blood of Jesus,20bythe new and living way that he opened for us throughthe curtain, that is, through his flesh,21and since we havea great priest over the house of God,22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our heartssprinkled cleanfrom an evil conscience and our bodieswashed with pure water.23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, forhe who promised is faithful.24Andlet us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, andall the more as you seethe Day drawing near.

The Believer's Authority – by Ian September “Authority exercised with humility and obedience accepted with delight, are the very lines along which our spirits live.” – C.S. Lewis Good evening church in the North. I have it on high authority that what you will hear and apply will change your life forever, guaranteed! Because it is (Not only information or revelation but in the application). How do I apply this knowledge in my life? I would like to make a statement by saying that our only hope to reach the lost and change this world one heart at a time, is when we as Christians understand, claim and exercise our authority in Christ. Please note church, that one of the many reasons why people do not grow and mature; overcome and conquer and live victorious lives, can be found in our ignorance to this topic! Did you know that exercising your authority in Christ is faith in action? God's word is clear that, faith without action is dead and without faith it's impossible to please God. (Do you see this chain-reaction?) Heb. 11:6 Listen to: Colossians 1:13 (NIV) – For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. The Word of God says that we have been delivered from the power (authority, control and dominion) of darkness and are placed into God's kingdom. So please realize today that Satan has no power over you as a child of God; the only power that the enemy has over you, is what you allow him to have. Take note church that the day that you gave your life to Christ, the day you accepted Him, you were given a new life but also authority and faith, to believe that you're a child of the Most High! John 1:12 (NIV) – Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (Believe this Church!) Aan almal ….. Luke 10:19 (NIV) – I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. The Word of God says that you're not only called to be a child of God, but also to reign and rule in this life; for you are more than an overcomer, because you have the power, might and ability to do so. Amen! You are armed and dangerous! You see, when we fully understand this principle we will be able to proclaim boldly: Philippians 4:13 (NIV) – I can do everything through him who gives me strength. I have His ability, strength and authority to do all things! King David understood this so well, when he said: “For by my God, I can run through a troop and by my God I can jump over a wall.” Psalms 18:29 (NIV) – With your help I can advance against a troop with my God I can scale a wall. Matthew 28:18-19 (NIV) – 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.   (Therefore because of verse 18 that all power and authority belongs to Jesus). Understand that a transferal of authority took place. The authority that was given to Christ was transferred to us as believers! Amen?! Mark 16:17 (NIV) – And these signs will accompany those who believe in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues. Also re-emphasizes the fact that His authority was given to all believers. (Power & authority) Because of His authority in us we can command (just as He did) for authority doesn't beg or ask, it commands (Imagine a cop begging you to pull over!) We can therefore safely say that authority is exercised through the spoken Word! Proverbs 18:21a (Well known) “Life and death is in the power of the tongue.” We will find many examples where Jesus cast out demons using His authority and speaking life over people, healing the sick and even raising the dead! Luke 7:14b – “I say to you, arise!” - Command John 5:8 – “Pick up your mat and walk!” – Command Mark 1:25 – Jesus commanded the evil spirit to leave; this same authoritative power (authority) was given to us as well. Luke 9:1 (NIV) – When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases. It is also important to know church that we can only act under His authority before we can utilize (exercise) our authority. The Roman centurion in Luke 7:2-9 (NIV) – 2There a centurion's servant whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word and my servant will be healed. 8For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me, I tell this one, ‘Go' and he goes; and that one, ‘Come' and he comes, I say to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it.” 9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Verse 8 he said: I recognize and understand authority, I submit to it and I exercise it... you don't have to come to my house, Lord, but just say the Word! He understood authority and so should we! This evening I would like to share with you just 5 pointers or reasons why we as believers do not walk in our God-given authority. Sin: The primary reason for many not to reign and rule in this life! When we habitually sin, we give Satan legal right over us until we confess our sins to God and repent! Take note church that wilful, habitual sin will prevent you from claiming and exercising your authority in Christ! Jy moet dit glo … Ignorance: Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge.” Many of us are ignorant to our authority (Ek het nie geweet nie!) Unbelief: Hebrews 3:12 says that to have unbelief is to sin! (We do not really believe that we have the power!) Fear: Luke 12:48 (well known) with authority comes responsibility! Many people do not want to embrace authority because of the responsibility attached to it. Prayerlessness: Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to pray at all times on every occasion, for when I'm prayerful I am sinless! But when I'm prayerless, I'm sinful! When we spend time before God in prayer you will come to the clear understanding of who you are in Christ, and the authoritive power you have in Him. Amen? I would like to conclude this evening by saying: “It is not what you say you believe, but what you do with what you say, you believe!” May God through His Holy Spirit challenge our hearts and make us realize who exactly we are in Christ and the authority vested in us by Christ Himself, so that we can rule and reign in this life. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

Christ came to do what we could not: live a sinless life and become the sacrifice for our sins to give us His righteousness as a GIFT. Jesus came to set us FREE from sin and condemnation and give us His heart and His righteousness. But we are not called to live lawlessly then or take advantage of His grace; Jesus sees the intentions of our heart. Are we harboring unforgiveness, hatred or anger against our brothers and sisters? We can't be HOLY without God's SPIRIT. Are we asking the Holy Spirit to change our heart? Jesus doesn't want your religion, He desires a fully surrendered heart that is in communion with Him. As we grow with God we grow to hate sin and love what He loves: His children. We are called to love others as He has loved us. The Bible is not “Pick and choose”. This is God's Kingdom and who He calls us to be, it's our identity. We can't pick and choose what the will of God is. We don't have to be perfect, but pick up our cross and turn back to God daily. What deeper waters is God calling you to that you haven't fully surrendered to? Purity of heart, ministry, godly relationships and friendships, trusting God with your finances, business? Scripture: Matthew 5:17-31 17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. 23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. 27“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.' 28But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. 31“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 32But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

In this episode, let's look at our location according to the Bible. That location gives us authority wich was ours before we were ever born again and it was delegated to us by Jesus in Matthew 28.. Ephesians 1:19-23.Acts 2:33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.Hebrews 10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,Colossians 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Ephesians 2:5-6made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.…Ephesians 1:20-22which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church,Matthew 28:17-19 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy SpiritSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/622a9079e8fb640012cb94f3. I pray that God would "give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18I, pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance" https://plus.acast.com/s/blueprint-of-faith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Obedience the key. Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience*, withdraws from grace. Thomas A Kempis (You've got to want to dis-obey)* By Pastor George Lehman What's in my power to do; is in my power not to do. What is it you want to achieve in your walk with God? Question: What do you have to do?  What needs changing?  What must you lay down?  What must you pick up… to live a live of obedience? Obedience unites us so closely to God that in a way transforms us into Him so that we have no other will but His.  If obedience is lacking, even prayer cannot be pleasing to God.  St .Thomas   Paul teaching the Romans about time leaving the old life: Romans 6:16-17 (Amp) - Do you not know that if you continually surrender yourselves to anyone to do his will, you are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)? But thank God, though you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient with all your heart to the standard of teaching in which you were instructed and to which you were committed. God and His word are intensely practical – all of the great general principles in the Kingdom of God are specific.  God is never vague He doesn't play hide and seek. God leaves no room for mere slack, compromising Christianity. A feel-good message won't help you if you're not obedient. Jesus' most harsh words were not to the broken and degraded sinner who was judged and condemned by society. It was for the self-righteous and self-deceived people whose lives did not prove their claims to holiness, love and a real relationship with God. They spoke obedience but lived dis-obedience. Jesus called such people fools, hypocrites, snakes, whitewashed tombs.  Seven times He referred to them as blind.  Three times He called them vipers. Clearly these were strong words for those who failed to practice their professed spirituality. Perhaps the best illustration of this is the bible's emphasis upon obedience.  An importance highlighted in both the Old and the New Testament. The message of God is plain… Measure your life by how much you obey… Not how much you know, how much you do, how much you read the bible. Measure your life by what you actually do. Obedience the key. #1  Obedience is the key to cleansing and holiness. There is NO other way to maintain a holy life except to walk constantly in God's light.  (The light is obedience.) 1 John 1:7 (Amp) - But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. Keep clean by obeying God. To claim to have fellowship while deliberately disobeying God is to walk in darkness and lie. 1 John 1:6 (Amp) - [So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents]. #2  Obedience is the key to confidence in prayer. 1 John 3:21-22 (Amp) - And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God*, 22. And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him. *Before God – we maintain a clear conscience by walking in obedience to God. ‘Oh', how we, by failing to walk in the light cripple our prayer. ‘Oh', the unanswered prayers because the praying person is not living in obedience to God's light. #3  Obedience is the key to blessing. Do you want to be blessed in every part of your life? God pours out His blessings on those who are eager and active in obedience. James 1:25 (Amp) - But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience). Job 36:11 (Amp) - If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness and joy.   Proverbs 10:22(KJV) – The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. There are so many Christians who are fruitless in ministry – dry and unproductive: Because of disobedience in practical matters like tithing, disciplining their lives to find time to pray and read the bible. No promise is automatically fulfilled – scripture is clear on this: “Obey and you will receive”. Jesus gave us an example of a life of obedience. Hebrews 10:7 (NIV) - Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, O God.'” The obedience of Jesus was not an act of obedience now and then or even a series of acts.  It was the spirit of His whole life. The one all-controlling power of His life was obedience. There are two forms of obedience. You and I are responsible for two forms of obedience. Obedience to God's general commands. 2. Obedience to God's personalized commands. God's requirements, as taught in His word, are for every person. We are responsible to obey them. Can I just say this, “If it is in God's word, you need no further guidance.  That settles it!” Forgiveness of others. Living in purity and holiness. Loving others. Speaking no evil of others. Tithing Children obey your parents. These and many more are matters of obedience according to God's word for every believer. Some of God's requirements, on the other hand, are very personal. God may give you personal convictions about things or something. He is calling you to obedience that He requires of you, not of everyone. He may call you to a special time of prayer and fasting. Maybe a sacrificial giving to God's Kingdom or to bless someone. Maybe God has called you to lay down something so you can give your full attention to His work. Abraham's obedience was tested in an intensely personal manner by demanding that he offer Isaac to God. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Jonah... Isaiah 6:8 (Amp) - Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Jeremiah 1:9-10 (Amp) - Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day appointed you to the oversight of the nations and of the kingdoms to root out and pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant. Jonah 1:1-2 (Amp) - Now the word of the lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim against it, for their wickedness has come up before me. Jonah 3:1-3 (Amp) - And the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach and cry out to it the preaching that I tell you.  So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city of three days' journey [sixty miles in circumference]. They key to a victorious, significant, effective, joyful, guilt free, condemned free life is... Daily obedience to do the will of God in every detail of your life. Are you going to Take up the KEY of Obedience? And your final answer is? Matthew 28:18-20 – 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   *****  

Go And Make Disciples And Baptize Them In The Name Of The Father, Son And Holy Spirit! Matthew 28:18-20 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

  Wake the Faith up Slayer… This is Garth Heckman with the David Alliance and you can reach me at TDAgiantslayer@gmail.com    Brought to you by wellbuiltbody.com Gym Apparel for men and women that rocks and shocks and ain't for everybody - but just might be for you. wellbuiltbody.com       YO DISCIPLES HEAL MY BOY Matthew 17: 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you!     Lack of faith GK - Olly-gop-i-stos Def: disinterested in walking intimately with him. CONTRAST- The goal of life is to receive and obey each time he speaks to you.    **So it was not that the disciples were  not with Jesus,  Listened to Jesus Talked to Jesus Or see his miracles it was that they were not interested in walking intimately with him.      2 thoughts about discipleship   -  Its a mandate - a command - a necessity Matt. 28:18-20 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”     All Authority - I am giving you an order as the one in charge of everything.   AND… If you are a disciple you are making disciples, and if you are making disciples you are a disciple… what? YOU MIGHT SAY TO ME “PASTOR THIS SAYS TO MAKE DISCIPLES, ITS NOT A COMMAND THAT I HAVE TO BE A DISCIPLE” - That might be the problem. In that culture - to make disciples meant you were taking the command of being a disciple.        Signs of being a disciple OR SHOULD I SAY Signs of walking intimately…

GOSPEL POWER l JUNE 8, 2022 - WEDNESDAY of 10th Week in Ordinary Time Gospel: Mt 5:17-19 Jesus said to his disciples, 17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Obedience is not a restriction on freedom, but rather, the optimal way of exercising it within the limited conditions of earthly existence. To know how to obey Godgiven laws is a sign of growth in creaturely maturity, because it entails the capacity to entrust oneself to the One who holds the master plan and thus knows best. The expression Kingdom of God is really all about our relationship of trust and dependence on God, whom Jesus introduced as Father. True freedom is to choose the Father's will. As the inaugurator of God's Kingdom on earth, Jesus obeys perfectly to the point of death, thus unmasking the falsity of the world's propaganda that equates freedom with pursuing one's personal whims and desires. For Jesus, to obey is to love. And a person who genuinely loves is genuinely free. Lord Jesus, help us to grow into loving persons by first learning to obey God's will. Amen.

BEING A CHURCHWhat is church? What true church of Jesus Christ looks like? It is undeniable that there are various kinds of churches today. There are TWO CATEGORIES of CHURCH.1)   VISIBLE CHURCH: is characterized by what tangible. What we see which is the building and its organization. Its unique ceremonial practices and organizational system. 2)   INVISIBLE CHURCH: refers to the fellowship of all believers throughout ages from all places and all peoples. The keyword here is the PEOPLE. Not the building. Nor the organizational system. THE PEOPLE. THE BELIEVERS who have and display a sense of UNITY and COMMUNION as the REDEEMED. Sinner who are JUSTIFIED and SANCTIFIED by the BLOOD OF JESUS. This is the CHURCH. The PEOPLE who have responded to God's saving grace. What true church of Jesus Christ is about and looks like?CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST:1)   IS A FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNION OF ALL BELIEVERSChurch, in Greek Word, EKKLESIA. It's a combination of EK and KALEO. EK means “OUT OF” “OUT FROM” and KALEO means “CALLED” “SUMMONED”. Ekklesia means “the Called-Out Ones”.  If Church is defined as the “Called-Out Ones”. Logically, we ask … call out from what?  1)     The believers are called out from DEATH to LIFE (Eph 2:1-10). 2)     The believers are out from DARKNESS to LIGHT (1 Pet 2:9). 3)   The believers are called out from IMPURE TO A HOLY LIVING (1 Thess 4:7 ; 2 Tim 1:9). 4)     The believers are called out from satan's kingdom into GOD's KINGDOM (Col 1:13-14). 5)     The believers are called out from slavery of sin to be A CHILD OF GOD and BRIDE OF CHRIST (John 1:12, Gal 3:26)As a body of Christ, CHURCH AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS EXIST TO: #1 LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Jesus commanded this very clearly, “This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:17). Simply love is THOUGHTFUL & PRACTICAL ACTION. TO DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU (Mat 7:12) #2. As a body of Christ, CHURCH AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS EXIST TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST:2)  TEACHES JESUS' MESSAGE EXCLUSIVELY & FAITHFULLY In Matthew 28:18-20, in what is known to be the Great Commission, Jesus said, “18 …, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 19and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded You. And surely I am with You always, to the very end of the age.”CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST MUST TEACH JESUS' MESSAGES AS EXLCUSIVELY, PURELY & FAITHFULLY!  The believers' heart need to be directed toward THE NEW HEAVEN THE NEW EARTH. HOPE IN THE LIFE TO COME.  CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST:3)  PREPARES THE BELIEVERS TO THE RETURNING OF THE LORD Church has a prime task and responsibility – which is DISCIPLESHIP. Church does not aim to merely gather crowds. Nor just to build fanbase. Church of Jesus Christ aims to disciple people to be Christ's people or the Kingdom citizen. These are the people whose character is reflecting Christ. This objective is superior above all others.   The more mature we are in our knowledge of God, the simpler our philosophy of life will be. 

1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV) 12Beloved, do not be surprised atthe fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.13But rejoiceinsofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be gladwhen his glory is revealed.14If you are insultedfor the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of gloryand of God rests upon you.15Butlet none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer oras a meddler.16Yetif anyone suffers as aChristian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify Godin that name.17For it is time for judgmentto begin at the household of God; andif it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those whodo not obey the gospel of God?18And If the righteous is scarcely saved,what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? 19Therefore let those who suffer according to God's willentrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Disciple Up # 216 The State of the American Church & Me! By Louie Marsh, 6-23-2021   “1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2“ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'” (Revelation 2:1–7, ESV)   I listened to a podcast today on Christianity Today website called, The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill, you can click the link below to check it out and can subscribe to this podcast on all the usual places.   https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/who-killed-mars-hill-church-mark-driscoll-rise-fall.html   Necessity of judging (check out my sermon on Judging Like Jesus Judged if that bothers you: http://riverchurchparker.com/sermons/08-the-gospel-of-john-1-7-judge-like-jesus-judges/ ) our spiritual state.   My own growth and health My family's (if I have one) My small group or ministry (if I have one) My church's health.   “1“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:1–6, ESV)   “12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:12–19, ESV)  

22 In this episode I give you a definition of What sin is and why does it matter?Romans 3:23For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GodThe definition I have for sin is missing the mark. If you can picture a target (think a dartboard) and on the target, there is a bullseye. Now picture throwing a dart and not hitting the bullseye.Every time you throw a dart and miss the bullseye (assuming you are aiming for the bullseye) that is considered a sin. So when the Bible says "all" have sinned it's easy to see how each of us has missed the mark of perfection in our life.In Romans 5, Paul tells us because of one man's sin we all are under sin. He then explains because of one man's righteous act we all can be free from sin. (If I were you I'd read the whole chapter :-) )Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because all sinned.Romans 5:18,19Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience, many will be made righteous.God knows what He is doing and we need to trust His great and simple solution of salvation through the man Jesus.Thank you for listening.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. Romans 8:18-19Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1 

"Through the gift the world received more grace than the sum of her brokenness."When was a time you experienced grace like this?//Romans 5:12-19Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned— sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come.But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.//This episode was written and recorded by Farley Lord. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and My Neighborhood and Amazing Grace by Goldmund.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.This season of Be Still and Go is supported in part by Convergence as they help share each episode with their community. (You should do the same!) Convergence a network that supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from “organized religion” to “organizing religion” driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more just world for all. Visit www.convergenceus.org to find out more.

"Through the gift the world received more grace than the sum of her brokenness."When was a time you experienced grace like this?//Romans 5:12-19Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned— sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come.But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.//This episode was written and recorded by Farley Lord. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and My Neighborhood and Amazing Grace by Goldmund.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.This season of Be Still and Go is supported in part by Convergence as they help share each episode with their community. (You should do the same!) Convergence a network that supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from “organized religion” to “organizing religion” driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more just world for all. Visit www.convergenceus.org to find out more.

Matthew 5:13-20[Jesus said:] 13“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:13–20     13[Jesus said:] “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.     14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.     17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37:4‬ ‬‭Later in Psalms 37 verse 23 He Says: ‬‭The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.‬‭‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:23‬ ‭‬‭The steps of a good man are directed and established by the ‬LORD‭ when He delights in his way and the Lord busies Himself with his every step.‬‭‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37:23‬ ‭‬‭Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the ‬LORD‭ grasps his hand in support and upholds him.‬‭‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37:24‬ ‭‬‭God is saying: The ‬LORD‭ directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the ‬LORD‭ holds them by the hand. (Psalms‬ ‭37:23-24‬)‬‭Now you can see why the Holy Spirit tells you: Take delight in the ‬LORD‭, and He will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the ‬LORD‭. Trust Him, and He will help you.”‬‭‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:4-5‬‬First, notice How God delights in you His child and His Praise of you In Christ.In Christ you were made God's heritage portion and you obtained an inheritance; just as you had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His Own will.‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭The LORD your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior Who saves! He rejoices over you His Child with joy; He rest in silent satisfaction, and in His love He is silent and makes no mention of your past sins, or even recalls them; He rejoices over you with singing.Zephaniah‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭The LORD delights in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalms‬ ‭147:11‬ ‭You are being guarded by God's power through your faith till you fully inherit that final]salvation that is ready to be revealed for you in the last time.1 Peter‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭But a Jew is one inwardly, and true circumcision is of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal matter. Your praise is not from men but from God.‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:29‬ ‭In His love God chose you, actually picked us out for Himself as His own in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy -consecrated and set apart for Him, and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.Ephesians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭Yes, God wants you to realize how special you are the Him, How He delights in you. And Relish the privilege you have to be alive in Him, thus Delight in Him.You can say with David:The LORD brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He was pleased with me and delighted in me. (Psalms ‭18:19‬)"The reason God delivered me from all my enemies — from all my sorrows and the powers of hell — is because I am precious to him. My God delights in me!" "He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me" Psalm 18:19Therefore, because God Delights in you, He Gives you reasons to Delight in Him.‭So you: Take delight in the ‬LORD‭, and He not pnly gives you your heart's desires. ‬‭When you Commit everything you do to the ‬LORD‭. Trust Him, and you will find he is your Faithful Helper in your every moment.‬‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:4-5‬‬Therefore, what God delights in about us is that we delight in Him.

The Nicene Creed p. 880 UMC hymnal *We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. *We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. *We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic* and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. We see a complete picture of the Trinity at the Baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:16,17 —- 16As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” Here we see the Godhead united: The Father speaking from heaven The Son Jesus The Holy Spirit descending like a dove In the Great Commission, Jesus teaches of the Trinity: Matthew 28:18,19 — 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Preaching in Solomon’s Colonnade 11While he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astonished, ran toward them in what is called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness? 13The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied before Pilate, though he had decided to release him. 14You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer released to you. 15You killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this. 16By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Jesus has given him this perfect health in front of all of you. 17“And now, brothers and sisters, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your leaders also did. 18In this way God fulfilled what he had predicted through all the prophets — that his Messiah would suffer. 19Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, 20that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus, who has been appointed for you as the Messiah. 21Heaven must receive him until the time of the restoration of all things, which God spoke about through his holy prophets from the beginning. 22Moses said: The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers and sisters. You must listen to everything he tells you. 23And everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be completely cut off from the people. 24“In addition, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, have also foretold these days. 25You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors, saying to Abraham, And all the families of the earth will be blessed through your offspring. 26God raised up his servant and sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways.”

RESTORE: Righting Relationship Wrongs - 03.17.19Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9PEACEKEEPERS OFTEN AVOID CONFRONTATION TO KEEP PEACE.PEACEMAKERS EMBRACE CONFRONTATION TO MAKE PEACE. PEACEMAKING POINTSTHE GREATEST ENEMY TO PEACEMAKING IS PRIDE.THE GREATEST FRIEND TO PEACEMAKING IS HUMILITY.When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2HOW TO APOLOGIZE WITH INTEGRITYADMIT TO SPECIFIC ACTIONS AND ATTITUDES.DON’T MAKE EXCUSES.ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCES.CHANGE YOUR BEHAVIOR.ASK FOR FORGIVENESS.ACCEPT THE REACTION WITHOUT EXPECTATION.Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

Find us online at: AdventNYC.orgEmail us at: Podcast@AdventNYC.orgTalk with us at: Advent Sermons & Conversations on FacebookCome to a service and hear the sermons live and in person Sunday morning 9am and 11am in English and 12:30pm in Spanish at 93rd and Broadway.Readings for This Week:First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3The book of Daniel is an example of apocalyptic literature, which is full of strange visions and symbolism. Arising during times of great persecution, apocalyptic literature is concerned with God’s revelation about the end time and the coming kingdom of God, when God will vindicate the righteous who have been persecuted.1“At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. 2Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”Psalm: Psalm 16My heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body shall rest in hope. (Ps. 16:9)1Protect me, O God, for I take ref- | uge in you;  I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my good a- | bove all other.” 2All my delight is in the godly that are | in the land,  upon those who are noble a- | mong the people. 3But those who run after | other gods  shall have their troubles | multiplied. 4I will not pour out drink offerings | to such gods,  never take their names up- | on my lips. R 5O Lord, you are my portion | and my cup;  it is you who up- | hold my lot. 6My boundaries enclose a | pleasant land;  indeed, I have a | rich inheritance. 7I will bless the Lord who | gives me counsel;  my heart teaches me night | after night. 8I have set the Lord al- | ways before me;  because God is at my right hand, I shall | not be shaken. R 9My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spir- | it rejoices;  my body also shall | rest in hope. 10For you will not abandon me | to the grave,  nor let your holy one | see the pit. 11You will show me the | path of life;  in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for- | evermore. RSecond Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25Images of worship and sacrifice are used throughout Hebrews to highlight what Christ has uniquely accomplished through his death. Because we have received forgiveness through Christ’s death, we live with sincere hearts by trusting in God’s promises and encouraging love and good works from each other.11Every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” 13and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” 14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. [15And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, 16“This is the covenant that I will make with them  after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts,  and I will write them on their minds,”17he also adds,  “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”18Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.]   19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.Gospel: Mark 13:1-8In the last week of his life, Jesus warned his disciples concerning trials that were to come upon them and upon the world. He exhorts the listener: Do not be alarmed.1As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”  3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 6Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.”

This is the 19th class on the book of Hebrews. This Bible class was taught at the Pilot Point Church in Pilot Point Texas. The following is the outline of the class. He Who Promised is Faithful Hebrews 10 13waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. 14For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 15And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, 16“THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,” He then says, 17“AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” 18Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Anyone want to go back to Judaism??? A High Priest that is impeccable A covenant that is better A better place of service A better sacrifice in every way than the old covenant And one that the Holy Spirit says will satisfy every need we have to be right with God Preservation of the saints Hebrews chapter 10:19-12:29 19Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 1 Peter 3:21 20to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities, and powers in submission to him. Hebrews 10 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. 26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, (NIV) 26For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (KJV)   Hebrews 10 26For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. Hebrews 10 28Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Hebrews 2 2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? Hebrews 10 28Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us. 30For we know the one who said, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back.” He also said, “The LORD will judge his own people.” 31It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Subscribe to the podcast: {Apple Podcasts}{Stitcher}{Google Play}{IHeartRadio}

Click here to listen or download this message. 8-15-10, SAM, CLCDraw near to God 2Description:Drawing near to God means different things to different people, but we want to look at what the Bible says about the subject. If we are going to draw near to Him, we need to know how to. It is not as mysterious as it sounds, just do what the Word says to do.We draw near to God by:1. Realizing that through Jesus, we have the ability to stand before God as though sin had never even existed.Corinthians 5:21 (New American Standard Bible)21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.1 John 1:9 (New American Standard Bible)9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.2. Come sincerely, not just going through the motions. In order to do this, we must come with confidence, boldly. We are not confident in ourselves, in our worthiness in and of ourselves, but confident in His sacrifice, in what His blood accomplished. Confident in His ability to cleanse us of all our sins.Hebrews 10:19-24 (New American Standard Bible)19Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,20by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,21and since we have a great priest over the house of God,21and since we have a great priest over the house of God,22let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [Ephesians 5:26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word]23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;24and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,25not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.Heb 10:19 NKJV19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,Hebrews 4:14-16 (New King James Version)Our Compassionate High Priest14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.Hebrews 4:16 (New American Standard Bible)16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.If we have sinned, according to Ephesians 5:26, we can be cleansed by the Word. If we’ve sinned, we need to spend time in the Word, allowing the Word to wash over us, transforming us through the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2)3. We draw near to God through obedience to His Word1 Samuel 15:22 (New American Standard Bible)22Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.John 14:15, 15:10 Obeying God’s commands allows us to remain in Him.Click here to go the the site where you can view the whole sermon outline, listen online, or download to your computer.