Podcasts about 2god

Today's Scripture - Romans 12:2God will bring you into his new future by bringing his new future into you.

Unity in Community, part 2God's Gospel for the WorldRomans 14:1-12Dr. Ken MitchellWestside Chapel | May 4, 2025

Daily Voice Devotional with Niyi AdekunleTuesday 25th MarchYou Have It, Use It. 2God has already given you everything you need to live a purposeful and victorious life in Christ—now it's your responsibility to use what He has put inside you and make it evident for the world to see and give Him the glory.In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), a master entrusted his servants with different amounts. Those who used and multiplied their talents were rewarded, while the one who didn't use it, but buried it was regarded as wicked and lazy and he was punished. This teaches us that neglecting God's gifts is laziness, wickedness and a rejection of His wisdom and such acts won't go unpunished.Among God's greatest gifts is His Word—not just written text, but the living Word. As John 1:1 state, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus Himself is the Word, and the Holy Spirit brings the Word alive within us. It's not about head knowledge but Spirit-empowered truth that transforms lives. Joh 6:63 GNB, What gives life is God's Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit. So how do you use this gift? We give ourselves to it by reading, memorizing, studying, meditating applying it to our lives and sharing it with others. Ezekiel 2:2, “The Spirit entered into me when He spoke to me and set me on my feet.” When we receive God's Word into our hearts and submit to it, His Spirit empowers us with His life and wisdom, lifting us above life's challenges.As you apply it daily, you will witness its power in your life and gain confidence to impact others. God's Word carries His life—use it.God bless you, enjoy your day

Israel's Great Comeback God's Future for Israel, part 2God's Gospel for the WorldRomans 11:16-24Dr. Ken MitchellWestside Chapel | January 26, 2025

LIVE Now, Resting in His Presence Psalm 46:1-2God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.

Why Can't We Just Do the Right Thing? part 2God's Gospel for the WorldRomans 7:14-25Dr. Ken MitchellWestside Chapel | August 11, 2024

Jul 14, 2024  GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHBlake Hardcastle, Equipping PastorWhy did Jesus Leave?John 14:26-311. We were made for Peace v.27v.27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Hope in fake gods not the real one.The internet is my refugeMy house is my shepherdMy family is my light. Comfort is my portion.“Not yet” is my rock.Alcohol is my strength.Not failing is my salvation2. The Spirit is our source of peace. 26-2726 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.   What does the Spirit do to give peace?God is my refuge. Psalm 46:1-3The Lord is my shepherd Psalm 23:1The LORD is my light. Psalm 27:1The Lord is my portion. Lamentations 3:24-26God is my rock. Psalm 62:2God is my strength. Psalm 73:26God is my salvation. Isaiah 12:23. Peace has to be fought for.  27bv.27b Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.What do we do when troubles and fear rise in us? Answer 4 questions.1. What is happening? 2. What do I feel? 3. What am I believing? 4. What does God promise?Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.4. God's path to peace does not have to make sense v. 28-29 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.Psalm 112:7-8 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.Mental Worship:1. If you were to release to God your two biggest worries what would they be?2. What are you peaceful in now that you have learned to trust God for?3. Who came to mind as someone who needs to have real peace?4. If you fall for imposter peace, what does that usually look like?5. Does anything need to change in how you relate to the Holy Spirit?

Rich Toward GodLuke 12:20-21Luke 12:13Luke 12:14Luke 12:15Luke 12:16-19Luke 12:20-21God's Hand of Favor is . . .Available     Numbers 6:22-27Genesis 12:2God's Hand of Favor is not . . .AutomaticFervent PrayerII Chronicles 4:10Genesis 32:26Faith-Driven HeartRevelation 1:3Hebrews 11:6Fearless ObediencePsalm 5:12Fruitful GivingLuke 6:38 Support the Show.

"How Should Christians Vote? | Trump-Stormy Scandal, Violent Protests, and Workplace Pressures" | Watch This Episode on YouTube {"@context":"http://schema.org/","@id":"https://straighttruth.net/how-should-christians-vote-trump-stormy-scandal-violent-protests-and-workplace-pressures/#arve-youtube--hnikxzbgfm664db07213817085779686","type":"VideoObject","embedURL":"https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/-hNikxZBgFM?iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&autohide=1&playsinline=0&autoplay=0","name":"How Should Christians Vote? | Trump-Stormy Scandal, Violent Protests, and Workplace Pressures","thumbnailUrl":"https://straighttruth.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/STP-S28-SE-EP01-Christian-Voting-Ethics-Trump-Stormy-Scandal-Violent-Protests-and-Workplace-Pressures.jpg","uploadDate":"2024-05-17","description":"How Should Christians Vote? | Trump-Stormy Scandal, Violent Protests, and Workplace Pressures"} Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel Support Our Podcast Join Our Mailing List Watch Us On Rumble Related MessagesThe Believer & The WorldThe Christian's Relationship to Governing AuthoritiesOne Ambition: To Please ChristPrepared for Persecution - Parts 1 & 2The Test of Hard Teaching - Parts 1 & 2God's Controversy With His PeopleWhat God Delights In "How Should Christians Vote? | Trump-Stormy Scandal, Violent Protests, and Workplace Pressures " | Watch this episode on Vimeo {"@context":"http://schema.org/","@id":"https://straighttruth.net/how-should-christians-vote-trump-stormy-scandal-violent-protests-and-workplace-pressures/#arve-vimeo-946307587664db07213fda353983213","type":"VideoObject","embedURL":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/946307587?dnt=1&app_id=122963&transparent=0&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0","name":"How Should Christians Vote? | Trump-Stormy Scandal, Violent Protests, and Workplace Pressures","thumbnailUrl":"https://straighttruth.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/STP-S28-SE-EP01-Christian-Voting-Ethics-Trump-Stormy-Scandal-Violent-Protests-and-Workplace-Pressures.jpg","uploadDate":"2024-05-17","description":"How Should Christians Vote? | Trump-Stormy Scandal, Violent Protests, and Workplace Pressures"} Follow Us On Vimeo Listen to the Audio Podcast Subscribe on iPhone Subscribe on Android Subscribe on Spotify How Should Christians Vote? | Trump-Stormy Scandal, Violent Protests, and Workplace PressuresAs Christians, we need to be saturated with the Scriptures, forming our worldview based on them. We must then apply that biblical worldview to everything we choose and do in life as citizens of earthly nations, countries, and states where we live. This includes, and shouldn't have to be mentioned, how we think about ethics and morals. They impact how we vote, what we should consider that disqualifies a person from serving in public office, how we choose to react to perceived injustices, how we respond to those in authority over us and more. Join us and listen in this week to the Straight Truth Podcast. We've compiled a few episodes in which Dr. Richard Caldwell and Dr. Josh Philpot will help us think through our responsibilities as heavenly citizens and yet earthly citizens awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Questions answered in the episode cover what we can do, what we can't do, what we shouldn't do, what we should do, how we should do it, and when we should do it.Dr. Caldwell says as Christians, we are facing some monumental issues in the days in which we live. To identify ourselves with any particular party, institution, or group isn't the ultimate issue for us. We want to look at all things and examine our choices through the lens of Scripture. We need to ask ourselves some questions. Like, what does God say about this in His Word? How should we respond? What can we do?We aren't revolutionaries, we don't live in a theocracy, and we aren't the Old Testament biblical nation of Israel.

The Necessary Gospel, part 2God's Gospel for the WorldRomans 1:24-32Billy PoeWestside Chapel | May 5, 2024

The Glory of God series message 7Text: Psalm 90:1-2God has no beginning and no end, He is before all things and is the first cause. His eternality brings perspective and comfort for every believer!

Title: Handling SufferingMinister: Apostle Emmanuel Iren2 Corinthians 4:4There is such a thing as blindness of the mind and this is what the people outside Christ experience.However, God remedies this situation by putting His Spirit within us and causing us to walk in His statutes. Ezekiel 36:26-27,31Christianity is a miracle of changed desires. The things that were irresistible when we were in the world are no longer irresistible in Christ. Gal 5:16-18, Col 3:1-3Joy should always be an offshoot of our location being seated with ChristJoy is not inherently an emotion for the believer. Joy is a new appetite.Joy is a miracleHow do I know that I need to set my affections?1. If I lack patience to learn: the moment you find yourself losing staying power, you need to check it. You're not a customer in the church, you're a disciple.2. You hardly share the things of God: Hebrews 1:9. When last did you share a sermon excerpt with someone that you thought needed it?Joy is an appetite issue. For a child of God, it is never just about the beat in a song. Psalm 1:1-2God's law can become a delight for you not just a duty.Guard your heart with all diligence, like the way a Customs officer guards the border, don't allow just anything come in, Psalm 1:32, Ephesians 5:6-11This is how habits are built: Repetition-Easy-Often-Pleasure-HabitIf Spiritual things always feel long for you, your flesh is alive.To-do: Write down what you are going to do better and what you will not do anymore and may God help you.

WE'RE BACK! Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding throughout the past two weeks! We are so excited to return with a new episode on dating while maintaining a relationship with God. In this episode, we will touch on some biblical principles that apply to dating as well as the definition of Godly marriage. We compare the worldly mindset towards dating with the approach that we hope to have as Christians, and we even share some of our own experiences and advice. (There's also quite a few hot takes ;)) Thanks again for joining us, and we hope you enjoy!!References:God's original intent for relationships | Gen. 2God's curse upon Eve | Gen. 3:16Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers | 2 Cor. 6:14Marriage represents Christ and the Church | Eph. 5:22-31Beauty of singleness | 1 Cor. 7:34

Unless the Lord builds the house,    those who build it labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city,    the watchman stays awake in vain.It is in vain that you rise up early    and go late to rest,eating the bread of anxious toil;    for he gives to his beloved sleep. --- Psalm 127:1-2God has an answer for our restlessness and anxiety -- Himself. This message from our own Ben Martin encourages us to rest in the truth that God knows us and loves us; that He knows our needs and takes care of us. The kind disposition of our sovereign Father is more than enough to be our peace. 

In this three-part episode our hosts, Cayla, Nathan, Halli and guest Courtney take a look at four cases of intrigue:The Snapewives: While known as the Snapewives, they referred to themselves as Snapeists. Snapeism was a small religious movement that formed in the early 2000s in the online space of livejournal. Its members were devoted to the omnipresent Severus Snape from the Harry Potter universe, and their practices included channeling and even spiritual marriage to the broody potion's professorGod is an Asshole: Nathan tells us how if you look at the bible objectively, god reads like a petulant child that seems to get off on torturing the children they allegedly love so muchCharles Silverstein: Charles Silverstein did a lot to help the gay rights movement, including getting homosexuality to be viewed as a way of being and not a mental illnessSounds of Alaska: Did you know that the northern lights make sound and that there is a mysterious horn that seems to sound randomly in Anchorage, Alaska and no one knows where it comes from?Pt.2God is an Assholehttps://www.thehumanexception.com/l/file-0089-0091-the-gay-gods-of-anchorage/

Message Text: God's Sovereignty in Ecclesiastes We usually work through these Bible book passages verse-by-verse. But I want us to pick up on this theme of God's sovereignty which is first raised here in Ecclesiastes 1:13, but it keeps popping up throughout the rest of the book. Whenever Solomon mentions God's sovereignty, he always talks about enjoying life and vice versa. "God is in control, so enjoy your life" seems to be the message. * Quotation 1:13 I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! 2:24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 3:10-11 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 5:18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. 6:1-2 1 I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind: 2God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them, and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil. 7:14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other… 8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. 9:7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/shcc/message

Vintage City Church // Teaching Series: The Evidence of Faith // Greg Sanders // Romans 12:1-2God's will for our lives is fully knowable but not easily accessible. It requires submission to His process. Our bodies are to be a living sacrifice for God and His glory. We must lay down what we want for what He wants for us. We have a choice to allow God to shape us and not allow it to be the world around us. Unless we create the space for Him to transform our minds and thinking, we risk missing His will and what He is doing in our lives. 

Isaiah 40:1-11 God will comfort and forgive 1-2God will make a way and reveal his glory 3-5God will keep his word forever 6-8God will protect and provide for his people 9-11 The post Behold your God! I appeared first on Racine Bible Church.

What are some key words in the Psalm?The word "hear" in vs, 1, 5The word "refuge" in vs. 3, 4The mention of "Your name" in vs. 5, 8What does He say about God?God leads HIm to the rock- vs. 2God is His refuge and tower of strength- vs. 3God is the One he fears- vs. 5 and praises- vs. 8God is One he looks to when his heart is faint- vs. 2How does Jesus fulfill Psalm 61?He cried to God and He heard- 61:1, 5; Heb. 5:7Jesus is the Rock- 61:2; I Peter 2:4-8; Rom. 9:33We find shelter under Jesus' wings- 61:4; Matt. 23:37-39He is King forever- 61:6-7; Hebrews 7 emphasizes Melechizedek, who was both King and Priest. There is no record of his death and that is a picture of his continuing in these offices forever. Jesus fulfills this picture. He exercises lovingkindness and truth- 61:7

Happiness makes me smileProverbs 15:13God makes me happyPsalm 9:1–2God is my inheritancePsalm 16:5-6Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/rosesLicense code: HVVSSXXY7M73KN16

                   Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                                         “Effective Grace”                                           Isaiah 30:18-26      Four Effects of God's Grace:1.       Compassion - He demonstrates compassion in his waiting! Earlier Isaiah realizes that he must wait and trust:Is. 8:16-17 He can't dispense grace without their recognition of their rebellion, but there is always a remnant who are waiting and trusting in the Lord as evidenced in Isaiah 8:16-17.To be given time to repent is a great mercy which should be grasped with profound gratitude: Romans 2:4God does not want anyone to parish: 2 Pet 3:8-9 2.       Comfort - He comforts through answered prayer. After punishing Israel God will once again bless them:  Isaiah 40:2God's judgment is tempered by grace and ultimately fulfilled through the cross of Christ: Col. 1:21-22 3.        Clarity - He is recognized as their teacher. Because of judgment their eyes and ears will be opened to what it is he has been trying to say: Isaiah 26:9God's Spirit will guide us: John 16:13We are defined by who we follow: Rom 8:14The casting away of idols is the natural consequence of a vibrant relationship with God; For idols speak of divided loyalties: Ex. 20:3 4.       Covenant Blessing Restored If chapter 1 refers to the devastation caused by Assyria's invasion, this present passage refers to the restored covenant blessing promised in  Dt. 28:11-12 Remember first comes Judgment and then the blessing: Isaiah 1:7The outpouring of creation's bounty speaks, of the end of sin and the curse and of the return Eden: Amos 9:13When the towers of Judah's pride are smashed, she may expect a new era of unbelievable fruitfulness: Isaiah 2:12-17Instead of the darkness of despair, uncertainty and sin, and the misery of the pains resulting from running into God in the darkness, there will be perfect clarity  and the tender ministry of the Father bandaging our  wounds and bruises: Isaiah 60:19-20 Support the show

Judges 1 & 2God's merciful hand saves.

I am chosenJohn 15:16I have a purposePsalm 57:2God has plans for meJeremiah 29:11Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/rosesLicense code: HVVSSXXY7M73KN16

                                   Hebrews – A Call to Commitment:                                                 “The Unshakable Kingdom                                                           Hebrews 12:25-29Intro:   The Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989.  Oct 17th, 7.1 centered in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  33 Years since the earthquake. Main Verse: Heb 12:28Three Responses to our standing within the Unshakable Kingdom:1.            Obedience: “Do not refuse him who speaks.” The Wilderness generation instantly disobeyed God.While Moses was on the mountain they had Aaron craft an Idol.Ex. 32:35: God sent a plague!He warns us from Heaven: Jesus, high-priest…Again, our author gives an additional how much more argument : Heb 2:3 2.            Confidence  We will not be shaken is a promise.The earth shook at Sinai: Psalm 77:18The earth will shake at the end of time: Haggai 2:6But God promises a New Heaven and … 2 Pet 3:10-13The physical will pass; the spiritual last.Remember, their physical world was coming apart.Esau, who clung to his appetites: Heb. 12:16Our earthly life does not revolve around comforts.This is our confidence: Rom 8:38 39 3.            GratitudeConfidence does not lead to arrogance.How do we show our Thankfulness?    1)     Worship Acceptably  Worship is about how we live: Rom. 12:1-2God has not changed.Judgment is so fiery; how can we waiver?  Isaiah 33:14Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/AnthonyMartino66?fan_landing=true)

If you're married or in any relationship for that matter, the sentence "I told you so" is never a productive thing to say. Saying "I told you so" after someone has suffered the consequences of their foolishness, is usually a blatant "in your face" kind of statement people say in order to lord over another person's failings. Fortunately, this kind of statement is not reflective of the character of God. Do you know why?God will get us out of situations that we got ourselves into and won't hold it against us. God's faithfulness is greater than our failure. His love and grace are greater than our sin and lack of trust in His promises. He doesn't hold grudges. He never throws our sin back in our face. He wipes the slate clean. He wipes it clean for one reason which is because Jesus died on the cross and He was raised from the dead.Also, it's important to remember that God is always right and He knows it. So the idea of telling us "I told you so" provides nothing valuable to Him because He has nothing to prove to us. The God of the Universe doesn't need human affirmation in order to get His point across. God doesn't rub our sins in our noses or remind us of our sins to shame us. He lavishes us with His love and His grace. When we fall, we come to Him in humble confession, accept His forgiveness, and then move forward.We're reminded that God doesn't condemn us in Romans 8:1-2 when the Apostle Paul says:"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." - Romans 8:1-2God forgives completely, and we can rest in that. Like Paul, we can "forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead, we press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13).If you remember one thing today, know that God is not an "I told you so" type of God. 

Psalms 18:30-311-God's way is perfect2-God's Word has been tested and proven to be true and reliable 3- God is a shield/protector to those that trust him Reference scripture - Psalm 35:1-2, May God send you help from his presence - Psalm 20: 1-2God's presence will help and support you It is important that we learn the Word of the Lord Duuet 1:30 - The Lord will fight for youDuet 20: 1-4 - God is with you and will fight for you Duet 3:22, Neh 4:20, Psalm 20:6-8

 Psalms 18:30-311-God's way is perfect2-God's Word has been tested and proven to be true and reliable 3- God is a shield/protector to those that trust him Reference scripture - Psalm 35:1-2, May God send you help from his presence - Psalm 20: 1-2God's presence will help and support you It is important that we learn the Word of the Lord Duuet 1:30 - The Lord will fight for youDuet 20: 1-4 - God is with you and will fight for you Duet 3:22, Neh 4:20, Psalm 20:6-8

In this episode, Staci and Suzanne share how they began their journey savoring God. They identify some obstacles that prevent women from starting their journey and discuss how to detox from the lies of culture and self.Scriptures for Further Study:Exodus 33-34Exodus 3:19Psalm 34Psalm 34:81 Samuel 22:2God is our High Priest: Hebrews 2:17, 3:1 , 4:14-15, 5:10, 6:20, 7:26-27, 8:12 Peter 1:14 Luke 5John 10:10Reflective Questions:Where are you feeling dissatisfied? What is leading to these feelings? Is there any deception wrapped up in these feelings?Where are you feeling discontent? Why are you feeling that way? Have you asked God to help you be content in every circumstance? Where might you need a perspective change?In what area of your life is your “spiritual bank account” in the red? Are you spending time in God's Word, in prayer, in worship, in serving, in community with others?Ask God again to give you a desire to desire His Word, His Presence, His People, His ProvisionSavor moment: Ask yourself, “What do I currently believe about God's heart?” If you discover that you have inaccurate beliefs about God, ask yourself, “Where did I learn that?”Romans 8:38-39Psalm 34:5Worship songs to pair with your Savor moment: You're Welcome in this Place-Maverick City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dRtKakefZ8 Holy Spirit-Francesca Battistelli https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZd7ZXh9yY

Prayer doesn't work. Don't pray for me. Waste your breath on a sinner like me. Save it for when you need it. Like when you're dying. Or you're poor with no food. No shelter. Or a drug addicted human roaming the streets at night. Talking to me. Debating with me. America was taken over by religious zealots. They came over on the mayflower. The worst cancer was the pilgrims with their Christianity and European world view. We pay for the sins of the king. He extracts our blood for tribute. Save your empty fake ass prayers. For when the Devil is inside of you. Then you pray so hard you see a Virgin in marijuana haze. Always a Virgin. Right? we need a Virgin. Not pierced by God. Not pricked by his son. raising up Drug infused prayers floating up to the sky. Smoky altars topped with death. Don't pray for Haiti. Don't pray for Afghanistan. Save your breath. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

                   Hebrews – A Call to Commitment:                           “The Greatest High Priest”                                         Heb. 4:14-5:10 Now that we are totally exposed; we need a high priest that is not of this earth: Hebrews 4:13The temple would be destroyed. Mt. 24:1-2The Temple exists in our hearts! 1 Cor. 6:19-20Four Directives that Emerge from the Reality of His Priesthood: 1.   Cling to Our Profession of Faith  Publicly professing our faith is required: Rom 10:9The devil tempted him for 40 days:  Luke 4:1-2God provides a way past temptation: 1 Cor. 10:13 2.   Pray Confidently and Continually We need to pray all the time:  1 Thes 5:16-18God's grace forgives: 1 John 1:9      The High Priest prayed three prayers:       1)    For Himself and his family      2)    For other priests,       3)    For the peopleWe will look in depth at Melchizedek in chapter 7: Heb 7:1-3 3.   Submit to the Will of God  He was sinless; He did not take advantage of his divinity: Phil 2:6-8We also will suffer! Mt. 16:24-25 Persecution is inevitable:  2 Tim 3:12  4.   Obey Him     Support the show (https://paypal.me/pwp398?locale.x=en_US)

One of the words most commonly used to describe God in the Old Testament might surprise you. The reason why I bring up the Old Testament is because I've found that when I am leading a Bible study, we tend to think that in the Old Testament that God is this big, angry, wrathful judge. Then, when we read the New Testament, He's warm, fuzzy, and cuddly Jesus.However, in the Old Testament, one of the most common words used to describe God is the word refuge. In Psalm 46, it opens by saying:"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1In Psalm 91, it says:Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” - Psalm 91:1-2God being described as a refuge is a common theme in Scripture. If you look at what a refuge is, it's a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. In other words, when you find yourself in a scary situation, one of the things you want to do is you want to take refuge. We even have people living in the United States where their status is refugee, which means they are a group of people seeking refuge. It's a condition of seeking shelter or safety.When you take refuge, it doesn't mean the danger has gone away. It doesn't mean your condition has changed. But what a refuge enables you to do is it enables you to take a breath. It enables you to rest. It enables you to reframe your conditions. It also enables you to gather strength as well go out and face your circumstances rather than stay hidden. I just want to remind you today that you and I can take shelter in the Lord. Here's what it looks like for me: on my way into work, I think about God, I pray to him, I rejoice in him and I'll sometimes recite scriptures that I've memorized on my way home. Sometimes I turn everything off and just take a few minutes to pray because I know that when I get home, I'm going to be walking into a warzone with two teenagers at home who keep forgetting that the living room isn't their bedroom. Or before I go into a meeting, I just take a minute and I think about that as refuge and I take comfort in that.One of the things that I love about a refuge is that it's also a place where you can feel peace in a very unpeaceful time. Remember that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Do you know that feeling you get when you've been praying for someone and things just continue to get worse?Recently, I was checking my Facebook when a message popped up about someone I've been praying for. I was first introduced to this person in 2019 so they've been on my radar for a long time. This poor mother is having to take a child to a facility and let's just say that the child is not well mentally and it just seems like things aren't getting any better. Naturally, this mom is wrecked and it's been so hard for her to watch her daughter fall so hard. It's insanely difficult as well when you have just been begging and pleading with the Lord for something for a long time and things just continue to spiral downward. Also, to top it all off, the facility that she is dropping her off is not close so it will be a few months of her not being able to check in with her daughter daily. After reading about her situation, I'm also just burdened by this horrible, heartbreaking season.When we go through difficulties like this in our lives, it's normal for our mind to go down these dark tunnels and explore the worst possible scenarios. However, what we tend to do when we do that is that we don't bring God with us when we explore those scenarios. We imagine the situation, but we forget to include the grace of God that is covering it. I can remember a similar type of experience when I allowed my mind to rabbit trail and just getting the sense that the Lord was saying, "Hey, if you're going to go there, go there with me. Take me with me." Isaiah 43:2 says: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." - Isaiah 43:2God promises us that these times are going to come. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. But the next time you allow your mind to default to the worst case scenario, don't imagine it without the grace of God covering it. What you're failing to imagine is that when you have to pass through these waters, God's gonna carry you through them.

Acts 20:1-6 – Plots (Palm Sunday)March 28, 2021Acts 20:1-6A Long History of PlotsAdam & Eve (Genesis 3)Cain (Genesis 4)Descendants of Noah (Genesis 11)Sons of Jacob (Genesis 37)Pharaoh (Exodus 5)Israel (Exodus 32, 1 Samuel 8)King Saul (1 Samuel 18)King David (2 Samuel 11)Haman (Esther 3)Priest and Prophets (Jeremiah 26)Jonah (Jonah 1)Priest (Micah 1)The Plot against JesusMark 14:1-2Judas Joins the PlotMark 14:10-11Jesus Makes Plans, Not PlotsMark 14:12-16Psalm 33:10-11Our Selfish Plans – The Rich FoolLuke 12:16-21Proverbs 16:1-3The Plot is not hidden from JesusMark 14:17-21Psalm 64:6-7All Will Be RevealedJude 4, 16Luke 12:1-2God’s Plans were AccomplishedMark 14:22-25Luke 24:44-48And Will be AccomplishedJohn 14:1-6

IX. The Correction of FearYou believe that being afraid is involuntary. 2But I have told you many times that only constructive acts should be involuntary.105 3I said that Christ-control can take over everything that doesn’t matter, and Christ-guidance can direct everything that does, if you so will.1062 Fear cannot be Christ-controlled, but it can be self-controlled. 2Fear is always associated with what does not matter, and prevents me from controlling it. 3The correction is therefore a matter of your will, because its presence shows that you have raised the unimportant to a higher level than it warrants. 4You have thus brought it under your will, where it does not belong. 5This means you feel responsible for it. 6The level confusion here is perfectly obvious. 7The reason that I cannot control fear for you is that you are attempting to raise to the mind level the proper content of lower-order “reality.”107 8I do not foster level confusion, but you can will to correct it.3 You would not tolerate insane behavior on your part, and would hardly advance the excuse that you could not help it. 2Why should you tolerate insane thinking? 3There is a fallacy here you would do well to look at clearly. 4You believe that you are responsible for what you do but not for what you think. 5The truth is that you are responsible for what you think, because it is only at this level that you can exercise choice. 6What you do comes from what you think. 7You cannot separate the two by giving autonomy to your behavior. 8Behavior is controlled by me automatically as soon as you place what you think under my guidance.4 Whenever you are afraid, it is a sure sign that you have allowed your mind to miscreate; that is, you have not allowed me to guide it. 2It is pointless to believe that controlling the outcome of misthought can result in real healing. 3When you are fearful, you have willed wrongly. 4This is why you feel you are responsible for it. 5You must change your mind, not your behavior, and this is a matter of will. 6You do not need guidance except at the mind level. 7Correction belongs only at the level where causation is possible. 8The term does not really mean anything at the symptom level, where it cannot work.5 The correction of fear is your responsibility. 2When you ask for release from fear, you are implying that it isn’t. 3You should ask, instead, for help in the conditions which have brought the fear about. 4This always entails a willingness on the part of your separated mind. 5At this level, you can help it. 6You are much too tolerant of mind wandering, thus tacitly condoning your mind’s miscreations. 7The particular result never matters, but this fundamental error does. 8The fundamental correction is always the same. 9Before you will to do anything, ask me if your will is in accord with mine. 10If you are sure that it is, there will be no fear.6 Fear is always a sign of strain, which arises whenever the will to do conflicts with what you do. 2This situation arises in two major ways:1. 3You can will to do conflicting things, either simultaneously or successively.108 4This produces conflicting behavior, which would be tolerable to the self (though not necessarily to others) except for the fact that the part of the will that wants something else is outraged.2. 5You can behave as you think you should, without entirely willing to do so. 6This produces consistent behavior, but entails great strain within the self.7 If you think about it, you will realize that in both cases the will and the behavior are out of accord, resulting in a situation in which you are doing what you do not will. 2This arouses a sense of coercion, which usually produces rage. 3The anger then invades the mind, and projection in the wrong sense becomes likely.109 4Depression or anxiety is virtually certain.8 Remember that whenever there is fear, it is because you have not made up your mind. 2Your will is split, and your behavior inevitably becomes erratic. 3Correcting at the behavioral level can shift the error from the first type to the second, but will not obliterate the fear. 4It is possible to reach a state in which you bring your will under my guidance without much conscious effort, but this implies the kind of habit pattern which you have not developed dependably as yet.9 Although people say that God will never ask you to do more than you can, they do not understand it themselves. 2God cannot ask more than you will. 3The strength to do comes from your own undivided will to do.110 4There is no strain in doing God’s will as soon as it is also your own.10 The lesson here is quite simple, but particularly apt to be overlooked. 2I will therefore repeat it, urging you to listen. 3Only your mind can produce fear. 4It does so whenever it is conflicted in what it wills, thus producing inevitable strain because willing and doing become discordant.111 5This cannot be corrected by better doing. 6But it can be corrected by higher willing.11 The first corrective step is knowing it is fear. 2After taking this step, you might benefit temporarily by adding another step before going on with the corrective process: Try saying to yourself that you must have willed not to love somehow or somewhere, or the fear which arises from behavior-will conflict could not have happened. 3Then follow the previous instructions.11212 If you consider what the process really means, it is nothing more than a series of pragmatic steps in the larger process of accepting the Atonement as the remedy. 2From this viewpoint, the steps can be reworded as follows:1. 3Know first this is fear.2. 4Fear arises from lack of love.3. 5The only remedy for lack of love is perfect love.4. 6Perfect love is the Atonement.7The final procedural step is inherent in the last statement.113 8We have emphasized that the miracle, or the expression of Atonement, is always a sign of real respect from the worthy to the worthy.114 9This worth is reestablished by the Atonement.13 It is obvious, then, that when you are afraid, you have placed yourself in a position where you need Atonement because you have done something loveless, having willed without love. 2This is precisely the situation for which the Atonement was offered. 3The need for the remedy inspired its establishment. 4As long as you recognize only the need for the remedy, you will remain fearful. 5However, as soon as you use the remedy, you have also abolished the fear. 6This is how true healing occurs.14 It may help if you say this prayer to me:2I would like to pray that my will be united with thine, recognizing that thy perfect love will suffice (or correct) for my imperfect love.3I pray that I may accept the Atonement with conviction, recognizing its inestimable worth, and my own divine worth as part of this identification with thine.4I pray that my fear be replaced by an active sense of thy love, and thy continual willingness to help me overcome the split or divided will which is responsible for my difficulty with this.5I accept the divinity of the messages I have received,115 and affirm my will in both accepting and acting upon the Atonement principle.6Here I am.15 The major problem that you have is the continuing split will, which naturally interferes with your true identification. 2To the extent that you hold onto this split, it will take longer to get through and will markedly interfere with your own integration efforts. 3Reliance has to be placed on me, which is sufficient once you do this without distantiation or division in loyalties. 4This will be strengthened through a continual affirmation of the goal you want to achieve and an awareness of its inevitability. 5In this way, you will perceive and know your true worth, and the importance of maintaining a complete identification.

What to do when God doesn't make sense.  Why does God ask for sacrifices from us when He has everything? Genesis 22:1-18 (EHV) Some time later God tested Abraham. He called to him, “Abraham!”  Abraham answered, “I am here.”  2God said, “Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains there, the one to which I direct you.”  3Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, along with Isaac his son. Abraham split the wood for the burnt offering. Then he set out to go to the place that God had told him about. 4On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.  5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go on over there. We will worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and loaded it on Isaac his son. He took the firepot and the knife in his hand. The two of them went on together.  7Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father?”  He said, “I am here, my son.”  He said, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”  8Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them went on together. 9They came to the place that God had told him about. Abraham built the altar there. He arranged the wood, tied up Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.  11The Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!”  Abraham said, “I am here.”  12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”  13Abraham looked around and saw that behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14Abraham called the name of that place “The Lord Will Provide.” So it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”  15The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16and said, “I have sworn by myself, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your descendants greatly, like the stars of the sky and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the city gates of their enemies. 18In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” If you have any questions or comments, contact Pastor.

What to do when God doesn't make sense.  Why does God ask for sacrifices from us when He has everything? Genesis 22:1-18 (EHV) Some time later God tested Abraham. He called to him, “Abraham!”  Abraham answered, “I am here.”  2God said, “Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains there, the one to which I direct you.”  3Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, along with Isaac his son. Abraham split the wood for the burnt offering. Then he set out to go to the place that God had told him about. 4On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.  5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go on over there. We will worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and loaded it on Isaac his son. He took the firepot and the knife in his hand. The two of them went on together.  7Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father?”  He said, “I am here, my son.”  He said, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”  8Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them went on together. 9They came to the place that God had told him about. Abraham built the altar there. He arranged the wood, tied up Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.  11The Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!”  Abraham said, “I am here.”  12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”  13Abraham looked around and saw that behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14Abraham called the name of that place “The Lord Will Provide.” So it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”  15The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16and said, “I have sworn by myself, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your descendants greatly, like the stars of the sky and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the city gates of their enemies. 18In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” If you have any questions or comments, contact Pastor.

III. The Proper Use of Denial48When you are afraid of anything, you are acknowledging its power to hurt you. 2Remember that where your heart is, there is your treasure also.49 3This means that you believe in what you value. 4If you are afraid, you are valuing wrongly. 5Human understanding will inevitably value wrongly, and by endowing all human thoughts with equal power will inevitably destroy peace. 6That is why the Bible speaks of the peace of God which passeth (human) understanding.50 7This peace is totally incapable of being shaken by human errors of any kind. 8It denies the ability of anything which is not of God to affect you in any way.2 This is the proper use of denial. 2It is not used to hide anything, but it is used to correct error. 3It brings all error into the light, and since error and darkness are the same, it abolishes error automatically. 4True denial is a very powerful protective device. 5You can and should deny any belief that error can hurt you. 6This kind of denial is not a concealment device but a correction device. 7The right mind of the mentally healthy depends on it.3 You can do anything I ask. 2I have asked you to perform miracles, and have made it very clear that these are natural, corrective, healing, and universal.51 3There is nothing good they cannot do. 4But they cannot be performed in the spirit of doubt. 5You have asked yourself why you cannot really incorporate my words. 6But remember my own question before you ask yours: “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”524 The idea of cannibalism in connection with the Sacrament is a reflection of a distorted view of sharing.53 2I told you before that the word “thirst” in connection with the Spirit was used because of the limited understanding of those to whom I spoke. 3I also told you not to use it.54 4The same holds for expressions like “feeding on.” 5Symbiosis is misunderstood by the mentally ill, who do use it in that way.555 But I also told you that you must recognize your total dependence on God, a statement which you may not have liked.56 2God and the Sons He created are symbiotically related. 3They are completely dependent on each other. 4The creation of the Son himself has already been perfectly accomplished, but the creation by Sons has not. 5God created Sons so He could depend on them because He created them perfectly. 6He gave them His peace so they would not be shaken and would be unable to be deceived.6 Whenever you are afraid, you are deceived. 2Your mind is not serving your soul. 3This literally starves the soul by denying its daily bread.57 4In this connection, there is a poem about the Holy Family that says:5Where tricks of words are never said,And Mercy is as plain as bread.587 God offers only mercy. 2Your own words should always reflect only mercy, because that is what you have received and that is what you should give. 3Justice is a temporary expedient, or an attempt to teach you the meaning of mercy. 4Its judgmental side arises only because you are capable of injustice if that is what your mind makes.8 You are afraid of God’s will because you have used your own will, which He created in the likeness of His Own, to miscreate.59 2What you do not realize is that the mind can miscreate only when it is not free. 3An imprisoned mind is not free by definition. 4It is possessed, or held back, by itself. 5Its will is therefore limited, and not free to assert itself.9 It is all right to remember the past, provided you also remember that anything you suffer is because of your own errors. 2As an analogy, imagine a very young child who falls down the stairs when an adult has her arms open in welcome at the bottom of the stairs, and who then develops a totally unwarranted fear of that adult. 3The misstep which causes the child’s fall has nothing at all to do with the adult, just as your own missteps have nothing at all to do with me.10 Denial of error is a very powerful defense of truth. 2We have slowly been shifting the emphasis from the negative to the positive use of denial. 3Remember, we have already stated that denial is not a purely negative device; it results in positive miscreation.60 4That is the way the mentally ill do employ it. 5But remember this thought: Never underestimate the power of denial. 6In the service of the right mind, the denial of error frees the mind and reestablishes the freedom of the will. 7When the will is really free it cannot miscreate because it recognizes only truth.11 False projection arises out of false denial, not out of its proper use. 2My own role in the Atonement is one of true projection; that is, I can “project” (or extend) to you the affirmation of truth. 3If you project error to me (or to yourself) you are interfering with the process. 4My use of projection, which can also be yours, is not based on faulty denial. 5But it does involve the very powerful use of the denial of error.12 The miracle worker is one who accepts my kind of denial and projection, unites his own inherent abilities to deny and project with mine, and imposes them back on himself and others. 2This establishes the total lack of threat anywhere. 3Together we can then work for the real time of peace, which is eternal.

"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock" ~ Psalm 40:2God is always there to help us when we get bogged down in in the mire. It may not be on our timing, but it will be on HIS timing. When we are going through our storms and are stuck in the miry clay, it is important to trust HIM and know that  He will rescue us, help us and make us secure.  God will provide for us and meet our needs, all we need to do is trust Him.

APOCALYPSE NOW? THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRISTSUNDAY, JULY 12, 2020Revelation 1:1The entire Bible points to Jesus. It starts in Genesis 3 and brings the full revealing at the conclusion of Revelation. The Messiah Is Coming:Genesis 3:15Exodus 3: 13-14Isaiah 7:14Isaiah 9:6-7Isaiah 53:4-6The Messiah Has Come:Matthew 1:21The Mystery of the Messiah:Proverbs 25:2God does not hide things from us, but for us. Jesus died hidden, not yet revealed. 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 Mark 11:22-24 The Revelation of the final and great revealing of who and what Jesus really is!COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS1. Do you know what your name means? If so, share. 2. Do you have a story of when you called on the name of Jesus and something significant happened?3. Have you been baptized in the Name of Jesus? If so, do you remember something special happening?

Romans 2:1-11 So you have no excuse – anyone, whoever you are, who sits in judgment! When you judge someone else, you condemn yourself, because you, who are behaving as a judge, are doing the same things. 2God's judgment falls, we know, in accordance with the truth, on those who do such things. 3But if you judge those who do them and yet do them yourself, do you really suppose that you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you despise the riches of God's kindness, forbearance and patience? Don't you know that God's kindness is meant to bring you to repentance? 5But by your hard, unrepentant heart you are building up a store of anger for yourself on the day of anger, the day when God's just judgment will be unveiled – 6the God who will ‘repay everyone according to their works'. 7When people patiently do what is good, and so pursue the quest for glory and honour and immortality, God will give them the life of the age to come. 8But when people act out of selfish desire, and do not obey the truth, but instead obey injustice, there will be anger and fury. 9There will be trouble and distress for every single person who does what is wicked, the Jew first and also, equally, the Greek – 10and there will be glory, honour and peace for everyone who does what is good, the Jew first and also, equally, the Greek. 11God, you see, shows no partiality. The Bible for Everyone: A New Translation . SPCK. Kindle Edition. Lord, because you have made me, I owe you the whole of my love; because you have redeemed me, I owe you the whole of myself; because you have promised so much, I owe you my whole being. I pray you, Lord, make me taste by love what I taste by knowledge; let me know by love what I know by understanding. I owe you more than my whole self, but I have no more, and by myself I cannot render the whole of it to you. Draw me to you, Lord, in the fullness of your love. I am wholly yours by creation; make me all yours, too, in love. Amen. Anselm

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Genesis 1:1-2God is a triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Three in one. One God, three different aspects is His character that have different purposes. We also see that He is...1. Self- existent 2. Self-sufficient3. Infinite 4. EternalIn order to have an adequate view of God, we need to know more about His character. These Foundational truths help us see God in every area of our lives. More resources at www.simplesavvylife.com

Series: Ahead of Their TimeMessage Text: Genesis 1-2God is not behind us trying to take us back to a perfect moment in the past that we strayed from. God is ahead of us inviting us forward into God's perfect future.[Access all message assets, audio, video, and notes]

In this episode Kathi Norris leads our thoughts as she shares about her life journey with God. She discusses our one-on-one time with God and the importance and power of that connection- and more specifically the importance to keep showing up. About the Speaker:Kathi grew up in the Midwest in a christian home. She is a twin and the youngest of five children. She began to pursue her own relationship with God in her 20’s. She has been married to Rick over 26 years and has 4 grown children with amazing spouses, and 3 grandchildren. Kathi is a Realtor and enjoys working with people. Her passion is her family time, travel, and helping women to know God better.Episode Notes: Deuteronomy 4:392 Chronicles 16:9Romans 10:17Romans 12:2God shows up so I must show up.Do the Work.Enjoy the Transformation! Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/678206?giving_to=Woven%20In%20Truth%20Podcast)

We Love God Pt. 2God is love. 1 John 4:7-21Support the show (https://pushpay.com/g/cedarhillscr)

This episode is for anyone interested in Christianity or wanting to hear the gospel. The following is an outline for the podcast. The Gospel Mark 16: 15 & 16 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. Romans 1:16 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. What is the Gospel? Gospel / GOOD NEWS What God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ. What God is doing through our Lord Jesus Christ. What God will do for us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Outline of the Bible Man has made a terrible mess out of his life. God has done great things for us. Here’s how you can get in on it. Sin Problem ~ Legal Problem Rom 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death. One Sin 1Cr 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; One Sting God’s holiness Ps. 130:3 It all comes back to our understanding of the character of God. If God is holy, and He measures my sin against His holiness, it would be impossible to even balance the scales. David said, “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?” Debt James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in on point, he is guilty of all. Isaiah 64:6 6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away For the wages of sin is death. Sin Problem 2. Grave Problem 3. Life Problem John 1:1,14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. The Incarnation God became flesh: So what! He was fathered by the Holy Spirit, his mother was a human being, therefore, his value was more than the entire human race. The Cross II Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Sin Problem: Answered at the Cross The Resurrection So What! For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection Grave Problem: Answered at the Resurrection Romans 8:34 “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34 Our Great Problems: Sin Problem: Answered at the Cross 2. Grave Problem: Answered at the Resurrection 3. Life Problem: Answered at the Ascension The Second Coming of Christ “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them, that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” How do I apply the gospel to myself? Conditions for forgiveness 1. Faith  John 20:31 Hebrews 11:6 2. Repent [change your mind] Luke 13:3 3. Confess Romans 10:10 4. Be baptized Acts 2:38 Acts 22:16 Believe Credence - believing that the facts accepting the truth. Confidence – believing in (trust and obey) Continuance – go on believing (faith& faithfulness) John 20:31 Greek (present continuous tense) Belief = that is saving Faith Credence-believing that the facts accepting the truth John 8:24Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that [a]I am He, you will die in your sins.” Gospel 1.Incarnation 2. Cross 3. Resurrection 4. Ascension 5. Second Coming Believe Credence - believing that the facts accepting the truth. Confidence – believing in (trust and obey) Continuance – go on believing (faith& faithfulness) John 20:31 Greek (present continuous tense) Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. John 20:31But these are written that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (present continuous tense) Repent [change your mind] Luke 13:3 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 16Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience[k]resulting in righteousness? Confess Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; Matthew 1032“Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33Butwhoeverdenies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. BE BAPTIZED: WHY BAPTISM??? Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Be baptized Rom 6:1-14 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Rom 6:2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom 6:3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Rom 6:6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. Mark 16: 15,16 15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. Remission of sins Acts 2:38 Acts 22:16 2. The new birth John 3:3-5 3. Places one in Christ Gal 3:27 which is in his body the church. Christ will save his church Ephesians 5:23 Subscribe to the podcast: {Apple Podcasts}{Stitcher}{Google Play}{IHeartRadio}{YouTube}{Spotify}

Worship audio from February 18, 2018 - Lent 1B. Warmly referred to as "Festival of the Means of Grace Sunday." Bulletin pasted in below.Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN. Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  Find us online: www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MNpastorhagen@icloud.com or (507) 236-9572iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2 Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stprOr simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band. Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.Bulletin PDF here - or below.Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes! We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all. Come, let us worship!For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place. The restrooms are located on the lower level. Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns. Lord Jesus, you took on our humanity and fought temptation. You were victorious! All praise to you for your perfect obedience! And miracle of miracles . . . you have credited this perfection to me. Thank you! AMEN.Christ’s Kingdom Grow through the Means of Grace:Christ’s kingdom exists only with the Word and Sacraments. Therefore, it is necessary to baptize little children, that the promise of salvation may be applied to them, according to Christ’s command to baptize all nations (Matthew 28:19). Just as in this passage salvation is offered to all, so Baptism is offered to all, to men, women, children, infants. It clearly follows, therefore, that infants are to be baptized, because salvation is offered with Baptism. Second, it is clear that God approves of the Baptism of little children. God’s approval of the Baptism of little children is shown by this: He gives the Holy Spirit to those baptized [Acts 2:38–39].Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 9 (Concordia p. 153)Because He Knew: He Would Died – He Would LiveWhy did Jesus keep moving toward the cross? Surely, he should have known this was coming. Surely, he could have avoided the pain, the suffering, the death. But that’s the point, Jesus knew all along he was going to die. That was the eternal plan of the Father, that the holy Son of God would suffer and die for a world of sinners. However, Jesus also knew that death would not be the end. The payment for sin would be accepted and he would rise to life again and defeat death itself, for us.How does the Temptation of Jesus solidify our Christian hope today?OPENING HYMN: 224 – God Himself is PresentLITURGY: Holy Baptism, CW p. 12Please rise.PRAYER OF THE DAY:M: Lord our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your Word, and when we fall, raise us up again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.The WordFIRST READING: Genesis 22:1-18What do you love so much that it would be impossible to willingly and gladly give up if the Lord required it? The time of Lent is a call to serious struggle against sin, including the idolatry of loving anyone or anything more than God:Some time later God tested Abraham. He called to him, “Abraham!” Abraham answered, “I am here.” 2God said, “Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains there, the one to which I direct you.” 3Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, along with Isaac his son. Abraham split the wood for the burnt offering. Then he set out to go to the place that God had told him about. 4On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go on over there. We will worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and loaded it on Isaac his son. He took the firepot and the knife in his hand. The two of them went on together. ( . . . continued . . . )7Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father?” He said, “I am here, my son.” He said, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them went on together. 9They came to the place that God had told him about. Abraham built the altar there. He arranged the wood, tied up Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11The Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” Abraham said, “I am here.” 12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13Abraham looked around and saw that behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14Abraham called the name of that place “The LORD Will Provide.” So it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” 15The Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16and said, “I have sworn by myself, declares the LORD, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your descendants greatly, like the stars of the sky and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the city gates of their enemies. 18In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” PSALM: CWS 3 (Bulletin p. 6)SECOND READING: Romans 8:31-39Lent proves the love of God: God gave his own Son for us all. With this truth planted into our hearts, God gives us perseverance in all things: 31What then will we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him? 33Who will bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies! 34Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died and, more than that, was raised to life, is the one who is at God’s right hand and who is also interceding for us! 35What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?36Just as it is written: For your sake we are being put to death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. THEME VERSE: Matthew 4:10It is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” Thanks be to God.GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:12-15In his grace, God leads Gentiles to worship Christ:12The Spirit immediately sent Jesus out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels were serving him. 14After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15“The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.” This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.Praise be to you, O Christ!HYMN OF THE DAY: 201 – A Mighty Fortress is Our GodSERMON based on Mark 1: Only a Victorious Christ could Preach the GospelCONFESSION OF FAITH: Luther’s Explanation of Holy Baptism, from the Small Catechism (1529)M: What is Baptism?C: Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water used by God's command and connected with God's Word.M: Which is that Word of God?C: Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”M: What does Baptism do for us?C: Baptism works forgiveness of sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.M: What are these words and promises of God?C: Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”M: How can water do such great things?C: It is certainly not the water that does such things, but God's Word which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word used with the water. For without God's Word the water is just plain water and not baptism. But with this Word it is baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of rebirth by the Holy Spirit.M: Where is this written?C: Saint Paul says in Titus, chapter three, “God saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” ( . . . continued . . . )M: What does baptizing with water mean?C: Baptism means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily contrition and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.M: Where is this written?C: Saint Paul says in Romans, chapter six, “We were buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”OFFERINGPRAYER OF THE CHURCH & LORD’S PRAYER: p. 32The sacramentFor our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 737 – God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say ItSONG OF THANKS: CW 316 (Purple sheet or hymnal)CLOSING HYMN: 752 – In Christ AloneNOTESAll are invited to celebrate Gideon’s baptism at noon at the Pizza Ranch.See the sign-up at the back of church for next week’s congregational bowling.Midweek Lenten worship continues with a 6 PM meal & 7 PM worship. THIS WEEKToday 1 Samuel 19 9:30 - Lent 1 Worship with Holy Communion & Baptismal Affirmation of Gideon Johanson 10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class (The Flood) 12:01 PM - Baptismal celebration at the Pizza RanchMonday 1 Samuel 20Tuesday 1 Samuel 21 7 PM - CAP class: The Start of Unit 2! Wednesday 1 Samuel 22 NO CATECHISM CLASS 6 PM - Lenten Meal 7 PM - Midweek Lenten WorshipThursday 1 Samuel 23Friday 1 Samuel 24Saturday 1 Samuel 25Sunday 1 Samuel 26 9:30 - Lent 2 Worship 10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class (The Flood)                  Membership at Shepherd of the Lakes means more than a person’s name on a church roster. Membership is about belonging to Christ, growing in faith, and sharing the joy of salvation together. We enjoy life together with a merciful God through faith, growing together as lifelong learners of Jesus, spending time together with one another in Christian friendship and support, and going out together into our communities and circles of friends to make a meaningful difference.Our new member process aims at nurturing those relationships, which includes but is not limited to an agreement together on the truths of the Bible. Unity of belief is the building block for life together with Christ, growing in faith together, and sharing in the joy of salvation together.Those who want to join Shepherd of the Lakes coming from other WELS or ELS churches will be familiar with our beliefs. Others experienced in another church, or who have little or no religious background at all, become members through participation in a Bible information class taught by Pastor Hagen. Many of our members have taken this class numerous times, as a reminder and refresher on the different teachings in God’s Word.Togetherness in beliefs then leads to a new member process that nurtures togetherness in relationships with God, church and community.Speak to Pastor Hagen if you’re interested. There is no charge. Even if you’re just curious, come check it out!                                                                                  

Psalm 53: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity;there is none who does good.2God looks down from heavenon the children of manto see if there are any who understand,who seek after God.3They have all...

Psalm 53: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity;there is none who does good.2God looks down from heavenon the children of manto see if there are any who understand,who seek after God.3They have all...

Hosea 3:1-2God pursues us with grace

Habakkuk 3:1-2God will bless you if you follow His commandmentsYou must learn to give Him glory when there is nothing but pain and sorrow.Revelation comes to those who learn how to worship God. Worshiper= one who sees sorrow but hears music.Have you ever heard God testify?

Pastor J.D. Shaw - Titus 3:1-2God ordained governments

Isaiah 60:1-2God is saying in the midst of calamity and darkness there is a generation who are arising.•    Arise means to get to a higher level of living  -so that God can release his glory in and through you.•    Glory  means all of God’s best (Exodus 33) •    All of God’s best is in you•    All of God’s best will be seen on you•    All of God’s best can be released through you.•    God is committed to [put in] and [pour out] all of Himself to a generation who ARISE.

click here Visit the Recover In Christ web site. Romans 11 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, 3Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. 7What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes. 29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.