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https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=012a44d6e7986cf7f82de120f&id=8cdb3f2029 The Concrete Problem of Evil Historian Philip Friedman provides the following eyewitness account of what happened to a young Jewish girl living in the Warsaw ghetto during the Nazi occupation. Zosia was a little girl . . . the daughter of a physician. During an “action” one of the Germans became aware of her beautiful diamond- like dark eyes. “I could make two rings out of them,” he said, “one for myself and one for my wife.” His colleague is holding the girl. “Let's see whether they are really so beautiful. And better yet, let's examine them in our hands.” Among the buddies exuberant gaiety breaks out. One of the wittiest proposes to take the eyes out. A shrill screaming and the noisy laughter of the soldier-pack. The screaming penetrates our brains, pierces our heart, the laughter hurts like the edge of a knife plunged into our body. The screaming and the laughter are growing, mingling and soaring to heaven. O God, whom will You hear first? What happens next is that the fainting child is lying on the floor. Instead of eyes two bloody wounds are staring. The mother, driven mad, is held by the women. This time they left Zosia to her mother. . . . At one of the next “actions,” little Zosia was taken away. It was, of course, necessary to annihilate the blind child.2 While philosophers argue endlessly about how precisely to define “evil” in abstract terms, none of us has difficulty recognizing this concrete nightmare as an example of it. At the very least, evil consists of the fact that for far too many people—as for Zosia and her mother, along with six million other Jews during the Holocaust—life becomes a horrifying nightmare from which they cannot awake, a nightmare as full of pain as it is devoid of meaning. Radical evil of this sort cannot be captured in abstract definitions. Indeed, “abstractions . . . distract us from that immediate reality [of evil] and reduce evil to a statistic,” as Jeffery Burton Russell suggests. In this worldview, the only “reason” why Zosia is tortured is because free beings, human and angelic, can will such atrocities. While the sovereign God can and will strive to bring some good out of the horrifying demonic event (Rom 8:28), the evil event itself exists only because free beings who are against God have willed it. The “ultimate reason” for this ghoulish torment lies there. If the words “good” and “loving” mean anything as applied to God, if Scripture's testimony regarding the perfect character of God and the antidemonic ministry of Jesus mean anything, and if God's power is to be construed as supremely admirable, as truly transcendent, not simply as coercive after the impoverished image of fallen human 108 From THE LIVE RAGGED EDGE RADIO BROADCAST/SHATTER LIVE TV WEBINAR RUSS DIZDAR © ideals of power, then we simply cannot suppose that it is ultimately God himself who is secretly willing Zosia's nightmare for some supposed “higher” reason. Coping with evil. Where does all this leave us in terms of our coping with the atrocities of our world? Whatever else may be said about the classicalphilosophical blueprint model of God's providence, it does provide the believer with a certain kind of security that the warfare worldview seems to lack—so long as one steers clear of concrete atrocities. A certain peace comes, for many at least, in resigning oneself to whatever (one believes) the hand of God might bring to one. Herein lies the appeal of the sort of traditional hymns spoken of in chapter one. If, however, we can no longer find solace in the conviction that a mysterious providential plan governs every event in world history, in what can our hearts find hope? If Zosia's torment is truly as gratuitous and barbaric as it appears, must we not despair? It is, I think, undeniable that the warfare worldview on one level depicts a scarier world than the providential blueprint worldview, for the simple reason that opening one's eyes to the reality of war is indeed scary. At the same time, this prospect strikes some of us as less scary than the prospect of living in an actual spiritual war but being ignorant of this fact. It certainly seems less scary than living in a cosmos that is being coercively run by a supreme being who secretly wills the torture of little girls —“for his glory.” Yet even if we were to concede that the genuine contingency and real battles of the warfare worldview present a world that is scarier than the divine blueprint worldview, it would not follow that this worldview is less hopeful than the blueprint model. Precisely the opposite is the case, I would argue. The warfare worldview of the New Testament offers more hope, precisely because it unabashedly acknowledges the dismal and demonic state of the world in its present war-torn condition. Boyd, Gregory A.. God at War (pp. 291-292). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition. 1. WHY DID CAIN KILL ABLE? • The corruption within • The ‘sin code' has murder in it • It's the nature of the fallen 2. THE CORRUPTION WITHIN • Looking at Romans 1:18 to • A devolution • A driving force • A platform for the darkside Eph. 2 3. THE CORRUTOR WITHOUT • Independent evil • Coordinated evil • It has God as its focused enemy • It has humankind as its 109 From THE LIVE RAGGED EDGE RADIO BROADCAST/SHATTER LIVE TV WEBINAR RUSS DIZDAR © a. Use you b. Abuse you c. Kill you 4. THE HORROR ON THE FIELD OF HUMAN HISTORY • History speaks • Cain • Serial murder • Gangs • Cults • Nations What's to come Matthew 24…. Unprecedented SONG …3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. 4‘ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,' and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.”… Revelation 21 https://duckduckgo.com/?q=christian+song+on+against+evil&iar=videos&iax=videos&ia=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DQa7qPqIjYSY

1 Peter 2:4-10 NLT4You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God's temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. 5And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 6As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 7Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God's word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 9But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God's mercy.”Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/yourdailybible)

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost The Collect: O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Track 1 Track 2 Old Testament: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 1Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, ‘Look, we are your bone and flesh. 2For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The Lord said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.' 3So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for forty years. 5At Hebron he reigned over Judah for seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years. 9David occupied the stronghold, and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inwards. 10And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him. Psalm: Psalm 48 1 Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; *        in the city of our God is his holy hill. 2 Beautiful and lofty, the joy of all the earth, is the hill of Zion, *        the very center of the world and the city of the great King. 3 God is in her citadels; *        he is known to be her sure refuge. 4 Behold, the kings of the earth assembled *        and marched forward together. 5 They looked and were astounded; *        they retreated and fled in terror. 6 Trembling seized them there; *        they writhed like a woman in childbirth,        like ships of the sea when the east wind shatters them. 7 As we have heard, so have we seen,    in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; *        God has established her for ever. 8 We have waited in silence on your loving-kindness, O God, *        in the midst of your temple. 9 Your praise, like your Name, O God, reaches to the world's end; *        your right hand is full of justice. 10 Let Mount Zion be glad    and the cities of Judah rejoice, *        because of your judgments. 11 Make the circuit of Zion;    walk round about her; *        count the number of her towers. 12 Consider well her bulwarks;    examine her strongholds; *        that you may tell those who come after. 13 This God is our God for ever and ever; *        he shall be our guide for evermore. Epistle: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 2I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— 4was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. Gospel: Mark 6:1-13 1He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. 2On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?' And they took offence at him. 4Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.' 5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.' 12So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Disciple Up # 217 Should We All Be Iconoclasts? By Louie Marsh, 6-30-2021     icon·​o·​clast | ī-ˈkä-nə-ˌklast  Definition of iconoclast 1: a person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions 2: a person who destroys religious images or opposes their veneration   Synonyms: bohemian, boho, counterculturist, deviant, enfant terrible, free spirit, heretic, individualist, lone ranger, lone wolf, loner, maverick, nonconformer, nonconformist   Antonyms: conformer, conformist   For the Meaning of Iconoclast, Break It Down   Iconoclast is a word that often shows up on vocabulary lists and College Board tests. How will you remember the meaning of this vocabulary-boosting term? If you already know the word icon, you're halfway there. An icon is a picture that represents something. The most common icons today are those little images on our computers and smartphones that represent a program or function, but in the still-recent past, the most common icons were religious images. Icon comes from the Greek eikōn, which is from eikenai, meaning "to resemble." Iconoclast comes to us by way of Medieval Latin from Middle Greek eikonoklastēs, which joins eikōn with a form of the word klan, meaning "to break." Iconoclast literally means "image destroyer."   First Known Use of iconoclast in English 1641, as an icon destroyer.   Article on this: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/neil-seeman/iconoclast-genius_b_4116396.html   https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-88/great-iconoclast.html   Joy asked Lewis to autograph her copy of his book, The Great Divorce. He wrote, "There are three images in my mind which I must continually forsake and replace by better ones: the false image of God, the false image of my neighbours, and the false image of myself. C. S. Lewis 30 December 1952 (from an unwritten chapter on Iconoclasm)."   Lewis was saying that spiritual growth is iconoclastic because it constantly breaks our idols and replaces them with something better.   Iconoclast in Church History:   https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/iconoclasm   Iconoclasm (Eikonoklasmos, “Image-breaking”) is the name of the heresy that in the eighth and ninth centuries disturbed the peace of the Eastern Church, caused the last of the many breaches with Rome that prepared the way for the schism of Photius, and was echoed on a smaller scale in the Frankish kingdom in the West. The story in the East is divided into two separate persecutions of the Catholics, at the end of each of which stands the figure of an image-worshipping Empress (Irene and Theodora).   Luther & the Iconoclasts: https://lutheranreformation.org/history/luther-and-the-iconoclasts/   Was Jesus an Iconoclast?   “13The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” 19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.” (John 2:13–22, ESV)   “1On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”” (Luke 6:1–5, ESV)   What About the apostles?   “9For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,” (1 Thessalonians 1:9, ESV)   “16Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. 22So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” (Acts 17:16–25, ESV)   “15We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 17But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (Galatians 2:15–21, ESV)   What happens when you tear something down without a plan to replace with something better?   What needs to be smashed today?   What are the idols (icons) in the church today that to be challenged and removed? Remember I'm speaking largely metaphorically, not about physical idols.   Some say the denominations, like the Southern Baptists for example, need to deal with issues of racism in their history more and are even introducing parts of Critical Race Theory to do so?   Is it even possible to follow Jesus and not be an iconoclast to one degree or another?   What idols in our culture need confronting?   CRT? PC speech and action codes? Gender issues? Sexual morality in general?  

Thoughts On the Threshold The children of Israel are about to enter into the Promised Land, but God has a message for them through Moses. Over and over again in these chapters we read the word "obey", or a variation on that command. And in chapter 27, they are instructed that the first thing they are to do when they cross the Jordan river into the Promised Land is set up a monument of stones on which they are to write the entire body of the law on it, and build an altar upon which they are to also write the law and make burnt offerings. God knew how forgetful the people were. The monument was placed there as a reminder of their crossing over the Jordan River into the land promised to them. The Law was written as a reminder. The altar was a reminder. Every time they looked at the monument or the alter, they would remember this day, and how God delivered them, how he fulfilled His promise, and what was required of them to continue to receive His blessings. God knows how forgetful people are. Over and over and over again He reminds His people of the importance of obedience. He reminds of the promises of blessings when we obey, and the curses promised if we do not. God Was Not Surprised Of course, God knew before the foundation of the world that men and women would never be able to obey the Law. He was not surprised when Adam and Eve sinned. He was not surprised when no one was able to obey the Law.  So why did God even give the Law if no one would be able to uphold it? As Paul said in Romans 7:7, "...I would not have known sin except through the law...". The Law was given so that we would know what sin is. God Had A Plan And before God even began the creation of the Universe, He had a plan to save us. Jesus was always in the plan. As we read in John chapter one, "1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." "And the Word became 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." Jesus is the Word. He was in the beginning. He is the one way that my transgressions, my sins (and yours) can be forgiven. The Law was given to show our need. Jesus came to fulfill the need. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." We Are No Different Beloved, we are no different than the people who crossed over the Jordan River. We are forgetful. That's why He gave us the Bible. That's why it's important to be faithful and purposeful about attending church. That's why we are encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing.  We don't do these things to earn salvation, but to remember to stay close to God. We cannot earn salvation. Salvation is a gift given to us when we invite Jesus into our lives as our Savior and our Lord. He gives this gift because of grace...undeserved favor.  Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 26 NCV, Ch. 27 NIV, Ch. 28 Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Anthony Cantin on Unsplash Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents By Rod Dreher / Sentinel Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation,

On this week's episode we discuss 3 of us going out in public together and watching the film "Nobody"Elon Musk on SNLSpace X and pollutionVenom 2: Carnage Boogaloo TrailerCannello Broke that dudes faceOur Favorite Boxers (not the underwear)Chris diagnosis of Norm McDonaldEqualizer - the show not the movieJupiter's Legacy on NetflixAmerican Idol top 5AND  a whole lot moreSupport the show (https://twitter.com/GuDVIBESpodcast?s=20)

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work as a nurse? It takes a special mix of qualities to care for others when they are most vulnerable, and I admire the work that nurses do to help us all get back to good health. I feel this way about healthcare in general, but nursing specifically--how do they make it through the day? There is so much pressure to perform in healthcare. Let's talk about it!I interviewed the Lead with Levity podcast's first major fan and supporter, Marcylle Combs. She's fun, wise, and a no-nonsense entrepreneur who cares deeply about the future of healthcare.In today's episode, we cover:Marcylle's entrepreneurial journey through running a $60+ million dollar real estate, home hospice, and other healthcare services businessesWhat it was like for me living in the dry (no alcohol!) county of Denton, TexasMarcylle's leadership philosophyHow to maintain friendships with coworkers without the dramaWhat it's like building a business as a female entrepreneur and mother of 5And more!About Our Guest: Marcylle Combs, MS, RN, BS, CHCEMarcylle Combs has spent her over 30 years of her adult life working as a nurse, director, administrator and ultimately as owner/president leading a large healthcare organization which she owned and operated until August of 2018 when she decided to embark on new adventures. She has since founded 3 companies, serving as President over MAC Legacy, The Marcylle Combs Company, and MAC Legacy Investments.  Through dedication to growing a successful company, Marcylle discovered her real passion is working with humans to encourage and inspire each one to reach their potential.Marcylle is well known in Texas and nationally for her leadership in both the home care and hospice community. She serves on the board of directors for The Home Care and Hospice Financial Managers Association (HHFMA); a professional organization bringing together CFOs, CEOs, COOs and other financial positions who are employed by the nation’s 25,000 home care and hospice agencies.  She also chairs the Women in Leadership Committee for HHFMA. She enjoys speaking on a national level and has also spoken in Belize, Italy, China and Spain regarding various leadership subjects such as mentoring, recruitment and retention, communication and conflict management. Ten years ago she founded TwentySix: Twelve.org, a non-profit that is dedicated to helping businesses provide support for their employees to serve others through mission trips, disaster relief, and in their local communities.  As a wife, mother of 5 adult children and a female in the workplace she aspires to grow and lead others until her last breath on this earth.www.marcyllecombs.comInstagramFacebookAbout the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

52 In this episode, I begin new teaching on Spiritual Warfare and specifically looking at the Armor of God.Go to our website to hear all the episodes in this series.Spiritual Warfare The Armor of GodThe Scripture reference is Ephesians 6_10-18.Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, Against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saintsRevelation 4:5And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.Isaiah 11:2The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.As I have taught in previous lessons, you need to fight satan or any of his demons in the spiritual realm where God has given you mighty weapons. 

02.01.2021 *** Monday Bible Study with Scott: Be like Zacchaeus Is Jesus Christ coming to your house today?! *** Luke 19:1–10 (NKJV) 1Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Matthew 1:3The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. 9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

A few questions were asked and I wanted to discuss, also we have our For Your Information segment. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cylendrea-walker/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cylendrea-walker/support

Executive Producer Steve Webb This episode is brought to you in part by Executive Producer, John Anonymous. Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch.13 NKJV, Ch. 14-15 ESV Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. Thoughts Well, this was fun reading today, wasn’t it? How about no? I’m not going to go into any detail in my comments today. Not because I don’t think there is anything of value here, but because I personally find the find the details on how to deal with leprosy and bodily discharges somewhat distasteful for discussion on this podcast. It’s  not that I can’t handle this kind of subject matter. I have a degree in biology, and I worked in three different emergency medical fields for some time many years ago. I’ve seen a lot of gross stuff. I just don’t want to discuss the details here. I will say, though, that the Hebrew word that is translated as “leprosy” in our Bibles today that could include a variety of different skin diseases, such as psoriasis or ringworm, including what is known  today as “Hansen’s disease”, commonly called leprosy. In addition, there are some diseases that at first manifest themselves on the skin, but are not strictly skin diseases, such as smallpox and measles. Something else I will comment on in a general sense is in regards to quarantine. Note that even though true leprosy is a horrible disease that ultimately causes death, quarantine was reserved for the person with the disease. The healthy population was not quarantined. Only the person suspected of having the disease was locked down.  I would like to share a bit with you from Leviticus 14:1-7 because it sounds a bit strange upon first blush.  Let’s read it again: 1The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2“This shall be the law of the leprous person for the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest, 3and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall look. Then, if the case of leprous disease is healed in the leprous person, 4the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop. 5And the priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthenware vessel over fresh water. 6He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. 7And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field.Leviticus 14:1-7 ESV Now you might wonder what this ritual has to do with anything. It sort of seems a bit random, doesn’t it? But it’s not.  Leprosy is thought by many to be a representation of sin. It begins with almost no visible symptoms and is painless in the early stages. It grows slowly. Sometimes it seems to go away, then comes back. The affected area becomes numb. It causes decay and deforms the person, to the point where they become repulsive. Eventually, the victim dies. So, this ritual has to do with the cleansing of the leper. Listen to this: In summarizing the ritual here is what happens: It happens outside of the campA being from the heavens is sacrificed in an earthen vesselAs the being is killed, it is cleansed by the fresh waterThe death, which is associated with blood and water, is applied to the leper seven times (the number of perfection, or completeness) in connection with a living birdThe sacrificial blood is also applied to scarlet yarn and a piece of wood, along with hyssopWith the mark of the sacrifice, the living bird flies away, ascending to the heavens and out of sight. Are you getting the illustration, yet? Listen: Jesus was sacrificed outside the camp (Hebrews 13:11-13)He wa...

Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort for God's People 40Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,and cry to herthather warfareis ended,that her iniquity is pardoned,that she has received from theLord's handdouble for all her sins. 3A voice cries:In the wilderness prepare the way of theLord;make straight in the desert a highway for our God.4Every valley shall be lifted up,and every mountain and hill be made low;the uneven ground shall become level,and the rough places a plain.5And the glory of theLordshall be revealed,and all flesh shall see it together,for the mouth of theLordhas spoken. The Word of God Stands Forever 6A voice says, Cry!And I said,What shall I cry?All flesh is grass,and all its beautyis like the flower of the field.7The grass withers, the flower fadeswhen the breath of theLordblows on it;surely the people are grass.8The grass withers, the flower fades,but the word of our God will stand forever. The Greatness of God 9Go on up to a high mountain,O Zion,herald of good news;lift up your voice with strength,O Jerusalem, herald of good news;lift it up, fear not;say to the cities of Judah,Behold your God!10Behold, the LordGodcomes with might,and his arm rules for him;behold, his reward is with him,and his recompense before him.11He will tend his flock like a shepherd;he will gather the lambs in his arms;he will carry them in his bosom,and gently lead those that are with young.

The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fastest changing environments on the planet. Warming rapidly, its also seeing increasing pressure from fishing, tourism, and scientific expeditions. Recently a group of women wrote a letter in the journal Nature calling for the seas around the Peninsula to be protected. James speaks to Dr Carolyn Hogg from the University of Sydney about why this region must be protected, and about the Homeward Bound program for women in STEMM. Read the Nature letter: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02939-5And conservationists in Tasmania have recently had a huge win: reintroducing 42 critically endangered Red Handfish to the rocky reefs off the island's coast. James speaks to Dr Jemina Stuart-Smith about these extraordinary fish, which have never been bred in captivity before, and the difficulties of releasing them back into the wild. Find out more about the Handfish Conservation Project and what you can do to help: https://handfish.org.au/

Acts 13:1-5 (NKJV) 1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 3Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sentthemaway. 4So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John astheirassistant.

Main Idea:  God's Kingdom knows no boundaries or limitations.Homework Assignment:  What type of people in your church family are more difficult for you to reach out to with the love of God?  What will you do about it?Luke 15:1-2 (NLT) 1Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!Luke 15:3-7 (NLT) 3So Jesus told them this story: 4“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' 7In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!Things to Know about the Parable of the Lost Sheep1.    Our Shepherd pursues us as we wander in the wildernessPsalms 23:1 (NLT) 1The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.Isaiah 40:11 (NLT) 11He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart…Ezekiel 34:5-6 (NLT) 5So my sheep have been scattered without a shepherd, and they are easy prey for any wild animal. 6They have wandered through all the mountains and all the hills, across the face of the earth, yet no one has gone to search for them.Ezekiel 34:11-12 (NLT) 11“For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search and find my sheep. 12I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.Luke 15:4 (NLT) 4…and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it…2.    A little celebration would do us some goodLuke 15:5-7 (NLT) 5And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' 7In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!John 1:12 (NLT) 12But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.3.    We are better together

PROPHECY HOUR: IT’S ALMOST MIDNIGHT WE NEED TO FAST AND PRAY! Stan Johnson Web site http://www.prophecyclub.com/ email Stan askstan@prophecyclub.com www.Watchmanstrumpet.com The election is coming, it is to late to pray it out of here? Shouydl we be weeping and crying for what is to come? Ezekiel Chapter 9 1He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. 2And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. 3And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; 4And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. 5And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. 7And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city. 8And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem? 9Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not. 10And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. 11And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me. Another do not Miss End-Time Radio program as “We are Warning the World as it HAPPENS!” Please visit www.prophecyhour.com Also http://wichitahomeless.com/ Also https://www.facebook.com/WichitaMissionChurch/ “Remember we do not 100% agree with everything our guests, say, do, or believe. It’s up to you to pray and sort it out!”

Disciple Up #180 Shepherding: Feeding & Defending the Flock By Louie Marsh, 10-7-2020   Intro. An e-mail poured in! Disagreement on what I said about Witness Lee and the Local Church. Episode 73-74.   So what is the duty of teachers and shepherds when it comes to dealing with doctrinal error and, sometimes, out right heresy? Let's take a look!   Everyone – Leaders Included – Must Watch Their Mouth!   Yes, I am very well aware that we'll be judged for every careless word we speak. I'll go even further we are also commanded not to lie and not to condemn our brothers when we disagree with them   “34You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”” (Matthew 12:34–37, ESV)   “4Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4, ESV)   “6The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.” (Romans 14:6–8, ESV)   “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.” (Matthew 7:1–5, ESV)   TEACHERS AND SHEPHERDS HAVE DUTIES FROM GOD   FEED AND LEAD:   When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. (Jn 21:15–17).   However, pastors and teachers aren't just commanded to teach and lead the flock. We are also called upon to defend it when necessary. James says teachers are under a stricter judgement and this tension between not being judgmental but being discerning and defending your flock from harm, is part of the weight of that judgement.   Ezekiel tells us that if the watchman doesn't warn those under his care he will be condemned. So yes, I am very aware of this and living with the weight of this greater judgement is something I agreed to take on when I became a teacher and pastor.   WATCHMEN – PROTECTING THE FLOCK   “1The word of the Lord came to me: 2“Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman, 3and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people, 4then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. 6But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.” (Ezekiel 33:1–6, ESV)   “3Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 3–4, ESV)   “5And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 7in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' 8You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”” (Mark 7:5–8, ESV)   Should We Name Names?   “11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” (Galatians 2:11–12, ESV)   “19holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1 Timothy 1:19–20, ESV)   “16But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:16–18, ESV)   If the people involved are public figures – like I am – the answer is yes!   THE PRICE OF LEADERSHIP:   “1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” (James 3:1–2, ESV)   God's judgement is based on what you know.   “20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20, ESV)   That's the only way His judgements can be just. He can't condemn or justify you if you didn't something was right or wrong.   “47And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:47–48, ESV)   “12Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:12–15, ESV)  

Aditya hrudhyam sloka no 5and other chants

1 Peter 2:4-10 NLT4You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. 5And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 6As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 7Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 9But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/yourdailybible)

Acts 27:1-28:10 Paul Sails for Rome And when it was decidedthatwe should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the AugustanCohort named Julius.2And embarking ina ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied byAristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.3The next day we put in at Sidon. AndJuliustreated Paul kindly andgave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.4And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us.5And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia.6There the centurion founda ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board.7We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone.8Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. 9Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because eventhe Fastwas already over, Paul advised them,10saying, Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be withinjury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.11But the centurion paid more attention tothe pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.12And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. The Storm at Sea 13Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that theyhad obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore.14But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster,struck down from the land.15And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.16Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda,we managed with difficulty to secure the ships boat.17Afterhoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they wouldrun aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear,and thus they were driven along.18Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next dayto jettison the cargo.19And on the third day they threw the ships tackle overboard with their own hands.20When neither sun nor stars appeared for manydays, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. 21Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, Men,you shouldhave listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred thisinjury and loss.22Yet now I urge you totake heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.23For this very nighttherestood before mean angel of the God to whom I belong andwhom I worship,24and he said, Do not be afraid, Paul;you must stand before Caesar. And behold,God has granted you all those who sail with you.25So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.26Butwe mustrun aground on some island. 27When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land.28So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.29And fearing that we mightrun on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.30And asthe sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had loweredthe ships boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow,31Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.32Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ships boat and let it go. 33As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing.34Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength,fornot ahair is to perish from the head of any of you.35And when he had said these things, he took bread, andgiving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat.36Then they allwere encouraged and ate some food themselves.37(We were in all 276persons in the ship.)38And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. The Shipwreck 39Now when it was day,they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore.40So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach.41But striking a reef,they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf.42The soldiers plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape.43But the centurion,wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land,44and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship.And so it was thatall were brought safely to land. Paul on Malta 28After we were brought safely through,we then learned thatthe island was called Malta.2The native peopleshowed us unusualkindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.3When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.4Whenthe native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another,No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea,Justicehas not allowed him to live.5He,however,shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.6They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him,they changed their minds andsaid that he was a god. 7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.8It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him andprayed, andputting his hands on him, healed him.9And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.10They also honored us greatly,and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Pastor Matt shares about the relationship between goodness and discipline.Hebrews 12:3-11 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,nor be weary when reproved by him.6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,and chastises every son whom he receives.”7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Rev.12:1 And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars; Eph.2:6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus: Rom.13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rev.12:2 and she was with child; and she crieth out, travailing in birth, and in pain to be delivered. 3And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads seven diadems. 4And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child. 5And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations: 27and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father: Rev 3:21 He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. Luke 8:21 But he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and do it. 2Cor.4:16 Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. Heb.4:2 For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. Lk.1:45 And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord. Lk.1:31 And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Matthew 13:18-23 18Hear then ye the parable of the sower. 19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side. 20And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it; 21yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth. 22And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23And he that was sown upon the good ground, this is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; who verily beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Mat.13:37-38 37And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; Genesis 1:11-12 11And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. Joh.16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you. Lk.1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God. Joh.16:19 Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me? Php.3:10-15 10that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; 11if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: Joh.16:20-22 20Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. 22And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. 2Cor.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. Col.1:22-23 22yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: 23if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister. Gal.2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. 2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different gospel, which ye did not accept, ye do well to bear with him. Jas.1:23 For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror: Eph.4:13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 2Cor.4:10-11 10always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. 11For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. Gal.4:19 My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you 1Cor.12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof. Heb.13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever. Amos 3:3 Shall two walk together, except they have agreed? 2Jn.1:7 For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the anti-christ. Col.1:27-28 27to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ; Col.3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. Phm.1:6 that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ. Rom.8:16-17 The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: 17and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. Jas.1:21Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. 1Cor.15:1-2 Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, 2by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. 1Pet.1:22-23,9 22Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: 23having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. 9 receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Rom.8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Isa.3:4-5,12 4And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. 5And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbor: the child shall behave himself proudly against the old man, and the base against the honorable. 12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. Mat.10:6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Rom.8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Rom.1:3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, Heb.5:8-9 8But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath of God through him. Rom.8:23 And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Rom.4:17 (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were. Gal.3:26 For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. Galatians 4:1-5 1But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a bondservant though he is lord of all; 2but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed of the father. 3So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world: 4but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Gal.5:4 Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you Gal 2:16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Gal 3:6-7 6Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 7Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham Gal 4:6-7 6And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7So that thou art no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Pr.29:21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last. 1Jn.2:28 And now, my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 2Cor.4:11 For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (6) Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 1Jn.3:2 Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. 1Jn.4:17 Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world. 1Jn.3:3 And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Titus 2:11-15 11For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; 13looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works. 15These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee. 2Tim.4:7-8 have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 8henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

In this episode Dr. Lori Buckley and Meloney Hudson are talking about and reading erotica. They address the benefits and pleasures of reading erotica to increase your sexual desire and to spice up your sex life! Discussed are 50 Shades of Gray, The Story of O, The Devil in Miss Jones, and more!Check out my new online store! https://www.stuffoflove.comAnd use the code 4love at checkout to save $5And please subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking hereFollow me on Instagram by clicking hereAnd ask me a question or leave me a comment in a voice message to play on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/Drlori See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Dr. Lori Buckley and Meloney Hudson are talking about and reading erotica. They address the benefits and pleasures of reading erotica to increase your sexual desire and to spice up your sex life! Discussed are 50 Shades of Gray, The Story of O, The Devil in Miss Jones, and more!Check out my new online store! https://www.stuffoflove.comAnd use the code 4love at checkout to save $5And please subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking hereFollow me on Instagram by clicking hereAnd ask me a question or leave me a comment in a voice message to play on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/Drlori See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

—Sermon text:Luke 21:37–38 Download the discussion guide for this sermon here.—Additional Resources—Worship PlaylistBelow, we are including a playlist of songs specifically selected by our worship leaders for this week’s sermon topic: —SUPPLEMENTAL Scripture Readings—Revelation / Call to WorshipPsalm 21:1–7O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!You have given him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him.For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.—AdorationPsalm 145:8–13The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]—ExpiationEphesians 2:1–5And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved […]Jude 1:24–25Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.—Dedication1 Peter 1:20–23He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God […]

—Sermon text:Luke 21:37–38 Download the discussion guide for this sermon here.—Additional Resources—Worship PlaylistBelow, we are including a playlist of songs specifically selected by our worship leaders for this week’s sermon topic: —SUPPLEMENTAL Scripture Readings—Revelation / Call to WorshipPsalm 21:1–7O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!You have given him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him.For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.—AdorationPsalm 145:8–13The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]—ExpiationEphesians 2:1–5And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved […]Jude 1:24–25Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.—Dedication1 Peter 1:20–23He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God […]

Exodus 17:1–7     1All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” 4So Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5And the Lord said to Moses, “Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

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

12 represents unity that results from God being in control:We want to look at 2 groups where God uses the number 12 to communicate His plan for unity and His leadership along the path to perfect (or complete) unity:12 Sons12 ApostlesI believe that if we take a look at the way these are presented and represented in scripture we can begin to see what happens when we follow His path and also when we leave the path.I believe that these lead us and teach us concerning our:Families [sons]Church [Apostles]Our families are to exist in unity – that means our desire should be to love and support each other – the Biblical instruction to “bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal.6:2) should be practiced in our earthly families in order for us to be able to make it possible in our spiritual families.We see an example of the struggles that can develop in the lives of those around us when we don’t follow God’s path in our families in the dynamics of the 12 Sons of Israel.What happens when the path is ignored:Gen 42:32, “We were twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in Canaan.”What’s going on here?What happens when the path is not followed:A Father’s heart is brokenA Father choosing one son over othersJealousyGreedA brother betrayedLiesDistrust among brothersDisunityWhat happens when the path is followed:Gen. 45:4-7, Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”ForgivenessRestorationRedemptionUnityThe 12 Apostles represent the completeness of God’s plan for the Church.The Church was created to exist in unity: One of the main things that Jesus prayed about was our unity – John 17:11, “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name, the name you gave Me, so that they may be one as We are One.”The 12 were to be a model for unity and a foundation for the Church’s unity.What happens when that path is ignored:Mark 10:35-37, Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”“What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at Your right and the other at Your left in Your glory.”This is not the path that God intends for His Church.What this leads to:JealousyDistrustPower struggleSelfishnessDisunityHowever when the path is followed:Acts 2:42-47, They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.What this leads to:Deeper relationships with each other and JesusGenerosityStrengthGlad heartsA good reputationA platform for sharing the messageSalvation for othersUnity

Luke 14:1–14 1One Sabbath, when [Jesus] went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. 2And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” 4But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. 5And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” 6And they could not reply to these things.     7Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8“When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”     12He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

JEREMIAH 51:Today the Lord continues the long prophecy against Babylon. This chapter foreshadows what will happen to the figurative Babylon in Revelation 18. PROVERBS 11a:An important thing I didn’t mention before is that these proverbs represent principles, not promises. This particularly needs to be remembered for verses that talk about prosperity. There will be times, such as what Jeremiah experienced, when no amount of Godly living will bring us wealth. However, the principles hold true. 1JOHN 4.15—5:John has been giving us important keys that will unlock assurance and victory in our spiritual lives. This also will provide confidence and power in our prayers. GNT Translation notes:1Jn. 5:4 because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our [believing//faith].6  Jesus Christ is the one who came [showing the signs of water and blood//with the water of his baptism and the blood of his death]. He came not only with the water, but with both the water and the blood. And the Spirit himself testifies that this is true, because the Spirit is truth.[This verse and the two following have been the subject of hot debate since at least the time of Erasmus! (Please note: The added words found in the KJV in verses 7-8 were definitely not part of the original Greek text.) In verse 6, I particularly don’t agree with the GNT translators adding the words ‘of his baptism’, even though I happen to be a member of a Baptist church. Now finally, about how to actually understand this verse, I hope you remember my comments on the Gospel of John in chapter 19. Seek the treasure, and you will find it!]10 So those who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their own heart; but those who do not believe God, [make him out to be a liar//have made a liar of him], because they have not believed what God has said about his Son. NLT Translation notes:1Jn. 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our [fully believing/faith]. 5And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.[Note that keeping the word as ‘believing’ allows us to understand the cohesion here.]6 And  Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son [through//by his baptism in] water and [through//by shedding] his blood on the cross —not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony.[I believe that NLT takes the weaker interpretation here that John is speaking of Jesus’ baptism in water. I think it more likely that John is speaking of the blood and water that came from Jesus’ side when He was pierced with a Roman spear. I think this because of the way John highlights this in John 19:35. I believe that John saw a symbolic meaning in that event.]12 Whoever [is joined together with the//has the] Son has life; whoever [is not joined together with//does not have] God’s Son does not have life.13I  have written this to you who believe in [Jesus,//the name of] the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.‘Name’ is used as a metonymy here, indicating the whole person of Christ. We don’t actually just believe in a magic name. That is not the intent here.]20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God.e And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He [(Jesus)] is the [0/only] true God, and he is eternal life.21 Dear children, keep away from [idols, that is] anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.  

Genesis 15:1–6 1After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” 4And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” 5And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

This is War!!What Are You Made Of?Mathew Cotner06.30.2019Your Identity and Integrity is in Christ JesusActs 9:1-2“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.â€Acts 9:3-4Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?†Acts 9:5And he said, “Who are you, Lord?†And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.â€Philippians 3:4-5Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;Philippians 3:6-8aAs to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.Philippians 3:8b-9For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faithPhilippians 3:10-11that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.Romans 12:1-2I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.1 Peter 5:8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.Ephesians 6:12For we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.Ephesians 6:13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.Ephesians 6:14-17Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,Your Identity and Integrity is in Christ JesusEphesians 6:14-17...the belt of truth, ...the breastplate of righteousness,...the readiness given by the gospe

After Jesus said this, He looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. 2For You granted Him authority over all people that He might give eternal life to all those You have given Him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom You have sent. 4I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began. 6“I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word. 7Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. 8For I gave them the words You gave Me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me. 9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine. And glory has come to Me through them. 11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are One. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name You gave Me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13“I am coming to You now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them. 14I have given them Your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. 18As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. 22I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as we are One—23I in them and You in Me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world. 25“Righteous Father, though the world does not know You, I know You, and they know that You have sent Me. 26I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and that I Myself may be in them.”

John 17: 1 - 26 After Jesus said this, He looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. 2For You granted Him authority over all people that He might give eternal life to all those You have given Him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom You have sent. 4I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began. 6“I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word. 7Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. 8For I gave them the words You gave Me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me. 9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine. And glory has come to Me through them. 11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are One. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name You gave Me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13“I am coming to You now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them. 14I have given them Your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. 18As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. 22I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as we are One—23I in them and You in Me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world. 25“Righteous Father, though the world does not know You, I know You, and they know that You have sent Me. 26I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and that I Myself may be in them.”

Series: Faithful – The Story of Joseph Faithful in ForgivenessGenesis 42-45 ways we get even with people. · There’s legal retaliation. · There’s financial retaliation.· There’s verbal retaliation. · We recruit opponents.· We give the cold shoulder. why did Joseph hide his identity from his brothers? Œ Maybe it was because he was really toying with retaliation.  Joseph was going to determine if his brothers’ spirit had changed before he did anything. Test #1: The test of adversity Test #2: The test of prosperity Joseph’s faith statement 5And now don’t be worried or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. 7 God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. Genesis 45:5-8 God can take the worst that men do to you and he can turn it around for the good. steps to forgiveness Œ Release your right to retaliate, forever. Only the Lord has the right to take revenge.  Do your part to reconcile the relationship. Forgiveness is an individual action, reconciliation takes two parties. Ž Acknowledge the sovereignty of God, even in a terrible situation.

1 Samuel 12 1And Samuel said to all Israel, "Behold, I have obeyed your voice in all that you have said to me and have made a king over you. 2And now, behold, the king walks before you, and I am old and gray; and behold, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day. 3Here I am; testify against me before the Lord and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me and I will restore it to you." 4They said, "You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man's hand." 5And he said to them, "The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand." And they said, "He is witness."

JEREMIAH 51:Today the Lord continues the long prophecy against Babylon. This chapter foreshadows what will happen to the figurative Babylon in Revelation 18. PROVERBS 11a:An important thing I didn’t mention before is that these proverbs represent principles, not promises. This particularly needs to be remembered for verses that talk about prosperity. There will be times, such as what Jeremiah experienced, when no amount of Godly living will bring us wealth. However, the principles hold true. 1JOHN 4.15—5:John has been giving us important keys that will unlock assurance and victory in our spiritual lives. This also will provide confidence and power in our prayers. GNT Translation notes:1Jn. 5:4 because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our [believing//faith].6 Jesus Christ is the one who came [showing the signs of water and blood//with the water of his baptism and the blood of his death]. He came not only with the water, but with both the water and the blood. And the Spirit himself testifies that this is true, because the Spirit is truth.[This verse and the two following have been the subject of hot debate since at least the time of Erasmus! (Please note: The added words found in the KJV in verses 7-8 were definitely not part of the original Greek text.) In verse 6, I particularly don’t agree with the GNT translators adding the words ‘of his baptism’, even though I happen to be a member of a Baptist church. Now finally, about how to actually understand this verse, I hope you remember my comments on the Gospel of John in chapter 19. Seek the treasure, and you will find it!]10 So those who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their own heart; but those who do not believe God, [make him out to be a liar//have made a liar of him], because they have not believed what God has said about his Son. NLT Translation notes:1Jn. 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our [fully believing/faith]. 5And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.[Note that keeping the word as ‘believing’ allows us to understand the cohesion here.]6 And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son [through//by his baptism in] water and [through//by shedding] his blood on the cross —not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony.[I believe that NLT takes the weaker interpretation here that John is speaking of Jesus’ baptism in water. I think it more likely that John is speaking of the blood and water that came from Jesus’ side when He was pierced with a Roman spear. I think this because of the way John highlights this in John 19:35. I believe that John saw a symbolic meaning in that event.]12 Whoever [is joined together with the//has the] Son has life; whoever [is not joined together with//does not have] God’s Son does not have life.13I have written this to you who believe in [Jesus,//the name of] the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.‘Name’ is used as a metonymy here, indicating the whole person of Christ. We don’t actually just believe in a magic name. That is not the intent here.]20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God.e And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He [(Jesus)] is the [0/only] true God, and he is eternal life.21 Dear children, keep away from [idols, that is] anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Luke 22:1-20: "1Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. 3Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. 7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." 9They said to him, "Where will you have us prepare it?" 10He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11and tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there." 13And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 14And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." 17And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." 19And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 20And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."

Habakkuk 2:2-5And the Lord answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith. "Moreover, wine is a traitor, an arrogant man who is never at rest. His greed is as wide as Sheol; like death he has never enough. He gathers for himself all nations and collects as his own all peoples."SERMON NOTES

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

Luke 19:45-20:8: "45And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, 46saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers." 47And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, 48but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words. 1One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up 2and said to him, "Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority." 3He answered them, "I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, 4was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?" 5And they discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?' 6But if we say, 'From man,' all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet." 7So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.""

COME OUT OF THE CAVE - Reset 2018 Jan 4 - Pastor David Rathel 1 Samuel 22:1-5 1So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him. 2And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented, gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him. 3And David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and my mother come and stay with you until I know what God will do for me.” 4Then he left them with the king of Moab; and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold. 5And the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” THE CAVE: Distress Debt Discontent COMING OUT: Identity Embrace your whole story. If you don’t love the pain, you don’t love the story. Value Want who you are. Want who you’re with. Want what you have. Dreams Open yourself up for upgrades. Follow the path in front of you. The line that starts from your pain and goes through your present, leads to your future. Dreams always draw you out of the cave. Coming out of the cave always makes you deal with your Identity and Value. Because, there’s a Victory in THIS house. Psalm 142 (pictures) What’s your cave experience? You become what you behold and attract what you are. What you’ve been through is the key to where you’re going. Pain always has a purpose. The purpose of my pain is to change me. Pick a word that’s the opposite of your greatest pain. The problem isn’t too much pain, but too little pleasure. Ps. 16. Like a doctor, God’s calling is for you to become and release whatever is the opposite of the sickness around you.

Luke 19:1-10: "He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." 6So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." 8And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." 9And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.""

Today we take a break from our series on Hebrews to bring you a sermon I preached at the Pilot Point Church of Christ. The Heart of God Luke 15 15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gatherings around to hear Jesus. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” The Parable of the Lost Sheep 3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15 The Parable of the Lost Coin 8“ Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15 The Parable of the Lost Son 11Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15 “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27‘your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” The Heart of God Luke chapter 15 You don't know my father! God is like A shepherd. A woman. A father. Four different ways to be lost Like the lost sheep. 2. Like the lost coin. 3. Like the lost prodigal son. 4. Like the lost older brother. He believed the lie Vs. 17 And when he came to himself The sad ending The heart of God. Come home to The heart of God

This is the 13th 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. God's Blueprint of Jesus Hebrews class 13 chapter 7 Melchizedek - God's Photoshop of Jesus Our High Priest Hebrews 6:20 -7:20 17In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, 18so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.19This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Jewish Old Covenant Priesthood Definition – a priest is one authorized form the sacred rights of a religion, especially as a mediator between man and God. He always represented man to God. There were priests before Mount Sinai Jewish Old Covenant Priesthood Definition – a priest is one authorized form the sacred rights of a religion, especially as a mediator between man and God. He always represented man to God. There were priests before Mount Sinai. At Mount Sinai God designated Aaron and his descendants to serve as priests All priests were Levites, but not all Levites were priests. Not anyone other than Aaron and his descendants could be priests-They received a tithe Qualifications Of priestly service Must be a male 2. Must be a descendent of Aaron with a documented lineage 3. Must be between 30 and 50 years old Qualifications Priesthood Must be unblemished not lame or blonde His marriage must be – not to a harlot, not to a divorced woman, Not to a window other than a priests window The high priest must marry a virgin of his own people. Must have no uncleanness leprosy etc. Must have an un-trimmed beard Must have special God ordained clothing The high priest– Direct the work of the priests and Levites– Inquire of the Lord– Maintain the golden candlestick with fire – offering sacrifices on the day of atonement The position of high priest continued to the time of Jesus was eliminated in 70 A.D. New Testament Priesthood All Christians are priests, and, with spiritual sacrifices (Rom. 12:1ff; Phil. 2:17; 4:18; Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5), we offer up service to God through our High Priest, Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1; 4:14ff), references to children of God as “priests” in the New Testament (1 Pet. 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6). False Ideas Associated with Priesthood “were clothed with the powers of Jesus Christ,” and that Catholic priests, as “successors” of the apostles, are similarly endowed with their power (James Cardinal Gibbons, The Faith of Our Fathers, Baltimore: John Murphy, 1917, p. 387ff). The idea is closely associated with the delusion that in performing the “Mass,” the priests are sacrificing the body of Christ — a notion completely at variance with the Scriptures. The New Testament teaches that Jesus was sacrificed once, and that was entirely sufficient (cf. Heb. 9:25-28). 2. The Mormon theory of priesthood is equally erroneous. Mormonism promotes two priesthoods, without which, supposedly, there can be no salvation. These are the Melchizedek and the Aaronic priesthoods (Doctrine & Covenants 107:1-3,5). The Mormon priesthood dogma has no authority higher than that of Joseph Smith, Jr., who claims to have “restored” the ancient order of priests on May 15, 1829 First of all, the Melchizedek priesthood was to belong to Christ, and to none other, until the end of time. The writer of Hebrews says concerning Jesus that: “. . . he, because he abides forever, has his priesthood unchangeable” (7:24). Second, the Aaronic priesthood cannot be operative today because it was an integral part of the law of Moses, which law was abolished by Christ (Eph. 2:15), one could not restore the Aaronic priesthood without “of necessity” resurrecting the entire Mosaic law (Heb. 7:12). The order of Melchizedek Hebrews 6:20 -7:20 Hebrews 7 7 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. “YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.” Genesis14:17 Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18AndMelchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. 19He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all. Hebrews 7 7 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Psalm 76King James Version (KJV) 76 In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. 2In Salem also is his tabernacle and his dwelling place in Zion. Hebrews 7 7For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Hebrews 7 4Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham and blessed him that had the promises. 7And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 9And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. Matthew 22 41While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42Saying, what think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him, the son of David. 43He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, 44The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? 45If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? 46And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. Subscribe to the podcast: {Apple Podcasts}{Stitcher}{Google Play}{IHeartRadio}

This is the ninth 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 JESUS OUR PROPITIATION 4:14 -10:18 Chapter 4 An Exhortation to Enter God’s Rest “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands” Difficulties with the word “rest” Definition: anything which God initiates and brings to a conclusion 1st Rest: Gen 1&2 creation started and completed. Was God tired? 2nd Rest: Moses leads God’s people out of the bondage to the promised land Jesus Ἰησοῦς Mat 1:21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Mat 1:22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: Mat 1:23 "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US." Yahshua ַ הוֹשׁוּﬠ ְי -1) The first element is YAH, which is the commonly accepted abbreviated form of YHVH 2) The interesting word group that starts with YAH then the Hebrew verb (shua), meaning to be saved or delivered. -Yahshua is the name Joshua is a compilation of two elements. -Why Joshua? “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands” Difficulties with the word “rest” Definition: anything which God initiates and brings to a conclusion 1st Rest: Gen 1&2 creation started and completed. Was God tired? 2nd Rest: Moses leads God’s people out of the bondage to the promised land 3rd Rest: Jesus leads people out of the bondage of sin to the promised land of heaven Rev 14:13 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Hebrews 4 (NIV) 4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed 3Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ “And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” • 6Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” 8For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,[e] just as God did from his. 11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. 2 WARNINGS TO MAKE US MORE DILIGENT 1. THE WORD - 12For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 1 Thessalonians 5:23- God will save your body soul and spirit. 2. God - 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. THE OLD TESTAMENT SACRIFICE 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. JESUS OUR PROPITIATION 4:14 -10:18 JESUS OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST 4:14 –16 Look back 1. Hebrews 1:3…When He had made purification of sins, 2. Hebrews 2:17-18 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. 3. Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession Jesus is our Great High Priest 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Jesus our Great High Priest Hebrews chapter 5 Hebrews 5:1-10 • 4 things necessary to be a Priest. 1. Class ---- mankind vs. 1a 2. Service ---- something to offer. Vs. 1b 3. Disposition ------ merciful vs. 2-3 4. Appointment ---- Devine   Vs. 5-10 Hebrews For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; 3and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. 4And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. Relating to the 2 different offices of Jesus LORD Work Obedience Service Always relating to His Lordship HIGH PRIEST Sin Forgiveness Grace That’s where we relate to His Priesthood Hebrews (NASB) For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; 3and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. 4And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. 4And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. • 5So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, • “YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU”; • 6just as He says also in another passage, • “YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.” “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”Genesis14:17 Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18AndMelchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. 19He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all. The order of Melchizedek BLESSES ABRAHAM ABRAHAM PAYS TITHES ALSO A KING NO GENEALOGY ABRAHAM MOSES TRIBE OF LEVI AARON AARONIC PRIESTHOOD DAVID Hebrews (NASB) 7In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 8Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.9And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5 (NASB) 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.11Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.14But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Difficulties teaching 1. The subject matter – Godhead 2. The teacher doesn’t have a good grasp of the subject. 3. The audience is not ready Sometimes as a student you haven’t or are not willing to put in the Time and effort. They were not always dull of hearing, they became dull of hearing. Hebrews 5 (NASB) 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.11Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.14But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. • Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, Eph 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ 7 Spiritual Gifts of Rom 12:6-8 Prophesying Serving Teaching Encouraging Contributing Leadership Mercy 1Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; Hebrews 5 (NASB) 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.11Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.14But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Baby Christian 1 Peter 2 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation John 16“I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. Ephesians 4:12until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.14As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, Hebrews 5 (NASB) 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.11Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.14But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. • 2 Chronicles 3:14 Subscribe to the podcast: {Apple Podcasts}{Stitcher}{Google Play}{IHeartRadio}

This is the eighth 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. Jesus the Son is greater than Moses Recap of Chapter 3 verses 1-6 Moses and Jesus were the only two Apostles of God sent to be exodus leaders. vs. 1 Both were faithful ln carrying out their Apostleship vs. 2 Jesus was worthy of greater honor because he created the Israelite race while Moses  was an Israelite- Moses did not make men, children of God, but Jesus does vs 3-4 Moses was a servant as an exodus leader, but Jesus is a Divine Son vs. 4 If we want to follow Jesus, our exodus leader, all the way into the promised land of heaven we need: 1. A hope of salvation to the degree that you glory in it. 2. An outspoken faith Hebrews 3(NKJV) 6but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.  7Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:  “Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ 11So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’” Hebrews 3(NKJV) 6but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. 7Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ 11So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’” 2 ways you can test God 1st way is to trust God – this is a good way. For example a missionary’s prayer. 2nd way is to not believe/trust God – this is a bad way – this is how the Israelites did it – To question God’s motives. Hebrews 3(NKJV) 6but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. 7Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ 11So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’” Numbers 30 (NASB) 1Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the word which the LORD has commanded. 2If a man makes a vow to the LORD, or takes an oath to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall not violate his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. 3“Also if a woman makes a vow to the LORD, and binds herself by an obligation in her father’s house in her youth, 4and her father hears her vow and her obligation by which she has bound herself, and her father [a]says nothing to her, then all her vows shall stand and every obligation by which she has bound herself shall stand. 5But if her father should forbid her on the day he hears of it, none of her vows or her obligations by which she has bound herself shall stand; and the LORD will forgive her because her father had forbidden her. Hebrews 3(NKJV) 6but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. 7Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ 11So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’” Hebrews 3(NKJV) 12Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, 15while it is said, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME.” 16For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? 17And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Chapter 4 an exhortation to enter God’s rest Hebrews 4 (NIV) 4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands” Difficulties with the word “rest” Definition: anything which God initiates and brings to a conclusion 1st Rest: Gen 1&2 creation started and completed. Was God tired? 2nd Rest: Moses leads God’s people out of the bondage to the promised land 3rd Rest: Jesus leads people out of the bondage of sin to the promised land of heaven Rev 14:13 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Hebrews 4 (NIV) 4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed 3Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” rested from all his works.” 5And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” Hebrews 4 (NIV) 6Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” 8For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,[e] just as God did from his. 11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands” Difficulties with the word “rest” Definition: anything which God initiates and brings to a conclusion 1st Rest: Gen 1&2 creation started and completed. Was God tired? 2nd Rest: Moses leads God’s people out of the bondage to the promised land 3rd Rest: Jesus leads people out of the bondage of sin to the promised land of heaven Rev 14:13 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” 2 HELPERS TO MAKE US MORE DILIGENT THE WORD - 12For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 2. God - 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Jesus our Great High Priest Vs 14 - 16 Jesus is our Great High Priest 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. One Mediator Gal 3:20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Mediation – access to GOD OLD COVENANT: GOD Prophets Angels Moses Human priesthood THE LAW Man NEW COVENANT: Jesus the God/Man our Great High Priest

YOUR MAT IS YOUR MINISTRY - My Adventure Series. 03.20.17 JOHN 5 2Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda… 3In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, 5And a certain man was there, who had been thirty-eight years in his sickness. 6When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” 8Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. Break The Rules That Rule You. 9The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” Rules That Don’t Have Reasons. Rules That Keep You From Growing. Rules That Don’t Apply To You. Rules That Keep You/Others From Being Embarrassed Or Uncomfortable. Rules That Are Unmentioned In The Bible Or Misused By People. Defy The Powerless People That Park You At The Pool. 11But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” 12So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” 13The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. 14Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” Defy Yourself First. Defy People Who Have No Biblical Authority Or Power Over Your Life. (No Fight Story) Defy In A Way That Gains You Respect Instead Of Losing It. Defy Someone In Order To Lose Your Victim Status. Defy Someone In Order To Obey God. Carry Your Mat And Come Out Of The Closet For Jesus. 15The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well. Carrying Your Mat Is Remembering Who You Used To Be And Where You Came From. Carrying Your Mat Draws A Line In The Sand And Forces You To Step Over It In Front Of Everyone. (Example: Baptism) Your Mat Is Your Ministry. (Hometeam Testimony)

WHERE BREAKTHROUGH BEGINS! - My Adventure Series. 03.12.17 Do You Need God To Do Something In Your Life? JOHN 5 1Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; 4for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] 5And a certain man was there, who had been thirty-eight years in his sickness. 6When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” “Waiting On The World To Change.” The First One In Would Win. That’s The Way Religion Works. You Don’t Have To Be First. The More Desperate The Situation The Greater The Opportunity For A Miracle. “I Ain’t Got Nobody.” Faith Has The Ability To Override The Facts. John 4 - You Don’t Need A Bucket When You’re The Well. You Don’t Have To Come To The Water. The Water Came To You “B.Y.O.B.” Bring Your Own Breakthrough. Breakthrough Doesn’t Change The Situation. Breakthrough Changes You. What If The Only Thing Blocking Your Breakthrough Is Your Willingness To Believe That Breakthrough Is Possible. 8Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. “Bunker-Buster Bombs” Breakthrough Begins Where My Excuses End. While You’re Waiting For God To Come Down, God Is Waiting On You To Get Up. Breakthrough Begins Where You PICK UP YOUR MAT.

Nehemiah 1- 4And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, 5And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments- 6Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee- both I and my father's house have sinned. 7We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. 8Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations- 9But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them- though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. 10Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. 11O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name- and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Co-pastor Tim Kim on why new years resolutions are GOOD and why each year is an opportunity for us to start over again.Reading:Mark 1:4-114John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 

Testimony about my Spiritual Baptism of Heavenly Languages OUT-POUR OF THE SPIRIT- GIFT OF A RULER SUPERNATURAL LANGUAGES- GIFTED TO WRITE Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5EfoPmLfR0 Testimony about the power of God in me -Casted out Demons across the country Demons should know you if you are in Christ Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZceJ-dmsSxE Ministry Scripture and notes: Grace Note: ELOQUENT SPEECH IS NOT A SIGN OF GODLINESS Grace Note: When you have experienced God for yourself, no one can come and with their smooth mouth convince you that your Experiences with Him didn’t happen! James 4:8 (KJV) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. WORDS FOR CLARITY • Patience = To remain unmoved in your confession of faith • Experience = Testimony of God’s ACTS, PRESENCE, POWER and DELIVERANCE in our Lives • Because you remain unmovable in your faith (patient); EXPERIENCES FOLLOWS , which Leads to: • TIME(SEASONS OF GOD ) CHANCE (HAPPENINGS OF GOD) =EXPERIENCES To speak of our Personal Experience to the building of faith = TESTIMONY THE WORD Romans 5:3-5 (KJV) 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Colossians 1:9-11 (KJV) 9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 1 Thessalonians 2:5 (KJV) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Romans 8:16 (KJV) The Witness within yourselves The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 9:1 (KJV) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, Hebrews 2:4 (KJV) God verifies with Signs and Wonders God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? DISCERN THE ACTS OF THE LORD: Matthew 24:24 (KJV) FALSE Signs and Wonders For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect Ecclesiastes 1:16 (KJV) I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. IN ALL THY GETTING GET UNDERSTANDING Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. THE enemy COMES to steal what you don’t understand Matthew 13:19 (KJV) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Testimony about my Spiritual Baptism of Heavenly Languages: OUT-POUR OF THE SPIRIT-GIFT OF A RULER SUPERNATURAL LANGUAGES-GIFTED TO WRITE Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5EfoPmLfR0 Testimony about the power of God in me -Cast out Demons across the country Demons should know you if you are in Christ Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZceJ-dmsSxE Ministry Scripture and notes: Grace Note: ELOQUENT SPEECH IS NOT A SIGN OF GODLINESS Grace Note: When you have experienced God for yourself, no one can come and with their smooth mouth convince you that your Experiences with Him didn’t happen! James 4:8 (KJV) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. WORDS FOR CLARITY • Patience = To remain unmoved in your confession of faith • Experience = Testimony of God’s ACTS, PRESENCE, POWER and DELIVERANCE in our Lives • Because you remain unmovable in your faith (patient); EXPERIENCES FOLLOWS , which Leads to: • TIME(SEASONS OF GOD ) CHANCE (HAPPENINGS OF GOD) =EXPERIENCES To speak of our Personal Experience to the building of faith = TESTIMONY THE WORD Romans 5:3-5 (KJV) 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Colossians 1:9-11 (KJV) 9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 1 Thessalonians 2:5 (KJV) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Romans 8:16 (KJV) The Witness within yourselves The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 9:1 (KJV) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, Hebrews 2:4 (KJV) God verifies with Signs and Wonders God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? DISCERN THE ACTS OF THE LORD: Matthew 24:24 (KJV) FALSE Signs and Wonders For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect Ecclesiastes 1:16 (KJV) I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. IN ALL THY GETTING GET UNDERSTANDING Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. THE enemy COMES to steal what you don’t understand Matthew 13:19 (KJV) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Luke 15:8-20 (NASB 77) Shepherds, at the time of Jesus, were the Black Sheep of society. Woe is the lowly Black Sheep of the Family. He is maligned ... misunderstood ... marginalized. The Black Sheep Often Sparks Debate Among The Rest Of The Flock: Shall we include him in family gatherings? Will he finally mend his ways? How can we manage him? Maybe he has a History Of … Criminal Conduct Financial Problems Mental Illness Ongoing Conflicts with Multiple Relatives Substance Abuse Gambling or Other Addictions Unstable Relationships Long Periods of Unemployment May only differ up or down from the rest of the family in … Values & Lifestyle Professional / Educational Attainment Religious, Philosophical & Personal Values Political Affiliation Isaiah 1:18 (NASB) “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.” Isaiah 53:6 (NASB) All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. John 10:7-13 (NASB) Jesus therefore said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12He who is a hireling, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, beholds the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees, and the wolf snatches them, and scatters them. 13He flees because he is a hireling, and is not concerned about the sheep.” Luke 15:4-5 (NASB) “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” Revelation 5:9 (NASB) And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”

Romans 5:5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

1 Samuel 24:1-7(ESV)  1 When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.” 2Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks. 3And he tcameto he sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. 4And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 6He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed.” 7So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way. 

Reverend Tamara Reeder February 23, 2014 Ezra 3:3-5 3And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord, even burnt offerings morning and evening. 4They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; 5And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord.

The Biblical Message of Handel’s Messiah Part I Pastor Tony Felich December 11, 2011 ----more---- PART ONE : The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah 1.Overture 2.Isaiah 40:1-3Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplish'd, that her Iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness; prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 3.Isaiah 40:4Ev'ry valley shall be exalted, and ev'ry mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough places plain. 4.Isaiah 40:5And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 5. Haggai 2:6-7 and Malachi 3:1Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts; Yet once a little while and I will shake the heav'ns and the earth, the sea and the dry land: And I will shake all nations; and the desire of all nations shall come. The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the Covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. 6. Malachi 3:2But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire. 7. Malachi 3:3And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. 8. Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, GOD WITH US. 9. Isaiah 40:9, Isaiah 60:1O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain. O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, behold your God! O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion. Arise, shine, for thy Light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 10. Isaiah 60:2-3For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 11.Isaiah 9:2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 12. Isaiah 9:6For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. 13. Pastoral Symphony 14. Luke 2:8-9There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. 15. Luke 2:10-11And the angel said unto them: Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 16. Luke 2:13And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying: 17. Luke 2:14Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men. 18. Zechariah 9:9-10Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. 19. Isaiah 35:5-6Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. 20. Isaiah 40:11, Matthew 11:28-29He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 21. Matthew 11:30His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. PART TWO : The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty 22. John 1:29Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. 23. Isaiah 53:3,6He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: He hid not His face from shame and spitting. 24. Isaiah 53:4-5Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows! He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. 25. Isaiah 53:5bAnd with His stripes we are healed. 26. Isaiah 53:6All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Brenda and I had years of marriage trouble. We didn’t get along. We didn’t understand each other. We kept offending each other. We were both hurt. We both felt like we were giving everything, but felt like the other one was not putting any effort into our marriage. We eventually quit trying. Until… one day we went to a marriage conference. We learned there that God’s plan for marriage was for us to walk in companionship and unity. We realized that our marriage trouble was not just trouble between us, but allowing it to remain was disobedience to God. We came to understand that allowing the discord in our marriage to continue was walking in sin. God has a design for marriage – even your marriage. God has designed marriage to be the closest human relationship. It is to be characterized by love, unity, and companionship. The unity of marriage (Gen 2:23-25) The woman was made from the man’s side. They are made from the same material. The man is to leave his family. To be united with his wife. The two shall become one flesh. We live in times when people view marriage as just a formality or a piece of paper and a ceremony, but nothing could be farther from the truth. The truth is God created marriage to be something amazing – a reflection of Himself. We – men and women – are made in the likeness of God. (Gen. 1:27) God enjoys perfect unity among the three persons of the trinity. John 17:1-5 1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. So the Father glorifies the Son. The Son glorifies the Father. John 16:13-14 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. The Father glorifies the Son. The Son glorifies the Father. The Sprit glorifies the Son. Each member of the trinity giving freely glorifying the other member in perfect unity, but different persons. Just as each member of the trinity is different, men and women reflect that difference. Men and women are different and have different roles in marriage as part of the created order. But put them together, and they are different, but complete in unity. All of creation was “good”, but it was not good (Gen 2:18) for the man to be alone. When he had completed creation, including man and woman, it was very good (Gen 1:31) The equality, differences, and unity between men and women reflect the equality, differences and unity in the Trinity. 1 Corinthians 11:3 3Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. The differences between men and women are very good when they come together in unity. Two different people in marriage – united in purpose, companionship – this is God’s design for marriage. How to build unity in your marriage. • Communicate daily • Continue dating • In disagreements, find common ground • Seek counsel when an issue is too big to work out on your own. Marriage is not just a ceremony or a piece of paper. It was designed by God from the beginning to be a reflection of Himself. We will never be a perfect reflection of our creator. But those moments of unity despite differences – those moments are divine. There is joy in marriage when it is lived out as God intended – in differences and unity.

Romans 4:1-12 ESV  1What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." 4Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,   and whose sins are covered; 8blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin." 9Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Affordable Podcasting $5.99 a month includes Web Hosting Suppport The Classic Blues at Music Maker Visit Recover in Christ Ministries today Visit our 24 hour family friendly radio streaming station Buy Your 50 mp3 classic radio shows for $5.00 inclues shipping Mike Wilhoit praise page Crosswalk3 Matthew 1 1The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 7And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; 8And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; 9And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; 10And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; 11And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: 12And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 13And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; 14And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; 15And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; 16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. 18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 2 1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. 13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. 16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 18In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. 19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. 21And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: 23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

click here Visit the Recover In Christ web site. click here to visit michael shull web site. Genesis 11 1And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. 2And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. 3And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. 4And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 9Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. 10These are the generations of Shem: Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood: 11And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters. 12And Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah: 13And Arphaxad lived after he begat Salah four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters. 14And Salah lived thirty years, and begat Eber: 15And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters. 16And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg: 17And Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters. 18And Peleg lived thirty years, and begat Reu: 19And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years, and begat sons and daughters. 20And Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug: 21And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters. 22And Serug lived thirty years, and begat Nahor: 23And Serug lived after he begat Nahor two hundred years, and begat sons and daughters. 24And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah: 25And Nahor lived after he begat Terah an hundred and nineteen years, and begat sons and daughters. 26And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran. 27Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot. 28And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees. 29And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah. 30But Sarai was barren; she had no child. 31And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. 32And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.

click here Visit the Recover In Christ web site. click here to visit michael shull web site. In 1604, King James I of England authorized that a new translation of the Bible into English be started. It was finished in 1611, just 85 years after the first translation of the New Testament into English appeared (Tyndale, 1526). The Authorized Version, or King James Version, quickly became the standard for English-speaking Protestants. Its flowing language and prose rhythm has had a profound influence on the literature of the past 300 years. The King James Version present on the Bible Gateway matches the 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. Genesis 9 1And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. 3Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. 4But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. 5And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. 6Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. 7And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein. 8And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, 9And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; 10And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. 11And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. 12And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. .

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

Visit the Recover In Christ web site. leviticus 4 1And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: 3If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering. 4And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock's head, and kill the bullock before the LORD. 5And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation: 6And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary. 7And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 8And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, 9And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away, 10As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering. 11And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards, and his dung, 12Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt. 13And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty; 14When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation. 15And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock shall be killed before the LORD. 16And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation: 17And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD, even before the vail. 18And he shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is before the LORD, that is in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 19And he shall take all his fat from him, and burn it upon the altar. 20And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them. 21And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it is a sin offering for the congregation. 22When a ruler hath sinned, and done somewhat through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD his God concerning things which should not be done, and is guilty; 23Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish: 24And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the LORD: it is a sin offering. 25And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out his blood at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering. 26And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him. 27And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty; 28Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned