Podcasts about 7when

Be Careful Of Any Self Righteous Attitude That May Judge And Get You To Throw The First Stone. John 8:7 - 9 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

Psalm 70:1–2a,4–5Acts 3:1–102 Samuel 9:3, 9:6b–7When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished and people are inspired to pass on kindness.

Mark 11:1-11 1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” 4They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!” 11Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. Palm Sunday Passion Week Jesus on the Donkey    1) Humility of Christ    2) Purity of Christ    3) Sovereignty of Christ   4) Wisdom of Christ    5) Lordship of Christ

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

View the Bulletin for Sunday, December 27, 2020View the Childres’s Bulletin for Sunday, December 27, 2020Service Times: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.No In-person Bible Study or Sunday School at this time due to the pandemicAll are welcome.Visit our YouTube channel — Click the red “subscribe” box, and then click on the “bell” next to that box to receive Live Streaming notifications. You must be logged into YouTube to activate these features.SPECIAL WORSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Saturday morning service (10:00 a.m.) Participant number will be limited to a total of TWENTY FIVE (23 worshippers, 1 elder, pastor). Saturday’s readings and sermon will be the same as the following Sunday’s (these services are currently different from one another). REGISTER FOR SATURDAY.You can donate online at: http://www.zlcb.org/donateOld Testament Reading -- Isaiah 61:10—62:3I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.Epistle Reading – Galatians 4:4–7When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapterWhen the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, [Mary and Joseph] brought [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

View the Bulletin for Christmas Day - December 25, 2020View the Children’s Bulletin for Christmas Day Service Time: 10:00 a.m.All are welcome.Visit our YouTube channel — Click the red “subscribe” box, and then click on the “bell” next to that box to receive Live Streaming notifications. You must be logged into YouTube to activate these features.SPECIAL WORSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Saturday morning service (10:00 a.m.) Participant number will be limited to a total of TWENTY FIVE (23 worshippers, 1 elder, pastor). Saturday’s readings and sermon will be the same as the following Sunday’s (these services are currently different from one another). REGISTER FOR SATURDAY.You can donate online at: http://www.zlcb.org/donateThe Old Testament Reading - Isaiah 62:10-12Go through, go through the gates; prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway; clear it of stones; lift up a signal over the peoples. Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.Epistle – Titus 3:4-7When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter.When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

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

Pastor Alex Walker John 4:7-10 7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

IN GOOD HANDS Week 3 Outline - 08.16.20 ~ He’s Still *Got The Whole World In His Hands SeriesJeremiah 18This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2“Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.”3So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. 5Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord.But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8SCRIPTURE“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12"It is written..." Matthew 4:4, 7, 10HOLY SPIRIT “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14“He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. John 16:13,14Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Acts 16:6-9III. CIRCUMSTANCES: Opened And Closed Doors.But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. 1 Corinthians 16:8,9And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household." And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:57, 58IV. WISE COUNSEL: Mature Christian Friends And Spiritual Authorities.For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it." Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, "I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith." Luke 7:8, 9My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; Isaiah 59:1Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6

Hope For Life with Bob Lenz - an inspiring message for your busy day. This week's devotional theme is Repentance. Today's episode will be from John 8:7.John 8:7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”To discover more, visit lifepromotions.org.

Paul Arrested 27When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him,28shouting, Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.29(They had previously seen Trophimusthe Ephesianin the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.) 30The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul,they dragged himfrom the temple, and immediately the gates were shut.31While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.32He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be boundwith twochains.Then he asked who he was and what he had done.34Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another,and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.35When Paul reached the steps,the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers.36The crowd that followed kept shouting, Get rid of him! Paul Speaks to the Crowd 37As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks,he asked the commander, May I say something to you? Do you speak Greek? he replied.38Arent you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wildernesssome time ago? 39Paul answered, I am a Jew, from Tarsusin Cilicia,a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people. 40After receiving the commanders permission, Paul stood on the steps and motionedto the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic[a]:221Brothers and fathers,listen now to my defense. 2When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic,they became very quiet. Then Paul said:3I am a Jew,born in Tarsusof Cilicia,but brought up in this city. I studied underGamalieland was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors.I was just as zealousfor God as any of you are today.4I persecutedthe followers of this Wayto their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison,5as the high priest and all the Councilcan themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associatesin Damascus,and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. 6About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.7I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me,Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me? 8Who are you, Lord? I asked. I am Jesus of Nazareth,whom you are persecuting,he replied.9My companions saw the light,but they did not understand the voiceof him who was speaking to me. 10What shall I do, Lord? I asked. Get up,the Lord said,and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.11My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. 12A man named Ananias came to see me.He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.13He stood beside me and said, Brother Saul, receive your sight! And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14Then he said: The God of our ancestorshas chosen you to know his will and to seethe Righteous Oneand to hear words from his mouth.15You will be his witnessto all people of what you have seenand heard.16And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptizedand wash your sins away,calling on his name. 17When I returned to Jerusalemand was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance18and saw the Lord speaking to me.Quick!he said.Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me. 19Lord, I replied, these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprisonand beatthose who believe in you.20And when the blood of your martyr[b]Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him. 21Then the Lord said to me,Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles. Paul the Roman Citizen 22The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, Rid the earth of him!Hes not fit to live! 23As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaksand flinging dust into the air,24the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.He directedthat he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this.25As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasnt even been found guilty? 26When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. What are you going to do? he asked. This man is a Roman citizen. 27The commander went to Paul and asked, Tell me, are you a Roman citizen? Yes, I am, he answered. 28Then the commander said, I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship. But I was born a citizen, Paul replied. 29Those who were about to interrogate himwithdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen,in chains. Paul Before the Sanhedrin 30The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews.So the next day he released himand ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrinto assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them. 23Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrinand said, My brothers,I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscienceto this day.2At this the high priest Ananiasordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.3Then Paul said to him, God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck! 4Those who were standing near Paul said, How dare you insult Gods high priest! 5Paul replied, Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.[c] 6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadduceesand the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, My brothers,I am a Pharisee,descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.7When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.8(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection,and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) 9There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Phariseesstood up and argued vigorously. We find nothing wrong with this man,they said. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?10The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. 11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said,Take courage!As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.

Acts 21:126 (ESV) Paul Goes to Jerusalem And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11And coming to us, he took Pauls belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, Thus says the Holy Spirit, This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 12When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 14And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, Let the will of the Lord be done. 15After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. Paul Visits James 17When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. 26Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.

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

What will our new normal look like? No one knows. But like he did with the Samaritan woman, Jesus invites us to walk with him into the unknown… together. Series: A New Normal, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: John 3:16-17, John 4:3-30, John 4:39-40, Psalm 139:23-24, John 4:7-8, John 4:10, John 4:26, Genesis 50:20, Video: https://www.facebook.com/avalonchurch/videos/203695394087777/, Sermon page: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-new-normal-coming-back-message/, Sermon Notes: 2020-06-14_a-new-normal_sermon-notes.pdf, Discussion Questions: 2020-06-14_a-new-normal_discussion-questions.pdf, Notes: INTRO Welcome back, Avalon Church Family! …At least some of the Avalon Church-family! For those of you who are still at home, …We miss you! …We love you! And we can’t wait for you to join us soon. Like every crisis before us, God knew the Coronavirus pandemic was going to happen. Crisis is part of living in a fallen world. Me/We And I heard someone say a few weeks ago, “Never, ever waste a crisis.” Because more than any other time in our lives, It is in times of crisis, …That we are more open to a change in our perspective, …And more open to allow God to change us. That’s been true to my experience. And through this COVID crisis, It seems the Church has realized …Buildings are not a necessity, But they are a huge blessing. COVID has opened our eyes …To our being defined as a family and community, Not a Sunday service that we attend.   It has helped us appreciate the importance of being a community …That GOES TOGETHER …To love and serve and meet needs in Jesus name, Sharing the life and hope and dignity Jesus offers. …A family that GROWS TOGETHER, Strengthening each other’s faith, And caring for one another. COVID has reminded us, …That when we keep our light in the building, no one can see it. So once again, A crisis offers us a new beginning. Our lives have changed. The way we work, and shop, and go to school has changed. And the way we worship has changed. The future is unknown. But it will be different… better. Because one thing we do know, We can’t do this alone. We need God. And when we recognize our need for God, It’s the beginning of something brand new. God I want to tell you a story that many of you are familiar with. It’s in the Gospel of John, chapter 4. It’s a long story, so I have to skip some of the details. But I think it will help bring some perspective to where we are today. Because John wrote his Gospel, His version of Jesus’ story, With you in mind.   Jesus was the Jewish Messiah And John wanted to make sure you knew Jesus came for Everyone! And today’s story comes right after some of the most recognized words in the whole Bible, 16 For God so loved the WORLD that he gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER believes in him shall not perish but have eternal LIFE. –Jn 3:16-17 (NIV) Today’s story is about the “Whoever.” Those willing to be open to something new. Willing to be humble, and admit they don’t know everything. Today’s story is about accepting God’s offer of life Through Jesus, … God becoming a man. Samaritan Woman The story begins… So Jesus left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria. –Jn 4:3-4 (NIV)   Jesus and his disciples were around Jerusalem in the south And were walking home to the north. There were 2 ways to go. …The quick way was straight through a region known as Samaria. The long way avoided Samaria and went up the Jordan River. Very few Jewish people went the short way, Because Jews despised Samaritans.   They considered them half-breeds.   Half Jewish, Half Gentile. Diluting the Jewish faith with that of other religions. Over the centuries, the Jewish people oppressed the Samaritans, …Robbed them of dignity, …and even burned down their temple. Hostility always boiled just below the surface. Guess which route Jesus chose to travel? Yep! Right through Samaria. John tells us   5 [Jesus] came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. –Jn 4:5-6 (NIV) Jacob was the grandson of Abraham, The famous Abraham… the Father of the Jews. …and also, the Father of the Samaritans. Possessing Jacob’s well gave the Samaritans religious credibility. They believed they were the true descendants of Abraham. …and the well was his gift to them! 7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)  John 4:7-8 So, a Jewish man, and a rabbi at that, Engaged in conversation with an unknown woman? Even today in the Middle East, this does not happen! Rabbi’s didn’t even talk to their wives in public. And this was a Samaritan! Normally, it was expected that a man would withdraw twenty or thirty feet away as the woman retrieved water. The woman was stunned. 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) –Jn 4:9 (NIV) In the parentheses, John was explaining the situation to his non-Jewish readers. Responding to her shock, 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” --John 4:10 (NIV) “Living water” was a common phrase. That’s what they called moving water, like in a river or stream. But there were no streams or rivers in the area; There was no living water around Jacob’s well. She knew that, so Jesus’ statement didn’t make sense. 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? –Jn 4:11 (NIV) Leading to the key question… 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” –Jn 4:12 (NIV) Jacob, our Father, chose us. Are you greater than Jacob? It was a rhetorical question. No one would claim to be greater than Jacob, right?! 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” –Jn 4:13-14 (NIV) Am I better than Jacob? Jacob gave you a well that will quench your thirst on a hot day like this. But, I offer that which quenches your deepest thirst; …Water that gushes into a spring of full, abundant, eternal life. I offer life and you will never be thirsty again. She still doesn’t understand. Is he offering magic water?  I 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” --Jn 4:15 (NIV) Jesus changes direction to clarify what he’s talking about. 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” –Jn 4:16 (NIV) What?!  She says, 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right…. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.” – Jn 4:17-18 (NIV)   Now, I’d like to clarify something here. Most sermons I’ve heard condemn this Samaritan woman as really bad. 5 previous husbands? And now living with a guy? It is interesting that for the first 1500 years of Christianity, this Samaritan woman was considered a hero. …She was inquisitive and courageous. Her lifestyle was never in question. But somewhere around the 1500’s, …Pastors and priests began assuming that she was sinful… …divorced 5x. And that she went to the well at noon to avoid people. This version became THE story.   I guess it could be true, but it really goes against history. In Jesus’ day, women married very young… like 13 and 14 years old. And their husbands often died very young. When a husband died, his widow was destitute. She couldn’t own land. She couldn’t get a job. She would often move in with family or friends to survive, …Until she remarried. So a woman to be married 2-3 times was common. Five times. Not so much. Her living arrangement was very likely the result of a lot of tragedy. Never judge someone when you don’t even know their story. But this we know, Jesus never condemned her. He doesn’t say “Go and sin no more” like he does elsewhere. But Jesus does reveal something very extraordinary about her life… something no one could guess. And she is taken aback. 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” Here’s that difference in religion. If you are a prophet, You’re a Jewish prophet. …you’re NOT OUR prophet. 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. –Jn 4:21-22 (NIV) Salvation through the expected Messiah, which the Samaritans were very familiar with, …Will come from the Jews. But the surprise for both Jews and Samaritans, is who the salvation is for. Jesus continued, 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. –Jn 4:23-24 (NIV) But concerning worship… both groups have it wrong. It’s not about your heritage. It’s not about how you do religion activities. It’s not about where you worship. It’s about God living in and among his people, …those who worship Him. We don’t go to a holy place to worship and meet God. The people are the holy place. It’s about spirit and truth. …about our hearts being real before God. Immediately, you can sense her eyes being opened... Could this be… the Promised One? 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” –Jn 4:25 (NIV) And Jesus replies… “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.  John 4:26 (NIV) In the original text, the word “he” at the end is not there. Jesus says, “I, the one speaking to you -- I AM.” Jesus uses the name of God revealed to Moses and says, “I AM.”   Boom! I am before Abraham. I am greater than Jacob. I am the expected Messiah. I find it interesting. He hadn’t even spoken like this to the disciples. 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. –Jn 4:29 (NIV) Verse 39 records… 39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony... 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. –Jn 4:39-40 (NIV)   So, Jesus, the Jewish rabbi, stayed with the Samaritans for 2 days. Eating Samaritan food. Staying in a Samaritan house. Sleeping on a Samaritan bed. And he discipled them. I cannot overemphasize how unexpected this is? The disciples would have never done this before following Jesus. YOU So What? For this community, Jesus offered a new beginning. For his disciples, this unexpected encounter unleashed a new beginning. They had no idea what the future held. For God so loved the world he sent his Son, …INTO THE WORLD! Jesus wasn’t separate. He broke every kosher law to live among the Samaritans for those 2 days.   And what was the result? Look at vs. 42. 42 They [The Samaritans] said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” –Jn 4:42 (NIV) Jesus really is the Savior of the World! Jesus loved those who were despised.   The marginalized. The rejected. The judged. Those who didn’t care, Those who sinned without regard, …Even those who killed him. No matter what anyone had done or who they had become; Jesus invested in them, And invited them to follow him, …To discover life, and forgiveness, and purity, and freedom. The essence of Christianity is loving God And loving those he loves. Christianity is not about separation… from people, It’s about separation from the world’s idea that it’s all about me. The call of Christianity is to live alongside people, Building relationships, And Loving people, And listening to other people’s stories, And sharing how Jesus has impacted your story. That’s what the woman at the well did. And it changed everything for those in her town. They found everything they were looking for, …in Jesus. YOU So What? This has to be our Passion; …What we live to do; …Being intentional.   Developing relationships with those who are not like us. Looking around and asking God to open our eyes …To the things he sees, …to ways we can be his hands, and feet, and voice. It’s a new beginning as God opens our eyes to how he sees our world. …To share our lives with each other, …And share our lives with everyone, …Regardless of what they believe, …And if they believe. We are ambassadors of Jesus. We invest in everyone we can, …and we invite all to take steps toward God. …appropriate steps for them. You (Application. So What?) Pray, Psalm 139:23-24 and finish with the words “Help me see as you see and respond as you would respond.” Pray for my church leaders that God would do Gen 50:20 “Help me to see as you see and respond as you respond.” Begin an ongoing dialogue with someone whose skin is a different color from you. When they suggest you read or listen, do so. Ask for permission to ask questions when you don’t understand. Be a student first and have patience before criticizing. Closing Announcements Connection Card and Prayer Team   Andy Stanley: Better for it   Closing Prayer God, we are available to you. As individuals and as a church, Use us in the lives of others That they might be filled with Living Water And proclaim with us, “Jesus is the Savior of the World!”

Thoughts inspired from the study ofCome, Follow Me: June 1st - 7thBook of Mormon: Alma 5 - 7When was the last time you asked someone for help?"I asked for help getting wipes while changing a diaper today" says Emily."I asked Seth to clean the bathroom ceiling, -don't ask why friends" laughs AlishaNo really, when was the last time you asked for help with something that was hard to ask for? Maybe something more personal, just for you.Well that is what we are talking about today. Why it is so hard to ask sometimes and why it is so important to do it.You're going to love it! Episode LinksVideo quoted in the episode: #HearHim Listen to the Voice of Jesus ChristEmotional Strength quote: What Makes It So Hard to Ask for Help?We would love to have you read along with us. To request a free Book of Mormon from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/requests/free-book-of-mormonDisclaimerSimple Joyful Home follows the Come, Follow Me curriculum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but is not a product of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Links to learn more about:Curriculum: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/come-follow-me?lang=eng&cid=rdb_v_come-follow-me_engChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:https://www.comeuntochrist.org/If you are longing for more Simple Joyful Home in your life connect with us on:Facebook: @SimpleJoyfulHomeInstagram: @SimpleJoyfulHome

Do you ever find yourself squeezing your eyes shut wondering if they might just pop out? Or clenching your hands so tight it leaves indentations on your palms? All the while - wishing things were another way? When life is difficult, we need to know what to do.Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLTLife is difficult, unpredictable and quite honestly painful at times.Knowing what we will do first when life is difficult, when the pain feels like it will devour us whole, is imperative to persevering well through life's trials. Will we pull up our bootstraps and get moving, turn to friends, seek wise counsel, or draw up the covers over our heads?The best time to learn what to do is not when you find yourself in a hard place.For many of us, the most painful circumstances will involve our children. We can become unglued trying to fight for justice, take away their pain, or somehow make life go back to what we had expected or planned.Like many other mom warriors when my child is hurting I jump in with both feet, searching, seeking, and planning for the best possible outcome. Willingness ignites inside me to do anything in the world to help this child of mine.Of course, this is noble to want and be willing to help.However, when we fight to the point of exhaustion and become overwhelmed one must ask;Have we skipped an important step?Are we clinging to control?Whose strength am I acting on?Have I put my trust in God?Am I letting God be GOD?Have I put my child in the Moses basket?The Moses BasketDo you remember what a brave momma did many years ago? Moses mother, Jochebed, carefully placed him in a basket and had her daughter, Miriam, watch him float down the Nile River in hopes of a better life. Could you imagine doing the unthinkable? What was Jochebed thinking?She released him. She let God be God and trusted him. It took tremendous courage, strength, and wisdom to release her precious baby.But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Exodus 2:3The Best Thing to do When Life is DifficultI have a friend I turn to frequently in times when I need prayer. She prays for me, but it is her words that propel me right to where I need to go. She ever so sweetly says,“Put it in the Moses basket.”We must give everything to GOD; we are not in control. It is so easy to become consumed with searching for what is best that we forget to do what is best. Put your worries, person, circumstances, whatever it is in the Moses basket and let God have it. Watch it go down the river. Have faith God is in control.When you put your trust in God, you will find a peace that makes no sense.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7When we trust God, unexpected opportunities may come our way. Remember Moses’ mother not only saved his life but also was able to care for him as a baby and teach him about God.If you are anything like me, I tend to put things in the Moses basket and snatch it back just as fast. Don't worry repeating this action over and over again is okay.When we look at our circumstances, it may seem impossible, but with God, the unthinkable can happen. His strength, power, and love can do a lot more than we ever can accomplish on our own.So when life is difficult, do the best thing and give it to GOD.What do you need to place in the Moses basket right now?Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-what-to-do-when-life-is-difficult/

God can’t bless who you pretend to be. - 44% of Americans feel more stressed than they did 5 years ago- 60% of all disease and illness is caused by anxiety and stress.- Suicide has now passed car crashes as the number one injury death in America.- Around 19% of the population suffers from an anxiety disorder.What’s healthier, your image or you?1 Samuel 16:7 “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”Proverbs 11:20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. blameless = whole1 Peter 2:1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.hypocrisy = hupokrites = the acting of a stage playerTransparency means - according to Websters:– Having the property of transmitting rays of light, so that bodies can beseen through.– So fine a texture or open in mesh as not to conceal what lies beyond.– Easily detected, perfectly evident, guileless, free from pretense. Transparency means - according to New Song:– Having the ability to have Jesus shine through your life, because nohidden issues obstruct His inner light.– Concealing no secret inner sin or problem area so as to appear spiritual,but allowing the Real you to be seen.– Free from all pretense and quick to admit error.1. Be Real With Yourself2 Corinthians 12:5 I will boast only about my weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:9 God said to me, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 For say this with me when I am weak, then I am strong.My power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in your weakness.” Where your strength runs out, God’s strength kicks in. 2. Be Real With God1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.Mark 10:51 What do you want me to do for you?3. Be Real With Others2 Corinthians 12:9 I will boast only about my weaknesses. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. Paul shared His life with these people.2 Corinthians 7:5-7When we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Matthew 5:14 Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.God can’t bless who you pretend to be.

View the Bulletin for Sunday December 29, 2019Service Times: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.Bible Study: 9:15 a.m.Old Testament Reading -Isaiah 63:7–14I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD,according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israelthat he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely.” And he became their Savior.In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them;in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit;therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.Then he remembered the days of old, of Moses and his people.Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock?Where is he who put in the midst of them his Holy Spirit,who caused his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses,who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name, who led them through the depths?Like a horse in the desert, they did not stumble.Like livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest.So you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name.Epistle - Galatians 4:4–7When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman,born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we mightreceive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of hisSon into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son,and if a son, then an heir through God.The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the second chapterWhen [the wise men] had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared toJoseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt,and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, todestroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departedto Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what theLord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, becamefurious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all thatregion who were two years old or under, according to the time that he hadascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophetJeremiah:“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation,Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream toJoseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land ofIsrael, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took thechild and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard thatArchelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to gothere, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And hewent and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophetsmight be fulfilled: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Mark 13:6-33 “Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. …8There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines… You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues… 12put to death. 13Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved… 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Summary: To give us a new and better identity, God dismantles our old beliefs, hopes, and communities. Discussion Questions: 1. According to Mark 13, what things must happen before God's Kingdom comes to earth in its fulness? How do these things dismantle the past in order for a new and better Kingdom to be built? 2. To purify your devotion to Him, what does God need to dismantle in your life? 3. According to Mark 13:10, what will happen before Jesus returns? Why does our participation in this mission reveal a heart that longs for him and His kingdom? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Blessings in the Psalms The Psalms Tehillim: “praise songs” Psalmoi (yalmoi): “songs of praise” THE Bible enables us to: (i) understand our faith, the ‘Bible within the Bible’ (Psalms): (ii) to express our faith. C.S.: “Private and unfiltered songs prayers and petitions, an inspired anthology of praise.” Long before there was an earth or a Bible or the voice of man, there was praise to God (Job 38:7). Job 38 4Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?..... 7When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? W.W. “The Psalms present God as being both immanent and transcendent.” Transcendent. Trans = across. Cend (cedere) = give way for. Beyond or above the range of normal or physical human experience. Surpassing the ordinary; exceptional, existing apart from, and not subject to, the limitations of the material universe. Immanent. Existing or operating within; inherent, (of God) permanently pervading and sustaining the universe. Psalm 75:1 The Psalms: a bible within your Bible: Praise (lyrics/poetry) Prophecy Theology (doctrine) History Instruction 2 Tim. 3:16 Jesus Christ in the Psalms 73 by David, 12 by Asaph, 10 by descendents of Korah, 2 by Solomon, 2 by Ezahites, 1 by Moses, Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 1-41 42-72 73-89 90-106 102-150 His
People His
Deliverance His
Sanctuary His
Reign His
Word His Incarnation, His Suffering, His Person,His Shepherding (of His people), His Reign Jesus Christ in the Psalms:His Offices KING – worthy of worship Psalm 2:6-7 PROPHET – wise Psalm 22:23-25 PRIEST – able to redeem Psalm 110:4

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

The Way Up Is Down     Philippians 2:3-5 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”   Luke 14:7-11 7When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”     The Way Up Is Down     Proverbs 22:4 “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth, honor and life.”   Proverbs 29:23 “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”       “He must become greater, I must become less.” John 3:30       The Way Up Is Down     2 Samuel 7:18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and prayed: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”

Proverbs 16:7When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he even reconciles his enemies to himself.Proverbs 24:17-18Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice, lest the Lord see it, and be displeased, and turn his wrath away from him. Proverbs 25:21-22.If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Uncommon relationships believe the best.Common relationships assume the worst.I Corinthians 13:1-7When there is a gap between your expectations and your experience, what do you fill the gap with?- Assuming the worst- Believing the best

Pastor Zenzile Legend February 16, 2014 Judges 61The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. 2Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. 3Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country. 4They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. 5They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts. It was impossible to count them or their camels; they invaded the land to ravage it. 6Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help. 7When the Israelites cried out to the Lord because of Midian, 8he sent them a prophet, who said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 9I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians. And I delivered you from the hand of all your oppressors; I drove them out before you and gave you their land. 10I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not listened to me.” 11The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” 13“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 15“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” 16The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” 17Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. 18Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.” And the Lord said, “I will wait until you return.” 19Gideon went inside, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak. 20The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. 21Then the angel of the Lord touched the meat and the unleavened bread with the tip of the staff that was in his hand. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the Lord disappeared. 22When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!” 23But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” 24So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 25That same night the Lord said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. 26Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.” 27So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime. 28In the morning when the people of the town got up, there was Baal’s altar, demolished, with the Asherah pole beside it cut down and the second bull sacrificed on the newly built altar! 29They asked each other, “Who did this?” When they carefully investigated, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.” 30The people of the town demanded of Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.” 31But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, “Are you going to plead Baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.” 32So because Gideon broke down Baal’s altar, they gave him the name Jerub-Baal that day, saying, “Let Baal contend with him.” 33Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. 34Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. 35He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them. 36Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised— 37look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.” 38And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. 39Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” 40That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew. Judges 7 1Early in the morning, Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped at the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. 2The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ 3Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’ ” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. 4But the Lord said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” 5So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.” 6Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. 7The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” 8So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley. 9During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. 10If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp. 12The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore. 13Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. “I had a dream,” he was saying. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.” 14His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.” 15When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, “Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.” 16Dividing the three hundred men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside. 17“Watch me,” he told them. “Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. 18When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’ ” 19Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. 20The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” 21While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled. 22When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath. 23Israelites from Naphtali, Asher and all Manasseh were called out, and they pursued the Midianites. 24Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth Barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth Barah. 25They also captured two of the Midianite leaders, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. They pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan.

Matthew 5:7When we think about being merciful it's letting someone get off the hook.Why should I ever be happy about letting someone get by?Why are you holding on to something they have forgotten?Case for mercy:1. We are debtor's to God2. We are deficient apart from God3. We are dependent upon God 4. We are delivered by God

John 8 deals with the story of a woman brought before Jesus because she was caught in the act of adultery. How would he respond? Could the religous leaders trap him into getting in trouble? John 8 1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11"No one, sir," she said.     "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."