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Life As It Was Meant to Be Part 6: How to Have Hope Louie Marsh, 7-21-2021   Slide of “new” old series! TWO QUOTES:   “What oxygen is for the lungs, such is hope for the meaning of life.” - Emil Brunner   “Hopes are for the living, the dead are without hope. – Theocritus   “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” ― Epicurus   “Hope is a waking dream.”  ― Aristotle   1) FIND IT in Christ alone!   “13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, ESV) Christ is God – so my hope is RELIABLE! Jesus is alive so my hope is ALIVE He's coming back – my hope extends beyond this     2) GRASP Hope's full extent.   “15For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15–18, ESV)   Hope is for the living & the Hope lasts Hope brings me BACK to Christ.     3) LIVE OUT hope's implications by…   FOCUSING on what I'm doing.   “5For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5–6, ESV)   UNDERSTANDING my new nature.   “4But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.”…“8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4, 8, ESV)   LIVING by faith.   But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 1 Thes. 5:8 (NLT)   ACTING in love.   But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. 1 Thes. 5:8 (Mes)   4) COMPREHENDING my true destiny!   “9For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9–11, ESV)   God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master… 1 Thes. 5:9 (Mes)   Your purpose in life is to serve God in a special way!!!  Not to be a object of wrath – but part of His family!        

154 In this episode, I continue to teach on being endued with power. You will find the words of Jesus very clear on this issue.Luke 24:49 Behold I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.Acts 1:8But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,

Dads and their tools, but which is better, to be a tool (pun alert!) or to be an operator of that tool? Pastor uses the tool/operator question to help unpack 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, a passage that tells us more than our longing to be in heaven, but how we get there, and what should be our worldview until we arrive there. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 Now we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal home in heaven, which is not made by human hands. 2In fact, the reason we groan is that we long to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven. 3If we do indeed put it on, we will certainly not be found naked. 4To be sure, while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as the down payment. 6Therefore we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord, 7for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8But we are confident and would much prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9And for this reason we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home or away. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he did while in the body, whether good or bad.

Monday, April 26th, 2021 Weekly Bible Study with Scott Title: Are you rooted? Scripture: Colossians 2:6–7 (NKJV) 6As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Ephesians 3:16–19 (NKJV) 16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Matthew 13:3–9 (NKJV) 3Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” John 15:4–5 (NKJV) 4Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 1 Peter 2:9–10 (NKJV) 9But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 (NKJV) 16Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

39 In this episode I conclude the teaching on the power of the seed and I pull together the last seven episodes with the scripture I read from James 1:21-25 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.Listen to the whole teaching  on Christian Podcast Bible Study  Lesson - The Kingdom of GodMark 4:13And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?The sower sows the word.And these are the ones by the way side where the word is sown. When they hear, satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the one stone on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, except it, and bare fruit some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day.You and I are the church and when I say the church has a power shortage it is because we don't use the word of God in our life as much as we should.Mark 4:26-29And He said, “The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.For the earth yields crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.God is never caught off guard and He does wait until we pray to deliver to us the answer. Most of what you and I ask God for is already made available through God's grace.It is our job to use faith and follow-through (action) to make something happen.I also want to introduce the concept of time I briefly introduced it on a previous podcast but God is not “caught” in time. He works outside of the time restraints we live in here on earth.God's word will come to pass but it will take time.

38 In this episode I continue the idea the “modern” church has a power shortage. I'm going to shift “realms” in this episode from the natural seed to the supernatural.Listen to the whole teaching  on Christian Podcast Bible Study  Lesson - The Kingdom of GodI think it originates from not knowing the word of God. (And that's where I come in to help)God is not in a hurry like you and I "think" He should be in a hurry. When God was here on earth He walked almost everywhere He went.I talked about how God has a different "take" on time in episode 6 you can go back and listen2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day.You and I are the church and when I say the church has a power shortage it is because we don't use the word of God in our life as much as we should.Mark 4:26-29And He said, “The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.For the earth yields crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.You and I have two things we can control in the seedtime and harvest declaration God declared in Genesis 8:22God is never caught off guard and He does wait until we pray to deliver to us the answer. Most of what you and I ask God for is already made available through God's grace.It is our job to use faith and follow-through (action) to make something happen.Adding to this lesson I want to introduce another scripture.Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.I also want to introduce the concept of time I briefly introduced it on a previous podcast but God is not “caught” in time. He works outside of the time restraints we live in here on earth.God's word will come to pass but it will take time.

37 In this episode I continue the idea the “modern” church has a power shortage. I'm going to shift “realms” in this episode from the natural seed to the supernatural.Listen to the whole teaching  on Christian Podcast Bible Study  Lesson - The Kingdom of GodMark 4:13And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?The sower sows the word.And these are the ones by the way side where the word is sown. When they hear, satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the one stone on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, except it, and bare fruit some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."I think it originates from not knowing the word of God. (And that's where I come in to help)God is not in a hurry like you and I "think" He should be in a hurry. When God was here on earth He walked almost everywhere He went.I talked about how God has a different "take" on time in episode 6 you can go back and listen2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day.You and I are the church and when I say the church has a power shortage it is because we don't use the word of God in our life as much as we should.Noah just got off the Ark and built an altar to God and sacrificed to God. God smelled to soothing aroma and said in His heart He would never again curse the ground for man's sake or destroy every living thing as He had done.Genesis 8:22While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.Mark 4:26-29And He said, “The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.For the earth yields crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.You and I have two things we can control in the seedtime and harvest declaration God declared in Genesis 8:22God is never caught off guard and He does wait until we pray to deliver to us the answer. Most of what you and I ask God for is already made available through God's grace.It is our job to use faith and follow-through (action) to make something happen.Adding to this lesson I want to introduce another scripture.

36 In this episode I continue the idea the “modern” church has a power shortage. I'm going to shift “realms” in this episode from the natural seed to the supernatural.Listen to the whole teaching  on Christian Podcast Bible Study  Lesson - The Kingdom of God1 Peter 1:22,23Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,Mark 4:3-9"Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the way side; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprung up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty in some a hundred." And He said to them, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"Mark 4:13And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?”I think it originates from not knowing the word of God. (And that's where I come in to help)God is not in a hurry like you and I "think" He should be in a hurry. When God was here on earth He walked almost everywhere He went.I talked about how God has a different "take" on time in episode 6 you can go back and listen2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day.You and I are the church and when I say the church has a power shortage it is because we don't use the word of God in our life as much as we should.Noah just got off the Ark and built an altar to God and sacrificed to God. God smelled to soothing aroma and said in His heart He would never again curse the ground for man's sake or destroy every living thing as He had done.Genesis 8:22While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.Mark 4:26-29And He said, “The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.For the earth yields crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.You and I have two things we can control in the seedtime and harvest declaration God declared in Genesis 8:22God is never caught off guard and He does wait until we pray to deliver to us the answer. Most of what you and I ask God for is already made available through God's grace.It is our job to use faith and follow-through (action) to make so

35 In this episode I continue the idea the “modern” church has a power shortage. I think it originates from not knowing the word of God. (And that's where I come in to help)God is not in a hurry like you and I "think" He should be in a hurry. When God was here on earth He walked almost everywhere He went.Listen to the whole teaching  on Christian Podcast Bible Study  Lesson - The Kingdom of GodI talked about how God has a different "take" on time in episode 6 you can go back and listen2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day.You and I are the church and when I say the church has a power shortage it is because we don't use the word of God in our life as much as we should.Noah just got off the Ark and built an altar to God and sacrificed to God. God smelled to soothing aroma and said in His heart He would never again curse the ground for man's sake or destroy every living thing as He had done.Genesis 8:22While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.Mark 4:26-29And He said, “The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.For the earth yields crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.You and I have two things we can control in the seedtime and harvest declaration God declared in Genesis 8:22God is never caught off guard and He does wait until we pray to deliver to us the answer. Most of what you and I ask God for is already made available through God's grace.It is our job to use faith and follow-through (action) to make something happen.Adding to this lesson I want to introduce another scripture.Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.I also want to introduce the concept of time I briefly introduced it on a previous podcast but God is not “caught” in time. He works outside of the time restraints we live in here on earth.God's word will come to pass but it will take time.Let me read you two scriptures in Genesis to illustrate what I'm trying to say.Genesis 16:16, 17:1Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.

Mission CommandedOne More Step | Week 3February 21, 2021 | Adam Barnett--Not Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth…should you choose to accept it.To follow Jesus is to participate in His mission.2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NLTAnd all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”Lesslie Newbiggin“If the Gospel is the story of the astonishing act of God himself in coming down to be a part of our alienated world, to endure the full horror of our rebellion against love, to take the whole burden of our guilt and shame, and to lift us up into communion and fellowship with himself, breaking into a self-centered search for our own happiness, shifting the center from the self and its desire onto God and his glory...Then the Perversion of the Gospel...is when Christians turn the Good News into something they could possess for themselves; privatizing this mighty work of grace, and talking as if the whole cosmic drama of salvation culminated in the question: ‘How can only I be saved?’”--More from this series | Watch Message Video

Going DeeperBut to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”Jonah 4:1-3In the above passage Jonah is upset because is ending h to the Ninevites. Jonah as many good reasons for not wanting to go and serve these people he finds deplorable. Is there a group of people that, if God asked you to serve them, you would genuinely hesitate? It could be a political or cultural group. It cold be a competing business. It could even be members of your family. Who are your Ninevites?What would it take for you to give up your comfortable perspective? Has God ever put you in an uncomfortable situation in order to reach or serve someone you didn't like? What was the outcome? What did you learn.Isaiah 59:9 – “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” - How did you know God was asking this of you? Did it require you to trust Him?If you were to relay your "Nineveh" story to a teenager, how would you frame it? What would you say? How should they pray?Teaching NotesBut to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:1-3 Why is Jonah so upset? Jonah is selfish Jonah is prejudice Jonah is filled with pride Then the LORD God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. Jonah 4:6 Jonah wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:8But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” Jonah 4:10-11Application When God doesn’t make sense to you…trust that our linear perspective from the Lower Story doesn’t tell the whole story. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 59:9When God doesn’t make sense to you…trust that God will make things right in his time. When God doesn’t make sense…trust his grace and love is great and applies to all people, including us. Be a Jonah by:Inviting someone Sunday Inviting someone into a Watching Group Inviting someone to the Listening Plan Sunday Set List WFC Online/WFC LenexaGreat Things- Phil WickhamO The Blood- Mitch LangleyO Praise The Name- Hillsong UnitedPeace Be Still- The Belonging Co./Feat. Lauren Daigle WFC SpeedwayGreat Things- Phil WickhamO The Blood- Mitch LangleyO Come To The Altar- Hillsong UnitedGraves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship/Feat. Brandon LakeBe sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

Choose To Make It A Great New Year! Louie Marsh, 1-3-2021   INTRO: Three slides of polls, top 5 Resolutions - 3   1) I choose to FORGIVE ALL who wrong me.   “34And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”” (Matthew 18:34–35, ESV)    “While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us.”  - Ben Franklin   2) I choose to FOCUS ON what’s really important.    No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. Philip. 3:13-14 (NLT)   3) I choose to FIND GOD in every situation.   “2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)   Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:1-3 (Mes)   I can be a … PESSIMIST OPTIMIST REALIST or I can be a CHRISTIAN   “8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, ESV)   4) I must choose to DEAL WITH my flaws.   “8But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:8–10, ESV)   But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk. Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Col. 3:8-10 (Mes)   5) I must choose to FOLLOW JESUS no matter what!   “23And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, ESV)  

Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 06, 2020 Year (cycle):  B The Collect:  Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Old Testament:  Isaiah 40:1-11 1Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 3A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, 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. 5Then the glory of the Lordshall be revealed, and all people shall 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 grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. 7The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. 8The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. 9Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Psalm:  Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 1 You have been gracious to your land, O Lord, *        you have restored the good fortune of Jacob. 2 You have forgiven the iniquity of your people *        and blotted out all their sins. 8 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, *        for he is speaking peace to his faithful people        and to those who turn their hearts to him. 9 Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *        that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth have met together; *        righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth shall spring up from the earth, *        and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, *        and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness shall go before him, *        and peace shall be a pathway for his feet. Epistle:  2 Peter 3:8-15a 8But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. 11Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness,12waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? 13But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. 14Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; 15and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. Gospel:  Mark 1:1-8 1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,  “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,        who will prepare your way; 3the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:        ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,        make his paths straight,'” 4John 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.”

Isaiah 64 64Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,that the mountains might quake at your presence2as when fire kindles brushwoodand the fire causes water to boilto make your name known to your adversaries,and that the nations might tremble at your presence!3When you did awesome things that we did not look for,you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.4From of old no one has heardor perceived by the ear,no eye has seen a God besides you,who acts for those who wait for him.5You meet him who joyfully works righteousness,those who remember you in your ways.Behold, you were angry, and we sinned;in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?6We have all become like one who is unclean,and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.We all fade like a leaf,and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.7There is no one who calls upon your name,who rouses himself to take hold of you;for you have hidden your face from us,and have made us melt inthe hand of our iniquities. 8But now, OLord, you are our Father;we are the clay, and you are our potter;we are all the work of your hand.9Be not so terribly angry, OLord,and remember not iniquity forever.Behold, please look, we are all your people.10Your holy cities have become a wilderness;Zion has become a wilderness,Jerusalem a desolation.11Our holy and beautifulhouse,where our fathers praised you,has been burned by fire,and all our pleasant places have become ruins.12Will you restrain yourself at these things, OLord?Will you keep silent, and afflict us so terribly?

Disciple Up # 187 What About Repentance, Works & Salvation? By Louie Marsh, 11-25-2020   Intro. Happy Thanksgiving!   An E-mail comes in:   Hello louie this is josh again and I have been struggling to understand this topic that I have came apon concerning ones salvation. The topic is a few questions, are we saved in just believing in christ or Is repentance required for salvation? Roman's 10:9-13. In this passage Paul does not mention repentance as a need for salvation. Is believing enough or is there more we need to do to be saved? What got me thinking about this was this video I watched on this topic, which I would like for you to watch and see if what his is saying is right   Mike, holdingfirmly channel on YouTube If You Do Well Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOAdqrvjUn0&feature=youtu.be   “The Great deception among most Professed Christians is they refuse to recognize that Patient Continuance in Doing Well is the determining factor on whether or not they will enter the Kingdom of God. They think Salvation is a Package deal, that once they 'receive Jesus forgiveness of past, present and future sins is assured and nothing they do or don't do from that point forward has any bearing on the outcome of their inheritance of eternal life. Under the 'not of works', collective reasoning 'doing well' may be a by-product of Faith, but its never a necessity in that 'NOT doing well will disqualify them form the Kingdom.”   Mistakes – “he told Cain to do well which he wouldn't have done if he had a sin nature.” BUT Jesus regularly told people who were fallen to “go and sin not.” Plus later he says the whole structure of the Scriptures is God telling us to do well, but that contradicts which said about Cain.   “God expects an increase of His grace.”  What does that even mean? How can you or I increase God's grace since that comes from him and is a part of him?   This is based on a misunderstanding of the Old Testament Covenants (yes, there were more than one) and the New Testament covenant of Jesus.   He only quotes part of this passage and then concludes that the disciples were able to deal with sin –   “21And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”” (Matthew 20:21–23, ESV)   - when the passage proves the opposite! Great example of Is eisegesis – forming an opinion and then forcing it upon the text.   This man cannot properly interpret Scripture.   He either doesn't know about or ignores one of the primary rules of interpretation of Scripture which is: You interpret the Old Testament in light of the New Testament. Not the other way around, which is what he does.   He points out that in the OT you had to work to be saved or in the kingdom, then he quotes Jesus to support this (mangling His words as seen above) and then concludes he's right. He forgets or ignores that Jesus lived under the Old Covenant and spoke to people who lived under it too!   It's not till He rises from the grave that the New Covenant takes effect.   They FAILED when they betrayed Christ!   I'm not saying he's bad or evil or is deliberately trying to mislead. I am saying he's wrong, woefully wrong and in a way that anyone who's taken even ONE class on how to interpret the Bible ought to be able to see.   Josh's Questions:   Are we saved in just believing in Christ or Is repentance required for salvation? Roman's 10:9-13. In this passage Paul does not mention repentance as a need for salvation. Is believing enough or is there more we need to do to be saved?   Does God expect an increase of his grace? Can you be saved in your sin by faith alone? Are there deeds required in faithfulness.   Watch out for Proof Texting   A proof text is a passage of scripture presented as proof for a theological doctrine, belief, or principle.  Proof texting (sometimes "proof-texting" or "proof texting") is the practice of using isolated, out-of-context quotations from a document to establish a proposition in eisegesis (introducing one's own presuppositions, agendas, or biases). Such quotes may not accurately reflect the original intent of the author, and a document quoted in such a manner, when read as a whole, may not support the proposition for which it was cited. The term has currency primarily in theological and exegetical circles.   “8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” (Romans 10:8–11, ESV)   Notice that this doesn't mention repentance. So is it really necessary? Proof texters would say this proves it's not important! But they taking the wrong approach. You need to look at all the verses on this subject and see what they say. Note that this verse doesn't say you have to ask God to forgive your sins either.   Is that now something we don't do?       Repentance is one of the things we do, along with believing, confessing and being baptized, that we do when we make Jesus the Lord of our lives.   Does God expect an increase of his grace?   Honestly and sincerely I don't know what this means.   “20Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,” (Romans 5:20, ESV)   “15For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:15, ESV)   “6which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,” (Colossians 1:6, ESV)   Can you be saved in your sin by faith alone?   I already answered this.   Are there deeds required in faithfulness.   “14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” (James 2:14–19, ESV)   “26For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” (James 2:26, ESV)   You aren't saved by works, but your works prove your faith. That's it and that's all.   This guys “Doing Well” stuff has another fatal flaw in it that I've save for now – HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU'VE DONE WELL ENOUGH TO BE SAVED?   He gives no standard for us to look too. There's nothing about that in the Bible. So you are left up on your own never being sure if you are accepted by God or not.   You don't have to have read much of the NT to see that this kind of insecurity isn't typical of the language used about salvation. If he's right then no one can ever know they are saved since they cannot know if they done well enough.

BUY THE GO CREATOR GO BOOK & JOURNAL:www.antoinebeane.comhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GV2DK1Vhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GVJ6MP5FOLLOW GO CREATOR GO & TRIUMPH MEDIAWORKS:Facebook & IG: @gogreatorgo & @triumphmediaworksTwitter: @gcreatorgwww.triumphmediaworks.com___________________________________SCRIPTURES CONCERNING IDENTIGenesis 1:27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.1 Corinthians 1:30And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.1 Corinthians 12:27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.1 Corinthians 6:17But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.1 John 3:1See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.1 Samuel 12:22For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.1 Samuel 16:7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.Colossians 2:10And you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.Colossians 3:12Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.Ephesians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.Ephesians 1:11In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.Ephesians 1:13In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.Ephesians 1:4Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love.Ephesians 1:5He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.Ephesians 1:7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.Ephesians 2:13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.Ephesians 2:19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.Ephesians 2:6And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.Ephesians 2:8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.Ephesians 4:24And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.Ephesians 5:8For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.Genesis 2:7Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.Isaiah 43:1But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”Isaiah 49:16Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.Isaiah 64:8But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.John 1:12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.John 15:15No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.John 15:16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.John 15:5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.Matthew 5:48You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.Matthew 6:26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?Philippians 3:20But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,Philippians 4:19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.Psalm 100:3Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Psalm 139:14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.Romans 5:1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.Romans 6:6We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.Romans 8:15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”Romans 8:17And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Quote (Nov. 16/17, 2020): "Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." (Chinese Proverb) 1 Thess. 5:1-6, 8The day of the LORD will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. Heb. 12:2Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the JOY set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Disciple Up # 182 No Place for Repentance? By Louie Marsh, 10-21-2020   Intro. Episode on change is going to be a ways off.   Today's episode wasn't planned or wanted actually, but here it is and I feel like we have to deal with it like it or not. We've talked about this in episodes 93, 96 and at least one before 93 but I'm not sure which one.   Also see episodes 97, 98, 99 – Wounded by the Church   “1When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 2Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 4So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? 5I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, 6but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? 7To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!” (1 Corinthians 6:1–8, ESV)   Links Used:   https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/november-web-only/james-macdonald-harvest-bible-chapel-suing-our-critics-bibl.html   https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/october/james-macdonald-harvest-walk-word-million-arbitration.html   https://harvestbiblechapel.org/2020/10/14/october-14-2020-elder-update/   https://jamesmacdonaldministries.org/reconnecting-with-our-partners/   https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/september/ravi-zacharias-sexual-harassment-rzim-spa-massage-investiga.html   https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/september/ravi-zacharias-sexual-harassment-rzim-spa-massage-investiga.html   Verses on Repentance:   “38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38, ESV)   “31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:31, ESV)   “4Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4, ESV)   “9As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9–10, ESV)   “24And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,” (2 Timothy 2:24–25, ESV)  

Disciple Up #181 Greater Than: Hebrews 2:1-4, Don't Drift Away By Louie Marsh, 10-12-2020   Intro:   Simple Outline of Hebrews Chapter Two:   1) I must stay focused on Jesus & His Salvation (1-4)   2) Jesus was a servant, but will be exalted (5-9)   3) Jesus suffered & died to bring believers back to God (10-18)   “1Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” (Hebrews 2:1–4, ESV)   1) I must stay focused on Jesus & His Salvation (1-4)   Therefore - For this reason – We need to realize that Christ is pre-eminent over everything else. Because of this, the salvation He offers is of utmost importance that requires all of our attention.   This here is the same idea as we saw in Chapter One. Because Christ is supreme, everything He has done for us and teaches us is of maximum importance that we should pay attention to and not deviate from in the slightest.   Pay attention – really focus on this new covenant and upon Jesus who gave it to us. If you don't then you're going to end up in trouble.   Some Actions that will help your focus:   Fellowship – depending on how real your fellowship is. Read & Study the Bible. Meditate on Scripture Find your ministry and do it full force!   “1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2, ESV)   Drift away  – Notice the word “drift.” Drift means to slowly change direction. This change in direction is not done on purpose, it's an accident or happenstance. Boats will slowly drift off course if the captain is not paying careful attention to maintain his heading. It's also used of boats and other floating things that are NOT powered; they just drift along with the current.   Drift Away Uncle Kracker (Sang by Dobie Gray in 1973) Day after day I'm more confused Yet I look for the light in the pouring rain You know that's a game that I hate to lose I'm feelin' the strain, ain't it a shame Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away   “19holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,” (1 Timothy 1:19, ESV)    A married couple will slowly drift apart in their relationship. A student may slowly drift off to sleep in class. You slowly fall asleep while driving. None of these things are intentional.   Drifting happens subtly and without warning. It's hard to notice unless you are really paying attention. It's very hard to see unless you have a fixed point to focus on. If you have a fixed point then the drifting can be seen much easier.   This also happens with churches drifting away from sound doctrine and individuals drifting away from God in their relationship with Him.   Strong believers don't just wake up one day and decide to leave church and never come back. It is incremental. It's a slow, steady process that eases you into doing and believing things you once would have never considered. Sin creeps in on us gradually. This is Satan's method. He wins little battle at a time until he has won the war.   “6I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6–9, ESV)   The word “word” or message in verse two refers to Scripture. This is the greater/less than argument. If the lesser is true (the words from angels are true and do not change and can't be altered) then certainly Jesus' words are true (verse 3) and the consequences of rejecting His words are serious.   “1This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2He said, “The Lord came from Sinai and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran; he came from the ten thousands of holy ones, with flaming fire at his right hand.” (Deuteronomy 33:1–2, ESV)   Verse 2 implies the spiritual law that “sin must be punished.” If this was not true, Christ would not have to die for us. But because sin must be punished it is either we face the punishment or Christ face it for us.   “5For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (1 Timothy 2:5–7, ESV)   Verse 3 – If even disobeying the angels comes with a very costly punishment, how about if we reject the great salvation that Christ has made possible for us?   This great salvation was offered by Christ. For that reason alone we should not ignore it, take it for granted, reject it, or drift away from it.   God used a variety of signs and wonders and miracles to verify this gospel.   You need to check this site out – fantastic videos!  https://patternsofevidence.com/    

Discipleship Series #2 A disciple is committed to “Run the Race” Being a disciple is like a WATCH, it needs to be wound regularly if it is to keep running. By Pastor George Lehman “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you” Our scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-4 (NIV) - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that *hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.   In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. *Colossians 3:5-8 (NIV) – 5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.   #1 There is a race to be run. The author explains that there is a race that we have to run. Hebrews 12:1 - Let us run with perseverance the race… We need to realise the importance of this RACE – it is the RACE of life. It’s the race for eternal life. 1 Corinthians 9:25 (Message) - All good athletes train hard.  They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades.  You’re after one that’s gold eternally. How have you been running your race lately? #2 This race is for everyone. Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore since “WE” are … This phrase, the author connects himself and his readers (all of us) with all the Old Testament heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11.  They became champions of faith, not because they were perfect, but because they ran their race by faith. Faith is the essential ingredient to produce long distance character. Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) - Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. God sees us all as important.  We are all running this race. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV) - Do you not know that those who run in a race ALL run. #3  This race has been prepared beforehand. There is a course, a track that is marked out before us. Hebrews 12:1 - Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. As His disciple, God has marked out your life and destiny. Ephesians 2:10 (Amp) - For we are God’s own handiwork, His workmanship recreated in Christ Jesus, born anew that we may do those good works which God predestined, planned beforehand for us, taking paths which He prepared ahead of time, that we should walk in them… God has given you a ministry.  “Fulfil it”.  Because the race has been marked out so we should have some direction of where we are going. Paul had a goal, he said:  1 Corinthians 9:26 (NIV)  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly… Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) - Brothers, I don’t consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.  I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:5 (NIV) - … if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. Are you running in the right direction as His disciple? #4  This is a RELAY race. We have such a responsibility as to how we run our race because we have to PASS the BATON on to the next generation. Hebrews 11:36-40 (LB) - Some were laughed at and their backs cut open with whips, and others were chained in dungeons.  Some died by stoning and some by being sawed in two; others were promised freedom if they would renounce their faith, then were killed with the sword.  Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in dens and caves.  They were hungry and sick and ill-treated – too good for this world.  And these men of faith, though they trusted God and won his approval, none of them received all that God had promised them; for God wanted them to wait and share the even better rewards that were prepared for us. #5  This is an obstacle race. Jesus had to face and overcome, among other things, these obstacles. Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV) - Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In a sense we have to strive against sin, tiredness, discouragement, Luke warmness and compromise. Hebrews 12:4 (NIV) - In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. We have an enemy – he does not play fair. Ephesians 6:11 (TEV) - Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the devil’s evil tricks. Ephesians 6:12 (Message) - This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours.  This is for keeps – a life or death fight to the finish against the devil and all his angels. #6  This race has a reward. In this race there is a winning post and a prize. Jesus said… Matthew 5:12 (LB) - Be happy about it!  Be very glad!  For a tremendous reward [geweldige belonging] awaits you up in heaven.  And remember the ancient prophets were persecuted too! Hebrews 10:36 (NIV) - So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. Revelation 22:12 (NIV) - Behold, I Am coming soon!  My reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. How you run your race is the measure Jesus will use. #7 The champion of this race is our inspiration. Jesus has been through it all.  He is fully qualified to be our champion, coach and captain.  He is our example… Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) - Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. He saw you start the race and will be with you through the race – cheering you on.  Be assured of this:  He will be waiting for you at the winning post. God made you to WIN!  You are a CHAMPION!

Discipleship Series #2 A disciple is committed to “Run the Race” Being a disciple is like a WATCH, it needs to be wound regularly if it is to keep running. By Pastor George Lehman “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you” Our scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-4 (NIV) - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that *hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.   In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. *Colossians 3:5-8 (NIV) – 5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.   #1 There is a race to be run. The author explains that there is a race that we have to run. Hebrews 12:1 - Let us run with perseverance the race… We need to realise the importance of this RACE – it is the RACE of life. It’s the race for eternal life. 1 Corinthians 9:25 (Message) - All good athletes train hard.  They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades.  You’re after one that’s gold eternally. How have you been running your race lately? #2 This race is for everyone. Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore since “WE” are … This phrase, the author connects himself and his readers (all of us) with all the Old Testament heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11.  They became champions of faith, not because they were perfect, but because they ran their race by faith. Faith is the essential ingredient to produce long distance character. Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) - Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. God sees us all as important.  We are all running this race. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV) - Do you not know that those who run in a race ALL run. #3  This race has been prepared beforehand. There is a course, a track that is marked out before us. Hebrews 12:1 - Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. As His disciple, God has marked out your life and destiny. Ephesians 2:10 (Amp) - For we are God’s own handiwork, His workmanship recreated in Christ Jesus, born anew that we may do those good works which God predestined, planned beforehand for us, taking paths which He prepared ahead of time, that we should walk in them… God has given you a ministry.  “Fulfil it”.  Because the race has been marked out so we should have some direction of where we are going. Paul had a goal, he said:  1 Corinthians 9:26 (NIV)  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly… Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) - Brothers, I don’t consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.  I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:5 (NIV) - … if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. Are you running in the right direction as His disciple? #4  This is a RELAY race. We have such a responsibility as to how we run our race because we have to PASS the BATON on to the next generation. Hebrews 11:36-40 (LB) - Some were laughed at and their backs cut open with whips, and others were chained in dungeons.  Some died by stoning and some by being sawed in two; others were promised freedom if they would renounce their faith, then were killed with the sword.  Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in dens and caves.  They were hungry and sick and ill-treated – too good for this world.  And these men of faith, though they trusted God and won his approval, none of them received all that God had promised them; for God wanted them to wait and share the even better rewards that were prepared for us. #5  This is an obstacle race. Jesus had to face and overcome, among other things, these obstacles. Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV) - Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In a sense we have to strive against sin, tiredness, discouragement, Luke warmness and compromise. Hebrews 12:4 (NIV) - In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. We have an enemy – he does not play fair. Ephesians 6:11 (TEV) - Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the devil’s evil tricks. Ephesians 6:12 (Message) - This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours.  This is for keeps – a life or death fight to the finish against the devil and all his angels. #6  This race has a reward. In this race there is a winning post and a prize. Jesus said… Matthew 5:12 (LB) - Be happy about it!  Be very glad!  For a tremendous reward [geweldige belonging] awaits you up in heaven.  And remember the ancient prophets were persecuted too! Hebrews 10:36 (NIV) - So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. Revelation 22:12 (NIV) - Behold, I Am coming soon!  My reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. How you run your race is the measure Jesus will use. #7 The champion of this race is our inspiration. Jesus has been through it all.  He is fully qualified to be our champion, coach and captain.  He is our example… Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) - Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. He saw you start the race and will be with you through the race – cheering you on.  Be assured of this:  He will be waiting for you at the winning post. God made you to WIN!  You are a CHAMPION!

Paige Geter shares about Paul's vision of Christian maturity in Colossians. Scripture ReadingColossians 3:5-155Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11a renewalin which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.12So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Jeremiah 1:5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”Joshua 1:9Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.Luke 12:7Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.Isaiah 41:10Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.Zephaniah 3:17The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.Galatians 2:20I 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.Philippians 3:20But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,Ephesians 2:22In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.1 Corinthians 12:27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.Psalm 27:10For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in1 Peter 5:6-7Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.Ephesians 2:19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,Ephesians 1:3-6Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,Romans 5:8But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.Ephesians 2:8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,Romans 8:31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.Ephesians 2:4-5 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— 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Isaiah 43:4Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”Psalm 139:1-24To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. ...1 John 4:10In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.1 John 3:1See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.1 Peter 5:6-76 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.Philippians 4:19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.1 Corinthians 15:57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.Romans 8:38-39For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.2 Timothy 1:7For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.2 Corinthians 5:21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.1 Corinthians 6:19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,Romans 8:37-39No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 5:1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.Matthew 5:14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.Isaiah 53:5But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.Psalm 86:15But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.Deuteronomy 7:9Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,Revelation 3:20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.1 John 4:16So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.John 1:12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,Luke 1:37For nothing will be impossible with God.”Isaiah 26:3You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.Psalm 138:3On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.Psalm 136:26Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.Exodus 15:2The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.1 John 3:1-3See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.2 Peter 1:3His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,Colossians 3:12Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,Ephesians 6:10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.Ephesians 5:8For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of lightEphesians 4:24And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness John 15:15No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.Isaiah 12:2“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.Psalm 118:6The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?Deuteronomy 31:6Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake youRevelation 21:3-4And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”The Lord bless you(A)‘and keep you;(B)25 the Lord make his face shine on you(C)and be gracious to you;(D)26 the Lord turn his face(E) toward youand give you peace.asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.6 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.I pray that you would be surrounded by and filled with and located in and anchored to our Savior Jesus Christ Christ above you that you may walk in wisdom and rest in his love. Christ below you that you may never stumble or fall Christ on your right in your strength Christ on your left and your weakness Christ going before you to prepare the way for you And Christ walking behind you to clean up all your messes. Christ within you filling you to overflowing today, tomorrow and forever AMEN.

Romans 5:1-11 5The result is this: since we have been declared ‘in the right' on the basis of faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus the Messiah. 2Through him we have been allowed to approach, by faith, into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate the hope of the glory of God. 3That's not all. We also celebrate in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces patience, 4patience produces a well-formed character, and a character like that produces hope. 5Hope, in its turn, does not make us ashamed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the holy spirit who has been given to us. Jesus' death reveals God's love and guarantees final salvation 6This is all based on what the Messiah did: while we were still weak, at that very moment he died on behalf of the ungodly. 7It's a rare thing to find someone who will die on behalf of an upright person – though I suppose someone might be brave enough to die for a good person. 8But this is how God demonstrates his own love for us: the Messiah died for us while we were still sinners. 9How much more, in that case – since we have been declared to be in the right by his blood – are we going to be saved by him from God's coming anger! 10When we were enemies, you see, we were reconciled to God through the death of his son; if that's so, how much more, having already been reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11And that's not all. We even celebrate in God, through our Lord Jesus The Bible for Everyone: A New Translation . SPCK. Kindle Edition. Lord, you have given me so much, I ask for one more thing - a grateful heart. George Herbert

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

False Teachers and True Contentment--Teach and urge these things. 3If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the soundb words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7for we brought nothing into the world, andc we cannot take anything out of the world. 8But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6-2-10---If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul-l Is anything worth more than your soul- 27For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. Matthew 16-24-28

Hell1. What is it?2. How do you get there?3. Is it crowded or empty?4. Is it eternal?BIBLE PASSAGES:MT 7:21-23 “Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.’Mt 7:13“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.Mt ch 25 The wise and foolish virgins (Note: all were virgins)Mt Ch 25,the Parable of the Talents:For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’Mt Ch. 25The shepherd separated the sheep from the goats Lk Ch. 16 "The Rich Man and Lazarus" - can't warn his brothers. Rev 21:8But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”2 Peter 24 For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of nether gloom to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven other persons, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction and made them an example to those who were to be ungodly.BOOK"Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved?" by Hans Urs von Balthasar ttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158617942X/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1RELEVANT VIDEOS:Father Terrence "Fake News on Hell"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVeKA2bzphw&t=328sDr. Scott Hahn "Why the Hell?"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEyFcv931Og&t=816sBishop Barron on whether Hell is Crowded or Emptyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmsa0sg4Od4&t=31sDr. Ralph Martin "Is Hell Empty?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MBv59vMeJY&t=15sDr. Ralph Martin "How Could a Good God Send People to Hell?"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7CXseRzV74

Acts 1: 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,and to the ends of the earth.”

“Seed” as a Theme in the Bible 1 Peter 1:23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God,which lives and abides for ever. Eve – her seed (Messiah) will bruise Satan’s heel (Gen. 3:15 ) Abraham – his seed will bless many nations (Genesis 12, 15)David – Messiah to be of his royal lineage (II Samuel 7, Isaiah 9) Jesus – as The Fulfillment, Gospel teachings Paul – theological – Romans 4, Galatians 3 (Abraham) Paul – practical – Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 5:9 (fruit of the Spirit) Two ‘seed’ time-scales: (i) affects all humanity (all dispensations),(ii) affects a human life. Encourages:Patience (one lifespan, future generations). Hope (fruit in a lifespan, of future generations; ‘take (God’s) long view’). Purpose (seed has levels of purpose). Asking basic questions: (i) where is the fruit? (ii) what is the fruit?Requires: Faith (required, planting is a starting point, believe that somethingwill happen, maybe …. a harvest!) Participation (our involvement; ‘planting’, ‘watering’). Three Parables of Jesus Christ about Seeds and Fruit The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13) - Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) - 1The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. The Parable of the Identifying Fruit (Matthew 7) - 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Let us: - Be Patient (with ourselves). - Have Hope (our lives can bear good fruit). - Purpose (fruitfulness is its own reward, but inestimable in eternal matters…..) - Ask (i) where is the fruit (“Normal Christian Life”)? (ii) what is the fruit? Let us also: -Have Faith (be a starting point, believe that one life can yield a harvest). - Participate in the work (sow the Word of God). -1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which lives and abides for ever.

Ephesians 5 King James Version (KJV) 5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.     8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;   1 John  2 15-17 "15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."   1 John 4 "7Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love."    1 John 4 "20If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister,c that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters." Luke 8:17 "For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all."

The Names and Titles of Jesus – The King of Kings Episode 103 This series of the names and titles of Jesus will give us a more in-depth understanding of Jesus Christ our Lord. This is eleventh in the series. Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth Abraham blessed by Melchizedek 7 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” 3Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. 4Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people— that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor Judah Genesis 49:10 “Judah, your brothers will praise you;… The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. Israel Rejects God 1 Samuel 8 (NIV)6But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” 1 Samuel 12:12(NIV)… you said to me, ‘No, we want a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. The Anointing of King David (1 Sam. 16) David was not “the” king of promise “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah ... For thus says the Lord: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 33:14-26). “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body and I will establish his kingdom ... Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure before me forever” (II Samuel 7:11-16). David was not “the” king of promise Isaiah speaks of the coming son who will shoulder the government “upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom ... from this time forth and for evermore” (9:6-9) Ezekiel says that the Lord “will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David” (34:23). “My servant David shall be king over them ... forever” (Ezekiel 37:24-25). Psalm 45:6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 7You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of joy above Your fellows. Once again their King would be God. God The Son Matthew 1:1-17(NIV) This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham--Jesse the father of King David David --Josiah the father of Jeconiah[and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. 12After the exile to Babylon---16and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. 17Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. 18This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[d]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[e] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[g] (which means “God with us”). Luke 1 New International Version (NIV) God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Matthew 2 New International Version (NIV) 2 After Jesus from as born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ Matthew 3 The Baptism of Jesus In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him, I am well pleased.” Jesus reveals himself as the king of the Jews “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John1:49 Teaching Parable, Parable, Parable, Parable about the kingdom of God Demonstrating His Power as King over—Satan—nature—sickness—time and space—death. Fulfilling Prophecy—Prophecy—Prophecy--Prophecy The Coming of Zion’s King Zechariah 9 9.Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth Hey Vav Hey Yod YHVH . Hebrew language reads right to left. – – Sound, pictographs meaning, and numerical value. Yod = Means extended arm and hand. Hey = Means the breath of God, behold or reveal, Abraham – 5 for Grace, Vav = Means spike or nail. It is also the number 6 in the Hebrew alphabet meaning man and is the exact center of the Torah. Hey = Means the breath of God, behold or reveal, Abraham –or  5 for Grace, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Hebrews 1 8But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” 1 Timothy 6 (NIV) Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,15which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. Revelation 3:21 King James Version (KJV) 21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 19 13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Psalm 21 Why do the nations conspire[a]and the peoples plot in vain? 2The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, 3“Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” 4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” 7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. 8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.9 You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. 12Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Takeaways From Psalm 2 Vs. 4-9 We have a King. Greater than all Kings, God says, My King Vs. 1-3 Tells us we, as human beings hate that King. Vs. 11-12 Declares though we who have hated Him we need the King. We will never have blessedness until we serve the King and kiss The King. He is the King of the Jews (Matt. 2:2). He is the King of Israel (John 1:49). He is the King of the nations (Rev. 15:3–4). He is the King of Heaven (Dan. 4:34, 37). He is the King of righteousness (Heb. 7:1–3). He is the King of peace (Heb. 7:1–3). He is the King of glory (Ps. 24:7–8). He is the King of the ages (1 Tim. 1:17). He is the King of all kings (Rev. 10:12, 16). Worship Jesus the King. Subscribe to the podcast: {Apple Podcasts}{Stitcher}{Google Play}{IHeartRadio}{YouTube}{Spotify}{CastBox}

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

Relate And Respond - Bro. Jimmie Witherspoon Luke 10:33-34 (NLT) “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds… The despised Samaritan related to the wounds of the Jewish traveler. Can you relate and respond to their wounds? Ask Don’t Assume - Pastor David Rathel Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Christ Over Color, Culture, & Clan - Pastor David Rathel Colossians 3:7-11 (NLT) You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.10Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you area Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Engage For Eternity - Missionary Twinkle Johnson Revelation 7:9 (NIV) After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. 1 John 4:20 (NIV) Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen,cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

James 3: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

FROM MISERABLE TO MESSENGER 11.13.16 "I Am Transformed" Series Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV Isaiah 6 (NASB) 1In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” 4And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. 5Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” 6Then one of the seraphim flew to me, with a burning coal in his hand which he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7And he touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is forgiven.” 8Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9And He said, “Go, and tell this people…” Luke 5:4-11 (NASB) 4And when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5And Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but at Your bidding I will let down the nets.” 6And when they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to break; 7and they signaled to their partners in the other boat, for them to come and help them. And they came, and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 9For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; 10and so also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” 11And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

A Kingdom Torn In Two by Jason Adams I Kings 12:1-11 The Northern Tribes Secede 12Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.2When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from* Egypt.3And they sent and called him; and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam,4‘Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke that he placed on us, and we will serve you.’5He said to them, ‘Go away for three days, then come again to me.’ So the people went away. 6 Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the older men who had attended his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, ‘How do you advise me to answer this people?’7They answered him, ‘If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants for ever.’ 8But he disregarded the advice that the older men gave him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and now attended him. 9He said to them, ‘What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, “Lighten the yoke that your father put on us”?’10The young men who had grown up with him said to him, ‘Thus you should say to this people who spoke to you, “Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must lighten it for us”; thus you should say to them, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. 11Now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” ’

SPECIAL SHOW TONIGHT- PROOF THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS REAL AND IS "ABSOLUTE POWER." THIS IS THE PLANET'S TOP GUN ...NOTHING CAN STAND AGAINST IT!!  AGAIN WE HAVE PROOF (testimonies).  Part four is tonight, we will deal especially with supernatural events of "Baptism in the holy spirit and speaking in tongues."   PROBABLY MY MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE  EVER ON BLOGTALK.  Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you ... (NO EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR BUT TRUE GUIDANCE & EMPOWERMENT).  ~    Join us Tonight 11p-1am by chatting/listening on this site. Or,  call on your cell 760 283 0838. VISIT OUR SITE:  www.fivesmoothstones.webs.com/

  SPECIAL SHOW TONIGHT- PROOF THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS REAL AND IS "ABSOLUTE POWER." THIS IS THE PLANET'S TOP GUN ...NOTHING CAN STAND AGAINST IT!!  AGAIN WE HAVE PROOF.  (Pt 3)    PROBABLY MY MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE  EVER ON BLOGTALK.  Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you ...(NO EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR BUT TRUE GUIDANCE & EMPOWERMENT).    ~   Join us Tonight 11p-1am by chatting/listening on this site. Or,  call on your cell 760 283 0838. VISIT OUR SITE:  www.fivesmoothstones.webs.com/    

SPECIAL SHOW TONIGHT- PROOF THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS REAL AND IS "ABSOLUTE POWER." THIS IS THE PLANET'S TOP GUN ...NOTHING CAN STAND AGAINST IT!!  AGAIN WE HAVE PROOF. (Pt 2)    PROBABLY MY MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE  EVER ON BLOGTALK.  Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you ...(NO EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR BUT TRUE GUIDANCE & EMPOWERMENT). ~   Join us Tonight 11p-1am by chatting/listening on this site. Or,  call on your cell 760 283 0838. VISIT OUR SITE:  www.fivesmoothstones.webs.com/

(SERIES Pt.1) TONIGHT-PROOF THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS REAL AND IS "ABSOLUTE POWER." THIS IS THE PLANET'S TOP GUN ...NOTHING CAN STAND AGAINST IT!!  AGAIN WE HAVE PROOF.     PROBABLY MY MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE  EVER ON BLOGTALK.  Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you ...(NO EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR BUT TRUE GUIDANCE & EMPOWERMENT). ~ Normally this blog discuss current, future and past events as relates to bible prophecy from a real Israelite/Jewish prophetic standpoint.  We belong to a different kingdom that started in the hearts of man but will become a tangible Kingdom ruling this planet !!  We deal with subjects as:  New world Order, Eugenics, biological warfare (Aids & Tuskegee experiment,etc), H.A.A.R.P., U.S.Imperialism, CIA, Federal Reserve, Iran, African exploitation, IMF, World Health Org., World bank, Structure Adjustment Programs, Weather Warfare, Planned Parenthood, Babylon, Armageddon, Rev.17, etc. Join us Tonight 11p-1am by chatting/listening on this site. Or,  call on your cell 760 283 0838. VISIT OUR SITE:  www.fivesmoothstones.webs.com/    

Romans 7:7-25 (English Standard Version) The Law and Sin  7What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." 8But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.  13Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.  21So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Cross references: Romans 7:7 : Romans 3:20 Romans 7:7 : Romans 13:9; Exodus 20:17; Deut 5:21 Romans 7:8 : Romans 7:11; Gal 5:13 Romans 7:8 : 1 Cor 15:56 Romans 7:10 : Romans 10:5 Romans 7:11 : Romans 7:8 Romans 7:11 : Gen 3:13; Heb 3:13 Romans 7:12 : Psalm 19:8, 9; 119:137; 2 Pet 2:21; Romans 7:16 Romans 7:14 : 1 Kgs 21:20, 25; 2 Kgs 17:17; Isa 50:1; 52:3 Romans 7:15 : Romans 7:18, 19; Gal 5:17 Romans 7:16 : 1 Tim 1:8; Romans 7:12 Romans 7:17 : Romans 7:20 Romans 7:18 : Gen 6:5; 8:21; Job 14:4; 15:14; Psalm 51:5 Romans 7:19 : Romans 7:15 Romans 7:20 : Romans 7:17 Romans 7:22 : Psalm 1:2; 112:1; 119:35 Romans 7:22 : 2 Cor 4:16; Eph 3:16; 1 Pet 3:4 Romans 7:23 : Gal 5:17; James 4:1 Romans 7:24 : Romans 6:6; 8:23  

click here Visit the Recover In Christ web site. Romans 10 1Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. 19But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. 20But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 21But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.