Podcasts about admonish

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // Stopping a Jesus Parade Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)“Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus'), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!' Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.' So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you.' Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. ‘What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.' ‘Go,' said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.' Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” Luke 4:16-21 (NIV)“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.' Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.'"  The 59 “One Another's” of the New Testament1.               “...Be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50) 2.               “...Wash one another's feet.” (John 13:14) (Serve one another)3.               “...Love one another...” (John 13:34) 4.              “...Love one another...” (John 13:34)5.               “...Love one another...” (John 13:35) 6.              “...Love one another...” (John 15:12) 7.               “...Love one another” (John 15:17)8.              “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love...” (Romans 12:10) 9.              “...Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)10.            “Live in harmony with one another...” (Romans 12:16) 11.             “...Love one another...” (Romans 13:8) 12.             “...Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13) 13.             “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you...” (Romans 15:7) 14.             “...Instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14) 15.             “Greet one another with a holy kiss...” (Romans 16:16) 16.            “...When you come together to eat, wait for each other.” (I Cor. 11:33) 17.             “...Have equal concern for each other.” (I Corinthians 12:25) 18.            “...Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (I Corinthians 16:20) 19.            “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (II Corinthians 13:12) 20.            “...Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13) 21.             “If you keep on biting and devouring each other...you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:15) 22.            “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:26) 23.            “Carry each other's burdens...” (Galatians 6:2) 24.            “...Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) 25.            “Be kind and compassionate to one another...” (Ephesians 4:32) 26.            “...Forgiving each other...” (Ephesians 4:32) 27.            “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19) 28.            “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21) 29.            “...In humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)30.            “Do not lie to each other...” (Colossians 3:9) 31.             “Bear with each other...” (Colossians 3:13) 32.            “...Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13) 33.            “Teach...[one another]” (Colossians 3:16) 34.            “...Admonish one another” (Colossians 3:16) 35.            “...Make your love increase and overflow for each other.” (I Thessalonians 3:12) 36.            “...Love each other.” (I Thessalonians 4:9) 37.            “...Encourage each other...” (I Thessalonians 4:18) 38.            “...Encourage each other...” I Thessalonians 5:11) 39.            “...Build each other up...” (I Thessalonians 5:11) 40.            “Encourage one another daily...” Hebrews 3:13) 41.             “...Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) 42.            “...Encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25) 43.            “...Do not slander one another.” (James 4:11) 44.            “Don't grumble against each other...” (James 5:9) 45.            “Confess your sins to each other...” (James 5:16) 46.            “...Pray for each other.” (James 5:16) 47.            “...Love one another deeply, from the heart.” (I Peter 3:8) 48.            “...Live in harmony with one another...” (I Peter 3:8) 49.            “...Love each other deeply...” (I Peter 4:8) 50.            “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (I Peter 4:9) 51.             “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others...” (I Peter 4:10) 52.       ...

5/25/25 - Shepherds Admonish The Sheep - Marquise Grant - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 & 5:12-16

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rwh10may Ep.363 – Run With Horses Podcast – A Growth Mindset for Disciple Makers Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith   1. The Growth Mindset in a Christian Context Paul challenged believers to put effort into their spiritual life. Change is a part of growth and we should desire to be more like Jesus. A Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit who is working to make us like Jesus. Change will happen. The joy is that we can embrace it and benefit from working with God instead of against Him. A growth-minded believer: Welcomes challenges as opportunities for sanctification (James 1:2–4 NKJV). Perseveres under trial, knowing endurance produces spiritual maturity (Romans 5:3–5 NKJV). Seeks feedback and correction, recognizing rebuke refines faith (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV; Proverbs 12:1 NKJV). Celebrates others' growth, rejoicing when fellow believers flourish (Romans 12:15 NKJV). 2. Discipleship and the Great Commission Jesus' charge to “make disciples” frames our growth-oriented calling: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV) A growth mindset fuels the “teaching” phase: we believe learners can grow in knowledge, obedience, and Christ-likeness. It also shapes our own approach, as we accept that our skills in evangelism, teaching, and mentoring improve through practice, prayer, and reliance on God. 3. Spiritual Growth is a Process Scripture depicts growth as a journey: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” —2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV) “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection…” —Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV) “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:14 (NKJV) These passages underscore that maturity takes intentional effort—exactly the outworking of a growth mindset in the spiritual realm. 4. The “One Another's” and Growth Mindset Command Scripture (NKJV) Growth-Mindset Connection Love one another John 13:34–35 Encourages perseverance in relationships even when hard. Serve one another Galatians 5:13 Builds humility and stewards gifts for others' growth. Encourage one another 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Puts others first. Admonish one another Colossians 3:16; Romans 15:14 Welcomes correction for mutual sanctification. Bear one another's burdens Galatians 6:2 Cultivates perseverance and compassion. Spur one another on Hebrews 10:24 Motivates toward good deeds and spiritual progress. Pray for one another James 5:16 Invites God's transforming power in growth. Be kind and tenderhearted Ephesians 4:32 Gives mercy to those who need it, we all do! Together, these “one another's” form the relational soil in which a growth mindset flourishes—each believer both a learner and a teacher, giving and receiving grace, correction, encouragement, and accountability. 5. Practical Implications for Disciple Makers Model a growth mindset by sharing your own struggles and progress in Bible study, prayer, or ministry skills. Set incremental goals for disciples (e.g., memorizing Scripture, leading a small group), celebrating small wins to build confidence (Zechariah 4:10 NKJV). Cultivate “one another” rhythms in your church—regular accountability groups, prayer partnerships, and service teams. Teach the biblical process of growth—explain that sanctification involves trials, correction, and perseverance, rooted in passages like James 1:2–4 (NKJV) and Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV). Encourage reflection—have disciples journal progress, confess weaknesses, and plan next steps, reinforcing that effort and dependence on Christ yield transformation.   **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**   The Holy Spirit reshapes how we think about challenges, our own abilities, and the process of sanctification. 1. Confess Fixed-Mindset Thinking and Renew Your Mind “I can't change,” “I can't do that.” and the like are big hinderances to spiritual growth. Lies need to be brought into the light and exchanged for truth. The question should be, “What is God doing? What does HE want me to do?” God empowers His people for His work. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” —Romans 12:2 (NKJV) Practice: Keep a “mindset journal.” When you catch yourself thinking “I'll never grow in this,” write it down and pray: “Lord, show me Your truth here.” Replace it with a Scriptural affirmation (“I can grow by God's grace”—Philippians 4:13). 2. Meditate on God's Word Daily A growth mindset flourishes when immersed in truth. Scripture both reveals God's power to change us and gives the roadmap. Read, Think Deeply about,and put it into practice. “…but his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” —Psalm 1:2 (NKJV) Practice: Start with 5–10 minutes each morning reading a short passage (e.g. one chapter of Proverbs or the Gospels). Ask: “What does this teach me about God's promise to strengthen me?” 3. Pray for Wisdom and Perseverance Growth requires divine enablement—both insight and the grit to keep going. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally…” —James 1:5 (NKJV) “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” —James 1:2–3 (NKJV) Practice: Begin each day by asking God for wisdom to see opportunities for growth and the patience to endure them. When trials come (at work, in relationships, in ministry), thank Him for the refining work He intends. 4. Engage in Christian Community Even if attendance has been spotty, intentional fellowship is vital for encouragement, accountability, and skill development. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…” —Hebrews 10:24–25 (NKJV) “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” —Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) Practice: Commit to attending at least one fellowship gathering (Sunday service, small group, men's/women's Bible study). Ask a mature believer to meet monthly as a “growth partner” for prayer and feedback. 5. Set Small, Measurable Goals for Spiritual Disciplines SMART goals Growth rarely happens overnight. Incremental victories build confidence that God can grow you further. “For who has despised the day of small things?…” —Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV) Practice: Choose one discipline (e.g., Scripture memory, daily prayer journaling, service) and set a tiny goal: memorize one verse a week, pray five minutes daily, serve once a month. Celebrate each completion by recording it in your journal and thanking God. 6. Welcome Correction and Feedback A growth mindset leans into rebuke, knowing it produces maturity. “The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise.” —Proverbs 15:31 (NKJV) “But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” —Hebrews 3:13 (NKJV) Practice: Invite a trusted mentor or friend to give you honest feedback on your spiritual habits. When you receive correction, respond with “Thank you—help me understand how to improve.” 7. Practice Gratitude and Celebrate Others' Growth Focusing on progress—both yours and others'—reinforces a mindset that abilities can expand. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” —Romans 12:15 (NKJV) “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) Practice: Keep a “gratitude list” of spiritual wins you see in yourself and others. Send a quick note or text to encourage a fellow believer when they share a breakthrough. 8. Rely on God's Strength in Weakness A growth mindset isn't self-reliance; it's dependence on Christ, who is at work in us. “…when I am weak, then I am strong.” —2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV) Practice: In moments of discouragement (“I failed again…”), confess your weakness and ask Christ to work through it. Memorize 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 and speak it aloud whenever you feel stuck.     **(5:00 – 1:00)** Doctrine Today Jesus and His Present Ministry The Holy Spirit's Role in Disciple Making. Dispensational Baptist view of the End Times Understanding Theology is Important The Gospel and Ongoing Disciple Making Church Role in Discerning God's Will Barriers to Disciple Making Spiritual Warfare Jesus – Incarnation God's Sovereignty God's sovereignty means that God reigns over all things with perfect wisdom, power, and love, and nothing in our lives is outside His control. 1. God's Sovereignty Brings Peace in Uncertainty When life feels chaotic or unjust, God's sovereignty assures us that nothing happens apart from His knowledge or plan. “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.” —Psalm 103:19 (NKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” —Romans 8:28 (NKJV) Why it matters: Even suffering and confusion have purpose under God's rule. He's not reacting—He's reigning. 2. God's Sovereignty Fuels Evangelism and Disciple-Making Because God is sovereign over salvation, we can evangelize boldly, knowing He draws hearts to Himself. “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” —John 6:37 (NKJV) “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him…” —John 6:44 (NKJV) Why it matters: The results of disciple-making aren't on your shoulders. You sow and water; God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6–7 NKJV). 3. God's Sovereignty Grounds Our Identity and Purpose You are not random. You are created, saved, and called intentionally. “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” —Psalm 139:16 (NKJV) “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” —Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) Why it matters: Your life, your calling, and even your challenges are part of God's good and sovereign plan. 4. God's Sovereignty Produces Worship and Humility When we recognize God is in control and we are not, we bow in awe and dependence. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all.” —1 Chronicles 29:11 (NKJV) “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. —Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV) Why it matters: Sovereignty reminds us that God is God—and we are not. 5. God's Sovereignty Guarantees His Promises Will Stand We can believe God's Word with full assurance because no power can thwart His will. “Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” —Isaiah 43:13 (NKJV) “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations.” —Psalm 33:11 (NKJV) Why it matters: Our eternal hope is secure because it rests in God's unshakable rule.   **(1:00)** It's important for all of us to see the big picture in life. God IS working and He WILL complete His work in you. Daily remind yourself that God is drawing you to Himself and He invites you to be an active participant in your spiritual growth. Reject the lie that you can't change. See the person God wants you to be and put real effort into doing your part, trusting that God will always do His part.   – “Thank you for listening today! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Don't be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running." **(00:00)**

Whose responsibility is it to teach in the local church? Because Jesus is our great high priest, all Christians are called to "teach and admonish one another" (Colossians 3:16). In this sermon, we explore what it looks like to live out this command in the ordinary life of a local church community.

A Noble Task: The Elder's Call to Serve by Leading (1 Thess 5:12-13)

Title: The Assignment: Protect and Provide Text: Acts 20:28-35 FCF: Church leaders often struggle understanding their assignment and fulfilling it. Prop: Because Elders must shepherd the flock well, they must protect and provide for themselves and the church. Scripture Intro: Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard bible starting in verse 18 and going to verse 25. You can follow along in the pew bible or the version you prefer. Last week, Paul began his final exhortation to the Elders of Ephesus. He used his example to depict for them the kind of men who they must be to lead the church well in his absence. These qualities could be summarized in the primary trait of blamelessness. Paul makes it abundantly clear that if the Elders are not blameless, the Ephesian church will fail. Today Paul will continue his exhortation to them, this time issuing commands on what they must do. Let's take a look. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most loving and Gracious God. We come to You as the bride You came from heaven to seek. We come to You as the earthen jars You have placed Your treasure in. Though we are without worth, You have given us infinite value in what You spent to save and to predestine us for a most holy purpose. We are now citizens of the Kingdom of Light. I pray that You would shine Your light on us today and reveal to us our new purpose, which you purchased for us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Build our faith, strengthen us in Your Word of Grace today. We pray this in the name of The Word… Amen. Transition: Let us press on this morning to the text. We have much to discuss. I.) An Elder's role is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock, so we must protect ourselves and the flock from false teachers. (28-31) a. 28 - Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, i. Up to this point in his exhortation Paul has pointed to his own example which the Ephesian Elders observed while he was among them. ii. Although Paul does not overtly command them to imitate him, it is implied that he wished for his example to be a pattern they must follow. iii. Specifically, a pattern of character. iv. After this, Paul now turns to exhorting the Ephesian Elders directly. v. Paul's opening word in this section is the command to be on guard. vi. The word means to give attention to, to be alert to, to be concerned about, to devote or apply yourself to something. vii. What does Paul command these Elders to guard? viii. He actually points their guard toward two targets. ix. First, they are to guard themselves. Second, they are to guard all the flock. x. Of course, by “all the flock” Paul means all the church in Ephesus. Let no one slip through the cracks. Be on guard for everyone, yourselves included. b. among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, i. They are part of that flock in Ephesus. ii. They are sheep too. iii. So how did they get in the position they are in? Did Paul put them there? iv. Paul may have appointed them, and the congregation may have received them as Elders… v. But the primary agent in their becoming Elders is by the work of God the Spirit. vi. The Holy Spirit made or appointed them to this duty. vii. The character qualities and spiritual giftedness of each Elder serves as an assurance to the congregation that God's Spirit has appointed these men to their office. Their humility, their care, their teaching, their servant's heart has all authenticated the Spirit's appointment. viii. But what role has the Spirit appointed them to? What duty must they fulfill? ix. Paul uses a word that in other letters he uses interchangeably with Elder. x. He uses the word overseer. xi. The term Elder emphasizes the maturity of the man in the office and the term overseer emphasizes the responsibilities of the office the man holds. xii. To oversee means to watch over, direct, and be held accountable for those in your charge. xiii. So, we know who they are to guard and we know the relationship between themselves and those they guard, but what is the purpose of or the intended result of their guarding work? c. to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. i. Again, Paul uses another word that is used interchangeably with Elder and Overseer. ii. It is the word Shepherd or Pastor. iii. Here it is used as a verbal infinitive adverb modifying the command to be on guard. It answers the question why the Elders must guard themselves and the church. iv. The goal of an Elder's oversight is to care for those in their charge. v. Not just spiritually but for their entire being, body and soul, including protection, provision, guidance and accountability. vi. As a shepherd would care for his sheep, so Elders/Overseers/Pastors are to shepherd the lambs which they lead. vii. Why? Why must they be cared for? viii. The first reason they must be cared for, is because they are precious to the Lord. ix. Notice the reason why. Christ purchased the church with His blood. x. Some false teachers today claim that we can determine our inherent worth by how much God was willing to spend to purchase us. Using this text as proof of that claim. xi. However, the bible also describes us as children of wrath, broken vessels, and leaky cisterns. In a sense, the bible communicates to us that we only have value when we can be used for what we were created to be used for. xii. God made us to be His image bearers. To reflect, represent, and worship Him forever. Sin has utterly destroyed all men's ability to do any of that. Meaning we are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. xiii. Christ purchasing us with His blood should not communicate to us that we are inherently valuable. For to conclude this would be to contradict other parts of scripture. xiv. Instead, Christ purchasing us with His blood gives to us our infinite value because of what He spent on us to remake us into a new creation. xv. And to those who oversee and shepherd the redeemed of God – they had better take exceptional care of what Christ has purchased with His precious blood. xvi. Another reason that these Elders should guard this flock with the intent to shepherd them, is because there is a looming threat on the horizon. d. 29 - I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 - and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. i. What a terrible revelation given to these Elders – but one they should not have been shocked to hear. ii. They must be diligent and on guard to shepherd Christ's church because as soon as Paul departs, false teachers will come and try to destroy what God has done. iii. How did Paul know this? Is he making a prophesy? iv. Friends, Paul has been dealing with this since day one. v. In the late 40s after completing his first missionary journey to southern Galatia, only a few months after he returned to Antioch of Syria, Paul had to send a letter to the churches there strongly correcting them for abandoning the gospel. vi. False teachers had come in among them and led them astray. The turn around on this was so quick that Paul wondered if they had been bewitched. “Has someone cast a spell on you?” he asked. vii. The same kinds of things have happened to him in several cities since. At some point a pattern emerges and prophesy becomes merely predictability. viii. And unfortunately the scriptures reveal to us that Paul was exactly correct. 1. In the 60s AD, from I and II Timothy, we find that Paul sends Timothy to Ephesus to right the ship and reestablish order there. Meaning that only a few years after Paul spoke these words to them, the church was under attack by false teaching. 2. And by the time John writes to the church in Ephesus in the 90s, only a little over 20 years after Paul was executed, they had left their first love. ix. Paul's warning is that these people will come in like ravenous wolves. They will rip and tear apart the unity and maturity of the church and will shipwreck the faith of the people. x. But perhaps one of the most blood curdling things Paul says here, is not only that false teachers will come from without, but even some of the ones standing before him, will rise up and speak wicked and crooked things and draw away people from the truth. xi. In I and II Timothy Paul calls out three men who had led to the shipwreck of the faith of many and were gangrenous to the church. He calls them out as Hymenaeus, Alexander, and Philetus. xii. What a sobering thought it is that very likely these three men are standing there listening to Paul say these very words. xiii. What are we to do if the threats are from without AND from within? e. 31 - Therefore, be watchful, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. i. Paul issues another command. ii. He says that because of this, because the church has been given infinite worth being purchased by Christ, because there are threats from without and within to destroy it – iii. They must remain alert. They must not only dutifully guard themselves and the church in order to shepherd these people but they must be vigilant in this task. They must be diligent. iv. Then Paul calls to their attention, again, his example. He labored night and day to continually admonish each of them with tears. v. Of course, Paul doesn't mean that he never slept. But Paul's point is that he worked hard. He labored long. He wasn't passive or lazy. He labored… to do what? Admonish everyone with tears. vi. He labored to counsel, exhort, rebuke, and instruct with great passion, pleading with all the church to follow Christ. f. Summary of the Point: Paul gives two commands in this passage, but those two commands are really describing what an Elder is to do. They must be on guard and be watchful. They must be dutiful and diligent. But neither of these commands mean much divorced from the primary aim of their duty and diligence. What is the goal of their guard and their watchfulness toward the church? It is to shepherd the flock of God. This is THE assignment of every Elder. But this assignment takes on two distinct flavors in Paul's exhortation. The first, which becomes our first application point, is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock by protecting ourselves (The Elders) and the flock (The rest of the church) from false teaching and false teachers. Paul makes it abundantly clear and with the luxury of hindsight we see the nauseating truth of it, that false teachers are everywhere. From without… and sadly… also from within. It is the assignment of every Elder – if they are to shepherd the flock of God well – to protect themselves and the flock of God from false teaching. Transition: But as I said, there are two particular flavors of this concept of diligently shepherding God's flock. Not only must the Elders protect themselves and the church from false teaching, they must also be providers. II.) An Elder's role is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock, so we must provide for ourselves and those who are weak. (32-35) a. 32 - And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, i. Paul now prepares them for the second aim of their assignment to shepherd the flock. ii. Again, he teaches them from two examples. The first is God Himself. iii. He begins by entrusting them or puts them into the care and protection of God. iv. God is ultimately going to keep His people safe. Paul knows this. This doesn't cancel his command to them to protect the flock. Instead, they should perceive God's sovereign hand using them to accomplish this purpose. v. What has God done to protect His people, including His undershepherds, from believing error? vi. He has given us The Word. And even though you do not see it, in my notes this is capitalized. vii. The word of God's grace is another way to say the gospel. But oftentimes New Testament writers when they say the gospel they mean far more than simply the fact that Christ was crucified for sinners. viii. In fact, all of Christ's words to us, all of the revelation of God through Christ to His people would constitute the good news. The Word of Grace. ix. The Word of God's grace is how God continues to give His riches to us because it is given through Christ's work both passively and actively. And Christ is The Word. x. Christ did not only come and die to purchase our pardon but also lived, obeyed God, and taught His disciples and His church. xi. The Word continues to be God's riches dispensed to His church via The Spirit inspired teachings of the apostles recorded in our New Testament. xii. God has given a marvelous gift to us in His Word in that we find all we need for life and godliness. We find all we need to be prepared to do everything that God has commanded us to do. xiii. Paul entrusts the futures of these Elders to God because he knows that God gives grace freely to His people when they need help, and He does this through His Word. xiv. Help to do what though? b. which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who have been sanctified. i. We know that for those who have received Christ by true faith, we cannot lose our salvation. Therefore, we will not fail to endure. ii. But we are also told in the scriptures that it is only those who grow and endure in their faith who will inherit the kingdom of God. iii. How do we harmonize these thoughts? iv. Quite simply, those who have true faith will grow and endure. v. Those who have true faith will take the warnings about enduring faith seriously and pursue any means to mature and perfect their faith so it endures. vi. And Paul here says that The Word of God's grace is the means by which we are built up and given an inheritance among those who have been sanctified. vii. We are continually sustained by feasting on The Word of God's grace. To not read, study, mediated, memorize, learn, and live out the commands of Jesus Christ, is to starve yourself and risk proving that your faith… is actually dead faith. viii. Again, The Word of God's grace is a gift freely given. And God has given us this Word of His grace to help us grow and endure and assure us of a clear conscience before Him. ix. This is God's example. God freely gives to help those who are weak. Like us. x. Let's move on to Paul's example. c. 33 - I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. 34 - You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to those who were with me. i. Paul's example is also of one who is not greedy for gain but is instead a servant to all providing for himself and those who ministered with him. ii. Now this is not to say that pastors and missionaries should not accept support from other believers. We know that Paul himself did accept monetary support from the church in Philippi while he was in Thessalonica. He mentions this in the book of Philippians. iii. So, Paul isn't giving these Elders the absolute statement of never being supported by the church. iv. Instead, he is targeting one key area which often destroys leaders. v. Covetousness. Greed. And seeing the flock of God as servants to them. vi. Paul's example is that he did not see each church member as a bank account or a means to make him rich. vii. Instead, he worked with his own hands to support himself and his companions in their missionary endeavors. viii. He continues… d. 35 - In everything I showed you that by laboring in this manner you must help the weak i. He did this so that he could be an example to them of what it means to labor hard and long and help those who are weak. ii. Paul isn't saying they can never be supported by the church… but he is saying that if they are to shepherd well, they must not only provide for themselves but also for those who are unable to provide for themselves. iii. The poor and the weak and the destitute among them. iv. This ought to be the goal of Elders. To not only provide for themselves but to be in a position financially to provide for others. v. Why? e. and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” i. Although we do not have this specific teaching of Jesus recorded for us in the scriptures, there is no doubt that Jesus said this at some point to Paul directly or to his disciples. ii. It is certainly something we can piece together from the rest of the teachings of Jesus. iii. It is certainly more blessed to give than to receive. iv. God should know – He is constantly depicted as a giver in the scriptures. v. In fact, the doctrine of God's independence or Aseity teaches us that God has no need of anything from His creation. There is nothing that we can give to Him that He needed. vi. Therefore, God is the ultimate giver because there is literally nothing we could ever do to “pay Him back” for all that He gives to us. vii. Paul should know that it is more blessed to give than to receive for he has given of himself for the sake of these Ephesians and did so for 3 years admonishing them night and day. He earned his own living and paid for his mission with very little help from others. He did not charge a fee to hear him but only took enough to provide for himself and to help those in need. viii. Paul's point is this. These Elders had freely received from him the gospel of God… so they must freely give of themselves and exercise servant leadership, providing even the financial needs of those who are desperate, and refuse the temptation to Lord over the congregation expecting to be served. f. Summary of the Point: Again, Paul's primary point is that the Assignment of an Elder is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God. The first aspect of shepherding well involves protecting the flock from false teaching. But because God has given all we have and we are simply blessed receivers of His grace, and because Paul's pattern was to provide for himself and those who were destitute, we conclude that another necessary component to shepherding the flock of God well is to be a giver and not a taker. Elders must diligently and dutifully provide for themselves and those who are destitute. In this sense they, who have richly received from God, must richly give to those who are weak. Elders must be servant leaders, positioning themselves in a way that they are neither needing financial aid, nor are they withholding help from those who are in need. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: As Paul addresses the Ephesian Elders, he has already shown them through his example the character qualities required to be an Elder. Today, he gives them their assignment as he goes off to Jerusalem never to see them again. Their assignment is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God. This command divides into two basic roles they must fill in order to shepherd well. The first arises from the impending threat of false teachers peddling other gospels which will shipwreck the faith of the flock and act like gangrene to the body of Christ. So, to shepherd dutifully and diligently means that we must protect ourselves and the flock from doctrinal error and those who teach them. The second role in shepherding well arises due to the threat of covetousness and greed which is so common among leaders. Failing such a role leads to the pervasive want of those who are destitute in the church. So, to shepherd dutifully and diligently means that we must provide for ourselves to the point that we have enough to give to those who are weak among us. But let us look deeply into these applications. There is quite a lot here and although the actions commanded are aimed at Elders, the key concepts necessitating those actions are profitable for all God's people to affirm. 1.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that false teachers will continue to arise from without and within our church. a. Oh it could never happen here. We are just a small country church in a township without a major city in not quite the thumb area of a state that isn't even the most well-known peninsula in the USA. b. It could never happen to us. Right? Wrong. c. There are many churches in our area that get the gospel right. There are even a few who share our perspectives on the specifics of the gospel and several other secondary matters. d. But make no mistake, there are many churches in our area peddling a false gospel leading people to trust in themselves, their inherent goodness, and their own faith so that they can be healthy, wealthy, and earn their spot in heaven. e. Indeed, in our nation heresies abound. And not new heresies. There is nothing new under the sun. Arianism, Modalism, Partialism, Pelagianism, Sabellianism, Universalism, Gnosticism, Montanism, Marcionism, and many more all still exist in some form or another. f. And they don't just exist in the cultic offshoots of Christendom. My friends some of these heresies exist in churches that are minutes from us. They are preached from their pulpits. They are swooned over in small groups. g. And some teachings which have been part of the church orthodoxy for thousands of years are being chucked out the window by people who think they know the bible well enough to unceremoniously cancel what Theologians from hundreds of years ago bled and died to prove to be true. h. My friends, we must hold fast to the teachings which we have received from faithful witnesses which have been passed down through the ages for thousands of years. i. This is why it is absolutely imperative that we study the scriptures and have the scriptures be our final authority but that we also do not study the scriptures and have our interpretation of them be our only authority. j. The church is not comprised of several individuals! We are one body untied by one faith and one Lord in one baptism from the garden to now. Thus, the essential doctrines of our faith must be known by us and known well, including not only where we find it in the scriptures but also why the church arrived at these beliefs through the study of those scriptures. k. No one here is exempt. Everyone here is a theologian already. But no one is an island either. l. Once again, I advise that you read the books Know the Creeds and Councils and Know the Heretics. m. The ancient Creeds and Councils define for us what orthodox Christianity looks like and how the church has always interpreted key doctrines from the scriptures. Knowing the Heretics helps us to understand how the church engaged with those who did not agree on these ancient teachings of essential doctrines. n. Knowing both the creeds and councils and the heretics will provide for you some guardrails for what has always been taught in the church of Christ. And with these books and diligent study of the scriptures you will not fail to remain steadfast in the essential and ancient doctrines of the church. o. Incidentally I just ordered 10 more of each of these books and they should be here this week. I highly… HIGHLY recommend you read them – if you haven't already. And maybe read them again if its been a while. p. Why is this so important? Without drawing paranoia or undue suspicion on one another – we must keep in mind that the threat of false teachers is always present. Not just from without but also from within these very walls. q. The biggest antidote to this as a member of this congregation or even as an Elder is to remain humble and when you find yourself disagreeing with something, search the scriptures and assume you are the one out of bounds. And only when you cannot harmonize your view with what is being taught, should you approach the Elders and seek clarification or… even… correction. r. Unsurprisingly the greatest inoculation against false teaching is humility. 2.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm the church is valuable to God because He purchased it with the blood of Christ. a. You have often heard me teach against the self-esteem movement. b. You have often heard me criticize the modern overemphasis on the love of God to the point that some preachers make it seem that God would be really lucky to have us join Him. c. You have often heard me teach on the wretchedness and wickedness of natural man and how we are all enemies of God and hate His law and do not seek after Him naturally. d. All of this is true. All of this I will continue to preach until I die. e. But I want to make it very clear – dear children of God – that God has given every single one of us eternal and infinite value by redeeming us with the precious and priceless blood of His Son. f. For His bride Christ came and sought her. He found her prostituting herself to various gods and passions. She was a slave of Satan and her own lusts. g. But He found her and bought her with His death. He has granted her new life in His resurrection. He has made her new. h. The value God has given to His church is bound to His holy and eternal purpose for her. She will be glorified with the Son and she will reign with Him forevermore. i. My friends… God has lavished His love on us in that while we were yet sinners… Christ died for us. j. We are worth so much to God, because He gave us worth in His Son. We are no longer slaves… but sons and daughters. And if we are sons and daughters, we are heirs to the throne of God. We are a holy and royal priesthood. We are Princes and Princesses, unblemished Priests and Priestesses, and preaching Prophets and Prophetesses… why? Because we are His bride. k. He loves us so much. Not because we are loveable… but because He has poured into us His love. We love God because He loved us first. l. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God! His church is the apple of His eye… the reason He became a man, lived a sinless life, and suffered and died… we are His Holy Church. m. My friends, He is ours… but we are also His. We are His portion. We are His prize. We are His children. We are His bride. n. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God which He has lavished on His church! From heaven He sought us. Through death He bought us. Forever He loves us. o. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God which He has lavished on His church! 3.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the Word of God's Grace is able to grow our faith in maturity and endurance. a. God loves His church so much that He has supplied His Son not only to redeem us but to grow us and sustain us and to remake us into what He desires us to be. In this we walk worthy of the expensive name we have been given. b. The Word of His Grace continues to shape us, grow us, mold us, and strengthen us to endure to the end. c. The Word of God is powerful to destroy and rebuild to mold and purify. d. We are of great value to our King, which is exactly why He has not left us to fend for ourselves. He has given us the Word of His grace. e. Why oh why do you deprive yourself of the gift of God's Word? Do you enjoy starving yourself or feasting on that which will never satisfy? Do you enjoy feeding yourself at the pig trough when you could be dining on the fatted calf your heavenly Father has slain for you? f. Why do you like baby birds desire the prechewed and predigested food of books about the Word of God's grace when you could study the Word itself? g. My friends – it is time for you to take up the means that God has provided to grow you and make you strong and consume it daily! h. What have you to do with your time that is better than eating and drinking? Who among us today can go a week without water? How many among us have gone a week without food? i. Why then do you consume spiritual food only on Sunday, and only food that has been prepared for you. Food that is so large a meal that your stomach, being accustomed to short 2 minute devotions, cannot seem to linger over for more than 10 minutes before you have eaten your fill and thus drifted off to sleep. j. Do you not know the price God paid to give you the Word of His grace? k. Elders and church members alike… feast often and feast long on the meals arranged for you in the Word of God's grace. See how big and strong your faith becomes. See how humility becomes your default setting when day after day the Word strikes you down to the nothing that you are only to pick you up in the potential of His Spirit's plan for your life. 4.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” Elders must dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God by protecting ourselves and the assembly from doctrinal error. a. Elders we must lead the way in this. b. All that I have said so far is for everyone here… but we must lead the way. c. We cannot be prone to hobby horse doctrines, theological musings, endless discussions over genealogies and mythologies, or answering the questions of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. d. My friends, we must devote ourselves to the rigorous study of the Word of God and the Creeds, confessions, and historical dogmas of the church to ensure that we do not stray to the left or the right. e. Why? f. Because where we go others are sure to follow. g. We must hold one another accountable. We must stay on guard for all teachings which could lead others astray from the truth and even for teachers rising up… even from among us… who must be corrected and if they will not be corrected, they must be silenced. h. We have been given the duty to shepherd this flock. To do so well, we must protect them from ravenous wolves. And some of them we may even know personally. i. We must be courageous and bold in this. 5.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God freely gives to His children all we need to be godly. a. God is the greatest example of a giver. b. God has given freely, without cost, without need of repayment, all we as His children need to be godly. c. God owns all of us, everything we have, everything we are… all of creation is His… yet He gives us life, hope, peace, repentance, godliness, faith, grace, and mercy. d. He gives out of His abundance. e. No one can outgive God. f. He has lavished His love on us, His people. g. Indeed, God even gives glory to us through Christ. h. Although the scriptures say that God will share His glory with no one… the scriptures also teach that God will glorify us in Christ. i. In fact, God is glorified by glorifying us in Christ. How? j. Because for all eternity we will live to declare the matchlessness of His grace to us in that He has lavished upon us all His riches at Christ's expense. k. God is the greatest example of a giver that there ever could be. 6.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” Elders must deny that the church exists to serve us. a. As no surprise then, men, if we are the undershepherds of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… then we must be givers too. b. From heaven… He sought His church and bought them with His own blood. c. How could we EVER conclude that the church exists to serve us? d. They are not here for us… we are here for them. They are His precious bride, His children, His heirs. e. And so are we. f. Those who wish to be first, must be last. g. As Elders, we have desired this noble office… we have desired to be first among these people… h. But that means we must be last. i. We must be servants of all these dear ones whom Christ has purchased with His blood. j. Like God… like Paul… we must give of ourselves to them… until we are empty and extinguished. 7.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that it is more blessed to give than to receive. a. But not just the Elders need to understand this principle. b. All of us must heed the words of our Lord. It is more blessed to give than to receive. c. Giving of our time, talents, abilities, strength, financial resources – is the heartbeat of the Triune God as He gave freely to save His church. d. We are blessed when we are holy as our heavenly Father is holy. e. When we are stingy, self-focused – we are only cursing ourselves. f. Our culture says take care of #1. And many today are keyboard activists standing up for the rights of those who are oppressed or hurting… but when it comes to actually DOING something to help… they have only excuses for not doing so. g. Let that not be said of us. Let us be generous first to the household of faith. Let us be generous to all whom the Lord purchased with His blood. Let us not allow even one among us who are truly His child to be poor and destitute. h. Let us intervene and meet the needs of those who cannot meet their own needs. And let us encourage and train them to go from needing help, to helping others. Why? i. Because it is more blessed to give than to receive. j. It is not God's will for you to remain a taker… because it is more blessed to give than to receive. If you must receive, do so without shame. But see to it that you seek to become a giver as soon as you are able. 8.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” Elders must dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God, by providing for ourselves and the destitute in the assembly. a. Men this leads once again to us leading by example. b. We must labor hard and not be lazy. c. We must devote ourselves to providing for all our own needs so that we may take our excess and give out of our abundance, like our heavenly Father does to us. d. It is very uncomfortable for me to say this you all as the vocational Elder here. I have to just voice that. I labor each week to bring the text of scripture to bear upon all of us – myself included. For this the church graciously supplies my needs, giving my family enough to be generous to others as well. e. But for you all my brothers, you earn your living via another job and then give of yourselves here by pure sacrifice. f. Nevertheless, the scriptures must be presented as they are. All of us must be providers to those who are destitute in our fellowship. g. As it stands at this moment, the Elders are not aware of any that are… but it is our job to ensure it stays that way men. Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan John Flavel Lord, cleanse our churches, and repair their walls, so they may become gardens of delight for Christ to walk in and take pleasure in. May her ministers be faithful and wise: faithful so they do not deceive others; wise so they do not deceive themselves. May their wisdom prevent deceivers imposing on them, and their faithfulness prevent them imposing on others. May their wisdom enable them to discern wholesome food for the flock and their faithfulness oblige them to distribute it. May our leaders be pure with spiritual aims and intentions; serving not their own honour and interest, but yours. May our leaders show sincerity, not appearing outwardly spiritual while being inwardly carnal. May our leaders be diligent, like men in harvest, like women in labour, like soldiers in battle, watching while others sleep. May our leaders lack favouritism, as those who will appear before an impartial God. May they take the same care, manifest the same love, show the same diligence to the poorest and weakest souls in their care as they do the rich, the great and the honourable. For all souls are rated the same in your book of life, and our Redeemer paid as much for one as the other. May their faithfulness fix their eyes on the right end, and may their wisdom direct them to the best means of attaining it. May they lay a good foundation of knowledge in our souls, choosing subjects that will meet our needs, shaping the language in which they address us, using their own affections to move us, being careful of their behaviour. Send them often to their knees to seek your blessing upon their labours, knowing that all their success entirely depends upon you. It is in Jesus' name we pray this… Amen. Benediction: May our God who called Abraham when he was but one, And blessed him and made him many, Show you the incomparable riches of his grace, That you might know you are His workmanship, To do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Dave Charles starts your day with The Morning Show, weekdays from 6-9am on Radio Life & Style - proudly sponsored by Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Ballito. Broadcasting live from the heart of Ballito, The Morning Show serves up a curated mix of contemporary music and classic hits from across the decades, alongside interviews with tastemakers & influencers, plus a healthy dose of local news & views from the booming KZN North Coast. Listen live on lifeandstyle.fm, download our free Radio Life & Style app or find our shows on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all good platforms. ........................................ *About our Sponsor - Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Ballito: Welcome to McCarthy Toyota Ballito Our qualified and friendly staff are here to help you purchase a new or pre-owned Toyota and assist with all your vehicle requirements. We aim to exceed customer needs and expectations by offering you affordable vehicles and products, and giving you exceptional service at every point of the journey - from sales, through to finance, and much more. We value every customer who walks through our doors and our expert team members are here to ensure you are taken care of. Let us help you lead the way on your next Toyota adventure, visit us today. Radio Life & Style on Facebook · The Morning Show Sponsor: Excellerate Security

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 18, 2025 is: admonish • ad-MAH-nish • verb To admonish someone is to express warning or disapproval towards them, or to urge them to do something. // We were admonished for arriving late to the meeting. // They were admonished to take advantage of the opportunity. See the entry > Examples: "My parents admonished me and my siblings to stay away from the windows." — Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2023 Did you know? We won't admonish you if you don't know the origins of admonish. This word, along with its archaic synonym monish, likely traces back to the Latin verb monēre, meaning "to bring to the notice of," "to remind," and "to warn." Among monēre's other English descendants are monitor, premonition, monument, and (gulp) monster. Admonishing someone (for, say, being late) hardly risks being labeled a monster, however. While a word like rebuke suggests sternness and severity, admonish usually suggests friendly, gentle, or earnest criticizing done in the spirit of counselling and instructing.

Bro. Danny Corprew Colossians 3:16 Sunday School March 9, 2025

Sounding "retreat!" How to admonish the sinner? Praying for deceased non-Catholics? Sending one's Guardian Angel to Mass? Can saints in heaven help souls in purgatory? Balancing fear of God and trust in God? Nov.5 election: A God-given reprieve. It is time for us to do what we should have done before: oppose the evils of abortion and perversion with all our energy and all our resources. Proclaim the Kingship of Christ! This episode was recorded on 11/12/2023. Our Links: http://linkwcb.com/ Please consider making a monetary donation to What Catholics Believe. Father Jenkins remembers all of our benefactors in general during his daily Mass, and he also offers one Mass on the first Sunday of every month specially for all supporters of What Catholics Believe. May God bless you for your generosity! https://www.wcbohio.com/donate Subscribe to our other YouTube channels: ‪@WCBHolyMassLivestream‬ ‪@WCBHighlights‬ May God bless you all!

Series: Never Walk AloneNo: 9Speaker: Pastor Ali Reich

LINKS Intelligent Speech Conference (code POPEULAR): www.intelligentspeechonline.com The Holy Org Chart:  https://podcastaddict.com/the-popeular-history-podcast/episode/168461488 History in the Bible books link (they're all out now!): https://www.historyinthebible.com/books.html  Catchism: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM  TRANSCRIPT Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know that I will be speaking at the Intelligent Speech conference in a few months. The conference will be taking place online on February 8th, 2025 and if you act now, you'll get the early bird price of $20, but we also do have a special offer for listeners of this podcast! When you buy your ticket, enter the promo code “POPEULAR” at checkout, that's popular but with an“e” for the pope pun, to receive an extra 10% off the already discounted ticket price– that's a great deal for all the content! So go to intelligentspeechonline.com to get your tickets today!   Welcome to the Popeular History Podcast: History through Pope Colored Glasses. My name is Gregg and this is episode 0.21i: Sayings of the Savior Part IX: What's One More?   All of these aught episodes are made to let us build our Pope-colored glasses so we can use the same lenses when we look at history together. If you're lost, start at the beginning!   Today, as promised, we wrap up our Sayings of the Savior series with some general takeaways and a roundup of topics I had originally planned to cover in previous episodes or as part of Sayings of the Savior but didn't get around to. You can think of this episode as a grab bag or a pit stop or whatever you like. Either way, no new Sayings of the Savior, just some new and possibly overdue takeaways from everything we've discussed so far.   First off, and this one is well overdue, there's the basic question of what an APOSTLE is. In Eastern Churches the word is often used more loosely, but in the West, which our Pope-Colored glasses tend to treat as default because frankly that's what the Popes have tended to do, the word Apostle refers to the Twelve Apostles, that early core group of followers of Jesus. The broader term for a follower of Jesus in his life is a DISCIPLE and sometimes it's still used for Christians today, like saying we're all called to be disciples, but if someone says “the disciples”, they mean a member of that first generation, folks who knew Jesus personally and who followed Him. If you want to know more than a hundred other terms for different roles and such within the Catholic Church, I came out with a Holy Org Chart episode last year that's linked in the show notes, and I named off all the apostles and their aliases early on on 0.20, which I'm not linking because I reference other worldbuilding episodes too often to give them that treatment but if you want them all together that's one of the things you can find on the custom playlists available at popEularhistory.com.   In a nutshell, the purpose of all the Gospel teachings we've been covering has been to teach us how to live rightly, and of course to make us *want* to live rightly, because knowing and doing are two different things. The process by which we develop and carry out a desire to live rightly is called CONVERSION, and the general code that can indicate what it is to live rightly is the MORAL LAW, or you could even simply call it the GOSPEL. Of course Jesus gave us the super summary version of what we should be doing with his two great commandments-love God and your neighbor, but of course you know Catholicism is a big fan of standardizing things and making lists, so let's go through some of the lists relevant to the ECONOMY OF SALVATION, that is, to God's plan for how the universe is going to work out ok. The economy of salvation, that master plan, is also sometimes called the DIVINE ECONOMY.   First list, the three Theological Virtues, namely Faith, Hope, and Charity. With a list of only three I'll be able to get away with offering some specific definitions as well, but just know that not all of the lists are so short. When you get a definition straight from the Bible it's worth using, so I'll use Saint Paul's definition of faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb 11:1). Meanwhile, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which I believe I've already introduced but just in case know that it's a big guide to Catholicism that I use to help build my framework, anyways the Catechism defines hope as the theological virtue by which we desire and expect from God both eternal life and the grace we need to attain it. Also when I say “the Catechism” I mean the universal one published under Pope John Paul II. Absolutely there has been more than one over the years but when folks simply say “the catechism”, that's the one they mean. And to put my cards on the table, it is my intention to give some airtime to every term the Catechism covers in its glossary in my worldbuilding episodes. Anyways, more on grace later, for now know that in Catholic lingo, the last theological virtue of charity isn't a handout, instead it's a form of love. Specifically, the Catechism defines “Charity” as “The theological virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.” In other words, charity is the key to fulfilling the Great Commandments and by extension morality in general.   The next list I should introduce you to as we take a big look at Catholic moral teaching is the Cardinal Virtues, namely Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. The Cardinal Virtues are fantastic tools for living a moral life. Prudence is what helps you determine the right thing to do in any given situation, justice is the firm resolve to act rightly in the interests of those that are not yourself, no matter the obstacles, fortitude is the grit and determination to carry on with the prudentially determined just path come what may, and temperance helps in that process by helping to keep you balanced in your approach, regulating the will and your passions, passions being on our list for further discussion shortly, in fact we might as well talk about the principal passions, since they do keep coming up when talking moral theology in a Catholic context.   You won't be too far off the mark if you think of the passions as emotions, but if you think of the term passive that will be especially helpful. They are forces that influence us as we go about our business. The simplest passion is love, which draws us to what we perceive as good, in contrast to hate, which repels us from what we perceive as bad. Related to these are desire and fear respectively, which are more about the act of being compelled or repelled, that moving sort of energy between us and what we love or hate. If we receive what we love, the relevant passion is joy, while if we encounter what we hate, we may face either sadness, if we are resigned, or anger, if we actively reject it, believing we can somehow get through what we hate to some loved good beyond. Ultimately the Church sees the passions as morally neutral: it is not good to love something if the thing that is loved is bad, meanwhile it is bad to hate something that is good. But if you love what is good and hate what is bad, that's good. I probably could have summarized that more clearly but in the end what matters most is how you respond to your passions than what your initial passions are. Feelings are natural and to be expected, what you are called to control is how you respond to those feelings.   When it comes to those responses, those concrete actions, the Catholic Church draws especially from the Beatitudes we covered in the Sermon on the Mount as inspiration for labeling not one but two sets of seven works of mercy: The Corporal Works of Mercy and the Spiritual Works of Mercy. By the way, taken collectively, the lessons from the Gospels can be called the Law of the Gospel.   Now, I hope you don't mind, but we're doing three lists of the extra special number seven today, and if I go into detail on each one we'll be dragging out what I was hoping to have be sort of a quick sort of pallet cleanser of an episode. So instead I'll simply list, the acts are fairly intuitive from their names anyways in these simple moral imperatives.   The corporal works of mercy, which we have on index cards around our home by way of reminder, are:   Feed the hungry. Give water to the thirsty. Clothe the naked. Shelter the homeless. Visit the sick. Visit the imprisoned. Bury the dead.   Meanwhile, the spiritual works of mercy are:   Instruct the ignorant. Counsel the doubtful. Admonish the sinners. Bear patiently those who wrong us. Forgive offenses. Comfort the afflicted. Pray for the living and the dead.   The third promised list of seven is the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as in, what you can expect from the action of the Spirit in your heart. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are:   Wisdom Understanding Counsel Fortitude Knowledge Piety and Fear of the Lord.   And ok, Fear Of the Lord isn't as straightforward a concept as the others. Basically, it's the awareness that God is much more than you, putting things into perspective.   In the end, our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to use these gifts and fruits and even passions to build these virtues and live a moral life. We cannot do that without God's help, which is where grace comes in, something we'll be circling back to more than once. That's because as discussed in Episode 0.1, we've all got the effects of Original Sin impacting us and our world, including concupiscence, which is a particular problem impacting our passions, inclining us towards sin–even after baptism wipes away original sin itself that particular effect of the fall remains, though the sacraments do lessen concupiscence in us, helping draw us to VIRTUE--moral choices--over VICE–immoral choices.   No one lives in isolation, time and again Jesus frames our salvation as a matter of how we interact with those around us, especially the less fortunate. Given this context, it's no surprise that racism is among the glossary terms in the Catechism, being defined as “unjust discrimination on the basis of a persons's race; a violation of human dignity, and a sin against justice.”   In a similar camp, the catechism's glossary covers three two-word concepts that start with “social” and are the sort of things where you might appreciate a trigger warning if you're the type that hates trigger warnings; namely “social sin”, “social justice”, and “social teaching”.   “Social sin” is listed as “the effect of sin over time, which can affect society and its institutions to create “structures of sin,”. If rampant generational inequality doesn't fall under this, I don't know what does.   “Social justice”, meanwhile, is something the Catechism defines as “the respect for the human person and the rights which flow from human dignity and guarantee it. Society must provide the conditions that allow people to obtain what is their due, according to their nature and vocation.”   Finally, the Catechism of the Catholic Church lists “social teaching” as “the teaching (social doctrine) of the Church on the truth of revelation about human dignity, human solidarity, and the principles of justice and peace; the moral judgments about economic and social matters required by such truth and about the demands of justice and peace.”   Of course, not all communities are so sweeping, and sometimes small actions can have the biggest impact of all. To this end, keep in mind your responsibility to those around you. One particular issue to avoid, and yes, you got me, I'm shoehorning another glossary term in here, is detraction, the “disclosure of another's faults and sins, without an objectively valid reason, to persons who did not know about them, thus causing unjust injury to that person's reputation”.   If you're doing good and avoiding evil, and firing on all cylinders with everything, know that you're doing so with God's help, but of course you already know that, because you have humility, right? Humility of course being defined as “the virtue by which a Christian acknowledges that God is the author of all good.” Anyways, with God's help, you stand a chance of reaching Beatitude, that is, the blessings of heaven. In fact, with God's help, should you choose to accept it, it's guaranteed.   So, there we have it. From the beatitudes to Beatitude in a nutshell, and I even got some definitional errands done along the way. Plus, even better, we've got time for Saint or Aint today!   SAINT OR AINT   At the end of the episode on Luke I gave a brief bio and your job was to determine whether they were a real early missionary saint or not, inspired by all the saints stories that sprang up over the years in connection with The Seventy disciples Jesus sent out in Luke. Answers ready?   Garius Stephanus: AINT A SAINT, those that didn't clock the name might be feeling a little silly, but that's alright, that one was of course a slightly embellished edition of a quick hagiography summoned by the phenomenal Garry Stevens of the History in the Bible podcast, who was kind enough to be our anniversary guest last year. Garry's actually wrapped up his show which is bittersweet. Bitter because, well, Garry's wrapped up his show, sweet because he's begun turning h is show into a series of books! The fourth book is out now, linked in the show notes , and the first three books are promised to follow, and yeah, you heard that right, he's doing that in that order. For the next round, we have a bit of a seafaring saint who definitely went to Turkey, Greece, and Malta and who may have gone to Spain, but that wasn't the end because he was traditionally martyred in Rome. He's traditionally depicted carrying a sword and a book, though sometimes pansies leave off the sword. You'll get your answers in the next worldbuilding episode next month, which, unbelievably, will not be another Sayings of the Savior episode, but instead starting out a whole new mystery of the rosary: the Transfiguration. So tune in next month for 0.22 Eye Has Not Seen.   Thank you for listening, God bless you all! Thanks, Joe!

Romans 15:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14, 1 Cor. 4:14, Acts 20:31 We are called to instruct/admonish one another when we see another believer getting off track in their life or faith.  This is incredibly hard to do well and very hard to receive well, and yet when we get off track, we need people who are willing and able to warn us and call us to correction. _______________________________________Orchard Community Church8180 Telephone RdVentura CA 93004www.OrchardVentura.orgContact us at Info@OrchardVentura.orgOrchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

‘Together' has always been the plan. When God made Adam, The Lord quickly made sure that His new creation didn't walk alone. When Noah was commanded to craft the ark, he was directed to make sure there was enough room for ‘two of every kind'. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, He promised His disciples He would empower them with the comfort and the presence of His Holy Spirit. ‘Together' has always been the plan. The phrase ‘One Another' is used 59 times in the New Testament. Each time painting a picture of a preferred and curated future that we, His Church, have a hand in establishing. But it will take more than just our hands. As we live a One Another life, and as we VentureTOGETHER into God's preferred future for us, we will be called upon to engage our hearts and our heads and our hands. To give it all for the sake of The Kingdom. To give it all to awaken the hearts of the hopeless, helpless, and the spiritual homeless to the reality of Jesus' love for them and His perfect plan for their lives. And we will be called upon to do it together. Because we are better together. To get there, we need to go together. And to go there, we need to get together. With One Another. And for One Another. We can VentureTOGETHER. 

In this powerful episode, Todd Saylor tackles the recent Presidential Debate and emphasizes the importance of leadership in times of division. Todd shares his 5 R's of admonishment—Respect, Regard, Retain, Reciprocate, and Refocus—guiding listeners on how to navigate challenging conversations with grace and conviction. Whether it's in politics, business, or personal life, Todd challenges us all to lead with purpose and wisdom, drawing from biblical principles.#WiredDifferently #LeadershipTalk #AdmonishTheDebate #5RsOfLeadership #ToddSaylor #Podcast #FaithAndLeadership

24_08_03 -Ep.323  - Run With Horses Podcast  - Connect – United with Jesus and His Family   Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast   **(28:00)** Last week we focused on the connection we have with Jesus and the church.  This week we continue along those lines and consider how the church can be intentional about helping people build their relationship with Jesus and His family.   Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together!   Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you may want to check out our website, runwithhorses.net, and listen to some of the past shows to catch up. I have spent several shows focusing on a simple definition of the church and the current discussion we are having about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...   (27:00) ******* (27:00)   Habits - **Community**  Acts 2:41-47 -  > 41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.   Romans 12:4-5 -  >4For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.    Ephesians 2:19-22 - >19Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.    (23:00) ****** (23:00)   MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH A CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the MISSION of Jesus as His witnesses TO THE WORLD, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on HIS MISSION.   The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus.   Don't forget the goals of the pathway. Clear goals are important. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway? a. self-feeding Christians b. everyday missionaries – everyone on the mission of Jesus c. disciple-makers d. pastors e. new churches f. all members of the church, shepherded well   We are still on the SECOND step in the Pathway;  ENGAGE, CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASE   The church's role in connecting people to Jesus. What can the church do intentionally to help people connect their life, values, and purpose to Jesus? 1. Biblical teaching and preaching - the Bible is the foundation   a. Our identity in Christ-  >ACCEPTED I Am God's Child- John 1:12 I Am United with the Lord- 1 Corinthians 6:17 I Am Chosen and Adopted- Ephesians 2:3-8 I Am Complete in Jesus- John 4:1-45 I Have Direct Access to God Through Jesus- Hebrews 14:14-16 >SECURE I Am Free from Condemnation- Romans 8:1-2 and John 8:1-12 God Is at Work in My Life for His Glory and My Good- Romans 8:28 >SIGNIFICANT I Am Connected to Jesus as My Source of Life- John 15:5 I Have Been Called to Bear Fruit- John 15:16 I Am Seated with Jesus in Heaven- Ephesians 2:6 I Am God's Workmanship- Ephesians 2:10 I Can Approach God with Freedom and Confidence- Ephesians 3:12 REF (https://rootedministry.com/how-im-teaching-students-to-ground-their-identity-in-christ/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5Ky1BhAgEiwA5jGujmbR95PXgQowc5t6NcSS8cXzKPrMbmAxT2k7yGq0Hb6T1fTk9EHcyhoC_E4QAvD_BwE)   b. The character and mind of Christ Philippians 2 - 5Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.    c. The mission of Christ Matthew 28:18-20 - Be and Make Disciples (followers of Jesus)   d. Healthy relationships aa. United in Christ bb. New family Answer the question, what does each believer need to grow to become more like Jesus and to embrace the mission of Jesus as their own?   2. Equipping and Training a. Spiritual gifts Romans 12:6-8  1 Corinthians 12:8-10    b. Spiritual disciplines >1. Prayer At least 25 times in the Gospels, we read of Jesus praying. According to Luke 5:16, Jesus prayed often by himself. In other words, He made a habit of it. >2. Fasting At the onset of His public ministry, Jesus took 40 days to fast in the wilderness. While it made His body weak, His spirit grew stronger. >3. Public Worship Luke 4:16 says that “on the Sabbath day [Jesus] went into the synagogue, as was his custom.” >4. Bible Reading Studying Scripture was an important part of Jesus' life. In fact, by age 12, He was already as biblically literate as the leading teachers (Luke 2:41-47). >5. Solitude and Silence Jesus regularly ministered in front of large crowds. But He also made a habit of getting away from time to time (Luke 5:16). In fact, He even encouraged His disciples to get away to a quiet place and rest (Mark 6:31). >6. Service In Mark 10:45, Jesus said His goal in coming to earth was not to be served but to serve others and to give His life for our benefit. REF (https://influencemagazine.com/practice/seven-spiritual-practices-of-jesus)   c. Practical ministry skills Answer the question, what training or skills does each believer need to carry out their role in the church and on the mission?   (00:00)  END PART 1 ******** (27:00)  BEGIN PART 2    3. Introduction to Personal Ministry a. Where has God placed you? Our individual stories are part of a much bigger Story.   Ultimately, this Story is not about us, but about Him.   God works in unexpected, unexplainable ways to accomplish His purposes.   God sovereignly and purposefully ordains and orchestrates the circumstances of our lives.   What we see now is not the whole story.   We can trust Him to write the story of those we love.   The challenges we face may be a part of God writing someone else's story.   Those who trust in Him will never be disappointed.   You can trust God to write your story… REF (https://openthebible.org/article/10-things-to-remember-about-gods-providence-in-our-lives/)   All this also makes a difference when we consider: b. Who has God put in your life? > Home > Work/ School > Community – The Art of Neighboring > Church Encourage everyone to see the relationships around them and bring Jesus into them.   4. Corporate Ministry a. How do we intentionally serve each other? One Another's of the NT Love one another (John 13:34 - This command occurs at least 16 times) Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10) Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10) Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16) Build up one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) Be likeminded towards one another (Romans 15:5) Accept one another (Romans 15:7) Admonish one another (Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16) Greet one another (Romans 16:16) Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25) Serve one another (Galatians 5:13) Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:2, 32; Colossians 3:13) Be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13) Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, 25) Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32) Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19) Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5) Consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3) Look to the interests of one another (Philippians 2:4) Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13) Teach one another (Colossians 3:16) Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18) Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13) Stir up [provoke, stimulate] one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9) Employ the gifts that God has given us for the benefit of one another (1 Peter 4:10) Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another (1 Peter 5:5) Pray for one another (James 5:16) Confess your faults to one another (James 5:16)    b. How do my gifts build up the body of Christ?  You are part of something bigger than than yourself! > Intro to church ministries > Prayer service, prayer focus > One Another's of NT > Intro to Small Groups - you can learn to help others grow, in individual relationships and in small groups or family units.   Help everyone ask and answer the question, what is my role in the local body of Christ? How does my church need my gifts?     (5:00) ********* (5:00)   DOCTRINE August – Jesus September – Holy Spirit   Jesus - God Incarnate Merriam-Webster: Incarnation - the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ "..at one point in time and space, God entered the world, in the person of Jesus Christ, as He had never done before or since. ...the doctrine of the incarnation means that God is in the world and at work there." - Millard J. Erickson   Hebrews 4:14- 16  - 14Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.   He knows us and our need. He can relate to us. He is the perfect one to represent us, as God He is able, as man He understand our need.   Hebrews 9:11-14 - 11But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?    He is the perfect High Priest who alone can offer the perfect sacrifice for our sins.       **(1:00)**   How is your church doing at helping new believers connect with Jesus in a real and meaningful way? Are relationships in the church growing and strong, able to handle the trials that always come our way? If we are too be intentional disciples of Jesus it is important that we make a genuine effort to live out the purpose of the church together.   Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running. (00:00)  

Revelation 19 (NKJV)Andrew, Edwin, and Elijah discuss how Revelation 19 admonishes them. This has special emphasis on the Bride getting reading for the wedding feast by repenting, holding fast, and pursuing righteous deeds.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=17851The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What does 17 Tammuz teach us today?    How do the Three Weeks reflect the twists and turns and ups and downs of our life cycles?  Since Rabbi Akiva laughed because he saw that the destruction of the Temple is really a step toward its rebuilding, why do we mourn during the Three Weeks?   What do we learn from the breach of the Jerusalem walls?  What does Yerushalayim mean, and what is its message?   What lessons can we derive from Pinchas' zealotry?  Should we be aggressive with someone who behaves immodestly?  Should we admonish someone who is not keeping Torah and mitzvos?  What is the significance of dividing the land by lots?  What can we learn from the daughters of Tzelafchad on how to address unfair situations in an appropriate and respectful manner?   Can we learn from Balaam that at times we may need to receive blessings from the “other side”?  Is it appropriate to express anger at G-d for allowing the events of October 7th?  Are we allowed to kill innocent people and children in a time of war?  Can we apply the lesson to speak rather than hit the rock to the way we deal with Hamas?  Should we see Trump's narrow escape as divine intervention?  Is political violence always bad?  What do we learn from Parshas Pinchas?   What do we learn from Parshas Balak? War in Israel Assassination attempt against former President Trump What should be our attitude to an article criticizing the Rebbe? Can we learn anything from the Rebbe about whom to vote for in the coming presidential election? 

Even a repeated biblical message can always inspire anew. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

A new MP3 sermon from Berean Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Teach and Admonish One Another Subtitle: One Another Series Speaker: Brent Floyd Broadcaster: Berean Baptist Church Event: Sunday - PM Date: 7/7/2024 Bible: Colossians 3:16 Length: 45 min.

Sermon by John Vandervelde on Colossians 3:16

Sermon by John Vandervelde on Colossians 3:16

Claire Roth shares from the book of Colossians. In an overview of the book, she focuses in on the theme of dwelling on God's word and the impact it has on the Christian life.--Scriptures Explored: Colossians 3:16, Matthew 18, Acts 20:31, Ephesians 6:21, Acts 27-28, Exodus 32, Acts 18:24-28--Claire Roth serves as Director of Children's Ministries at Emmanuel Bible Church in Salem, OR. She treasures every opportunity to learn and teach the Truth only found in scripture. She always feels that she learns more in preparing to teach than she is able to impart to her students who receive that teaching. Her goal is to build up her brothers and sisters in Christ so that their knowledge and understanding quickly surpasses her own, all by the grace of God and for His glory!--Connect with Us:contact@parableministries.comParable MinistriesInstagram--If you feel led to give to Parable Ministries, please visit: DonateMusic created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi

6/13/24. Minutes in the Word scriptures for today: Romans 15:14. Resources: enduringword.com; biblehub.com; logos.com; Matthew Henry Commentary; and Life Application Study Bible. Listen daily on WKDM Praise 96.1 Online Radio! https://kingdompraiseradio.com/November 2021 Podchaser list of "60 Best Podcasts to Discover!" LISTEN, LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE! #MinutesWord; @MinutesWord; #dailydevotional #christianpodcaster #prayforpeace

Series: One Another (2024 theme)Service: Sun AMType: SermonSpeaker: Terry Francis

April 19, 2024 - Friday 9:00AM MPR1 Speaker   Speaker: Cliff Goodwin Looking at John Chapter 7.   33 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.”   We need to be teaching and preparing our children and grandchildren to be leaders. "Our present leaders will not always be present" 1. Accept - We have to accept the mortality of our leaders and ourselves. But the lord's work continues. Joshua - Moses prepared Joshua to lead. 2 Kings - Elijah prepared Elisha 2. Avail - We have to avail ourselves to the present opportunities. John 12 - 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” Use it or loose it. Take advantage of what is available to you. Exodus 33 - 11 Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. 3. Admonish - "to put in mind" - We have to be deliberate on what we put in the minds of our young people. We need to gradually teach. As the audience grows so does the lesson. Look at John 16, Jesus does this with his apostles. We need to warn of possible dangers. We need to find those who aspire to be a church leader. 4. Aspire - We need to aspire for better. We need to have faith in God's word. We need to set goals. We need to strive for EMI, (every member involved).   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD0KZJN6rxs   Duration 41:10

Season 1 Episode 8 - If you're an accomplished cellist who really understands metal, you can have a fascinating and varied career, and that's exactly what Kakophonix has done. He's a core member of the dark neofolk project Osi & The Jupiter, which has played numerous metal festivals and tours. He also has a solo project called Hvile i Kaos, which he describes as "black ritual chamber musick." Links to those projects are in the show notes below. In addition to these projects and his work as a music teacher, he's done guest and/or session work on the cello for many metal artists, including Abigail Williams, Vale of Pnath and many others. He sat down with me on a rainy afternoon at Cascadian Midsummer festival in June of last year to tell me his story. I hope you enjoy the conversation!    Projects Kakophonix is actively involved in:  Osi & The Jupiter: https://osifolk.bandcamp.com/album/cedar-and-sage-riders-of-the-gallows-vol-1 Hvile i Kaos: https://hvileikaos.bandcamp.com/track/vessel-333 Kakophonix at Metal Archives: https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Kakophonix/446992 We also discussed these two bands, which are not his projects but that some might find intriguing: Antestor — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Forsaken_(album) Admonish - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admonish_(band)   Theme music for this podcast is by Tauntaun: https://tauntaun.bandcamp.com/ The Metal Gateway Podcast is a production of Studio Portcullis - Copyright 2024 

Romans 15:14

Bill Shannon • Selected Scriptures • Anchored

Bill Shannon • Selected Scriptures

Northwest Bible Church - April 7, 2024 – 2 Thess. – Alan Conner 2 Thess. 3:6-15 Church Discipline Intro A. THE SIN IN THE CHURCH (2 Thess. 3:6-11). 1. “unruly life not according to the tradition (2 Thess. 3:6). 2. “doing no work; busybodies” (2 Thess. 3:11). 3. Perpetual (2 Thess. 3:10; 1 Thess. 4:11-12; 5:14). B. THE REPONSE OF THE CHURCH (2 Thess. 3:6-15). 1. Withdraw: Keep away from them (2 Thess. 3:6). 2. Command: (2 Thess. 3:12). 3. Break fellowship (2 Thess. 3:14). 4. Goal: he will be put to shame (2 Thess. 3:14b). 5. Do not regard him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother (2 Thess. 3:15). C. THE BENEFIT TO THE CHURCH. 1. 2. 3. 4. Conclusion

Brian introduces us to a new word today: ADMONISH. Listen in to hear him teach Andy some of its meaning (and on his birthday no less!) Andy Frasco & the U.N. is back on the road and quite possibly in a town near you! Check Andy's tour dates to see just how close and whether your mom will allow it. Your mother aside, lets focus on the real exciting news: we get to welcome to the Interview Hour, legendary songwriter, pianist, and fellow sports fan: Bruce Hornsby! Andy gushes and Nick glues the rougher edges down. And what does one ask of a former touring member of the Grateful Dead? Something sports related, obviously. And on a final note, as Andy Fraso once said: why not make love with each other? And guess what... Watch the full episodes Exclusively on Volume.com now in color!  Psyched to partner up with our buddies at Volume.com! Check out their roster of upcoming live events and on-demand shows to enrich that sweet life of yours. Call, leave a message, and tell us if you think one can get addicted to mushrooms: (720) 996-2403  Check out our new album!, L'Optimist on all platforms Follow us on Instagram @worldsavingpodcast For more information on Andy Frasco, the band and/or the blog, go to: AndyFrasco.com Check out our good friends that help us unwind and sleep easy while on the road and at home: dialedingummies.com Produced by Andy Frasco, Joe Angelhow, & Chris Lorentz Audio mix by Chris Lorentz Featuring: Arno Bakker Brian Schwartz

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Lk 2:22-40 - When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to Him, he took Him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, You may let Your servant go in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for Your people Israel.” The Child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about Him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him. Or LK 2:22-32 - When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to Him, he took Him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, You may let Your servant go in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for Your people Israel.” Feast of the Presentation of the Lord O Jesus, have mercy upon us! First Friday Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) 50 Shades of Gay https://cforc.com/2024/01/50-shades-of-gay/ 3) The Office of the Bishop is to admonish sinners https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2024/02/01/the-office-of-the-bishop-is-to-admonish-sinners/ 4) Mother Angelica: What is a woman? https://www.churchpop.com/what-is-a-woman-mother-angelica-beautifully-answered-this-question-in-1997/

Friends, we all strive to be spiritually great. We want to be magnanimous, great-souled men and women. But how do we get there? The Church offers a concrete seven-fold path, and that's what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today's “Word on Fire Show” episode. A listener asks, I'm coming back into the Church after a 15 year absence, and all the words [of Mass] have changed. What happened? 00:00 | Intro 00:55 | Bishop Barron's California recap 02:18 | How spiritual works of mercy relate to corporal works of mercy 05:08 | Why loving others includes meeting spiritual needs 05:44 | 1) Admonish the sinner 08:24 | 2) Instruct the ignorant 10:17 | 3) Counsel the doubtful 13:32 | 4) Comfort the sorrowful 15:54 | 5) Bear wrongs patiently 19:00 | 6) Forgive all injuries 22:18 | 7) Pray for the living and the dead 26:18 | Listener question 28:32 | New book—Ethics for Beginners by Peter Kreeft Links Ethics for Beginners by Peter Kreeft NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a patron and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and join us today!

In Colossians 3:16, we find three truths that teach us how we can be effective in giving and receiving admonition.

In This Episode Erin and Weer'd discuss: the new assault weapons ban which failed in the Senate; two mass shootings which happened on the same day but in different states; and the First Amendment challenge to New York's social media disclosure requirement for a handgun permit was  successful; and David gives us a primer on how to dry fire. Did you know that we have a Patreon? Join now for the low, low cost of $4/month (that's $1/podcast) and you'll get to listen to our podcast on Friday instead of Mondays, as well as patron-only content like mag dump episodes, our hilarious blooper reels and film tracks. Show Notes Main Topic: Senate GOP blocks votes on assault weapons ban, universal gun background checks Senate Bill 25: Assault Weapons Ban Suspect arrested in Texas fatally shot his parents before killing 4 other people, authorities say UNLV mass shooter was career college professor, source says, but unknown whether he had a connection with school ‘Target list,' ammo and conspiracy theories: Authorities reveal details on gunman who killed 3 UNLV faculty members Antonyuk v. Nigrelli  A lawsuit challenging New York's Concealed Carry Improvement Act New Yorkers don't need to disclose social media accounts to carry a firearm, federal court rules Gun Lovers and Other Strangers: Dry Firing DryFireMag SIRT Pistols CZ-52 PACT Shot Timer Strikeman MantisX CoolFire Trainer Laser Ammo A-Zoom Snap Caps Jerry Miculek: Quick and Easy Dry Fire Drills Brena Bock Author Page David Bock Author Page Team And More  

// Episode 34 // Double 1 7 ( Overcoming Victory ) ANDDR Stephen E Jones writes this..."The number thirty-four in Hebrew was written with the letters lamed (authority) and daleth (a door). It has to do with the authority to walk through the door or to enter a house. One may lawfully enter after one has identified himself. "SO I THINK THAT 34 IS THE NUMBER THAT INDICATES THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING TRUE IDENTITY. "- Troy BrewerIn episode 34 Brienne and Margaux share their own language and personal experience in attempt to help shed light on a "religious spirit "and "religious abuse". Religious abuse is when religious authority is used to manipulate or control others, through the twisting of scripture or misuse of office and influence. Religious abuse is far too common and can even be found in our own internal belief systems and structures created from our experiences or inherited from our ancestors. Its important we learn to identify when we are being accused or controlled but a religious spirit, shame or religious abuse ( which includes both ) so we can discern and reject in order to rightly know our amazing savior! . We are all on the journey of more freedom and learning to see God more clearly and truly. There is no judgement or condemnation for you as you identify areas you've been led astray. Our only intention is to name some spiritual dynamics to help you find language for something you may be experiencing and take it to God for further guidance and deliverance.Scriptural references in the episode:“Truly, truly I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in another way, the man is a thief and a robber…” John 10:1-“A house divided against itself cannot stand…” Mark 3:24-26“His kindness leads us to repentance..” Romans 2:4“Admonish one another” Romans 15:14“Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28I want to release freedom to question and discern. To know his voice for yourself. Even if a leader in your life tells you something that doesn't feel right or makes you feel you can't discern God for yourself, you're not dishonoring them by taking it to God asking Him for discernment. Its you right to discern and weigh in. More on Breathing Underwater Memberships HEREInterested in 1:1 coaching with Margaux : Free Consultation HERE Join the Community and Newsletter: HERE Email: margaux@permissiontoreign.comInstagram: @permission_to_reignIntro Music by Coma-Media from PixabayImage by Claire Fischer from Unsplash

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading I - Ezekiel 33:7-9 Reading II - Romans 13:8-10 Gospel - Matthew 18:15-20

The mind is the creator of everything—all happiness and suffering. Thus, gaining control over the mind is the only real and reliable way to live a happy, peaceful life. Buddha said that "we make our destiny, “therefore, control yourself.”   To tame the mind, a practitioner relies on mindfulness. Although "mindfulness" is a broadly used term, its original meaning in Buddhist texts means remembering the right actions and avoiding the wrong ones. During meditation, this involves remembering and remaining on the meditation objective you've chosen. For example, when doing a breathing meditation like counting the breath, mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of the breath. However, in daily life, mindfulness means remembering our planned practice and staying aware of what our body, speech, and mind are up to!  Mindfulness refers to knowing what's going on in your body, speech, and mind and being mindful of your actions, words, and thoughts. When we're mindful, we're not acting on autopilot. How does controlling the mind protect us from suffering? The purpose of mindfulness is to control our minds and, therefore, our actions. According to Buddhist teachings, our harmful past actions, or karma, lead to misfortunes and dangers. An intention in the mind always precedes these actions, so negative karma comes from an uncontrolled mind. On the other hand, a disciplined mind restrains us from harmful actions and encourages virtuous behavior, keeping us safe. The Indian Buddhist master Shantideva said that taming our minds won't necessarily save us if we are attacked by a tiger, lion, or elephant. But it will prevent us from accumulating the karma that would lead to such dangers in the future.  How does controlling the mind lead to all happiness? All good qualities come from the mind, including the six perfections of a Bodhisattva: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, joyful effort, concentration, and wisdom. From good habits in the mind, like these, arise good intentions, so we give to others. We are patient and kind. We make an effort to meditate and so forth, creating good actions or karma. From good karma comes every happiness we experience, as Taylor Swift sings in her song “Karma:” “Karma is the breeze in my hair on the weekend Karma's a relaxing thought Aren't you envious that for you it's not? Sweet like honey, karma is a cat Purring in my lap 'cause it loves me” Good karma ripens as anything from having a mind predisposed to happiness, generosity, or patience, to pleasant experiences like seeing a beautiful sunset. Training our minds in good habits leads to positive actions, which directly leads to our moments of happiness and their causes. Admonish yourself.  Control yourself.  O bhikkhu, self-guarded and mindful,  You will live happily. (379)    Oneself, indeed, is one's own protector.  One does, indeed, make one's own destiny.  Therefore, control yourself  As a merchant does a fine horse. (380) --Buddha, The Dhammapada Links to References Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011 (Link) Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=379 Find us at the links below:  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox Website: Buddhismforeveryone.com