Podcasts about apostle john

god jesus christ father lord peace gospel truth ephesians apostles great commission apostle paul john 3 verses 2john 3 john pastoral bible readings apostle john gaius thessalonian

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 7:24

2nd and 3rd John are short personal letters written fairly close to each other, around 95-96 AD. The first of these letters being to a beloved friend termed "the elect (or chosen by God) lady". The aged Apostle had a deep love for this sister because of her hospitality and faithfulness. His salutations of, "Grace, mercy and peace" come from a mature faith and are the same as those of the Apostle Paul to Timothy and Titus; the so called "Pastoral letters". Verses 4-11 express John's great joy that this wonderful sister's children had chosen to walk in the Truth. John reiterates the new command, "to walk in love"; frequently spoken of in his gospel account and first letter. He also warns of the false teachers (antichrists) mentioned at length in his first letter. The woman and her faithful family - the ecclesia - must abide in the true teaching of the Father and His Beloved Son. Anyone walking contrary to that Truth, in behaviour or doctrine, was to beforbidden the fellowship of the saints. John's final greetings, of verses 12-13, express his hope of catching up with the elect lady face to face, rather than through a letter. 3rd John was written to a friend who had often been the old Apostle's host - Gaius - who was deeply "loved in the Lord". This brother was a Thessalonian, who had been converted to the Truth by the Apostle Paul. Verses 5-12 speak of the supporters of ecclesial work and others who were the opponents - the enemies of the Faith. Gaius and those like him had shown great hospitality to visitors, who have preached the Gospel. Support for such workers was commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ when he sent forth the 72 in Luke 10. Those of us who cannot personally go into the mission fields have a responsibility to support both in prayer and financially those who undertake the Great Commission i.e. the taking the Gospel to the world (Matthew 28). John says that those who do so have become fellow helpers of the Truth. The Apostle warns his readers of being a puffed up, self-important errorist, who not only dragged down the faithful, but would take an aggressive stand against all who, like the Apostle John, would take a stand for truth and moral uprightness. Don't be imitators of the evil, but only of the true (see Ephesians 5verses1-21). In his final greetings the Apostle speaks of his desire to spend time with the faithful ecclesia with Gaius in a face-to- face context, rather than via letter. Peace will be with the faithful.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Episode 3556: Are We Entering a 1,000-Year Age of Peace - "Where's Your Light?: Ascension Edition" by Douglas F. Grady

This Week in America with Ric Bratton

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 27:51

Are We Entering a 1,000-Year Age of Peace - "Where's Your Light?: Ascension Edition" by Douglas F. GradyApostle John's prophecy of the 1,000-year reign of peace, penned over two thousand years ago in his Book of Revelation, is a beacon of hope. As we stand on the threshold of the millennium, John's words guide us towards a future where the world transitions to a state of Heaven on Earth, the 'world to come,' a term in the Bible that refers to a future era of peace and harmony. This prophecy fills us with optimism and a sense of purpose as we ponder its implications on our current state of affairs.As we step into the new millennium, the Apostle John's prophecy sheds light on the transformative changes awaiting our world. It not only answers the question of how the world can evolve into a more loving environment for the future but also ignites a sense of hope and anticipation about the speed of this transformation. Moreover, John's revelation about the end of control by the Dark Forces promises an end to the bloody conflicts and devastating turmoil that have marred human history, filling us with excitement and hope for the future.Mr. Grady's spiritual journey is a unique and compelling one. In the fall of 1999, he underwent a profound spiritual baptism from God, a transformative event that led him to practice Self-Realization Fellowship. His journey began with meditation, which prepared him to receive the spark of love that engulfed his entire soul. His path led him to meet Apostle John through Marilyn Redmond for the Door to Glory book in 2011, and he has since published the book Where Is Your Light in 2023. We eagerly await his subsequent publication, The Incredible Journey of Our Savior.AMAZONhttps://douglasgradybooks.comhttps://bookstolifemarketing.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/121825app.mp3

god earth peace bible revelation entering ascension apostle john incredible journey our savior dark forces your light self realization fellowship marilyn redmond

The Antichrist Identified!

god jesus christ children spirit nazareth antichrist identified apostle john

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 14:44

All Episodes Wayne A Conrad The Antichrists Identified Episode Downloads 0 Total 0 Today Description Send us a text Many people throughout Christian history have been fascinated by the identity of the antichrist. The Apostle John is actually the only biblical write to use the term antichrist! He uses it 5 times in his first two letters. Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2:18 John must have been remembering the words Jesus had spoken ."Be careful that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will lead many astray. Matthew 24:4 John's concern is the theological identity of the antichrist. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 1 John 4:2-3 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 2 John 7 Thus the spirit of antichrist is found in all those who deny the reality of the incarnation, the coming of the Word, the eternal Son, into human flesh through the virgin birth by Mary of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus became a true human without ceasing to be true deity in his one person for the salvation of sinners.

Antichrist: The apostle John told the church of his day about antichrist. And we learn from John.

Building your house on the word from God

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 30:27

(This podcast was previously published on January 27, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... As a new Christian in 1975, I attended a church named Word of Faith. Some of the women were speaking of the antichrist. This is the first time I had ever heard of antichrist. One woman said she thought antichrist was Henry Kissinger. In the book, War & Peace, Tolstoy said the Russian Catholic Church people thought the antichrist was Napoleon, who was attacking Russia in the early 1800's. I recall my aunt, who was Christ of Christ, saying the Catholic church and their pope was antichrist. Some in WWII thought antichrist to be Adolph Hitler. It is amazing, but the apostle John tells us about antichrist in I John 2. (I've never heard these scriptures taught at any church, but these scriptures are in our New Testament Bibles, and tell the answers to these questions.) * Is antichrist one man? * Does antichrist come through the governments of men? The apostle John says: I John 2:18-19 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us (in our church group): but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. So John tells us there are many antichrists. And antichrist had been in their church group, in John's time on this earth, which showed it to be "the last time". (The end time began with the resurrection of Jesus into heaven.) Paul tells us the following: Many of the elders in the church at Ephesus were just waiting for him, Paul, to depart so they could rise up and speak "perverse things" to the church at Ephesus. (antichrist: opposite to Christ, The Word) Acts 20:29-30 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. And Paul explained: II Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (In 1982, God said to me: "The falling away spoken of by Paul in II Thess. 2, is not men leaving the church groups. The falling away are church groups leaving the scriptures." And when this happens, antichrist comes into the church groups and cast aside certain scripture and sets up doctrines in the church which are opposite to scripture.) 2 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Antichrist comes through the churches. Antichrist is a "spirit" in many men. as the devil is a spirit that operates through many men. I discuss these things on this Podcast. ***** The main scriptures to study concerning antichrist are the following: I John 2:18-19 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us (in our church group): but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. *** II Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. *** The falling away from scripture is the restraint keeping antichrist out of the church, and when this falling away from scripture takes place, antichrist moves into "that" church group. We are seeing this in churches today as they turn from scriptures and set up other doctrines in their churches. This means Jesus can come at any time now, for this was ordained to happen before Jesus could return. May God give understanding to all who belong to Him

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 19th (Job 23, 24; Zechariah 1; 2 John, 3 John)

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 7:24

Job's reply to Eliphaz' accusations is found in chapters 23 and 24, where Job asks, "Where is God when the righteous need Him?". Job remains downcast because of his health and the constant carping criticism of his friends. These verbal attacks have, Job says, become unbearable. If only I could talk with God and find some answers. Job seeks for a mediator who could take his cause to the Almighty. Job saw himself in an impossible position and needing the "goel" (near kinsman to be his 'daysman'). Job knew that in being tried he would eventually emerge as purified gold (see Malachi 3verses3). Job was confident that he had lived an upright life before his Maker. The righteousness and rectitude of God was awesome to Job. Let us show the same profound respect to the Almighty. Zechariah was, together with Haggai, the prophet Yahweh had stirred up in 519-517 BC to encourage the returned exiles to resume the rebuilding of the Temple. Zechariah's name means "Yahweh has remembered" i.e. His covenant with His people the seed of Abraham. The fathers of the exiled had been chastised for turning away from their Sovereign. The theme is similar to that of Haggai, which is "Consider (or set your heart to thinking of) your ways (experiences). Learn from what you have experienced. Zechariah's message is expressed in 1verses3-6, "Return to me ... be not like your fathers". The first vision of the prophet is found in chapter 1 verses 7-17 and is, "The vision of the Horseman". The first horseman was on a red horse, since he had executed Yahweh's judgments in the earth; just like the second horseman in Revelation 6 was red as he had copiously shed blood. There were in Zechariah's opening vision white- and sorrel-coloured horses. The man among the myrtle trees, which trees commonly bloomed at the Feast of Booths - Tabernacles - and were used during the feast - was the angel of the LORD (verse 11). This festival was held in the 7th month. The first vision began on the 8th month so the myrtles were in full bloom and the feast had recently been kept. The man, who is the subject of the prophecy, is the Lord Jesus Christ and his saints - fellow believers. The vision is of the kingdom age of which Isaiah declares, "When Thy judgments are in the earth, then will the inhabitants learn righteousness" (26verses9). This is why the earth in the vision is said to be at rest and quiet. For 70 years the nation of Judah had experienced the chastising hand of God. Zion, Jerusalem, had been her Husband's bride. Yahweh had shown great zeal (jealousy) for His bride just as Christ is for his bride - we believers. 2 Corinthians 11verses1-6, which verses tell us the same message. The prophet Zechariah says that the nations who had brought God's punishment on Judah had been overzealous in performing this recompense. So, the Almighty would punish those nations, such as Babylon, which had fallen to the Persian power a mere 20 years earlier. But now Judah's God had shown His people mercy, favour and compassion. The LORD has begun to do in our time (Psalm 102verses13-16). The measuring line of restoration and rebuilding will in the near future be stretched over Jerusalem, as it was in the prophet's days. Chapter 1verses18-21 outlines the second vision of the 4 horns and the 4 craftsmen - once again the use of cherubic symbols speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ and those believing in him. The horns speak of a destroying power that will be unleashed against the enemies of the LORD. These horns will wreak judgement upon the evils of this world (see Acts 17verses30-31), Israel's king will through these craftsmen rebuild this earth and fashion it to the honour and glory of the Lord God Almighty. In a 3-volume exposition of the book of Revelation a Christadelphian author, by the name of John Thomas, showed in volume 1 that the symbolism of Revelation can only be understood by a consistent application of those symbols in the Old Testament. He also said that the prophecy of Zechariah contains more of these symbols than any other OT writing. 2nd and 3rd John are short personal letters written fairly close to each other, around 95-96 AD. The first of these letters being to a beloved friend termed "the elect (or chosen by God) lady". The aged Apostle had a deep love for this sister because of her hospitality and faithfulness. His salutations of, "Grace, mercy and peace" come from a mature faith and are the same as those of the Apostle Paul to Timothy and Titus; the so called "Pastoral letters". Verses 4-11 express John's great joy that this wonderful sister's children had chosen to walk in the Truth. John reiterates the new command, "to walk in love"; frequently spoken of in his gospel account and first letter. He also warns of the false teachers (antichrists) mentioned at length in his first letter. The woman and her faithful family - the ecclesia - must abide in the true teaching of the Father and His Beloved Son. Anyone walking contrary to that Truth, in behaviour or doctrine, was to be forbidden the fellowship of the saints. John's final greetings, of verses 12-13, express his hope of catching up with the elect lady face to face, rather than through a letter. 3rd John was written to a friend who had often been the old Apostle's host - Gaius - who was deeply "loved in the Lord". This brother was a Thessalonian, who had been converted to the Truth by the Apostle Paul. Verses 5-12 speak of the supporters of ecclesial work and others who were the opponents - the enemies of the Faith. Gaius and those like him had shown great hospitality to visitors, who have preached the Gospel. Support for such workers was commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ when he sent forth the 72 in Luke 10. Those of us who cannot personally go into the mission fields have a responsibility to support both in prayer and financially those who undertake the Great Commission i.e. the taking the Gospel to the world (Matthew 28). John says that those who do so have become fellow helpers of the Truth. The Apostle warns his readers of being a puffed up, self-important errorist, who not only dragged down the faithful, but would take an aggressive stand against all who, like the Apostle John, would take a stand for truth and moral uprightness. Don't be imitators of the evil, but only of the true (see Ephesians 5verses1-21). In his final greetings the Apostle speaks of his desire to spend time with the faithful ecclesia with Gaius in a face-to- face context, rather than via letter. Peace will be with the faithful. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 18th (Job 22; Haggai 1, 2; 1 John 5)

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 9:59

In 1 John 5verses1-5 we are told the source of overcoming the world - by the faith of the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. And by that faith I live. An early Christadelphian writer, John Thomas said, that this was by a faith, which works by love and purifiers the soul (life). John Thomas was alluding to the early verses of Galatians 5. The Apostle John tells us that such a belief is evidence of our divine begetting. And, for us, it is the assurance ("by this we know") that God is with us. We can be more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8). The work, spoken of in chapter 2, is not about our love, but we do love the Father with all of our heart. And this love of the Father which impels us was the motive force of the life of the Son of God. Read Romans 8verses31-39 slowly and pause and ponder. Verses 6-12 provide testimony concerning the Son of God. Our Lord Jesus who came by water and blood - the water in which he was immersed at his baptism and the water of the Word of God with which his mind was saturated; and the blood of his sacrificial offering of himself. This offering was sanctified by the Word of God and prayer and pleased his Father. John is alluding to his witnessing of the crucifixion (John 19verses34-37). Verse 7 from the ESV reads, and I quote in full, "For there are three that testifyverses". Most of the better translations recognise the insertion into the text of additional words which aren't found in most of the older manuscripts. The additional words used in the KJV (and some other versions are admitted by most modern translations to be spurious and added by a Jesuit monk, Immanuel Tapsensis). Verse 8 identifies the three witnesses to our Lord's divine Sonship as - the Spirit, the water and the blood. Under the law at least two corroborating witnesses were needed to determine truth. John affirms total agreement among these witnesses. Additionally, God bore testimony, Matthew 3verses15-17, to His Son. And only in His Son, and through His Son's work, we have life. From verses 13-21 the beloved disciple John has written these things for our assurance ("that we may know"). We have known and believed upon the name above every name (Philippians 2verses9-11), and the only name in which there is salvation (Acts 4verses12). And through continuance in this Name salvation is assured. John repeats that the Father's ear is ever open to His children's pleas. Verses 16-17 reiterates that when we love the brethren we will help them (as they will likewise help us) when we stumble (Galatians 6verses1-5). Such advice and correction will prevent rejection at the coming judgment of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, for the habitual and lawless sinner, who has abandoned any attempt to continue walking in the light there remains "no offering for sin" (Hebrews 10verses26-39). Being begotten by God, through His Word (1 Peter 1verses22-25), we overcome in faith and walk in the way of His commandments. The world and its ways allure, but cannot conquer us. Finally, says John, "Keep yourself from idols" - a specific allusion to the Ten Commandments (especially numbers 1 and 10 which bookend all the others). Keeping ourselves from idols is about the tendency within our human nature to always look after ourselves before applying ourselves to living according to the ways of our Almighty Father.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 18th (Job 22; Haggai 1, 2; 1 John 5)

Downtown Community Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 9:59

Job chapter 22 resumes with the third round of debate which is commenced by Eliphaz. His contention is that Job's wickedness is great. Eliphaz says that humans are not able to do anything that profits God, but at least they should show respect by admitting their wicked ways. He says, "Are you, Job? Job why aren't you fearful to enter a contest with the Almighty?" Eliphaz next lays a series of accusations against Jobverses including not sustaining the starving; sending widows away with any help. This is why you now suffer. Consider Yahweh's greatness and capacity to behold all your evil ways. Return to the just ways Eliphaz counsels. By reaching agreement with your Maker, you will have peace and your former prosperity will be restored (of course Eliphaz' reasoning is unsound and based on the false teaching of exact retribution). Humble yourself, he argues, and submit to your Creator. Though Eliphaz's accusations against Job are wrong we must humble ourselves before the Almightyverses James 4verses8-10; 1 Peter 5verses5-7. We come to the short prophecy of Haggai, whose name means "the festive one". Haggai together with Zechariah prophesied over a short period of 27 months (in the second to the fourth years of Darius) encouraging the returned Exiles to resume the rebuilding of the Temple, which had ceased about BC 521 when the Persian king Artaxerxes had been stirred up by Samaritan and Arabian opposition to the rebuilding project. The background to this time can be found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The two prophets were themselves energised by the LORD to turn the minds of the people from concentrating on building their own homes to refocusing on Yahweh's house. Haggai prophesied over a 5 month and 3-day period around BC 519. The prophet was the son of the Governor - Zerubbabel, whose name means "a shoot out of Babylon". Zerubbabel typifies the Lord Jesus Christ who is described in Isaiah 11verses1 as "a shoot from the stump of Jesse"; and in Revelation 22verses16 as "the root and the offspring of David". In verse 4 the prophet upbraids the nation for their self-interest and preoccupation with their own houses. The theme of the book is stated in chapter 1verses5verses "Consider - Hebrew 'set your mind' - on your ways" (repeated in 1verses15; 2verses7, 18). Rotherham translates this phrase asverses "Apply your heart to your own experience". We would say in modern English, "think very carefully about what you are doing. It was to be for them, as it ought always needs to be so for us, a time for self-examination. They had sown much seed in expectation of a large harvest, but since their attitude was wrong God had greatly diminished their harvest. The clothing which they wore could not keep them warm. It was a time of rampant inflation described poetically by the metaphor of the worker placing his money in a bag with holes. As soon as the money went into the bag it was gone (how much is this like our experiences now). Don't worry about your houses, says the prophet, just go to the mountains with an axe to cut wood for My house (speaking of Yahweh's Temple). Whatever house you build will give Me pleasure and I will glorify it. I will not cease chastising you until you learn my ways, says your God. And so, a drought came on the whole land affecting both people and animals. Verses 12-15 record that the nation responded to the rebuke with actions which brought blessings. In chapter 2verses1-9 we have the coming glory of this Temple, which they were now building, as emblematic of the glorious Temple to be built in Jerusalem by our Lord Jesus Christ soon. We are told in Ezra that when the Temple of the returned exiles was completed there were two different reactionsverses 1) the young rejoiced to see a Temple for the first time in their life; 2) the old cried seeing the new Temple as a pitiful shadow of Solomon's. Comparisons are always odious and we must rejoice in whatever blessings our Sovereign gives to His children. It was, said by the prophet Zechariah that now is "A day of small things" - Zechariah 4verses8-10. Our God, through the prophet, speaks of the brilliance of the glory of the coming Age of Messiah. Haggai says that God's acceptance and glorification of this house, which was now built, would exceed that of Solomon's Temple and prefigures that of the kingdom to come (compare Hebrews 12verses25-27). The shaking and removal of the Mosaic heavens was to occur at the hands of Rome in 70 AD (Hebrews 1verses10-12). The shaken sea speaks of the Gentile nations and the dry land of eretz Israel. The result of this great geopolitical earthquake will be the establishment of Messiah's kingdom and a blessed earth at last at peace. Verses 10-19 speak of blessings to a humble and repentant nation. Mosaic Law defilement was transmitted and so we must act carefully and choose wisely in our associations with others since the Proverbs sayverses "Bad company corrupts good morals". For the same reason, although holiness is not transferable, we need to meet together with those who encourage us in God's Word and ways (Hebrews 10verses23-25). We all need to take heed and "Consider our ways". Zerubbabel in his faithfulness to his LORD is compared to a signet ring, whose engravings show the character of its owner (verses 20-23; see also Zechariah 3verses5-10). And in this the Governor - Zerubbabel - typifies the Lord Jesus Christ and his great work for the LORD's people (Hebrews 1verses1-4). In 1 John 5verses1-5 we are told the source of overcoming the world - by the faith of the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. And by that faith I live. An early Christadelphian writer, John Thomas said, that this was by a faith, which works by love and purifiers the soul (life). John Thomas was alluding to the early verses of Galatians 5. The Apostle John tells us that such a belief is evidence of our divine begetting. And, for us, it is the assurance ("by this we know") that God is with us. We can be more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8). The work, spoken of in chapter 2, is not about our love, but we do love the Father with all of our heart. And this love of the Father which impels us was the motive force of the life of the Son of God. Read Romans 8verses31-39 slowly and pause and ponder. Verses 6-12 provide testimony concerning the Son of God. Our Lord Jesus who came by water and blood - the water in which he was immersed at his baptism and the water of the Word of God with which his mind was saturated; and the blood of his sacrificial offering of himself. This offering was sanctified by the Word of God and prayer and pleased his Father. John is alluding to his witnessing of the crucifixion (John 19verses34-37). Verse 7 from the ESV reads, and I quote in full, "For there are three that testifyverses". Most of the better translations recognise the insertion into the text of additional words which aren't found in most of the older manuscripts. The additional words used in the KJV (and some other versions are admitted by most modern translations to be spurious and added by a Jesuit monk, Immanuel Tapsensis). Verse 8 identifies the three witnesses to our Lord's divine Sonship as - the Spirit, the water and the blood. Under the law at least two corroborating witnesses were needed to determine truth. John affirms total agreement among these witnesses. Additionally, God bore testimony, Matthew 3verses15-17, to His Son. And only in His Son, and through His Son's work, we have life. From verses 13-21 the beloved disciple John has written these things for our assurance ("that we may know"). We have known and believed upon the name above every name (Philippians 2verses9-11), and the only name in which there is salvation (Acts 4verses12). And through continuance in this Name salvation is assured. John repeats that the Father's ear is ever open to His children's pleas. Verses 16-17 reiterates that when we love the brethren we will help them (as they will likewise help us) when we stumble (Galatians 6verses1-5). Such advice and correction will prevent rejection at the coming judgment of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, for the habitual and lawless sinner, who has abandoned any attempt to continue walking in the light there remains "no offering for sin" (Hebrews 10verses26-39). Being begotten by God, through His Word (1 Peter 1verses22-25), we overcome in faith and walk in the way of His commandments. The world and its ways allure, but cannot conquer us. Finally, says John, "Keep yourself from idols" - a specific allusion to the Ten Commandments (especially numbers 1 and 10 which bookend all the others). Keeping ourselves from idols is about the tendency within our human nature to always look after ourselves before applying ourselves to living according to the ways of our Almighty Father. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Emmanuel | Great High Priest

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 42:55

This Advent season we are studying John 1, where the Apostle John provides an intricately beautiful description of who Jesus truly was. Join Pastor Ben as he leads us through this next week of our study!Support the show

jesus christ advent high priests great high priest apostle john

Little Children, Love One Another - Audio

Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2025 26:12

At Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, our senior pastor Rev. Craig Bailey continued his mini Advent sermon series, looking closely this week at the life of the Apostle John.

love children advent rev disciples charleston love one another little children apostle john children love scripture: 1 john 4:7-4:12

God Is Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and You Pray to One Triune Being – God, the Creator of the Universe

Broadcasts – Christian Working Woman

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 1:00

God Is Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and You Pray to One Triune Being – God, the Creator of the Universe MESSAGE SUMMARY: In Mark 8:29, Jesus asked His Disciples the question He asks you: “And he asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered him, ‘You are the Christ {Messiah}.'". As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:1-6: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.”. God IS Father, IS Son, and He IS Holy Spirit. Jesus told the crowd in the Temple; and He tells us, as it is recorded for us now by the Apostle John, in John 10:25,30: “Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me . . . I and the Father are one.'”. Also, Jesus provides more insights to your Trinitarian relationship with God in John 14:18-20: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.". God is one God, but He is in three natures: God is Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when you pray, you are praying to one triune being – God, the Creator of the Universe. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to be still and to wait patiently for you in silence. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 125). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, He will supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 4:1-8; John 10:24-30; Mark 1:9-11; Psalms 139a:1-12. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Day Is Coming – Part 2”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

god jesus christ father lord spirit creator holy spirit pray universe temple ephesians philippians psalms in jesus apostle john trinitarian triune zondervan scripture references his disciples god the creator kindle edition father jesus christ messiah esv ephesians emotionally healthy spirituality day word from the lord website

Abiding in Christ – 2

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 3:00

Presented by Julie Busteed Abiding in Jesus—remaining with him—is an active daily practice. The Apostle John writes: By this we know we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked (1 John 2:5b-6). How do you and I walk the way Jesus walked? Reading the Gospels, we see how often he withdrew to spend time alone with the Father—on a mountain, in a quiet place, away from the crowds—to pray, listen, and discern God's will. We are called to do the same. Staying connected to the vine is essential for our life. Just as branches receive a continuous flow of nutrients from the vine, we receive strength, wisdom, love, and joy from Christ. The connection is vital: severed from the vine, branches wither and cannot bear fruit. Likewise, apart from Jesus, we cannot thrive or produce lasting fruit. Jesus promises those who remain in him will bear much fruit. This fruit shows up in our character—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It shows up in our relationships, in our work, in our ability to forgive, in our desire to serve, and in the joy and strength we receive from Christ himself. Abiding produces a life that reflects Jesus. Jesus also promises joy. Not a surface happiness that depends on circumstances, but his own joy, placed within us—a steady, settled gladness that cannot be shaken by what happens around us. But Jesus also speaks honestly about the consequences of not remaining in him. He says if anyone does not abide in him, that person is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned (John 15:6). Branches disconnected from the vine cannot produce fruit. They wither. They dry up. They lose the life and nourishment that comes only from staying connected to the vine. Jesus isn't threatening his disciples; he's warning them with love. He knows the pressures they will face. He knows how easy it is to drift, to try to live the Christian life in our own strength, to rely on our own wisdom, or to become spiritually stagnant. Apart from him, he says, you can do nothing. This is not meant to discourage us—but to draw us nearer to the source of life. Jesus wants his disciples, and us today, to understand that staying close to him is not optional for a fruitful life; it is essential.

god jesus christ father gospel reading staying abiding branches apostle john abiding in christ

God Gives a Jesus Follower's Life Meaning and Purpose, Satisfies their Hunger to Know Their Life's Purpose, and Forgives Their Sins

Sermons by Archbishop Foley Beach

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 1:00

God Gives a Jesus Follower's Life Meaning and Purpose, Satisfies their Hunger to Know Their Life's Purpose, and Forgives Their Sins MESSAGE SUMMARY: As Jesus tells us in John 15:12-14, that you, as His follower, are His “friend: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends.". God became flesh, and He dwelt among us. God became human to draw you into a personal relationship with Him. In John 1:14, the Apostle John identifies Jesus as the “Son of the Father”: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.". God alone can satisfy the meaning and purpose of your life. God alone can satisfy your hunger to know your life's meaning. Most importantly, God alone can give you forgiveness of your sins as Paul tells us in Colossians 2:13-14: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.". Jesus' life, miracles, death, and His Resurrection are invitations to a life-long personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe. Our personal relationship with God is through His gift, to Jesus Followers, of the Holy Spirit. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Fear Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Faithfulness. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 1:10-13; Colossians 2:10-15; Psalms137:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Day Is Coming – Part 2”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

god jesus christ father lord creator holy spirit universe hebrews colossians hunger faithfulness sins in john in jesus god gives apostle john forgives satisfies jesus followers meaning and purpose zondervan his resurrection kindle edition life meaning scazzero emotionally healthy spirituality day word from the lord website

A Day Is Coming – Part 2

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 25:00

A Day Is Coming – Part 2 MESSAGE SUMMARY: We are in the season of Advent, which means “coming” or “arrival”. The Church begins this season of “arrival” or Advent as the time we recognize and celebrate the “arrival” of Jesus – both Jesus' “first coming” and His “second coming”. We celebrate Jesus' “first coming” on Christmas Eve. The season of Advent is, also, a season of hope; and Advent is the beginning of our Church's “New Year”. In the book of Isaiah, Isaiah 24 through Isaiah 26 presents prophesies regarding the future about 600 years before the birth of Jesus. More specifically, Isaiah 24:1-13 describes the destruction of the world resulting from the sinful acts of God's people. However, Isaiah 24:14-16 describes a period of joy and hope in the world. As in the time of Isaiah, we should not give credence to the prophesies, by fellow humans today, of the world's destruction and/or a specific date for Jesus' ”second coming” {arrival}. Jesus told us both not to be “anxious” about those things that we cannot control and that “no one knows the day and the hour” of His return (i. e. Jesus “second coming”). Rather, in this season of Advent, we recognize the hope brought to the world by God's grace and His gift of Jesus. Our hope is built upon Jesus' birth, death on the cross, and His Resurrection all providing us with the means for our Redemption, Salvation, and our Eternal Life. However, there will be a day when Jesus returns again to earth (i. e. Jesus' “second coming”) on a day that cannot be predicted by humans. Jesus' “second coming” will establish His Kingdom and a new Heaven. Therefore, even though we do not know the when of Jesus' “second coming” we haves God's promise of the what Jesus' “second coming” will mean. We need not fear the “second coming”. The “second coming” is a promise by God and should lead us, in this season of Advent, to renew our preparation in hope and not fear and anxiety. We have God's promise that nothing can separate us from His love, as the Apostle John tells us in 1 John 4:16-19: “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us." We do not want to get so wrapped up in the details of Jesus' “second coming” so that, like the First Century Jews, we miss Jesus. One certainty, in Jesus' “second coming”, is our “Judgement”. Jesus' “second coming” will “arrive”, but we have nothing to fear if we are ready. We are “ready” by living lives of Faithfulness to the Gospel and through Repentance. Is there something in your life with which you have not dealt with in Repentance? If so, you are not “ready”. We must be willing to follow Jesus and to respond to those things He asks of us. The Apostle John tell us in Revelation 22:20-21: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The Grace of Lord Jesus be with all. Amen”. Do you want to be ready for Jesus' “second coming”? If so, are you ready? TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Isaiah 24:1-16; Romans 8:38-39; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19; 1 John 4:16-19; Revelation 20:4; Matthew 25:31-32; Johnb5:24; 1 Corinthians 11:28-32; Romans 11:25-27; Luke 1:31-33; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 10:37-39; Revelation 22:20-21. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “God, the Father, Is Spirit; Jesus Followers Must Worship the Father in Spirit and Truth with Reality and Honesty and Not a Façade”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

god jesus christ new year father church lord spirit bible reality gospel truth romans revelation salvation corinthians redemption teach advent christmas eve hebrews repentance sabbath judgement faithfulness thessalonians honesty amen fa eternal life his son his kingdom in jesus apostle john coming part zondervan his resurrection kindle edition scazzero emotionally healthy spirituality day word from the lord website

Study In The Book Of John (John 3)

Calvary Temple

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025

Join us for a study through the Gospel of the Apostle John, continuing with John 3. In John 3 we will cover Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus, the gospel summary of John 3:16, and John the Baptists reaction to his disciples' concerns about Jesus' growing ministry.

jesus christ california church gospel study temple sermon campbell john 3 nicodemus calvary in john apostle john john john book of john pentacostal john the baptists

Nobody Talks About “Coveting” Anymore

Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 32:22

The Tenth Commandment is against “coveting.”That's an old-fashioned concept that no one really seems to talk about any more.Which is a shame, because coveting is a sure way to be unhappy.This is because coveting is wanting something that isn't yours to have.Including someone else's life. And wanting something that isn't yours to have is a sure way to be miserable.It's like when Peter asked Jesus what the future held for the Apostle John.Jesus's response? “What's that to you, Peter?”It's the same for us—we are constantly allowing ourselves to covet things that aren't ours: other people's lives or bodies or families or bank accounts.The only solution to this is gratitude.

jesus christ apostle john coveting tenth commandment

The God-Man

NPPBC Audio Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 40:11

Tears and Preaching Personal anecdote about crying and preaching Preacher Billy Kelly: “I’m too big to care what you think about me crying.” Tears as an immediate result of the Holy Spirit Tears, snot, etc. as an excuse John 14:11 Philip’s request: “Show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” Jesus’ response: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” “I am in the Father, and the Father in me.” “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” Jesus Christ: The God-Man 100% God and 100% man Mathematicians would say this is an impossibility People do not believe that Jesus is God Pharisees upset when Jesus equated himself to God Reason for wanting to kill Jesus: He said he was the Son of God Old Testament scriptures: indication of a Son of God? Spirit mentioned often Son of God references: prophecies about the Messiah, Emmanuel (God with us) Problem of the human heart: believing that Jesus Christ is God The Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Hard for the human mind to grasp Three are one and one are three Analogy: cherry pie with crust and filling God chose to reveal himself in three persons One no greater than the other, one no less than the other Importance of believing Jesus is God: Must bow to Christ to get to God One mediator between God and man: Jesus Christ Must be born again Reconciled unto the Father through the mediator (Jesus) The Only Begotten Son of God People take great liberties with the word of God Translations changed: “only begotten Son” to “unique one,” “only son,” or something else If Jesus is the only son, what are we? 1 John: “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we have been called the sons of God.” Born-again believers are grafted in and adopted into the family of God Adopted in, not begotten in God’s only begotten son is Jesus Christ Trust must go into Christ Plan of God from the beginning: Recognized the way to present salvation to a sinner Had to send his only begotten son God had to become one of us for the supreme sacrifice Jesus had to take on flesh Jesus had to become what only Mary could be: a son conceived of the Holy Ghost Relevance of the birth of Jesus Christ: Virgin conceived of the Holy Ghost Not just another man born into the world The God-man was born Apart from Christ, you can’t be saved Must believe in Jesus and that he was virgin born Otherwise, he couldn’t have been God’s Son or the spotless Lamb God sent His Son, who became flesh and was God in the flesh Believe for the Very Works’ Sake Jesus’ words in John 14: “Believe me for the very works’ sake.” Raised the dead Gave sight to the blind Caused the deaf to speak and hear These works can only be done by the power of God Question to Philip: How long will you stand on the outside of simply believing in Jesus Christ? Challenge: If you truly believe in Jesus Christ, why don’t you trust him, serve him, surrender to him, and seek salvation? Jesus wasn’t just a good man, he was the God-man Many believe Jesus was a prophet They believe that Jesus existed He was a good man, a prophet, but more than that If Jesus is not the God-man to you, you’ll miss who he really was He was the only begotten Son of God Matthew 1:23 Quoting Isaiah 7:14 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us.” Somebody needs to believe in Jesus because of who He is If he had been like you or me, he would not have been spotless, perfect, and acceptable unto God the Father There had to be a body for the sacrifice God searched heaven, earth, and under the earth, and there was none worthy Jesus prayed in the garden: “Father, if it be any other way, let it pass from me. Nevertheless, thy will be done.” No other way to save us but to send His own Son In order to be sacrificed, there had to be a body born of man God made a way for a virgin to bear his son Jesus has always existed; he did not begin in Bethlehem God had to make a way for his son to become flesh in order for him to become a sacrifice Jesus could suffer in your place, die in your place, and offer up his blood unto God as the eternal atonement and sacrifice for sin Either God sent his son to die for you, or Jesus was a fake Either Jesus was a liar, or he is the Lord Jesus was either a liar or he is the king of glory today God’s plan from the beginning was to make his son one of us, except without sin Wise Men and the Birth of Jesus Matthew 23: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us.” Wise men came from afar, traveled a great distance, and bowed before the young child Kings from the Orient presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh They saw a star and concluded that a king had been born They weren’t coming to find an earthly king They went to Herod and asked, “Where is he that is born king of the Jews?” God made a way for mankind to be saved through Jesus Christ The only means of salvation still is Jesus Christ John 1:14 Matthew begins with the genealogy and birth of Jesus Christ Luke tells much about the birth of Jesus Christ John introduces him this way: “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” “In the beginning was God, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” The Word refers to Jesus Christ himself Jesus is the word of God, the bread of life, the sustenance Jesus was the manna and the water that kept the children of Israel alive God recognized that Jesus had to be born John concluded that the Word was made flesh No man was involved in the birth of Jesus Christ Mary asked, “How can this be, since I know not a man?” The angel Gabriel explained: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Thank God for the son given that day to become the sacrifice for my soul God-man born in the lowliest of conditions All John knew to say was, “The Word was made flesh.” Relevancy of who Jesus really is He’s the God of it John said the word he said it was made flesh he said and he dwelt among us he was trying to put this down he said we beheld his glory beheld his glory he said yes We beheld His glory as of the only begotten Son of God. Salvation is 100% dependent upon His Son God made no other way of salvation but through His Son Everything that we have concerning Jesus is of necessity John 10:28 Jesus said, “And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” No man or priest can give you eternal life The only way to get saved is through Jesus Jesus Christ is the giver of life “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” He is the God-man, the King of glory incarnate “My Father, which is greater than I, which gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” “I and my Father are one.” Eternal life that Jesus gives is able to keep you to everlasting Jesus made a clear statement concerning his position in God This declaration fired up the Pharisees to the point they wanted to stone him Jesus is God today He’s the God-man, sent to become our sacrifice 1 John 5:7 The Holy Ghost moving through the Apostle John to clarify the position of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost “For there are three that bear record in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one.” The record needs to make the difference for you Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” John concludes that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one If Jesus was just a man, he couldn’t save you God had to send his son because there was no other way to be saved We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ because God sent his son He was born of the virgin, having conceived of the Holy Spirit of God What was born that day was God in the flesh, the second part of Godhead, the God of man You’re believing in God, not just another man The only way to get reconciled with God is to believe in Jesus Christ, His Son Distinctions in the God-Man On his mother’s side, he’s the Son of Man On his father’s side, he’s the Son of God On his mother’s side, his name is Jesus On his father’s side, his name is Emmanuel, God with us On his mother’s side, he was a carpenter On his father’s side, he’s the creator of all heaven and earth On his mother’s side, he was born in a manger On his father’s side, he’s sitting on a throne today On his mother’s side, he was visited by shepherds and worshiped by wise men On his father’s side, he’s worshipped by the entire host of heaven On his mother’s side, he had no place to lay his head On his father’s side, he has a throne that’s sitting beside the holy and sovereign Lord of all On his mother’s side, they pierced him in his side and nailed him to his hands, and he bled out and died for us On his father’s side, he lives forever and still bears the scars of the man Jesus is the only mediator between God and man On his mother’s side, he had no keys to anything of his own On his father’s side, he has the keys of hell and death On his mother’s side, he had a birth date and a death date On his father’s side, he’s Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last “I am he that liveth and was dead and am alive forevermore.” On his mother’s side, he was baptized of John in the waters of the Jordan River On his father’s side, he baptizes all the believers with the Holy Spirit On his mother’s side, he was the healer of men On his father’s side, he’s the healer of our soul On his mother’s side, he calmed the raging sea On his father’s side, he created the sea itself On his mother’s side, he thirsted on the cross On his father’s side, he’s the fountain of living water for all that will believe him On his mother’s side, he was falsely condemned by the high priest On his father’s side, he sits as my high priest and ever makes intercession for me On his mother’s side, he shed his own blood for our sins On his father’s side, he took all that blood back and carried it up unto the Father as the payment for my sin On his mother’s side, he died on the cross On his father’s side, he had power to raise from the dead On his mother’s side, he was judged and condemned by sinful men On his father’s side, he is a judge and will judge rightly in that day Invitation “No man can come to the Father but by me.” God made a way for you to be saved All He’s asking you today is to come, trust Him, believe in yourself, confess your sin, and call upon the one that can forgive you of it Jesus Christ will do the very thing that he died to do for you today We can make this your birthday spiritually if you’ll trust Christ and believe him Consider in your heart today where you’re going to spend eternity If you’re not ready right now, read If you know right now that Jesus is not your Savior and you have never bowed to Christ, then you need to come, obey God, believe Him, trust Him, and call upon Him If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his You cannot claim to be going to heaven today unless you have the Holy Spirit living in you, that Jesus Christ is your Lord, that you have made Him your Savior You’ve received Christ as your own and you know that God is your Father today These three are one You cannot separate them but to distinguish the power of their work in all of our lives

Bible Discovery, Revelation 4-6 | The Door Is Open – December 18, 2025

Bible Discovery

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 28:30

We are a family-run international ministry with television, print and online programs designed to guide you through the Bible in one year. From social issues and apologetics to theology, history and science, our mission is to educate, edify and encourage the believer to actively engage with God's Word in all ways.

god bible evolution revelation discovery bible study archaeology revelation 4 charles darwin eschatology apostle john throne room temple mount christian theology

Hi Folks. Thanks for joining me as we move ahead in our study of Hebrews. We're moving on to verses 2 and 3 of chapter one today but before we do that, I want to tell you about a friend of mine. He is no longer with us. His name was Joel (name changed for confidentiality purposes) and he was Jewish. He suffered from depression and always proclaimed forcefully that his depression was due to a chemical imbalance that required multiple medications to treat it. The treatment was never effective. He would sometimes say to me, “Art, I guess God wants me to be depressed”. Joel made a profession of faith in Jesus about 25 years ago. Now folks, please keep this true anecdote in mind because Hebrews was written to Jewish people some of whom may have been like Joel.Hebrews 1:1–3 NKJV1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,Last time we went over verse 1 and we talked about how God spoke to the ancient Hebrews through the prophets at many different times and in various ways. The prophets refers to the Old Testament prophets of course including the 16 writing prophets as well as those prophets who did not write specific books in the Old Testament that have been categorized as books of prophecy. Writing prophets would include those such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. The 16 writing prophets are divided into major and minor prophets but I need to mention at this point that what I am referring to as the 16 writing prophets would be in the Jewish tradition only 15 in number. The difference is Daniel. Hebrew tradition does not include Daniel in the Nevi'im, or Prophets. Daniel is included in the last or third section of the TaNaKh which is the Ketuvim or the writings.Now folks, we can say from Hebrews 1:2 alone that Jesus' ministry marked the beginning of the last days. Maybe that surprises you. But listen please.Hebrews 1:2 NIVbut in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.Folks, God spoke many things to the Jewish people of first century Israel through His Son Jesus and much of what He said has been preserved for us to read today. We will cover some of those things in our study of this book. But let's talk now for a minute or so about Jesus as God's Son. Jesus is God's Son in a very different way than we are sons and daughters of God. We are told that we are sons and daughters in the Gospel of John:John 1:12–13 NIVYet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.This verse talks about what happens to us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior; we are born again and are transferred from being in Adam to being in Messiah or Christ. That's what John 1:12-13 is talking about and as incredible as that is - we becoming sons and daughters or children of God - we are not sons in the sense that Jesus is the Son of God. Because Jesus is not a created being and He is the one and only Son of God, He has to be of the same substance and nature as His Father. He has to be divine, He has to be deity. So please recognize that Jesus is the only unique Son of God and He is a Son - the Son - in a different way than we are. I also just want to remind you that God said He has a Son in the Old Testament in Psalm 2 and in Proverbs 30 and we talked about that last time. God's Son here is the Messiah.But getting back to Hebrews 1:2:Hebrews 1:2 NIVbut in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.In trying to grasp the profound meaning of this verse I think we can get some help by looking at John's Gospel:John 1:1–3 NIVIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.Now please take a look at Genesis 1:1:Genesis 1:1 NIVIn the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.Folks, God's Son did this. So, Who is this Son? We've already said that He is a Son like no other Son and that He is divine - He has the attributes of deity. But can we get a better understanding of that? I think we can. In John chapter 1 He is called the Word which in Greek is Logos and we are told that in the beginning He was with God and was God and that without Him nothing was made that was made. So, how is He, the Logos or Word and also God? Thanks to Arnold Fruchtenbaum, I've come to understand that the idea behind the Greek word Logos is better understood by the Aramaic word Memra, which also means word, and which was used in the Jewish Targums or paraphrases of the Hebrew Scriptures, recognized by many rabbis, to describe a visible appearance of God, somewhat similar to, yet different from, the Shekinah glory of God, like the pillar of fire that stayed with the Israelites in the desert following the Exodus. Sometimes this Memra would appear as the Angel of the LORD or the Angel of Yahweh such as we see in:Exodus 3:2 NIVThere the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.AND:Exodus 3:4 NIVWhen the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”Can you see from these 2 verses that there is an equivalence between the Angel of Yahweh and the LORD, meaning Yahweh Himself? The Apostle John was a Jewish man and would have been familiar with the Memra which means word. Logos was the closest Greek equivalent to Memra and so John used Logos as he was inspired to do by the Holy Spirit. This gives us an understanding of how Jesus is the Logos and God. He came as God in the flesh, God incarnate, and He was and is the same Divine Being that he was in the Old Testament where He temporarily came as the Angel of Yahweh. These appearances, in the Old Testament, were of the preincarnate Christ. Folks, this is mind blowing, is it not? But it's true!So, the Son of God - the Logos, or Memra, or Word - is like no other Son. Understanding this will help us greatly in this study of the letter to the Hebrews. And as the Divine Son of the Father, it becomes understandable that Yahweh, the Father, would appoint His one and only Son the Heir of all things. Likewise it makes sense that YHWH would appoint His Son to make the Universe, that the Universe would be made through Him. Folks, I don't want to get ahead of myself. We are in deep waters here but what wonderful deep waters they are! The Shema tells us that God is One but He is a complex or plural One. He is one God with a plural nature. We cannot fully understand this. But God allows us to understand it enough to know that it is absolutely true and that is a wonderful gift to us!But, getting back to the Scripture:Hebrews 1:2 NIVbut in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.So, what did the Son speak to us - and that applies to you and me - in these last days? Let me give you just a few things that He said:John 3:3 NIVJesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” And Jesus also said this:John 3:16 NIVFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. This is perhaps the most well known verse in the Bible. Both the essence and the assurance of salvation is encapsulated in this one verse.And Jesus said this:Matthew 22:36–40 NIV“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Folks, this is the essence of The New Covenant. This is the law that we are to follow now and it is a law that we can keep with the help of the Holy Spirit who indwells all believers.And Jesus also said this:John 19:30 NIVWhen he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Jesus finished the work of salvation. At a cost that we cannot comprehend, He has done it all.Folks, let's move on to verse 3 of chapter 1:Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)‌The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.The Jewish religious leaders were angry when Yeshua called Himself the Son of God. Because He was equating himself with deity.Let's look at John 5:18 NIV:‌For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.Yeshua is calling God His own Father or if I can take the liberty, His very own Father. In the Greek His own is idios. By using this word, idios, Yeshua is saying that God was His own private, personal, unique Father. If that were not so He would have used the usual Greek word for own which is autos.What about Jesus being the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. How can we understand that better?Let's see if we can we get an idea of the glory of God from the Old Testament because those were the Scriptures that the writers of the New Testament had. Let's look at Psalm 97:1-6 NIV:The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. [2] Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. [3] Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. [4] His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. [5] The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. [6] The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory.This is God's glory folks! Now let's look at something else:‌Exodus 24:9–10 (NASB95)Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.Now this was a glorious sight! They saw the God of Israel. But wait a minute! How could that be? Because if you see God you die, right? Now how do we know that?Leviticus 16:2 (NIV) The LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die. For I will appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.AND:Exodus 33:19-23 (NIV) And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. [20] But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” [21] Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. [22] When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. [23] Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”Now let's read the passage again from Exodus 24:Exodus 24:9–10 (NASB95)Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.So, they saw God here. Why didn't they die? I think the reason that they did not die is because Who they saw was the pre-incarnate Christ, the Messiah, the Word of God, the Memra! And when you see the Messiah, you don't die because He is both God and man in one person.Folks, Jesus is the exact representation of the Father. He is God. He is God incarnate, God in the flesh, Perfect God and Perfect man. Not two separate beings inside one person. No, Jesus' nature and character embody perfect God and perfect man in one person. He was and still is today the God-Man. He had to be in order to be our Savior - the Savior of mankind. We'll hear more about that as we go on further in this epistle.Folks, let's continue with Hebrews 1:3:“The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”Jesus sustains all things by His powerful word. What does that mean? Word in Hebrews 1:3 is not the Logos. Word here in the Greek is rhema and it means spoken word. So just as God spoke the universe into existence with incomprehensible power in Genesis, Jesus upholds or sustains all things by His spoken word, or we could phrase it like this: Jesus upholds all things by the power of His word. Let's look at just one example of the power of God's spoken word in the Hebrew Scriptures, in Genesis:Genesis 1:14–15 (NIV) And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so.And God said. The word for said in Hebrew is amar. You could translate it as declared. God declared that the sun and the moon and the stars and the planets come into existence out of nothing and that's exactly what happened. And we know that all things were made through Yeshua. We read that earlier in John 1:3; let's read it again:John 1:3 NIVThrough him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.That includes the sun and the moon and the stars and the planets! And in like manner, Yeshua/Jesus sustains or upholds all things by the power of His word.Moving on in Hebrews 1:3 “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”‌How did Yeshua provide purification for sins?Before we try to answer that question, let me pose another question: Could God have merely declared all our sins forgiven without the cross? Would that have taken care of everything? WAS THE CROSS REALLY NECESSARY? I'm going to ask you to keep that question in mind for a minute or two. We'll come back to it.Now let's look at something that might seem slightly off the topic, but it isn't. Let's talk about justification. Justification is when God as judge makes a judicial decision, and He states it as a judge in a courtroom would do. He declares it. He declares that our sins are forgiven, and our unrighteous nature is exchanged for the perfectly righteous nature of Christ. God pours out our sins on the Messiah – He takes our sins, and His perfect righteousness is imputed or credited to us. An exchange occurs. God declares us justified. That's exactly what He did for Abraham. He declares you and me righteous when we are saved. He gives us the status of righteousness. The power of God's word is beyond what we can comprehend. It created the universe, and it accomplishes our justification.So, back to the question I asked you to keep in mind a minute ago. Could God have simply declared that all our sins are forgiven and have done nothing more? No. Why not? There are several reasons. For one, the wrath of God must be turned away from us. Something called propitiation is necessary. There must be a sacrifice, a blood sacrifice of infinite value, to appease a wrathful God, and Jesus Christ is the only One who can do that. Please know, folks, that if a preacher denies the wrath of God and says that a declaration of forgiveness from God with nothing else behind it is enough, that preacher is teaching his congregation a false gospel. No, folks, an incalculable price was paid for you and me to be justified. The Son of God gave His life on the cross in payment for our justification. Should this be of particular interest to Jewish people? Yes. In fact, I have a question for my Jewish listeners:What if the temple and the Jewish priesthood and all the accoutrements of the temple service were recreated tomorrow and the blood sacrifices of animals without defect was resumed? Would that accomplish what the cross accomplished? No. Why?Let's take a look at Romans chapter 6:Romans 6:4-7 (NIV) We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.The things described in these verses – being buried with Christ, being united with Christ, our old self, our old man or old woman, dying in Him on the cross, and then being resurrected, raised to newness of life, in Him – all these things require Yeshua's substitutionary death on the cross. Because He did not come only to forgive our sins but to make us new men and women. We are born again. No animal sacrifice can ever do that.‌In closing, let's read Hebrews 1:3 once more and make a final comment or two:Hebrews 1:3 :“The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”Jesus sits down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. He died for us, He was buried, He was raised from the grave by the power of God, proving that He was the Son of God, and 40 days later He ascended to heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, in victory. He finished it all and sat down. Folks, a person sits down when the task assigned to him has been completed. That's why Jesus said “It is finished”.What God has done for us is beyond comprehension. Before I close, let's not forget that He sent His Son so that each one of us could spend eternity in heaven with Him. If you don't know Him, if you are not saved, if you are not born again, please call upon Him today and say “Lord, I know that I'm a sinner. I don't want to pay the price of eternal separation from you - eternal death – because of my sins. Please pay the debt that I owe and cleanse me so I can spend eternity with you. Thank you, Lord Yeshua.”And now, Folks, I want to go back to my friend Joel, who was depressed. Joel professed faith in Messiah but he never read the Bible and he never regularly attended any congregation. He said that God wanted him to be depressed. Folks, I believe that what God wanted was for Joel to ask Him for help. I don't know if Joel ever did that. I believe that had Joel sincerely called upon the Lord, He would have helped him abundantly. Joel could have come before the throne of grace. Please listen to this verse:Hebrews 4:16 NKJV16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.My friends, until the next time, this is Art Wolinsky. God bless you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit awolinsky.substack.com

The Throne Room of God - The Book of Revelation

Bible in a Year with Jack Graham

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 17:17 Transcription Available

In this Bible Story, John has been exiled after being dipped in a vat of boiling oil. As he sits on the shores of Patmos, God comes to him in a vision. John writes in poetry and metaphor to describe his vision of God’s throne room. We are taken up with John, beholding God’s majesty and glory. This story is inspired by Revelation. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Revelation 4:2 from the King James Version.Episode 242: The Apostle John, now exiled on the island of Patmos, became startled as he heard a powerful voice behind him. The voice told him to write down what he was about to see. He turned around to see who was speaking to him and saw that it was the risen Jesus. His appearance was full of majesty as He gave John a message for each of the seven churches. But the vision did not end there, John was then called up into the throne room of God where he saw it filled with the beauty and majesty only God can bring. Beautiful colors, many thrones, and massive living creatures which all shouted the praises of God Most High, and the Lamb that was slain now lives!Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greatest Commandment According to Jesus

god love jesus christ lord beloved leviticus greatest commandment apostle john shema

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 18:15

The Apostle John in his first letter writes some intriguing words, "Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you." The old commandment he is referring to is the "Shema," the confession of faith in the one true God to whom we owe full allegiance and devotion. In answer to a scribe's question in Mark 12:28-33 as to what is the greatest commandment, Jesus answers, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. He also relates the second greatest commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (This latter commandment is a phrase attached to a list of various laws in Leviticus 19.) The new component is Jesus' own love for his disciples. He loves us so much that he laid down his life for us on the cross. John 13:1-5, 34f records John's own experience of the love of Jesus shown by his washing their feet. In this context he gives the new commandment, "A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John's Story

Unlocking the Bible: Daily Broadcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 25:32

The Apostle John called himself, “The disciple whom Jesus loved.” Find out what he had to say about the birth of Jesus, in Pastor Colin's first-person narrative message from John.

jesus christ apostle john

My Reasons For Writing You

god jesus christ father lord christians writing ephesus apostle john

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 58:51

The Apostle John writes a deeply personal pastoral letter to his spiritual children in Ephesus. He is concerned about the spiritual dangers they are facing both from within and without related to false doctrine and ungodly secular antichrist pressure. He wants to protect and enhance their fellowship with the Father through Jesus Christ. His letter points to several signs or markers to distinguish true from false believers. In verses 12-14 of 1 John the apostle inserts a pause to particularly address the little children, the fathers and the young men in 6 parallel statements. The "little children" designation is used throughout his letter to indicate that they are beloved in the Lord by him. But it can also accent the reality of the first great awareness of newborn Christians. They rejoice in the forgiveness of their sins through Jesus' death and their relationship to God as Father. John then addresses two groups he calls fathers and young men. The fathers seem to refer to mature believers who know the true identity of Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word who has always been with the Father and through whom we know the Father. However, John writes the most to the young men. They are strong, have overcome the evil one. He gives the reason because the word of God abides in them. This middle group bears the brunt of the spiritual battle in which the church is engaged. Although John singles out these particular groups the spiritual realties noted belong to all believers. It appears that John wants to encourage and assure the believers that they do belong to God in Christ.

Led by the Spirit to Love

Branch Church

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 36:13

1 John 4:13–21 explores the Apostle John's astonishing claim that God Himself lives in His people—a miracle that fuels our assurance and empowers us to love others. John teaches that the Holy Spirit is the undeniable proof of our salvation, and that if God truly lives in us, His love must flow through us, shaping how we treat the people we encounter every day.

god holy spirit god himself apostle john led by the spirit

Led by the Spirit to Love

Branch Church

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 36:13

god holy spirit god himself apostle john led by the spirit

How A Local Church Should Be Pt 2

Central Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 15:00

The sermon emphasizes that authentic Christian love must be grounded in divine truth, discernment, and active obedience, rather than mere sentiment or emotionalism. Drawing from Philippians 1:9–11, it teaches that love must abound not only in quantity but in deep knowledge and moral discernment, enabling believers to test all things against Scripture and reject false teachings, ecumenical compromise, and deceptive practices. True love, exemplified by the Apostle John, is not blind or permissive but is marked by sincerity—free from hypocrisy, like wax that melts under the sun's exposure—and is directed toward righteousness, holiness, and the glory of God. The ultimate goal is spiritual maturity, unity in biblical doctrine, and steadfastness in faith until Christ's return, avoiding the pitfalls of being swayed by every new doctrine or worldly influence. This balanced, truth-anchored love produces the fruits of righteousness that reflect Christ's character and honor God in all aspects of life.

god jesus christ drawing scripture philippians local church apostle john

Antichrists and abiding in the truth - 1 John 2:18-27

Berlin Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2025 42:04

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. False teachers had infiltrated the assembly of God's people, but they have now departed, effectively demonstrating they never truly belonged to the family. The Apostle John explains further the potential damage that is done by those who preach a Jesus not consistent with the Scriptures. He also explains the precious promises of God in Christ for all believe and abide in Him. Scripture text is 1 John 2:18-27.

god jesus christ scripture false scriptures antichrist abiding 1 john 2 apostle john

Keeping God's Old But New Commandment

god jesus christ brothers walking loving darkness pastor sisters chapters believers esv apostle john new commandment genuine faith keeping god scripture readings jesus walked opening prayer

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2025 47:36

Text: 1 John 2:3-11 Title: Keeping God's Old But New Commandment As a pastor to God's people, the Apostle John wrote this letter to strengthen and encourage fellow believers. In this passage he presents three reasons that believers can know that they know God; i.e., know that they are saved from their sins: I. We keep his commandments/Word - v. 3-5 II. We walk in the same way Jesus walked - v. 5-6 III. We love the brothers and sisters in the church - v. 7 -11 True believers in Christ will demonstrate fidelity to God's Word and affection for God's people. Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Scripture Reading (1 John 2:3-11 ESV) 0:43 Opening Prayer 2:55 Context: John as Pastor to Believers 5:07 Real Christianity – Forgiven but Still Sinning 8:30 Jesus Delivers Us from Darkness into Light 11:43 How Do We Know We Truly Know Him? 15:19 1. Keeping His Commandments 23:45 2. Walking as Jesus Walked 29:02 3. Loving the Brothers & Sisters 32:40 Old Commandment Becomes New in Christ 35:36 The Darkness Is Passing – Light Is Shining 38:49 Hatred Has No Place in the Light 44:18 Summary: 3 Marks of Genuine Faith 46:13 Closing Prayer Hashtags: #1John #KnowGod #ObeyJesus #WalkLikeChrist #ChristianLove #LoveOneAnother #LightVsDarkness #BibleSermon #AssuranceOfSalvation #TrueFaith #JesusIsTheLight #Commandments #Sermon #ChristianLiving #GospelTruth

Being Truthful About God and Sin

Bible Insights with Wayne Conrad

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 18:31

Send us a textThe main idea that drives the Apostle John's first letter is fellowship with God. He makes this clear when he starts his letter. "What we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3 He then addresses the need for knowing the truth about God as light and the truth about our sin as a necessity for true fellowship to exist. He presents 3 false ideas that some have. If we assert the believes that sin is a non entity or that humans do not have a sinful nature or that we have not actually sinned we are not speaking according to truth. We lie about the reality of sin and human nature and actually call God himself a liar!With repentance that is a change in our mind about our sin and God the holy righteous One who has acted on our behalf we can know fellowship with God through Jesus atoning death. John presents Jesus work as the corrective for these false beliefs. " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. v9 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. v7John is a realist and says, My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:2At the letter's conclusion John writes, I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

god jesus christ texas father truth att apostle john truthful

Being Truthful About Sin and God

god jesus christ father apostle john truthful

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 18:31

The main idea that drives the Apostle John's first letter is fellowship with God. He makes this clear when he starts his letter. "What we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3 He then addresses the need for knowing the truth about God as light and the truth about our sin as a necessity for true fellowship to exist. He presents 3 false ideas that some have. If we assert the believes that sin is a non entity or that humans do not have a sinful nature or that we have not actually sinned we are not speaking according to truth. We lie about the reality of sin and human nature and actually call God himself a liar! With repentance that is a change in our mind about our sin and God the holy righteous One who has acted on our behalf we can know fellowship with God through Jesus atoning death. John presents Jesus work as the corrective for these false beliefs. " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. v9 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. v7 John is a realist and says, My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:2 At the letter's conclusion John writes, I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Jesus Asks: “But who do you say that I am?” and Jesus Answers: “you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you”

Discover Community Church - Littleton CO

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 1:00

Jesus Asks: “But who do you say that I am?” and Jesus Answers: “you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you” MESSAGE SUMMARY: In Mark 8:29, Jesus asked His Disciples the question He asks you: “And he asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered him, ‘You are the Christ {Messiah}.'". As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:1-6: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.”. God IS Father, IS Son, and He IS Holy Spirit. Jesus told the crowd in the Temple; and He tells us, as it is recorded for us now by the Apostle John, in John 10:25,30: “Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me . . . I and the Father are one.'”. Also, Jesus provides more insights to your Trinitarian relationship with God in John 14:18-20: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.". God is one God, but He is in three natures: God is Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when you pray, you are praying to one triune being – God, the Creator of the Universe. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Loneliness. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Presence. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 4:1-8; John 10:24-30; Mark 1:9-11; Psalms 139a:1-12. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Thanks-Living”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

god jesus christ father lord spirit creator holy spirit universe presence temple ephesians psalms loneliness in jesus apostle john trinitarian zondervan his disciples kindle edition christ messiah scazzero emotionally healthy spirituality day word from the lord website

What Jesus Modeled about Gratitude

Crosswalk.com Devotional

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 7:29

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice—it’s a Christ-shaped way of living. Colossians 2:6–7 reminds us that thankful hearts grow strong roots, and Jesus’ life shows us exactly what that looks like. From praising the Father in unexpected moments to giving thanks over a meal that seemed far too small, Jesus modeled a rhythm of gratitude that was thoughtful, generous, and deeply intentional. His example invites us to slow down and notice the countless opportunities we have each day to respond with thanksgiving. Highlights Jesus expressed gratitude with insight—recognizing God’s work even when others overlooked it (Matthew 11:25). He gave thanks generously, blessing God for resources that seemed insignificant and sharing them freely (John 6:11). His gratitude fueled goodness toward others, shaping a life of compassion and service (Luke 6:31; Acts 10:38). Jesus demonstrated thankfulness in everything, from daily provision to His final moments before the cross (Ephesians 5:20; Matthew 26:27). His ultimate act of gratitude came through sacrifice—offering His body and blood for our salvation (Luke 22:19). A thankful life reflects the heart of Christ and keeps us rooted in God’s faithfulness. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: What Jesus Modeled about Gratitude By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7 How many times do we miss opportunities to express gratitude to God? Most likely, for some of us, there are too many for us to count. So, when it comes to learning how to show gratitude, especially to God, where do we look for a mentor? Of course, Jesus tops the list in demonstrating it to us, being perfect in all His ways and actions. After all, He is the Savior of the world, along with being fully man and fully God, understanding both how we as humans think, feel, and respond in earthly situations and also how God views and receives gratitude. How Jesus Modeled Gratitude In looking at Jesus’ life on earth, we discover ways He modeled gratitude, along with how we can follow His example. The following are five ways we can model gratitude to God and those around us, as Christ did on earth. Jesus modeled insightful gratitude. Often, individuals, some Christians included, may miss opportunities to express gratitude, missing the insightfulness Jesus demonstrated in all He did on earth. Matthew 11:25 reveals how Jesus recognized an opportunity to show gratitude to God for revealing to children what is hidden from the intellectual and educated individuals on earth. “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’” It was an observance and revelation of sorts, yet Jesus took the time, place, and opportunity to publicly express gratitude to God. Jesus modeled generous gratitude. When it came to expressing gratitude to God, Jesus didn’t skip over it, even when it involved a hungry crowd. The Apostle John describes in John 6:11 where, “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” Some may feel like five barley loaves and two fish were hardly worth showing gratitude to God, such a seemingly small amount, more like a snack. As well, to share what seemed like an insignificant amount of food so generously, letting people have as much as they wanted. If most of us were sharing it, we probably would have tried to limit it to each person, knowing we started with a small amount. Jesus modeled do-gooder gratitude. Gratitude to God flows through us, encouraging us to express the gratitude we have to God and to others. Jesus says in Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Acts 10:38 describes how He accomplished it, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.” Jesus modeled thankfulness in everything. Some may laugh at those of us who are continually thanking God for what seem like little things in life, but doing so helps our hearts to remain thankful throughout our days. As Ephesians 5:20 urges, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” From sharing a small lunch to sharing the truth about God’s love, Jesus expressed gratitude for all that He had, including laying down His life for us, expressing a heart of gratitude to God His Father. Even when His life on earth was about to end, He modeled it in Matthew 26:27, “Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.’” Jesus modeled gratitude through sacrifice. He didn’t hold anything back from us, including the life we receive from His body being broken and blood poured out for our Salvation, as demonstrated in Luke 22:19: “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Intersecting Faith & Life: As words to the old hymn go, with hearts full of gratitude, we can sing and thank God for Jesus’ sacrifice. “Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great Salvation so rich and free.” Further Reading: 4 Ways Gratitude Can Change Your MindsetMaking Do-Gooding A Way of Life Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Apostle John Whom Jesus Loved

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 39:47

jesus christ loved apostles apostle john

Harmony Of The Gospels – Week 13 The Apostle John Whom Jesus Loved

Discover Community Church - Littleton CO

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 39:47

jesus christ gospel loved apostles apostle john

God Answers to Our Sin Claims

god jesus christ claims verse apostle john

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 76:31

In this epistle the Apostle John's focus is on the strengthening of fellowship of believers with God and with one another. Verse 5 states that "God is light" - this points to his total perfection infinitely. Thus his people must reflect his nature and strive to conform to his image, though the reality is we still sin. Three times, in verses 6,8, and 10, John writes, "if we say," thus pointing to some erroneous concepts regarding sin: 1) Those who walk in darkness are not in fellowship with God or the brethren. On the contrary, we must walk in the Light, which brings us into Christian fellowship, and such walking also brings us cleansing from sin through Jesus' blood. 2) Those who deny that they are sinful are self-deceived. They must instead confess their sin to receive forgiveness. 3) Those who deny they have committed acts of sin make God a liar and do not possess the indwelling of the Word of God. Jesus Christ himself is the standard for Christian living and behavior, and we must strive to be like him. Though Christian people have not reached perfection, their solemn calling by the grace of God is to be like the Lord Jesus as much as possible.

Inquiring Minds... The Rapture of the Apostle John

Christ in Prophecy

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025

Was the Apostle John raptured up to Heaven? Find out with hosts Tim Moore and Nathan Jones on the television program Christ in Prophecy!

jesus christ prophecy apostles rapture apostle john nathan jones tim moore inquiring minds

God Became Human to Enable Jesus Followers to Have a Personal Relationship with Him through His Grace and Gift of the Holy Spirit

Bible Insights with Wayne Conrad

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025 1:00

God Became Human to Enable Jesus Followers to Have a Personal Relationship with Him through His Grace and Gift of the Holy Spirit MESSAGE SUMMARY: As Jesus tells us in John 15:12-14, that you, as His follower, are His “friend: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends.". God became flesh, and He dwelt among us. God became human to draw you into a personal relationship with Him. In John 1:14, the Apostle John identifies Jesus as the “Son of the Father”: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.". God alone can satisfy the meaning and purpose of your life. God alone can satisfy your hunger to know your life's meaning. Most importantly, God alone can give you forgiveness of your sins as Paul tells us in Colossians 2:13-14: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.". Jesus' life, miracles, death, and His resurrection are invitations to a life-long personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe. Our personal relationship with God is through His gift, to followers of Jesus, of the Holy Spirit. TODAY'S PRAYER: Surely it is God who saves me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my defense, and He is my savior. Therefore, you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation. And on that day, you shall say, “Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His Name; make His deeds known among the peoples; see that they remember that His Name is exalted.”. Amen. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be ashamed of the Gospel. I will not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (including me). From Romans 1:16 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 1:10-13; Colossians 2:10-15; Psalms137:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “My Grace is Sufficient” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

god jesus christ father lord gospel creator holy spirit romans universe hebrews gift colossians amen sufficient in john enable apostle john his name personal relationships his grace jesus followers word from the lord website

It All Begins with God

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 15:20

Send us a textThe Christian message and life begins not with man, humanity, but with the being of God himself. In fact the Apostle John begins with the One who was in the beginning and with whom he had had physical emotional connection. He is writing about the incarnation of the Word in the person of Jesus the Christ. John's letter to the churches begins at the same place as the Gospel of John! Compare 1 John 1:1-5 with John 1:1-4. He writes of the Word, Life and light. In his letter he adds the eternal life and fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. His climatic statement is- God is Light! At the conclusion of his letter he summarizes in these words, "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know the true one. We are in the true one—that is, in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." 1 John 5:20 CSVIf we are to understand the gospel, and the Christian life correctly then we must begin at the right place. We must begin with God, the God who is Father and Son, Jesus Christ- the true God who is the Holy, the Light!Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

god jesus christ texas father truth holy compare att gospel of john apostle john son jesus christ bible insights

Good Health (3 John 2)

The 8 Minute Devotion

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 8:17

Join Pastor Cameron as he continues to look at the topic of healing, through the words of the Apostle John. No matter what is ailing you, there is healing through Christ!

jesus christ john 2 3 john apostle john good health

The Dragon & The Beast | Vineyard Church Reveal Campus | David Quaid

Reveal Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 55:14

Welcome to our Reveal podcast,Today, we're tackling one of the most dramatic images in the Book of Revelation The Dragon and The Beast.In Revelation 12 and 13, the Apostle John describes a dragon and a beast rising out of the sea terrifying, powerful figures that symbolize satanic rebellion and worldly deception.The dragon is clearly identified in Revelation 12:9 as Satan himself “that ancient serpent called the devil.” He is the spiritual power behind all evil, seeking to oppose God's plan and destroy His people.Then comes the beast from the sea, representing earthly empires or leaders empowered by the dragon a picture of political and spiritual systems that demand worship and allegiance apart from God. This beast mirrors the dragon's authority, imitating divine power but using it to deceive and persecute.Together, the dragon and the beast form a kind of unholy trinity, a counterfeit of God's truth. While the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bring life and salvation, the dragon, the beast, and later the false prophet bring deception, control, and destruction.But here's the hope their reign is temporary. Revelation 19 shows Jesus returning in glory, destroying the beast, and binding the dragon. Evil may roar for a season, but Christ's victory is eternal.To support this ministry and help us continue our God-given mission, click here:Subscribe to our channel for the latest sermons:https://www.youtube.com/@revealvineyardLearn more about Vineyard Church Reveal Campus:https://www.revealvineyard.com/Follow us on social media!Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/vineyardrevealcampus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/RevealVineyard

god jesus christ father holy spirit evil satan revelation dragon beast reveal campus apostle john in revelation quaid vineyard church

Jesus Followers Should Fear, Respect, and Praise God's Power, Sovereignty, and Holiness; but in Life's Trials They Should “fear not for I {Jesus} am with you always”

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2025 1:00

Jesus Followers Should Fear, Respect, and Praise God's Power, Sovereignty, and Holiness; but in Life's Trials They Should “fear not for I {Jesus} am with you always” MESSAGE SUMMARY: You should fear, respect, and praise God's power, Sovereignty, and Holiness; but, as a Jesus Follower, you should “fear not” in life's trials and tribulations or at your time of judgment. As David's praise tells us in Psalms 103:13: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”. David models again and again, in Psalms, how we should praise God. For example, in Psalms 146, David says: "Put not your trust in Princes; Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, Oh my soul!". When we are wondering how to praise the Lord, we can read one of David's Psalms to God like David's praises to the Lord in Psalms 112:1-2: “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.". Also, we learn in Proverbs 1:7, the “fear of the Lord” and “wisdom” are closely linked: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.". These verses from the Old Testament point to the fear, respect, and praise that God warrants and demands from His power, sovereignty, and Holiness. On the other hand, as we see when the Apostle John quotes Jesus from Revelation 1:17-18, when Jesus, in all His power and Glory, reassures us of God's Grace and His plan for working out the Salvation and Eternal Life for all those that have accepted Jesus as their Savior: “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.'”. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Revelation 1:17-18; Psalms 118:1-20; Proverbs 1:7; Psalms 73a:1-14. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Interior Life – Maintenance of the Inner Man -- Part 8: The Body; Giving Life to the Spirit Soul” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

god jesus christ fear death power lord body revelation salvation blessed respect praise proverbs trials old testament psalms sabbath holiness sovereignty eternal life hades his son praise god in jesus princes apostle john his name jesus followers zondervan spirit soul kindle edition i jesus scazzero i am a child of god emotionally healthy spirituality day word from the lord website

Thoughts on the Bible Readings November 1st (2 Chronicles 30, Daniel 10, Acts 10)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 4:28

In Daniel 10 we have an awe-inspiring vision of the One Man. It followed Daniel fasting for three weeks. The vision is described in verses 4-6. The dream was similar to the one seen by the Apostle John in Revelation 1. As a response to the dream Daniel finds himself in a weakened death-like state. The angel Gabriel physically restores the prophet and this is symbolic of the prophet's death and resurrection.Gabriel tries to come 21 days earlier but needs the assistance of Michael, the Archangel, in turning around the mind of the king of Persia. What was to occur would be in part revealed to Daniel, the man greatly beloved and these matters would be written in the Scriptures of Truth.Acts 8 saw the conversion of a descendant of Ham; chapter 9 of Shem; and chapter 10 of Japheth - part of the pattern of taking the gospel to the entire world - as outlined in chapter 1. The first four verses of Acts 10 tell us of a model proselyte in every respect apart from his ignorance of the gospel, and his need of baptism for the forgiveness of his sins. Cornelius is commanded to send for Peter. Whilst in Joppa Peter had gone to the rooftop to pray. In a hungry state he falls into a trance and is given a vision of all kinds of animals - clean and unclean i.e. ceremonially. If Peter truly had such scruples why was he lodging with a tanner i.e. a maker of leather goods who is always surrounded by dead animals that are tanned to produce leather. Three times Peter is commanded to, "rise, kill and eat"; but three times refuses. On the second occasion Peter is told, "Don't call what God has cleansed unclean". Whilst Peter is thinking about the vision he is summoned by three men seeking his company. The visitors tell Peter of the command which the angel had issued to Cornelius. These three men are lodged and leave for Caesarea the following day. Chapter 11 says that Peter expected some resistance to what could transpire from Jewish converts and so he is accompanied by six faithful Jewish brothers. Cornelius humbly receives Peter, who refused to be honoured. Cornelius reiterates his command from the angel. Peter responds in verses 34-43 by beginning with the vital point that "God is impartial and the basis of His acceptance is a reverence for the Almighty and an attempt to follow in His righteous ways". In verse 38 Peter reveals the Christ to those assembled as the Word attested to by the Father in the supporting of Christ's words with miracles. As Peter continues speaking the Holy Spirit comes on Cornelius' household just like it came on the Apostles in Acts 2. Peter asks his amazed companions if they could in all conscience forbid baptism. Since they couldn't Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptised. The bestowal of the Holy Spirit and immediate baptism thereafter demonstrate that he believed the gospel acceptably to the Father. The Almighty chooses His children and often shows that by subsequent events 2 Timothy 2verses19.

How You Respond to Jesus, In Your Earthly Life, Will Determine How You Are Judged By Jesus

jesus christ father lord holy spirit philippians apostle paul apostle john joy series phil mason

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 1:00

How You Respond to Jesus, In Your Earthly Life, Will Determine How You Are Judged By Jesus MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus claimed to be the unique, divine Son of God; therefore, Jesus is on an equal footing with God. Jesus said that He would one day judge the world. How you respond to Jesus, in your life, will determine how you are judged. The Apostle John summarizes, in John 20:27-29, the interchange between Jesus and the Apostle Thomas when Thomas realizes who Jesus, the man that he had been following for years, is: “Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe' Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”. You, as follower of Jesus, have not seen Jesus or His wounds. Therefore, do you believe through your faith; and are you able, by your faith, to say: “My Lord and my God!”? If not, why not? TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, you know how difficult it is for me to be in silence before you. At times it feels almost impossible, given the demands, distractions, and noise all around me. I invite you to lead me to a quiet, silent place before you — to a place where I can hear you as Elijah did. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 123). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Past Failures. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Grace. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Matthew 12:36-37; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; Psalms 70:1-5. WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Interior Life – Maintenance of the Inner Man -- Part 7: A Listening Spirit” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

god jesus christ lord blessed psalms respond thessalonians determine earthly in jesus judged apostle john my lord zondervan kindle edition apostle thomas scazzero emotionally healthy spirituality day word from the lord website

Episode 207: Phil Mason - Joy Series - “You are My Joy!” - 19th October 2025

Tribe Byron Bay

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 59:04

Phil brings a message on the theme of joy. He highlights the deeply relational component of joy and explains where supernatural joy comes from and how the Lord imparts it to us. The Apostle Paul said to the Philippians, “I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.” (Philippians 4:1 NLT) Joy is the fruit of a deepening relationship. Our brains are hardwired for joy, and it is the fuel they run on. Joy is awakened from being with those who love us and are delighted to see us and to be with us. Jesus promised us participation in His joy as He speaks His love over our hearts. Joy also comes from seeing Jesus' face. The Holy Spirit causes the Father's face to shine upon us and to grant us both joy and peace. The Apostle John said, “I look forward to coming to visit and speaking with you face-to-face – for being together will complete our joy!” (2 John 1:12 TPT) Joy is the fruit of a relational upgrade with the One who is most delighted to be with us. May this message ignite joy in you!

Do You Believe that “He {God} gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”?