Podcasts about apostle paul

The Apostle Paul was moved with such compassion for his unbelieving countrymen that he was willing to be accursed of God for the sake of their salvation. Jesus Christ had such compassion for us that he did go to the cross to be cut off from his Father and was made to be a curse for us to secure our salvation. Does his compassion for you motivate you to reach Jew and Gentile alike with his glorious gospel? Tune in to hear Dr. Barnhouse on Dr. Barnhouse and the Bible. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

I’ve been sharing some thoughts on the loneliness epidemic. It’s amazing how many people are very lonely. God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity. Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land (Psalm 68:6). I have found this verse to be exactly true in my life. As I have allowed God to make a home for me and to accept his presence as sufficient in my life, I have been set free from the awful heaviness of loneliness. That verse says only the rebellious dwell in a parched land. When we refuse to allow God to be our cure for loneliness, when we continue to try to do it our way and fill the empty void with people and activities, we’ll continue to find loneliness our companion. Your feelings of loneliness may be because you are still rebelling against God’s answers. Maybe it's because you don’t like the idea of learning to let him fill up your empty time and change your lonely feelings. Of course, there's no doubt God created us for fellowship and companionship, and we need people in our lives. When Jesus was facing crucifixion, he took his three closest companions with him while he prayed. He needed God's presence, and he needed their presence and support. The Apostle Paul spoke of his need to be with his companions and his encouragers. If you are lonely because you don't have a good friend or friends, or they're not nearby, I would remind you that to have friends, you have to reach out to others and be a friend. Ask yourself what you could do for someone else to be their friend, to meet their need, instead of waiting for someone to be your friend. We reap what we sow—that's a biblical principle. If you want friendships, sow friendships; become a friend to others. Loneliness can be very crippling, but you can take positive steps—by God's grace—to overcome those depressing feelings of loneliness. Of course, the most important step to take is to spend time developing your relationship with Jesus through Bible study and prayer. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, and believe me, he can fill the lonely space inside of you.

In Genesis 3 we have the record of how sin first entered the world through the yielding to temptation by the first created humans - Adam and Eve. The Apostle Paul says also, that at this time death also first came to the Adamic creation as a result of sin - Romans 5verses12. Adam and Eve after their creation - Adam from the dust (Genesis 2verses7), and Eve from Adam's side during a God-induced sleep (2verses20-25) - the man unable to find a suitable partner from the lesser creation; and feeling first, lonely; then joyous with a compatible companion. Chapter 3 commences with an introduction to the snake, who at that era had great powers of observation; limited reasoning capacity; and the ability to talk. The snake suggested that Adam and Eve were being deceived and held back by the Elohim (God). And so, after seeing the fruit of the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" was attractive (pleasant to the eyes); it was good, and an excellent quality (good for food); and its clinching appeal - "a tree to be desired to make one wise" (the pride of life. Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that Adam and Eve grasped for equality with God - which thing our Lord Jesus Christ never did when tempted. The Apostle John tells us in his first letter chapter 2verses15-17 that all temptation and sin fall in one or more of these categories. Having sinned they were expelled from the garden; James tells us in chapter 1 the process of sin within every human mind -verses 13-15. Having disobeyed God, He the Almighty must in justice enforce the law He had given. Adam and Eve now had the sentence of death activated within them - this is called "mortality". What was possible before transgressing was now "a law within them" (Romans 7verses21-25) - i.e. now an inevitability. The human race now found that from this point forward all descendants from the first human parents found that sin cannot be overcome in their lives every time that each of us is subjected to temptation -Romans 6 tells us that they were bond slaves to sin. It required God to produce a Saviour, His Son, who although bearing the bias to sin within himself; this being the entail of the effects of Adam and Eve's first sin, would himself be sinless - though Jesus was of our identical nature (Hebrews 2verses12-18.

Parents, here's a challenge to adopt a new years resolution that has you bent on gaining weight. No, I'm not encouraging you to go against conventional new year's resolutions and decide to eat more so that the scale in your home goes on overload. Rather, I'm encouraging you to resolve to weigh yourself down each and every day with the life-giving good weight of ingesting more and more of God's Word into your mind and heart. As the great J.I. Packer once wrote, “Wisdom is divinely wrought in those, and those only, who apply themselves to God's revelation.” The Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:16, “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom.” What we need to do is soak ourselves in the Scriptures on a daily basis. As you do that, God will form and conform you more and more into His image. And, not only will you be changed, but you will be better equipped to nurture you children and teens in the faith through your words and your example.

IntroductionIn this exposition of 1 Corinthians 2, Paul's contrast between the natural (fleshly) person and the spiritual person is carefully unpacked in light of the Canons of Dort. The goal is to correct common misunderstandings. We might want to be very moralistic where we impose our will on someone else because we are more Spiritual. We might want to make a distinction in the church. Some are Spiritual Christians, and some are carnal Christians. We all want to be Spiritual Christians. The Spiritual Christian has the mind of Christ. So, how can we be Spiritual with the mind of Christ? Folly's JudgementPaul teaches that the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit. Man does not have a problem of neutrality. Man has a deep moral problem. Man is sinful to the core and does not embrace or even see the Lord's wisdom. Natural man will judge the Gospel and Scripture as folly. Scripture, from Genesis 3 onward, teaches that humanity is not merely sick but dead in sin. Fallen man is in rebellion against God. This is by man's choice. It is the fall into sin that condemns humanity. It is not that man needs to make better choices. Thus, the gospel appears “stupid” or “foolish” to the natural person. This is not because a natural person fails to read the words. The natural person can lay out the Gospel clearly. However, the natural person will never know the Christ of Scripture. We need the Lord to regenerate our hearts to respond in faith. Why Not Be Judged? When Paul says the spiritual person “is not judged,” we might think that we are above the law. We might think that we have immunity from the Lord's judgment. This is not the case. The same word translated “judged” also means discerned or evaluated.Paul is reminding us that we are called to discern what is right before the Lord. As we correctly discern, then we are not judged by man. We are submitting ourselves to the Lord's judgment. As the Lord works in us by the Spirit, he convicts us of our sin. The spiritual person can rightly evaluate life in light of Christ, while the natural person lacks the capacity to discern/judge/learn spiritual truth. They can read the Scripture, they can summarize the Gospel, but they will never live in light of it. We are simply saying that the regenerate, spiritual person has a new bent of the will. It is by the Spirit's work that the Spiritual person sees the wisdom and joy of life in Christ. So, the Spiritual person really desires and begins to conform to the Lord's will. How to Gain Christ's Mind? To have the mind of Christ is not to possess some sort of secret knowledge. It is to hear the gospel, and now see that message as the message of life. This is where the Christian begins to ask, “How do I please my savior?” Rather than, “How does everything please me?” Paul is intentionally undermining Corinthian elitism. The Corinthians equated maturity with spiritual gifts. They prided themselves on having the greatest teachers. The Apostle Paul defines maturity by embracing the cross, the resurrection, and the absolute necessity of Christ's saving work. Paul praises the spiritual Christian or the mature Christian who sees that they need to submit to their Lord and redeemer. The mind of Christ is shaped by doing the Father's will. It is doing the Father's will with joy. It is seeking to discern where we need to die to self. It is seeking to live unto the Lord. This is the essence of a true Christian ethic. A good workflow from faith. Good work is done by the Lord's standard or law. A good work is done for the Lord's glory and not man's approval (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 91).Those who glory in Christ's humiliation and redemption are the spiritually mature. The reason: the spiritually mature know they need a savior. The spiritually mature want to live for their savior even if that life looks rather ordinary. The spiritually mature will know they need Christ and will not fully arrive at perfection until glory. The spiritually mature see their continual need for their savior. ConclusionHuman depravity is deeper than just a few bad decisions. Our condemnation before God is more than just failing to respond in faith, and we need to be more informed to make better decisions. We need more than the persuasion or assistance of Grace. We need the Lord's radical intervention to regenerate our hearts. Only the Lord can give us that new heart by his recreative power.Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 2 dismantles every attempt to redefine spirituality apart from the gospel. Humanity's problem is not lack of information but spiritual death. Grace does not merely assist; it regenerates. The spiritual person is not superior, autonomous, or elite. The mature spiritual Christian rests in Christ. The mature spiritual Christians realize the grace that is overwhelmed by the Spirit, giving us a new heart in regeneration. The spiritually mature discern the things of Christ and seek to live for him. Let us be a people who want to live for Christ's glory as he is at work in us.

In Genesis 3 we have the record of how sin first entered the world through the yielding to temptation by the first created humans - Adam and Eve. The Apostle Paul says also, that at this time death also first came to the Adamic creation as a result of sin - Romans 5verses12. Adam and Eve after their creation - Adam from the dust (Genesis 2verses7), and Eve from Adam's side during a God-induced sleep (2verses20-25) - the man unable to find a suitable partner from the lesser creation; and feeling first, lonely; then joyous with a compatible companion. Chapter 3 commences with an introduction to the snake, who at that era had great powers of observation; limited reasoning capacity; and the ability to talk. The snake suggested that Adam and Eve were being deceived and held back by the Elohim (God). And so, after seeing the fruit of the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" was attractive (pleasant to the eyes); it was good, and an excellent quality (good for food); and its clinching appeal - "a tree to be desired to make one wise" (the pride of life. Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that Adam and Eve grasped for equality with God - which thing our Lord Jesus Christ never did when tempted. The Apostle John tells us in his first letter chapter 2verses15-17 that all temptation and sin fall in one or more of these categories. Having sinned they were expelled from the garden; James tells us in chapter 1 the process of sin within every human mind - verses 13-15. Having disobeyed God, He the Almighty must in justice enforce the law He had given. Adam and Eve now had the sentence of death activated within them - this is called "mortality". What was possible before transgressing was now "a law within them" (Romans 7verses21-25) - i.e. now an inevitability. The human race now found that from this point forward all descendants from the first human parents found that sin cannot be overcome in their lives every time that each of us is subjected to temptation - Romans 6 tells us that they were bond slaves to sin. It required God to produce a Saviour, His Son, who although bearing the bias to sin within himself; this being the entail of the effects of Adam and Eve's first sin, would himself be sinless - though Jesus was of our identical nature (Hebrews 2verses12-18.

In Part 1 of this three-part series, Pastor Ken Ortize examines the Apostle Paul's warnings about the end times, shifting the focus from Jesus' teachings to what the New Testament letters reveal about the last days.Paul cautioned that the final era would be marked by doctrinal deception, widespread apostasy, and increasingly dangerous times. This episode explores how these signs manifest within the church and the broader culture—and why believers must remain anchored to biblical truth.This teaching challenges modern assumptions, addresses cultural compromise, and calls Christians back to Scripture as the final authority.This is Part 1 of 3.Additional signs will be covered in the next episodes.Key passages:1 Timothy 42 Timothy 3–42 Thessalonians 2Listen now and join the conversation as we ask: What's the world coming to?www.wtwcomingto.com

Our Election in Christ (1) (audio) David Eells 12/31/25 I'm going to talk to you today about our election in Christ. There is much false teaching and many misconceptions in Christianity about the doctrine of predestination, which includes calling and election, yet it's actually been a general power in my life to understand it. It's given me more faith in the Lord and more fear of the Lord. Much of the church, especially in America, rejects and even fights against it. Predestination is opposed by the Armenian doctrine or the “freewillers,” as they are called, but when you look around, you don't see the free will that people say that they have because everybody is serving something. Jesus said in (Mat.12:30) He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. So you are either serving Him or you are serving the devil. (Psa.51:5 KJV) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Someone who is bound in sin is not free to make a godly choice; the ability to do that comes from God Himself and it's a gift. (Joh.15:16) Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Although experientially it does seem to us that we chose Him, that just lets you know how easy it is for God to put His will in you. (Joh.15:19) If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. You see, not only did He choose us, but in effect, He didn't choose someone else. Out of the whole world, He chose us. Several years ago, I heard something that has really stayed with me. I was listening to a lady talking to her adopted son, and she was trying to explain this to him. She said, “Most moms and dads don't have much of a choice. They just have to settle for what they get. But we chose you; out of all that we knew, we chose you.” That's the way it is between God and us. He didn't just settle for what came along. God knows how this universe goes on the way it does, and He foreknows the end of it. He's the God (Rom.4:17) … who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were. And He tells us, (Isa.46:9) … for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; (10) declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. He chose us and He put His will in us. He chose us for what we will be; He chose us for what we will become by the grace of God. It was not the will of man that caused us to come to Jesus, it was the will of God. Paul writes (Php.2:13) … it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. And He's been doing that since before our Christian beginning. (Joh.1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he the right (The Greek word there is exousia and it means “authority.”) to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name. You need to have authority to become a child of God, and only God gives authority to everyone who believes on His name because faith is a gift of God. (Joh.1:13) Who were born, not of blood (Our new birth is not like the Israelites, who had to be born into a family who made them a part of the Covenant.), nor of the will of the flesh.... Now, nothing in our flesh causes us to come to God. (Rom.8:7) Because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be. Our flesh is the enemy of God, and you would never choose to come to God, especially when you were totally bound in sin. The only One who could set you free is Jesus. (Joh.8:36) If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Back to (Joh.1:13) Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. This choice to come to God was no part of man; it came from God. God put a holy choice in an unholy person. If we had gone on doing our own will, our will would have always led to sin and to never serving anyone else but ourselves. It was God who reached in from the outside and put a will in us to come to Him. Romans 9 is one of the most avoided chapters in the Bible because of all the false teaching coming from the pulpits. People read Romans 9 with their preconceived ideas from their religion, so they can't understand it. If you drop all that and just read what it says, you will be able to understand it. (Rom.9:6) But [it is] not as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel (The same thing can be said about the Church.): (7) neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. (8) That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. (Rom.9:9) For this is a word of promise, According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. (10) And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac– (11) for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Before any of their works Jacob was chosen. The doctrine of Arminianism says that God foreknows the future, and He predestines according to what He foreknows is going to happen or what we will do in the future. This is ridiculous when you think about it. If it was foreknown to happen anyway, why would He have to predestine it? “Predestine” or “foreordain” are two translations of the same Greek word proorizo, which means “to decide the destiny before it comes; to ordain the destiny before it comes to pass.” It doesn't mean that God looked ahead and saw what was going to happen and who would do good. Salvation would have been by works. Truly, God already knows what's going to happen because He does not dwell in time. Jacob didn't always do good but God chose him for what He would make out of him. Remember, God speaks the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). (Rom.8:29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained (or “predestined”) [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. That means those whom He knew before the creation, He ordained at that point, so it's not because of their works. It's not based on whether they had done anything good or bad as we just saw. I did a diligent search when I first discovered this in the Scriptures. I decided I was going to be open-minded, and I was going to see what the Bible really had to say about the subject. I wanted to see why God chose me. So I searched and I searched for the reason why God chose me above someone else and I found out, (Eph.2:3) Among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. You see, there is no reason, physically speaking, why God would choose one person over another. I discovered that one “dirt” is just as good as the next “dirt.” It's not the dirt that counts; it's what you are sowing in it. God is interested in creating the spiritual man, which has nothing to do with your old life. The new life is born-again from above and that's the spiritual man. The spiritual man, who is created in the likeness of Christ, is born of the Word. He's born from above and has nothing to do with the old nature. I was looking for a reason why God would choose me above someone else and found there is no reason. (Rom.9:21) Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? God claims the right to make whatever vessel He wants out of this same lump of clay. That means there was no difference in our natural life that caused God to choose us above anybody else. (Rom.9:14) What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. (15) For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. (16) So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy. After we are born again, I think God spends a lot of time teaching us that it's not by our willpower. We try to save ourselves by our willpower and it doesn't work. We eventually learn that we are to walk by faith, or we won't receive what we're looking for. Some people think grace starts after you choose God, but it starts before you choose God. Otherwise, you wouldn't choose God. (Eph.2:8) For by grace (This is the Greek word charis and it means “unmerited [or unearned] favor.”) have ye been saved.... It's not that you are saved but that you have been saved. The ancient manuscripts and the Numeric text both say this, but the KJV says, “are saved.” No, you were saved, and it was by grace. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God. So, since we were saved by grace and it's a gift of God, that doesn't give us a reason to look down on anyone else, does it? And it doesn't give us a reason to condemn anyone in the world. It's strictly a gift from God and this gift is given to us (Eph.2:5) Even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.... When Christ was resurrected is when He “made us alive together with Christ.” (5) … (by grace have ye been saved), (6) and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly [places,] in Christ Jesus: (7) that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (And now, we are the benefactors of this grace that was given in Christ 2,000 years ago. The people who were saved, were saved 2,000 years ago. People who are manifesting salvation now were saved then.): (8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory. Nobody will be able to brag about this salvation. We are depending upon God now as much as we were then. We have to cry out to God to give us grace to be obedient and to serve Him. He says in (Joh.15:4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. God prepared the works of His Chosen. God wrote your name in the Book of Life from before the foundation of the world (Psalm 69:28; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 20:12). Manifestly, it's being written in the Book of Life when you come to God, but your name was written from before the foundation of the world, just as God “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” (Eph.1:4) Even as he chose (This is the Greek verb eklego of the noun eklektos and it means “I pick out for myself, choose, elect, select.”) us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love. God chose us in Him and that means He didn't choose all. Some of you are probably asking, “But what about the ‘calling'?” I was told that God's call goes out to the whole earth to bring people to Christ. Well, that's just not true. I looked up every verse in the New Testament about “calling,” and that word is not used that way at all. (2Ti.1:9) Who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal. Notice it says here, “who saved us, and called us.” According to the doctrines of most religions, we are called and then saved; however, this invitation is to Christians only. The Greek word for “called” here is kaleo and it means “invitation.” We see in the parables of Jesus that only His people are kaleo, or “invited,” to partake of the Marriage Feast (Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:9). Every place in the Bible where the word kaleo is used, everyone who was called came to Christ. They were already a Christian. When we go out and call (or invite) people through the Gospel to come to Christ, some accept and some don't, and we're finding out that those who accept are those who have His calling and the others do not. (Eph.1:18) Having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. So He saved us, then He called us and we're going to see that all the called are not necessarily going to be chosen, but all the elect will be chosen. (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen. The word “chosen” there is the same Greek word used above; it's the word eklektos, and it means “elect.” The difference between the called and the elect is that all of the elect are called, but not all of the called are the elect. Those who are saved have an invitation to partake of all of Jesus. As Christians, we are called to partake of His body and blood, which is His nature, His character and His power. The world cannot partake of that invitation; it's not even extended to them because this invitation is a Covenant offering. (Rom.10:20) And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me. That shows the power of God because we did not seek Him. That shows we were not seeking Him when we found Him. It was Jesus Who came for His lost sheep. (Luk.19:10) For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost. We were the lost sheep. Think about the conversion of Apostle Paul on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1-30), You say, “God can save anybody!” God went to extremes in order to make Paul His child and His emissary to the world. Truly, God can save anybody He wants to, and He will. We didn't seek Him and the Gentiles didn't seek Him. (1Co.4:6) Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not [to go] beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other. (7) For who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? Why should we be puffed up about our salvation? What do we have that we didn't receive? Nothing. We think that we chose Christ. Some people look upon the lost and wonder why they cannot understand what's being said. They're thinking, “Why won't the lost be reasonable?” In a way, they're condemning the lost because they don't realize that only by the grace and mercy of God did they receive what they have. When you understand that you can't convert anybody by your works, you know to first go to God. By your works, you can fill up churches, but you can't convert anybody that way. Salvation is a gift from God. (Rom.11:35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? Everything comes from Him. There is nothing that God is ever going to owe anybody. (36) For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him [be] the glory for ever. Amen. Everything came from Him and everything is going back to Him. It didn't come from us and this takes away all room for pride. The first choice we made for God, the first desire we had for God, didn't come from us. It came from Him, and He can put that in anyone. This takes away all reason for pride because it's totally, 100% by God's grace. A good example is (Psa.65:4) Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee,] That he may dwell in thy courts.... The choice comes from God first. He causes us to approach unto Him and dwell in His courts. Salvation from the curse in every form has already been given to us by faith. We need to pray to God to give us the grace to be what we need to be. (Joh.10:16) And other sheep I have which are not of this fold: them also I must bring (Notice that Jesus is talking about doing this in the future. These sheep weren't saved yet because He said, “I must bring.”), and they shall hear my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. In the days ahead, we are going to see that one flock and one shepherd, but when we study Ezekiel 34, we find that the Lord talks about how His flock was spoiled by shepherds who were doing their own will. (Eze.34:2) Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel (a type of the Church), prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord God: Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the sheep? (3) Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep. (4) The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought back that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have ye ruled over them. The Lord says that He is going to take all those fruitless shepherds away, and He, Himself, has promised to personally be the Shepherd of His flock. (Eze.34:11) For thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. (12) As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. (13) And I will bring them out from the peoples, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them upon the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited places of the country. (14) I will feed them with good pasture; and upon the mountains of the height of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie down in a good fold; and on fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. (15) I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. (16) I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice. So, the Lord is going to have physical shepherds to do this. They will be men who are vessels through whom the Spirit of the Lord is going to flow, and they will not be doing their own will. In that way, God is going to have one flock and one shepherd. But the point I want you to see here is that when Jesus says, “Other sheep I have which are not of this fold,” these are people in the future who are going to come because they were given to Him back then; you belonged to Jesus back then. (2Ti.1:9) Who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal. Some people think, “Okay, I'm predestined and there's nothing I have to worry about. I can just sit back and take it easy.” They are justifying their doctrine of “once saved, always saved.” They don't understand that God has methods to predestine. He uses those methods to predestine, and if you ignore His methods, you will not be predestined. Calvin and Luther, the people who made predestination famous, were accused of believing “once saved, always saved,” but that's not what they believed. They taught God's methods of predestination and here's one of them: Jesus said, (Joh.10:26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep. The people who didn't believe Jesus were not His sheep. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.... Jesus' sheep have ears to hear. They hear and they follow, and the rest do not. If you teach only what Jesus taught, you will be able to recognize those who are His sheep and those who are not. Those who do not hear are the self-willed. They're going to be like the son of perdition who sits in the temple of God. (2Th.2:3) Let no man beguile you in any wise: for [it will not be,] except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, (4) he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God. He is his own God for he does his own will. We've seen that here with the Unleavened Bread Bible Studies. Some people have their own ideas and as long as we adhered to the Scriptures, they just left, which needed to happen. If it wasn't that way, a little leaven would leaven the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9). Jesus said, (Luk.12:51) Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division. And the way He came to bring division was to use the Word like a sword. (Eph.6:17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And so He says, (Joh.10:27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. You probably recognize that verse the “once saved, always saved” crowd uses to justify their doctrine, but Jesus is talking about His sheep. “No one shall snatch them out of my hand” and no one can snatch them out of His hand. These are the elect; they are the chosen of God. It's not possible for them to be snatched out His hand because they hear and they follow. (Jas.1:18) Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. By His will, not our will, He brought us forth by the Word of truth. His method is to give you the gift of ears to hear the Word of truth (Deuteronomy 29:4; Matthew 13:15; Romans 11:8; etc.) In the latter days of Israel, having ears to hear is what separated those Israelites who were going into the New Testament from those who would not. And in these latter days of the Gentile Church, having ears to hear is once again separating between those who are going to go on with God and those who do not belong to God. Those who are not part of the elect are going to be drawn aside. (Joh.8:31) Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him ... (43) Why do ye not understand my speech? It's amazing to me how sometimes people just can't understand you when you are saying something very simple, but if they have ears to hear, they understand, and if they don't have ears to hear, they can't understand. Now, sometimes, because of someone's age in the Lord, their understanding may not be very deep; however, anyone who knows God should be able to understand the basic principles. (Joh.8:43) Why do ye not understand my speech? [Even] because ye cannot hear my word. They didn't have the gift of ears to hear. (44) Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do.... I've learned that most people have a blockage for why they don't hear. I know because it's happened to me when I was young and had a false doctrine. To the extent that someone clings to a pet doctrine, to that extent they won't hear and they won't believe anything that challenges their doctrine. Then also there can be a bigger blockage. (47) He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear [them] not, because ye are not of God. That's how God divides between the sheep. People who don't hear the Word of God, people who don't put the Word of God before their own thinking and their own religion, they are not of God. That's how Jesus discovered who was of God, and it's still the same today. Jesus says in (Joh.13:17) If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them. (18) I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen (This is again the Greek eklego, which is the verb of the noun eklektos, and it means “I pick out for myself; choose, elect.”): but that the scripture may be fulfilled: He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me. Jesus knew whom He had chosen, and He knew Judas was going to fall away. Judas was “called,” kaleo, but he was not “elect,” eklektos. (Joh.6:70) Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil? (71) Now he spake of Judas [the son] of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, [being] one of the twelve. Jesus understood that Judas was a son of the devil, yet He chose him to walk among the 12. (Joh.13:18) I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen.... He went on to explain that He was not speaking of Judas, who never had ears to hear. (Joh.6:63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. (64) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him. (65) And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father. Let me point out to you that it's not who receives the call and starts out with you who is chosen; it's who is still with you at the end. (2Jn.7) For many deceivers are gone forth into the world.... John is talking about leaving Christianity. (1Jn.2:18) Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour. (19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but [they went out,] that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us. “They” here is referring to antichrists. The Beast is antichrist in the world, but antichrist in the Church is this son of perdition. (2Jn.7) For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, [even] they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. (8) Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward. (9) Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. So it's not “he who began with you” who is chosen; it's “he that abideth in the teaching.” Some people say they love the Word and seem very eager to study the Word, but there comes a point where they decide not to go any deeper, usually because it comes against their flesh. You know, lost people like knowledge. They like knowing things that other people don't know because it gives them a reason to be puffed up. The son of perdition likes knowledge, but when it comes to knowledge that demands a change in their life, that's where those people start filtering out, as the Bible says: (1Jn.2:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but [they went out,] that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us. (2Jn.9) Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. “He that abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God.” This is saying you have to be obedient to have the Father and the Son. Antichrist are those who go out from among you and are denying the Father and the Son because they are not obedient to the Word. Remember that Jesus said, (Joh.14:15) If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. (23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. That's not a promise to those who are disobedient or to those who start out and don't finish the course. That's a promise to those who endure until the end. (Mat.24:13) But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. (1Co.1:23) But we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness; (24) but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. People who are called understand the wisdom of the Gospel, but to the rest, it's foolishness and a stumblingblock. You may preach the Gospel to somebody today, and they won't come, but they might come later on because the right foundation was finally laid and the right timing has finally come. Just because someone doesn't accept the Gospel today doesn't mean that they're forever lost but only the called are going to come. Only the called have salvation. A good example of that is, (26) For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called:].... It's not many who are called to begin with. The calling is not to all. The calling is internal; the calling is a gift from God to those who are saved. The Bible never says all are called. Everything in this world was created for the purpose of manifesting sons of God and everything that Paul did was toward that purpose. He said in (2Ti.2:10) Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. God called His Son out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1), but then He tried Him in the wilderness to find out who was going to go on to the Promised Land. Those who went on into the Promised Land were God's elect. His whole purpose was for the elect, not for those who fell away in the wilderness. You see, God's grace has been given to all those who are called, but it's the elect among the called who are going to take advantage of it and that's the difference. Paul dealt with many, but everything he did was for the few, the elect. God used Paul to fulfill His purpose. (Joh.6:37) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. You will know those who the Father gave to Jesus because they shall come to Jesus. This is very interesting because the phrase “come to me” is used many places in Scripture. Jesus told the Jews in (Joh.5:39) Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me; (40) and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life. That was obvious about most of the Jews then, who totally rejected everything that Jesus said. And it's obvious about those people today who reject everything that Jesus said, but did you know that some of those people who walked with Jesus, even as disciples, wouldn't come to Him? (Joh.6:66) Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Notice: 666. Only Father can cause a person to come to Jesus: (Joh.6:39) And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. (40) For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. It's not possible for anyone to come unto Jesus, except the Father draws them. It is possible for them to come to church and to believe many doctrines. They can go to an altar and accept Jesus as their Savior, even though we don't see anything in the Scriptures about that. But people will not come unto Jesus unless they are drawn by God.

The Lord opened the heart of Lydia to give the Apostle Paul his first convert when he brought the gospel to Europe.

In this powerful episode of Day of Destiny, Dr. Michelle releases a prophetic word for 2026, calling God's people to rise up in Unstoppable Vision. Drawing from the powerful testimony of the Apostle Paul in Acts 26, you'll discover what it means to be fully obedient to the heavenly vision—no matter the obstacles, opposition, or seasons of waiting. Learn how divine purpose, courage, and unwavering faith position you to fulfill God's calling over your life in the coming year. This message will ignite your spirit, strengthen your resolve, and empower you to walk boldly in the vision Heaven has declared over you.

Now comes the time when we resolve. Right-thinking Christians and Americans, determined to live life better, and in the new year 2025, be better soldiers of the cross and better citizens of the greatest nation in the history of mankind.So, on to DIFFERENT AND BETTER 2025.LIFE. Only one life and that will soon be past. Treasure every moment. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to bring us life more abundantly. Live 2025 in an abundant life. Live as HE said joyfully, live as HE would have you live, that your JOY might be full. Life is good no matter. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT.WORRY. Nothing is more negative. Worry is wrong, perhaps rising to the level of sin. Give no thought at all, my fellow Christians, to the TOMORROW. It is a day with its own good and evil and to worry about a day not yet come ruins this day, the day which the Lord has made.THE FIGHT OF FAITH. Stand up for your faith. Stand tall in the Lord. Never compromise your faith in any way by thought, word, or deed. NEVER!RESIST EVIL. Here comes evil 2025, the devil at work, more aggressive than ever. Resist evil and it will go away, the devil will flee. Resist it with all your Christian might, armor, and strength. Do what is right, and fight back. Never give up. NEVER! In the words of the Apostle Paul:PRESS ON FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.PRESS ON!SALT AND LIGHT. Let you light, my fellow Christians, so shine before all mankind, that all may see your good works, know what you believe, and glorify not you, but:HIM.Whether word or deed, a deed seems to be more lasting and effective than a word in so many ways. Flavor this world with Christian love and forgiveness (salt) and let your light so shine before men. Let it shine brighter than ever.EDUCATE. Now comes a radical, woke, progressive agenda seeking to transform, really destroy so much of America, a culture, system, and group of priorities which is thoroughly and completely:ANTI-AMERICAN.It is wrong. Say so and stand up.YOU. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Care for it, nurture it, preserve it. Live healthy as God would intend and respectfully in the flesh that God has given you.PRAYER. Pray without ceasing. Be guided by the Holy Spirit. Pray always, everywhere. Live in a prayerful environment, where the Holy Spirit rules and you are in constant communication, prayerful communication with your Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer works wonders, whether it comes from the closet, all alone, even with groanings which are interpreted by the Holy Spirit, or in mass assemblies. God hears and answers HIS WAY, at His time, and always for your good.THANKS. In all things give thanks. ALL THINGS. There is no such thing as luck, but only the will of God at work, whether we are aware of that or not. All things happen as HE would will and no matter what they are, good or bad in our opinion, they are His will at work, and in all such things we should be:THANKFUL.And especially, we should be thankful for His:UNSPEAKABLE GIFT,A gift that cannot be adequately described in words:OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.LOVE. No matter how hateful the world is, no matter how alone you may feel or be, the love of our Lord is with you. Christ, closer than a friend or brother, is with you, by your side, even if no one else is, as our Lord was with the Apostle Paul in his final days, all alone in a dungeon. Christ died for you and there is no greater love than that of a man who lays down his life for a friend:YOU AND ME.2025 is the year which the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice therein. Let us resolve to live this great year joyfully, and more productively, and work in his behalf for the night is coming when no man or woman can work.A very blessed New Year's greeting from all of us at the Crawford Broadcasting Co. and may you and yours have a year with the full blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we stand on the threshold of a New Year, Adam Hayes explores the Apostle Paul's radical shift from a checklist-driven life to a singular pursuit: knowing Jesus Christ. Using the "SMART" goal framework, this message challenges us to prioritize our spiritual relationship above all other resolutions for the coming year.

The Apostle Paul has given us a list of things that cannot separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ. But what does it mean by stating that neither height nor depth will be able to separate us from His love? Numerous commentaries and translations have offered a variety of explanations that appear to miss the true meanng intended by the Apostle Paul. Stay tuned as Dr. Barnhouse reveals biblical insight into this puzzling question. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

In this final episode of the year, we look to Philippians 3 and the words of the Apostle Paul, reminding us that none of us have arrived. We are all a work in progress. While it's wise to reflect on both our failures and our successes, we are not meant to live in either regret or past victories. As this year comes to a close, this episode invites us to pause, reflect, and reset our hearts before stepping into what's next.   Thank you for listening to the Truth for Today Podcast! For more content from Pastor Terry Fant, click the links below! www.youtube.com/@terryfant885 www.facebook.com/terry.fant.14 www.instagram.com/pastorterryfant https://www.truthfortodayministries.org

Bruised and bloodied by an angry mob, the Apostle Paul is given permission to speak to this angry crowd. Paul no doubt weakened by the brutal beating he received, bravely shares his story going back to his conversion, where his eyes were opened and he met the Messiah, and his life changed forever. From that moment on, Paul could not remain silent about who Jesus is and that He came to save all people from their sin. We have a mandate to share our God story and like Paul, we should not remain silent but courageously and joyously share with others what Jesus came to do, redeem all of humankind.  By Dave Bartlett

1 Timothy 1:12-17. Ever feel like your past is holding you back? Or that you're not strong enough to serve God the way you want? In this message, we take a walk—literally and spiritually—through six verses with the Apostle Paul as our guide. Discover how Christ strengthens us for the tasks He appoints, how His grace overflows to cover even the worst of our sins, and why calling yourself the “Chief Sinner” can lead to humility, mercy, and better service. Whether you're a long-time follower or just curious about walking closer with Jesus, this message reminds us that every step we take points to the glory of God.For upcoming events and important announcements at Skyline, visit our Facebook page for the latest details!If you'd like to check out more resources, get to know Skyline Church, or donate to our ministry and missions please visit www.skylineofallon.com. Don't forget to leave us a review and subscribe to have our Sunday message downloaded straight to your phone each week!

Send us a textAs the Apostle Paul closes his letter to the Corinthians, he reminds the church that faith was never meant to be lived alone. This message explores why Christian life requires shared time, shared work, and shared love—and why spiritual growth stalls without community. In a season of endings and fresh starts, it asks a simple but challenging question: Who are you walking with as you follow Christ?HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Today is an especially exciting Pastor's Chat because we havereached a significant milestone. Five and a half years ago, during COVID, Ibegan these Pastor's Chats to encourage people—many of whom were stuck athome—to stay in God's Word every day. Today marks the 2,000th Pastor's Chat. Ican hardly believe how quickly the Lord has brought us to this point. Thank youso much for being a part of these five-minute devotionals from God's Word, dayafter day, as we seek to grow together in our walk with the Lord. Iam convinced that we are at a crossroads in America—and really, at a crossroadsin the world. We are living in a time unlike anything we have ever experiencedbefore, with artificial intelligence, global unrest, and rapid cultural change.I believe, as never before, that we are living in the end times. We are in thefinal days of this church age. Jesus is coming again, and it is essential thatwe do all we can and be all we can for the glory of God. Becauseof that, it is necessary—absolutely necessary—for every believer to be growingin their faith.That has been the theme of what we've been studying. The ApostlePaul speaks clearly about this in Ephesians 4:15, where he says: “Butspeaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things unto Him who is thehead—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by whatevery joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every partdoes its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself inlove.” Twicein that passage Paul speaks of growth—spiritual growth. As we've said over thepast several weeks, spiritual maturity is not a destination; it is a daily,progressive journey, moving in the right direction toward Christlikeness. Now,the Apostle Paul also wrote to his young protégé Timothy, encouraging him inhis ministry. In 1 Timothy 4:7–9, he writes: “But have nothing to do with oldwives' fables. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose ofgodliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness isprofitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of thatwhich is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.” Thatphrase—“discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”—is what wewant to focus on over the next several days. What does that really mean? Remember,Paul was writing to Timothy, a young pastor living in a culture filled withfalse ideas, distractions, and spiritual noise—much like the world we live intoday. We are surrounded by social media, sports, constant news, and endlessinformation. As someone has wisely said, we are living in a day not of weaponsof mass destruction, but of weapons of mass distractions. We are easilydistracted from the very things that produce spiritual growth. May the Lordhelp us with that. Paultells Timothy to reject these worldly fables—empty stories, myths, andteachings that sound spiritual but have no power to change a life. They wastetime, stir emotions, and distract believers from what truly matters. Then Paulgives a clear command: “On the other hand, discipline yourself for thepurpose of godliness.”  What does itmean to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness? Over the nextseveral days, I want to share with you some things I have practiced over thelast 54 years of my Christian life—things I have tried to do daily todiscipline myself for godliness, because godliness impacts every area of my lifeand eternity. Thankyou again for being a part of these 2,000 Pastor's Chats—some of you from thevery beginning. My prayer is that in the days ahead, as the Lord tarries Hiscoming, we will do those things that truly please Him, exercising ourselves forthe sake and ministry of godliness in our lives. Godbless! And may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.

Christians just celebrated Advent and now await the second coming of Christ. The Apostle Paul offers instructions to the church at Thessalonica as to how they must live faithfully and obediently until the day the Son of God comes back. We consider his exhortations for ourselves as a local church and discuss how they apply to us going into 2026. 

In this message, Pastor Caleb discusses the thorn in the flesh that the Apostle Paul describes in 2 Corinthians.  Although the exact details of this thorn may be unknown, many Christians still face various thorns in their lives that should not be excused; they should be addressed and dealt with.  May Christians not be vulnerable but obtain victory through Jesus Christ as God's plan for each person.  Send us a textSupport the showFor more information for our church visit AGCSparta.org.

In this message, Pastor Caleb discusses the thorn in the flesh that the Apostle Paul describes in 2 Corinthians.  Although the exact details of this thorn may be unknown, many Christians still face various thorns in their lives that should not be excused; they should be addressed and dealt with.  May Christians not be vulnerable but obtain victory through Jesus Christ as God's plan for each person.  Send us a textSupport the showFor more information for our church visit AGCSparta.org.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

What is the greatest danger to a church? How do the parting words of the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus serve as a warning and encouragement to the church today? -Deficient Doctrine-Proud People

John 13:1-11,Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”Last Sunday, we saw that the gospel of John is a book comprised of two sections. The first section, chapters 1-12, has been called the book of signs, in which: Jesus' location frequently changes. For three years he's traveling, back-and-forth, between Galilee and Jerusalem with stops in Samaria and Bethany in between. During this time, he's also gathering crowds. Such large crowds, in fact, that he's at one point in danger of being trampled by them. And he's working miracles — so definitive and comprehensive that no realm of reality, whether Satan and demons, forces of nature, or even the human body could claim to have remained outside his jurisdiction. And he's teaching — in sermons, in conversations, in questions, in parables — all with such unparalleled authority that he renders his audience speechless, stunned. That's the first section of John's gospel, chapters 1-12.Today, our sermon text begins the second section of John's gospel, what's rightly been called, the book of glory. Here, unlike section one: Jesus' location will not change — he'll remain in Jerusalem till his death. The crowds will no longer be involved, at least not throughout the next five chapters. Jesus will not be working miracles. He will not be teaching in parables. Rather, Jesus will mainly be speaking — plainly and deliberately — to his small, rag-tag group of men he called his 12, soon-to-be 11, disciples. All the while, we are those who are invited in, brought in, by John to this most private, intimate and pivotal of settings — the final moments of the Savior prior to the cross. This morning, we'll aim to set the scene for this book of glory by taking a look at four things: the Identity of Jesus, the Love of Jesus, and two Warnings from Jesus.First, the Identity of Jesus.IdentityIt's a fitting thing to begin with. After all, Jesus' identity is the very thing that's been most doubted, debated, and called into question up to this point in the story. We've heard statements like:1:46, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” 4:12, “Are you greater than our father Jacob?”6:30, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you?” 6:42, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?”8:48, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”10:20, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” It's quite the chorus of animosity, yes? And yet, chapter 13 is quick to show us that despite the many reproaches, Jesus remains unshaken.Verse 1,“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father…”You see it? No doubts. No questions. No confusion here. All along, Jesus has known his hour was coming. He has known his hour was the very thing he came here for. He has known his hour would be a time when he'd be glorified (John 12:23). And now, he knows his hour has come.A major aspect of Jesus' identity, of course, relates to this hour. And yet, even more basic to his identity, is what we see in verse three. Look down with me at verse 3:“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God…”Picture this with me for a moment. Like, put yourself there, in that very room, in this very moment:Here stands Jesus — a plainly clothed Jewish carpenter from Galilee. He's in a borrowed space — an upper room of someone else's home. He's flanked by fishermen, a tax collector, and a host of other unimpressive men. By the looks of it, he has little money, or perhaps even no money, to his name. And yet, here stands the man who rules the world. The one before whom every knee will one day fall. The supreme object of the Father's eternal smile.Jesus, in that moment, knew all that. He knew he'd ultimately come from God. That he, though headed to the grave, was ultimately headed back to God in Heaven. That despite appearances, his Father had placed all things in his hand. His is an unrivaled identity — the only Son from the Father. That's point one: the identity of Jesus.Point two: the Love of Jesus.Amazingly, these two marks appear side-by-side in the narrative. Following the report of Jesus' high and exalted identity, we find his love for his own people. LoveLook back with me to verse 1:“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”For anyone in the room this morning wondering: “Now, why did Jesus, on his very last night, choose to move away from the crowds? Like, up to this point, Jesus has regularly welcomed the masses. Not all the time, to be sure, but much of the time. So, why then, in his final hours, did Jesus choose to “lock himself up in a room,” so-to-speak, with only this small, hand-selected group of men?” Answer: Because he loved them. And you might think: “Well, yeah, of course he loved them. Jesus loves the world.” That's not wrong. Jesus, like his Father, loves the world, hence, John 3:16. It would be a mistake, however, to equate Jesus' love for the world with Jesus' love for his own. The two are not identical, but distinct. And, in fact, you can see that distinction, right here in verse one:“[Jesus] having loved his own who were in the world.”You see it? It's not: having loved his own just as he loved the world, but “having loved his own who were in the world.”Jesus' love here, in other words, is specific: He's talking about the love he has for this particular people — “his own.”And, Jesus' love is persistent: He will love his own to the end — all through and well beyond the nails, the thorns, and the spear. Jesus' love, in this text, is the unique love he has for his sheep… The ones who hear his voice, and believe in his name. The ones for whom, in his hour of glory, he will lay his life down for. How About You?And how about you? Are you his this morning? Have you heard his voice? Have you come to see that this Jewish carpenter from Galilee is in fact God in the flesh and Savior of your soul? Then this very love that we're talking about here is the love he has for you.It's December 28th, yes? Christmas Sunday. Much of the holidays are now behind you. Even more of the year 2025 is now behind you. As you look back, you may see evidences of Jesus' love for you — popping up in your memory, your calendar, the images on your phone. If you see these evidences, boy, savor those things. Ask God to impress them deep into your soul that you may not forget them in days ahead. But for those of you who, as you look back, think: “You know, I feel like I just got kicked in the teeth this Christmas. In fact, really this entire year. In fact, life has been tasting bitter now for quite a number of years. I look out for evidences of Jesus' love for me, and, if I'm honest, I'm just not seeing them.” ….If that's you, then allow me to invite you this morning to turn your focus to these words instead. To set your perception of the events of life to the side. To instead, humbly before the Lord, hear him say to you, “I have loved you, and am loving you, and will continue to love you to the end.” Jesus' love for you if you are his, brother or sister, is a particular and persistent love — active today just as it was on the cross and just as it will be in the age to come.What's the identity of Jesus? He's from God, going to God, having all things in his hand.What's the love of Jesus? It's the particular, persistent love he has for his own.What about the two warnings from Jesus? Well, they're going to come in just a moment, but not before the scene shifts.Jesus the ServantJesus, knowing the love he has for his disciples, is now going to demonstrate that love through what was, at that time, one of the lowest forms of human service imaginable.It is a jolting transition to say the least. Jesus, verse 4, rises from supper. He takes off his outer garments. He grabs a servant's towel. Then, after pouring some water into a basin, he begins to “wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” Now, consider how absolutely soiled his disciples' feet would've been at this time — having just been walking for miles, without shoes, on roads made up of packed-down dirt and animal manure. And consider how filthy that water, as Jesus went from washing one of his disciples' feet to another, would've been getting. And the towel! The very towel that Jesus had around his body, pressing against his skin — how soaked with filth it would've appeared.So it's no wonder that by the time Jesus gets to Peter and sets down the basin before him, Peter just can't take it anymore. It's as if the shock of seeing a man so superior to himself stooped down to such degrees of humiliation just finally became too much for him to bear. Verse 6 reads:“He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”Jesus says to Peter, I believe, sympathetically, assuringly, verse 7:“What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”Nevertheless, Peter continues his resistance. He cannot understand what Jesus is doing. Cannot fathom ever being able to understand what Jesus is doing. And so he declares, verse 8:“You shall never wash my feet.”First WarningWhat a terrifying thing to say to a Savior. What an eternity-threatening response. And Jesus treats it as such, responding to it with one of the most sobering, consequential warnings in all the Bible. In verse 8, Jesus warns,“If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”Just think over those words for a moment: No share with Jesus. None. Peter's response, in other words, has got him teetering on the brink of complete dislocation from Jesus. But why is that? I mean, wasn't Peter just trying to be respectful of Jesus? Honoring, even? I mean, “Jesus, you walk on water. You calm storms. I'm not going to have you wash my feet.” …No? Well then, Peter, who are you going to have wash your feet? It's true. Peter's resistance may well have been his attempt at honoring Jesus, but what it did was threaten to demote Jesus instead. Demote him. Downgrade Jesus from the rank of Total, Absolute Savior to the level of partial, limited Savior.The kind of savior who serves his people this far, but no further. The kind who cleanses these sins, but not those sins. The kind who is received by his people not on his terms, but on theirs. The kind who may provide bread, bring healing, and even calm storms, but certainly won't wash feet.Peter's resistance did not honor, but demote Jesus, or at least threaten to. And it is something we all have a tendency to do.Think about it: when you sin — like when you catch yourself saying something unkind, having a thought that's unclean, doing something you know is wrong, and then realize your guilt — do you always go immediately to Jesus asking to be forgiven? Like, the moment you sin, do you always go right away to Jesus, totally empty-handed, saying: Jesus, cleanse me again?Or, do you sometimes wait a bit… To let your guilt subside first. Or to rack up a few good works first. Or to wallow in greater degrees of misery first? I mean, you're not just going to go to Jesus just like that, with your unadulterated sin so fresh out of the oven, are you?If not, then what you're attempting to do instead is take the edge off your sin. Take it from a boil, down to a simmer. Get it to a point where it is, at least, slightly less abhorrent than it was originally before handing it over to Jesus. And the reason we do that — Note: The reason we do that — is because in our pride, we don't actually want a Total, Absolute Savior to help us with our sin. We don't. Rather, what we want is to demote Jesus to the level of partial Savior, because when we do, guess who gets promoted to the level of partial Savior right alongside him?You see it? Peter's resistance, as well as ours, is not really about Jesus' honor at all. It's about human pride, and our desire to have a claim on our salvation.Here's the thing: Jesus doesn't respond to Peter with gratitude. “Oh, thank goodness, I was hoping I'd not have to wash your feet.” He responds to Peter with a warning:“If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”Said another way: To be saved by me, Peter, you must also be served by me — and that at your very worst. Your very lowest. Your very ugliest. You must place even your feet into my hands.Jesus is as an Absolute, Total Savior. He will be received as such or he will not be received at all. That's our first warning. The second is much quicker. In fact, it's not even technically a warning, but I would like us to hear it as such this morning.Second WarningIn verse 9, Peter responds to Jesus with his usual, over-the-top vigor:“‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!' Jesus said to him, ‘The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”Again, this is not technically a warning. It's a judgment. Judas, one of the twelve, was not clean. To use language from the first warning: Judas “had no share” with Jesus, for his heart had been given over to Satan. Just as we read in verse 2:“During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him.”So Judas has got Satan motivating him. It's Satan's will he's submitted to, not God's.But the reason I'd like us to heed all this as a warning is because Judas gave off no outward impression that he was in rebellion to Jesus. In fact, we have no biblical evidence suggesting any one of his fellow disciples ever suspected Judas was the one who would betray Jesus. Judas had looked the part. Had done all the things. He'd been present for the many conversations, sermons, and miracles throughout the past three years of his public ministry. In fact, Judas, just as all the other disciples, had just finished getting his feet washed by Jesus in that upper room.But despite outward appearance, when it came to who Judas was inwardly — what Judas really loved, to what Judas really treasured — it was not Jesus. His treasure may have been money, power, praise — regardless, the fact of the matter is that despite all Judas had seen, heard, and experienced, there was still something in the world Judas valued more than Jesus. So, when finally given the opportunity to gain it by losing Jesus, he took it. He agreed to betray Jesus.Brothers and sisters, beware of increasing in Jesus-oriented things, and Jesus-oriented practices, apart from a Jesus-oriented heart. We don't want to be known as the people who merely do things for Jesus, but the people who value Jesus above all things. We want, as the Apostle Paul, to be the kind of people, the kind of disciples, who increasingly count Christ as gain, and all other things as loss in comparison to him.So, the identity of Jesus: He's from God, going to God, having all things in his hand.The love of Jesus: It's the particular, persistent love he has for his own.The warnings from Jesus: You cannot have him as partial Savior. You cannot have him unless your heart treasures him to the end.TableNow, what brings us to the table this morning is the fact that the footwashing we see here in John 13 — counter-intuitive and challenging to human pride as it may have been — was really just a preview. A foreshadowing, of the even greater ignominy still to come. In a mere matter of hours…Jesus' outer garments are not going to be set down by him, but stripped off by Roman soldiers. Jesus' hands are not going to be wet with water, but his own blood. Jesus' skin is not going to be dirtied by his disciples' feet, but pierced for his disciples' sin. Jesus is going to hang on a cross, loving his own people to the very end.

December 21, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This episode resumes a study of 2 Corinthians 2 as Neal unpacks why the Apostle Paul delayed his return to Corinth, how he defends his apostolic authority, and how the church should respond to repentance and restoration. Using the background from Acts and 1 Corinthians 5, the lesson situates Paul's letter in the timeline of his missionary journeys, explains the likely presence of false apostles and Judaizing critics, and recounts the specific disciplinary case of the man who lived with his father's wife. The class explores two primary reasons Paul gives for not coming sooner: changing plans directed by the Lord and a pastoral desire not to cause the congregation additional sorrow until they had processed corrective discipline. The speaker walks through 2 Corinthians 2:5–11 in detail, highlighting Paul's four practical instructions to the church after the penitent's return—forgive, comfort, reaffirm love, and be obedient—and Paul's personal example of forgiveness to prevent Satan from taking advantage of the situation. Listeners will hear discussion of key pastoral and practical themes: how to implement restorative discipline, the distinction between forgiveness and comfort, the role of godly sorrow in producing repentance, and the dangers of mishandling public sin. Class participants contribute practical reflections; Titus's report to Paul is noted as the confirming news about the church's response. The episode then broadens into leadership principles drawn from Paul's closing remarks: common distractions leaders face, the image of church leaders as an "aroma" that attracts some and repels others, the limits of human sufficiency and dependence on God's grace, and proper motives—sincerity, submission, and accountability—versus corrupting or peddling the gospel. The lesson closes with actionable takeaways for elders, teachers, and every believer about restoration, unity, and trusting God's sufficiency in ministry.   Duration 44:35

In this Christmas message, Terry Timm reflects on the metaphor of the body being like Mary, suggesting that each person carries the presence of Christ within, just as Mary carried Jesus. By drawing on Rumi's poetry and the Apostle Paul's writings, this message emphasizes the transformative power of saying "yes" to God and allowing Christ to be born through our actions, words, and presence. It concludes with a breath prayer to reinforce the realization and sharing of Christ's presence in and through our lives.

Living In Eternity NOW | 2 Corinthians 4:16–18What if the way we enter a new year isn't about trying harder—but about seeing differently?In this message, Living In Eternity NOW, we explore 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 and the Apostle Paul's call to live with an eternal perspective in a temporary world. As we reflect on identity, suffering, renewal, and what truly lasts, we're reminded that lasting change doesn't begin with self-improvement—it begins with who God says we are.This sermon challenges us to:Stop losing heart when life feels heavySee suffering through the lens of eternityFix our eyes on what is unseen, not just what's temporaryAnchor our identity in Christ before chasing improvementLive today in light of foreverWhether you're entering a new year, walking through hardship, or feeling stuck in cycles that don't last, this message invites you to lift your eyes and live from eternal truth—not temporary pressure.

Have you ever made one too many mistakes? You know, you get to a point where you think, That's it! God must be done with me? Well, Abraham was a man of faith who made plenty of mistakes along the way. Yet God seemed to overlook, even o compensate for them. Why was that?   Life Changing Moments As we travel through life we all kind of experience these moments and often they are seemingly insignificant events that in fact, turn out to change the whole course of our lives. It's amazing when you think about it! We all have a plan for our lives but there are things just around the next corner or just over the next rise that can change everything – good things and bad things, happy things and sad things. Some people think, "Well, it's all a matter of chance." Well, I don't believe in chance. I remember a brochure that changed my life. I was attending a little church – I had not long become a Christian and it was a Sunday service like every other Sunday. At the end of the service I walked to the back of the little church and I saw a brochure for a particular Bible College, Tabor College in Sydney. It wasn't a particularly attractive brochure or a well designed brochure – I picked it up and that was a defining moment – I took it home, I read about this ministry degree, I prayed and I felt this incredibly strong tug in my heart. Now in my mind I am thinking, "There's no way. You know Berni, you have been a Christian for five minutes" but in my heart I knew. So I rang them, I applied, I went to see the Principal, I felt like such a fraud. "They are never going to accept me." They did! And there I learned so much but also, by chance again, I came into contact with my predecessor in this ministry; the former CEO of Christianityworks and one thing led to another. And today I'm doing what I am doing because I picked up that little brochure at the back of the church. Now I had no idea that morning that something would happen that would change the course of my life. This week we are starting a new series on Christianityworks, it's called "Defining Moments". It's really exciting! I want to look at this from a different perspective; from God's perspective. See when we look back on our lives most of us can pick three or four, maybe half a dozen defining moments – those little things that seemed to change the whole course of our lives. Now, sure we can see them from our natural human perspective – after all, we are people; we're human, but if we do that I think we miss the point. I want to look at some defining moments in the lives of four people in the Bible – Abraham, Joseph, David and Josiah over the next four weeks and we are starting today with Abraham. I want to see if we can discover how God reaches into our lives with miracles - great and small to define the very course of our lives because God does have a plan. Psalm 139, verse 16, says: Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In Your book were written all the days that were formed for me when none of them as yet existed. And when we at least expect it, and even despite what you and I do or fail to do, His plan is worked out through His grace for His glory. God brings those defining moments. Let's start with Abraham - the man with whom God's engagement of His chosen people began. He was living comfortably in a place called Ur, east of Israel – of course Israel didn't exist back then. Ur was the land of the Chaldeans, later it was called Babylon – it's just south of modern day Baghdad. And he travelled with his father up to Haran and then God called him to leave his comfort and follow this really crazy, absolutely incredulous promise. Let's pick it up – if you have got a Bible, grab it; open it up at Genesis chapter 12. We are going to look at the story of Abraham – it's too much to look at it all in one programme but we are going to have a look at part of his story. Genesis chapter 12, beginning at verse 1: Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram when as the Lord had told him and Lot when with him. Abram was seventy five years old when he departed form Haran." Seventy five years old! "He and Sarai his wife and they were childless." You see, you have to remember, in the Old Testament, blessing; God's blessing, you knew you had it when you had lots of land and lots of children. They had neither, so they didn't have God's blessing on their lives. Now the word "Abram" means "exalted father". So even his name was a joke, but still he went, off into the never never, based on what – some intangible, crazy call from God? Remember Abram had no Bible; he had no Scriptures to reveal who God was. He had no church tradition, or Jewish tradition – nothing like that. All the other nations had their gods; idols – they worshipped them, they believed all sorts of weird and wonderful things but Abram put his faith; he put his whole life and all his possessions in this God who came up with this incredulous promise. How did God say this to Abram - through an audible voice, a dream, a vision, a whisper of the Spirit in his heart? We don't know but he just heard the call and he trusted in the promises of God and off he went, into the blue yonder. Now God's plan A, remember, is to bless Abram with land and children – impossible of course! Oozes fantasy, not faith – could never happen. And then begins Abram's comedy of errors – pretty tragic actually. We don't have time to look at them all today but we are going to look at some of them. It's a journey where Abram and Sarai his wife, made plenty of mistakes along the way. Take Lot for instance, his nephew – if you look at Genesis chapter 12 again, did God tell Abram to take Lot with him? Not at all – it was Abram's idea. No doubt, this was plan B for Abram. "Well, if God doesn't come through on this promise of a son, at least I'll have a relative to be my heir" and Lot…..Lot causes him all sorts of grief. Let's have a look – Genesis chapter 13, verse 5: Now Lot who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents so that the land couldn't support both of them living together, for their possessions were so great that they could not live together. And there was strife between the herders of Abram's stock and the herders of Lot's stock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land. Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me – between your herders and my herders for we are kindred. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I'll go to the right; of you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." Lot looked about him and saw the plain of the Jordan that was well watered everywhere like this garden of the Lord; like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar - this was before the Lord had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. So Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan and Lot eastward thus he separated from Abram. Gee, plan B worked really well for Abram didn't it? Obviously God didn't know what He was promising Abram and needed a back up! And look how it turned out! Strife, separation and then Abram gave away the best half of the Promised Land. And if you read on in chapter 14, Abram risks his life and God's plan because he has to fight a battle to save Lot's life. Lot was not part of plan A and in chapter 19 of Genesis (we won't go there for now for time reasons) but he ends up sleeping with his own daughters and fathers the Moabites and the Ammonites; both nations that became enemies of Israel. Huh – well done Abram! God obviously needed your help!!   Who Can Blame Him? Well, who can blame Abram? He is in his late seventies now on a journey to nowhere and Sarai is no spring chicken either, I have to tell you. And God gives him this utterly incongruous, impossible promise and Abram is aching inside. "God, what are You doing?"  Can you relate to that? I can! Let's have a look at the defining moment in Abram's journey. It begins in Genesis chapter 15, verse 1: After these things the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Abram, I am your shield. Your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me for I continue childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer, son of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no offspring and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir." But the Word of the Lord came to him, "This man shall not be your heir. No one but a son coming from your very own body shall be your heir." God brought him outside and said, "Look toward the heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them." Then the Lord said to him, "So shall your descendants be!" And Abram believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. I reckon this is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible. Is Abram a man of faith? Absolutely! But he is struggling – he has tried everything he can do in his own strength and he can't make this promise from God happen and time is marching on. So through his doubt, he ends up with plan C or D or whatever he is up to. How does God respond – with rebuke, with punishment, with discipline? God brought him outside and said, "Look toward the heaven and count the start, if you are able to count them." Then God said "So will your descendants be! Isn't it beautiful? You know, the Milky Way when you get away from the smog and the lights of the city is just the most awesome thing – there are so many stars out there – it almost looks like clouds. Trillions of stars – this is the love of God! And he believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Abram's faith meant that God's righteousness became part of who he was. It's a theme the Apostle Paul picks up in Romans chapter 4 and in Galatians chapter 3 in the New Testament, much later. See I struggle with the rose coloured glasses that Paul and others in the New Testament use to look back on Abraham. They paint him as this paragon of virtue; this great man of faith. Hebrews chapter 11, beginning at verse 8: By faith Abraham, when he was called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he didn't know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a foreign country, for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah herself was barren, was enabled to become a father. That's great but what about all of Abraham blunders? What about his lack of faith? He goes to God and says to God, "What will You give me? What will You show me? I can't see it – I'm losing hope." See, Abraham was human – Abraham had human failures and he made mistakes just like you and me - but the answer is in what we just read in Genesis. How is it that despite all of Abraham's blunders and doubts, God's plan still came to fruition? Because Abraham: "believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness." Abraham believed – he didn't do it perfectly – but he believed and this was counted by God as righteousness. The righteousness of God when we believe, He forgives our sins – He forgets them. "As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us." You see, that's why in the New Testament it doesn't talk about Abraham's mistakes because God has forgiven them and they are not relevant. That's how God deals with Abraham's human failings. This is the defining moment in Abraham's journey: he believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. This night that was like any other; he was in his tent; he was struggling; he was praying; he was saying, 'God, what are you doing?' And God just touches him and brings him outside and says, "Look up at the stars; as many as are there so numerous will be your descendants." It's not about what Abraham did or didn't do. The defining moment is about God's grace! And come and look with me exactly how imperfectly Abraham believed. Come and see with me how human and frail his faith actually is. He is credited with righteousness – God speaks to him and right on the back of that, just two verses later, in Genesis chapter 15, verse 8, begins this: But he said "O Lord, God, how am I to know I shall possess it?" And God said to him, "Bring Me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtle dove and a young pigeon." He brought God all those things and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other but he did not cut the birds in two. And when the birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abraham drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abraham and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Know this for certain that your offspring shall be aliens in a land that is not theirs and they shall be slaves there and they shall be oppressed there for four hundred years but I will bring judgement on the nation that they serve and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for you yourself, you shall go with your ancestors in peace and you shall be buried in a good old age. And they shall come back here in the fourth generation for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." When the sun had gone down and it was dark, and a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day (listen to this) On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abraham, saying, "To your descendants I give this land – from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates and the land of the Kenites and the Kenizzites and the Kadmonites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Raphaim and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Girgashites and the Jebusites." See, in the face of further doubt from Abraham, God gives him this vision and he makes an unbreakable promise; a covenant; a promise from God Himself to Abraham.   The Last Laugh Just as well, this covenant from God was an unbreakable promise because what happens next, after the stars thing and the vision and the promise, would have been the final straw for me if I had been God. Have a look at the next Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian slave girl whose name was Hagar and Sarai said to Abram, "You see the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go into my slave girl; it may be that I shall obtain children by her." Abram listened to the voice of his wife Sarai, so after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar the Egyptian; her slave girl and gave her to her husband Abraham as a wife. He went into Hagar and she conceived and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, "May the wrong done to me be on you. I gave my slave girl to you to embrace and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me." Ok, men had more than one wife in those days but people haven't changed that much. Wives, how happy would you be with this outcome? Your husband sleeping with a slave girl and then all of a sudden the slave girl is pregnant. Can you see how perverted this is? And the son that Hagar bore was Ishmail and he became the father of the Arab world! Gee, that worked out brilliantly, didn't it? And so Abram, left to his own devices would have lurched from one blunder to the next but now the bit that really gets me about this story, is the ending. Both Abram and Sarai get to the point – I mean this has been going on for years now; decades where they just end up laughing at God's promises. I mean they are so ridiculous; they are so impossible – have a look – Abram first in Genesis chapter 17, verse 15: God said to Abram, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai anymore but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her and she will give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, "Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah who is ninety years old bear a child?" And Abraham said to God, "O that Ishmail might live in Your sight." And God said, "No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son and you shall name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him." And then Sarah's turn next! God appears to Abraham in the form of three men and those men said to him, "Where is your wife Sarah?" And he said, "There, in the tent." Then one of them said, "I will surely return to you in due season and your wife Sarah shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance, behind them. Now Abraham and Sarah, they were old and advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, "After I have grown old and my husband is old, shall I have the pleasure?" See, can you blame Abraham and Sarah for laughing at God? I mean if you don't laugh you will cry. It has been twenty five years – they headed away on this fool's errand into the blue yonder. Abraham is over a hundred – Sarah is over ninety – come on God, what do You think You are doing? But let's see how it ends! Genesis chapter 21: The Lord dealt with Sarah just as He had said and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken. Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah had borne. Do you know what the word "Isaac" means? It means "he laughs" – you see God had the last laugh! They both laughed at God's promises and God gives them a son called Isaac and God has the last laugh! It's the laughter of God's grace. And when you look back on this journey, what was the defining moment? See, what you and I want to look at is say: "What do I have to do….what do I have to do? What do I have to do to get God's favour?" Isn't that what we are always thinking? And you look at all of Abraham's blunders and you see all the mistakes he made but in his heart he believed and it was reckoned unto him by God as righteousness. His faith trumped his failures! Let me say that again ... Abraham's faith trumped his failures! People came to Jesus years later and they said, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" And Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God: that you believe in the One whom He has sent." Do you get it? The defining moment for Abraham was God's gracious, loving, powerful, impossible, unbreakable, ridiculous, only God could ever do it, take it forever….promise. And in his heart Abraham believed. That's the bit that God saw and took and used and blessed Abraham through. That's why the New Testament writers can completely ignore the failures of Abraham because God….God had forgotten them a long time ago. God had decided to overlook them a long time ago. Abraham was not a perfect man – Abraham was human just like you and me. You make blunders in your life; I make blunders in my life. What does God look at? He looks at whether we put our trust in Him through Jesus Christ. God not only forgave Abraham and Sarah but He cleaned up their mess along the way so that His plan would be fulfilled and realised for His glory. Look again at the defining moment in Abraham's life…Genesis chapter 15, verses 5 and 6: God brought Abraham outside and said, "Look up toward the heaven. Count the stars if you are able to count them." Then God said to him, "So shall your descendants be. And Abraham believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. What do I have to do to do the works of God? To believe in the One whom He sent; His Son, Jesus Christ!

Journey with us into the heart of one of Scripture's most personal and joy-filled letters—Philippians. This message takes us back to approximately 60 AD, where Paul writes from a Roman prison cell to the very first church ever planted in Europe. What makes this letter extraordinary isn't just its theological depth, but its profound demonstration of partnership in the gospel. We discover how the Philippian church began through dramatic encounters: a businesswoman named Lydia whose heart God opened, a demon-possessed slave girl set free, and a prison guard saved after an earthquake miraculously opened all the prison doors. These weren't just historical events—they reveal how God works through suffering, persecution, and miraculous intervention to advance His kingdom. The central spiritual lesson resonates powerfully: we are called to be partners with Christ and with one another in sharing the gospel. Paul's prayer for the Philippians becomes our prayer—that our love would abound in knowledge and discernment, that we'd be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes only through Jesus. When Paul writes 'He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it,' we find hope for those moments when we feel like failures, when every step seems to lead to another stumble. God doesn't abandon His projects. We are His workmanship, His poem, and He remains faithful to complete what He started in us. This isn't about our effort but about His grace—the peanut butter that must come before the jelly of peace.Chapter 1: Introduction to Philippians and Historical Context0:00 - 7:00We explore the book of Philippians as a deeply personal letter written from prison, examining the historical context of the city of Philippi and its significance as the first European church.Chapter 2: The Founding of the Philippian Church7:00 - 14:00We learn how the church in Philippi was established through divine direction, beginning with three key encounters: Lydia the businesswoman, a demon-possessed slave girl, and a Roman jailer.Chapter 3: Paul's Greeting and Identity as a Bondservant14:00 - 21:00We examine Paul's humble self-identification as a bondservant of Christ and his greeting to the saints, understanding that all believers are set apart as holy through Christ.Chapter 4: Paul's Prayer and Partnership in the Gospel21:00 - 28:00We explore Paul's constant prayer for the Philippians, his joy in their partnership, and the assurance that God will complete the good work He began in us.Chapter 5: Prayer for Abounding Love and Righteous Living28:00 - 35:00We learn how to pray for one another—that our love would abound in knowledge and discernment, leading to lives filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes only through Christ.Keywords#Philippians#BookOfPhilippians#ApostlePaul#JoyInSuffering#Partnership#Gospel#Contentment#Humility#ChristCentered#HolySpirit#Prayer#Macedonia#Philippi#ChurchPlanting#Lydia#PhilippianJailer#Salvation#BelieveInJesus#BondServant#SlaveToChrist#Grace#Peace#Saints#Fellowship#Missions#Righteousness#FruitOfRighteousness#Sanctification#AbideInChrist#Persecution#Suffering#FurtheranceOfTheGospel#PrisonEpistle#Timothy#Acts16#Citizenship#HeavenlyCitizenship#ChristianUnity#Discipleship#Repentance#GodsFaithfulness#SpiritualGrowth#BiblicalTeaching

The Apostle Paul's purpose under God could not be denied by conspiracies of circumstance.  This truth is followed from Acts chapter 20 to the conclusion. Allow your confidence as a believer to rest in this truth as you remain yielded to Him and His ways.

Most of us start the year with big goals, but by the end of January, we're often right back where we started. If you feel frustrated, exhausted, or even a little ashamed that you can't seem to change... the good news is you aren't alone. Even the Apostle Paul struggled with the cycle of "I want to do right, but I don't do it." What if the reason you haven't changed isn't because you're weak, but because you're trying to meet a need with something besides God's grace? In today's message, Pastor Gareth Bailey kicks off our new series, The Power to Change. We're moving away from temporary behavior modification and stepping into lasting spiritual transformation. It's not about "God then me" or "God not me"—it's about God THROUGH me. Watch the full message and join the conversation in the comments! Reflection Question for the week: What is your "Spiritual Why"? How does the habit you want to build (or break) connect to God's purpose for your life? Please remember to SUBSCRIBE! #OnlineChurch #NCMI #Family #HolySpirit #Empowered #CityonaHill #Sermon #Preach #onlinechurch #CityOnAHill #FaithCommunity #LoveShines #CommunityThrive #GatherGrowGo #gloryofgod Subscribe to receive our latest messages: / https://coah.co.za/series/ To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://coah.co.za/giving/ See what God can do through you. Stay Connected Website: https://coah.co.za/ City on a Hill Church International Facebook: shorturl.at/elsPT City on a Hill Church International Instagram: shorturl.at/ntGMW City on a Hill Church International YouTube: shorturl.at/qvOS6 City on a Hill Church International Soundcloud: shorturl.at/hvFIL City on a Hill Church International Podcast: shorturl.at/tM179 City on a Hill Church International Twitter: shorturl.at/egiY1 Are you sick of being stuck? ✋ | Gareth Bailey | The Power To Change | City on a Hill Church International

Date 12/28/2025 Text: 1 Corinthians 1 vs 10-17 Title: Nullifying the cross 1..Apostle Paul is now going to start highlighting and addressing the issues that were happening in the Corinthian church. 2..He had gathered from those of the house of Chloe that they were divisions among them.. 3..Divisions along those that had preached to them like Apollos, Peter, Paul and even some saying CHRIST as if these were all on par with each other and I think these lines may just have been representative of the many schisms existing in that body.. 4..But Paul came to settle the issues by drawing them to the reason why they were called the church of God. It was because of Christ and Christ alone not because of the preachers. 5..Preachers do not cause anyone's salvation.. The person who matters is Christ and He can't be divided.. 6..So Paul said, this is how you were saved? It was not because of Paul dying for them, but Christ.. 7..It was not because of baptism, because Christ did not send him to dunk people in water, because that does not save anyone.. 8..Paul said, he was sent to preach the gospel... Preaching the gospel then is important in the salvation business. But we must also know that mere preaching is not the cause of a sinner's justification... 9..Preaching is for calling the elect to Christ by giving the basis upon which faith and repentance are worked in the sinner by the Holy Spirit.. This and more and it is free!

Passage: Matthew 5:1-16 Date: 28 December 2025 Speaker: Terry Laverty Summary: As we reflect on the past year, many of us feel the weight of unmet aspirations and struggles. In this message, we explore the idea that true transformation begins when we acknowledge our limitations and invite God into our brokenness. Like the Apostle Paul, we often find ourselves in a battle against our shortcomings, but it’s in this surrender that Jesus offers us a fresh start and the hope of abundant life. Links: Church Website Watch on YouTube Contact Us

The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians to expose false teaching, for he knew the gospel was at stake. Today, Derek Thomas reveals that the gospel is just as much at stake in our day as it was in the first century. Donate any amount to request R.C. Sproul's commentary on Galatians and Derek Thomas' video teaching series No Other Gospel on DVD. You'll also receive lifetime digital access to all 14 messages and the study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4510/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Get the Galatians commentary ebook, digital teaching series, and digital study guide with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global    Meet Today's Teacher:   Derek Thomas is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and Chancellor's Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

(Ephesians 3:14-21) Like Ephesus was in the Apostle Paul's day, our world is filled with money, religion, education, and debauchery. Despite what the current culture is overflowing with, it is God's desire that His church be filled with Himself. What does that look like and how does it happen? (09312251227) Keep Studying  Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. 

A kinsman of the Apostle Paul, the Holy Stephen was one of the seven deacons (with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas) first appointed by the Church to minister to the people; and it pleased God to receive him as the Church's first Martyr for Christ. Read the long, beautiful and edifying account of his witness in the Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6-8. When Stephen, "full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people," (Acts 6:8), some members of a synagogue in Jerusalem came to dispute with him and, enraged by his proclamation of Christ, stoned him to death. In his death St Stephen revealed Christ's erasure of the boundary between heaven and earth, and the new communion between man and God: his face shone with the light of the Transfiguration, and he was granted a vision of Christ enthroned at the Father's right hand. His dying words were "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60).   According to holy tradition, the martyrdom of St Stephen occurred exactly a year after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. His body was taken and secretly buried by Gamaliel, a member of the Sanhendrin and secretly a Christian.   Saint Stephen's relics were discovered by the priest Lucian in 415 following a vision. They were translated to the church built for them in Jerusalem by the Empress Eudocia, and later taken to Constantinople.   The Saint's missionary speech before his death (like that of the deacon St Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch) reminds us that those appointed to serve the Church materially are not barred, or even excused, from proclaiming the glorious Gospel of Christ.

Apostolic Witness on the Restoration, the Articles of Faith, and the History of the Priesthood | Apostle D. Todd HarrisonAs Jesus Christ's Apostle to All Nations and Generations, I testify that Jesus Christ is Alive Today and that He atoned for the sins of the world. I witness that The Church has been restored in these latter days. The priesthood has been granted to all worthy males. I declare that the doctrine in the Articles of Faith are God's Truth. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.D. Todd Harrison, Apostle of Jesus ChristJesus Christ's Apostle to All Nations and GenerationsYear Six of Global Apostolic MinistryCommissioned by Jesus Christ (like the Apostle Paul – Galatians 1:1)The Most-Followed LDS Religious Leader on Facebook (1 Corinthians 9:1–3)Foreordained from the foundation of the world, Apostle of Jesus Christ - D. Todd Harrison stands as Jesus Christ's Apostle to All Nations and Generations. Commissioned directly by the Savior, his divine calling ensures every nation hears the living reality of the Son of God in preparation for His return.For nearly six years, Apostle of Jesus Christ - D. Todd Harrison's global witness has boldly testified of the resurrection and living reality of Jesus Christ. Millions have felt the undeniable power of the Holy Spirit through his sacred testimony, delivered with the authority entrusted by the Savior Himself.Like the Apostle Paul—called outside institutional hierarchy—Apostle of Jesus Christ - D. Todd Harrison follows this rare and sacred pattern. While the First Presidency continues to call apostles to the Church, he and Paul are unique exceptions, personally chosen by the Lord to fulfill specific missions with boldness and power.His calling was prophetically recognized early. Elder Marion D. Hanks foretold that his name would one day be as well known around the Church as his great-grandfather, Apostle LeGrand Richards. Elder M. Russell Ballard, after hearing him speak before his mission, publicly declared, “Todd, for a moment there, I thought I was listening to LeGrand Richards,” and charged him to work hard, promising the Lord had “more important things ahead for him to do."What was not fully understood then—but is now unmistakably clear—is that Elder Ballard was prophesying Apostle of Jesus Christ - D. Todd Harrison's future global role. In that same meeting, Ballard urged him to always bear bold testimony, declaring, “That is what the world really needs to hear.” The Spirit confirmed a divine trajectory that has since reached over 100 million souls worldwide.For six generations, Apostle of Jesus Christ - D. Todd Harrison's family has served as apostles and general authorities. His lineage traces back to Abraham, King David, and King Solomon. One ancestral line, shared with his LDS apostle grandfathers, flows through Joseph of Arimathea. Another continues unbroken through every king of Judah—from King David to King Solomon-all the way down through the Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding under Zerubbabel—extending into the generations surrounding the restoration of temple authority and messianic expectation. Additional sacred lines of descent may be revealed at later times, each bearing witness to divine orchestration across dispensations.Through the sacred pattern established by the Lord, Apostle of Jesus Christ - D. Todd Harrison's mission amplifies the Church's work, standing in harmony with the First Presidency in bearing witness alongside the prophets. His inspired words cut through doubt, bringing souls to Jesus Christ in faith and certainty.His divine commission builds upon the legacy of his forebears, ensuring Jesus Christ's testimony reaches every nation and language. Just as past apostles laid the foundation, Apostle of Jesus Christ - D. Todd Harrison now fulfills an apostolic charge entrusted directly to him by the Savior Himself.

In the passage before us, Jesus eats the Passover with His disciples. Passover is a remembrance of an event. At this time our Lord institutes communion, the Lord's supper as a memorial to Him for His death. The Lord's supper is spoken of in 1Corinthians 11:26. The Apostle Paul writes that it is a memorial, a remembrance of a person, the Savior Himself, and His death until He comes again.Dr. Mitchell brings out the distinct perspective that it is not the value that men place on the blood of Christ, but the value that God places on Jesus' blood. The Scriptures witness to the numerous times the blood of Christ affects the life of the Christian. God's value of His blood is of eternal importance.Do you and I value this eternal expenditure of Christ on the cross as God does?Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Biblebroadcast, Matt.26:26-30.

Wehave been studying Ephesians chapter 4, where the Apostle Paul teaches that weare to live differently than we once did. Why? Because a new man has enteredour lives. That new man is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, living in usthrough the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit now dwellswithin us, giving us a new life—a life that can walk in righteousness and dothe things that please God. Paulbecomes very practical in this section, telling us what it means to put off theold man. In Ephesians 4:25, he begins by saying: “Therefore, putting awaylying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for weare members of one another.”  Here,Paul emphasizes the importance of truth. Youmay remember the moment when Pilate stood before Jesus and asked, “What istruth?” Just before that question, Jesus had declared in John 18:37: “Pilatetherefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered,"You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for thiscause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." That brings to mind Johnchapter 10, where Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, andthey follow me.” To follow Jesus is to follow truth. To know the truth, wemust have a personal relationship with the truth—because Jesus is the truth. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Wordwas with God, and the Word was God… All things were made by him.” “And the Word was made flesh,and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begottenof the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Hereis John—a simple fisherman from the region of the Sea of Galilee—testifying, “Wehave met the truth. We have seen His glory.” He echoes this again in 1 Johnchapter 1, declaring that they had heard, seen, and touched the Word of life. Thistruth is none other than Jesus Christ—God in the flesh. John tells us that Hisglory was full of grace and truth. God reveals Himself as the source of alltruth. Jesus later said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and thelife.” When Pilate asked, “What is truth?” the answer, Jesus Christ,Truth Himself was standing right in front of him. TheBible teaches that we are born speaking lies. Psalm 58:3 says, “The wickedare estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speakinglies.” Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that the heart is deceitful above all thingsand desperately wicked. Our natural hearts are part of the old man, the oldnature, and “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew12:34). So how can you tell the difference between someone who follows Jesusand someone who does not? A follower of Jesus speaks the truth, believes thetruth, and loves the truth. Where is truth found? Truth is found in JesusChrist. Where is Christ found? In the Word of God.  Thegreatest lie ever told was spoken by Satan in the Garden of Eden, when he toldEve, “You shall not surely die… you shall be like God, knowing good andevil.” In other words, “Follow your heart.”  You hear that message everywhere today, but itis not biblical. The Bible does not say, “Follow your heart.” Jesus said,“Follow me.” And when you follow Jesus, you follow the truth. Satan is still whisperingthis lie in our ears today. “You can decide what is right or wrong. Do what makesyou feel good. You don't need God”.   Thatis why Jesus said He was born, “to bear witness to the truth”. When you knowthe truth—when you know Jesus—you can speak the truth to your neighbor. Truthbuilds up; lies tear down. Truth strengthens fellowship; lies destroy it. MayGod help us understand this: Jesus is the Truth. Let us love Him, live for Him,and speak His Truth. When you speak the truth, you bear witness to JesusChrist! And if you have never received Him into your life, I encourage you todo so this Christmas Eve.

“Don't Be a Baby” • Hebrews 5:11-14 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The Apostle Paul gives another warning to the Hebrew Christians encouraging them to keep focused on Jesus Christ and their profession of Him. Part of that diligence includes studying the word of God and applying it to the way we think and live our lives. God intends for us to grow in grace and in our knowledge about Jesus Christ. Therefore, we ought not to be lethargic in our study of His word. Rather, we should be eager and devoted to learning more about Jesus so that we can shine as bright lights in this world so darkened by sin. This message was preached on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

Today's Promise: Romans 15:13 Today's episode is a little different; slower, quieter, and deeply prayerful. In the middle of the holiday rush, when our hearts and minds can feel pulled in a dozen directions, the Lord brought to mind a verse that is less a promise to be explained and more a prayer to be received. In this episode, I share the Apostle Paul's prayer from Romans 15:13 and make it my personal prayer for you.   We serve the God of hope. The One who fills His people with joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. This joy is not rooted in perfect circumstances but in confident trust in Jesus Christ. This peace comes from resting in the truth that God is sovereign and that nothing can separate us from His presence.   As you listen, be reminded that hope is not something you manufacture; it is something God graciously gives. And He gives it in abundance, overflowing and life-giving. This Christmas, my prayer is that the God of hope fills your heart with joy, peace, and a renewed confidence in Him.

Hank continues his special series leading up to Christmas Day featuring his acronym CHRISTMAS. Today, he picks up with the third and fourth letters of the acronym, “R” and “I”. The “R” in CHRISTMAS refers to Resurrection. This is so transcendently important because, without the Resurrection of Jesus, there is little point in even discussing Christmas. As the Apostle Paul put it in a letter to the Corinthian Christians, “if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless” (1 Corinthians 15:17 NLT). In light of St. Paul's words, it is incumbent on us to demonstrate that the Christ of Christmas had the power to lay down His life and take it up again. The “I” in CHRISTMAS represents the Incarnation of Jesus Christ—the Incarnation that makes Resurrection possible. Jesus took on all the essential properties of human nature, but he did not take on that which is non-essential—namely, sinful inclinations. In fact, as Adam was created without a proclivity towards sin, so the Second Adam was untainted by original sin.

Send us a textStrong Women Strong WorldPriscilla | Part 7Senior Pastor Keith StewartAugust 10, 2025She's a teacher, leader and a valued coworker of the Apostle Paul. She is also the second most mentioned person in the writings of Paul (only Timothy has more mentions). Yet very few Christians know her story or why she matters. This Sunday, our series on strong women brings us to Priscilla____________Discussion Questions 1. Priscilla and Aquila were a couple who served God together and worked alongside each other in the tent making business. If you're married, how well would that arrangement work out between you and your spouse? Are there ways you presently serve God together? What is that like?2. Working regular jobs as tentmakers did not interfere with the calling of God on the Apostle Paul's life or that of Priscilla and Aquila. Yet so many today often view their work as unspiritual and an impediment to doing the work of God. How do we change the way we see our jobs and do our jobs so that it fits better with the plan of God for our life? How do I turn even the most mundane tasks into something meaningful for God? 3. It's obvious, based on how Luke inverts the names of this couple whenever they're mentioned in a ministry context, that Priscilla is the one who leads the way and is operating in her primary gifting. How do you respond when your spouse's gift outshines your own? What qualities would you expect to see in Aquila that allowed him to support his wife in her spiritual gifting?  4. Priscilla's example of teaching the gifted Apollos is one of the best repudiations of the idea that what Paul was saying in 1 Corinthians 14.34-35 and 1 Timothy 2.12 was an attempt to silence women and forbid them a role in teaching men (If you haven't listened to the first message in this series, it's imperative that you do so). Furthermore, that the churches in Corinth and Ephesus (where the Timothy passage is addressed) both started in Priscilla and Aquila's home, is another major hurdle in making these verses say women can't teach. Why is the example of Priscilla ignored? Glossed over? Or distorted? What did you learn today about Priscilla that stood out to you most? How does her example encourage you? 5. There is no question that Priscilla and Aquila were foundational in the establishment of the church especially among the Gentiles. Paul said so himself. They were a key presence in three of the churches that were most instrumental in spreading the gospel message. We'd love to know more than what we do about their lives and influence. But most of the work this couple did was out of the limelight and without extensive records. How content are you to serve in relative anonymity as Priscilla and Aquila did? What are you doing with your life right now that will outlast this life? 

Carl Matthei - Christmas is often dressed up as neat, clean, and sentimental—but the first Christmas was messy, uncomfortable, and full of flawed people. According to the Bible, Jesus didn't come for the morally impressive or the spiritually sorted. He came for sinners. In this talk from 1 Timothy, we hear the shocking claim at the heart of Christmas: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Through the story of the Apostle Paul—and the gritty reality of the nativity—we see that Christmas is not about earning God's favour, but receiving mercy and grace we don't deserve. This is good news for ordinary, broken people. Because Christmas isn't for good people. It's for people like us.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

Todaywe are looking at Ephesians 4:21 through 24, where the Apostle Paul teaches usabout putting off the old man and putting on the new man. I will neverforget a little chorus I learned years and years ago. It goes something likethis:“Well,the best thing in my life I ever did do, Was take off the old robe and put on the new.The old robe was dirty, all tattered and torn;The new robe was spotless and had never been worn.Yes, the best thing in my life I ever did doWas take off the old robe and put on the new.”Thislittle chorus fits perfectly with the verses we are studying today. First,we must recognize the importance of hearing and responding to the Truth. In verse21, Paul says, “If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, asthe truth is in Jesus.” In other words, if you have truly heard Jesus—ifyou have truly met Him, listened to Him, and embraced the truth that is inHim—and if you are determined by God's grace to do His will, then you will knowthe truth and live it. Jesus Himself said that if anyone is willing to do God'swill, he will know whether the teaching is from God. Hearing the truth leads toobedience when the heart is surrendered.  Thenwe can begin to understand what it means to “put off the old man”. Paul says inverse 22: “That you put off, concerning the former conversation, the old man,which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.”Thisis a call to deliberately lay aside the old way of living—the former conductthat is corrupted by deceitful desires. And then, in verse 24, he says: “Andthat you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness andtrue holiness.” Oneof the best illustrations of this truth is found in the story of Lazarus inJohn chapter 11. You remember that Lazarus had been dead for four days, lyingin a tomb. When Jesus arrived, He called out, “Lazarus, come forth!” AndLazarus came out of the grave—still bound in his grave clothes. Then Jesus saidin John 11:44, “Loose him, and let him go.” In other words, take off theold grave clothes. You've been made alive—now live like it. Put on the graceclothes. Live like someone who has been changed by the grace of God. That isexactly what Paul is teaching here. The truth we have heard in Christ Jesusdemands a new way of living. Now,there is something very important in verse 23: “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” So how do youtake off the old robe—the dirty, deceitful, corrupt way of living—and put onthe new way of life? How do you live truthfully, proclaim truthfully, and walktruthfully before a watching world? You do it by being renewed in the spiritof your mind. Conversion is a crisis experience that leads to a lifelongprocess. Through Jesus Christ, we have once and for all become new creatures inHim. But now, day by day, we need the Word of God to renew our minds as wecontinually surrender ourselves to Him. Thisbrings us again to Romans 12:1–2, which we discussed yesterday. Because we havebeen saved by the mercies of God, Paul urges us to present our bodies as a livingsacrifice. You know, anybody can take a bullet and die for Jesus. But, myfriend, to live sacrificially every single day—by the grace of God, for thewill of God, and for the glory of God—that is where the real challenge lies. Weare swimming upstream against the corrupt, deceptive schemes of the devil. Andto live faithfully for Jesus in this world requires daily surrender andrenewal. Jesusprayed in John 17:17: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” Oneof the best passages that ties into this—and we will talk about it tomorrow—is Philippians4:8-9, where Paul instructs us to think on things that are true, honest, just,pure, lovely, and of good report. You'veheard the saying, “You are what you eat.” That is true physically. Butspiritually, my friend, you are what you think. That is why being renewed inthe spirit of your mind is so vitally important. Godbless!

Gravity's Rainbow, The Tain (the Irish Iliad), Sean's Writing Desire talk with Jen Beagin, pulling up on Danielle Chelosky's reading, and whether or not the Apostle Paul was a gooner. https://www.patreon.com/c/1storypod

The Apostle Paul said that we have many adversaries. The true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is under attack continually by overt adversaries and subtle adversaries. In this episode I expose the subtle heresies of the Eastern Orthodox Church. There is a worrying rise in people "Converting" to eastern Orthodoxy, particularly amongst Young men from Generation Z. Links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email:beyondtheparadigm@yahoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/paradigm1979⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠twitter.com/paradigm_79⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(1) Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support The Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheParadigm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/beyondthep5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠