Podcasts about Asaph

Scripture Reference: Psalm 73 Does doubting mean lack of faith? Does doubting mean immaturity? What does a follower of Jesus do with their doubts? Psalm 73 gives us a window into the doubt of a Psalmist named Asaph. Surely this means the Christian life has a place for doubt, and that doubting can actually lead us to a deeper relationship with Jesus and others.

Psalm 88 WorksheetOne of the most interesting things about this Psalm and the next is that they are written by 2 men named Heman the Ezrahite and Ethan the Ezrahite. Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were each descendants of Levi's sons Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Asaph was from Gershon; Heman from the line of Kohath; Ethan from Merari (1 Chr. 6:31-48). Heman has the added distinction of being the grandson of _______________________ (1 Chr. 6:33).Asaph wrote 12 Psalms, 11 here in book 3 of the Psalms; Heman wrote Psalm 88 and Ethan wrote Psalm 89. So 13 of the 17 Psalms of Book 3 are attributed to David's key music leaders from the tribe of Levi. The tone of Psalm 88 is very much one of _____________________________. It appears the Psalmist is facing suffering and death is very discouraged. It is not regarded as a Messianic Psalm, but several verses remind me of the suffering Jesus endured. As I read Psalm 88, look for the different ways death is referred to. Also look for the 3 times he speaks of calling out or crying out to the LORD. A man _______________________ death cries out to the LORD V. 1-9This man is despondent, but at least he is __________________________. Be honest with God in your prayers like in Psalm 88, and then go on to the kind of perspective that Psalm ____________ gives! The first reference to death is in verse 3, the word grave or Sheol. Sheol occurs 64 times in the Old Testament. The second reference to death is in verse 4, the word pit or bor. Bor occurs 61 times in the Old Testament. The third reference to death is in verse 5, “adrift among the dead.” The word for dead is mut, which occurs 693 times in the Old Testament. The sixth and seventh references to death are the words darkness and depths in verse 6.The word “wrath” in verse 7 reminds me of when Jesus was bearing our sin on the cross and cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me” (2 Cor. 5:21; John 3:36). Verse 8 reminds me of Jesus “shut up” on the cross, with so many of His followers not there to support Him. Jesus can identify with the Psalmist and any of us who feels neglected or forsaken by _____________. Verses 1 and 9 begin and end the first section by crying out to the LORD in the midst of this man facing death. A man ______________________ death cries out to the LORD V. 11-18Verses 10-12 feature 6 questions that it appears the Psalmist fears the answer is no but Christians now know the answer is ________________ in Christ!Let's not forget our count of references to death – verses 10-12 have the eighth through ________________ references to death! Verse 13 gives the one note of hope that after death, the “___________________________” will come. We borrow that hope from this being near to Psalm 86 by David.“I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” -Psalm 86:11-12Back in Psalm 88, the Psalmist wants to know, he wants to feel what David feels and __________________ in Psalm 86, but he is on the struggle bus. Verses 15 to the end make that struggle clear.Verse 15 gives us at least the 14th reference to death. With other references to being “cut off”, “wrath” and “terrors,” we may get all the way to ________________ references to death. Why is this discouraging Psalm in the Psalter, meant to be sung by the people? Sometimes getting the way we feel out there begins the ___________________________. Psalm 88 is like parts of the book of Ecclesiastes, that really describe the emptiness in life without God. Ecclesiastes brings to despair to then drive to faith in God (Ecc. 12:13-14). Psalm 89 does that for book 3 of of the Psalms. After the discouraging note of Psalm 88, Psalm 89 includes this thought to God's people when they feel discouraged:Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, nor allow My faithfulness to fail. -Psalm 89:33

Denne episoden er en bonusepisode med gjest Lars Muhl som jeg nylig hadde som gjest i min ferske podcast BokPrat med Mai Camilla - som er en podcast hvor jeg inviterer ferske og etablerte forfattere til å snakke om en bok de (og jeg) brenner for. Jeg har nå, i forkant av lanseringen av LA MASKEN FALLE Skrivekurs bestemt meg for å dele et par av episodene fra BokPrat med dere lyttere av La masken falle podcast - og førstemann ut er altså Lars Muhl - en av mine absolutte favorittforfattere! Så altså:Lars Muhl is a well-known Danish author, mystic, musician, and for decades an eager student of various spiritual traditions. There is a lot to tell about him and his life story, but in this episode we mainly speak about THE LIGHT WITHIN A HUMAN HEART - subtitled The book of ASAPH which in fact is one of my personal favourite books. However, in addition to being a book title, the light within a human heart, refers to the divinity available wihin each and everyone of us - if we are willing to let go of what we can call our ego, or more specifically; the repetitive thoughts, emotional wounds, behavioural patterns and programmings that separate us from who we really are - in our essence.In this conversation we talk about how the book came about, and how it was to write it, but more so about some of the phenomena Lars writes about in this book such as the golden substance, unconditional love vs conditional generosity, the ego vs the inner voice, we talk about how to take responsibility for oneself through gradually more presence in one's own life, and integrated in this; the Aramaic language and about some of the core messages that Jeshua brought forward, as well as mysteries of the crucifixion and the resurrection - as perceived by Lars.Book title: The light within a human heart. The book of Asaph.Watkins, 2022Vossabia er blitt sponsor og samarbeidspartner for LA MASKEN FALLE Podcast.Mine lyttere får nå 15 % rabatt på alle ordinære produkter, og jeg får en avanse på kjøpet - så ved å kjøpe dine produkt ved å benytte min rabattkode, støtter du også LA MASKEN FALLE Podcast.Kode: lamaskenfalleDetaljer: Ein gong pr kunde, ingen minimumskrav for kjøp, kan ikkje kombinerast med andre rabattar.Tid: aktiv frå 27. mars til 8. maiOg Vossabia sine produkter finner du på vossabia.noFølg gjerne Vossabia på Facebook:)Og du: Jeg starter vårens LA MASKEN FALLE Skrivekurs tirsdag 22/4 kl 19.00. Kurset er online, går over 8 uker, og du kan høre opptakene når det passer deg om du ikke kan delta live på hver samling. Dette er kurset for deg som har en bok i magen som bare trenger litt fødselshjelp for å komme til verden. Det er for deg som har en vag fornemmelse om boken du skal skrive, men som mangler klarhet og retning. Det er for deg som vet hvordan boken skal se ut, og for deg som ikke aner om å det skal bli en e-bok, lydbok eller papirbok. Sjekk lamaskenfalle.com/skrivekurs for mer informasjon. Ta gjerne kontakt på Messenger, direkte melding på Instagram eller e-post til lamaskenfalle@outlook.com for en gratis avklaringssamtale for å finne ut om dette kurset er noe for deg.Velkommen!

A devotional study about the awesomeness of the Psalms, and their value to us in our Christian experience.Psalms 52:9 KJVI will praise Thee for ever, because Thou hast done it: and I will wait on Thy name; for it is good before Thy saints.Related Podcasts:— How to Read the Psalms— Keep His Testimonies— Search Me O God— It Is All About Worship— Why We Worship Together— The Purpose of the Holy Scriptures— The Scriptures are Inspired by God— Spiritual Things are Spiritually Discerned— End-Time Prophecy PrimerRelated Podcasts at TrueWisdom:— Looking at Psalm 119, Part 1— Looking at Psalm 119, Part 2— Importance of the Psalms— Loving God's Law— Continuing with Psalms 119— Teach me Thy Statutes— David's longest Poem continuesSend us a textSupport the showIf you have any questions or comments, please send them to: BibleQuestions@ASBzone.comDuring many of our podcasts, you will hear us make reference to "The Key Principles of Effective Bible Study," a document which outlines core concepts shown in the Scriptures that will help you better understand many Biblical themes and doctrines. We have done a whole podcast series on these principles which can be found here (https://BibleStudy.ASBzone.com/357512/8572886).God's Precious Word is a condensed, 9-part series, based on the same document. Lastly, we recommend that you check out https://TrueWisdom.buzzsprout.com for a related Bible Study podcast, in a different format, co-hosted with Robert Baker.We pray that all of these resources will be very helpful to you in your Bible Studies.

1 Chronicles 16:1-7 (KJV) So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God. 2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. 3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. 4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: 5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; 6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God. 7 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

Pastor Maritza Gutierrez brings this week's message, “Turn Up the Volume." 2 Chronicles 20.1-15 ESV: “After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.' And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy— behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.” Sermon Topics: Worship, Battles, Faith If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe and share it with your friends on social media. For more information about PNEUMA Church, visit our website at mypneumachurch.org.  Connect with Us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mypneumachurch YouTube: https://youtube.com/mypneumachurch Facebook: https://facebook.com/mypneumachurch Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Welcome 07:41 - 2 Chronicles 20.1-15 ESV 11:51 - Turn Up the Volume

Text: Prov 21:23-24 ESV23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.-Prov 21:23-24 ESVLESS TALK, LESS TROUBLEThere is great danger of unrestrained speech. Some people talk too much, to their own detriment. If Solomon recognized this in an era without internet, how much more today. In an era where every word can be recorded, broadcast, and criticized, Solomon's counsel is as appropriate today as when he gave it. He who guards his mouth and his tongue spares himself a lot of trouble. A life indulged in empty talk, gossip, slander, and cursing have ruined many who would have stayed out of trouble if they had kept their mouths shut. “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”[Prov 17:28] Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.[A, Lincoln]This is not easy as the tongue is difficult to control. The apostle James writes, "If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man" (Jas 3:2). He describes the tongue as a "a small member, yet it boasts of great things" (Jas 3:5), "a fire, a world of unrighteousness" (James 3:6), and "a restless evil" (James 3:8). Basically, these people who talk so much are filled with pride. “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. [v.24] Asaph describes wicked men as scoffers who "set their mouths against the heavens" (Psa 73:9). These people have a high opinion of themselves, presuming themselves more important than others, including God. God won't be mocked. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[Prov 16:18]. Nimrod led the world to build a tower to contest God in their arrogance, but God judge them by confusing and dispersing them. King Nebuchadnezzar and Herod did the same but God brought them to humiliation.-------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

In this episode of the "Faith with Friends" podcast, host Lisa Lorenzo continues the series titled "40 Days of Seeking More of Jesus" by examining Psalm 73. The episode unpacks the emotional and spiritual journey of Asaph, a worship leader in Israel, as he grapples with the prosperity of the wicked and the seeming futility of his own righteous living. Asaph's moment of revelation comes when he enters God's sanctuary, leading him to a profound transformation and deeper understanding of God's presence and priorities.The episode invites listeners to reflect on their personal spiritual journeys, using Asaph's experiences as a guide. Lisa explores themes of faith, worship, and perseverance, encouraging listeners to find solace and clarity in worship, even when faced with life's uncertainties and injustices. Through this discussion, the podcast emphasizes the importance of authentic expression and dependence on God as a source of strength and clarity. Worship, Lisa suggests, is not merely a response to resolved issues but a pathway to understanding and peace, echoing Asaph's eventual conclusion that God is an eternal reward and source of true satisfaction.Key Takeaways:Worship is a means to gain clarity and perspective, not just a response to resolving life's challenges.Authentic faith involves acknowledging doubts and struggles, openly bringing them before God to facilitate spiritual growth.Asaph's journey in Psalm 73 underscores that true satisfaction and strength are found in God alone, beyond worldly prosperity.Drawing near to God transforms bitterness and confusion into worship and understanding.Living a faithful life holds spiritual rewards that surpass any temporary worldly successes or pleasures.Notable Quotes:"Worship is not the reward for clarity; it's the path to clarity.""My flesh and my heart might fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.""God is our reward. So worship before the answer comes.""Being far away from God is not freedom. It is an invitation to destruction."

Even believers have times where we wrestle and wonder, “Why does evil seem to prosper and doing good get punished?” “Should I bother doing what is right?” “Is there even good in the world?” In Psalm 73 Asaph tells of walking through this dark path, but in the end, he comes out with light and hope as he remembers who God is and what He will do. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up this rich psalm in this morning's worship.

God's Word for Today19 Mar, 20257 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.-Prov 21:7-8 ESVTHE CONDUCT OF THE PURE IS UPRIGHTWickedness always backfires. Those who persist in sin are likely to be destroyed by their own crimes. “Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies.He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made.His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends.” (Psa 7:12–16] “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.” [Prov 26:27). There is no way for someone to hide their sin from God (Hebrews 4:13) and rejecting His truth leads to eternal ruin. “But he who fails to find me[wisdom] injures himself; all who hate me love death.” (Prov 8:36). Asaph confidently expresses, “Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!” [Psa 73:18,19]The way of the guilty is crooked. Often, the use of the metaphor of a ‘way' to refer to one's life and life choices (Prov 2:12–15). The term used for "crooked" here suggests something being turned or rolled over. Though the wicked is depicted as sinning deliberately, all human beings wander away from the path of righteousness (Isa 53:6; Rom 3:12).However, the conduct of the pure is upright. The conduct reflecting purity may prove a life saved by grace as differentiated from a life fully engaged in the lifestyle of sinfulness. The unsaved walk "following the course of the world, following the prince of the power of the air" (Eph 2:2 However, those who are saved engage in good works (Eph 2:10). The grace that saves produces uprightness. Paul says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” [Titus 2:11-13]Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday

In today's reflection, Morgan Teruel explores Psalm 73, where Asaph struggles with understanding why the wicked prosper. Through this psalm, we are reminded of the importance of keeping our focus on God and His eternal perspective. Reflect on God's goodness and take time to pray for contentment and peace in trusting His plans.--Support content like this and the vision of Sandals Church at http://sandalschurch.com/support/Join our email list for content updates: http://sandalschurch.com/subscribeDownload the Sandals Church App: http://sandalschurch.com/app/If you have questions, need prayer or want to get connected, please email us anytime at online@sandalschurch.com!

Class 5 from this series was used in GCT Episode 338.

Class 5 from this series was used in GCT Episode 338.

Class 5 from this series was used in GCT Episode 338.

Class 5 from this series was used in GCT Episode 338.

Class 5 from this series was used in GCT Episode 338.

Class 5 from this series was used in GCT Episode 338.

This week we are listening to the a class by Bro. Roger Lewis from his series on "The House of Asaph - Family of Faith and Masters of Music" that he has given at several Bible Schools over the years (we are unsure which Bible School this recording is from). This is the fifth class from that series titled "The Faithfulness of the House Asaph" . Be sure to subscribe to the GCT Extended podcast to hear the other 5 classes in this series!We hope this strengthens your Faith and brightens your day!Thank you for listening, God bless, and talk to you next week.Send talk suggestions or comments to: ⁠⁠⁠GoodChristadelphianTalks@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠For Show Notes, visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠GoodChristadelphianTalks.com⁠⁠⁠Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Welcome to Day 2582 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2582 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 50:16-23 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2582 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2582 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we conclude our study of Psalm 50 by examining verses 16-23. This passage shifts the focus to God's rebuke of the wicked—specifically, those who claim to follow Him but live in hypocrisy. The psalmist Asaph presents God as the divine Judge, calling out those who speak His commands yet reject His discipline. From an Ancient Israelite perspective, this would have been a shocking indictment. Many believed that outward religious acts—such as reciting the Law or offering sacrifices—were enough to secure God's favor. But here, God makes it clear: lip service without obedience is meaningless. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts and reminds us that true worship requires integrity, thankfulness, and a life that honors God. Let's begin by reading Psalm 50:16-23 from the New Living Translation: Psalm 50:16-23 (NLT) 16 But God says to the wicked: “Why bother reciting My decrees and pretending to obey My covenant? 17 For you refuse My discipline and treat My words like trash. 18 When you see thieves, you approve of them, and you spend your time with adulterers. 19 Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue is full of lies. 20 You sit around and slander your brother— your own mother's son. 21 While you did all this, I remained silent, and you thought I didn't care. But now I will rebuke you, listing all My charges against you. 22 Repent, all of you who forget Me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. 23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” The Problem of Hypocrisy (Verses 16-17) The passage begins with a strong rebuke: “But God says to the wicked: ‘Why bother reciting My decrees and pretending to obey My covenant?'” This statement is directed at those who claim to follow God but live in disobedience. They speak His words, but their actions tell a different story. Verse 17 adds: “For you refuse My discipline and treat My words like trash.” Here, God exposes their real attitude—they reject His correction and ignore His teachings. In the Ancient Israelite worldview, God's Law was seen as the foundation of life, meant to guide His people in righteousness. But these individuals saw it as optional,...

Tentação, provação e pecado são os assuntos tratados neste Debate 93. Assista e aprenda um pouco mais!!!

Asaph Cries Out To The Lord

Welcome to Day 2580 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2580 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 50:7-15 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2580 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2580 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we will explore Psalm 50:7-15, a passage where God speaks directly to His people, correcting their misunderstanding of true worship. In this passage, God reminds Israel that He does not need their sacrifices, but rather, He desires their genuine faith and dependence on Him. From an Ancient Israelite perspective, this was a challenging message. Sacrificial offerings were central to their worship and covenant relationship with God. Yet, the psalmist Asaph presents God as the ultimate judge, correcting those who relied more on outward religious rituals than on a sincere heart devoted to Him. This passage teaches us that God desires thanksgiving, obedience, and trust—not empty religious actions. Let's begin by reading Psalm 50:7-15 from the New Living Translation: Psalm 50:7-15 (NLT) 7 “O My people, listen as I speak. Here are My charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God! 8 I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly bring to My altar. 9 But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. 10 For all the animals of the forest are Mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are Mine. 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is Mine and everything in it. 13 Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats? 14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. 15 Then call on Me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory.” God Speaks as the Judge (Verse 7) The passage begins with a dramatic shift. Up until now, God has been summoning the heavens and the earth as witnesses, preparing to judge His people. Now, He speaks directly to Israel: “O My people, listen as I speak. Here are My charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God!” The phrase “I am God, your God” is significant. It reminds the Israelites of their covenant relationship with Him. This echoes Exodus 20:2, where God says: “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt.” God is not addressing foreign nations but His own people—those who should already know His ways. However, they have drifted into a mechanical form of worship, offering...

Today we begin a new season of devotions based on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:1−3 tells us that “when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. The first thing He said was:Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.What a strange way to start a message. Blessed are the poor in spirit. How can poverty be a good condition for anybody? It doesn't feel like something to aspire to. But Jesus is at the beginning of something important. This sermon, found in Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7 is about to shock some, pack many surprise punches, and introduce his hearers to a very new kind of world. He is going to shatter the ideas people have about faith and religion and show them what God is really like. And he kicks off with this: to have any hope of entering into God's Kingdom − the Kingdom of Heaven, you have to be poor in spirit. You have to know you need God. This is not a new idea. Back to the Old Testament we heard the call to: Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. (1 Chronicles 16:8-11, italics mine)This is Asaph, the chief of musicians leading the singing of praise to God, after King David had defeated the Philistines, and the ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem amid great celebration. Asaph exhorted everyone present to seek God's face. Always. What might it mean to seek God's face? At another moment in David's life, he prayed, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!' Your face, LORD, I will seek” (Psalms 27:8). David recognised the yearning in his own heart for the presence and wisdom of God. Perhaps the first step in seeking God's face is to recognise how spiritually poor we are without Him. To listen our own heart's cry for the living God.In Psalm 63, David describes his search for God like a man desperate for water in a hot, dry desert:You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. (Psalms 63:1)Then, following this description, he moves to worship. He sings from the depths of his heart, and he prays every time he wakes in the night. What better picture can there be of a person who is poor in spirit? As we have said, those who are poor in spirit are those who know their need of God. They are desperate enough to seek his face. In every part of their lives, they know they are dependent on God's love, His mercy, His strength and His guidance. The poor in spirit are not ashamed to recognise their weaknesses and look to God for help. And Jesus describes such a person as blessed because they will know and experience God's Kingdom.

Welcome to Day 2578 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2578 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 50:1-6 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2578 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2578 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we begin our exploration of Psalm 50, focusing on verses 1-6. This psalm, written by Asaph, presents a dramatic scene in which God Himself appears as the divine Judge, summoning the heavens and the earth to witness His judgment over His people. From an Ancient Israelite perspective, this psalm would have carried deep significance. The imagery of God speaking from Zion, fire and storm surrounding Him, and His call for justice would have reminded them of God's covenant at Mount Sinai. The Israelites were well aware that God was not just their Deliverer but also their Judge, calling them to righteousness and true worship. Let's begin by reading Psalm 50:1-6 from the New Living Translation: Psalm 50:1-6 (NLT) 1 The Lord, the Mighty One, is God, and He has spoken; He has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets. 2 From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance. 3 Our God approaches, and He is not silent. Fire devours everything in His way, and a great storm rages around Him. 4 He calls on the heavens above and earth below to witness the judgment of His people. 5 “Bring My faithful people to Me— those who made a covenant with Me by giving sacrifices.” 6 Then let the heavens proclaim His justice, for God Himself will be the judge. God Calls the Whole Earth to Attention (Verses 1-2) The psalm begins with a grand and powerful statement: “The Lord, the Mighty One, is God, and He has spoken; He has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets.” The threefold name of God—“The Lord, the Mighty One, is God”—immediately establishes His authority and power. In the Ancient Near East, kings and rulers would summon their people for important announcements, but here, it is God Himself summoning all of humanity. This is not a private revelation—God's message is for the entire world. From east to west, all people are called to attention. Verse 2 continues: “From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance.” Zion, referring to Jerusalem and the temple, was seen as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence. The psalmist calls it “the perfection of beauty”, not because of its architecture, but because God's glory radiates from there. This verse echoes passages like Isaiah 2:3, which...

Have you ever looked at the world around you and wondered, ‘Why do the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous struggle?' If you've ever wrestled with doubt, frustration, or questions about God's justice, then today's message is for you!In this episode, we'll be diving into Psalm 73—a powerful and honest reflection from Asaph, a worship leader in King David's time. He struggled with envy, frustration, and even doubt, but in the end, he found clarity in God's presence. So grab your Bible, find a quiet place, and let's reflect on this timeless truth together. By the end of this episode, I pray that you will walk away with a renewed trust in God and a deeper understanding of His justice and faithfulness. Glenda Coker / SisterGBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-blessings-ministry--970904/support.

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Here's Psalm 75 from start to finish: 1 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. 2 You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. 3 When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. 4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,' and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. 5 Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly. '” 6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. 7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. 8 In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. 9 As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, 10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”  If we were to ask, say, 100 followers of Jesus, “why do we worship God?”, I wonder what replies we might receive. I am sure some will talk about the wonder of His creation – the stars and mountains, the flowers and creatures. Some will no doubt reflect on their own journey so far and express gratitude for what the Lord has done; and some might try to picture him on his heavenly throne ruling as sovereign and king. But perhaps not many will say that they worship the Lord because He is a judge. And yet, this is the focus of the psalmist, Asaph, in today's reading. Asaph praises God for His imminence (his name is near in v 1) and for His “wonderful deeds”. But he is not reticent to exalt the Lord as the one who judges. In fact, he knows that worship is the only appropriate response towards one who sees and knows all things. The one who will cut off the horns, that is, strip away the strength of those who defy him. The one who has the power to lift up or cast into eternal death. A God who judges is an uncomfortable thought for some in our modern world, but it is an essential truth. God will judge the people of the earth, past and present. Arrogance and boasting will melt away before the throne in Heaven. No-one will be able to exalt themselves in His presence. So, let's praise Him today, not just for those attributes that are comfortable – his beauty, his love. His greatness. Let's praise him for his justice, for the good news that he is a God who deals with wrongdoing and evil. For the truth that He is a Judge. And will judge in righteousness and holiness. 

Ezra 3:1-13 English Standard Version Rebuilding the Altar 3 When the seventh month came, and the children of Israel were in the towns, the people gathered as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then arose Jeshua the son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel with his kinsmen, and they built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. 3 They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, burnt offerings morning and evening. 4 And they kept the Feast of Booths, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number according to the rule, as each day required, 5 and after that the regular burnt offerings, the offerings at the new moon and at all the appointed feasts of the Lord, and the offerings of everyone who made a freewill offering to the Lord. 6 From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord. But the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid. 7 So they gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia. Rebuilding the Temple 8 Now in the second year after their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak made a beginning, together with the rest of their kinsmen, the priests and the Levites and all who had come to Jerusalem from the captivity. They appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to supervise the work of the house of the Lord. 9 And Jeshua with his sons and his brothers, and Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together supervised the workmen in the house of God, along with the sons of Henadad and the Levites, their sons and brothers. 10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord, according to the directions of David king of Israel. 11 And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people's weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away.

Psalm 83 WorksheetA Psalm of AsaphIsrael's ___________________________ against her enemies V. 1-8Asaph does not use any high language as he begins this Psalm, he goes right into asking God to act against the enemies of His people.God's enemies are often consumed with ______________________, lifting up their heads (and shaking their fist) at God's people. I love that phrase in verse 3, that calls Israel God's ‘sheltered ones.' The nations around them then (and now) often make craft counsel against them, and ‘team up' to hurt them. I think of how often the United Nation passes evil resolutions against Israel. But God shelters His people.When a person or nation plans evil toward Israel, God takes notice and puts that nation on notice that they will be ________________________ unless they repent. Genesis 12:1-3For the Day of the LORD upon all nations is near; As you have done (to Israel), it shall be done to you. -Obadiah 15Beginning in verse 6, Asaph gives a kind of “Hall of ______________________” for Israel's enemies, beginning with Edom. What person do the Edomites go back to?Gen. 36:12 1 Samuel 15:8 Esther 3:1So Amalek also goes under Esau, You may remember that the Amalekites attacked Israel on the way to the Promised Land, and were under a pronouncement of God's impending judgment (Exodus 17:8-15). Who was the mother of Abraham's son Ishmael? God does give notes of _________________ in the midst of hurtful circumstances – both Isaac and Ishmael were present to bury Abraham (Genesis 25:9), and both Jacob and Esau were present to bury Isaac (Genesis 35:29). Which two listed here were the incestuous children of Lot?Genesis 19:36-38. Genesis 11:31-32Hagrites is probably a reference to the descendants of Hagar, who lived among the Moabites (1 Chr. 5:10). That makes them an _______________________ or Aramean tribe living east of Gilead. Gebal is a city north of Tyre on the Mediterranean coast. Tyre's King Hiram had been a friend of David and Solomon, but they and Gebal later cheered when _______________ took over Israel (Ezekiel 27; Amos 1:9).The Philistines of course were ancient enemies of Israel (think of _______________________). Israel asks God to deal with current enemies like ______________________ ones V. 9-18Can you remember what happened to Midian?Judges 7Who killed Sisera and what did she use? Judges 4What happened to Jabin at the Brook Kishon?Judges 4Who were Oreb and Zeeb, Zebah and Zalmunna?Judges 7-8 What are the kinds of judgments called for in verses 13-17?Verse 18 ends by a prayer that one way or another God will be ________________________ and that these enemies might know He is God over all the earth – either in judgment, or salvation!God is glorified when repentant sinners turn to Him in salvation; but He will also be glorified by judging unrepentant sinners.

Psalm 82 WorksheetAnother psalm of Asaph.God is the ______________________ judge over all other so called ‘gods' V. 1-2Verse 1 is so intriguing, and made more so in the Hebrew language, where the same Hebrew word Elohim (H430) is translated ‘God' at the beginning of the verse and ‘gods' at the end, with the word El (H410) in the middle translated ‘mighty.' It is a great reminder that the ______________________ a word appears in often forces our interpretive options. Anyone want to guess what the 4 interpretive options for “gods” at the end of verse 1might be?Whatever is meant by “gods” in verse 1, the point is clear – God is the Ultimate Judge over all of those who are put forward as rulers and judges over others. In the end those ________________________ ‘judges' will be judged by Him! God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day. -Ps. 7:11The one true God does not side with the wicked the way these bad rulers do; no, He will judge the unrepentant wicked and unrepentant evil rulers who let the wicked prosper under their wicked rule.What God ______________________ of ‘god-like' rulers V. 3-4God expects ‘godly' rulers to defend and deliver the most vulnerable among the people they rule. Who are among the most vulnerable according to verses 3-4?What are the 4 commands in verses 3-4?In the beautiful Torah of the first 5 books of the Bible, Genesis through Deuteronomy, caring for the most vulnerable among them was a consistent expectation of God's people. The message of the prophets was often a _________________________ of leaders and people alike for failing to lead well. Isaiah 1:16-20 In Psalm 82 God is kind of sarcastically rebuking those who fashion themselves god-like leaders of others! It's as if He says, “Some kind of ‘gods' you are! You judge unjustly, you favor the wicked, but you don't defend, deliver, and do justly toward those who need you to do those things the most!” God states the truth about ‘_______________________' gods V. 5-7In v. 5 God _____________ all godless idols, people, and the demons backing them as being truly ignorant, foolishly walking in darkness and destabilizing the earth the way Satan did in the Garden of Eden. Who do you think God is going after in verses 6-7?The true problem behind all false ‘gods' is _______________________!Isaiah 14:12-21 Ezekiel 28:11-19Note what verse 7 teaches – the Real God will _______________________ fall or die, but false rulers, false prophets, false gods, and false angels (demons) all will! John 10:31-39In John 10:34 Jesus cites Psalm 82:7 as He chastises the Pharisees for their pride and acting as the religious judges of Him. They were acting like ‘gods' and were even trying to ____________________ to death Jesus their true God. That's what pride does – misses worship of the one true God, and sets up god substitutes that allow all manner of sin to follow. The Psalmist ends with a prayer for God to rule on earth V. 8Verse 8 is a “a call back” to Psalm 2! Remember that Psalms 1-2 set the _____________________ for every Psalm that follows. Psalm 2 Questions?

We return to the Psalms and the Psalms of Asaph. This is such a beautiful Psalm asking the Lord to show Justice to care for the weak. It's a Psalm that speaks of Christ.UNJUST JUDGES JUDGEDTHE JUST JUDGE JUDGED

Psalm 73. In this psalm, Asaph, a faithful believer, seeks to answer how God can be good if there is so much injustice in the world. This study by Gavin Williams takes a closer look at Psalm 73 and how Asaph concludes: "it is good to be near God."

Our Psalms reading today (No. 74) was obviously written when God's nation was in distress and their temple destroyed.  Asaph is a later Psalmist and some of his words are very appropriate to our situation now; the few faithful in Israel were surrounded by scoffers, not dissimilar to what we will soon read in Exodus.  Real faith in God is a challenge, the Eternal does not make his presence so evident that there is no need for real faith, but the evidence is there for those who really apply their minds to ‘know' God.It is evident Asaph had to cope with a lot of scoffers. He writes, “There is no longer any prophet and there is none among us who knows how long” [v.9]  Today we also ask, “How long?” He then asks God, “Is the enemy to revile your name for ever?” [v.10]  The Psalm becomes a petition, “Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs and a foolish people reviles your name” [v.18]   So also today, the very existence of God is scoffed at and believers are sometimes reviled, especially in print, also – by implication – on TV.. More and more the mass of people accept the idea that they are only the highest form of animal and they evolved through endless accidents of pure chance.In the generations from when the Bible was available for all to read many nations built up a ‘moral bank balance' of spirituality – but this ‘balance' has now all been used – and there are no ‘securities' available for Governments to borrow against to build up the moral fibre of their people – even if they wanted to!We note Asaph's plea to God, “Arise O God, defend your cause; remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day long!” [v.23]  This is now our plea in prayer to God, and it will become more and more urgent. What kind of answer are we expecting God to give?The next Psalm gives God's answer, “At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars” [75 v.2,3]    We must not let our faith be undermined by the scoffing of the foolish, indeed we must be increasingly positive drawing on our ‘bank balance' of scripture strength!Asaph in yesterday's Psalm expressed his personal relationship with God, “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory … there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” [v.23-26] May we say ‘Amen' to that with all our heart.

Thoughts on the readings for February 11th (Exodus 21; Psalm 74; Mark 7)Exodus 21 covers laws about slaves (verses 1-32) and laws about the restitution (verses 33-36). Slavery was a part of the world from the beginning of time until recently. In some countries it still exists. Israel had just been delivered from two centuries of servitude in Egypt. There Israel were severely afflicted and cruelly abused. Yahweh would not suffer His people to treat others as they had been treated. Note the premise the Lord GOD of Israel used to preface His Ten Commandments; and indeed the basis of the entire Law of Moses (Exodus 20:2) – “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (ESV). Servitude was to be limited to 6 years and at the conclusion of this time the slave was totally free. All slaves were restored to their original family situation. The exception to this was the voluntary slave, who out of love for his master chose to continue in service. The token of this free will offering was the opening of the lobe of the slave's ear with an awl at the doorpost of the house, in which he had chosen to stay with and serve. Our minds go to the love of our Lord Jesus Christ for His Father. Our Lord chose perpetual service in the Father's house – Psalm 40:6; Isaiah 50:4-7; Hebrews 3:1-6 all quotes from the ESV. And to verse 14 additional regulations about slaves are outlined. Verse 15 restates the need for respect for father and mother. Verse 16 covers kidnapping. Verse 17 tells that our words to our parents must be respectful. From the 18th verse onwards are additional directions for the fair and just treatment of slaves; and the respectful dealings with those slaves. Abuse of slaves was abhorrent and there were penalties applied. The rules for slaves seems curious in that it talks of an ox' goring of a slave; but of course this was prophetic of the rulers of Israel and their savaging of Yahweh's servant (Psalm 22:12-13). The laws about restoration speak of respect for and proper behaviour towards one's neighbour and his possessions.Psalm 74 is a Maschil from the pen of Asaph, the Recorder, or Secretary, during the reign of king David. The Psalm is a call for God to arise and defend His cause. The psalm commences with a question as to why the LORD has not seemingly cast them off in His anger. The psalmist calls upon His God to remember what He has done for His people, His heritage in Zion. The Psalm appears to have been written after a period of trial for His people. The destruction of the Sanctuary may have referred to the Philistine destruction of the Tabernacle at Shiloh, when Samuel was a child. The Philistines disdained the God of Israel. In verse 11 the writer calls upon the Almighty to repay his foes. The psalmist relates God's past awesome deeds, such as His bringing His people safely through the Red Sea; His provision for Israel of water from the rock as His people wandered through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. God's might in His creative acts at the beginning are related in verses 16-17. The Psalm concluded with the request for God to arise, defend His heritage and vindicate the poor and needy. The Omnipotent Creator does this because He is a faithful God, who keeps Covenant.cont ... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-11th-exodus-21-psalm-74-mark-7/

Audio Recording Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 36:1-37:7 (ESV)36:1 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. 2 And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem, with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field. 3 And there came out to him Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder.4 And the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this trust of yours? 5 Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me? 6 Behold, you are trusting in Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of any man who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. 7 But if you say to me, “We trust in the Lord our God,” is it not he whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and to Jerusalem, “You shall worship before this altar”? 8 Come now, make a wager with my master the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to set riders on them. 9 How then can you repulse a single captain among the least of my master's servants, when you trust in Egypt for chariots and for horsemen? 10 Moreover, is it without the Lord that I have come up against this land to destroy it? The Lord said to me, “Go up against this land and destroy it.”'”11 Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it. Do not speak to us in the language of Judah within the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” 12 But the Rabshakeh said, “Has my master sent me to speak these words to your master and to you, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are doomed with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?”13 Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out in a loud voice in the language of Judah: “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! 14 Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you. 15 Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord by saying, “The Lord will surely deliver us. This city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.” 16 Do not listen to Hezekiah. For thus says the king of Assyria: Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree, and each one of you will drink the water of his own cistern, 17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 18 Beware lest Hezekiah mislead you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” Has any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 20 Who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?'”21 But they were silent and answered him not a word, for the king's command was, “Do not answer him.” 22 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.37:1 As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. 2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests, covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, ‘This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth. 4 It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.'”5 When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah, 6 Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.'”Sermon OutlineAt the heart of many our deepest question lies this one: can we trust God? Scripture repeatedly affirms we can and we must. 1. Can you trust God?36:8 “come… make a wager… I will give you…”36:6 “you are trusting Egypt, that broken staff”36:7 “is it not he whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed?”, v10 “the Lord said to me…”36:20 “who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their lands…?”2. How you can trust God37:1 “he tore his clothes… sackcloth… went into the house of the Lord” v4 “lift up your prayers”37: 2 “he sent to… Isaiah”37:4 “the Lord… will hear the words… mock the living God”3. Why you can trust God36:5 “do you think that mere words….?”, v13 “called out… hear the words of the great king…”37:6 “thus says the Lord: do not be afraid…”37:7 “he shall hear a rumor… I will make him fall by the sword”Prayer of ConfessionOur good and trustworthy Father, we humble ourselves in your presence. We confess that we have been fearful when we should have trusted, skeptical when we should have believed, selfish when we should have loved, and arrogant when we should have been humble. Forgive us for relying on ourselves rather than on You, for placing our trust in people, ideas, institutions, and the fleeting things of this world. We acknowledge that we have done what we ought not to have done, and left undone what we ought to have done. Have mercy on us and forgive our sins. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhere do you struggle to trust God? What do you easily trust God for or about? What areas are hard?Should we ask the question “can I trust God?” How do we be thinking people but not let go of a foundation that should be assumed?Is there anything you can point to that makes it hard for you to trust God? What does it look like to work that out with God (instead of thinking about God, to walk with God in prayer and faithfulness)?What should we be looking for to spot deception? What are some patterns or techniques enemies use?How can you trust God? What do you do? Think of a situation (a decision, a challenge, a stressor, a temptation) you may face this week – how can you trust God in it?Why is God trustworthy? What about God's character or actions do you find most compelling?When the question arises “can I trust God?”, how does trust in Jesus focus and clarify how to answer the question?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 36:1-37:7 (ESV)36:1 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. 2 And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem, with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field. 3 And there came out to him Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder.4 And the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this trust of yours? 5 Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me? 6 Behold, you are trusting in Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of any man who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. 7 But if you say to me, “We trust in the Lord our God,” is it not he whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and to Jerusalem, “You shall worship before this altar”? 8 Come now, make a wager with my master the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to set riders on them. 9 How then can you repulse a single captain among the least of my master's servants, when you trust in Egypt for chariots and for horsemen? 10 Moreover, is it without the Lord that I have come up against this land to destroy it? The Lord said to me, “Go up against this land and destroy it.”'”11 Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it. Do not speak to us in the language of Judah within the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” 12 But the Rabshakeh said, “Has my master sent me to speak these words to your master and to you, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are doomed with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?”13 Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out in a loud voice in the language of Judah: “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! 14 Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you. 15 Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord by saying, “The Lord will surely deliver us. This city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.” 16 Do not listen to Hezekiah. For thus says the king of Assyria: Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree, and each one of you will drink the water of his own cistern, 17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 18 Beware lest Hezekiah mislead you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” Has any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 20 Who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?'”21 But they were silent and answered him not a word, for the king's command was, “Do not answer him.” 22 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.37:1 As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. 2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests, covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, ‘This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth. 4 It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.'”5 When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah, 6 Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.'”Sermon OutlineAt the heart of many our deepest question lies this one: can we trust God? Scripture repeatedly affirms we can and we must. 1. Can you trust God?36:8 “come… make a wager… I will give you…”36:6 “you are trusting Egypt, that broken staff”36:7 “is it not he whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed?”, v10 “the Lord said to me…”36:20 “who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their lands…?”2. How you can trust God37:1 “he tore his clothes… sackcloth… went into the house of the Lord” v4 “lift up your prayers”37: 2 “he sent to… Isaiah”37:4 “the Lord… will hear the words… mock the living God”3. Why you can trust God36:5 “do you think that mere words….?”, v13 “called out… hear the words of the great king…”37:6 “thus says the Lord: do not be afraid…”37:7 “he shall hear a rumor… I will make him fall by the sword”Prayer of ConfessionOur good and trustworthy Father, we humble ourselves in your presence. We confess that we have been fearful when we should have trusted, skeptical when we should have believed, selfish when we should have loved, and arrogant when we should have been humble. Forgive us for relying on ourselves rather than on You, for placing our trust in people, ideas, institutions, and the fleeting things of this world. We acknowledge that we have done what we ought not to have done, and left undone what we ought to have done. Have mercy on us and forgive our sins. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhere do you struggle to trust God? What do you easily trust God for or about? What areas are hard?Should we ask the question “can I trust God?” How do we be thinking people but not let go of a foundation that should be assumed?Is there anything you can point to that makes it hard for you to trust God? What does it look like to work that out with God (instead of thinking about God, to walk with God in prayer and faithfulness)?What should we be looking for to spot deception? What are some patterns or techniques enemies use?How can you trust God? What do you do? Think of a situation (a decision, a challenge, a stressor, a temptation) you may face this week – how can you trust God in it?Why is God trustworthy? What about God's character or actions do you find most compelling?When the question arises “can I trust God?”, how does trust in Jesus focus and clarify how to answer the question?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

Psalm 81 WorksheetAs we read Psalm 81, look for clues about what this Psalm was written for. Also look for the place the Psalm switches to God being the one speaking.Asaph's call to Festival worship V. 1-3The opening 3 verses have ______ commands calling the people to the praise of the Festival, making this a Praise psalm.When Jacob is used for Israel instead of Israel, it is often a not so subtle _________________________ of where they came from – sinful Jacob became Israel because of what God had done in his life.Jacob's name can mean to be behind or supplanter. It was given to him at birth when he grabbed his twin brother's heel in the womb as they came out; That's a great name for one who later wrestled with God and had his name changed to Israel, which means “one who struggles with God.” The root consonant of ‘struggle' in Hebrew is SYR; For Israel it is ‘YSR.'Israel's lunar calendar meant their festivals coincided with moon ________________. The new moon was by definition the first of the month.Also in the day of your gladness, in your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifice of your peace offerings; and they shall be a memorial for you before your God: I am the LORD your God. -Numbers 10:10Yahweh's _________________________ of His deliverance V. 4-7Verses 4-5 seem to confirm the statute referred to is the ______________________ Festival, since it was actually commanded before they actually left Egypt (Exodus 12). That would mean “He” going throughout the land of Egypt would be a reference to the LORD's judgment in the tenth plague.The reference to Joseph in verse 5 seems to be a reference to Joseph's role in preserving Jacob's sons/ Joseph's brothers in Egypt during the famine described at the end of Joseph. Alternatively, it could mean this Psalm was written with the Northern tribes in mind during the time of the divided kingdom (922-722 B.C.) That would mean the Psalm is urging the north not to reject God's design for the entire country.Verse 7 covers the time that Israel wandered for 40 years in the wilderness. God led them, even though they were often stubborn and ungrateful. Time after time He delivered them and answered them “thunderously.” They tested Him and He proved Himself faithful and holy. He tested them and they showed themselves ______________________ and sinful.These are the waters of Meribah, where the people quarreled with the LORD, and through them He showed Himself holy. -Numbers 20:13Yahweh's ___________________________ to His people V. 8-16In verses 8-9 God reminds Israel of the call in the 10 commands to worship Him alone, not ________________________.In verse 10 God is telling them that He delivered them in the past, and provided for their needs – He is the _________________________ God who did that!Verse 11 has to be among the saddest statements in the Bible. No doubt they wanted God's protection and blessing, but they didn't want God _______________________. I wonder how many professing Christians that is also true about.Where in the New Testament do we read the words, “God gave them over?”___________________________God's judgment of sin begins by letting people do the sinful things they are bound and determined to do, and experience the built-in ___________________________ of those sins.Proverbs 14:12God makes clear in verse 14 that if they return to Him He will take care of their ___________________.Verse 15 is a good Old Testament verse for the _______________________ punishment of the those who don't turn to God.The Psalm ends with an additional blessing promised – If people listen to God, turn back to Him, and walk in His ways, He won't just take care of their troubles but He will provide for their needs, fully _________________________ them.

February 8, 2025

Midweek - The Book of Psalms - 051 - Asaph's Riddle - Psalms 78

Psalm 50 is a Psalm of Asaph, who was the recorder (or secretary) at the time of David's kingship over all Israel. He rejoices in the fact that God Himself is the Judge. See the reverence for the Almighty Asaph has in the use of many titles for his Sovereign in verse 1. The earth is commanded to listen to God, who shines forth from the glory of His future sanctuary in Zion (the blessed Jerusalem of the Kingdom Age). The LORD will come with a terrifying vengeance. The heavens and the earth are His witnesses. His faithful saints will be there assisting in the establishing of God's authority. By accepting His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, through belief of the Truth and baptism; they have become His Covenant people. He judges His people in an incontestable way, since He is God. He doesn't need either their sacrifices, or offerings, since every living creature belongs to the Creator. He doesn't negotiate with lowly humans. There is absolutely nothing that we can give Him to atone for our sins. But, there is something that we can give to Him – full hearted thanksgiving. One writer, I Collier, in a poem in his book “Conviction and Conduct” wrote, “Give God Thy heart, tis all that He doth ask”. Those who humbly submit to Him will be delivered out of their troubles. By contrast He scorns the wicked by telling them that it will be useless to hypothetically call upon Him. He has not judged them yet; but will surely do so soon. The psalm concludes in verse 23. Slowly read these words aloud and contemplate what they are teaching. Romans 3 turns attention to the Jewish people who were agreeing with every word Paul had uttered of the depravity among the Gentiles. They, too, were without excuse as they had the Word of God in their midst and yet were just as corrupt. From verses 9-20 Paul advances seven Scriptures supporting this. Then from verses 21-31 he proves that there is only one righteousness, and that on the basis of belief. What is required is a submission to the only way of declaring us to be right with God. This includes a confession that human beings are rightly related to death as we are incurably sinful. Additionally we confess that our Potentate only is righteous and strengthened His Son to accomplish what was humanly impossible. On the basis of the acceptance of these truths and our identification with the Lord Jesus Christ in whom they have been outworked forgiveness of sins is provided.Chapter 4 illustrates that through the lives of David and Abraham there is absolutely nothing we can do to be saved by works ie our own merits. God's condition for forgiveness involves our acceptance of this truth and confession of our failures if we are to receive the blessings of forgiveness and to be inheritors of the promised Kingdom that will be, as verse 13 indicated, international. What is recorded was not for the sakes of those in the recorded Scriptures, but indeed for our sakes. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org

Daily Dose of Hope January 22, 2025 Day 4 of Week 43   Scripture: Ezekiel 10-12; Psalm 83; John 4   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.  It's Wednesday so that means Recharge.  I hope you will consider joining us at 6:30pm for an amazing night of worship, prayer, fellowship, and small community.    Just to mix things up, I thought we would start today with the New Testament passage which is John 4.  This is the story of Jesus and the woman at the well.  Many of you are familiar with this passage and it is an extraordinary one.  Let's try to look at it with fresh eyes.  There are some really fascinating aspects to this narrative. ·      Jesus did not have to go through Samaria; he chose to.  He was making a statement here.  Keep in mind, the Jews and Samaritans hated one another.  Usually, Jews went the long way around Samaria so they didn't have to be contaminated by the people who they called dogs and half-breeds.  Remember, the region of Samaria was once the Northern Kingdom.  They set up their own capital and their own temple.  After the Assyrians conquered them, many people moved out and others moved in.  Thus, the people who lived there during Jesus' day were a mix of cultures and nationalities.  ·      Jesus initiates a conversation with the woman at the well.  Jews and Samaritans didn't have conversations.  Honestly, men and women didn't have conversations.  So many things about this situation were taboo.  But Jesus doesn't care about social conventions, he cares about individual people. ·      The woman was at the well in the middle of the day.  That tells us that she was trying to avoid others.  It was really, really hot at that time of day.  Most women would have drawn water in the cool of the morning.  So this woman was avoiding the town women because she was probably the focus of their gossip.  She had been married many times and she was, at the time, living with a man who wasn't her husband. ·      We don't know much about this woman, but my guess is that she had a life filled with hardship and trauma.  Jesus knew that.  He saw her needs and her struggles and he offered her living water.  She was open and receptive.  ·      This woman turns out to be one of the best evangelists in the New Testament.  She goes and tells the townspeople about this man who knew everything about her life.  Remember, these are the people who don't like her but she is boldly sharing about Jesus anyway.  Thus, many of the Samaritans believed and became committed to following Jesus.  ·      Jesus is in the business of changing lives and whole communities.  And he uses all of us.  Our past does not matter to Jesus, only our hearts and desire to change.   We haven't spent much time discussing the psalms lately so let's talk briefly about today's psalm.  Psalm 83 is written by Asaph.  Asaph was a Levite singer and writer who served both King David and King Solomon.  He is pleading with God to stop his enemies and allow them to die in disgrace.  It's kind of hard to read.  It also leads to this question – how often are our prayers for help selfish and about revenge, rather than about God's glory?   Today, we also are discussing Ezekiel 10-12.  Ezekiel is experiencing a vision from God.  He is back at the Temple, witnessing the cherubim (these are the same winged creatures that he saw by the river on his birthday).  Ezekiel is taken to a group of twenty-five men who are leaders and have led the city into sin.  God tells the prophet to speak against them, to boldly speak about the murders and atrocities they have committed.  He tells them that God will bring destruction.  To those who thought they should not leave Jerusalem, that they this was their land and they weren't about to leave, God will show them how wrong they were.    In chapter 12, we read about God instructing Ezekiel to do more of these sign acts to demonstrate the sin of the people and what God planned to do to them.  Remember, this was kind of like street theater.  He was acting out the prophecy.  And yet, the people are still hard-hearted.   Obviously, this occurred some 2500 years ago.  But as humans, we are still hard-hearted in so many ways.  How are you hard-hearted?  Spend some time in prayer about this today.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Asaph's Answer Speaker: Jim Blalock

1/19/2025 Paul Bang   Nehemiah 2:1-8     2 In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. 2 And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.” 6 And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time. 7 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.

Ps 83 (NKJV) 1 DO not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! 2 For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. 3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. 4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” 5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. ​Selah 9 Deal with them as with Midian, As with Sisera, As with Jabin at the Brook Kishon, 10 Who perished at En Dor, Who became as refuse on the earth. 11 Make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb, Yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, 12 Who said, “Let us take for ourselves The pastures of God for a possession.” 13 O my God, make them like the whirling dust, Like the chaff before the wind! 14 As the fire burns the woods, And as the flame sets the mountains on fire, 15 So pursue them with Your tempest, And frighten them with Your storm. 16 Fill their faces with shame, That they may seek Your name, O LORD. 17 Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, 18 That they may know that You, whose name alone is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth.

Ps 82:1-8 (NKJV) 1 GOD stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. 2 How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? ​Selah 3 Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked. 5 They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable. 6 I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High. 7 But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes.” 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.

Andrew Markham - It's easy to doubt that God is good to us—we know it's true in theory, but doubts can creep in when life isn't going as we'd hoped. Psalm 73 records Asaph's crisis of contentment, as he struggles to believe that it is still worth being one of God's people.

Andrew Markham - It's easy to doubt that God is good to us—we know it's true in theory, but doubts can creep in when life isn't going as we'd hoped. Psalm 73 records Asaph's crisis of contentment, as he struggles to believe that it is still worth being one of God's people.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Mt 1:1-17 - The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.  Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar.  Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab.  Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.  Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth.  Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.  Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph.  Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah.  Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.  Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.  Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok.  Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar.  Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.  Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations. Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Cardinal Müller: “A Church that no longer believes in Jesus the Christ is no longer the Church of Jesus Christ” https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/cardinal-muller-a-church-that-no-longer-believes-in-jesus-the-christ-is-no-longer-his-church/

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel - Mt 1:1-17 - The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.  Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar.  Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab.  Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.  Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth.  Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.  Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph.  Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah.  Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.  Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.  Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok.  Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar.  Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.  Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.