Podcasts about assuredly

Psalm 144 is one of the eight psalms that was written by David and placed by whoever complied or organized the psalms just before the last five psalms of the Book of Psalms. We can be sure that God sovereignly directed that these psalms be exactly where they are in the book so that His people would have these final words of encouragement and instructions from their great king and poet, King David.   In the first four verses, David acknowledges that Jehovah is his Rock, and is a loving God Who personally cares for His people. We are but mere men, and our lives are like a breath of air and a passing shadow, but our great creator God takes knowledge of us and has us in His mind (vs. 3-4). David used the same vivid images of mountains smoking, with lightning and thunder that causes them to shake with the presence of Jehovah, in Psalm 18:8-9, 14-17, 45, and 50. The Jewish people would never forget God's dramatic appearance at Mount Sinai (Ex. 19:18-25 and 20:18-21), where God met with Moses and gave them the Law.  But here in Psalm 144, the “mountains” and "great waters" seem to stand for the enemies of Israel (Psalm 104:32; Isa. 8:7; 59:19; 64:1-5; Mic. 1:4; Nah. 1:5; and Hab. 3:10). Our problems and challenges that cause us to worry and fear and have doubts often appear as great mountains that are unmovable and floods of water that overwhelm us. They are like the enemies of David that were determined to destroy him and take him down. But David cried out to the LORD to “come down” and His touch would cause them to be like smoke that the wind would quickly drive away. Today we should remember what Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 21:21 “…Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done.” Mark 11:23 put it this way: “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” What an awesome promise for us today as we face difficulties and problems that appear to be giant mountains that stand in our way and floods of water that would drown us. David's life is a testimony to this great truth that God gives victory and deliverance to His people when they trust Him by faith! The "foreigners" of verse 7 are the outsiders who attacked Israel. David mentions the “hand of foreigners” twice in verses 7 and 11.  These “foreigners” tried to illegally get into the land of Israel and cause trouble (v. 11). They told lies and took oaths they never meant to keep. When they lifted their right hand in an oath, it was only deception. That might sound familiar to what we are dealing with today on our southern border. So how did David respond? In verse 9, as he contemplated God's power and mercy, David sang a new song to the Lord, for he had experienced God's help in a new way, learned afresh the wonderful character of the Lord, and was making a new beginning as king of the nation. David had faith that the LORD would not only deliver him but also all the “kings” that followed him if they obeyed and put the LORD first! May the LORD give us the grace we need today, to put our faith in God without doubting, so the mountains of trouble and trials we face will be victoriously overcome as we are “rescued” by God and experience His deliverance! God bless!

Welcome to Episode 220 of Lucretius Today. This is a podcast dedicated to the poet Lucretius, who wrote "On The Nature of Things," the most complete presentation of Epicurean philosophy left to us from the ancient world. Each week we walk you through the Epicurean texts, and we discuss how Epicurean philosophy can apply to you today. If you find the Epicurean worldview attractive, we invite you to join us in the study of Epicurus at EpicureanFriends.com, where you will find a discussion thread for each of our podcast episodes and many other topics. This week we continue our discussion of Book Two of Cicero's On Ends, which is largely devoted Cicero's attack on Epicurean Philosophy. Going through this book gives us the opportunity to review those attacks, take them apart, and respond to them as an ancient Epicurean might have done, and much more fully than Cicero allowed Torquatus, his Epicurean spokesman, to do. Follow along with us here: Cicero's On Ends - Complete Reid Edition. Check any typos or other questions against the original PDF which can be found here. Last week we focused on Cicero's allegations that Epicurus' views on pain and death were insufficient and contradictory. This week we pick up at the start of Section XXXI - REID EDITION - XXXI. You and your friends, Torquatus, may twist yourselves this way and that; but you will find nothing in this noble letter from the hand of Epicurus, which harmonizes or accords with his dogmas. So he is refuted out of his own mouth, and his writings are put to shame by his own honesty and character. For from that commission about the children, from the remembrance of and tender feeling for friendship, from the observance of most important duties when at the last gasp, we learn that disinterested honesty was inbred in the man, and was not bribed into existence by pleasures, nor called forth by the wages of rewards. What stronger evidence do we want to prove that morality and uprightness are in themselves desirable, when we see such goodness displayed at the moment of death? But while I regard as creditable the letter which I have just translated almost word for word, though it was by no means in accord with the spirit of his philosophy, yet I am of opinion that this same philosopher's will is at variance not only with the seriousness becoming a true philosopher, but even with his own opinions. He wrote both many times in detail, and also shortly and clearly in the book I have just mentioned, that death is of no importance to us; for anything which has decayed is destitute of feeling; and what is destitute of feeling is of no importance whatever to us. This maxim itself might have been more neatly put and better. For when he puts it thus: what has decayed is without feeling, his statement does not explain sufficiently what it is that has decayed. Still I understand what he means. However, as all feeling is quenched by decay, by which he means death, and as nothing whatever remains which is of any importance to. us, I ask how it is that he provides and lays down with such care and minuteness that his heirs, Amynomachus and Timocrates, should, with the sanction of Hermarchus, give a sum ‘sufficient for the celebration of his birthday every year in the month Gamelion, and also money to provide each month, on the twentieth day after the new moon, a banquet for all those who studied philosophy along with him, that so the memory of himself and of Metrodorus may be reverenced. I am not able to deny that these directions shew us a man as nice and as kindly as you please, but to assume that any man has a birth- day is utterly unworthy of a philosopher, more particularly a natural philosopher (for by this name he desires himself to be called). Why, can the very day that has once been come round again and again? Assuredly it cannot. Or a day just like it? That is not possible either, unless after many thousands of years have intervened, so that there comes to pass a return of all the stars simultaneously to the point from which they set out. No one therefore has a birthday. But it is customary. And I did not know it, I suppose! But if it be, is the custom to be observed even after death? And is provision to be made for it in his will by the man who has uttered to us his almost oracular speech that nothing after death is of any importance to us? Such things do not recall the man who had traversed in thought countless universes and boundless tracts, without shore and without end. Did Democritus ever do anything of the kind? Passing by others, I appeal to the man whom he followed more than all the rest. But if a day was to be signalised, why the day on which he was born, rather than that on which he became a wise man? You will tell me he could not have become a wise man, had he not been born, Nor yet if his grandmother had never been born, if you come to that. The whole notion, Torquatus, of desiring that the recollection of one's name should be kept fresh after death by a banquet, is entirely for unlearned men. Now I say nothing about the way in which you celebrate such festivals, or the amount of pleasantry you have to face from the wits; there is no need for us to quarrel; I only say thus much, that it was more pardonable for you to observe the birthday of Epicurus than for him to provide by will that it should be observed. XXXII. But to return to our theme (for we were speaking about pain when we drifted into the consideration of this letter) we may now thus sum up the whole matter: he who is subject to the greatest possible evil is not happy so long as he remains subject to it, whereas the wise man always is happy, though he is at times subject to pain; pain therefore is not the greatest possible evil. Now what kind of statement is this, that past blessings do not fade from the wise man's memory, but still that he ought not to remember his misfortunes? First, have we power over our recollections? I know that Themistocles, when Simonides, or it may be some one else, offered to teach him the art of remembering, said: Z would rather learn the art of forgetting ; for I remember even the things I do not wish to re- member, while I cannot forget what I wish to forget. He had great gifts; but the truth is really this, that it is too domineering for a philosopher to interdict us from remembering things. Take care that your commands be not those of a Manlius or even stronger; I mean when you lay a command on me which I cannot possibly execute. What if the recollection of past misfortunes is actually agreeable? Some proverbs will thus be truer than your doctrines. It is a common saying: Fast toils are agreeable; and not badly did Euripides say (I shall put it into Latin if I can; you all know the line in Greek): Sweet s the memory of toils that are past. But let us return to the subject of past blessings. If you spoke of such blessings as enabled Gaius Marius, though exiled, starving, and immersed in a swamp, to lighten his pain by re- calling to mind his triumphs, I would listen to you and give you my entire approval. Indeed the happiness of the wise man - can never be perfected, or reach its goal, if his good thoughts and deeds are to be successively effaced by his own forgetfulness, But in your view life is rendered happy by the remembrance of pleasures already enjoyed, and moreover those enjoyed by the body. For if there are any other pleasures, then it is not true that all mental pleasures are dependent on association with the body. Now if bodily pleasure, even when past, gives satisfaction, I do not see why Aristotle should so utterly ridicule the inscription of Sardanapallus, in which that king of Syria boasts that he has carried away with him all the lustful pleasures. For, says Aristotle, how could he retain after death a thing which, even when he was alive, he could only feel just so long as he actually enjoyed it? Bodily pleasures therefore ebb and fly away one after another, and more often leave behind them reason for regret than for remembrance. Happier then is Africanus when he thus converses with his country : Cease, Rome, thy enemies to fear, with the noble sequel: For my toils have established for thee thy bulwarks. He takes delight in his past toils; you bid him delight in his past pleasures; he turns his thoughts once more to achievements, not one of which he ever connected with the body; you wholly cling to the body.

Speaker or Performer: Pastor Grover Cleveland Scripture Passage(s): Luke 23:39-43 Date of Delivery: March 29, 2024 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

We are going to take a break from the book of Psalms for the next eight days and share the events in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ in what is called “Passion Week”. It is in these eight days that the greatest event in the course of human history takes place, and that is, the suffering, the death, the burial, and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't ever forget that Jesus suffered like no man ever suffered as He lays down His life as God's perfect sacrifice for our sins!  Actually, if we want to look back one day to Saturday, we will find that the Lord Jesus was anointed with oil by Mary.  “And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table” (Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). She was criticized by Judas and the disciples, but Jesus said, “She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." (Mark 14:8-9). Jesus knew exactly what was going to take place in the course of this week! What a great place to start these devotions this week. We should be encouraged to know that the Lord takes great note of our sacrificial devotion, records it, and will greatly reward it! Today is called Palm Sunday. On this first day of the week, our Lord makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44). Luke's Gospel tells us, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. (Luke 19:28-31) Mark's Gospel informs us that this colt had never been ridden and it was tied “by the door, without in a place where two ways met.” (Mark 11:2-4). This is a beautiful picture of us as sinners. We are unbroken, rebelling against God, and “tied” to our sins! We are “tied” to our past, our guilt, our addictions, our bitterness and cannot lose ourselves. We need someone, sent by Jesus to tell us the story of His resurrection power and how He needs us to come into His family! Notice the colt was “by the door”! Remember Jesus is the door (John 10:9). The colt was “without”. We are outside the fold of safety. The colt was also “in a place where two ways met.” When we are introduced to Jesus, we are at the crossroad of two ways. We must either choose Jesus, the Narrow Way, or reject Him and continue down the broad way that leads to destruction! When Jesus came into the City of Jerusalem, there was a great celebration by the people! When “much people …. heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem... cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (John 12:12-13) Both Matthew and Mark's Gospel record this entry: "Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord"  "Hosanna to the son of David... Hosanna in the highest" "Blessed is the kingdom that cometh, the kingdom of our father David" (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9-10). It is sad to note, that in less than five days later, many in this crowd would be crying “crucify Him”.   The last thing we should note that took place on this day is the broken heart of Jesus over the city of Jerusalem. After the Pharisees criticized Jesus for accepting this praise he replied, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." Then Luke also tells us “as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes….” (Luke 19:40-44). As Jesus faces the suffering of the cross, He is weeping over the lost condition of those who would crucify Him. May the Lord give us broken hearts like Jesus to pray and weep over the lost sinners around us today! God bless!

“I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” — Luke 19:40 But could the stones cry out? Assuredly they could if He who opens the mouth of the dumb should bid them lift up their voice. Certainly if they were to speak, they would have much to […]

”The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished. By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil. When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice. The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment. A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; All the weights of the bag are His concern. It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness.“‭‭—Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

  FULL TRANSCRIPT (with timecode) 00:00:17:29 - 00:00:19:10 Welcome to Grace. 00:00:19:12 - 00:00:25:15 Hope, love, the broadcast ministry of Calvary Chapel Birmingham and beautiful Alabama. 00:00:41:19 - 00:01:15:16 It's great to have you with us as together we explore the Bible, verse by verse and chapter by chapter. This broadcast is reaching across the world with the amazing, exciting and life changing Word of God. If you would like to partner with us to take the whole book to the whole world, please consider making a donation. To learn more about Calvary Chapel Birmingham and God's plan for your life, or how you can partner with this ministry, go to Calvary birmingham.com. Today God has an extra special message just for you. 00:01:15:18 - 00:01:18:10 So grab your Bible and let's dig in. 00:01:29:06 - 00:02:04:05 For the last several Sundays, we've been studying through what is commonly known as the Olivet Discourse, and it's called that, of course, because of the location from which the discourse was taught. And that is the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem and the temple of the time. So this is the same spot in which Jesus will come in the future to establish his his kingdom. A few chapters back in our study of Mark, Jesus entered Jerusalem with what seemed to be triumphant acclaim from all the crowds. But after disrupting the commercial activities in the temple, things took a turn. 00:02:04:11 - 00:02:35:04 The next morning, Jesus engaged with the religious leaders, and this was followed by Jesus giving public warning to the crowds and to his disciples about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. And then he pronounced woes against the religious leaders. We don't have those in Mark, but we have had those in Matthew. Now his disciples began to see that things were getting dangerous because the religious leaders in Jerusalem, they recognized, are out to get Jesus and try to silence him. Much earlier in Jesus's ministry, they had determined to destroy him. 00:02:35:06 - 00:03:05:13 That is, the religious leaders had already determined to destroy him. Even as Jesus is giving this discourse then to his disciples, they are orchestrating their plans, and soon enough, Judas will betray Jesus. In the Garden of Gethsemane, located on this same Mount of Olives. And as for timeline, we where we are, it is two days before Passover, and so Jesus urgently turns his attention to his disciples. He prepares. 00:03:05:15 - 00:03:50:15 He's preparing his followers for the events that are to come. This is the fifth and final discourse from Jesus to his disciples. As we have seen, this discourse is prophecy, and it's to prepare his disciples for what they will experience as they do the work as apostles of preaching the gospel and building the church. And so that they understand the urgency of the message. Jesus describes the catastrophic events of judgment that will befall the nation, including the destruction of the temple and in the even more distant future, the end times and what the end times will mean for not only the world, but for Israel. 00:03:50:28 - 00:04:24:05 That is very important, really, for our understanding of this text. Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the end times and Israel and what it means for Israel. Um, all of what he has said in the discourse and in the parables and the illustrations that are centered around this discourse, has been very Israel centric. However, Gentile believers are not excluded. Certainly all believers need to understand this text. This text will be an important witness for those who enter the tribulation period. 00:04:24:07 - 00:05:00:03 But of course, also for believers today, these are events that will be experienced worldwide, like the Great Flood was a worldwide flood, and an understanding of this text enables us to better understand end times prophecy found in the Old Testament. Um, what is contained in the final book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ. But there is also. A great reminder. About and encouragement to faithfulness and warning about unfaithfulness. 00:05:00:06 - 00:05:30:29 Now, you may have heard other pastors teach this text differently. Um, there are a lot of different words you could key off key off of within this text. I mean, we have words like war, plague, earthquake, sorrow. Um, gospel is a good one, of course. Um. Abomination. Desecration. Tribulation. Saved. Elect this generation. Days of Noah is in Matthew, and we'll touch on that today as well. Um. Thief. Uh. Be ready. 00:05:31:01 - 00:06:03:09 Faithful. Wise. Um. We'll see as we, uh, study a little bit in Matthew as well. We'll see the use of the word oil. Um, bridegroom. Uh, talents. And, you know, I myself have heard many messages that. That read a couple of the scriptures from this, and then then kind of pick a word within those couple of verses and key off of it into something completely, um, off topic, uh, sorrow. 00:06:03:11 - 00:06:38:02 You know, sorrow. What are you what sorrow are you dealing with today? Um. Saved. How do you know that you're saved? Do you know that? You know that you know that you know. Oil. Have you experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, my friend? Is your lamp filled with oil? And. Even to the absurd talents. Will you use your talents to serve pastor's vision for the church? All you have to do is actually read the text in context. 00:06:38:25 - 00:07:14:01 And you will find that that especially is absolutely absurd. Now, with the exception of that last. And I admit that was. That's low hanging fruit. Um, it's it's it's so out there. It's just low hanging fruit now. But, um, with the exception of that last absurd example, there is good reason to deal with many of those other things. But this text is not necessarily the place to deal with those things. Um, deal with those things when you get to the text that actually deals with them in the text does exist, that deals with all those things. 00:07:14:03 - 00:07:45:21 Otherwise you are not rightly dividing the word of truth. The great danger of keying off of one word in a verse or within a small segment of text is then the flesh can take that wherever it wants, almost always ending up with a very subtle message about either earning your salvation or doing the works to maintain your standing or your salvation, which is not only contrary to the good news of eternal salvation by grace through faith. 00:07:45:23 - 00:08:18:18 It is a trap that leads to a rejection of grace and a rebuke at the judgment seat of Christ. Now, we talked about taking a literal approach to Scripture last week as well. It does not mean that that we believe that the earth is flat, or that the moon makes its own light. Rather, a literal approach to the text means we maintain a high standard when it comes to interpreting Scripture. It means we do our best to consider the intent of the author, and not to go beyond that. 00:08:18:20 - 00:09:14:08 And that also means that we are willing to let the text speak rather than us speaking for the text. Now that out of the way, in the previous part of this discourse, after answering the disciples questions regarding the temple and its destruction, Jesus continues with prophecy of the end times and the tribulation and His second coming. Over the last few Sundays, we looked at the condition of the world and the condition of the world. When Jesus comes to take his church, ushering in then the seven years of tribulation, Jesus spoke about conditions Israel will endure during the tribulation, the rebuilt temple implying that the Law of Moses is back in observance, in effect, that Antichrist and the desecration of the Temple Israel fleeing to get away, Israel seeing Jesus's return, the great battle at the end, and Israel's salvation. 00:09:14:10 - 00:09:53:01 And then Jesus moved out of the discourse and into using parable and illustrating again. And with that, Jesus went from dealing with eschatological events to dealing with attitudes, drawing contrasts between those who are faithful, prepared, and watchful, and those who are not. Bart does not include all of these parables and illustrations, and we may. We made note of that last week, but because there has been such terrible teaching for many of these illustration parables, I'm going to take us out of Mark later on this morning and into Matthew so that we can cover that ground as well. 00:09:53:03 - 00:10:30:16 Now, a word of caution in studying these. We must be careful not to make assumptions that will lead us to wrong conclusions. In regards to these parables and these illustrations, it's important to note that the outcome is reward or retribution. Expecting or not expecting. Christ's return makes a large difference in the lives of those characters in the illustrations. We will understand through these paragraphs that unbelievers will suffer loss by not being prepared. 00:10:30:18 - 00:11:01:25 It is also the case that believers will suffer loss to not like unbelievers, but loss nonetheless. Loss of rewards. And so we find Jesus directing believers to watch and to be ready. And that's really that really is important for us to remember as we study through these things. The text may not be speaking of eternal life versus condemnation, even though the text may cause us to want to assume that we must not assume we must remain in context. 00:11:01:27 - 00:11:32:03 And so we find that the greater idea is faithfulness, being watchful so that one is found faithful and faithfulness is rewarded. And that implies that believers who are not watchful and thus not concerned about being faithful to Christ, uh, to Christ, suffer loss not of eternal life, but of rewards. So I think that pretty much well sets up our study as as Jesus continues to teach with the parable of the faithful and the wise slave. 00:11:32:20 - 00:12:09:16 Um, we'll get to that in a second. Here, I want us to pray, and then we'll dig in. Heavenly father, we thank you for this new morning. The breath you've placed in our lungs for the beating of our hearts. Lord, you are truly living God. Compassionate, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Lord, we pray for those who are sick. Lord, we pray for Chris that you would heal him from his sickness. Lord others who might be sick or dealing with different diseases and things. Lord, we ask that you would heal them. Those who are traveling like Larry and Krista, Lord, that you would keep them safe, protect them and bring them back to their family here. 00:12:09:25 - 00:12:40:04 Um, most of all, we ask that that your gospel would be received, uh, or preached to all this world, Lord, and that people would come to understand the truth of Jesus. Um, and as we embark on this study of your word, we ask that our own hearts would be opened to receive all that you have to say to us, Lord, we desire to be heroes and doers. We ask that you would lead us in all of your ways because your ways are good. We pray this in Jesus name. 00:12:40:06 - 00:12:40:23 Amen. 00:12:42:16 - 00:12:44:17 So starting with verse. 00:12:46:17 - 00:12:47:23 32. 00:12:52:23 - 00:13:35:13 We are at the very end of Mark chapter 13, starting with verse 32. But of that day and hour no one knows. Not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the father. Take heed, watch and pray for you. Do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch. Therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning, lest coming, suddenly he find you sleeping. 00:13:35:24 - 00:14:05:28 And what I say to you, I say to all watch. Now, as I mentioned last week, the parallel text of Matthew includes some things here that Mark does not. And I want us to read that text of Matthew. Now, the parallel section of Matthew to our text in Mark is found in chapter 24 of Matthew, in particular verses 36 through 44. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my father only. 00:14:06:00 - 00:14:40:01 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away. So also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field, one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill, one will be taken and the other left. 00:14:40:03 - 00:15:22:23 Watch therefore, for you do not know. Uh, for you do not know what hour your lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Now Mark's gospel doesn't avoid anything. It just gets straight to the point. As we we've observed before, Mark's gospel moves at a much quicker pace than do the other Synoptics, whereas Matthew moves slower, um, and includes much more detail. 00:15:22:25 - 00:16:03:21 The big picture here in Mark is found in Jesus's thesis verse of 32. Um, no one knows the day or the hour. And we should ask ourselves, what is it that no one knows about that day and hour? Well, context helps, and if we keep reading, verse 33 clarifies that you do not know when the time is. Jesus then expounds on to on on that to to make the big point, which is spiritual vigilance, not desperately holding on to salvation as if one day you're going to mess up so bad that the Lord thumps you out of his keeping hand. 00:16:03:27 - 00:16:46:08 But rather believers should not be asleep, as were Peter, James, and John later in the garden, but rather believers should be found faithfully in service to the Lord when he returns. All the servants will be blessed by the return of the Lord. Faithful servants will be rewarded. But we have a problem. Why is it that we have a pretty clear timeline of events given to us, not just in the Olivet Discourse, but in New Testament texts like revelation? If nobody knows the time of the return. 00:16:47:13 - 00:17:20:22 How can this possibly be? Since we have spelled out for us a seven year period of tribulation, at the end of which Jesus returns? Well, what it is, is. That Jesus is speaking of his return. For believers, that comes before the seven year period referred to as the rapture or the catching up of the church. Now, we'll get back to this in a minute, but for now, let's get more into the details of this section from Mark. 00:17:20:24 - 00:17:51:14 And Matthew will tie in to Luke as well a little bit, but we're going to use that more as a means of clarifying. Just just wait for it, I guess. So when when we read, uh, the text from Mark and then from Matthew, there was some things in Matthew that probably. Have struck out at us. Um, probably that bit about Noah, right? That's kind of a word that, you know, the days of Noah that kind of sticks out from that text. 00:17:52:00 - 00:18:28:00 Um, and of course, the days thereof, specifically that part, um, as the days of Noah were so also, will the coming of the Son of Man before is in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark and did not know until the flood came and took them all away. So also will the coming of the Son of Man be. We'll get to that. But first, did you notice a difference between verse 36 of Matthew and verse 32 of Mark? It's subtle. Verse 36 of Matthew says, but of that day and hour, and no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my father only. 00:18:29:08 - 00:19:05:18 In Mark. In verse 32 it says, but of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the father. So it's that phrase, nor the sun. It's in Mark, but not Matthew. And Luke doesn't have this verse at all. So hold on to your hats. We're going to get a little bit nerdy Bible nerdy here, just for a few minutes. Um, some important manuscripts, uh, such as the Alexandrian and the Western manuscripts have an additional phrase that's not included in Matthew, and that is that phrase. 00:19:05:20 - 00:19:39:18 It is, nor the sun. We find it as we just saw in Mark, not Matthew. Many scholars believe that phrase should be included here in the text of Matthew as well. And in fact, modern translations have decided to include this phrase, as it was likely in the original autographs of Matthew. The King James Version does not include it. But I believe it should, because not only do the Alexandrian and Western manuscripts have it, um, almost all. 00:19:40:09 - 00:19:48:12 Of the other witnesses, uh, have that phrase as well. But even if that phrase should be there. 00:19:50:06 - 00:20:26:21 The final part of verse 36 in Matthew. But my father only. Well, it implies the same thing. Only the lack of it in the King James Version and New King James Version just seems to to somewhat soften the prophetic impact of it. So just be aware of this. Even the son does not know. And it's interesting that this lines up with the way that weddings happen in ancient Israel. So the the pattern agrees with what Jesus says here after the betrothal, neither the groom nor the bride knew when the marriage celebration was going to occur. 00:20:26:23 - 00:20:47:09 Instead, the groom then went back home to prepare a place for his bride, and when the father decided it was time, he would send the groom with the wedding party to collect the bride. But the bigger idea here is not what the father knows, nor really of the timing. 00:20:49:03 - 00:21:02:23 Rather, the idea is. Encouragement toward an attitude of being watchful. And prepared. The time is unknowable. 00:21:04:18 - 00:21:10:28 Therefore be ready. If a plumber is scheduled to come to your home to fix your toilet. 00:21:12:16 - 00:21:16:06 And you don't know what exact time they're going to arrive. 00:21:17:22 - 00:21:37:05 What are you probably going to do? Well, you're probably going to pick up any dirty clothes from the floor of your bathroom. You're probably going to empty the bathroom trash can. You might even clean the area around the toilet and the toilet itself. So you don't look like the slob you really are. 00:21:39:26 - 00:22:15:24 So if in little things, we feel like we should be prepared. The imminent rapture of the church should inspire preparation of those who are of the church. No one knows the exact time when the Son of Man will return. His coming is going to be a surprise, so it makes sense to be prepared so that you are not ashamed. Now, who is this warning for? Well, Matthew gives us that information because there Jesus starts this illustration with a comparison. 00:22:16:06 - 00:22:50:13 As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. And note that just as the flood was worldwide, so also the end times judgments will be worldwide. So then we get the idea now that this word is not limited to Israel, but is for all the world. People need to hear the Word of God taught and preached and that includes the warnings. In the days of Noah, the world did not expect a flood that would cover all the earth, despite the fact that Noah was a preacher of righteousness. 00:22:50:15 - 00:23:14:19 I get that from Second Peter two verse five. Peter is called or Noah is called a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly. Similarly. In the future of in the future, the world will be pursuing normal, everyday, regular routine activities. 00:23:16:05 - 00:23:25:01 They will be going about life as usual. Suddenly. And without warning. Normal life. 00:23:25:21 - 00:23:28:02 Meals. Weddings. 00:23:29:19 - 00:24:04:12 Will be interrupted. And those who remain will find themselves searching for an explanation. Of what is going on. In Noah's day, he and seven others entered the ark and God. Shut that door. Now knowing his family were not Hebrews. They predated Abraham, who was the first Hebrew. And as the world was judged, Noah in the seven others were kept safe in the ark above the waters. 00:24:05:27 - 00:24:38:24 Jesus is Coming begins with the rapture of the church, which can occur at any time. Without sign. Except for the fact that the Bible actually tells us it's going to happen. And then following the rapture, those years of tribulation will come about a total of seven years of tribulation with the abomination of desolation that Daniel and Jesus spoke of in the middle of that time, after which Israel will be scattered once again. 00:24:38:26 - 00:24:54:26 Three and a half years after the abomination, the prophecy of Zechariah tells us that Jesus will set foot on the Mount of Olives and overthrow Israel's enemies. And as Zechariah states in verse nine, the Lord shall be king over all the earth. 00:24:56:27 - 00:25:28:12 Unbelievers will suddenly find themselves in judgment, just as unbelievers were in the days of Noah. As Noah and his family were yet kept safe out of the judgment. So then, those who we see taken away by the flood are unbelievers. Continuing in the text of Matthew, Jesus then added to the illustration by moving to a different illustration said, then two men will be in the field, one will be taken in the other left, two women will be grinding at the mill, one will be taken, the other left. 00:25:31:12 - 00:25:35:09 In regards to just what this illustrates, there are a couple of possibilities. 00:25:36:24 - 00:26:12:12 Then in verse 40 of Matthew, the text points back to when everyone was eating and drinking just before the tribulation. Now the word took in. Verse 39 is the Greek word eru, meaning carried away. As in carried away to their death by the flood waters. And then the word taken that Jesus uses in verses 40 and 41 is a different word. Uh, parallel bono meaning take two oneself or receive. 00:26:13:06 - 00:26:55:27 Now. One possibility is that this illustrates the rapture, with one being taken in the other left behind. And that sounds good. But the problem is that it doesn't track with the NOAA illustration in which the wicked were taken away while the believers were preserved. Rather, it seems to make better sense that this continues the previous illustration, where the world is in tribulation and the church has been removed already. So then in verses 4241, those taken away are the unbelievers, and the ones that are left are those of believing Israel and tribulation saints who are not taken to judgment but remain to enter the Millennial Kingdom. 00:26:56:08 - 00:27:38:16 So then, those who come on to, or who come to believe during the tribulation must be watchful and expectant of the Lord's coming. Others take the view that those who are carried away in verses in verse 39 are unbelievers, while those who are taken in verses 44 through 41 are believers taken up to Christ at the rapture of the church, as I said before. So then those who are left in verses 40 to 41 are the ones who are going to be going through the tribulation events. And if if this view is correct, then the judgment of the tribulation will come on the unbelieving world, like the flood, where they are not expecting it, and before that God will deliver his own from. 00:27:39:03 - 00:28:15:20 The world. In between these two. If neither is exactly wrong, the facts are that the church will be raptured before the judgment, and those who those who believe during the tribulation will also enter the kingdom. However, Jesus had a point greater than than those specifics. The greater idea here is just what we started with. Nobody knows the time. And Jesus is addressing his disciples. His disciples were believers apart from one who would betray the Lord to the chief priests and the Romans. 00:28:15:22 - 00:28:47:14 If if saved individuals this side of the tribulation need to worry about entering into the tribulation, then why be watchful in the first place? Well, the reason is that while Jesus and John three and later Paul and Romans eight said that he who believes in Jesus is not condemned, they are not exempt. They are not exempted from the judgment seat of Christ. Paul spoke of this judgment seat of Christ in Romans, in Second Corinthians. And the Apostle John also did this in his first epistle. 00:28:47:16 - 00:29:21:00 Paul says, we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive the things done in the body according to what he has done, good or bad. And he says, we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to him, for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each 1st May receive the things done in the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad. So this is not a judgment to condemnation, but a judgment in which believers will receive or lose reward according to their faithfulness to Christ. 00:29:21:23 - 00:29:55:08 Everyone who is at this judgment is saved, but some will be saved with rewards and some will be saved with loss of rewards. So then believers need to watch a Greek word that means be on alert. In light of Christ, sudden, unexpected coming. And this same word for watch is repeated several times by Paul in his epistles and by the Lord not only in the Gospels, but also in revelation. So then look at verses 43 through 44. 00:29:57:00 - 00:30:35:29 Of Matthew 24. But know this, that if the master of the house had not, if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come. He would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour. You do not expect anyone who knows before it happens that a thief is going to be coming to his house. And when will certainly make sure to be awake and alert for that event so that he can protect his house and his possessions. 00:30:36:22 - 00:31:00:18 Jesus compares himself to a thief because he will come unexpectedly, and the homeowner or the master of the house is the believer. And if it's important for a homeowner to be so vigilant about things that are transient. Then how much more so is it for a believer to to be aware and vigilant over things that are of eternal value? 00:31:02:18 - 00:31:09:26 Believers who are watching for the rapture will be prepared at any time and not taken by surprise. 00:31:11:21 - 00:31:52:09 It will not experience loss of reward. Jesus promises that there is no condemnation for those who believe in him. So then the believer is absolutely secure and safe from condemnation and promised eternal life. And while most people are concerned with quality of life now, however. Eternal life dwarfs the little time that we have now. So quality of eternal life should be of immensely greater concern. Believers enter into eternal life no matter what God guarantees it, but works will be judged and some will enter with reward, others will enter having lost rewards. 00:31:52:11 - 00:31:56:14 And so, as believers, we should desire to be faithful and wise. 00:32:01:11 - 00:32:34:16 All right. So as I insinuated several times, Matthew includes more illustrations and parables than Mark does. That is illustrations and parables specifically associated with this discourse. And these have been taught so horribly so as to steal away the assurance of believers eternal salvation, that I. I feel the need that we as a body, go back and look at these things. Um, even though Mark does not necessarily include all of these in his text. 00:32:34:18 - 00:32:51:24 So I want you to right now in, um. Yeah, we got time. I want you right now to turn to Matthew chapter 24, if you haven't already. We've been in Matthew, so maybe you've already turned there, but, um, we'll be looking at verses 45 through 51. 00:32:54:01 - 00:32:55:20 I need to do that too. Let's see. 00:33:03:28 - 00:33:04:17 There we go. 00:33:09:21 - 00:33:52:06 Are. All right. And starting the verse 45, it reads this way. Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his master made ruler over his household to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you, that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if the evil servant says in his heart, my master is delaying his coming, and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. 00:33:52:13 - 00:34:23:24 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Now this parable continues the theme of the preceding, and that overarching theme is preparedness. After describing what his Second Coming would be like. It makes sense that Jesus would speak of being watchful and prepared. Earlier in both Mark and Matthew, Jesus warned that his return would not be hidden or secret, but would be quick and visible to all. And in the parable of the fig tree. 00:34:23:28 - 00:35:00:18 From verses 28 through 31 of Mark, which I think we looked at last Sunday, Jesus says that the generation that is in the tribulation and sees the abomination of desolation and the cataclysmic events in the heavens, will see his return. But as it was in the days of Noah when only a handful believed God was going to was going to judge the world with this great flood, so also many will be taken by surprise then at his return. Now, it's important to note that the rapture of the church in the Second Coming of Christ are two different things, right? The rapture comes just before the seven year tribulation. 00:35:00:20 - 00:35:35:12 The Bible describes the rapture as Jesus coming in the clouds and calling up his believers to be with him. But in his Second coming, at the conclusion of the tribulation, he sets foot on the Mount of Olives, bringing bringing us with him to judge the world and usher in the Millennial Kingdom. So in his discourse, the rapture would have occurred probably just before verse nine. And from that point on, this discourse seems to be describing the tribulation period. The midpoint of the seven year tribulation is at verse 14 of Mark 13, with the abomination of desolation and Israel fleeing. 00:35:35:14 - 00:36:10:26 The Second coming of Christ then occurs in the discourse with verse 26 of Mark. So then we continue now with the parables and the illustrations, and that takes us to the parable that we just read of the with a faithful servant and a wise servant. Here in Matthew, the Greek word for servant here is doulos. Now doulos speaks of a slave. That is, someone subservient to someone else. And in the New Testament text, it usually speaks of someone who was in a financial situation that required them to sell themselves to someone else in order to survive. 00:36:11:09 - 00:36:46:10 That likely does not refer to someone who has been made a slave by force. Now, all this is this kind of archaic to us today. But someone in that time who was in that kind of life or death situation would have been thankful and demonstrated their thankfulness with faithful service. However. The flesh, nature being what it is. A slave, even though their slavery meant survival rather than starvation and suffering, might begin to resent their master. 00:36:47:06 - 00:37:12:10 Some slaves of the time were very low on the pole. Others were trusted as family members and even given great responsibility and trust in a household. Now slave here is used singularly in this entire parable. This seems surprising because if your Bible has section headings, it probably reads illustration of the two servants. 00:37:14:00 - 00:37:48:06 Well, this is problematic. As the text is speaking of two possible actions of one servant, and how the servants actions in each scenario may be rewarded. In other words, there is one slave in this parable who has been entrusted with great responsibilities and who also has a choice while his master is away. He can be faithful and wise, and the responsibilities given to him by his master, anticipating the joy of reward at his master's return. 00:37:48:08 - 00:38:20:01 Or he can be evil and do whatever his evil desires. Lead him to do things that are characteristic of idolaters, or pagans, or unbelievers, and those who have turned away. Uh, from uh uh, from the faith. Because the master will return suddenly. The master will discover what his entrusted servant has been doing. If he's been faithful. When his master returns, he will be rewarded and given greater position. 00:38:20:09 - 00:38:51:17 If the slave has been unfaithful, the text says he will be divided and be given a place with the hypocrites. Now notice that the master who left the slave and then returns remains the slave master, whether the slave is faithful or unfaithful. But what about verse 51? And this cutting into. Well, that verb, uh, deco tomato means to to cut an object into two parts. 00:38:51:19 - 00:39:25:29 And it is the same verb that's used in Hebrews 11, verse 37, speaking of God's prophets being sawn in two. It is also used in the Septuagint in Exodus in regards to the division of sacrifices. Extra biblical sources such as writings of Polybius and credulous Strabo. Many others demonstrate the use of this word in rhetoric as, uh, as hyperbole for creating a convincing argument. 00:39:26:04 - 00:39:56:28 And that's how it's used here. The dividing of the slave is not the division of the slave himself. It is hyperbole to illustrate being cut to the heart by the Lord's rebuke and suffering great loss. Remember, as Hebrews four says, the word of God is like a two edged sword that can cut deeply and is being appointed. A place with the hypocrites is simply showing that there are those who are found faithful, and there are others who are not. 00:39:57:20 - 00:40:28:22 Jesus denounced the leaders in Israel. He called them hypocrites. And when doing so he did not distinguish between believing and unbelieving leaders. And we know from the Bible that there were at least a few and probably. Many among the leaders who believed yet remained secretive in their belief. And we know that even faithful believers can be hypocrites. 00:40:29:18 - 00:40:58:04 Such as Peter and Barnabas in Galatians two, where Paul rebuked them because in Antioch they got up from their table with the Gentiles to sit with the Jews from Jerusalem when they arrived. We find a similar parable in Luke 12, where in verse 46, instead of hypocrite, we find the word unbelievers. However, the Greek word. Translated. Translated. Uh. Unbeliever. There. Also means the unfaithful. 00:41:00:07 - 00:41:04:22 Which I think is a more sound understanding. The fact. 00:41:07:00 - 00:41:40:29 In fact it is. That's actually how the ESV renders that word in Luke 1246. So the big idea here. Is that when believers are judged, the failure to have endured and faithful service will result in rebuke. The difference is that in one scenario, the wise servant watches for the return of his master, and because he is watchful and he is expectant. He is found serving faithfully. And the other scenario? He thinks his master will not return for a long time. 00:41:41:01 - 00:41:43:01 So he stopped serving his master well. 00:41:45:04 - 00:41:52:18 We often want to associate weeping and gnashing of teeth with the pronouncement of utter condemnation. 00:41:54:04 - 00:42:33:03 And we do find that phrase associated with unbelievers in hell. We also find it used of the tremendous grief. Of believers at the loss of rewards. But context determines how we should understand the text. And so the phrase here speaks of tremendous regret over a wasted opportunity to have received something very valuable. So then its use here in this text speaks of great sorrow experienced by unfaithful believers at the Lord's rebuke, at their loss of reward and loss of privileges. 00:42:34:00 - 00:42:43:20 And loss of joys associated with ruling with Christ in the kingdom. And yet God will wipe away every tear. 00:42:52:20 - 00:42:57:27 Israel was chosen by God in order to be a light to the other nations. 00:43:01:09 - 00:43:33:03 And to be the people through which the Messiah was to to come into the world. And over and over in the text of the Old Testament, we see Israel instead wanting to be just like the other nations and falling into idolatry. And each time we see God discipline them. And we see Israel missing out on God's blessing. Their rejection of Jesus has resulted in very difficult times over the centuries. 00:43:33:27 - 00:43:47:09 For Israel. But Israel is gathered back together. Being gathered back together became a nation again in 1948. They still are experiencing judgment for their unbelief. 00:43:49:07 - 00:44:21:04 But God is faithful always to his promises. In the tribulation, after the desecration of the temple, Israel will repent and will return back to God. 44 144,000 will actually be evangelizing the world. But that's just the number of a special group of believing Israel sealed to act as God's evangelists in all the world. There will be many more who will believe Jesus during the tribulation. And when Jesus returns, it will be good to be found faithful. 00:44:21:06 - 00:44:53:08 All believers will be rewarded or suffer loss at the judgment seat of Christ. But it must be kept in mind that this is not a loss of salvation. As was the case back in the parable of the marriage feast from from chapter 22 of I think it was Matthew or I don't think that was. Yeah, that would have been Matthew we haven't reached. Never mind. Brain 22 of Matthew. The stakes were not eternal life. But quality of eternal life. 00:44:54:23 - 00:45:28:20 Rewards or loss of rewards. It is consistent. As a thread throughout all the Bible that salvation is by faith because of God's grace and not because of any works of our own. People believe those things of which evidence persuades them to be true. That is what belief is. It is a conviction based on available evidence that something is in fact true. Belief is not something that that we work up in ourselves by some strength of will. 00:45:31:02 - 00:45:37:05 I mean belief these days or faith gets gets taught so often as if it's like. 00:45:40:02 - 00:46:01:01 Like Luke Skywalker, you know, trying to trying to raise his his fighter out of the marsh. You know, trying to gather up the the ability to do it. It's this invisible force that we we pulled to ourselves. And we. We then send out to do the things of which we want to be done. 00:46:03:25 - 00:46:05:13 Well, a belief is belief. 00:46:08:09 - 00:46:10:11 We don't work it up within ourselves. 00:46:15:04 - 00:46:17:12 We simply believe something is true. 00:46:21:02 - 00:46:23:27 And I think we can all agree that. 00:46:25:23 - 00:46:31:21 When evidence that something is true persuades you, you are then found to be believing it. 00:46:33:11 - 00:46:39:27 And ultimately when the evidence is not sufficient. Then you don't believe it. 00:46:42:05 - 00:47:00:05 Now. When you believe something, you typically will perform actions that equate with that belief. But that's not always completely, completely the case. You will. Well, during the late 70s, early 80s, most kids knew gravity existed, yet you would still find them jumping off the roof with an umbrella. 00:47:02:13 - 00:47:03:05 Test it out. 00:47:04:21 - 00:47:08:24 Yep. Gravity's true. No umbrella doesn't help. 00:47:17:10 - 00:47:22:01 Not the best example. But. But the people who believe in gravity. 00:47:25:19 - 00:48:01:28 Most people believe in gravity, yet we'll find some way to try and subvert or delay the effects of gravity, right? People who live under, under local or federal laws will still break or subvert the laws in various and creative ways, and people who believe God will yet become more concerned with the things of the world than the things of God. The goodness of the good News is, as Jesus said in John five, most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 00:48:02:00 - 00:48:38:22 The believer will not come into judgment, but has eternal life. But there is a judgment of works that awaits all believers, where believers will be judged for the things done in the body, and that judgment is not under condemnation, but eternal reward or loss of reward. And the eternal destiny of unbelievers, of unbelievers is based on their unbelief and not their works. And the eternal destiny of believers is based on their belief and not their works. Our eternal rewards will be based on what we do in service for Christ in these fallen bodies, not with what we do. 00:48:38:24 - 00:49:10:15 What we'll do in the future in our glorified bodies. So yes, Jesus is still being Israel centric in these verses. He is speaking to his disciples about Israel in the end times. But rewards for faithfulness is also applicable to all believers, whether taken up in the rapture or those who come to faith during the tribulation. While Jesus is away, he expects his servants, that is, believers, to be faithful and wise until he returns. 00:49:11:27 - 00:49:43:21 Now there are more parables that we will need to deal with from Matthew, and we'll do that next Sunday as additional material for our study of the Olivet Discourse in Mark. The next two parables, the parable of the Ten Virgins and the parable of the talents, further illustrate the importance of wisdom and faithfulness in preparing for the coming reign of the King. But this morning we're going to end here. So stick around. We'll have our. And let's pray. Heavenly father, we thank you for this morning. 00:49:43:23 - 00:49:47:16 We thank you for your love and your grace and your mercy. We, um. 00:49:49:06 - 00:49:58:28 Pray that your name would be holy in our our hearts and that, uh, your name would be, uh, exemplified as is holy in our lives. Um. 00:50:01:06 - 00:50:02:17 That we would be. 00:50:04:14 - 00:50:11:00 A light to this world. To show them. Jesus. 00:50:13:28 - 00:50:14:25 Lord. Um. 00:50:16:16 - 00:50:27:21 This is a day and age where I think we all feel a special need, that we lift up and pray for the leaders of of the world. Um. 00:50:31:09 - 00:50:37:21 And Lord, we. We do pray that. Um, the leaders of this world would. Would rule righteously. 00:50:41:11 - 00:51:11:24 And those who refuse to. Rule in a righteous manner that they would be dethroned. They would be removed from office. And that someone who will serve well will be placed in those places. Um. Give us wisdom as we enter into, uh, the times of elections for this nation in particular. Um. 00:51:13:21 - 00:51:20:24 Lord, we lift up those around this world who are suffering so horribly due to wars. 00:51:24:00 - 00:51:26:27 Lord, help us to be slow to anger. 00:51:28:15 - 00:51:30:00 Help us to be compassionate. 00:51:34:09 - 00:51:51:21 Lord, we ask that you would establish us in all good things, and that you would guard our hearts, keep our hands from evil. Protect us from the deceptions of our great enemy, the devil and Lord is even as we endure the trials of each and every day. 00:51:52:22 - 00:51:53:07 Um. 00:51:53:11 - 00:51:56:05 We thank you that you grow us through them. 00:51:58:03 - 00:52:03:02 You lead us through them. We ask you to be glorified in our trials, Lord. 00:52:07:26 - 00:52:11:24 Father. We. Pray for the food that we're about to. 00:52:14:25 - 00:52:46:16 Share together. Lord, we thank you that you have provided this food and you have given us the, um. What's needed to to make the food and, uh, to cook it, and, um. To taste it and to enjoy it. And we thank you for the time of fellowship that we all have as well. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make his face in his light to shine upon you. May he lift up his countenance upon you and give you his peace, his shalom. In the name of Yeshua Messiah. 00:52:46:18 - 00:52:49:22 This Jesus is Messiah, our Lord and our Savior and everyone. 00:52:52:21 - 00:52:55:11 The object of faith is not the gospel. 00:52:55:13 - 00:52:55:28 My friend, the. 00:52:56:00 - 00:53:29:25 Object of faith is Jesus. Being at peace with God is not automatic because you by nature are separated from God. The Bible says for all of sin and fall short of the glory of God, you and I, we are both sinners. Every person is a sinner and sin. Our sin separates us from God. Sincerity, morality, good works, a religion. These are some of the ways that man has tried to close the gap between himself and God. 00:53:30:14 - 00:54:05:11 Only God's love can close that gap of separation between himself and you. He paid the penalty for the sins of the world. The Bible says He Himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness by his wounds you have been healed. But the good news is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as John the Baptist said, is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 00:54:06:10 - 00:54:38:13 John the Apostle reiterated this in first John two where we read this, and he himself is the propitiation for our sins. And not for hours only. But also for the whole world. Because of this, despite the fact that we are sinners, we are not blocked from God and from his kingdom because of our sin. He has removed the sin barrier so that now we are all savable. 00:54:39:04 - 00:54:44:22 All we need to do to have everlasting life with God. 00:54:46:21 - 00:54:51:00 Life that can never be lost is to believe in Jesus Christ. 00:54:52:16 - 00:55:28:23 As Jesus said in John 316, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus very plainly says, whoever believes in him will not perish, but has everlasting life. Because of the cross and the the resurrection of Jesus, all who simply believe in him have everlasting life and will one day be raised from the dead to live physically forever in perfect, glorified bodies. 00:55:30:00 - 00:55:57:15 I can be absolutely sure that I have everlasting life, because I know it has nothing to do with how good or bad I am, and everything to do with Jesus's faithfulness to his promise. You crossed that bridge into God's family. When you believe in Jesus Christ, and God invites you to believe and freely receive forgiveness of sins and. 00:55:57:17 - 00:56:00:09 Eternal life that can never be lost. 00:56:18:16 - 00:56:54:21 Thank you for listening. Remember to be a doer of the Bible and not just a hearer. That means demonstrating God's love to others as he has so abundantly poured out his love into your life. Most importantly, have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? It's the most important decision you could ever make. Choose your destiny. Don't let the world choose it for you. The Bible says that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Go to Calvary birmingham.com and click on God to learn more about God's plan for your life. 00:56:54:26 - 00:57:08:07 If you prayed to receive Jesus through this program, please let us know. Go to Calvary birmingham.com and select contact. While you're there, please consider sowing into this ministry by selecting donate. 00:57:13:17 - 00:57:19:19 You have been listening to Grace Hope love with Pastor Sean Bumpers and Calvary Chapel Birmingham. 00:57:28:15 - 00:57:35:11 Thank you, my friend, for your fellowship, and may the Lord abundantly pour out his grace. And love into your life.

“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'” (Matthew 8:10) What kind of faith did the centurion have? What made Jesus marvel? We should seek to possess the same kind of faith.

This is the Podcast for the week of Jan 28th 2024.This week Pastor Travis shares a message with us titled Teach Us To Pray.Here are some of the key Scriptures from the message:Matthew 6:5-15 (NKJV)5  “And when you pray, you shall not be like the  [a] hypocrites. For they love to pray,standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may beseen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.  6  But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place;1 Kings 19:11-16Psalm 31:20 (NKJV)20  You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presenceFrom the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a  [ a ] pavilionFrom the strife of tongues.Psalm 32:7 (NKJV)7  You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble;You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. SelahJohn 1:18 (NLT)18  No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, [a]  is near tothe Father's heart. He has revealed God to us.Romans 8:15 (NKJV)15  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you receivedthe Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, [a]  Father.”Romans 1:25 NLT, Romans 1:21-23 NLT,  2 Peter 2:1 NLT,  Matthew 6:9,  Malachi 1:11 NKJV,  Malachi 1:12-14,  Malachi 1:12-14,Let's pray together9  In this manner, therefore, pray:Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.10  Your kingdom come.Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven.11  Give us our daily bread this day.12  And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors.13  And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.[c] For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

This is the Podcast for the week of Feb 4th 2024.These are some of the key Scriptures from the sermon:Matthew 11:11 (NKJV)11  “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greaterthan John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater thanhe.Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)20  Now, when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation;  21  nor will they say,  [a] ‘See here!' or ‘See there!' (future tense)For indeed, the kingdom ofGod is  [b] within you.”Romans 8:16-17 (NKJV)16  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  17  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we sufferwith Him, that we may also be glorified together.Romans 5:17 (NKJV)17  For if by the one man's  [a] offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)Signs of His kingdom among usMatt 9:35. Healing every sickness and every disease.Matt 12:28. Cast out demons/Control over Evil spirits.Matt 13:44. Great Value/worth more than all we haveMatt 13:45-46. Great Value/ worth more than anything.Job 23:12 (NKJV),  Matthew 4:4 (NKJV),  Matthew 4:1 (NKJV),  Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV)Let's pray together9  In this manner, therefore, pray:Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.10  Your kingdom come.Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven.11  Give us our daily bread this day.12  And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors.13  And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.[c] For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Rev. Tim Hartwig, President, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary was preacher for this service. Luke 23:39-43: 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Order of Service: - Lord, Let Us See Your Kindness: Soloist: Lord, let me see Your kindness, and grant us Your salvation. Congregation: Lord, let us see… S: I will hear what God proclaims; he proclaims peace to his people. His salvation is near to those who fear him, his glory dwells in our land. C: Lord, let us see… S: Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth and justice shall look down from heaven. C: Lord, let us see… S: The Lord will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him and salvation along his path! C: Lord, let us see… - Luke 23:39-43: 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 25 - O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Rev. Tim Hartwig, President, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary (Preacher), Caleb Schultz (Soloist), Rev. Prof. Dennis Marzolf (Pianist)

Matthew 5:23-26 New King James Version   23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

John 13:12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 "I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.'                  In this very familiar passage of Scripture, we see Jesus having set the example for Servant Leadership in the first eleven verses asking them if they know what He has done.  Then He explains what He has done and why He did it. Jesus says Most Assuredly (i.e.; Listen Up What I am about to say is very Important).  He says that if He the Lord and God who created everything washed their dirty nasty feet, then what ought they to do?  Jesus is saying that we ought to do whatever it takes to help others become who they ought to be in Christ.  That we are to help everyone in spite of what they look like, smell like, talk like, act like, or anything else that we may not like about them.  Jesus says a blessing comes not by knowing what you ought to do, but by doing the very thing we most dislike doing sometimes, helping others who are not like us. Mt 25:40 "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' He also tells them about Judas who has betrayed Him even after having fellowship with Him.  And, thirdly, is humility in verses twelve to seventeen.  12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?  13 "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. Jesus says you say I am the Teacher and the Lord, in other words I have a great authority over you and others and if I in great authority do this to you, what ought you to do.  14 "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.   15 "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Like as I have –in the same manner – means do whatever it takes to serve other people – Stands for self-sacrificing service for the Lord.  Not to do the same thing I have done, but to serve as I have.  1Pe 5:5 ¶ Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  16 "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.  17 "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. Jesus want you to wash His feet today by serving His People, Humility involves serving others, not just the Lord Pride will keep you from doing so. Joy comes not just from learning about humility, but by demonstrating it Jesus wants to wash your feet today but your pride will stop you from letting Him do so. Jesus' demonstration of serving His disciples was more than a demonstration. It was really a call to service.  You my brothers were called to be free but do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature. Rather serve one another in love.  And he pointed out that people talk about, "I have freedom in Christ to do this and to do that” and most of the time they're saying, "I'm free to do whatever pleases my flesh."  But Galatians says our freedom in Christ is designed so that in love we can serve one another.  Jesus and Judas, the epitomes of opposites. The Perfect One and the absolutely imperfect. The best and the worst. The absolutely perfect and the absolutely wretched. Jesus and Judas. And by contrast here the purity of Jesus, and the depravity of Judas become very, very obvious. The perfect one and the polluted one The Son of God and the Son of Perdition The blessed one and the cursed one The Holy One and the Hellish one We come to the confrontation as it comes head to head between Jesus and Judas. The name Judas itself bears a kind of a stigma which burns within us. He who betrayed the Son of God with a kiss has become the most despised person in the annals of human history. His personality is the darkest on the chronicle of the world. And in this passage, we see the blackness of Judas contrasted with the absolute pure whiteness of Jesus Christ. Jesus and Judas come head to head at this point, the deed which has been festering in the heart of Judas, and which he has begun to perpetrate is now pushed to its climax and Judas is exposed as the betrayer. Well, there's no question about the fact that the man was an ultimate tragedy. He was probably the greatest tragedy that ever lived, because he is the perfect and prime example of what it means to have opportunity and then lose it. He is the greatest example of lost opportunity the world ever saw. Three years, he moved and walked with Jesus. And ended in absolute disaster. He initially shared the same hope of a kingdom that the other disciples shared. He likely believed that Jesus was the One who was going to bring it off. He, too, after all, had left all and followed Jesus. And it's obvious that he initially didn't join the apostles for the money involved because they never really did have anything. Certainly along the line he became greedy, but perhaps his motive on the outset was just to get in on this kingdom that Jesus would bring. Whatever was his character at the beginning, it was a gradual process that turned him into the treacherous man that he was, a man who had no thought for anybody but himself, a man who finally only wanted to get as much money as he could and get out. Strangely enough, he followed the same Christ as the others, for three years. Just think about that. For three years, day in and day out, he occupied himself with Jesus Christ. He saw the same miracles, he heard the same words, he performed some of the same ministries, he was esteemed in the same way the other disciples were esteemed, yet he did not become what the others became. In fact, he became the very opposite. He was the cleverest hypocrite that we ever read about in the Scriptures. Nobody ever suspected it. And while they were growing into true apostle-saints of God, he was progressively forming into a vile, calculating tool of Satan. And as we come to the thirteenth Chapter of John, Satan literally enters right inside Judas. That's how prepared he is to do Satan's bidding. And when you look at the life of Judas, he becomes all the more terrible because of the glorious beginnings which he had. But greed, ambition, worldliness crept into his heart and avarice became his besetting sin. The failure to struggle with his own temptation, the disappointment that he had about every expectation of an earthly kingdom, the intolerable and unbearable rebuke of the presence of Christ. Just imagine that. Walking around all the time with sinless purity, while you were infested with vileness as Judas was. The sense, too, that perhaps the eye of the master was beginning to see who he was, and what he was. All of these things really began to eat away at him. And by the time we come to John 13, he's ready to do anything. A few days before this in Bethany, he perpetrated his dirty deed by meeting with the leaders of Israel and bargaining for thirty pieces of silver, something around twenty to twenty-five dollars. The price of a slave was thirty pieces of silver. And Judas has already begun the deed, but now it comes to full fruition on the eve of the crucifixion.  18 "I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.' Prophesied in Ps 41:9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. The idea of the heel lifted up, is the idea of brutal violence. It is the brutal kind of violence designated by the lifting of a heel and driving the heel into the neck of the individual. A neck-breaking heel. And that's the picture of Judas, brutal. Having wounded his enemy, lying on the ground, he takes the giant heel and crushes his neck. Now, we realize one thing, a little footnote before we look at verse 18. We realize one thing, that unless Jesus in some way prepares the disciples for what is about to happen, it could affect them very, very seriously. For example, if Judas rises up all of a sudden and betrays Jesus, right out of the blue, the disciples may conclude that Jesus wasn't all He claimed to be, or He would have known that Judas was like this, and He never would have chosen him. Jesus wants to be sure that they don't think He is going to be surprised by what Judas does. Because that could be the loss of their faith. And so, to show them that Jesus is no surprise victim, that whatever happens, He knows about it, and it is all in the plan of God, He says what He says in verse 18. And what He says here is that even the betrayal of Judas has a divine origin. It fits into the master plan of God. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions In the ancient Jewish (and perhaps more broadly, the Near Eastern) culture, inviting a man into one's home and to his table was a most significant act. If the host made such commitments to his guest(s), one would expect the guest to reciprocate in some way. And yet the one who sat at our Lord's table and ate His bread actually betrayed Him. What a horrible thing Judas is about to do to His Master, and immediately after eating His bread. To share a meal with guests was to offer them not only provisions, but protection. You remember that David had a bad son. His name was Absalom. And Absalom decided to start a rebellion and to overthrow his father and take over the throne. Now David had a counselor and a friend named Ahithophel. But Ahithophel turned against David, joined Absalom's rebellion. And here in Psalm 41 David is saying this of Ahithophel. "You mine own familiar friend whom I trusted, you've eaten bread with me, close fellowship, you've turned and taken your heel against me." That picture of David and Ahithophel is fulfilled in a greater sense in Jesus and Judas. Jesus, the greater David, Judas, the greater Ahithophel. Over in Psalm 55, we see another prophecy, clearly a prophecy of Judas and his betrayal. Psalm 55:12. Listen to how this describes Judas. "For it was not an enemy that reproached me, then I could have borne it." Imagine Jesus speaking these words. "Neither was it he that hated me who did magnify himself against me. Then I would have hidden myself from him. But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, my familiar friend. We took sweet counsel together, walked unto the house of God in company." Now verse 20. "He has put forth his hands against such as are at peace with him; he hath broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Over in Zechariah, next to the last book in the Old Testament, and in the eleventh chapter even more detail is given about the betrayal of Christ by Judas. In fact it even gives the exact price. Right as exactly you see it in the New Testament. Zechariah 11:12: "And I said unto them, 'If ye think good, give me my price.'" And this is Judas talking. Prophetically, this is Judas talking to the Jewish leaders. "'If you think good, give me my price, and if not forbear.' So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, 'Cast it unto the potter, a lordly price that I was prized at of them.' And I took the thirty pieces of silver and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord." And you know what Judas did after the death of Jesus Christ? He took the thirty pieces right back to the house of the Lord, threw them down. The thirty pieces were picked up, Matthew 27 says, they took them out and bought a potter's field, exactly, to the letter, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 11. And there's a picture of Judas. Long before Judas was ever born, his hatred of Jesus Christ was master planned by divine authorship into the activity of the cross. Jesus choosing Judas was no accident. In John 17:12, listen to this, Jesus says to the Father, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name," talking about his disciples. "Those that thou gave Me I have kept and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition," that's Judas, "that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” Judas didn't surprise Jesus one bit. He knew every move Judas ever made. It was predestined in the plan of God from eternity past. It was woven into the prophecy of the Old Testament at least three places as clearly as it could possibly be there. Now may I add quickly this statement: Judas' part was not apart from Judas' own will. Even though God master planned it, even though it was of divine origin that Judas would fit into the body of the twelve, and betray Christ. Yet it was not apart from the desire of Judas. Judas was no robot. The idea that our Lord simply allocated to an unwilling Judas the part of the villain in the crucifixion is inconsistent with Jesus Christ. And it's inconsistent with the constant rebukes Jesus gives to Judas. All the way along the ministry of Jesus, he rebukes Judas. He endeavors to drive him to repentance, time and time again. And so we conclude that even though Judas' treachery fit into the plan of God, God did not design him as a treacherous man. That he became by his own choice. God merely designed his treachery into His plan. He didn't design the treachery. Isn't it marvelous, again we come to the Old Testament principle that says this: "You meant it for evil, but I meant it for good." And God again took the wrath of Judas, to praise Him. And through the deed that Judas did, brought salvation. I think also there are other reasons why Jesus chose Judas. As I analyze the life of Judas, there are so many profound lessons that we learn from Judas. What are they? Number one, we learn that Judas fit in as part of redemptive planning. We learned that God can use anything in His plan. And as I said He takes the wretch to praise Him. Then I think Judas was chosen because he became an impartial witness to Christ. It's one thing for John the Baptist to witness to Christ and all the apostles and all the people who believed in Him, but do you know one of the greatest witnesses that's ever been given in the history of the world, was given by Judas? Judas, if he could have found one thing wrong with Jesus Christ would have played it up to the skies, wouldn't he? If Judas could have found one error in Jesus Christ, he would have seized on it and capitalized on it. If Judas could have found one thing wrong at all, he would have blown it all over the place. Do you know what Judas said? His dying words were these, "I have betrayed innocent blood." That's one of the greatest testimonies to the truth of Jesus Christ that any man ever gave. And he was an impartial witness. He was biased the other way. Another lesson I think that Judas teaches us is that he gives us the opportunity to uncover the awfulness of sin. Sin is never as black as it is in the life of Judas. The blackest kind of sin. And to really understand the cross, you have to see a Judas, because then you know what that cross can accomplish in forgiving that kind of sin. Then also I think that Judas and his life of treachery teaches us to supply sinners with a solemn warning. We ought to learn from the example of Judas, my friend. You ought to learn that you can be very near to God, very near to Jesus Christ, and yet be lost and damned forever. Nobody ever got closer in this world than the twelve. And Judas was one of them. And he's in hell today. Fifthly, I think the story of Judas teaches another lesson. It teaches us that there will be hypocrites among the brethren. You know something, Judas wasn't deceived, did you know that? He was a fake, that's all. He posed as a believer. And he was good at it. He was the best. And mark it, wherever God's work is done, there are hypocrites. Satan always uses them. Another lesson that I think we learn from Judas is the fact that the devil is at work among the Lord's people. Here they are gathered around at the table, the last supper, and moving among them is Satan himself. Be sure of it friends, it's true. Many lessons from the life of Judas. Wherever God's work is done Satan will be there. First of all, Jesus says that it was all in God's plan, that He was not being taken by surprise. And so we see the divine origin of the betrayal.  John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today.  hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/110230052184687338/charity/145555  “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32  The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions.

Mark 14:1-31 New King James Version: The Plot to Kill Jesus 1 After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death. 2 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.” The Anointing at Bethany 3 And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. 4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. 8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 9 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus 10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him. Jesus Celebrates the Passover with His Disciples 12 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?” 13 And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. 14 Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” ' 15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” 16 So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. 17 In the evening He came with the twelve. 18 Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.” 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?” 20 He answered and said to them, “It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. 21 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.” Jesus Institutes the Lord's Supper 22 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 23 Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. 25 Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial 27 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble [i]because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered.' 28 “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to [j]stumble, yet I will not be.” 30 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” 31 But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all said likewise.

Matthew 6:5-7 New King James Version   5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

A new year lifts us up, shaking off the remnants of last year's mistakes, opening a panorama of a better future. We love to leave the hurts and failures of yesterday, believing that tomorrow is filled with sunshine and promise.Except, when you love a prodigal. Too often fears win out. You hope, but you dare not “get your hopes up.” You dream, hoping it doesn't once again become a nightmare. You believe, but always with clouds of doubt blocking the brightness you desire.Can we have hope for the new year? Assuredly so!Judy's Resources:Read “Can you dare to hope?”: http://tinyurl.com/mufeb349Read “The Lament of a Sigh”: http://tinyurl.com/2s3bvxu7Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQSign up for Judy's monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYtPurchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9Stay connected:Website: judydouglass.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass

TODAY'S TREASUREGod Himself has said, 'I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any way or degree leave you helpless nor forsake you nor let you down, relax My hold on you. Assuredly not!Hebrews 13:5 AmplifiedSupport the show

Malachi 3:8-128  “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,”Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 11  “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; 12  “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.Joshua 6:18-19 18 And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. 19 But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the Lord; they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.”Lev. 27 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's. It is holy to the Lord.Mark 12:41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how Jesus watched HOW they gave  the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”Genesis 14:18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said:“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.

Malachi 3:8-128  “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,”Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 11  “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; 12  “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.Joshua 6:18-19 18 And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. 19 But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the Lord; they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.”Lev. 27 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's. It is holy to the Lord.Mark 12:41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how Jesus watched HOW they gave  the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”Genesis 14:18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said:“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.

The latest from the pulpit of Spring Meadow Baptist Church

Chaplain Don Moldstad was preacher for this service. Matthew 25:1-13: “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bride-groom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, “No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!'But he answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Order of Service: - Prelude: Christmas Joy - M. Herman - Matthew 25:1-13: “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bride-groom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, “No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!'But he answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. - Hymn 544 - Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying: vv. 1 & 2 - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 544 - Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying: vv. 3 - Postlude: Angels from the Realms of Glory - arr. L. Larson Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Kaleb Schmidt (Organist), Prof. Ann Fredrickson (Director), Handbell Choir (Participant #4 Role)

Order of Service: - Prelude - Hymn 102 - Comfort, Comfort Ye My People: vv. 1 & 2 - Matthew 11:11-12: “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” - Devotion - Special Music: An Advent Duet on a Traditional English Folksong, arr. P. M. Liebergen - Prayer - Hymn 101 - The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns: vv. 1, 4, 5 - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Laura Matzke (Organist), Hannah Caauwe (Instrumentalist), Lucy Klatt (Singer), Lydia Palmquist (Singer)

Chaplain Don Moldstad was preacher for this service. Matthew 11:11-12: “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2023 quarter 4, lesson 8 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “God's Mission, My Mission” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Mission to the Needy” Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: Luke 5:17–26 | John 5:1–9 | Deut. 10:19 | Lev. 23:22 | Matt. 25:34–40 | John 15:13. Memory Text: “And the King will answer and say to them,‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me' ” (Matthew 25:40, NKJV). (November 18 – November 24) Sunday (Shelley Quinn) - “The Faith of Friends”Monday (Ryan Day) - “Christ's Method Alone”Tuesday (James Rafferty) - “Refugees and Immigrants”Wednesday (Daniel Perrin) - “To Help the Hurting”Thursday (Jill Morikone) - “Greater Love” Sabbath School Website: www.3ABNSabbathSchoolPanel.com Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

TODAY'S TREASURE…for He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you, nor give you up, nor leave you without support.  [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake, nor let [you] down, [relax my hold on you]. Assuredly not!Hebrews 13:5 AmplifiedSupport the show

TODAY'S TREASURE…for He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you, nor give you up, nor leave you without support.  [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake, nor let [you] down, [relax My hold on you]. Assuredly not!Hebrews 13:5 AmplifiedSupport the show

What is the neighbour? Arcana Coelestia 6819. But not only is man in the singular the neighbor, but also man in the plural. For a society, smaller or greater, is the neighbor; our country is the neighbor; the church is the neighbor; the Lord's kingdom is the neighbor; and so above all is the Lord. All these are the neighbor who is to be benefited from charity. These also are ascending degrees of the neighbor; for a society of many is the neighbor in a higher degree than is an individual man; our country in a higher degree than a society; in a still higher degree the church; and in a still higher degree the Lord's kingdom; but in the highest degree the Lord is the neighbor. These ascending degrees are like the steps of a ladder, at the top of which is the Lord. Classes of the neighbour Matthew 25: 31- 46. “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' 41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' 44 “Then they also will answer [d]Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” How might charity be practised towards each of these classes? New Jerusalem and its Heavenly Doctrine 107. The doctrine of spiritual good, which is that of love towards the neighbor, is also of wide extent and full of arcana, but much less so than the doctrine of celestial good, which is that of love to the Lord. That the doctrine of love towards the neighbor, or charity, is of wide extent, may appear from the fact, that it reaches to all the things which man thinks and wills, consequently to all which he speaks and does, even to the most minute particulars; and also from the fact, that charity does not exist alike with two different persons, and that no two persons are alike the neighbor. As the doctrine of charity was so extensive, therefore the ancients, with whom it was the very doctrine of the church, distinguished charity towards the neighbor into several classes, which they again subdivided, and gave names to each class, and taught how charity was to be exercised towards those who are in one class, and towards those who are in another; and thus they reduced the doctrine and the exercises of charity into order, that they might fall distinctly into the understanding. The names which they gave to those towards whom they were ...

By Rick Beam in Rome, GA - October 21, 2023 - "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3. If you have ever had any questions about this scripture, this is the sermon for you. What qualities do little children have that we must recapture or restore in ourselves? Outlined in this sermon are more than a dozen qualities of a child that we must give serious thought to as we strive to become children of God. The older we get the harder it is to go back to the traits of a little child.

Before we embark on exploring the remarkable subject of supernatural living and immortality, it's essential to establish a qualifying statement: Supernatural living and immortality are not the ultimate goal. First and foremost, it must be emphasized unequivocally that Jesus is the ultimate goal! Jesus is the central focus. Having a deep and profound knowledge of Jesus is paramount, as it encompasses everything.Supernatural living and immortality, while undeniably profound, are essentially the restoration of all things and an extension of our personal connection with Jesus. Attaining immortality or living supernaturally cannot be accomplished through research or actions alone. These are received as gifts from The Source of all, to become all. In Mark 10:27-31, Jesus is answering the question that Peter had about the things that would follow Him and this is what Jesus said… “So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I sat to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time - houses and brothers and sister and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions - and the age to come, eternal life. So when does the Age of Eternal Life come? It came as soon as Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by Resurrection Life. We are emphatically living in the Age of Eternal Life. Jump on this podcast and discover how to live a much more prosperous and fulfilling life. Much Love, Barry C. Maracle

Precious in His sight! Brylee not only received a powerful word from The Lord, but also her gift of tongues! Her faith and love for God is evident! Mark 10:13-16 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them. #God #Jesus #miracle #ChristianTV #church #HouseofGloryChurch #Christian #prayer #signs #power #endtimes #speakingintongues #GodIsGood

Precious in His sight! Brylee not only received a powerful word from The Lord, but also her gift of tongues! Her faith and love for God is evident! Mark 10:13-16 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them. #God #Jesus #miracle #ChristianTV #church #HouseofGloryChurch #Christian #prayer #signs #power #endtimes #speakingintongues #GodIsGood

In this episode, Host Chae Cole encourages listeners to consider the purity of their motives in their pursuit of Christ. Sometimes, we tend to only worship God for the benefits of God and not because He is God. It's important that we keep our relationship with God pure and free from perverted motives. Scripture: Matthew 6:5-6 NKJV - “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Album: https://music.apple.com/us/album/chae-cole-pk-present-overtime/1696330918 https://open.spotify.com/album/7vtbisskhZzqvKydodd0oo?si=O2eqhspWT_2g0wOGv4Pn4Q Host: Chae Cole  Instagram: @Coletherapy  Tik Tok: @Coletherapy  Website: https://www.coletherapy.com  Email: therapycole@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coletherapy/support

September 24 2023 Sunday T. Stacy Hayes  Week 37 / He's Our Mediator #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. This In Him Scripture Study Started On June 21 2021 Go Back And Listen From The Beginning…  The Study In Romans Started on March 30 2022 Go Back And Listen To This Study From The Beginning… Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 KJV 'But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. ' Hebrews 8:6 NLT ' But as it now is, He [Christ] has acquired a [priestly] ministry which is as much superior and more excellent [than the old] as the covenant (the agreement) of which He is the Mediator (the Arbiter, Agent) is superior and more excellent, [because] it is enacted and rests upon more important (sublimer, higher, and nobler) promises.' Hebrews 8:6 AMPC “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:” Hebrews 9:24 KJV 'For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. ' Hebrews 9:24 NLT ' For Christ (the Messiah) has not entered into a sanctuary made with [human] hands, only a copy and pattern and type of the true one, but [He has entered] into heaven itself, now to appear in the [very] presence of God on our behalf.' Hebrews 9:24 AMPC “so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:28 KJV 'so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.' Hebrews 9:28 NLT ' Even so it is that Christ, having been offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of many once and once for all, will appear a second time, not to carry any burden of sin nor to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who are [eagerly, constantly, and patiently] waiting for and expecting Him.' Hebrews 9:28 AMPC “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14 KJV 'For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. ' Hebrews 10:14 NLT ' For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.' Hebrews 10:14 AMPC “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV 'Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” ' Hebrews 13:5-6 NLT ' Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] [Josh. 1:5.] So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? [Ps. 27:1;118:6.]' Hebrews 13:5-6 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured                    

Chaplain Don Moldstad was preacher for this service. Mark 12:41-44: Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

Order of Service: - Prelude - The Confession of Sin (p. 120) - Hymn 467 - in God, My Faithful God - The Versicles (pp. 120-121) - Psalm 8 (p. 174; Tone 2): Soloist: odd-numbered verses; All: even-numbered verses and the Glory be to the Father (at the bottom of the page) - Mark 12:41-44: Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” - Homily - The Versicle (p. 122) - The Nunc Dimittis (p. 124) - The Kyrie (p. 124) - The Lord's Prayer (p. 125) - The Collect (pp. 125-127) - The Benedicamus (p. 127): Led by the chaplain - The Benediction (p. 127) - Hymn 587 - Jesus, Still Lead On - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Rev. Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux (Organist)

Tuesday, 12 September 2023   Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. Acts 20:11   Luke uses a string of singular participles to connect the thoughts together – “And having gone up, and having broken bread, and having tasted, also at length having talked – until daylight – so he departed” (CG).   In the previous verse, Paul had gone down and embraced the dead Eutychus and then acknowledged that his life was in him. Now, with that behind them, it next says, “And having gone up.”   As noted, the verbs are singular. Everything focuses on the actions of Paul. Eutychus was restored to life. With that out of the way, Paul returned to the upper room. Immediately, Luke next notes, “and having broken bread.”   Some manuscripts include an article – “and having broken the bread.” It is probable that this is referring to the Lord's Supper, or it could be the Agape feast that accompanied it. The idea of “breaking” bread is that of a single loaf (or loaves if a lot of people are present) which is passed around  and as pieces are broken off for each. With that stated, Luke next says, “and having tasted.”   Not only did Paul break off the bread for others, but he also had a taste of it himself. The word geuomai signifies to taste. It is the experiential part of eating or some other event. Jesus said in Matthew 16 –   “Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28   Likewise, it says this in 2 Peter, it says –   “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 2 Peter 2:1-3   Such examples show that Luke is focusing on the experience rather than the idea of filling one's stomach. The probable reason for these words is because of what Paul would have said in the rite of the Lord's Supper –   “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26   In other words, Eutychus had just tasted death, but because of Christ Jesus' death, the restoration of his life was made possible. Therefore, the taking of the Lord's supper would have taken on a much more poignant taste during this meal. They were proclaiming His “death until He comes.” Luke is quickly connecting the thoughts together to show an unbroken succession of events, all bearing on what just occurred. Now, he continues with, “also at length having talked – until daylight.”   The word for “talked” is not the same as verse 9 (“discoursing”). Instead, it indicates a conversation. This verse shows the man Paul as one who devoted every moment of his time to the people he was with, right up until the moment he had to depart. He was a tireless, selfless individual concerning the gospel and the fellowship. With the coming of daylight, it was necessary for him to go his way, and “so he departed.”   Verse 20:13 will show that Paul departed on foot to Assos. Meanwhile, the others would sail there and meet up with him. The reason for this goes unstated, but after an entire night, without any sleep to sustain him, he left Troas and began walking to Assos, a distance of about 21 miles as the crow flies. Taking the Roman road was a distance of about 31 miles. Thus, he would have taken at least two days to make the trip.   Life application: Luke has tied the bringing back to life of Eutychus in with the subsequent breaking of bread. It is his way of connecting the life found in Christ Jesus to that of the life in His people. In this case, it was to teach us that even death cannot hold a believer in Christ.   But more, it is to show a transition of the gospel from going to the Jews to it going to the Gentiles. In Acts 9, Peter was used to bring Tabitha (Dorcas) to life. Paul has now done the same for Eutychus. The various events, signs, and miracles accomplished by Peter for the Jews are also occurring through Paul for the Gentiles.   For both, we now have the written word that verifies these things took place. This is to assure us that the life that is found in Jesus is still available to us now. We may not have a miracle of the restoration of life after a calamity, but we can have the absolute assurance that we will be raised at the coming of the Lord, just as the Bible describes in 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4.   Let us hold fast to this truth as we experience our own times of loss. We are asked to trust the Lord and have faith that what His word presents is true and reliable.   Lord God, because of the death of Jesus, we can now have eternal life in Jesus. For those who have believed the gospel, it belongs to us by guarantee. Even if our mortal bodies die, we know that we shall rise again. The promise is sure, the matter is settled, and we SHALL RISE AGAIN! Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

"Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men…but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness…" Mark 3:28-29

Psalm 88 is the last "sons of Korah" psalm in the Psalms and is perhaps the most plaintive song in the entire book. It is also the eleventh of thirteen “Maschil” (Hebrew) or “Contemplation” Psalms written especially to instruct. Universally acknowledged to be the saddest of all the psalms, there is scarcely a glimmer of hope anywhere. It is full of dejection, despair, death. The very last word of the psalm is the word "darkness."   Spurgeon said, “Assuredly, if ever there was a song of sorrow and a Psalm of sadness, this is one.” The Hebrew words Mahalath and Leannoth in the title, mean "sickness" and "for singing" or "for humbling." The first word probably refers to a sad melody to accompany this somber song, and the second might identify the purpose of the psalm, to bring us low before the Lord.   From the title of the psalm, we also learn that “Heman the Ezrahite" is the writer. There were two Hemans known to the Hebrew historians. We believe the writer of this Psalm was Heman, the son of Joel, the grandson of Samuel, who was one of the leaders of the musical side of the temple worship as organized by David (I Chronicles 6:33). He had fourteen sons and three daughters. The other is Heman who lived in Solomon's time (1 Kings 4:31).   In the Hebrew text, Psalm 88 ends with the word hoshek, which is translated "darkness." There is no closing note of triumph as in other Psalms that begin with pain and perplexity. The psalm speaks of darkness (vv. 1, 6, 12,18), life in the depths (vv. 3-4, 6), the immanence of death (vv. 5, 10-11), feelings of drowning (vv. 7, 16-17), loneliness (vv. 5, 8, 14, 18), and imprisonment (v. 8).   Most songs written by various musicians are a reflection of their feelings or emotions. Many songs also express not only the soul of the writer but the general sense or state of the culture that they live in. The most popular song in America today is one written and sung by Oliver Anthony called “Rich Men North of Richmond”.  On YouTube, it has over 42 million views. I heard one commentator called it a “funeral dirge” of the feeling and thoughts of a majority of Americans today. They are mourning and expressing their anger and frustration over the broken state of our nation today. Oliver, a country boy from Virginia, put it into the words of a song, pickup up his guitar and sang it and people can't stop listening to it because it expresses their feelings.   I believe this is what we find in Psalm 88! Heman was a servant of God who was suffering intensely and did not understand why, yet he persisted in praying to God and did not abandon his faith. Not all of life's scripts have happy endings, but that does not mean that the Lord has forsaken us. From Heman's experience, as recorded in this psalm, we can discover four instructions to follow when life falls apart and our prayers seemingly are not answered.   First, in verses 1-2, we learn that we should still come to the LORD by faith no matter what or how we are feeling! Heman's life had not been an easy one (v. 15) and now it had grown even more difficult, and he felt that death was very near (vv. 3, 10-11). But he did not give up! He still trusted in God, whom he addressed as "Lord—Jehovah" four times in this prayer (vv. 1, 9, 13, 14). "Jehovah" is the name of the Lord that emphasizes His covenant relationship with His people, and Heman was a son of that covenant. Heman also addressed Him as "God—Elohim," the name that expresses His power. The phrase "God of my salvation" indicates that Heman had trusted the Lord to save him, and the fact that he prayed as he did indicates that his faith was still active.   Suffering sours some souls; it sweetens others. The poet who penned Psalm 88 was a man made patient and prudent through pain. Today, by God's grace we can experience the same! Don't give up!   God bless!

John 14:6  I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the father, except through meRevelation 20:10  The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where  the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.Matthew 8:12  But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”Mark 9:43-48  If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.'45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 46 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.'47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— 48 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.'Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”Matthew 25:41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”Revelation 21:8  But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire.”2 Thessalonians 1:8-9   in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,Revelation 20:15  And anyone not found written in the lamb's book of life will be cast into the lake of fire1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you But…. you were washed, but….. you were sanctified, but…. you were justified in the name….. of the Lord Jesus….. and by the Spirit…… of our God.

John 14:6  I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the father, except through meRevelation 20:10  The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where  the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.Matthew 8:12  But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”Mark 9:43-48  If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.'45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 46 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.'47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— 48 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.'Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”Matthew 25:41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”Revelation 21:8  But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire.”2 Thessalonians 1:8-9   in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,Revelation 20:15  And anyone not found written in the lamb's book of life will be cast into the lake of fire1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you But…. you were washed, but….. you were sanctified, but…. you were justified in the name….. of the Lord Jesus….. and by the Spirit…… of our God.

Rev. Brad Franklin talks about God's word. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/UxLApyZQyQQ Sermon Notes:When you are reading the Bible and you are struggling with understanding – God's word always delivers. We need God's pure words without substitutes. God's word alone.  Substitutes that we often replace Gossip (we don't fact check gossip)Being fueled by vengeance (the word of God is clear, it belongs to God)Lying Cheating in any wayAddictions A substitute will always dehydrate the body and will also dehydrate the soul – ultimately your trust in God and his work.  Substitutes will always return void. James 1:21Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. John 17:17Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. The Parable of the Fig TreeLuke 21:29-3329 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Jesus said, "And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40 NKJV) The Welcome Net strives to act out these words of Jesus through the Chicagoland Immigrant Welcome Network. It is dedicated to upholding the human dignity of some of the most vulnerable in their community.Jared Alleman joins guest host Jon Sanders today to discuss how he discovered that the mission field doesn't always require you to leave the country. This is a very eyeopening conversation.Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/guest-host-jon-sanders-welcoming-the-stranger-w-jared-alleman-episode-187/Support the show

Friday, 30 June 2023   But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Acts 18:6   The verbs are in the wrong tense in the NKJV. The verse reads, “And they opposing and blaspheming, having shaken out the garments, he said to them, ‘Your blood upon your head. I am clean. From now, to the Gentiles I will go'” (CG).   In the previous verse, it noted that Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and so he testified to the Jews about Jesus being the Christ. Now Luke continues saying, “And they opposing and blaspheming.”   The word translated as opposing signifies strong opposition such as opposing the entire makeup of something, organized resistance such as a particular battle array during warfare, people being opposed to something in both principle and in practice, etc. Because the verb is plural, it reveals that this was not an isolated instance. Rather, it was a concerted effort that was brought against him.   The word translated as blaspheming, blasphémeó, signifies the refusal to acknowledge good or to speak profanely of sacred things. In this case, they opposed Paul's message by treating his word about Jesus with contempt. They took Jesus' sacred name and the gospel and vilified them. Because of this, Paul's response was, “having shaken out the garments.”   To understand the meaning of this act, a short passage from Nehemiah will explain –   “Then I said, ‘What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? 10 I also, with my brethren and my servants, am lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury! 11 Restore now to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also a hundredth of the money and the grain, the new wine and the oil, that you have charged them.' 12 So they said, ‘We will restore it, and will require nothing from them; we will do as you say.' Then I called the priests, and required an oath from them that they would do according to this promise. 13 Then I shook out the fold of my garment and said, ‘So may God shake out each man from his house, and from his property, who does not perform this promise. Even thus may he be shaken out and emptied.'” Nehemiah 5:9-13   The act by Paul would have been perfectly understood by them. He was symbolically asking the Lord to shake them out of their offered inheritance among the saints. This act is not unlike that directed by Jesus in the synoptic gospels. When the message was rejected in a particular city, He told His disciple to shake the dust off their feet and move on. They were symbolically indicating they would have nothing further to do with such a group of people. Along with Paul's symbolic act, “he said to them, ‘Your blood upon your head.'”   This would also have been perfectly understood by his hearers. In Matthew 27, at the crucifixion of Jesus, it said –   “Then the governor said, ‘Why, what evil has He done?' But they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Let Him be crucified!' 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.' 25 And all the people answered and said, ‘His blood be on us and on our children.' 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.” Matthew 27:23-26   The idea then is that of blood guilt. The Jews who condoned the crucifixion of Jesus had His blood guilt upon them. Those in Corinth had their own blood guilt upon them because of sin. By rejecting the offering of God through the giving of Jesus, their blood guilt remained. This is what Jesus was referring to in John 8 –   “Then Jesus said to them again, ‘I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.' 22 So the Jews said, ‘Will He kill Himself, because He says, “Where I go you cannot come”?' 23 And He said to them, ‘You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.'” John 8:21-24   Understanding this, Paul next proclaimed, “I am clean.” The meaning is, he did not bear any responsibility for their blood guilt. It was his task to share the message of Jesus. He did that but they rejected the offer of reconciliation. He could not force the matter upon them. As such, their guilt remained while Paul was clean in regard to their coming torment. This is not unlike the word of the Lord to Ezekiel –   “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 30:20, 21   With his proclamation of being clean stated, he then turned to the most degrading thing that could alight upon their ears, saying, “From now, to the Gentiles I will go.” The words are similar to those of Acts 13 –   “Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us: “I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”'” Acts 13:46, 47   The Jews had counted themselves unworthy of eternal life through acceptance of God's offer of reconciliation. Paul, still adamant that this was the true message, said he would now carry it to the Gentiles. The implication is that the Gentiles who received the word would be accepted by God while these Jews would be rejected. The word would be unconscionable to them. But it was already a word spoken out by Jesus concerning Gentiles –   “Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.' 7 And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.' 8 The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.' 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.' And his servant was healed that same hour.” Matthew 8:5-13   As for Paul's words now, they don't mean that he wouldn't go to the Jews at all anymore. Rather, he would no longer go to them in Corinth. He had proclaimed, they had rejected, and he was through with them.   Life application: The opposing and blaspheming of Jesus by the Jews continues to this day. His name is generally held in contempt by Jewish society and especially so among the more religious sects. However, this does not mean that we shouldn't at least attempt to evangelize them.   As will be seen in the coming verses, just because the Jews of Corinth rejected the message of Jesus, this was not a universal rejection. Some will hear and heed. So be sure to tell the good news to any person that may come across your path. The Lord will deal with those who reject Him. There is no need to feel the guilt of not at least trying on that day.   Precious Lord God, so many are opposed to the wonderfully good news of Jesus. Sometimes, it seems like it isn't worth the effort to engage a certain group or family because of their resistance to You, but we don't know if there is a tender heart among them unless we step forward and speak. So, Lord, help us to do this. It is never a wasted effort. Yes Lord, embolden us for the task. Amen.  

Today's TreasureGod, Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you, nor give you up, nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake you, nor let you down, relax My hold on you. Assuredly not! Hebrews 13:5 AmplifiedSupport the show

Daily Devotionals with Religionless Christianity are a quick walk through the word. Each day we look at either a verse or two from scripture a meaningful commentary or other inspirational writing. Also, we include a daily Psalm, Proverb and a prayer. In today's show, June 21st 2023, we are looking at Proverbs 16:5 “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished." Proverbs 16:5 Daily devotionals Monday-Friday Religionless Christianity Podcast every Saturday Grab a T-Shirt: Apparel — Religionless Christianity (religionlesschristianitypodcast.com) PLEASE COME JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE MINISTRY: EMAIL- religionlesschristianity@gmail.com FACEBOOK- https://www.facebook.com/ReligionlessChristianityPodcast TWITTER- https://twitter.com/ReligionlessC SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: AMAZON AFFILIATE- https://amzn.to/3lV4cBP BEST BUY- https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/15JqMm BUY ME A COFFEE- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RCPodcast CHRISTIAN BOOKS- https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/home?event=AFF&p=1222679 Listen to other Podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community #ChristianPodcast #Gospel Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [ I will not, I will not, I will not] in any degree leave [you] helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5b AmplifiedHebrews 13:1-6, Joshua 1:1-8, Joshua 24:29-33, Colossians 1:13, Matthew 27:45-46Received Jesus Christ as your Savior? Have a praise report to share? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at: gracegang20@gmail.comLooking for a church home? Join me online at:https://gracerevonline.com/ 

“…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [ I will not, I will not, I will not] in any degree leave [you] helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5b AmplifiedHebrews 13:1-6, Joshua 1:1-8, Joshua 24:29-33, Colossians 1:13, Matthew 27:45-46Received Jesus Christ as your Savior? Have a praise report to share? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at: gracegang20@gmail.comLooking for a church home? Join me online at:https://gracerevonline.com/ 

“…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [ I will not, I will not, I will not] in any degree leave [you] helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5b AmplifiedHebrews 13:1-6, Joshua 1:1-8, Joshua 24:29-33, Colossians 1:13, Matthew 27:45-46Received Jesus Christ as your Savior? Have a praise report to share? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at: gracegang20@gmail.comLooking for a church home? Join me online at:https://gracerevonline.com/