Podcasts about at jesus

Up To Jerusalem - Teaching 17 Scripture: Luke 23:26-34, Mark 15:21, Hosea 10:8, John 19:19-27, Mark 15:29-32, Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 27:45-49, Psalm 22, John 19:28-30., Luke 23:46, Psalm 31:5, Matthew 27:50-54. Today we take a look at a moving, powerful and emotionally packed teaching on the subject of Jesus' crucifixion.  We will explore the accounts of Jesus' crucifixion using all four gospels as each gives us unique details and special insights. Jesus' crucifixion was painful, prolonged, humiliating and demeaning, but the four gospel writers do not dwell on the sufferings of Jesus. What they dwell on is what He won for us and what He offers to each of us. Our story opens with Jesus' walk to Golgotha (Hebrew word - translates to “Place of the Skull” - Calvary - is the Latin word for ‘Place of the Skull.”) As Jesus was brutally beaten, tortured and whipped He is exhausted, weak, in great pain and unable to carry His cross to Golgotha, so Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus' cross. Jesus' first words from the cross were “Father, forgive them, they don't know what they are doing.” A display of His love even from the cross, even in extreme suffering and incredible pain, He cries out on behalf of others. Don't ever doubt God's love. No matter how we've fallen, our God loves us dearly! The enemy likes to make us think that God is the bad guy, but the truth is - if you want to know what God is like and want to know how He feels about you, then all you have to do is look at Jesus, the One who is the visible image of the invisible God - and He says, Father, forgive them.” He offers mercy to all of us - we all are sinners and we all need a Savior and that's who Jesus is! Our story continues with Pilate making a sign in 3 languages: Hebrew, Latin and Greek. The sign says, “King of the Jews.” The way Romans announced the crime for which the individual was being executed was to post it over their heads on their cross. When Pilate had the sign placed above Jesus' head the Chief Priests became upset. Pastor takes time to dig into some truly interesting insights into why the sign made them so angry. The next words Jesus says are to His mother and the disciple next to her at the foot of His cross. He says, “Woman, here is your son.” And to the disciple He says, “Here is your mother.” Jesus' second set of words from the cross were again for others and of showing his deep love and concern for His mother. Jesus was crucified between two criminals, one of them joins the crowd in mocking Jesus. The one not joining the crowd says to the one that was, “Don't you fear God? This man has done nothing wrong,..” Then turning to Jesus he says, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus replies, “I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” This criminal displays great faith in asking, Jesus, who is beaten, brutalized and nailed to a cross, “Remember me!” This man saw what is unseen - He saw into heaven. He saw what is true.  Again Jesus' words are for others, these comforting words of promise given this man hanging on the cross next to Him. The promise is for all those who believe in Him, that we will be with Him and we will see His kingdom in all its glory and fulfillment. As we continue with the story, darkness came over the land in the middle of the day and Jesus cries out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus endured the judgement of God for us - He became sin for us. Pastor talks about these very words of being forsaken having been written in Psalm 22, 1000 years earlier, and they were words that every Jew was familiar with. Pastor shares how that would have impacted those around Him hearing Him say these words - they were a testimony to who Jesus is! Then Jesus says, “I am thirsty.” And He is offered wine vinegar on a sponge on the end of a hyssop stalk. Pastor shares insight into this prophetic action of using the hyssop stalk being lifted to Jesus to drink from.  When Jesus had the drink, He said, “It is finished.” Meaning PAID IN FULL. The debt for sin was paid. The price for our salvation has been paid in full. Jesus drank the cup of the wrath of God, He is the sacrificial victim - the Real Passover Lamb, who offered up His blood for us all and His blood covers our sin. And then Jesus' speaks, “Father, into Your hand I commit My Spirit.” And He dies.     ⁃    The price is paid     ⁃    The battle is won     ⁃    The victory is assured At Jesus' last words the curtain of the Temple is torn in two. Why?… This was a massive curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies where a High Priest went once a year before God making atonement for the sins of the people. Now all of a sudden people, not just the High Priests can look into the Holy of Holies and have access to the Living God. God dealt with human sin in the very Person of His own Son. The curtain is now open and the way to the Father is exposed - all are given access into the place where only a High Priest could go because Jesus open it through His sacrifice on the cross. Our time together ends with the words of the centurion guarding Jesus on the cross as the day turned dark, as the curtain tore, as the earth shook, rocks split and people walked out of tombs, the centurion exclaims, “Surely, He was the Son of God!” What a shocking day this was!  This was the day the Savior gave His life for all! And it changed everything because now - He offers life to all who believe in Him. Join us next time as we discover that Jesus is our Victor! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus' ministry. The earth shakes concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries. Up to Jerusalem is part five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father's plan. As we study Jesus' final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us.  This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

Luke 3:21-22 - At Jesus' baptism, the Father said, “You're my son. I love you. I'm proud of you.” As Christians, our baptism is a sign that we are in Christ, that what is true about him is true about us, and that the Father's blessing now defines us.

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Being in Christ, Part 4” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst? — 1 Corinthians 3:16 The Bible teaches that ever since we fell into sin and brought destruction into God's world, the Lord has been working out a way to live among us and make us holy again. This restoration project is accomplished through Jesus, who came to save us by paying the price of our sin, conquering death, and sending his Spirit to live in us. Jesus even declared himself to be the temple of God, like the Old Testament one—that sacred space where the presence of God came to dwell among his people (see 1 Kings 8; John 2:19-22). At Jesus' death, the temple curtain tore in two, from top to bottom (Mark 15:38), unveiling the Most Holy Place where God's presence was to reside. This symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and sinners and the restoration of fellowship with God for all who believe. Through the shed blood of Jesus, we are granted access into the Father's presence. And since Jesus is the new temple, his Spirit has come to live within the heart of every believer. So in this way we have become living temples of God. Rather than dwelling in a building, God now lives in his people—both individually and collectively. In our hearts God's Spirit works to cleanse and purify us, remaking us to be holy, shaping us to be like Jesus as we live for him. In what ways has God been shaping you lately? Spirit of God, purify us to live for you, that we may share your love with others, serving faithfully in all you have entrusted us to do. Amen.

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Being in Christ, Part 3” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

At Jesus' trial before Pilate, the crowd call for Jesus' crucifixion and Barabbas' release. Barabbas represents violent rebellion, in contrast to Jesus' refusal to defend himself. Whether we like to admit it, there is something in all of us that can find brutal aggression more compelling than the way of Jesus. When this happens it's like we're in the crowd crying for Barabbas to be set free. But Jesus is more than just an example of non-violence. He is also Barabbas' substitute. And He is ours too. He does what no human before or since could do. His inncoent death is like a lightening rod for all our human corruption and guilt. In His body He absorbs Barabbas's sin, our sin, and all the sin of the world. And, in death, he kills off all evil, setting us, like Barabbas, free. His revolution is not a human one, it is eternal. Unlike any other revolution, it cannot be held back. It is indestructible. As such, it is the only revolution worthy of our lives. When we commit ourselves to it, we commit to the only way the world will ever be fundamentally redeemed. By Ed Flint

"Han ble mishandlet, men bar det ydmykt; han åpnet ikke sin munn, lik lammet som føres bort for å slaktes, lik sauen som tier når den klippes. Han åpnet ikke sin munn." (Jes. 53, 7)Og nettopp slik sier Det nye testamente at det skjedde. Riktignok så sa Jesus littegrann, men det var ingen krangel eller protester mot det som skjedde. Han viste i praksis det Han hadde sagt, at Han er tålsom, det vil si at Han har disiplinert kraft, og at Han er ydmyk, som det står (Matt.11,29). Begge deler ser vi i sving i Getsemane og i de ulike "rettsalene". Det vil si, i hagen var han først full av angst, men da den store flokken kom for å ta Ham, var Han så behersket og autoritær, at de falt til jorden, står det (Luk. 22,44; Joh. 18,6).Å, det er en stor øvelse å ligne Jesus når vi blir urettferdig behandla og urettmessig straffa! Grunnen til at vi kan makte det, finner vi også i Jesu eksempel: å overlate vår sak til Gud som skal dømme rettferdig (1. Pet. 2, 20-23). At Jesus stod opp igjen, er faktisk beviset på det løftet, kan vi lese (Apg. 17,31)!Så er det kanskje det vi trenger å øve oss på i dag, å tie i stedet for å klage, å tie i stedet for å kjefte tilbake, å tie når andre anklager oss…Må Jesus gi oss visdom til å velge klokt og ligne Ham!Skrevet og lest av Eli Fuglestad for Norea Håpets Kvinner.

At Jesus' transfiguration, the disciples saw him in all his glory. Jesus established a new covenant, a covenant of grace for all people.

What would it look like to live every day hearing the voice of God the Father saying, “I love you, and I delight in you”? At Jesus' baptism, before He began His ministry or performed any miracles, the Father affirmed His love and pleasure in Him. That same love and affirmation is extended to us through grace! When we root ourselves in the affirmation of the Father, it transforms how we live—anchoring us in our true identity, silencing competing voices, and empowering us to resist fear, shame, and pressure to conform. The Father's love changes everything.You can join our OneLife Sunday morning gatherings via livestream at 9am and 11am CST every Sunday morning. Or if you're local to the Bay Area of Houston, we'd love to have you join us in person Saturdays at 5pm and Sundays at 9am and 11am!Subscribe to our YouTube channel to join us live on Sunday mornings: https://www.youtube.com/@onelifechurch381Listen to more messages from OneLife Church at https://www.onelifehouston.com/messagesIf you would like to give to OneLife Church, you can do that here https://www.onelifehouston.com/giveAt OneLife, we want to be and make disciples of Jesus who love God, one another, and our world. We are God's people making much of Jesus in everyday life for the good of the neighborhoods in the Bay Area of Houston and beyond.For more information about us and our gatherings, visit https://www.onelifehouston.comConnect with us over social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onelifehouston​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onelifechurch

“Who is Jesus?” Many people initially answered, “Mary and Joseph's son” or “a carpenter from Nazareth.” While true, these descriptions fall short. At Jesus' baptism, God the Father revealed his true identity: Jesus is the dearly loved Son of God, chosen to be the Savior of the world. Now consider the question, “Who are you?” You might respond with your name, where you're from, or your job. Sometimes, in moments of doubt, you might even think, “I'm no one.” But none of these truly define who you are. To understand your identity, look to your baptism. In baptism, God declares you his dearly loved child. Just as Jesus was anointed, so are you—empowered to live a life of selfless service. May this truth bring clarity and peace, just as it did for Jesus at the Jordan.

At Jesus's baptism, a voice from heaven declared him “beloved.” In Isaiah, God calls Israel “precious.” These special designations about the value of God's people occur throughout scripture. So, Jonathan and Seth discuss what's precious to them. They also talk about seeing others as precious and specific, concrete ways to help do that. This theme of preciousness will continue to pop up throughout Epiphany too. We're glad you're with us, as always. We hope life has settled a little from the Christmas season. And we'd be thankful if you'd write us a review or send this podcast to someone you know. It really does help us grow. 

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Struggle with Time -- Until I Determine How I Want to Use My Time, Others Will Determine How My Time Is Used” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

At Jesus's dedication, Joseph and Mary met two individuals who had been waiting their whole lives for this encounter. Simeon and Anna both recognize Jesus as the one who is bringing Israel's long story to its promised end. But in spite of the hopes Jesus inspires, the reality is that those who believe in him will need to persevere in their faith through many challenges that Jesus will generate for them in the world.

     Eschatology, or the study of the end times, is a significant subject in the Bible. Christians are living in the “last days,” which is a period that began with Christ's first coming and continues until His return. The writer of Hebrews declares that God, who spoke through the prophets in the past (Heb 1:1), in these “last days has spoken to us in His Son” (Heb 1:2). Prominent features include moral decay (2 Tim 3:1-5), mockery of God and His Word (2 Pet 3:3-4), and spiritual deception, as people turn from sound doctrine, seeking teachers who tell them what they want to hear (2 Tim 4:3-4). Paul instructs Christians to “be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16).      Prophetically, the Rapture of the Church is the next major event in God's plan (John 14:1–3; 1 Cor 15:51-53; 1 Th 4:13-18; 2 Th 2:1–3a), as we are “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Tit 2:13). The Rapture of the church refers to God's removal of all Christians from the earth at a moment in time and taken to heaven by the Lord Jesus. It will be during our time in heaven that we are evaluated for the life we lived on earth and will be rewarded appropriately (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10; 2 John 1:8). The rapture of the church marks the conclusion of the church age, a period in which God has focused on forming the body of Christ, comprised of all believers, Jew and Gentile alike, united by faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:11-22).[1]      The Seven-Year Tribulation follows the Rapture of the Church. The coming Tribulation is marked by two distinct stages: the first half (three and a half years) and the second half (three and a half years), together making a total of seven years (Dan 9:27; Rev 11:2-3; 12:6, 14; 13:5). The Tribulation begins with the signing of a covenant between the Antichrist and unbelieving Israel (Dan 9:27), signaling a period of false peace. During this time, there will be an increase in wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, corresponding to the opening of the first four seals in Revelation 6 (Rev 6:1-8). This period is characterized by escalating troubles but is not yet the peak of God's judgments. During this time, the Antichrist, the man of lawlessness, will rise to power, opposing God and exalting himself above all that is worshiped (2 Th 2:3-4). John wrote that the Antichrist will speak blasphemies and wage war against the saints, ultimately deceiving the nations and demanding worship (Rev 13:5-8). Satan and his false prophet will perform signs and wonders to deceive the world (Matt 24:24; 2 Th 2:9-10; Rev 13:11-14; 16:13-14; 19:20). The midpoint of the Tribulation is marked by the Antichrist breaking the covenant and committing the “abomination of desolation” by setting up an image of himself in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, demanding worship (Dan 9:27; Matt 24:15; 2 Th 2:3-4; Rev 13:14-15). This event ushers in the “great tribulation,” a time of unprecedented suffering and divine wrath upon the earth (Matt 24:21; Rev 8-18). During this period, God's judgments intensify with the trumpet and bowl judgments, culminating in the return of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 19:11-21).[2]      The Second Coming of Jesus refers to the future event when Christ will return to earth in glory and power to defeat His enemies (Matt 24:30; 25:31; Rev 19:11-21). The Second Coming will occur at the end of the seven-year Tribulation, after the world has experienced unparalleled suffering and divine judgments (Matt 24:21; Rev 19:11-21). Jesus will return in power and great glory, descending from heaven on a white horse as the conquering King (Rev 19:11). His return will be visible to all (Matt 24:30; Rev 1:7), and it will mark the end of human rebellion and the defeat of Satan's forces. At Jesus' Second Coming, both angels and Christians will return with Him, as “the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses” (Rev 19:14). After the return of Christ (Rev 19:11-16), Satan will be imprisoned in the abyss for a thousand years (Rev 20:1-3).      The Millennial Kingdom will be a time when Christ reigns on earth for a thousand years. God the Father promised to give Jesus the kingdoms of this world, saying, “I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession” (Psa 2:8; cf. Isa 2:1-5; Dan 2:44; 7:13-14). This will occur after the Seven-Year Tribulation; at which time it will be said, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever” (Rev 11:15). The Bible teaches that raptured and resurrected Christians will return and reign with Christ (1 Cor 6:2; 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 3:21; 5:9-10; 19:14). Furthermore, those who were martyred for their faith during the Tribulation will be resurrected to reign with Christ (Rev 20:4-6). The nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord, and peace will prevail (Isa 2:2-4). After the thousand years, Satan will be released for a brief time, deceive the nations, and lead a rebellion against God (Rev 20:7-8). However, he will be quickly defeated (Rev 20:9) and cast into the Lake of Fire, where he will remain with his demons and all unbelievers forever (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10-15). After the Millennial Kingdom, Paul tells us, “Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power” (1 Cor 15:24). At this time, the Millennial Kingdom becomes the eternal kingdom, one that will never be destroyed (Dan 2:44; 7:13-14).      Finally, the Eternal State will follow the Millennial Kingdom. John describes the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people. Peter wrote, “according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:13). John tells us there will be no sea (Rev 21:1), no death, mourning, crying, or pain (Rev 21:4), no temple (Rev 21:22), no need for the sun (Rev 21:23), no night (Rev 21:25; 22:5), no one who practices abominations or lying (Rev 21:27), and no curse (Rev 22:3). There will be the New Jerusalem, a holy city descending from heaven, which becomes the eternal dwelling place of God with His people, signifying perfect communion and fellowship (Rev 21:2-3). This is the glorious future we're looking forward to.      The study of eschatology enriches the Christian spiritual life by fostering hope and encouraging perseverance (1 John 3:2-3). This hope inspires moral and spiritual purity, as believers are reminded to live in a manner worthy of Christ's return (1 John 3:3). Additionally, understanding future judgment and eternal rewards encourages faithful service and endurance through trials, knowing that our labor as Christians will be rewarded (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10; 2 John 1:8).  Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] With the removal of the church, God's attention returns to fulfilling His promises to Israel. These promises include the land, seed, and blessing components of the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 12:1-3; 15:18-21) and the establishment of an earthly kingdom, focused specifically on David, promising that one of his descendants would rule forever (2 Sam 7:16; Psa 89:3-4, 34-37; Jer 23:5-6; 33:14 15). This descendant would be a righteous king (Isa 9:6-7; 11:1-9; Jer 23:5-6; 33:14-18), and his kingdom will last forever (Dan 2:44; 7:13-14; 1 Cor 15:24). Jesus is identified as that king (Luke 1:30-33). When Jesus came, He repeatedly offered the earthly kingdom to Israel (Matt 3:1-2; 4:17; 10:5-7), a literal kingdom that was future (Matt 6:10; Luke 19:11; Acts 1:3-6). But Israel rejected Jesus and His offer (Matt 11:20; 12:14; Mark 15:12-15; John 19:15); therefore, the earthly kingdom was postponed for a future time (Matt 21:43; cf. Matt 19:28; 25:31; Luke 22:28-30; Acts 1:3-6; Rev 20:4-6). [2] Though Satan was judged at the cross (John 12:31; 16:11; Col 2:14-15), he awaits future punishment. Satan's judgment will follow soon after he is cast out of heaven during the Tribulation (Rev 12:7-9), at which point his wrath will be greatest against Israel.

Jesus' Conception and BirthLuke 1:26-45; 2:9-11It's Christmas week. Conception leads to birth. Angels are prominent.Several contrasts mark the angel's announcement to Mary about her pregnancy and the angel's announcement to the shepherds about Jesus' birth. While an angel and shepherds greet Jesus' birth with joy (2:10), that emotion is missing from the conception story. Mary is perplexed not joyful (1:29, 34), submissive not celebratory, meditative not exuberant (1:38). An unplanned pregnancy for an unmarried young woman in a culture where virginity was expected until marriage hardly merits joy. It does not seem like divine favor (1:28, 30). Mary rightly protests in naming the obvious obstacle (1:34). At Jesus' birth, the angel identifies him as “Savior, who is Christ/Messiah, the Lord” (2:11). Talk of a Messiah is missing from the angel's conception announcement. This absence is not surprising since expectations for a Messiah were neither universal nor univocal among first-century Jewish folks.Rather, in announcing Mary's pregnancy, the angel locates Jesus in relation to God (son or agent) and to David (1:33-34). The angel declares that God has anointed or commissioned Jesus to be the agent of God's purposes. Jesus is presented as another figure entrusted with the tasks that God has committed to David. These tasks include ensuring justice for all, especially for the poor and needy. He is to destroy oppressors, protect against the violent, and ensure peace and food security (Psalm 72). Mary will elaborate these tasks in her Magnificat (1:46-56). As followers of Jesus committed to living the ways of Jesus, we inherit these tasks. In our frequently broken world, damaged by exploitation, hostility, division, inequal access to resources, and selfishness (to name just a few of our challenges), we inherit these roles. And there is no shortage of opportunities for us to work for the world of justice and good life for all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vi er Kristi krop i verden. At komme til Jesus – det er også, at vi kommer til hinanden. At Jesus bærer vores byrder – det er også, at vi bærer hinandens byrder. Sammen bliver vi båret. Prædiken i Pederstrup kirke 24. november 2024.

Luke 10:38-42; the story of Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by tasks and activities, but Jesus says that what really matters, what really lasts, is knowing Him and listening to Him. Jesus came to the village of Bethany where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. Martha invited Jesus and those with Him into their home. As Jesus taught them, Mary sat at his feet listening to what he said.  Observation: Every time Mary is mentioned in the Bible she is at Jesus' feet.  Mary longed to be near Jesus and to listen to His voice and to internalize His goodness, His mercy and His love. At Jesus' feet listening is where we want to be, too. Sitting at His feet listening closely to what He's saying develops our relationship with Him.  Do we desire to be at Jesus' feet? Are we ready to hear what He has to say to us and how He longs to pour into us His love, mercy and goodness and how He longs to give us guidance and direction.  Martha was distracted by the preparations that needed to be made for having guests in the house and she said to Jesus, “Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  Many look at this story and condemn Martha - but Martha is a devout believer and she makes one of the most powerful declarations of Jesus' identity found in the gospels. In John 11:27 she says, “Lord, I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God who has come into the world.” Martha understood that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the prophets foretold.  Yet we can learn from Martha: she is upset and angry. Have you ever been in Martha's spot? She goes to Jesus, not her sister.  Martha is obviously an outspoken person. There is nothing wrong with being outspoken. But what matters most is speaking ONLY what God would have us speak.  Even with Martha's words to Jesus about her sister, Jesus responds kindly: “Martha, Martha, You are worried about many things, but few things are needed - indeed only one. Mary has chosen better and it will not be taken from her.” There's no rebuke here, but Jesus does go to the heart of the issue and the issue is Martha's heart. She wanted to be a good hostess but that wasn't the most important thing. The most important thing was listening to Jesus and getting to know Him even more.  Observation: What matters is knowing Jesus and listening to Him.  It's not about how much we've achieved, how much we've accomplished. It's not about how well organized we are, how busy we have been and not about how successful we are. What matters is knowing Jesus and listening to Him.  John 10:14 Jesus says, “My sheep know Me.”  John 10”27-28 “My sheep listen to My voice, they follow Me. No one will take them from Me.”  It is one thing to know what Jesus did, but it's another thing to believe He did it for me. That's true faith!  It's easy to become distracted with things that have no abiding value or to concentrate on things that are important but not paramount. What the Bible tells us is above all else seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be given.  The story of Mary and Martha gives us a real life picture of listening to Jesus and getting to know Him and putting that into practice. Jesus desires ALL of us to have a close enduring relationship with Him.  Are we working on our relationship with Jesus?  Are we spending time in His presence or is he an after-thought? Are we receiving what He wants to give us or are we like Martha and upset about so many other things?  Pastor shares a book reference: “God's Favorite Place On Earth” by Frank Viola. The book addresses the difficulties of life and addresses when we feel betrayed by people and how God allows these times so that He can strengthen and mold us and to teach us to rely on Him as never before.  Another point the author makes in the book is admitting he was often like Martha busy trying to get things done, but he says, “I learned how to work for God. Then I learned how to work with God. Finally, I learned how to watch God work!” Frank Viola This story teaches us that life's not about being busy for God and life's not about learning ABOUT Him. It's actually about knowing Him personally, it's about watching Him move in powerful ways as we sit at His feet. It's the best place to be!!!  Check out our website – everything we offer is FREE!! https://www.awakeusnow.com  Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper  Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01  St. Luke's Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. The Gospel of Luke takes a look at the life of Jesus, beginning with the well-known Christmas stories. Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus' life.  This study is great for large group, small group or home group Bible study.

God's Plan And Purpose For Evil (1) (Audio)  David Eells – 10/13/24  Many of God's people are having a problem forgiving their enemies in these days when we have seen so much evil. It is God's place to judge and recompense evil. Have you not read? Rom 9:21 Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? We've all been sinners from the same lump of clay But we got unmerited favor and they did not. The old saying is true: “There but for the grace of God go I.” So we got grace but they got justice. We must forgive to be forgiven. God is sovereign over all things; even those He draws unto Himself. Some think this not so, but let's see. Let's begin with a little foundation of God's sovereignty. We are shown in Rom.8:28 And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, [even] to them that are called according to [his] purpose.  Do we really believe that “all things” work together to bring to pass the good purpose of God for His called? Our reactions to life's circumstances are a good gauge of this. Knowing God's purpose in all things gives great peace. What purpose is Paul speaking of in the above verse? In the next verse we can see that he is talking about the purpose of bringing many sons into the image of Jesus Christ. (Rom.8:29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. God foreordained or pre-determined to bring His true children into the image of Jesus. This has been God's purpose since the creation of the world, even before man was created and fell.   All things serve God in order to manifest His sons. That is why God created this world. Some people who do not understand may see failure in God's plan. But when we study the sovereignty of God, we see there is no failure in God's system. Sovereignty means to exercise supreme and independent authority. Even sin, evil, and the fall will serve God's purpose. He is going to have sons to fellowship with throughout eternity. Toward this purpose, He is going to make all things work together for good. All things are not good, but all things work together for good. As I have said many times, “What does ‘all' leave out?” Applying this truth to our life takes thought.  God must be omnipotent (all-powerful) over all things to make this statement. He must also be omniscient (all-knowing) in order to make such all-encompassing statements in His Word. The Scriptures proclaim that God has sovereign control over all things that have anything to do with your life. He never falls off the throne and He never shares the throne with the devil. The authority that the devil has is according to God's design and laws. Everything serves God in the ongoing creation of sons and daughters. (Psa.119:91) They abide this day according to thine ordinances; For all things are thy servants. All things serve Him in this process, good and bad, to bring to pass His plan.   God never created anything that could thwart His plan, because God never makes mistakes. God even makes the evil to bring to pass His plan. Some will argue with that. Hopefully, you will change your mind as we examine the Scriptures. Evil is a tool of God's sovereignty to bring us to purity and maturity. Without the evil, there is no one to put us on the cross, to persecute us, and to cause temptations to rise up so that we might reject them and be cleansed. God has made everything, even the wicked for the day when His people will need chastening. (Pro.16:4) The Lord hath made everything for its own end (Some manuscripts say: for His own purpose.); Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.   The apostle Paul learned contentment. He understood that none could thwart God's good plan for him. Anxiety, fear, or impatience only comes because of our own nearsighted, immature understanding of God's master plan for us. You can imagine how valuable a great apostle and evangelist such as Paul was to the saints in his day. But, in this case, Paul was put in prison. (Php.1:12) Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the Gospel; (13) so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest; (14) and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the Word of God without fear.   Paul had an understanding that the devil was not the author of his imprisonment because of its value to God's kingdom. Everything is going to work together for the good, individually and corporately. Individually it was for Paul's good, and corporately it was for the brethren's good. The Gospel went out because Paul was in prison. It was from prison that Paul wrote much of the New Testament. The Word of God went more places and was spread much faster because Paul was in prison. People became bold to go out and preach the Gospel because he was in prison.   Sometimes we look at circumstances instead of the Word and think that the devil has been able to stop God's plan. God would have never made the devil if he had been someone who could stop His plan. Some may think that God did not make the devil, but rather a good angel that fell. Since God is all-knowing as the Scriptures say He is, He knew His angel would become the devil. He is also all-powerful to stop what He knew would happen, therefore, at least by omission, He is the creator of the devil. God says in (Isa.45:7) I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil. I am the Lord, that doeth all these things. (Isa.54:16)… I have created the waster to destroy. (17) No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…   Since God created the evil waster, then obviously, He has authority to say that he cannot prosper against us. Evil cannot prosper for its own purpose, only God's good purpose. Do you suppose the three Hebrews wondered why the God to whom they had been so faithful had ordained the wicked to cast them into a fiery furnace? Those Hebrews found out this trial was to impress a heathen king with the power and saving grace of the God of Israel. He was impressed when God appeared to be walking with them through the fire and there was no harm to their bodies or clothes, only their ropes or bondage was burned off (Dan.3:25-27). God's purpose was to impress the heathen and to deliver them from bondage. This is a type or shadow of His purpose in our lives, too.  Everything that God is doing, He is doing according to the counsel of His own Will. There is not another completely free will in all of creation. If there were, this would be a dangerous place. A free will is a will that is able to do what it wants. Thank God that it is only His good free will, which “worketh all things after the counsel of his will,” that is in control.  I want to encourage you and show you how God is using the wicked and their evil works and His purposes for it. As we saw, He said in (Isa.45:7) I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil. I am the Lord, that doeth all these things. What good reason could God possibly have in creating darkness and evil? Be patient, believe the Scriptures and receive a wonderful understanding of this. Let's examine how God exercises His Will over evil and to what extent.   In (Isa.10:5) Ho Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, the staff in whose hand is mine indignation! In this verse, God calls the enemy of Israel His rod and staff to correct them. In Psalm 23, the Good Shepherd uses His rod and staff to comfort David. The rod and staff were tools of the shepherd. The Lord, our Shepherd, uses our enemies as tools to correct us and keep us in line. (Isa.10:6) I will send him against a profane nation (Israel or the Church), and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. (7) Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off nations not a few.   Notice that the Assyrians did not know they were sent by God to fulfill His plan. It was in their heart to take a spoil and a prey. Whenever God uses vessels of dishonor, they are just fulfilling their lusts. God worked in the Assyrians to will and to do of His good pleasure. We will see that God does this with all of His vessels of dishonor. He has purpose for the wicked in the earth, otherwise, He would have removed them long ago. After God fulfills that purpose, He will do away with them.   (Isa.10:12) Wherefore it shall come to pass, that, when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. (13) For he hath said, By the strength of my hand I have done it… Notice that the king of Assyria thought that he had done this by his own strength. As history and this verse prove, when God is finished using the wicked for His people, He will destroy them. From the beginning, God did not intend to immediately do away with the wicked but to use them to perfect His people.  He commanded the angels to let the tares grow together with the wheat until the end (Mat.13:30), and only then will He separate and destroy the wicked (Mat.13:41-42). He explained that if you gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat with them (Mat.13:29). If God took away the tares, the wheat would die for lack of chastening and object lessons.   (Isa.10:13) For he hath said, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom…The Assyrians believed that this victory was by their wisdom and strength, but God claimed to be using them as a tool. (15) Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? shall the saw magnify itself against him that wieldeth it? as if a rod should wield them that lift it up, [or] as if a staff should lift up [him that is] not wood. That is the way God sees this army, like a dumb tool. God wielded the axe, saw, rod, and staff and lifted it up to work on His creation. How ludicrous for men to take any credit. God is sovereign, and everything else is a tool to be used by Him in the chastening and perfecting of His saints.   We should know that God sends these tools to us to carve us into a vessel for His use and that we need to submit for our own sake. These tools are necessary until the saints are God's finished creation and then He will put them away. Meanwhile, we need not fear that the purpose of evil is prospering. (Isa.54:16)… I have created the waster to destroy. (17) No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper… How comforting it is to know that only God's purpose is prospering!   Even Satan is not put in his place until the end when the tempting and crucifying of the saints is over. (Rev.20:1) And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. (2) And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, (3) and cast him into the abyss, and shut [it], and sealed [it] over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed for a little time.  One angel had no trouble chaining Satan and casting him into the pit. That was so easy that God could have done it a long time ago if He wanted to. According to the theology of most, God would have had to send an army of angels to get that “heavyweight.” After all, has he not been resisting God for over 6,000 years? Wrong! Notice that after 1,000 years God looses him again! Does that give you any idea about who loosed him the first time in the Garden of Eden? Does God loose Satan to do His Will, or to thwart His Will?   (Rev.20:7) And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, (8) and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (9) And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them. (10) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire…   (11) And I saw a great white throne… God loosed the devil to deceive all the evil nations, to make war on the saints. He did this so that He could rain down fire on the nations to destroy them, just in time for the great white throne judgment of the wicked. God did not even need the angels to destroy the devil and all of his children. He could have done this in the garden and saved us the trial, but it was not His plan!   Who cast the devil and his angels down to the earth to deceive the nations and to make war on the saints during the Tribulation period? (Rev.12:7) And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels [going forth] to war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels; (8) And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. (9) And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. Then the devil in the beast made war with the saints.   (Rev.13:7) And it was given unto him (the beast) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and there was given to him authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. If God was going to cast the devil and his angels down, why not cast them into the lake of fire? Instead, God restrained them to the earth where we are! God needed the hoards of evil to separate the tares from the wheat and to mature the saints. Notice, there “was given unto him” (the beast), both authority over the nations and authority to make war on the saints. God gave authority to the devil, who dwelt in the beast and gave authority to the beast, to try the saints and to crucify their flesh.   Back to (Isa.10:20) And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and they that are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again lean upon him that smote them, but shall lean upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. People lean on the flesh and the world. We trust in America to defend and make us socially secure. The world has our love, respect, honor, and fear, all of which belongs only to God. God has a remedy for that. God brought the illicit lovers of Israel against her so that she would learn who the true enemies of her soul were. In this case, the Lord is showing us the same thing.   One of His remedies for us loving the things, people, and thinking of the world is that He is going to bring all that against us. (Mat.24:9) Ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name's sake. It is necessary that we be hated of all nations so that God's name is manifest in us. It is necessary that the world hate us to turn our heart away from the love of the world. God's people were too comfortable in Egypt so He turned the Egyptians' heart to hate His people (Psa.105:25). Then He saved them from the hand of him that hated them (Psa.106:10). First, God turned their heart against Israel, then, God delivered Israel out of their hand, and they were so grateful.   In (2Sa.7:14) I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men. God's purpose in creating sons is going to be fulfilled by using vessels of dishonor to chasten His sons for their sins. The rod is physical men, armies, and nations. God uses spiritual principalities and powers to motivate these vessels of dishonor. If I were to pick up a stick and hit my neighbor with it, you would accuse me of evil. On the other hand, if I take the same stick and go chasten my child because of willful disobedience, you should think that good (Pro.23:13-14). What is the difference? The same stick was used, but the purpose was opposite. To attribute evil to God for using evil shows a lack of understanding of His purpose or motive.   God is going to use evil to do good. God is good and all things that God does are good. We cannot limit God with self-righteous thinking. God is going to do a good work with evil. In fact, without evil, God cannot do this work. (1Ti.1:20) of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme. The word “blaspheme” here means “to speak evil against.” These men were speaking evil against either someone or the truth, and Paul, for God, turned them over to Satan so that they might be taught not to blaspheme. Satan teaches us much. In most cases, it is Satan and his demons that execute the curse on those that sin.   The curse was spoken and ordained by God in Deuteronomy 28 to motivate sinners to repent. Satan tempts us with lusts, but when we give in, he legally may administer the curse until we repent. When we get out from under the blood, Satan is waiting. It is not in Satan's mind to teach us anything or chasten us. That is God's purpose. Satan is full of lust, and hates mankind and wants to do evil against mankind. Satan does not wish to teach us, mature us, or bring us to an understanding of God but he still brings that to pass.   Jesus said, If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand (Mar.3:24). Satan's kingdom is divided against itself because what he does to the people of God causes them to repent and mature. It is not just Satan, but everything around us that God is going to use to bring us to maturity. Satan, the leader over the vessels of dishonor, is very important to this process. Satan is in command over the wicked spirits and thus, wicked people. God is in command over Satan. The Scripture says, “All things work together for good.” According to this, what Satan does to us is for our good. Does Satan understand what he is doing? No, he does not understand.   According to the law of sowing and reaping, he has sown deceit, therefore he is deceived. He is out to take man's position of authority by tempting him to sin. Satan is also a created being. God did not create any being that was going to be able to thwart His Will. He created everything for the purpose of bringing His chosen into the image of Jesus Christ. There are several methods that God uses to move the wicked, Satan, and the demons. One is by the power of suggestion. He works in them to will and to do of His good pleasure. He also commands or gives permission to them.   We read in (1Co.5:5) to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. This man had his father's wife, probably what we would call a stepmother. Paul spoke to the elders in Corinth and determined to agree with them to turn this man over to Satan. Do you think that Satan is thinking about destroying people's fleshly nature to save their spirit? The flesh is Satan's ally and a manifestation of his very nature.  Paul is taking authority over the power of the enemy and using that power to chasten rebellious children of God. (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy… (20) Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you… Jesus delegated authority over the power of enemy spirits to His disciples.   Disciples have a right by the Spirit of God to use their power or to forbid their power. (Mat.18:18) Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind (forbid) on earth shall be bound (forbidden) in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose (permit) on earth shall be loosed (permitted) in heaven. Disciples have authority to forbid or permit. With the guidance of God's Spirit, mature disciples can permit the devil's power for a good purpose, “that the spirit may be saved.” In this way, God exercises His sovereignty through His disciples.   When Jesus sent out His disciples to make disciples, He commanded them to pass on the same authority and commands that He had given them. (Mat.28:20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. If we are disciples (Greek: methetes, “learners and followers”) of Christ, we have the same commands. Jesus said that He would be with them to do this “even unto the end of the world.” Obviously, the original disciples did not live that long, therefore He is speaking to all disciples.   Today, ministries go from one extreme to the other. Either God's ministers are totally powerless in the face of rebellion or they exercise carnal dominion like the Pharisees. Just as a father and mother have authority in a family to chasten their children physically, the leadership in the Church has authority, because of the love of Jesus, over His children. This authority is not for the purpose of personal animosity, anger, or vengeance. It is because we do not want to see God's people come to the end of their lives having never repented of their sins and fall off into the pit. God's purpose has to be continually working in a person's life to bring them to maturity, to get them ready to face Him. In the above reference, Paul turned this man over to Satan in obedience to the Spirit, out of love. Some worry about the possibility of abuse here, but the curse that is causeless alighteth not (Pro.26:2).  We read in (Rom.8:7) Because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be. It is God's plan for Satan to administer chastening. It is Satan's lust to do what he is permitted, to destroy man. Satan has been given power over the flesh. Do you remember the serpent in the garden? He was cursed to crawl on his belly and to eat the dust of the earth. What is the dust of the earth? It is what our flesh was made from. Satan has been given authority to come against flesh. I am speaking not only of this body but also of the carnal desires and appetites that gratify self. Satan's job is to devour the old man, and he is very good at it. The benefit is the saving of the spiritual man.   God commonly turns us over to Satan for chastening when we walk in willful disobedience. In Matthew 18, we have a case of unforgiveness. (Mat.18:34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors (demons), till he should pay all that was due. (35) So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. This is a common thing. When we see ourselves delivered over to the curse, we should examine our conscience to see if there is cause to repent. I say “if,” because sometimes Satan is permitted to come against us to build our faith and to prove our authority over him. God uses a very bad devil to do a very good work in more ways than one.   It says in (2Pe.2:9) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment; (10) but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion… God takes credit for keeping the rebellious under judgment. Some live under judgment all their life because they “walk after the flesh.” If we do not understand the sovereignty of God, many times we are going to go through a lot more judgment. We need to recognize God's purpose in everything. He uses Satan, his demons, or the wicked people around us to chasten and bring us to repentance or to build our faith through trials.   Many only see the vessel; they do not see God behind the vessel whose purpose is being fulfilled. Satan would have us believe that the reason he comes against us is because we are good children of God. However, God would have us believe that when Satan comes against us it is because He loves us and chastens our corrupt nature and acts, or to give our faith a spiritual workout. If you only see Satan coming against you and not God, then you do not have any motivation to change. But, if you see God sending Satan against you, then you are motivated to change. (Joh.3:27) … A man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven.   (Heb.2:2)… Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward. All you have to do is look at the recompense, and you can tell when something is a transgression. When we look at the recompense we can see if it is wrong. Is it wrong to recreationally indulge in hard liquor? Look at the recompense, deterioration of the body and spirit. Is it wrong to smoke? Look at the recompense, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, and other physical complications. People who are bitter, angry, and unforgiving are delivered over to cancer, arthritis, and other immune deficiencies.   Many with cancer or arthritis have kept up anger and bitterness in their lives. Anxiety and worry gives way to ulcers. You do not have to ask if it is sin; look at what it does to people. Even if you do not know a verse that tells you it is a sin, look at the fruit of it. Look at what comes against you because of it. God has ordained the entire curse system to come against those who transgress. Whether God is using the devil, his demons, wicked people around you, sickness, or any other part of the curse, He is doing it to bring us to repentance and fruit.   God will use evil spirits to humble us and bring about good fruit in us. Paul is a good example. He was caught up to the third heaven and received wonderful revelations that tempted him to be proud. (2Co.12:7) And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger (Greek: angelos, “angel”) of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch. Paul says the thorn was an angel of Satan to buffet him. The word “buffet” means “to hit over and over.” You can see that this evil spirit was given to Paul to fulfill God's purpose of humbling him.   (2Co.12:8) Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for [my] power is made perfect in weakness… This angel of Satan was bringing about a humbling in Paul's life that God called grace. When Paul was in a position of personal weakness or inability to save himself, he got to see God's power to save. It should be the same with us. Earlier in the text, Paul lists what he calls weaknesses. He lists things such as shipwrecks, prisons, persecutions from enemies, and stripes. Not once does Paul mention sickness in the list. The point is that God uses evil angels to come against our lusts, to humble us, to chasten us, and to cause us to repent.   (2Co.12:8) Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it (the angel of Satan or demon) might depart from me. (9) And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee… God was saying that He would deliver Paul from the individual buffetings, but not from the angel of Satan. Paul said as much to Timothy. (2Ti.3:11) Persecutions, sufferings. What things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. (2Tim.4:18) The Lord will deliver me from every evil work… In this, we see the sovereignty of God in both bringing the chastening and supplying the deliverance.   We read in (2Th.1:4) So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure. God never does anything just for one purpose. (2Th.1:5) [Which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.   Sometimes God's method is to use an angel of Satan to bring us into persecution and affliction, which Paul said was a token of the judgment of God to get us ready for His kingdom. Most often, the demons are administering the curse to do that. All things, curses and blessings, are working together for our good. We have a covenant right to deliverance from the curse. (Gal. 3:13) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us…   Now let's go to (Psa.78:43) How he set his signs in Egypt, And his wonders in the field of Zoan, (44) And turned their rivers into blood, And their streams, so that they could not drink. (45) He sent among them swarms of flies, which devoured them; And frogs, which destroyed them. (46) He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, And their labor unto the locust. (47) He destroyed their vines with hail, And their sycomore-trees with frost. (48) He gave over their cattle also to the hail, And their flocks to hot thunderbolts. (49) He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, Wrath, and indignation, and trouble, A band of angels of evil.   (50) He made a path for his anger; He spared not their soul from death, But gave their life over to the pestilence (51) And smote all the first-born in Egypt. Here we have God sending judgments, which He called “a band of angels of evil,” to chasten His people and destroy their enemies. When God sent all these judgments through “angels of evil,” they came against both the Egyptians and the Israelites in the beginning until His people were willing to come out of Egypt. Then God made a separation between Goshen and Egypt. The judgments then fell only on the Egyptians so that God's people would be set free. When we repent of living in Egypt, we do not have to live under the judgments. And (Exo.12:23) For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side-posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. Notice that the Lord passed over the Israelites' door with the destroyer and smote the Egyptians. The king angel of the abyss in Revelation 9:11 was Apollyon (in the Greek) or Abaddon (in the Hebrew), and both of these names mean “destroyer.”   These are just two of the many names for the devil. He was the king demon over death, but God had authority over him. The destroyer came through at midnight, exactly when God said he would. God's purpose was for him to destroy God's enemies and anyone who did not partake of the lamb. God told them to eat the lamb, and the destroyer would not smite them. That is how we come out from under the curse of sin and death. We must eat the lamb, Jesus Christ, the Word. By consuming and digesting the Word of God, we are delivered from the curse and manifest our sonship.   Sennacherib, king of the Assyrian Empire, had sent his vast army against Judah, but God promised them victory through Isaiah. (Isa.37:7) Behold, I will put a spirit in him, and he shall hear tidings, and shall return unto his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land. God put a demon spirit in Sennacherib, who, hearing voices, was then afraid of being away from home. Many demon-possessed people hear voices. The demons want to destroy God's people. Sometimes they have no choice in what they do. God used this demon to take the king home where he fell by the sword of two of his sons (Isa.37:38).   Some ministers, who have not lived righteous lives and yet retain authority over God's people, have been demon-possessed. King Saul was just such a man. God called him and anointed him, but he rebelled. (1Sa.16:14) Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. If most people did not know this was in the Word, they would accuse me of heresy. We read here an evil spirit from the Lord troubling Saul because he would not obey. (15) And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. (16) Let our lord now command thy servants, that are before thee, to seek out a man who is a skilful player on the harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. Of course, they found David with his harp to comfort the king. Isn't that something? God sent an evil spirit to trouble Saul and then sent David with his harp to give him some relief from the torment. He works on us from both sides.   I ministered in an assembly once where I discerned that the pastor had demons. He was having problems with women, money, and honesty. He told me three times that God had spoken to him that he was Saul and I was David. I shared with him truths that would help him to overcome, but he was self-willed. I asked the Lord what to do about him because he was causing believers to stumble. God said, “Let the Philistines take him out.” The Philistines were the enemies of God's people who took Saul out. The enemies of God's people did take this man out, too. I ended up taking over the ministering there for a short time. It was Saul and David all over again. God worked on this man from both sides. In Deuteronomy 28, God says over and over that He would send the curse to the rebellious, and now we know that He sent Jesus to deliver from that curse.   We are constantly faced with a choice. God has put us here for our soul to make a decision between our flesh and our spirit. We are the highest creation of God and the lowest creation of God. We are between heaven and hell, between demons and the angels, between God and the devil. Every way we turn, there is a decision to be made. God planned it that way. He is saying to rebellious people, “The curse is in front of you; do not go. But if you do, it is your own fault, and you will pay a penalty.” At the same time He offers grace to make the right decision.   God raised up Gideon to conquer Israel's enemies. After this, Gideon would not accept a position of authority over Israel. In fact, he would not let his sons take a position of authority over Israel while he was alive (Jdg.8:23). Gideon had seventy-one sons, one of these by a concubine in Shechem. This son lusted after authority and wanted to be the next king over Israel. So he conspired with the men of Shechem to kill Gideon's seventy sons. All but Jotham were murdered. Jotham prophesied the following to the men of Shechem after they had executed the dastardly deed: (Jdg.9:20)… Let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.   God was pronouncing through Jotham a curse of division upon the guilty parties. (Jdg.9:22) And Abimelech was prince over Israel three years. (23) And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: (24) that the violence done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and that their blood might be laid upon Abimelech their brother, who slew them, and upon the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to slay his brethren. God wanted to judge and destroy this evil alliance so He sent an evil spirit between them to divide and conquer. Both Abimelech and the men of Shechem were destroyed because of this one evil spirit. God used evil to judge the guilty and to deliver His people from their hand.   Once I was ministering in an assembly along with two other ministers. These two ministers were grieving me because they were continually patting each other on the back, even while they were agreeing to disagree with God's Word. When I went home one evening after witnessing them confirm one another's errors in front of the congregation, I felt that the Lord put in my heart to pray that He would send an evil spirit between these two ministers to break up this evil alliance. I was shocked. The next day, I found out that on the very evening of my prayer, those two had fallen out with one another to the degree that they had separated. God used that to separate this evil alliance between these two people.   God uses this method all through the Scriptures. Let me share another example. (Rev.16:14) For they are spirits of demons, working signs; which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them together unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. Here demons gather the whole world to fight the battle of Armageddon. The same account in Zechariah says that God gathered the whole world to that battle. (Zec.14:2) For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle… (3) Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. So now we see that God will use the demons to gather the enemy army against His people just so that He can destroy them and save His people. Friend, can you see that if God [is] for us, who [is] against us? (Rom.8:31) On the other hand, if God is against us then who can be for us?   After gathering the nations to the battle, the Lord said that He would “fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle.” In 2 Chronicles 20:17, the Lord told Jehoshaphat, “Ye shall not need to fight in this [battle]: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord.” He was going to fight this battle. His method of warfare is described in the following verses: (2Ch.20:22) And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set liers-in-wait against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, that were come against Judah; and they were smitten. (23) For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.  I used to think that they waited in ambush for one another. But as I looked at the Scripture more carefully, I discovered that God set liers-in-wait for the whole army so that they fell out with one another. The demon spirits who brought them there were waiting to assemble them so that they could ambush them with suspicion, greed, anger, fear, etc., and cause them to destroy one another. He divided three armies that came as one into three, and they killed off one another. Since God is paralleling this to the battle of Armageddon, He will cause a civil war in the midst of the end time beast kingdom, and they will divide into kings of the north, kings of the south (Dan.11:40), and kings of the East (Rev.16:12) to destroy one another and save God's people. God is in control of demons, therefore, He is also in control of their obedient servants, men. All this is for the purpose of bringing us to repentance and glorifying Himself in our eyes and the world's. This should be a word of encouragement to anyone.   Though God uses evil spirits to divide, He also uses us to forbid them when appropriate. God wants us to resist the devil, to not permit his lies or his accusing of the brethren. God expects us to be vigilant and to test the spirits at all times. The ability to test with discernment comes from the practice of seeking to be a vessel of honor and having our spiritual senses exercised by the Word to discern good and evil (Heb.5:13-14). It is a pity more of God's people do not hear from the Lord today.   Many falsely believe that the division of an assembly of Christians could not possibly be the Will of God. The assembly at Jerusalem was scattered by persecution in order to spread the Gospel. Israel rebelled from under the house of David leaving only Judah and Benjamin. King Rehoboam gathered his army to bring the rebels back into the fold, but the Lord through the prophet spoke to them. (1Ki.12:24) Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is of me… Other reasons for division could be because the assembly is too large to meet the needs of the individual or because the assembly is apostate and ruled by men, in which case, the people would not grow up in Christ.   God divided Babel because their unity was for the purpose of evil. Notice it was the tongue that divided them just as the denominations are divided now. God's purpose in division is always good but man's purpose is generally evil. Denominationalism is the tendency to divide into sects and is a work of the flesh according to the Word (Gal.5:20; 1Co.1:10-13; 1Co.3:1-8; 1Co.11:17-19; and so on.). Jesus prayed that His disciples would be one even as He and the Father are one (Joh.17:21-22). This can only happen when in the Tribulation the righteous give up their sects to be one flock with one Shepherd (Joh.10:16).   Now let's go to (Rom.9:17) For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth. (18) So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth. Here it is hard to escape the fact that God made Pharaoh stubborn in order to make Himself famous and powerful in the eyes of men. God knows that we need to perceive a great God and Savior. Those who ignorantly think they are defending God's reputation usually say that Pharaoh hardened his own heart first. (Exo.4:21) And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest back into Egypt, see that thou do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in thy hand: but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. (Exo.7:3) And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.   Five times in Exodus, God says that He hardened Pharaoh's heart before we are told that Pharaoh… hardened his heart (Exo.8:15). God sent Moses to tell Pharaoh to set His people free. He then hardened Pharaoh's heart to refuse to set them free. To Israel this made their freedom naturally impossible. God gave to them what they perceived as hopeless in order to glorify Himself in their eyes. They needed to know that He could save them from anything in their coming wilderness trial. God and you are a majority in any situation.   If that was not enough, God hardened Pharaoh's heart again to cause him to follow the Israelites into the Red Sea to the Egyptians' destruction. (Exo.14:4) And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he shall follow after them; and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host… Unlike the movies, this is the only Pharaoh that they have found that died of drowning. All this was just to impress Israel with God's power to set free. They were going to need this in the trials to come.   Have you ever had some hardened heart in a position of power over you? Go to God, not Pharaoh. All Moses ever got from him was insolence. Have you considered your flesh? Does it seem more powerful than your ability to obey God? That was God's plan. He wants to show us His power to save from sin. (2Co.4:7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. God wants no competition from our own ability. He wants to prove the power of His grace through our faith in Him.  It says in (Pro.26:2) As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alighteth not. No curse can alight upon us unless there is a cause. Sin and corruption are the most likely cause. Only God's purpose is fulfilled in a curse. It says in (Num.23:8) How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? And how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied? We are really wise if we are looking for the cause, and not looking at the curse, or looking at the devil. If we deal with the cause, we do not have to live with the curse.   The problem is people will not deal with the cause. They just live with the curse and try by man's methods to be delivered from it. If man, by his own methods, could deliver us from the curse that God sent to cause us to repent, man would be detrimental. What if we examine our conscience and do not see the cause? Then it is very possible that the cause is so that we renew our mind with the Word and fight the good fight of faith. Sometimes the Lord sends Satan against us so that we can whip him. Yes, God does that to prove to us that His Word is true and that we have authority over all the power of the enemy. God's ultimate purpose is to manifest His sovereignty through us.   God wants us to learn to fight a spiritual warfare. God gives us practice sometimes. When Satan comes against us through demons, wicked people, or circumstances, we should examine our conscience. If we do not find guilt because of willful disobedience, then we should exercise the authority that Jesus gave us against Satan, because we are going to win. In coming against Satan, we are also crucifying our old man because our old man is created in the image of Satan. When we fight with Satan, we fight with “self”. When we win against Satan, we win against “self”. That is another part of God's plan that is so perfect and so beautiful. Amen.   Let's go to (Lam.3:37) Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Can evil command something and it come to pass if the Lord has not commanded it? No! God is sovereign. Jesus said His words were not His but the Father's. We know this was true because they came to pass. By the grace of God, I have commanded healings, miracles, provisions and deliverances that have come to pass. Religious people have told me that my faith was presumptuous because we cannot know the Will of God. I have thought, “How ludicrous! Do I have power to do these things? God did them. I merely agreed with His Word.” The proof that I was in agreement with God is that they came to pass. If the devil commands something and it comes to pass, is it because he is more powerful than God? Not according to this verse. It is because God commanded it whether the devil knew it or not. (Lam.3:38) Out of the mouth of the Most High cometh there not evil and good?   Where does evil and good come from? God says that it comes out of the mouth of the Most High. Does that mean God is evil? No, it means we deserve or need the ministry of evil. (Lam.3:39) Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? We have been brainwashed to believe that man is basically good and deserving of good, so we are shocked when bad things happen to “good” people. (Mar.10:18) And Jesus said unto him… None is good save one, [even] God.  From God's mouth comes blessing and curse, good and evil. The evil here represents the hard things that happen to “good” people in order to turn them toward good and to stop them from continuing in sin. Any evil that comes against the life of those who “are called according to His purpose” is for good. We should always examine our conscience and the Word to find out if God is sending Satan against us because of the sin in us or the actions of sin that we do.   Arminianism is the erroneous belief that everyone has a free will. God is the only one who has a free will. We have a limited free will, limited by our ability, thinking, nature, body, and circumstances. If you have a free will, let's see if you can stop sinning. We cannot do just anything we would like to do. The only one the Bible credits with the ability to do everything He wishes is God (Eph.1:11) In whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained (predestined) according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will.  Like this verse, Calvinism teaches the sovereignty of God over election, predestination, evil, and everything. The only way that we can do what we want to do is to get God's Will in us. (Php.2:13) For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. Then we can do what we want to do because we want what He wants, and what He wants He gets.   That is how the Son sets us free, by giving us a will to do His Will. While we have our own will, we will be at war with ourselves. (Gal.5:17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. We have God's Will in us, and we have our will in us. They are tugging away at each other. That is not freedom or a free will. This means that “ye may not do the things that ye would.”   We did not even have the freedom of will to come to God. (Joh.6:44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. That is not a free will. We choose not to come to God, unless He draws us. You may choose to sin, most do, but God will choose the time, place, and extent. (Pro.16:9) A man's heart deviseth his way; But the Lord directeth his steps. God directs the steps of His vessels of honor or dishonor. The only reason we make the choice in God's direction is because of grace. (Joh.15:16) Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit… Jesus first chose us and gave us the will to choose Him because of His unmerited favor. We bear fruit because of a gift of His Will in us.  The Lord brings spirits against us to chasten us and to cause us to repent, then after we overcome, He has total ability to make our enemies to be at peace with us. (Pro.16:7) When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. We see here that God has total control over our enemies and He can put peace in their heart toward us when we overcome. We should remember this when we are tempted to take care of our enemies ourselves. So we see, God uses our enemies when our ways do not please the Lord.   God created our enemies just for that purpose. (Pro.16:4) The Lord hath made everything for its own end (Some manuscripts say: for His own purpose.): Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Need I say that we should not argue with God? We see God's hand as sovereign in all of this. God can send the wicked to us, for a day of evil, because our ways do not please the Lord. When we overcome, God can give us total peace in the midst of our enemies. Whether they are wicked men or demon spirits, it does not make any difference.   Should we reason with our puny understanding that God would be wrong to make the wicked? He has an answer in (Rom.9:21) Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? (22) What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted (Greek: “to complete thoroughly”) unto destruction. Notice that they are vessels of dishonor and wrath, made to be destroyed. (2Pe.2:12) But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed…   In instances like this, we must repent and conform our reasoning to God's if we want truth. In God's opinion, and His is the only one that counts, the wicked are animals, made to be destroyed when they have served their purpose. (Pro.21:18) The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous [cometh] in the stead of the upright. A ransom is a price that must be paid for someone's freedom. The wicked are a price that God pays to create sons who are free from the bondage of corruption, so let us not waste their sacrifice.   When Joseph was revealed unto his brethren who came out of Canaan's land into Egypt, they were repenting to him because of the way that they had treated him. Joseph understood the cause for all the tribulation he had been through. (Gen.50:20) And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Joseph credited God for using evil to bring him into Egypt “to save much people alive.” The Israelites who came out of Canaan's land were starving to death. When they came to Egypt, Joseph, who was sent on ahead because of his ‘Judas' brothers, fed them. God used them to crucify Joseph and prepare him as a vessel of honor.   I remember once when I bought a used car from a heathen. We had agreed on a price and were to close the deal the next day. I had asked God for a better price. The next day, when I went to close the deal, he said he would sell it for the better price that I had only spoken about to the Lord. Only God could put in the heart of a lost used car salesman to suggest selling for a cheaper price after we had already agreed. I realized that God had put this in his heart even though it did not come naturally to him. God works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure, so also them.   The Lord said to Peter in (Luk.22:31) Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat: (32) but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren. Satan asked to sift Peter, but why would God give any heed to what he asks unless it is for our good? If Peter had been like most people, he would ask, “Lord, why did you give Satan permission to have me? Just say, ‘No, Satan, you cannot have him.'” But Jesus knew that was not God's Will.   God's purpose is for Satan to get what belongs to him in our lives. The purpose of sifting is to separate and remove what you want. He keeps what is his. The Lord said, “The evil one cometh but he hath nothing in me.” Jesus was pure; there was nothing in Him that belonged to Satan. Satan is sifting to get what belongs to him. God only wants what is left. God could have destroyed him back at the beginning of the world but God ordained Satan for His good purpose. When God is through doing His whole work upon the people of God, guess what He is going to do with Satan, the demons, the wicked, the false prophet and the beast, too? That is right, the lake of fire.   Jesus set the sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left (Mat.25:33). That is exactly how God uses the righteous and the wicked, as His right hand and His left. His right hand is the vessels of honor, and His left hand is the vessels of dishonor. Satan is, in effect, one of God's hands to create His sons. Let me share a dream from a close spiritual brother. He saw a line of the saints coming before Jesus in heaven. At Jesus' left hand was Satan with an old-style cannon in front of him pointed at the first person in line. Satan with a lighter in his hand eagerly wanted to light the fuse on the cannon and blow them away. Jesus' left hand was in front of Satan stopping him. From that dream, you can see that when the Lord moves His left hand, Satan moves.   Here is a clear case of that. (Job.1:8) And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil. God brought Job to Satan's attention and bragged about him. That is just like waving a red flag in a bull's face. Satan did not want to hear that. In fact, Satan is trying to prove just the opposite to God. He is the accuser of the brethren. God inflicted Satan on Job by the power of suggestion. (9) Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (10) Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.   Satan is admitting he did not have the power to get at Job because of God's hedge. The same is true of us. (11) But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will renounce thee to thy face. (12) And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. Satan suggests to God that He drop the hedge and put forth “His hand” against Job to try him. So why drop the hedge? It was not keeping God's hand out unless you see that the left hand of the Lord was Satan! God confirms this by using the terms “in thy power” and “thy hand.”   Satan was the one who brought the Sabeans, the fire of God, the Chaldeans and the great wind from the wilderness against Job and his family to try him. Look at what Job said about it in verse (21) And he said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (22) In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. God says plainly here that Job was not sinning by attributing all this to Him. The Lord gave on the right hand, and the Lord took away on the left.   Some people would say that the Sabeans, Chaldeans, and the fire took everything away from Job. Some would look behind those and say that Satan did it. Then some would look a little further back and say that God did it. That is what Job did. That is what we have to do if we are to have the purpose of God fulfilled in our lives. We have to look all the way back and see God's purpose in our lives. Job did not stumble because he understood that. Anyone who sees only the vessel will stumble. If we see only an evil vessel, we will end up fighting and wrestling with flesh and blood. Even though Job was hurting, in his spirit he had rest because he saw God's purpose.   He goes on in (Job.2:3) And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity (God was rubbing Satan's nose in it.), although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. God appears to be using reverse psychology on Satan, letting him believe that he was moving God when it was the other way around. God was moved against Job, but Satan was the instrument.   It was God who pointed Job out to Satan in the first place in order to fulfill His own purpose. (4) And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. (5) But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face. (6) And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thy hand; only spare his life. God always laid down the conditions of Satan's involvement even as he does today. (9) Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still hold fast thine integrity? renounce God, and die. (10) But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.  God wanted to make it plain to us, using two witnesses, that what Job was saying was correct. Shall we receive good at the hand of God and not evil? Job never gave credit to Satan. He never even gave credit to the Sabeans, Chaldeans, or the wind from the wilderness. Job only looked at the primary purpose of God.  Jesus, in teaching us to cooperate with God's purpose of crucifixion in our lives, said, “Resist not him that is evil,” speaking of men. However, we are commanded to, “Resist the devil,” speaking of evil spirits. We should never get caught up and wrestle with flesh and blood. Jesus would not. (Isa.53:7) He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. We are to wrestle with principalities and powers.   God wants us to see evil people as victims of Satan and the curse, vessels to be pitied. (Luk.23:34) And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do… God wants us to see through those vessels of evil and see Him. Jesus had peace because He knew all power comes from our sovereign God. (Joh.19:10) Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee? (11) Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above…  Eli rebuked his sons for their apostasy in (1Sa.2:24) Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress. (25)… Notwithstanding, they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord was minded to slay them. The purpose of the Lord is ultimate. Many will not repent because it is in the mind of the Lord to slay them for their evil. We could justly receive the same treatment, but God gave us grace. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God. Only God gives the gift of faith to believe and repent. We have to go to God; He grants faith and repentance. True understanding of salvation by unmerited grace causes us to fear God.   Some do not value the gift of God only to have it taken away and given to ones who do value it. The Jews lost out to the Gentiles. Let no one take thy crown (Rev.3:11). The self-righteous flirt with catastrophe. (1Co.4:7) For who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? If we have anything more than our neighbor, it is a gift of God, not cause for pride. 

 9 And when Jesus passed on from hence, he saw a man sitting in the custom house, named Matthew; and he saith to him: Follow me. And he rose up and followed him.Et, cum transiret inde Jesus, vidit hominem sedentem in telonio, Matthaeum nomine. Et ait illi : Sequere me. Et surgens, secutus est eum.  10 And it came to pass as he was sitting at meat in the house, behold many publicans and sinners came, and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.Et factum est, discumbente eo in domo, ecce multi publicani et peccatores venientes, discumbebant cum Jesu, et discipulis ejus.  11 And the Pharisees seeing it, said to his disciples: Why doth your master eat with publicans and sinners?Et videntes pharisaei, dicebant discipulis ejus : Quare cum publicanis et peccatoribus manducat magister vester?  12 But Jesus hearing it, said: They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are ill.At Jesus audiens, ait : Non est opus valentibus medicus, sed male habentibus.  13 Go then and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the just, but sinners.Euntes autem discite quid est : Misericordiam volo, et non sacrificium. Non enim veni vocare justos, sed peccatores. St Matthew was at first a publican at the toll station at Capernaum. The publicans on account of their many acts of injustice and extortion, were looked upon as the greatest sinners by many of the Jews. Matthew himself by his humble confession greatly acknowledged the gracious condescension of the Lord to sinners. At his Master's invitation he promptly joined Him. He wrote the first Gospel and preached the Good News in Palestine and in Ethiopia, where he was attacked and killed while saying Mass A.D. 60.

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Is What You “SAY” About Your Priorities In Alignment with What You “DO”?” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

A Sunday sermon by Pastor Brett Deal. “Do you know how fast you were going?” Those were the words I heard the last time I got a ticket. It's been over ten years, but those words still stand out. I'd blown past all the signs. All the posted speed limits, all the cars wisely slowing down in advance of the speed trap. But isn't that just life? We're so busy trying to get there, we miss all the signs that get us to our destination. In Philippians 2, Paul commands followers of Jesus to love one another, to put the interests of others before their own. The Philippians were rushing through life and missing the gift of fellowship where we stop long enough to see each other and carrying one another's burdens. Paul uses the best example he knows: Jesus. Jesus, the Son of God, who being in the very nature and essence God, did not consider equality with the Father something to be grasped but emptied Himself. He slowed down for our sake, so that we might know Him. Matthew's gospel has several such road signs. At Jesus' baptism (3.17), the Father called Jesus His “Beloved.” Then, in the hustle and bustle of ministry, Jesus withdrew from the rush with His disciples and fulfills the prophetic words of Isaiah as God's “Beloved” (12.18). Later, with His three closest friends and disciples, Jesus ascended a mountainside and was transfigured with His glory! Over all the sound and lights, the voice of God proclaimed Jesus His “Beloved” (17.5). What does all of this have to do with Phillipi? Is this midweek thought little more than a speed bump in your busy week? Reflecting on Jesus, Paul turned to the people in Philippi and used the Father's word. He called them “Beloved.” Slow down and hear that. This is who you are in Christ! You are beloved. You are God's beloved. Friend, if this is true, it should affect the way we see everything! Today, hear your belovedness over every encouragement and admonition in Philippians 2.12-18.

May 15, 2024Today's Reading: Luke 19:29-48Daily Lectionary: Numbers 16:23-40; Luke 19:29-48Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! (Luke 19:38)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Even though the church calendar says we are in the seventh week of Easter, think back for a moment to Palm Sunday and then further back to Christmas. What do Christmas and Palm Sunday have in common with one another? The more you think about it, the more similarities you find. Both Jesus' birth and entry into Jerusalem were foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament. Both Christmas and Palm Sunday point to Jesus' humility; He was born in humility, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and laid in a manger. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday in humility. And yet He is also a king, both in His birth and on Palm Sunday as He makes His way to the throne of the cross.Jesus did all of this to bring peace between God and sinners. And that word peace is another thing that connects Christmas and Palm Sunday. At Jesus' birth, the angels announced to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.” As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds shouted out the same joyful words. “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” Turns out that Christmas and Palm Sunday have a lot in common. Christ Jesus, who was born in our human flesh, entered Jerusalem to go to the cross and die in our place as God and man. The angels announced that the Savior from sin and death had arrived in Bethlehem and the Palm Sunday crowds announced that the Savior had arrived in Jerusalem to go to the cross to make peace by His death on the cross. God reveals his glory in Jesus' incarnation for us and His glory in his crucifixion for us.But these words are not only a past event. We continue to join the angels and crowds every time we prepare to receive the Lord's Supper, singing the same words. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus, who was born for us and entered Jerusalem to go to the cross for us, now is present with us and for us in the bread and wine of Holy Communion. The same body and blood of Jesus, who was born for us and died on the cross for us, is given for our forgiveness, life, and salvation. And blessed are you in Jesus' gifts. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.- Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House. 

At Jesus' name every knee will bow. Will yours bow here on earth or in eternity? Philippians 2:10 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragingchristians/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragingchristians/support

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Pentecost: A Fresh Outpouring of the Holy Spirit is Needed Today” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

We are in week 9 going through the gospel of John. Pastor Ben teaches on the royal official who asked Jesus to heal his son. At Jesus' very word the boy was healed and official believed. Through this time, Jesus told the crowd, unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe. We are challenged to re-examine our faith; is it dictated by circumstances or does your belief carry you through circumstances?

Chapter 1 is more of an amplified greeting of Paul to the Thessalonians, He acknowledges their sufferings for their faith in Christ Jesus as an evidence of God's grace and reminds them of Christ's judgment on those who have caused their suffering at His return.00:00 - Opening thoughts and review of previous section03:14 - Salutation of the letter05:19 Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians in their sufferings08:21 - Their sufferings show them worthy of the kingdom16:05 - Christ will judge unbelieving persecutors at His appearance31:25 - At Jesus' return all unbelievers will suffer forever39:22 - Paul thus prays for the Thessalonians' perseverance to the Day of Christ42:10 - Summary and final thoughtsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/lets-talk-scripture/donations

Our Bible Reading of the Day is Luke 3:15–22; 4:1–13. At Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist, the heavens open, the Spirit descends, and the Father speaks, “You are My beloved Son.” This pivotal moment marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and it creates an incredible connection to Jesus' life (and death and resurrection) and our own. Jesus goes from the waters of Baptism to the wilderness, where He faces a series of temptations from the devil. Jesus resists each as He speaks the truth of God's Word against the lies of Satan, remaining the perfect Son of God in our place.

Pastor Taylor Shippy - John 12:1-8 I think Mary washing Jesus' feet exemplifies or symbolizes a spiritual practice we can do during the upcoming season of Lent. Traditionally, the season of Lent has been marked by incorporating fasting (or the giving up of something or the abstinence from something for the purposes of spiritual formation). And just like Mary, I want to invite you to practice Lent this year by doing something out-of-the-ordinary for you to prepare Jesus for burial. Sacrifice something. Something costly. At Jesus' feet. Temporarily during Lent. That helps you remember the 'reason for the season.' Do something that smells like Lent… 

The Church teaches us that Jesus did not need the waters of Baptism, the waters needed the Word of God. At Jesus' Baptism, may types are revealed to be fulfilled in Him. As Joshua led God's people into the Promised Land through the Jordan Rivers, so Yeshua (the name given to Jesus which is Aramaic for Joshua) enters the waters of the Jordan that we may follow and be granted the Promised Land, Paradise. And when Jesus is Baptized God the Father declares His identity to all. So, when we are Baptized, our identity of fallenness and shame is put to death in the death of Christ and we are raised to a new identity; children of the Father and children of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

William Taylor - Jesus is called ‘the Prince of Peace'. At Jesus' birth the angel announces peace on earth. And yet there appears to be no end to war. Was Jesus' mission a failure? Did the angel get it wrong? In what sense does Jesus bring peace?

This message will attempt to describe the political landscape in and around the time of Jesus' birth, the factors that motivated Rome and Herod to do the things they did. Part 1 in a series: At Jesus' Birth.

This message will attempt to describe the political landscape in and around the time of Jesus' birth, the factors that motivated Rome and Herod to do the things they did. Part 1 in a series- At Jesus' Birth.

This message will attempt to describe the political landscape in and around the time of Jesus' birth, the factors that motivated Rome and Herod to do the things they did. Part 1 in a series- At Jesus' Birth.

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:30-35  Matthew 3:16-17  Hebrews 1:1-3  Jesus: Son of God One of the foundational things to be said about Jesus is that He was/is the Son of God.  The angel declared this wonder to Mary.  "And the angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God'" (Lk 1:35).   Simon Peter declared this wonder when Jesus asked what the disciples thought about His identity.  "Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God'" (Mt 16:16). The ramifications of this glorious reality are massive and profound.  One conclusion to be drawn from the fact that Jesus is the Son of God is that Jesus is deity.  He is not only the Son of God … He is God the Son.  This truth is denied by most people who affirm that Jesus was a historical figure.  A second conclusion to be drawn from Jesus being the Son of God is the relationship of infinite love between the Father and the Son.  At Jesus' baptism (Mt 3:17) and on the mount of transfiguration (Mt 17:5) God's voice from heaven declared "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." To be united with the Son of God, as all Christians are, means that we become children of God, by adoption, and have the unimaginable privilege of addressing God as 'Father' (Eph 1:5; Gal 4:4-6).

At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. Can you imagine sitting in the dark, warming yourself by a fire, tuning your ear to the night sounds when an angel appears before you and the glory of God fills the night? - Jessica Van Roekel SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: The Crosswalk Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1). Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 1 Advent (Year B)  8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Eucharist Sunday 3 December 2023 | After the Episcopal Election 1. ‘A hui hou. Stay awake. Stay awake. In 2004 my best friend was an opera singer named Jennifer Lopez. Jenn is not the famous actor known as J. Lo (although the two were born a year apart). In her early forties doctors diagnosed Jenn with ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. She returned to her parent's house in California to die. I visited her every Wednesday. The first question she would always ask was, “How is your family?” and the second question would be about a sick person in the congregation or my dissertation. She understood what mattered to me. Jenn was the perfect confidante. I could speak honestly to her about my frustrations with my dissertation advisor or the church leadership without worrying that she might think less of me. Jenn always gave people the benefit of the doubt. [i] Jenn learned to sing in our church and I can imagine her as a girl first beginning to realize her great talent. On some visits we would watch videotapes of her operas. I loved watching her sweep down the stage in a flowing dress singing so powerfully. Her face in those performances showed so much emotion and sensitivity. Once I confided to her that sometimes when I watched an opera singer or listened to a musician like a cellist, I almost secretly fell in love with the performer and tried to imagine what their life was like offstage. “Well this is it!” she joked as she gestured to her wheelchair. We spent hours laughing together. Strangely enough my favorite images of Jenn come from her family photograph albums. Because the colors in those pictures seemed brighter than real life they were particularly appropriate for her spirit. Images from band trips, graduations, summer parties and family gatherings were a wonderful collage expressing her youthfulness, energy and all-around zaniness. Over time Jenn lost the ability to speak, but because we spent so much time together I could understand her. More than most Jenn loved life and there were times, as it was withdrawn from her, that she despaired. Sometimes I still can hear the moaning sound that at the end of her life was the only way she could express this disappointment. But Jenn never complained, never lost interest. Above all the two of us loved Jesus. Before she got sick she had begun the process of getting ordained as a priest. If only we could have had a long career together serving God's people! When I think back to those Wednesdays I realize that we talked a lot about death. But my overwhelming memory is how awake we were – awake to the simplest joys of life and to tragedy. We were awake to the way God's invisible love surrounds us like a thick blanket on a winter night. 2. The darkness we experienced together is the darkness of Advent. Today we celebrate the first Sunday of the new year. The church calendar could have started with the joy of Easter, or the newness and vulnerability of Christmas, or the fiery energy of Pentecost. But instead we begin in the shadow of war, hatred and sorrow. We begin in darkness: waiting, singing and praying for new light. Yesterday hundreds were killed as war returned to Gaza. We pray for the end of violence in the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine. We refuse to turn our eyes away from the suffering. In America as the secular world prepares for a consumer Christmas, Christians could hardly be more out of step. We are awake, waiting for Christ to come in glory at the end of time. The older I get the more I treasure our Advent hymns. We sing, “Zion hears the watchman singing; her heart with joyful hope is springing, she wakes and hurries through the night…” (Hymn 61). [ii] On this first Sunday of the church year, as we await the advent of Christ, we begin a new story about Jesus. The principle way we know about Jesus is through the four gospels. The word gospel means good news. Because three of the four gospels share so much in common and look so similar we call them the synoptic gospels. Each of our three year cycle of Sunday readings is based on one of them (with the Gospel of John filling out the rest of each year). Matthew uses five sections (like the Torah or the five books of Moses) to show that Jesus is a new Moses. Luke describes Jesus as the Lord's royal servant who brings God's light to the nations of the world. John explains how Jesus reunites us with God in a way that we could never accomplish on our own. 3. Today we are entering the year of Mark. Mark explains how humanity comes to have a new start. He writes about how a new reality called the Kingdom of God comes into history and transforms it. Mark uses a simpler vocabulary and grammar to form powerful, compact sentences. His favorite word in Greek is euthus. It means immediately. It comes up so often that sometimes translators just leave it out. Mark presents the hearer or reader with a choice about who Jesus is. The only time Mark is really direct about his own position is in the first sentence of the gospel when he writes, “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mk. 1). The Gospel of Mark has three sections. The first takes place in Galilee and the last in Jerusalem. The middle section occurs as Jesus travels between the two places. In the first section the world wonders who Jesus is. Mark quotes Malachi (3:1) and Isaiah (40:3) describing Jesus as a kind of messenger from God. At Jesus' baptism a voice from heaven says, “You are my Son, the Beloved” (Mk. 1). Jesus heals people, casts out their demons and forgives their sins. He tells them about God's kingdom using stories about a sower casting seeds, and about a tiny mustard seed that grows into a great plant. In the second section of Mark, Jesus' friends are struggling to understand who he is. Jesus asks, “but who do you say I am.” Peter boldly calls Jesus the Messiah (Mk. 8). At the time Peter still has in mind a conquering military hero who will overthrow the Roman authorities. Jesus subverts the whole idea of a messiah. He teaches them that the Son of Man did not come to be served but to be serve others. On the mountain two of Jesus' friends see him talking with Elijah and Moses. From an overshadowing cloud a voice says, “This is my Son, the Beloved, listen to him” (Mk. 9). The final section of Mark shows how Jesus becomes king. A royal procession takes Jesus into Jerusalem where he teaches in the temple. Mark writes, “a large crowd was listening to him with delight” (Mk. 12:37). Later sitting on the Mount of Olives four of his friends ask him when the end will come. Jesus answers with the words we just heard. No one, not the angels nor even the Son of Humanity will know the time. He says literally, “keep on being awake.” [iii] Mark uses the word grēgoreō like the name Gregory. It means to be alert or awake, literally woke. Jesus becomes the Messiah or king by being crucified. A Roman centurion seems to be the only one who understands. He says, “Truly this man was God's Son!” (Mk. 15). When the women go to the tomb an angelic young man in white tells them that Jesus has been raised. The gospel ends abruptly as they flee, “… for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” Mark confronts every person with this question. Who will Jesus be for you? The twentieth century monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968) writes, “This is the most complete revolution that has ever been preached: in fact, it is the only true revolution, because all others demand the extermination of somebody else, but this one means the death of the [person] who, for all practical purposes, you have come to think of as your own self.” [iv] 4. In this season of Advent we have the chance to prepare a place in ourselves and in the world to receive Christ. There is so much in the Divine plan that we cannot understand, dark places, unmapped territories and worlds to discover. I invite you to encounter Jesus in our present moment. Let me close with a poem by Steve Garnaas-Holmes called “Longing.” “Unsuspecting at first, of course, / you only gradually begin to feel / an urge, a leaning, / slow to become a promise, / a yearning that will become / its own gift, given from beyond. / It grows from a tiny seed, / a grace that is not your doing, / a single cell: / a change of season, / a subtle turning of the heart, / until by some grace you will know. / But now you do not yet, / you are still longing. / But know this, you are Mary, / and Gabriel is near.” [v] On my very last visit with Jennifer before going out of town, we both knew that we probably would not see each other again in this world. I prayed so hard for a miracle that would instantly make her whole and healthy again. What I discovered was someone who was truly awake - who loved Jesus. That night in a dream her grandmother Margaret, who had died when she was eight years old, kept pulling her hand. At the end of our visit, I asked if there was anything she wanted to say before I unplugged her laser pointer for the last time. She pointed out the letters for “Mahalo,” or thank you in Hawaiian. I told her ‘a hui hou which means until we meet again. She was so tired and she shut her eyes as I read evening prayer with the Song of Simeon. It goes, “Lord you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised.” I closed my prayerbook, looked into her face and said goodbye. She opened her eyes, smiled back at me and mouthed the words ‘a hui hou. ‘A hui hou. Stay awake. Stay awake. Come Lord Jesus. [i] We spent those mornings talking about our families, dreams and worries. We talked about the most ordinary things and the profoundest. We talked about politics, art and our love of Jesus. Her commentary on the family and friends in those photographs was priceless. She was smart enough to recognize all of our crazy inconsistencies, idiosyncrasies and frailties, but kind enough to love us even more because of them. Above all Jenn forgave the people around her for the rough edges that make us human. I like to think that she cared for us oddballs more than the normal people.

At Jesus ends the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:13, we must remember that there are real supernatural dangers in this world. But while there are dangers both outside (Satan) and inside (our sin), Jesus has conquered them so we can pray confidently for perseverance and protection.

As he was speaking these things unto them, behold a certain ruler came up, and adored him, saying: Lord, my daughter is even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.Haec illo loquente ad eos, ecce princeps unus accessit, et adorabat eum, dicens : Domine, filia mea modo defuncta est : sed veni, impone manum tuam super eam, et vivet.  19 And Jesus rising up followed him, with his disciples.Et surgens Jesus, sequebatur eum, et discipuli ejus.  20 And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.Et ecce mulier, quae sanguinis fluxum patiebatur duodecim annis, accessit retro, et tetigit fimbriam vestimenti ejus.  21 For she said within herself: If I shall touch only his garment, I shall be healed.Dicebat enim intra se : Si tetigero tantum vestimentum ejus, salva ero.  22 But Jesus turning and seeing her, said: Be of good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.At Jesus conversus, et videns eam, dixit : Confide, filia, fides tua te salvam fecit. Et salva facta est mulier ex illa hora.  23 And when Jesus was come into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a rout,Et cum venisset Jesus in domum principis, et vidisset tibicines et turbam tumultuantem, dicebat :  24 He said: Give place, for the girl is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.Recedite : non est enim mortua puella, sed dormit. Et deridebant eum.  25 And when the multitude was put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand. And the maid arose.Et cum ejecta esset turba, intravit : et tenuit manum ejus, et surrexit puella.  26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that country.Et exiit fama haec in universam terram illam.

As he was speaking these things unto them, behold a certain ruler came up, and adored him, saying: Lord, my daughter is even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.Haec illo loquente ad eos, ecce princeps unus accessit, et adorabat eum, dicens : Domine, filia mea modo defuncta est : sed veni, impone manum tuam super eam, et vivet.  19 And Jesus rising up followed him, with his disciples.Et surgens Jesus, sequebatur eum, et discipuli ejus.  20 And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.Et ecce mulier, quae sanguinis fluxum patiebatur duodecim annis, accessit retro, et tetigit fimbriam vestimenti ejus.  21 For she said within herself: If I shall touch only his garment, I shall be healed.Dicebat enim intra se : Si tetigero tantum vestimentum ejus, salva ero.  22 But Jesus turning and seeing her, said: Be of good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.At Jesus conversus, et videns eam, dixit : Confide, filia, fides tua te salvam fecit. Et salva facta est mulier ex illa hora.  23 And when Jesus was come into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a rout,Et cum venisset Jesus in domum principis, et vidisset tibicines et turbam tumultuantem, dicebat :  24 He said: Give place, for the girl is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.Recedite : non est enim mortua puella, sed dormit. Et deridebant eum.  25 And when the multitude was put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand. And the maid arose.Et cum ejecta esset turba, intravit : et tenuit manum ejus, et surrexit puella.  26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that country.Et exiit fama haec in universam terram illam.

As he was speaking these things unto them, behold a certain ruler came up, and adored him, saying: Lord, my daughter is even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.Haec illo loquente ad eos, ecce princeps unus accessit, et adorabat eum, dicens : Domine, filia mea modo defuncta est : sed veni, impone manum tuam super eam, et vivet.  19 And Jesus rising up followed him, with his disciples.Et surgens Jesus, sequebatur eum, et discipuli ejus.  20 And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.Et ecce mulier, quae sanguinis fluxum patiebatur duodecim annis, accessit retro, et tetigit fimbriam vestimenti ejus.  21 For she said within herself: If I shall touch only his garment, I shall be healed.Dicebat enim intra se : Si tetigero tantum vestimentum ejus, salva ero.  22 But Jesus turning and seeing her, said: Be of good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.At Jesus conversus, et videns eam, dixit : Confide, filia, fides tua te salvam fecit. Et salva facta est mulier ex illa hora.  23 And when Jesus was come into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a rout,Et cum venisset Jesus in domum principis, et vidisset tibicines et turbam tumultuantem, dicebat :  24 He said: Give place, for the girl is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.Recedite : non est enim mortua puella, sed dormit. Et deridebant eum.  25 And when the multitude was put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand. And the maid arose.Et cum ejecta esset turba, intravit : et tenuit manum ejus, et surrexit puella.  26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that country.Et exiit fama haec in universam terram illam.

As he was speaking these things unto them, behold a certain ruler came up, and adored him, saying: Lord, my daughter is even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.Haec illo loquente ad eos, ecce princeps unus accessit, et adorabat eum, dicens : Domine, filia mea modo defuncta est : sed veni, impone manum tuam super eam, et vivet.  19 And Jesus rising up followed him, with his disciples.Et surgens Jesus, sequebatur eum, et discipuli ejus.  20 And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.Et ecce mulier, quae sanguinis fluxum patiebatur duodecim annis, accessit retro, et tetigit fimbriam vestimenti ejus.  21 For she said within herself: If I shall touch only his garment, I shall be healed.Dicebat enim intra se : Si tetigero tantum vestimentum ejus, salva ero.  22 But Jesus turning and seeing her, said: Be of good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.At Jesus conversus, et videns eam, dixit : Confide, filia, fides tua te salvam fecit. Et salva facta est mulier ex illa hora.  23 And when Jesus was come into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a rout,Et cum venisset Jesus in domum principis, et vidisset tibicines et turbam tumultuantem, dicebat :  24 He said: Give place, for the girl is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.Recedite : non est enim mortua puella, sed dormit. Et deridebant eum.  25 And when the multitude was put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand. And the maid arose.Et cum ejecta esset turba, intravit : et tenuit manum ejus, et surrexit puella.  26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that country.Et exiit fama haec in universam terram illam.

Message from Pastor Peter Dunn entitled "At Jesus' Feet." For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

And when Jesus passed on from hence, he saw a man sitting in the custom house, named Matthew; and he saith to him: Follow me. And he rose up and followed him.Et, cum transiret inde Jesus, vidit hominem sedentem in telonio, Matthaeum nomine. Et ait illi : Sequere me. Et surgens, secutus est eum.  10 And it came to pass as he was sitting at meat in the house, behold many publicans and sinners came, and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.Et factum est, discumbente eo in domo, ecce multi publicani et peccatores venientes, discumbebant cum Jesu, et discipulis ejus.  11 And the Pharisees seeing it, said to his disciples: Why doth your master eat with publicans and sinners?Et videntes pharisaei, dicebant discipulis ejus : Quare cum publicanis et peccatoribus manducat magister vester?  12 But Jesus hearing it, said: They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are ill.At Jesus audiens, ait : Non est opus valentibus medicus, sed male habentibus.  13 Go then and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the just, but sinners.Euntes autem discite quid est : Misericordiam volo, et non sacrificium. Non enim veni vocare justos, sed peccatores. St Matthew was at first a publican at the toll station at Capernaum. The publicans on account of their many acts of injustice and extortion were looked upon as the greatest sinners by many of the Jews. Matthew himself gratefully acknowledged the gracious condescension of the Lord to sinners. At his Master's invitation he promptly joined Him. He wrote the first Gospel and preached the Good News in Palestine and in Ethiopia, where he was attacked and killed while saying Mass A.D. 60.

At Jesus in My Life, we meet some wonderful people with more to share than we are able to include. In this episode, we revisit some content from our cutting room floor; stories of God's faithfulness in matters of life, be it money, employment, or spiritual warfare.Support the showWant to support Jesus in My Life Podcast, please consider supporting us with a small monthly contribution, details at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2004457/supporters/newContact us at: jesusinmylifepodcast@gmail.comFollow us Online on: TikTok@jesusinmylifepodcastFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/jesusinmylifepodcast

God has lavished on us everything we need for life and godliness, and in return, God expects us to bear fruit as a return on His investment. - SERMON TRANSCRIPT - Turn in your Bibles to Mark chapter 12. We continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, and we look at this parable of the wicked tenants. As we do so, I'm mindful of the fact that throughout the scripture, Almighty God demands fruit from his people. From the very beginning, God created a world to bear fruit. In Genesis 1:11, "Then God said, 'Let the land produce vegetation, seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds, and it was so.” I think about the wondrous variety of fruits, papaya and mango, pineapple, succulent, pears, tart, crisp apples. Fuzzy brown, kiwi fruit, all kinds of fruit. The Lord has made a world of fruits, all of them from seeds, the genetic code of which God created at the beginning. I. Almighty God Demands Fruit From His People So also when God created man, male and female, in his image, this was the command that He gave to them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." Fruitfulness in that verse meant having children, many children, who themselves, each one of them would be in the image of God, that they would be fruitful and multiply, that they would fill the world with human beings so that the earth would be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. The consistent teaching of scripture is that God has lavished on us many advantages and many blessings, everything that we need for life and godliness and fruitfulness. In return, God expects fruit. He expects a return on his investment. Many scriptures testified to this issue of required fruit. With the coming of the kingdom of God, John the Baptist preached a very fiery message. He said to his generation, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." He also said two verses later, "The ax is already at the root of the trees. And every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." Jesus himself said much about fruit. He said, "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good. Or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad. For a tree is recognized by its fruit." And very poignantly, in John 15, He gives an image of a vine with many branches. He said, "I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit. While every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” Similarly, this powerful parable in Mark 12 teaches this vital lesson, Almighty God expects fruit from his people. He expects a return on His investment in our lives. II. The Parable of he Vineyard: Understanding the Context Let's understand this parable in its context, the immediate context for Jesus. This is the last week of his life on earth. It is the Passover. Thousands of pilgrims, Jewish worshipers were flooding from all over the Greco-Roman world into Jerusalem for the Passover. The triumphal entry has already happened. Jesus has entered Jerusalem to shouts of acclaim and triumph to the praise of the people. But Jesus' enemies are there as well. They're ready to attack Him, to tear Him down. On route, the next morning after the triumphal entry to Jerusalem, He saw a fig tree with lots of leaves on it and He was hungry in the morning, so He went to get fruit from it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then He said to the tree, "May you never bear fruit again." I think this prophetic cursing of the fig tree with its judgment and its immediate withering was connected to the spiritual fruitlessness of the nation of Israel, because He's just about to go in there and cleanse the temple of all of its wickedness, its wicked corruptions. The cleansing of the temple involve driving out greedy money changers and corrupt religionists who are making money on religion. Jesus then began His ministry there in the temple. He was teaching the people. He was doing miracles. He was healing in the temple. And as a result of all of this very bold and powerful ministry and action, the religious leaders opposed Him to his face. They demanded to know by what authority He was doing all these things, and we addressed that last time. He challenged them saying He would ask them a question. If they answered, then He would answer their question about authority. “John's baptism, where did it come from? Was it from heaven or from men?” It's very wise on Jesus's part because the same one who sent John to baptize in water sent His son into the world to do all these things. Jesus' authority came from God, because all true authority comes from God. But because they didn't answer his question, He didn't answer theirs. So that was last week. So that's the immediate context of Jesus. There is an ancient context to Jesus's parable of the vineyard, and I'd like you to look at it. Turn to Isaiah chapter 5. Keep your finger in Mark 12, but we're going to go over to Isaiah 5. There is a background to the parable of the vineyard. It's a song that the prophet Isaiah sang for God, a song that he sang for God, but it's very similar to the parable that Jesus tells. It's got some similar points of connection. Isaiah 5:1-6, there, the prophet Isaiah, seven centuries before Jesus, wrote down this song, "I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard. My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up, cleared it of stones and planted it with the choice of vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a wine press as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. Now, you dwellers in Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I look for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? Now I will tell you what I'm going to do to my vineyard. I will take away its hedge and it will be destroyed. I will break down its wall and it will be trampled. I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated and briers and thorns will grow there. I'll command the clouds not to rain on it." That's Isaiah's song of the vineyard. It's got some points of similarity and some points of difference with Jesus' parable. Jesus employed a lot of similar imagery in his parable. There is a vineyard, there are choice vines. There is, around it, a protective wall. There is a wine press. There is a watchtower. And there is also a very disappointing outcome for the owner of the vineyard. But there are some major differences as well. The central major difference in the parable is the rhythm of the sending of messengers, in Jesus' parable, messengers from the owner of the vineyard demanding harvest and how those messengers are treated. There's none of that in Isaiah's song. Furthermore, in Isaiah's song, the vineyard is destroyed, crushed, ruined, but in Jesus's, the vineyard goes on and is given to other people who will produce its fruit. So there's some significant differences. In Isaiah's song, the vineyard was the city of Jerusalem and its people, and the fruit He desired was righteousness in His people, and the judgment that would come would be the destruction of Jerusalem under the Babylonians. So that's the backdrop. Go back now to Mark 12 and let's look at Jesus' parable. Mark 12:1-11, "He then began to speak to them in parables. 'A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the wine press and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard, but they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them. They struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others, some of them they beat, others they killed. He had one left to send, a son whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and the inheritance will be ours.' So they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He'll come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven't you read this scripture? The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone. The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes." Mark introduces this passage saying Jesus began to speak to them in parables, plural, but He only gives us one parable. Matthew gives us one more, the parable of the two sons that were commanded by the father to go work in the fields, both of them were bad sons. One of them said, "I will not," but later has changed his mind and went. The other one said, "I will, sir," but he did not go. That's that parable. Other than that, we get the feeling that probably Jesus taught many other parables, some of which are recorded in other places in the Gospels which He taught again in Jerusalem. But this is the only one that Mark gives us. III. Walking Through the Parable: Fruitfulness Produces Judgment Now let's walk through the parable and try to understand it. With parables, you definitely want to try to understand the main point, the central purpose. There are details that are valuable, but there is a main idea, and the main idea of Jesus's parable of the vineyard is fruitlessness produces judgment. Fruitlessness produces judgment from God. The image is that Israel is a vineyard with an absentee landowner or landlord. The central figure is this landowner literally called a man, a householder. He planted the vineyard as an investment. Ordinarily, it would take three years to begin getting that return on the investment. Now every advantage was given to this vineyard. First of all, there's a wall around it for protection to keep out wild animals and thieves, the wall. There's also a wine press, which was an anticipation of the harvest, an anticipation of the prophet from the vineyard. Generally, it would've been two basins carved out of rock and then lined with white plaster, an upper one and a lower one, and the servants would put the grapes in the upper one and tread them out with their feet. Then the wine, the grape juice, would run down into the lower basin where it would begin the process of fermentation, be gathered for fermentation, the wine press. Then there is the watchtower, which enables guardians to look out over the vineyard and make certain that it's well protected, a constant vigil looking out over the surrounding terrain. Then in the parable, there are these tenant farmers. Now what is a tenant? What does that mean? Tenants are hired laborers, skilled laborers who are brought into work the vineyard. It's not their vineyard, it belongs to the landowner. Their skill and their labor is essential to the success of the enterprise. These tenant farmers are brought in as stewards or workers under the owner. They don't own the vineyard, it doesn't belong to them, but if they do their work well, they'll share it in the profits. This is the key concept. The vineyard belongs to the landowner. The tenant farmers are just working the vineyard in the hope of sharing its harvest. Also essential to Jesus' parable is the absentee landowner. The owner goes away on a journey. He's not visibly there moment by moment, controlling the venture, looking out over it, managing it. He's not there. In the Luke version, Jesus says the master goes away for a long time, so the tenants were on their own. They do not see the master day by day. They have to remember them in their minds and be faithful to him in their hearts. Then there's harvest time, verse 2, “At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.” The owner could mark the seasons. He knew when it was time to expect a return on the investment, and so he begins to send messengers, servants, to come and get his share of the crop at harvest time. Then comes the shocking rebellion on the part of the tenant farmers. In verse 3, “They seized the servant that was sent. They beat him and they sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them and they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others. Some of them they beat, others they killed.” Now this must've been stunning to his hearers. Jesus crafted this parable to maximize shock. They knew Isaiah's song. None of this happens in Isaiah's song, but a different kind of judgment happens there. The details of Jesus' parable really are repulsive. The violence gets worse and worse with each successive messenger. The first servant is beaten, the second one is crushed in the head and treated shamefully, exposed to shame, humiliated, the next man is murdered outright. Even more amazing as how patient this landowner is. The crowd listening must have wondered how much more of this the owner was going to put up with. Jesus said the owner actually sent many others, many. Some of them they killed and abused. Others, they beat. Every one of them, however, got treated shamefully and the owner got none of his return on the investment in any case. Then comes the most shocking plot twist of all, verses 6-8, "He had one left to send, a son whom he loved. He sent him last of all saying, 'They will respect my son.' But the tenant said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and the inheritance will be ours.' So they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard." This is so amazing, and it would've been stunning to Jesus's hearers. I think some in the crowd must have said, "Wait a minute, don't do that. I mean, isn't it obvious what's going to happen? Don't send your son." Notice that Jesus calls him “a son whom he loved”. At Jesus's baptism in Mark's Gospel it says, "You are my son, whom I love. With you, I am well pleased." That was a message spoken directly from God to Jesus. To the world, in Matthew's account it says, "This is my son whom I love. With him, I am well pleased." And the owner in the parable said to himself, "They will respect my son." Friends, that's exactly what should have happened, they should have respected his son. They should have delighted in his son as God does. They should have listened to his son as speaking the very words of God. They should have obeyed his son. They should have honored his son. They should have worshiped him and followed him. That's what they should have done. Instead, they rejected him, they despised him, they opposed him. And in the end, they killed him. In the parable, what is the tenant farmer’s motive? The tenant farmers did not want the owner ruling over them, they rejected his authority. They didn't want to give him anything. They wanted full ownership of the vineyard themselves. They wanted all of the proceeds to come back to themselves, and when they see the son, they think, "This is the final moment here of us gaining control over the vineyard." They thought to kill the heir and take his inheritance, meaning the vineyard. "It'll be ours then.” Notice the detail, "They kill him and throw him outside the vineyard." This is a clear prophecy of Jesus's rejection by the leaders of Israel and His crucifixion outside the city gates, completely rejected by his own people. He died outside the city. IV. Jesus Reveals the Verdict That's the parable, then Jesus summons them to render a verdict just as Isaiah did. In Matthew's account, Jesus asks them for a verdict, Matthew 21:40, "Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They give the verdict, verse Matthew 21:41, "He will bring those wretches to a wretched end, they replied, and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time." In Mark's Gospel, Jesus renders the verdict himself, “He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” It's similar to what Isaiah says concerning his song, "Now then, you dwellers in Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more could have been done for my vineyard than I did for it?" He draws his hearers into rendering a verdict, a judgment on this behavior. V. The Parable Interpreted That's the whole parable. Let's interpret it. Let's try to understand it. You go line by line and you just think, "What does each figure and each aspect represent?" Let's start with the absentee landowner, and that's obviously God. The absentee landowner is God. The parable puts some of God's attributes on display beautifully. It starts with the sovereignty of God, His right to demand a harvest. There is nothing in the universe that doesn't belong to God for He made it, and it belongs to him. He made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them. Every molecule is His. Everything that grows is His. Every animal is His. This parable asserts his right to the vineyard itself and to everything that comes from it. We also see the goodness of God, God's full provision for Israel. God lavishly provided everything Israel would need for a full rich spiritual harvest. Certainly a physical harvest, but a spiritual harvest as well. God gave them promises through the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God gave them Moses, the deliverer, who led them out of with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with ten judgments on Egypt and the story of God's deliverance, including the Red Sea crossing. God gave them manna, bread from heaven to eat. God gave them water from a rock miraculously flowing. God gave them His word, His perfect word, the laws of Moses, the Ten Commandments written, engraved in stone. And then in all of the other books of Moses, the first five books of the Bible, he gave them a perfect law. God also gave them the promised land, a land He said, flowing with milk and honey. He powerfully cleared out their enemies under Joshua. The walls of Jericho fell like they were made of sand, and He destroyed people, nations, seven nations stronger and mightier than them. Cleared it out and gave them this beautiful land. He then continued to protect Israel from their enemies again and again. He was a wall around them protecting them, and He gave them everything they needed for a rich physical harvest, yes, but more especially a spiritual harvest, that they would love him with all of their hearts, soul, mind and strength and that they would love their neighbors as themselves. God gave them everything they needed for that. We also see the absence of God. In Mark 12:1, he went away on a journey. Let's try to understand what this signifies. In many of these parables, the owner, the king, the master is in some sense removed from the scene. He's in some sense, absent. He's the master who entrusts five talents and two talents and one talents to his servants and then goes away on a long journey. He's not there. He is the owner of a house who entrusts the care of his servants to a steward who will look after the household while he's gone. He's the bridegroom who is a long time in coming and all 10 of the virgins fall asleep. Five of them are wise and five foolish, but they're all waiting a long time for the bridegroom to come. He's the noble man that goes away on a distant journey to get himself made king and then comes back at the right time [Luke 19]. Here's the idea. The key concept of all of this is we, the people of God, will be judged by a visible God on Judgment Day based on what we did by faith in an invisible God in our lives. Let me say that again. On Judgment Day, we will be judged at that time by a visible God based on what we did by faith in an invisible God. Here in this parable, the tenant farmers never see the landlord again. They only deal with his messengers, that is until the end in Matthew 21:40, "When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" He's coming. He will not be invisible forever. He is coming. Judgment Day is coming. The absence of God, however, is from our human perspective only. We perceive him as absent because we don't see him. The Bible actually reveals that God is everywhere present all the time. Psalm 139:7-9, "Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise in the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me. Your right hand will hold me fast." God is always present. However, the Bible also reveals that God is a God who hides himself. Isaiah 45:15. "Truly you are a God who hides himself, oh God and Savior of Israel." This means then that God, the king, the owner of all things, does not stand in front of us physically at every moment, demanding to be loved, honored and obeyed, demanding his share of the crop. "The people of God will be judged by a visible God on Judgment Day based on what we did by faith in an invisible God in our lives." God is invisible. He's invisible, immortal, God-only wise, effectively absent from our five senses as we make decisions about our lives, what we will do with our things. He's not right there while we make those decisions. Thus, we must have faith. We must be able to see the invisible God by faith, knowing that God sees everything that we do and that He will hold us to account for the decisions we make with his things. It is precisely for this reason that God sends His word to strengthen the faith of His people. Faith comes from hearing the word. And as the word is ministered, your faith gets strengthened. Faith is the eyesight of the soul by which we see invisible spiritual realities, most especially God, the invisible God, by faith in the Word. The ministry of the Word is vital to this. The word minister is God's presence, His future coming, Judgment Day when His kingly authority will be obvious to everyone. In the parable, we also see remarkably the patience of God. Don't we see his patience, his long-suffering nature? He's an astonishingly patient man in this parable. Again and again, He reaches out to a rebellious people. Sending one messenger after another. Finally, after all of that, He sends His son. This shows the incredible patience of God with the nation of Israel. In Romans 10:21, it says, "Concerning Israel, he says, 'All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people'." What picture comes in your mind as you think about that image? Romans 10:21, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and option of people." That's a patient God. In Ezekiel, the prophet, symbolically but also physically, is tied up with ropes and made to lie on his left side, the left side of his body for the number of days that equaled the number of years of Israel's rebellion against God in idolatry. It was 390 days. Imagine that being your job and eating ration food and ration water laying on your side for 390 days. But the big picture there is not Ezekiel and all of his trials. The big picture is God's patience. He waited for Israel to repent for 390 years. What does that tell you about God? Stunning patience on the part of God. We also have the vineyard in its harvest. We might think that the vineyard represents the physical promised land flowing with milk and honey. In some sense that's true, but it's only part of what God entrusted to Israel. Actually, Christ says that it represents the kingdom of God. In Matthew 21:43, he says, "Therefore I tell you, that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce his fruit." So the vineyard is the kingdom of God. God is not so concerned with the physical land and its harvest as he is with the hearts of the people as Isaiah the prophet said about his song [Isaiah 5:7], the vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the garden of His delight. He looked for justice but saw bloodshed for righteousness, but heard cries of distress. More than just Israel though, the promised land, the chosen people, God had his eyes on the whole world and all the people in it. Habakkuk 2:14, in my mind, is one of the most important verses in the entire Bible. It sums up God's intentions in creating the world and creating human beings on it. "The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." That's what God wanted. He already filled it with his glory, beautifully filled the physical world with His glory, but it's not filled with the knowledge of His glory. The knowledge of His glory, that's us, that's our job. People created in His image are to see the glory of God in nature and in creation, and to not be idolaters, but to worship and serve the God who made it. That's what God intended. God wanted Israel to live for the praise of His glory, for the salvation of the distant nations, the Gentile nations, that the rich blessings of God on Israel would be a display of God's rich goodness that He wants to give to all nations. That's the fruit, that's the harvest, that's the righteousness. Justice, mercy, loving kindness. He wanted on display the attributes of God, the glory of God, put on full display in Israel for all the world to see so that the Gentiles would praise the true God and the living God, and the Gentiles would worship and follow Him. That's what God intended. But these tenants were wicked tenants. Who are they? They're the Jewish people generally. Start there. The Jews were sinners like all mankind. They thought that the blessings of God were merely for their own pleasure, for their own satisfaction. God gave them all these things richly to enjoy for themselves only. They were selfish with them. They had no vision of salvation for the Gentile nations generally, that God's ways might be known on earth as salvation to the ends of the earth. They didn't have a vision for that. They lived self-centered lives and for the most part used the richness of the promised land to become idolaters, worshiping and serving created things rather than the creator. They spent the lavish provision of their harvest on false gods like Baal and Molech and Ashtoreth and other false gods and used all of that stuff that God lavished on them so that they could worship false gods and goddesses. The wicked tenants could be the Jews generally, but especially the leaders. Jesus zeroes in on the builders, quoting Psalm 118:22, "The stone, the builders rejected has become the capstone. The Lord has done this and is marvelous in our eyes." Such an important verse. I'm going to spend a whole week on it next week, God willing. At the end of the account, it's clear that the chief priests and the elders knew very well that Jesus was speaking about them. Look at verse 12, "They looked for a way to arrest Him because they knew He had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left Him and went away." The Jewish leaders, the builders, had rejected Jesus decisively. As Isaiah predicted, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised and we esteemed Him not.” Amazingly. In this very desire that the Jewish leaders had to arrest Jesus and have him killed, they were fulfilling the very parable that Jesus had just told. The leaders bear the most responsibility for the wickedness of the nation in rejecting Christ. The wicked tenants, therefore, are the Jewish people generally, but the Jewish leaders specifically because they did not live righteous lives in front of the lost and dying world. And because they did not treasure the glory of God, they were fruitless. Who are these messengers that keeps getting sent? The messengers? The messengers were definitely the prophets, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. They were effectively God's covenant attorneys. They pressed the claims of the covenant, the laws of Moses on them and reminded them of their obligations to God, the landowner. That was their purpose. Prophets were sent to speak in God's name to remind us of His claims over our lives. This was an immense privilege the people had of getting messengers who are coming and saying, "You owe God everything. You owe him a harvest. You owe him yourselves." To hear the word of the Lord, to hear the voice of God speaking through the voice of a man, a human prophet, a tremendous privilege these prophets had. But Israel generally did not cherish these messengers as they should have. Instead, they persecuted them, beat them, treated them shamefully and even in some cases killed them. As Jesus himself said, "Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who killed the prophets and stoned those sent to you, how often I have longed they gather your children together as a hen gathers your chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Behold your house has left you desolate." So He sent these messengers and they treated them shamefully. They were in Hebrews 11, "Men of whom the world was not worthy." Then finally, the son. There's no doubt who the son is. The son whom the landowner loves is Jesus, the son of God. He's the incarnate son of God himself. So therefore, do you see it? Do you see the courage? Jesus is calmly, clearly predicting his own death in this parable. "You're going to kill me. You're going to throw me out of the vineyard and kill me.” VI. God’s Righteous Judgment on Israel We also see God's righteous judgment on Israel. The judgment is named by the sinners themselves. Matthew 21:41, "He'll bring those wretches to a wretched end and He'll rent the vineyard to other tenants who will give him a share of the crop at harvest time." And then Christ in verse 9, "What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others." And in Matthew 21:43, "Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit." That judgment is fulfilled. This is a significant change in redemptive history. The focus of God in the old covenant, in the Old Testament, was with the Jewish nation, the Jewish people. It's not that God wasn't doing things out with the Gentiles. He was to some degree. But the focus of God's activity on earth was the nation of Israel. With the coming of Christ, the rejection of Christ, the death of Christ, and the resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the focus is different. Now there's, as Ephesians says, one new man out of the two, Jew and Gentile, believer in Jesus and a new work that God is doing that extends to the ends of the earth and includes Gentiles. The Gospel began in Jerusalem, spread through Judea and Samaria, but then went to the ends of the earth as God always had intended. It wasn't plan B. It was always what God wanted to do. The kingdom therefore was taken away from the unbelieving Jewish nation and given to a people who will produce its fruit, namely the church of Jesus Christ, including both believing Jews and believing Gentiles who will produce its fruit. VII. Applications to the Church Now we need to take the application to the church. Jesus said that the vineyard would be transferred to a people who will produce its fruit. That must be the church of which we, dear friends, First Baptist church, are part. We're part of that. We're part of the people who have now been entrusted with the vineyard and who must produce its fruit. What is the fruit of this vineyard? What are we talking about? What is the fruit? I would commend, what I've been talking about for years, the “two journeys” is a good way to answer that. The “two journeys” is a good indication of the fruit. There's the internal journey of holiness, a growth in holiness to become conformed more and more to Christ, to be like Christ in your mind and your heart, to think like Christ, to love like Christ, to act like Christ yourself more and more. That's fruit. The Bible calls it the Fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. You see these things in your self, in your marriage, in your parenting, in your work lives, in everything you do, that's fruit. He wants that fruit. Then there's the external journey fruit, which is the spread of the Gospel through evangelism and missions. We're surrounded every day by people who do not know God. They don't live for God, they don't love Him, and it's our responsibility to win them to Christ. It's our responsibility to share the Gospel with them, to bring them out of darkness into light by our bold witness. We are responsible for that. We're responsible for this generation. We're responsible for this region. Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, for the lost people in this region, not we alone, but other good local churches, same thing. Christians in this area, we're responsible to share the Gospel with lost people, that's fruit. And that's the fruit that God wants to see. "We're surrounded every day by people who do not know God. They don't live for God, they don't love Him, and it's our responsibility to win them to Christ. It's our responsibility to share the Gospel with them, to bring them out of darkness into light by our bold witness. We are responsible for that." For you as you're listening to this sermon, you need to stop and just ask, "Am I saved? Have I come to faith in Christ?" Because everything you have, your intelligence, your body, your health, your strength, your talents, your gifts, everything that you have in life has been given to you by God. "Every good imperfect gift is from above coming down from the Father,” and He will hold you accountable. He'll ask you in Judgment Day what you did with it. All of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, we can't save ourselves. So God sent his son, the very one mentioned in this parable, to die in our place under the wrath of God that we might be forgiven of our sins. That's where the whole thing starts. You can't bear fruit until your sins are forgiven. But once that's happened, now what? I'm generally speaking to saved people, people who have been justified already. The question is, "All right, how does this parable speak to me?" That is very clear in Matthew 21: 43, "God wants you," all of us, "to produce the fruit of the kingdom." He wants you active in personal holiness and in the spread of the Gospel to lost people. VIII. Applications Here are some applications. Number one, intensify your faith to see the absentee king to know he's not absent at all. He sees everything you do and is very aware of every choice you make. Application number two, learn everything you can about Judgment Day in which you will show the absentee landowner the harvest of your life, the harvest of the kingdom. Application number three, learn everything you can about how God defines fruit. I've just given you what I think the fruit is. Test it and see if it's true in scripture. Is the fruit of the spirit fruit of the kingdom? I think it is. Is winning loss people the faith in Christ, the fruit of the kingdom? I think it is. But you need to come to that conviction yourself. Application number four, delight in the vineyard and see the richness of God's provision. He has provided better for you than He provided for the old covenant Jews. We have better promises. We have the New Testament, 27 books of the New Testament. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit. We have the whole story of Christ, His bloodshed on the cross for us, His resurrection. We have better promises. We have a better hope, we have a better life, we have better everything. Delight in that, we are surrounded by a wall. God's protecting us from demonic forces. There's a watchtower. He's watching over your life. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. He's protecting you so that you can be fruitful. Application number five, marvel at God's patience with you. Look at how many messengers He's sent to you, how many times He has spoken his word to you, how patient He has been with you. Has not God been patient with you? Think about that. Application number six, make the most of God's patience because God's patience we're told is to lead you to repentance. Application number seven, if I could just put it this way, don't shoot the messenger. Isn't that what this is about? They shot the messengers. What does that mean, that expression, “shoot the messenger"? I always picture some king and he wasn't at the battle and some battle was fought and it was lost. Messengers were sent to tell the king that the battle was lost and he shoots the messenger because he doesn't like the message. That's a picture I get of shooting the messenger. Do we ever do that? Oh, we do. God sends somebody to convict you of a sin pattern in your life or something like that, and you don't want to hear it. I tell you in the book of Proverbs, the essential difference between the wise and the fool is what you do when you're convicted of sin. The wise person listens and is humble and makes changes. The prideful person shoots the messenger in one form or another. So the key moment in this parable is when God speaks to you and sends you messengers, listen to those messengers and be humble, be thankful, and believe what they have to say. Application number eight, honor and revere the son of God that He sent, the one that He loves. The hero in the story is the Son who died. This parable isn't the end of the story. We know that his death atones for sin, that his resurrection gives hope of eternal life. This isn't the end, it's just teaches one aspect of it. Application number nine, understand where we are in redemptive history. We are the people who are supposed to produce the fruit of the kingdom. That's us. It's our time now, dear friends this is our opportunity now to produce the fruit of the kingdom. Let's be faithful. Close with me in prayer. Father, we thank you for the powerful lessons of this parable. It is a disturbing parable. It is difficult to read. It's difficult to understand the human nature of the wicked tenants and to be humble enough to see tendencies like that in ourselves. But at the same time, we thank you that our sins re forgiven, that we've been transformed. The heart of stone has been removed, and the heart of flesh has been put in. We yearn to be pleasing to you. We delight in our inner nature. We delight in God's laws. We want to produce the fruit of the kingdom. So Lord, make us fruitful. Help us to be faithful. We thank you for Jesus ,the hero of every story. We thank you for His courage, His willingness to die and His giving of His spirit so that we might be eternally and infinitely fruitful. In Jesus name, amen.

At Jesus' first coming, he came in peace. At his second coming, he's bringing war against sin and evil.

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “And They Asked Jesus to Leave” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

How often do you think about words? Words are tools for describing reality, and sometimes, the reality is so deep and important, whole books of words hardly scratch the surface of the idea's fullness. In that case, we sometimes try to come up with a single word to wrap all the parts of an idea in a tidy package..One of these big words is "atonement." This one word holds the fullness of God's plan for your own life—and everything else in all creation. Every time we come across the word atonement, we get to remember the good news about Jesus. Something should fire in our minds about the deeper meaning of this word, our eyes open to a world where Jesus is the atonement..The English word "atone" comes from the two words: "at one." So, in my opinion, it shouldn't be pronounced “ah-tone-ment.” Instead, we should say “at-one-ment” because atonement is reconciliation with God and being “at one” with Him. It reminds us of how Jesus's death and resurrection turn back the clock on the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), inviting us to re-enter Eden in perfect fellowship with God. Jesus's work of atonement completely reverses our rebellion against God's love, majesty, and authority. His Holy Spirit moves us to agree with Him so we, too, desire that His will be done on earth and in our own lives. Through this one-ness with Him, He compels us to turn away from sin and toward loving relationship with Him..And this one-ness doesn't just apply to our individual relationships with God—it applies to all of creation. Through Jesus's death and resurrection, God has made the way for heaven and earth to be one, as they were in the Garden of Eden. At Jesus's return, all will be made new. We can celebrate that in Him is found all glory and honor and power forever (Revelation 7:12)..There are many pages and books devoted to the full significance of Jesus's atoning sacrifice on the cross, but if you can remember this one little pronunciation tip, you can remember instantly that through Jesus, we can be AT ONE with God—and that is the heart of atonement. • Andrew and Lydia Huntress.• God is the source of all goodness and life, which is why being “at one” with Him is the best place to be. And through Jesus's death and resurrection, we can live in this one-ness without having to earn or achieve it— Jesus already did the work. How could resting in this truth affect the way we interact with God and others?.He [Jesus Christ] himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 1 John 1:2 (NLT)

At Jesus' trial, Peter denied knowing Him. After the crucifixion, Peter hid in fear. But just weeks later—and right up to his death—he boldly and publicly proclaimed his faith. What caused this radical change? Find out on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. Listen...

At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. Can you imagine sitting in the dark, warming yourself by a fire, tuning your ear to the night sounds when an angel appears before you and the glory of God fills the night? - Jessica Van Roekel SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: The Crosswalk Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.