Podcasts about Balaam

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJude Jude writes to believers with the original intent of encouraging them in their shared salvation, but he shifts his focus to urge them to contend for the faith. He warns that ungodly people have secretly slipped in among them, twisting God's grace into a license for immorality and denying Jesus Christ. Jude reminds readers of past judgments on those who rejected God, including the Israelites in the wilderness, rebellious angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. These false teachers are dangerous influences, driven by pride, greed, and rebellion. Believers must remain strong by building themselves up in faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and staying in God's love. Jude closes with praise to God, who is able to keep them from falling and bring them into His glorious presence.  God calls us to hold tightly to the faith He has given us, even as the world around us becomes increasingly confused and careless with truth. We must be careful not to follow those who twist grace or reject Jesus; they are known by their attitude and the fruit they produce. Instead, we should build our lives on His Word, maintain a close connection with Him through prayer, and rely on His love to guide us. We live in God's love and wait for Christ's return. When others struggle, we respond with mercy, helping them return to the truth. Our hope is not in ourselves but in the God who keeps us secure and saves us through our Lord Jesus.     Majestic Lord, we praise You for our shared salvation and the hope of eternal life that guides our hearts and lives. Strengthen us to defend the gospel message wherever You lead us. So many have denied Your worthy authority in their lives. Help us recognize the foolishness of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, and instead choose to humbly follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Please block the false teachers and deceitful workers who hinder the good work You have for us to accomplish. Guide us in teaching the lost, assisting those who struggle, and empowering us with Your strength and protection.  Thought Questions: What does it mean to “contend earnestly for the faith”? Why should that primarily involve defending Jesus as Master and Lord? What will God do to all who do not believe? What are the errors of Cain, Balaam, and Korah that often lead to rampant disobedience? When was the last time you snatched someone from the fire? How vital is mercy towards others and efforts made to restore and help them?

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-20986de6a07c35b72f609c44413038b9{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-20986de6a07c35b72f609c44413038b9 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-20986de6a07c35b72f609c44413038b9 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 03Jude 1:1-16 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 03 Jude 1:1-16 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1203db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Jude 1 Greeting Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, who are loved [1] in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Ungodly Teachers Who Slipped In Secretly 3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you concerning the salvation we share, I felt it was necessary for me to write, to urge you to continue to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once and for all. 4 For certain individuals slipped in secretly, about whom it was written some time ago that they are condemned. They are ungodly people who turn the grace of our God into a license for sin and deny our only Master [2] and Lord, Jesus Christ. 5 I want to remind you, though you already know all these things, that after the Lord [3] rescued his people out of the land of Egypt, he later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their position of authority but left their own dwelling place behind—God has kept them in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day. 7 Like Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who in a similar way indulged in extreme sexual immorality and pursued homosexual perversion, [4] they serve as an example of those who are going to suffer the punishment of eternal fire. 8 Yet, in the very same way, these dreamers are defiling the flesh, despising authority, and blaspheming glorious ones. 9 But when the archangel Michael was disputing with the Devil and arguing about the body of Moses, he did not dare to bring a blasphemous condemnation against him. Instead he said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these people do not understand what they are blaspheming. They are being destroyed by the very things that they know by instinct (like unreasoning animals). 11 Woe to them! They have gone the way of Cain. They have abandoned themselves for hire to the error of Balaam. They perished in Korah's rebellion. 12 These people are filthy stains on [5] your love feasts when they eat with you without fear, shepherding themselves. They are clouds without rain, being driven along by the winds. They are autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots. 13 They are wild waves of the sea piling up the foam of their own shame. They are wandering stars for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved for eternity. 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about these people, saying, “Look, the Lord is going to come with tens of thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment against all of them and to convict every soul concerning all their ungodly deeds, which they did in an ungodly way, and concerning all the harsh words that ungodly sinners spoke against him.” 16 These are discontented grumblers, who walk according to their lusts, and their mouths speak boastful things as they flatter others to take advantage of them. Footnotes Jude 1:1 A few witnesses to the text read sanctified. (“Witnesses to the text” mentioned in footnotes may include Greek manuscripts, lectionaries, translations, and quotations in the church fathers.) Jude 1:4 A few witnesses to the text add God. Jude 1:5 A few witnesses to the text read Jesus. Jude 1:7 Or went after unnatural flesh. See Genesis 19:4-9. Jude 1:12 Or hidden hazards at #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

We're popping a Curiously Kaitlyn episode into your feed this week because we're starting a brand-new Advent series, and—let's be honest—the nativity story gets weird. Kids notice all the odd details we learned to ignore, and suddenly you're fielding questions you did not prepare for in Sunday School.So instead of scrambling for answers all by yourself, you can join us all month as we explore the questions your kids (and most adults!) are genuinely curious about. First up: Who exactly are the wise men, and why do they show up in the nativity scene at all? If you enjoy the conversation, make sure you're subscribed to Curiously Kaitlyn wherever you get your podcasts. We've got a whole month of Christmas episodes coming your way. 0:00 - Theme Song   2:05 - What's Up With the Star?   9:00 - How Many Wise Men?   12:50 - Sponsor - Blueland - For 15% off first order of Blueland cleaning products, go to this link: https://www.blueland.com/CURIOUSLY   14:03 - Sponsor - Aura Frames - Need a holiday gift to share memories? Get 35% off the Aura Carver Mat Frame with promo code KAITLYN at https://www.auraframes.com   15:04 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/CURIOUSLY to receive 50% off your first order   17:00 - Why's this in the Bible?   27:00 - Balaam and the Magi   37:37 - End Credits

We all know the wise men from our nativity sets, but what's actually going on in this story? Who were the wise men, and why did Matthew include them in his accounting of the birth of Christ? This well-known but undeniably odd part of the nativity story is loaded with meaning that can reorient how we enter Advent. Kaitlyn and Producer Mike follow kids' simple questions about stars, gifts, and travel timelines into the deeper layers of Matthew's Gospel, where foreign astrologers, of all people, become some of the first to recognize Jesus as king. 0:00 - Theme Song   2:05 - What's Up With the Star?   9:00 - How Many Wise Men?   12:50 - Sponsor - Blueland - For 15% off first order of Blueland cleaning products, go to this link: https://www.blueland.com/CURIOUSLY   14:03 - Sponsor - Aura Frames - Need a holiday gift to share memories? Get 35% off the Aura Carver Mat Frame with promo code KAITLYN at https://www.auraframes.com   15:04 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/CURIOUSLY to receive 50% off your first order   17:00 - Why's this in the Bible?   27:00 - Balaam and the Magi   37:37 - End Credits

(This podcast was previously published on January 7, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   Jesus warned us about the last days when false ministers and false Christians would come in HIS name deceiving many:   Matthew 24    3 And as HE sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?   4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.   5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.   (Ministers and individuals in churches will come saying "Jesus is Lord" and because they say that, many will accept them and they will deceive "many".)   Paul calls them "angels of light":   II Corinthians 11   2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.   3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.   4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.   12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.   13  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.   14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.   15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.   The apostle Peter says:   2 Peter 2   1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.   2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.   3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.   12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;   13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;   14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:   15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;   16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.   17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.   18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.   19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.   20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.   21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.   22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.   *****   Jude   3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.   4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.   (They deny Jesus as they explain away "The Word" who is Jesus.)   12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;   (A cloud without water gives you a promise of rain but produces dryness, stealing your hope.)   13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.   16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.   17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;   18 How that they told you there should be mockers (imitators/copying others) in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.   19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.   ***   Jesus says concerning the scribes and Pharisees:   Matthew 23   4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.   (They ask you to give to them but they will give no money themselves to pay for their works.  They put a burden on you for their works.)   5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,   (They love to make their garments great to show themselves to be of God.)   6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,   7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.   8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.   9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.   10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.   (Today they call themselves "Reverend" causing men to give them respect.)   11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.   12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.   13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.   14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.   15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.   ***   Paul warns us that it will be even worse in the last days:   II Timothy 3   1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.   5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.   (They explain away the scriptures and will not allow certain scriptures to rule over their own lives.)   13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.   ***   Jesus says:   Matthew 24   12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.   13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.   ***   II Timothy 3   14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;   (That we have learned spiritual things from God.)   15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.   16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:   17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.   ***   The apostle Paul says:   II Corinthians 2:17  For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.   We see by this that many were deceitful in their presentations of the Word of God in the days of the apostle Paul.   And Paul said it would get worse in the last times before Jesus returns.   II Timothy 3:13   But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.   And Jesus said:   Matthew 24:4-5   Take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.   We have been amply warned in the Bible to beware of both ministers and individuals who come to us saying "Jesus is Lord" for there will be many deceivers in the last days.  They usually show themselves rather quickly by that which they say and by that which they do.  Pay attention.

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-91eda73308b3eb54d57c6f3260508376{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-91eda73308b3eb54d57c6f3260508376 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-91eda73308b3eb54d57c6f3260508376 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – November 302 Peter 2 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – November 30 2 Peter 2 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1130db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible A Warning About False Teachers 1 There were false prophets also among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved ways, and because of them the way of the truth will be blasphemed. 3 In their greed they will exploit you with fabricated messages. Their condemnation announced long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. God Will Punish These False Teachers 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned but handed them over to chains [1] of darkness by casting them into hell, to be kept under guard for judgment; 5 and if God did not spare the ancient world but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, along with seven others when he brought a flood on the world of ungodly people; 6 and if God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, [2] by turning them into ashes when he made them an example of things to come for the ungodly; [3] 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the unrestrained immorality of the wicked people 8 (while that righteous man was living among them, he was tormented in his righteous soul day after day by the lawless deeds he saw and heard); 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under guard until the day of judgment, in order to punish them. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the defiling lust of the flesh and who despise authority. Daring and arrogant, they do not tremble when they blaspheme glorious beings, 11 whereas angels, even though they are greater in strength and power, do not bring a slanderous judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these people blaspheme in matters about which they are ignorant, just like unreasoning creatures that live by instinct and are born to be captured and destroyed. So they too will be destroyed as a consequence of their destructive activity. 13 They will be paid back [4] for the harm they cause. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, who take delight in their deceitful pleasures [5] while they feast with you. 14 They have eyes full of longing for adulterous women and sins that never stop. They seduce unstable souls. They have trained their hearts for greed. They are children who are cursed. 15 They left the right way and went astray, following the path of Balaam, son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. 16 (He was rebuked for his disobedience. A donkey, which does not talk, spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet's madness.) 17 These men are wells without water, clouds driven away by a windstorm, for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved. [6] 18 For by uttering arrogant, empty words, they use the depraved lusts of the flesh to seduce those who are barely [7] escaping from those who live in error. 19 While they promise these people freedom, they themselves are slaves to corruption, for a person is a slave to what has control of him. The Tragedy of Being Led Back Into a Sinful Life 20 Indeed, if, after escaping the defiling things of the world through the knowledge of our [8] Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and controlled by them again, they are worse off than they were at first. 21 In fact, it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy command passed on to them. 22 They demonstrate the truth of the proverb: “A dog returns to its own vomit,” [9] and a washed sow returns to wallowing in the mud. Footnotes 2 Peter 2:4 Some witnesses to the text read dungeons. 2 Peter 2:6 A few witnesses omit to destruction. 2 Peter 2:6 Some witnesses to the text read an example of the people who are going to be ungodly. 2 Peter 2:13 A few witnesses to the text read They will suffer harm as the wages. 2 Peter 2:13 A few witnesses to the text read their love feasts. 2 Peter 2:17 Some witnesses to the text add forever. 2 Peter 2:18 Some witnesses to the text read actually. 2 Peter 2:20 Some witnesses to the text omit our. It would be replaced by the. 2 Peter 2:22 Proverbs 26:11 #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

A single thread runs from Eden to Bethlehem to an empty tomb, and we follow it step by step. We open with Jesus' own claim that the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms were written about Him, then trace how that claim reshapes the way we read Genesis through Deuteronomy. From the seed promised in Genesis 3 to Abraham's offspring who blesses the nations, from Judah's scepter to Balaam's star, the Torah forms a cohesive portrait of a Spirit-anointed King who would suffer, rise, and bring forgiveness to all peoples.We explore why “Messiah” means more than a royal title. Isaiah 11 describes an anointing not with oil but with the Holy Spirit, and John the Baptist recognizes Jesus by the Spirit descending and remaining on Him. That sign unlocks a chain of connections: the Prophet like Moses who speaks God's very words, the child called out of Egypt, the obedient Son who fulfills the law. Rather than reducing the Old Testament to isolated prophecies, we show the narrative logic that leads to Christ: promise, pattern, fulfillment. Along the way, we highlight types and foreshadows that prepare the heart for faith—Melchizedek's priest-king, Isaac's near sacrifice, Joseph's path from rejection to glory, the Passover lamb, the wilderness rock, and the sacrificial system that anticipates a greater atonement.The good news comes to a head in Paul's words: what the law could not do, God did by sending His Son. Jesus perfectly obeys, bears our sin, and gives His righteousness to those who are in Him, so there is now no condemnation. That's not a vague comfort; it's a new reality empowered by the Spirit. If you've ever wondered how the Torah points to Jesus, this conversation maps the route with clarity and reverence, showing how ancient promises become living hope.Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v9_l3C9aqI

Today, Balaam blesses Israel, but gives the Moabites sinful advice. Sexual immorality and idolatry bring a plague on the Israelites. Phinehas saves the day. Israel has to wipe out the Midianites.  Numbers 23:27-30; 24:1-9, 10-25; Revelation 2:13-14; Numbers 25:1-17; 21:1-24. #everydaychristians

What do we learn about the people of Israel and God's promises to them in the last chapters of Numbers? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 4 of our series on his book Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers to talk about Israel's track record of idolatry, the account of Balaam and Balak and how it points us to Christ, why the account of Zelophehad's daughters is unique, the last Promised Land update in Numbers, and how Numbers point us to Christ, our Conqueror and Redeemer. Find Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/hope-in-the-wilderness-practical-insights-from-the-book-of-numbers. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

If you would like additional information, books, or if you would like to make a love donation; please visit us at https://www.walkinginpower.orgThe study of Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 focuses on the seven letters Christ addresses to seven literal churches, which Bern interprets as a chronological history of the Church Age and a type of the end-time church condition. Each letter follows a structured pattern: a commendation (praise), a rebuke (criticism), an admonition (exhortation to repent), and a promise for overcomers. Bern establishes the historical context by noting that man has repeatedly rejected God's provisions: Israel rejected the Father in favor of the Law, Judah rejected the Son (Jesus) for the counterfeit (Barabbas), and the early Christian Church, following Pentecost, began rejecting the Holy Spirit in favor of denominationalism and man-made systems, leading to the quenching of the Spirit's power.Bern then begins analyzing the first churches, highlighting their historical and doctrinal significance. Ephesusrepresents the Early Apostolic Church (a church of duty and works) that Christ rebukes for losing its "first love" and being "backsliden." Smyrna represents the persecuted church from the Apostolic Age up to Constantine; notably, Christ gives this church no rebuke, only encouragement to remain faithful amid suffering. Pergamum represents the Imperial State Church under Rome, where Christ says "Satan's throne is." This church is praised for holding fast to the faith but strongly rebuked for holding the false teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans (clergy controlling the laity), indicating a doctrinal compromise and a "licentious" condition due to the influence of paganism. The letter to Thyatira (the most complicated) begins the discussion of the influence of the "Jezebel spirit," representing a period where the church tolerated immorality and idolatry by mixing pagan practices with Christian doctrine.

An episode from Bible Believers Baptist Church (BBBC), a conservative, independent body of King James Bible believers located in Corpus Christi, Texas. Bible Believers Baptist Church's statement of Faith:A Bible Baptist is one who believes in a supernatural Bible, which tells of a supernatural Christ, Who had a supernatural birth, Who spoke supernatural words, Who performed supernatural miracles, Who lived a supernatural life, Who died a supernatural death, Who rose in supernatural splendor, and Who will one day return in supernatural glory to establish a supernatural kingdom on earth. What BBBC believes about Creation: “We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; that man was created directly in God's own image and after His own likeness; that man's creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; and that all animal and vegetable life was made directly and God's established law was that they should bring forth only “after their kind.”What BBBC believes about Salvation: “We believe in God's electing grace; that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and an obedient faith; and nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.  We believe in salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary plus nothing.  Therefore, we do not believe that works are necessary for salvation, although once a person is saved, he should be careful to maintain good works.”What BBBC believes about Repentance and Faith: “We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God, thereby; being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger, helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior.” A message from BBBC to you: “If you are looking for a church in the Corpus Christi Texas area that preaches the Truth from God's Word, reach out to us at any time. We would love to hear from you at (361) 241-6100 or on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.my3bc.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You may also write to us at:Bible Believers Baptist Church1701 Rand Morgan RdCorpus Christi, TX 78410 Our messages are also available on our website for you:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.my3bc.com/global-resources/preaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have A Blessed Day, Bible Believers Baptist Church The KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast is directly supported by Doss Metrics LLC | Ministry Services based out of Cleveland Texas. If you have any questions regarding this podcast, or the churches hosted on the podcast, please reach out to us directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dossmetrics@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or write to us at: Doss Metrics | KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast1451 McBride Rd.Cleveland, TX 77328 God Bless#BevansWelder #BibleBelieversBaptistChurch #KJVPreaching #BaptistPreaching #PastorWelder #CorpusChristiChurche

Balaak, a Moabite king, pays a local prophet Balaam to curse Israel. God has other plans. Numbers 22:1-20, 21-41; 23:1-12, 13-26. #everydaychristians

Nehemiah had initially been given leave in approximatelyBC 470 by the Persian king Darius for a period of time after which he returned to Ecbatana (the king's palace in Shushan). Then a further thirteen years elapse (BC 457) he is again granted leave to return. Sadly, in his absence, there had been a decline described by the prophet Malachi. Nehemiah 13 would have been the last section of the Old Testament to have been written shortly after Malachi's prophecy. When we compare Malachi and Nehemiah 13 we see the same problems being addressed. The first few verses of Nehemiah 13 tell us that Nehemiah reads to his people from the Book of Moses that Balaam was able to bring a curse on Israel only when they mingle themselves among the profane, immoral and uncovenanted Moabites. So, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and this is what he found - the high priest's daughter was married to Tobiah (one of the great enemies of Israel) and the high priest had set up for Tobiah a room in the temple and had stopped the collecting of the tithes for the priests and Levites which had previously been stored in Tobiah's room. Nehemiah casts Tobiah and his furniture out of the temple. Then Nehemiah cleanses the house of God. Because the tithes had not been paid the Levites had been forced to abandon the teaching of the Law to the people and work as day labourers in the fields.Nehemiah quickly rectifies this problem. The sanctity of the Sabbath had again been lost and the foreign merchants had resumed their trade. Nehemiah asks for the LORD to remember him for good.Nehemiah's heart was always directed to Yahweh's and His people's service. The next problem described is the intermarriage between Jews and godless and uncovenanted foreigners. The result is total confusion and children who knew not their God (compare Malachi 2verses11-16 read aloud, pause and ponder). Nehemiah forcefully remonstrates with those who had committed this breach of faith with their God and reminds them that the marrying of uncovenanted wives was one of the greatest factors in the turning of Israel to idolatry at the time of Solomon - despite Solomon's great wisdom. The offerings are restored and Nehemiah in his final prayer says, "Remember me, O my God, for good".

God gives victory to the Israelites, but they still complain. Snakebites! Defeating Sihon and Giant King Og. The Moabites' scheme: defeat the Israelites with Balaam. The Exodus Route: Wilderness of Sinai by Steve Rudd; YouTube video: The Real Mt Sinai found in Saudi Arabia, The King's Highway at Wikipedia.com. Numbers 21:1-9, 10-20; 21:21-35; 33:1-56. #everydaychristians

Nehemiah had initially been given leave in approximately BC 470 by the Persian king Darius for a period of time after which he returned to Ecbatana (the king's palace in Shushan). Then a further thirteen years elapse (BC 457) he is again granted leave to return. Sadly, in his absence, there had been a decline described by the prophet Malachi. Nehemiah 13 would have been the last section of the Old Testament to have been written shortly after Malachi's prophecy. When we compare Malachi and Nehemiah 13 we see the same problems being addressed. The first few verses of Nehemiah 13 tell us that Nehemiah reads to his people from the Book of Moses that Balaam   was able to bring a curse on Israel only when they mingle themselves among the profane, immoral and uncovenanted Moabites. So, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and this is what he found - the high priest's daughter was married to Tobiah (one of the great enemies of Israel) and the high priest had set up for Tobiah a room in the temple and had stopped the collecting of the tithes for the priests and Levites which had previously been stored in Tobiah's room. Nehemiah casts Tobiah and his furniture out of the temple. Then Nehemiah cleanses the house of God. Because the tithes had not been paid the Levites had been forced to abandon the teaching of the Law to the people and work as day labourers in the fields. Nehemiah quickly rectifies this problem. The sanctity of the Sabbath had again been lost and the foreign merchants had resumed their trade. Nehemiah asks for the LORD to remember him for good. Nehemiah's heart was always directed to Yahweh's and His people's service. The next problem described is the intermarriage between Jews and godless and uncovenanted foreigners. The result is total confusion and children who knew not their God (compare Malachi 2verses11-16 read aloud, pause and ponder). Nehemiah forcefully remonstrates with those who had committed this breach of faith with their God and reminds them that the marrying of uncovenanted wives was one of the greatest factors in the turning of Israel to idolatry at the time of Solomon - despite Solomon's great wisdom. The offerings are restored and Nehemiah in his final prayer says, "Remember me, O my God, for good". The message of Amos 5 is to seek Yahweh and live. In the opening verse there is a lament that the virgin daughter of Jerusalem is fallen and without her Sovereign's aid she cannot not rise again. There will come a famine so severe that a city of 1,000 people would be left only 100 - of a city of 100 would be left only 10. Verses 4 and 6 say that the nation must seek Yahweh if they are to live. Verse 5 speaks of 3 centres of significance in the nation's history - places of significant decisions and places of true worshipping in the past. The nation had turned God's values upside down. Speakers of truth were derisively mocked. The poor have been trampled and exploited. Nothing would be done without bribes. The prophet counsels the nation to behold the power of the One they were shunning - He had made the 7 virgins (the constellation Pleiades) and Orion (the giant). If, verse 14, they are to now to seek the LORD, they may yet be spared. The chapter concludes with powerful metaphors of God's justice - read verse 24 aloud, "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness as an ever-flowing river" verse 24 (ESV pause and ponder). Those who expressed a desire to see "the day of the LORD" would regret the inescapable judgments that would follow one after another. God abhorred their sacrifices. It was as though they were being offered to an idol that cried out for blood (verses 25-27 are cited by Stephen in his defence in Acts 7verses42-43). In chapter 2 of 2 Timothy, we are told of the Apostle Paul passing on the baton, of faithful stewardship in the Truth, to Timothy his own true son in the faith. Paul also passes on the responsibility of the charge that Timothy, in turn, must find faithful stewards for the safeguarding of our hope. The Apostle gives three examples of patient endurance in hardship - the soldier must do as commanded; the athlete must abide by the rules to receive the wreath (and avoid disqualification); the farmer must first eat of the crop without after labouring to produce it. And although, says the Apostle, I am a bound prisoner, the Word of God cannot be bound. Furthermore, Jesus Christ is the true and resurrected seed of David. Verses 11-13 give the fourth faithful saying (or "word" as the Greek for 'saying' indicates.) Read aloud, pause and ponder. The results of suffering with Christ remains true whether or not we stay faithful to the calling. This is because faithfulness is a certainty for God and His Son. A workman of God must show diligence and application to the harmonious teaching of the Word of God (v15). But Timothy must also shun the shallow and false teachers, whose words make shipwreck of faith. The specific teachings of Hymenaeus and Philetus were to say that there would be no future resurrection - perhaps they had been corrupted by the pagan Greek philosophy of the immortality of the soul. In verse 19 the Apostle twice cites the Old Testament - 1) "God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal, 'The Lord knows who are his'" (ESV); and 2) "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity" (ESV). The Almighty has vessels suitable for humble purposes and also for grander occasions. Timothy is counselled to flee youthful passions; and rather to earnestly pursue (Greek - as though hunting a hostile enemy that must be destroyed cp Psalm 34verses14; where the Hebrew word "pursue" is of identical meaning) righteousness, faith, love and peace together with all similar purehearted believers. Timothy must exercise the utmost patience to all in the hope that God might cause even those who are contentious to acknowledge (Greek 'epignosis' i.e. what we do about the knowledge that has been gained from God's Word - knowledge which impels correct action) the Truth. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Andy Cantrell

This message explores the story of Balaam and teaches us the importance of seeking God's answer—not just His permission. When God says no, it's often His protection. Learn how to recognize His guidance and trust His direction the first time He speaks.

Nehemiah 11 gives the names of those returned exiles who live in Jerusalem and those who live in the surrounding villages. Their names and the work for which they are responsible is very important in the Bible. Those in Jerusalem include priests, Levites and singers; gatekeepers (all of those were very important roles for the worshipping of the nation). From the villages particular mention is made of the craftsmen who despite the great difficulty in building put themselves and their families in peril because of their love for their brothers and sisters and for their God.Amos 3 tells of the close and unique relationship God has with His people, Israel. This means that the nation had a great responsibility to Him, as their Father; and that He would chastise them for ignoring His commandments. Sadly, the nation of Israel by their actions in joining themselves to their idols had severed their association and agreement with their Sovereign. Israel was walking in the opposite direction than what He asks of them. Four analogies are provided of cause and effect. The lion roars when the prey is caught; the fowler does not take up a trap until he has snared a bird; fear comes upon a person when the warning trumpet sounds an alarm; likewise, the Lord GOD will not send chastisement without first warning His people via His servants, the prophets. Yahweh would roar in visiting His people with the consequences of their actions. The prophet says the surrounding nations will see the justice of the LORD's judgments. It seems that because of Israel's covetousness it is impossible for them to act justly. The. accumulated wealth of the rich will always justifiably attract plunder (cp Romans 2verses2-11; James 5verses1-6). Bethel was the place where the worshipping of God had in the past been central to the nation's instruction in the ways of God. This city, which means "the House of God" will be laid waste.1 Timothy 6 says that servants must honourably bear the responsibility of faithful service. The chapter next sounds a warning against false teachers and this is followed by one of the greatest, and possibly the hardest, lesson to learn - i.e. that godliness with contentment is the greatest profit a believer can have in life. We can take nothing with us when we die. All that is important is the legacy that the Almighty sees - a life of devotion to Him and service to others - a life rich in good works. To pursue any other course is a guarantee of frustration and sorrow (just as Balaam found out). Verse 10 tells us, "the love of money" (Greek "philaguros" - literally "lover of silver" which has in Greek the numeric value of 666) is 'a root of all kinds of evil'. In verses 11-16 Timothy (and each believer) is urged to fight the fight of faith following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave a faithful witness before Pontius Pilate - costing our Lord Jesus his life. Jesus will, on his return to earth, set up the glorious kingdom of God demonstrating the power and honour of the King Invisible (God the Almighty Father) and the benefits that will come to those who live life by this guide. The letter concludes with a reminder to safeguard the deposit which had been committed to Timothy and a charge to the rich to avoid pride. The rich are counselled to use their God given resources to benefit others (the lesson being based on the life of Hezekiah cp2 Kings 20verses12-16). Let us learn godliness with contentment; richness in faith and loving works to others - pause and ponder.

Nehemiah 11 gives the names of those returned exiles who live in Jerusalem and those who live in the surrounding villages. Their names and the work for which they are responsible is very important in the Bible. Those in Jerusalem include priests, Levites and singers; gatekeepers (all of those were very important roles for the worshipping of the nation). From the villages particular mention is made of the craftsmen who despite the great difficulty in building put themselves and their families in peril because of their love for their brothers and sisters and for their God. Amos 3 tells of the close and unique relationship God has with His people, Israel. This means that the nation had a great responsibility to Him, as their Father; and that He would chastise them for ignoring His commandments. Sadly, the nation of Israel by their actions in joining themselves to their idols had severed their association and agreement with their Sovereign. Israel was walking in the opposite direction than what He asks of them. Four analogies are provided of cause and effect. The lion roars when the prey is caught; the fowler does not take up a trap until he has snared a bird; fear comes upon a person when the warning trumpet sounds an alarm; likewise, the Lord GOD will not send chastisement without first warning His people via His servants, the prophets. Yahweh would roar in visiting His people with the consequences of their actions. The prophet says the surrounding nations will see the justice of the LORD's judgments. It seems that because of Israel's covetousness it is impossible for them to act justly. The. accumulated wealth of the rich will always justifiably attract plunder (cp Romans 2verses2-11; James 5verses1-6). Bethel was the place where the worshipping of God had in the past been central to the nation's instruction in the ways of God. This city, which means "the House of God" will be laid waste. 1 Timothy 6 says that servants must honourably bear the responsibility of faithful service. The chapter next sounds a warning against false teachers and this is followed by one of the greatest, and possibly the hardest, lesson to learn - i.e. that godliness with contentment is the greatest profit a believer can have in life. We can take nothing with us when we die. All that is important is the legacy that the Almighty sees - a life of devotion to Him and service to others - a life rich in good works. To pursue any other course is a guarantee of frustration and sorrow (just as Balaam found out). Verse 10 tells us, "the love of money" (Greek "philaguros" - literally "lover of silver" which has in Greek the numeric value of 666) is 'a root of all kinds of evil'. In verses 11-16 Timothy (and each believer) is urged to fight the fight of faith following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave a faithful witness before Pontius Pilate - costing our Lord Jesus his life. Jesus will, on his return to earth, set up the glorious kingdom of God demonstrating the power and honour of the King Invisible (God the Almighty Father) and the benefits that will come to those who live life by this guide. The letter concludes with a reminder to safeguard the deposit which had been committed to Timothy and a charge to the rich to avoid pride. The rich are counselled to use their God given resources to benefit others (the lesson being based on the life of Hezekiah cp 2 Kings 20verses12-16). Let us learn godliness with contentment; richness in faith and loving works to others - pause and ponder.

Christian Riou in conversation with David Eastaugh  https://www.facebook.com/claytowntroupe The Claytown Troupe were formed in 1984 in Bristol by lead singer Christian Riou, who claimed in an NME interview that a local clairvoyant advised him to form a band called "the Clayton Troop" who would have success internationally and spend time in America. During 2025, the current Claytown Troupe lineup supported: The Godfathers at the Garage, London. Spear of destiny at the 100 club London, Cardiff and Brighton. Gene Loves Jezebel in Oxford, Birmingham and The Lexington, London. Darkfest, an alternative rock festival in Wolverhampton with Balaam and the Angel. They have been announced as the support for Fields of the Nephilim in October 2025, at Manchester, Glasgow (with Balaam) and the Forum, London.   

How does Numbers point us to Christ, our conqueror and redeemer? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 3 of our series on his book Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers to talk about the account of Moses striking the rock to receive water, why God barred Moses from the Promised Land, the account of the bronze serpent and how this points to Christ, what we learn about Israel's relationship with other nations, and an introduction to Balaam and Balak. Find Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/hope-in-the-wilderness-practical-insights-from-the-book-of-numbers. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

I opened the show with Balaam, the original for-profit prophet. He was not the last one. We still have plenty today with nice suits, studio lighting, and partner plans "…if you act now!" Balaam took the job, hopped on his donkey, and headed out. God blocked the road. The donkey saw it. Balaam did not. After a few detours and a smashed foot, the donkey finally spoke. And instead of freezing or questioning reality, Balaam argued with her as if this was completely normal. That part always gets me. Did animals talk a lot back then? I live around horses and cattle here in Montana. If one of them said, "Peter, we need to talk," I would like to think I would pause and reconsider a few things. Balaam did not. He snapped right back at the donkey and missed the angel standing in the road. And thinking about it, as a caregiver, do I often do the same thing? I get locked in on what I am trying to do … and miss the very thing God may be using to protect me. Sometimes the obstacle is not the problem. It is the rescue. In the next segment, a listener asked about spiritual attack. I kept it simple. Satan had to ask permission for Job. He had to ask for Peter. He has to ask for us. The enemy does not get an open gate to God's people. I rest more in that truth than in anything I feel on a hard day. Then the show moved from talking donkeys to unpacking boxes. Gracie and I are sorting through years of stored belongings. She remembers exactly where every decorative plate hung in our old kitchen. I sometimes need a leaf blower to find my desk. The process has reminded me how much I hold on to, not only physical things, but guilt, fear, and expectations that weigh more than any box in the house. That led naturally to the hymn for the week, "Take My Life and Let It Be," which Frances Havergal wrote as a kind of spiritual clean-out, offering each part of herself back to God. If the episode has a theme, it is simple. Pay attention. When something in your life suddenly speaks, pause before arguing with it. God may be standing in the road for your good, even if the warning arrives through a stubborn creature with very long ears. Caregiving gets heavier during the holidays. Let 40 years of experience walk with you. Books By Peter Rosenberger. Books from Peter Rosenberger               I opened the show with Balaam, the original for-profit prophet. He was not the last one. We still have plenty today with nice suits, studio lighting, and partner plans "…if you act now!" Balaam took the job, hopped on his donkey, and headed out. God blocked the road. The donkey saw it. Balaam did not. After a few detours and a smashed foot, the donkey finally spoke. And instead of freezing or questioning reality, Balaam argued with her as if this was completely normal. That part always gets me. Did animals talk a lot back then? I live around horses and cattle here in Montana. If one of them said, "Peter, we need to talk," I would like to think I would pause and reconsider a few things. Balaam did not. He snapped right back at the donkey and missed the angel standing in the road. And thinking about it, as a caregiver, do I often do the same thing? I get locked in on what I am trying to do … and miss the very thing God may be using to protect me. Sometimes the obstacle is not the problem. It is the rescue. In the next segment, a listener asked about spiritual attack. I kept it simple. Satan had to ask permission for Job. He had to ask for Peter. He has to ask for us. The enemy does not get an open gate to God's people. I rest more in that truth than in anything I feel on a hard day. Then the show moved from talking donkeys to unpacking boxes. Gracie and I are sorting through years of stored belongings. She remembers exactly where every decorative plate hung in our old kitchen. I sometimes need a leaf blower to find my desk. The process has reminded me how much I hold on to, not only physical things, but guilt, fear, and expectations that weigh more than any box in the house. That led naturally to the hymn for the week, "Take My Life and Let It Be," which Frances Havergal wrote as a kind of spiritual clean-out, offering each part of herself back to God. If the episode has a theme, it is simple. Pay attention. When something in your life suddenly speaks, pause before arguing with it. God may be standing in the road for your good, even if the warning arrives through a stubborn creature with very long ears. Caregiving gets heavier during the holidays. Let 40 years of experience walk with you. Books By Peter Rosenberger. Books from Peter Rosenberger                

Jude's letter, while brief, is both pointed and to the point. While he had hoped to write a letter of encouragement and celebration in the gospel, he realized it was more prudent to encourage them to contend for the faith against those false teachings which had infiltrated the church. Pointing back to Sodom and Gomorrah, the rebellion in the wilderness after the exodus, to Balaam, to Cain, and to those who rebelled with Korah, he asserts that these people who deny Jesus and who rely on dreams will be doomed to hell. In these end times there are certain to be scoffers who live according to their ungodly desires, who create division, and who are worldly. Even so, he encourages the church to have mercy on those who waver. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

What do you do when God has already declared a blessing over your life, but everything around you tries to convince you otherwise? In this sermon, Pastor Chauncey Brown reminds us that when God speaks a blessing, no enemy, circumstance, or voice of opposition can overturn it. Drawing from the story of Balaam in Numbers 22 through 24, Pastor Brown teaches that the Israelites could not be cursed because God had already called them blessed. This sermon assures every believer that the blessings of God are permanent, protected, and backed by His faithfulness. Pastor Brown encourages you to stand confidently in what God has spoken, regardless of your past or your current season. What God blesses remains blessed, and no force in the earth or in the spirit can reverse what He has declared over your life. Sermon Scriptures: Numbers 23:20; Numbers 22-24   We stream live every Sunday at 11 am and every Wednesday at 8 pm. Visit our website: https://perfectingfaithchurch.com  Connect with us on social media!  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerfectingFaithChurch/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectingfaithchurch/  X: https://x.com/PFCNY   Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perfectingfaithchurch  

Jude warns that it is possible to sit among God's people while carrying a distorted gospel that leads to destruction. The examples of Israel in the wilderness, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Balaam show how easily people can convince themselves that they are safe while moving in a direction that opposes God. Jude highlights this danger using aorist verbs, describing the fate of false teachers as though the judgment has already occurred. The warning is clear: “These people…turn the grace of […] The post The Way of Balaam appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.

Numbers 22-24. There are not many Bible stories that have an animal as a key character. In the story of Balaam, the Bible tells us he knew the word of God. Balaam learns that God's will always wins. In this study, Evangelist Gavin Williams examines how Balaam constantly rebels against God's will to his own detriment.

My best days are many times sleepless nights.God has often made the most resounding impact on His hard-headed slave -me- through sleepless nights wrestling with Him.This delayed episode is just one occasion of God's work on a dull hearer. We will see how dangerous it is to believe we pray primarily to get what we want. We follow Balak and Balaam as they persist in prayer, which is clearly against God's will. Ploy 1: Everyone thinks it's a good idea.Ploy 2: Really distinguished men think it is a good idea.Ploy 3: God's servant will get lots of money if you say yes.Ploy 4: Worship, I will give lots of worship if you only give me this.Ploy 5: Threatening the servant of God. (I get my ploys a little out of order. Lol out loud)Balaam finally comes to his senses, but what time I have wasted praying for stones and snakes dull in learning, the joy of my soul resting in my converse with my gracious Savior. "What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.frponprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008Episode 003

God's people are just about to head into the Promised Land, but are completely unaware of a threat behind the scenes. The prophet Balaam was hired to curse the Israelites and damage their relationship with the God of Israel. What we'll explore together this Sunday is how God can turn the intended curses of others into blessings, promises, and hope for our future. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show

Revelation 2:12-17 ESV “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'

When God “interrupts” your plans, He's not ruining your life. He's rescuing your purpose. From Saul's lost donkeys to Moses' burning bush, Jonah's detour, Balaam's stubborn donkey, and Paul's blinding light, Pastor David shows how divine interruptions redirect us from chasing lesser things to stepping into a higher call.

"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it," (Numbers 23.19-20). Balaam was paid by Balak to curse the people of God. But this is what Balaam said, “God is not a man that He should lie, neither a son of man that He should repent (change His mind) – what He said, shall He not do it, and what He has spoken will He not make it happen?!” God cannot lie, He cannot change what He has said. And in the next verse Balaam says, God has blessed, no one can change it! When you have learnt power with God, God will begin to bless your life, your home, your family, your finance, your job – everything about your life! 

What Type of Christian Are You Going To Be? • Sunday Service Website: www.toddcoconato.com | www.pastortodd.org To give and support this ministry and these broadcasts: www.toddcoconato.com/give 1. Revelation 2:2–4 (NKJV) “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” 2. Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” 3. Revelation 2:14 (NKJV) “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.” 4. Revelation 2:20 (NKJV) “Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” 5. Revelation 3:1 (NKJV) “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” 6. Revelation 3:16–17 (NKJV) “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” 7. Revelation 3:8 (NKJV) “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” CCLI: 21943673

Peter Rosenberger unpacks Balaam's story and how God sometimes uses unexpected means to stop us in our tracks and redirect our stubborn hearts.

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Pondering the Bible,' co-hosts Ken Corkins and Rocky Ellison explore Jude verses 8-16 from the New Living Translation. They discuss how false teachings, particularly those of the antinomians advocating for licentious behavior, are criticized and warned against by Jude. Drawing parallels from biblical figures like Cain, Balaam, and Korah, the discussion highlights the dire consequences of defying God's commands. The episode also touches on Jude's use of common literature of the time, such as the 'Assumption of Moses' and the book of 'Enoch,' to make his points more relatable. Additionally, the hosts prepare for a change in their church's routine with a guest pastor delivering the upcoming Sunday's sermon, offering a fresh perspective on their ongoing series.There is no associated sermon this week.NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Recorded, edited and mixed by Snikrock

God's people are on the move and the nations around them are getting extremely nervous.  They band together and call on a Prophet for Profit—Balaam.  Balaam knows God and knows he should obey God.  But, like us, sometimes it's hard for Balaam to obey God when there is so much money on the line. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Don't Miss the Hour of God's Visitation — What Kind of Christian Will You Be? • Friday Service Website: www.toddcoconato.com | www.pastortodd.org To give and support this ministry and these broadcasts: www.toddcoconato.com/give Luke 19:41–44 (NKJV) Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Revelation 2:2–4 (NKJV) “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Revelation 2:9–10 (NKJV) “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:13–14 (NKJV) “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.” Revelation 2:19–20 (NKJV) “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” Revelation 3:1–2 (NKJV) “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.'” Revelation 3:8 (NKJV) “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:15–17 (NKJV) “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'— and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

In this final prophecy of Balaam, Dr. Jesse Waggoner will show us how we can learn to recognize and worship the supreme Ruler of all things.

Listen to this week's sermon, In the Wilderness preached by Pastoral Resident Kenneth Dyches from Numbers 22 and 23.

====================================================SUSCRIBETEhattps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1====================================================DEVOCIÓN MATUTINA PARA ADOLESCENTES 2025“HABLEMOS CLARO”Narrado por: Mone MuñozDesde: Buenos Aires, ArgentinaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist Church===================|| www.drministries.org ||===================04 de NoviembreEscuchar y obedecer"Y vino Dios a Balaam de noche, y le dijo: Si vinieron para llamarte estos hombres, levántate y vete con ellos; pero harás lo que yo te diga" (Números 22:20, RV1960).En el libro de Números encontramos la historia de Balaam, un profeta que fue llamado por Balac, el rey de Moab, para maldecir al pueblo de Israel. Veamos qué lecciones podemos aprender de este personaje. El versículo de hoy es parte de un momento clave en la vida de Balaam. Aunque inicialmente Balaam obedeció la orden original de Dios de no ir con los mensajeros de Balac, Dios se le apareció en la noche y le dio una nueva instrucciones clara y específica. Le dijo que podía ir con ellos, pero debía hacer solamente lo que Dios le dijera.La historia de Balaam nos enseña que escuchar y obedecer a Dios es fundamental. A menudo podemos encontrarnos en situaciones en las que se nos presentan opciones y decisiones importantes. En esos momentos, es vital buscar la guía y la dirección de Dios, a través de su Palabra y el Espíritu Santo.Balaam también nos muestra las consecuencias de la desobediencia. A pesar de haber recibido instrucciones claras de Dios, Balaam permitió que la codicia y el deseo de ganancias personales lo llevaran por el camino equivocado. Aunque inicialmente quería maldecir al pueblo de Israel, Dios intervino y Balaam solo pudo pronunciar bendiciones sobre ellos.Como jóvenes, a menudo nos enfrentamos a decisiones difíciles y tentaciones que pueden alejarnos de la voluntad de Dios. La historia de Balaam nos recuerda la importancia de estar atentos a su voz y de obedecer sus instrucciones, incluso cuando eso signifique renunciar a nuestros propios deseos y ambiciones.Ojalá podamos aprender de la experiencia de Balaam cuán necesario es obedecer a Dios y ser humildes; y que, así, nuestras decisiones y acciones sean un testimonio poderoso de nuestra fe y obediencia a Dios.Oración: Querido Dios, ayúdame a escuchar tu voz y a obedecer tus instrucciones, al igual que Balaam. 

Dr. Randy White explores Balaam: a prophet who spoke divine truth yet lived in rebellion, offering a timeless warning about corrupt hearts behind righteous words.

News thriving on drama; Problems when not doing what Christ said; What was Abraham doing?; Understanding the bible text; Eating meat with blood in it; What Christ commanded; "Liturgy"; Solution to world's problems; "Israel"; Generations of Esau = Edom; "Corban"; Sacrifice; Cursing your children with debt; Recognizing righteousness; Gen 37:1 Jacob in Canaan; "Strangers"?; Idolatry = covetousness; Jacob's ladder; Rights; Joseph tattling on brothers; "Flocks"?; Joseph's dream; Dominion over people; Tav+Mem-shin-lamad+biet+nun+vav (dominion); Lot?; Abimelech; Forcing offerings/sacrifice; Membership in social safety nets; Tents for cattle?; Jealousy of brothers; Sachem (consent); Returning every man to family and possessions; Kings? (rulers); Perfect law of liberty; Knowing Holy Spirit; "Dothen"?; Plotting to slay Joseph; Evil beast?; Socialists; Sequence of Hebrew text; Ruben's advice (plan); The pit you're in; Selling Joseph to Ishmaelites; Willingness to sell neighbor into bondage; One purse; 1 Sam 8; Hearing your brother; Faking Joseph's death; Types of kings; Forewarning of famine; Wrath of God; Loving the light; Claiming to know Moses; How to be a free people; Leavened bread; Corruption; Strong delusion; Idols?; The ways of Jacob; Gen 33:17; Setting your brother free; Choosing the direction of your life; Learning to be Israel; Coat of many colors?; Imaginary freedom; Abraham's dream - burning lamp; Organizing in Tens; Tithing vs taxes; Identifying the "evil report"; Deut 12:23; meat with blood in it; Biting one another; Error of Balaam and deeds of the Nicolaitans; Appetite for benefits; Need for repentance; Feeding the sheep; resh-ayin-hey; Truth - Be ready to repent.

This message by Conley Owens was presented at #doreancon 2025 on "The Stewardship of Scripture" at Silicon Valley Reformed Baptist Church in Sunnyvale, CA.Read the article version of this message.SIGN THE STATEMENT on the stewardship of Scripture⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sellingjesus.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thedoreanprinciple.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠copy.church

The story of Balaam and his talking donkey is filled with irony and wisdom. Listen today to see how this weird story offers powerful truths that bring encouragement and deepen our relationship with God.

Scripture - Revelation 2:12–17To the Church in Pergamum[12] “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.[13] “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. [14] But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. [15] So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. [16] Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. [17] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.' (ESV)

NOTAS DE ELENADOMINGO, 26 DE OCTUBRELA INIQUIDAD DE LOS CANANEOSEn la torna de Jericó, el poderoso General de los ejércitos planeó la batalla con tanta sencillez que ningún ser humano pudo atribuirse la gloria. Ninguna mano humana debía derribar los muros de la ciudad, no fuera que el hombre se atribuyera la gloria de la victoria. También hoy, ningún ser humano debe atribuirse la gloria del trabajo que lleve a cabo. Solo el Señor debe ser magnificado. ¡Oh, si los hombres comprendieran la necesidad de buscar a Dios para recibir instrucciones! El Señor guio a sus ejércitos hacia la ciudad condenada; ninguna mano humana se alzó contra ella; las huestes del cielo derribaron sus muros para que solo el nombre de Dios pudiera tener la gloria. Era aquella la ciudad orgullosa cuyos poderosos baluartes habían aterrorizado a los espías incrédulos. Ahora con la captura de Jericó, Dios mostró a los hebreos que si hubieran confiado en él, sus padres podrían haber poseído la ciudad cuarenta años antes. La debilidad de los hombres encontrará fuerza y ayuda sobrenaturales en cada conflicto severo para realizar las hazañas de la Omnipotencia, y la perseverancia en la fe y la perfecta confianza en Dios asegurarán el éxito. Mientras la antigua confederación del mal está organizada contra ellos, él les manda que sean valientes y fuertes y que luchen valerosamente porque tienen un cielo que ganar, y tienen en sus filas a Alguien que es más que un ángel, el poderoso General de los ejércitos que conduce los ejércitos del cielo. En ocasión de la toma de Jericó, ninguno de los ejércitos de Israel pudo alabarse de haber usado su fuerza finita para derribar los muros de la ciudad, sino que el Príncipe del ejército de Jehová planeó esa batalla con la mayor sencillez, para que el Señor solo recibiera la gloria y el hombre no se exaltara a sí mismo. Dios nos ha prometido todo poder; porque la promesa es para vosotros y vuestros hijos, y para todos los que están muy distantes, tantos como el Señor llame. Debe haber una fe y una confianza continuas en el Capitán de nuestra salvación. Debemos obedecer sus órdenes. Las paredes de Jericó cayeron como resultado de obedecer órdenes (Conflicto y valor, 22 de abril, p. 118). La suerte de Balaam se asemejó a la de Judas, y los caracteres de ambos son muy parecidos. Trataron de reunir el servicio de Dios y el de Mammón, y fracasaron completamente. Balaam reconocía al verdadero Dios y profesaba servirle; Judas creía en Cristo como el Mesías y se unió a sus discípulos. Pero Balaam esperaba usar el servicio de Jehová como escalera para alcanzar riquezas y honores mundanos; al fracasar en esto, tropezó, cayó y se perdió. Judas esperaba que su unión con Cristo le asegurase riquezas y elevación en aquel reino terrestre que, según creía, el Mesías estaba por establecer. El fracaso de sus esperanzas le empujó a la apostasía y a la perdición. Tanto Balaam como Judas recibieron mucha iluminación espiritual y ambos gozaron de grandes prerrogativas; pero un solo pecado que ellos abrigaban en su corazón, envenenó todo su carácter y causó su destrucción... Un solo pecado que se conserve irá depravando el carácter, y sujetará al mal deseo todas sus facultades más nobles. La eliminación de una sola salvaguardia de la conciencia, la gratificación de un solo hábito pernicioso, una sola negligencia con respecto a los altos requerimientos del deber, quebrantan las defensas del alma y abren el camino a Satanás para que entre y nos extravíe. El único procedimiento seguro consiste en elevar diariamente con corazón sincero la oración que ofrecía David: "Sustenta mis pasos en tus caminos, porque mis pies no resbalen". Salmo 17:5 (Conflicto y valor, p. 114). 

In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil welcomes Dr. Kyle Dunham to discuss Michael B. Shepherd's new book, An Introduction to the Making and Meaning of the Bible. They explore how Scripture's composition—especially in the Old Testament—reveals its message through narrative framed by poetry, editorial comments, and programmatic passages. Dunham highlights examples like Jacob's and Moses's blessings, the Balaam oracles, and the way books begin and end to signal theological themes. The conversation also covers textual criticism and translation, including the roles of the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and why Jeremiah's textual history is uniquely complex. Turning to compositional strategy, they trace messianic trajectories in the Old Testament and show how the New Testament mirrors and fulfills these patterns through the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles. Along the way, Dunham offers appreciative engagement with Shepherd's insights while noting points of critique—such as privileging the Septuagint in certain cases and the balance of kingdom and covenant themes.Learn More about DBTS at https://dbts.eduLearn More about Rice Lecture Series at https://dbts.edu/rice

This episode features a full length Bible study taught by Pastor Jack Abeelen of Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California.If today you prayed with Pastor Jack to receive the Lord, we'd love to hear about it and get you started on the right foot. Visit us online at: https://morningstarcc.org/born-again/To see more of Pastor Jack's Bible studies, visit our Morningstar Christian Chapel channel at https://www.youtube.com/@morningstarcc.To subscribe to our Podcast newsletter go to http://eepurl.com/iGzsP6.If you would like to support our electronic ministry, you may do so by going to our donations page at https://morningstarcc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/podcast.Visit our church website at https://morningstarcc.org.

Listen to The Blessings of Balaam with Pastor Shindoll from Sunday Morning, October 12, 2025.Love is our Why. Join Us Online at 10/11 AM on Sundays and 7:30 PM on Wednesdays. To give online, visit wayoflife.church/give or text the word GIVE to 817-382-3270, click the link, and follow the prompts. If you need prayer, visit wayoflife.church/connect so we can pray for you.

There are times when a person may feel that he is being treated, quote-unquote, "unfairly" by Hashem. He tries so hard to do good, but it seems like everything keeps getting thrown back in his face. The natural inclination in those moments is to want to turn away, to give up. But if he does, he will lose out on the greatest possible gain. When Hashem puts a person through these kinds of challenges, they are golden opportunities—doorways that can bring him to unimaginable heights. If instead of turning away, a person continues to serve Hashem with even more love and more passion, he earns merits beyond comprehension. Avraham Avinu spent his life teaching the world about Hashem. His deepest longing was to have a child who would take over that mission and continue spreading Hashem's light. But for decades, it seemed impossible. Avraham and Sarah could not have children. One night, Hashem lifted Avraham above the stars and told him: " הבט נא השמימה וספור הכוכבים… כה יהיה זרעך " ( בראשית ט״ו:ה ). Chazal explain that Hashem was showing him that the Jewish people are above the mazalot—beyond the dictates of nature. Even if something appears impossible, Hashem can change it in an instant. Hashem then promised Avraham that he would indeed have a child who would carry on his mission. Avraham waited patiently, nearly thirty years, for that promise to be fulfilled. Finally, he and Sarah were blessed with Yitzchak. They poured their lives into raising him, nurturing him to become the great tzaddik he was destined to be. And then one day, Hashem issued a command that defied all logic: " קח נא את בנך את יחידך אשר אהבת את יצחק והעלהו שם לעולה " ( בראשית כ״ב:ב )-to bring Yitzchak as a sacrifice. From a human perspective, Avraham could have cried out: "This was my life's mission! This was the child I was promised! Now it's all being taken away?" That would have been understandable. But Avraham took a different path. He rose very early the next morning, eager to fulfill Hashem's will. He even saddled his own donkey—though he had countless servants—because he wanted to show his zealous love for Hashem. He went with passion, not despair. And that single act created merits that still protect us thousands of years later. When the Jewish people were in the desert, Balak and Balaam plotted to destroy them. The Chatam Sofer says this was one of the most dangerous moments in our history. Balaam tried to use the power of zealousness to sway Hashem. He, too, arose early and saddled his donkey to curse the Jewish people. But Hashem replied: "You wicked man, My beloved Avraham has already preceded you! He rose early and saddled his donkey to serve Me out of love. In his merit, you will never harm his children." Avraham had no idea at the time how much he was accomplishing. By serving Hashem with joy even in the face of what seemed like betrayal, he laid down eternal protection for his descendants. We see this pattern again with Yosef HaTzaddik. He was living a holy life, learning Torah every day with his father, Yaakov. Suddenly, his life was turned upside down. He was sold into slavery, torn from his family, and thrust into the moral depravity of Egypt. And then, when he was at his lowest, Yosef faced one of the most difficult challenges in history—the test of Potiphar's wife. He could have said: "This is my reward for living so purely? Why should I keep trying?" But instead, Yosef resisted with all his might. Centuries later, when the Jewish people stood trapped at the Yam Suf with the Egyptians pursuing them, it was Yosef's bones that were carried to the water. In his merit of running away from sin, the sea split. Yosef had no idea that his private moment of self-control, when faced with so many difficulties, would one day save millions of lives. This is what is at stake when we feel tested, when life seems unfair. We cannot imagine what our Emunah and perseverance will bring. If instead of complaining or questioning, we rise to the challenge and serve Hashem with more love, we are not only helping ourselves—we are bringing blessing to our children, grandchildren, and all of Klal Yisrael.

Who can we trust today? That's the question Dr. McGee helps us answer as we look at the apostates Cain, Balaam, and Korah and the eternity of darkness waiting for those who follow the same path.