Podcasts about Barnabas

I'm sharing some excerpts from a 30-day devotional I wrote a few years ago. Our scripture for today is Isaiah 35:3-4: “Encourage the exhausted and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, "Take courage, fear not"” (Isaiah 35:3-4). Have you noticed that discouragement seems to be at epidemic levels? Most working environments are flooded with discouragement, and many times our homes are full of discouraging words. As Christians, being an encourager is not an option, it's a directive. Christians should be people who strengthen the feeble and exhausted with encouraging words. Can you think of someone in the feeble and/or exhausted category right now? Maybe it's a co-worker or your manager. They may put on a face that says, "I have it all together and I don't need anyone.” But don't let that fool you. Just like you and me, they need to hear encouraging words, words of hope and cheer—and they need to hear them from you. We also need to encourage people who have failed. Barnabas was that kind of an encourager. When Mark had failed and the Apostle Paul didn't want to give him another chance, Barnabas insisted on allowing Mark to travel with them. So, when they could not agree, Paul went one way with Silas, and Barnabas and Mark went another way. Later on Paul asks Timothy to get Mark and bring him for "Mark is useful to me for service," he said. You don't have to fill in too many blanks to see what happened. Barnabas had taken Mark, taught him, encouraged him, and Mark had become a profitable servant of Jesus Christ. Obviously, Paul recognized this, too, and I imagine Paul learned a valuable lesson from Barnabas. It is really important to encourage people at times of failure. If you know someone who is struggling with failure, encourage them. They need to know that all is not lost, and they can go from where they are. My challenge to you is to encourage at least one feeble and exhausted person today.

Fr. Mike walks us through the Church's first council in Acts 15 and highlights the importance of the Church's authority in the question of circumcision for Gentile converts. He also draws our attention to Paul's treatment of God the Father and God the Son as equal but not the same. This sheds light on Paul's conversation about head coverings for women in our reading from 1 Corinthians and reassures female believers about their roles in marriage and the Church. Today's readings are Acts 15, 1 Corinthians 11-12, Proverbs 28:10-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

This episode explores 'Handling Conflict,' inspired by Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15. We face conflicts daily, and our response shapes our growth and relationships. We examine how Paul and Barnabas managed their disagreement, extracting practical and spiritual lessons applicable in our lives. This sermon guides us in resolving conflicts with understanding and grace, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and compassion. Join us for insights into transforming conflict into a path for personal and communal growth.Support the show

1 Corinthians 9–11 1 Corinthians 9–11 (Listen) Paul Surrenders His Rights 9 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife,1 as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? 8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control,2 lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. Warning Against Idolatry 10 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers,3 that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown4 in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ5 to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel:6 are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? Do All to the Glory of God 23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 11 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Head Coverings 2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife7 is her husband,8 and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife9 who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. 6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.10 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God. The Lord's Supper 17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,11 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for12 you. Do this in remembrance of me.”13 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.14 31 But if we judged15 ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined16 so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 33 So then, my brothers,17 when you come together to eat, wait for18 one another—34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come. Footnotes [1] 9:5 Greek a sister as wife [2] 9:27 Greek I pummel my body and make it a slave [3] 10:1 Or brothers and sisters [4] 10:5 Or were laid low [5] 10:9 Some manuscripts the Lord [6] 10:18 Greek Consider Israel according to the flesh [7] 11:3 Greek gunē. This term may refer to a woman or a wife, depending on the context [8] 11:3 Greek anēr. This term may refer to a man or a husband, depending on the context [9] 11:5 In verses 5–13, the Greek word gunē is translated wife in verses that deal with wearing a veil, a sign of being married in first-century culture [10] 11:10 Or messengers, that is, people sent to observe and report [11] 11:18 Or I believe a certain report [12] 11:24 Some manuscripts broken for [13] 11:24 Or as my memorial; also verse 25 [14] 11:30 Greek have fallen asleep (as in 15:6, 20) [15] 11:31 Or discerned [16] 11:32 Or when we are judged we are being disciplined by the Lord [17] 11:33 Or brothers and sisters [18] 11:33 Or share with (ESV)

As we continue to follow the missions of Paul and Barnabas, Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the praise of men. He also encourages us to remain courageous in the tribulations we face, finding strength in other believers, and running toward the eternal and imperishable goal of salvation. Today's readings are Acts 14, 1 Corinthians 9-10, and Proverbs 28:7-9. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike highlights the importance of prayer and fasting, instructing us how to fast and empty ourselves to feel our spiritual need for Christ. He also discusses faithfulness in vocations and living out the life God has called you to. Today's readings are from Acts 13, 1 Corinthians 7-8, and Proverbs 28:4-6. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

It was a crazy Christmas at our house! Everybody in our family, three generations, is really excited about giving gifts to the others, and getting them. Well, sometimes our festivities aren't quite like "peace on earth." Such was this particular Christmas. The chatter was loud, the laughter was hearty, and the buzz was intense. Or, in the case of a two-year old grandchild at the time, it was just confusing. My wife had this finely-tuned grandma's radar, and she noticed that our little grandson seemed a little dazed by all this happy Christmas crossfire. So you know what? She just quietly slipped to the floor. (We didn't even notice.) She got down where he was and began working patiently with him on assembling a toy he had just opened. That precious scene had been going on for a few minutes I think before any of us even noticed in the chaos. But there was Grandma, quietly creating this island of sanity in a sea of craziness. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Being the Harbor In Their Hurricane." That's what Grandma was for our little guy. She provided the human harbor that protected him from the storm that was blowing all around him. There are some people in your life who need a harbor like that - someone who will be for them a safe place in the middle of a life bombardment. God has put you there to be that harbor. And He's given us a wonderful flesh-and-blood example of it in our word for today from the Word of God which begins in Acts 4:36 where a man named Joseph was renamed by the church leaders, "Joseph...whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)." I love that. I mean, we've all been called some names we'd like to forget, but wouldn't it be great if people thought you should be called "Encouragement"? Well, let's watch Mr. Encouragement in action. Saul, the chief persecutor of the early Christians, has just been brought miraculously to Christ. But with his reputation, man, he's radioactive. No one wants to risk letting him in the door, except for Barnabas. The Bible says, "When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles"'' (Acts 9:26-27). He was the harbor when no one else was there for Saul. When Gentiles, who the Jewish believers weren't very excited about, reportedly came to Christ in Antioch, guess who was there for them? Yep, Barnabas. The Bible says, "He encouraged them all" (Acts 11:23). Saul became the Apostle Paul and he and Barnabas went out as the first Christian missionaries. But they got into a major disagreement over bringing a young man named Mark along. He'd washed out in a previous mission and Paul didn't want to take him along. But Barnabas, the guy who believed in second chances, he took Mark with him to another ministry assignment. Wouldn't you know, later in life, Paul wrote that Mark was "helpful to me in my ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11). I think that was because a guy named Barnabas kept believing in him. Will you be the Barnabas for the people around you? While the world is going crazy and the bullets are flying, will you be the one who makes each person feel like they're the only person in the world when they're with you. You can be their island of sanity in an insane world just by giving each person your total focus and your undistracted listening. Human harbor folks like Barnabas give people the "Three Life-Changing A's": your attention, your affection, and your affirmation. Those positive strokes will help them feel how special they really are. Not just to you, but to God. They know they can come to you and they'll be uncondemned, they will be unjudged, and they will be unafraid. There are few things you can do that will mean more in the midst of a storm than to pray, right then and there, with that person who's under pressure. In the midst of the crossfire and the craziness of this very cold and confusing world, you have so much to give, because you have found your harbor in the arms of Jesus Christ. Be what the people around you need so desperately. Be the one place that they will know they are safe.

Welcome to another inspiring and informative episode of Connect, the podcast that explores the timeless truths found in the Bible and how they relate to our lives today. In this episode, we dive into Acts 14:21-28, where we witness the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. Join us as we uncover the incredible perseverance and faith of these early disciples as they spread the Good News to various cities. We'll explore the challenges they faced, the opposition encountered, and the miracles witnessed along the way. Discover how this passage speaks to our own journeys of faith and the importance of staying committed to the mission of sharing the Gospel, even in the face of adversity. We'll explore the lessons we can learn from Paul and Barnabas' example, and how we can apply them to our own lives today. Tune in as we unpack the significance of this passage and explore its relevance to our modern-day context. Whether you're a seasoned believer or new to the faith, this episode will inspire and encourage you to stay steadfast in your own mission to make disciples and spread the love of Christ. So grab your Bible, a notebook, and get ready to be inspired and challenged as we delve into Acts 14:21-28 on this episode of Connect. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cole-phillips2/support

Join us through Acts 15, as we gather to break bread over the contentious issue of Gentile believers' need for circumcision. What if we told you that the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers could be bridged by moral guidelines? As we traverse this path, we'll lean on James's wisdom, recount Peter's account of God's concern for the Gentiles, and discuss the warnings against idolatry, sexual immorality, and dietary restrictions. We'll then turn our attention to the apostles, elders, and brethren's decision to send an affirming letter to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. As we emphasize the importance of trusted men like Barnabas and Paul in delivering this message, we'll underscore the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit in guiding these decisions.In our closing segments, we'll tackle the tension between Paul and John Mark, revealing not a doctrinal disagreement, but a clash of personalities. We'll explore how God uses even these conflicts for His glory, presenting an unmatched perspective on complex biblical characters. All this, while addressing false teachings and reaffirming the Gentile believers as brethren. We assure you, this is not just another Bible study, but a lively, deep, and thought-provoking exploration of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. So tune in, engage, and let the teachings amplify your discipleship journey.

Loyalists provide courageous support for marginalized groups, rooted in their own need for security and stability. Barnabas Lin shares how intersectionality, tensions between commitment and critique, and integrity are part of his activism journey as a loyalist.   Barnabas serves as Theologian in Residence at Bethel Community Church as he works on a PhD in Theological Ethics. He has over a decade disciplining Asian Americans and training young ministers through InterVarsity. Barnabas is concerned with living the just and peaceable way of Jesus and helping activate Christians to participate in the flourishing of all creation. Barnabas likes to bake sourdough, musical theater, and learning to surf.    Instagram: @barn.a.bas  Audre Lorde (PBS) "The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action" "Poetry is Not A Luxury"  Kiyoshi Kuromiya  

1 Corinthians 9–11 1 Corinthians 9–11 (Listen) Paul Surrenders His Rights 9 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife,1 as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? 8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control,2 lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. Warning Against Idolatry 10 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers,3 that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown4 in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ5 to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel:6 are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? Do All to the Glory of God 23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 11 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Head Coverings 2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife7 is her husband,8 and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife9 who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. 6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.10 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God. The Lord's Supper 17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,11 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for12 you. Do this in remembrance of me.”13 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.14 31 But if we judged15 ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined16 so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 33 So then, my brothers,17 when you come together to eat, wait for18 one another—34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come. Footnotes [1] 9:5 Greek a sister as wife [2] 9:27 Greek I pummel my body and make it a slave [3] 10:1 Or brothers and sisters [4] 10:5 Or were laid low [5] 10:9 Some manuscripts the Lord [6] 10:18 Greek Consider Israel according to the flesh [7] 11:3 Greek gunē. This term may refer to a woman or a wife, depending on the context [8] 11:3 Greek anēr. This term may refer to a man or a husband, depending on the context [9] 11:5 In verses 5–13, the Greek word gunē is translated wife in verses that deal with wearing a veil, a sign of being married in first-century culture [10] 11:10 Or messengers, that is, people sent to observe and report [11] 11:18 Or I believe a certain report [12] 11:24 Some manuscripts broken for [13] 11:24 Or as my memorial; also verse 25 [14] 11:30 Greek have fallen asleep (as in 15:6, 20) [15] 11:31 Or discerned [16] 11:32 Or when we are judged we are being disciplined by the Lord [17] 11:33 Or brothers and sisters [18] 11:33 Or share with (ESV)

Modeling, Instruction, Time, Access, Opportunity Biblical Basis: • 2Ti 2:1 • Jesus mentored the Twelve—“his own who were in the world” (John 13:1)—to know him (and, through him, to know the Father) and to re-present God's love in the world.• Jethro to Moses, Moses to Joshua, Eli to Samuel, Elijah to Elisha, Mordecai to Esther, Jesus to His disciples, Barnabas to Paul, Paul to Timothy and John Mark, and Timothy Awareness of what you are mentoring: • What are you projecting? Character traits, hard work, seriousness, love and care, integrity, faithfulness, fruit of the Spirit. • 2Ti 3:10 Time, official and unofficial: • Luk 5:27 After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." 28 So he left all, rose up, and followed Him. Answer questions, prep for presentation of studies, critique of study after the study  Time spent talking about the bible, principles, life principles  Time in social situations modeling character as a whole  Pray with  Find or create opportunities to practice teaching • Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. • 2Ti 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. Have a Saturday practice or a periodic meeting to practice with peers  Encourage use by other ministries for giving devotion prior to service  Use them in Home Groups  Allow them to give announcements  Use them at special events, men's, youth, outreaches etc.  Have them give devotions on a mission trip or Israel trip, etc.  When you believe they are ready, allow them to teach from the pulpit, Wednesdays and then possibly Sunday.  Always provide help before and critique after.  Be honest and always be positive but honest Pro 15:23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!  Pro 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.  Pro 27:5 Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.  Pro 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.  Eph 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, "LET EACH ONE OF YOU SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR," for we are members of one another.  Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  Modeling, Instruction, Time, Access, Opportunity As Senior Pastor since 1997 Rod Carver graduated from CCU in Biblical Studies with a focus on leadership. Since then he has completed a ThD and pursues opportunities to keep learning and teaching. He has a passion to mentor and encourage younger pastors and missionaries. He is a regular contributor to various websites and is currently working on a book on marriage counseling. Blessed to be called to Corpus Christi Texas, Pastor Rod works with other pastors in the area to affect political and societal change through the proclamation of the Word of God. RECOMMENDED EPISODES: Clay Worrell on Mentorship:  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-mentorship-panel-discussion-clay-worrell John Hwang on Mentorship: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-mentorships-with-john-hwang-panel-discussion Mentorship Testimonials from Jon Tyson, Chad Brooks, Phil Newton, Brian Brodersen and More : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/mentorship-exemplified Click here to donate to the Expositors Collective https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

Fr. Mike begins by explaining the confusion experienced by the early Christians as they struggled to integrate the Gentiles into the Church. We also hear more about Barnabas, missionary companion of St. Paul, who was named by God as the "Son of Encouragement." Lastly, Fr. Mike delves into the history surrounding paganism and hedonism in pre-Christian Corinth and the need to encourage the Greeks to leave their old ways of worship. Today's readings are Acts 11, 1 Corinthians 3-4, Proverbs 27:23-27. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Gal 2:13-15 13 And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before (them) all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do […]

November 19, 2023In Acts 15:36-41, Paul and Barnabas are separated because of a sharp disagreement. This passage of Scripture shows us that even mature Christians will often disagree on 'judgment calls,' and sometimes need to separate or split up if the issue is serious enough. Separation among Christians should be done charitably. This passage encourages us to give sincere, immature Christians a second chance to mature.Acts 15:36-41

Isn't God worthy of our focused worship today? Isn't He worthy of the praise from our lips?

Apostate Church Witchcraft (1)  (audio) David Eells - 11/26/23  Merchants of Babylon  David Eells  In the book of Revelation, only those that have the mark of the beast can buy and sell. (Rev. 13:17) No man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark, [even] the name of the beast or the number of his name. But they will not escape God's wrath in the near future. (Isa. 24:1) Behold, Jehovah maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. (2) And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the creditor, so with the debtor; as with the taker of interest, so with the giver of interest to him. (3) The earth shall be utterly emptied, and utterly laid waste; for Jehovah hath spoken this word.  For the true meaning in this parable of buying and selling we must look for the hidden manna. (Rev. 2:17) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it. See also (Lk. 10:21). In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father; for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight.  The letter kills but the spirit gives life. (2 Cor. 3:6) who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. Jesus spoke spirit during his ministry to the disciples. (Jn. 6:53) Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have not life in yourselves; (63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are life.   The Book of Revelation is called the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 1:2) who bare witness of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, [even] of all things that he saw; (9) I John, your brother and partaker with you in tribulation and kingdom and patience [which are] in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (19:10) And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God; for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy for which the saints are killed by the false prophets who only see the letter.   (20:4) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. "Revelation" means an uncovering or unveiling and it is the spirit, not the letter, that does this! It is a sign (Rev. 1:1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, [even] the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John; (2) who bare witness of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, [even] of all things that he saw.  The ones who "bought and sold" were destroyed by the fire in Lot's day. (Lk. 17:28) Likewise even as it came to pass in the days of Lot; they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; (29) but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Paul taught that those who do evil are "sold under sin". (Rom. 7:14) For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (15) For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practice; but what I hate, that I do. Ahab, a type of the beast, sold his soul to do evil at the instigation of the Harlot Jezebel. (1 Ki. 21:25) But there was none like unto Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, Jezebel his wife stirred up. (20) And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee, because thou hast sold thyself to do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah.  In 2 Kings 17:17 those that worshiped the Image of the beast sold themselves and caused their children to go through fire. And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger. (18) Therefore Jehovah was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.   Many in these days are like "Esau, who for one mess of meat (following after flesh) sold his own birthright" (Heb. 12:16) and was rejected. (17) For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected (Greek: reprobate); for he found no place for a change of mind [in his father,] though he sought it diligently with tears.  Jesus rejected those in the temple (Christians in the New Testament) who bought and sold. (Mk. 11:15) And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves. The foolish virgins missed the Lord because they went to buy from them that sold. (Mt. 25:10) And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut. They obviously were used to dealing with the hirelings, the "merchants of Babylon".  Jesus told his ministers "freely you have received, freely give. Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses" (Mt. 10:8-9). They had to walk by faith, with no salaries, no corruption. You can't hire God's ministers but then you can't fire them either. Some will say "Buy the truth and sell it not" (Pr. 23:23) but the truth cannot be bought with money. (Isa. 55:1) Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (3) Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.   If the truth could be bought with money, the rich would have an unfair advantage, which contradicts what Jesus said: (Mt. 19:23) Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. (24) And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. We can only buy the truth with the cost of our own life and way. (Jn. 7:17) If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or [whether] I speak from myself. Peter said, "Thy silver perish with thee because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money." (Acts 8:20)  To buy a lie, you must sell your soul. In a way, all those who buy and sell the merchandise (teaching, thinking, actions) of Babylon (apostate religion) are the merchants of Babylon. (Rev. 18:11) And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no man buyeth their merchandise anymore; (15) The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning. The rich young ruler was bribed (bought) by materialism to not follow Jesus.   Many buy convenient Babylonish doctrines like this and sell their eternal lives. (Lk. 14:18) And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a field, and I must needs go out and see it; I pray thee have me excused. (19) And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. (Mt. 13:22) And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. They sell their soul for the pleasures of sin for a season. The treasures of Egypt are worth more than the reproach of Christ to them. (Heb 11:25) choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (26) accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward.   We must sell our worldly life to buy our heavenly life, which is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus' life. The body of Christ was sacrificed so that the corporate body of Christ would have power to sacrifice their lives. (Mt. 16:24) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? Riches will soon be worth nothing but wrath.   (Eze. 7:12) The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn; for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof; (19) They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be as an unclean thing; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of Jehovah: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels; because it hath been the stumbling block of their iniquity. (20) As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty; but they made the images of their abominations [and] their detestable things therein: therefore have I made it unto them as an unclean thing. (Rev. 6:6) And I heard as it were a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, A measure of wheat for a shilling, and three measures of barley for a shilling; and the oil and the wine hurt thou not.  One reason there is such an emphasis on buying and selling is because Christians don't obey God's word and walk by faith in the area of giving and receiving. Jesus commanded us to "give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom" (Lk. 6:38). An opportunity to give is an opportunity to receive it back multiplied or it is an opportunity to sit on or eat the seed. God gives to us not to make us rich but to "multiply your seed for sowing" (2 Cor. 9:10). (2 Cor. 9:6) He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. God follows this with this promise: (8) And God is able to make all grace abound with you, that you having always all sufficiency in everything may abound unto every good work).  On the other hand, he that sits on or eats his seed will have to buy and sell because he is disobedient and has no faith. This is where the merchants of Babylon are. They make "the Father's house a house of merchandise" (Jn. 2:16) when they peddle the word for salaries like the world. Peddling books, tapes, trinkets, chicken dinners, tours, etc., is the way of the world and for those who have an impoverished God. They make "merchandise of the word of God" (2 Cor. 2:17 in Greek). Why would anyone who believed the above promises do this? When a person is not sent by God he does not have faith that God shall supply every need (Phl. 4:19). Where God sends, He supplies. Without God's supernatural supply, people have to resort to other tactics to support "their ministry", like buying and selling.  Another tactic these ministers use is to put God's people under the law to support them when the scripture clearly states that our giving is "not of necessity" (2 Cor. 9:7). Let each man do according as he has purposed in his heart (not according to law); not grudgingly, or of necessity (not according to law), for God loveth a cheerful giver. In the New Testament, God wants an offering from the heart from those born of His Spirit. God made the Old Covenant with the Jews, not the church. If a doctrine like tithing is not in the new covenant, then it was never made with you!   Jesus, rebuking those under the Old Covenant, said "Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cumin (even their seasoning), and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, Justice and mercy, and faith: but these you ought to have done (past tense in all ancient manuscripts and the Received Text) and not to have left the other undone" (Mt. 23:23). Jesus said tithing was of the law and in the past. Some say tithing was before the law. Yes, circumcision and animal sacrifice were before the law too but they were included in the law, and we are not under law to do them anymore. Paul also said tithing was of the law. (Heb. 7:5) And they indeed of the sons of Levi that receive the priest's office have commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham: (6) but he whose genealogy is not counted from them hath taken tithes of Abraham, and hath blessed him that hath the promises.   (7) But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better. (8) And here men that die receive tithes; but there one, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. (9) And, so to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, hath paid tithes; (10) for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him. (11) Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need [was there] that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron?   There is no New Testament command or request to tithe because we are no longer stewards of ten percent. Jesus taught that we have to renounce ownership of the other ninety percent or we cannot be his disciple. (Lk. 14:33) So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. "All" here means all possessions, rights, and will.   We even must renounce "our" doctrine! It must be the Lord's doctrine. Since we have the Spirit we don't need a law; we are under the law of the Spirit. (Rom. 8:2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. The Spirit will tell where to give and how much and to whom. If everyone gave according to the Spirit the kingdoms of men would crumble and true ministers would be supported.   A person who is under the tithing law robs God because he will disobey the Spirit's command to meet the needs of the brethren around him in order to bring his "tithes into the storehouse", which to them is usually an apostate religious system that won't meet the brethren's needs. The storehouse in the Old Covenant was in the temple. (1 Kings 7:51) Thus all the work that king Solomon wrought in the house of Jehovah was finished. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated, [even] the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of the house of Jehovah...   In the New Testament the storehouse is in the people, who are His temple. (Mt. 25:34) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (35) for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; (36) naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (37) Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? (38) And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? (39) And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, [even] these least, ye did it unto me.   (41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels: (42) for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink;(43) I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. (44) Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  (45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me. (46) And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life. You see we are called to meet the needs of the brethren. (1Jn. 3:16) Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (17) But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him?   Giving according to the Spirit causes one to fulfill the law without being under the law. (Mt. 5:17) Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. For instance, a person who gives bountifully will fulfill the ten percent and more, but they do it from the heart and are not seeking to earn God's approval as those under the law. We are not righteous before God when we attempt to please Him by the law, whether tithes, observing the Sabbath, circumcision, abstaining from meats, etc.   (Gal. 2:16) yet knowing that a man is not justified (Greek: accounted righteous) by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified and (3:11) Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident: for, The righteous shall live by faith. If we rest every day from our own works we certainly fulfill the Sabbath, without being under the letter of the law.  The righteousness of the law is self-righteousness because it is powered by self but "The righteous shall live from faith" (Gal. 3:11). When ministers of Babylon put you under the law they separate you from God's righteousness and bring you under a curse. Except your righteousness shall exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (law of tithe included), you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 5:20). The law is "a yoke of bondage". (Gal. 5:1-3) For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision (or tithing, Sabbath, meats, etc.) that he is a debtor to do the whole law.  If you are under any part of the law you are under the curse of having to keep the whole law and since that is impossible you are separated from Christ. (Gal. 3:10) For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. (5:4) Ye are severed from Christ ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. Notice: those who put you under the law cut you off from Christ and grace. You cannot hear the voice of Christ and the voice of the law at the same time. "You are not under the law" (5:18).   The merchants of Babylon say, "you are not under the law", when they are talking about obedience to the word, but "bring your tithes into the storehouse," when they talk of money? "In covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you" (2 Pet. 2:3). In verse one of this text we are told this is the false prophets and teachers who bring in destructive heresies (law) and deny Jesus. They deny Jesus by separating Him from His body. "Forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam... who loved the hire of wrong doing" (15).  Friends, if you know a minister, one of the few, who walks by faith and freely gives the true doctrine of God, support him as the scriptures teach. (1 Cor. 9:6) Or I only and Barnabas, have we not a right to forbear working? (7) What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (8) Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same? (9) For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth,   (10) or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, [to thresh] in hope of partaking. (11) If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things? (12) If others partake of [this] right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. (13) Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat [of] the things of the temple, [and] they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar? The Word will be our judge as to whether we are buying and selling with the world.   Witchcraft In Apostate Churches  Tianna Fire 12/8/22 (David's notes in red)    I dreamt that we were driving through a town, but we stopped to get paper and pens from a shop. Samuel waited in the car. There was only one shop in this town that sold items, like a general store. It looked like it used to be white, but it was now a dark and dirty white and it was very old and didn't look like it was well taken care of. The building was an 1800s style house that had been converted into a shop. (The old dirty store represents the apostate church where the true Gospel that was once given is now sold. It has been polluted by religion and false leadership.) Mat 23:27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.   Luk 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now YE the Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter; but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.)  When I got into the shop it was packed with people all standing around and there was also a very long queue. (There are many people looking for the Truth but they are not getting it from the false apostate leaders.)  They had a few items for sale in the part where everyone was waiting but most of the items were kept out in the back of the shop and also in the basement, which was blocked off to the customers. (Like Mormons and JW's they hide a lot of teachings that they know are unacceptable to other Christians. They only reveal these things after they feel they have you on the hook. The false leadership in the apostate churches merchandise very little truth which they sell to the sheep because they don't have the real Gospel to give them. Mat 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.)  (Col 1:26-27 even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints, 27 to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 1Co 2:6-7 We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought: 7 but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:)   So, to get what you wanted you had to wait in line to ask the cashier lady if they stocked it and if they did, you had to wait around until she went and got it. (Waiting around for supplies represents the Nicolaitan error.) Rev 2:14-17 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner. 16 Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.)  There were also people in the queue who hadn't even found out if the shop stocked or even sold their item yet. (People go to the same church for years, looking for Jesus, waiting and never find what they came for and become lukewarm there just accepting what they hear.)   Everyone seemed very distressed, because it was taking such a long time and there were so many people. While I was there, I didn't see anyone receive the item they were waiting for. (Many in apostasy are in distress, continuously praying for healing and provisions and for God to answer prayer, never learning how to receive their needs by faith in prayer. No one learns how to minister to others. They expect the pastor to do everything, because “he is the one in charge” in their churches. This is a part of the Nicolaitan error.)   As I waited in line, I overheard someone talking about Jesus which made me very excited. I joined in their conversation, and they professed to love Jesus, however they seemed to be religious and not understanding spiritual things. But I was still so happy to be able to speak about Jesus and God's Word! Then many other people in there heard us talking about God and they confessed to love Jesus too. I was so happy that there were so many people who loved our Lord.  I started speaking with this married couple who had young children and I blessed and prayed for the children. I then stood closer to them on their right. As I did, I accidentally came too close to a man with his son. This man got very angry and upset with me and I apologized, and I told him that I loved him and his son and I desired God's blessings and love and joy to be upon them both. He became offended at that, and he said he was a Christian and he thought I was rude. (NENT Php 1:9-10 And this I pray, that your love abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 10 so that ye may approve the things excellent; that ye be sincere and void of offence unto Christ's day.)  (Some people are easily offended, unable to come closer to those who are full of the love of Christ. Pro 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; And such contentions are like the bars of a castle.)  (Pro 19:11 The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression.)  So I spoke blessings on him and moved on, speaking with other Christians and sharing The Real Good News. It turned out that every person in this shop was a professing Christian. The lady who worked there said that because everyone there were Christians that we should all discuss a topic. Someone shouted to discuss God's Glory! She then brought up a slideshow on a big giant screen that was behind her which had Bible verses related to Glory.  People started sharing their man-made doctrine that used only partial scripture, and not the sum of thy Word. (1Ti 6:3-5 If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.) (Psa 119:160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever.) Someone said that as soon as we start believing in Jesus that we then have God's Glory and nothing else needs to be done. Someone else said that God loves everyone, and everyone will be saved. I felt love for all the people, but I knew what they were saying wasn't true and I desired for them to know the Truth.  (Mat 15:9 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men. 2Ti 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.)  I was sharing testimonies about what God has done for me and what He has shown me, and as much Truth I could without getting into teaching. They brought up scriptures and used them out of context to say that we are saved automatically when we start believing in Jesus and that nothing else is required. They also spoke about how we are already purified and it doesn't need to manifest on earth. That we will all be the same in Heaven. (The apostate church has very little truth and see only the letter, but error after the teachings of their leadership who are not filled with the Holy Spirit and many times aren't even saved. The “once saved always saved” is just one of their false doctrines. 1Ti 4:1 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.)   I was then reminded of these verses: NENT 1Co 15:39-44 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, and another flesh of birds, and another of fishes. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.)   I knew that these verses revealed what they believe wasn't correct, I wanted to quote these verses to them but then I realized it might be teaching so I didn't say anything. I stood there confused about why all these Christians who profess they love Jesus are twisting the Word and are unaware of the real meaning. I asked God why He didn't want them to know about the star, moon, sun glory and about spirit, soul, body manifesting Jesus on earth. I then heard Him clearly say, "It's not for everyone to know." (Jesus spoke in parables to keep the truth hidden from the religious leaders and those who want to be self-justified in His day and He still does it today. Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. But those who have ears to hear, will hear and understand.)  So, I walked out of the shop and spoke to Samuel about what happened and we both agreed that we desired for all of them to come into the Kingdom of God, so we interceded on their behalf. (Our Lord interceded for us and we are to pray for others.) 1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore first of all to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, for all men. 4 who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.)  Then Samuel called David Eells to ask for advice. David Eells then physically appeared in front of us. David was a little shorter than I have seen him in videos, and his eyes were a bright blue. (Psa 8:5 For thou hast made him but little lower than God, And crownest him with glory and honor; Blue eyes represent heavenly discernment of the light of truth. Mat 6:22 The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.)  I was surprised that he appeared instantly, but I was so happy to see him and I gave him a big, long hug and I felt so much spiritual love for him and I didn't want to let go of hugging him. I felt love, peace and gentleness radiating from him. (Php 1:8 For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.)  He then said, "You need to go back in there and testify of the Truth." (Sharing a testimony of what a truth did for you is permissible for women. Especially when you are speaking to lost religious people. Teaching the younger women is also permissible. Tit 2:4-5 ASV  that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  5  to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:  Teaching men the Word should be left to the men. 1Ti 2:12 ASV  But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.) So, I walked to go back into the shop, and I heard David and Samuel interceding and speaking the Word as I walked away. (As an example to us Jesus sent out the 12 and then the 70 men to teach the Word of the Kingdom.  They were commissioned to go to all and be bold and stand with God and His Word. Act 22:15 For thou shalt be a witness for him unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.)   (Deu 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them: for Jehovah thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Psa 118:6 Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?)  I walked past a building that was right next to the Christian store. I looked through the door and I saw a lady lying on her back on a couch. I instantly saw in spirit that she was a witch. But in the natural she looked like an attractive woman. She wasn't selling anything in this building, but it looked like she lived there. She had dark hair and light, white-blue eyes (Dark hair represents submitted to darkness. Her eyes represent a false light, which is similar to what I have seen in people in real life who are involved in the occult.) (This woman could represent church denominations and we know that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. 1Sa 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim….)  She was dressed very seductively with red lipstick, heavy eye makeup and she was wearing a crop top, a short purple skirt and long black boots. I saw into her soul and saw she was intending to do evil. (Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity, And their heart prepareth deceit. Pro 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; Mar 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries…)  I saw that she would physically be resting in her shop but through witchcraft in the spiritual realm, she would seduce random people who walked past this building and would come into her. She wouldn't always sleep with the people, but she would give them even more demons and lead them into deeper sin. (Demons are transferred through sex and by accepting the thoughts of lies, slander, gossip, etc., and by words of agreement with the sensual desires. (Temptations of the lust of the flesh.) We have protection from all this when we obey God and keep His commandments.)  (Pro 7:5-13 That they [My commandments and wisdom] may keep thee from the strange woman, [Harlot] From the foreigner that flattereth with her words. 6 For at the window of my house I looked forth through my lattice; 7 And I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, A young man void of understanding, 8 Passing through the street near her corner; And he went the way to her house, 9 In the twilight, in the evening of the day, In the middle of the night and in the darkness. 10 And, behold, there met him a woman With the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart. 11 She is clamorous and wilful; Her feet abide not in her house: 12 Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, And lieth in wait at every corner. 13 So she caught him, and kissed him, … (The kiss represents her words.)   Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.)  She then tried to project witchcraft onto me and I saw the witchcraft, which kind of looked like frequencies or rays of electricity come out of her to touch me. It was blocked a few feet in front of me because there was a bubble of protection all around me in the spiritual, and nothing could get through the bubble. She was surprised at this and couldn't comprehend what happened. (Those who love the Truth will be protected from their deceptions. Eph 6:10-13 ASV  Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.  11  Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12  For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13  Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.)  I blessed her and kept walking to the Christian shop. I was wondering why they set up a shop right next to a witch. (The apostate church is compared to a harlot because they receive not the seed of her husband. This is witchcraft.)  I went back into the store and I stood at a specific corner where I could see everyone in the room. I spoke to everyone who would listen, giving my testimony of the Truth of the Word. I could see in the spirit, and through walls. I saw witchcraft projecting from the witch directly into this shop; it came out like tentacles and would wrap around a person and quickly pull them into where she was. It seemed that if the person's will and desire was to go where the woman was, they'd be taken. People were left in the shop if it wasn't their will to follow her. (1Sa 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah,... Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge…)   (2 Cor 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.)   I saw the long tentacle grab onto one Christian man, and he became aroused, and he ran out of the shop and into the other women's shop. I then saw it happen again, but differently. This next person was not taken by physical arousal, but they had a weak spot of coveting, and they were convinced that by going to the witch, they would get all the money they wanted. It was as if this witch knew every person's weak spot and she would attract each person using their weak spot. (The demons see and know in the spirit realm how to work in spirit groupings of seduction using the lusts of the flesh and the sin nature. But if they would submit to God's Word and resist the devil he would flee. I have seen people drawn into faction through selfish ambition, jealousy and rejection.)  I watched this lady in spirit attract each Christian out of the store one by one, like an octopus using its tentacles to draw its prey. When the witchcraft would come upon each person, they would quickly change and would run over to where the witch was, not thinking about anything else. Every time the witchcraft would come into the store, I would be supernaturally lifted up high to the roof where I could see everything. I was up so high that it couldn't touch me, nor could any human touch me. (Dwelling in heavenly places in Christ, we are protected from evil.)  I watched every person in the store get taken in the spirit into where the witch was until I was left alone in the store. (The Christians in this shop were part of the apostate church and not equipped with the Spirit and Word. Having no ability to fight against the temptations of the flesh. They were seduced by the harlot and her witchcraft, so they gave into their lusts. God sovereignly protects His elect and He will deliver them from the works of darkness at an appointed time. The enemy works to tempt people away from the Kingdom of God and cause them to fall away.)      Apostate Church Vanity   Tianna Fire 1/26/23 (David's notes in red)     I dreamt that Samuel and I were driving, and we saw this giant building to our left, sitting on a very large area of land, and it had a big cross on it. There were no cars parked outside, so it looked like no one was there. Because we saw the cross, we thought that we should leave them a Sovereign God book. So, we parked out front and went up to a window and looked inside the building. A few women were there and when they saw us, they came out quickly. We did not want to talk to them, only to just leave the book and go.   One of the women that came out, was a woman that worked at the grocery store, and she was always there when Samuel went to get groceries, so Samuel knew her. Another woman was the wife of a man that kept inviting us to his church, but we didn't want to visit his church. We now realized that this building was his church.    They urged us to come inside and we didn't want to hurt their feelings, so we said we would come in quickly just to see the place. When we went inside, it appeared 20 times bigger than what the outside looked like. (Like the megachurches.) One of the ladies told me to go to the children's section because I was carrying David. I honestly didn't want to, but I didn't want to upset her so I just did what she said. (Pro 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.) I walked to the back of the building and entered this large colorful room that had an indoor children's playground, and many children running around and there were a couple of people watching them play.  I felt this was vanity and a distraction from Jesus. I then saw a poster listing different activities during the week for children and one of them was like child daycare. All the activities were vanity and had nothing to do with Jesus. Samuel and I prefer having David always with us, so I said, “Well there's no reason for me to be here because we aren't doing the daycare thing, and we only want to do things involving Jesus.”  So, I turned to leave and go find Samuel, but I got lost in the large building. There were so many different rooms and hallways and everything was set up weird. (The apostate church system causes confusion to ensnare people.)  Then a man came running out of a room and said something with much excitement for me to go look where he just came from. I didn't want to be rude to him, so I just followed him and he led me into a massive library, and all the walls and shelves were all sorts of bright colors. I commented on how I love all the bright colors, especially the bright yellow. (The attraction of bright colors arouse the senses and emotions to please the flesh. Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.)   There were people sitting around a table discussing a book that wasn't the Bible and there were many large shelves with thousands of books. I asked him about the books and about Jesus, and he said most books here are not really about Jesus and if they were, they contained incorrect doctrine. Which confused me because this was a church, so I expected everything to be about Jesus. (The apostate church leaders write many books about another Jesus, another Gospel and merchandise the people. It's all their works of the flesh. 2Co 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different gospel, which ye did not accept, ye do well to bear with him. 1Ti 6:3 If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing…)   I wondered what type of Bibles they had, and I couldn't find Bibles anywhere. I thought maybe I should leave a Sovereign God book here so God can lead the right person to find it. (Hos 4:1 Hear the word of Jehovah, ye children of Israel; for Jehovah hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor goodness, nor knowledge of God in the land.)   The man that led me into this room started hitting on me, and I thought this was crazy, this is a church and supposed to be brethren in Christ, and I am married. I ignored the man and ran out of there to go find Samuel, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I walked around the entire place searching for Samuel, and I saw all different types of people, supposedly Christians, although no one was talking about Jesus. I was wondering, ‘Jesus where are you? I can't find you anywhere in this place, although they say that you are here.' (Like the Shulamite in Song of Solomon: Son 5:6…I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. 7 The watchmen that go about the city found me, They smote me, they wounded me…)  I felt this whole place which claimed to be a house of God, had all the world mixed in it and the place felt corrupted and defiled and I couldn't see or feel the presence of God anywhere or in anyone. (The apostate church is a mixed multitude; the world is Babylon, from Babel, which means confusion and includes the harlot churches.) (Mat 23:28 Thus ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.)  The whole building layout was completely confusing and so easy to get lost but I finally found the way to get out. Once outside I noticed heaps of people all gathered around at a café, and others standing around. And there were about 20 different small shops set up with many people everywhere. (This is how the megachurches are set up to draw the multitudes to network, socialize and merchandising.)   I was confused as to why no one is talking about Jesus; I felt no Spirit of God there, and I wondered why Samuel is missing? At this point I was disappointed that no one here really loves Jesus. I no longer cared what anyone thought of me anymore. I didn't want to do what they all wanted me to do, or think I had to be kind to them and agree to their requests.  So, I looked up at the sky and screamed out, "Jesus!” “Jesus where are you, Jesus?!” I think everyone around me thought I was crazy but I wanted Jesus and all these people claimed to be following Jesus but clearly were not. (Some in the apostate harlot churches are looking for Jesus, but don't always find the real Jesus...  Son 3:1-4 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 2 I said, I will rise now, and go about the city; In the streets and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me; To whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, When I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, Until I had brought him into my mother's house, And into the chamber of her that conceived me.)  I started walking past the shops, when this toddler ran up to me and told me that his father needed a new wife and asked me to be his new mum. I kindly told him that I already have a husband and he ran back to his father. I thought this place was so strange.     I looked into the shops as I continued to walk by. In one of the stores people were fighting and I thought this isn't how children of God are to behave. In another store they were selling cigarettes and things like that, and I was shocked as we knew those things were wrong. Another store had people looking at me strangely as if I wasn't from this world. (We are not of this world, as Jesus said in Joh 17:16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. To the average Christian, we appear out of place.) Then in another store, a man catcalled. At every store everything was completely overpriced and had nothing to do with Jesus, and no one was manifesting the fruit of Christ. I kept saying, “vanity, vanity, all is vanity.” (Ecc 1:2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity.)  Everything in this ‘supposed church' was corrupt and had nothing to do with Jesus and I couldn't understand why. I just wanted to leave but I couldn't find Samuel anywhere. I finally got through these shops and into an area where there were no people. I asked God what He wanted me to do. He told me to go back there, and I said, “Lord nothing there has anything to do with You, and it's all corrupt and I don't want to go back.” He told me to go back and tell them all about His real Son Jesus and the Truth. So, I turned around and walked back the exact same way I came.  I opened the door to the first store and shared the real gospel, and they rejected it so I went to the next store and told them, and they wanted nothing to do with it either. (Mat 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. Luk 10:16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me.)  I turned around and saw two police officers going around into the exact same stores I had just left. It was as if they were following my steps, however I felt they were going to the places where I shared the Truth and we're exposing the corruption and arresting the evil. (The police may be the angels. Eph 5:11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;)  I went into each shop sharing the Truth, but they all rejected it. So, I went into the café area and shared the Truth there, but everyone just wanted to go on with what they were doing and justifying their sin and corruption. I walked back into the children's area and library and testified of Jesus. (Like Jesus taught His disciples and the apostle Paul says in Act 20:21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 … that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Ministering the Gospel of Christ.)  I went to every person I saw and told them the Truth which finally led me to finding Samuel who was speaking to the leaders of this church. As soon as I got next to Samuel we walked straight out to the car and left.       UBM House Sanctified And Protected  Tianna Fire 4/25/23 (David's notes in red)  I dreamed that Michael, David and other brethren and I were living in my gramps Alan's old house. (Alan means harmony, little rock, and precious. This house represents the house of God's chosen or the elect, who are built on the Rock, which is Jesus Christ. 1Co 10:4 and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ. 1Pe 2:6-8 Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame. 7 For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; 8 and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.)  On one side of the house was a very large lounge room where all the brethren would gather for prayer, Bible studies and fellowship. There was a long hallway that led to the other side of the house where all the bedrooms were located. David's and Michael's rooms were located upstairs on the next level. (In an upper room, as overseers, overlooking the others.) Upstairs, David and Michael had their own small living room area to seek the Lord and write up their teachings received from Jesus. I remember they spent very much time there seeking God together, and individually, praying and studying the Word; but they would share the Word with everyone in the lounge room in God's perfect timing.   The brethren who cooked meals, would sometimes bring food up to Michael and David because they were at times so focused and absorbed in the Word and Spirit of God. All the brethren had specific chores around the property, such as cleaning, cooking and gardening and other important tasks, relieving Michael and David and others, so they could spend more time with the Lord in prayer, worship and the Word. (All the members of the Body of Christ have their gifts and individual roles to serve and edify each other. (1Co Ch. 12 and 14) Act 6:2-4 And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.)  The kitchen area was in the center of the house. (Where the unleavened bread is prepared. 2Ch 7:7 Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of Jehovah;) The house was set up on a hill (Mt Zion) on a large amount of land, approximately five acres. (grace) Outside the house was a large, covered area for gathering, and there was a lake located at the bottom of the hill. The whole property was fenced. (Protected by sanctification.) On the adjoining neighbors' side were many trees and much bush so there was decent privacy. The neighbors were not able to come over the property line even if they wanted to; it was as if there was an invisible shield or wall. (The wall is sanctification from the worldly.)   They could only come in contact with us if we were off our private property or if we gave them permission to come onto our property. (If we are “off the private property” or “giving permission” this represents giving place to the enemy by any sin of unbelief, rejection, criticism, unforgiveness, willful sin, etc. When we walk in holiness (sanctification, abiding in Christ, in heavenly places) the enemy is bound and cannot legally be on our “property” (promised land.) 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, 9 whom withstand stedfast in your faith…)   (Isa 35:8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein.)  One time I went into the large lounge room and towards the right of the room. Michael, David and some other brethren were there deep in prayer. On a table sat a laptop computer which was turned on. I looked at the screen and saw they were watching a live conference of satanists gathered from around the world. All the brethren in the lounge room were in intense spiritual warfare and prayer against it. (I felt the conference being live online represents all evil being brought into the light and nothing is hidden before God. Also, the Man-Child and Bride body are in spiritual warfare, praying down satan's faction, witchcraft and D-S attempts.)   As I watched, HRC (Hillary Clinton) appeared on the laptop screen and I saw the pure evil and high level fallen angels inside of her and the presence of evil was so intense, that I had to turn away from looking at it. Sometimes the evil spiritual realm is too intense for me, so I couldn't bring myself to look at the conference anymore, but I instead just sat further away, and prayed in tongues and I was in complete agreement with what the brethren prayed, and I knew that our prayers would be answered.   (We also send the angels to bring down satan and his angels dominion. We have been gaining great victories this way with much less effort as in Rev 12:7-11 ASV  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.  10  And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night.  11  And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. All the brethren were in intense prayer all day until it was just David, Michael and myself and my son David, still praying at around 3am. Then I took my son David into our room at the other end of the house.   Later, some brethren had to drive somewhere, and two men that I felt were like our bodyguards (angels) came to us and said the enemy was waiting for us. From the house there was a long driveway down the hill to the main road, where we could only go right to leave, we couldn't go left, there was only one way. (The Word of God, Who is Jesus, the one way path of righteousness.) Suddenly, our eyes were opened, (anointing) and we could see through walls, bushes and everything and we were able to see on the main road where some people who were against us were hiding behind a bush waiting for us (an ambush). But because we were able to see the enemy's plans, we were able to avoid the danger, pray it down and knew what to do and what not to do. (The Lord reveals the enemy and their traps, and the hidden dangers by the spiritual gifts, in words of wisdom, words of knowledge, visions and gift of discernment and the angels also tell us of them.) When it was clear they were able to continue.  The neighbors in the house next door did not like us, and they were always devising plans of attack against us in some way, but by God's grace, their plans were exposed and always failed. (God reveals the curses and witchcraft of the factious and apostate leaders to us through dreams and visions, so we can pray it down.) I remember in the dream how one of these men repented to follow Jesus and he joined us. The wife of one these men also decided to follow Jesus and she was on fire for God. She was pregnant and would regularly fellowship with us bringing her five children with her. She didn't want to leave her unbelieving husband because she believed God would soon reveal Himself to him too so he would be saved. (1Co 7:13-14 And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.  1Pe 3:1-2 In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives; 2 beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear.)  There was another UBM camp a little further away in a wooded area (The wooded area represents the wilderness.) and the house was a large wooden cabin. We would regularly meet together for fellowship with the few brethren who lived there. I don't remember what their area of ministering was, but it was different from the one we were in. I remember they had a slide that went off the cabin deck and it went further down onto the property. (This cabin in the woods represents the many other places of refuge that God has provided that are scattered all over the world. Some of these may be part of the UBM ministry.) 

Old Testament: Ezekiel 21–22 Ezekiel 21–22 (Listen) The Lord Has Drawn His Sword 21 1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries.2 Prophesy against the land of Israel 3 and say to the land of Israel, Thus says the LORD: Behold, I am against you and will draw my sword from its sheath and will cut off from you both righteous and wicked. 4 Because I will cut off from you both righteous and wicked, therefore my sword shall be drawn from its sheath against all flesh from south to north. 5 And all flesh shall know that I am the LORD. I have drawn my sword from its sheath; it shall not be sheathed again. 6 “As for you, son of man, groan; with breaking heart and bitter grief, groan before their eyes. 7 And when they say to you, ‘Why do you groan?' you shall say, ‘Because of the news that it is coming. Every heart will melt, and all hands will be feeble; every spirit will faint, and all knees will be weak as water. Behold, it is coming, and it will be fulfilled,'” declares the Lord GOD. 8 And the word of the LORD came to me: 9 “Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the Lord, say:   “A sword, a sword is sharpened    and also polished,10   sharpened for slaughter,    polished to flash like lightning! (Or shall we rejoice? You have despised the rod, my son, with everything of wood.)3 11 So the sword is given to be polished, that it may be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished to be given into the hand of the slayer. 12 Cry out and wail, son of man, for it is against my people. It is against all the princes of Israel. They are delivered over to the sword with my people. Strike therefore upon your thigh. 13 For it will not be a testing—what could it do if you despise the rod?”4 declares the Lord GOD. 14 “As for you, son of man, prophesy. Clap your hands and let the sword come down twice, yes, three times,5 the sword for those to be slain. It is the sword for the great slaughter, which surrounds them, 15 that their hearts may melt, and many stumble.6 At all their gates I have given the glittering sword. Ah, it is made like lightning; it is taken up7 for slaughter. 16 Cut sharply to the right; set yourself to the left, wherever your face is directed. 17 I also will clap my hands, and I will satisfy my fury; I the LORD have spoken.” 18 The word of the LORD came to me again: 19 “As for you, son of man, mark two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come. Both of them shall come from the same land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to a city. 20 Mark a way for the sword to come to Rabbah of the Ammonites and to Judah, into Jerusalem the fortified. 21 For the king of Babylon stands at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination. He shakes the arrows; he consults the teraphim;8 he looks at the liver. 22 Into his right hand comes the divination for Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to open the mouth with murder, to lift up the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up mounds, to build siege towers. 23 But to them it will seem like a false divination. They have sworn solemn oaths, but he brings their guilt to remembrance, that they may be taken. 24 “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Because you have made your guilt to be remembered, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your deeds your sins appear—because you have come to remembrance, you shall be taken in hand. 25 And you, O profane9 wicked one, prince of Israel, whose day has come, the time of your final punishment, 26 thus says the Lord GOD: Remove the turban and take off the crown. Things shall not remain as they are. Exalt that which is low, and bring low that which is exalted. 27 A ruin, ruin, ruin I will make it. This also shall not be, until he comes, the one to whom judgment belongs, and I will give it to him. 28 “And you, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites and concerning their reproach; say, A sword, a sword is drawn for the slaughter. It is polished to consume and to flash like lightning—29 while they see for you false visions, while they divine lies for you—to place you on the necks of the profane wicked, whose day has come, the time of their final punishment. 30 Return it to its sheath. In the place where you were created, in the land of your origin, I will judge you. 31 And I will pour out my indignation upon you; I will blow upon you with the fire of my wrath, and I will deliver you into the hands of brutish men, skillful to destroy. 32 You shall be fuel for the fire. Your blood shall be in the midst of the land. You shall be no more remembered, for I the LORD have spoken.” Israel's Shedding of Blood 22 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “And you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then declare to her all her abominations. 3 You shall say, Thus says the Lord GOD: A city that sheds blood in her midst, so that her time may come, and that makes idols to defile herself! 4 You have become guilty by the blood that you have shed, and defiled by the idols that you have made, and you have brought your days near, the appointed time of10 your years has come. Therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations, and a mockery to all the countries. 5 Those who are near and those who are far from you will mock you; your name is defiled; you are full of tumult. 6 “Behold, the princes of Israel in you, every one according to his power, have been bent on shedding blood. 7 Father and mother are treated with contempt in you; the sojourner suffers extortion in your midst; the fatherless and the widow are wronged in you. 8 You have despised my holy things and profaned my Sabbaths. 9 There are men in you who slander to shed blood, and people in you who eat on the mountains; they commit lewdness in your midst. 10 In you men uncover their fathers' nakedness; in you they violate women who are unclean in their menstrual impurity. 11 One commits abomination with his neighbor's wife; another lewdly defiles his daughter-in-law; another in you violates his sister, his father's daughter. 12 In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit11 and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; but me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD. 13 “Behold, I strike my hand at the dishonest gain that you have made, and at the blood that has been in your midst. 14 Can your courage endure, or can your hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with you? I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it. 15 I will scatter you among the nations and disperse you through the countries, and I will consume your uncleanness out of you. 16 And you shall be profaned by your own doing in the sight of the nations, and you shall know that I am the LORD.” 17 And the word of the LORD came to me: 18 “Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to me; all of them are bronze and tin and iron and lead in the furnace; they are dross of silver. 19 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Because you have all become dross, therefore, behold, I will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem. 20 As one gathers silver and bronze and iron and lead and tin into a furnace, to blow the fire on it in order to melt it, so I will gather you in my anger and in my wrath, and I will put you in and melt you. 21 I will gather you and blow on you with the fire of my wrath, and you shall be melted in the midst of it. 22 As silver is melted in a furnace, so you shall be melted in the midst of it, and you shall know that I am the LORD; I have poured out my wrath upon you.” 23 And the word of the LORD came to me: 24 “Son of man, say to her, You are a land that is not cleansed or rained upon in the day of indignation. 25 The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured human lives; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. 26 Her priests have done violence to my law and have profaned my holy things. They have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean, and they have disregarded my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain. 28 And her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,' when the LORD has not spoken. 29 The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner without justice. 30 And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. 31 Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the Lord GOD.” Footnotes [1] 21:1 Ch 21:6 in Hebrew [2] 21:2 Some Hebrew manuscripts, compare Septuagint, Syriac against their sanctuary [3] 21:10 Probable reading; Hebrew The rod of my son despises everything of wood [4] 21:13 Or For it is a testing; and what if even the rod despises? It shall not be! [5] 21:14 Hebrew its third [6] 21:15 Hebrew many stumbling blocks [7] 21:15 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered taken up is uncertain [8] 21:21 Or household idols [9] 21:25 Or slain; also verse 29 [10] 22:4 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, Targum; most Hebrew manuscripts until [11] 22:12 That is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor (compare Leviticus 25:36) (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 119:145–152 Psalm 119:145–152 (Listen) Qoph 145   With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!    I will keep your statutes.146   I call to you; save me,    that I may observe your testimonies.147   I rise before dawn and cry for help;    I hope in your words.148   My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,    that I may meditate on your promise.149   Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;    O LORD, according to your justice give me life.150   They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;    they are far from your law.151   But you are near, O LORD,    and all your commandments are true.152   Long have I known from your testimonies    that you have founded them forever. (ESV) New Testament: Colossians 3–4 Colossians 3–4 (Listen) Put On the New Self 3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your1 life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:2 sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.3 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self4 with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave,5 free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Rules for Christian Households 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters,6 not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. 4 Masters, treat your bondservants7 justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Further Instructions 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Final Greetings 7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant8 in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers9 at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Footnotes [1] 3:4 Some manuscripts our [2] 3:5 Greek therefore your members that are on the earth [3] 3:6 Some manuscripts add upon the sons of disobedience [4] 3:9 Greek man; also as supplied in verse 10 [5] 3:11 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; likewise for Bondservants in verse 22 [6] 3:22 Or your masters according to the flesh [7] 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; likewise for servant in verse 12 [8] 4:7 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word sundoulos, see Preface [9] 4:15 Or brothers and sisters (ESV)

In this Bible Story, Jesus witnesses one of the greatest acts a friend can do. A few men cut a hole in a roof just to get their paralyzed friend down to Jesus. They go to great lengths to see their friend healed, and their faith is rewarded. This story is inspired by Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:9-13. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Mark 2:4 from the King James Version.Episode 183: As two men get ready to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, they see that the house is too full to enter. Not to be deterred, they headed for the roof where they began tearing the mud and plaster. As Jesus saw the men lowering their friend down, He looked at the paralyzed man and told him his sins were forgiven. Though some scribes in the crowd were angry at Him for this, He proved His authority to say this by healing the man. As he and his friends walked out of the house, everyone was amazed. After this Jesus went to the sea where He walked into the booth of a tax collector named Matthew.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bible Story, Jesus climbs a small hill and preaches to thousands of people about the kingdom of God. He speaks about the backwards economy of God's blessings. That the poor in spirit, meek, and mourning are the ones to inherit ultimate blessing from God. All these things cause awe and wonder in those listening. This story is inspired by Matthew 5-7 & Luke 6:37-42. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 5:44 from the King James Version.Episode 182: As the crowds gathered around Jesus He began to teach them. He taught them about righteousness, prayer, and love for one another. Some were amazed and listened with eager ears while others were firm against Him with grimaces on their faces. Where will we stand as we listen to His words?Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acts 15:22–18:17 Acts 15:22–18:17 (Listen) The Council's Letter to Gentile Believers 22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers1 who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you2 with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” 30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.3 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Paul and Barnabas Separate 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Timothy Joins Paul and Silas 16 Paul4 came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers5 at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. The Macedonian Call 6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul6 had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. The Conversion of Lydia 11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the7 district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. Paul and Silas in Prison 16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. 19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. The Philippian Jailer Converted 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer8 called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. 35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed. Paul and Silas in Thessalonica 17 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews9 were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. Paul and Silas in Berea 10 The brothers10 immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. Paul in Athens 16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. Paul Addresses the Areopagus 22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,11 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for   “‘In him we live and move and have our being';12 as even some of your own poets have said,   “‘For we are indeed his offspring.'13 29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. Paul in Corinth 18 After this Paul14 left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews15 made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal. 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this. Footnotes [1] 15:23 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 32, 33, 36 [2] 15:24 Some manuscripts some persons from us have troubled you [3] 15:33 Some manuscripts insert verse 34: But it seemed good to Silas to remain there [4] 16:1 Greek He [5] 16:2 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 40 [6] 16:10 Greek he [7] 16:12 Or that [8] 16:29 Greek he [9] 17:5 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verse 13 [10] 17:10 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 14 [11] 17:24 Greek made by hands [12] 17:28 Probably from Epimenides of Crete [13] 17:28 From Aratus's poem “Phainomena” [14] 18:1 Greek he [15] 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14 (twice), 28 (ESV)

A Word of Encouragement with Vicky Mutchler is heard at 11:30 AM Central Time on Faith Music Radio. You can follow Mrs. Vicky by joining the On a Positive Note Facebook group.

Today, let's witness the miracle of Jesus happening in our hearts.

In this enlightening episode of Connect, we dive into the inspiring story of Acts 14:1-20, where faith and perseverance triumph over adversity. Join us as we explore the powerful message behind this biblical passage and uncover the timeless lessons it holds for us today. Our host, Cole Phillips, delves into the context of Acts 14:1-20, which takes place during the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey. As Paul and Barnabas travel to Lystra, they encounter a crippled man who has never walked. Witnessing the man's faith, Paul is moved with compassion and commands him to stand up and walk. Miraculously, the man leaps to his feet, completely healed, and the crowd is astounded. Through a captivating narrative, we highlight the significance of this event as a demonstration of the power of faith. Drawing parallels to our own lives, we explore how faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, inspiring us to take bold action and trust in a higher power. Furthermore, this episode delves into the challenges faced by Paul and Barnabas in Lystra, where their message of faith and salvation is met with opposition. The crowd, swayed by false accusations, turns against them, leading to Paul being stoned and left for dead. Yet, miraculously, Paul rises up and continues his mission, undeterred by the adversity he faced. As we unpack the story's themes, we reflect on the resilience and unwavering commitment to their mission that Paul and Barnabas exemplify. We explore how their experience can serve as an inspiration for us to persevere in the face of challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. Throughout the episode, Cole engages listeners with thought-provoking questions and practical applications, encouraging us to examine our own faith journeys and discover ways to unleash the power of faith in our lives. Drawing on personal anecdotes and relatable examples, Cole offers valuable insights and guidance on how we can navigate our own trials with unwavering faith. Tune in to this captivating episode of Connect, as Cole brings Acts 14:1-20 to life, offering a fresh perspective on the power of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Get ready to be inspired and equipped to face life's challenges head-on, knowing that faith can move mountains and transform lives. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cole-phillips2/support

In this enlightening episode of Connect, we dive into the inspiring story of Acts 14:1-20, where faith and perseverance triumph over adversity. Join us as we explore the powerful message behind this biblical passage and uncover the timeless lessons it holds for us today.Our host, Cole Phillips, delves into the context of Acts 14:1-20, which takes place during the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey. As Paul and Barnabas travel to Lystra, they encounter a crippled man who has never walked. Witnessing the man's faith, Paul is moved with compassion and commands him to stand up and walk. Miraculously, the man leaps to his feet, completely healed, and the crowd is astounded.Through a captivating narrative, we highlight the significance of this event as a demonstration of the power of faith. Drawing parallels to our own lives, we explore how faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, inspiring us to take bold action and trust in a higher power.Furthermore, this episode delves into the challenges faced by Paul and Barnabas in Lystra, where their message of faith and salvation is met with opposition. The crowd, swayed by false accusations, turns against them, leading to Paul being stoned and left for dead. Yet, miraculously, Paul rises up and continues his mission, undeterred by the adversity he faced.As we unpack the story's themes, we reflect on the resilience and unwavering commitment to their mission that Paul and Barnabas exemplify. We explore how their experience can serve as an inspiration for us to persevere in the face of challenges and remain steadfast in our faith.Throughout the episode, Cole engages listeners with thought-provoking questions and practical applications, encouraging us to examine our own faith journeys and discover ways to unleash the power of faith in our lives. Drawing on personal anecdotes and relatable examples, Cole offers valuable insights and guidance on how we can navigate our own trials with unwavering faith.Tune in to this captivating episode of Connect, as Cole brings Acts 14:1-20 to life, offering a fresh perspective on the power of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Get ready to be inspired and equipped to face life's challenges head-on, knowing that faith can move mountains and transform lives.

Galatians 4–6 Galatians 4–6 (Listen) Sons and Heirs 4 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,1 though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles2 of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Paul's Concern for the Galatians 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. 12 Brothers,3 I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?4 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Example of Hagar and Sarah 21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia;5 she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,   “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;    break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!  For the children of the desolate one will be more    than those of the one who has a husband.” 28 Now you,6 brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. Christ Has Set Us Free 5 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified7 by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. 7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers,8 still preach9 circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Keep in Step with the Spirit 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,10 drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do11 such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Bear One Another's Burdens 6 Brothers,12 if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one a