Podcasts about Barnabas

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Our shout-out today goes to Douglass Fetters from Port Orchard, WA. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. We cannot do this without donors like you. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 9:1-6. Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 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. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? — 1 Corinthians 9:1-6 Paul opens this chapter without hesitation and without apology. He asks the questions out loud—questions that force the issue of identity before the issue of sacrifice. "Am I not free?" Paul does not ground his freedom in public approval, personal achievement, or cultural status. His freedom is grounded in one decisive reality: he belongs to Christ and has been called by Christ. He has seen the risen Lord. He has been commissioned by him. And the Corinthians themselves are living evidence of that calling. Their faith is the seal of his apostleship. Paul's point is not arrogance. It is clarity. Before Paul ever talks about restraint, he establishes something essential: he is genuinely free, fully authorized, and rightfully entitled. His sacrifices are not the result of weakness, pressure, or insecurity. They flow from identity. That's why he names the rights plainly. The right to financial support. The right to marriage. The right to live without the need to labor. These are not theoretical privileges. They are real, recognized, and biblically affirmed. And Paul has them. Paul is establishing these rights because sacrifice only means something when the rights are realized. You cannot lay down what you never possessed. You cannot surrender what you were never given. Paul is showing the Corinthians—and us—that gospel-shaped sacrifice does not come from a lack of confidence. It comes from confidence rooted in Christ. When freedom isn't anchored in identity, it turns into entitlement. And when identity isn't secure, freedom is often surrendered out of fear. But when identity is secured in Christ, freedom becomes something you can hold loosely. Paul's life is about to illustrate this truth in full. He will willingly lay down rights, limit freedom, and endure hardship—not to prove devotion, but because devotion has already been established. This chapter begins where all true sacrifice must begin: with freedom that knows who it belongs to. DO THIS: Name one right or freedom you possess and reflect on how your identity in Christ changes the way you hold it. ASK THIS: Where do I ground my sense of freedom—identity in Christ or affirmation from others? Which rights do I cling to most tightly, and why? How might a secure identity free me to sacrifice more willingly? PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, anchor my freedom in you. Free me from insecurity and entitlement, and teach me to live from the confidence that comes from belonging to you. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Christ Is Mine Forevermore"

Wesley Wright Lighthouse Bible Church Sunday, March 15, 2026 Do Not Receive the Grace of God in Vain 2Co 6:1-2 We are co-laborers with God, Paul writes (2 Corinthians 6:1). We are working together with Him. Sound familiar? 1Co 3:1-11 Grace is by definition undeserved. You can't do anything to justify what God has done for us. What you can do is point the salvation we have now in Christ alone. What does it mean to possibly receive the grace of God in vain (2 Corinthians 6:2)? Instead of enjoying reconciliation in Christ, you seek to adhere to the old law or your works, or anything else. Paul mentioned this concept before: 1Co 3:3-11 Paul and Barnabas dealt with people who refused to believe in... for full notes: http://www.lbible.org/index.php?proc=msg&sf=vw&tid=1780

Introduction: 5 Reasons Pastors Should Be Paid: (1 Corinthians 9:1-14) It's COMMON Sense. (1 Cor 9:7) It's a CONCERN in the Law. (1 Cor 9:8-11) 1 Timothy 5:17-18 - Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” It's CLAIMED By Others. (1 Cor 9:12) It's a CUSTOM from the Old Testament. (1 Cor 9:13) It's COMMANDED By Jesus. (1 Cor 9:14) Luke 10:7 – for the laborer deserves his wages. Matthew 10:10 - the laborer deserves his food. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Audio Transcript 00:36-00:40Open up those Bibles to 1 Corinthians 9.00:44-00:52The title of today's message is, "Should Pastors Be Paid?" Yeah.00:54-00:57I'd like to invite the worship team to come back up as we close.00:58-01:00If you want to worship through giving, the offering.01:04-01:09You're like, "You better earn that pay." Fair, fair.01:09-01:12You know, I was associate pastor for 11 years.01:12-01:16And one of the things that I did was run the Wednesday night program.01:16-01:18It was pioneer clubs like Awana's.01:18-01:26But I'll never forget one girl who was lifelong member of the church from forever.01:26-01:27She the one little girl came up.01:28-01:39She goes, "Pastor Jeff, where do you work?" And I'm not gonna say her name 'cause she's an adult now and might be watching this, but I said, "Well, you know where I work.01:40-01:42"I'm one of the pastors here at the church." She just rolled her eyes.01:42-01:46She goes, "I know that, but I mean, where do you work?01:46-01:49"Like, what's your job?01:49-02:02"Like, what do you do to get paid?" I'm like, "You know, just when you start "to feel pretty good about yourself." Along comes some kid to bring you right back down to earth, right?02:03-02:03Where do you work?02:07-02:09Many people hold that opinion, right?02:10-02:12I mean, being a pastor isn't really work.02:15-02:19You know, my favorite, you only work for one hour a week.02:23-02:24And you know what?02:24-02:25I've heard that so many times.02:25-02:27I'm quick to correct people on that.02:28-02:28I'm like, "No.02:31-02:32I don't work the whole hour.02:34-02:36My part's only like 35 minutes.02:37-02:43I work 35 minutes a week." So should pastors be paid?02:44-02:47When you bring it up, people get weird.02:48-02:49People get weird.02:49-02:51Everybody's evaluating the pastor's car.02:53-02:55Everybody's evaluating the pastor's house.02:55-02:58Everybody's evaluating the pastor's clothes.02:59-03:00How much is he making?03:03-03:05You know nobody does that for other professions, right?03:08-03:18Like for example, if somebody here is a nurse and you pull up to church driving a Boxter, what are people gonna say?03:18-03:20"Good for her, good for her.03:21-03:23Wow, I am so happy for her.03:26-03:31If I drove up driving a Porsche, what are people gonna say?03:35-03:36How much is he making?03:40-03:49I've heard a lot of things over the years, statements people have made, their little evaluations on how pastors should be paid.03:49-03:51I just want to share a couple with you.03:51-03:53Just this is, these amuse me.03:54-03:57But one person told me this regarding how a pastor should be paid.03:58-04:10He said, "A pastor shouldn't make more "than the lowest paid congregant." So we should find out who in the church makes the least and that should determine the pastor's salary.04:13-04:17Because after all, the pastor shouldn't make more than anybody else in the church.04:19-04:20I had one guy tell me this.04:21-04:31He goes, "I have a real problem "with preachers getting paid by the church." And I said, "What's the issue with that?" He goes, "Think about it this way.04:33-04:35"You teach tithing, right?04:35-04:55"10%." I'm like, "I'm following you." He goes, "Okay, so if 10 people give 10%, "now automatically the pastor's making "more than everybody in the church." And I'm like, you're gonna have to back up here 'cause you lost me somewhere on that math.04:57-04:58I mean, does that math work out?05:01-05:02Should pastors be paid?05:04-05:05Awkward.05:05-05:07Right, it's an awkward subject.05:07-05:10Can we just get that under, it's an awkward subject to stand up and preach about.05:10-05:11You're like, well then why are you?05:12-05:17Because we're going through the book of 1 Corinthians and guess what the subject is of this next section that we are going in?05:18-05:24"Should pastors be paid?" Yeah, it's going to be awkward to talk about, but you don't be more awkward than that, skipping it.05:26-05:26Right?05:26-05:29Because didn't God put it in His Word for a reason?05:30-05:31And we don't skip anything here.05:32-05:33So we're going after it.05:34-05:35We're just going to go after it.05:35-05:36Should pastors be paid?05:37-05:39The Bible is clear, yes.05:41-05:50But some ministers, you know, they live lavishly, and they demand that the church pay for the their extravagant lifestyle, and that is wrong.05:52-05:59But we can't just disregard what the Bible says just because some people have abused the privilege.06:02-06:06This section here, we're in 1 Corinthians, it's about liberty.06:08-06:21You're like, "Well, what is liberty?" It's this, you know, to be saved means that you have to turn from your sin and receive Jesus Christ.06:21-06:34And when you receive Him, you believe that Jesus died for your sin, when you believe that Jesus resurrected from the dead, when you believe that, the Bible says you are adopted as a child of God.06:34-06:36And nothing can change that.06:37-06:40Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Jesus Christ.06:41-06:41Nothing.06:42-06:46When you are saved, you are saved as a gift of God's grace.06:47-06:48Nothing can change that.06:51-06:54So understand your salvation is not performance-based.06:56-06:58So that means there's nothing you can do.06:58-07:01If you're saved, there's nothing you can do that would disqualify you from being a child of God.07:01-07:02It's not performance-based.07:04-07:12So the extreme view of that is, well, if it's not performance-based, I'm free to do whatever I want.07:15-07:16And that's what we're looking at in this section.07:17-07:19Am I free to do whatever I want?07:19-07:38Their particular issue, we talked about this last week, was they were, some of the more mature Christians were eating meat that was sacrificed to idols, and they were like, "A burger's a burger." But it bothered some of the weaker Christians who came out of the pagan background and said, You don't want to touch meat that was used in pagan worship.07:39-07:46And Paul says, "Love says, 'I will give up my rights if it keeps a brother from stumbling.'" I'll give up my rights.07:49-08:02So understand here in this section that we're looking at today, Paul is saying, "Corinthians, I'm not asking you to do anything that I'm not willing to do.08:05-08:10Paul is saying here in this section we're looking at, I am laying down a freedom that I have.08:10-08:13I have the freedom to get paid by the church.08:13-08:15And Paul says, I laid that freedom down.08:17-08:23We're going to talk more about that part of it next week, but why would Paul lay that freedom down?08:23-08:25He knew it would bring offense.08:27-08:31You see, he knew that there were going to be some people that thought, "Oh, look at this guy.08:31-08:35There's this new religion and he's using it to cash in.08:35-08:36He's using it just to make money.08:37-08:40He's trying to rip you off." So Paul got a job making tents.08:40-09:03So he's like, "I'm not going to be a financial burden to anybody because I don't want anybody to think that I have an ulterior motive in preaching the gospel." So chapter 9, the section we're looking at today illustrates this whole giving up my liberty issue. I have the freedom to not use my freedom.09:05-09:18All right, let's bow. I'm going to ask you to pray for me to be faithful to communicate God's Word, and I will pray for you to have a heart open to receive it, and then we'll go right after it. Let's just take a moment and pray.09:22-09:23by your name and your word, Father.09:26-09:30We ask you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior forever.09:31-09:35And all of God's people said, amen.09:36-09:42All right, so the Corinthians are like, hey, we are free in Christ to do what we want.09:42-09:44Look at chapter nine, verse one.09:45-09:46Paul says, am I not free?09:48-09:49Am I not an apostle?09:51-09:52Paul's like, "I'm free.09:53-09:55"I'm free to, you know about your freedom?09:55-10:08"I'm free too." And Paul says, "By the way, I'm not just a pew sitter." Okay, he's like, "I'm an apostle." And as always, when the issue comes up, you're going to have a group of people that were like, "Are you, Paul?10:08-10:09"Are you really an apostle?10:09-10:13"Are you really?" Oh, look at what he says.10:15-10:18"Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?10:18-10:25"Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?" Paul was always defending himself.10:25-10:27And right here he goes, "Yeah, I am an apostle.10:27-10:28"I'll give you two proofs.10:28-10:30"One is the big one.10:30-10:37"To be an apostle, you had to have seen "the resurrected Jesus Christ." And Paul's like, "I've seen him." Like, did Paul see Jesus?10:37-10:39Yeah, at least three times.10:39-10:42Oh, by the way, one of those times was actually in Corinth.10:42-10:43What's that, Acts chapter 18?10:46-10:56Paul says, "I have another proof." He goes, "You want another proof of my apostleship?" He goes, "You, you are my proof." What do you mean by that?10:56-10:57Look at verses two and three.10:58-11:07He says, "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.11:08-11:30"This is my defense to those who would examine me." Paul says, "Some might not believe that I'm apostle, but you cannot deny the way that the Lord has worked through me to you." He says, "You're my seal." See, in those days, if somebody wanted to authenticate a letter, they would put a wax seal with the signet ring.11:31-11:32That was to say, "This is genuine.11:32-11:35This is real." Paul goes, "You want to know that I'm real?11:35-11:48Do you want to know that I'm authentic?" He goes, "You're my proof, because God has ministered the gospel through me to you." These are the evidences that I'm an apostle.11:48-11:53So, verse 4, do we not have the right to eat and drink?11:55-11:57That's obviously sarcasm.11:58-12:03I was like, "Yeah, I'm an apostle and God has used me, so I'm not allowed to eat?" Is that what you're saying?12:06-12:10I've been faithful to your souls, I've been faithful to the Lord, but I don't get to eat?12:11-12:20He's saying, "I don't get to… are you saying that I don't get to earn a living from the work that I do in the Lord?" Look at verse 5.12:24-12:32He says, "Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?12:34-12:39Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?12:41-12:49Paul's like, "Other ministers are supported." So much so that other ministers actually take their wives along with them.12:50-12:52So you support them.12:56-12:57What about me?12:57-13:00Do I have the right to be supported by the church?13:01-13:03See what Paul's doing here.13:03-13:06in this little introduction, he's setting this all up.13:07-13:19He goes, "This freedom that I am laying down, is it actually a freedom that I have?" As we look at verses 7-14, Paul here is establishing that this is a right.13:19-13:21This is legitimate.13:21-13:25Ministers have the right to be supported by the church.13:25-13:26He's proving that in this section.13:29-13:35And in Paul's day, as in ours, there are people that are going to doubt the premise.13:36-13:38Like, really, should ministers be paid?13:38-13:38Really?13:39-13:40Not sure about that.13:40-13:41Should they, is it really work?13:42-13:4635 minutes, rather, 35 minutes a week, is that really work?13:47-13:48Should we be paying you for that?13:52-13:56Well, Paul gives five reasons why you should pay the pastor.13:57-13:57All right?13:59-14:00"Jot these down.14:00-14:08By the way, you're paying me overtime this week 'cause I spent some extra time making sure these were alliterated.14:09-14:12I don't always do that, but when I do, I charge extra.14:13-14:23And I charge by the word, that's why the sermons are so long." So five reasons a pastor should be paid.14:23-14:24Number one, I love this.14:24-14:26He just knocks this one right out.14:26-14:26It's common sense.14:27-14:28It's common sense.14:28-14:30Look at verse 7.14:32-14:36Paul says, "Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?14:38-14:40Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit?14:41-14:48Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?" Obvious point, right?14:49-14:52A man earns his living by his work.14:53-14:55And he gives three examples.14:56-15:00A soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd.15:03-15:09Imagine as Paul calls us to here, imagine doing those jobs at your own expense.15:10-15:11Imagine that.15:11-15:13That's ludicrous, right?15:14-15:14Like what do you do?15:14-15:15I work at Target.15:17-15:17Why do you work at Target?15:18-15:25"Well, just trying to pay the bills so in my free time I can be in the army." Like what?15:26-15:27Paul's like, "Who does that?15:28-15:36That's called a hobby if you're doing it without being compensated.15:36-15:41Their families are fed from the work that they do." So it should be true for pastors.15:41-15:42It's common sense.15:43-15:47should earn from the work that they do.15:50-15:55And I have to add, church, that this is also extremely practical when you think about it.15:55-15:57The church benefits from a focused pastor.16:00-16:05You're going to get your best work from the pastor if he's not distracted.16:06-16:07I mean, think about it.16:07-16:43If the pastor has to provide for his family by working another job, how much gas is left tank to be a pastor. And you're like, "Eh, doesn't look that hard." Well, I want you to think about your job, whatever you do. You're nine to five, whether you work in a bank, work in HVAC, community, you know, some kind of like social service function, think Think of what you do.16:44-16:52When your shift ends, do you feel like you would be able to effectively pastor a church on top of that?16:55-16:59Again, I don't care if you're with the police, a computer programmer.17:00-17:05Imagine working all day doing that, and then you get home and now you've got to write a sermon.17:06-17:07Oh, and you have two counseling appointments.17:07-17:09And make sure you squeeze time in.17:09-17:17you've got to follow up with these new people at church, oh, and then you have a ministry team meeting on top of that.17:17-17:21Are you really going to do all of that on top of your nine to five?17:24-17:25It's common sense.17:26-17:33You see, if a pastor has to work another job, it's easy for him to phone it in when it comes to the church work, right?17:33-17:37Well, I've got to work at Target so that I can pay my bills.17:38-17:39the church stuff is just going to have to wait.17:39-17:42I sure hope they're not expecting a decent sermon this week.17:44-17:45It's just common sense.17:45-17:47People should get wages.17:49-17:52People should benefit from their workplace.17:52-17:53That's where he starts.17:54-17:55It's common sense.17:55-17:58Number two, five reasons pastors should be paid.17:58-18:02Five reasons Paul says this is a right for pastors to be paid.18:02-18:05Number two is it's a concern in the law.18:05-18:06It's a concern in the law.18:09-18:10Like, what do you mean?18:10-18:11Well, look at verse eight.18:12-18:17Paul says, "Do I say these things on human authority?" Like, you think I'm making this up?18:19-18:22He says, "Does not the law say the same?18:23-18:37"For it is written in the law of Moses, "you shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." That's Deuteronomy 25 verse 4.18:38-18:43Like, what do you mean an ox treading out the grain?18:43-18:47It was actually an Egyptian trick that Israel adopted.18:49-19:01They would tie a big round flat stone to an ox, and they would have the ox drag the stone over the wheat to crush it to remove the husk.19:03-19:13Okay, so you have this ox helping you prepare food, doing this hard work of dragging a stone.19:13-19:19Now how cruel would it be to put a muzzle on the ox while he's doing that?19:19-19:22Like you have to drag the stone, but you're not allowed to eat.19:23-19:27Oh, you're going to stand on top of food all day, but you're not allowed to take a bite.19:28-19:28That's inhumane.19:36-19:37That's the point.19:39-19:41Look at verse 9, second part.19:44-19:56He says, "Is it for oxen that God is concerned?" Does He not speak entirely for our sake?19:57-20:15It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope, and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop." See Paul's point, you know, the whole don't muzzle an ox while it's treading out the grain.20:15-20:27Paul's like, "You think God's concerned about the ox?" Look, I don't think God has anything against ox, oxen, oxes, oxen, oxen.20:27-20:28Thank you, Randy.20:28-20:28Oxen.20:28-20:31I don't think God's against oxen.20:31-20:32He created them.20:32-20:33I think God loves oxen.20:34-20:42Paul's like, "Do you think he wrote that in the law for the oxen who are going to be reading the law?" Like, "Hey, wait a second.20:43-20:48You're not supposed to muzzle me while I'm working." I think he didn't write that for the oxen.20:50-20:51But don't do it now.20:51-20:52You can do it later.20:53-20:56You get some time, turn back to that reference in Deuteronomy.20:56-21:01And you're going to see that section of Deuteronomy has nothing to do with animals.21:02-21:05Nothing to do with how to treat the livestock.21:05-21:06It has nothing to do with that.21:07-21:12It has everything to do with people.21:12-21:13And how you treat people.21:15-21:17You see, it's a figure of speech.21:17-21:21We use animals in figures of speech all the time, don't we?21:22-21:25Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, two birds with one stone, all of that.21:25-21:26It was a figure of speech.21:28-21:36And Paul reminds us here, look, when God wrote that through Moses, He wasn't really concerned about the oxen, He was concerned about man.21:38-21:44And the point of that expression is the worker deserves to benefit from his work, obviously, right?21:45-22:02Luke 11, he says, "If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?" Sown spiritual things.22:05-22:09That's all I'm trying to do for this church.22:10-22:13There are many people in this church that I have led to Christ.22:16-22:23There's many people in this church that I've not only taught the Bible, but I've taught how to teach the Bible.22:25-22:35There are people in this church that I have counseled out of disaster, comforted you and your family at funerals.22:36-22:37I married a lot of people here.22:39-22:45I've come along leaders to try to encourage them in their particular ministries.22:46-22:57None of this is meant to be boastful or "Hey, look at me." I'm just saying objectively, this is what I'm striving to do among you.22:59-23:01So is it out of line to support me in doing those things?23:03-23:05Am I asking too much?23:07-23:10Or do you see no value in anything that I do?23:12-23:16Now look, I am so thankful.23:16-23:18This church has always supported me and my family.23:20-23:24And I am so thankful to God for you and your support.23:27-23:34It would absolutely grieve me though if you thought that I wasn't worth it.23:35-23:43Like, yeah, we'll support him, but I mean, does he really bring something to the table?23:48-23:57Some churches, well, they do justify no pay or meager pay for the pastors.23:58-23:59Some churches justify that.23:59-24:01You can't pay the pastor very much.24:01-24:01Why?24:02-24:04Gotta keep 'em humble, right Pastor Taylor?24:06-24:07Gotta keep 'em humble.24:07-24:11Pastor Taylor gets paid two Kit Kats a week, that's all he gets from the church.24:12-24:14Because we're gonna keep 'em humble.24:16-24:18We don't want 'em to get swollen head.24:19-24:21So we gotta keep 'em humble.24:21-24:30Listen, that is an unbiblical mindset, completely backwards to what the Bible says about the way you treat your pastor.24:31-24:32Right?24:34-24:371 Timothy 5, look what Paul told Timothy.24:38-24:50He says, "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." You know what he means by double honor?24:51-24:55He doesn't mean like, thank you, thank you.24:58-24:58Great job, great job.24:58-24:59That's not what he means at all.25:00-25:02You look at the context, he's talking about pay.25:04-25:07He's saying you should double my pay.25:09-25:11You get the point there, right?25:12-25:14Not keep them humble.25:14-25:17He's like, those who preach the word of God deserve double honor.25:18-25:24He says, for the scripture says, you shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.25:25-25:29and the laborer deserves his wages.25:33-25:37And right now some Bible scholar is like, oh, okay, don't muzzle the ox.25:38-25:40Okay, Pastor Jeff, that's Old Testament.25:40-25:42We don't live under the Old Testament.25:45-25:52Well, we abide under the principles of the law, especially when they're repeated in the New Testament.25:53-25:53All right?25:54-25:55The five reasons pastors should be paid.25:56-25:58Paul says it's common sense.25:58-25:59It's a concern in the law.25:59-26:01Number three, write this down, it's claimed by others.26:02-26:04It's claimed by others.26:07-26:21Verse 12, he says, "If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?" Paul's like, "Oh, by the way, it's not weird or unusual.26:23-26:25In fact, there's precedent for it.26:27-26:27Right?26:28-26:30Many of you do support others.26:31-26:39And you should, but there's many people here that you're like, I support certain missionaries or I support world vision, or I support Samaritan's Purse.26:39-26:41I support all these people.26:41-26:46And Paul here is just simply saying, hey, what about the shepherd who has devoted his life to caring for you?26:47-26:47What about that guy?26:48-26:49Should he be paid?26:49-26:50Should he be supported?26:53-27:03And my whole life revolves around caring for you, praying for you, discipling you.27:06-27:15And some people are like, "Well, you know, I listen to such and such preacher on the Facebooks or the YouTubes or whatever.27:15-27:22I listen to Jack Hibbs, so my tithe goes to Jack Hibbs." Okay.27:28-27:32But when you need counseling, do you think Jack Hibbs is going to come and counsel you?27:34-27:39You know, if you have a tragedy, do you think Jack Hibbs is going to be at your house to pray for you, pray with you?27:42-27:43Does Jack Hibbs even know who you are?27:46-27:46That's Paul's point here.27:47-27:49Paul's like, "Others share the rightful claim.27:49-28:12"You support others." Paul's like, "How can you not support the one who loves you?" He goes on in verse 12, he goes, "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." That's the whole point of broaching the subject.28:13-28:25We have the freedom to get paid, but Paul says, "I laid that freedom down." Just as I'm telling you to do about eating the meat sacrifice to the idols, it's okay.28:25-28:28It's okay to lay your freedom down sometimes.28:30-28:32We're going to get into that more next week.28:33-28:36This week though, he's giving us five reasons a preacher should be paid.28:36-28:39And here's number four, it's a custom from the Old Testament.28:40-28:46It's common sense, it's a concern in the law, it's claimed by others, and it's a custom from the Old Testament.28:47-28:48Look at verse 13.28:49-29:03He says, "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.29:06-29:09Do a little study sometime, Old Testament law.29:09-29:16In the Old Testament, priests were supported for their work by their work.29:18-29:26All of the sacrifices that were given under Old Testament law realized the priest received a portion of what was offered in some way, shape, or form.29:26-29:27That's what Paul's talking about here.29:31-29:41And I was studying this this week, and I'm like, why did he sort of, he kind of said that in verse seven, right?29:42-29:43The same thing.29:43-29:46So why did he bring this up again?29:46-29:47And then it hit me.29:50-29:54Verse seven, he gave secular examples.29:56-29:57You know, the soldier, the farmer, the shepherd.29:57-29:59He gave secular examples.29:59-30:23And there are some in the church that would say, "Okay, Paul, you're using secular reasoning and you're trying to apply it to the spiritual realm." And I think what Paul's doing here is saying, "Look, yes, this principle, you should be supported for the work that you do, by your work." It's true in the secular world and it's true in the sacred world too.30:23-30:25So Paul's like, "Don't act like this is a new thing.30:26-30:31supporting the spiritual leaders, because it's a custom that goes way back to the Old Testament.30:35-30:40Number five, five reasons pastors should be paid.30:41-30:45It's common sense, it's a concern in the law, it's claimed by others, it's a custom from the Old Testament.30:46-30:57Last and probably most important, I would say, I think that's why it's last, it's commanded by Jesus.31:00-31:01It's commanded by Jesus.31:02-31:17Look at verse 14, "In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." Wait a minute, when did Jesus say that?31:18-31:20Well, He said that a couple of times.31:21-31:34In Luke chapter 10, Jesus was sending out the 72 and He was talking about, you can look this up later, the people that believe you should be the ones that feed you.31:34-31:41So Jesus in sending them out said, "For the laborer deserves his wages." What's the context of that?31:42-32:06And again in Matthew 10, verse 10, Jesus was sending out the twelve, and He says, "The people that believe you should be the people who support you." And that's why He said, "The laborer deserves his food." In both cases, Jesus was saying those who preach the gospel must be supported by those who believe the gospel.32:07-32:14In other words, believers, we could say church members, should financially support their leaders.32:17-32:23If you're a guest here today, I want you to understand you're under no obligation to give.32:24-32:29Don't feel guilty or like, "Well, I probably should." If you're a guest, be our guest.32:31-32:32There's zero obligation.32:35-32:37is something that we are to share as a church family.32:39-32:39All right?32:43-32:45But nevertheless, the Lord commanded it.32:46-32:48Those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.32:50-33:01So Paul, in this whole section, is saying as a minister of the gospel, I have every right to expect you to support me, but I laid that right down.33:03-33:19I thought it might be an obstacle to the work, so because I love you, I didn't take financial support from you." Paul's like, "I'm trying to show you something, that when you love, you're willing to lay down your rights.33:21-33:56When you love, you're willing to lay down your freedoms." Paul is just simply saying, as we'll see next week, "Follow my example." Right now you're like, "Okay, pay the pastor, fine." Well my hope is not that you reluctantly get on board with giving, but I want you to see the bigger picture of why you give.33:57-34:00Yes, giving primarily is an act of worship.34:00-34:01We've had a whole sermon series about that.34:02-34:03Giving is an act of worship.34:04-34:08But also I want you to think about the tangible effects of giving.34:11-34:14When you give, my family is supported.34:16-34:22And that frees me from trying to do ministry on top of a nine to five job.34:22-34:25It lets me stay focused on caring for you.34:25-34:35Understand that when you give, look at the big picture, you're freeing me up so that I can care for everybody in this church to the best of my ability.34:39-34:39Everyone benefits.34:41-34:44When you give, other staff are paid.34:44-34:47That allows us to worship in excellent music.34:48-35:07It helps us disciple your children and young adults to minister on a personal level through the oversight of our entire small group ministry and so many more things that are able to happen that couldn't happen if you weren't financially supporting the leadership of the church.35:09-35:15Oh, oh, oh, and when you give, understand that you're supporting a whole network of ministers in Thailand.35:17-35:30Do you know in northern Thailand and beyond, we have 23 churches, we have four children's homes, we have a Bible institute, and do you know how many people stateside support them?35:33-35:34Just this church.35:35-35:49You, when you give, you are allowing the work of evangelism happen all over that area of the world through our network of churches.35:52-35:55Disciples are made all over Northern Thailand and beyond.35:57-36:08When you give, that is your way of actively partnering with me in advancing the kingdom of Jesus Christ.36:10-36:12I'd like you to bow your heads as the worship team makes their way up.36:16-36:29Father in heaven, it felt awkward to have to give a message like this, but God, it's your word.36:29-36:30We don't skip anything.36:32-36:34We just want to go after what you said.36:35-36:46Father, I thank you for the way that this church has always sought to support me and my family.36:48-36:53Financially sure, but so many other ways this church has sought to bless and protect my family.36:54-36:55God, I thank you so much for these people.36:56-36:58This is from you, God, and I thank you for that.36:59-37:11I just pray, Father, that looking at a passage like this, you would give us sort of a bigger picture of the way your economy works and why you have called us to certain things that you've called us to.37:15-37:24God, we believe that all things are yours, and we believe, God, that you have called us to be faithful stewards with everything that you give us.37:27-37:32We thank you for the privilege and all the ways that you've called us to partner with you in the work of the ministry.37:33-37:38Thank You, Father, for the spirit of generosity that You have stirred among Your people here.37:39-37:47And as King David prayed in preparation for the temple, might that spirit always be found in Your people.37:48-37:50We pray in Jesus' name, amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 9:1-14What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Explain why Paul broaches the subject of paying the pastor in the first place. What does that have to do with their question about Christian liberty?What are some practical benefits that come when a pastor doesn't have to work outside the church?How would you respond to someone who says, “Pastors should have a job like everyone else! It's not fair that the pastor has money when some people in the congregation are struggling financially.”BreakoutPray for one another.

John 15:26-16:15,But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.12 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.This morning we continue our walk through this amazing farewell discourse that Jesus has with his disciples. In just a matter of hours, Jesus will be betrayed, falsely accused, tortured, abandoned, and crucified. But before all these things take place, Jesus is preparing his disciples for what is to come. He wants them to be ready. And so the big question of our text this morning is…What does Jesus say to prepare his disciples?If we were to summarize Jesus's message to them in a sentence, I think it would be this: Hard times are ahead, but the Helper will come.So following that main idea, this sermon will have two parts: first, we will cover the hard times that are ahead for the disciples and what that means for us… and then we will spend the rest of our time considering that second part… the Helper to come.Part one: hard times are ahead.Part two: The Helper will come.1. Hard times are ahead.Last week we studied the end of John 15 where Jesus tells his disciples that the world will hate them because they hated him. And now Jesus tells his disciples how that hatred from the world will play out in their lives.First, in John 16:2, Jesus says,“they will put you out of the synagogues.”This means they will be outcasts among their Jewish kinsmen. They will be scorned and shamed for the sake of being associated with Jesus.And second, they will be killed for their faith in him. Again in verse 2, he says,“Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. They will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.”We read in Acts 12 that the Apostle James was killed by the sword. And though we can't be certain about the details, it is believed that all of the apostles, except perhaps John, were killed for their faith. Why does Jesus tell them these things?Jesus gives two reasons here.First, in John 16:1, he says,“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away…”And then again, in verse 4,“I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”Jesus wants his followers to faithfully endure the hard times when they come.The Lord only knows what trials are before each of us… But Scripture makes clear that all followers of Christ will face persecution of some form or another… 2 Timothy 3:12,“all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”And in Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas say to the disciples,“through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God”I've heard it said that everyone is either in a hard time, coming out of a hard time, or about to go into a hard time. And whether it's overt persecution, or some other trial of various sorts, Jesus wants you to be ready to endure!So how do we endure the hard times?We remember his words. In verse 4, Jesus says,“I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”What a gift this book is to us! That we can read the words of Jesus to us! That we can cherish and store God's thoughts and God's words in our hearts! So that we can remember his words to us when the hard times come!When our son Daniel was just a few months old, he went through what the experts call a “sleep regression.” I didn't know what this was before becoming a dad… but it's essentially when your baby starts sleeping well through the night and then one day decides, “that's not my thing anymore.”And I remember several nights being so angry at our baby as he would get us up or not go back to sleep. And… he's just a baby, doing what babies do!And one morning I read these words from Psalm 119,“I remember your name in the night O LORD, and keep your law.”And this verse hit me like a truck… I was not remembering the LORD in the night as I was angry with our helpless baby. And so I committed it to memory. And oh how precious has that verse been to me during the rough nights! And while my nighttime frustrations have still not completely vanished… I now have a weapon for that fight.Our Cities Church Leader Affirmation of Faith has such a helpful paragraph about this … In Article 11 titled ‘Living God's Word by Meditation and Prayer' it says this, “We believe that faith is awakened and sustained by God's Spirit through His Word and prayer. The good fight of faith is fought mainly by meditating on the Scriptures and praying that God would apply them to our souls…”We can remember the story of Charles Spurgeon from last week… who was comforted in his depression as he applied the word of God to his soul… That's the Christian life! It is a daily fight of faith! And our weapons are the Word of God and prayer.So… When a tempting image pops up on your phone:“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things, and give me life in your ways!” (Ps. 119:37).Or when a tension arises in your marriage or with your kids:“Put on then as God's chosen ones holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” (Col. 3:12).Or when that wave of anxiety or depression sets in:“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you…” (Isa. 26:3)As I mention scripture memory, don't hear this as simply another burden to add or a box to check in the Christian life, but consider this question:Am I making good use of the treasure of God's word? For he has given this gift to us that we may remember his words in the hard times.God has given us his word, and he has also given us His Spirit. And this leads us into part two of the sermon, which is where we will spend the rest of our time. In part one, Jesus tells his disciples of the hard times that are ahead, and now part 2…2. The Helper will come.Jesus tells them that the Helper will come.Look with me, starting at the second half of verse 4. Jesus says,“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. Surely this was the most pressing hard time for the disciples, because their Master was leaving. And Jesus says “it is to your advantage that I go away.”We can imagine the disciples saying, “how is it possibly better for you to leave us?!”The answer is the Holy Spirit.As Pastor Jonathan told us a few weeks ago from John 14, the Holy Spirit is the presence of Jesus in our lives. While Jesus is God who dwells with us… the Holy Spirit is God who dwells inside us believers! What a gift He is to us! God dwelling in us! Christ dwelling with us by His Spirit!He is the 3rd person of the Trinity, the Lord and giver of life, who eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son and is worshipped and glorified together with the Father and the Son and who spoke through the prophets.That's who the Holy Spirit is. And in this most anxious hour for the disciples, amazingly, Jesus comforts them with this promise of the Holy Spirit. We've looked briefly at who the Holy Spirit is, and in the rest of our time we will look at two things the Holy Spirit does…or the work of the Holy Spirit.Kevin DeYoung gives this great image to describe the Spirit. He says “the Holy Spirit is a spotlight.” He shines a spotlight on sin, and He shines a spotlight on Christ. So that's how we'll approach the rest of our text.The Holy Spirit shines a spotlight on sin.Look at verses 8-11,8 “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”Jesus says the Holy Spirit convicts the world concerning three things: sin, righteousness, and judgment. What does he mean here?The Holy Spirit convicts concerning sin. This is fairly straightforward: To not believe in Jesus is to reject God Himself and thus not believing in Jesus is at the root of all sin.What about verse 10? Jesus says, the Holy Spirit convicts “concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father.” As Jesus goes to the Father, The Holy Spirit will make plain that the world has committed the greatest act of unrighteousness of all time by murdering Jesus, the Righteous One. And lastly, verse 11, he will convict “concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” 1 John 3:8 tells us that the “reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” And on that last day Jesus will do that finally and climactically as He casts Satan, his minions, and all who follow him into hell.I have been praying that the Holy Spirit would do his convicting work in this sermon. If you do not believe in Jesus this morning I pray that the Holy Spirit would make the realities of sin, righteousness, and judgment plain to you: That you are a sinner in desperate need of salvation and that apart from Christ you will die in your sins and be separated from God in hell forever.And if you are a Christian, my prayer is that we would have a fresh gratitude for the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Because it is good when the Holy Spirit shines a light on our sin. And when he does, he also shines a light on our Savior.The Holy Spirit shines a spotlight on Christ.Look with me at verses 12-15,12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.Like any good teacher, Jesus knows the capacity of his students… I have plans to teach my son many things: how to read his bible, how to drive a car… We'll get there, but right now it's Don't throw your food. Don't hit other kids in the face!Jesus has taught his disciples many things and as he ascends back to the Father, the Holy Spirit descends to continue that work of teaching in his disciples and “to guide them into all the truth.” What does it mean that the Spirit will guide them into all the truth?First, this means the Spirit will guide them to understand the teachings of Christ. He will cause them to remember his teachings, and to understand them fully after Jesus is raised from the dead.And second, the Spirit will guide them to the Teacher himself… He is the Spirit of Truth who will guide them to the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.Look again at verse 14, Jesus says,“He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”The main job of the Holy Spirit is to point to another. To glorify another.To shine a spotlight on Jesus Himself.Theologian Fred Sanders says that studying the Holy Spirit can be slippery, meaning, when we try to focus in on just the Holy Spirit, we find ourselves inevitably being pointed back to Jesus. Because his job is to glorify Him!Sanders says this,“…even when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see and understand his work, what he primarily directs our attention to is not himself but Jesus Christ.”So when we consider the work of the Holy Spirit: He is a spotlight shining a light on sin and shining a light on Jesus himself.What does this mean for us today? If you are here and you're not a follower of Jesus… Scripture speaks of those who resist the Holy Spirit. I would urge you today… don't do that. Let the Holy Spirit shine a light on your sin and let him guide you to Jesus.Jesus who lived the perfect life that we all owe to God and who died on the cross as a substitute for his people. And who rose on the third day conquering sin and death for all who trust him. Believe in the Lord Jesus and be saved. Commit yourself to Him, and receive the Holy Spirit into your life!And if you are a follower of Christ, the end of chapter 15 says that the Holy Spirit bears witness to Christ, and He empowers us to do the same. This is what we see in the book of Acts…Disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, and they boldly bear witness to Jesus. They can't stop talking about Him! And as we seek to be welcoming witnesses as a church, as we seek to invite others into this joy of knowing Jesus with us, oh how we need the Holy Spirit's help!And amazingly, in Luke 11 Jesus says,“if you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”Let's do that as a church! Let's ask for more of the Holy Spirit. More of his fruit in our lives, that we may be powerful witnesses to Christ in our homes, workplaces, and everywhere else we go. For the glory of Christ and our great joy in Him!

Sermon Notes is produced by Fellowship Bible Church NWA

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 16-18, Psalm 38, Galatians 2 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the March 11th, 2025 episode of the Daily Radio Bible! Today, Hunter, your faithful Bible reading coach, invites you to journey through the pages of scripture, exploring Deuteronomy chapters 16 to 18, Psalm 38, and Galatians 2. We'll reflect on the ancient festivals and laws given to God's people, David's heartfelt prayer of repentance, and Paul's passionate reminder that we are made right with God by faith—not by the law. Hunter guides listeners through these passages, delving into the message of God's grace, the danger of fear-based religion, and the radical love that Christ has for us all. The episode also includes a time of prayer, words of encouragement, and a gentle reminder: you are deeply loved by God. So settle in, open your heart, and join your brother Hunter for another soul-nourishing time in the Daily Radio Bible. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The law can't save us, but the law will humble us. The law instructs us. It teaches us our need for God's grace. That is its purpose. It was never meant to save us. Peter would lose sight of this. He was swayed by James' friends. They were people who trafficked in fear and legalism, control. Peter was generous-hearted toward these new Gentile believers in Antioch. He was eating with them. Sharing his life with them until this group shows up. They tapped into the fear-based brain that tries to pacify God with piety and performance by pretending. They conjured up a storm of fear that grabbed a hold of Peter's heart and spread out into Barnabas's heart. Thankfully, Paul is relentless with the gospel, and he verbally slapped some grace into Peter. Even though this was no doubt an embarrassing rebuke for Peter, I'm sure in the end he was glad for it. Living in fear is no way to live. Fear is infectious. It's like a virus. It spreads. And in this case, it spread even to Barnabas, who is known as the son of encouragement. But God's grace is infectious too, and this is an infection we don't want to cure. We need to recognize our need to be renewed in the message of the gospel all the time. If Peter and Barnabas needed to be renewed in the message of God's grace, how much more do you and I need to be renewed in it? That old religion of fear shows up all the time in our lives, so we need to be ready with the gospel, ready to remind ourselves that the gospel is not about fear, condemnation, performance. It's not about any of that. Galatians 2:20 tells us what the gospel is: My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. See, there's grace, and there is the gospel. The Son of God loves us and gives himself for us, and not just us, but for the whole world. Christ undid what Adam had done. He assumed humanity on his shoulders on the cross, and there we find ourselves in him. Because of the vicarious life of Christ, Paul says we are in him on the cross. He says it plainly here: I have been crucified with Christ. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. Paul holds to this gospel truth. In Christ, Paul sees the completed work of God on behalf of all. And that, my friend, is such good news. It is the antidote to fear-based religion. It is the pathway to freedom, generosity, and love. So let's live in that truth today. What Christ has done for you, what he's done for Gentiles and Jews, what he's done for the world. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul today, that I will see the immense magnitude of the love of God for all, that I'll rest in that, and that I will know its joy. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son, and that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Hai Wonder Kids, kembali dalam renungan anak GKY Mangga Besar. Judul renungan hari ini adalah SURAT PAULUS KEPADA JEMAAT GALATIADiambil dari: Galatia 5:1 “Supaya kita sungguh-sungguh merdeka, Kristus telah memerdekakan kita. Karena itu berdirilah teguh dan jangan mau lagi dikenakan kuk perhambaan.”Wonder Kids, kitab Galatia menceritakan tentang perjalanan misi Paulus bersama Barnabas. Mereka memberitakan Injil kepada banyak orang, termasuk orang-orang yang bukan orang Yahudi. Banyak orang percaya kepada Yesus, dan gereja-gereja baru didirikan.Tetapi setelah Paulus dan Barnabas pergi, ada guru-guru palsu yang datang. Mereka berkata bahwa untuk menjadi pengikut Yesus, orang harus melakukan semua hukum Taurat seperti orang Yahudi. Mereka mengatakan bahwa iman kepada Yesus saja tidak cukup.Paulus sangat sedih mendengar hal itu. Ia menulis surat kepada jemaat Galatia untuk mengingatkan mereka bahwa keselamatan hanya oleh iman kepada Yesus, bukan karena perbuatan baik atau karena menaati hukum Taurat.Paulus berkata, kita diselamatkan oleh iman, bukan oleh usaha kita sendiri. Karena itu, kita tidak boleh kembali hidup seperti budak dosa atau merasa harus melakukan banyak aturan supaya Tuhan mau mengasihi kita.Yesus sudah mati di kayu salib untuk menebus dosa kita. Ia membebaskan kita supaya kita hidup sebagai anak-anak Allah, bukan sebagai orang yang takut dihukum terus-menerus.Wonder Kids, hidup sebagai orang Kristen berarti hidup dalam kebebasan yang Yesus berikan. Kita taat kepada Tuhan bukan supaya diselamatkan, tetapi karena kita sudah diselamatkan dan mengasihi Tuhan.Wonder Kids, hari ini lakukan ini, ingatlah bahwa Yesus sudah menyelamatkanmu. Tunjukkan rasa syukurmu dengan hidup taat, bukan karena takut dihukum, tetapi karena mengasihi Tuhan.Mari kita berdoa: Tuhan Yesus, terima kasih karena Engkau sudah membebaskan aku dari dosa. Terima kasih karena keselamatanku bukan karena perbuatanku, tetapi karena kasih-Mu. Tolong aku supaya hidup taat kepada-Mu sebagai tanda syukur dan kasihku kepada-Mu. Dalam nama Tuhan Yesus aku berdoa, Amin.Wonder Kids, ingatlah, kita diselamatkan oleh iman kepada Yesus, bukan oleh usaha kita sendiri. Tuhan Yesus memberkati.

At this point in our reading of Acts, it has become clear that the Gentiles are welcomed by God Himself into this burgeoning body of Christ followers known as the church. The Gentiles did not have Abraham as their father and were not originally part of the Jewish community, which raises the question: should they be required to abide by the customs of God's covenant with Israel? The apostles and elders of the early church discuss two important factors: 1) The Spirit has been freely given to the Gentiles without distinction, 2) it was prophesied that David's fallen tent would be rebuilt so that all humanity may seek the Lord. Their advice includes abstaining from certain freedoms as well as abstaining from the sin of sexual immorality. Later, Paul and Barnabas amiably part ways and continue preaching. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The best news in the Bible isn't that God has a wonderful plan for your life.It's that God has made a way to forgive your sins.That's what we are diving into this weekend as we continue our journey through Acts 13 and come to Paul's first recorded sermon.And his message is simple but world-changing:The entire story of the Bible has been pointing to Jesus.Through His life, death, and resurrection, forgiveness of sins is offered to everyone who believes. But when the gospel is preached, people always respond in one of two ways.Some receive it with joy.Others reject it.That same question still confronts us today:What will you do with Jesus?And for those who have repented and believed, we see how Paul and Barnabas risked everything to follow Jesus and are reminded that we aren't just saved by Jesus, we are also sent by Him.- Into our families- Into our workplaces- Into our neighbourhoods- And into the nationsJoin us Sunday as we continue through Acts and see how God advances His mission through His people.Think about these things before you listen to this sermon:• What two things does the Good News of Jesus bring into our lives? (Hint: verses 38-39)• Who has God placed in your life to share Jesus with in this season? Who's your “one”?Pray for these things as you go to listen:

Peter was criticized for his association with Gentiles, but the Church at Jerusalem eventually came to accept God's salvation of the Gentiles. As such, Barnabas was sent out to a predominately Gentile church at Antioch where he encouraged many (including Saul) and the disciples were first called "Christians". Pastor Doug Horner preaches a message from Acts 11 called "Christians".

Less is More March 8, 2026 Elwyn Johnston Matthew 6:16 – 18 Verse of the Week: “Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting…rend your heart and not your garments.” Joel 2:12 & 13 1. Fasting is about us pursuing God. “As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs for You.” Ps. 42:1 “The days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” Matthew 9:15 2. Fasting positions us… To hear God's voice. “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” Acts 14:23 “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him” 1 John 5:14 & 15 To be used by God. “While the church at Antioch were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'” Acts 13:2 “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. For forty days and forty nights Jesus fasted” Matthew 4:1 & 2 “I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground” Isaiah 44:3 Practical steps: 1. Prayer focus - daily prayer points 1) Salvations 2) Spiritual Growth 3) Relationship Healing 4) Freedom 5) Community Transformation 6) School System 7) Churches, Easter Revelation 2. Replace what's good for what's better 3. What is God asking of you?

March 4th, 2026 Wednesday night teaching by Rose Colón Website: www.lighthouseontherockky.org Facebook: https://facebook.com/lotrchurch

Acts Series  Message: 28 Episode: 3 of 3 Broadcast: March 04, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 15:36-16:10 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 15:36–16:10 in a message titled "He Guides Me." In these powerful verses, we see how God directs His people through sharp disagreements, new partnerships, closed doors, and unexpected visions—reminding us that even detours and delays are part of His sovereign plan. From Paul and Barnabas parting ways to the Spirit preventing Paul from preaching in certain regions, this passage reveals that God's guidance isn't always comfortable or predictable, but it is always faithful. As Pastor Michael unpacks these moments, you'll be encouraged to trust the Lord's leading in your own life, confident that He is actively directing your steps and opening the right doors at the right time. This teaching will equip you with biblical truth to navigate decisions, relationships, and seasons of uncertainty so you can walk forward in faith, anchored in God's Word and sensitive to His Spirit. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Pastor Chris studies the life of Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement.

Acts 15 contains one of the greatest depictions of church unity yet; Luke includes in the same chapter one of the most trivial disagreements of the New Testament. We look at what caused the separation between Paul and Barnabas and recognize how it helps us think about our own church experiences and the work God is doing.

Acts Series  Message: 28 Episode: 2 of 3 Broadcast: March 03, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 15:36-16:10 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 15:36–16:10 in a message titled "He Guides Me." In these powerful verses, we see how God directs His people through sharp disagreements, new partnerships, closed doors, and unexpected visions—reminding us that even detours and delays are part of His sovereign plan. From Paul and Barnabas parting ways to the Spirit preventing Paul from preaching in certain regions, this passage reveals that God's guidance isn't always comfortable or predictable, but it is always faithful. As Pastor Michael unpacks these moments, you'll be encouraged to trust the Lord's leading in your own life, confident that He is actively directing your steps and opening the right doors at the right time. This teaching will equip you with biblical truth to navigate decisions, relationships, and seasons of uncertainty so you can walk forward in faith, anchored in God's Word and sensitive to His Spirit. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Welcome to the TFC Biblecast! Start your day off right and join us as we take the next 10 minutes to dive into God's word. If we can pray for you, email us at biblecast@tfc.org.

Acts Series  Message: 28 Episode: 1 of 3 Broadcast: March 02, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 15:36-16:10 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 15:36–16:10 in a message titled "He Guides Me." In these powerful verses, we see how God directs His people through sharp disagreements, new partnerships, closed doors, and unexpected visions—reminding us that even detours and delays are part of His sovereign plan. From Paul and Barnabas parting ways to the Spirit preventing Paul from preaching in certain regions, this passage reveals that God's guidance isn't always comfortable or predictable, but it is always faithful. As Pastor Michael unpacks these moments, you'll be encouraged to trust the Lord's leading in your own life, confident that He is actively directing your steps and opening the right doors at the right time. This teaching will equip you with biblical truth to navigate decisions, relationships, and seasons of uncertainty so you can walk forward in faith, anchored in God's Word and sensitive to His Spirit. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

What does it really mean to retreat?In this month's episode, the entire Velvet Ashes team — Denise Beck, Danielle Wheeler, and Sarah Hilkemann — gathers for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the heart, history, and hope of Velvet Ashes retreats.What started years ago as a simple experiment — an online invitation for women scattered across the globe to step away and meet with God — has grown into a sacred annual rhythm for cross-cultural workers worldwide. In this episode, you'll hear how retreat first began, how it has evolved over the years, and why it continues to matter so deeply.Danielle shares the heart behind this year's theme: learning to recognize and respond to God's voice. In a world filled with noise, fear, and competing messages, so many women ask: How do I know it's really Him? This retreat gently and honestly explores that longing — creating space to sift through distractions, confusion, and doubt so we can listen more deeply to the One who is always speaking. Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Velvet Ashes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Velvet Ashes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Featured music is "Doxology of Mercy" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or wherever you get music!We are grateful to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnabas International⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Want to go deeper with the Velvet Ashes community? Learn more about Friends, Circle and Inner Circle levels of membership connection here. Register for this year's Listen Online Retreat.

Acts 15 is a context for God's grace and His intent to restore. His truth - not our past failures or mistakes - is what defines and frees us. Looking into the story of Paul, Barnabas and John Mark, we can see God's sovereign will at work, beginning with a pivotal theological crisis at the Jerusalem Council. We follow along through relational fracture to the multiplication of missional ministry. // A message by Chris Hyatt.

When the message of Jesus arrived in the important city of Antioch, a great number of the Gentiles there became believers. Barnabas was thrilled when he saw this evidence of God's grace, and he sent for Saul to help him teach these new believers. Soon these disciples of Jesus came to be known by a new name because of their devotion to Jesus and his kingdom.

In Acts 14:1–23, we continue following Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey and see clearly that God has made Himself known — leaving mankind without excuse.From miraculous healings in Iconium and Lystra to fierce opposition and even the stoning of Paul, this passage reveals how God testifies to His truth through supernatural power, natural revelation, and the bold witness of His people. Though rejected by some and misunderstood by others, the gospel advances, disciples are strengthened, and churches are established.

Acts 13:1-12

David Keddie continues our FNF series on Acts by teaching from Acts 14 and Paul's sermon to the people of Lystra: Acts 14:8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,[b] 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Welcome to the TFC Biblecast! Start your day off right and join us as we take the next 10 minutes to dive into God's word. If we can pray for you, email us at biblecast@tfc.org.

Mark now gives us a passage that shows the Lord sending out the twelve disciples two by two, in pairs.They were to preach and to cast out demons and anoint the sick that they may be healed. This is what they did.Dr. Mitchell declares how this shows us the encouragement of those who travel together in the gospel. He notes the partnership of Peter and John, Barnabas and Paul and Paul and Silas in the book of Acts.The disciples then returned and reported to Jesus all they had done and taught.This outreach by Jesus even reached the ears of King Herod. Dr. Mitchell then gives us an overview of Herod's treatment of John the Baptist whom he had beheaded, for no good reason.Let's turn to Mark 6:7 with Dr. Mitchell. Your listening to the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

This week we look at the life of a popular man in the Bible, whose actual name might be the least known about him. You can hear the name Barnabas and most people would know who is being referred to, but that isn't his actual name. In fact it is a nickname, given to him by other disciples early in Acts. Joseph, known as Barnabas, helps us to see that God wants our identity to be found in Him. Through the life of Barnabas we see that being who God created us to be will impact those around us. Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement", constantly went out of his way to encourage others. Barnabas acted in accordance with who God had made him to be. And the truth is that recovering who God made us to be will help other to discover who Jesus truly is. - Key Verses // Acts 4:36-37 - For Sermon Notes, the Connect Card, and our other online resources: https://linktr.ee/Celebrationchurchlive

Acts Series  Message: 26 Episode: 3 of 3 Broadcast: February 24, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 14 In this powerful episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 14 in a message titled "Joys and Trials." As Paul and Barnabas boldly preach the gospel, they experience incredible breakthroughs—lives transformed and churches planted—yet they also face intense opposition, rejection, and even persecution. Through this chapter, we see that the Christian life is often marked by both celebration and suffering, and that perseverance in faith is essential to fulfilling God's calling. Pastor Michael unpacks how strengthening disciples, remaining steadfast in hardship, and trusting God's sovereignty equips believers to endure trials without losing their joy. This teaching will encourage and prepare you to navigate life's highs and lows with biblical confidence, helping you apply God's truth in a way that strengthens your walk with Christ every day. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com   

Most Christian men don't mean to drift… but many end up outsourcing discipleship to the church. If you've ever felt like you're not “qualified” to lead spiritually at home, this conversation will challenge you—in the best way. In this episode, Brian from Iron Sharpens Iron breaks down why so many men feel disengaged, why churches often (accidentally) create a codependency that weakens fathers, and what God's design for biblical manhood and discipleship really looks like. You'll hear why the church can't replace what God intended a man to do, how spiritual leadership in the home shapes everything else (including your witness in the marketplace), and why real growth happens through brotherhood, not isolation. If you want stronger faith, a deeper walk with Christ, and a practical path to leading your marriage and children with confidence—this is for you. No hype. No guilt. Just a clear call to become the kind of man who goes deep with Godand brings that strength home. Why many churches train kids well but unintentionally remove the pressure God designed fathers to carry, and how that leads to spiritual disengagement at home. The “general contractor” problem—how men subcontract faith to professionals—and the hidden cost it creates in marriage, parenting, and personal growth. A simple discipleship blueprint for men: the Paul, Barnabas, Timothy model and why every man needs mentoring, brotherhood, and someone to invest in. How to build a firm faith foundation through daily Scripture, real relationships, and consistent spiritual leadership that holds up when life gets hard. 00:00 Intro00:28 Brian's story + Iron Sharpens Iron02:46 Why men feel spiritually incompetent04:20 The “general contractor” Christian07:29 Why outsourcing discipleship is costly09:17 What biblical spiritual leadership looks like at home12:33 Baby dedication + church expectations vs reality15:17 How churches can fix the codependency20:01 What men should do right now21:16 Brotherhood + getting connected25:01 Discipleship framework: Paul, Barnabas, Timothy32:16 Why discipleship is life-on-life34:26 Losing his wife + why foundation matters37:12 The #1 action step for men39:16 Where to connect with Brian #MensMinistry #BiblicalManhood #Discipleship #SpiritualLeadership #ChristianMen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Acts Series  Message: 26 Episode: 2 of 3 Broadcast: February 23, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 14 In this powerful episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 14 in a message titled "Joys and Trials." As Paul and Barnabas boldly preach the gospel, they experience incredible breakthroughs—lives transformed and churches planted—yet they also face intense opposition, rejection, and even persecution. Through this chapter, we see that the Christian life is often marked by both celebration and suffering, and that perseverance in faith is essential to fulfilling God's calling. Pastor Michael unpacks how strengthening disciples, remaining steadfast in hardship, and trusting God's sovereignty equips believers to endure trials without losing their joy. This teaching will encourage and prepare you to navigate life's highs and lows with biblical confidence, helping you apply God's truth in a way that strengthens your walk with Christ every day. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Pastor Phelps preaches on Acts 14 as he covers the difficulties that Paul and Barnabas faced in their first missionary journey. Message originally preached Sunday morning February 15, 2026.

Have you ever felt the weight of religious rules overshadowing the freedom Christ died to give you? In Acts 15, we witness a pivotal moment where Paul and Barnabas confront those adding burdens to new believers. Pastor Jeff unpacks how the early church protected the pure gospel—Jesus plus nothing—against legalism that threatened to complicate God's simple plan of grace. Through compelling stories and biblical truth, he reveals how wisdom protects both our freedom in Christ and fellowship with others, while keeping the mission first. Whether you're wrestling with religious expectations or seeking authentic faith, this message illuminates the path to walking in true spiritual liberty. Don't miss this transformative teaching that will revolutionize how you view grace, fellowship, and God's call on your life. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This question is often asked this way:     ⁃    Is the Holy Spirit an impersonal force?     ⁃    What does the Bible say about this?     ⁃    What does the Holy Spirit do?     ⁃    Why are some afraid of the Holy Spirit? Let us consider: Is the Holy Spirit a "Force" or a "Person"  Marks of Personality:     ⁃    Intellect     ⁃    Emotion     ⁃    Will Are these evident in the Holy Spirit? Let's look in the Bible and see what we find, as there is so much confusion about the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit     ⁃    Speaks  - Acts 13:20 (….the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."     ⁃    Forbids certain things - Acts 16:6-7 (….having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching….but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to."      ⁃    Guides - gives direction - John 16:13 Jesus says, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…."     ⁃    Teaches - John 14:26 Jesus says, "but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my team, will teach you all things…."     ⁃    Helps - John 14:16-17 Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth….."     ⁃    Predicts - insight and prophetic revelation - Acts 21:11 "Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" And this is something that did happen to Paul.     ⁃    Can Be Lied to - Acts 5:3-4 The story of Ananias and Sepphira selling property. Peter says, "Ananias how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit ….. You have not lied just to human beings but to God."     ⁃    Can be Grieved - disappointed by our behavior or when we do not listen to God - Ephesians 4:30 "And do not grieve the Holt Spirit of God…"     ⁃    Intercedes for us - he prays - Romans 8:27 "And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."       ⁃    Testifies - bears witness to Jesus and makes Jesus known - John 15:26 Jesus says, "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about the Me." The Holy Spirit testifies to who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. The Holy Spirit testifies to each one of us that Jesus is our only Hope, and our Messiah. Back to the question of why be afraid of the Holy Spirit?  Father - Son - Spirit = three in One. The Holy Spirit is real and is part of the essence of the One True Living God. And Holy Spirit desires to move in power in our lives and desires that we experience a real and personal relationship with Him. It is only in the Living God that we have life forever. Pastor closes with: The Father gives the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him. That's a promise for each one of us.(Luke 11:13 "…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!") Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Influence isn't just for people with titles or huge platforms — it's something God has given to each of us. In this series, we'll see how ordinary people like Barnabas, Joseph, Esther, and Elijah used their influence to make an eternal impact.Influence is about presence, courage, encouragement, and legacy. God has positioned you right where you are for such a time as this. You don't need a stage to make a difference — you just need to use what God has placed in your hands to impact others for Christ.

Ephesians 4:10-13 God speaks thru prophets and apostles. Jesus loves you so much that he gave the church gifts. “The One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.” – Ephesians 4:10-13  The Message by Eugene Peterson “And he (Jesus) himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ's fullness.” – Ephesians 4:11-13  CSB 1. Prophets God speaks. Prophecy – speak on behalf of God before others Prophet – one who speaks inspired utterances on behalf of God “The name ‘prophets' (in Eph. 4:11) is given to those who, having received the Spirit of God, spoke beforehand of Christ and his advent. These were the prophets who “were until Christ.” But after he arrived, was there no reason for any further prophecy? What prophets does Paul speak of here? It is obviously those who being full of the Spirit spoke of God after his coming, continuing to expound the divine teaching.” – Marius Victorinus 280-363 Old Testament prophets spoke the message God gave them, and many pointed to Jesus Christ. “Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” – Matthew 1:22  CSB Some New Testament prophets: John the Baptist, Anna in Luke 2:36, Agabus in Acts 11:29, 21:10,  Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen in Acts 13:1-2, Silas & Judas Barsabbas in Acts 15:32, 4 daughters of Phillip in Acts 21:8-9,  John in Revelation “the spirit of prophecy” – Revelation 19:10 “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – John Walvoord Training, Discernment, and Accountability:  “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate. But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged. And the prophets' spirits are subject to the prophets, 33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:29–33   CSB  “many false prophets will appear and fool many people,” – Matthew 24:11    Elijah school of the prophets in 1 Kings 19:18, training people in understanding the Scripture, discerning God's voice, and speaking it. In 2 Kings 2 we see groups of prophets interacting with Elijah and Elisha. Paul & Barnabas – described as “prophets and teachers” then commissioned, sent in apostolic ministry “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.” – Acts 13:1-3  CSB 2. Apostle – an envoy of Jesus, a representative messenger sent, a “special” messenger (having been commissioned by Jesus Christ for a particular task or role, invested with the authority to speak on his behalf)   …borrowing and changing a Greek term for, emissaries, one who is to carry a message and is commissioned to extend the kingdom (military or naval) a commander of a naval expedition (generally restricted to the immediate followers of Jesus Christ, but also extended, as in the case of Paul, to other early Christians active in proclaiming the message of the gospel) – Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament “Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.” – Romans 1:1  (possible reference to a Jewish embassy in Rome that required travel by sea) Denotes God-given spiritual authority, mission and message, to be recognized by others (including leaders) Influence in more than one local church Alignment > Heirarchy  God speaks. God had spoken. God is speaking. God will speak. “This is a house set up and ordered by Jesus.… He does not do this in a casual manner. It is with the utmost discrimination and discretion: One is assigned to the rank of an apostle, one to the place of a prophet, others to look after the flock of Christ and to work at the divine instruction of others for those saints who are prepared to learn.” – Didymus the Blind a Biblical scholar 313-398 What are prophets & apostles? Gifts from Jesus to his church. Representatives and messengers. They speak when God has given them something to say. The church leaders recognize it and the church receives it. Each of the 4 Gifts function when recognized and received. What are prophets & apostles NOT? Free to do what they want, however they want. Not dictators. Not celebrities. Not gurus. What is the purpose of our interactions with the 4 Gifts? Sent to equip the church for ministry. Sent to build up the church. Sent to help the church learn about Jesus and become more like Jesus. Sent to help the church grow stronger spiritually, able to refute wrong thinking. Equipping – making, preparing, training, perfecting, making fully qualified for service, (in classical language the word was used to describe setting a bone during surgery – The Great Physician is now making all the necessary adjustments so the church will not be “out of joint”) What should we do? 1.       Read Ephesians 3:14-21 and 4:1-16. 2.       Pray, asking God for guidance. 3.       Think about what we are reading. 4.       Write down elements of God's purpose for us. 5.       Write down ways in which we should interact with the 4 Gifts. Extra notes: “the spirit of prophecy” – Revelation 19:10 Worship God, because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” – Revelation 19:10  CSB The word “testimony,” or witness, references someone who has seen or experienced something to be the case. John and his brothers are therefore witnesses and the bearers of testimony to the plan and purpose of God for redemption in Jesus. Consequently, God is the only appropriate object of worship. This is explained by the somewhat enigmatic statement, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Here the word “prophecy” (proph?teia), which arises from a combination of “speak” (ph?mi) and “before” (pro), an important use of the word essentially meaning “speak for God before.” Before what? is an appropriate question. One sense of the preposition (pro) would be to speak about an event before it happens. Another sense would be to speak before listeners of the purpose and acts of God. Likely in this case both of these senses are paramount. In any event, the meaning is actually reasonably clear: The spirit of both the proclamation and the telling of the future is bound up in the testimony of Jesus. Jesus the Lamb—and not just a chronology of last things—is the theme of the Revelation. As Walvoord succinctly declares, “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – Patterson, P. (2012). Revelation (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.; Vol. 39, pp. 345–346). B&H. Evangelist – one who announces the Good News of Jesus (in particular a function rather than an office) …such as Philip in Acts 8:4, 12, 35, 40, 21:8 and Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5  1 Thessalonians 3:2  Philippians 2:22  and two women in Philippians 4:3  Titus in 2 Corinthians 8:18  Epaphras in Colossians 1:7  NT Evangelists – Paul/Phillip NT Church – 1 Tim 3:15, 5:1-2  1 Cor. 12:16-17 Note: not all evangelists were apostles, but all apostles were evangelists “Then he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'” – Jesus in Mark 16:15-16  CSB All disciples – “Make disciples,” – Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20  “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” – Romans 10:14-15  CSB Preachers: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors/Teachers will preach. Greek definition of the word “preach” ·       To publicly proclaim or announce news. ·       To proclaim as a herald.  Matthew 4:17; 10:7; 24:14; Acts 8:5; Acts 28:31  A person who had particular responsibilities. Someone sent to say something specific. ·       To announce good tidings or good news.  Luke 3:18; Luke 4:43; Luke 9:6; Acts 8:4; Rev 14:6  Euaggelizo – good news of the gospel ·       To teach or instruct.  Matthew 4:23; 13:36; John 6:59; I Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 2:12; Rom 2:20; Acts 13:1; Rom 12:7; 1 Cor 12:28; Mt 28:19;  Mk 16:15; Eph 4:1 ·       To cause people to learn.  Mt 11:29; 28:19; Acts 14:21  ·       To place beside, as in clear presentation.  Mt 13:24; Mk 8:6 ; Acts 16:34; 1 Cor 10:27; 2 Tim 4:3; Heb 5:12-14  Paratithemi – to place beside so you can pick up again ·       To interpret and make clear and simple.  Lk 24:27; 1 Cor 12;30; 14:5,13,27 ·       To bring out the hidden meanings.  Acts 11:4; 18:26; 28:23  Scripture has obvious and non-obvious meaning. Matthew 10:7              And as you go preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 24:14            And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, Colossians 1:28         Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:5         For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Timothy 2:15            Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Romans 10:14             How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

In this week's message from James 3:1–12, we continue exploring The Power of Words and discover just how influential our speech really is. James reminds us that while words may seem small, they carry disproportionate power — like a bit guiding a horse or a spark setting a fire. Our words can inform, injure, or inspire, and the way we use them reveals the maturity of our hearts.Because words are so powerful, Scripture calls us not just to avoid harmful speech, but to intentionally use our words to build others up. In a world filled with negativity, criticism, and discouragement, God invites His people to speak life — words that heal, encourage, and strengthen. The Bible describes gracious words as a fountain of life, a tree of healing, and honey to the soul.This message challenges us to move beyond careless speech and become intentional encouragers — at home, in relationships, at work, and in the church. We look at the example of Barnabas, known as the “Son of Encouragement,” and see how encouragement is not a lesser gift but a deeply needed one that strengthens communities and reflects the heart of Jesus.But the power of words doesn't stop with what we say to others. Scripture also teaches us to speak truth to ourselves — reminding our hearts who God is, who we are in Christ, and how to trust Him even when life feels uncertain. When emotions try to dictate our direction, God's truth steadies our souls.In this message, we explore:✔ Why words carry disproportionate power✔ How speech can inform, injure, or inspire✔ The biblical call to use words to build others up✔ Why encouragement is one of the most needed gifts in the church✔ How to create a foundation of positivity in relationships and parenting✔ Speaking truth to yourself about God, your identity, and your circumstances✔ How God's truth reshapes both our words and our heartsIf you've ever been hurt by words — or struggled with how to use your own wisely — this message invites you to see your speech as a tool God can use to bring life. When we surrender our words to Him, they become instruments of grace, encouragement, and hope.

Acts 13:1-13 1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the […] The post Visions and Realities of Ministry (Acts 13:1-13) first appeared on Hope of Christ Church.

In Acts 13, we witness a major turning point in the life of the early church. As the leaders in Antioch worshiped, fasted, and served faithfully, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for a new mission. What does a successful church look like? Not one that simply gathers — but one that prepares and sends. Acts 13 reminds us that the church must be sensitive to the Spirit's leading and willing to send its very best for the sake of the gospel.

Chapel | February 20th, February | Gary Seaman| A Barnabas or an Ananias | Acts 4:32-5:11

Acts Series  Message: 26 Episode: 1 of 3 Broadcast: February 20, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 14 In this powerful episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 14 in a message titled "Joys and Trials." As Paul and Barnabas boldly preach the gospel, they experience incredible breakthroughs—lives transformed and churches planted—yet they also face intense opposition, rejection, and even persecution. Through this chapter, we see that the Christian life is often marked by both celebration and suffering, and that perseverance in faith is essential to fulfilling God's calling. Pastor Michael unpacks how strengthening disciples, remaining steadfast in hardship, and trusting God's sovereignty equips believers to endure trials without losing their joy. This teaching will encourage and prepare you to navigate life's highs and lows with biblical confidence, helping you apply God's truth in a way that strengthens your walk with Christ every day. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

In episode 68 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Ruanne Barnabas joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss topic of a symposium session at the upcoming the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Strategic and Resilient Responses to the Funding Crisis Across Africa. Dr Barnabas is the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her work is focused on identifying effective and scalable HIV, HPV, and infectious diseases treatment and prevention strategies that increase access across diverse communities and promote equity in health. Dr Barnabas discusses the substantial progress made in global health, particularly in HIV treatment and prevention. She also discusses the impact of funding cuts from USAID on health systems and highlights with Dr Saag the importance of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in delivering effective care. Dr Barnabas outlines the presentations to be given at the upcoming symposium at CROI 2026 addressing the HIV funding crisis, emphasizing community resilience, and the future of health equity.0:00 – Introduction1:29 – Overview of global health funding at the end of 20244:03 – Success of PEPFAR and USAID10:25 – Funding cuts and their consequences12:48 – Overview of the CROI 2026 symposium on the HIV funding crisis in Africa16:28 – Community perspectives and impact of new technologies18:08 – Lessons learned from funding cuts21:13 – Looking ahead: future of HIV and global health programsResources:CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/Going-anti-Viral: Episode 43 - Innovations in HIV Service Delivery: Building a Path Forward with Those Left Behind - Dr Izukanji Sikazwe__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

As the gospel continued to spread amongst the Gentiles, the church faced questions about how to welcome these new believers. Returning to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas helped guide the first church council and its celebration of what God was doing. 

Today we'll look at the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, and at the end of our episode we'll begin Paul's second journey accompanied in part by Luke, the writer of the book of Acts. Men and women from different backgrounds, cultures, and occupations are hearing the message of Christ and turning to Him in faith. We'll also witness a convention of church leaders meeting together to discuss how to best direct their new Gentile brothers and sisters in the faith. Despite opposition from jealous Jewish leaders, the message of Christ continues to spread. Through it all, the apostles continue to trust in the Lord through persecution.Acts 12 – 1:14 . Acts 13 – 5:34 . Acts 14 – 14:27 . Acts 15 – 19:02 . Acts 16 – 25:14 . Proverbs 12– 27:42 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In this Monday Meeting episode the hosts (with Blake and Cornbread absent) pick up Acts chapter 13, unpacking what it means to be “sent out by the Holy Spirit.” They walk through Paul and Barnabas' missionary start, synagogue-first evangelism, the confrontation with Elymas (Bar-Jesus) and the dramatic blinding that leads Sergius Paulus to believe. The conversation moves into theology and practice: distinctions in how the Holy Spirit spoke in the apostolic era versus today, the challenge of discerning prophetic voice, Paul's name shift, and the broader theme of God reforming our desires to align with His will. Interwoven are personal testimonies and pastoral reflections — a host's recent run-in with law enforcement and subsequent repentance, the conviction that grieving over sin can be evidence of the Spirit, and a powerful account of spiritual warfare and deliverance in a spouse's recovery. They also discuss caution around modern prophetic claims and the practical role of Scripture in discernment. Episode notes include sponsor mention (BPN Performance Nutrition), an invitation to the live Resurrected study (2 Corinthians), and encouragement to share feedback and support the show on Patreon. Check out our partners: -Bare Performance Nutrition and use code "3of7" for 10% OFF! https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com   -Check out 3 of 7 Project https://www.3of7project.com -Apply for our courses at: https://www.3of7project.com/train -Thank you for supporting Three of Seven Podcast on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/threeofseven -Three of Seven Project Store: https://3of7project.myshopify.com/pages/shop Nuff Said.  

Acts Series  Message: 24 Episode: 3 of 3 Broadcast: February 16, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 13:1-13 In this powerful episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 13:1–13 in a message titled "Set Apart for Me," where we see the Holy Spirit clearly calling and commissioning ordinary believers for extraordinary purposes. As the church prays, fasts, and listens to God, Barnabas and Saul are set apart for the work God has prepared for them—reminding us that every believer has a divine calling and a purpose rooted in obedience, faith, and surrender. This teaching will encourage you to walk more closely with God, recognize His voice in your daily life, and live boldly as someone set apart for His mission. It's a practical, faith-building message that equips Christians with God's truth to navigate real life with confidence, clarity, and a deeper commitment to following Christ. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

What if the greatest legacy we leave behind isn't what we build, but who we build up? This message introduces us to one of Scripture's most overlooked heroes—Barnabas, whose very name means 'son of encouragement.' Through his story in Acts, we discover that encouragement isn't just about saying nice things; it's a lifestyle that can literally change the trajectory of lives and generations. Notes for this sermon: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NaMUZE1Cvqxe76MzJ_yWH7LbrrniBez7/view?usp=sharingWebsite | https://lifechurchww.comFacebook | https://facebook.com/lifechurchwwInstagram | https://instagram.com/lifechurchwwVida Music | https://vidamsc.com

Jean Graham, née Peacock, was one of the founders of ShadowCon, the original Dark Shadows convention which started in 1977, predating the Dark Shadows Festivals by several years. With the last Dark Shadows convention on the horizon, Jean visits the podcast to talk about her memories of the very first one. She also discusses the challenges of early DS syndication days in the 70s, her DS fanfic and how that led to pro fiction publishing, her DS music arrangements and piano playing, and her fandom for The Man from U.N.C.L.E and Star Trek. Other topics include: the appeal of Barnabas, Mr. Spock, and Illya Kuryakin to outsiders, San Diego Comic Con - then vs now, sneaking into a movie theater balcony to watch House of Dark Shadows, and throwing a DS Halloween party in 1970. Terror at Collinwood and Shilling Shockers shirts, stickers, mugs, and merch at the Penny Dreadful XIII TeePublic shopHelp support the podcast by donating at Buy Me a CoffeeFollow the Terror at CollinwoodFACEBOOK PAGEDark Shadows 60th Anniversary Celebration Jul. 31-Aug. 2, 2026 - EVENTBRITE TICKETS LINKDark Shadows 60th Anniversary Celebration Jul. 31-Aug. 2, 2026 – HOTEL RESERVATIONS LINKJean Graham's WEBSITEJean Graham's fiction at An Archive of Our OwnJean playing her Quentin's Theme arrangement on piano on YouTubeS.T.A.R. San Diego Facebook PageShadow Collection Limited Edition Dark Shadows 60th Anniversary Coin Reservation LINKThe Back Room at the Blue Whale podcast on Katherine Gonzales' YouTube ChannelCurse of Dark Shadows book release/ live read of DS episode 349 LinkTwoMorrows Publishing Cryptology and Retrofan magazines WebsiteSurfing the Shadows surf rock cover of Robert Cobert's Dark Shadows theme by Johnny D & The MoonlightersTaC logos by Eric MarshallPenny Dreadful's Shilling ShockersEtsy shop

In Acts 14, Pastor Jeff unpacks how Paul and Barnabas went from being worshipped as gods to being stoned and left for dead—yet immediately returned to preaching. Through their example, we learn five crucial truths for spiritual growth: continue speaking boldly when opposed, trust God's work in others, redirect praise to God alone, keep serving after being hurt, and strengthen fellow believers for lasting impact. This powerful message challenges us to embrace trials as God's transformative curriculum. Want to discover how trials can build unshakeable faith? Don't miss this inspiring sermon. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 7–9; Acts 15 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In this powerful episode, Heather invites us on a journey through Leviticus 7–9 and Acts 15, exploring the weighty requirements of Old Testament law and the freeing grace found in Jesus. As we gather from around the world, Heather reminds us that the Scriptures ultimately point us to Christ—the true source of life. Together, we witness the complex rituals and sacrifices that marked Israel's worship, and then pivot to the liberating message of Acts: salvation is not about meeting an impossible set of demands, but about receiving the undeserved grace of Jesus. Heather draws a beautiful distinction between the heavy yoke of the law and the easy yoke that Christ offers, challenging us to lay down the burdens we create for ourselves and rest in His completed work. This episode also includes a time for prayer, reflection, and encouragement for the journey ahead. Whether you carry the weight of ancient law or your own modern expectations, today's episode offers a fresh invitation to surrender to the love, peace, and freedom found in Jesus alone. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Did you feel the weight of it? The heavy yoke of Leviticus? The requirements of the law were elaborate and complex. The details were exacting, right down to putting blood on the right ear, thumb, and right big toe of the priest. It was a heavy yoke with staggering specificity. They put themselves in peril if they got it wrong. Yet in Acts today, Paul and Barnabas are preaching a different message. A gospel of good news, not a heavy yoke. All the demands of the Law of Moses are fulfilled in Jesus. He is the sacrificial lamb, the high priest, our advocate, and our temple. Jesus is the reality behind all the shadow play of the Law of Moses. The pressures of the law are lethal if they are misunderstood or misapplied. We are to trust in Jesus, who has made us right with God, not the heavy yoke of the Book of Leviticus, and not all our attempts at fulfilling the law's demands. This heavy yoke was more than anyone could carry, then or now. Essentially, Peter says in Acts, let's not put the book of Leviticus on the backs of these Gentile converts and tell them to fulfill it when neither we nor our ancestors could carry it. We know that the only one who has ever been able to bear the weight of it is the Lord Jesus himself. Salvation and being made right with God comes only by grace through the faith of Jesus. Jesus alone carried that heavy yoke. We can't do it. No one ever has. And God is proclaiming that gift of life and hope, the easy yoke, to Gentiles too. It's not Jesus plus circumcision, Jesus plus Levitical law, or Jesus plus Moses. It's just Jesus. His undeserved grace is it. That's how we are made right with God. By walking in His Spirit, we are released into the goodness of this good news. You and I may not have the Levitical laws around our neck. It's not the Levitical laws that make it hard for us to receive God's grace. When we read Leviticus, most of us probably think it's just a little weird. But we do create our own morally equivalent barriers that make it hard to live and experience God's grace and strength. We come up with things like: if I were just a better mom, made more money, got my temper under control, if I was more moral, read my Bible more, went to church more, gave more, then I'm sure God would love me more. It's not the Book of Leviticus you are trying to carry. It's the Book of Heather, or Carol, or Andrew, or Hunter. Just insert your name. We create our own morally equivalent books that make it hard for us to receive the good news of the gospel. When the church of Antioch got the letter delivered by Barsabbas and Silas, it brought the believers great joy as they read it. It said, "Take off your yoke." That's why they were joyous. They were freed from that burden that they could not carry. You don't have to shoulder the book of Leviticus, or the book that you have written for yourself. You can rejoice because Christ Jesus has done everything necessary for you to live the life that he intends for you to live, in the strength that he alone can p TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, we journey through day 38 of our Bible reading adventure, focusing on Leviticus chapters 4 through 6 and Acts chapter 14. Hunter welcomes us warmly, guiding us into the often mysterious world of Leviticus—where sin offerings of bulls, goats, and birds illustrate ancient rituals that, at first glance, seem far removed from our everyday lives. But as Hunter unpacks these passages, he invites us to see them as shadows pointing to a greater truth: the perfect cleansing found in Christ. Through scripture and thoughtful reflection, he reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice who brings lasting forgiveness and new life, far beyond what any ritual could offer. We also witness the early church's excitement and trials in Acts 14, as Paul and Barnabas experience miracles, stir up bold faith, and face fierce opposition, yet encourage believers to persevere. The episode concludes with powerful prayers, inviting us to walk in love, forgiveness, and joy, and to remember—no matter where we are on our journey—that we are never alone and always loved. Join Hunter for inspiration, community connection, and a fresh perspective on ancient texts that speak hope into our daily lives. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Bulls, goats and birds. How does any of this stuff have anything to do with Jesus? These things can seem so strange and far removed from our own lives. Not many of us have seen an animal offered on an altar. What does it all mean? Hebrews 10:1-2 says this: The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year. But they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. The good thing to come is your perfect cleansing for all time and your feelings of guilt disappearing. That's the good thing that we're only seeing a shadow of in these strange things we read about in Leviticus. This shadow play and detailed systems of sacrifices didn't change the way they felt on the inside. That's why they came back year after year and sadly too often. So it is today, the shadow play that we make up to get rid of all our bad feelings of guilt. They don't work either. But we've been made right with God, not through a ram or a bull or a bird. Jesus is the perfect lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Cleansing you, making you new. God wants us to know that. And he also wants us to know that in that sacrifice of love, he's also given us his life. Now, he not only atoned for your sin, but he also offers you his gracious life today. So let's live it. Live today in the light of your perfect cleansing. Live today in the light of what you have become because of what he's done. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL