Podcast appearances and mentions of bob corbin

* You can get the sermon note sheet at: http://family-bible-church.org/2025Messages/25May18.pdf * Jesus has entered into Jerusalem and has been teaching the people in the Temple. We are in the midst of a four day period when the Passover Lamb would be finely examined to make sure that it was a worthy Sacrifice. The religious unknowingly are fulfilling this prophetic requirement of YHWH (cf. Exodus 12:2-7). * Last week, we considered the Chief Priests' and Scribes' attempt to find a blemish in Jesus by asking whether it was lawful for Jews to pay taxes to Caesar. * Today, we see the Sadducees try to draw out a doctrinal flaw in the Messiah by a presenting Him a riddle regarding a woman who - by law - was married to seven different brothers and died childless * Like last week, we see Jesus respond in a manner that silences His critics! * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on May 18, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* You can get the sermon note sheet at: http://family-bible-church.org/2025Messages/25May11.pdf * Jesus has entered into Jerusalem. He initially went into the Temple, cleared out the money-changers, and declared that the Temple was meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, but the religious establishment had made it into an emporium of thieves! * For the next four days, from His entrance into the city to His death on the cross, Jesus taught the people in the Temple. * Also on those the next four days, the religious leaders sought to trap Him and find public fault in Him or His teachings. This is important because as Psalm 118 declared, He would also be the Festal Sacrifice. * Jesus was the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb. In Exodus 12, YHWH gave specific instructions for processing of the Passover Lamb. It was supposed to be chosen on the 10th day of the month, examined for the next four days to assure that it was without blemish, and then slaughtered at twilight on the 14th day of the month. (Exodus 12:2-7) * Unknowingly, the religious leaders were certifying Jesus' fulfillment of this prophecy! * Through the rest of this chapter, we see several of these "tests" which the leaders brought to Jesus. * Each of the tests, leave of us with applications to our lives as well. * Today, we see YHWH's expectations for us in relationship to earthly authority and His heavenly authority! * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on May 11, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* You can get the sermon note sheet at: http://family-bible-church.org/2025Messages/25May04.pdf * As Jesus came to Jerusalem, the people began to sing the Psalms of the Hallel and to call out the Messiah praise contained in them. * As we considered that portion of Luke three weeks ago, we looked at the Messianic declarations from Psalm 118. chiefly: v. 22-23 22 "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This was the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." * In today's passage, we see Jesus refer back to this Messianic passage and clearly infer that He was the fulfillment this "cornerstone." Additionally, He reiterates His prophetic declaration that Israel would be punished for it's rejection of Him. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on May 4, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

Due to technical difficulties video is unavailable this week. * Two weeks ago we considered the proclamations of the people regarding the Messianic fulfillment of Jesus as He journeyed to Jerusalem. We saw, as well, how Jesus confirmed those proclamations by declaring to the Pharisees that if the people would be quiet then the stones would immediately cry out! * In the Old Testament, the book of Lamentations contains the sorrowful account of Jeremiah as he looks upon the destruction of Jerusalem after Nebuchadnezzar's conquest. Chapters 1 and 2 declare how YHWH handed over Jerusalem, and His Temple, to the atrocities of Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon as punishment for treating His Temple with disdain and for bringing idolatrous practices into the Temple - in His presence - before Him. * In similar manner, Jesus - being omniscient - sees the destruction which will come upon Jerusalem within 40 years because they, as well, did not know the day of their visitation! They returned to treating YHWH's house with disdain and had rejected YHWH Himself when He had fulfilled His Word to come as a child and dwell in their midst. * Today, we consider a short - but very profound - passage which contains Jesus' Messianic Lamentations for Jerusalem and His Temple. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on April 27, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* In the beginning, God made man in His own image and likeness. He then placed man in the garden and made him a helpmeet. In that garden, God placed two special trees, along with the other various trees. These two trees were the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (otherwise known as the Tree of Death - for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.) * God made man with the Privilege of Choice. Man, in the garden, had a choice to make. God told man that he could eat of any tree (including the Tree of Life), but he was forbidden from eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Sadly, man chose to disobey God, and death entered into the world. * This choice has been the primary choice which man needs to make. To choose obedience to God is to choose life. To choose disobedience to God is to choose death. Romans 6:23 states, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." * The apex of that choice was displayed 4000 years later, in the very moment of Christ's payment for our sin. There on Golgotha - the place of the Skull - Jesus was crucified between two criminals. The trees upon which these criminals were hung equate to the trees in the Garden of Eden. * Mankind, another 2000 years later, is still faced with the same choice that these criminals faced. Let's look at "The Choice" each made. * This message was presented by Chuck Sabo and Bob Corbin on April 20, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Jesus has passed through Jericho and has now made it to Jerusalem. * Luke records that on the journey to Jerusalem, Jesus had healed the ten lepers and Bar-Timaeus. Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, He had performed many mighty acts which required great power. These wonderful works had not escaped the notice of the populace. * The anticipation of the crowds begins to raise to a crescendo as Jesus now enters the city. Jesus adds to this Messianic feel with His preparations and His confirmation of the crowd's proclamation of praise. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on April 13, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Jesus is on His final trip from Galilee to Jerusalem. * Last week, we saw Him invite Himself to the house of Zacchaeus as He passed through the city of Jericho. After his conversation with Jesus, Zacchaeus bore fruits of repentance and Jesus declared that salvation had come to that house! * Today, we examine "The Parable of the Ten Minas" which Jesus shared while sitting at the house of Zacchaeus. * Through this Parable, Jesus is once again seeking to prepare His Disciples for the days ahead. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on March 30, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Jesus is on His final trip from Galilee to Jerusalem. He has made His way down the Jordan River in order to pass through Jericho. In Jericho, we see that He had two divine appointments with those who would have been considered outcasts of society. * Last week, we saw His interaction with Bar-Timaeus, a blind beggar. * Today, we consider the well known encounter with a chief tax collector named Zacchaeus - a wee little man who climbed a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see! * Again today, we will consider how Jesus provides the opportunity for one who was inquisitive to find the truth - and for the truth to set them free! * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on March 23, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Jesus is on His final trip from Galilee to Jerusalem. He has made His way down the Jordan River in order to pass through Jericho. * In our study of the Gospel according to Luke, we have seen that Jesus clearly will go out of His way in order to "coincidentally" have an encounter with specific individuals. In many of those occasions, those individuals would have been considered outcasts of society - lepers, demoniacs, gentiles, Roman centurions, tax collectors, prostitutes, etc. * Today, we see Jesus engage another "outcast." Yet, as we have seen in many of those other encounters, Jesus sets up the opportunity for them to engage Him! * In today's passage, we also see a juxtaposition of two accounts in which God keeps blinded the "eyes" of those who can see (the Apostles) and opens the eyes of one who cannot see (Bar-Timaeus)! * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on March 16, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Jesus is on His final trip from Galilee to Jerusalem. He has been ministering to, and teaching, the multitudes as He traveled. He took a side trip through Samaria and then is making His way back down toward the Jordan River in order to pass through Jericho. * Over the past two weeks, we have seen Jesus begin to address the question of the Pharisees regarding when the Kingdom of God would come. Jesus told them that the Kingdom of God ultimately does not come with observation but rather God reigns in the hearts of individuals. He then to present instruction to His disciples regarding some of the details of His return. * Last week, we saw Jesus begin to address how the spiritual Kingdom would be apparent in those in which He reigned. He encouraged His disciples to not lose heart in presenting their petitions to God but to always remember that He would judge justly. * In today's passage, we see Jesus teach further into this Kingdom mindset. "What does it look like to have Christ reigning in your heart?" How will that affect your life and your motivations? * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on March 9, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Jesus is on His final trip from Galilee to Jerusalem. He has been ministering to, and teaching, the multitudes as He traveled. He took a side trip through Samaria and then is making His way back down toward the Jordan River in order to pass through Jericho. * Last week, we saw Jesus address the question of the Pharisees regarding when the Kingdom of God would come. He told them that the Kingdom of God ultimately does not come with observation but rather God reigns in the hearts of individuals. Jesus then turned to present instruction to His disciples regarding some of the details of His return. * It is good to remember that there were no chapter breaks when Luke wrote. This parable of "The Persistent Widow" is given by Jesus to His disciples directly following this instruction regarding His Spiritual Reign in the hearts of individuals and His Return to Physically Reign on the earth over the nations. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on March 2, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Jesus has been teaching and interacting with those who are following Him - the multitude, the disciples, the apostles, and even those who are looking for reasons to accuse - the Scribes and the Pharisees. Today, we see this as well. * Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem and has just past through Samaria. Yet, topically, this section ties back to 16:14-17 when Jesus responded to the derision of the Pharisees and declared that since John the Baptist "the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it." * Jesus fields a question from the Pharisees regarding the Kingdom of God, addresses their unbelieving hearts, and then provides additional information to His disciples regarding God's Kingdom plan. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on February 23, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* While Jesus has been teaching the multitudes, we have seen Him addressing the faithlessness of the Pharisees, scribes and lawyers. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus revealed the callousness of the Jewish religious leaders towards the revival that was going on amongst the "common people." * Two weeks ago, we saw Jesus address this again with the Pharisees while presenting the Parable of the unjust, or unrighteous, steward to His disciples. The Pharisees understood that Jesus was referring to Him and responded with derision. * Last week, we continued that interaction with Jesus' response to the Pharisees - showing them the contrast between their hypocrisy and the fervent desire of the "sinners" to repent and enter into the Kingdom of God. Jesus revealed their hypocrisy and failure to live according to the dictates of the Law, regarding treatment of the poor, through the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. * Today, we see Jesus build on this moment by providing instruction to His "disciples" that causes alarm in His "apostles." Jesus continues to teach in a manner to transform the mindset of those listening to Him - from trusting in their works, to trusting in the work of God alone. Jesus has continually revealed that according to your works you will never attain the righteousness of God. It is only through faith in the power and work of God, that we can truly walk in righteousness. We must believe that God is able to "work in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13) and in so doing, we "can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!" (Philippians 4:13) * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on February 9, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Over the past month, we have been studying Luke 14 through 16. In this portion of Luke, we have seen Jesus teaching various people groups that were following Him. In this section, we have seen Jesus' use of parables - or word pictures - to help illustrate, or portray, the point which He was conveying. Additionally, Jesus tended to teach into a moment by addressing a question, or statement, from those following Him. * Last week, at the beginning of chapter 16, Jesus specifically turned his teaching toward His disciples - sharing with them a parable regarding an unjust, or unrighteous, steward who is at first condemned and then commended by his master. At the conclusion of the parable, we saw that there were "others" (specifically, the pharisees) who were listening in, and who understood that the parable was addressing them. * Today, we want to pick up with that understanding of the Pharisees and consider Jesus' instruction to them after their derision of Him. In this portion, we saw Jesus first quickly address the extent of God's Knowledge, Kingdom, and Law. He then shares a parable which, at its core, is addressing the hardness of the Pharisees' hearts ... but which also opens up an opportunity for us to discuss what post-death might look like. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on February 2, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Last week, we saw Jesus share the value of a repentant sinner and the situation of a repentant sinner to the Pharisees and the multitudes in general. The first two parables that he spoke were about a man who had lost a sheep and a woman who had lost a coin. Then he shared the parable regarding the Prodigal Son. * Today, we see that Jesus turns his teaching specifically toward His disciples - sharing with them a parable regarding an unjust, or unrighteous, steward who is at first condemned and then commended by his master. At the conclusion of the parable, we see that there were "others" listening in. Jesus' teaching regarding the actions of this steward and His subsequent applicational principles regarding our faithfulness and allegiance are points to which we ought to give somber consideration in our walk with Christ. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on January 26, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Last week, we saw Jesus again telling the multitude the expectations and costs of being His disciple. Jesus declared that being his disciple requires a full commitment - you must be "All In!" The Messiah expected that those who would be His disciples would be fully committed - forsaking everything including family and self! * In today's passage, we see that this teaching got the attention of the multitude. In fact, those who we would think would be repelled by the teaching actually drew closer. Those who should have been open to the instruction, became more repulsed. Jesus addresses the interests of the Pharisees and the multitudes through two sections of parable - the first addressing the value of a repentant sinner and the second addressing the situation of the repentant sinner. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on January 19, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Last week, we took a one week break from Luke to examine ourselves as new creations in Christ. Paul declared, "If any one be in Christ he is a new creation." Indeed, he continued by stating that "old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." If you are a disciple of Christ, then you cannot be the same as you were before Jesus came into your life. While you used to live for the things of this world, now you are a minister of reconciliation, an ambassador of Christ, and are becoming the righteousness of God. * Today, as we return to our study in the gospel of account of Luke, we see Jesus giving the multitude a reiteration of the foundational teaching for what Paul declared. Being a TRUE disciple of Jesus Christ is not something that I can turn on and off. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ requires a full commitment - you must be "All In!" On September 13th, when we were studying Luke 9:18-36 we considered the expectation of the Messiah - He expected that those who would be His disciples would be fully committed, that they would deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Him. * Today, as we go through this "hard to hear" teaching, we must again ask ourselves, "Am I all in? Am I truly a disciple of Christ?" If in any of these areas you, or I, fall short then we need to be humble enough to call upon the Lord and ask Him to cause us to be more committed! * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on January 12, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* As we enter into a new year, it is generally a time to consider the past and the future, and the changes which we have experienced. It is a time, for many, to institute new "positive" changes, or habits. * Additionally, it is also the first Sunday of the month. As an assembly we traditionally hold our commemoration of the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of the month. The weeks preceding these commemorations are also good times to assess my relationship with Christ. We are told in 1 Corinthians 11 to examine ourselves to determine whether we are participating in this sacred event in an "unworthy manner." In fact, Paul declares that some were sick and even dieing as a result of not treating the commemoration in a sacred manner. * As I pondered the convergence of these two opportunities to examine myself, I thought it would be good for us to relook at who we are - and/or should be - in Christ. It is easy to begin to take the gift that God has given us for granted and be distracted by the world. It is good to assess my level of commitment and seek His wisdom for the future. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on January 5, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke report how Jesus performed many miracles on the Sabbath. Two weeks ago, we saw that Jesus healed a woman - in the synagogue - who was bent over and had been bound by Satan for eighteen years. These acts of grace and kindness put Him at odds with the Scribes, Lawyers and Pharisees who viewed healing as "work" which was unlawful to perform on the Sabbath Day - the day of rest. * Yet, the Jewish Leaders continued to listen to His teaching. Some, as we see again today, are doing so to find ways to accuse Him. However, the Word of God does not come back void, but accomplishes what YHWH pleases (Isaiah 55:11). * Today, we once again see Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees in connection to another healing on the Sabbath. This time in the home of one of the Synagogue Rulers. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on December 29, 2024 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Jesus began His ministry by declaring that the Kingdom of God had drawn near. As a result, people were going to need to change the way they thought. * We have seen that Kingdom awareness and Kingdom teaching has been an important part of Jesus' interaction with His disciples and with the crowds. * As He is making His final trip to Jerusalem, Jesus begins to prepare the people for life after His presence on the earth. He begins to teach them more regarding the Kingdom of God. Jesus will be referring to, and teaching regarding, the Kingdom of God much in the next 11 chapters. He will reference the Kingdom of God 19 times in 18 verses in that span. Today, we will be considering four of those occurrences. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on December 22, 2024 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen how Jesus taught while answering questions from the multitude. In the passage which we plan to consider today, we see that Jesus again is asked one question and then responds with an apparent non-corresponding answer. The Master knew where the hearts of the people were and addressed the core issues. * In today's passage, we see Jesus address the topic of sin dealing with the judgmental nature of people in assessing the sinfulness of individuals and God's desire to see people repent (change the way they think and become productive) and be released from the bondage that has held them captive! * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on December 15, 2024 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Last week, we saw Jesus address the crowd who was following Him to beware of covetousness. Today's portion is actually a continuation of that teaching. Jesus had warned the people to not be anxious about the things of this world but rather to trust God as their provider and protector. Specifically, regarding financial covetousness, Jesus stated, "For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also." * Today, Jesus builds upon that warning by reminding the crowd of the judgment that is to come when the Son of Man returns. This is an exciting teaching in itself because Jesus is declaring His death, resurrection, return, and reign all in one short teaching. Additionally, Jesus let's everyone know that there would be a period of time - a gap - between His resurrection and His return, and what His followers should expect to see during that time. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on December 8, 2024 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Luke 12 begins with Luke's description of the size of the following that Jesus was beginning to have. The Greek declares that there were myriads of a multitude. In fact there were so many that they were literally stepping upon one another. (cf. Matt 5:13; 7:6; Luke 8:5; Heb 10:29). Two weeks ago, we began to see how Jesus would interact with various individuals in the crowd, who would shout a statement or question. Then, we considered how Jesus' responded to the woman who declared that Jesus' mother was blessed - by stating that those who hear and heed the Word of God are the ones who are truly blessed. * Today, we see Jesus respond to another declaration coming from the crowd and uses this moment as well to teach on an important topic - covetousness. The covetous desires of man have not changed over the millennia and as we move into a season that should be focusing upon the incarnation of Christ to pay the penalty of our sins, we will need to fight a heightened challenge to not participate in the worldly gratification of their covetous desires. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on December 1, 2024 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Last week, we saw Jesus rebuke the Pharisees and Lawyers for being concerned about their outward appearance and living differently on the inside. * We would call this activity "hypocrisy." Hypocrisy is actually the transliteration of a Greek Word and it is actually what Jesus summarizes their activity as and about which He warns His disciples. * In today's passage, we see Jesus present four warnings to His followers and those pressing in about Him: beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, beware of fearing men, beware of denying the Messiah, and beware of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on November 24, 2024 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* Earlier in our study of Luke's account of the Gospel, we saw that Jesus shared an important detail of those who are truly part of the Kingdom of God ... having ears they will hear the message of God and they will heed what they hear! To "hear" and to "keep" - Shema and Shamar - is a very basic Jewish teaching. (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-12) * Today, we will see Jesus reiterate this concept. The Jewish people wanted to see a sign from heaven. Jesus responds to that request with the foundational principle that the key to being blessed by God is to "Shema and Shamar" ... to Hear and to Heed! * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on November 17, 2024 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* When we considered Jesus healing of the demoniac of the Gadarenes (8:26-39), we saw that the Greek term "daimonizomai" which is best translated by it's transliteration: demonized. Biblically, it refers to someone who is being vexed by a demon - whether through possession or oppression. That man of the Gadarenes was possessed by many demons, for when Jesus asked the demon - who was speaking through the man - his name, he declared that it was "Legion" for in the host were many demons. * In Today's passage, Jesus casts out another demon and that begins a conversation and opportunity for Jesus to present teaching regarding the power and activities of demons. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on November 10, 2024 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

* During the last five messages in our study of Luke, we have seen Jesus' instructive interaction with His disciples. * Last week we saw that those who are disciples of Jesus will be devoted to the Mind of Christ (loving others) and the Word of Christ (desiring to learn from Him). * The disciples must have heard Jesus' rebuke of Martha and praise of Mary .... For they now come to Jesus to seek teaching and instruction regarding prayer. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on November 3, 2024 at Family Bible Church located in Martinez, Georgia.

* The last four messages in our study of the Gospel According to Luke have focused on the expectations, costs, and motivations of being a disciple of Jesus Christ as opposed to being just a convert, or one who is called a Christian. * In the passage that we are examining today, we see that Luke shares two more vignettes of Jesus instruction regarding the passions of a disciple of Christ. A disciple of Christ will be devoted to loving others (taking on the mind of Christ) and will be devoted to learning from the Words of Christ. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on October 27, 2024 at Family Bible Church located in Martinez, Georgia.

* Our study of Luke has gotten juggled a little bit. After Hurricane Helene, it seemed appropriate to set aside our study to refocus upon our Great and Sovereign God who is also our Faithful and Loving Shepherd. * While I was in Argentina, David picked up in our study of Luke with the sending of the seventy disciples recorded at the beginning of chapter 10. Today, we will drop back into chapter 9 to finish that portion. * As context, Jesus had just been transfigured before Peter, James and John; and He had healed the demon-possessed boy in a manner that awed all who were there. While all were amazed, Jesus told His disciples to pay attention to what He was telling them, that He was about to be betrayed. However, as we see in this passage, the disciples sadly only paid attention as well as we do many times! * Jesus had communicated the expectation: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him. In today's passage we see how this expectation is met practically through six different vignettes displaying our call to humility and commitment. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on October 20, 2024 at Family Bible Church located in Martinez, Georgia.

Today we meditate on Psalm 23 while thanking God for his protection through the recent storm. This message was presented by Bob Corbin on September 29, 2024 at Family Bible Church located in Martinez, Georgia.

* Four weeks ago, in our last message from the book of Luke, we saw the prophetic announcements of Simeon and Anna regarding he redemptive work of Christ. These announcements occurred 40 days after the birth of Jesus while Joseph and Mary were going to the Temple to present an offering for her purification according Levitical Law. * Today's passage carries us up to when Jesus was twelve years old. * As we consider the passage today, the major question that I am forced to ask myself is: "Where would I be found if others were looking for me?" * Today, we consider the importance, and priority, of the Word of God in our lives. * This message was presented on March 31, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* As we approach our spring week of Prayer and Fasting, I felt compelled of the Lord to spend two weeks focusing on the importance of prayer in the life of the saints. Though prayer is one of the most critical aspects of the life of the believer and the church, it seems to take the least priority in the lives of many believers and churches. * Last week, we focused upon The Posture of Prayer. Though we are adopted by God and afforded the privilege of calling Him: "Abba," yet, He is still the Holy God who is the Creator, Sustainer, and Judge of the Universe - and of all mankind. Hence, though I may boldly enter into His presence because of the blood of Jesus, I must always remember: He is the Potter and I am the clay. There must be an attitude (or posture) of humbleness, and not arrogance or pride as I come before His throne. In the Scriptures, this attitude is conjoined with a physical posture of kneeling before Him. In fact, this posture is embedded into the Hebrew word (shakhah) and Greek word (proskuneo) for "worship." * Today, we want to consider the powerful impact of prayer in the realm of the Spiritual War that we fight. * This message was presented on March 24, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* Our spring week of Prayer and Fasting is Monday-Friday, March 25-29. * Prayer is one of the most critical aspects of the life of the believer and, hence, the life of the church. Yet, it seems to take the least priority in the lives of many believers and churches. * This week, I was burdened by the Lord to teach two messages regarding the important impact of prayer. Hence, Lord willing, over the next two weeks we will be considering The Posture of Prayer and The Warfare of Prayer. * By definition, "Prayer" is "A reverent petition made to God, a god, or another object of worship. ... An act of communion with God, a god, or another object of worship." Communion is defined as: "The act or an instance of sharing, as of thoughts or feelings. Religious or spiritual fellowship." * The Bible is filled with many "balances" for our Christian walk (e.g. predestination v. free will; the perseverance of the saints v. the preservation of the saints). My definition of prayer reflects another of those balances; prayer is: "Communication with God in worship." When you believe on Jesus as your Savior, you are adopted as a child of God. Your loving heavenly Father has a desire for you to communicate with Him; He calls upon us to cast all of cares upon Him, because He cares for us. However, we need to remember ... He is still God. * As we consider the "Posture" of prayer today, we are focusing upon the latter part of that definition - the aspect of prayer being conducted in the demeanor of worship. Our "posture" refers both to our position and our disposition as we approach the throne of God above! * This message was presented on March 17, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* Last week, we considered the third Angelic Announcement, recorded in the book of Luke, regarding the Messianic nature of He who was born: Jesus of Nazareth! God was doing a work, through ordinary people, that marveled all of those who witnessed the rippling effects of these proclamations. The message was magnified through those who were at birth and naming of John, and those who heard the testimony of the shepherds. * Today, we transition to the next phase of God's proclamation of Jesus' Messianic claim - the prophetic announcements of Simeon and Anna. These occur during the process of Joseph and Mary fulfilling the Law regarding Jesus' birth. Leviticus 12:2-6 gives us the details of the Law regarding a woman giving birth to a son. The child was to be circumcised on the eighth day and then the woman was to present an offering for her purification on the 40th day. Hence, our passage today is 40 days after the birth of Jesus. * This message was presented on March 3, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* This is the seventh message in our series on the book of Luke. Up until this point, we have been considering what many would consider preliminary information, but that which Luke determined to be integral to the redemptive purpose of Christ. The ministry of John - preparing the way of YHWH - was one of the chief validations of the Messianic claim of Jesus of the Nazareth (cf. Matthew 21:23-27) * Last week, we considered the numerous prophecies declaring how Christ would come - born of a virgin; born of the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David; born in Bethlehem; taken to Egypt; and raised in Nazareth. We considered how He would be preceded by a forerunner and that He would proclaim liberty to captives and heal the blind. We considered as well how it was prophesied that He would be crucified - that His hands and feet would be pierced, that His side would be pierced and that His bones would not be broken. We saw that it was prophesied that He would be betrayed by a friend and that it would be for 30 pieces of silver! * Today, we consider the primary event of His birth ... the angelic announcement of His birth to a group of shepherds who were watching their sheep in the fields on the outskirts of Bethlehem. In this great moment, God reveals again His desire to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things on behalf of His kingdom. * This message was presented on February 18, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* We have spent the first five weeks of our study of Luke's account of the life and ministry of Jesus the Christ, examining the preliminary events leading up to His life and ministry! We have seen how God sent Gabriel to both Zacharias and Mary declaring that God was going to bless them and use them in fulfilling His redemptive plan. * Last week, we considered the birth and naming of John. In that message, we considered the importance of John's miraculous birth as a sign, and testimony, to validate Jesus' as the coming Messiah. * However, apart from John's miraculous birth, there were many prophecies which would be fulfilled in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus which substantially validate His claim as the Messiah. * Today, as we begin to consider chapter 2 of Luke's account, it begins with the phrase, "And it came to pass in those days ..." From the world's perspective things just seem to happen. However, from a theocentric understanding, we understand that God is, and has been, orchestrating His redemptive plan throughout course of human history. "History" truly can be seen as: "His Story." * Hence, I would like to pause today to take a "small glimpse" into the many prophecies which Jesus fulfilled. As we will see shortly, the mathematical probability that any one individual fulfilling these prophecies is astronomical, and practically unfeasible. * This message was presented on February 18, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* In Luke chapter 1 we have seen that Zacharias and Mary each were visited by the angel Gabriel with the message that God was going to bless them and use them in fulfilling His redemptive plan. Zacharias responded with doubt and wanted a sign to validate the message. Gabriel told him that he because he doubted, he would be mute until John was born. Mary, on the hand, received the message with fear and submitted willingly to God's desire in her life. * Two weeks ago we began to consider the events surrounding the birth of John by considering The Visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. Another miracle occurred when the two women with miraculous pregnancies met! The approximately sixth month old "fetus" in Elizabeth's womb leapt for joy at presence of the less-than-a-month old fetus in Mary's womb! Elizabeth additionally recognized Mary as "The mother of my Lord!" As a result, Mary praised the mighty, holy and merciful God for scattering the proud, filling the hungry, and remembering His mercy (khesed) to the nation of Israel. * Today, we conclude this section by seeing the fulfillment of Gabriel's promise to Zacharias at the birth and naming of John. * This message was presented on February 11, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* As we have begun our study of Luke's orderly account of the life and ministry of Christ, we have seen the contrasting reception of Zacharias and Mary to wonderful prophetic messages of Gabriel. * Today, we see those prophetic messages begin to converge with the events surrounding the birth of John. * This message was presented on January 28, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* Three weeks ago we began studying "The Gospel According to Luke." Luke's desire was to present an orderly account of the ministry of Jesus the Christ in order that those who heard could be assured of the verity of the testimony they had heard. * Two weeks ago, we saw that Luke began his orderly account with the Angelic Announcement to Zacharias regarding the birth of John. John needed a "sign" to truly believe the message that Gabriel was proclaiming to him. Therefore, Gabriel declared that John would be mute for the next nine months, until the birth of his son. * Today, we transition to another Angelic Announcement by Gabriel, this time to Mary. * This message was presented on January 21, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* Last week we began studying "The Gospel According to Luke." Luke's desire was to present an orderly account of the ministry of Jesus the Christ in order that those who heard could be assured of the verity of the testimony they had heard. * Today, the goal is to examine the beginning of that orderly account. Luke, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, determined that the Good News of Jesus Christ coming into the world actually begins with the Angelic Announcement to Zacharias regarding the birth of John. * First, we consider the human vessels who God chose to use for this special privilege. Then, we consider Zacharias' interaction with Gabriel. * This message was presented on January 7, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* Today, we begin a new series - a study of the Gospel According to Luke. * It has been well stated each of the Gospels seem to present Christ from a different "angle." Traditionally, most commentators declare that Matthew presents Jesus as "The Promised Messiah," Mark presents Him as "The Suffering Servant," Luke presents Him as "The Son of Man," and John presents Him as "The Son of God." * There were reasons why each of the writers wrote their gospel accounts. As we have considered each of these gospel accounts we have seen that indeed Matthew was a Jewish man writing to a Jewish audience about a Jewish Messiah. His focus was upon proving that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah by declaring the authenticity of His Messianic claim - through His genealogy, His miracles and signs, His teaching, and His resurrection. Mark, I believe, was writing Peter's account of the life of Christ after he was brought to Rome at the request of Paul. John declares that he was writing in order that those reading would "believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." * As we begin our study today, we want to look at who it is that wrote this gospel (since the author does not declare himself), to whom the author was writing, and the purpose for which he was writing. * This message was presented on December 31, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* We have been considering the prophetic declaration of YHWH through Isaiah, regarding the coming of a man child - who would be called: Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace. Each of these names are direct references back to YHWH Himself. As He revealed elsewhere, YHWH was declaring that He would manifest Himself on the earth by becoming incarnate - taking on human flesh - and being born. * This prophecy in Isaiah 9 is part of a larger section which begins in chapter 7. YHWH declares His faithfulness to the tribe of Judah ... He would not allow Syria and Israel to gain victory over Judah. To reveal His faithfulness to King Ahaz, He told Ahaz to ask for a sign ... to which Ahaz self-righteously declares, "I will not ask, nor test YHWH." * YHWH declares that He, Himself, would then give a sign To The House of David - not to Ahaz! “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Emmanuel.” (Isaiah 7: 14) Immanuel means: "God with us." * What an incredible prophecy! “The virgin” will conceive. Many have debated this term and some translations have interpreted the word as “young girl.” However, the Hebrew language has a specific word for a young girl from infancy to adolescence - na'arah. The word used by Isaiah in this prophecy, though, is almah - a veiled girl. The word is only used 7 times in the O.T. Including this passage. Consider its use in context: Song Of Solomon 6:8 “There are sixty queens and eighty concubines, and virgins without number.” * As we heard in the reading from Matthew 1 ... this prophesy would be fulfilled at the birth of Jesus. * This message was presented on the evening of December 24, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Advent is a time for focused reflection upon the incarnation of Jesus the Christ (YHWH in the flesh) who came to the earth in order to be the payment of our sins. This incarnation of YHWH was not something that was kept secret. Rather, YHWH gave many indicators of this in His Word. * Over the past two weeks, we have been considering the powerful prophetic declaration which YHWH spoke through Isaiah - declaring that one day a man-child would be born - who would be called: Wonderful Counselor ... Mighty God ... Eternal Father ... Prince of Peace. In Jewish thought, an individual's name - what they were called - was of vast importance and was a reflection of the individual's position, personality, or potentiality. * Consider YHWH's name ... "The One who Exists." The Creator God "named" Himself and He named Himself, "I am who I am." * In the same manner, each of these four names point toward this man-child being none other than YHWH Himself - incarnate. Last week, David considered that this child would be called "Mighty God" ... today, it becomes even more evident as we consider the implications and inferences of "Eternal Father." * This message was presented on December 17, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* This is the final segment of our study of James' letter ... * Over the past two weeks we have considered how the Wisdom of God (Heavenly Wisdom) applies to our lives - examining what James declares regarding the Will of the Lord and the Treatment of Others. Today, we look at what James declares regarding The Prayer of Faith. * This section brings us full-circle to where James began his letter exhorting the brethren to call upon the Father of Lights - the giver of every morally good gift and every perfect bestowment - for wisdom in the midst of troublesome situations. * James concludes his letter with the same exhortation. * This message was presented on November 26, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Having considered the Contrast and Conflict between Worldly Wisdom and Heavenly Wisdom. We began last week considering the application based upon Wisdom of God (Heavenly Wisdom). In that message, we considered The Finiteness of Man and the Sovereignty of God. As created beings, we are both Limited in Our Knowledge and Limited in Our Days upon the earth. We saw that the Word of God declares that when we learn to number our days, we will gain a heart of wisdom. * Today, we will be looking at the second of these applications - the Treatment of Others. As Jesus declared, the greatest commandment given is to love YHWH with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Doing so, the second is like unto it: loving others as ourselves. As is James pattern, he will begin with a negative declaration and then give instruction as to how we ought to live. * This message was presented on November 19, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Over the past two weeks, we considered James' proclamation of the Contrast of, and Conflict between, the Wisdom of God (Heavenly Wisdom) and the Wisdom of the World (Earthly Wisdom). * We are entering the final section of James' letter which contains applications to our lives based upon choosing the Wisdom of God over the wisdom of the world. * Last week, as we considered the Prescription for Heavenly Wisdom it began with the command to Submit to God - voluntarily placing yourself under the authority of God. Additionally, we were told to humble ourselves in the sight of YHWH and He would lift us up. * Today, we begin looking at three of the applications of Heavenly Wisdom by considering our humble submission to the will of YHWH. * This message was presented on November 12, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Last week, we transitioned in James' letter to discussion of the Perfect Way of Wisdom. * James initially reveals the Contrast between Worldly Wisdom and Heavenly Wisdom. He declares that World Wisdom is of a earthly, sensual, and demonic nature, and is evidenced by envy, self-seeking, and confusion. Heavenly Wisdom, on the other hand, was Wisdom that comes from God and is evidenced in purity, peace, gentleness, submission, mercy, and good fruits. * Clearly, these two forms of wisdom ARE NOT compatible. James next addresses the Conflict that exists with believers following worldly wisdom. He first presents arguments AGAINST the wisdom of the world and then instructions FOR Walking in the Wisdom of God. * This message was presented on November 5, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Four weeks ago we began to consider the Perfect Law of Liberty - summed up in our call to love our neighbors as ourselves - and then, subsequently, the application of that Law of Liberty in our lives. * As we transition into the next section of James' letter, we will see him transition from the Application of the Perfect Law of Liberty to the Perfect Way of Wisdom. Yet, as we transition, we will note that James' assertion that TRUE FAITH is evidenced by TRUE WORKS is also true regarding when it comes to a consideration of WHICH WAY of Wisdom you are following. * Last week, as part of our study of the Importance of Words, saw that those who set themselves up as teacher would receive the stricter judgment (assessment). As we considered the wording of that warning, we turned to Romans 8:1 where we are told, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus ..." But, the verse continues as does the flow of thought. Consider Paul's statement in Romans 8:1-9 * Those who "are in Christ Jesus" will not -as a practice- walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. This statement is evidenced as well in James' declaration regarding The Contrast of the Wisdoms from which we choose. * This message was presented on October 29, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Three weeks ago we began to consider that ultimate expression of truly comprehending that God is the giver of every good gift and every perfect bestowment will be: that we will want to BE doers of His Word and not hearers-only; we will want to Receive, Apply, Study and Continue in - the Perfect Law of Liberty. That Perfect Law of Liberty is our call to love our neighbors as ourselves. * Two weeks ago we began to consider how James applied this truth within the realm of our practical theology ... how we live out what we believe. * First we considered James exhortation regarding Loving without Partiality. Last week, we considered how True Faith will be revealed in True Works - such that faith without works is dead. * Today, we want to consider James' teaching regarding the importance of words revealed in three different aspects. * This message was presented on October 22, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* This is now the sixth week that we have been studying the letter of James to the twelve tribes which were scattered as a result of the persecution of the church. * James opened his letter to them by exhorting them to consider their troublesome situations as joyous events which have been allowed in their lives to strengthen their endurance and prove the genuineness of their faith. He instructed them that our troublesome times are not caused by God - who is the giver of every good gift and perfect bestowment - but ultimately arise as a result of our misguided burning passions. James challenged them to be doers of the word - the Perfect Law of Liberty - and not to deceive themselves by being hearers only. * James then begins to apply this exhortation to our practical theology ... how we live out what we believe. * Today, we will consider the second of these applications: Faith vs. Works. This portion almost prevented the letter of James from being included in what was accepted as the inspired Word of God. * This message was presented on October 15, 2023 by Bob Corbin.