Podcast appearances and mentions of bob ekblad

"We live in the tension between two worlds."Bob EkbladSummaryIn this conversation, Danielle Strickland, James Sholl, and Bob Ekblad delve into the complex themes of powers and principalities, exploring their nature, the role of Jesus in exposing them, and the implications for social justice and activism. They discuss the idea of redemption versus destruction of these powers, the finite nature of systems, and the call for Christians to resist and reform while living out their identities in Christ. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limitations of earthly powers and the need for a deeper understanding of faith and action in the world.Take-aways* The powers and principalities are not just spiritual but also manifest in systems and institutions.* Redemption does not mean that everything will be saved; some things must be destroyed.* Jesus's authority is demonstrated through servanthood and sacrifice, not through power and dominance.* The church must resist the temptation to equate political power with divine authority.* The narrative of the Exodus illustrates the futility of trying to reform oppressive powers.* Social justice efforts must be rooted in the understanding that God is the ultimate savior, not human systems.* The church's identity should transcend national and ethnic boundaries, focusing on unity in Christ.* Living out our faith means divesting from the powers that seek to control and dominate.* The tension between the kingdom of God and earthly powers is escalating, requiring a faithful response.* We must acknowledge the finite nature of our world while actively caring for creation. Jesus's authority is demonstrated through servanthood and sacrifice, not through power and dominance.Links: Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation02:42 Exploring Powers and Principalities05:29 Redemption and Destruction of Powers12:10 The Role of Jesus in Authority18:21 The Dangers of Reforming Powers27:47 The Finite Nature of Powers and Creation33:34 Theological Reflections on Fear and Power39:06 The Nature of Authority and the Role of Jesus45:05 Living Out Our Heavenly Identities51:19 Divesting from Powers and Principalities57:08 Stewardship and the Call to Action Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

We are doing a deep dive into the Scriptures with Bob Ekblad as we cover a lot of biblical terrain regarding what are called "powers and principalities." The path leads us to some key scriptures where Paul describes idolatry as serving the creature instead of the Creator and Jesus saying we cannot serve two masters. As we discern how we are to respond to powers and principalities, the first step for all of us must be to renounce the idolatry of nationalism. Unless we break with our brand of nationalism and are born from above, we will not see the kingdom of God, but will only see our particular nationalistic ideas of what kingdom looks like. Let's explore!

We are back with Bob Ekblad to discuss the critical need for discernment as we listen for what God is saying, and especially as we listen to voices in the North American prophetic culture who claim to be speaking for God. As we listen for God and to others, how do we discern what we are hearing from the echo chamber and idolatry our own cultural and political bubbles?

Happy Thursday! Continuing the Need to Know season of The Right Side Up podcast, today we get into our first conversation with two contributors to the book. My dear friend Bob Ekblad is joined by Janet Munn, an author, speaker and leader in the Salvation Army. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of gender, power, and faith within the church. We reflect on need for a reimagined understanding of God that transcends traditional male-centric views. What is the church's history of female leadership? What power dynamics distort equality today? How do allies get involved? Find answers to all those questions and more.Show NotesLink to order the book: Need to Know: Empowering Female Leadership and Why It's Essential for the Future of the ChurchKeywordsGod, gender, power, church, leadership, women, equality, community, advocacy, nonviolenceTakeaways* God is described as both male and female in scripture.* The distortion of power dynamics harms both men and women.* Women must be empowered to lead and serve in the church.* The church needs to reimagine its structures to be more inclusive.* Active nonviolence is essential in addressing social injustices.* Voices of women are crucial for the health of the church.* Encouragement to persist in advocacy for gender equality.* The original biblical narrative supports mutuality between genders.* Jesus' choice of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection is significant.* Allies are needed to help amplify women's voices in the church.Sound Bites* "God is not male."* "We need allies who will help us."* "Distortion of power causes great damage."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Need to Know season and the book01:55 Reimagining God's Gender09:39 The Gap Between Theory and Practice24:08 Rethinking Power and Spiritual Authority34:16 Practical Steps for Gender Equity42:04 Holding Leaders Accountable and Leaving Spaces that Do Not Value Women46:24 Reimagining Church Structures and Systems Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

Bob has always had a concern for the poor and oppressed, and his journey of faith has encompassed liberation theology shaped through years in Central America, coupled with social justice activism and then a radical experience through the charismatic movement - not something he'd wanted at the time! This propelled him into greater effectiveness, with healings and power encounters now accompanying his gospel work. It's a fascinating, challenging and inspiring story.Do check out bobekblad.com, peoplesseminary.org and tierra-nueva.org---Support our work in Burundi: greatlakesoutreach.org/inspired ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---Weekly episode WhatsApp link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greatlakesoutreach.org/whatsappWeekly email notification: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greatlakesoutreach.org/inspiredemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more from Simon, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simonguillebaud.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---Produced by Great Lakes Outreach - Transforming Burundi & Beyond: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greatlakesoutreach.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Bob is someone I have long admired for his witness of the ways of Jesus. He talks with us about his own story, the need to break allegiances with our dominant cultural idols (even national ones), and the ongoing journey of being faithful to Jesus in an age of rising nationalism disguised as Christianity. This is so eye opening and beautiful.tierra-nueva.orgpeoplesseminary.org Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

Bob heard God speak at a Bible Study with Prisoners. Then this happened... Jesus was known for the way he interacted with those on the margins of society - the tax collectors everyone despised, the lepers no-one would touch, the cripples and the prostitutes society rejected. Jesus' teaching and interactions constantly reflected God's heart for those who had been forgotten and left behind. So today, when we hear the Spirit as Jesus' continuing voice, we shouldn't be surprised that we find themselves in similar places! That is, we will be led to love the poor as Jesus did. In this episode, we talk about the revelatory work of Holy Spirit among the poor with someone who is doing just that. With his wife Gracie, Bob Ekblad lives out the heart of Jesus through the power and revelation of the Spirit. After living several years working in sustainable farming in Honduras and then studying theology in France, Bob and Gracie lead a church community known as Tierra Nueva (New Earth) in Washington state USA. Here, they come alongside immigrants, street people, addicts and prisoners to demonstrate the love of Jesus in practical and profound ways. You'll hear about: Bob and Gracie's fascinating story from a kibbutz in the Middle East to the cornfields of Honduras, the study halls of Paris and the streets of Washington state… How working with impoverished peasants in sustainable farming led to an unexpected request: “A lot of us are tough. Some of us are violent. We don't put God first, but we notice you do. Could we begin our weekly farming courses with a Bible study?” Bob tells of his surprise and excitement as well as a deep sense of trepidation: “You pull out a Bible in that setting, and the people look like stray city dogs who are used to being kicked. They sleek off and lurk away, fearful of being beaten by the Bible, because that's how the Bible has been used…” How reading the Bible with semi-literate, impoverished Latinos expanded Bob's view of the Gospel story “When people are marginalised and from the lowest classes of society, they abandon all hope and throw themselves into a life of drinking and violence.” A defining moment in Bob's journey towards understanding the Holy Spirit… Bob and Gracie came from a background of seeing only the abuses of Holy Spirit ministry and were fearful of engaging with Charismatic Christians. Yet, they recognised that their ministry desperately needed the power of the Holy Spirit, particularly as they were dealing with hardened criminals and addicts who easily relapsed. When Bob found himself in a charismatic conference, he felt the need to pray a prayer of protection over the Christians praying as they prayed! Then he received a piercingly accurate prophetic word that changed his life: “I see you in a circle of men in red uniforms sitting on blue plastic chairs. I think they're prisoners. I hear the Father saying, “I love how you love my prisoners.” The shift in Bob's ministry after receiving prayer for a healing anointing. Bob tells how Jesus' teaching from Luke 15 became relevant for a self-confessed racist, neo-Nazi gang member in jail who wanted to learn how to get along with Mexicans. After the Bible study, a word from God and a simple prayer led to a miraculous healing for one of the jail members. The connection between hearing the Spirit and developing a heart for those who have suffered, even violent offenders. Bob shares how hearing God speak about the health conditions and root emotional problems of others revealed the kind of grace that did not require change of even faith to bring healing. In his words, "pre-emptive love doesn't require a response - it elicits a response." About Bob Ekblad Bob and Gracie Ekblad are founders and co-directors of Tierra Nueva (New Earth) in Burlington, Washington. Together they minister at Tierra Nueva and at their home-based retreat centre, New Earth Refuge in the Skagit Valley.

We dive back into the topic of deliverance from a new angle. How cano we engage with our own places where we are stuck? Join us as Bob takes us into Matthew 7 and Colossians 3 as we seek to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in identifying roots, addressing them and walking in new life.

Bob Ekblad took a break from his studies at SPU to travel. Though he would return to graduate, his call to share with and gain insight from other cultures would steer the rest of his journey. Bob with his wife Gracie, 2014 SPU Medallion Award winners, are founders and co-directors of Tierra Nueva in Burlington, Washington and New Earth Refuge, a home-based retreat center in the Skagit Valley. These organizations work with a team of staff and volunteers to serve immigrants from Latin America, inmates, homeless people and people struggling with addictions. Bob is also known internationally for his courses and workshops on reading the Bible, emphasizing discipleship, holistic healing, and liberation.

After jumping in the deep end on healing with Bob Ekblad in our last episode, I want to explore some of the biblical foundations. We will look at Jesus as our model for what God's heart is about healing and what the healing ministry of the Holy Spirit looks like. And we will get prepared to step out with the Holy Spirit in praying for healing.

In this episode we venture into healing waters , talking with Bob Ekblad about his journey with the Holy Spirit in the ministry of healing prayer, in particular, praying for physical healing. People have all sorts of skepticism and questions about this topic so let me know what questions you have and we can pursue answers in future podcasts. For now, be encouraged that God does heal and be inspired and challenged to step into partnership with the Holy Spirit.

In episode 5, we look at how Christian Nationalism is a present danger in the US and to some extent the UK in its pursuit of power and exclusion over love and service. Bob also has a podcast called Disciple. You can listen to it HERE. Episode 5 Outline: Start-01:20 - Introduction  01:24-04:30 - Welcome to Bob and 3 questions. 04:30-07:31 - What do you mean when you talk about 'Christian Nationalism? 07:31-12:04 - How do you see the idea of Christian Nationalism being played out in the USA, particularly in the church, at the moment? 12:04-16:36 - How does assigning a divine value on a nation state affect how we view Jesus and his kingdom? How does the idea of justice fit into us exalting our nations?  16:36-19:23 - In what ways has Christian Nationalism united groups that were previously fairly divided? 19:23-24:15 - Can we look at ways in which we can resist this notion that our nation's future is wrapped up in the future of the Kingdom of God? How can we practically and prophetically speak and work against that? 24:15-30:00 - Do you think that if our focus is on a centralised national power, does it pull us away from the margins where we see Jesus at work in the Gospels? 30:00-End - Closing prayer and further information  

We are starting a new season exploring the Person and Work of God the Holy Spirit. There is probably as much avoidance, resistance, and misunderstanding about the Holy Spirit as there was in our previous series on God as Father. For an introduction, today we look at some of the obstacles and stories of how the Holy Spirit overcame them. We'll hear again from Bob Ekblad and I will share some of my journey to get us started.

Scholar and activitst Bob Ekblad joins Stephen in the Tent for a personal conversation and Bible study on the life of Elijah that ruminates on being wearied by a toxic and unchanging culture, wanting to give up and run away into the wilderness, and how to even begin considering facing the world again when self-exile (whether physical or emotional) is the default state we find ourselves in.You can find out about Bob and Gracie's upcoming courses HERE.The Gospel of John Autumn School and other Courses and Resources can be found HERE. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Today I talk with Bob Ekblad, founder and director of Tierra Nueva in NW Washington State, a ministry that seeks to share the good news of God's total liberation, healing, and transformation in Jesus Christ with people on the margins, especially those affected by immigration, incarceration, and addiction. Bob shares his approach to the Father of Jesus as it impacts our orphan hearts and the drive to perform.

In this episode I interview Bob Ekblad about the work he and his wife, Gracie, have been and are doing and we talk about some of his books. Bob and Gracie Ekblad are founders and co-directors of Tierra Nueva (New Earth) in Burlington, Washington.  Together they minister at Tierra Nueva and at their home-based retreat center New Earth Refuge in the Skagit Valley. As Directors of Tierra Nueva, Bob and Gracie work together with a team of staff and volunteers to serve immigrants from Latin America, inmates, homeless people and people struggling with addictions. In addition to Tierra Nueva, they founded and direct The People's Seminary which is Tierra Nueva's ministry training center for pastors, theology students and lay people. Among Bob's books, the ones we discuss in this interview are Reading the Bible with the Damned, A New Christian Manifesto: Pledging Allegiance to the Kingdom of God, Guerrilla Gospel: Reading the Bible for Liberation in the Power of the Spirit, and The Beautiful Gate: Enter Jesus' Liberation Movement. Bob and Gracie are both ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The intro and outro music for this episode is from a clip of a song called 'Father Let Your Kingdom Come' which is found on The Porter's Gate Worship Project Work Songs album and is used by permission by The Porter's Gate Worship Project.

An extra episode offering some reflections on the war in Ukraine and the Way of Jesus in response to listener questions.Gracie and Bob Ekblad's writing and work can be found HERE.Tearfund is HERE.Red Letter Christians are HERE.Christian Peacemaker Teams are HERE.

S07 E13 Weakness is power, as evident in the person of Jesus.  Join James Sholl and I as we discuss what has blown Bob's mind in this new episode of the Danielle Strickland Podcast. To know more about Bob, go to bobekblad.com

This is the 2nd part of my conversation with Dr. Bob Ekblad and Dr. Chris Green about our concern for the Church (as we see it) in the West.

This is part one of my conversation with theologians Chris Green and Bob Ekblad. We have an honest and raw conversation regarding what is troubling us about what we are sensing with the church as we see it.

What makes people gravitate towards diverse places or towards white places? Is the church being mindful of the narratives they choose to tell? Dr. Leong brings in the ideas of Bob Ekblad who talks of the church being the bridge between the margins and the mainstream. We also touch on the signifiant writings of Stanley Haurwas that emphasize how the church gathers to rehearse and retell the transformative story of the gospel. Are we even paying attention the diverse ways the gospel is playing out in social structures that are not our own?Buy Dr. Leong's book Race and PlaceRead Stanley Haurwas's book Resident AliensFrank Spina's book The Faith of the OutsiderJoin our Patreon Team! https://www.patreon.com/cyndiparkerConnect with me on Facebook at Instagram or send me an email through www.narrativeofplace.com 

Bob climbs to great heights to examine trust in God.Exodus 14:31 (NASB)When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.

Bob examines God's control in all creation, and finds heavenly perspective in truth and untruth. Psalm 24 (NASB): The King of Glory Entering Zion.A Psalm of David.1 The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains,The world, and those who dwell in it.2 For He has founded it upon the seasAnd established it upon the rivers.3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?And who may stand in His holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehoodAnd has not sworn deceitfully.5 He shall receive a blessing from the LordAnd righteousness from the God of his salvation.6 This is the generation of those who seek Him,Who seek Your face—even Jacob.Selah.7 Lift up your heads, O gates,And be lifted up, O ancient doors,That the King of glory may come in!8 Who is the King of glory?The Lord strong and mighty,The Lord mighty in battle.9 Lift up your heads, O gates,And lift them up, O ancient doors,That the King of glory may come in!10 Who is this King of glory?The Lord of hosts,He is the King of glory.Selah.

Bob examines the indicators of a difficult time and re-affirms our role in it. Matthew 24:4-14 (NASB) 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. 6 You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12 Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14 This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NASB)5 Thus says the Lord,“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankindAnd makes flesh his strength,And whose heart turns away from the Lord.6 “For he will be like a bush in the desertAnd will not see when prosperity comes,But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness,A land of salt without inhabitant.7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LordAnd whose trust is the Lord.8 “For he will be like a tree planted by the water,That extends its roots by a streamAnd will not fear when the heat comes;But its leaves will be green,And it will not be anxious in a year of droughtNor cease to yield fruit.

In March, just before COVID hit, Bob did a week-long training event at ICYA. This podcast is the message he gave at a public event we held at Canadian Mennonite University about the meth crisis in Winnipeg, and how it relates to what they do in Tierra Nueva, which is located in Burlington, WA. Bob and Gracie Ekblad are the Founders and Senior Leaders of Tierra Nueva. They pastor and teach locally and internationally, bridging divergent worlds inside and outside of the Church. Their calling is to help recruit, equip, and empower people to communicate good news about God's love that combines Word, Spirit, and Street perspectives at the service of people on the margins.

Bob examines a song of rich and poor, finding encouragement in the end of the story.Psalm 49 (NASB)5 Why should I fear in days of adversity,When the iniquity of my foes surrounds me,6 Even those who trust in their wealthAnd boast in the abundance of their riches?7 No man can by any means redeem his brotherOr give to God a ransom for him—

On July 4, Bob examines allegiance and devastation.Psalm 74:1-11 (NASB): An Appeal against the Devastation of the Land by the EnemyA Maskil of Asaph.1 O God, why have You rejected us forever?Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?2 Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old,Which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your inheritance;And this Mount Zion, where You have dwelt.3 Turn Your footsteps toward the perpetual ruins;The enemy has damaged everything within the sanctuary.4 Your adversaries have roared in the midst of Your meeting place;They have set up their own standards for signs.5 It seems as if one had lifted upHis axe in a forest of trees.6 And now all its carved workThey smash with hatchet and hammers.7 They have burned Your sanctuary to the ground;They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name.8 They said in their heart, “Let us completely subdue them.”They have burned all the meeting places of God in the land.9 We do not see our signs;There is no longer any prophet,Nor is there any among us who knows how long.10 How long, O God, will the adversary revile,And the enemy spurn Your name forever?11 Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?From within Your bosom, destroy them!

Bob re-adjusts his posture in a divided world.1 Corinthians 1:18 (NASB): The Wisdom of God18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NASB): Paul’s Reliance upon the Spirit2 And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.John 1:29, 35-36 (NASB)29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”Mark 14:34, 36-38 (NASB)34 And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.”36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” 37 And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Bob examines comfort, how we receive it and how we’re put to work through it.Isaiah 40:1 (NASB): The Greatness of God1 “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NASB)3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.

Bob looks to faith and God’s promises.Hebrews 11:1 (NASB): The Triumphs of Faith1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.Genesis 12:1-4 (NASB): Abram Journeys to Egypt1 Now the Lord said to Abram,“Go forth from your country,And from your relativesAnd from your father’s house,To the land which I will show you;2 And I will make you a great nation,And I will bless you,And make your name great;And so you shall be a blessing;3 And I will bless those who bless you,And the one who curses you I will curse.And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”4 So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.Romans 4:16-25 (NASB)16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 (as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. 22 Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness. 23 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.Galatians 3:23-27 (NASB)23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Bob continues the examination of Jesus’ calling from Sunday’s message.Matthew 4:18-22 (NASB): The First Disciples18 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.Matthew 6:31-33 (NASB)31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Bob examines ongoing prayer. Luke 18:1-8 (NASB): Parables on Prayer18 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2 saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. 3 There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ 4 For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7 now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? 8 I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Bob examines a friend’s commands. John 15: 1, 4-5, 10-17 (NASB)1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another.

Bob examines the obstacles we put up that keep us from healing and obedience from Jesus.John 5:2-9 (NASB): The Healing at Bethesda2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3 In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters; 4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted. 5 A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.

Bob and Ramon talk about perspective, action, and tractor maintenance. Luke 6:46-49 (NASB): Builders and Foundations46 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Bob Ekblad rejoices in Jesus’ assurance that He is with us.Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Bob Ekblad talks about the mission of being a Christian—our call to be journeying out together, welcomed by others, and equipped to meet danger.Luke 10:1-4 (NASB): The Seventy Sent Out1 Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. 2 And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way.

Sunday!Worship: Andrew LewisTestimony: Nathaniel SoriaPrayer: Pastor Kevin RileyMessage: Pastor Bob EkbladBlessing: Pastor JulioLuke 4:42-43 (NASB)42 When day came, Jesus left and went to a secluded place; and the crowds were searching for Him, and came to Him and tried to keep Him from going away from them. 43 But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.”Luke 5:12-13, 16-17 (NASB): The Leper and the Paralytic12 While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him…16 But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.17 One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing.Luke 7:11-17 (NASB)11 Soon afterwards He went to a city called Nain; and His disciples were going along with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. 12 Now as He approached the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 Fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited His people!” 17 This report concerning Him went out all over Judea and in all the surrounding district.John 4:46-54 (NASB): Healing a Nobleman’s Son46 Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.” 49 The royal official *said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus *said to him, “Go; your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. 51 As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. 52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives”; and he himself believed and his whole household. 54 This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.John 5:19-20 (NASB)19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.John 14:12 (NASB)12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.

Bob Ekblad begins the week with a meditation on the Great Commission.Acts 1:7-8 (NASB)7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Pastor Bob Ekblad begins the week with an exploration of faith and doubt, set in the context of a larger liberation movement.John 20:19-21, 27-29 (NASB): Jesus Among His Disciples19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”John 9:1-3, 6-12 (NASB): Healing the Man Born Blind1 As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “t was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.6 …He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing. 8 Therefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?” 9 Others were saying, “This is he,” still others were saying, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the one.” 10 So they were saying to him, “How then were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went away and washed, and I received sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is He?” He said, “I do not know.”John 20:30-31 (NASB): Why This Gospel Was Written30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Christ has risen! Today we celebrate Jesus’ triumph over death in his resurrection. Pastor Mike leads worship, Pastor Salvio and Tony Cienfuegos share testimony, and Pastor Bob Ekblad leads us in knowing Jesus’ power.John 20:1-18 (NASB): The Empty Tomb1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene *came early to the tomb, while it *was still dark, and *saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. 2 So she *ran and *came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and *said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” 3 So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb. 4 The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; 5 and stooping and looking in, he *saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. 6 And so Simon Peter also *came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he *saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes.11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; 12 and she *saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 And they *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She *said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and *saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she *said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus *said to her, “Mary!” She turned and *said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). 17 Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene *came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.Romans 8:35-39 (NASB)35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written,“ For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Pastor Bob Ekblad leads morning devotions. “And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God.” (Exodus 2:23)You come face-to-face with your weakness, and with the possibility of your life failing, or ending. You feel the void, the emptiness and darkness and despair--and you don’t know where to turn. Your sadness increases, becoming a groan, a cry. You feel a need for change, for a breakthrough. Even if your cry is silent, it is surely a prayer.

Pastor Bob Ekblad begins the week with devotions on the love of God’s unending hold on us.Mark 13:5-9 (ESV)5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Sunday! Pastor Mike Neelley welcomes us and leads worship. Pastor Bob Ekblad brings the message from John 9, the blind man’s encounter with Jesus.John 9 (ESV): Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.) 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.

This is part two of my interview with Bob Ekblad. Bob tells some incredible stories as we talk about spiritual powers at work in the world.

In this episode I talk with Old Testament theologian Bob Ekblad. We touch on things like liberation theology, the importance of asking the right questions, and damaging reading of the Bible that keep people from encountering Jesus our liberator.

Pastor Bob Ekblad, with Jason Brooks and Jason Cargill, discusses the entrance into addiction and how God pulls us to safety.John 7:37-39 (ESV)Rivers of Living Water37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)31 they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint.

Pastor Bob Ekblad teaches on the role of the Holy Spirit in the NT and in our world today.This gathering is for anyone interested in learning more about the Bible, going deeper in relationship with God the Father, learning how to pray for others, and exploring what it means to follow Jesus, and perform ministry in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Bob Ekblad asks, “Who likes being judged?” and explores interpersonal dynamics involved in a community of sinners.Matthew 7:1-2 (ESV)Judging Others1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”Luke 6:37 (ESV)Judging Others37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Topics include:•Reading the Old Testament with Jesus as our guide (or Rabbi?)•Gospel proclamation to the poor•Our battle is not against flesh and bloodTo learn more about Bob and his ministry, visit http://www.bobekblad.com and www.peoplesseminary.orgYou can see a video about their ministry at https://vimeo.com/305151148This episode is brought to you by our effort to free children from slavery in Northern India. You can help us get children out of brick factories and into school. To learn more, visit www.impactnations.com/slaves

Pastor Bob Ekblad delivers the message on prayer, help, and deliverance.Psalm 4 (ESV)Answer Me When I CallTo the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!You have given me relief when I was in distress.Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;the Lord hears when I call to him.4 Be angry, and do not sin;ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah5 Offer right sacrifices,and put your trust in the Lord.6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”7 You have put more joy in my heartthan they have when their grain and wine abound.8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.Philippians 4 (ESV)4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.God's Provision10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.Final Greetings21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Pastor Bob Ekblad delivers the message on our sustenance and sustaining.Exodus 3 (ESV)The Burning Bush3 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.Titus 2:11-14 (ESV)11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Judges 6 (ESV)Midian Oppresses Israel1 The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. 2 And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds. 3 For whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. 4 They would encamp against them and devour the produce of the land, as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel and no sheep or ox or donkey. 5 For they would come up with their livestock and their tents; they would come like locusts in number—both they and their camels could not be counted—so that they laid waste the land as they came in. 6 And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord.

Scripture: Mark 9 Topic: Dealing with tough cases Speaker: Bob Ekblad

In this final episode of the season we are discussing the last chapters of John’s gospel with our friend, Brad Jersak. During the episode, Brad references an essay by Bob Ekblad. That essay can be found in a book called Stricken By God? Steve suggests adding a translation of the Septuagint to your collection of Bibles. His favorite is The Orthodox Study Bible.This year Impact Nations has provided clean water for over 20,000 people. We have led Journeys of Compassion to seven different nations where thousands of people have responded to the gospel and dozens of churches were planted. Nearly one hundred people have received our small business training. Women have been rescued from a life of forced prostitution, while others have been freed from prison or a life on the streets. Now, that may sound like we’re tooting our own horn, but actually, you donors are the ones who should be taking a victory lap. People from all over the world have given their time, money, talents, and resources to make all of this happen. Armed with your passion and the saving power of Jesus Christ, it is amazing what we can accomplish. We’ve got some amazing things planned for 2019, but we can’t do any of it without your help. Would you please consider a year end gift to help Impact Nations demonstrate the gospel? Visit www.impactnations.com/donate today.

Följ Jesus till jerusalem 2018 - 03 - 25 - Bob Ekblad by Citykyrkan Stockholm

Bob Ekblad serves immigrants, inmates, homeless people and people struggling with addiction in the US. What's even more interesting about Bob though is how he seamlessly combines social justice with a miraculous healing ministry! If you want more from Nomad, check out our website, and follow us on Facebook and twitter If you're looking for other people to share this journey with, then register on our Listener Map, and see if any other nomads are in your area.  Nomad can only keep going because a small group of faithful listeners help us pay the bills. If you want to join them, you can make regular donations at Patreon or a one-off or regular donation through PayPal, the links to which you can find on our support page. As a thank you, you'll have access to Nomad Book Club, our online community The Beloved Listener Lounge, and Nomad Devotionals, where we're attempting to reconstruct worship through a creative mix of songs, music, readings, prayers and guest reflections.

by Bob Ekblad

This is the second of a two part interview with Bob Ekblad. For part one, go here.Bob Ekblad is executive director of Tierra Nueva and The People's Seminary in Burlington, Washington. Tierra Nueva is an ecumenical ministry located in Burlington, Washington, that seeks to share the Good News of God's liberation in Jesus Christ with migrant farmworkers, jail inmates, and Skagit Valley gang members. A minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Bob holds a ThD in Old Testament and is known internationally for his courses and workshops on reading the Bible.  Bob and his wife Gracie minister at Tierra Nueva and at their home-based retreat center New Earth Refuge. Bob is the author of Reading the Bible with the Damned and A New Christian Manifesto: Pledging Allegiance to the Kingdom of God.

In this episode Jarrod and Mark interview Bob Ekblad.Bob Ekblad is executive director of Tierra Nueva and The People's Seminary in Burlington, Washington. Tierra Nueva is an ecumenical ministry located in Burlington, Washington, that seeks to share the Good News of God's liberation in Jesus Christ with migrant farmworkers, jail inmates, and Skagit Valley gang members. A minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Bob holds a ThD in Old Testament and is known internationally for his courses and workshops on reading the Bible.  Bob and his wife Gracie minister at Tierra Nueva and at their home-based retreat center New Earth Refuge. Bob is the author ofReading the Bible with the Damned and A New Christian Manifesto: Pledging Allegiance to the Kingdom of God. This is the first of a two part interview.

by Bob Ekblad