Podcasts about Caesarea

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Third Week of Lent Lectionary: 242The Saint of the day is Saint Cyril of JerusalemSaint Cyril of Jerusalem's Story The crises that the Church faces today may seem minor when compared with the threat posed by the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ and almost overcame Christianity in the fourth century. Cyril was to be caught up in the controversy, accused of Arianism by Saint Jerome, and ultimately vindicated both by the men of his own time and by being declared a Doctor of the Church in 1822. Raised in Jerusalem and well-educated, especially in the Scriptures, he was ordained a priest by the bishop of Jerusalem and given the task during Lent of catechizing those preparing for Baptism and catechizing the newly baptized during the Easter season. His Catecheses remain valuable as examples of the ritual and theology of the Church in the mid-fourth century. There are conflicting reports about the circumstances of his becoming bishop of Jerusalem. It is certain that he was validly consecrated by bishops of the province. Since one of them was an Arian, Acacius, it may have been expected that his “cooperation” would follow. Conflict soon rose between Cyril and Acacius, bishop of the rival nearby see of Caesarea. Cyril was summoned to a council, accused of insubordination and of selling Church property to relieve the poor. Probably, however, a theological difference was also involved. He was condemned, driven from Jerusalem, and later vindicated, not without some association with and help from Semi-Arians. Half his episcopate was spent in exile; his first experience was repeated twice. He finally returned to find Jerusalem torn with heresy, schism and strife, and wracked with crime. Even Saint Gregory of Nyssa, who was sent to help, left in despair. They both went to the Council of Constantinople, where the amended form of the Nicene Creed was promulgated in 381. Cyril accepted the word consubstantial—that is, Christ is of the same substance or nature as the Father. Some said it was an act of repentance, but the bishops of the Council praised him as a champion of orthodoxy against the Arians. Though not friendly with the greatest defender of orthodoxy against the Arians, Cyril may be counted among those whom Athanasius called “brothers, who mean what we mean, and differ only about the word consubstantial.” Reflection Those who imagine that the lives of saints are simple and placid, untouched by the vulgar breath of controversy, are rudely shocked by history. Yet, it should be no surprise that saints, indeed all Christians, will experience the same difficulties as their Master. The definition of truth is an endless, complex pursuit, and good men and women have suffered the pain of both controversy and error. Intellectual, emotional, and political roadblocks may slow up people like Cyril for a time. But their lives taken as a whole are monuments to honesty and courage. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Keith & Chad look back on their recent trip to Israel with current students, alumni, and parents. In this episode, they take time to reflect on the significance of Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, Caesarea, and other areas of the Galilee region.If you are interested in joining the Institute on the next trip to Israel and would like to learn more, click here!

Monday, 13 March 2023   Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. Acts 15:12   In the previous verse, Peter completed his words in support of Paul's position that the Gentiles were not to be placed under the yoke of the law. With that, Luke next records, “Then all the multitude kept silent.”   The verb is imperfect. They were silent and they continued in silence as the next part of the hearing was presented. The group gathered and listened to Peter explain what had occurred in Caesarea and what he had learned from that experience. He realized that the law was not a means to an end. Rather, it was a step in the process of learning what God would do in Christ.   With his words completed, and with it understood that his position was that the Gentiles were not bound to adherence to the Law of Moses, the attention of the audience was redirected. They held their peace so that they could hear directly from those who had evangelized the Gentiles. In this, they remained silent “and listened to Barnabas and Paul.”   Unlike in Antioch in Acts 15:2, Luke places Barnabas first. Despite Paul being called as an apostle, Barnabas was certainly more closely associated with the church in Jerusalem than Paul. Thus, he is highlighted now.   Further, Paul probably voluntarily yielded his speech to whatever Barnabas had to say because he was a Pharisee. As it was the party of the Pharisees who demanded law observance for the Gentiles in verse 15:5, Paul probably wanted to avoid any hint of a personal dispute between himself and those he was once so closely identified with. Together, Barnabas and Paul were “declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked.”   The Greek more precisely reads, “declaring what God had done – signs and wonders.” Thus, there is an emphasis on how God was working through their ministry. They went out as directed by the Holy Spirit, and as they followed the Spirit's leading, God worked through them. That is reflected, for example, in Acts 14:3 –   “Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by [literally “through”] their hands.”   That thought is then more fully expressed with the final words of the verse, saying, “through them among the Gentiles.” More literally, the entire thought says –   “...declaring what God had done – signs and wonders – among the Gentiles through them.”   God accomplished the work, the signs and wonders, among the Gentiles. Barnabas and Paul were merely the instruments through which these things came about. This is perfectly in accord with the thought expressed in verse 14:3 which was just noted.   The point of this is that these signs and wonders were accomplished by God just as freely as they had been accomplished among the Jews, both by Jesus during His earthly ministry and through the apostles after His ascension. And all this occurred apart from the Law of Moses.   God had granted these things to be done among people who had never heard of the law and who were saved apart from the law. And more, those under the law who saw them had rejected what was done by God through Barnabas and Paul, clearly demonstrating that the law was not a part of what God was doing. Rather, it was a hindrance to it.   Life application: Acts 14:3 said that the Lord (meaning the Lord Jesus) had accomplished the signs and wonders through the hands of Barnabas and Paul. This verse now says that God had accomplished these signs and wonders. What this implies is that Jesus is God. Unless one simply dismisses the literal meaning and sense of the words, no other conclusion can be deduced from what is said.   This is not an isolated instance either. The deity of Jesus Christ is a concept and a precept that is on prominent display throughout Scripture. Don't allow anyone to steal the truth of the word from you through cunning and deception. Accept that God is not fickle and that His word is not convoluted. Scripture clearly presents the fact that God came in the flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ. Hold fast to this fundamental truth.   Lord God, Your word is sure, and it is certain. We don't need to even wonder about the deity of Jesus Christ. It is such a clear teaching that we should only wonder why people would attempt to deny it. We honor You, O God, when we honor the Son. May we always hold this truth close and remember the greatness of what You have done in and through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.  

3/11/23. Five Minutes in the Word scriptures for today: Acts 11:4-14. Peter explains why he traveled to Caesarea and entered the home of a Gentile. Resources: enduringword.com; Matthew Henry Complete Commentary; logos.com; and Life Application Study Bible. #Podchaser list of "60 Best Podcasts to Discover for November 2021" #MinutesWord; @MinutesWord; #dailydevotional #christianpodcast #MinutesWord #christianpodcaster Listen, like, follow, share! Available on Spotify and most podcast apps! #prayforukraine #voiceofthemartyrs #prayforTurkey #prayforSyria

Wednesday, 8 March 2023   And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. Acts 15:7   In the previous verse, it noted that the apostles and elders came together for the purpose of resolving the matter concerning what to instruct the Gentiles. With that, Luke records, “And when there had been much dispute.”   It is the same word used in verse 15:2, zétésis. It is translated elsewhere as controversy, speculation, and so on. It signifies “a searching.” It is as if there was a formal debate of the matter, and those who were listening were thinking through what was being presented. It is during this course of events that “Peter rose up and said to them...”   Rather, as an aorist participle, it rightly reads, “Peter, having risen up, said to them.” One thing follows the other. By rising, it would indicate that he was prepared to speak. Thus, the audience would direct their eyes and attention to him, attending to what he would say.   It is of note that these are Peter's final recorded words in the book of Acts. It is the last time the name “Peter” is used in the book, and it is for the purpose of explaining salvation by grace through faith apart from the Law of Moses. His words will continue through verse 11 and they will refer to this idea of salvation by grace not only for the Gentiles but for the Jews as well. Understanding this, once risen, he began, saying, “Men and brethren.”   This is the same formal greeting used quite a few times already in Acts. It indicates that not only are they responsible adults, but they are brethren within the faith. It implies that, as brethren, a right attitude concerning his words should be considered. Next, he continues, saying, “you know that a good while ago.”   More appropriately, it reads, “you know that from early days.” In other words, what he will present is a fact that happened early in the establishment of the church. A precedent had been set and it was not to be dismissed or forgotten. It was a lesson that would bear on answering the question that was now being investigated. From there, he continues with, “God chose among us.”   The meaning is probably twofold. First, it is the selection of Peter to be the one to verify what God was doing as the church began. He was the main figure to speak to the people and witness the events of Acts 2. When the Samaritans were evangelized in Acts 8, the Spirit did not come upon them until Peter arrived to verify the matter. And then in Acts 10, it was Peter who was called to evangelize those in Caesarea.   Second, this selection of Peter to be the one to verify these things was at the mouth of the Lord Jesus –   “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.'” Matthew 16:17-19   The Lord directed Peter to be the one to validate these things, Peter did validate them, and he is now reminding the church of the things that occurred. With that, he refers to the events of Acts 10, “that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.”   This was the purpose of Peter's designation by Jesus. It was to confirm to the church what had been witnessed. When he refers to what occurred in Acts 10, he provides essentially the same formula as stated by Paul in Romans. The Gentiles hear the gospel and then believe. Paul says –   “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!' 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?' 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:14-17   As for Peter in Acts, he will continue with his words, reminding them of a simple fact that has somehow escaped them.   Life application: Remembering that Paul was a Pharisee, a member of the group who has now been set against Paul in this dispute, it shows how deeply ingrained in us presuppositions and biases can become.   Paul had to literally be called out of that by the risen Lord. He was so adamant about law observance that he could not see beyond his own position. Once called, however, he was able to rightly process his calling. It was apart from any merit at all. Grace was bestowed upon him, and he responded accordingly.   The Pharisees are now being reminded of this as well. Until this point, they probably looked at Paul as an aberration, but their attitudes, not his, will have to be corrected. And how is that accomplished? It is through the words of Peter who witnessed the events that occurred when he was directed to the house of Cornelius.   In other words, it all comes back to the word of the Lord. That word, given to Peter, is now recorded in Scripture. We do not need a visible demonstration of the Spirit coming down upon the Gentiles. We do not need a vision from the Lord calling us to recognize Him and turn from our ways as Paul did.   These things are recorded. The precedent has been set, and the confirmation of them has come through Peter who was told that he would be the one to settle them. Even Paul's ministry was implicitly approved by Peter as is recorded in Galatians 1 –   “Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)” Galatians 1:18-20   These things are now recorded. They are sealed. And they provide our guidance and instruction in the word. If you see someone being bullheaded about their presuppositions and biases, there is no need to ask God to give him a sign. The word has been given. If you see a Muslim that doesn't know Jesus, there is no need to believe Jesus will pop into his room at night and convert him. The word has been given and it is our job to tell him what it says. Etc.   Go to the word! This is what God has provided to us for our understanding of Him and what He expects, for our doctrine, and for our daily conduct. Be sure to go to the word!   Lord God, the world – even among Christians – is looking for a show of Your hand in things to direct us. Instead, You have already given us all we need to see that Your hand is in the events around us. The word is given, and it is sufficient. Help us to realize this and to not look to what is hyped up or sensational. May we rely on the precious word that is filled with the knowledge that You are among us. Amen.  

Liam Neeson or Leslie Nielsen? You decide.Things to know about Cortona:Ancient city - Etruscans - walls go back to 5th c. BCRomansAlso long history as a tourist destination, even before Under the Tuscan SunWhat to see in CortonaCathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 1456MAEC - Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca e della Città di CortonaDiocesan Museum — The Annunciation by Beato Angelico (From 1408 to 1418, Fra Angelico was at the Dominican friary of Cortona, where he painted frescoes, now mostly destroyed, in the Dominican Church and may have been assistant to Gherardo Starnina or a follower of his) and The Deposition by Luca Signorelli (c. 1441/1445 – 16 October 1523)Archeological area - Etruscan tombs in Sodo and Camucia dating to 6th c BCE, uncovered in 20th c.Girifalco castle —Medici fortress, 1556 - today hosts exhibitions and occasionally concertsVia Romea Germanica passes through CortonaEremo Le Celle — first hermitage to be founded by San Francesco- 4 km from Cortona. The Monastery is perched on Monte Sant'Egidio and in the gorge dividing the two buildings runs a mountain stream - ‘Celle', which does not refer to the little buildings friars used to live in, but rather to some constructions built from the rock by shepherds and peasants. San Francesco arrived in Cortona around the year 1211 and met Guido Vagnotelli, a young man from a good-to-do  family who often welcomed Francesco in his home to pray. Guido decided to follow a religious vocation and offered the land where the Hermit would have been built laterBasilica of Santa Margherita in Cortona-14th-century church adorned in Baroque style - Margaret of Cortona (1247 – 22 February 1297) was an Italian penitent of the Third Order of Saint Francis. She was born in Laviano, near Perugia, and died in Cortona. She was canonized in 1728. Patron saint of the falsely accused, hoboes, homeless, insane, orphaned, mentally ill, midwives, penitents, single mothers, reformed prostitutes, stepchildren, and tramps. At the age of 17 she met a young (noble)man, and ran away with him, lived in the castle as his mistress, near Montepulciano and bore him a son. When her lover failed to return home from a journey/hunt one day, Margaret became concerned. The unaccompanied return of his favorite hound alarmed Margaret, and the hound led her into the forest to his murdered body. Returned all the gifts he had given her to his family and left. Her family refused her so she went to the Franciscan friars at Cortona, where her son eventually became a friar. She fbecame a penitent known for extreme fasting, joined the Third Order of Saint Francis and chose to live in poverty. Established a hospital in Cortona for the sick, homeless and impoverished. To secure nurses for the hospital, she instituted a congregation of Tertiary Sisters, known as "le poverelle" (Italian for "the little poor ones”). She also established an order devoted to Our Lady of Mercy and the members bound themselves to support the hospital and to help the needy. On several occasions, Margaret participated in public affairs. Twice, claiming divine command, she challenged the Bishop of Arezzo, Guglielmo Ubertini Pazzi, in whose diocese Cortona lay, because he lived and warred like a prince. She moved to the ruined church of Basil of Caesarea, now Santa Margherita, and spent her remaining years there; she died on 22 February 1297. Frequently depicted as a “new” Magdalene.

In our last episode, Peter received a vision from the Lord in which he was instructed to partake in food that was considered unclean by God's law. He received this vision three times, thus meaning it was sure, holy, and trustworthy. When he came out of the vision, he was instructed by the Spirit to accompany men from Caesarea. In today's text, Peter recounts this vision to men from the circumcision party who are upset that he would eat with men who were considered unclean. The good news of gospel continues to spread to the Greeks, and many believe, turning to the Lord for salvation.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Join Pastor Gary Hamrick as he gives a special teaching in Caesarea, Israel from Acts 24.

3/2/23. Five Minutes in the Word scriptures for today: Acts 10:21-23. Simon Peter is accompanied by some brethren from Joppa as he goes with the messengers to Caesarea. Resources: enduringword.com; Matthew Henry Complete Commentary; logos.com; and Life Application Study Bible. #Podchaser list of "60 Best Podcasts to Discover for November 2021" #MinutesWord; @MinutesWord; #dailydevotional #christianpodcast #MinutesWord #christianpodcaster Listen, like, follow, share! Available on Spotify and most podcast apps! #prayforukraine #prayforbhutan#voiceofthemartyrs #prayforTurkey #prayforSyria

3/1/23. Five Minutes in the Word scriptures for today: Acts 10:17-20. Peter is instructed by the Holy Spirit to go with the men from Caesarea. Resources: enduringword.com; Matthew Henry Complete Commentary; logos.com; and Life Application Study Bible. #Podchaser list of "60 Best Podcasts to Discover for November 2021" #MinutesWord; @MinutesWord; #dailydevotional #christianpodcast #MinutesWord #christianpodcaster Listen, like, follow, share! Available on Spotify and most podcast apps! #prayforukraine #prayforbhutan#voiceofthemartyrs #prayforTurkey #prayforSyria

During a trip to Israel, Bob shares observations from the shores of Caesarea while staring at ancient Roman ruins and ruins of subsequent civilizations, debris from the conquering of ancient Judea and its history that followed. (Repeat program: First podcast 2-19-21) Click on your podcasting platform below to subscribe to The Bob Siegel Show:   […]

Sermon Series - Sanctuary Feb 26 - Along the Way (Pilate condemns Jesus to die) Mark 15:6-15 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Methodist Church Mobile, Alabama 

Sermon Series - Sanctuary Feb 26 - Along the Way (Pilate condemns Jesus to die) Mark 15:6-15 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Methodist Church Mobile, Alabama 

Psalms and Wisdom: Psalm 57 Psalm 57 (Listen) Let Your Glory Be over All the Earth To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam1 of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave. 57   Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,    for in you my soul takes refuge;  in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,    till the storms of destruction pass by.2   I cry out to God Most High,    to God who fulfills his purpose for me.3   He will send from heaven and save me;    he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah  God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 4   My soul is in the midst of lions;    I lie down amid fiery beasts—  the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,    whose tongues are sharp swords. 5   Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!    Let your glory be over all the earth! 6   They set a net for my steps;    my soul was bowed down.  They dug a pit in my way,    but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah7   My heart is steadfast, O God,    my heart is steadfast!  I will sing and make melody!8     Awake, my glory!2  Awake, O harp and lyre!    I will awake the dawn!9   I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;    I will sing praises to you among the nations.10   For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,    your faithfulness to the clouds. 11   Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!    Let your glory be over all the earth! Footnotes [1] 57:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 57:8 Or my whole being (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Exodus 1:1–21 Exodus 1:1–21 (Listen) Israel Increases Greatly in Egypt 1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them. Pharaoh Oppresses Israel 8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves. 15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: 2 Chronicles 30 2 Chronicles 30 (Listen) Passover Celebrated 30 Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel. 2 For the king and his princes and all the assembly in Jerusalem had taken counsel to keep the Passover in the second month—3 for they could not keep it at that time because the priests had not consecrated themselves in sufficient number, nor had the people assembled in Jerusalem—4 and the plan seemed right to the king and all the assembly. 5 So they decreed to make a proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, that the people should come and keep the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel, at Jerusalem, for they had not kept it as often as prescribed. 6 So couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his princes, as the king had commanded, saying, “O people of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that he may turn again to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 Do not be like your fathers and your brothers, who were faithless to the LORD God of their fathers, so that he made them a desolation, as you see. 8 Do not now be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the LORD and come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever, and serve the LORD your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you. 9 For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.” 10 So the couriers went from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. 11 However, some men of Asher, of Manasseh, and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 12 The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the LORD. 13 And many people came together in Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month, a very great assembly. 14 They set to work and removed the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for burning incense they took away and threw into the brook Kidron. 15 And they slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month. And the priests and the Levites were ashamed, so that they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings into the house of the LORD. 16 They took their accustomed posts according to the Law of Moses the man of God. The priests threw the blood that they received from the hand of the Levites. 17 For there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves. Therefore the Levites had to slaughter the Passover lamb for everyone who was not clean, to consecrate it to the LORD. 18 For a majority of the people, many of them from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover otherwise than as prescribed. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, “May the good LORD pardon everyone 19 who sets his heart to seek God, the LORD, the God of his fathers, even though not according to the sanctuary's rules of cleanness.”1 20 And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people. 21 And the people of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness, and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with all their might2 to the LORD. 22 And Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who showed good skill in the service of the LORD. So they ate the food of the festival for seven days, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers. 23 Then the whole assembly agreed together to keep the feast for another seven days. So they kept it for another seven days with gladness. 24 For Hezekiah king of Judah gave the assembly 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep for offerings, and the princes gave the assembly 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep. And the priests consecrated themselves in great numbers. 25 The whole assembly of Judah, and the priests and the Levites, and the whole assembly that came out of Israel, and the sojourners who came out of the land of Israel, and the sojourners who lived in Judah, rejoiced. 26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem. 27 Then the priests and the Levites arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard, and their prayer came to his holy habitation in heaven. Footnotes [1] 30:19 Hebrew not according to the cleanness of holiness [2] 30:21 Compare 1 Chronicles 13:8; Hebrew with instruments of might (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: Acts 25–26 Acts 25–26 (Listen) Paul Appeals to Caesar 25 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul1 that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.” 6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.” Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice 13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.” 23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.” Paul's Defense Before Agrippa 26 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: 2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? 9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities. Paul Tells of His Conversion 12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language,2 ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' 19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”3 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” 30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Footnotes [1] 25:3 Greek him [2] 26:14 Or the Hebrew dialect (probably Aramaic) [3] 26:28 Or In a short time you would persuade me to act like a Christian! (ESV)

Psalms and Wisdom: Psalm 56 Psalm 56 (Listen) In God I Trust To the choirmaster: according to The Dove on Far-off Terebinths. A Miktam1 of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. 56   Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;    all day long an attacker oppresses me;2   my enemies trample on me all day long,    for many attack me proudly.3   When I am afraid,    I put my trust in you.4   In God, whose word I praise,    in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.    What can flesh do to me? 5   All day long they injure my cause;2    all their thoughts are against me for evil.6   They stir up strife, they lurk;    they watch my steps,    as they have waited for my life.7   For their crime will they escape?    In wrath cast down the peoples, O God! 8   You have kept count of my tossings;3    put my tears in your bottle.    Are they not in your book?9   Then my enemies will turn back    in the day when I call.    This I know, that4 God is for me.10   In God, whose word I praise,    in the LORD, whose word I praise,11   in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.    What can man do to me? 12   I must perform my vows to you, O God;    I will render thank offerings to you.13   For you have delivered my soul from death,    yes, my feet from falling,  that I may walk before God    in the light of life. Footnotes [1] 56:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 56:5 Or they twist my words [3] 56:8 Or wanderings [4] 56:9 Or because (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Genesis 50:15–26 Genesis 50:15–26 (Listen) God's Good Purposes 15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people1 should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. The Death of Joseph 22 So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father's house. Joseph lived 110 years. 23 And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation. The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were counted as Joseph's own.2 24 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. Footnotes [1] 50:20 Or a numerous people [2] 50:23 Hebrew were born on Joseph's knees (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: 2 Chronicles 29 2 Chronicles 29 (Listen) Hezekiah Reigns in Judah 29 Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abijah1 the daughter of Zechariah. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple 3 In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them. 4 He brought in the priests and the Levites and assembled them in the square on the east 5 and said to them, “Hear me, Levites! Now consecrate yourselves, and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers, and carry out the filth2 from the Holy Place. 6 For our fathers have been unfaithful and have done what was evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They have forsaken him and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD and turned their backs. 7 They also shut the doors of the vestibule and put out the lamps and have not burned incense or offered burnt offerings in the Holy Place to the God of Israel. 8 Therefore the wrath of the LORD came on Judah and Jerusalem, and he has made them an object of horror, of astonishment, and of hissing, as you see with your own eyes. 9 For behold, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this. 10 Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, in order that his fierce anger may turn away from us. 11 My sons, do not now be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him and to be his ministers and make offerings to him.” 12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and of the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah; 13 and of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; and of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah; 14 and of the sons of Heman, Jehuel and Shimei; and of the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel. 15 They gathered their brothers and consecrated themselves and went in as the king had commanded, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD. 16 The priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD to cleanse it, and they brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the LORD into the court of the house of the LORD. And the Levites took it and carried it out to the brook Kidron. 17 They began to consecrate on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they came to the vestibule of the LORD. Then for eight days they consecrated the house of the LORD, and on the sixteenth day of the first month they finished. 18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king and said, “We have cleansed all the house of the LORD, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the table for the showbread and all its utensils. 19 All the utensils that King Ahaz discarded in his reign when he was faithless, we have made ready and consecrated, and behold, they are before the altar of the LORD.” Hezekiah Restores Temple Worship 20 Then Hezekiah the king rose early and gathered the officials of the city and went up to the house of the LORD. 21 And they brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats for a sin offering for the kingdom and for the sanctuary and for Judah. And he commanded the priests, the sons of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD. 22 So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests received the blood and threw it against the altar. And they slaughtered the rams, and their blood was thrown against the altar. And they slaughtered the lambs, and their blood was thrown against the altar. 23 Then the goats for the sin offering were brought to the king and the assembly, and they laid their hands on them, 24 and the priests slaughtered them and made a sin offering with their blood on the altar, to make atonement for all Israel. For the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. 25 And he stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, according to the commandment of David and of Gad the king's seer and of Nathan the prophet, for the commandment was from the LORD through his prophets. 26 The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 27 Then Hezekiah commanded that the burnt offering be offered on the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song to the LORD began also, and the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. 28 The whole assembly worshiped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded. All this continued until the burnt offering was finished. 29 When the offering was finished, the king and all who were present with him bowed themselves and worshiped. 30 And Hezekiah the king and the officials commanded the Levites to sing praises to the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed down and worshiped. 31 Then Hezekiah said, “You have now consecrated yourselves to3 the LORD. Come near; bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.” And the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all who were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings. 32 The number of the burnt offerings that the assembly brought was 70 bulls, 100 rams, and 200 lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD. 33 And the consecrated offerings were 600 bulls and 3,000 sheep. 34 But the priests were too few and could not flay all the burnt offerings, so until other priests had consecrated themselves, their brothers the Levites helped them, until the work was finished—for the Levites were more upright in heart than the priests in consecrating themselves. 35 Besides the great number of burnt offerings, there was the fat of the peace offerings, and there were the drink offerings for the burnt offerings. Thus the service of the house of the LORD was restored. 36 And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because God had provided for the people, for the thing came about suddenly. Footnotes [1] 29:1 Spelled Abi in 2 Kings 18:2 [2] 29:5 Hebrew impurity [3] 29:31 Hebrew filled your hand for (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: Acts 23:12–24:27 Acts 23:12–24:27 (Listen) A Plot to Kill Paul 12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” 16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” 19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” 22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.” Paul Sent to Felix the Governor 23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.1 24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter to this effect: 26 “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. 28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. 29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. 30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.” 31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. 33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium. Paul Before Felix at Caesarea 24 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain2 you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.3 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so. 10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia—19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.'” Paul Kept in Custody 22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. 24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. Footnotes [1] 23:23 That is, 9 p.m. [2] 24:4 Or weary [3] 24:6 Some manuscripts add and we would have judged him according to our law. 7But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8commanding his accusers to come before you. (ESV)

Brad is joined today by Craig Henderson Brad learns a little more about Craig. SWAT Bible Studies Making disciples Grieving separation Iron Sharpens Iron tomorrow. Links: IronSharpensIron.net ------------------ Acts 21:1-16 (ESV) Paul Goes to Jerusalem ​1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” 15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. ------------------ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God s Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Woody s Bar-B-Que 226 Solano Rd Ponte Vedra, FL 10611 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm

Psalms and Wisdom: Psalm 54 Psalm 54 (Listen) The Lord Upholds My Life To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil1 of David, when the Ziphites went and told Saul, “Is not David hiding among us?” 54   O God, save me by your name,    and vindicate me by your might.2   O God, hear my prayer;    give ear to the words of my mouth. 3   For strangers2 have risen against me;    ruthless men seek my life;    they do not set God before themselves. Selah 4   Behold, God is my helper;    the Lord is the upholder of my life.5   He will return the evil to my enemies;    in your faithfulness put an end to them. 6   With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;    I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.7   For he has delivered me from every trouble,    and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. Footnotes [1] 54:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 54:3 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Targum insolent men (compare Psalm 86:14) (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Genesis 49 Genesis 49 (Listen) Jacob Blesses His Sons 49 Then Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come. 2   “Assemble and listen, O sons of Jacob,    listen to Israel your father. 3   “Reuben, you are my firstborn,    my might, and the firstfruits of my strength,    preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.4   Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence,    because you went up to your father's bed;    then you defiled it—he went up to my couch! 5   “Simeon and Levi are brothers;    weapons of violence are their swords.6   Let my soul come not into their council;    O my glory, be not joined to their company.  For in their anger they killed men,    and in their willfulness they hamstrung oxen.7   Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce,    and their wrath, for it is cruel!  I will divide them in Jacob    and scatter them in Israel. 8   “Judah, your brothers shall praise you;    your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;    your father's sons shall bow down before you.9   Judah is a lion's cub;    from the prey, my son, you have gone up.  He stooped down; he crouched as a lion    and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?10   The scepter shall not depart from Judah,    nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,  until tribute comes to him;1    and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.11   Binding his foal to the vine    and his donkey's colt to the choice vine,  he has washed his garments in wine    and his vesture in the blood of grapes.12   His eyes are darker than wine,    and his teeth whiter than milk. 13   “Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea;    he shall become a haven for ships,    and his border shall be at Sidon. 14   “Issachar is a strong donkey,    crouching between the sheepfolds.215   He saw that a resting place was good,    and that the land was pleasant,  so he bowed his shoulder to bear,    and became a servant at forced labor. 16   “Dan shall judge his people    as one of the tribes of Israel.17   Dan shall be a serpent in the way,    a viper by the path,  that bites the horse's heels    so that his rider falls backward.18   I wait for your salvation, O LORD. 19   “Raiders shall raid Gad,3    but he shall raid at their heels. 20   “Asher's food shall be rich,    and he shall yield royal delicacies. 21   “Naphtali is a doe let loose    that bears beautiful fawns.4 22   “Joseph is a fruitful bough,    a fruitful bough by a spring;    his branches run over the wall.523   The archers bitterly attacked him,    shot at him, and harassed him severely,24   yet his bow remained unmoved;    his arms6 were made agile  by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob    (from there is the Shepherd,7 the Stone of Israel),25   by the God of your father who will help you,    by the Almighty8 who will bless you    with blessings of heaven above,  blessings of the deep that crouches beneath,    blessings of the breasts and of the womb.26   The blessings of your father    are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents,    up to the bounties of the everlasting hills.9  May they be on the head of Joseph,    and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers. 27   “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf,    in the morning devouring the prey    and at evening dividing the spoil.” Jacob's Death and Burial 28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him. 29 Then he commanded them and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah—32 the field and the cave that is in it were bought from the Hittites.” 33 When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people. Footnotes [1] 49:10 By a slight revocalization; a slight emendation yields (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Targum) until he comes to whom it belongs; Hebrew until Shiloh comes, or until he comes to Shiloh [2] 49:14 Or between its saddlebags [3] 49:19 Gad sounds like the Hebrew for raiders and raid [4] 49:21 Or he gives beautiful words, or that bears fawns of the fold [5] 49:22 Or Joseph is a wild donkey, a wild donkey beside a spring, his wild colts beside the wall [6] 49:24 Hebrew the arms of his hands [7] 49:24 Or by the name of the Shepherd [8] 49:25 Hebrew Shaddai [9] 49:26 A slight emendation yields (compare Septuagint) the blessings of the eternal mountains, the bounties of the everlasting hills (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: 2 Chronicles 27 2 Chronicles 27 (Listen) Jotham Reigns in Judah 27 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD according to all that his father Uzziah had done, except he did not enter the temple of the LORD. But the people still followed corrupt practices. 3 He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD and did much building on the wall of Ophel. 4 Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and forts and towers on the wooded hills. 5 He fought with the king of the Ammonites and prevailed against them. And the Ammonites gave him that year 100 talents1 of silver, and 10,000 cors2 of wheat and 10,000 of barley. The Ammonites paid him the same amount in the second and the third years. 6 So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God. 7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars and his ways, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 8 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. 9 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David, and Ahaz his son reigned in his place. Footnotes [1] 27:5 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms [2] 27:5 A cor was about 6 bushels or 220 liters (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: Acts 20:17–21:16 Acts 20:17–21:16 (Listen) Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.1 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by2 the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God,3 which he obtained with his own blood.4 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship. Paul Goes to Jerusalem 21 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.5 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers6 and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews7 at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” 15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. Footnotes [1] 20:21 Some manuscripts omit Christ [2] 20:22 Or bound in [3] 20:28 Some manuscripts of the Lord [4] 20:28 Or with the blood of his Own [5] 21:1 Some manuscripts add and Myra [6] 21:7 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 17 [7] 21:11 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time (ESV)

Doug is back Thank you for all your prayers for the McCary family Prayer requests from Doug Article: 'Thou Shalt Be Vaccinated' Reply interview for tomorrow. Movie: 'Paul, Apostle of Christ' Parents gift to their children Links: https://christoverall.com/article/concise/thou-shalt-be-vaccinated-when-love-thy-neighbor-does-not-fulfill-the-law/ IronSharpensIron.net SWAT15 discount code ------------------ Acts 21:1-16 (ESV) Paul Goes to Jerusalem ​1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” 15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. ------------------ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God s Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Woody s Bar-B-Que 226 Solano Rd Ponte Vedra, FL 10611 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm

Brian Andrews joins Brad today as Doug travels back Instruction pages for running the program are missing Looking forward with Hope The Asbury Revival Global Anglican Conference decision Iron Sharpens Iron Conference this weekend. Brad will be speaking at the conference Links: IronSharpensIron.net use code swat23 ------------------ Acts 21:1-16 (ESV) Paul Goes to Jerusalem ​1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” 15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. ------------------ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God s Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Woody s Bar-B-Que 226 Solano Rd Ponte Vedra, FL 10611 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm

Paul finds himself yet again brought before those in authority. His audience is the Roman governor, the Jewish King, and a host of other prominent folks from Caesarea. Will Paul finally break down and plead for his release? Will he give in and pay the bribe that Festus’ predecessor, Felix, wanted him to pay? Instead of doing any of these things, Paul shares his testimony: What he was like growing up and in his early years and how Jesus interrupted his plans and radically changed him. He even invites his hearers to repent and believe. Today we’ll look at three principals we can take from Paul’s example and use them when we share our story.

12 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.Peter Is Rescued6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.”[a] Then he departed and went to another place.18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

Psalms and Wisdom: Psalm 51 Psalm 51 (Listen) Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. 51   Have mercy on me,1 O God,    according to your steadfast love;  according to your abundant mercy    blot out my transgressions.2   Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,    and cleanse me from my sin! 3   For I know my transgressions,    and my sin is ever before me.4   Against you, you only, have I sinned    and done what is evil in your sight,  so that you may be justified in your words    and blameless in your judgment.5   Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,    and in sin did my mother conceive me.6   Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7   Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.8   Let me hear joy and gladness;    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.9   Hide your face from my sins,    and blot out all my iniquities.10   Create in me a clean heart, O God,    and renew a right2 spirit within me.11   Cast me not away from your presence,    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.12   Restore to me the joy of your salvation,    and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13   Then I will teach transgressors your ways,    and sinners will return to you.14   Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,    O God of my salvation,    and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.15   O Lord, open my lips,    and my mouth will declare your praise.16   For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;    you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.17   The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18   Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;    build up the walls of Jerusalem;19   then will you delight in right sacrifices,    in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;    then bulls will be offered on your altar. Footnotes [1] 51:1 Or Be gracious to me [2] 51:10 Or steadfast (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Genesis 46–47:12 Genesis 46–47:12 (Listen) Joseph Brings His Family to Egypt 46 So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” 3 Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. 4 I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes.” 5 Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6 They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, 7 his sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters. All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt. 8 Now these are the names of the descendants of Israel, who came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons. Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, 9 and the sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 10 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. 11 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12 The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan); and the sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. 13 The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Yob, and Shimron. 14 The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 15 These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan-aram, together with his daughter Dinah; altogether his sons and his daughters numbered thirty-three. 16 The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. 17 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, with Serah their sister. And the sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. 18 These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter; and these she bore to Jacob—sixteen persons. 19 The sons of Rachel, Jacob's wife: Joseph and Benjamin. 20 And to Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera the priest of On, bore to him. 21 And the sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 22 These are the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob—fourteen persons in all. 23 The son1 of Dan: Hushim. 24 The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. 25 These are the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob—seven persons in all. 26 All the persons belonging to Jacob who came into Egypt, who were his own descendants, not including Jacob's sons' wives, were sixty-six persons in all. 27 And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two. All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy. Jacob and Joseph Reunited 28 He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. 29 Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.” 31 Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father's household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.' 33 When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?' 34 you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,' in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” Jacob's Family Settles in Goshen 47 So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan. They are now in the land of Goshen.” 2 And from among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.” 4 They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants' flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. And now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.” 5 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” 7 Then Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8 And Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many are the days of the years of your life?” 9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.” 10 And Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh. 11 Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12 And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father's household with food, according to the number of their dependents. Footnotes [1] 46:23 Hebrew sons (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: 2 Chronicles 24 2 Chronicles 24 (Listen) Joash Repairs the Temple 24 Joash1 was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. 3 Jehoiada got for him two wives, and he had sons and daughters. 4 After this Joash decided to restore the house of the LORD. 5 And he gathered the priests and the Levites and said to them, “Go out to the cities of Judah and gather from all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that you act quickly.” But the Levites did not act quickly. 6 So the king summoned Jehoiada the chief and said to him, “Why have you not required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the congregation of Israel for the tent of testimony?” 7 For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken into the house of God, and had also used all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD for the Baals. 8 So the king commanded, and they made a chest and set it outside the gate of the house of the LORD. 9 And proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to bring in for the LORD the tax that Moses the servant of God laid on Israel in the wilderness. 10 And all the princes and all the people rejoiced and brought their tax and dropped it into the chest until they had finished.2 11 And whenever the chest was brought to the king's officers by the Levites, when they saw that there was much money in it, the king's secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and take it and return it to its place. Thus they did day after day, and collected money in abundance. 12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to those who had charge of the work of the house of the LORD, and they hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of the LORD, and also workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the LORD. 13 So those who were engaged in the work labored, and the repairing went forward in their hands, and they restored the house of God to its proper condition and strengthened it. 14 And when they had finished, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, and with it were made utensils for the house of the LORD, both for the service and for the burnt offerings, and dishes for incense and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD regularly all the days of Jehoiada. 15 But Jehoiada grew old and full of days, and died. He was 130 years old at his death. 16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house. 17 Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. 18 And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. 19 Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the LORD. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention. Joash's Treachery 20 Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.'” 21 But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD. 22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the LORD see and avenge!”3 Joash Assassinated 23 At the end of the year the army of the Syrians came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. 24 Though the army of the Syrians had come with few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army, because Judah4 had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers. Thus they executed judgment on Joash. 25 When they had departed from him, leaving him severely wounded, his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son5 of Jehoiada the priest, and killed him on his bed. So he died, and they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings. 26 Those who conspired against him were Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonite, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabite. 27 Accounts of his sons and of the many oracles against him and of the rebuilding6 of the house of God are written in the Story7 of the Book of the Kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his place. Footnotes [1] 24:1 Spelled Jehoash in 2 Kings 12:1 [2] 24:10 Or until it was full [3] 24:22 Or and require it [4] 24:24 Hebrew they [5] 24:25 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew sons [6] 24:27 Hebrew founding [7] 24:27 Or Exposition (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: Acts 18:1–22 Acts 18:1–22 (Listen) Paul in Corinth 18 After this Paul1 left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews2 made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal. 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this. Paul Returns to Antioch 18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers3 and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. Footnotes [1] 18:1 Greek he [2] 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14 (twice), 28 [3] 18:18 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 27 (ESV)

Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.” 6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice 13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.” 23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

Jesus' transfiguration into heavenly glory on the mountain and his conversation with Moses and Elijah was spectacular display of His true divine nature. - SERMON TRANSCRIPT - Turn in your Bibles as we continue our study in this magnificent gospel, Mark's Gospel. We turn now to the ninth chapter, Mark 9:1-8. This morning in the text we are invited up into a mountaintop experience. We are invited up into a display of the glory of God in the face of Christ. We are invited up into a bright cloud, enveloping cloud, of Almighty God, speaking of his love for his only-begotten son. As we do so by faith, we are looking back at a moment in time when for a brief instant, the veil of the incarnation was pulled back and Jesus's true glory shown forth. But also by faith we look ahead to not just a mere moment, but an eternity of walking in Christ's glory in the new heavens and the new earth. When the new Jerusalem will not need the light of the sun or the light of the moon or the light of a lamp, for the glory of God will give it light and the lamb, Jesus, will be the lamp. We need this mountaintop experience, don't we? We need it. We need this display of Christ's light. We need the experience of the bright cloud of God's glory and his mighty voice declaring his love for his son. We need this because of this present darkness that we are all walking in. This present darkness, that's Paul's phrase in Ephesians 6, battling disease, battling injury, battling aging, battling pain and anxiety and fear and guilt and sorrow, battling Satan and demons and their temptations, most of all, battling sin. We need this mountaintop experience, don't we? The Lord in his graciousness and his kindness has given it to us in Mark 9:1-8. We need it, and I think the disciples needed it too. I. The Context: A Needed Preview of Christ’s Coming Glory The context of the Mount of Transfiguration account, as we've seen, is what's been happening in Mark's Gospel. Jesus is on retreat with his apostles in Caesarea of Philippi, as they were moving along in that area. He asked them concerning his own identity, who do people say that I am, and they gave the answer. And then that most important question that we would ever face, that any of us ever faces, the question on which our own eternal destiny hangs our answer to that question, what about you, who do you say that I am? Simon Peter speaking for all of the apostles, speaking for indeed all believers at all time, gives in Matthew 16 the full confession, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." But then Jesus went on to give a stunning, a shocking revelation of his own imminent death[Mark 8:31- 32]. He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priest and teacher of the law, and that he must be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this. Peter, again, probably speaking for all of them, took Jesus aside privately and rebuked him. Matthew tells us, he said, "Never, Lord. This shall never happen to you." But then Jesus turned and publicly rebuked Peter in front of all of them. "Get behind me, Satan," He said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” The kingdom of God would be built by Christ's suffering and death, by his bloodshed on the cross. And not only that, it would be advanced and built across generations of his servants who are similarly willing to suffer and to die in his name[Mark 8:34-38]. He called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life from me and for the gospel will save it. What good would it be for a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? What could a man give an exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the son of man be ashamed when he comes in his father's glory with his holy angels.” I think the apostles must have been reeling at this. These are heavy words. We've walked through them over the last number of sermons and felt the weight of it. I think they would've agreed with Peter about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David suffering and dying on a Roman cross. To them, the Kingdom of God must be glorious, powerful, dominant, would fill the world with the glory of God, and the Romans would melt like wax before it, before the coming kingdom. How could it possibly be that the Messiah, the Son of David, would die, especially if he's not merely human, but is actually in fact the son of the living God? How could that be? To them at that moment, it made no sense whatsoever. Now, of course, they didn't realize that the real threat facing them was not Roman power or any Gentile power. The real threat facing every sinner is the wrath, the just wrath and condemnation of a Holy God on Judgment Day. That's the danger. A Holy God whose laws they and us, all of us, have violated throughout our whole lives. A God who could by no means clear the guilty without blood sacrifice. Now, Jesus knew their hearts were stunned, crushed, reeling, unable to wrap their minds around this infinite contradiction, a personage so obviously powerful, able to still a storm with his words, able to walk on the sea, able to drive out a legion of demons with a word, able to heal any, every disease and sickness effortlessly and completely and instantly, able to make bread and fish appear out of thin air, feed a multitude. How could such a powerful and perfect man be arrested like a common criminal, suffer rejection and torture, and then be crucified and die? He knew they were reeling, and He knew what they needed. For a brief moment He would allow their faith to become sight. He would reverse the basic rule of the incarnation, that He had left the form of his glory as God behind in the incarnation. He would let them look on his true glorious nature for just a moment to restore their faith in his ultimate triumph as king of the Kingdom of God. "For a brief moment, He would allow their faith to become sight.… He would let them look on his true glorious nature for just a moment to restore their faith in his ultimate triumph as king of the Kingdom of God." He makes a promise to them. Look at verse 1. He said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power." Now, there are many theories on what this statement means, lots of back and forth. But I have to tell you, all three of the synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, immediately follow this statement with the Mount of Transfiguration, all three of them. I don't think we should wonder what He meant. I believe that experience by Peter, James, and John was a direct fulfillment of this promise. They did not taste death before they saw the Kingdom of God come with power, before they would behold his glory. The phrase “they would see the Kingdom of God come with power is very provocative for Jesus's heavenly glory to be revealed briefly as a preview, a foresight rather than foretaste, we could say, of his kingly power. Jesus' full Second Coming glory will be powerful even to the destruction of all of his wicked enemies. He's going to come in the clouds with power and great glory. Jesus just said in Mark 8:38, "The Son of Man will come in his father's glory with the holy angels." Jesus knew his disciples needed this foresight of his kingdom's immeasurable power and glory, and they wouldn't have to wait long. II. The Earthly Eyewitness of Christ’s Majesty Six days later, it came, the earthly eyewitnesses of Christ's majesty. Look at verse 2, “After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain where they were all alone.” Why only three and why these three? Well, first of all, they were the inner circle. The twelve were selected of a mass of disciples, followers of Jesus, to be apostles and they had a special role. And then within the twelve, there was the three that were the inner circle, Peter, James, and John. These would be the same ones who would be with him in his hour of distress in Gethsemane. They were his closest friends on earth. The number 3, I think, is significant because that is the number of witnesses needed to fully establish any matter in Jewish law. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:1, every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. These three would officially testify to what they would see to the other apostles and then eventually to the whole world, meaning us this morning. We would have the eyewitness account of this experience through these three. We would know it's true. Now, years later, the Apostle Peter would write about this experience. I'd like to actually invite you to turn to 2 Peter 1:16-18. It is very powerful. Peter writing about what it was like for him to see this. 2 Peter 1:16-18, there Peter writes, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when the voice came to him from the majestic glory saying, ‘This is my Son whom I love. With him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” He's definitely talking about this experience, the Mount of Transfiguration. Peter says, the gospel accounts of the life of Jesus were not cleverly invented myths. They were based on actual history and actual history itself is based on eyewitness testimonies. Peter says, "We were eyewitnesses of his majesty when he was revealed with divine glory on the sacred mountain and by the voice of Almighty God," as we see in our account in Mark. Peter says, "We ourselves heard this voice." As he says, "We ourselves saw his glory as witnesses." Now, if you were to continue in 2 Peter 1, he says, "We have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it as to a light shining in a dark place." That's how I began the sermon. Many of you would say, "Boy, I wish I had been there. I wish I could have been there to see the transfiguration. What an incredible mountaintop experience that would be." Peter says it's actually better to read scripture than to have been there. The word of the prophets is more certain than the experience. Why is that? Experience is over, and then what, right? What happened last week? Do you remember? That was amazing. Well, I think that was this, and no, it was that. I'm pretty sure it was the... Look, Peter says, the word of the prophets is perfect, it's unchanging, and it's more certain than any experience we could ever have. The best experience you could ever have of the glory of God is to read the prophetic word. That's what Peter's saying. But he's saying it did happen. It did happen. And guess what? Now this experience is in the prophetic word and we get to read it for all time. The Apostle John, I think, refers to it not so clearly talking about the Mount of Transfiguration, but just his experience of Jesus' life as a whole. John writes in his epistle 1 John 1:1, he says, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched, this we proclaim concerning the word of life. We were eyewitnesses." That's why he brought Peter, James, and John up there. Go back to Mark 9. The point of all of this, the point of all four Gospels we say, week after week, is to bring you and I, the readers of the gospel, with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, to confess Jesus as God. None of the gospels says it better than John 20:31, “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and believing may have life in his name.” All of the four gospel accounts are written to bring you to faith in Jesus as God. III. Jesus Transfigured Before Them This account of the Transfiguration is overwhelming evidence of his deity. Peter, James, and John were led up by Jesus up a high mountain where they're all alone. Luke tells us in his account of the Mount of Transfiguration, they went up to pray, and so they did. They were up there praying. Jesus loved to do this. He loved to go up on mountains and pray, usually alone. But in this case, He takes these three friends with him. There's something about the mountaintop experience, isn't there? Just getting up elevated. I'm definitely a mountain person. I just love getting up high and be able to look down over the valleys below. There is that sense of being up. We don't know for certain what mountain they're on. But because of the proximity to the Caesarea of Philippi, most scholars believe it was Mount Hermon, which is quite a mountain. It's 9,232 feet above sea level. It's a dramatic vista of that whole region, and so it was this mountaintop experience. Then Jesus was transfigured before them. Look at verse 2 and 3. There He was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. It's a stunning transformation in the appearance of Jesus and his clothing. Essential to the theology of the incarnation was that Jesus appeared ordinary. That's essential to our salvation. It's essential to the salvation that, God works through Jesus, and He had to appear ordinary. This was predicted in Isaiah's great prophecy of him in Isaiah 53:2, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him. Nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected.” This ordinary appearance was essential to him being known only by faith, not by sight. You had to be able to see him properly by faith, not by sight. It had to be revealed by the Father who Jesus was or you're not going to get it, because He just looks like a mere man and He's claiming to be God. If Jesus is radiantly glorious all the time, everybody's on their face around him. That's the inevitable reaction. As a matter of fact, in John's gospel, when his enemies came to arrest him, He asked, "Who are you looking for?" They said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said, "I Am," and they drew back and fell to the ground. The full display of the glory of Jesus did not fit with the plan of God that Jesus would be despised and rejected, ultimately leading to his crucifixion. They would never have crucified, Paul says in Corinthians, the Lord of glory if He'd appeared glorious. "It's essential to the salvation that, God works through Jesus, and He had to appear ordinary." But for just this one moment, the rules of engagement were changed, just for a moment. A radiant light, [Matthew 17:2], his face shown like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. His face is shining. There's overpowering light coming directly from his face, so also his clothing. Luke 9:29 says, "As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed." Listen to this. "His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning." You could imagine, have you ever looked at and seen a flash of lightning? It's just overpoweringly bright. His clothes are shimmering, like light flashing, like a jewel in their heavenly brilliant white, a symbol of perfect radiant purity. “God is light and in him there's no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:5] Light is strongly connected with the presence of Almighty God in many places, but also Psalm 104:2, “He wraps himself with light as with a garment.” It's beautiful, isn't it? It lines up with the Mount of Transfiguration. Before Jesus was incarnate, He was glorious. Before Jesus was incarnate, He was glorious. As a matter of fact, in John 17:5, He prays to get his glory back, “And now, Father, glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world began.” Jesus shared a glory that God says in other places He will not share with another. There's a unique glory that God has that He shares with his Son, because his Son is God. We can see that in the prophets. Isaiah and Ezekiel had visions of pre-incarnate Christ and his radiant glory. Isaiah 6, “ In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him there were seraphs, each with six wings. And with two wings they covered their faces, and with two wings they covered their feet, and with two wings they were flying. They were crying to one another, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. The whole earth is full of his glory.’" John tells us in John 12:41 that Isaiah saw Jesus' glory and wrote about him. That was Jesus' glory. Ezekiel has a vision, I think, also of the pre-incarnate Christ. In Ezekiel 1 the prophet had a vision of cherubim who moved back and forth and there's wheels within wheels. The cherubim themselves were brilliant as lightning and flashes of lightning were moving continually back and forth among the cherubim. Fire was moving back and forth among them, as though fire is their native habitat. Then high above them is an expanse sparkling like ice and awesome, and high above that expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above that on a throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like glowing metal as if full of fire. And that from there down, he looked like fire and brilliant lights surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so is the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. “When I saw it, I fell face down.” Ezekiel's reaction is common for all who have encounters with the glory of God in the Bible. They're always overwhelmed and knocked to the ground. That's why Jesus couldn't do this all the time. These passages give us a sense of the infinite glory that was Jesus before the world began and before He was incarnate. Paul makes it plain, that essential to his incarnation was Jesus' humility in laying aside the form of God, laying aside the outward appearance of majesty and glory that is his by right. In Philippians 2:6-8, “Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant. Being born in likeness of men and being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” The Greek word form there is “morphe”. It has to do here with his appearance and presentation to onlookers. The radiant light, the magic, majestic glory that belongs to God alone was Jesus' by right since he is equal in deity to the Father. He laid aside the “morphe”, the “form”, the appearance of God, and took on the “morphe”, the form, the appearance of a human being and a servant. Charles Wesley in his Christmas hymn, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, “mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die.” He lays his glory aside. This transfiguration now, this is a metamorphosis. That's the Greek word, Jesus' “morphe,” his form, his appearance, his likeness changed, not his essential nature. He always was God, is God now, and forever will be God. The entire universe depends on the deity of Christ. He can't stop being God and then start being God. That's not what the incarnation was all about. He was God, is God, will forever be God. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. But his “morphe”, his form, had changed. And like I said, in the incarnation, usually He looked completely ordinary, until this one moment. He allowed some of his divine glory, a glory that is his by right, to be shown to these three witnesses, Peter, James, and John. The Greek word is “metamorphoo”, “metamorphosis”, that's where we get it. It's like a change of appearance. But interestingly in the Greek, it's in the passive voice. He was metamorphosized. It was done to him. He didn't do it to himself. God did it to Jesus. God the Father wanted Jesus to appear glorious to Peter, James, and John. This transfiguration happened right before their eyes. Indeed, it was the whole point. The light was not for Jesus's benefit, it was for theirs and for ours, to prop up their flagging confidence in the light of his revelation, that He would suffer and die. IV. The Heavenly Eyewitness of Christ’s Exodus The heavenly eyewitnesses of Christ's exodus, now we've got... If it's not exciting enough, now it gets even more exciting. Look at verse 4. There appeared before them Elijah and Moses who are talking with Jesus. Now, this is amazing. Two deceased heroes of Israel's past show up talking with Jesus. We believe that they were among the spirits of the righteous made perfect, that the author of Hebrews speaks about in Hebrews 12, that were surrounding God's throne in the Heavenly Zion. They're in the spirit realm. They were absent from the body, present with the Lord. Moses, the great lawgiver, the author of their first five books of the Bible, the leader of the exodus from slavery in Egypt, Moses, and then Elijah, the greatest of the prophets who ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire, talking with Jesus. Many scholars have said they represent the law and the prophets in their testimony to Jesus. I think they were actually there, but I think that's valid, that the law and the prophets testify to Jesus. This also proves in Jesus's pattern, the resurrection from the dead. Remember how the Sadducees said that there is no resurrection from the dead? Jesus says about the resurrection of the dead, "Have you not read what God said to you? I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." He is not the God of the dead but of the living. In other words, “I am Abraham's God right now. Abraham continues to exist. I am Isaac's God right now. He continues to exist and have a relationship with God. I am Jacob's God." Let's add these two. “I am Moses' God. He continues to exist. I am Elijah's God. He continues to exist.” For this brief encounter, they appeared to have human bodies, I guess. I don't know how they knew that it was Moses and Elijah. I doubt they were wearing name tags. You know how you just know things in a dream or maybe they heard the conversation? But they knew it was Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. What was the topic of their conversation? Mark doesn't tell us, but Luke does. In Luke 9:30-31, it says, "Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in gloria splendor talking with Jesus." Listen to this. "They spoke about his departure, which He was about to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem." All right, simple terms, they're at least talking about his death. What was his departure that He was going to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem but his death? Why would that be the topic? That's the very thing that Peter, James, and John and the rest of them are reeling over. It's the very thing they're going to talk about going down the mountain. This is the point of all this is that they would understand how essential Jesus' death is to God's glorious plan. But even cooler than that is that the Greek word for departure is “exodus”. Basically Moses is saying, "I just did the symbolic exodus." Yes, it was physical and all that, but the real exodus is done by Jesus, because the real slavery is sin. As He says in John 8, “Anyone who sins is a slave to sin. But if the Son sets you free, you'll be free indeed.” What is that exodus? It's Jesus' work in us setting us free from our sin. That's what they were talking about, the exodus that Jesus would bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem by his death. At this moment, Peter thought it best to say something. Don't you love Peter? Isn't he a piece of work? Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put at three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah." He did not know what to say. They were so frightened. Just a glimpse into Peter's personality. I've said this before, but now is the moment to say it for the record. There are two kinds of people, those who when they don't know what to say, say something, and those who when they don't know what to say, say nothing. Peter was in the first category. I don't know what to say, but let's just roll this out. Honestly, Peter's words were foolish. There's not a time for him to talk. Furthermore, there's a nefarious kind of center to it. I think they wanted to stay in the mountaintop experience. We know that they have to go down off that mountain, down into the valley, and what's going to happen down there is going to be really hard. There's going to be some immediate ministry that's going to be very distressing, and then the road is leading to Jerusalem and to his death. Peter doesn't want any part of that still. He just wants to stay up there on the mountaintop experience. Furthermore, he wants to make three shelters as though Moses, Elijah, and Jesus are all equals. Finally, as though this isn't dramatic enough, a bright cloud appears. This literally brings goosebumps to me even right now. God the Father shows up and surrounds them in a bright cloud, a bright cloud envelops them [Matthew 17:5]. God often appeared in the Old Testament in a bright cloud. Now, this is not a normal cloud that reflects sunlight. This is a cloud that has its own brightness. It is a cloud of light. It enveloped them, It surrounded them in cloud and light, and then the voice of Almighty God came from that cloud. "This is my Son whom I love. With him I am well pleased. Listen to him.” This is the second time that God has said these words. At Jesus' baptism, in Mark's gospel, He says them to Jesus. "You are my Son whom I love. With you I'm well pleased." Here, He says them to Peter and the other two apostles, "This is my son whom I love. With him I am well pleased." Here we are, as I said at the beginning of the sermon, invited up into the bright cloud of Almighty God's love for his Son. He's inviting you in. He wants you to know how much He loves his Son. “For the Son is,” [Hebrews 1:3], “the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being.” One of the most important lessons you can ever learn about God is that God is happy. He is a blessed being. He is in and of himself a happy, full, complete being. He sits on a throne and does whatever pleases him. At the core of his pleasure is his love in his Son. John Piper in his book, The Pleasures of God, said this, "A great part of God's glory is his happiness. It is a glorious thing for God to be as happy as he is. God's glory consists much in the fact that he is happy beyond our wildest imagination.” Piper goes on to argue that the happiness of God is first and foremost a happiness in his only begotten son. From eternity past, God the Father has effectively stared into the face of his Son, his only begotten Son, and has delighted in it. He is infinitely well pleased with Jesus, and our salvation very much consists in being able to enter into that joy, that happiness, that indescribable love forever. What an incredible thought. God the Father wants us to share in the love He has for his Son. Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now abide in my love." It's like being in that cloud forever. Stay in that love. "One of the most important lessons you can ever learn about God is that God is happy." Now, beautifully, He's going to transform us to make us as morally and physically beautiful and perfect as Jesus is. Thank God for that. We're going to shine like the Son in the Kingdom of our Father, but He's going to transform us. The key to all of that, that salvation, is we need to listen to Jesus talk to us. It's by listening, by hearing, that we are going to be transformed. Faith comes from hearing, and the hearing is the message of Christ. Or again, in John 10:27-28, "My sheep listened to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life." V. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence God says and it feels like a rebuke to Peter a little bit, listen to him. What I get out of that is “Peter, be quiet. Be quiet. It's not by your talking that you're going to be saved. It is by me talking to you. It is by Jesus talking to you. It is by the word of God that you are saved.” Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God," or as Habakkuk 2:20 says, "The Lord is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him." I feel like this voice from the cloud is speaking to the entire human race across every century. “All of you, be quiet and listen to my Son. I love him. He is my glory. Listen to him and you will be saved.” As the ancient hymn writer put it, “Let all mortal flesh keep silent and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand, Christ, our God, to earth descendeth, our homage to demand.” By listening to God, we have faith in Christ, and by faith in Christ are our sins forgiven. Suddenly, Jesus only. Look at verse 8. Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. The bright cloud is gone, Moses and Elijah are gone. It's only Jesus, only Jesus. Moses and Elijah are not equal with Jesus. Not at all. The bright cloud from which God spoke was not needed either, because Philip said, "Show us the Father and that will be enough.” He said, "Don't you know me, Philip? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." You don't need the bright cloud. Look at Jesus and you'll see the Father's glory. Christ alone is sufficient. He is, in fact, the final word that God speaks to the human race, as Hebrews 1:1-2 says., “In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways. But in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son.” The Son is a radiance of God's glory. VI. Lessons First of all, the infinite glory of Jesus. Not one of us fully realizes how great is Christ's glory. Not one of us sees him properly. All of us should yearn for a clearer vision of Christ, of his power and his glory. And that comes by listening to Christ's word, by listening to his words. All of us should realize the delight the Father has in Christ. This Jesus is the Savior of the world, so trust in him, all of you. I don't know your spiritual condition. I don't know what state you are in when you came in here today, but all you have to do is believe in Jesus as the glory of God, believe that He was incarnate by the power of the Holy Spirit, that He lived an ordinary physical life, though He was God, that He died in your place on the cross, a bloody death that you deserve, but He died in your place so that your sins could be forgiven. All you have to do is trust in him and they'll all be forgiven, and you'll have a promise of seeing His glory for all eternity. Therefore, learn to listen to God and to Jesus more than ever before. Feed on his word. The best thing I can do week after week is just walk through this Gospel of Mark and help you hear Jesus speak. Just listening to what He would say to you. Mountaintop experiences are necessary. From time to time, you might want to get away from the busyness of your life. Go find a mountain or whatever is good for you, forest, beach, but get alone and let God speak peace to your heart. Let him renew you. Let him restore you. Let him revive you so that you can serve him. We're about to partake in the Lord's Supper. It's a beautiful opportunity we have itself, a foretaste of heavenly feasting. We're going to invite all who have trusted in Christ as their Lord and Savior and have testified to that by water baptism to partake. If you've not, we ask that you refrain. But we're going to enjoy a foretaste of heavenly feast, just like this morning, we've enjoyed a foretaste of heavenly sight. Let's close the sermon time in prayer, and then we'll go to the Lord's Supper. Father, we thank you for the beauty of your word. We thank you for the experience that Peter, James, and John had so many, many centuries ago. We thank you that the Holy Spirit led Mark to write this account for us and also Matthew and Luke, so that we could read about it and see by faith the glory of Christ. And now, as we partake in the Lord's Supper, we pray that you would strengthen each one of us and help us to feast on you. In Jesus' name, amen.