Podcasts about Caesarea Philippi

13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis? 14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis. 15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis? 16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. 17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est. 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. 19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelis.The holy successor of St Victor governed the Holy See for eighteen years. He suffered martyrdom under Antonine, A.D. 217.

“Blessed are you, Simon . . . for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” — Matthew 16:17 Peter was a person who would often just blurt out what he was thinking. Sometimes he was right, and other times he was embarrassingly wrong. But in this passage he spoke the absolute truth about Jesus. In the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Hearing that people were saying he was like one of the great prophets, Jesus asked, “But what about you? . . . Who do you say I am?” And Peter blurted out a confession for the ages: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” How did Peter know this, and what did it mean? Considering some of the things Peter blurted out in other settings, we can be confident that this was not from his own wisdom. Instead, it was revealed to him by God. As Jesus himself said, “Blessed are you, Simon . . . This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” Only God, through the Holy Spirit, could reveal Jesus' divine identity. Though Peter spoke the truth, he didn't fully understand it. The full meaning was revealed later, after Jesus gave up his life to save us from sin, and when he rose from death to give us eternal life. Only the Son of the living God could do all that, as God himself had planned (Acts 2:22-36). And what about us? Only as we grow in faith and walk with Jesus do we begin to see God's love and what it means for us. Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to Peter and to us. Help us to keep growing in our faith and trust in you. Amen.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 16:13-23 - Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then He strictly ordered His disciples to tell no one that He was the Christ. From that time on, Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him, “God forbid, Lord!  No such thing shall ever happen to You.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan!  You are an obstacle to Me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Memorial of Saint Cajetan, Priest Memorial of Saint Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr and his Companions, Martyrs Saints Cajetan, Sixtus, and Companions, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Jason Jones joins Terry to discuss the violence perpetrated against Catholics in the Gaza Strip

Friends of the Rosary,In today's Gospel (Matthew 16:13-23), Jesus, in the region of Caesarea Philippi, asked his disciples a turning-point question:"Who do you say that I am?"The disciples were afraid to respond until finally Peter spoke:"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.And so I say to you, you are Peter,and upon this rock I will build my Church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."Peter received a revelation from the Eternal Father and rightly answered that Jesus was the "Messiah", the Anointed One, the long-awaited Savior of the human race.Our lives cannot be the same. The Church of Christ, built upon the Petrine faith, comes from the inconceivable power of the Almighty.And as today's Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9) states,  If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠August 7, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

+ Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 16: 13 – 23When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah. From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, "God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you." He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." The Gospel of the Lord

We examine the Old Testament background of demons and the why Jesus goes to Caesarea Philippi.

Matthew 16:13-17 NLT“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”There was confusion amongst the people early on, even among his own disciples, about who Jesus truly was. Was He John the Baptist returned from the grave after his execution? Or was He one of the Old Testament prophets coming back for “round two?” Men were trying to identify Jesus as another man, when He was actually God.Is your faith your own? Do you feel you inherited it from someone or maybe felt pressure at some point in your life to believe?Listen closely once again: “Jesus … asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16 NLT) Courage is making your own decision about Jesus and sticking by it. Each person must make their own choice and “own” their own faith. No one should be talked into a relationship with Jesus, so no one can talk them out of it either. As Jesus told Peter, “You didn't learn this truth from a human, but from God. He reveals the truth to hearts.”Today, for you, all that matters is who you say Jesus is, to you, for you.Let's pray: “Lord Jesus, You are who You said and say You are—the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. As above, so below. Amen.”

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE Pharisees challenge Jesus' cleanliness, while ignoring their own law Jesus: "It's what comes from your heart defiles you, not what you eat." Off to Tyre and Sidon and the healing of a Canaanite woman Then to the Decapolis and healing of a deaf/mute man Jesus feeds another crowd Challenge from the Pharisees and Sadducees: Show us your authority! Healing in Bethsaida for a blind man Off to Caesarea Philippi – “sin city” – What? SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS EPISODE Mark 7:1-23 Mark 8:1-26 Isaiah 29:13 Exodus 20:12 Exodus 21:17 Matthew 15:10-31 Matthew 16:1-12 FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesusstories/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJ3Tf0R_aiF-uxG-G97ortxPZMFC7kPu SUPPORT THIS PODCAST Find out how to support us by visiting our website: https://jesusstories.info/support-this-podcast/ Don't forget to check out our sponsor: Hero Care Packages. Make a service member's day and support Jesus Stories, too. https://herocarepackages.com/discount/STORIESDEAL Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Title: The King's Authority and World Opposition: The King of the Unstoppable KingdomText: Matthew 16:13–20 (ESV)13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered 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 tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.Main Point: To make a real difference for God's Kingdom, deepen your love for Him first.Teaching Points:Love God for Who He is (vv. 13-17)Love God as You Serve Him (vv. 18-19)Love God as You Wait (v. 20)

13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis? 14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis. 15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis? 16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. 17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est. 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. 19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelis.The Church venerates on this day the basilica of St Peter "ad vincula" on Mount Esquiline at Rome, the chains with which the prince of the apostles was fettered.The seven Machabees, who were brothers, were martyred with their mother under Antiochus Epiphanes. Their relics are kept at Rome in the Church of St Peter's Chains.

(This podcast was previously recorded and published on May 4, 2020)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...    What is this rock?  Jesus says, The gates of hell will not prevail against "this rock".    *****   Matthew 16:13-18   When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, HE asked HIS disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?   14 And they said, Some say that THOU art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.   15 HE saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?   16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.   17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but MY Father which is in heaven.   18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.    The "rock" that the church is built upon is "that word" that is revealed to us by God by HIS Spirit. That Word will never fail.   ***   John 6   Jesus says: 30 They said therefore unto HIM, What sign shewest THOU then, that we may see, and believe THEE? what dost THOU work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, HE gave them bread from heaven to eat.    32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but MY Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.   33 For the bread of God is HE which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.   34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.   35 And Jesus said unto them, I (the Word) am the bread of life: he that cometh to ME shall never hunger; and he that believeth on ME shall never thirst.   36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen ME, and believe not.   37 All that the Father giveth ME shall come to ME; and him that cometh to ME I will in no wise cast out.   38 For I came down from heaven, not to do MINE own will, but the will of HIM that sent ME.   39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent ME, that of all which HE hath given ME I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.   40 And this is the will of HIM that sent ME, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on HIM, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.    41 The Jews then murmured at HIM, because HE said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.   42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that HE saith, I came down from heaven?   43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.   44 No man can come to ME, except the Father which hath sent ME draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.   45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto ME.   46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save HE which is of God, HE hath seen the Father.   47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME hath everlasting life.   48 I am that bread of life.   49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.   50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.   51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is MY flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.   52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us HIS flesh to eat?   53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink HIS blood, ye have no life in you.   54 Whoso eateth MY flesh, and drinketh MY blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.   55 For MY flesh is meat indeed, and MY blood is drink indeed.   56 He that eateth MY flesh, and drinketh MY blood, dwelleth in ME, and I in him.   57 As the living Father hath sent ME, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth ME, even he shall live by ME.   58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.     That Word that comes down from heaven and is delivered to us today by the Holy Spirit of God in the form of a thought is "that rock" upon which the church is built.   ***   Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.     Matthew 5:32  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery:  and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.     I Corinthians 7:10-11  Paul said ... And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:   11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.  

Send us a textMitchell's fascinating exploration of "Bethany across the Jordan" takes listeners on a geographical detective journey through the Holy Land to uncover where Jesus' baptism truly occurred. What begins with four simple words from Scripture opens up a world of historical investigation that challenges conventional wisdom about this pivotal moment in Christian history.By carefully analyzing the timeline in John's Gospel, Mitchell presents compelling evidence for a northern baptism site near the Sea of Galilee. The rapid succession of events—Jesus returning from temptation, gathering disciples, and attending a wedding in Cana "on the third day"—makes a southern location geographically implausible. A person simply couldn't travel 80+ miles on foot while gathering followers in such a short timespan.The northern theory gains additional significance when connected to other key moments in Jesus' ministry. This region near Mount Hermon is where Jesus later proclaimed his identity at "the gates of Hades" in Caesarea Philippi and was transfigured before his disciples—both featuring divine declarations of Jesus as God's Son, mirroring what occurred at his baptism.Mitchell's approach exemplifies thoughtful biblical scholarship that considers practical realities while remaining faithful to the text. He reminds us that figures like John the Baptist weren't stationary but traveled extensively in their ministry, opening up new possibilities for understanding these sacred locations.Whether you're a dedicated Bible scholar or simply curious about historical Christianity, this episode will transform how you read familiar passages and inspire you to look beyond conventional interpretations to discover deeper meaning in Scripture.Support the showSupport our ministryCheck us out at purefaithliving.comContact us at purefaithliving.com/contactFollow us on twitter @purefaithlivingFollow us on Facebook at Pure Faith Podcast

In a city filled with idols and chaos, Jesus asked His disciples a simple but life-altering question: “Who do you say that I am?” This message from Matthew 16 takes us to Caesarea Philippi—a place known for false gods and deep darkness—where Peter declares the truth that changes everything: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Faith begins with that confession. Now it’s your turn. Who do you say He is?

Jesus Delivered Us (7) (audio) David Eells – 7/23/25 Saints, I'm going to pick up where we left off last time, how Jesus delivered us and gave us authority over demons. People may argue with me about speaking with new tongues, but the Bible says, (Mar.16:17) And these signs shall accompany them that believe … they shall speak with new tongues. I am not saying a person who is not filled with the Holy Spirit cannot cast out demons, but it is more powerful to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God has shown me by experience that a person needs to be filled with the Holy Spirit, otherwise demons will take advantage of you. As I have said before, the only condition is faith. Because of their religious theology, some want to put conditions on the people who are casting out demons. (Mar.9:28) And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, [How is it] that we could not cast it out? (Many people think, “See, there's another condition here!”) (29) And he said unto them, This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer. The King James Version reads, “This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer and fasting,” but neither the ancient manuscripts nor the Numeric English New Testament have the words “and fasting.” There is no numeric pattern in “and fasting” here because those words were added in, and your Bible probably has a footnote regarding it. Fasting is not a law. You can't find it in the Scriptures concerning casting out demons. The Pauline Epistles, NIV, NASV, ASV, and the Amplified Bible all go back to the ancient manuscripts, and they do not have the words “and fasting” in Mark 9:29, nor do the texts of the three most ancient manuscripts. “Fasting” does not belong in the “casting out” verses because Jesus is not making deliverance from demons dependent on our works. If we have a short opportunity to cast a demon out we haven't got time to fast. Of course, fasting is good. Jesus said, (Mat.6:16) Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. (17) But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; (18) that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee. He said, “when you fast,” but He did not command fasting at certain times. He did not make it a requirement of the Law. He is not saying, “Here is a condition,” because then you would never know if you had fasted enough. The devil could come along and say, “Hey, you didn't fast enough!” or “You need to pray more!” I have actually cast out condemning demons that were making God's servants constantly have to fast or pray until they were worn out. Fasting and praying are good, but salvation of any kind is not by works. If you seek it by works instead of a free gift that was already given, you may not receive it. So while there's nothing wrong with fasting, the words “and fasting” are not in the ancient manuscripts in Mark 9. (Mar.9:29) And he said unto them, This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer. The prayer He's talking about here is a prayer to be delivered from unbelief, which is what the epileptic child's father prayed. (Mar.9:24) Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said, I believe (He's making a good confession there, isn't he?); help thou mine unbelief. There is no place in the Scriptures where anybody prayed devils out; they always commanded them to come out. You are not asking a devil to do anything, and you are not asking God to do anything. You are just fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and casting out devils as the Bible says to do. In Mark 9 Jesus is not talking about praying to cast the devil out; He is talking about praying to cast the unbelief out. Here's another example. (Mat.17:19) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out? (20) And he saith unto them, Because of your little faith: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. You do not have to fast. You do not have to pray. You just have to know your authority. Tell them, “Come out in the Name of Jesus!” However, praying that God would put confidence and faith in you is a good way to prepare you for casting out demons. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory. So, praying to God for faith is legal, but is praying to God to cast out demons legal? I do not see that it's according to Scripture because there's no example of Jesus or the disciples doing it. I just do not see that this is what He is talking about. One train of thought about casting out demons is that you just sit there and wear them out. You keep repeating “Come out in the Name of Jesus!” until they come out. It might be hours or days later. Some people do what they call “praying through.” They pray and pray and pray until they see something happen, but that's not the spiritual way to do it. People who “pray through” concerning demons do not pray and speak by faith because they pray and speak until they see something happen. The other train of thought is just to say, “Come out in the Name of Jesus!” trusting that the words you have spoken must be obeyed. This same phrase is used in Mark 11:23. When you pray, believe you have received and thank God for it. Rejoice in it and praise God! Then you will see it happen. (Mar.11:23) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. (24) Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them. If you speak by faith, then you can say something and walk away without seeing results. I gave you an example of the time we cast the demons out of my mother because they were bringing our house under the curse. As fast as the names of the demons came to us, we commanded those spirits to come out and then we just left her room, not waiting to see anything. When we returned the next morning, we learned that she had rolled around on the floor all night, struggling with those demons until she was delivered. In the past, I have repeated, “Come out in the Name of Jesus,” but the Lord showed me a better way: believe the word that you spoke has the authority of God and that demons have to obey it. The term “unclean spirit” is a broad name that covers all the different types of demons. In Luke 13, though, we have a spirit called a “spirit of infirmity.” We just looked at an epileptic spirit (Mark 9:17) and a dumb and deaf spirit (Mark 9:25), and both are called “unclean spirits,” but they were also “spirits of infirmity.” (Luk.13:11) And behold, a woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up. (12) And when Jesus saw her, he called her, and said to her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. (13) And he laid his hands upon her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. (14) And the ruler of the synagogue, being moved with indignation because Jesus had healed on the sabbath… Notice that He cast out a spirit of infirmity, but the text still calls it “healing.” She was healed after the spirit of infirmity had come out from the bound-up and doubled-over woman. There was nothing physically wrong with her. (Luk.13:14) And the ruler of the synagogue, being moved with indignation because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, answered and said to the multitude, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the day of the sabbath. (15) But the Lord answered him, and said, Ye hypocrites, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? Some cases are like this; there is actually nothing physically wrong with the person. It's the demon that is causing the problem. There may be times when the Holy Spirit would have you cast out a spirit and pray for healing, because a spirit in that instance has done damage that he hasn't repaired; he just left it there, but when you pray for that person to be healed, they will be healed. We read how all the people out of whom Jesus was casting demons were God's Covenant people. (Luk.13:16) And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham (It was a condition that she be a “daughter of Abraham,” otherwise, He would not have said it.), whom Satan had bound, lo, [these] eighteen years to have been loosed from this bond on the day of the sabbath? It says Satan bound this woman for eighteen years, yet it was a spirit of infirmity that was binding her. Well, all of these spirits, including spirits of infirmity, are under the authority of Satan. If a person repents, then that person is under the Blood and in Covenant with God, which we see is necessary in order to receive deliverance. Jesus told a group of Jews who were arguing with Him and claiming their father was Abraham, but Jesus said their father was not Abraham. He said in (Joh.8:44) Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do… They were doing his works; Jesus was judging them according to their works. If Satan bound a person for eighteen years, then the problem was not flesh; the problem was the devil. The Bible says, (Act.10:38) [Even] Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. It says, “healing all.” The reason they needed healing was that they were oppressed of the devil. Sickness is not just physical. Psychiatrists think that a problem is psychological, and physicians think that the problem is of the flesh. The Bible says that the problem is the devil and man's affinity for the devil. The problem is spiritual. God's Word says He “went about … healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” Most people want to treat the problem from the area of the physical, but this was not Jesus' method. He never “treated” anybody; He commanded them healed. He took authority over the devil. Even though sickness may not be a spirit of infirmity dwelling in the flesh, it still comes from the devil. For instance, Jesus went into Peter's house when his wife's mother was sick with a fever. (Luk.4:39) And He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she rose up and ministered unto them. He rebuked the fever as though it were a “somebody.” While the fever was only a physical thing, there was a spiritual authority behind it that obeyed Jesus' command. It does not matter whether the demon causing the infirmity is on the outside or the inside; it still comes from the devil and needs to be treated spiritually. The reason why most people do not get their healing is because they are attacking it from a physical, rather than spiritual, direction. They have been deceived into thinking there is a physical answer to their problem, but God wants them to look for the spiritual reason behind the oppression and to receive the spiritual answer. Satan is called the “prince of the powers of the air.” (Ephesians 2:2) That's the first heaven, our realm. From the beginning, he has come in and out of the second-heaven realm to test us and to take captives, although he doesn't have a free will. God is the only Sovereign, but Jesus gave authority to His disciples and passed that authority on to us through them. (Mat.28:18) And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. (That doesn't leave the devil any authority or right to use power.) (19) Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations … (20) teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you… (Notice that we were given the same authority as they had.): and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. He will be with us in this authority to the end of the world, or “age.” The disciples He first spoke to are no longer here; we are the ones here at the “end of the world” and He delegated this authority over the enemy to all His brethren. (Luk.9:1) And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. Some say this power was only given to the apostles but in (Mat 28:19) Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations… 20  teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. So this is to us too.  (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. We see that by the command of Jesus, the early disciples have passed this on to us. Satan only has the authority that God and His children give him. You can see from the pattern in Job chapters 1 and 2 that God is very particular as to what authority He has given the devil. On the other hand, God's children are very foolish in some ways. They give Satan authority that he shouldn't have through their disobedience, fear, and spoken words. Job admitted this, saying in (Job 3:25) For the thing which I fear cometh upon me, And that which I am afraid of cometh unto me. (26) I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest; But trouble cometh. God knew all of this and He does all things according to law, but He wanted and needed to test Job. God had perfect faith that Job would endure because He upheld Job and controlled Satan. The benefits were that Job learned some things about himself that he was quick to repent of and be delivered of. The testing of Job was extreme so that you may know that in your smaller tests, the Father can give you victory, too. (Job 1:7) And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (8) And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil. (9) Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (10) Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (11) But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will renounce thee to thy face. (12) And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. (Notice this was a controlled test.) So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. (Job 1:13) And it fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house, (14) that there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them; (15) and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away: yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. (16) While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. (17) While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have taken them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. (18) While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; (19) and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. (Job 1:20) Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped; (21) and he said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (22) In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (Job 2:2) And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (3) And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. (4) And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. (5) But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face. (6) And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thy hand; only spare his life. (Job 2:7) So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. (8) And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself therewith; and he sat among the ashes. (9) Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still hold fast thine integrity? renounce God, and die. (10) But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (Job 2:11) Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to bemoan him and to comfort him. These so-called “friends” were the worst test, with their slander and railing against Job. God told them they had not spoken the truth in (Job 42:7) And it was so, that, after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends; for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Like Joseph and David, and Jesus, Job was tested and came out blessed above measure. What are some principles we can take from Job's experience? First, do not fear Satan, his demons, or the people they use. (Mat.10:28) And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Second, do not release Satan by living in willful sin (Heb 10:26,27). He has authority to administer the curse to those who do this. Third, do not release Satan by your words against God's Word, and the other side of that is, do not release him by your words of faith in Satan and his power. (Mat.12:36) And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Many preachers put fear in God's people through their reporting about the enemy's works because they do not let their words always be seasoned with grace to give faith to the hearer. (Col.4:6) Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one. We have been delegated authority from the Lord, but it is useless if we ignore these principles shown in Job. (Mat.18:18) Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (19) Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. Since Satan has sown deceit, he is therefore reaping deceit. He thinks he can win against God, or he wouldn't even try. Through things that can be seen, Satan is threatening you with what he will do because carnal men believe what they can see. We know “The Destroyer” to be a demon called “Apollyon” (Revelation 9:11), but the Egyptians recorded that they looked up and saw a planet that they called “The Destroyer.” Satan attempts to make you fear and take full advantage of you. Because when you have fear, you are having faith in him and the curse. The powers-that-be are Satanists who know this principle of instilling fear in the heart of their victims, and so they tell us beforehand what they will do. Satan is saying through them that through technology such as microwave mind control and HAARP and other experiments, he is going to be able to torment you. When you believe him, he has authority. To some extent, we do need to know what the plans of the powers-that-be are; however, far more importantly, we need to know our authority over the devil and his works. We are not to stop the trial or test because our Lord has ordered it, but as with Job, we are to show that through faith in the Gospel, we are justified and given authority over all the power of the enemy. Just as Jesus did, we have authority to give people the gifts of God when they believe the Word. Now let me share a testimony from an anonymous sister in Christ.   Corrected from Researching Evil I am thanking God for the message about separation and sanctification called “Sanctification Before Blessing.” [This book is available on our website under UBM Books and in audio in our One-Hour archives.] Before I was born from above, I had been attacked in this area. I was considered “popular” in the world and the worldly church. Now in this time of seeking the Lord, learning how to be a disciple, there has been a lot of separation of people from us. First, it was people of the world separating from me. Then it was people of the worldly church. It is freeing to know that the LORD is doing this. It is biblical. I also thank God for the admonition to turn from NWO (New World Order) research. I had been getting snared in that research a lot lately. During prayer and confession with a sister, I heard the words, “Knowledge does not save. I save.” I had been having a battle against this lust of my carnal mind to know and to learn things. This lust brings a lot of rotten fruit, like paranoia, anxiety and fear. I was hearing, “There must be infiltrators in UBM. The Illuminati is everywhere.” I started getting cynical. You can't trust anyone! It was all a downward spiral into depression, irritation and despair. I felt myself getting puffed up. I was acting proud with people who didn't know what I knew, considering myself superior to the “sheeple.” Although I knew this attitude was pride and not of Christ, ingesting so much New World Order information kept overcoming the spirit man. This opened the door to other torments. It was destroying my faith. I would feel anxiety, worry, and fear. I would turn to other things to comfort me. The flesh would only grow so big. It was consuming me. So when I heard the teaching last night, I was listening to UBM on one window of my computer and reading some conspiracy information on another. I felt convicted. I closed the NWO research window when you, David Eells, spoke, feeling as if God had caught me red-handed. I repent! I understand now that I was feeling an uncleanness in my spirit because of learning what the wicked do in secret. (Eph.5:12) For the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of. What a trap and deception NWO research is! I thank the Lord for revealing and slaying this sin in me. By faith, I say I am freed from this lust! I am confessing this to the elders and the body, so that you will agree with me in prayer that this temptation is conquered. Bless you all in Jesus' Name. Thank you for being faithful to the Lord to rebuke and save us from death. Godly correction is a great blessing. It is a very peaceful feeling when you repent. You feel joyful, peaceful and unburdened. Amen! Researching the good Word has power to impute the Nature of Christ. Constant research of evil brings the opposite. We are not to study evil in any depth, like this testimony. It brings fear, and you cannot study evil enough to know every form of evil that Satan can throw at you. We are to study good so we will know evil when we see it and be able to do something about it. (Rom.16:19) For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil. We don't need to know evil much, but we need to know the Good News much. The Lord says, (Isa.8:12) Say ye not, A conspiracy, concerning all whereof this people shall say, A conspiracy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be in dread [thereof]. [See more on conspiracies and conspiracy theories on our site: http://www.ubm1.org/?page=conspiracy.] Does all this mean that we are not to be concerned that the mad scientists and their handlers will open the gates of hell? What does Scripture say about this? (Mat.16:13) Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is? (14) And they said, Some [say] John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? (16) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Peter had just been given the foundational revelation that, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”) (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. (18) And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church (The Greek word for church means the “called-out ones.”); and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Those who come out of the worldly church and its “mind of the flesh” will have a renewed mind and victory over the gates of Hell. We need to realize that it is not these men or their physical machines that bring Satan, the prince of the powers of the air, and his demons to fight against us. It is Our Father Who is bringing this so that we will overcome the devil as we defeat our flesh. We can see in Revelation that to beat him we must deny ourselves and be holy. (Rev.12:6) And the woman (the Church) fled into the wilderness (Tribulation), where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they (This is the Man-Child and Bride ministries.) may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days (This is the Church in first half of the tribulation). (Rev.12:7) And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels [going forth] to war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels; (8) And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. (9) And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. (10) And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. (11) And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. (12) Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea: because the devil is gone down unto you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time. (Rev.12:13) And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman that brought forth the man [child]. (14) And there were given to the woman the two wings of the great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness unto her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. (Here the Church will learn that when they conquer their flesh through faith in the Blood, they conquer and cast down Satan.) (15) And the serpent cast out of his mouth after the woman water as a river (flood of delusion), that he might cause her to be carried away by the stream. (16) And the earth (the worldly people) helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (The “earthly” bought the lies. We know if they buy it, it's wrong.) (17) And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, that keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus. Notice that Satan failed against the true “come-outers.” He had to go after the latecomers to test them. Before the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation starts, which is when the Woman goes into the wilderness, Satan in the worldwide body of the dragon makes war against the worldwide body of the Man-Child, who is caught up to David's throne of authority over the Church. The Man-Child body is the first-fruits of those who will have the fullness (Colossians 1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory … by the Word and Spirit that lives in them. (Rev.12:3) And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads (These are the seed of all seven world-ruling empires.) and ten horns (the kings of all ten continental divisions of the earth in the end), and upon his heads seven diadems. (4) And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven (the seed of Abraham), and did cast them to the earth (They lost their heavenly position in Christ.): and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child. (5) And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. (6) And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (3 ½ years.) Before the Tribulation, Satan is already in his dragon body and making a “Job's-friends” type slander-assassination war against these Man-Child “Davids,” because by conquering them, he may “devour” the Bride. However, he is failing now and will fail to “devour” them; he will fail to bring them into his body of the dragon on earth. As in the Book of Esther, the Bride is a small portion of the Church who was deemed more beautiful to the King (Esther 2:17) because she listened to His chamberlain, representing the Holy Spirit (Esther 2:15), and put on the “clothing,” or works, of Christ. Mordecai (whose name means “Little Man” or “Man-child”) and Esther, the bride overcame to conquer Haman and his army of Jew-haters as a type of Christian-haters to save God's people from this beast (Esther 6:13,7:10,10:3). David Wilkerson prophesied of this slander war, and we also received many warning dreams years before its coming. The Bride and Man-Child, as was Esther in the king's house, were the first-fruits to escape the beast. Then the Bride and Man-Child were used to give the rest of the Church authority from the King to stand for their lives against the antichrist assault (Esther 9:1-5,16). (Rom.13:12) The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Rom.13:14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts [thereof]. Put on the armor of God and stand for your lives, saints.

We continue our series in Matthew, by looking at the pivotal passage where Jesus is declared the Messiah. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussions Questions: 1. What stands out to you about the setting of this passage (Caesarea Philippi)? How does the location shape the meaning of Jesus' question? 2. Why do you think Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” rather than just teaching it directly? What does this reveal about the way he leads and forms disciples? 3. What does Peter's confession — “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” — tell us about his understanding of Jesus at that moment? What do you think Peter still didn't understand? 4. What is the significance of Jesus calling Peter “rock,” and promising to build his church on that rock? Do you lean more toward that referring to Peter himself or Peter's confession? Why? 5. Jesus says the “gates of Hades will not overcome” the church. What does that say about the role and power of the church in the world today? 6. Why do you think Jesus told them not to tell anyone he was the Messiah (v. 20)? What were people likely expecting from a Messiah back then? 7. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” how do you honestly answer that right now? How have your thoughts about Jesus changed over time? 8. If Jesus is King, what are some practical areas of life where that truth should affect your decisions, habits, or priorities? Is there any part of your life that's resisting his rule? 9. What are some ways our church can live more boldly as people “on offense” — not hiding from darkness, but pushing against it with love? 10. What's one conversation you could have this week with someone far from God where you listen first, ask gentle questions, and invite them closer to Jesus?

Jarek Berga - July 20th 2025  Jesus doesn't just build the Church—He builds us into it. In The King & His Kingdom series, we arrive at Matthew 16:13–20, where Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ becomes the foundation for a powerful promise: I will build my Church. This message presses us to consider the same question—and challenges us to live in light of Jesus' identity and mission. What we believe about Jesus will shape how we live, how we lead, and how we engage in the work of building His Church together. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #Matthew16 #WhoDoYouSayIAm #JesusIsTheChrist #TheKingAndHisKingdom #RestoredTemecula #ChristianSermon #IWillBuildMyChurch #BiblicalTeaching #FaithInJesus #KingdomIdentity Share this message with someone who needs to hear it! Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome Home: Restored Church(00:00:41) - Prayer for the Day(00:01:56) - The Moment I Knew I Was In Love With Real Madrid(00:06:04) - The Gospel of Matthew(00:08:22) - Jesus at Caesarea Philippi(00:10:38) - Florentino Perez Has a Talk With His Real Madrid(00:13:36) - The Beautiful Moment of Peter(00:16:35) - Jesus Says On This Rock(00:22:00) - Jesus on His Personal Story(00:27:25) - Jesus' Story is Not About You(00:33:10) - Jesus Will Not Be Defeated(00:37:22) - Jesus: The Resurrection(00:42:07) - Jesus Prays for Broken Hearts

Title: Problematic Paperwork Text: Acts 25:13-27 FCF: We often struggle remaining focused when the ungodly use political means for selfish gain. Prop: Because God providentially accomplishes His plan through political maneuvering, we must stay focused on the Kingdom of God. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 25. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 13. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Last week, Paul once again faced a preliminary hearing in front of his Jewish accusers. But this time he sat before the new governor of the area, Festus. Festus is historically known as a fair and wise ruler who helped ease the tensions between Rome and the Jews in the few years he served as the procurator of the province. But last week we saw how, in an attempt to establish good will and favor among the more elite Jewish men, he tried to move Paul's trial to Jerusalem. He also knew that if he desired to better understand the religious disputes between Paul and the Jews, the best place for this would be Jerusalem. But, as we know, Paul used a Roman law which protects Roman citizens from unjust judges and unscrupulous accusers. Paul appealed to Caesar. This effectively ended the preliminary trial and set in motion the events that would lead to Paul arriving in Rome as Jesus said he would. But today, we will see an interesting interaction between two local rulers. Festus has a problem and he is hoping Herod Agrippa the Second can help him find a solution. His problem boils down to… of all things… paperwork. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Almighty God and infinite Father You are above all things. You are surprised by nothing. You have written everything. All things are known to You and Your arm is never too short to reach or too weak to lift that which You desire. So much so that even the will of men is not in Your way. Instead, You paradoxically work through men's wills to accomplish Your purposes while still maintaining absolute control and giving men responsibility for their choices. It is a tension in scripture that many attempt to explain but often cheapen one or both of these truths in the process. Father help us to see how You have ordered all things so that we can trust Your promises that all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purposes through Your Son. Use Your Spirit today to teach us once again these valuable truths. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Transition: Let us get right to the text today to see what the Lord has for us. I.) God providentially accomplishes His plan through political maneuvering, so we must trust the Lord. (13-22) a. [Slide 2] 13 - Now when several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. i. So who is Herod Agrippa and Bernice? ii. Herod is a name mentioned several times throughout the New Testament, but logic would dictate to us that not all Herods can be the same Herod. iii. Furthermore, we have second names added to the end of some which help to differentiate some Herods from others. iv. The Scriptures mention Herod the Great, Herod Philip I, Herod Antipas, Herod Archelaus, Herodias, and Herod Agrippa. But who's who? v. [Slide 3] On the screen behind me we see the Herodian dynasty and where each person is mentioned in the scriptures. vi. Herod the Great ruled when Jesus was born. He had several wives giving many kingly heirs who divided the region of Judea. vii. All of the Herodian line served as Jewish Kings ruling under the direct supervision of the Roman Empire. They were uniquely suited to rule because they were Jews but were loyal to the Empire. viii. In the book of Acts we've seen Herod Agrippa the I, who is the grandson of Herod the Great, he killed James the son of Zebedee and imprisoned Peter in Acts 12. ix. In this text, this is Herod Agrippa the First's Son. Herod Agrippa II. x. Herod Agrippa II studied in Rome under Emperor Claudius. Claudius was quite fond of him and was prepared to give all of Judea to him to rule, but when Herod's father died he was only 17 years of age and was not old enough to navigate the tensions growing at the time. xi. When he turned 21 Emperor Claudius gave him rule over several territories to the East and Northeast of Judea. Still, Claudius, up to his death, gave more area for Agrippa II to rule as often as he could. This continued through to Nero, Claudius' son, and Nero actually awarded Agrippa II the city of Caesarea Philippi, which he renamed Neronias in honor of the Emperor who gave him the city to rule over. xii. One of the territories Claudius gave Agrippa came with the role of becoming curator of the temple. From the vestments that were required, to the appointing of the High Priest, Agrippa the Second was the official secular head of the Jewish religion. xiii. But who is Bernice? Well, keen observers would notice that Bernice is listed next to Herod Agrippa and Drucilla. What does this mean? xiv. Bernice and Drucilla are both Herod Agrippa II's sisters. xv. Drucilla, we know was married to Felix, but who is Bernice married to? xvi. Well, that is the awkward part. In her lifetime she was married three times. She was also the mistress of Emperor Vespasian's son Titus. xvii. And while we could see her here as an adviser or co-ruler with her brother, rumors abound implying an incestuous relationship. Probably these were fueled by the fact that every time one of these marriages or adulteries failed, she returned to live and rule with her brother. xviii. Scholarship seems sharply divided over whether or not there was actually an incestuous relationship here. Modern scholars seem to favor the idea that although the rumors abounded, this was probably all they were. Rumors. xix. In fact, many scholars note that Agrippa II and Bernice were actually fairly moral people for being Hellenized and Romanized Jews. They often aided the poor, supported justice, and generally upheld the common good of the people over which they ruled. xx. They were no where near righteous people and certainly they could do all these things and the rumors still be true. xxi. They arrive, no doubt to greet Festus and welcome him to the area. But Festus intends to benefit from their visit in another way. b. [Slide 4] 14 - And while they were spending many days there, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, i. It was a great opportunity for Festus to involve Herod and Bernice on this case for several reasons. I'll try to highlight that as we go forward. ii. Festus will go on to describe his impression of the preliminary trial which ended in Paul's Provoactio Ad Caesarem. – his appeal to Caesar. iii. The Emperor at the time was Nero. 1. When we Christians hear that name, immediately we wonder why Paul would have appealed to this man for help. 2. But at this time, Nero is only 22 years old and about 5 years into his reign. He has been aided by Seneca and Burrus, two tutors who helped him make wise decisions as a ruler. 3. Most recently in the spring of AD 59 his mother committed suicide, at least that is what the general population thought. In reality, he had his mother killed. 4. So, Nero is starting to go off the rails a little, but he is nowhere close to where he would be in AD 64 and beyond. 5. As long as his tutors are alive, he will continue to make wise decisions. Up to, a little after Paul stands trial before him. 6. Interesting how his good leadership lasts until Paul is released. iv. But why does Festus even bring this up to Herod? v. As we'll see in a few moments, Festus truly is perplexed by this case. vi. As one of, if not the first case he tries as a governor, he must be a bit discouraged to have it be so odd. vii. Herod Agrippa, though not being a righteous person, had already been a successful ruler in the area for over a decade. He's had experience with Jewish people, being one of them, and with the Jewish religion and its intricacies and finer points of theology, being the temple's curator. He is also a favorite of Emperor Nero and his father before him. viii. It makes a lot of sense actually that Festus would open up to Herod in this way and seek his perspective on the matter. Because Festus has a problem. ix. That problem is that this case seems open and shut but because Paul has appealed to Caesar, he's got to figure out what to put in his report to the Emperor. x. So the following is Festus' view of the case. Let's break it down. c. [Slide 5] “There is a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix; 15 - and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 - I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. i. So already we see a few things that Festus says that is different than what Luke recorded previously. ii. The details though are very compatible with what Luke said and do not contradict anything, therefore, it is best to assume that any difference in Festus' story is PROBABLY to paint himself in the best possible light. iii. Right off the bat he shifts the blame to Felix. He seemed all to eager to take the case and deal with it himself… but now that he is in the thick of it, he wants to blame Felix for not getting the job done. iv. Then he says that the Jews were not merely wanting Paul brought to Jerusalem for a trial – but their aim was to condemn him to death. He does not tell Herod that they were asking for this to be done as a favor to them. That might imply a seedier political relationship than he wants to be associated with before this influential King. v. But Festus refused them based on Roman customs. According to Roman custom, the plaintiff must charge the person to their face and allow them to give a defense. vi. This is why he insisted on them joining him in his court in Caesarea. vii. Festus continues… d. [Slide 6] 17 - So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day took my seat on the judgment seat and ordered the man to be brought before me. 18 - When the accusers stood up, they were not bringing any charges against him for the evil deeds I was expecting, 19 - but they had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, a dead man whom Paul asserted to be alive. i. Festus once again paints himself as a just ruler. He got right to judging the case immediately. Without the information about the Jews seeking this as a favor it makes it seem more like he is a kind and efficient ruler rather than someone seeking to placate some powerful and influential Jewish men. ii. Festus' perspective of the charges against Paul and Paul's defense are intriguing. iii. They are intriguing because the Jews no doubt charged Paul with some level of sedition against the Emperor for starting riots. No doubt Festus came into this thinking that this would be their primary charge against Paul. iv. But Festus doesn't mention it here. v. Most likely he has utterly dismissed these charges from his perspective simply because there was no evidence to conclude such a thing. vi. But as the trial neared the end, Festus summarizes the trial as basically a religious disagreement all concerning a certain man named Jesus who was dead and whom Paul claims to be alive. vii. Festus shows his ignorance of the area and the history of the area. No doubt Herod Agrippa II was well aware of the Jesus in question. viii. Paul has successfully, by the grace of God, made the trial about the gospel. ix. But since it is about the gospel… how is Festus, a Roman, supposed to deal with this? e. [Slide 7] 20 - And being perplexed about how to investigate such matters, I was asking whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there to be tried on these matters. 21 - But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.” i. Festus once again avoids any hint that his actions were motivated by political favors. Luke tells us they were. So we affirm that truth with certainty. ii. This doesn't necessarily mean that Festus is lying though. At least not completely. Certainly, if he wanted to rule on a religious matter, in order to do so it would be best to go to Jerusalem and seek counsel from those who understood the religion better. iii. And that is why I think Paul actually appealed to Caesar. I think Paul understood that even if he survived the journey to get to Jerusalem, the case being about religion would certainly leave him vulnerable. iv. He could be kept in prison for a long time, and with Rome somewhat backing this decision it could lead to great persecution among all Jewish Christians. v. Festus says that Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor's decision. vi. Festus doesn't have any problem doing that… vii. But you can tell that Festus is bothered by this. We won't understand fully why until the end of this passage. But what is clear is that Festus wants Agrippa to weigh in and hopefully weigh in in agreement with how he handled the situation. f. [Slide 8] 22 - Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” i. Here we see that Herod Agrippa has an interest in the case. ii. Being a Jew himself and being part of this great Herodian dynasty which has been woven to this time of Jesus, it would be of genuine interest for Herod to meet Paul and understand this sect of Judaism which has turned all the world upside down. iii. He is in town for a few days. He might as well hear the case himself. iv. Festus readily agrees, because that is what he was shooting for anyway, and plans to have another hearing for Paul the very next day. g. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: One of the difficult things about teaching through a book, is that oftentimes the lessons overlap significantly. For the last several sermons we've seen the same truth repackaged in several different ways. Rather than skipping over this material or blitzing through it, I see it instead as an opportunity for us to really be stretched on this teaching. If God repeats Himself, it seems to me that what He is telling us over and over again might be important. Paul is over two years into these legal proceedings. He is on his second governor. And the case just can't quite move forward. Yet he has been assured that he will go to Rome and preach the gospel. He has also been told by Jesus Himself that he will present the gospel to Jews, Gentiles and to Kings. So far, Paul has not yet shared the gospel to Kings and he is not yet in Rome. And perhaps he saw that as one prophesy to be fulfilled when he speaks to the Emperor. But the injustice of the case against him, the nature of the charges, the weakness of Felix, and now the political maneuvers of Festus to try to not look like a completely incompetent ruler to the Emperor himself, is all coming together to fulfill exactly what God's will is for the apostle Paul. He will go to Rome. He will present the gospel to Kings. Putting ourselves in the position of Paul acquires our first application from this text. We must trust the Lord. Oh how easy it would be to disbelieve. But we have similar promises the Lord has made to us – promises which have taken much longer than 2 years. Paul's story here provides the pattern. We too must trust the Lord. His promises are always true. Transition: [Slide 10(blank)] And in a familiar pairing, one we've seen several times, we must again understand that trusting the Lord is not passive. We have more to do than simply watch and wait. We have other callings we must fulfill while we wait on His promises to come to pass. II.) God providentially accomplishes His plan through political maneuvering, so we must be ready to give a defense for the hope that we have in us. (23-27) a. [Slide 11] 23 - So, on the next day when Agrippa came together with Bernice amid great pomp, and entered the hall accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at the order of Festus, Paul was brought in. i. So, this is actually a rather big to do. ii. Herod and Bernice come in with great fanfare and celebration. The hall is filled with many military commanders and prominent people of Caesarea which would certainly be primarily gentile people. iii. In other words, this is not like the trial before Felix and the trial before Festus, in that Paul does not face a large contingent of JEWISH accusers. iv. Instead, his fate is already sealed. He is already going to Rome to Caesar's court. v. There is not really anything impeding Paul from saying whatever he wants to. He needs to be somewhat careful not to make a case of sedition against the Empire – but given the fact that Festus thinks this is about the gospel – Paul is going to be able to completely let loose with it… in front of a large number of prominent Roman officials. And of course – Herod Agrippa. vi. Paul is called to join them and the deposition is under way. b. [Slide 12] 24 - And Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen here present with us, you see this man about whom all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both at Jerusalem and here, loudly declaring that he ought not to live any longer. 25 - But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. i. Festus gives all in attendance a very brief overview of the previous trial and how they arrived where they are. ii. Notice that Festus does not indicate any wrong doing on his part. Paul's appeal to Caesar here is not so subtly painted as the ONLY reason Paul is still incarcerated. iii. It has absolutely nothing to do with Festus wanting to give a favor to the Jews in a religious case that he could have simply dismissed. iv. But his appeal must be honored regardless. v. But there is just one problem with that. vi. And its what has been perplexing Festus this whole time. vii. Its… paperwork. He doesn't know how to fill out his paperwork… c. [Slide 13] 26 - Yet I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write. 27 - For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him.” i. Festus reveals that he is going to send Paul to Caesar… but according to Roman trial custom, he must send Paul with official notes from the trial. ii. Since no verdict had been handed down, and since the charges were mostly about religious differences between Judaism and the sect of the Nazareans, there really is nothing Roman to send up the chain. iii. This is absurd, and even quite dangerous for Festus to do. iv. To send a case to the Emperor without cause could lead to ramifications against Festus. The Emperor might conclude that he is incompetent or inept. Why did he not dismiss the case? Why did he not hand it back to the Jews jurisdiction? v. And now we see a wonderful set up for what exactly will be written to the Emperor. And Herod Agrippa II is the key. vi. If Herod hears the case and agrees that the only reason Paul is being sent to the Emperor is because he appealed to him… then Festus won't be seen as an inept ruler. Paul will get the blame as a citizen who jumped the gun and appealed before it was really necessary. vii. But more on that in a couple weeks. d. [Slide 14] Summary of the Point: Again, the political situation of Festus and his reaching out to Herod for help are all part of the providential plan of God to bring about His prophesied will for Paul's life. Not only will these events hasten forward Paul's trip to Rome, but it will also allow Paul to truly give the gospel… to kings. King Herod Agrippa II, like several Herod's before him, will hear the gospel. And although we won't see it today, the application here is again drawn from putting ourselves in Paul's position. His appeal has been granted. He is going to Caesar. Does he really need to stand before this group to say anything? Could he just remain silent? Since there is some risk in him speaking and potentially provide charges he could be convicted for – isn't it just best for him to be quiet? Jesus was quiet before His accusers. Shouldn't Paul also be? Jesus was prophesied to die – Paul is prophesied to preach in Rome and before Kings. Therefore, as an act of faith and obedience, Paul must give a defense for the hope that he has in Him. We too must give a defense. We have been promised trouble. We have been promised difficulty. We have been promised an eternal kingdom. So we must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today to guide our belief and our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 15] Once again, God's will for us is a tapestry of events that He has orchestrated to accomplish His purposes. He promises us that these events are always for our good and His glory. He promises never to leave or forsake us. He promises that all we experience will lead to the perfecting and endurance of our faith. And if God's providential hand works in all things, then it also works in something like political maneuvering. Festus is trying to cover his own butt here. He is trying to make sure his goose doesn't get cooked because of his very first case in this new province he is governing going a little sideways. How is he going to go about doing that? He is going to enlist the advice and help of a favored and seasoned ruler. This should keep him from getting into trouble for sending Paul to the Emperor for virtually no reason. But through even this, the Lord providentially orchestrates the fulfillment of what He has prophesied to Paul. Next week Paul will share the gospel with a King. And after that He will be sent to Rome. Paul's struggles are often ours. We struggle to trust God when His promises look like they aren't moving forward. We struggle to correctly identify and capitalize on opportunities to share our faith with people around us. But God's control over every aspect of life motivates us to not only to continue to trust His promises but to share our faith boldly. Let's look into this a little deeper. 1.) [Slide 16] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God providentially works through political maneuvering to accomplish His will. a. We all assume that political maneuvering will happen. Why? b. Well, you don't have to be a student of history for very long to understand this. c. Anyone who has had a brother, sister, or even a close cousin knows what it means to maneuver a situation to be personally advantageous to you. d. No matter what happens you expect every person to make it seem like they did the best they could under the circumstances and if there is a chance to make yourself look good or like the helpless victim – you are going to do that. e. Why? f. Well although many deny it theologically, the truth of the matter is that our entire being is naturally corrupt and sinful. g. Any parent will tell you this of their child. They know that there is no such thing as a child that has never stolen, never hit, never bit, never yelled, never disobeyed or never lied. They don't exist. h. Why? i. Because all men are wicked and depraved and it all begins at conception. j. David said, in sin my mother conceived me. He wasn't talking about her sin, but his own. He was a sinner the moment he came into existence. k. The surprising part of this text is NOT that Festus tries to present himself in the best possible light. It is NOT that he tries to get Herod on his side to leverage the Emperor's view of him. It is NOT that Festus uses every opportuinity here to try to get OUT of trouble in this particular case. l. So far, everyone acts as we would expect them to. m. What we might NOT anticipate is God using and even orchestrating these events to accomplish His will. n. But as we've pointed out several times, there are a myriad of examples in the scriptures where God overtly uses the sin or selfishness of men to do what He has planned. There are even some examples where God designs what He has planned around the sin of men. As with Pharoah – his sin was necessary so that God could judge Egypt to the extent that all nations would know He is God. o. The bottom line is that there is nothing that happens that God has not already designed and written to be. That gets sticky and tough for us to swallow when we start talking about sin and humans choosing to live sinfully and selfishly. p. We know that God doesn't tempt anyone to sin and that God doesn't sin. But we also know that men sinning is part of His plan, which He has written for His creation. q. These truths must be allowed to blend together. r. And in this text Festus' natural compulsion to protect himself politically, leads to God's promises to Paul coming to pass. s. But if we serve this God, and we trust this God, knowing that His orchestrating of all things is no real concern to us. He has allowed us to have at least a perception of freedom in our decision making and even requires us to consider His will and His ways as we do this. But somehow along with that nothing that happens will ever disrupt, alter, delay, or in any way go against His will for His creation. t. And we shouldn't want it any other way. u. We should want a God who does this. We don't want a God who has ceded control in any real way. v. God has not left anything to chance or human discretion. And because of that… His promises are always true. 2.) [Slide 17] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that God merely works around men's sinfulness to accomplish His purposes. a. Some have suggested a work around for the paradox we are experiencing and wrestling with in these last few chapters of Acts. b. That goes something like this… God allows men to freely choose to do what they will, even to sin… c. But God is stronger, faster, more knowledgeable, and able to weave and maneuver all things and bend all things back to accomplish His will and ways. d. However, this solution does not actually solve the problem. At best is presents man's decisions as a mere illusion. One that if we go too far with, God is quick to hit the undo button or arrange it in such a way that it still does what He wishes. e. At worst it contradicts clear texts of scripture that indicate that God's will for all of creation has already been written. f. And in this text we see clearly God is not working around but in and through man's sinfulness to accomplish His purposes. g. That being said, we ought to deny what is called open theism, this view where the future is undetermined and God responds to man's actions to weave the course He desires. h. We ought also deny that God has every possible decision of man mapped and figured into His divine plan – since this again is not what the scriptures teach. i. Instead, God has written the end from the beginning. There is nothing that happens that was not already written and orchestrated for His will to be accomplished. And all that happens to those who love Him and are called to His purpose is for their good. j. Even though this view does not answer all the questions – the other solutions create more problems than they do solutions. k. It is best simply to confess that God works in and through man's sinfulness to accomplish His purposes while at the same time not being the tempter. l. Confessing these truths motivates us to apply this text in two ways. Both of which are based on putting ourselves in Paul's shoes. 3.) [Slide 18] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must trust the Lord. a. How comforting it is to know that it is absolutely impossible to find ourselves outside of God's Hidden will for our lives. b. We can and often do find ourselves outside of God's moral will. When we find ourselves overcome by a sin and seek forgiveness and cleansing through confession and repentance – certainly we have stepped off God's moral will for us. c. But we NEVER deviate from His hidden will. d. When others sin against us, when political corruption and maneuvering happens before us, we can know and rest assured that God is not sitting in heaven wringing His hands, shrugging, saying, “I can't do anything buddy. Sorry! I have to let them choose what they want to do.” Nor is God in heaven saying, “Ok, they played knight to D4 so I'll move my rook to make them take it back and that will lead to…” e. No! f. Instead, God has all our days planned. All we experience is designed to lead us to what He has planned. g. That means we can trust Him. Fully. Not his ability to play a game. Not His ability to win in the end somehow… but that all our ways are known to Him. h. There is no reason to fear. He has us exactly where He wants us… ALWAYS! i. What does that mean? 4.) [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must always be ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us. Even to those who can do terrible things to us. a. Every situation is a great opportunity to share the gospel. b. Before judges, juries, kings, Federal agents, no matter whether justice is being served or subverted, no matter whether we face enemies or friends – it is always a good time for us to share the hope we have. c. The bible is clear – all kinds of men are being called by God into His family. Even the most corrupt political people you can think of – they are exactly 1 measure of God's saving grace away from being His child and living holy lives. Exactly 1. d. Will you be the instrument God uses to unite them to saving faith in Jesus Christ? e. Knowing God is in control of everything always should embolden you to share your faith without pause and without fear. f. Why? g. Because God isn't playing a game of chess and God isn't helpless against man's supposed free will. Instead, God has written everything in your life already. h. So go for it. Unleash the gospel. i. And speaking of the gospel. 5.) [Slide 20] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” The gospel is primarily about Jesus' death and resurrection. It isn't about you. a. Notice what Festus did understand. b. The gospel was about a man who was dead that Paul said is alive. c. Festus wouldn't understand or believe naturally that such a man could have been raised from the dead. d. But in one sense he does understand that the whole of what Paul preached depends on this man being alive. e. My friends the gospel is all about Jesus' death and resurrection. The fact that Jesus died for sinners and was raised according to prophesy, is the essence of the gospel. f. Everything hinges on these facts. That Jesus died and rose again. g. And I know, many well meaning preachers have advised people that when they want to share the gospel with people that they should share their testimony. And I know that really sounds like smart advice. h. But listen – the gospel is not about what YOU believed, what YOU experienced, what YOU confessed, or what YOU did. i. The gospel is about what they MUST believe, what they MUST confess and what JESUS experienced and did. j. I would caution you away from your personal testimony, especially if you do not practice it over and over again to ensure that you make it about Jesus and not about you. k. It is very easy for us to talk about ourselves. And that is why many personal testimonies of salvation end up being as much about us as they are about Jesus. l. But listen, you are merely the reward Jesus acquired for fulfilling His mission. Obedient, faithful, holy people are the reward for His suffering. m. The gospel is Jesus. His death and His resurrection and much more. But that is where it starts. n. If you have believed anything less, then you do not have the gospel. o. And if you don't have the gospel I'd like to invite you to come speak to an Elder today. We would love to tell you more. [Slide 21 (end)] Let me close in a prayer by the Puritan Philip Doddridge May God's grace visit all who suffer loss, and may your compassionate eye regard them where they live. May your providence cement, strengthen, and adorn them. For unless the Lord builds the city, they labor in vain who build it. May the candle of the Lord shine on them, and your Spirit enlighten and renew their souls. May peace and prosperity, friendship and faith always flourish in this neighborhood and city. Fill my neighbors' troubles with compassion, Lord, so they may exchange joy for mourning, and beauty for ashes. So that those who lament may rejoice with you, and that at length you may share with them the security and joy of the city of God, the heavenly Jerusalem, where no flames will be felt except those of love. In the meantime, may our eyes be lifted up to heaven, in the humble hope and fervent prayer for those around us, that true Christian faith would spread throughout the entire world. And may that faith prevail in our own hearts, that we may faithfully practice and grow in you. So will we understand your lovingkindness, Lord, as we live our daily lives. And though there may be mysteries of providence we cannot explain, we will believe that your paths are mercy and truth, and find the truest and securest peace in our passage to everlasting joy. In Jesus name we pray this, Amen. Benediction: May the Lord who does not forsake those who earnestly seek His face, Who provides a safe retreat for weary souls in troubled times. Show you to be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in time of trouble. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Is your life built around defense or offense?2025 LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut allergy) study:640 high allergy risk infants ages 4-11 monthsHalf followed standard advice for high-risk childrenHalf given a snack of peanut butter and puffed corn >3x/wkWhen children turned five years, all were tested for allergic reaction to peanutsLEAP study results:17% of children who had been protected from peanuts developed a peanut allergy3% of children who had been regularly exposed to peanuts developed a peanut allergyCaesarea Philippi:Temple to CaesarTemple to Greek god, PaPan:Half man, half goatConsidered god of the underworld and of fear (i.e. PANic)In temple was a “bottomless spring” thought to lead to the underworldHistorically, human sacrifices were made hereChurch = A body of people called for a specific purposeThe war Jesus is waging is against the gates of Hades–death itself

13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis? 14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis. 15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis? 16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. 17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est. 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. 19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelisThe Apostles Peter and Paul are the two Princes of the Apostles, the foundations of the Church, on which she is firmly established as on a rock. This feast is almost entirely devoted to St Peter, the Bishop of Rome, the great Apostle of the Gentiles being more specially honored on June 30th. The lessons and prayers of this Mass describe how his Lord and Master Jesus Christ prepared the fervent Aostle, St Peter, for the supreme office of the Papacy. After the Descent of the Holy Ghost St Peter preached the Gospel in Judea and was cast into prison by Herod Agrippa. He was miraculously delivered by an Angel and established his see first at Antioch, and then finally at Rome, where the first pope exercised for twenty-five years the Supreme Authority vested in him by Christ Himself. He was arrested, and like St Paul suffered martyrdom A.D. 65. This feast marks the day of the translation of their relics.

Confessing Your Faith in Jesus - Matt. 16:13-20“Worry is misuse of your imagination.” - Mark GregstonIn the next chapters we will see Jesus make a “bee-line” for the cross. But first He needs His disciples to understand 2 things – Who He is, and what He is going to do in this ‘first coming.'Christ enters Caesar's city, “the gates of Hell” - V. 13aThis city was built to honor Caesar Augustus, who had died in AD 14. There was a Temple there to worship him. They had coins with his face on them: Some said “Caesar is Lord,” others proclaimed him the Son of God.The crowds don't really understand who Jesus is - V. 13b-14The Son of God, the Creator of mankind had become a man, and He liked calling Himself the Son of Man. That He is referring to Himself is clear from verse 15 when He says, “But who do you say that I am?”Jesus wants to make sure His disciples do understand - V. 15-16You in verse 15 is in the plural. Jesus is addressing all twelve of the disciples before Him!In contrast to the dead and impotent gods and idols around them in Caesarea Philippi and the world, Peter declared that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the LIVING God!Unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins. - John 8:24If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9Three things that are true of all believers - V. 17-20True believers have been blessed by God - V. 17No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up at the last day. - John 6:44True believers are part of God's great church - V. 18Jesus was probably smiling as He made a play on words in verse 18. Peter is Petros, one small rock. Petra is a rock mass. Peter the rock would be part of a larger Petra rock, the foundation of which is Jesus Himself. True believers have authority to represent Christ - V. 19Verse 19 is in the singular, specifically referring to Peter as a key leader in the early church. But in Matthew 18 in the second reference to the church Jesus makes clear this kind of authority is for churches full of believers. Believers possess delegated authority to act as Christ would if He was physically here (Matt. 28:18-20). Rabbis used the terms binding and loosing to speak of what was permissible according to the law. Christians now have the authority to evaluate all things by the Word of God alone, not the words of popes or preachers who aren't speaking biblical truth.“It is the church on earth carrying out Heaven's decisions, not Heaven ratifying the church's decision.” - Albright and Mann

13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis? 14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis. 15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis? 16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. 17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est. 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. 19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelisPeter's declaration of the Godhead of Christ. He is declared by our Lord to be the Rock on which the Church rests securely.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-19At that time, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”(English Standard Version)

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Mark Maple from Kokomo, IN. Your partnership with us through Project 23 is helping people find the answer to the most important question that still demands an answer. This study is for you. Our text today is Mark 8:27-30: And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him. — Mark 8:27-30 Jesus comes with his disciples to Caesarea Philippi—a place known for temples, idols, and false gods. And in the shadow of this spiritual confusion, he asks the most defining question of all time: "Who do people say that I am?" They answer with the popular responses. It's what all the headlines proclaim: "John the Baptist. Elijah. A prophet." Opinions swirled then, just like now. But then Jesus turns to the more personal question: "But who do you say that I am?" This isn't a theology test. It's a heart check. It's not about reciting what others believe. It's about declaring their beliefs. And Peter, with clarity and courage, answers: "You are the Christ." The Anointed One. The Messiah. The fulfillment of every promise. Peter was right to answer this way because this is the most important question he would ever answer. But it's also the most important question we could ever be asked and respond to: "Who do you say Jesus is?" And when asked, you can't hide behind a parent's faith. Or echo your pastor's voice. Or repeat what Christian culture says. Eventually, you must give your answer. Not just with words—but with your life. If Jesus is truly the Messiah, then he must be the Lord of all. Not just a one-time Savior. Not just a once-in-a-while helper. Not just there to rescue you from your mistakes. But Lord of all you life. Lord of your time. Lord of your thoughts. Lord of your decisions. And you must serve him. This confession would alter the rest of Peter's life. And it will change yours, too. But Jesus cannot just be a one-time Savior. He must be a Lord who has complete leadership of your life. If you question the answer to the question—surrender it all to him today. #JesusIsLord, #Mark8Devotional, #ChristConfession ASK THIS: How would you answer Jesus' question today? Why do people hesitate to call Jesus the Christ? In what areas of your life is Jesus not yet King? What does it look like to confess Christ with action, not just words? DO THIS: Write your answer to Jesus' question: “Who do you say that I am?” Then, pray it out loud. PRAY THIS: Jesus, You are the Christ—my Savior and King. Help me live today in a way that reflects that confession with boldness and faith. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Christ Is Enough.”

Daily Dose of Hope June 24, 2025   Scripture - Matthew 16:13-28   Prayer:  Holy God, Thank you for this day and thank you for the ways you provide and care for us.  We rejoice in your powerful and mighty name.  As we read through the Scripture today and reflect on what it means for us, help us hear a new word from you.  Help us set aside the distractions of the day and really listen for your voice.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are covering the second portion of Matthew 16.   Jesus has taken his disciples on a retreat of sorts, and they have traveled away from Judea, further north into Gentile territory.  Maybe it's to get away from the crowds, maybe it's so they can speak more freely.  Caesarea Philippi is pretty far north in Israel.  It was a quiet place at the headwaters of the Jordan River but also a place filled with idol worship and signs of Roman occupation everywhere.  And it's here that Jesus decides he is going to settle his identity with these men.  So he asks each of them, “Who do people say I am?”    Over the two years that the disciples had been with Jesus, people had all kinds of thoughts about who Jesus was.  Some thought he was the precursor to the Messiah, others (like King Herod) thought he was John the Baptist reincarnated, others thought he might be one of the prophets returned.  But Jesus presses them, “who do you say I am?”  Now, it doesn't matter what the others say – who is it you say I am?  That's really the question for all of us, isn't it.  It doesn't matter who others say Jesus is.  If I were to do a man on the street interview right now, I'm sure I'd get all kinds of answers to who is Jesus?  A teacher, a healer, a crazy person, Son of God, the Savior.  But it doesn't matter what others say, what matters is what you believe and what YOU say about Jesus.  And that's what Jesus is asking his disciples.  What do you say about me?  What are you willing to confess about me?  This was really a rubber meets the road question for them, as it is for us.  What are you willing to confess about me, to others, publicly?   Jesus asked all of them but it was Peter who spoke up.  And he says, “You are the Messiah, Son of the Living God.”  The word Messiah means anointed one or God's anointed.  And the term “Messiah” was the Hebrew word for God's anointed, the term “Christ” was the Greek word for it.  Messiah and Christ mean the same thing, different languages.  I know this might come as a surprise to some of us but Christ is not Jesus' last name.  It is a title.  And Peter is giving Jesus this title, you are the Messiah, the anointed one.   What's the big deal with being anointed?  In ancient Israel, when someone was given a position of authority, oil was poured on his head to signify his being set apart for God's service. I Samuel 10:1 is an example, Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?  Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed in this way. Anointing was a symbolic act to indicate God's choosing.  Although the literal meaning of anointed refers to the application of oil, it can also refer to being chosen or set apart by God, even if oil is not literally used.  So, Peter is saying you are the anointed one, chosen, set apart by God, the Messiah.   But there is more to this.  Throughout the OT, there are many, many verses that point to the Messiah delivering the Hebrew people from captivity, from pagan kings.  The Jews expected the Messiah to deliver them from Roman occupation via military might.  That was the expectation.  The Christ, the Messiah is the one who God sent to deliver his people, to make things right for them – the one they had been waiting for hundreds of years.  So when Peter says this, you are the Messiah, he probably doesn't quite understand how Jesus is going to deliver them.  No one really got it that the Messiah would be the one to deliver people, not from the Roman occupiers, but from their own sin.    Peter says that Jesus is Messiah but then he says that Jesus is the Son of the living God.  Just to clarify something, in the OT, there are a number of men, particularly prophets, who are called a son of God.  That was not an uncommon title for a Godly man.  But that is not what Peter is saying, Peter says that Jesus is THE son of the living God.    Let's clarify something here because I think we can get confused - Jesus is not God's Son in the sense of a human father and a son. God did not get married and have a son. God did not mate with Mary and, together with her, produce a son. Jesus is God's Son in the sense that He is GOD in human form – John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  Keep in mind, the term “Word” is referring to Jesus.  Jesus was there in the beginning.  Jesus was there with God in the beginning.  Jesus was there with God and Jesus is God.  Brain cramping yet?  Let's read v. 14, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  So, the “Word”, Jesus, became human and lived among us.  Of course, that is the Christmas story, Jesus became a human being, was born to a woman named Mary, who became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.  When the angel comes to Mary in Luke and explains the situation, he tells her that this holy one you will give birth to will be called the Son of God.   This clearly separates Jesus from the prophets. He is not a son of God but the Son of the living God.  Jesus walks with a very distinct, specific authority.  I mean, look at his miracles.  He heals people with a word or touch.  He rebukes a storm and it listens to him.  He could read people's minds.  He raises Lazurus from the dead.  He doesn't argue with demons.  Think about it – when Jesus encounters a demon, they tremble.  Colossians 1, The son is the image of the invisible God…  He walks in a distinct, divine authority.  Because he is the Son of the living God – the second person of the Godhead.    So, Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and he is Lord.  I didn't count this myself, but I read that Jesus is referred to as Lord almost 300 times in the New Testament.  Lord was the most common title for Jesus in the early church.  Why is that significant?  When the Hebrew Bible, what we call the OT, was translated from Hebrew to Greek, the term Yahweh (which was the Hebrew word for God) was translated to Lord in the NT.  That means, to say that Jesus is Lord is to say that Jesus is God.  It is saying that Jesus is divine – he is God – and Caesar is NOT, a claim that was quite dangerous at the time.    To say that Jesus is Lord means that Jesus has claim over all things; he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He is LORD over all things – over the cosmos, over the whole earth, over all nations and their leaders, he is Lord over Vladimir Putin, he is Lord over Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, he is Lord over all the celebrities in Hollywood, he is Lord over Florida and Brandon, he is Lord over each of us.    Now, here is where I'm going to get kind of personal.  At least I'm giving a warning.  What I've found working in ministry is that people like the idea of Jesus as Savior.  Yes, I've said yes to Jesus as my Savior so I'm going to heaven.  That feels good and it should.  But man, do people struggle with this concept that Jesus is Lord.  Because saying Jesus is Lord is one step further.  It's saying that he is Lord over everything and he is Lord over my family and me.  That means, I defer to him in every area of my life.  I trust him with everything.  That means, before I make a decision, I ask Jesus for his will.  It means I have given my job over to him, my children and grandchildren over to him; it means I have given the words I speak, my actions, my thoughts over to Jesus.  My finances belong to him.  That means that tithing isn't an issue because, well, it all belongs to Jesus anyway.  I have no claim on my life.  I belong to Jesus.    I struggled with this for years.  In a culture that tells us that its all about us, how hard WE work, the fruits of our labor, its OUR money, OUR children, OUR lives.  Maybe it sounds weird, but turning over my money to Lord Jesus wasn't that difficult.  I made a decision.  We are supposed to tithe so we are going to do it and I had been around people who tithed for a long time.  What was hard for me was giving my marriage to Jesus, giving my kids to Jesus.  I might have had a bit of a control issue.  And if you have a control issue – teenagers will humble you.  And it was in the midst of some real struggles that I just turned it all over to him.  They are your kids first, Lord.  They were never mine to begin with.  If I make it sounds easy, it isn't but it's life changing.  It's a shift in perspective that really brings a tremendous amount of peace.  Alright, that was pretty important, but so is the next portion of text.  Jesus is beginning to reveal to the disciples that he will die; he will be leaving them.  They aren't quite getting it.  And when they do get a hint of where he is going, Peter isn't happy.  And the Scripture says that Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him.  Here is where we miss something significant in English.  In the Greek, this word rebuke is much stronger.  Peter is really laying into Jesus here, saying “This is not the way it's going to be.  You are supposed to be the messiah who saves us from the Romans. This is not what we signed up for.”  And Jesus' response to him is interesting.  Jesus rebukes Peter right back, same word in the Greek, and says, “Get behind me, Satan!”  He tells him that he is setting his mind on human things, not on the things of God.  This is one of those moments in Scripture that highlights the vast distance between us and God. Though Jesus is God with us (he was God in human form), we cannot tame him or make him over into our image. We would like a savior who is a winner, and one who makes us winners, but Jesus insists on identifying with the lowliest of losers. He will allow himself to be judged and condemned as a blasphemer by Jewish religious leaders. He will allow himself to be mocked, tortured, and executed as a criminal by the Romans. And that's not all. Jesus actually expects his disciples to follow him on this path of suffering and death.  After telling them that they don't understand the mind of God, he says this very hard thing, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life[f] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.  We tend to think of taking up our cross as dealing with really annoying circumstances.  In Jesus' day, no one thought of beating one's cross as a persistent annoyance or burden. So bearing our cross does not mean we need to have patience with difficult neighbors or coworkers.  Furthermore, Jesus is not talking about the suffering that is part of living in a broken world, things like serious illnesses, broken relationships, and even natural disasters. That isn't what he is talking about.  Nor is he telling us to seek out suffering or martyrdom. We don't have to become monks and live in the desert.  Jesus did not go seeking suffering, although he ended up having to endure it for his mission.  To a person in the first century, the cross meant one thing and one thing only: death by crucifixion. And the Romans made the people who were about to be killed carry their own cross to the execution location.  It was humiliating and horribly painful and the condemned person had no choice but to submit. Bearing one's cross was and is a show of complete and utter submission. A call to bear one's cross as part of following Jesus, then, is a call to be as submitted to Christ as the condemned criminal was to his death.  When Jesus says this, he's claiming authority. Following Christ means disowning the self and giving allegiance to him instead. And it means giving him allegiance down to the very depths of our being.   Are you willing to surrender all to follow Jesus?  What needs to change in your life and thinking to be more consistent with the ways of Jesus Christ? Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

THE GATES OF HELL are a real place. Jesus took his disciples on a 14-hour hike to declare his divinity there, which suggests there was something important about the place. The Iron and Myth crew joins us this month to discuss Sharon and Derek Gilbert's new book, The Gates of Hell: Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview with the Giant; Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods; and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and the new novels Judah Maccabee Parts 1 & 2. We delve into the concept of the ‘Gates of Hell,' exploring its literal and metaphorical implications. We discuss the historical and spiritual significance of various locations, including Caesarea Philippi and Babel, and how these relate to ancient practices of necromancy and communication with the spirit realm. Our conversation also touches on the connections between Jesus' baptism and cosmic geography, as well as the relevance of ancient cultures like the Hurrians in understanding these themes. We focus on the place of Jesus' baptism, the land of Bashan, and the implications of megalithic structures exploring the legacy of the Nephilim and their connection to modern spiritual practices, including the role of artificial intelligence in shaping contemporary beliefs. Join Doug Van Dorn's Reformed Fringe at www.ReformedFringe.com! The Gilberts' new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Follow us! X: @viewfrombunker | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbertTelegram: t.me/gilberthouseSubstack: gilberthouse.substack.comYouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelationFacebook.com/viewfromthebunker Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! The building has HVAC, a new floor, windows, insulation, ceiling fans, and an upgraded electrical system! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at www.GilbertHouse.org/donate. —— Download our free app! This brings all of our content directly to your smartphone or tablet. Best of all, we'll never get canceled from our own app! Links to the app stores for iOS, iPadOS, Android, and Amazon Kindle Fire devices are at www.GilbertHouse.org/app. Please join us each Sunday for the Gilbert House Fellowship, our weekly Bible study podcast. Log on to www.GilbertHouse.org for more details. Check out our weekly video program Unraveling Revelation (unravelingrevelation.tv), and subscribe to the YouTube channel: YouTube.com/UnravelingRevelation. —— Special offers on our books and DVDs: www.gilberthouse.org/store. —— JOIN US AND SPECIAL GUEST CARL TEICHRIB IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025. For the latest information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Discuss these topics at the VFTB Facebook page (facebook.com/viewfromthebunker) and check out the great podcasters at the Fringe Radio Network (Spreaker.com/show/fringe-radio-network)!

THE GATES OF HELL is a real place. Jesus took his disciples on a 14-hour hike to declare his divinity there, which suggests there was something important about the place. The Iron and Myth crew joins us this month to discuss Sharon and Derek Gilbert's new book, The Gates of Hell: Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview with the Giant; Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods; and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and the new novels Judah Maccabee Parts 1 & 2.We delve into the concept of the ‘Gates of Hell,' exploring its literal and metaphorical implications. We discuss the historical and spiritual significance of various locations, including Caesarea Philippi and Babel, and how these relate to ancient practices of necromancy and communication with the spirit realm.  Our conversation also touches on the connections between Jesus' baptism and cosmic geography, as well as the relevance of ancient cultures like the Hurrians in understanding these themes. We focus on the place of Jesus' baptism, the land of Bashan, and the implications of megalithic structures exploring the legacy of the Nephilim and their connection to modern spiritual practices, including the role of artificial intelligence in shaping contemporary beliefs. 

THE GATES OF HELL is a real place. Jesus took his disciples on a 14-hour hike to declare his divinity there, which suggests there was something important about the place. The Iron and Myth crew joins us this month to discuss Sharon and Derek Gilbert's new book, The Gates of Hell: Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview with the Giant; Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods; and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and the new novels Judah Maccabee Parts 1 & 2.We delve into the concept of the 'Gates of Hell,' exploring its literal and metaphorical implications. We discuss the historical and spiritual significance of various locations, including Caesarea Philippi and Babel, and how these relate to ancient practices of necromancy and communication with the spirit realm.  Our conversation also touches on the connections between Jesus' baptism and cosmic geography, as well as the relevance of ancient cultures like the Hurrians in understanding these themes. We focus on the place of Jesus' baptism, the land of Bashan, and the implications of megalithic structures exploring the legacy of the Nephilim and their connection to modern spiritual practices, including the role of artificial intelligence in shaping contemporary beliefs.

I love This Church – Week #3 Connected to the Head and the Body Matthew 16:13-19 There is nothing that has the potential to bring change to the world like the local church When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,  “Who do people say that the Son of Man […]

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ Get a copy of the MM Companion Journal: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/journal ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 8:27–30 - [27] And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” [28] And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” [29] And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” [30] And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

In this episode, Ryan and Brian continue their discussion of Michael Heiser's The Unseen Realm, shifting focus from the Old Testament to the New Testament. They explore Heiser's “Deuteronomy 32 worldview,” which emphasizes spiritual beings, the Divine Council, and Jesus' mission to reclaim authority over the nations. The hosts dive into key New Testament passages, connecting them to Heiser's thesis about spiritual warfare, the role of demons, and the significance of Jesus' actions in the Gospels.Key Topics Discussed:The Divine Council and Deuteronomy 32 WorldviewRecap of Heiser's concept of the Divine Council: spiritual beings in God's presence, referenced in Psalms and Deuteronomy, who witness and participate in God's dominion.Heiser's “Deuteronomy 32 worldview” ties to Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel) and the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, where 70 nations are assigned to spiritual beings, while Israel remains under Yahweh's direct authority.Discussion of how this worldview shapes the understanding of spiritual dynamics in both Testaments.Jesus and the Twelve DisciplesThe hosts explore the symbolic significance of Jesus choosing 12 disciples, representing the 12 tribes of Israel (Mark 6:7-13).Jesus sends the 12 out with authority over impure spirits, a mission tied to preaching repentance and healing.Casting out demons is noted as unique to Jesus' ministry, absent in early Judaism and the Old Testament, suggesting a spiritual confrontation stirred by the announcement of God's kingdom.The Sending of the 70 (or 72)In Luke 10:1, Jesus sends out 70 (or 72, depending on the manuscript) disciples, which Heiser connects to the 70 nations in Genesis 10.This act symbolizes Jesus' authority over all nations, not just Israel, as a spiritual offensive against the powers assigned to those nations.The disciples return, reporting that “even the demons submit to your name” (Luke 10:17), prompting Jesus' declaration: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18).Jesus emphasizes rejoicing in salvation (“your names are written in heaven”) over power over spirits.Hades and Spiritual WarfareDiscussion of Hades as both the underworld and a Greek god, referenced in Revelation 6:8 (the pale horse and rider named Death, followed by Hades).Connection to Matthew 16:13-20, where Jesus, at Caesarea Philippi (near Mount Bashan, a place of pagan worship), declares, “On this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”Heiser interprets this as an offensive move: the church will break down the defensive “gates” of false gods, not merely resist them.The Transfiguration (Matthew 17) is also linked to this location, reinforcing Jesus' authority over spiritual realms.Paul's Perspective on Spiritual RealitiesIn 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Paul speaks of “the rulers of this age” who did not understand God's mystery, leading to Jesus' crucifixion. Heiser suggests these rulers are spiritual beings, not just human authorities, defeated through Jesus' death and resurrection.Ephesians 6:10-12 (the armor of God) emphasizes the battle against “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms,” aligning with Heiser's view of ongoing spiritual warfare.1 Corinthians 10:18-21 connects idol worship to “demons” (Greek: daimonion), which could also mean “gods” in the Septuagint (Deuteronomy 32:17). Paul warns against participating in sacrifices to these entities.1 Peter and the Imprisoned Spirits1 Peter 3:18-22 discusses Jesus' proclamation to “imprisoned spirits” after his resurrection, which Heiser ties to Genesis 6 and...

Matthew week 94   Matthew 15:39 ESV   39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.         Matthew 16:1-4 ESV   And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.       Matthew 16:5-12 ESV   5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 11 How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.       Matthew 16:13 ESV   13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”                                                   Matthew 16:14 ESV   14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”       Malachi 4:5 ESV   5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.       Matthew 16:15-16 ESV   15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”       John 1:41 ESV   41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).       John 1:49 ESV   49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”       Matthew 16:17-20 ESV   17 And Jesus answered 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 tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.                     Acts 1:8 ESV   8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”      

13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis? 14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis. 15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis? 16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. 17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est. 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. 19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelis

13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis? 14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis. 15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis? 16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. 17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est. 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. 19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelis.St Peter founded a branch of the Benedictine Order; the Celestines. Dragged forth from the solitude he loved, he was made Supreme Pontiff; he resigned the papacy in order to continue his hermit life. He died A.D. 1296.

Send us a textWe meet Peter on numerous occasions in the gospel narratives. He was the great confessor at Caesarea Philippi for all Twelve of the apostles when he declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." But we also encounter him at the last Passover with Jesus when he declared his unwavering loyalty, "Even if they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.  Peter said, "I will lay down my life for you." Jesus replied, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny me three times."Then tragically we read of his warming himself in the courtyard where Jesus was being interrogated. Three times he was ask if he was not a follower of Jesus. But he denied it. Even asserting, "I do not know the man." On tge third denial he even cursed in his denial! What will happen to Peter? Surely his sin has permanently disqualified him as chief of the Apostles.  John records for us the gentle beautiful interaction of Jesus with Peter on his third appearance to seven of the apostles. John 21:12-19.  Jesus asked Peter the love question.Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

We meet Peter on numerous occasions in the gospel narratives. He was the great confessor at Caesarea Philippi for all Twelve of the apostles when he declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." But we also encounter him at the last Passover with Jesus when he declared his unwavering loyalty, "Even if they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away. Peter said, "I will lay down my life for you." Jesus replied, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny me three times." Then tragically we read of his warming himself in the courtyard where Jesus was being interrogated. Three times he was ask if he was not a follower of Jesus. But he denied it. Even asserting, "I do not know the man." On tge third denial he even cursed in his denial! What will happen to Peter? Surely his sin has permanently disqualified him as chief of the Apostles. John records for us the gentle beautiful interaction of Jesus with Peter on his third appearance to seven of the apostles. John 21:12-19. Jesus asked Peter the love question.

 13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis? 14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis. 15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis? 16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. 17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est. 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. 19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelisSt Pius V, of the Order of Preachers, was a pope of great sanctity. His pontificate was one of the most glorious. He enforced obedience to the decrees of the Council of Trent and revised the Missal and the Breviary. He died A.D. 1572.

Daily Dose of Hope April 23, 2025 Day 3 of Week 4   Scripture – Mark 9:1-29   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you today rejoicing in your powerful name.  Thank you for who you are and all you do.  Thank you for loving us.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts, help us set aside distractions, and truly focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, we want to hear your voice...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are starting Mark 9, where we read about the transfiguration and Jesus casting a demon out of a little boy.   The Scripture says that Jesus took Peter, James, and John, to the top of a mountain, most likely Mt. Hermon because it was close to Caesarea Philippi. Mark writes that Jesus was transfigured before him. His clothes became a dazzling white, whiter than any bleach could every make them. Put yourself in the position of these three men. They had only known the flesh and blood Jesus. We know Jesus as risen Lord and Savior. I think we would expect him to wear dazzling white robes and be all shiny and glorious. But they didn't. Right before their very eyes, they get a glimpse of Jesus' glory and it was totally unexpected. Jesus was radiating the very presence of God and they got to see it firsthand.   Moses and Elijah appeared before them and they were talking to Jesus. We don't quite know why Moses and Elijah appear on the mountain with Jesus except that they were two Old Testament figures that anticipated the coming of Jesus, the final prophet to come and deliver God's people once and for all. Their work, their ministries, are basically fulfilled by the person of Jesus. They are servants of God but they weren't God. Jesus, on the other hand, is God and the disciples get a glimpse of that right here.   But there is something about being confronted by the power and glory of God which can make us uncomfortable and even fearful. In awe, yes, but also frightened. Maybe you've been there. Peter is there. He struggles to simply rest in the presence of God's glory. He doesn't know what to do or say so he blurts out, “let's set up three shelters–one for you, Jesus, and one for Moses and Elijah.” Now, Peter is referring to the festival of booths or tabernacles which faithful Jews participating in every year. They make structures in their yards as a sign of when God will tabernacle with his people. So, this might seem like a weird thing for Peter to say to us but it wasn't too off the wall. He is like, “umm...I think God is tabernacling with us and we need to make the shelters.” He is kind of panicky. It seemed like a good thought at the time. What Peter doesn't quite understand ye tis that before his eyes God's dwelling with humanity is present, for Jesus is the new tabernacle of God dwelling with humanity. The shelters aren't needed. God is present with his people through Jesus Christ.   That's all pretty amazing but the mountaintop experience isn't done yet. There is a cloud that appears and covers them–remember the presence and glory of God appeared in a cloud in the tabernacle and throughout the Old Testament. And here is the presence of God appearing before them and the voice of God says “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Jesus is clearly set apart from Moses and Elijah, only he is God's Son, the one to be listened to, the embodied presence of God.   There is something about mountain-top transfigurative experiences–times in which we get a glimpse of the glory and presence of God in our lives. I'm hoping you have each had some kind of mountaintop experience in your walk with Jesus, times in which the veil was removed, you've gotten a taste of the presence of God. These are times in which we are confronted with God's power and it can't help but change us. Think about a time in which you were confronted with God's glory and power.  Reflect on that moment.  How did it change your spiritual journey?   If you haven't experienced God's glory in that way, then this is the perfect time to pray for it!   Today, we also read about Jesus healing a boy who was consumed by a demonic spirit.  He had been that way his whole life, and the evil spirit had often thrown him into fires and other dangerous scenarios.  The disciples who did not go up the mountain with Jesus tried to heal the boy of the evil spirit but nothing happened.  So Jesus came back from the mountain just in time.  He is easily able to cast out the spirit and the boy is healed.    Later, the disciples ask Jesus why they couldn't do the miracle.  Afterall, they were working under Jesus' calling.  But Jesus said that some kinds (of evil spirits presumably) can only be cast out by prayer.  What did this mean?   Just because God has called us to ministry and we say yes, doesn't mean that we have the power to do that ministry.  We don't, absolutely not.  It's God working through us every single time, every single day.  The disciples did not have the power to do the miracle.  It's possible they were trying to cast out the demon in their own strength.  Afterall, Jesus had told them to go do so and there were times in which they had been successful.  But they needed the power of God in them, they needed to recognize it wasn't them, it was Almighty God.   This is the scary thing:  There is a lot we can do in ministry in our own power.  We can create great programs.  We can have good counseling.  We can say brilliant prayers and lead amazing Bible studies.  We can even give decent sermons.  But none of it is anointed.  And that will only take us so far.  It's also really dangerous.  We begin to think it's about us and our skills rather than Jesus Christ.  We honor ourselves rather than God.  Ministry without Jesus at the center will eventually fail.  The power is always in Jesus.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope April 22, 2025 Day 2 of Week 4   Scripture – Mark 8:22-38   Prayer:  Holy and Merciful God, Thank you for a new day and thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Help us, Lord, gather our scattered thoughts and focus on you and your Word.  In these next few moments of silence, help us be still and know that you are God...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope.  Today, we are finishing up Mark 8.  There is a lot to cover so I'm going to do my best to do this text justice.   The portion from yesterday that we didn't get to cover was the healing of the blind man, verses 22-26.  This is the only miracle that Jesus does in stages.  I think we need to start by saying that Jesus didn't fail to heal in the first part and needed to try again.  Jesus could have healed him instantaneously if he chose to do so.  He had done it many times before.  Why not now?    We could probably draw a lot of different conclusions.  But what makes the most sense to me is that physical and spiritual healings often don't happen all at once.  They can be multi-step, gradual processes.  Jesus is at work in every single part.  Answers to prayers are the same way.  Sometimes, they come quickly and other times, they are given a little bit at a time.  Regardless, we trust Jesus.   After this healing, there is a pretty big shift in the chapter.  Jesus takes his disciples on a retreat of sorts up in Caesarea Philippi, in the northern part of Israel.  Maybe it's to get away from the crowds, maybe it's so they can speak more freely.  It was a quiet place at the headwaters of the Jordan River but also a place filled with idol worship and signs of Roman occupation everywhere.  And it's here that Jesus decides he is going to settle his identity with these men.    Jesus asks each of them, “Who do people say I am?”  And they list a few things.  Then, he asks them, “Who do you say I am?”  And it's Peter that speaks up, we can assume he was speaking for the disciples, and he says, “You are the Messiah, Son of the Living God.”  The term “Messiah” was the Hebrew word for God's anointed, it was a title.  Peter is saying you are the anointed one, chosen, set apart by God, the Messiah.    Throughout the Old Testament, there are many, many verses that point to the Messiah delivering the Hebrew people from captivity, from pagan kings.  The Jews expected the Messiah to deliver them from Roman occupation via military might.  That was the expectation.  The Christ, the Messiah is the one who God sent to deliver his people, to make things right for them – the one they had been waiting for hundreds of years.  When Peter says this, you are the Messiah, he doesn't quite understand how Jesus is going to deliver them.  No one really got it that the Messiah would be the one to deliver people, not from the Roman occupiers, but from their own sin.  When Peter calls Jesus the Messiah, he gets the title right.  But we soon find out, he got the meaning wrong.  He wanted Messiah to mean what he wanted it to mean.  At this point, the disciples still think this is going to be a very earthly kingdom and they will be sitting on 12 thrones.  And then we have Jesus saying that actually, I am going to Jerusalem and I will be rejected by the chief priests.  I am going to killed there and will rise again in three days.  And the Scripture says that Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him.  Here is where we miss something significant in English.  In the Greek, this word rebuke is much stronger.  Peter is really laying into Jesus here, saying “This is not the way it's going to be.  This is not what we signed up for.”  Jesus doesn't miss a beat.  He rebukes Peter and makes that very famous statement, “Get behind me Satan.”  Peter doesn't understand that the ways of the world are not like the ways of God.  As much as I try to understand this, I think I'm definitely still learning. Jesus goes on to talk about what it means to really follow him.  (This is what I'm preaching on this Sunday so you are getting a sneak peek.)  Jesus actually expects his disciples to follow him on this path of suffering and death.  After telling them that they don't understand the mind of God, he says this very hard thing, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.  Jesus is not asking for a small thing – he is asking for self-denial and cross-bearing.  What does this mean?  Basically, self-denial means our primary focus is not ourself and our own needs, our own pleasure, our own ambitions, our own desires, you get it.  Our primary focus becomes JESUS and his values, his Kingdom, what brings Jesus glory.  Bearing one's cross was and is a show of complete and utter submission. It was the condemned person in the Roman world that had to carry their cross before their own execution.  Thus, a call to bear one's cross as part of following Jesus is a call to be as submitted to Christ as the condemned criminal was to his death.  When Jesus says this, he's claiming authority. Following Christ means disowning the self and giving allegiance to him instead. And it means giving him allegiance down to the very depths of our being.   Some of you might think this doesn't sound very appealing.  The irony here is that the more we surrender to Jesus, the more of ourselves we yield to him, the more free and peaceful we become.  We are not our own.  We belong to Jesus and ultimately, that leads to hope, love, and freedom like no other.  How have you experienced this?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Join us for a compelling episode as we journey through the biblical landscapes of Caesarea Philippi and Mount Hermon, unveiling hidden meanings behind Jesus' provocative declaration. Explore the vivid imagery of spiritual confrontation and victory as Jesus stands at the gates of hell, prompting His disciples to recognize His divine identity. Witness the unfolding of God's grand narrative, from Peter's bold confession to the ultimate triumph of faith over darkness, as we prepare our hearts for the profound events of Holy Week.

Who is Jesus Christ? This fundamental question shapes the core of Christian faith and personal belief. Explore the historical setting of Caesarea Philippi, where pagan temples and political power converged, creating the backdrop for Peter's revolutionary confession of Jesus as Messiah and Son of God. Understand the significance of this declaration in challenging both political and religious authorities of the time. Discover how this ancient question remains relevant today, demanding a personal response that affects every aspect of life. Learn about the historical context, competing religious beliefs, and the implications of recognizing Jesus as either the cornerstone of faith or a stumbling block.

  Your life journey and mine have been filled with ‘defining moments’ which sometimes affect the rest of our lives. For the past three days in our “Walking with Jesus” journey we’ve been experiencing a ‘defining moment’ with Jesus and His disciples at Caesarea Philippi as recorded for us in Matthew 16.  Today the story continues with another ‘defining moment’ as Jesus is preparing His disciples for what Jesus knows will happen on Passover/Easter weekend, only a few weeks away, but the disciples don’t have any idea, nor could they imagine it!  (Click here to see full text, images and links)   Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

   Yesterday we began an exciting, several week journey with Jesus and His disciples, as we walk together, toward Easter. If you missed yesterday, I urge you to go to our Daily Archives tab and catch up with us, so you understand where we are, where we are going and why.  I left you yesterday standing with Jesus and His disciples at Caesarea Philippi looking out over a remarkable scene of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people engaged in business, worshiping their idols at the cliff niches, watering their animals and of course lots of talking as they share news of their part of the world. (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

Today we look at the thirteenth saying in the Gospel of Thomas. “Jesus said to his disciples, "Compare me to someone and tell me whom I am like." Simon Peter said to him, "You are like a righteous angel." Matthew said to him, "You are like a wise philosopher." Thomas said to him, "Master, my mouth is wholly incapable of saying whom you are like." Jesus said, "I am not your master. Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated from the bubbling spring which I have measured out." And he took him and withdrew and told him three things. When Thomas returned to his companions, they asked him, "What did Jesus say to you?" Thomas said to them, "If I tell you one of the things which he told me, you will pick up stones and throw them at me; a fire will come out of the stones and burn you up." This saying in the Gospel of Thomas stands in clear contrast with the famous passage in the canonical gospels where Peter gives his famous confession of faith.  The Gospel of Mark says: “Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.”In Matthew's gospel Peter gives a longer and more famous answer: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”The difference between the canonical and noncanonical accounts is the difference between traditional Christianity and Christian nonduality. View Marshall's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marshall-Davis/author/B001K8Y0RU

What if the Bible portrays the world as divided into spiritual territories ruled by supernatural beings? This episode explores how ancient Israel and surrounding cultures understood “holy ground” and cosmic geography. We'll uncover why locations like Mount Hermon, Caesarea Philippi, and Babylon held spiritual significance and how Jesus' ministry directly confronted the powers of darkness.undergodpodcast.com

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Mark 8:27-33 - Jesus and His disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to Him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then He warned them not to tell anyone about Him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke him. At this He turned around and, looking at His disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3)  How to make a good examination of conscience and a good confession 4) Spiritual Warfare: The Masculine Biblical Theology of Prayer https://catholicexchange.com/spiritual-warfare-the-masculine-biblical-theology-of-prayer/

Gospel Mark 8:27-33 Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.”   Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”  Reflection To know someone's name is one thing. But to know who they really are, to know their heart, to know their purpose in life is quite different. And here we see Peter with the correct answer as to who Christ really is. He is the anointed one, the one that was promised, the one that will redeem the world and destroy sin. So when he begins to tell them for the first time, that he's going to go through something very difficult for them to understand. And he says the words so clearly, listen, I have to die, and I'll come back in three days. And Peter looks at him, unaware of what is spoken in Scripture and says, this is awful. This is terrible. This can't happen. And then Jesus reminds him, you think as humans think, but one day you'll think as God thinks, and you'll know me and experience me in your hearts. Closing Prayer Father, I wonder often how many times you made yourself so clear about teachings, and yet we still as human beings have a hard time understanding because we really don't know the God you are. We have so many misconceptions of who you are as a divine being. And so the things that you say we don't understand because we don't know you. Open our hearts, our minds, so we can really see you God, as you are. Incarnate in Jesus, longing to be the source of life for every single one of us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Read OnlineJesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Mark 8:27In answer to this question, the disciples informed Jesus that some thought He was “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” But then Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was. It was Peter who responded by saying, “You are the Christ.”As we ponder this exchange between Jesus and the disciples, try to hear our Lord ask you the same question. “But who do you say that I am?” Though you most likely will find this easy to answer on an intellectual level, don't answer it too quickly. Think about it. Deep within your soul, what do you believe about Jesus?Though Peter's answer is the correct answer, it's important to ponder what that actually means. This is especially evident by the fact that as soon as Jesus began to explain His mission as the Christ, Peter could not accept it. Jesus explained to Peter and the other disciples that, as the Christ, he would “suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days.” In other words, Jesus wanted the disciples to understand the essence of His mission. His mission was one in which He would become the sacrificial Lamb of God and die for our sins. But this was too much for the disciples to immediately understand, accept and embrace with gratitude.Do you understand, accept and embrace this primary mission of Jesus? Do you understand that because of the sins you have personally committed, you need a Savior? Do you understand that the consequences of your sins are death? Eternal death? And do you further understand that it is only by Jesus' death that all sin and death are destroyed?Sometimes we can fall into the fallacy of thinking that Jesus is only an inspirational figure Who teaches us how we should live. And though that is true, Jesus is so much more. He is the one and only way to Heaven. Without His death and resurrection we cannot attain Heaven. He is the one and only Savior. The Lamb Who was slain for our sins. The one and only source of eternal redemption. The exclusive bridge between Heaven and humanity. And though you might understand this intellectually to a certain extent, your faith in this fact must enter deeply into your soul so that you can believe it and embrace His gift of eternal salvation within the deepest core of your being. This takes a radical understanding, acceptance and embrace if we are to truly receive the gift of Jesus' life. Reflect, today, upon how you would answer this question from our Lord. “Who do YOU say that I am?” If you are to answer this correctly, then it requires that you continually deepen your understanding, acceptance and full embrace of the saving mission of our Lord. Though this is a lifelong process, we must never stop entering more deeply into this divine mystery and gift so that we will become completely transformed by the life, death and resurrection of He Who is the Christ of God. Saving Lord, please open my mind and heart to You more deeply this day and every day of my life. May I continually go deeper in my faith and understanding of You and Your divine mission of salvation. As I do, please transform me more and more so that I will be more fully disposed to receive all that You came to bestow upon me. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Pieter Coecke van Aelst, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons