Podcasts about Cephas

Mark 16:1-8 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin take comfort that the angel has the women tell Peter specifically that he is to go meet Jesus in Galilee.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23868The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Welcome to another conversation with a member of Citizens, talking about how the Lord has been at work in their life. This episode, we learn more about Jackson Boatwright.Talking points include church family, Broadway, learning to lead worship, and being a fiancé.To learn more about our church, visit citizenscharlotte.comThe intro/outro music for this podcast is “Existence” by Cephas, licensed through Adobe Stock.

On this week's episode of "Sights + Sounds Picks," singer Nia Cephas gives her arts and culture suggestions happening in the Bay Area.

Sa video na ito, magre-react tayo sa pangalawang cross-examination ng Katoliko vs Iglesia ni Cristo debate nina Karl Keating at Jose Ventilacion, kung saan ang main topic ay kung si Peter ba talaga ang Rock na tinutukoy ni Cristo. Makikita dito kung paano kinorner ni Karl Keating si Ventilacion sa tanong na matagal niyang iniwasan—at kung paanong umabot sa word games, pagbago-bago ng Bible versions, at 3-vs-1 na setup ang debate. Tatalakayin din natin kung bakit mahalaga ang context ng Cephas, Peter, at Petra, at kung bakit hindi logical na biglang nagpalit ng subject si Jesus sa Matthew 16 kung Siya mismo ang rock. Kung interesado ka sa Catholic apologetics at gusto mong makita kung paano humarap ang catholic faith defenders sa mga argumento ng Church of Christ (INC), panoorin mo hanggang dulo at i-comment kung sa tingin mo fair ba ang laban.

On today's show singer and cellist Mia Pixley has a new album that challenges long-held beliefs about darkness. Then, West Oakland-based guitarist and singer Nia Cephas talks about her debut album. And, former "X-Factor" contestant Jason Brock is planning a jolly, good time for his upcoming holiday show.

[Slide 1] Today, I'd like to do something a little different. Today I'll preach a message that has already been preached at least one time before. Although we aren't sure when this sermon was preached originally, I do know that it is over 300 years old. The original composer was Dr. Thomas Manton. I have preached a sermon from the past before. Why do I do this? For several reasons actually but the most important reason is that every time I've preached a message like this, it has been abundantly relevant to our time even though it is separated from us by centuries. This proves not the wisdom of the man, but the living nature of the Word of God and how it transcends through all generations. [Slide 2] But let me tell you a bit about Dr. Thomas Manton… Born in Somerset in 1620 from a long line of ministers. He was ordained by Bishop Hall at the age of nineteen. He served as a chaplain to the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. Yet Manton was firmly opposed to the execution of Charles I, causing considerable offence by preaching against it before Parliament. Later he was instrumental in the restoration of Charles II and became a Royal Chaplain. But when offered the Deanery of Rochester he chose rather to suffer with his Puritan brethren in the Great Ejection of 1662. Preaching afterward in his own home he was imprisoned for his ministry. Manton died in 1677, after a lifetime of rich and practical biblical ministry. [Slide 3] The following sermon “Sermon LXX (70)” is included in Several Sermons upon Psalm 119, which contains 190 sermons and was his crowning achievement as a pastor. One quick note. I haven't abridged and translated very little of this sermon. Therefore, it is necessary for you to pay extra close attention as the language will be understandable – but challenging. Keep your eyes on the screen since the outline of the sermon will appear there. It should help you stay with me. But you must be extra attentive listeners today if you are to understand Dr. Manton's sermon. From this point on, all the words I say until the prayer at the end, will be Thomas Manton's Words with few alterations. [Slide 4] At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee, because of thy righteous judgments.—Ver. 62. In these words observe three things:— 1. David's holy employment, or the duty promised, giving thanks to God. 2. His earnestness and fervency, implied in the time mentioned, at midnight I will rise; rather interrupt his sleep and rest than God should want his praise. 3. The cause or matter of his thanksgiving, because of thy righteous judgments, whereby he meaneth the dispensations of his providence in delivering the godly and punishing the wicked according to his word… [Slide 5] [Which establishes 3 doctrines] Doct. 1. One special duty wherein the people of God should be much exercised is thanksgiving. Doct. 2. That, God's providence rightly considered, we shall in the worst times find much more cause to give thanks than to complain. Doct. 3. That a heart deeply affected with God's providence will take all occasions to praise God and give thanks to his name, both in season and out of season. [Slide 6] Doct. 1. One special duty wherein the people of God should be much exercised is thanksgiving. This duty is often pressed upon us: Heb. 13:15, ‘Let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually, which is the fruit of our lips;' giving thanks unto his name. There are two words there used, praise and thanksgiving: generally taken, they are the same; strictly taken, thanksgiving differeth from praise. They agree that we use our voice in thanksgiving, as we do also in praise, for they are both said to be the fruit of our lips. What is in the prophet Hosea, chap. 14:2, ‘calves of our lips,' is in the Septuagint, ‘the fruit of our lips;' and they both agree that they are a sacrifice offered to our supreme benefactor, or that they belong to the thank-offerings of the gospel. But they differ in that thanksgiving belongeth to benefits bestowed on ourselves or others; but in relation to us, praise to any excellency whatsoever. Thanksgiving may be in word or deed; praise in words only. Well, then, thanksgiving is a sensible acknowledgment of favours received, or an expression of our sense of them, by word and work, to the praise of the bestower. The object of it is the works of God as beneficial unto us, or to those who are related to us, or in whose good or ill we are concerned. As public persons, as magistrates: 1 Tim. 2:1, 2, ‘I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplication, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority.' Pastors of the church: 2 Cor. 1:11, ‘You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.' Or our kindred according to the flesh, or some bond of Christian duty: Rom. 12:15, ‘Rejoice with them that do rejoice.' Another place where this duty is enforced is Eph. 5:20, where we are bidden to ‘give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;' where you see it is a duty of a universal and perpetual use, and one wherein the honour of God and Christ is much concerned. A third place is 1 Thes. 5:18, ‘In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.' See what reason he urgeth; the express will of God requiring this worship at our hands. We are to obey by the insight of the will. God's will is the fundamental reason of our obedience in every commandment; but here is a direct charge, now God hath made known the wonders of his love in Christ. [Slide 7] I shall prove to you that this is a necessary duty, a profitable duty, a pleasant and delightful duty. [Slide 8] 1. The necessity of being much and often in thanksgiving will appear by these two considerations:— [1.] [Slide 9] Because God is continually beneficial to us, blessing and delivering his people every day, and by new mercies giveth us new matter of praise and thanksgiving: Ps. 68:19, ‘Blessed be the God of our salvation, who loadeth us daily with his benefits, Selah.' He hath continually favoured us and preserved us, and poured his benefits upon us. The mercies of every day make way for songs which may sweeten our rest in the night; and his giving us rest by night, and preserving us in our sleep, when we could not help ourselves, giveth us songs in the morning. And all the day long we find new matter of praise: our whole work is divided between receiving and acknowledging. [2.] [Slide 10] Some mercies are so general and beneficial that they should never be forgotten, but remembered before God every day. Such as redemption by Christ: Ps. 111:4, ‘He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered.' We must daily be blessing God for Jesus Christ: 2 Cor. 9:15, ‘Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.' I understand it of his grace by Christ. We should ever be thus blessing and praising him; for the keeping of his great works in memory is the foundation of all love and service to God. 2. [Slide 11] It is a profitable duty. The usefulness of thanksgiving appeareth with respect to faith, love, and obedience. [1.] [Slide 12] With respect to faith. Faith and praise live and die together; if there be faith, there will be praise; and if there be praise, there will be faith. If faith, there will be praise, for faith is a bird that can sing in winter: Ps. 56:4, ‘In God will I praise his word, in God have I put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me;' and ver. 10, ‘In God I will praise his word, in the Lord I will praise his word.' His word is satisfaction enough to a gracious heart; if they have his word, they can praise him beforehand, for the grounds of hope before they have enjoyment. As Abraham, when he had not a foot in the land of Canaan, yet built an altar and offered sacrifices of thanksgiving, because of God's grant and the future possession in his posterity. Then, whether he punisheth or pitieth, we will praise him and glory in him. Faith entertaineth the promise before performance cometh, not only with confidence, but with delight and praise. The other part is, if praise, there will be faith; that is, supposing the praise real, for it raiseth our faith to expect the like again, having received so much grace already. All God's praises are the believer's advantage, the mercy is many times given as a pledge of more mercy. In many cases God will give gifts. If life, he will give food and bodily raiment. It holdeth good in spiritual things. If Christ, other things with Christ. One concession draweth another; if he spares me, he will feed me, clothe me. The attributes from whence the mercy cometh is the pillar of the believer's confidence and hope. If such a good, then a fit object of trust. If I have found him a God hearing prayer, ‘I will call upon him as long as I live,' Ps. 116:2. Praise doth but provide matter of trust, and represent God to us as a storehouse of all good things, and a sure foundation for dependence. [2.] [Slide 13] The great respect it hath to love. Praise and thanksgiving is an act of love, and then it cherisheth and feedeth love. It is an act of love to God, for if we love God we will praise him. Prayer is a work of necessity, but praise a mere work of duty and respect to God. We would exalt him more in our own hearts and in the hearts of others: Ps. 71:14, ‘I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.' We pray because we need God, and we praise him because we love him. Self-love will put us upon prayer, but the love of God upon praise and thanksgiving; then we return to give him the glory. Those that seek themselves will cry to him in their distress; but those that love God cannot endure that he should be without his due honour. In heaven, when other graces and duties cease, which belong to this imperfect state, as faith and repentance cease, yet love remaineth; and because love remaineth, praise remaineth, which is our great employment in the other world. So it feedeth and cherisheth love, for every benefit acknowledged is a new fuel to keep in the fire: Ps. 18:1, ‘I will love thee, O Lord, my strength;' Ps. 116:1, ‘I will love the Lord, who hath heard the voice of my supplications;' Deut. 30:20, ‘That thou mayest love the Lord, who is thy life, and the length of thy days.' The soul by praise is filled with a sense of the mercy and goodness of God, so that hereby he is made more amiable to us. [3.] [Slide 14] With respect to submission and obedience to his laws and providence. (1.) His laws. The greatest bond of duty upon the fallen creature is gratitude. Now grateful we cannot be without a sensible and explicit acknowledgment of his goodness to us: the more frequent and serious in that, the more doth our love constrain us to devote ourselves to God: Rom. 12:1, ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present yourselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.' To live to him: 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, ‘For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead, and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.' And therefore praise and thanksgiving is a greater help to the spiritual life than we are usually aware of; for, working in us a sense of God's love, and an actual remembrance of his benefits (as it will do if rightly performed), it doth make us shy of sin, more careful and solicitous to do his will. Shall we offend so good a God? God's love to us is a love of bounty; our love to God is a love of duty, when we grudge not to live in subjection to him: 1 John 5:3, ‘His commandments are not grievous.' (2.) Submission to his providence. There is a querulous and sour spirit which is natural to us, always repining and murmuring at God's dealing, and wasting and vexing our spirits in heartless complaints. Now, this fretting, quarrelling, impatient humour, which often showeth itself against God even in our prayers and supplications, is quelled by nothing so much as by being frequent in praises and thanksgivings: Job 1:21, ‘The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.' It is an act of holy prudence in the saints, when they are under any trouble, to strain themselves to the quite contrary duty of what temptations and corruptions would drive them unto. When the temptation is laid to make us murmur and swell at God's dealings, we should on the contrary bless and give thanks. And therefore the Psalmist doth so frequently sing praises in the saddest condition. There is no perfect defeating the temptation but by studying matter of praise, and to set seriously about the duty. So Job 2:10, ‘Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?' Shall we receive so many proofs of the love of God, and quarrel at a few afflictions that come from the same hand, and rebel against his providence when he bringeth on some needful trouble for our trial and exercise? and having tasted so much of his bounty and love, repine and fret at every change of dealing, though it be useful to purge out our corruptions, and promote our communion with God? Surely nothing can be extremely evil that cometh from this good hand. As we receive good things cheerfully and contentedly, so must we receive evil things submissively and patiently. [Slide 15] 3. It is a most delightful work to remember the many thousand mercies God hath bestowed on the church, ourselves, and friends. To remember his gracious word and all the passages of his providence; is this burdensome to us? Ps. 147:1, ‘Praise ye the Lord, for it is pleasant;' and Ps. 135:3, ‘Sing praises unto his name, for it is pleasant.' Next to necessity, profit; next to profit, pleasure. No necessity so great as spiritual necessity, because our eternal well-being or ill-being dependeth on it; and beggary is nothing to being found naked in the great day. No profit so great as spiritual; that is not to be measured by the good things of this world, or a little pelf, or the great mammon, which so many worship; but some spiritual and divine benefit, which tendeth to make us spiritually better, more like God, more capable of communion with him: that is true profit, it is an increase of faith, love, and obedience. So for pleasure and delight; that which truly exhilarateth the soul, begets upon us a solid impression of God's love, that is the true pleasure. Carnal pleasures are unwholesome for you, like luscious fruits, which make you sick. Nothing is so hard of digestion as carnal pleasures. This feedeth the flesh, warreth against the soul; but this holy delight that resulteth from the serious remembrance of God, and setting forth his excellences and benefits, is safe and healthful, and doth cheer us but not hurt us. [Slide 16] Use. Oh, then, let us be oftener in praising and giving thanks to God! Can you receive so much, and beg so much, and never think of a return or any expression of gratitude? Is there such a being as God, have you all your supplies from him, and will you not take some time to acknowledge what he hath done for your souls? Either you must deny his being, and then you are atheists; or you must deny his providence, and then you are epicureans, next door to atheism; or you must deny such a duty as praise and thanksgiving, and then you are anti-scripturists, for the scripture everywhere calleth for it at our hands; or else, if you neglect this duty, you live in flat contradiction to what you profess to believe, and then you are practical atheists, and practical epicureans, and practical anti-scripturists; and so your condemnation will be the greater, because you own the truth but deny the practice. I beseech you, therefore, to be often alone with God, and that in a way of thanksgiving, to increase your love, faith, and obedience, and delight in God. Shall I use arguments to you? [Slide 17] 1. Have you received nothing from God? I put this question to you, because great is our unthankfulness, not only for common benefits, but also for special deliverances—the one not noted and observed, the other not improved. Humble persons will find matter of praise in very common benefits, but we forget even signal mercies. Therefore, I say, have you received nothing? Now, consider, is there no return due? You know the story, Luke 17:15–19, Christ healed ten lepers, and but one of them ‘returned and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down at his feet giving thanks, and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed, but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.' All had received a like benefit, but one only returned, and he a Gentile and no Jew, to acknowledge the mercy. They were made whole by a miraculous providence, he was made whole by a more gracious dispensation: ‘Thy faith hath made thee whole;' he was dismissed with a special blessing. God scattereth his benefits upon all mankind, but how few own the supreme benefactor! Surely a sensible heart seeth always new occasions of praising God, and some old occasions that must always be remembered, always for life, and peace, and safety, and daily provision; and always for Christ, and the hopes of eternal life. Surely if we have the comfort, God should have the glory: Ps. 96:8, ‘Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name, bring an offering, and come into his courts.' He that hath scattered his seed expecteth a crop from you. [Slide 18] 2. How disingenuous is it to be always craving, and never giving thanks! It is contrary to his directions in the word; for he showeth us there that all our prayers should be mingled with a thankful sense and acknowledgment of his mercies: Phil. 4:6, ‘In everything let your requests and supplications be made known with thanksgiving.' Do not come only in a complaining way: Col. 4:2, ‘Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.' They are not holy requests unless we acknowledge what he hath done for us, as well as desire him to do more. Nothing more usual than to come in our necessities to seek help; but we do not return, when we have received help and relief, to give thanks. When our turn is served, we neglect God. Wants urge us more than blessings, our interest swayeth us more than duty. As a dog swalloweth every bit that is cast to him, and still looketh for more, we swallow whatever the bounty of God casteth out to us without thanks, and when we need again, we would have more, and though warm in petitions, yet cold, rare, infrequent in gratitude. It is not only against scripture, but against nature. Ethnics abhor the ungrateful, that were still receiving, but forgetting to give thanks. It is against justice to seek help of God, and when we have it to make no more mention of God than if we had it from ourselves. It is against truth; we make many promises in our affliction, but forget all when well at ease. [Slide 19] 3. God either takes away or blasts the mercies which we are not thankful for. Sometimes he taketh them from us: Hosea 2:8, 9, ‘I will take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and I will recover my wool and flax.' Why? ‘She doth not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and gave her silver and gold.' Where his kindness is not taken notice of, nor his hand seen and acknowledged, he will take his benefits to himself again. We know not the value of mercies so much by their worth as by their want. God must set things at a distance to make us value them. If he take them not away, yet many times he blasts them as to their natural use: Mal. 2:2, ‘And if you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yea, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.' The creature is a deaf-nut; when we come to crack it, we have not the natural blessing as to health, strength, and cheerfulness, or if food, yet not gladness of heart with it; or we have not the sanctified use, it is not a mercy that leadeth us to God. A thing is sanctified if it cometh from God and leadeth us to God: 1 Cor. 3:21–23, ‘All things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, for you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.' You have a covenant right, a holy use. [Slide 20] 4. Bless him for favours received, and you shall have more. Thanksgiving is the kindly way of petitioning, and the more thankful for mercies, the more they are increased upon us. Vapours drawn up from the earth return in showers to the earth again. The sea poureth out its fulness into the rivers, and all rivers return to the sea from whence they came: Ps. 67:5, 6, ‘Let the people praise thee, O God; yea, let all the people praise thee: then shall the earth yield her increase, and God, even our own God, shall bless us.' It is not only true of outward increase, but of spiritual also: Col. 2:7, ‘Be ye rooted in the faith, and abound therein with thanksgiving.' If we give thanks for so much grace as we have already received, it is the way to increase our store. We thrive no more, get no more victory over our corruptions, because we do no more give thanks. [Slide 21] 5. When God's common mercies are well observed or well improved, it fits us for acts of more special kindness. In the story of the lepers—Luke 17:19, ‘Thy faith hath made thee whole,'—he met not only with a bodily cure, but a soul cure: Luke 16:11, ‘If, therefore, ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?' When we suspect a vessel leaketh, we try it with water before we fill it with wine. You are upon your trial; be thankful for less, God will give you more. [Slide 22] Means or directions:— [1.] Heighten all the mercies you have by all the circumstances necessary to be considered. By the nature and kind of them: spiritual eternal blessings first; the greatest mercies deserve greatest acknowledgment: Eph. 1:3, ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ'—Christ's spirit, pardon of sins, heaven, the way of salvation known, accepted, and the things of the world as subordinate helps. Luke 10:20, ‘Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.' [Slide 23] Then consider your sense in the want of mercies; what high thoughts had you then of them? The mercies are the same when you have them and when you want them, only your apprehensions are greater. If affectionately begged they must be affectionately acknowledged, else you are a hypocrite either in the supplication or gratulation. [Slide 24] Consider the person giving, God, so high and glorious. A small remembrance from a great prince, no way obliged, no way needing me, to whom I can be no way profitable, a small kindness melts us, a gift of a few pounds, a little parcel of land. Do I court him and observe him? There is less reason why God should abase himself to look upon us or concern himself in us: Ps. 113:6, ‘He humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth.' We have all things from him. [Slide 25] Consider the person receiving; so unworthy: Gen. 32:10, ‘I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast showed unto thy servant;' 2 Sam. 7:18, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?' [Slide 26] Consider the season; our greatest extremity is God's opportunity: Gen. 22:14, ‘In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen,' when the knife was at the throat of his son; 2 Cor. 1:9, 10, ‘We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God, which raiseth the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver; in whom we trust, that he will yet deliver us.' [Slide 27] Consider the end and fruit of his mercy; it is to manifest his special love to us, and engage our hearts to himself: Isa. 38:17, ‘Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption,' or ‘thou hast loved me from the grave;' otherwise God may give things in anger. [Slide 28] Consider the means by which he brought them about, when unlikely, unexpected in themselves, weak, insufficient. The greatest matters of providence hang many times upon small wires: a lie brought Joseph into prison, and a dream fetched him out, and he was advanced, and Jacob's family fed. Consider the number of his mercies: Ps. 139:17, ‘How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!' The many failings pardoned, comforts received, dangers prevented, deliverances granted. How he began with us before all time, conducted us in time, and hath been preparing for us a happiness which we shall enjoy when time shall be no more. [Slide 29] [2.] Satisfy yourselves with no praise and thanksgiving but what leaveth the impression of real effects upon the soul; for God is not flattered with empty praises and a little verbal commendation. There is a twofold praising of God—by expressive declaration or by objective impression. Now, neither expression nor impression must be excluded. Some platonical divines explode and scoff at the verbal praise more than becometh their reverence to the word of God: Ps. 50:23, ‘He that offereth praise glorifieth me.' But then the impression must be looked after too, that we be like that God whom we commend and extol, that we depend on him more, love him more fervently, serve him more cheerfully. [Slide 30] Doct. 2. That God's providence rightly considered, we shall find in the worst times much more cause to give thanks than to complain. I observe this because David was now under affliction. He had in the former verse complained that ‘the bands of the wicked had robbed him,' yet even then would he give thanks to God. [Slide 31] 1. Observe here, the matter of his thanksgiving was God's providence according to his word, seen in executing threatenings on the wicked, and performing his promises to the godly. God's word is one of the chiefest benefits bestowed on man, and therefore should be a subject of our praises. Now, when this is verified in his providence, and we see a faithful performance of those things in mercy to his servants, and in justice to his enemies, and the benefits and advantages of his law to them that are obedient, and the just punishment of the disobedient, and can discern not only a vein of righteousness but of truth in all God's dealings, this is a double benefit, which must be taken notice of, and acknowledged to God's praise. O Christians! how sweet is it to read his works by the light of the sanctuary, and to learn the interpretation of his providence from his Spirit by his word: Ps. 73:17, ‘I went into the sanctuary of God, then understood I their end;' by consulting the scriptures he see the end and close of them that walk not according to God's direction: his word and works do mutually explain one another. The sanctuary is the place where God's people meet, where his word is taught, where we may have satisfaction concerning all his dealings. [Slide 32] 2. That when any divine dispensation goeth against our affections, yea, our prayers and expectations, yet even then can faith bring meat out of the eater, and find many occasions of praise and thanksgiving to God; for nothing falleth out so against but we may see the hand of God in it working for good. [Slide 33] [1.] Though we have not the blessing we seek and pray for, yet we give thanks because God hath been sometimes entreated, he hath showed himself a God hearing prayer, and is only delaying now until a more fit time wherein he may give us that which is sought: Ps. 43:5, ‘Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.' Now we are mourning, but he is our God, and we are not left without hope of a blessed issue. God, that hath been gracious, will be gracious again. He is our gracious father when we are under his sharpest corrections, a father when he striketh or frowneth; therefore we are not without hope that he will give us opportunities again of glorifying his name. [Slide 34] [2.] We bless God for continuing so long the mercies which he hath taken from us. Former experiences must not be forgotten: ‘Ebenezer, hitherto the Lord hath helped us.' If he shall afflict us afterward, yet ‘hitherto he hath helped us,' 1 Sam. 7:12. If he take away life, it is a mercy that he spared it so long for his own service and glory; if liberty, that we had such a time of rest and intermission. [Slide 35] [3.] God is yet worthy of praise and thanksgiving for choicer mercies yet continued, notwithstanding all the afflictions laid upon us. That we have his Spirit supporting us under our trials, and enabling us to bear them: 1 Peter 4:13, 14, ‘Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. For if ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth on you.' And that we have any peace of conscience: Rom. 5:1, ‘Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' That the hope of eternal life is not diminished but increased by our afflictions: Rom. 5:4, 5, ‘We glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us.' That many of our natural comforts are yet left, and God will supply us by ways best known to himself. [Slide 36] [4.] That evils and afflictions which light upon us for the gospel's sake, or righteousness' sake, and Christ's name's sake, are to be reckoned among our privileges, and deserve praise rather than complaint: Phil. 1:29, ‘To you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.' If it be a gift, it is matter of praise. [Slide 37] [5.] Take these evils in the worst notion, they are less than we have deserved: Ezra 9:13, ‘And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve.' Babylon is not hell, and still that should be acknowledged. [Slide 38] [6.] That no evil hath befallen us but such as God can bring good out of them: Rom. 8:28, ‘All things shall work together for good to them that love God.' All things that befall a Christian are either good, or shall turn to good; either to good natural: Gen. 50:20, ‘Ye thought evil, but God meant it for good;' or good spiritual: Ps. 119:75, ‘I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me;' or good eternal: 2 Cor. 4:17, ‘For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' [Slide 39] Use 1. For information, that God's righteous judgments are matter of praise and thanksgiving. An angel is brought in speaking, Rev. 16:5, ‘Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.' Indeed, the formal object of thanksgiving and praise is some benefit: Ps. 135:3, ‘Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.' We praise God for his judgments, because they are just and right; we praise God for his mercies, not only because they are just and equal, but comfortable and beneficial to us, and so a double ground of thanksgiving. Use 2. For reproof, that we make more noise of a little trouble than we do of a thousand benefits that remain with us. We fret and complain and manifest the impatiency of the flesh; like a great machine or carriage, if one pin be out of order, all stoppeth, or one member hurt, though all the rest of the body be sound; or as Haman, the favours of a great king, pleasures of a luxurious court, all this availeth him nothing as long as Mordecai was in the gate; notwithstanding his riches, honours, multitude of children, great offices, this damped all his joy: Mal. 1:2, ‘I have loved you, saith the Lord; yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us?' Oh! let us check this complaining spirit; let us consider what is left, not what God hath taken away; what we may or shall have, not what we now want; what God is, and will be to his people, though we see little or nothing in the creature. [Slide 40] Doct. 3. That a heart deeply affected with God's providence will take all occasions to praise and give thanks. [Slide 41] 1. It is certain that our whole life should be a real expression of thankfulness to God. The life of a Christian is a life of love and praise, a hymn to God: 1 Peter 2:9, ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.' Christianity is a confession; the visible acting of godliness is a part of this confession; we are all saved as confessors or martyrs. Now the confession is made both in word and deed. [Slide 42] 2. There are special occasions of thanksgiving and praise to God, as the apostle bids Timothy preach: 2 Tim. 4:2, ‘in season, out of season,' meaning thereby that he should not only take ordinary occasions, but extraordinary; he should make an opportunity where he found none. So we should press Christians to praise God not only in solemn duties, when the saints meet together to praise, but extraordinarily redeem time for this blessed work; yea, interrupt our lawful sleep and repose, to find frequent vacancies for so necessary a duty as the lauding and magnifying of God's mercy. [Slide 43] 3. As for rising up at midnight, we can neither enforce it as a duty upon you, nor yet can we condemn it. It was an act of heroical zeal in David, who employed his time waking to the honour of God, which others spent in sleeping; and we read that Paul and Silas ‘sang praises at midnight,', though then in the stocks, and they had been scourged the day before. And it is said, Job 35:10, ‘None saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night?' that is, giveth matter of praise if we wake in the night. And David saith elsewhere, Ps. 42:8, ‘The Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song shall be with me;' day and night he would be filled with a sense of God's love, and with songs of praise. Therefore we cannot condemn this, but must highly commend it. Let men praise God at any time, and the more they deny themselves to do it, the more commendable is the action; yet we cannot enforce it upon you as a necessary duty, as the Papists build their nocturnal devotions upon it. That which we disapprove in them is, that those hours instituted by men they make necessary; that they direct their prayers to saints and angels which should only be to God, that they might mingle them with superstitious ceremonies and, observances; that they pray and sing in an unknown tongue without devotion, appropriating it to a certain sort of men, to clerks for their gain, with an opinion of merit. [Slide 44] 4. Though we cannot enforce the particular observance upon you, yet there are many notable lessons to be drawn from David's practice. [1.] The ardency of his devotion, or his earnest desire to praise God, ‘at midnight;' then, when sleep doth most invade us, then he would rise up. His heart was so set upon the praising of God, and the sense of his righteous providence did so affect him, and urge him, or excite him to this duty, that he would not only employ himself in this work in the day-time, and so show his love to God, but he would rise out of his bed to worship God and celebrate his praise. That which hindereth the sleep of ordinary men is either the cares of this world, the impatient resentment of injuries, or the sting of an evil conscience: these keep others waking, but David was awaked by a desire to praise God; no hour is unseasonable to a gracious heart; he is expressing his affection to God when others take their rest. Thus we read of our Lord Christ, that he spent whole nights in prayer. It is said of the glorified saints in heaven, that they praise God continually: Rev. 7:17, ‘They are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.' Now, holy men, though much hindered by their bodily necessities, yet they will come as near as present frailty will permit; we oftentimes begin the day with some fervency of prayer and praise, but we faint in evening. [2.] His sincerity, seen in his secrecy. David would profess his faith in God when he had no witness by him, at midnight, then no hazard of ostentation. It was a secret cheerfulness and delighting in God when alone; he could have no respect to the applause of men, but only to approve himself to God who seeth in secret. See Christ's direction, Mat. 6:6, ‘But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly;' his own practice: Mark 1:35, ‘Rising early in the morning, he went into a desert to pray.' Both time and place implied secrecy. [3.] We learn hence the preciousness of time. It was so to David. See how he spendeth the time of his life. We read of David, when he lay down at night, he ‘watered his couch with his tears,' after the examination of his heart; at midnight he rose to give thanks; in the morning he prevented the morning-watches, seven times a-day praising God, morning, noon, night. These are all acts of eminent piety. We should not content ourselves with so much grace as will merely serve to save us. Alas! we have much idle time hanging upon our hands; if we would give that to God it were well. [4.] The value of godly exercises above our natural refreshings; the word is sweeter than appointed food: Job 23:12, ‘I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.' David preferreth his praises of God before his sleep and rest in the night. Surely this should shame us for our sensuality. We can dispense with other things for our vain pleasures; we have done as much for sin, for vain sports, broken our rest for sin. Some monsters of mankind turn night into day, and day into night for their drunkenness, gaming, vain sports, &c., and shall we not deny ourselves for God? [5.] The reverence to be used in secret adoration. David did not only raise up his spirits to praise God, but rise up out of his bed to bow the knee to him. Secret duties should be performed with some solemnity, not slubbered over. Praise, a special act of adoration, requireth the worship of body and soul. [Slide 45 (end)] Use. Let David's example condemn our backwardness and sluggishness, who will not take those occasions which offer themselves. Mark, he gave thanks when we fret; at midnight he rose to do it with the more secrecy and fervency; this not to pray only, but to give thanks.

[Slide 1] Today, I'd like to do something a little different. Today I'll preach a message that has already been preached at least one time before. Although we aren't sure when this sermon was preached originally, I do know that it is over 300 years old. The original composer was Dr. Thomas Manton. I have preached a sermon from the past before. Why do I do this? For several reasons actually but the most important reason is that every time I've preached a message like this, it has been abundantly relevant to our time even though it is separated from us by centuries. This proves not the wisdom of the man, but the living nature of the Word of God and how it transcends through all generations. [Slide 2] But let me tell you a bit about Dr. Thomas Manton… Born in Somerset in 1620 from a long line of ministers. He was ordained by Bishop Hall at the age of nineteen. He served as a chaplain to the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. Yet Manton was firmly opposed to the execution of Charles I, causing considerable offence by preaching against it before Parliament. Later he was instrumental in the restoration of Charles II and became a Royal Chaplain. But when offered the Deanery of Rochester he chose rather to suffer with his Puritan brethren in the Great Ejection of 1662. Preaching afterward in his own home he was imprisoned for his ministry. Manton died in 1677, after a lifetime of rich and practical biblical ministry. [Slide 3] The following sermon “Sermon LXX (70)” is included in Several Sermons upon Psalm 119, which contains 190 sermons and was his crowning achievement as a pastor. One quick note. I haven't abridged and translated very little of this sermon. Therefore, it is necessary for you to pay extra close attention as the language will be understandable – but challenging. Keep your eyes on the screen since the outline of the sermon will appear there. It should help you stay with me. But you must be extra attentive listeners today if you are to understand Dr. Manton's sermon. From this point on, all the words I say until the prayer at the end, will be Thomas Manton's Words with few alterations. [Slide 4] At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee, because of thy righteous judgments.—Ver. 62. In these words observe three things:— 1. David's holy employment, or the duty promised, giving thanks to God. 2. His earnestness and fervency, implied in the time mentioned, at midnight I will rise; rather interrupt his sleep and rest than God should want his praise. 3. The cause or matter of his thanksgiving, because of thy righteous judgments, whereby he meaneth the dispensations of his providence in delivering the godly and punishing the wicked according to his word… [Slide 5] [Which establishes 3 doctrines] Doct. 1. One special duty wherein the people of God should be much exercised is thanksgiving. Doct. 2. That, God's providence rightly considered, we shall in the worst times find much more cause to give thanks than to complain. Doct. 3. That a heart deeply affected with God's providence will take all occasions to praise God and give thanks to his name, both in season and out of season. [Slide 6] Doct. 1. One special duty wherein the people of God should be much exercised is thanksgiving. This duty is often pressed upon us: Heb. 13:15, ‘Let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually, which is the fruit of our lips;' giving thanks unto his name. There are two words there used, praise and thanksgiving: generally taken, they are the same; strictly taken, thanksgiving differeth from praise. They agree that we use our voice in thanksgiving, as we do also in praise, for they are both said to be the fruit of our lips. What is in the prophet Hosea, chap. 14:2, ‘calves of our lips,' is in the Septuagint, ‘the fruit of our lips;' and they both agree that they are a sacrifice offered to our supreme benefactor, or that they belong to the thank-offerings of the gospel. But they differ in that thanksgiving belongeth to benefits bestowed on ourselves or others; but in relation to us, praise to any excellency whatsoever. Thanksgiving may be in word or deed; praise in words only. Well, then, thanksgiving is a sensible acknowledgment of favours received, or an expression of our sense of them, by word and work, to the praise of the bestower. The object of it is the works of God as beneficial unto us, or to those who are related to us, or in whose good or ill we are concerned. As public persons, as magistrates: 1 Tim. 2:1, 2, ‘I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplication, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority.' Pastors of the church: 2 Cor. 1:11, ‘You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.' Or our kindred according to the flesh, or some bond of Christian duty: Rom. 12:15, ‘Rejoice with them that do rejoice.' Another place where this duty is enforced is Eph. 5:20, where we are bidden to ‘give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;' where you see it is a duty of a universal and perpetual use, and one wherein the honour of God and Christ is much concerned. A third place is 1 Thes. 5:18, ‘In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.' See what reason he urgeth; the express will of God requiring this worship at our hands. We are to obey by the insight of the will. God's will is the fundamental reason of our obedience in every commandment; but here is a direct charge, now God hath made known the wonders of his love in Christ. [Slide 7] I shall prove to you that this is a necessary duty, a profitable duty, a pleasant and delightful duty. [Slide 8] 1. The necessity of being much and often in thanksgiving will appear by these two considerations:— [1.] [Slide 9] Because God is continually beneficial to us, blessing and delivering his people every day, and by new mercies giveth us new matter of praise and thanksgiving: Ps. 68:19, ‘Blessed be the God of our salvation, who loadeth us daily with his benefits, Selah.' He hath continually favoured us and preserved us, and poured his benefits upon us. The mercies of every day make way for songs which may sweeten our rest in the night; and his giving us rest by night, and preserving us in our sleep, when we could not help ourselves, giveth us songs in the morning. And all the day long we find new matter of praise: our whole work is divided between receiving and acknowledging. [2.] [Slide 10] Some mercies are so general and beneficial that they should never be forgotten, but remembered before God every day. Such as redemption by Christ: Ps. 111:4, ‘He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered.' We must daily be blessing God for Jesus Christ: 2 Cor. 9:15, ‘Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.' I understand it of his grace by Christ. We should ever be thus blessing and praising him; for the keeping of his great works in memory is the foundation of all love and service to God. 2. [Slide 11] It is a profitable duty. The usefulness of thanksgiving appeareth with respect to faith, love, and obedience. [1.] [Slide 12] With respect to faith. Faith and praise live and die together; if there be faith, there will be praise; and if there be praise, there will be faith. If faith, there will be praise, for faith is a bird that can sing in winter: Ps. 56:4, ‘In God will I praise his word, in God have I put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me;' and ver. 10, ‘In God I will praise his word, in the Lord I will praise his word.' His word is satisfaction enough to a gracious heart; if they have his word, they can praise him beforehand, for the grounds of hope before they have enjoyment. As Abraham, when he had not a foot in the land of Canaan, yet built an altar and offered sacrifices of thanksgiving, because of God's grant and the future possession in his posterity. Then, whether he punisheth or pitieth, we will praise him and glory in him. Faith entertaineth the promise before performance cometh, not only with confidence, but with delight and praise. The other part is, if praise, there will be faith; that is, supposing the praise real, for it raiseth our faith to expect the like again, having received so much grace already. All God's praises are the believer's advantage, the mercy is many times given as a pledge of more mercy. In many cases God will give gifts. If life, he will give food and bodily raiment. It holdeth good in spiritual things. If Christ, other things with Christ. One concession draweth another; if he spares me, he will feed me, clothe me. The attributes from whence the mercy cometh is the pillar of the believer's confidence and hope. If such a good, then a fit object of trust. If I have found him a God hearing prayer, ‘I will call upon him as long as I live,' Ps. 116:2. Praise doth but provide matter of trust, and represent God to us as a storehouse of all good things, and a sure foundation for dependence. [2.] [Slide 13] The great respect it hath to love. Praise and thanksgiving is an act of love, and then it cherisheth and feedeth love. It is an act of love to God, for if we love God we will praise him. Prayer is a work of necessity, but praise a mere work of duty and respect to God. We would exalt him more in our own hearts and in the hearts of others: Ps. 71:14, ‘I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.' We pray because we need God, and we praise him because we love him. Self-love will put us upon prayer, but the love of God upon praise and thanksgiving; then we return to give him the glory. Those that seek themselves will cry to him in their distress; but those that love God cannot endure that he should be without his due honour. In heaven, when other graces and duties cease, which belong to this imperfect state, as faith and repentance cease, yet love remaineth; and because love remaineth, praise remaineth, which is our great employment in the other world. So it feedeth and cherisheth love, for every benefit acknowledged is a new fuel to keep in the fire: Ps. 18:1, ‘I will love thee, O Lord, my strength;' Ps. 116:1, ‘I will love the Lord, who hath heard the voice of my supplications;' Deut. 30:20, ‘That thou mayest love the Lord, who is thy life, and the length of thy days.' The soul by praise is filled with a sense of the mercy and goodness of God, so that hereby he is made more amiable to us. [3.] [Slide 14] With respect to submission and obedience to his laws and providence. (1.) His laws. The greatest bond of duty upon the fallen creature is gratitude. Now grateful we cannot be without a sensible and explicit acknowledgment of his goodness to us: the more frequent and serious in that, the more doth our love constrain us to devote ourselves to God: Rom. 12:1, ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present yourselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.' To live to him: 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, ‘For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead, and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.' And therefore praise and thanksgiving is a greater help to the spiritual life than we are usually aware of; for, working in us a sense of God's love, and an actual remembrance of his benefits (as it will do if rightly performed), it doth make us shy of sin, more careful and solicitous to do his will. Shall we offend so good a God? God's love to us is a love of bounty; our love to God is a love of duty, when we grudge not to live in subjection to him: 1 John 5:3, ‘His commandments are not grievous.' (2.) Submission to his providence. There is a querulous and sour spirit which is natural to us, always repining and murmuring at God's dealing, and wasting and vexing our spirits in heartless complaints. Now, this fretting, quarrelling, impatient humour, which often showeth itself against God even in our prayers and supplications, is quelled by nothing so much as by being frequent in praises and thanksgivings: Job 1:21, ‘The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.' It is an act of holy prudence in the saints, when they are under any trouble, to strain themselves to the quite contrary duty of what temptations and corruptions would drive them unto. When the temptation is laid to make us murmur and swell at God's dealings, we should on the contrary bless and give thanks. And therefore the Psalmist doth so frequently sing praises in the saddest condition. There is no perfect defeating the temptation but by studying matter of praise, and to set seriously about the duty. So Job 2:10, ‘Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?' Shall we receive so many proofs of the love of God, and quarrel at a few afflictions that come from the same hand, and rebel against his providence when he bringeth on some needful trouble for our trial and exercise? and having tasted so much of his bounty and love, repine and fret at every change of dealing, though it be useful to purge out our corruptions, and promote our communion with God? Surely nothing can be extremely evil that cometh from this good hand. As we receive good things cheerfully and contentedly, so must we receive evil things submissively and patiently. [Slide 15] 3. It is a most delightful work to remember the many thousand mercies God hath bestowed on the church, ourselves, and friends. To remember his gracious word and all the passages of his providence; is this burdensome to us? Ps. 147:1, ‘Praise ye the Lord, for it is pleasant;' and Ps. 135:3, ‘Sing praises unto his name, for it is pleasant.' Next to necessity, profit; next to profit, pleasure. No necessity so great as spiritual necessity, because our eternal well-being or ill-being dependeth on it; and beggary is nothing to being found naked in the great day. No profit so great as spiritual; that is not to be measured by the good things of this world, or a little pelf, or the great mammon, which so many worship; but some spiritual and divine benefit, which tendeth to make us spiritually better, more like God, more capable of communion with him: that is true profit, it is an increase of faith, love, and obedience. So for pleasure and delight; that which truly exhilarateth the soul, begets upon us a solid impression of God's love, that is the true pleasure. Carnal pleasures are unwholesome for you, like luscious fruits, which make you sick. Nothing is so hard of digestion as carnal pleasures. This feedeth the flesh, warreth against the soul; but this holy delight that resulteth from the serious remembrance of God, and setting forth his excellences and benefits, is safe and healthful, and doth cheer us but not hurt us. [Slide 16] Use. Oh, then, let us be oftener in praising and giving thanks to God! Can you receive so much, and beg so much, and never think of a return or any expression of gratitude? Is there such a being as God, have you all your supplies from him, and will you not take some time to acknowledge what he hath done for your souls? Either you must deny his being, and then you are atheists; or you must deny his providence, and then you are epicureans, next door to atheism; or you must deny such a duty as praise and thanksgiving, and then you are anti-scripturists, for the scripture everywhere calleth for it at our hands; or else, if you neglect this duty, you live in flat contradiction to what you profess to believe, and then you are practical atheists, and practical epicureans, and practical anti-scripturists; and so your condemnation will be the greater, because you own the truth but deny the practice. I beseech you, therefore, to be often alone with God, and that in a way of thanksgiving, to increase your love, faith, and obedience, and delight in God. Shall I use arguments to you? [Slide 17] 1. Have you received nothing from God? I put this question to you, because great is our unthankfulness, not only for common benefits, but also for special deliverances—the one not noted and observed, the other not improved. Humble persons will find matter of praise in very common benefits, but we forget even signal mercies. Therefore, I say, have you received nothing? Now, consider, is there no return due? You know the story, Luke 17:15–19, Christ healed ten lepers, and but one of them ‘returned and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down at his feet giving thanks, and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed, but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.' All had received a like benefit, but one only returned, and he a Gentile and no Jew, to acknowledge the mercy. They were made whole by a miraculous providence, he was made whole by a more gracious dispensation: ‘Thy faith hath made thee whole;' he was dismissed with a special blessing. God scattereth his benefits upon all mankind, but how few own the supreme benefactor! Surely a sensible heart seeth always new occasions of praising God, and some old occasions that must always be remembered, always for life, and peace, and safety, and daily provision; and always for Christ, and the hopes of eternal life. Surely if we have the comfort, God should have the glory: Ps. 96:8, ‘Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name, bring an offering, and come into his courts.' He that hath scattered his seed expecteth a crop from you. [Slide 18] 2. How disingenuous is it to be always craving, and never giving thanks! It is contrary to his directions in the word; for he showeth us there that all our prayers should be mingled with a thankful sense and acknowledgment of his mercies: Phil. 4:6, ‘In everything let your requests and supplications be made known with thanksgiving.' Do not come only in a complaining way: Col. 4:2, ‘Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.' They are not holy requests unless we acknowledge what he hath done for us, as well as desire him to do more. Nothing more usual than to come in our necessities to seek help; but we do not return, when we have received help and relief, to give thanks. When our turn is served, we neglect God. Wants urge us more than blessings, our interest swayeth us more than duty. As a dog swalloweth every bit that is cast to him, and still looketh for more, we swallow whatever the bounty of God casteth out to us without thanks, and when we need again, we would have more, and though warm in petitions, yet cold, rare, infrequent in gratitude. It is not only against scripture, but against nature. Ethnics abhor the ungrateful, that were still receiving, but forgetting to give thanks. It is against justice to seek help of God, and when we have it to make no more mention of God than if we had it from ourselves. It is against truth; we make many promises in our affliction, but forget all when well at ease. [Slide 19] 3. God either takes away or blasts the mercies which we are not thankful for. Sometimes he taketh them from us: Hosea 2:8, 9, ‘I will take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and I will recover my wool and flax.' Why? ‘She doth not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and gave her silver and gold.' Where his kindness is not taken notice of, nor his hand seen and acknowledged, he will take his benefits to himself again. We know not the value of mercies so much by their worth as by their want. God must set things at a distance to make us value them. If he take them not away, yet many times he blasts them as to their natural use: Mal. 2:2, ‘And if you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yea, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.' The creature is a deaf-nut; when we come to crack it, we have not the natural blessing as to health, strength, and cheerfulness, or if food, yet not gladness of heart with it; or we have not the sanctified use, it is not a mercy that leadeth us to God. A thing is sanctified if it cometh from God and leadeth us to God: 1 Cor. 3:21–23, ‘All things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, for you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.' You have a covenant right, a holy use. [Slide 20] 4. Bless him for favours received, and you shall have more. Thanksgiving is the kindly way of petitioning, and the more thankful for mercies, the more they are increased upon us. Vapours drawn up from the earth return in showers to the earth again. The sea poureth out its fulness into the rivers, and all rivers return to the sea from whence they came: Ps. 67:5, 6, ‘Let the people praise thee, O God; yea, let all the people praise thee: then shall the earth yield her increase, and God, even our own God, shall bless us.' It is not only true of outward increase, but of spiritual also: Col. 2:7, ‘Be ye rooted in the faith, and abound therein with thanksgiving.' If we give thanks for so much grace as we have already received, it is the way to increase our store. We thrive no more, get no more victory over our corruptions, because we do no more give thanks. [Slide 21] 5. When God's common mercies are well observed or well improved, it fits us for acts of more special kindness. In the story of the lepers—Luke 17:19, ‘Thy faith hath made thee whole,'—he met not only with a bodily cure, but a soul cure: Luke 16:11, ‘If, therefore, ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?' When we suspect a vessel leaketh, we try it with water before we fill it with wine. You are upon your trial; be thankful for less, God will give you more. [Slide 22] Means or directions:— [1.] Heighten all the mercies you have by all the circumstances necessary to be considered. By the nature and kind of them: spiritual eternal blessings first; the greatest mercies deserve greatest acknowledgment: Eph. 1:3, ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ'—Christ's spirit, pardon of sins, heaven, the way of salvation known, accepted, and the things of the world as subordinate helps. Luke 10:20, ‘Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.' [Slide 23] Then consider your sense in the want of mercies; what high thoughts had you then of them? The mercies are the same when you have them and when you want them, only your apprehensions are greater. If affectionately begged they must be affectionately acknowledged, else you are a hypocrite either in the supplication or gratulation. [Slide 24] Consider the person giving, God, so high and glorious. A small remembrance from a great prince, no way obliged, no way needing me, to whom I can be no way profitable, a small kindness melts us, a gift of a few pounds, a little parcel of land. Do I court him and observe him? There is less reason why God should abase himself to look upon us or concern himself in us: Ps. 113:6, ‘He humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth.' We have all things from him. [Slide 25] Consider the person receiving; so unworthy: Gen. 32:10, ‘I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast showed unto thy servant;' 2 Sam. 7:18, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?' [Slide 26] Consider the season; our greatest extremity is God's opportunity: Gen. 22:14, ‘In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen,' when the knife was at the throat of his son; 2 Cor. 1:9, 10, ‘We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God, which raiseth the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver; in whom we trust, that he will yet deliver us.' [Slide 27] Consider the end and fruit of his mercy; it is to manifest his special love to us, and engage our hearts to himself: Isa. 38:17, ‘Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption,' or ‘thou hast loved me from the grave;' otherwise God may give things in anger. [Slide 28] Consider the means by which he brought them about, when unlikely, unexpected in themselves, weak, insufficient. The greatest matters of providence hang many times upon small wires: a lie brought Joseph into prison, and a dream fetched him out, and he was advanced, and Jacob's family fed. Consider the number of his mercies: Ps. 139:17, ‘How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!' The many failings pardoned, comforts received, dangers prevented, deliverances granted. How he began with us before all time, conducted us in time, and hath been preparing for us a happiness which we shall enjoy when time shall be no more. [Slide 29] [2.] Satisfy yourselves with no praise and thanksgiving but what leaveth the impression of real effects upon the soul; for God is not flattered with empty praises and a little verbal commendation. There is a twofold praising of God—by expressive declaration or by objective impression. Now, neither expression nor impression must be excluded. Some platonical divines explode and scoff at the verbal praise more than becometh their reverence to the word of God: Ps. 50:23, ‘He that offereth praise glorifieth me.' But then the impression must be looked after too, that we be like that God whom we commend and extol, that we depend on him more, love him more fervently, serve him more cheerfully. [Slide 30] Doct. 2. That God's providence rightly considered, we shall find in the worst times much more cause to give thanks than to complain. I observe this because David was now under affliction. He had in the former verse complained that ‘the bands of the wicked had robbed him,' yet even then would he give thanks to God. [Slide 31] 1. Observe here, the matter of his thanksgiving was God's providence according to his word, seen in executing threatenings on the wicked, and performing his promises to the godly. God's word is one of the chiefest benefits bestowed on man, and therefore should be a subject of our praises. Now, when this is verified in his providence, and we see a faithful performance of those things in mercy to his servants, and in justice to his enemies, and the benefits and advantages of his law to them that are obedient, and the just punishment of the disobedient, and can discern not only a vein of righteousness but of truth in all God's dealings, this is a double benefit, which must be taken notice of, and acknowledged to God's praise. O Christians! how sweet is it to read his works by the light of the sanctuary, and to learn the interpretation of his providence from his Spirit by his word: Ps. 73:17, ‘I went into the sanctuary of God, then understood I their end;' by consulting the scriptures he see the end and close of them that walk not according to God's direction: his word and works do mutually explain one another. The sanctuary is the place where God's people meet, where his word is taught, where we may have satisfaction concerning all his dealings. [Slide 32] 2. That when any divine dispensation goeth against our affections, yea, our prayers and expectations, yet even then can faith bring meat out of the eater, and find many occasions of praise and thanksgiving to God; for nothing falleth out so against but we may see the hand of God in it working for good. [Slide 33] [1.] Though we have not the blessing we seek and pray for, yet we give thanks because God hath been sometimes entreated, he hath showed himself a God hearing prayer, and is only delaying now until a more fit time wherein he may give us that which is sought: Ps. 43:5, ‘Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.' Now we are mourning, but he is our God, and we are not left without hope of a blessed issue. God, that hath been gracious, will be gracious again. He is our gracious father when we are under his sharpest corrections, a father when he striketh or frowneth; therefore we are not without hope that he will give us opportunities again of glorifying his name. [Slide 34] [2.] We bless God for continuing so long the mercies which he hath taken from us. Former experiences must not be forgotten: ‘Ebenezer, hitherto the Lord hath helped us.' If he shall afflict us afterward, yet ‘hitherto he hath helped us,' 1 Sam. 7:12. If he take away life, it is a mercy that he spared it so long for his own service and glory; if liberty, that we had such a time of rest and intermission. [Slide 35] [3.] God is yet worthy of praise and thanksgiving for choicer mercies yet continued, notwithstanding all the afflictions laid upon us. That we have his Spirit supporting us under our trials, and enabling us to bear them: 1 Peter 4:13, 14, ‘Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. For if ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth on you.' And that we have any peace of conscience: Rom. 5:1, ‘Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' That the hope of eternal life is not diminished but increased by our afflictions: Rom. 5:4, 5, ‘We glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us.' That many of our natural comforts are yet left, and God will supply us by ways best known to himself. [Slide 36] [4.] That evils and afflictions which light upon us for the gospel's sake, or righteousness' sake, and Christ's name's sake, are to be reckoned among our privileges, and deserve praise rather than complaint: Phil. 1:29, ‘To you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.' If it be a gift, it is matter of praise. [Slide 37] [5.] Take these evils in the worst notion, they are less than we have deserved: Ezra 9:13, ‘And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve.' Babylon is not hell, and still that should be acknowledged. [Slide 38] [6.] That no evil hath befallen us but such as God can bring good out of them: Rom. 8:28, ‘All things shall work together for good to them that love God.' All things that befall a Christian are either good, or shall turn to good; either to good natural: Gen. 50:20, ‘Ye thought evil, but God meant it for good;' or good spiritual: Ps. 119:75, ‘I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me;' or good eternal: 2 Cor. 4:17, ‘For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' [Slide 39] Use 1. For information, that God's righteous judgments are matter of praise and thanksgiving. An angel is brought in speaking, Rev. 16:5, ‘Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.' Indeed, the formal object of thanksgiving and praise is some benefit: Ps. 135:3, ‘Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.' We praise God for his judgments, because they are just and right; we praise God for his mercies, not only because they are just and equal, but comfortable and beneficial to us, and so a double ground of thanksgiving. Use 2. For reproof, that we make more noise of a little trouble than we do of a thousand benefits that remain with us. We fret and complain and manifest the impatiency of the flesh; like a great machine or carriage, if one pin be out of order, all stoppeth, or one member hurt, though all the rest of the body be sound; or as Haman, the favours of a great king, pleasures of a luxurious court, all this availeth him nothing as long as Mordecai was in the gate; notwithstanding his riches, honours, multitude of children, great offices, this damped all his joy: Mal. 1:2, ‘I have loved you, saith the Lord; yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us?' Oh! let us check this complaining spirit; let us consider what is left, not what God hath taken away; what we may or shall have, not what we now want; what God is, and will be to his people, though we see little or nothing in the creature. [Slide 40] Doct. 3. That a heart deeply affected with God's providence will take all occasions to praise and give thanks. [Slide 41] 1. It is certain that our whole life should be a real expression of thankfulness to God. The life of a Christian is a life of love and praise, a hymn to God: 1 Peter 2:9, ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.' Christianity is a confession; the visible acting of godliness is a part of this confession; we are all saved as confessors or martyrs. Now the confession is made both in word and deed. [Slide 42] 2. There are special occasions of thanksgiving and praise to God, as the apostle bids Timothy preach: 2 Tim. 4:2, ‘in season, out of season,' meaning thereby that he should not only take ordinary occasions, but extraordinary; he should make an opportunity where he found none. So we should press Christians to praise God not only in solemn duties, when the saints meet together to praise, but extraordinarily redeem time for this blessed work; yea, interrupt our lawful sleep and repose, to find frequent vacancies for so necessary a duty as the lauding and magnifying of God's mercy. [Slide 43] 3. As for rising up at midnight, we can neither enforce it as a duty upon you, nor yet can we condemn it. It was an act of heroical zeal in David, who employed his time waking to the honour of God, which others spent in sleeping; and we read that Paul and Silas ‘sang praises at midnight,', though then in the stocks, and they had been scourged the day before. And it is said, Job 35:10, ‘None saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night?' that is, giveth matter of praise if we wake in the night. And David saith elsewhere, Ps. 42:8, ‘The Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song shall be with me;' day and night he would be filled with a sense of God's love, and with songs of praise. Therefore we cannot condemn this, but must highly commend it. Let men praise God at any time, and the more they deny themselves to do it, the more commendable is the action; yet we cannot enforce it upon you as a necessary duty, as the Papists build their nocturnal devotions upon it. That which we disapprove in them is, that those hours instituted by men they make necessary; that they direct their prayers to saints and angels which should only be to God, that they might mingle them with superstitious ceremonies and, observances; that they pray and sing in an unknown tongue without devotion, appropriating it to a certain sort of men, to clerks for their gain, with an opinion of merit. [Slide 44] 4. Though we cannot enforce the particular observance upon you, yet there are many notable lessons to be drawn from David's practice. [1.] The ardency of his devotion, or his earnest desire to praise God, ‘at midnight;' then, when sleep doth most invade us, then he would rise up. His heart was so set upon the praising of God, and the sense of his righteous providence did so affect him, and urge him, or excite him to this duty, that he would not only employ himself in this work in the day-time, and so show his love to God, but he would rise out of his bed to worship God and celebrate his praise. That which hindereth the sleep of ordinary men is either the cares of this world, the impatient resentment of injuries, or the sting of an evil conscience: these keep others waking, but David was awaked by a desire to praise God; no hour is unseasonable to a gracious heart; he is expressing his affection to God when others take their rest. Thus we read of our Lord Christ, that he spent whole nights in prayer. It is said of the glorified saints in heaven, that they praise God continually: Rev. 7:17, ‘They are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.' Now, holy men, though much hindered by their bodily necessities, yet they will come as near as present frailty will permit; we oftentimes begin the day with some fervency of prayer and praise, but we faint in evening. [2.] His sincerity, seen in his secrecy. David would profess his faith in God when he had no witness by him, at midnight, then no hazard of ostentation. It was a secret cheerfulness and delighting in God when alone; he could have no respect to the applause of men, but only to approve himself to God who seeth in secret. See Christ's direction, Mat. 6:6, ‘But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly;' his own practice: Mark 1:35, ‘Rising early in the morning, he went into a desert to pray.' Both time and place implied secrecy. [3.] We learn hence the preciousness of time. It was so to David. See how he spendeth the time of his life. We read of David, when he lay down at night, he ‘watered his couch with his tears,' after the examination of his heart; at midnight he rose to give thanks; in the morning he prevented the morning-watches, seven times a-day praising God, morning, noon, night. These are all acts of eminent piety. We should not content ourselves with so much grace as will merely serve to save us. Alas! we have much idle time hanging upon our hands; if we would give that to God it were well. [4.] The value of godly exercises above our natural refreshings; the word is sweeter than appointed food: Job 23:12, ‘I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.' David preferreth his praises of God before his sleep and rest in the night. Surely this should shame us for our sensuality. We can dispense with other things for our vain pleasures; we have done as much for sin, for vain sports, broken our rest for sin. Some monsters of mankind turn night into day, and day into night for their drunkenness, gaming, vain sports, &c., and shall we not deny ourselves for God? [5.] The reverence to be used in secret adoration. David did not only raise up his spirits to praise God, but rise up out of his bed to bow the knee to him. Secret duties should be performed with some solemnity, not slubbered over. Praise, a special act of adoration, requireth the worship of body and soul. [Slide 45 (end)] Use. Let David's example condemn our backwardness and sluggishness, who will not take those occasions which offer themselves. Mark, he gave thanks when we fret; at midnight he rose to do it with the more secrecy and fervency; this not to pray only, but to give thanks.

Welcome to another conversation with a member of Citizens, talking about how the Lord has been at work in their life. This episode, we learn more about Christin McDonald.Talking points include stroller running, the Sound of Music, hobbies while parenting, and formation through service.To learn more about our church, visit citizenscharlotte.comThe intro/outro music for this podcast is “Existence” by Cephas, licensed through Adobe Stock.

Featured playlist: The Church (That Meets in My Home) — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Yobt1jZDd9Zzn8Ufa-BNciyYv04Cl6mMy books:Exalted: Putting Jesus in His Place — https://www.amazon.com/Exalted-Putting-Jesus-His-Place/dp/0985118709/ref=tmm_pap_title_0God's Design for Marriage (Married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-Married-Amazing/dp/0998786306/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493422125&sr=1-4&keywords=god%27s+design+for+marriageGod's Design for Marriage (Pre-married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-What-Before/dp/0985118725/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_topSupport us - become a CTC Partner: https://crosstocrown.org/partners/crosstocrown.org@DougGoodin

Introduction: Get a Grip! (1 Corinthians 3:18–23) You are not as wise as YOU THINK YOU ARE. (1 Cor 3:18–20) You are not lacking IN ANYTHING. (1 Cor 3:21–23) John 17:3 - And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 3:18-23What was your big take-away from this passage / message?In what way do you need to “get a grip” on reality in this season of life? What lies about God, yourself, and others are you tempted to believe?What does it look like to be wise according to worldly standards? How do you see yourself falling into worldly wisdom right now?What does Paul mean by “all things are yours”? How should this truth change your thinking and living? BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 18 through 23.As Pastor Jeff admitted in a sermon a few weeks ago, we try to stay up to date on thelatest lingo since we worked with the youth group.Emphasis on try because new and nonsensical words and phrases seem to be invented on adaily basis.New slang always sounds ridiculous to older generations, even though your slang wasn'tthat much better back in the day either.Do you ever wish a certain slang word or phrase stuck around a bit longer than it had thatcaught on a bit more?I know I miss saying things like big whoop or cool beans or I'm disgusted by something.Gag me with a spoon or when someone says something really obvious I say no duh or how about wheneversomeone's annoying me I lift up my hand and say talk to the hand because the face ain'tlistening.Another one of my favorites someone asked you to do something that you really don't wantto do.Yeah let's not and say we did.But you know which phrase I miss the most?It's somewhat said today but not nearly as much as it used to be.Get a grip.Who's ever said that or heard that at some point?Get a grip.You say get a grip when someone is being unreasonable and is in desperate need of a reality check.This person believes something that is not true and this bad belief leads to a bad action.It leads to an overreaction.This person needs to let go of the lies that he or she is believing.This person needs to get a grip on reality.In 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 18 through 23 Paul gives the Corinthians a much neededreality check.He tells them to get a grip because they are believing some things that are not true andthese bad beliefs are leading to bad decisions, erratic actions and massive overreactions.They are tearing the church apart with their selfish pride, with their worldly thinkingand their destructive division.The unity and purity of the Corinthian church cannot be promoted and maintained until theyget a grip on some essential truths from God's Word.Yeah we've been studying 1 Corinthians for almost two months now.Now let's be honest.As you read this book, as you listen to these sermons, it's really easy to look down onthe Corinthians, isn't it?It's easy to think, "Oh man, these people are insane.They're just wackos.Go get them Paul.They really need to talk into."What if you are more like the Corinthians than you think?What if you are believing some things that are not true?What if you are making some bad decisions right now?What if you are negatively affecting your family, your coworkers and this church?What if you need to get a grip?All of us, myself included, need to be grabbed by the shoulders and shaken back into realitybecause we all tend to live in a fantasy world of our own making.A fantasy world of lies, excuses and self-justification.You and I need the same exact reminders that Paul gives the Corinthians in this passagethat we're about to read because you know what?We're far more like them than we care to admit.You and I need to get a grip and remember some essential facts from God's Word.So before we get a grip, let's go to the Lord and ask that He would get a grip on us.Please pray for me that I will faithfully proclaim God's Word and I will pray for youthat you will faithfully receive it.Father, it's so easy to come into this room every Sunday and just pretend.Just to go through the motions, to put on a show where I pray against all of those things.I pray against pretending.I pray against stuffing down what we're really dealing with.I pray against hiding our sin.This morning we asked that you would reveal what we struggle with.You would reveal the sins that we need to deal with by your grace.I pray you'd help us to deal with these things in a biblical way.We ask all these things in Jesus' name.Amen.Get a grip.You are not as wise as you think you are.That's the first blank on your outline.Get a grip.You are not as wise as you think you are.Let's read chapter 3 verses 18 through 20.The apostle Paul writes, "Let no one deceive himself.If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that hemay become wise.For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.'And again, the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise that they are futile."Have you ever noticed that people who are the most confident tend to be the least competent?The most confident tend to be the least competent.That guy who praises his own handiness and fixes everything at home tends to make a lotof obvious mistakes.He does stuff around his house that no one would hire him to do around their house.That woman who praises her driving tends to be a really bad driver herself.She's looking down at her phone while she's driving.She's applying makeup.She's running red lights.She's not using turn signals when she's going through lanes.That guy who talks a big game in the golf cart tends to have zero game when he's drivingor putting.Or how about that person who says, "Yeah, I'm really calm under pressure."And then when something bad actually happens, they're just totally manic and panicked.And all of these examples overconfidence causes someone to overestimate his or her ability.And that is what Paul is talking about in these verses.A human sense of confidence in yourself makes you incompetent when it comes to spiritualmatters.Those who think they are wise by worldly standards are foolish by heavenly standards.They may appear to be brilliant in the eyes of the world, but what are they in the eyesof God?Stupid, dumb, foolish.When you're impressed with your own wisdom, you become a fool.And that rule is without exception in Scripture.Paul is crystal clear on this.He quotes the book of Job in Psalm 94 when he says, "God catches the wise in their craftinessand again the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise that they are futile."And earlier he says, "The wisdom of this world is folly with God."You cannot outsmart God.You cannot trick Him.If you try, He will beat you at your own game.And again, we see this all throughout Scripture.Here are just two examples that spring to the top of my mind.In the book of Esther, Haman hatches a scheme to kill God's people and to hang his enemyMordecai on gallows that he had specially made.How did that turn out for Haman?Anyone remember?He ends up hung on the gallows that he had made for Mordecai.Yeah, not great as Pastor Jeff said.What about King Absalom?Well, he tried to be king.Didn't really work out for him.He rebelled against his father.He had this long, beautiful hair like Fabio that he really prided himself in.He tried to steal his father's throne.How did that go for him?He ended up caught in a tree branch by his own prided hair with three spears throughhis heart.He ended up as a human pincushion.Both men thought they were smart, but God caught them in their craftiness.They were both competent.Actually, they were confident in their own competence, but they ended up being incompetent.They had their own thoughts and plans that were proven to be useless by God.They were not as wise as they thought they were.Are you confident in your own competence right now?Are you trying to outsmart God?Are you trusting in your own human wisdom?Your own faulty understanding.You know exactly what God thinks about that sin you're indulging in, but you think thatyou can escape the consequences.And without even realizing it, you are bearing the consequences of your repeated and unrepentantdisobedience.You are dulling your conscience.You are pushing down the conviction of the Holy Spirit.You are pushing away faithful friends because you don't want to be found out.You know exactly what God thinks about giving of your time and treasure to the church andthose who are in need.But again, you think those rules don't really apply to you because your schedule is waytoo busy.Your bills are way too high.Your stress is off the chart, so you can't do those things.You know exactly what God thinks about your need to humble yourself and submit to others.But once again, that doesn't really apply to you because you're always right and thoseother people are always wrong.I mean, yeah, sure.Unity and all that jazz is really important, but you're the only one who really knows whatyou're doing.So if you don't get your way, everything's just going to fall apart, right?You know exactly what God thinks about how you should treat fellow believers and handleconflict in the church.But surprise, surprise, once again, you're a special case.You have been too mistreated to talk it out.You have been too hurt to forgive.Please stop elevating your importance because you will be humbled if you don't.Stop thinking that you can outsmart God because you will get caught in a trap of your ownmaking.Stop highlighting your wisdom because you are simply shining a spotlight onto your foolishness.You become a fool by thinking that you're wise.You may be wondering, okay, so how do I actually become wise?Well, Paul gives us a very simple answer in verse 18.Look at that again.He says, "If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a foolthat he may become wise."You become wise by submitting yourself to what the culture around you thinks is foolish.You willingly swallow the pill that most people willfully spit out in God's face.You passionately believe that God not only knows better than you, he knows what is bestin any and every circumstance.You sit under the authority of God's word rather than standing in authority above it.You care way more about the never-changing commands of God than your ever-changing opinions.You are far more concerned with meeting the needs of others than satisfying your own personalpreferences.Do you know what the greatest threat to harvest Bible Chapel is?It's not ungodly politicians.It's not ungodly public policies.It's not other religions.It's not persecution of Christianity.It's not even social media or secular entertainment.The greatest threat to this church is you.The greatest threat to this church is me.The greatest threat is you and I thinking that we know best.You and I insisting it's my way or the highway.That leads to stiff-arming one another.That leads to division.That leads to disunity.Do you know what the greatest unifier in the church is?A mutual agreement that God knows best and we don't.A mutual submission to the Word of God.A mutual agreement that we will do whatever the Bible says in regards to every subject,every issue, every problem.When a financial issue arises in this church, we deal with it in a biblical way.When gossip is being shared, we deal with it in a biblical way.When disagreement breaks out in a small group, we deal with it in a biblical way.When problems arise with the building project, we deal with it in a biblical way.How does that biblical plan sound to you?Are you on board with that?Are you willing to go down that path and do whatever this book says?Let me warn you, it's not going to be easy.If you are committed to that, you have to lay aside your temptation to show off, to proveyourself.You have to be unwaveringly committed to obeying the Word of God, even when it hurts, evenwhen it's hard, even when it smashes your ego to pieces and it will.You need to stop saying, "I think, I think, I think," it starts declaring the Bible says,the Bible says, the Bible says.As Pastor Jeff said a few weeks ago, what you think doesn't really matter.What God commands is of supreme importance.You need to stop deceiving yourself.You need to get a grip.Get a grip because you're not as wise as you think you are.Please do not resist this reality check because it is so freeing to admit that you don't haveall the answers.What God does.Get a grip.You are not as wise as you think you are.Get a grip.You are not lacking in anything.You are not lacking in anything.We've already seen that this unity and Corinth cannot be solved until all the members ofthe church put aside their pride and stop deceiving themselves.Each person must have an accurate understanding of himself or herself.But that's not enough.Each person must have an accurate understanding of others, especially those who were leaders.Paul talks about this at the beginning of verse 21, "So let no one boast in men."For the third time in this letter, Paul is talking about the favoritism controversy inCorinth.Some think that Paul is the best pastor around.Others believe that Peter is the goat of the apostles.Most believe that Apollos is the MVP of preaching and teaching.At this point in the series, you may be thinking, "Why do we keep talking about this over andover again?I get that this favoritism thing is bad, but why is it such a big deal to Paul?"Well, imagine it with me this way.Imagine that all the seating sections in this church are dedicated to one of the pastorson staff and his specific groupies.On the left side is Pastor Jeff's section.You all sit there.Are you guys the best section?I guess you can prove my point for me.On this section, you sit here because you love Pastor Jeff's conversational preachingstyle.You love his sense of humor.And to show your support, you eat funyons.You wear bright neon shoes.You hold up "I hate Mayo" signs.The middle section is Pastor Rich's section.He's not here right now, so we won't give him a big head today.I guess he has the most people.You sit there because you're enthralled by Pastor Rich's intelligence and his in-depthknowledge of God's word.And to show your support, you tell puns.You drink kombucha and you garden in your spare time.And the right side is my section.For the life of me, I can't figure out why you're all sitting over there.Over lunch, you can decide why you're sitting there and what you would do to celebrate mebecause I have literally no idea.Let me ask you, what's the problem with that seating chart?The church is literally and metaphorically divided.One section is boasting in Pastor Jeff, another is boasting in Pastor Rich, and a third isboasting in me.In that scenario, who is not being boasted in?God, the only one who is worthy of our boasting.God deserves the praise, not the leaders he put into place.Leaders are a window and God is the view that you see through the window.When you are watching a beautiful sunset from inside your house, you don't praise how cleanand efficient the window is that you're glimpsing through.You praise what you're getting a glimpse of.Godly leaders are a blessing, but God is the source of that blessing.Only leaders are a gift, but God is the ultimate giver.You need to have an accurate understanding of yourself.You need to have an accurate understanding of others.You also need to have an accurate understanding of all God has given you in Christ.Paul talks about this at the end of verse 21 and in verse 22.He writes, "For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world orlife or death or the present or the future, all are yours and you are Christ and Christis God."That statement is absolutely staggering.I could preach a series for an entire year just on that one statement.There is so much to unpack here, so let's just slow it down and take a small bite ata time so we can savor all the flavor in this passage.For all things are yours.Maybe you don't feel like you have very much.When you pull up your bank accounts, your retirement accounts, you're not really happywith the numbers that you see.Your house is way smaller than you would prefer.Your car has way more miles and way more issues than you would like.When you compare yourself to others on social media, it really seems like very little isactually yours.But that couldn't be any further from the truth according to the apostle Paul.The poorest Christian is wealthier than the richest non-Christian.Jeff Bezos may be one of the most successful businessmen in the entire world.As of this morning when I checked, he is worth $235 billion, far more than all of us if wecombined our net worths.Let me ask you, does Jeff Bezos own all things?No.Elon Musk, he owns X, Tesla, and he's even taking on space now, I guess.As of this morning, he has a net worth of $460 billion.Because even Elon Musk owns all things.He's not even close to owning all things.If you have trusted in Christ, you are far better off than either of these men who seemto be so far beyond you.All things are not theirs, but all things are yours.You may be wondering, "Okay, Taylor, I believe you because the Bible says so, but I justdon't get it."Well, let me show you because Paul gives us a detailed list of everything that belongsto you and belongs to me.First up, Paul or Apollos or Cethus.As they already said, all three of these men are gifts to be appreciated by the Corinthians.Each man serves, each man gives something that is unique to the church.And the same can be said for the pastors and elders here.We are here to glorify God by serving you.We are here to obey God by equipping you for the work of the ministry.The pastors and elders at harvest belong to you.We are here for you.And the same is true for every godly leader who pours himself or herself into your lifeand other avenues of life.Why play favorites when all of us are here to bless you and increase your spiritual health?It's like being gifted a house, only utilizing one of the rooms and blocking off the rest.Instead of doing that, enjoy the entire house.The kitchen can do things that your basement cannot.The closet provide a function that your dining room doesn't.Each room has a place and function in the house.In a much greater way, each leader, pastor, and elder in the church has a place or a function.Next up, the world.One day Jesus Christ will return to rule and reign over this earth.And do you know according to Scripture, you will rule and reign along with Him?How's that going to look?How's that going to work?I have no idea, but it sounds awesome.This may be a shock for you to hear, but there are a lot of ungodly people in authorityand power right now.When you notice, a lot of ungodly people are in charge of communities, cities, and countriesacross the face of this planet.And it may seem like they have more power than you do.But again, does the world belong to those ungodly leaders?Does the world belong to you?Yes.But once again, you have far more.All our apostles are seephis the world, life or death.When you trust in Christ's perfect life, His finished work on the cross, and His victoriousresurrection, you are given eternal life.And as Pastor Jeff often says, eternal life isn't just something you'll experience.Someday eternal life is something you experience right now.Jesus makes this clear in John 17.3.And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whomyou have sent.You have God as your Father.You have Jesus Christ as your personal friend, both now and forever.You no longer need to fear death because Jesus took the hell that you deserve upon Himself.Death can no longer lead you away from God.It can only lead you closer to God.For a believer, death is a homecoming.The present or the future.Once again, maybe your present doesn't seem very good right now.Maybe your present is a place you don't really want to be.But recognize every gift that you have is from the hand of God.Your friends, your spouse, your kids, your church, the clothes on your back, the foodin your stomach, even the difficult circumstances in your life are used by God to mold you intothe image of Jesus Christ.Every difficulty, every pain, every sickness is used to make you more like Him.God loves you like His own Son.But the Bible tells us that God not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all.We also will have to go through hard times.We will also struggle.One day the pain of this world will give way to the glories of heaven.Please know your God is so good to you right now.Because your appreciation of His goodness will exponentially increase in the futurewhen you stand in His presence.Finally, Paul provides a summary statement of what has been given to every Christian.All are yours, and you are Christ, and Christ is God's.Doesn't this statement kind of sound like one of those complex word problems on a mathtest or on the SATs?So break it down, understand it, let's reverse the logic of this text.Because this is an awesome math equation that adds up to an infinite sum.What does God own?I'm going to try that again.What does God own?Who is God's Son?If you were a believer, who do you belong to?Jesus.Therefore, if you belong to Christ, what belongs to you?Everything.I usually hate math, that's math even I can get behind.You own all that God has.You own literally everything.Your net worth cannot be calculated.You and I so often get sidetracked for our desire for more and more and more of whatthis culture has to offer.We get obsessed with accumulating more stuff that we cannot even take with us when we die.You and I lose touch with the spiritual realities of this text.You can lose track of all that has been given to you in Christ.You can grumble.You can complain.You can act ungrateful.There are some Saturdays where Kate and I pull out all the stops for the kids.We have a great breakfast.We go to the park.We go see a movie so they can stuff their face with popcorn, icees, and candy.We come back with them ride bikes.We round out the day with a delicious dinner.But then one of my kids is sulking, walking around upset.And I'll ask Sam or Amy, "What's wrong?"And one of them will respond by saying, "Oh, I'm just having a hard day."And I'm just blown away by that response."How in the world are you having a hard day?"Well, you and mom are being mean to me and you didn't let me have the second pack ofpirate's booty that I wanted.Are you serious?We gave you everything today and you're belly aching about one small thing that you don'teven need.In those moments, I want to give my kids a reality check.I want to give them a loud and clear message.Get a grip.You are so blessed.You are not lacking in anything.And Paul is giving you the same exact reality check.He is shaking you by the shoulders and saying, "You are so blessed.You are not lacking in anything.What do you want that you really need?"The answer is nothing, nothing.You may be struggling with your job or your roles as a stay-at-home mom, but you mustremember that you have been given the greatest calling of all, telling others about whatyou have received in Christ and what they can receive in Christ.You may feel lonely right now.You may feel isolated like no one cares about you.But you must remember that Jesus has gifted you with the Holy Spirit who lives insideof you and he will never leave you or forsake you.You may have a very broken and dysfunctional family or come from a very broken and dysfunctionalfamily, but you must remember that the Lord himself has taken you in and he has givenyou brothers and sisters in Christ who love you.You may not like your house very much.You may think it's the worst house on the block, but you must remember that Jesus himselfis preparing a place for you in heaven.You may not receive the biggest inheritance from your family, but as you read earlierin Romans, you are an heir of God and a fellow heir of Jesus Christ.You may feel cursed right now when life is hard and it's just one thing after another,but you must remember that you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlyplaces.Get a grip.You are not lacking in anything.If you choose to get a grip and remember these essential reminders, you will experiencea sense of joy like you've never known before.You will stop trying to build up more and more stuff and accumulate a kingdom for yourself.You will no longer be envious of what other people have because you are content with whatyou have.You will enjoy true unity in the life of the church because you're no longer in competitionwith other believers.Yes, all things are yours in Christ, but all things are also theirs in Christ.You own what they own and they own what you own.God doesn't play favorites with His children.We're all on the same equal footing.In the body of Christ, we all own all things.For most of this message I've been speaking to Christians, those who are Christ.I know there are people in this room who are not Christians, who are not Christ.I want to talk to you for a minute.First of all, I want to let you know that I'm so glad that you're here.It's my greatest desire that God would get a grip on you so that you can get a grip onthe reality of your situation.No matter how much you think you have, you have nothing that lasts.All things are not yours.But I have great news for you.Jesus offers you all of Himself.He offers you all that belongs to Him.And to receive it, you must let go of the garbage of this culture that you're holdingonto so you can grab ahold of His infinite riches.Come to Him empty-handed.Come to Him asking for forgiveness.Come to Him admitting your need for His grace.Why settle for nothing, both now and forever, if you can have all things for the rest ofeternity?The worship team can now make their way forward.You ever since childhood have had to deal with night terrors.I have very vivid dreams where I think things are not true and see things are not there.And this crazy thinking leads to some crazy behavior.I'll yell things out.I'll walk around the room.I'll even jump on the bed.Then all of a sudden, I'm snapped back to reality.I come to my senses.And every single time I feel so foolish.I think to myself, "How could I have thought those things?How could I have done those things?Why did I act that way?How can I stop this from happening in the future?"Maybe the Holy Spirit has done something similar for you this morning.I hope He has snapped you back to reality so you can stop living in that fantasy world.I pray that He has caused you to come to your senses so you will stop believing the liesof the enemy.Brothers and sisters, let me just say this one final time with all the love and care Ihave in my heart for every single one of you.Get a grip.Get a grip.You are not as wise as you think you are.You are not lacking in anything.Until you get a grip, your relationship with God will not be as strong as it could be.Until you get a grip, harvest Bible chapel will not be as strong in unity and purityas it could be.Let's pray.Father, we come to You, and we all admit that we all struggle with believing things arenot true.We all struggle with an inflated opinion of ourselves.Even when we think very little of ourselves, we are still focused on self.We all admit that we so often complain and grumble about what we don't have, and we failto remember all that you have given us in Christ, which is everything.For those who are discouraged this morning, help them to walk out of here encouraged bythe truth of your word.By those who came in here hard-hearted, may they walk out soft-hearted, Lord.For those who came in with their arms crossed not wanting to listen, may they come out worshipingYou and glorifying You for all that You have done for them and all that You continue todo for them.Lord, we thank You for who You are.We thank You for what You've done, what You are doing, and what You will do.We ask all these things in Jesus' name.Amen.

In this Bible study on Acts chapter 14, Paul and Barnabas preach in Iconium (modern Konya, Turkey), leading many Jews and Greeks to believe despite opposition, then flee threats of stoning to Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia, continuing to share the gospel defined in 1 Corinthians 15 as Christ's death for sins, burial, and resurrection witnessed by Cephas, the twelve, and over 500 brethren. In Lystra, Paul commands a lifelong cripple with perceived faith to stand, resulting in the man leaping and walking, though the crowd mistakes Paul for Mercury and Barnabas for Jupiter and attempts sacrifices until the apostles urge turning to the living God who created all things and left witnesses through fruitful seasons for all nations descending from Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. After Jews from Antioch and Iconium stone Paul nearly to death, he rises, returns to strengthen disciples amid tribulation, ordains elders with prayer and fasting, and preaches through Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, and Attalia before reporting in Antioch how God opened faith to Gentiles. The study emphasizes believers' burden to reach others with the gospel, the need for steadfastness without forsaking assembly for mutual exhortation, and entering spiritual battle upon salvation while knowing God never leaves us.

Church Life "Learning Then Giving the Word of God" Acts 18:24-28 Learning (vv. 24-26)Mt. 3:11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 1 Cor. 1:12 What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." 3:5-6 4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human? 5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.Eph. 4:11-15 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[a] and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[c] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 1 Pet. 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—Heb. 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

What if the most important truth you hold has slowly faded into background noise? We open 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 and bring the resurrection back into sharp focus as the foundation of faith, the engine of hope, and the pattern for a new kind of life. Moving through Paul's summary of the gospel, we trace the eyewitness testimony, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the logical stakes if Christ were not raised. Then we explore the good news Paul insists on; that Christ has been raised, the first fruits of a harvest that includes all who belong to him.From there, we connect theology to daily practice. Adam and Christ frame the human story; death through the first man and life through the last Adam.  That contrast reshapes baptism, identity, and community. Being “sown in weakness, raised in power” isn't just a future headline; it informs how we carry ourselves today, with humility, courage, and responsibility. We talk about living as new people in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve, testify, and love without superiority, remembering we are saved by grace and sent to invite others into the same mercy.Finally, we lift our eyes to the promise of a spiritual body; real, restored, and fit for God's presence.  We let that future hope steady us in daily work; prayers, conversations, quiet acts of care. The risen Christ anchors our faith in history, secures our destiny, and animates our mission, our work, today. If the grave doesn't get the last word, neither does fear or futility.Listen, reflect, and share this message with someone who needs hope today. If this encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it along to a friend. Your voice helps this good news reach someone who needs to hear it.=======1st Corinthians 15: 1-8, 12-14, 20-23, 42-451 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:43 ISend us a textBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. DON BASHAM MINISTRIES 1,000,000,000 GIVE SEND GO:https://www.givesendgo.com/bas... PAYPAL: spiritforce01@gmail.com BITCOIN: 3H4Z2X22DuVUjWPsXKPEsWZmT9c4hDmYvy VENMO: @faithbucks CASHAPP: $spiritforcebucks Zelle: faithbucks@proton.me PATREON: Michael Basham HOME BASE SITE: faithbucks.com

Galatians 2 New King James VersionDefending the Gospel2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.17 “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

2 November 2025 | This week, Pastor Evan finishes our This is the Gospel Sermon series in Galatians 2:11-15. preaching on conflict and how the gospel empowers us to face it with truth and love. Paul Opposes Peter 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Come and See John 1:35-51 35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Welcome to another conversation with a member of Citizens, talking about how the Lord has been at work in their life. This episode, we learn more about Josiah McGee.Talking points include podcasting, playing the piano, raising twins, and the Middle East.To learn more about our church, visit citizenscharlotte.comThe intro/outro music for this podcast is “Existence” by Cephas, licensed through Adobe Stock.

What does unity look like in a divided church? We begin our Dear Corinth series with a powerful message from Pastor Roberto Chaple, diving into Paul's heartfelt appeal for unity in the church. If you've ever wrestled with conflict, preferences, or disconnection in the body of Christ—this message speaks to you. Watch the full worship service below or listen to the sermon audio to reflect and respond. Unity Isn't Optional—It's Essential "I appeal to you… that there be no divisions among you." — 1 Corinthians 1:10 Paul doesn't simply suggest unity—he begs for it. In a church caught between personalities and worship styles, he calls believers back to the center of their faith: Jesus Christ. Here's what we explore together this week: Church unity starts with Christ, not charisma. The early church divides itself over leadership—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. But faithful leadership points to Jesus, not itself. It's not about personal preference; it's about one Savior. Worship style shouldn't divide what the Spirit unites. Whether traditional or contemporary, every form of worship should bring us closer to God. Arguing over style is like keeping the box and throwing away the gift. Multigenerational worship paints a clearer picture of God's Kingdom. Mission matters more than preference. Paul says, "I become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). The goal isn't to win a debate—it's to win someone to Christ. Faith in Action: Church Unity Starts with Us What if we leave our preferences in the glovebox and unite around the mission of Jesus? What if we come to church hungry to serve instead of angry about style or change? Unity doesn't mean uniformity—it means choosing love, humility, and shared purpose. Let's be the kind of church that reflects heaven. Need a way to get connected? Join a Group, start serving, or explore your Next Steps.

SELECCIÓN 05 2025 BLUES SYNDICATE 1- GOOD DAY TO BE ALIVE – MYSTI MAYHEM 2- THE ICE QUEEN – SUE FOLEY 3- JOHN HURT – DOC & MERLE WATSON 4- BE CAREFUL – EDDIE BOYD 5- LONE STAR BLUES – EDGAR & JOHNNY WINTER & KEB MO 6- SIX STRINGS DOWN – JIMMIE VAUGHAN 7- LITTLE BY LITTLE – GREGG ALLMAN 8- BUDDY BOLDEN´S BLUES – MARIO SILES TRIO 9- I´M A STEADY ROLLIN´MAN – PETER GREEN SPLINTER GROUP 10- STRANGE THINGS HAPPEN – LAZY LESTER 11- AIN´T SEEN MY BABY – CEPHAS & WIGGINS 12- TRAVELLING MOOD – SNOOKS EAGLIN 13- HOW BLUES IS THAT – BUDDY GUY & JOE WALSH 14- SONNY´S WOOPIN´THE DOOP – SONNY TERRY 15- CHECKIN´UP ON MY BABY – SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON II 16- SO YOU WANT IT TO RAIN – DOYLE BRAMHALL II

Introduction: Philippians 2:3-7 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 3 Reasons I Want to Fight for Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) Because I Am RESPONSIBLE for the Church's REPUTATION. (1 Cor 1:11) John 13:35 – By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 17:20–21 – I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Because FIGHTING is FOOLISH. (1 Cor 1:12–13) Because DISUNITY DISTRACTS from the Mission. (1 Cor 1:14–17) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 1:10-17What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What are some specific doctrines church members must agree on (1 Cor 1:10)? What are some doctrines that are okay to not all agree on? What makes the difference?What are some ways people overly attach themselves to certain preachers today (1 Cor 1:12)? Why do you think many Christians do this?Why was Paul thankful that he didn't baptize the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:14)? Is Paul saying baptism isn't important? Why or why not?How exactly do “words of eloquent wisdom” end up “emptying the cross of its power” (1 Cor 1:17)? What does this say about how we should evaluate a sermon?BreakoutPray for one another. Pray for unity at HBC among elders, staff, ministry leaders, and members. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open up those Bibles.The first Corinthians in chapter 1.But as we turn to God's Word, I'm going to ask,we just pause for a second and please pray for meto faithfully communicate what God has said in His Word,and I will pray for you to have a heart open to receivewhat it is that the Lord wants to teach us from His Word today.Alright, let's pray.Father, just now we're turning to Your Word,and I pray that our minds and hearts would be just so focusedon what You said,and that we are eager to obey what it is You've laid out for usin Your Word.We pray in Jesus' name.And all of God's people said,"Amen."The first Corinthians, chapter 1.You know, every so often at harvest Bible chapel,we do a Q&A day where we take questions from the congregationand answer them,and I think it was the last Q&A day.We had a very - a question that kind of threw me for a loop.I was wondering who asked it and why.But the question was, do the leaders of the church like each other?Well, you know, we're working on seeking the Lordon building a church building on a piece of propertyup in New Sewickley.And there is wind of opposition to building,which probably means building is of the Lord,because that's what happens, right?Read the book of Nehemiah.But in our staff meeting,in my office around the conference tables,we were in a staff meeting,and our children's director, Missy Howes,I got permission to tell this story, by the way.But our children's director was telling us aboutone of the individuals who is sort of against us buildinga building on that property.And then Missy capped off her updateby turning to Pastor Rich,and she said, "Yeah, she's really going after you people."And I said, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.You people."I said, "Well, at what point, Melissa,did you go from staff memberof the biggest demographic of our churchto now it's you people?"And we have been laughing about that ever since.And if you know Missy, it's even funnier.But how quickly some people actually seriouslydetached themselves from the church?How quickly people detach themselves,and they don't see themselves as part of the body,don't see themselves as wanting what's actually bestfor the body as a whole.How many people show of handshave ever been involved in a churchwhere there's been fighting?Raise your hand.All right?How many people have ever been involved in a churchwhere there was a split?Raise your hand.Way too many of you.All right? Way too many.But listen, it's nothing new.It's been happening from the very beginning of the church.And it just seems common nowbecause there's more churchesand there's easier ways to communicate in our day.But it happens.Fighting and divisions in the churchis unfortunately one of the sinsthat the church has been dealing with since day one.Last week as we started 1 Corinthians,the Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church,look, the foundation for unityhas to be in knowing your salvation.That has to be the foundation.You have to know the grace of Godby which you're saved.You have to know that He has gifted you to serve.You have to know that you are guiltlessin the day of Christ Jesus.He will sustain you.That's how Paul starts the letter.In Jesus Christ.Now, act like it.And that's the theme of the whole book of 1 Corinthians.You know, the Corinthian church,they had a lot of problems.Have you read this book?They had a lot of problems.They had a lot of problems concerning sexualityand marriage and libertyand worship and spiritual giftsand the resurrection of Jesusand money.And Paul wrote this book.He wrote them this letter to correcttheir sinful problems.But you know,Paul must have thoughtthat their biggest problemwas disunity.The fighting.Because this is what he addresses firstin the letter.Look at verse 10.And really, verse 10 could have beenthe only thing he wrote in the whole book.And this is like the point.He says, "I appeal to you brothersby the name of our Lord Jesus Christthat all of you agreeand that there be no divisions among youbut that you be united in the same mindand the same judgment."Now, verse 10 obviously flows from verse 9.And verse 9, he tells the church that they,by extension, we are called into the fellowshipof His Son.And that's a foundation herefor the Corinthian church and for Harvest Bible Chapel.This is not my church.This is not Pastor Taylor's church.Corinth was not Paul's churchor Apollos' church.Harvest Bible Chapel,it's not your church.Whose church is it?It's God's church.And you're like, "Man Pastor Jeff,if only there was a way that you could remind us of thaton the regular."What do you think this is?Do you know what this is?It's an arrow.That's all it is.It's a fancy arrow.But that's, people ask me,"What's this symbol mean?"It's just an arrow.And this is to remind us why we're here.We're here for God.We're here to exalt His Son.We're here to proclaim His Word.That's all that is.It's a constant reminder.It's not about me.It's about Him.So Paul says he's appealing that what?He says that all of you agree.Like, "All right, agree."Agree on what?Agree on politics.Agree on who is the best football team.Agree on who makes the best pizza.What are we agreeing on?Well, there's two things, church,that we have to absolutely agree on.And number one is doctrine.We should all agree on what we believe.Now listen, we might have different viewson things like an eschatological timelineor the doctrine of election or whatever, whatever.But on the major points of doctrine, we must agree.If you're like, "I'm not sure if I should agree on thisor if I should fight about this."Well, there's things that there are hills to die on.Things like the authority of God's Word.That's something we should all agree on.Things like the person and work of Jesus Christ.We should all agree on that.He is God who became man, who died to take away sin,who rose from the dead to give eternal life,who is coming again.We should all agree on that.Speaking of, we should all agree on salvation.How does somebody get saved?It's through faith in Jesus Christ.It's receiving the gift of eternal lifethat God has given through Jesus.We should all agree on that.All the stuff we talked about last week,we should all agree that is how a person gets saved.We should all agree on the mission of the church.We're not here to scratch itchy ears.We're not here to make a nice social club.We are here to make disciples.Those are things we should agree on.And that's what Paul goes on to say,that there will be no divisions among you.Literally, divisions in the Greekcan be translated no difference of opinion.Paul says, you should not have a difference of opinion.We should all have the same opinion.And you're like, what? Jeff, yours?No.We should all have God's opinion.See, that should be the mindset of this church.It's like, well, what do you think about abortion?What does God think about abortion?What do you think about marriage?What does God think about marriage?That should be our opinion too.What do you think about work?What does God say about work?What should share His opinion?What do you think about parenting?You got any opinions about parenting?Yeah, I do got opinions about parenting.It's God's opinion about parenting.What does the Bible say?We should all be agreeing on doctrine.And another thing we should all be agreeing on is submission.Look at verse 10.He says that you be united in the same mindand the same judgments.You see, doctrine speaks to what we believe.Submission speaks to how we act.In other words, unity - listen, unity will occur naturallywhen we agree on doctrine and live in submission to one another.Now, I hesitated to even bark up this treebut I felt like we had tobecause this could be a whole other sermon series.But look at what Paul told the Philippian church.What is the attitude that we're supposed to have,this attitude of submissionthat's going to result in unity?He tells the Philippians,he says, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.Each of you look not only to his own interestsbut also to the interests of others.Have this mind among yourselveswhich is yours in Christ Jesus.Though he was in the form of God,did not count equality with God, a thing to be grasped.He got emptied himself by taking the form of a servantbeing born in the likeness of man."That's saying a lot.There's a couple of things I want to highlight from that.Regarding submission that unifies us,unity is destroyed when we start thinking,"It's all about me.My ideas are the best.My ideas are the smartest.Everyone should do what I want in the churchand the church will be good."He says, "Each of us, we have to humble ourselvesthat we consider others more important than you.That you walk in the doors and you're like,"Everybody here is more important than me."Unity comes when we all share that mindset.How do we do that?Well, he tells us in Philippians,"We have to have the mind of Christ."He says a lot like I said.We've preached on this a couple of times in past time.Look at that next to last statement.That's the one that really jumps out to me.Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, took the form of a servant.This is where the attitude of submission comes.When you walk in the doors, not to say,"Okay, things need to happen my way.I'm going to set everything straight.You need to walk in the doors and say,"I'm here to serve.I'm a servant."If God was willing to make Himself a servant,as an example, I should have the same mindset, right?So are you?Are you a servant?Well, we'll know when somebody treats you like one,whether you are or not.We'll know when you don't get your own wayif you really see yourself as a servant.Really, Paul could have stopped it.Verse 10 says so much here in 1 Corinthians 1.He could have stopped there.But he goes on to lay out three reasons whywe should each do our part for unity.So on your outline, I want you to jot some things down.Three reasons I want to fight for unity.Like, you want to fight about something?You want to fight? Okay.Let's fight for unity.Let's fight for that.You're like, "Well, why do I want to do that?"Well, Paul tells us, number one,because I am responsible for the church's reputation.Because I am responsible for the church's reputation.Look at verse 11.He says, "For it has been reported to me by Chloe's peoplethat there is quarreling among you, my brothers."There are Chloe's people.Do you know what we call them today?Whistleblowers. Right?Do you know what we called them when I was a kid?Do you know what we called whistleblowers when I was a kid?A "nark."How many people remember "nark"?Okay, somebody tattles to the teacher on you."You nark."They weren't getting. They weren't being narks.They weren't being narks. No.I don't know who Chloe's people are.The Bible doesn't really tell us.But here's what we do know.They were so concerned over the fighting that was happening in the churchthat they had to get a message to Paul.And it would have been a lot harder in that day.They couldn't have just posted something on Instaor sent Paul a text. Right?So Chloe's people were concerned.And Paul's like, "This is the reputation that's getting back to me."Chloe's people says, "All you do is fight."Not good.I heard a commercial just the other dayfor a product that I didn't even know existed.It's called the Reputation Defender.How many people have heard of the Reputation Defender?Okay, Randy. Okay, me and Randy.Okay, so only a few of us heard that commercial.All right? The Reputation Defender.Do you know what this is? I had to look it up online.I was so intrigued by the commercial, Randy.I had to look it up online.Since 2006, a leader in online reputation management.What they do is they - and again, this is from their website -they fix online search results and remove personal information.Meaning, if there's bad stuff about you on the Internet, they erase it.If somebody, you know, whether you're applying for a jobor you just want to sort of clean up your reputation,it's just, whoop, it's erased from the Internet.It's gone. Like, that part of you no longer exists.It's just, whoop, gone.And I heard that commercial.And I'm like, man, I wish we had this for other things.You know what I mean?You know what I mean? Like, I do something stupid at homeand I upset Aaron.I wish that I could just be like, whoop, gone.Or, have you ever been like at a partyand you meet somebody and you say something really awkwardand stupid and you're like, why did I say that?Wouldn't it be nice to just be like, whoop, now nobody remembers that?Right?Or you got ejected from the church softball gamebecause you lost your temper.Whoop.Well, you know, there is no such service for the church.I think with the church more than probably just about any organization on the planet,the reputation sticks.For better or for worse, the reputation sticks.And if you're like, well, I really don't care what people think about me.Okay, do you care what people think about Jesus?Because this unity doesn't just affect the church's reputation.It reflects on Jesus himself.Look at John 13.35 here. We're going to have it on the screen.Jesus said, by this all people will know that you are my disciplesif you have love for one another.Now, you know what I want to think Jesus said here?My mind wants to make it say that Jesus was like,the world is going to know that you love the worldby the way that you love the world.That's not what he said.He said the world is going to know that we are disciples of Jesus,not by how we love them,but by how we love each other.Our reputation for unity, according to our Lord,confirms our discipleship to the world,and it also directly affects our witness.Jesus, again, you jump over to John 17.Jesus praying specifically for us, for Harvest Bible Chapel.You see it right here. Jesus is praying.I do not ask for these only,but also for those who will believe in me through their Word.That's us.We believe through the Word.He says that they may all be one,just as you, Father, are in me and I and you,that they also may be in us.Why does Jesus want us to be one?Here's a reason.He says so that the world may believe that you have sent me.Our witness church is directly affected by our oneness.I mean, that just makes sense, doesn't it?I mean, it just follows.I mean, if you're talking to your neighbor about churchand you say things like,"Well, you know what at Harvest Bible Chapel,our worship leader can't stand our children's director."I mean, our children's director is constantly throwing fire at staff meetings,and the worship leader just has had enough.And then you tell your neighbor,"Oh, he is way too aggressive with people."And you're like, "Well, how's the youth group?"And they say, "How's the youth group?"You're like, "Well, youth group is nice, but you know what those youth group moms,all they do is fight."That's all they do.They're just constantly fighting and arguing and bickering about everything.And then you turn to your neighbor and say,"Hey, would you like to come to our church sometime?"And they're like,"Not a chance.Why would I want to walk into that circus?"Our witness is affected by our reputation.Jesus prayed that we would be one.He died so that we would be one.So our reputation that we should have is that we are one.So, nix the clicks.Alright?Nix the clicks.Why?Because you're responsible for our reputation.You're responsible for our reputation.Number two, why I want to fight for unity?Why I want to nix the clicks?Number two, because fighting is foolish.Fighting is foolish.Look at verses 12 and 13.Paul is calling them out on their foolish immaturity.He says, "What I mean is that each one of you says,'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,'that's Peter, or 'I follow Christ.'"Is Christ divided?Was Paul crucified for you?Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?See what he's doing?He's pointing out how stupid this is.Why are you fighting about this stuff?Verse 12, he says, "Each one of you,each one of you, you should have that underlined."Why?Because when there's this unity, who do we blame?Everybody else, right?Paul's like, "This is not an everybody else problem.This is a you problem."Stop blaming everybody else.What are you doing for unity at the church?And you see, they were boasting about which ministerthey identified with.Some people were like, "I follow Paul."I mean, Paul was pretty great, huh?Like, what an awesome missionary, right?Apostle to the Gentiles and endured so much hardshipand was so faithful in his ministry.And it's easy to see why there were people that loved Paul.But some maybe overly attached to him, right?But then you have the people that were like, "Paul, okay."Paul's okay.But you know who really is the best minister is Apollos.Apollos was known for his eloquence.Apollos was a fantastic speaker.We learned about that in the book of Acts.And I'm sure that there were people here that were like,"You know what? Paul might have good theology,but there ain't nobody that preaches a sermonas beautifully as Apollos.He is the best preacher I've ever heard."And then you had people that are like,"You both are whack."Paul?Apollos?No, no, no, no, no, no.Cephas.That's Peter, right?Like, how can we even be arguing about this?Peter!OG!Peter!Right?Like, he wasn't just like one of the disciples.He was like one of Jesus' besties.And he was there for all of it.And he had some ups and downs.And look at what, look at like Pentecost.And Peter is the man.And then you had people that just had the Jesus Duke, everybody,that are like, "Oh, you like human ministers?"Well, I follow Christ.Doesn't that just sound so pious?I follow Christ.You see what the Corinthian church was doing?It was the adult version, the church version,of, "My dad can beat up your dad."Right?It's, "My pastor cannot preach your pastor."Aren't all four of these men preaching the same gospel?Oh, by the way, the last group there, I follow Christ.You're like, "Wait, wait, wait.Isn't that who we want to follow?"Yes.Jesus.Obviously.But somehow they turned even thatinto an occasion for fighting.And you're like, "Well, how in the world could somebody pull that off?"Well, people still do it today.People still do that today.Like, what do you mean?You heard these people that are like,"Oh, I don't need to go to churchbecause I have a relationship with Jesus.So I don't need church."You can't defend that biblically.There is no such thing as a Christian detached from a church body.There is no such thing.Several years ago, there was the whole short-lived15 minutes of fame of the whole,"I love Jesus but hate the church."You remember that?"I love Jesus but I hate the church."Doesn't that just sound so pious?It sounds so obnoxious."I love Jesus but I hate the church."Bad idea.You know what the church is?The church is the bride of Christ.And if you came to me and you said,"I love you, Pastor Jeff, but I hate your wife,"we're going to have some problems.I think that's what was going on here.That there were people that were like,"Oh, I don't need churches and preachersbecause I have Jesus."And look, there are some things,as we said earlier, that are worth fighting for.There are some things I will fight to the death for.Things like preaching the Word of God.Things like biblical music.Things like confronting unrepentant sin.Those are the things that the church should be fighting for.But sadly, when there's fighting in the church,those aren't usually the kinds of thingsthat people are fighting over.Honestly, church, we find weird things to divide over,just like the Corinthians.We just come up with all kinds of stupid things to fight about.You want to hear some examples of some of the stupidest things?I don't have time to give all of them.But over the years, I've heard so many stupid thingsthat people fight about.Here's one.I had a friend that attended a church.And I'm like, "Hey, how things are going at your church?"And he goes, "Oh, Jeff, we're really in a bad spot right now.Everybody's fighting."Like, what's the problem?People are really upset with each otherand people are not talking to each other.And it's gotten really ugly.I'm like, "What are we fighting about at this church?"He says, "Well, when you walk in the entryway,there's a bulletin board.And they're fighting about how to divide it up among the ministries.Because the Sunday school thought they were getting all of it,and they were told they can get half,and they wanted to divide it this way.But no, no, no, the mission department wanted to divide it this way, blah, blah, blah."And he goes, "It is nasty."I'm like, "Are you serious?"He's like, "Yeah."He goes, "What do you think we should do?"I said, "I think you should rip that bulletin board off the walland throw it in the garbage.That's what I think you should do."He's like, "Well, that's evangelism."I said, "No, it's not.The only people are seeing itare the people who are walking in the door."I said, "If it's causing that much division, trash it."Isn't that dumb?Here's another one.My old church, there was a familythat had four daughters at the timethey were early adolescents to teenage years.And there were people at the churchthat were upset with this family.They said, "Those girls are a clique.Those girls are a clique.Those girls are sisters."And now we're demonizing thembecause they like each other?There were people angry at thembecause they got along.Isn't that stupid?This might be the stupidestthat I have a pastor friend.He was a pastor for a church up in Canada.Every Christmas they had a tradition.Like, for years,at the end of the Christmas service,this is true, and I can't say without laughing,but this is true,at the end of the Christmas service every year,they sang "Feliz Navidad."You know that horrible song?You know the one I'm talking about?"Feliz Navidad.""Feliz Navidad."Oh, that's so cringe.Well, this new pastor cameand he's like, "You know what?There's not really spiritual contentin that song,and let's really focus our attentionof worship towards, I don't know, Jesus."So let's not sing that song this year.It caused a church split.And my pastor friend said,"I've never seen people so angry."Over one of the worst songs ever written.Isn't that dumb?We find such weird things to divide over.That was the Corinthians.They had their dumb thing too.He was the best preacher.That's why in verse 13,Paul gives some questions that we can unify here, right?Because these questions require us allto give the same answer.Right? Let's try it.Let's see if we get the same answer.Question number one.I'm going to ask the question,you shout out the answer.Is Christ divided?No. Obviously not, right?Christ is not divided.Alright, question two.And now they get harder.Was Paul crucified for you?No.Alright, final question.Were you baptized in the name of Paul?No.Meatballs.Alright, look.I want you to hear me very closely here.There is nothing wrong with having a favorite preacher.I do.There's a preacher who's podcast I listen to all the time.There is nothing wrong with that.Okay? We clear on that.There's nothing wrong with that.I encourage you to do that.But can we at the same time admitthat some people get strangely attachedto preachers and messengers?Like go back a generation to the Bill Gawthard people.Look, I used to go to Bill Gawthard conferences all the time.And you know what I saw there?There were people that were very strangely attached to him.They were like the "I follow Apollo's" people.Alright?And there were people that are like that with John Piper.There were people that are like that with Jack Hibbs.That we attach to these people so much so that we saythe gospel isn't the gospel unless you gospel their way.And when we do that,we're just as foolish as the Corinthians.So these men that you're attached to on what basis are you attached?Right? Paul would say,"Was Jack Hibbs crucified for you?"Were you baptized in the name of John Piper?No.Our union is in Jesus and with Jesus.So Nick's the Clicks.Paul shows us fighting is foolish.Fighting is foolish.And finally, number three.Why do I want to fight for unity?Because this unity distracts from the mission.This unity distracts from the mission.Look at verse 14.Paul says,"I thank God that I baptize none of you,except Christmas and Gaius,so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name."I did baptize also the household of Staphanos.Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.Listen, Paul is not diminishing baptism.Paul's not saying baptism isn't important.This is all Paul is saying.Corinthians, if you're going to fight about this stuff,I am so glad I didn't baptize more of you.If you're going to act like childrenbecause of who baptized you,I'll thank you God that I didn't baptize more of you.In verse 17, he says,"For Christ did not send me to baptizeto preach the gospel and not with words of eloquent wisdom,lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."Paul is saying, "I was sent to preach to make men one in Christ,not baptize to make teams."When you praise the messenger,you miss the message.When you praise the missionary,you miss the mission.And harvest Satan would want anything,anything to distract us from the mission of making disciples.Nothing's changed.Read the book of Acts.In the book of Acts, the church is born.Satan tried to destroy the church from the outsidethrough Acts chapter 4.From the outside attacks.What happened to the churchwhen Satan tried to attack from the outside?What happened?It got bigger and stronger.Kind of like the Charlie Kirk thing that happened recently.The outside attack resulted in getting bigger and stronger.But do you know Acts chapter 5, Acts chapter 6,Satan changes his strategy.Instead of attacking the church from the outside,he attacks the church from the inside,and he found out to be so much more effectiveto distract the church from the mission.And Satan will do that to us.You see, if Satan can get us dividedand fighting with each other,then we're distracted from doing what we're supposed to be doing.The gospel of Jesus Christhas to be the core of everything that we do here.It has to be the cause of everything that we do here.It has to be the motivation of everything that this church does.A pure focus on a pure gospel.Not with words of eloquent wisdom.In other words, we're not sugarcoating it.We're not dressing it up.We're not making it a performance.The power is in the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.So next the clicks.Why?Because disunity distracts from the mission.Our worship team will make their way forward.I'd like you to just buy your heads for a moment.Excuse me.I'd like you to just buy your heads.As we said at the onset,when there's any kind of disunity,when there's any kind of fighting,it's so easy to blame the other guy.God's Word tells us that we need to look at ourselves first.I just want you to buy your heads.I just want you to do a little self-examination.I want you to consider your role in this church,your interactions with people in this church.And I want you to ask yourself,am I an agent of unity or disunity in this church?Am I trying to bring people together?Or am I dividing people?Oh, another question that goes with that.Ask yourself this.If everyone in the church acted like I do,what kind of church would this be?And then finally ask yourself this.Am I committed to the pure doctrine of the gospeland submission to our Lord and to one another?Or have I really made lesser things my focus?Father in heaven,you have called us to unity.Father, it's real easy for us to sit in this roomand sort of laugh at the foolishnessthat was happening in the Corinthian church,bragging about which preacher is the best.It just seems so silly to us,but Father, we fight about thingsthat are much more silly than that.Father, I just pray for the unity in this church.We believe, Father, that Christ died to make us one.And I pray, Father, that we would do everything we canon our part to strive for unity in the body of Christ.Father, if there's any complaining,negative, divisive attitude within any of us,Father, I pray that you would grant repentanceand bring us to the place that we care moreabout your reputation and the ministryto reach the lost and to build up the saved.I pray that we would be so focusedon what you've called us to,that we're not distracted with personal preferences.So thank you, God.Thank you, God, for what you've clearly laid outfor us in your Word.Have us faithful to do it, Father.We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Message by Pastor Doug Bunnell, recorded live September 28, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.A Bigger TableThe good news of Jesus welcomes all Jesus Followers to the table, let us walk in unity. What issue arose in Antioch that led Paul to confront Peter (v. 11–12)?What does Paul accuse Peter of in verse 14?Why did Paul view the pressure to circumcise Gentile believers as a threat to the gospel? What does it mean that Peter was “not acting in line with the truth of the gospel” (v. 14)?Are there ways today that we might add requirements to table fellowship?Have you ever felt pressured to compromise your beliefs to fit in with a group?Why is it essential for church leaders and mature Christians to model gospel-consistent behavior? Galatians 2:1-14 1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up in response to a revelation. Then I laid before them (though only in a private meeting with the acknowledged leaders) the gospel that I proclaim among the gentiles, in order to make sure that I was not running, or had not run, in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 But because of false brothers and sisters secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us— 5 we did not submit to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might always remain with you. 6 And from those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those leaders contributed nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel for the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter making him an apostle to the circumcised also worked through me in sending me to the gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do.11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood self-condemned, 12 for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. 13 And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the gentiles to live like Jews?”

Welcome to another conversation with a member of Citizens, talking about how the Lord has been at work in their life. This episode, we learn more about Holly Hall.Talking points include skiing, speech pathology, SoCal, and playing the drums.To learn more about our church, visit citizenscharlotte.comThe intro/outro music for this podcast is “Existence” by Cephas, licensed through Adobe Stock.

Big Idea: The resurrection causes radical life change.1 Corinthians 15:1-11I. Hope in Jesus's resurrection power. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,…II. Hold on to Jesus's resurrection promise.1 Corinthians 15:5-8…and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.III. Help others see how Jesus's resurrection has changed you.    1 Corinthians 15:9-11For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, so we proclaim and so you have believed.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to resurrect my dead heart today.Become: I will let hope give me strength this week. Be Sent: I will let someone Jesus at work in me this week.Discussion Questions: What is the biggest change that the gospel has produced in you?When did your faith last help you to stand firm in the face of difficulties? Did the resurrection impact your life goals?How do a person's beliefs about eternal life influence their everyday actions?Why does Paul “work hard” for a promise that has already been given to him through Christ's resurrection?What is one thing you will work on this week to align your life with the promise of the resurrection? Pray for the opportunity to show someone the hope of your faith this week. 

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Official Christianity, of late years, has been having what is known ‘as a bad press'. We are constantly assured that the churches are empty because preachers insist too much upon doctrine — dull dogma as people call it. The fact is the precise opposite. It is the neglect of dogma that makes for dullness. The Christian faith is the most exciting drama that ever staggered the imagination of man — and the dogma is the drama…. That God should play the tyrant over man is a dismal story of unrelieved oppression; that man should play the tyrant over man is the usual dreary record of human futility; but that man should play the tyrant over God and find him a better man than himself is an astonishing drama indeed. Any journalist, hearing of it for the first time, would recognize it as news; those who did hear it for the first time actually called it news, and good news at that; though we are likely to forget that the word Gospel ever meant anything so sensational.”~Dorothy L. Sayers (1893-1957), novelist and playwright, in “The Greatest Drama Ever Staged” “Let us become like Christ, since Christ became like us. He assumed the worse that He might give us the better; He became poor that we through His poverty might be rich.”~Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390), 4th century church leader and theologian “Once, when Paul came to Athens, a mighty city, he found in the temple many ancient altars, and he went from one to the other and looked at them all, but he did not kick down a single one of them with his foot. Rather he stood up in the middle of the marketplace and said they were nothing but idolatrous things and begged the people to forsake them; yet he did not destroy one of them by force. When the Word took hold of their hearts, they forsook them of their own accord, and in consequence the thing fell of itself…. For the Word created heaven and earth and all things; the Word must do this thing, and not we poor sinners.”~Martin Luther, at his return to Wittenberg under an Imperial death threat (March 10, 1522) “I would propose that the subject of the ministry in this house, as long as this platform shall stand, and as long as this house shall be frequented by worshippers, shall be the person of Jesus Christ. I am never ashamed to avow myself a Calvinist; I do not hesitate to take the name of Baptist; but if I am asked what is my creed, I reply, ‘It is Jesus Christ.' …Christ Jesus, who is the sum and substance of the gospel, who is in himself all theology, the incarnation of every precious truth, the all-glorious personal embodiment of the way, the truth, and the life.”~Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), his first words at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London “As for me, my charter is Jesus Christ, the inviolable charter is His cross and His death and resurrection, and faith through Him.”~Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35 - c. 107), student of John the Apostle “…upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.”~Jesus in Matthew 16:18SERMON PASSAGEselected passages (ESV)Romans 1 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” 1 Corinthians 1 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God….  22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 2 1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.1 Corinthians 15 1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.  Galatians 2 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Colossians 1 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.

“But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”” (Luke 22:32 NLT-SE)

“But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”” (Luke 22:32 NLT-SE)

“But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”” (Luke 22:32 NLT-SE)

“But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”” (Luke 22:32 NLT-SE)

Message by Pastor Doug Bunnell, recorded live September 7, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Nicki Bailey.Heaven is Not the GoalGetting to heaven is not our hope, we look forward to resurrected bodies on a renewed earth. What are the core elements of the gospel according to verses 3–4? Why is the resurrection essential to the gospel message?Do you ever struggle to believe in the resurrection? How do these witnesses help confirm your faith?What does it mean for you personally to “hold firmly” to the gospel?What “mystery” is Paul revealing in verses 51–52? What takes the sting away from death? (v. 55–57)How does this passage give you hope when facing loss or thinking about your own mortality? 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 51-58 1 Now I want you to understand, brothers and sisters, the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2 through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures 4 and that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.51 Look, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When this perishable body puts on imperishability and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

A Sermon for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 & St. Luke 18:9-14 by William Klock “Two men went up to the temple to pray,” Jesus said.  The temple was the place where heaven and earth met.  The place where men and women could go to be in the presence of God.  Twice a day the priests would lead the people in prayers, at nine in the morning and at three in the afternoon, but people could go any time to pray. On this day, two men climbed the steps to the temple courts to pray.  “One,” Jesus said, “was a Pharisee.”  A Jew could pray anywhere—at home, wherever.  But if anyone was going to go out of their way to pray at the temple, it was going to be a Pharisee.  The temple was everything to them.  They weren't priests, but they lived their lives as if they were.  So it was natural for a Pharisee to go to the temple to pray. But there were two men this day, Jesus said, who went up to the temple.  “The other was a tax collector.”  If there was a polar opposite of the Pharisee, it was the tax collector.  The Pharisees were devoted to God's covenant and to his law.  They kept every last jot and tittle of it.  But the tax collectors.  When Jesus mentioned a tax collector, his whole audience recoiled.  They were the worst of the worst.  There were “sinners”—that means Jews who made lifestyle that rejected God's covenant with them—but then there were tax collectors.  They were a special kind of sinner.  The scum of the earth.  They got rich sucking up to the gentile dogs while swindling their own people. I expect that as Jesus described these two men, everyone had a similar mental picture.  The Pharisee, dignified, wearing his fine clothes, making his way confidently up the steps to the temple complex, and striding just as confidently through the outer courts.  Everyone knew him, everyone he passed greeted him respectfully as he made his way through the various gates and colonnades, further and further into the temple complex.  But then the tax collector.  Maybe it took him three times to make it up those steps, because twice he turned around, overwhelmed by guilt and shame.  And on the far side of the court of the Gentiles, the soreg, the low wall that marked the boundary between the pure and impure, made him pause.  He didn't belong on the other side.  But he'd already spent weeks tracking down the people he'd fleeced and making restitution to them.  There was no going back.  So he steeled himself and passed through, head down, trying to look unobtrusive, because he knew—he just knew—that everyone recognised him.  And he went to one of the men selling lambs.  And he picked one out, paid for it, took it in his arms—he wasn't used to handling animals—and he got in line in the courtyard outside the sanctuary, waiting for a priest as the lamb struggled.  And finally, a priest motioned him toward the altar.  He presented the lamb, his sin offering, and as the priest held it, the tax collector laid his hands on it and slit its throat.  And the priest collected the blood and poured it out at the base of the altar, then butchered the little lamb and burned its fat.  Now he was pure.  But there was still more to do.  The tax collector went back out to the outer court and this time he bought a ram for a guilt offering.  And a servant helped him with the ram as he, again, went back to stand in line for a priest.  And, again, he placed his hands on the ram as the priest held it.  And he killed it, and as with the lamb, the blood was poured out and the fat was burned.  And his guilt was expiated.  And now he could go and pray.  And there he saw the Pharisee.  The Pharisee had seen him, too.  The Pharisee had seen him all along.  As he'd chatted with a friend, the Pharisee had seen the tax collector buy his lamb.  And he'd seem him again as he bought his ram.  As he stood there praying, he'd seen the sacrifice.  God may have forgiven the tax collector, but the Pharisee sure didn't see him that way.  He took a smug look back at the tax collector and, Jesus says, “he prayed in this way to himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: greedy, unjust, immoral, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week.  I give tithes of all that I get.'” And the tax collector.  Jesus says he “stood a long way off, not even wanting to lift his eyes to heaven.  He beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me, sinner that I am.'”  He'd gone through the formal actions of forgiveness, but he knew that mere formalism would never see him reconciled to God.  And so, after offering his sacrifices, he knelt humbly and prayed the words of Psalm 51: “Have mercy on me, O God—the psalm goes on—according to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions.”  He knew.  God isn't a vending machine.  Offering a lamb isn't like pushing B4 and absolution drops into the slot for you to take.  He knew the words of the psalm.  David went on to sing, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”  And so the tax collector knelt—and without any presumption—threw himself on the grace of God.  And, as Jesus has said elsewhere, all of heaven rejoiced over this repentant sinner—even as the Pharisee scowled at him. And Jesus said to the people, “Let me tell you, he—the tax collector—was the one who went back to his home vindicated by God, not the other.”  That had to make some people angry.  It was one thing to grant—even if a little grudgingly—that there was something good about a repentant tax collector.  Okay, he offered his lamb and his ram and his contrition was obviously real.  But dissing the Pharisee?  That was too much.  But you see, this is exactly why Jesus told this story.  Luke introduces this episode saying, “Jesus told this next parable against those who trusted in their own righteous standing and despised others.”  And so Jesus explains: “Don't you see?  People who exalt themselves will be humbled, and people who humble themselves will be exalted.” Going to the temple, standing before the Lord, and singing out a litany of your own pious greatness—that's not pleasing to the Lord.  That's a good way to find yourself humbled on the last day.  And having this in mind that makes this bigger than the Pharisees.  Maybe they were the worst offenders, but Jesus gets to the heart of Israel's problem and exposes it.  They knew they were “in”.  They knew that when the Day of the Lord came, judgement would fall on everyone else and that they would be vindicated and go on to live in his presence in the age to come, they knew this because they faithfully bore all the markers of God's covenant.  They were circumcised, they kept the sabbath, and they ate the right foods—they kept God's law.  That meant they were righteous…or so they thought.  But Jesus sort of asks here: “Where is your heart?” This is what the prophets had been asking Israel—and warning her about—for centuries.  Reminding the people that formalism doesn't cut it.  Yes, God required sacrifices.  He'd given them a law.  But obedience was supposed flow from a humble heart overflowing with gratitude for God's grace.  It was supposed to be rooted in faith—faith in a God who had called a childless pagan named Abram and blessed him beyond anything he deserved; faith in a God who called a sorry and miserable group of slaves out of Egypt and blessed them beyond anything they deserved.  But Israel got complacent, and comfortable, and forgot the source of her blessings.  Instead of trusting God, she trusted in horses and chariots and kings—and even foreign gods.  She thought mere formalism would satisfy God's requirement for holiness.  And her heart became hard, idolatrous, and self-righteous.  So for all their love of torah, the hearts of the Pharisees were far from God—and in that, they represented most of the people in Israel.  They exalted themselves and presumed upon God, when they should have been humble before him, thanking him for his grace.  When judgement day came, they were ready to sing that litany of their righteousness: We're not like other people.  We fast and we tithe.  We're circumcised and we keep the sabbath.  And God would high-five them and the invite them along to go smite the sinners and tax collectors and gentiles.  Their hearts will filled with pride, not faith. Habakkuk was one of those prophets that had warned Israel in the days before the exile.  “Look at the proud!” he said, “His spirit is presumptuous and is not right, but the righteous shall live by faith.”  Pride and faith, Brothers and Sisters, are polar opposites. Habakkuk looked around him lamented to the Lord: O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. (Habakkuk 1:1-4) Wickedness, idolatry, injustice—pride.  Judah no longer trusted in the Lord and it showed.  The heart of the people was far from God and those who were humble, who did lean on his grace were trampled under foot.  And Habakkuk knew it couldn't go on like this forever.  He knew the Lord's judgement on a wicked and faithless and proud people had to come soon.  And so he cried out to the Lord and the Lord assured him: “The righteous shall live by faith.”  In other words, the righteous will live the way they always do, regardless of circumstances: by faith in the grace and mercy and goodness of God—not in pride, but by faith.   Pride is insidious.  It can take any form in order to push out faith.  The Pharisees were, in most ways, so close—but in them pride twisted faith itself.  I wonder what Habakkuk would think of our world.  We now have a whole season devoted to pride.  At first it was a month, but now it just seems to go on and on: Pridetide, the unholy parody of Trinitytide.  At least the Pharisees were prideful for their good works.  Today, the wicked and perverted announce their sins with pride and their “ally” lackies signal their virtue as loudly as possible.  And the wealthy and the powerful, governments and corporation and businesses big and small join in the litany of pride and woe to anyone who dares to dissent and on whom the scorn and wrath of the Pride Pharisees falls.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.  The proud are always convinced of their own righteousness and standing before God. And yet Jesus told so many stories in which the proud—so sure of their righteous standing—ended up finding themselves in the outer darkness, weeping and gnashing their teeth, while the tax collectors and sinners—having discovered the mercy and grace of God, having repented in faith—found themselves welcomed into the feast.  Again, pride and faith are polar opposites, mutually exclusive. And I think this is why the church, for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, has coupled this Gospel about the Pharisee and the tax collector with St. Paul's affirmation of faith at the beginning of 1 Corinthians 15.  He begins with the gospel, with the good news about Jesus.  He writes: “Let me remind you, Brother [and Sisters], about the good news which I announced to you.”  I love the way it works in Greek.  Paul talks about the gospel that he gospelled to them.  The gospel is the best news ever.  It's the news that changes everything.  It's the news that dispels—or, at any rate, it should dispel—any ideas we have about being proud of ourselves.  Because Paul goes on and says, “You received this good news, and you're standing firm on it, and you are saved through it, if you hold fast the message I announced—I gospelled—to you.  Unless it was for nothing that you believed.” These were men and women who had stood on all sorts of things.  Some of them were Jews and once they had stood on that: on their circumcision, on their sabbath keeping, on their general keeping of torah.  Some of them were Gentiles.  They'd stood on their pagan gods, or on the emperor, or on their philosophies.  But then Paul came and he gospelled the gospel.  He announced the good news and it changed everything.  Or, at least it did for a time.  And then pride started creeping back in.  It's insidious.  And as pride crept in, it pushed faith in the good news out.  And Paul says of that good news: “What I handed on to you at the beginning, you see, was what I received, namely this: The Messiah died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, he was buried, he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, he was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve, then he was seen by over five hundred brothers and sisters all at once, most of whom are still with us, though some fell asleep, then he was seen by James, then by all the apostles.” The good news is that Jesus died and Jesus was raised and that it happened just as God had promised in the scriptures.  Jesus led his people in a new exodus and in that exodus he revealed God's mercy and grace and God's power and might and glory.  He revealed God's faithfulness to his promises.  In Jesus' death sins are forgiven and in his resurrection the life of God, his new creation began.  If the exodus from Egypt and all it revealed about God and its annual remembrance every year in the Passover could dispel Israel's pride and fill the people with faith in their God, how much more should this new exodus from sin and death dispel our pride and bring us humbly in faith to God through Jesus?  If we will only believe and trust. That was Paul's problem.  He was filled with pride.  He refused and refused and refused.  He persecuted the church.  But as a testimony to the patient grace of God, Paul goes on.  He writes, “And last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared even to me.”  It's hard to say exactly what he means here when he says “untimely born”.  The word in question is only used this one time in the New Testament, but it refers to a premature birth.  It could be a miscarriage or premature birth where the baby lives, but it could also refer to a child monstrously deformed by having been born premature.  It may be that some people in Corinth who didn't like Paul called him a monster because of his appearance and Paul is humble owning the accusation.  But the key thing, what Paul's getting at is the risen Jesus—not just a vision of Jesus but the real, live living Jesus—appeared to him last of all and Paul wants to stress that he didn't deserve it.  “I'm the least of the apostles,” he writes.  “In fact, I don't really deserve to be called ‘apostle' at all, because I persecuted God's church.  But I am what I am because of God's grace, and his grace to me wasn't wasted.” Paul has been the epitome of the proud Pharisee.  And then he met Jesus on the road to Damascus and every last bit of his pride came crashing down around him.  Seeing Jesus alive was the proof that the gospel was true and if the gospel was true, none of the things in which Paul had prided himself mattered any more.  The only thing that mattered was faith—faith in Jesus the Messiah who died and rose again.  Paul knew he didn't deserve that vision of Jesus.  He didn't deserve the grace of God.  But there it was.  God had given his son to die, so that Paul, the proud Pharisee could live.  And ditto for everyone in the church in Corinth.  God gave his son to die so that those other Jews there could live.  He gave his son to die so that soldier proud of his devotion to Caesar or the prostitute proud of her devotion Aphrodite or the witch proud of her magic or the philosopher proud of his philosophy could live.  Each one of them, confronted with the gospel had their pride dispelled and that same gospel filled them with faith in the living God and his son who died and rose again.  And forever after they came to him in humility to fall on his grace and to praise him for his merciful lovingkindness.  Even Paul, after all he accomplished as a missionary apostle, writes to them: “I am what I am because of the grace of God, and his grace to me wasn't wasted.  On the contrary, I worked harder than all of them—though it wasn't me, but God's grace which was within me.  So whether it was me or them, that was the way we announced it, and that was the way you believed.”  Paul won't even take credit for what had happened in Corinth as a result of the gospel being preached.  It wasn't Paul's skill or his reasoning or his apologetics.  It was the grace of God. Brothers and Sisters, be captivated by the grace of God on display at the cross.  There God displayed his glory and that glory ought to dispel every last bit of pride we have—whatever it is we take pride in.  The gospel shines so brightly, it exposes the things in which we take pride as filthy rags in comparison.  And when pride is gone, then the gospel—this good news of God's saving grace, this good news about the God who humbled himself to take our form and to die for us so that we, his enemies can be his friends again, good news of the god who gave his own life to forgive our sins, that good news ought to fill us with faith overflowing.  So Brothers and Sisters, hear the good news about Jesus this morning.  How he died and rose again for you.  Not because you are so great, but because he loves you—his precious creation so much—hear that good news in the scriptures and in the liturgy and when you come to his Table.  Let it dispel all pride; be humbled by the gospel, and be filled instead with faith.  In the midst of a broken word, faith in the living God will begin to set things to rights, not pride in ourselves.  Faith in the living God, not pride in ourselves, is our real and lasting source of hope. Let's pray: Lord God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity: mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, running the way of your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Welcome to another conversation with a member of Citizens, talking about how the Lord has been at work in their life. This episode, we learn more about Kevin Wismer.Talking points include cooking, recent conversion, rabbits, and working with a gospel mindset.To learn more about our church, visit citizenscharlotte.comThe intro/outro music for this podcast is “Existence” by Cephas, licensed through Adobe Stock.

Tuesday, 12 August 2025   But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Matthew 12:25   “And Jesus, having known their thoughts, He said to them, ‘Every kingdom, having divided against itself, it desolates, and every city or house having divided against itself, not it will stand'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of casting out demons by Beelzebul. This was obviously done quietly among themselves or towards the crowds without Jesus directly hearing it because Matthew next records, “And Jesus, having known their thoughts.”   Jesus perceived their thoughts even though He was not openly privy to their conversation. It is a trait that belongs to God –   “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10   In knowing what they were thinking, He responds to their accusations, as recorded by Matthew, “He said to them, ‘Every kingdom, having divided against itself, it desolates.'”   There are two new words. The first is merizó, to apportion. As such, in this context, it signifies to divide one part from another. The second is erémoó, to desolate or make waste. If a kingdom is united, it will be alive and thriving, but when it is divided, it will become like a ruined wilderness where nothing productive takes place.   The sly accusation of the Pharisees does not hold water because it stands against simple logic. Jesus next provides a second example to solidify this truth, saying, “and every city or house having divided against itself, not it will stand.”   This is an example that would have been obvious to even someone as observantly dull about the world around them as the Pharisees. They may have been so stuck in their legalism that they never lifted their eyes to see how the normal world works, but Scripture and history would tell them that a city that did not possess the same goals and spirit of unity could not stand –   “And the house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and the Lord was with them. 23 So the house of Joseph sent men to spy out Bethel. (The name of the city was formerly Luz.) 24 And when the spies saw a man coming out of the city, they said to him, ‘Please show us the entrance to the city, and we will show you mercy.' 25 So he showed them the entrance to the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man and all his family go. 26 And the man went to the land of the Hittites, built a city, and called its name Luz, which is its name to this day.” Judges 1:22-26   A single man not in step with the rest of the city brought the city to destruction. Evidence of such division makes the accusation of the Pharisees completely untenable.   Life application: Paul spends most of his time in the book of 1 Corinthians writing against divisions within the church. He does this because of the very precept Jesus highlights in this verse. The church at Corinth had many divisions of various types. If this problem were not corrected, the church could not stand.   His letter is a warning and admonition to churches throughout the age. Unless there is unity within the church, little divisions will lead to a total division of the congregation or even a total collapse of the church.   People have many pet peeves that drive their choice of church attendance. Generally, doctrine is not first and foremost on people's minds. Some people want comfortable chairs. Some want a church where food is served. Some look for a certain type of entertainment.   When these types of things are one's priority for church attendance, it is a rather shallow foundation on which continued attendance can be expected. With a simple change in the direction of the music, some will protest. If their protest isn't catered to, there will be disharmony. Depending on the size of the church, it can cause a split, or it may just cause those who are disenchanted to find another church.   As silly as this seems, it is as common as chicken meals at KFC. Churches, first and foremost, are intended to analyze and instruct in the word, which explains God and His redemptive plans for man through Jesus Christ. Once this main reason for gathering loses priority, there is no longer a sound footing for the church to continue without division.   Hold fast to the word, honor God through Jesus, and be ready to restore harmony within the church when it is called for. Jesus spoke about division and its consequences. Paul then set the example for us in his letters. We should do our best to emulate his instruction.   “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,' or ‘I am of Apollos,' or ‘I am of Cephas,' or ‘I am of Christ.' 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:10-13   Lord God, may we stand united in our devotion to You and to growing in You through a proper evaluation and right understanding of Your word. Help us in this, O God, so that we may be mature in our thinking, always placing You first in our hearts and lives. Amen.

Church Life                         “Law and Gospel, Pt. 1” (Acts 15:1-5)The Controversy Over Legalism (vv. 1-2)Ro. 4:2-3 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”Gal. 2:3-4, 11-14 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”Col. 2:16,18, 20, 21-22 16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath...18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions...  20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? The Controversy Over Liberty (vv. 3-5)Ro. 2:1-3, Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 12; For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.  Ro. 3:9-12,18,20,23  9 What then? Are we Jews[a] any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11  no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good..... 18   “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”... 20 For by works of the law no human being[c] will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.....23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Gal. 5:3-4 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.Gal. 5:13-15  13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Jesus' invitation to Philip—“Follow me” (John 1:43)—is still for us today. In a city that never stops moving, His call is simple: “Come and see.” Amid changing headlines and daily rush, Jesus invites you into hope, purpose, and connection. Whether you're facing new beginnings or uncertainties, His invitation stands. Will you come and see what He has in store for you? Join us as we hear from guest speaker Patricia Lau on how all are invited. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // John 1:35–51 (NIV) // John's disciples follow Jesus The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!' When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning round, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?'They said, ‘Rabbi' (which means ‘Teacher'), ‘where are you staying?' ‘Come,' he replied, ‘and you will see. 'So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.  The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter). Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.' Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,' said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.' ‘How do you know me?' Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig-tree before Philip called you.' Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.' Jesus said, ‘You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig-tree. You will see greater things than that.' He then added, ‘Very truly I tell you, you will see “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on” the Son of Man.'

On my music radio show Bluesland I have the pleasure of interviewing Rick Estrin about his appearance at The Nanaimo Blues Festival this weekend with his band The Nightcats.  We talk about the bands history, music and more. Included is the music of the band, Mitch Kashmar, Buddy Guy, Fleetwood Mac, Big Brother and The Holding Company, Cephas and Wiggins and more. Thanks for the interview Rick. See you all this weekend at The Nanaimo Blues Festival. 

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon. . . . You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). — John 1:42 “Buster,” “Scout,” “Ace,” and “Sunshine” are all great nicknames. Some nicknames are humorous, some are affectionate, and some reveal character traits. Jesus gave Simon a nickname that we could translate as “Rocky.” In the book of John we meet Andrew, who began following Jesus after John the Baptist called him “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Filled with excitement, Andrew later brought his brother Simon to meet Jesus as well. And when Jesus met Simon, he looked at him and gave him a new name: Cephas. This Aramaic word means “Rock,” or “Rocky,” and in Greek it translates to Petros (“Peter”). This nickname carries a lot of weight, and Peter becomes a major figure in the New Testament. Sometimes he speaks with courage and faith, like when he says Jesus is the “Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). At other times, though, Peter shows that he can be remarkably weak, like when he denies even knowing Jesus (John 18:15-27). What should we make of this towering yet flawed figure in Jesus' inner circle and in the early church? All of Jesus' followers are a bit like him—sometimes strong and other times weak. The good news for Peter, though, is that Jesus never abandoned him but called him to serve despite his flaws. The good news for us, too, is that Jesus will never leave us and that he equips us to serve despite our failures. Lord Jesus, thank you for your faithful love. Help us to serve you in all we do. Amen.

Where's that state budget? And more importantly, where's that SEPTA money? Host Trenae Nuri went to Overbrook Park to sit down with Pennsylvania State Rep. Morgan Cephas to ask about the long-delayed state budget that could result in SEPTA operations cut nearly in half. Cephas gives us the latest on the SEPTA funding crisis … and tells us if she's running for Congress. Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Framebridge Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another conversation with a member of Citizens, talking about how the Lord has been at work in their life. This episode, we learn more about Tedra Roper.Talking points include Spotify, life changes, dogs, and what to call a run that involves walking.To learn more about our church, visit citizenscharlotte.comThe intro/outro music for this podcast is “Existence” by Cephas, licensed through Adobe Stock.

Welcome to another conversation with a member of Citizens, talking about how the Lord has been at work in their life. This episode, we learn more about Josh Floyd.Talking points include government, intentional friendship, YouTube, and Christian media.To learn more about our church, visit citizenscharlotte.comThe intro/outro music for this podcast is “Existence” by Cephas, licensed through Adobe Stock.

Galatians 2:1-7a, 8b, 10 - [Paul wrote:] “Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the Gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the Gospel might be preserved for you. And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Gospel … to the Gentiles … and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the [Jews]. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”

Season 4, Episode 5 | Pastor Chad and Tyler Smith reflect on a key moment in Galatians 2 where Paul challenges another early church leader, prompting a discussion on truth, unity, and the integrity of the gospel.

Welcome to another conversation with a member of Citizens, talking about how the Lord has been at work in their life. This episode, we learn more about Courtney LaRussa.Talking points include restaurants, mystery novels, NYC, and incremental change.To learn more about our church, visit citizenscharlotte.comThe intro/outro music for this podcast is “Existence” by Cephas, licensed through Adobe Stock.

Ahhh, Nantucket! My wife and I had some wonderful, romantic times on that picturesque little island 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. The little village of Nantucket is just full of colonial charm. And everywhere you look you find reminders of its glory days in the whaling industry. I was surprised to learn, though, that during those glory days most of the town actually burned to the ground, right to the docks. It was a tragedy that nearly put Nantucket out of business. But it was a tragedy that never had to happen. It was an ugly, four-letter word that ultimately destroyed Nantucket, and the word wasn't fire. It's a word that's still destroying things. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "No Turf In His Kingdom." Turf. Yep, that's what destroyed Nantucket Village many years ago. See, when the fire companies arrived at the site of the blaze that day, the fire was still small. But the firefighters got into an argument over who got to use the fire hydrants. They all wanted to be the heroes. Duh! And while they were fighting over turf, literally, the fire spread and they lost the town. That's hard to believe isn't it? But it's true. Or is it that hard to believe? Losing the town while the rescuers fight over turf. That's still happening today, and it's not a new problem. It's talked about in our word for today in the Word of God, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13. "I appeal to you, brothers," Paul said," in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some of Chloe's household have informed me there are quarrels among you." Sadly, this tendency for God's people to fragment into camps and different groups, to focus on their differences, to get entangled in quarrels, has infected Christ's church for 2,000 years. And we tend to operate as if only our group, our leader, is right. Paul said here, "One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas"; and still another, 'I follow Christ'" (that was the really spiritual group.) "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" The apostle seems to be saying, "Folks, can't you see? It's all about Jesus! This turf thing is tearing His Body apart!" It was this turf pride that allowed a fire to destroy Nantucket Village while the rescuers argued with each other. Well, today our world is burning down. Lost people are farther from Christ than ever, but we have more means of rescuing them than ever before! So where are the spiritual firefighters? They're fighting over turf. We're so concerned about our organization, our denomination, our church, our group's doctrinal distinctives, the agenda of our group, getting the credit so we can get the glory, or maybe the donations, or loyalty to human leaders rather than to the Lord who raised up those leaders. And meanwhile, a lost world is burning down around us. This has to break the heart of God. There's probably 90% Bible-based Christians agree on, maybe 10% we disagree on. Why do we have to spend 90% of our energy on the 10% we disagree on? That's what makes us "us." We're surrounded by a life-or-death situation! And like the people at Ground Zero when the towers came down, we need to pull together for a desperate rescue operation! Turf does not matter when people are dying! It's time to unite our resources to defeat a militant and united enemy; to get the attention of neighbors who know nothing about the cross, replacing "My kingdom come" with "Thy kingdom come!" There's no stopping God's people when they're united; there's no stomaching God's people when they're divided into hundreds of little personal kingdoms. The town's on fire, folks! The firemen have got to work together!

I, Stewart Alsop, am thrilled to welcome Leon Coe back to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast for a second deep dive. This time, we journeyed from the Renaissance and McLuhan's media theories straight into the heart of theology, church history, and the very essence of faith, exploring how ancient wisdom and modern challenges intertwine. It was a fascinating exploration, touching on everything from apostolic succession to the nature of sin and the search for meaning in a secular age.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:43 I kick things off by asking Leon about the Renaissance, Martin Luther, and the profound impact of the printing press on religion.01:02 Leon Coe illuminates Marshall McLuhan's insights on how technologies, like print, shape our consciousness and societal structures.03:25 Leon takes us back to early Church history, discussing the Church's life and sacraments, including the Didache, well before the Bible's formal canonization.06:00 Leon explains the scriptural basis for Peter as the "rock" of the Church, the foundation for the office of the papacy.07:06 We delve into the concept of apostolic succession, where Leon describes the unbroken line of ordination from the apostles.11:57 Leon clarifies Jesus's relationship to the Law, referencing Matthew 5:17 where Jesus states he came to fulfill, not abolish, the Law.12:20 I reflect on the intricate dance of religion, culture, and technology, and the sometimes bewildering, "cosmic joke" nature of our current reality.16:46 I share my thoughts on secularism potentially acting as a new, unacknowledged religion, and how it often leaves a void in our search for purpose.19:28 Leon introduces what he calls the "most terrifying verse in the Bible," Matthew 7:21, emphasizing the importance of doing the Father's will.24:21 Leon discusses the Eucharist as the new Passover, drawing connections to Jewish tradition and Jesus's institution of this central sacrament.Key InsightsTechnology's Shaping Power: McLuhan's Enduring Relevance. Leon highlighted how Marshall McLuhan's theories are crucial for understanding history. The shift from an oral, communal society to an individualistic one via the printing press, for instance, directly fueled the Protestant Reformation by enabling personal interpretation of scripture, moving away from a unified Church authority.The Early Church's Foundation: Life Before the Canon. Leon emphasized that for roughly 300 years before the Bible was officially canonized, the Church was actively functioning. It had established practices, sacraments (like baptism and the Eucharist), and teachings, as evidenced by texts like the Didache, demonstrating a lived faith independent of a finalized scriptural canon.Peter and Apostolic Succession: The Unbroken Chain. A core point from Leon was Jesus designating Peter as the "rock" upon which He would build His Church. This, combined with the principle of apostolic succession—the laying on of hands in an unbroken line from the apostles—forms the Catholic and Orthodox claim to authoritative teaching and sacramental ministry.Fulfillment, Not Abolition: Jesus and the Law. Leon clarified that Jesus, as stated in Matthew 5:17, came not to abolish the Old Testament Law but to fulfill it. This means the Mosaic Law finds its ultimate meaning and completion in Christ, who institutes a New Covenant.Secularism's Spiritual Vacuum: A Modern Religion? I, Stewart, posited that modern secularism, while valuing empiricism, often acts like a new religion that explicitly rejects the spiritual and miraculous. Leon agreed this can lead to a sense of emptiness, as humans inherently long for purpose and connection to a creator, a void secularism struggles to fill.The Criticality of God's Will: Beyond Lip Service. Leon pointed to Matthew 7:21 ("Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven...") as a stark reminder. True faith requires more than verbal profession; it demands actively doing the will of the Father, implying that actions and heartfelt commitment are essential for salvation.The Eucharist as Central: The New Passover and Real Presence. Leon passionately explained the Eucharist as the new Passover, instituted by Christ. Referencing John 6, he stressed the Catholic belief in the Real Presence—that the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ—which is essential for spiritual life and communion with God.Reconciliation and Purity: Restoring Communion. Leon explained the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) as a vital means, given through the Church's apostolic ministry, to restore communion with God after sin. He also touched upon Purgatory as a state of purification for overcoming attachments to sin, ensuring one is perfectly ordered to God before entering Heaven.Contact Information*   Leon Coe: @LeonJCoe on Twitter (X)

Patrick shared a quick but oh-so-needed reflection that will resonate deeply. He read a recent interview from Vatican News featuring Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (from Africa), about that ever-present buzz around division in the Church. The real story is way deeper than the drama on your social media feed. Media vs. Reality: Not the Same Thing Cardinal Ambongo said this: “The press often claims the Church is divided between conservatives and progressives... These categories do not exist among the Cardinals themselves.” Whoa. So, while social media might make it seem like the Church is at war with itself (team trad vs. team modern, etc.), the actual Cardinals are not playing that game. According to the Cardinal, what really happened at the conclave (you know, the one that just gave us Pope Leo XIV) was unity. Not fake, PR-crafted unity, but a shared love for Jesus Christ. The Church = A Person, Not a Platform Cardinal Ambongo gets to the heart of it: “The Church is not an ideology... but rather an attachment to a person, and that person is Jesus Christ.” Can we get an Amen? This isn’t about being “Team Benedict” or “Team Francis” or “Team Trad Latin Mass Only.” The real “team” is: Team Jesus. At the end of the day, Jesus didn’t ask Peter, “Do you have the right liturgical preference?” He asked, “Do you love me?” Patrick’s Take: Strive for Unity, Not Cliques Patrick ties it back to Scripture: St. Paul calling out early Christians for splitting into camps (remember “I’m with Apollos!” “I’m with Cephas!” etc.). Paul shut that down hard because it missed the point: It’s all about Christ. Patrick’s challenge for us? Even when the online world feels loud, snarky, and divided... especially within Catholic circles, we have to remember our purpose. And live like it. It’s Jesus. Period. Final Word If you’ve been feeling a little disheartened by all the Catholic infighting online, let this be your reminder: the Body of Christ is bigger than our factions. Like Patrick said: this is also an ideal to strive for. Let’s get back to what unites us. Want more thoughtful commentary like this? Catch The Patrick Madrid Show live weekdays on the Relevant Radio app, 8–11am CT. Because in a noisy world, we could all use a little more truth... and a little less X/Twitter.