Podcast appearances and mentions of christ because

Walk in Heavenly Places by Faith   (audio) David Eells – 7/23/23  Endure in Your Faith  Vanessa Weeks - December 2022 (David's notes in red)  In a dream David and I were standing in a spacious and nice bathroom. We were cleaning different parts of the bathroom and David was cleaning the large, white bathtub. (Representing preparing cleansing for corruption and for sanctification.) Then David was standing in the large bathtub fully dressed. He said to me, "You have to endure in your faith to receive healing for what you have not received." (This may also be spiritual healing.) (Healing is already accomplished and believers should stand in faith and believe they have received and speak what is theirs. 1Pe 2:24  who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. Mar 11:23-24 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.  24  Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. After he said this, I saw to my right, an enclosed shower with glass doors. (This reminds me of 1Co 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.) (Believers should cleanse themselves of all false doctrines of men that would keep them from health of mind and body. 2Co 7:1  Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. I had been listening to "Receiving your Healing" from the UBM site when I had this dream.  I asked the Lord for a word about this and received by faith at random, Phi. 1:30. vs. 27-30 in context. Php 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel; 28 and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God; 29 because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf: 30 having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.     Our Rights in Christ  Isaac Payne 1/24/22 (David's notes in red)  In this dream I was in third person viewing an oil tanker in the middle of the ocean. The oil tanker was far from land as I could only see the boundaries of water. (I believe the rough waters are the judgements that are here and are coming upon the world. Also, I think that this sea also represents the masses of people. (As they do in Revelations) Sort of a two-fold meaning of judgment upon the masses.) Gen 6:17 And, behold, I do bring the flood of the waters upon this earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breadth of life, from under heaven; everything that is in earth shall die.   2Pe 3:5-7 For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth compacted out for water and amidst water, by the word of God; by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished: but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men.   The oil tanker resembled an old navy oil tanker from the World War II era. On this old oil tanker was a captain that was a burley fella. (Strength in the flesh will not save in the days to come but “righteousness delivereth from death”.) He was average sized, stocky, had a dark beard, and was wearing a seaman jacket with the hood over his head.  This burley captain's crew consisted of his mother and his wife. The wife and mother both had blonde hair.   They were fighting the waves and trying to obtain more oil. This oil tanker was equipped with a hose that ran deep into the ocean depths suctioning the oil into the tanker. (The tanker wasn't a drilling rig, but it was collecting oil from the depths of the sea.) The burley captain did not have enough hose to reach the depths of the sea. The captain was only a few feet short of reaching this oil well. However, he performed a maneuver with the throttle of the oil tanker. He threw the throttle forward maxing forward speed then suddenly reversed the throttle in the opposite direction maxing the speed of the tanker in reverse. He was attempting to elevate the bow of the oil tanker and use the momentum while the bow was elevated and then reversing the throttle allowing the stern of the oil tanker to dip into the water a bit.   The point of this maneuver was to gain those few feet the hose could not reach in hopes of dipping the hose into the oil located at the depths of the sea and then suction the contents of oil into the tanker. (The works of man will not give results but faith in God will.) Suddenly, the oil tanker flipped over. The captain overdid the maneuver and caused the oil tanker to flip belly up in the sea. The captain dipped the stern of the oil tanker too much into the water and the bow of the tanker flipped backwards.   Immediately at this point I was now in the dream but standing on the deck of our doublewide trailer. (A mobile tabernacle for the wilderness.)  The trailer was elevated above the waters and had a center block foundation that reached from the depths of the sea and elevated the house quite high off the waters. The oil tanker was underneath my house and sinking. I watched the contents empty out of the oil tanker and float to the top of the water while being carried away with the waves. The contents were mainly plywood sheets. Isaiah 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that carry the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. (The plywood represents the captain's own self-works to suction the oil. The oil represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which is a gift from God Who gives us power and He does the work in us and for us.)  1Co 3:9-15 For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;   13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.  The captain popped out of the water and swam to the deck of the house where I was standing on. He was frantic and worried about his wife and mother. Humbled and remorseful he said a prayer, “Oh Lord please help me find my family.” (I remember the captain was not wearing the hood over his head at this time.)(No longer shielded or resisting the Sun/Son.) After saying that prayer the burley captain looked down and said, “I wish I knew my rights with the Lord.” (This will be most important to save our families from the devastation coming on the world. Revelation shows a huge depopulation just ahead. Many have family members dying now because they put the Word last.) Right after he said that I became super excited. It was like a light bulb went off and I knew the answer. I smacked him in the arm with a brotherly affection and stoked with excitement saying, “You have Rights in Christ! I know your rights in Christ!!!!”  (A valuable person to know in the days ahead.) I looked at the burley captain and told him to command his family to surface in Jesus's name. The burley captain did just that, commanding in the name of Jesus that his family surface from the depths of the sea. Suddenly, the wife and mother came bolting out of the water as the tanker continued to sink. Mar 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.  The tanker was pulling all the debris within close proximity under the water as it was sinking. (All of man's works will be destroyed.) However, the wife and mother were able to swim past the sinking tanker and come to safety at the deck of the double wide with the center block foundation that the burley captain and I were standing on. Isaiah 28:16 therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste.   Matthew 7:24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:  Then I woke up.  Family With God  Tianna Fire 5/29/23 (David's notes in red)  I had a thought from the enemy about my physical family because they aren't following Jesus yet, and the thought was, “I haven't prayed for them recently or enough.” (Mat_6:7  And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Mar 11:24  Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive [in the Greek this is past tense, received] them, and ye shall have them. If you believe you received the answer to your prayer do you have to pray again? Only if you fell away from that faith.) I saw it was the enemy, and then I turned to the Father in Spirit, and I saw Him as if He was holding His hand out and as holding something. Then I saw my old physical family appear and He looked at me and said to me "They will be here, and they are already". I then saw Him move His hand all around Him and I saw all the UBM brethren's physical families there. Not just children, but the whole extended family all standing there with Him. As He did this He said, "They will all be here and are already". (Because we believe we have received and this IS faith.)(I felt this meant all of our UBM brethren's families are already with God in eternity [by our faith], and it will manifest in the physical.) (1Co 7:14  For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. ) Rom 8:29-30 For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: 30 and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  Eph 1:11-12 in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:  Joh 6:37-40 All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.39 And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.  (We can just rest regarding our families, knowing they are in God's Hands through our prayer of faith.)    Wedding Dress  Marie Kelton 5/1/23 (David's notes in red) During the night meeting, I had an open vision. The Lord was sitting next to me, and He tapped me on my shoulder to turn and look at something that He was going to show me. I guess I wasn't paying attention, because He tapped me on my shoulder a second time and pointed and told me to look. As I looked, I saw that I was in heaven and an angel was bringing me a wedding dress. The Lord then spoke to me and said, "This is yours, make sure you keep it." (The Bride has been given this wedding dress by faith and we need to keep it by enduring in our faith to the end.)  Rev 19:7-8 Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  Rev 3:11 I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.      Come As You Are  Samuel Fire 7/4/23 (David's notes in red) I heard in prayer and felt this is to encourage the Brethren to share their blessings and gifts with the Body, even if the gift or blessing seems small in the natural, but that sharing it, blesses all more than they know. God uses even tiny things for His Glory and can multiply infinitely to everyone.  “Bring what you have and give it to Me. The boy who had the bread and fishes that took with him to My sermon on the mount, what little he had and it benefited the entire group. What little you see, may be well enough or plenty more for yourself or your family, but to the whole body seems tiny and pale to help, if at all. By natural means it cannot, but bring it all before Me and I will distribute it perfectly, with plenty leftover. Mat 14:20 And all ate, and were filled: and they took up what remained over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.  Come to Me all of you. Bring who you are. (Don't think you need to be someone else or have something you think is worthy to offer.)   Carry with you the things I blessed you with. (These are the qualities and uniqueness He made us.) Psa 139:15 My frame was not hidden from thee, When I was made in secret, And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Don't be shy. Don't lag behind. Don't worry about it, even if you think you really need what you have now. (He wants us to jump up and eagerly run to Him, willingly giving all despite having a desperate need in the current moment.) (Luk 6:30 ASV  Give to everyone that asketh thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.  31  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise… 38  give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. ) Come and be merry. Share it all as though the whole world desperately needs it. Bring it because I give you My all. (Considering the things you can share as something critically required by others. Sharing it with joy, knowing it will bless others better than self.) 2Co 9:6-12  But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.   7  Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  8  And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:  9  as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth forever.   10  And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:  11  ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.  12  For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God. A sweet word, a song, a tiny portion of food, a memory, a smile. Life, when given entirely to Me, has infinite and eternal blessings to everyone.   You are immensely rewarded, and I can continue to do these things countless times.  Do not think or remember a moment that such is your doings. (Luk 17:10 ASV  Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.)  When you give, it's complete. (Do not expect a transaction, let go and gift it without any further attachment.)   I then work with this, for only I can create life and recall that action with a Power source to spread and multiply, not even self could recreate it properly a second time.  So come and bring what you can. Sit with Me. Share and be merry, and receive the blessings I give abundantly.   Look at My river, it flows endlessly. Rev 22:1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb  Let it spring forth from within, pouring out to others. I Am the True Life, the Resurrection. Joh 11:25 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: who believeth unto me shall live, even if he die.  I have a want and reason to give everything overflowing. (He is Love Eternal – John 3:16-17), just come to Me as you are.   Bring to the table what you have, and we all can share together without any lack. (Normal dining experience is sharing all different plates, talking and sharing in discussion, eating together as one group.)   Holding it to self is buried and lifeless. Trying to grow on your own is like you adding extra height to stature.   Ask of Me, give to Me all. From problems to blessings, we can be one through it all. (You have not because you ask not. Luk 6:38 give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye measure it shall be measured to you again.)”  I then heard this is about the evil-one:  “Steer clear of the one who lurks near.  He will steal and kill, just for a thrill,   Destroying all that be, and can see.   His price cannot be bought, do not fall for it.   His lies, seem to tantalize,   Catching by surprise,  When you realize, what lies, behind the fear”.    Let's Huddle  Samuel Fire 7/3/23 (David's notes in red) I saw many different groups and types of animals, including the insects. I saw how many types would huddle together for various reasons. I saw penguins huddling and rotating the ones in the center to the outer edge to maintain warmth. I saw honeybees doing the same thing during the winter. I then saw a flock of sheep keeping the young lambs in the center to shelter from predators.  Each reason was to benefit them all. Some for warmth, others protection from predators. I saw how they were spiritually blessed with this knowledge to ensure survival. (We should always apply this technique for our UBM Brethren.) Stick together, don't wander off. No pride can keep from falling away. We listen to His instructions and loving guidance and we will make it together.  I asked for word by faith at random and landed on: ‘Comforted', Eze 14:22 Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be carried forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings; and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it.  One Body in Christ  Anonymous 2/26/23 (David's notes in red)  When a sister was praying on the Outreach Zoom for lost brethren in apostate Christianity, I saw the sister as a gold bright shining light praying, and then I saw some devils try to come up to her to interrupt or distract the prayer. (Witchcraft curses sent from the factious and witches to distract and stop our praying and interceding.) But I saw myself standing in front of the enemy with my back to it with my arms stretched out pushing them back behind me, so they couldn't get to the sister praying, like bodyguards do. But my arms could only reach so far to push them away from her, so the devils tried to get around another way. (1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, 9 whom withstand stedfast in your faith, …  Lev 26:8 And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.   Deu 32:30 How should one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Except their Rock had sold them, And Jehovah had delivered them up?)  Then I saw our other brethren that were present, as gold bright shining lights, and they all came around the praying sister, with their arms stretched out wide to push the enemy back and to block the enemy from trying to hinder the prayer. Then all the brethren held hands in a circle around the sister, blocking out the enemy entirely because they came together in unity of faith, which defeated the enemy and all the darkness from hindering the prayers. (The Body coming together and using our authority in Christ, actively in offensive warfare against the factious, and witches. When we are all in complete unity with Jesus, there is nothing the enemy can do; he is bound.)   NENT Mat 18:18-20 Amen I say unto you, What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, Amen, I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in the heavens. 20 For where two or three are gathered unto my name, there am I in their midst.)    Redeemed  Debbie Fenske 4/4/23  I would like to confess that I did not give something forth that I heard the Lord saying to me last night, It was toward the end of our worship time after a song that Barry continued with worshipful strumming on his guitar. After a minute or so, Barry's strumming became more powerful. There was a strong anointing in it. And what kept coming to me, I felt was Father speaking it to me. When the time ended, I knew I had failed Him. I told Him I was sorry, last night. But my heart was not truly repentant.   Today, Father brought it back to me, strongly, with such conviction, and I truly repented before Him, and I ask my brothers and sisters forgiveness also. And, He let me know that it is still important to say today. There were not many words to the word He was saying, and, I know that doesn't matter. Literally, it was one word, “Redeemed,” that came to me, three times. So, I was thinking it was not important enough, and so I did not speak. Had I opened my mouth, He would have spoken the rest, which He did speak to me today, as He was working on, and correcting my heart. Here is the powerful word the Lord spoke.   “Redeemed. Redeemed. Redeemed! My children, you are redeemed! So, rejoice in that I, your God and Savior, have redeemed you. You are Mine!”  Yes, Father! I truly thank you, with a heart full of thanksgiving and gratitude, that you have redeemed me from my sin, and I am yours. We praise you, our God and Savior, for your merciful and glorious plan of redemption. We love you Jesus. And we thank you with our very lives that you have redeemed us, and made us your own, individually, and corporately. Help us, Father, to give our praises and our thanksgiving unto you every day. Lord, you, our powerful God, deserves all the honor and glory. Amen!  I am reminded of Isaiah 43:1-7 But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead. 4 Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men in thy stead, and peoples instead of thy life.   5 Fear not; for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the end of the earth; 7 every one that is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yea, whom I have made.  Barry: Thank you so much, Debbie, for your sensitive heart in this. I believe it was “You Have Redeemed My Soul”. We appreciate so much the gift of God in you that has so often blessed our body here!    All in All  Anonymous 4/25/23 (David's notes in red) I was in the half-awake half-asleep state, and I saw so clearly and so real how the Spirit of God is literally in everything, and through everything in the physical and spiritual and so clearly how He is behind every single vessel of honor and dishonor and only by His will can anything or anyone do anything. Only by His will can a vessel of dishonor do something, and only by His will could I be even allowed to know or understand this. I saw so clearly how there is nothing I can do except trust Him and hope and believe in His Grace and Promises and hope for Him to only let me be a vessel of honor. (Sovereign God.)  I had been wondering why the Lord had some of the enemy using someone to hurt me, and I saw how God was behind it and His ways are higher than mine and I can't even comprehend or truly understand His plans and the extent of His Grace and how everything He does is for my own good. I saw that I can't even judge anyone or anything for what they do or how they are because He is behind all of it, and when I judge something, anything, I am judging God. So, all I can do is think, speak, believe, be and live His Word. I cannot criticize anything or anyone, not even physical things because that's how God created that specific thing to be and He wanted it that way, and me criticizing or thinking that thing or way would be better is criticizing God.  (Rom 9:21-22 ASV  Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?  22  What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction.) Being ungrateful for literally anything is an offence to God, because He has blessed me with way more than I really need whether I see or understand it or not. I saw how literally every tiny and big thing is connected, physically and spiritually. Every tiny little detail, from the wind to the ant, to even the trash man, is God's perfectly created intrinsic or intricate design. And there is literally nothing I can do to change God or change His mind or plan, because everything is His will and great design. (Even when we change things through prayer; the change is His. He just ordained us to change it.)   This honestly gives me such great fear of God to know He is sovereign over all vessels, and He is sovereign over my mind, will, thoughts, life; and the only thing I can grab on to that I know, is real, true, eternal is Him, His Word, His Spirit and His Life, Jesus.  In this experience it literally felt like it was just God and I (Jesus in me) alone in all existence and everything is Him, in and through all and it is only Him now and forever and it's Him. Jesus in us that is real and eternal. It brings me much peace that He is and is behind everything.  Son - Sun  Anonymous - January 2023   I am not creative but I made a picture on paint that kind of looks like what I saw. I'm sorry, in the picture forgot to change it to "Jesus in me" not "me."  I was standing in the kitchen and all of a sudden, I saw the principality over the area I was in and he knew that I could see him and was aware of him.   I saw everything was darkness but I saw this light inside of me. The light in me looked small compared to all the darkness that was around me.   Then I saw this giant ray of light appear from above and the light in me was connected to this ray which led above to this giant light that was endless light.   The darkness then looked completely small compared to the giant endless light and although my light seemed small at first the light around me was actually bigger than I know because it is connected to this eternal light that is above, around, all around everywhere and is greater than the greatest darkness.   Vision of Heaven  Samuel Fire - 2019       A couple of months after I came to Christ, I heard a testimony of God showing Heaven to a person. I          was intrigued and I also desired this. However, I doubted the Lord would talk to me or show me                  Heaven. That evening before sleep, I prayed and asked the Lord if He would show me Heaven                  as well. I got ready for sleep not thinking about it much more.    I lay in bed close to the sleep and dreaming state, I don't know what this is called. Then I saw the most amazing and exhilarating vision ever. Something I hope that I never forget and sadly I confess at times it has escaped me, yet when I do remember; it has been so encouraging and uplifting, that I pray that each and every one would have this comfort and treasure too.   I was seeing as I was in the room laying down for sleep. From my own perspective, I saw around me as though no roof or ceiling was there anymore, and it was open to the sky. I saw a clear night sky but shining above all this was as if the sun was distant and brighter. I didn't notice but I was being lifted up, gently. As with caring hands like a parent to a baby child. Slowly and gracefully, I rose up; closer to the bright light and I felt such peace and calm. All around me were clouds, white and clean and there was a wonderful sound like singing and music, but better than anything that is on earth. Perhaps this sound was like birds in the morning and a choir and symphony orchestra all in tune. How can I judge or know for sure – except that it was indeed the most beautiful ever.   As I looked around there were amazing buildings, constructed to dimensions I couldn't understand. Very large and with smoothness and finishes too fine and precise, nothing could be finer. The walls were golden, but almost transparent and glowing or shining at the same time. There were colors that I have never seen and don't think are in the earthly. Though I never saw any other being or angels or anything other than these amazing buildings on the clouds, I was astounded and wanted to see more. Then I knew I was getting lowered gently and back into the bed, this whole time I wanted to stay and didn't want to go back. I even cried out ‘I don't want to leave! I want to stay!'  In bed, I could not stop thinking about it. I slept and when I woke, I remembered this vision still. I was thinking about it so intensely I even made mistakes at the job I worked that day. I told a fellow believer in Christ about it and over time I did start to forget this vision. But when I recall, it has brought me such encouragement to keep on the path of Christ. I felt the Lord has blessed me to this so I do not doubt the eternal prize – even though all I want is to pursue the Lord Jesus 100%.   May the Lord and King bless you and know this too, He has a great and wonderful plan and place for you! All glory to FATHER GOD!       Gate of Heaven  Anna Stewart 6/1/23 (David's notes in red)  Last night Obi had the following dream, and I wrote down his narration of it:  Obi: The dream started where I was praying that the Lord would remove any spiritual uncleanness from my heart, because I knew if I didn't do that, that I wouldn't make it into heaven.  Then I was at Fio and Lana's with all the other kids. We were playing in Fio and Max's room with the light off. Then Victoria came and opened the door. (Anna: We were in the dark, but the light of the truth brings victory over sin and death.)  Then I saw the gate to go into heaven. There was no hell at their house, but just heaven. And I went to heaven. The gates to go to heaven were locked when I got inside, so all the devils that I could see, trying so hard to get in, couldn't get in. It was so hard to get in that they couldn't even get in.  (Mat 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.)  I was the only kid that was in heaven. (Eph 4:7-10 But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)  And I saw God and Jesus and a few other people. I couldn't tell if they were angels or not, but none of them had wings. God and Jesus looked really similar. God had a mad face; I think it was because God was sad because not all people made it into heaven. (David: Or maybe it was because wicked people were working to make others miss heaven.) I was so happy because I had made it into heaven and I was so happy because I was able to get there and I had made it.  Let The River Of Life Flow  Samuel Fire 5/8/23  I saw a vision: There was water flowing as a river through a valley, and gold was revealed on the floor as the water flowed over the riverbed. I then saw the river stop. Without any flowing water, no gold can be exposed. If the water stayed still, it became stagnant, which makes it useless, stale and bad. With the water flowing constantly, it will bring out all the gold and precious jewels. (The water is the Word. The gold and jewels are the prize God wants to cherish. Our lives are the process of the whole thing.   Joh 4:10-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (This is moving or flowing water unlike a well.) 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle?   13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life.  And Rev 7:16-17 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat: 17 for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.  And Rev 21:6-8 And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.  And Rev 22:1-2 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.)  Returned Attack  Marie Kelton 5-6-23 (David's notes in red)  During pot blessing, I had another open vision of a huge demon with an axe. It threw the axe at me, and I knew it was aiming for my head. Then I saw the Lord and He intercepted it. He caught the axe and threw it back at the demon and destroyed it. The Lord then turned to me and smiled. (Praise God He is always faithful to protect us.)      Canon Blast  Tianna Fire 1/1/22  An evil thought came to my mind that I didn't agree with. I asked Father for the Holy Angels to take away the demon that gave me the thought.   I then saw a Holy Angel grab the demon and put it inside a cannon and it fired, and the demon got shot or flew so far away I couldn't see where it landed. Praise our God!       King Jesus Expels The Darkness  Marie Kelton 7/10/23 (David's notes in red)    During the meeting, I had an open vision.   I was looking at the sky, it was pitch black. The land was also pitch black where I couldn't tell the difference between the sky and the land. I saw the Lord dressed as King in the sky, He was in a white light sitting on a throne.   As I was looking at the darkness all around me, I noticed that the Lord and the light He was in got smaller and smaller. I then turned my head to the left to look at the Lord and He started getting bigger and bigger, to where the Lord and His light expelled the darkness totally. And all I could see was the white light.  (Keep your eyes on the Lord and the darkness loses ground and power. He will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.) Joh 9:5 When I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Joh 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness. 1Jn 1:5 And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  Exhortations in Philippians  David Eells  Php 1:27-4:21 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul …(Jesus prayed Father I pray that they may be one as we are one. And ever since wolves have come in to scatter the flock for their own aggrandizement. But even this works for the unity of the flock for in Pro 17:4 An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. (So we see that this cleanses the spots in our love feasts so that we can be all white and all one. This is God's test to remove the leaven.) Deu 13:1-5 If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give thee a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, (I.e. another Jesus by twisting or ignoring the scriptures.) which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams: for Jehovah your God proveth you, to know whether ye love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after Jehovah your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.   5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, (The faction promotes another Jesus who does not believe the Bible and has no conscience.) because he hath spoken rebellion against Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of bondage, to draw thee aside out of the way which Jehovah thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee.  And Paul continued saying …striving for the faith of the gospel.(Our faith must be rooted and grounded in the Good News. The wicked always concentrate on the bad news for they are among the flock to tear down and not build up or edify.) Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil. (Although the wicked always have much to criticize they criticize others because they feel it builds them up in the eyes of others. As we have seen in the political and Church realm these factious people blame others for what they are doing and this always catches up to them for the righteous see their motives.)  Continuing: 28 and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God; (The adversaries in our midst will always become known because they always persecute the righteous. In this way you will know “who is who.” They spend all of their time persecuting others and no time getting the good news out. This is a sign of their “perdition” meaning, coming destruction.)  Continuing: 29 because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf: 30 having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. (The righteous should know and resign themselves to this persecution because they know it is their cross to bear. The wicked are offended and put to shame by Christ in the righteous because they love their sins of unforgiveness, bitterness, pride and selfish ego. As it was with Paul so it should be in us. If the wicked do not repent and fail to denigrate the righteous they are seen for what they are, they will ultimately flee their righteous presence.)  Continuing: 2:1 If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, 2 make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; (We must always bend the knee to the exhortations of Christ through His Apostles and Word or we will be bundled with the tares, while the righteous shine forth in the Kingdom of our Father. Notice that we are to have “the same mind” as these exhortations of love, mercy, and compassion. Those who take the low road will soon be gone and will not pass through the righteous to test them any longer.)  Continuing: 3 doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, (Faction is for the purpose of “vain glory.” The wolves use their tongue and teeth to faction the weak from the flock in order to devour them for their “vain glory.” Most often the wolves have rejection and try to appease its pain by factioning others unto themselves to gain their respect. They lust for position and respect even if it's over the reprobates. Rather than being a little fish in a big pond they would rather be a big fish in a little pond and are a danger then to the little fish.)  Continuing: but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; (These humble people belong to Christ and He gives them grace to grow and prosper.) 4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. (As in keeping with the demonstration of the life of Christ to sacrifice self for others.) 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, (The wicked always seek to take the place of God in judging and teaching others but they do not judge and teach themselves and therefore are not qualified.)  Continuing: 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; (We are called to be servants, empty of self, prepared of God to build His Kingdom.) 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. (If we humble ourselves and our will to our cross, which is obeying God's Word, we will be exalted by God. Yes, the Word is our cross and if you can't obey it you are not on it.)  Continuing: 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; (Notice that God exalts the obedient cross bearers by giving them the highest name, meaning in Greek: nature, character, and authority, of our Lord. This is the manifestation of Christ, the Word, in our “mortal flesh.”)  2Co 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, (The treasure is the seed of Christ's Word in our hearts, which grows only in the tilled earth of our flesh.) that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; (Gods power is available to the obediant cross bearers.)  8 we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; (Those who love truth more than flesh are pressed into the Golden Mold of Jesus Christ to be like Him. Those who are malleable, that is humbley conformed to the mold of His Word through crucifying circumstances around them will be like Him.) 9 pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; 10 always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, (There is the condition. Here is the result for meeting it.) that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, (There is the condition. Here is the result for meeting it.) that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  Continuing: 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, (“In the name” is not “at the name”. In the name, means to abide IN in the nature, character, and authority, of our Lord.) 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Jesus is Lord of every situation if we confess Him. If we don't confess, meaning “speak the same as” He said He would not confess us before our Father or the angels, which means we do without His benefits.)   Continuing: 12 So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, (Wow, they always obeyed and even in Paul's absence. The wickedness today is that they disobey behind your back. The Church has fallen a long way!) work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Oh, here is what's missing. Working out your salvation by faith and obedience. And the fear of the Lord!) 13 for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. (Ah, the key: We believe and confess, and He works in us by His power in a weak vessel.)   Continuing: 14 Do all things without murmurings and questionings: (I.e. Don't speak against the Lord or He will give you what you say.) Num 14:27 How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, that murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. 28 Say unto them, As I live, saith Jehovah, surely as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: 29 your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, that have murmured against me. So if you are old enough in the Lord to know better you are held responsible. Continuing: 15 that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, (We don't have the Light if we do not confess agreement with the Word.) 16 holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain. (If we do not confess the Word, we run in vain.) 17 Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all: 18 and in the same manner do ye also joy, and rejoice with me.   19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state. 21 For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. (You mean those who heard the Word of Paul sought their own things instead of Jesus, just like today?) 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel. (Some serve the gospel and the factious criticize them and never preach the gospel or see miracles, healings, etc.) 23 Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me: 24 but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly. 25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.   26 since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick: 27 for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor: 30 because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. (Epaphroditus was a true servant and brother to put the needs of Paul ahead of his own.)  3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. (Amen!, rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice.) To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe. (Notice he was tired of giving the same warnings, saying the same thing, but he had to just like me.) 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:   3 for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh: 4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: (Pride is confidence in ones own flesh even while they have no conscience to obey the Word. Paul was in faction against the Christian Jews but God was merciful and stopped him in his tracks on the Damascus Road. When one continues in this way God usually turns them over to a reprobate mind to be a witness to the congregation.)  if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. (But God showed Paul a solution to this self-righteousness.)  7 Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, (He had to give up all of his pride of religion, all of his self-righteousness, all of his unforgiveness and faction against the Christians, all of his factious friends, all of the respect he had from his friends, all of his possessions to be a steward of Christ.)  9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: (He had to be justified by faith alone to be saved.) 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; (He had to suffer like Jesus the giving up his carnal life.) 11 if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead. (Those who do not give up their life will not gain their life as our Lord said.)  12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. (Notice: He was laid hold on by Christ in order to manifest perfection.) 13 Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before. (Paul had to Forget his past sins and his past unforgiveness or he would not be forgiven and would fall under judgment. And today these kind will miss the Bride and Man-child and the Kingdom.)   14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, (by faith) be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: (When God points out what more He expects of you, will you listen and act or will you delay and forget.) 16 only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk. (So, don't fall back, you haven't time for that now.) 17 Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. (Jesus and Paul are examples for us disciples to follow in their steps by obeying their Words.)  18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (Because they cherish their old life and sins.) 19 whose end is perdition, (sons of destruction) whose god is the belly, (their flesh) and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. (Many glory in their shame that others can see but they cannot.)   20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, (When the Lord comes, He will give only a new body to those who are sanctified with a new soul. Some think He will give a new soul after death but here is where we are sanctified.) according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself. (Just as He gave us a new spirit, he has given us a new soul by faith. These will have a new body.)   4:1 Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I exhort Euodia (meaning the successful), and I exhort Syntyche (meaning the failure), to be of the same mind in the Lord. (All must have faith to get the same results :o) 3 Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (God is sovereign and even our failures work to humble us.)  4 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your forbearance be known unto all men. (Forbearance is tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation; it is patience with others.) The Lord is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (I.e dont worry about a thing just ask and give thanks for the answer.) 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. (This gives peace; pray and believe you have received.)  8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Negative thoughts destroy souls, yours and those who are around you. Thoughts become emotions which become words and actions, and a falling away, so repent quickly.) 9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Be a disciple, meaning a learner and follower, of Jesus, and Paul.)  10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. 12 I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. (Believe in the sovereignty of God to work all things for your good. This gives rest. Believe you have received. This gives rest.)   13 I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. (What a promise! Remember this, God will strengthen you to do all that is His will and many times in your permissive will and whatsoever you can believe and confess for.) 14 Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction. 15 And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; 16 for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. 17 Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account. (I feel the same way toward our supporters. Father, bless those with righteousness and every supply who have suffered to help us get the Word out in many forms. And help the missionaries bring the gospel to their people, as your Word says.)   2Co 9:6-13 But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Continuing: 18 But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. (This is true also of the saints who have helped to shoulder the burden of the missionaries who hazard their lives to get the gospel out to hungry souls. To those who help print the books they cry for. To those who supply their food in their famine and lack. THANK YOU) 19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren that are with me salute you. 

Jesus Is Fully God and Fully Man v. 9 This directly addresses the Gnostic false teachers e.g. Jesus have a physical body. Therefore, matter cannot be evil Being fully God and fully man made him the perfect atonement through His substitutionary death on the cross He paid the Father's just penalty for sin once and for all Jesus came to fully reveal God to a lost world God's love and grace through the Person and work of Christ Jesus Is the King v. 10 Christ is the Sovereign King He is head over every power and authority on this planet He puts leaders in power and removes them for His purposes Jesus Gives Us a New Heart vs. 11-12 Circumcision was to be a symbol of what faith in God  through the Person and work of Christ looks like in a person's heart. Christ changes people from the inside out through His Word, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and a deepening love for and dependence on Jesus Christ This circumcision if done in the power of the Holy Spirit, not with human hands, For us baptism is a symbol of the rule of the flesh being buried with Christ and raised up in new life by faith in God through Christ Jesus Gives Us a New Life vs. 13-14 We were spiritually dead in out sins and the desires of the flesh ruled us God give us new life through the person and work of Christ Because of Christ's substitutionary death, He took the full wrath of the Father so that our legal debts are cancelled once for all They no longer stand against us Christ took them away and nailed our legal debts to the cross Jesus Is the Victorious Christ vs 15 Because of the cross and resurrection, Christ disarmed the evil powers and authorities He did it very publicly The cross broke their power once for all

"It's part of life." But it really is, IF we're growing. If we numb and distract ourselves away from God's growth opportunities, we can really get off track.  When you have made a mistake, own it, apologize for it, learn from it, and tether yourself to Christ BECAUSE of it.  We can't do this on our own. We're not supposed to. And if you think you can, sin is probably getting in there.  When you make a mistake it is a grace.  "It is His kindness that leads us to repentance." Romans 2:4 How cool is it that he redirects us on THIS side of eternity.  Accept a failure as a gift. A gift to grow. A gift to say "never again". A gift to completely change everything. A gift to make an important tweak. A gift to make a life-altering habit change.  (Yes, habits alter our lives... more on that another time!) Bravo to you for growing. Bravo to you for listening to God's leadership. "His ROD and His staff, comfort me." Psalms 23:4 His rod is his direction and redirection -- we get to be comforted by the fact that He will not let us go off the path into danger. If we allow his rod which is firm and instructive to guide us.  Listen in for encouragement and the knowledge that your failure is a GOOD opportunity for God's work in you.  Blessings, Belah PS - If you're ready to see how God can transform your marriage possibly through a DYM program, you can sign up for a FREE Clarity Call with me or a member of my team here: delightyourmarriage.com/cc If you were looking for marriage counseling, you would first have a consultation to see if you'd be the right fit. That's what a Clarity Call is. But the real value you get is seeing what's under the surface in your relationship and discerning what God wants in your marriage and life. Would love to have you on! delightyourmarriage.com/cc

Mormon again leads the Nephite armies in battles of blood and carnage—The Book of Mormon will come forth to convince all Israel that Jesus is the Christ—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites will be scattered, and the Spirit will cease to strive with them—They will receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days. About A.D. 375–84.

Mormon again leads the Nephite armies in battles of blood and carnage—The Book of Mormon will come forth to convince all Israel that Jesus is the Christ—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites will be scattered, and the Spirit will cease to strive with them—They will receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days. About A.D. 375–84.

Reading 1 Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a Moses said to the people: "Remember how for forty years now the LORD, your God, has directed all your journeying in the desert, so as to test you by affliction and find out whether or not it was your intention to keep his commandments. He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your fathers, in order to show you that not by bread alone does one live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD. "Do not forget the LORD, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery; who guided you through the vast and terrible desert with its saraph serpents and scorpions, its parched and waterless ground; who brought forth water for you from the flinty rock and fed you in the desert with manna, a food unknown to your fathers." Reading 2 1 Cor 10:16-17 Brothers and sisters: The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. Gospel Jn 6:51-58 Jesus said to the Jewish crowds: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of ChristLectionary: 167 Reading 1 DT 8:2-3, 14B-16A Moses said to the people:"Remember how for forty years now the LORD, your God,has directed all your journeying in the desert,so as to test you by afflictionand find out whether or not it was your intentionto keep his commandments.He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger,and then fed you with manna,a food unknown to you and your fathers,in order to show you that not by bread alone does one live,but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD. "Do not forget the LORD, your God,who brought you out of the land of Egypt,that place of slavery;who guided you through the vast and terrible desertwith its saraph serpents and scorpions,its parched and waterless ground;who brought forth water for you from the flinty rockand fed you in the desert with manna,a food unknown to your fathers." Responsorial Psalm PS 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 R.  (12) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.or:R.  Alleluia.Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;praise your God, O Zion.For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;he has blessed your children within you.R.  Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.or:R.  Alleluia.He has granted peace in your borders;with the best of wheat he fills you.He sends forth his command to the earth;swiftly runs his word!R.  Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.or:R.  Alleluia.He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.He has not done thus for any other nation;his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.R.  Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.or:R.  Alleluia. Reading 2 1 COR 10:16-17 Brothers and sisters:The cup of blessing that we bless,is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?The bread that we break,is it not a participation in the body of Christ?Because the loaf of bread is one,we, though many, are one body,for we all partake of the one loaf. Sequence  Lauda Sion Laud, O Zion, your salvation,Laud with hymns of exultation,Christ, your king and shepherd true: Bring him all the praise you know,He is more than you bestow.Never can you reach his due. Special theme for glad thanksgivingIs the quick’ning and the livingBread today before you set: From his hands of old partaken,As we know, by faith unshaken,Where the Twelve at supper met. Full and clear ring out your chanting,Joy nor sweetest grace be wanting,From your heart let praises burst: For today the feast is holden,When the institution oldenOf that supper was rehearsed. Here the new law’s new oblation,By the new king’s revelation,Ends the form of ancient rite: Now the new the old effaces,Truth away the shadow chases,Light dispels the gloom of night. What he did at supper seated,Christ ordained to be repeated,His memorial ne’er to cease: And his rule for guidance taking,Bread and wine we hallow, makingThus our sacrifice of peace. This the truth each Christian learns,Bread into his flesh he turns,To his precious blood the wine: Sight has fail’d, nor thought conceives,But a dauntless faith believes,Resting on a pow’r divine. Here beneath these signs are hiddenPriceless things to sense forbidden;Signs, not things are all we see: Blood is poured and flesh is broken,Yet in either wondrous tokenChrist entire we know to be. Whoso of this food partakes,Does not rend the Lord nor breaks;Christ is whole to all that taste: Thousands are, as one, receivers,One, as thousands of believers,Eats of him who cannot waste. Bad and good the feast are sharing,Of what divers dooms preparing,Endless death, or endless life. Life to these, to those damnation,See how like participationIs with unlike issues rife. When the sacrament is broken,Doubt not, but believe ‘tis spoken,That each sever’d outward tokendoth the very whole contain. Nought the precious gift divides,Breaking but the sign betidesJesus still the same abides,still unbroken does remain. The shorter form of the sequence begins here. Lo! the angel’s food is givenTo the pilgrim who has striven;see the children’s bread from heaven,which on dogs may not be spent. Truth the ancient types fulfilling,Isaac bound, a victim willing,Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling,manna to the fathers sent. Very bread, good shepherd, tend us,Jesu, of your love befriend us,You refresh us, you defend us,Your eternal goodness send usIn the land of life to see. You who all things can and know,Who on earth such food bestow,Grant us with your saints, though lowest,Where the heav’nly feast you show,Fellow heirs and guests to be. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia JN 6:51 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord;whoever eats this bread will live forever.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel JN 6:51-58 Jesus said to the Jewish crowds:"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;whoever eats this bread will live forever;and the bread that I will giveis my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,"How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"Jesus said to them,"Amen, amen, I say to you,unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,you do not have life within you.Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my bloodhas eternal life,and I will raise him on the last day.For my flesh is true food,and my blood is true drink.Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my bloodremains in me and I in him.Just as the living Father sent meand I have life because of the Father,so also the one who feeds on mewill have life because of me.This is the bread that came down from heaven.Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,whoever eats this bread will live forever."

Here on the next lesson presented by the Ecu-Men, we cover the Marks & Attributes of the Church: I.e. what sets her apart from all the rest. So join us as we talk about the Church Christ founded & how it is unique. Thanks for listening! 152. Which is the one true Church established by Christ? The one true Church established by Christ is the Catholic Church. (John 10:16) 153. How do we know that the Catholic Church is the one true Church established by Christ? Because it alone has the marks of the true Church. (John 17:11) 154. What do we mean by the marks of the Church? Certain clear signs by which all men can recognize it as the true Church founded by Jesus Christ. 155. What are the chief marks of the Church? The Four Marks: It is one, holy, catholic or universal, & apostolic. 156. Why is the Catholic Church one? All its members, according to the will of Christ, profess the same faith, have the same sacrifice & sacraments, and are united under one & the same visible head, the Pope. (I Cor 10:17) 157. Why is the Catholic Church holy? Because it was founded by Jesus Christ, who is all-holy. It teaches, according to the will of Christ, holy doctrines, & provides the means of leading a holy life, thereby giving holy members to every age. (Matt 7:17-20) 158. Why is the Catholic Church catholic or universal? Because, destined to last for all time, she never fails to fulfill the divine commandment to teach all nations all the truths revealed by God. (Matt 24:14) 159. Why is the Catholic Church apostolic? Because it was founded by Christ on the apostles &, according to His divine will, has always been governed by their lawful successors. (Matt 16:18) 160. How do we know that no other church but the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ? Because no other church has these four marks. 161. What are the chief attributes of the Catholic Church? Authority, infallibility, and indefectibility. They are called attributes because they are qualities perfecting the nature of the Church. 162. What is meant by the authority of the Catholic Church? It means the Pope and the bishops, as the lawful successors of the apostles, have power from Christ Himself to teach, to sanctify, & to govern the faithful in spiritual matters. (II Cor 5:20) 163. What is meant by the infallibility of the Catholic Church? That the Church, by the special assistance of the Holy Ghost, cannot err when it teaches or believes a doctrine of faith or morals. (John 14:26) 164. When does the Church teach infallibly? The Church teaches infallibly when it defines, through the Pope alone, as the teacher of all Christians, or through the Pope and the bishops, a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by all the faithful. 165. What is meant by the indefectibility of the Catholic Church? That the Church, as Christ founded it, will last until the end of time. (Matt 28:20) 166. Are all obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved? All are obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved. (John 14:6) 167. What do we mean when we say, "Outside the Church there is no salvation?" We mean that Christ made the Catholic Church a necessary means of salvation and commanded all to enter it, so that a person must be connected with the Church in some way to be saved. ... ======= Baltimore Catechism, Lesson 12: https://bit.ly/2IIO1DM St Jerome: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3005.htm Pope St Siricius: https://bit.ly/3aSkEuM St Hippolytus: https://bit.ly/3cYBjib Council of Trent: https://bit.ly/38UKjS1 Sight of Hell: https://bit.ly/3aNPEMy Michael Davies, English Reformation: https://bit.ly/2TSFswK

"A PARTICIPATION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST" Feb. 26 In Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians we have come to where he refers to the memorial emblems, he stresses that their participation in these should be in a way that illustrates their unity. Paul has made several points very strongly in earlier chapters addressing issues that were seriously undermining their unity in Christ: their lack of harmony worried him very much. Their coming together to remember that Christ died for them needed to take place in an atmosphere of genuine unity – but it wasn’t. To start with some were influenced by the surrounding spirit of idol-worshipping, but “…. beloved flee from idolatry” [10 v.14] wrote Paul.. He appeals to them, “I speak to sensible people, judge for yourselves what I say.” [v.5] Do we ourselves make sensible judgements? The situation for us is not completely different. Paul says, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not the participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body …” [v.15-7] The verses which follow indicate some had a problem leaving behind the pagan practices they had previously enjoyed, Paul says to them, “You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy?” [v.21,22] In ch. 5 he made the point, “Christ is our Passover … let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven … of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” [7,8] In Ch. 11 we will read that “anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself” [v.29] He does not mean - discerning his own body - but the body of Christ and their responsibility to his or her fellow believers. Paul told the Philippians he wanted to “hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit and one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” [1 v.27] This precious oneness is demonstrated each time we meet for fellowship. There have been the rare occasions when a member of another church has been present who has taken offence at not being offered the emblems! But this is an opportunity to lovingly point out that when the church was first established on the Day of Pentecost, those baptised “devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and fellowship and the breaking of bread …” [Acts 2 v.42] What is the Apostles teaching? Do they (do we) properly “discern the Lord’s body” when we participate? If we are of one mind as to that teaching and are baptised – our participation in the body of Christ will a great spiritual joy.. Let us make sure we ourselves are fully devoted to this teaching and the way of life it leads to..

Create Your Own Online Notes Here Community is too precious a commodity to leave to chance. It’s a gift that must be intentionally cultivated.  Turn to Acts 2:42  Last summer we looked at this passage in our journey through the book of Acts Jesus ascended into heaven, the Spirit descended on His followers, and Peter preached a powerful Gospel sermon to thousands who had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Festival of Pentecost 3000 people repented and believed the gospel Peter preached, then were baptized and added to the church This passage describes the first church in Jerusalem that sprung up overnight after that event We're not going to examine this passage in depth as we did last summer... Three Weeks, Three Questions Why Should We Cultivate Community? How Should We Cultivate Community? What Happens When We Cultivate Community? Today, How should we cultivate community? Read Acts 2:42   Community is cultivated through intentional devotion.    Devotion in Two Directions: 1) Intentional Devotion to the Gospel 2) Intentional Devotion to One Another  1) Devote Ourselves to the Gospel   It's not uncommon to find superficial community in our world Crime families, mafia, gangs, etc. LGBTQ+ community Small towns (Poquoson!) Minorities in a majority culture (some of you have experienced this while deployed in the military) Biological families Supernatural community (the type of community only God can build) requires a devotion to the Good News Acts 2:42a—"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching..." Devoted to the Apostle’s teaching = Gospel Gospel = Creation > Curse > Christ > Call Community is cultivated through intentional devotion to the Gospel. Here's What this Means Practically... If we're going to devote ourselves to the Gospel then cultivating supernatural community is a distinctly Christian activity Unbelievers can observe it and be impacted by it, but they can’t truly experience it Membership at PBC and Communion are reserved for Christians! In a few moments we're going to talk more about Fellowship Groups. An unbeliever can attend, but really they're designed for Christians. Does that feel unloving to you? Imagine the Lincoln Park Conservatory in wintry Chicago. You might feel like it’s unloving for a greenhouse to restrict its warmth to the plants inside, but if you broke the glass to allow plants outside to work their way in, you would destroy the greenhouse entirely. If we're going to devote ourselves to the Gospel then cultivating supernatural community is more than just “hanging out” with Christians. The greenhouse wasn't primarily designed to shelter pedestrians from the wintry cold. It was designed to facilitate an environment where plants can grow so their beauty could be displayed. Community in the church should be more than just hanging out with your Christian buddies. It's meant to facilitate an environment where you can grow so the beauty of Christ can be displayed to the world! If we're going to devote ourselves to the Gospel then we can't be content with superficial community in the church.  Not wrong to have friends in church who share your age, marital status, economic status, hobbies, etc. But if that's all your relationships (or even the majority of your relationships) what you're devoted to be may you more than the Gospel A few years ago I took Jonah to Buckeyes game at the Horseshoe in Colombus. We encountered incredibly unity, centered on a shared devotion to the Buckeyes winning. But as soon as the game was over that unity was gone. We competed to get out of the parking lots, to get onto the highway, to get out of Columbus. We didn’t know each other and we didn’t care.  That’s what community looks like when it's a commitment to shared ideas without a commitment to specific people. That’s what many Christians experience. All Christians everywhere are devoted to the same Gospel. Because of that we like many of the same Facebook posts, listen to the same songs, grieve the same heartaches, read the same Scriptures, maybe even attend the same events but as soon as those shared moments are over there’s nothing that binds us together.  That's why we also need to . . . 2) Devote Ourselves to One Another   Acts 2:42b—"And they devoted themselves to . . . the fellowship . . . Community is cultivated through intentional devotion to one another. Here's What this Means Practically... If we're going to devote ourselves to One Another then church membership matters. v. 41 -- These individuals were added to the church! Christian: pursue membership! If you've been attending here for awhile, and for one reason or another you don't feel like you can join, find a place where you can! If you're a Christian, but have no desire to pursue membership at PBC, we're going to discourage you from joining one of our Fellowship Groups We don't want to ask you to commit to something Scripture doesn't require before you've made the committed to what Scripture does require Jamie Dunlop tells this story in his book Compelling Community: "A few years ago, a college freshman named Kaitlin visited my church. She liked our teaching but was put off by our focus on membership--because it felt wrongly exclusive and demanding. 'Why do I need to sign a piece of paper to love people in my church?' What she wanted were authentic relationships, not a bunch of formalities. A few years passed while she visited various churches, until she finally settled back at my church--and joined! Why the change of heart? It turned out that the thing she found offensive--membership--was essential to the thing she craved: authentic relationships. As she visited church after church that downplayed the commitment they required, she found church after church where relationships proved shallow. But as she interacted with her college friends who had committed to churches that made a big deal of membership, she heard about the community she also wanted. Kaitlin discovered that commitment is foundational to community." (53, emphasis added) If we're going to devote ourselves to One Another then church membership must be meaningful. These individuals weren't just added to the church, they were devoted to the fellowship! Membership is much more than a name on a list, it's a devotion to a people! This is where some small group models go wrong. Many have wrongly believed that their small group is their community rather than the whole church. Think about all the one another commands we discussed last week . . .  Serve one another, encourage one another, bear one another's burdens, greet one another, love one another, etc. Church member: these are commands for how you must relate to everyone you're in membership with Or think about some of the promises in our church covenant . . . We . . . pledge to help one another as we follow Jesus together We pledge to walk together in Christian love and unity Church member: these are commands for how you must relate to everyone you're in membership with If we're going to devote ourselves to One Another then we need a place to start. How am I supposed to devote myself to the entire church?!? It would be like me telling you to climb the wall behind you! So hard and seemingly impossible that most of you wouldn't even try. But what if we filled that wall with wall climbing holds . . . it might still be hard, but what seemed impossible would now seem like something that most of you could at least attempt We envision our Fellowship Groups functioning something like the climbing holds on a climbing wall  The goal is not to get into a group and stay in there forever, but to build relationships in a group so that you can grow in your ability to cultivate community throughout the entire congregation. A Fellowship Group is not the destination, but a tool to help you reach the destination. Frequently Asked Questions 1. How much time is this going to take? Groups are going to meet weekly (likely on Wednesday nights) in homes for about 90 minutes a week. 2. How long is the group going to last? Fellowship Groups will be offered in three month trimesters 1st Trimester: January 15 -March 25 2nd Trimester: May 6 - July 29 3rd Trimester: September 9 - November 18 One reason for this is to deliberately mix up the groups so you're cultivating community with the entire church You're only committing for about 12 weeks! If you don't like your group, don't worry it'll be over soon! 3. What are we going to do with young children during group meetings? Families can make their own arrangements for childcare The group can hire a babysitter and families split the cost Adults in the group can rotate caring for the kids in the host home Older kids can be a part of the group discussion 4. Will there be homework or required reading? No! Just listen to the morning sermon from the week before 5. What will we do when we meet? Pray together Sermon discussion Fellowship (snacks, desserts, coffee, meal) Every trimester groups will do one service project together and have one party6. Why the name? "Community Group" implies that your community is your group (rather than the whole church) "Small Group" is too vague (we have other small groups like Sunday School, etc.) "Fellowship Group" articulates what the groups are primarily about: helping us grow in fellowship 7. What about Discipleship Groups? Two lessons I’ve learned over the past year:  #1–Having a D-group doesn’t necessarily mean you’re discipling The goal of Discipleship Groups is spiritual growth. If you’re meeting regularly, but the group isn’t growing it’s not disciple-making. “...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you...” #2–Not having a D-group doesn’t mean you’re not discipling If the goal is spiritual growth, everything we do that fosters spiritual growth is a part of our discipleship program If our Sunday School teaches you how to honor Jesus with your money, that’s discipleship. If our music teaches you truth that equips you to suffer well, that’s discipleship. If our prayers of confession teach you how to confess your sin, that’s discipleship. If our preaching teaches you how to apply the Gospel, that’s discipleship. If our Sunday night Prayer meetings teach you what sorts of things to pray for, that’s discipleship. If our Sunday night feedback meetings teach some of our men how to better teach/preach God’s Word, that’s discipleship. If our staff meetings teach our staff how to reach cultural Christians with the Gospel, that’s discipleship. If our members’ meetings teach you how to think about church membership, that’s discipleship. NOT saying D-groups aren’t important!!! I am saying that they’re one way to make disciples, not the only way to make disciples. ELEMENTS AND FORMS Element—singing songs of praise to Jesus Form—hymnal/screen, traditional/contemporary, praise team/piano 8. Will I have to pray or read out loud in the group? Leaders will work hard to not call on people who aren't ready for something like this (but you may need to let us know in advance) We do want you to grow to the point where this isn't uncomfortable for you 9. Who will be in my Fellowship Group and where will we meet? Every group will have roughly 15 adults including a leader, and a host couple Fellowship Groups will meet in various host homes throughout the area Groups will be assigned next week after sign-ups end, so stay tuned We will work hard to assign groups with diversity in mind 10. Why should I join a Fellowship Group? Can't point to chapter and verse saying you have to join a group like this, but let me give you some reasons why I think it would help you . . . It's easy to hide in a larger gathering It's too easy to be passive during a sermon There is little to no accountability during corporate worship  It's too easy to quickly move on from the sermon without small group engagement  Jamie Dunlop: "The Sunday morning sermon isn't the finish line for Word ministry, it's the starting line." (Compelling Community, 90-91) We're prone to think we matter too little in corporate worship (my ideas/struggles/etc. aren't important) We're prone to think we matter too much in corporate worship (forgetting your responsibility to love and serve the whole body) We're prone to think "they need to hear this" in corporate worship We're prone to think "this is only for me" in corporate worship In a large gathering, when we cry there's nobody to ask us, "what's going on"? There's little opportunity to ask questions and interact during corporate worship There's little opportunity to pray for specific, personal needs in corporate worship 11. What's the next step? Visit the Connect Desk after the service Confirm that you're signed up Or sign up (DEADLINE IS NEXT SUNDAY)Back to text . . . Community is cultivated through intentional devotion to the Gospel and to one another. Read Acts 2:42c—"And they devoted themselves to . . . the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Devotion to the breaking of bread . . . Could be devotion to hospitality, sharing meals together Presence of the definite article (the breaking of the bread) suggests this is referring to the Lord’s Supper The Lord’s Supper reminds us of our devotion to the GOSPEL... Mark 14:22-23—And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is My body.” And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Bread symbolizes Jesus’ body and reminds us of His sinless life Cup symbolizes Jesus’ blood and reminds us of His substitutionary death in your place Not a Christian? Don’t receive the symbol, receive the reality. Come to one of the tables and talk to one of our pastors. Let them know of your desire to give your life to Jesus and we’ll happily drop everything to talk and pray with you. Christian? As you take bread and cup, focus on your vertical relationship with God. Are there sins you need to confess? Godly habits you need to embrace? Gifts you need to thank Him for? “Jesus and you” moment as you prepare your heart for communion in your seat and eat the bread at the table The Lord’s Supper reminds us of our devotion to ONE ANOTHER... 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 —“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” Communion should remind you of community “Jesus and us” moment as we pray in smaller groups around the tables and take the cup together as a church family

In today's episode, we will see how God wants to dwell in us. We are His Dwelling place. Psalm 90:1 - “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.” – Psalm 84:1 – How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! God’s dwelling place is in us, the work of the Holy Spirit is to build us up to be a dwelling place for God We are made Alive in Christ – Because of God’s love, He wants to bring us to our best potential. God wants us to be with him. Just as Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day in the Garden so does God even now want to walk with us in the cool of the day. God wants our companionship and He wants to be with us. Together, Giving Jesus, -Lana

Koinonia is a key element in Christian community. Where is this word found? And what does it mean? Koinonia: To contribute; to have in common, share, Heb. 2:14; to be associated in, to become a sharer in, Rom. 15:27; 1 Pet. 4:13; to become implicated in, be a party to, 1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Jn. 11; to associate one’s self with by sympathy and assistance, to communicate with in the way of aid and relief, Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 4:15*  participate in; share. sharing (13x)  G2842 (19x) [Mounce Greek Dictionary] Let’s consider the most important use of the word for our purposes connected to corporate worship: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing (koinonia) in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing (koinonia) in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:16–17 NRSV) Paul’s point, amongst others, is that, since we share in Christ, and we share in the wine and bread (communion), this makes us one body (local congregation). Thus we should participate in our gatherings in a way which glorifies God, edifies the members and reveals God to non-believers.  That’s unpacking much of the rest of 1 Corinthians which we don’t have time for here. For our purposes, the thing to note is that oneness in the body implies connectedness of participation in our times together. We are not 'attending church', but sharing in a gathering. We are not singing a song, but sharing a song. That’s what all of us who helped to coordinate and lead corporate worship desire. Participatory connectedness. What the Bible would call koinonia. However, we know that this does not happen as often as we would like.  Let’s have a brief conversation about what to do when participatory connectedness does not happen. Let’s list some of the obstacles to koinonia: Habitual late arrivals Members seated far from other members scattered around the room Uneven access to lyrics of songs Un-dealt with sin between one Christian and another Personal hidden sin Hidden fears, doubts confusion and anger towards God Misunderstanding around the purpose of corporate worship - i.e. the sense that the personal experience is the most significant element. I daresay you can add many of your own observations. And please do so in the comment box below. From this we can see that some of what it takes to develop koinonia is about practical preparedness, and some of it is about pastoral involvement.  Some questions to myself and all of us leaders of corporate worship: Are you having conversations with the habitual late arrivals? Talking to find solutions, not to condemn, of course. Do you encourage members to move and sit close to each other, and give a healthy reason as to why? If you are using projection, are the lyrics visible and is the font large enough? If you are using songbooks or song sheets are they being distributed well? If you notice people squinting at the screen, are you having conversations about them getting an eye test or bringing their spectacles to church? If you are aware of any unhealthiness amongst relationships in church, are you addressing them or engaging with people who could address them? If you sense there may be hidden sin, are you praying and asking God to reveal it? If you are aware of members who are struggling in their trust towards God, are you offering to pray for them, with them and perhaps sit down and listen to their practical challenges and heart struggles? Are you teaching on the significance of offering all of ourselves as a body in worship, not just our individual voices/hearts? Much more could be said here, but this is for starters. Here’s the key question for today: "What do you find is the most helpful way to encourage koinonia-worship in your congregational setting?" Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org (mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org) . If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org (http://www.malcolmcox.org/) . Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , a devotional look at the Gospel of John mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

How can we know that we are disciples of Christ? Because we are doing and believing what the Spirit gives the Father's beloved to do and believe. 1 John gives us great insight into these eternal matters. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peniel-bible-church/support

Hope Fellowship Church ========== Remember Pt. 1: The Commonality of Community Communion Service Today ========== 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Philippians 2:1-3 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 1. In Community, we have in common Encouragement in Christ. 2. In Community, we have in common the Comfort of God’s Love. 3. In Community, we have in common Participation in the Spirit. 4. In Community, we have in common Affection and Sympathy (Mercy). Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Philippians 2:4-8 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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 5. In Community, we have in common the Centrality of the Cross. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Generosity You can give online by clicking the link below. We thank you so much for all of your generosity! http://www.hopeinanderson.com/generosity Thanks for Listening! To find out more about Hope, check out our website. http://www.hopeinanderson.com

If we are children of God, shouldn’t we behave like it? Peter seems to think so. In 1 Peter 2:9-12, we will hear Peter reminding his readers that they have a remarkable new identity in Christ Because of their faith in Christ, they have been changed and given new responsibilities within the Kingdom of God. They have been hand-picked by God, made His priests, set apart as His people and given the responsibility of proclaiming the greatness of the One who called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. What Peter has in mind here is a change in behavior. Their status before God has changed, because they have been declared righteous by Him because of the sacrificial death of His own Son. Now, they were to live like who there were. But the danger they faced was one that is common to all believers: To fail to recognize their new identity and to fall back into the the familiar patterns of their life before Christ. So, Peter is going to go out of his way to ensure that they understand exactly who they are and how that should impact their daily lives. Living like a Christian won’t be easy. Not everyone will appreciate the change that has taken place in our lives. But when we live like who we are, the world can’t ignore it. And some will be attracted to Christ because of it.     

Today we reflect on Philippians 3:7-14. We hear through Paul’s expressed personal passion, the core of the Gospel, the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord. Paul is like a passionate coach, before a make-it or break-it game, attempting to instruct and inspire his team with an inexhaustible passion and value for the game in which they’re about to play. Paul’s chief aim is to impart to us the surpassing worth of Jesus Christ. He begins with his own story of moving from self-righteousness to Christ's righteousness: 1. JESUS SURPASSES EVERYTHING (a) Paul counts everything as loss for the sake of Christ (v. 7). There’s nothing more worthy in Paul’s life than Jesus Christ. (b) He counts everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus (8a). To know Christ is a journey of faith in which he becomes our intimate companion. Paul is writing in Greek but thinking in Hebrew … see Gen 4:1 Adam knew his wife Eve and she conceived .... This is a knowing by experience with the other, a knowing that is inexhaustible, yet keeps us reaching for more. (c) “I count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" (8b). Jesus has become the animating center and source of Paul’s life. He has reviewed his ego-drama and counted it as loss in order to have Jesus. 2. JESUS SHARES HIS RIGHTEOUS LIFE IN & THROUGH US (verse 9) In comparison to his exceptional moral achievements, Paul points to Christ and calls us to be found in Him, not having a righteousness of our own, but one which is through faith in Christ … Christ IS our righteousness … Jesus gives us the same status he has before the Father … His beloved children in whom he is well pleased. By faith & grace, we share everything Jesus is and has by nature. This is what it means to be "in Christ". We count Christ above all things because only in Christ do we have a righteousness that counts with God. 3. INTIMACY WITH CHRIST INVITES US TO SHARE IN HIS SUFFERINGS (10) … I want to know Christ & the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings It takes His resurrection power in us to fellowship, to share in his sufferings. Com-passion = to suffer with (Latin). One of the marks of Christ’s Body on earth is compassion … the ability to suffer with others on all sorts of levels … from living a life of forgiveness, to loving our enemies, to being patient, to being merciful and serving the needs of the poor, the suffering, and so forth. We are called to be LONG-Suffering. Marriage is form of suffering, right? Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and GAVE HIMSELF UP for her. There are many ways to lay down our lives for others … this is one way to share in the fellowship of his sufferings. 4. EMBRACED, WE REACH FOR HIM (v. 12) – This is an amazing statement … Paul is saying that he presses on to apprehend, to take hold of Christ … BECAUSE he has already taken hold of him. Our response of love for Christ is only because he has first loved us. Because we are loved, embraced and held by Christ, are we able to reach towards him. Knowing we’re loved is so vital to drawing near to God. 5. WE PRESS TOWARD THE GOAL, THE END OF THIS TEMPORAL JOURNEY, TOWARDS THE ETERNAL PRIZE OF FULL COMMUNION WITH JESUS FOREVER How do we press on? vv. 13 – 14 … forgetting … straining … pressing on toward the goal, the prize of eternal communion with Christ. The past is over (we can choose to live there), the present is now and the coming Kingdom is on its way. We press toward it as it presses towards us. God the Father is calling us home … the upward call of God … in Christ. In Christ we are able to press beyond the past, through the trials, the challenges of this temporal life, knowing there is a prize, a reward that will not disappoint. We fix our eyes on the unseen … says Paul … the temporal is not his focus, the eternal is his present reality and goal.

Living the new life I’m not the person I used to be, thank God. And what’s more, I’m not the person I’m going to be, thank God. That is what every believer should be able to say. On the one hand, we look back to before we trusted in Jesus for forgiveness, and received his Holy Spirit to change us. On the other hand, we look forward to when the change that the Holy Spirit makes will be complete and clear. In the meantime, we live in the in-between time of starting to live a new life of pure holiness by God’s strength, but still trying to shake off the remnants of the old life of sin. Both coexist, to our frustration. Why not live the old life? Paul gives three reasons why his hearers should to throw off the old sinful life, and to put on the new life which is already theirs, in Christ: Because the old life is degraded (Ephesians 4:17-19). Because believers have been created to be like God (Ephesians 4:20-24). Because it grieves God’s Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). How should I live the new life? Paul gives four examples of transformed living, although he could have pointed to any number of other changes in lifestyle: Don’t tell lies or untruths (Ephesians 4:25). Don’t loss your control over anger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Work and contribute to others (Ephesians 4:28). Speak positively (Ephesians 4:29). In summary… In Ephesians 4:31-32 we read that we ought to get rid of all that is bad from the old life, and be kind and tender-hearted to each other. And since we are still not perfected and sin, we ought to forgive one another, just as Christ freely forgave those who believe in him (John 3:16, Romans 3:24). It’s a constant struggle, this side of going to be with the Lord. We ought to not grieve God’s Spirit by living the old way of life by sinning, but instead put on the new way of living, through faith in Christ.

Living the new life I’m not the person I used to be, thank God. And what’s more, I’m not the person I’m going to be, thank God. That is what every believer should be able to say. On the one hand, we look back to before we trusted in Jesus for forgiveness, and received his Holy Spirit to change us. On the other hand, we look forward to when the change that the Holy Spirit makes will be complete and clear. In the meantime, we live in the in-between time of starting to live a new life of pure holiness by God’s strength, but still trying to shake off the remnants of the old life of sin. Both coexist, to our frustration. Why not live the old life? Paul gives three reasons why his hearers should to throw off the old sinful life, and to put on the new life which is already theirs, in Christ: Because the old life is degraded (Ephesians 4:17-19). Because believers have been created to be like God (Ephesians 4:20-24). Because it grieves God’s Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). How should I live the new life? Paul gives four examples of transformed living, although he could have pointed to any number of other changes in lifestyle: Don’t tell lies or untruths (Ephesians 4:25). Don’t loss your control over anger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Work and contribute to others (Ephesians 4:28). Speak positively (Ephesians 4:29). In summary… In Ephesians 4:31-32 we read that we ought to get rid of all that is bad from the old life, and be kind and tender-hearted to each other. And since we are still not perfected and sin, we ought to forgive one another, just as Christ freely forgave those who believe in him (John 3:16, Romans 3:24). It’s a constant struggle, this side of going to be with the Lord. We ought to not grieve God’s Spirit by living the old way of life by sinning, but instead put on the new way of living, through faith in Christ.

Living the new life I’m not the person I used to be, thank God. And what’s more, I’m not the person I’m going to be, thank God. That is what every believer should be able to say. On the one hand, we look back to before we trusted in Jesus for forgiveness, and received his Holy Spirit to change us. On the other hand, we look forward to when the change that the Holy Spirit makes will be complete and clear. In the meantime, we live in the in-between time of starting to live a new life of pure holiness by God’s strength, but still trying to shake off the remnants of the old life of sin. Both coexist, to our frustration. Why not live the old life? Paul gives three reasons why his hearers should to throw off the old sinful life, and to put on the new life which is already theirs, in Christ: Because the old life is degraded (Ephesians 4:17-19). Because believers have been created to be like God (Ephesians 4:20-24). Because it grieves God’s Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). How should I live the new life? Paul gives four examples of transformed living, although he could have pointed to any number of other changes in lifestyle: Don’t tell lies or untruths (Ephesians 4:25). Don’t loss your control over anger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Work and contribute to others (Ephesians 4:28). Speak positively (Ephesians 4:29). In summary… In Ephesians 4:31-32 we read that we ought to get rid of all that is bad from the old life, and be kind and tender-hearted to each other. And since we are still not perfected and sin, we ought to forgive one another, just as Christ freely forgave those who believe in him (John 3:16, Romans 3:24). It’s a constant struggle, this side of going to be with the Lord. We ought to not grieve God’s Spirit by living the old way of life by sinning, but instead put on the new way of living, through faith in Christ.

Where does the strength of your life flow from? Could your life be defined from something you heard from God; by what you're doing out of all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength for God; or could your life's path be determined because of a relentless pursuit of the cross of Christ? Because this is what it means to live like the Ephesians who stood up to the Domitians of their time. This message from Pastor Eric will bring life to you when you hear it.

Mormon again leads the Nephite armies in battles of blood and carnage—The Book of Mormon will come forth to convince all Israel that Jesus is the Christ—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites will be scattered, and the Spirit will cease to strive with them—They will receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days. About A.D. 375–84.

The character of Paul's language changes distinctly in Chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians as he attempts to reassert his role as an apostle. Some among the brethren of Corinth felt apostles would not need to work to support themselves, and viewed his working to support his ministry as a demerit on his authority. He responds by saying "I [am an apostle] to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord" (v 2). He continues by asserting the rights of an apostle through a series of rhetorical questions.Using sound rabbinical arguments, he asserts that God allows the workers to partake of the fruit of their labor (Cf. v. 8-12). These statements are not Paul's attempt to amass material gains, but assert his authority as an apostle. As he continues, his temper begins to reveal itself in the verbiage (Cf. v 14). He hits on the cornerstone of his argument when he states "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" and "What then is my reward? Just this: that in my preaching I may make the gospel free of charge, not making full use of my right in the gospel" (v 16, 18). Always trying to save as many souls as possible he reflects how he "became all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (v 23). He closes the chapter with a lively exhortation that the Corinthians strive for holiness through self-restraint and exertion like an athlete strives for victory (Cf. v 24-27).Returning to his previous language-style in Chapter 10, he uses the example of their Jewish forefathers to instruct the troubled church. After illustrating the sacramental gifts that the Israelites received from God he warns the people not to partake unworthily or without gratitude, lest they die like many of the Israelites. He ever attempting to bring the conceited Corinthians to greater holiness, he provides hope against temptation by stating "God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (v 13). Returning to his railing against idolatry, he asks "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?" so that he may come to his eucharistic theology "The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread" (v 16). This is to establish that one cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons, and that meat sacrificed to idols is inherently demonic.He instructs the Judaizers by saying "All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful" (v 23). He also allows that "if one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question" except it becomes clear that this meat was sacrificed to an idol (v 27).Finally, in the beginning of Chapter 11, Paul addresses the issue of women's head coverings.Music: Sergei Rachmaninoff's 6 Moments Musicaux Op. 16 - Adagio sostenuto from the album Moments Musicaux, performed by Elizabeth Wolff. www.magnatune.com