Podcast appearances and mentions of christ does

Scripture Reflection for Dec. 2, 2024: What the Advent of Christ Does! by Priests for Life

The Cross of Christ DOES divide--1 Corinthians 1:18 makes that quite clear. The unsaved see the Cross as foolishness, while the saved see it as, and KNOW it to be the power of God--THAT is a divide; the saved and the unsaved are 'at odds' when it comes to the Cross. However, the Cross of Christ should NOT divide the saved from the saved! The Cross is a monument to the love, mercy, grace, power, and wisdom of God (I could go on). Because I am saved by grace through faith in what Christ did on the Cross, I should, logically then, LIVE by continuing to keep my faith in that which saved me. Join us at 8pm as we continue in our Cross-Talking series with lesson 2 of 'The Word of The Cross 101'.

Fr. Roger J. Landry Catholic Medical Association Boot Camp Ave Maria University St. Francis Xavier Chapel, Ave Maria, FL Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time, Year II June 13, 2022 1 Kings 21:1-16, Ps 5, Mt 5:38-42   To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/6.13.22_Homily_1.mp3   The following […] The post Responding to Evil as Christ Does, 11th Monday (II), June 13, 2022 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

What should you make of the mysterious transfiguration of Christ-- Does it have any application to you-- You'll find out in this fascinating look at Jesus metamorphosis on Mount Hermon.

What should you make of the mysterious transfiguration of Christ- Does it have any application to you- You'll find out in this fascinating look at Jesus metamorphosis on Mount Hermon.

Grace is a foundational concept in the Christian faith. Part of what makes the gospel such incredibly good news is the fact that salvation is completely free. We must do absolutely nothing to earn it. So what happens when active sin is discovered in the body of Christ- Does grace mean we just learn to accept it and move on, or are we supposed to do something about it- Ryan addresses this question in the final part of a four-part series from 1 Corinthians 5-1-13 entitled, -Grace, Misapplied.-

Grace is a foundational concept in the Christian faith. Part of what makes the gospel such incredibly good news is the fact that salvation is completely free. We must do absolutely nothing to earn it. So what happens when active sin is discovered in the body of Christ- Does grace mean we just learn to accept it and move on, or are we supposed to do something about it- Ryan will continue to address this question this Sunday in the third part of a four-part series from 1 Corinthians 5-1-13 entitled, -Grace, Misapplied.-

Grace is a foundational concept in the Christian faith. Part of what makes the gospel such incredibly good news is the fact that salvation is completely free. We must do absolutely nothing to earn it. So what happens when active sin is discovered in the body of Christ- Does grace mean we just learn to accept it and move on, or are we supposed to do something about it- Ryan continues to address this question in the second part of a four-part message from 1 Corinthians 5-1-13 entitled, -Grace, Misapplied.-

Grace is a foundational concept in the Christian faith. Part of what makes the gospel such incredibly good news is the fact that salvation is completely free. We must do absolutely nothing to earn it. So what happens when active sin is discovered in the body of Christ- Does grace mean we just learn to accept it and move on, or are we supposed to do something about it- Ryan answers this question in the first part of a four-part message from 1 Corinthians 5-1-13 entitled, -Grace, Misapplied.-

What can we learn about the angels and shepherds regarding the birth of Christ- Does their response teach us something today- Join Pastor Steve as he looks at Luke 2-7-18.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29 Romans 6:20-21 -Why should we live a holy and righteous life? Paul is giving an argument and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones encourages us to reason it through. In Romans 6:20-21, Paul reminds us what our state and condition was in our old life. We used to be slaves to sin, and since we cannot serve two masters, we were not yet slaves to righteousness. The Doctor points out there are some people in this world that act moral but are not true Christians. The other man is governed by self and a Christian is governed by righteousness. Those who are slaves of sin and not of righteousness lead a fruitless and shameful life. The Doctor encourages us to ask ourselves three questions to test if something is from our old life or our new life in Christ: Does it give satisfaction to my mind and heart? Does it help me grow in fruit and knowledge? Does it help me lay in store for the future? If you answered no to any of these questions, then that lifestyle may be leading you down a path to eternal separation fromGod.

WHAT CAN SEPARATE US God’s love created us and God’s love has joined us to Himself (John 3:16). But what is our experience of God’s love? Our experience will be one of being joined to God and his love or one of being separated from his love and even from God himself. We are going to look at why so many people feel separated from the love of God, and what the Bible says about the experience of being joined to God and his love.Romans 8:35 What can ever separate us from the love of Christ? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow— No power in the sky above or in the earth below can separate us from God’s love—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. ‘no power in the sky above or in the earth below’. God does not withdraw his loving, but we can withdraw our receiving of his love. What power causes this, when we just read that no power can separate us? The only power that can do this is the one that lies within us as it did in Adam, to separate ourselves, as we shall see. We are provoked in this by the power of our own desires, and by the power of darkness that seeks to blind our minds, or the bitterness of adversity that makes us feel uncared for. And that lies within us in our mind and heart, either by way of turning away from his love or by not having any inner basis for believing in his love. Personal turning awayThere is an Old Testament Scripture that speaks of God talking to his people about separating themselves through deliberate turning away.Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from God; And your sins have hidden His face from you.This separation was not from God’s point of view, but from theirs. His face is hidden from them only because they were pursuing their own desires and not God’s. The word iniquity means lawlessness – being a law unto one’s self. It is our face that turns away and we go where our face turns to (have you ever noticed that?)  It is being separated from letting the activity of God’s love flow in their life.  Personal ignorance There is also the warning of separation through not knowing, not seeing and not hearing in the New Testament for us today.Ephesians 4:17 don’t live like the Gentiles (ungodly unbelieving world) –who live in the futility of their minds, having their understanding darkened (not knowing), being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them (not hearing), because of the blindness of their heart (not seeing).People who have no idea cannot receive God’s life and love. They are not separated from God (from God’s point of view,) but they are alienated from his life as an experience of being joined to him (that is sad). Their experience is separation from God. Mark 4:12 so that while seeing, they may see and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear and not understand, otherwise they might return and be forgiven.(The invisible gorilla and the wrong point of view having persuaded them to look for the wrong thing)) Personal disgruntlementMagnifying negative circumstances – separation virus – just as widespread as the Corona virus - highly contagious – but it’s caught through negative talk and negative example. However there is a vaccine called being renewed in the spirit of the mind (repentance) and receiving faith.Separation from the life of God is a mindset that was sown into the minds of Adam and Eve and into all of humanity. This causes us to magnify the negative or difficult things in our circumstances and get bitter and disillusioned and stop trusting God, which blocks us off from the consolation of God’s love and encouragement to stay the course in difficult times. We are living in a time of global distress and affliction and disappointment, and a lot of bitterness. The whole world sees chaos and disorder and confusion and uncertainty everywhere at this time – but the Scripture says; Hebrews 2:8 … You have put all things in subjection under his feet… but at the present time, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him - but we see Jesus… (the invisible gorilla) When we see Jesus with eyes of faith in the midst of all that is happening we are not separated from God’s love but are more single-mindedly joined to God, who is with us and loves us, and we see God in all that happens – we see all things working together for good and God reordering our lives and helping us to let go of the unnecessary and focus on the necessary etc. This is God’s big work in the earth today (Isaiah 28:21). This is the time to have a single mind and to focus with a single eye of faith and see the supernatural work of God bringing order out of chaos and joining people to himself through his love. We see victory instead of defeat, hope instead of despair, faith instead of fear. Nothing is separating us from his love. We are joined and not separated.1Corinthians 6:7…He that is joined to the Lord is ONE SPIRIT.We are able to see through all of this disorder and uncertainty and say we are well able to overcome. Joshua and Caleb saw the challenge of the giants that had to be defeated for them to be able to enter into the Promised Land and said ‘We are well able to overcome’.  A little while after Israel finally entered the land after their forty year journey in the wilderness Joshua blesses Caleb – we made it Caleb! and invites him to have a say – A big shout out for Caleb… this is what Caleb said;Joshua 14:6 The people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. Caleb spoke: "You'll remember what God said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me back at Kadesh Barnea. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of God sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land. And I brought back an honest and accurate report at Hebron with the huge branch full of grapes so big that it needed the two of us to carry it. the other spies discouraged the people, but I stayed the course, totally with God, my God. That was the day that Moses solemnly promised, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance, you and your children's, forever. Yes, you have lived totally for God.' Now look at me: God has kept me alive, as he promised. It is now forty- five years since God spoke this word to Moses, years in which Israel wandered in the wilderness. And here I am today, eighty- five years old! I'm as strong as I was the day Moses sent me out. I'm as strong as ever in battle. So give me this mountain that God promised me. You yourself heard the report of what I said that day, when the Anakim giants were there with their great fortress cities –‘ We are well able to overcome’ - If God goes with me, I will drive them out, just as God said. "Joshua blessed him and he gave Hebron to Caleb as an inheritance. Hebron was the city where Joshua and Caleb brought back the grapes and the good report. The word Hebron means joined together – the opposite to the word badal – which means separation . Hebron was the place of David’s royal residence where he was anointed king and began that royal line that joined  Jesus to his Kingly Heritage. Hebron was the home of Abraham where the three angels appeared to he and Sarah and announced his inheritance of becoming the father of many nations, joining God to his people Israel. God wants to give us our Hebron in these times of challenge – Nothing can separate us and like Caleb, we are well able to overcome. In these days of pandemic the whole world is grieving the loss of so many elderly people and there is much care and compassion felt for them because of their vulnerability. It is a good thing that a younger generation feels this empathy and gives honour to their elders. But there is another side to this picture, and the eighty five year old Caleb is the message of hope and endurance, and fortitude and faith to all generations that follow on behind. I see daily in the eyes of many of my venerable (and often vulnerable) brothers and sisters the same message, the same report that Caleb gave of ‘Give me this mountain’. Yes there are giants in the Land but I have seen an inner strength in these people, won through faithfulness and patience and perseverance, and a wisdom that has aged like an oak tree. They remain as a shelter and a source of strength and loving comfort to the many younger people in their world, that they safeguard in their prayers and in their peaceful presence. This current Caleb generation is a is a sign board in these days that announces victory and not defeat. It is a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

To Think as Christ Does and Not as the World Does

PROPHECY HOUR: ANTI-CHRIST? Pastor Dan and Linda Catlin www.prophecyhour.com What does the word say about the anti-Christ? Does another religion fit the bill? www.prophecyhour.com Please visit www.prophecyhour.com Also https://www.facebook.com/WichitaMissionChurch/ and http://wichitahomeless.com/

In this age we need to be extra careful about which influences we listen to. -Discernment questions to ask.-Does this spirit lift up Christ--Does this rob glory from God- -If an ideology is popular with the world we need to look closely at it.

Pastor Jonathan Shradar preaches on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. The anticipation of our future motivates the life of faith.Sermon notesQuestions to keep the conversation going:What are the usual, mundane things of life that motivate us? How is the resurrected life different and better than those things?How might we examine our motives to ensure they are healthy and in light of Christ?Does being with Jesus for eternity really sound appealing? Why or why not?How does Jesus as judge interact with him as Savior, giver or grace? Can we reconcile the two?What are practical things in your life that look different if you are living the life of faith?

In his letter to the church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul states (v.21), “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” What does it mean “to live is Christ”? Does the phrase, “to die is gain” mean that Paul has a “death wish”? Short answer is “No”. The latter only makes sense if the former is true. Listen as Pastor Kyle explains how this works and what it means for us today. *** Discussion Questions Below ***

Message #415, Matthew 15:1-21, "The Word of God, the Heart of Man" Sunday, March 1, 2020 We're continuing our study through the Gospel of Matthew and digging into Jesus' confrontation of the scribes and Pharisees. Specifically regarding their traditions and their attitude towards God's word. Our sermon questions are: What is the foundation of my faith in Christ? Does it matter who I follow as I seek to follow Jesus? What is God's diagnosis of my greatest need? Related verses: Ezra 7:10 Romans 3:20 Galatians 3:24 Amos 8:11 Hebrews 4:12-16 Luke 6:39-40,46 John 10 Philippians 3:17-21 1 Corinthians 4:1-2;11:1;4:16 Mark 7:23 2 Corinthians 10:12 Galatians 2:20-21 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Calvary Chapel Reston Station 1950 Isaac Newton Sq. Reston, VA 20195 (703) 834-8100 http://www.calvaryreston.org/ https://www.instagram.com/calvaryreston/

How is living generously linked to being a disciple of Christ? Does that really matter? As we continue The Adventure series walking through practical steps in discipleship, Stan walks us through one of Jesus' main talking points in discipleship...our finances.

How is living generously linked to being a disciple of Christ? Does that really matter? As we continue The Adventure series walking through practical steps in discipleship, Brett & Phil Ling walk us through one of Jesus' main talking points in discipleship...our finances.

A nameless youngster provides two fish and five bread rolls which Jesus multiplies into a feast for thousands - with lots of leftovers! Is anything too difficult for Christ Jesus? Not a thing. Because of this reality we are set free to manage resources entrusted to us by Him. We let go of self-directed ownership as our mindset, and experience a renewed mind of trust and gratitude, hold on lightly to the things God places in our care. Pastor Dave shares three marks of healthy stewarding of resources by persons of faith in Christ. What does our generosity (or lack) say about our worldview? What does our approach to giving to Kingdom of God advancement reveal about our depth of commitment to Christ? Does our doing matching our saying? A manager mentality frees us for joyful obedience and generosity. We find our joy and freedom in such disciplined living according to Jesus' call to live well with him.Support the show (https://pushpay.com/pay/pontevedraumc)

Dig In Questions:1) Read John 6:26. After Jesus fed the 5,000, He claimed that people only wanted to be with Him because of what He could do for them. Do you believe that many people follow or claim to follow Jesus just for their own personal gain? Do you follow Jesus? If so, why?2) Read John 6:29. How do you react to this statement from Christ? Does it comfort you or do you feel the urge to earn favor with God through other ways?3) Read John 6:30. How would you respond or what advice would you give to people who want a “sign” before they believe in Jesus?4) Read John 6:35. How would you explain Jesus's statement to someone who doesn’t have a relationship with Him?5) On Sunday, we discussed how “Jesus didn’t come into this world to fulfill your desires - He came into this world to be your desire.” Do you find this statement to be one that is tough or easy to accept?6) Is there anything in your life that you desire above Jesus? If so, do you believe that you need to reevaluate your passions or priorities?

Is worship that which encounters and proclaims the incarnate Christ?Beginning our study of John this week, we look at John 1:1-18 and how the proclamation of the Gospel writer brings us many questions around our worship. Does our worship bring us into encounter with Christ? Does it proclaim Jesus to others? How do we formulate our worship in such a way as to bring the Gospel to ourselves and others to recreate men as children of God and to grant to us the life we need? All of it being found in Jesus.Host Pastor Carleton SmeeProductionCarleton Smee (Producer and Editor)Music provided by Gargoyle's Numb End

The process of growing in our faith can be an isolating one. Is it ok to have questions? Is it ok to ask them? Topics today: 1. Check out a podcast I was on recently with Natalie Hoffman, who is a coach and runs a support group for women who are in or recovering from destructive marriages. In this podcast I share some basic, intermediate, and advanced tips and tools for studying scripture: https://flyingfreenow.com/episode-29-learning-to-love-the-bible-again/ 2. Who are the sheep? Who are the goats? (Matthew 25:31-46 3. Are we safe in our churches? How do we know? 4. What is repentance? 5. What does it mean to be a brother or sister in Christ? Does our identity in Christ have anything to do with our social status, gender, race?  6. My friend Vickie's encouragement to "get out of the box!"  7. My very weird story about domain names (just thrown in for good measure). ___ I attended Beth Israel Messianic Synagogue on Saturday and it was so impactful for me. I have listened to them faithfully for about 3 years and finally attended in person. The week prior I found myself praying once again for clarity. Wouldn't you know that the service I attended in person was the Shabbat of Vision? God is so funny that way. Anyway, it is an excellent message about vision and clarity and I wanted to share it with you: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-ncr9x-bb15a6 ___ I'd love to hear from you about what is on your heart and mind. Is there a topic you want me to feature on a future podcast? Let me know. Email me at stacey@clarityunleashed.com Are you interested in scheduling a free coaching call? That's up to 1-hour with me and is a great way to decide if working with me will work for you. JUST CLICK HERE for info!

Jesus said the following in Mark 9:38-41: "And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." (Mark 9:38-41 KJV)  Does this mean that anyone that claims that "Jesus is Christ" and "I believe in Jesus" is not against Christ? What does it really mean to be "not against" Christ? Does obedience have anything to do with "not being against" Christ?      

What does the Bible say about the deity of Christ? Does the Bible actually say Jesus really God?

Life From Death #2 Why Did Jesus Have to Die? 4-14-2019, By Louie Marsh Why Did Jesus Die? – To bring us TO GOD.   18  For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)   Jesus died to bring us back to God, by forgiving our sins. To give us this opportunity  there were four things that Christ had to do – and in doing them He allowed us to come to God through Christ and have our lives changed forever.   Four Things the Death of Christ Does for Me.   Propitiation: I can live SECURE in Christ.   25  whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26  It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26 (ESV)   This strange sounding word is also found in the KJV (1 John 2:2, 4:10) – It comes from the ancient shrine – it means to appease or to pacify anger! The Bible teaches that God cannot live in the presence of sin – and since we sin that‘s bad news for us! Further sin angers God because He knows it’s true evil.   5  I have spurned your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? Hosea 8:5 (ESV)   How does God deal with this? By sending His Son to remove His anger by removing the sin! The first thing Christ did was remove the thing that kept God apart from us, by paying the price for our sins!   Redemption: - I can live FREE in Christ.   45  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (ESV)    18  knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19  but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)   This word comes from the ancient market place. It literally means “a ransom or price of release.” It was used of buying or selling slaves.   Christ died to set us free from our slavery to sin, moral guilt and the devastating effects of sin.   Notice the order that we’re taking here – first God deals with His anger towards our sin, then He rescues us from destruction by the death of Christ – do you see how much God loves you??   3) Justification: I can live ACQUITTED in Christ.   23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24  and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…28  For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.  Romans 3:23-24, 28 (ESV)           This word is from the court of law - - it’s the positive counterpart of redemption – here God bestows on us a right standing with Him. We are pronounced legally clear of any guilt and our record is wiped clean! We stand before God pure – as if we had never sinned!   4) Reconciliation: I can live ACCEPTED in Christ.   9  Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:9-11 (ESV)   This word comes from the home of course. Today we still talk about marriages being reconciled. Reconcile means to restore a broken relationship – and that’s what Christ’s death on the cross does! By removing His wrath, releasing us from slavery from sin, restoring us to right standing with Him – then God can renew His relationship with us in Christ!   Two Things That Flow From This:   1)  No CONDEMNATION!   1  There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (ESV)   2) God won’t QUIT  on me!   6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (ESV)   One Thing I Must Do – MAKE JESUS the Lord of my life.  

One aspect of the nativity story vexes many Christians: Could Mary truly have been a virgin when she gave birth to Christ? Does that question even matter?

Following on from Dave’s talks on repentance Neal looked at Sanctification – The work of the Holy Spirit to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and make us Holy – more Christ like. We started by looking at 1 Corinthians 6 vs 9-11 And such were some of you But God came You were washed – Baptised in Water/Cleansed by the blood Of Jesus You were sanctified – Made Holy – Free from sin or guilt You were Justified – You are not Guilty! Justified is about our position in Christ – Not based on our experience - You are either condemned or justified and we have been found not guilty – so we are justified by the blood of Jesus and found not guilty. Romans 8 vs 1 – There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus – Why? Because we have been found not guilty! There is no condemnation for past sins, for present sins and for future sins. Romans 5 vs 18-20 – Sanctification – We are like rough diamonds – we need to be washed, cleansed and cut to create something beautiful – that is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives – taking us as sinners and creating something beautiful. Romans 6 vs 12-23 – The picture Paul gives is one of being slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness – We are no longer slaves to sin - sin may call but you do not have to follow – resist the enemy and he will flee from you! We hear people say Its just how I am? Its part of my character I was born like that Its just my nature And yet we are told that we are a new creation and we have been born again by the Holy Spirit? God changes us day by day, week by week, year by year – He renews our thinking and our actions – we are no longer controlled by our own nature but are a new creation in Christ! 2 Corinthians 5 vs 17-21 and Colossians 3 vs 5-15 were the readings So why doesn’t God just sanctify us completely when we become a Christian – It would be so much easier! We know that eventually when Jesus returns the Church will be presented to Jesus as a beautiful bride, holy and pure – and that’s us – but why wait? Because this is part of God’s great plan and we have to reply on him to achieve it! It’s based on our relationship with God rather than being told what to do – based on love – we sin and it breaks our relationship so we need to come back – be forgiven and be filled back up everyday. Also would pride be an issue? We could and probably would think that we had something to do with our own righteousness rather than our total reliance on God. 2 Corinthians 4 vs 7- 10 – Treasure in jars of clay Titus 3 vs 4-6 – He saved us not on the basis of deeds done in righteousness but according to his mercy! Sanctification works in us day by day to cleanse us, smooth down the rough edges and bring forth something of value and beauty – Galations 5 vs 16-26 – The result – The fruit of the spirit – This is what we want – to be more like Jesus and have the fruits of the spirit evident in our daily lives – more love, more joy, more patience, more kindness, more goodness, more faithfulness, more gentleness and more self control. How? If we live by the spirit – let us also walk by the Spirit! Questions 1. We looked at the difference today between justification and sanctification? Are we clear on the differences? 2. How does my natural person/personality sit with the fact that we are a new creation in Christ – Does this make a difference in our lives? 3. Slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness? Why is this such a battleground in our lives? 4. Can you see the work of sanctification in your lives – are you the same now as when you first became a Christian?

I Do you understand what is judgment and truth? If so, then God exhorts you to submit to judgment. Otherwise you'll lose the chance to be commended by God, or to be brought by Him into His kingdom. God shall not spare a traitor who claimed loyalty to Him but then betrayed. Those like this will be punished in their spirit, soul and body. Is this not the revelation of God's righteousness, God's purpose to judge and reveal man? II Those who only accept judgment but can never be purified, those who flee during judgment work are forever rejected by God. Their sins are more and worse than the Pharisees'. For they have betrayed God and are rebels against Him. Such men who are not worthy even to serve, shall receive worse punishment lasting forever. God shall not spare a traitor who claimed loyalty to Him but then betrayed. Those like this will be punished in their spirit, soul and body. Is this not the revelation of God's righteousness, God's purpose to judge and reveal man? from "Christ Does the Work of Judgment With the Truth" in The Word Appears in the Flesh

Good morning! If you are visiting with us today, I want to welcome you once again to Grace Bible Fellowship Church. It‘s an honor to be worshiping with you today. We are back in 1 John where John is going to highlight the distinguishing mark of a Christian and where he also contrasts the difference between those who follow after Satan and the true children of God. In 1 John 3:11-18, John says: John 3:11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 12 not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. As I was preparing for today’s sermon, I read some information regarding a book written by Francis Schaeffer, who was a noted apologist, evangelist, and author. He introduced a book in 1970 that was entitled, “The Mark of the Christian.” He makes the following statement: “Through the centuries men have displayed many different symbols to show that they are Christians. They have worn marks on the lapels of their coats, hung chains about their necks, even had special haircuts. Of course, there is nothing wrong with any of this, if one feels it is his calling. But there is a much better sign—a mark that has not been thought up just as a matter of expediency for use on some special occasion or in some specific era. It is a universal mark that is to last through all the ages of the church till Jesus comes back. What is this mark? At the close of his ministry, Jesus looks forward to his death on the cross, the open tomb and the ascension. Knowing that he is about to leave, Jesus prepares his disciples for what is to come. It is here that he makes clear what will be the distinguishing mark of the Christian: ‘Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another’ (John 13:33–35). This passage reveals the mark that Jesus gives to label a Christian, not just in one era or in one locality but at all times and all places until Jesus returns” (Schaeffer, 1970). Love, yes love, has always been an essential characteristic and distinguishing mark of a true Christian. Just look at the rest of the New Testament where this truth is consistently reinforced over and over. Here are just a few verses: Romans 5:5 Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 1 Thessalonians 4:9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart. 2 John 6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. God not only commands us as His children to show love, He also enables us to obey that mandate by empowering us with the capacity to do what He requires. As we just read in Romans 5:5, “…the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” God has given all His children the ability and desire to love others. There is nothing new or novel in this passage regarding John’s teaching that Christians are marked by love for one another. This point was highlighted back in 1 John 2:7-11, where John specifically emphasized the one who loves his brother is one who abides in Jesus Christ. Because God loves His children, we are to reflect that love in our relationships with others. Paul states in Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” So John’s instruction here is not new but is “an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard.” John’s readers knew that truth, because the apostolic preachers had faithfully delivered it to them. We also know the truth because we have the entire Canon of Scripture, including John’s letter, and many other books that provide direct commands that we are to love one another. Unfortunately, false teachers had also come in and taught their perverted gospel which apparently included teaching that brotherly love is not an essential mark of true salvation. To correct the thinking of believers and remind them of the truth, John directs his readers and us back to the message they had heard from the beginning; it is the gospel that you first heard. It is the truth about Jesus Christ; the gospel message, mankind’s sinful condition, and the need for righteous living, as well as the command to love one another. John is urging everyone who claims the name of Jesus Christ to remember what we were first taught and to not allow anyone to lead us astray with a perverted gospel created by man. In one sense, the Lord’s command back in the Gospel of John 13:34–35 may seem very old but, in another sense, it is new. That’s because love had never before been manifested as it was by Christ, with a resounding crescendo in His sacrificial death for those He loved. Jesus declared later, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12–13). The Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect model of the love God has always commanded. Though we cannot love to the degree He loves, we can obey His command to love one another the way Christ loved, by the power of the Spirit, lovingly and selflessly sacrificing for others. Having stressed the importance of love in 1 John 3:11, John now contrasts the children of God, who obey that command, with the children of the Satan, who do not. Instead of being characterized by love, Satan’s children are marked by murder, hatred, and indifference toward the children of God. So, the first point is found in verses 12 and 14: 1 John 3:12 …not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. When you think about what it required to end the life of another person when the motivation is based on a sinful desire, it must be the personification of evil. Murder is the ultimate act of hate and demonstrates a complete absence of love. To illustrate this point, John references the first murderer: Cain. Cain killed Abel with sinful motives and desires. If you go all the way back to Genesis 4:2-8, we find that Cain seemingly worshiped God and offered Him a sacrifice. However, unlike his brother Abel, Cain did not bring an acceptable sacrifice to God. Abel brought an animal sacrifice, which was in obedience to God’s command. On the other hand Cain, in his self-proclaimed religion, ignored the divine requirement for an animal sacrifice and instead brought the fruit of the ground for his offering. It is there that Cain’s true faith is revealed. He was not a true worshipper of God. Both Cain’s disobedience and the fact that he slew his brother revealed that he was a child of Satan, a child of the evil one. Cain belonged to the kingdom of darkness, as did the unbelieving Jews who, like Cain, hated true righteousness and sought to kill Jesus. Jesus said to them in John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him…” I did some research on the word translated “evil one” (ponēros). It means determined, aggressive, and fervent evil that actively opposes what is good. But its meaning extends beyond basic evil or corruption to include a type of malignant sinfulness that pulls others down into ruin. In other words, Satan desires nothing more than to destroy your life and your testimony as a believer in Jesus Christ. Think for a moment about how devastated we are when someone, whom we have held in high esteem as a follower of Christ, sins against God and others. Satan tries to use that against all of us in order to bring us to ruin. Let me encourage you to love one another. Rebuke if necessary, but never forget we are in a battle against the “evil one.” We must love our brothers and sisters in Christ and help to restore and reconcile with them. Don’t let the “evil one” gain a foothold against the Children of God. John goes on to ask a rhetorical question, “And for what reason did he slay him?” Why did Cain slay Abel? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. It is as simple as that. Cain was evil and hated righteousness so greatly that he even killed his own brother whose righteous deeds had rebuked him. Abel did not rebuke Cain, it was his righteous deeds that rebuked Cain. Just like Cain, the ungodly resent those who seek righteousness because through their righteous actions, the ungodly’s false beliefs and wicked practices are exposed.We have another example of this evil that hates righteousness in Matthew 14:3-5. Herod had John the Baptist arrested and wanted to put him to death but he was more afraid of the crowd. So he did not kill John the Baptist. However, the daughter of Herodias ultimately had John beheaded. This ungodly woman despised the righteousness that John the Baptist displayed, so much so that she wanted it extinguished. She wanted it stomped out so none could see the light that exposed her sinful unrighteous belief and actions. In contrast, those who have passed out of spiritual death into everlasting life are assured of this reality because of their love for the brethren (1 John 4:7). The new birth, receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, grants life to the spiritually dead because we have “put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in the righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Ephesians 4:24). Salvation through Jesus turns hateful and even murderous attitudes into loving ones. John therefore reminds his readers and us that anyone who does not love has not received spiritual life but instead abides in spiritual death. John continues to highlight differences between Satan’s Children and God’s Children in verses 13 and 15: 1 John 3:13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. 1 John 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. God says, hatred is the moral equivalent of murder; thus “everyone who hates his brother is a murderer.” Although it is true that a very small percentage of people physically murder someone, there have been many who have been angry enough to have done so if the circumstances had been slightly different and the consequences of their actions less severe. (Matthew 26:52; Romans 13:4). Technically, the only outward difference between murder and hate, is the deed itself—the attitudes are the same. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made this abundantly clear when he said, “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court…” (Matthew 5:21–22). The ungodly, those who have rejected Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will be eternally condemned to Hell for their habitual attitudes of hate, even if their attitudes never translate into physical actions. John warns us that even though we were transformed to love both believers and unbelievers, we should “not be surprised … if the world hates” us. Rather than being surprised by the world’s opposition, we should expect it because the world has nothing in common with the kingdom of God, and the lives of the righteous act as a rebuke to those of the unrighteous. If you recall, Jesus promised the apostles when he met with them in the upper room, that the world would hate them: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.… He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘They hated Me without a cause’” (John 15:18–19, 23–25). Satan’s children have always revealed their true character by their hatred. All of history contains many instances of the world persecuting God’s people. People of His own town hated Jesus and attempted to kill Him after hearing just one message from Him. Luke 4:28-29 says, “And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff.” However, that wasn’t the end; the nation’s leaders plotted to kill Him some time later. The world also hated the apostles and martyred all of them but the apostle John, who was exiled to the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). Enemies of the gospel have always persecuted those who love the truth. Even today, believers around the world die under the hateful, murderous hands of the children of Satan. John, with his black-and-white, no-gray style, absolute standard, reminds us that people filled with such hatred are murderers and as such, have no eternal life abiding in them. Certainly, that doesn’t mean that a believer could never commit an act of murder, or that someone who has committed murder can never be saved. But, it does mean that those who are “characterized” by hateful attitudes and who regularly harbor murderous thoughts, evidence an unregenerate heart and will perish eternally unless they repent of their sin and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The last major point that John makes in this passage is that Satan’s children are indifferent toward God’s children. Look at verses 16-18 where John says: 1 John 3:16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. The phrase “we know love by this” once again affirms genuine love as the outstanding mark of the Christian just as we discussed earlier in verse 11. A Christian’s loving desire and willingness to give up everything to help others should permeate our character and our attitudes in our everyday lives. The New Testament contains several notable examples of such sacrificial love. One such example was Epaphroditus, whom the apostle Paul commended to the Philippians in the book of Philippians 2:25-30. Epaphroditus was eager to go to minister and almost died for the work of Christ. He was willing to risk his life to complete the work of God while he was serving others. Certainly Paul is another incredible example of loving others. He was willing to surrender his life for the cause of Christ: He said “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Of course, the Lord Jesus was Paul’s role model, because at the cross He laid down His life for all who believe. My question to all of us is, “How willing are we to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ?” Does our willingness result in action? The expression “laid down His life for us” is unique to the apostle John. In addition to “life” itself, it refers to separating ourselves from anything that would distract us from loving others. Obviously, Christ’s atoning death is the supreme example of selfless love. So John is exhorting all of us as followers of Christ that we “ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Following Christ’s example, we should be willing to give up our lives as necessary. Although there are parts of the world that this ultimate sacrifice may be necessary, that is seldom the case in our culture today. However, this will likely change in the not so distant future. John is referring to something broader. Giving our life—that is an ultimate example of love, but he is also talking about the need to help others in the day to day activities of life with the material goods that God has provided to each of us. There is no doubt that the unbeliever’s selfish indifference is a sharp contrast to the generous, compassionate love that believers should exhibit. John illustrates the difference in attitude in a very practical comment and question: “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” Obviously, Satan’s children have some of “the world’s goods” at their disposal and in many cases significant goods and finances. However, when they give to charities to help others, they are motivated by some form of selfishness; maybe it’s to pacify their consciences or satisfy their emotions, all of which bring honor to themselves rather than glory to God. As an example, remember the parable of the Widow’s Mite? Mark 12:44 says, “for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.” The widow was giving out of a heart of true love. How are we doing? As God’s children, we are to give and be prepared to give sacrificially. As John finalizes his thoughts here, he says: 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. It is not enough for any of us to merely profess love for others, it requires a genuine love that can be seen in our deeds. Are we loving others by giving of our time, talents, and yes, finances to help the brethren who are in need? John has made a very clear distinction between Satan’s children and God’s children. Those who murder, habitually hate, or are chronically self-centered and indifferent to the needs of others, do not have eternal life with the Father. But those who not only claim to be God’s children, having repented of their sin and trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, have also renounced murderous, hateful attitudes and all cold, selfish indifference to the needs of others—these have both professed and demonstrated they are a Child of God. As Believers, we are to manifest genuine love to others and especially fellow believers, because the love of God resides in our hearts. Today, I have only a few questions that each of us needs to answer: Whose Child am I? Do I really love others? Is my love for others manifested through my deeds or are they just words that I say? Am I willing to sacrificially give with a loving heart to help my brothers and sisters in Christ? Am I willing to sacrificially love others in a way that represents Jesus Christ well? I know these are all simple questions. Yet the answers are profound for they truly identify who we are! Why? Because your answers will absolutely give clarity to whether you are a child of the one true King or a child of Satan. John says: John 3:11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 12 not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. References: Schaeffer, F. A. (1970). The Mark of the Christian. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.

Romans 6:20-21 — Why should we live a holy and righteous life? Paul is giving an argument and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones encourages us to reason it through. In Romans 6:20-21, Paul reminds us what our state and condition was in our old life. We used to be slaves to sin, and since we cannot serve two masters, we were not yet slaves to righteousness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out there are some people in this world that act moral but are not true Christians. The other man is governed by self and a Christian is governed by righteousness. Those who are slaves of sin and not of righteousness lead a fruitless and shameful life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages us to ask ourselves three questions to test if something is from our old life or our new life in Christ: Does it give satisfaction to my mind and heart? Does it help me grow in fruit and knowledge? Does it help me lay in store for the future? If you answered no to any of these questions, then that lifestyle may be leading you down a path to eternal separation from God. 

Should Thomas be condemned for not believing Christ was raised from the dead without physical proof? What is the phrase “Son of Man” mean, with reference to Christ? Does the prophecy in Zecharia predict an end of prophets in the future? Did God ‘Passover’ or an angle ‘Passover’ the homes of those Jewish slaves in Eygpt? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he makes a dramatic illustration, that all the deep traditions and reputation of his previous life means nothing compared to the life he has in Christ. Pastor Craig makes some interesting illustrations to drive this point home. What's in YOUR name? Does it reflect the name of Christ? Does it even have to?

What does it meant to be a follower (disciple) of Christ? Does just going to church or having a catchy Christian bumper sticker cut it? Take a listen as Associate Pastor Nate Erickson kicks off our new series, FOLLOW, by talking about what it really means to live a life that follows Jesus' lead.

When we suffer, we look for a way out. We seek relief. But from Heaven, we will be able to look back and see the immense power of freely chosen and embraced suffering. It’s not that suffering is good in and of itself; rather, it’s that suffering has been redeemed and endowed with a spiritual power by God as a result of the sufferings of Christ. Therefore, if you trust in the Lord, let Him reveal to you, here and now, the great value of your suffering freely embraced. By embracing every hardship that comes your way, you will be making an offering to God that can only be understood by grace. This will not make sense to the world, but it will become a powerful weapon of Mercy through which the Lord will do great things to you and through you, He will flood the world with His grace. Do not wait until Heaven to become aware of this sacred gift of the redemption of your inner suffering offered in confident prayer to God (See Diary #963).Are you aware of the power of your suffering when you freely unite it to the sufferings of Christ? Does this make sense to you? This realization is only possible by grace and is only embraced by that same grace. Reflect, today, upon what you do suffer interiorly and do not shy away from it. Face it, embrace it and love it. For in that holy embrace, God will work wondrously in and through your life.Lord, make me attentive to the value of all I suffer in my soul. Help me to see this as a gift of Your Divine Mercy. I recognize the fact that I do not recognize the power in this holy gift. Give me Your eyes to see my suffering as You see it, and Your Will to embrace it with a holy embrace. I make this offering to You, this day, dear Lord. Jesus, I trust in You.

Should a follower of Christ ever file a lawsuit against another follower of Christ? Does the Bible address this? Is there ever a scenario wherein it would make sense or be appropriate for one believer to sue another believer? In the minds of many, this is a tough question, with many potential "grey" areas to consider. In response to a very sensitive email from a regular listener, Kenny answers this questions by giving pastoral advice and then by highlighting the words of the Apostle Paul from 1 Corinthians 6.

Another good King is focussed on. Jehoshaphat's heart was for God. Does anything obscure our view of Christ? Does our life revolve around Him? Let's align ourselves fully with God. "...Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)

When we have the desire to know more about the gifts given each of us by the Holy Spirit, and our responsibility in exercising those gifts, we are faced with a couple of questions.  Especially when we see that the purpose of those gifts is to give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to manifest or express Himself to others.  Consider the following: 1 Corinthians 12:7 - But the manifestation (expression) of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. How does the Holy Spirit manifest or express Himself in the world today?Does the Holy Spirit give His gifts to everyone that belongs to Christ?Does that include you?What gift or gifts has He given you?And why did He give you His gifts?So He could express Himself to others through each of us. Do you realize the reason the Holy Spirit gives us His gifts is to manifest Himself to others through us?  Let that sink in for a moment. According to 1 Corinthians 12:7, all the gifts that follow (word of wisdom and knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, and tongues) are all given so He can use these gifts to express Himself through us to others.   Do you know what that means?  Can you see the implications of that verse and what it means for you and me and the church today?  If not, then keep listening. The following is a study on 1 Corinthians 12:9.

This week at Providence, we move on in our study of the book of Joshua to chapter 7, in which the Israelites finally have a massive defeat. At Ai, they are routed because one of them has stolen items that were meant for the temple. Does our sin affect others? Does it affect the body of Christ? Does it affect your family?

This week at Providence, we move on in our study of the book of Joshua to chapter 7, in which the Israelites finally have a massive defeat. At Ai, they are routed because one of them has stolen items that were meant for the temple. Does our sin affect others? Does it affect the body of Christ? Does it affect your family?

What's so new about the New Covenant, and what role does it play in creating, establishing and uniting the Church? Having seen us through 10 weeks of doctrine, we will now turn back to Paul's words to the church of Corinth in order to help us consider His Word to ours in Fredericksburg. Is the church following more closely after cultural trends, or the Truth of Christ? Does the Body of Christ in our neck of the woods look more like a group of people in cohabitation, or the covenant love of marriage God designed between His Son and His bride, the Church? How about you personally? Are you a part of the Body of Christ? Could it be that the real answer to that question is the same as this one: Are you committed to the well being and spiritual health of a smaller local body of believers? Are you a member of a church family? Join us today as we look to God's Word to direct our lives together, living on mission, and growing in Truth!

How can we experience true freedom in Christ? Does freedom in Christ mean we can live our lives however we want to?

What are the strongest biblical arguments for the divinity of Christ? Does the Bible teach that Jesus Christ is God incarnate in human form?

Can our cities be won for Christ? Does prayer evangelism work? Is there a battle in the heavenlies?

When someone goes into battle they receive their commands, and they are dressed appropriately for their conflict. The apostle Paul exhorts us to put on the armor of God. Does this mean we have to finish the work of Christ? Does this mean that Christ can only protect us from so many things? Does this […] The post Heavenly Warriors Dressed for War (Ephesians 6:10-20) appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Restoring the life of Christ to the body of Christ. Are you being equipped to do the work of ministry? Are you doing the work of ministry? Do you know the role you play--yes you--in the eternal security of those around you? How are you being built up in Christ? Who are you building up in Christ? How are you building them up in Christ? Does any of this matter? The biblical answer is available this week as we PROCLAIM!

What is the Unity of the body of Christ? Does that mean we are to march forever in lockstep, never disagreeing with one another? Follow as Bruce Applegate explores the concept of unity in the contexts of both our local church and the worldwide church.