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Armed for Victory – The Sword of the Spirit In this concluding episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk wrap up their weekly theme on the link between the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Moving from foundational principles to practical spiritual warfare, they break down the famous "Armor of God" passage to show how believers can actively live out a victorious life. Key Takeaways The Ultimate Combination (Ephesians 6:17): The episode anchors itself on the final piece of spiritual armor: “the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Shelley notes that if any single scripture perfectly bridges the Holy Spirit with the written Word, it is this one. The Armor as a Way of Life: June reframes how we look at Ephesians 6. Rather than viewing the armor as a physical set of clothes you put on and take off each morning, she explains that it represents an internal, permanent lifestyle. The Helmet of Salvation protects our mindset and feelings. The Breastplate of Righteousness means living inside Christ's righteousness. The Shield of Faith isn't a physical block we hold up, but Christ Himself walking ahead of us to quench the enemy's attacks. God as the Rear Guard: June highlights a unique structural detail about the Armor of God: it offers absolutely no protection for a person's back. However, she reassures listeners that God explicitly promises in His Word to step in and be the believer's "rear guard" against ambush. A Living, Piercing Tool (Hebrews 4:12): The hosts connect the "sword of the Spirit" to Hebrews 4:12, emphasizing that the Word of God is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Shelley shares how this sword cuts out doubt, fear, and apprehensions to bring people to salvation, while continuing to divide soul and spirit for daily guidance. The Pattern of "It Is Written": To demonstrate the proper use of the Sword, Shelley points to Jesus being led into the wilderness to be tempted. Jesus defeated Satan not with human arguments, but by repeatedly declaring, "It is written." June adds that because the devil tries to twist scripture out of context, believers absolutely require the Holy Spirit's discernment to know exactly how and when to apply the Word. Ministry & Contact Information This program is proudly sponsored by the Psalm 127 Fund. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082 Official Website: shellyandjunevolk.com The Friday Fellowship (The Shema): As Jewish believers, Shelley and June conclude their Friday broadcast by uniting with their kinsmen to recite the Shema: “Shema Yisrael adonoi Eloheinu adonoi echad” (Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one). Shelly has served the body of Christ as a Pastor for over 35 years. He is a bible teacher and conference speaker on the subjects of The Kingdom of God, The Mystery of Israel & The Church and for God’s people to be prepared in their hearts for the end of this age. https://shellyandjunevolk.com/Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we read a passage like this from St. Isaac, it is tempting to focus on the warnings. We notice his words about passions, distraction, worldliness, anger, vainglory, and talkativeness. We see the severity of his language and immediately begin examining ourselves. Yet I do not think that is where Isaac wants us to begin. He wants us first to behold the beauty. Again and again throughout his writings, Isaac speaks as one who has glimpsed something almost too wonderful for words. He has seen what a human being becomes when Christ reigns in the heart. He has seen the Kingdom hidden within. He has seen the glory for which every man and woman was created. Listen to his words. The country of the pure soul is within. The sun shining there is the Holy Trinity. The air breathed there is the Holy Spirit. Christ Himself is the joy, life, and happiness of that realm. Isaac is describing nothing less than the transfiguration of the human person. So often we think of the spiritual life as self-improvement. We focus on our weaknesses, our failures, our habits, our mistakes. We become preoccupied with ourselves. Even our repentance can become a subtle form of self-absorption. But Isaac speaks of something infinitely greater. He speaks of a life so united to Christ that the human heart becomes a dwelling place of divine glory. He speaks of a man whose deepest identity is no longer found in his wounds, his history, his successes, his failures, or even his struggles. His identity is found in Christ who dwells within him. This is why Isaac can speak of the soul beholding its own beauty. At first this sounds strange to modern ears. We are accustomed either to pride or self-hatred. We know how to admire ourselves and we know how to despise ourselves. We know very little of seeing ourselves truthfully. The saints do not admire themselves. They behold Christ shining within them. They see the image of God being restored. They see the Holy Spirit at work. They see what humanity looks like when it becomes transparent to divine life. And this vision fills them with wonder. To glimpse this beauty is enough to make one weep. Not sentimental tears. The kind of tears that come when one suddenly realizes what God intended from the beginning. The tragedy is that most of us live far beneath this reality. We spend our lives fascinated by lesser things. We cling to distractions. We become consumed with opinions, arguments, comforts, entertainments, possessions, ambitions, resentments, and anxieties. All the while a kingdom lies hidden within us. This is why Isaac's words become so mournful near the end of the passage. “I know not what to say of him,” he writes concerning the man bound to worldly consolations, “except to weep with inconsolable cries of lamentation.” Why such grief? Because Isaac is not merely lamenting moral failure. He is lamenting blindness. He sees human beings starving while seated before a banquet. He sees heirs of the Kingdom living like beggars. He sees those created for divine glory settling for distractions. He sees men and women called to become children of God nursing themselves instead upon the passing consolations of the world. The image that perhaps strikes me most deeply is the one with which he concludes. The man born of God is nursed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Himself becomes his nourishment. The Spirit Himself becomes his life. The Spirit Himself becomes his joy. What extraordinary words. Isaac is saying that the Christian life is not ultimately sustained by ideas, techniques, achievements, accomplishments, or even religious activity. It is sustained by communion. The soul learns to live from God. It receives its life from Him as naturally as an infant receives life from its mother. This is the true vocation of every Christian. Not merely to behave better. Not merely to become more religious. Not merely to avoid sin. But to become a living Jerusalem. A dwelling place of the Trinity. A soul illumined by the light of Christ. A child nourished by the Holy Spirit. And once we see this, two kinds of tears appear. The first are tears of wonder. The second are tears of repentance. Wonder because of the beauty for which we were created. Repentance because we have spent so much of our lives looking everywhere except where the Kingdom has been hidden all along. “The Kingdom of God is within you.” Isaac spent his entire life trying to convince us that these words are true. The saints believe them. May God grant that we do as well. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:29:55 Ryan Ngeve: Father I have heard different interpretations of Christ's words in Luke 17. The kingdom of God is “within” you vs “among” you. How does one fit the latter into Isaac's words here 00:34:57 Jessica McHale: That is why some of the most "fallen" men who do experience a conversion and turn totally to Christ make the very best priests. For God and outward toward others. 00:37:47 Jessica McHale: It's not even embraces others in struggles, it's right praise to GOd that inspires the people 00:37:57 David Swiderski, WI: Interesting in the Greek the word is used in Matthew as the inside of the cup-.ἐντὸς (entos) — 2 Occurrences Matthew 23:26 Adv GRK: πρῶτον τὸ ἐντὸς τοῦ ποτηρίου NAS: clean the inside of the cup KJV: first that [which is] within the cup Luke 17:21 Adv GRK: τοῦ θεοῦ ἐντὸς ὑμῶν ἐστίν NAS: the kingdom of God is in your midst. KJV: of God is within you. 00:43:43 Erick Chastain: How do you ignore and undervalue all beautiful things outside us as st Isaac says? 00:43:53 Erick Chastain: (Practically) 00:45:28 Jessica McHale: I think it's simple: God is first, everything else is beautiful, great, wonderful and to be enjoyed but it's not God. 00:46:19 Julie: Or seeing God in everything who is all Love 00:48:12 Bob Cihak AZ: I've learned most about Christ from other people who humble me in their more Christly life in some aspect. So, I haven't yet experienced God alone or only. 00:48:22 Jessica McHale: What it IS like. You still are. A priest. (you said "was") 01:12:29 Sr Barbara Jean Mihalchick: Would Isaac counsel a monk-priest not to accept appointment as a Bishop since he must be in frequent involvement with all kinds of people? 01:15:04 Joan Chakonas: The best evangelists are these monks because they took the huge step( to civilians like me- so unimaginable) of separation from the world- to live in a monastery- and share this priceless wisdom- I am in awe. 01:15:40 Eleana Urrego: Reacted to "The best evangelists..." with ❤️ 01:19:28 Ryan Ngeve: Father Isaac says the “youth should…..pay heed to himself”. To what degree is he to do this as opposed to obedience to a spiritual father 01:20:02 Art: Reacted to "The best evangelists..." with
A @Christadelphians Video: **Video Title:** One in Christ: Complimentary Roles #2 – ‘Sisters in Service' with Bible Student Mark O'GradyJoin us for this **thought-provoking** and **insightful** presentation as Bible Student Mark O'Grady continues our ‘Complimentary Roles' series. In this second session, ‘Sisters in Service', we turn our focus to the beautiful, God-given role of sisters within the ecclesia. This is not merely a study of function—it is an **expositional** look at the heart of true discipleship: the spirit of service.From the women who travelled with our Lord to the faithful sisters commended by Paul in Romans 16, we uncover a **wonderful** truth: service is not second‑rate in God's eyes. It is a **revealing** reflection of Christ Himself, who “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister”. We explore the practical care, unseen sacrifices, and spiritual depth of sisters like Priscilla, Phoebe, Mary, and Martha—learning that all genuine service begins at the feet of Jesus.Whether you are a brother or sister, this study will challenge and inspire you to embrace a servant's heart, support one another, and recognise the **outstanding** contribution of sisters in God's family.
Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.” Matthew 5:17–18Sometimes it can be challenging to reconcile the Old Testament with the New Testament. In addition to the Ten Commandments, the Old Testament is filled with countless other commandments. The Pharisees, in their attempt to preserve and interpret the Law of Moses, identified 613 specific commandments. While the Pharisees sought to preserve the Law through detailed commandments, the prophets continually called Israel back to a deeper fidelity to the covenant. Many of the prophets also spoke of the coming of the Messiah and foretold a new spiritual law that would be written on the heart.In today's Gospel, Jesus proclaims that He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. To “fulfill” means that Jesus brings the Law and the Prophets to completion, perfecting them and elevating them into the New Covenant of grace. This fulfillment achieves the true meaning of the Law, moving beyond external observance to the interior transformation of the heart. Jesus fulfills the moral demands of the Law by addressing not only external actions but also the interior dispositions of the heart. For example, in this same Sermon on the Mount, Jesus transforms the commandment “You shall not kill” into a call to avoid even anger or hatred (cf. Matthew 5:21–22). In doing so, He reveals the fullness of God's justice, which calls for not only outward obedience but also inward holiness rooted in love.The sacrificial system of the Old Covenant centered on Temple worship, where animal sacrifices were ritually offered as atonement for sins. Those Old Testament sacrifices find completion in Jesus' perfect sacrifice on the Cross. He became the new High Priest and offered Himself as the Lamb of God on the Altar of the Cross, a sacrifice that is perpetuated in the Eucharist. Once Christ offered Himself on the Cross, the animal sacrifices and other ceremonial aspects were fulfilled and are no longer required, having given way to the new and perfect worship in the perpetual Eucharistic Sacrifice.The Law and the Prophets also pointed toward the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of the New Covenant. Jesus, as the Messiah, fulfills these prophecies. In Him, God's plan to gather all nations into His family is accomplished, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham and proclaimed by the prophets. The symbols and foreshadowings of the Old Testament, such as the Passover lamb, find their ultimate meaning in Christ.Through Him, the promises of salvation are no longer future hopes but present realities. Through this threefold fulfillment—moral, in transforming our hearts; liturgical, in perfecting worship; and prophetic, in realizing God's promises—Jesus not only completes the Old Covenant but elevates it into something far greater. He reveals its true purpose: to lead humanity into a deeper relationship with God through love, grace, and truth.Reflect today on Jesus as the fulfillment of all that God has revealed from the foundation of the world. Because the Old Testament is fulfilled in Christ, we turn our gaze upon Him as the full revelation of the Father and the only way to salvation. The study of the Old Testament reveals the unfolding of Salvation History, but in the Eucharist, we encounter its fulfillment and completion. Turn to Him in the Sacrifice of the Mass, where every promise made throughout salvation history is fulfilled and made present to you in the most precious gift of Christ Himself. In this perpetual Eucharistic Sacrifice, we are drawn into the mystery of divine love and receive a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, where God's promises will one day be fully realized.My Eucharistic Lord, You are the fulfillment of every promise made throughout salvation history. In the Sacrifice of the Mass, the final and perfect atonement for sins, those promises are made present to us today. Draw me deeper into worship, filling my heart with a profound love for You in the Eucharist. Transform me by this New Covenant of grace. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Listen to Him by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
6-7-26 Servants, Not Spectators | Mark 10:42–45 | Pastor Joshua Kennedy Following Jesus Through Humble Service Pastor Joshua Kennedy Getting Grounded Series
Title: “Let No One Deceive You” Part 3 Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 FCF: We often struggle fearing the deception that is to come. Prop: Because all who did not receive the love of the truth will be deceived, we must let no one deceive us. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. In a moment we'll read yet again the text starting in verse 3 and going to verse 12. Today I'll be reading from the Legacy Standard Bible but you can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. You'll notice on the screen that this is part 3 of this sermon. If you have not heard parts 1 and 2, I would encourage you to catch up on the teaching Paul has given regarding the man of lawlessness. The previous two sermons are foundational in understanding what is going on here and how we are to think about the end times. However, the sermon today, although relying on some of the conclusions we've made in the last two sermons, is by far the most standalone of the three. The message today is terrifying. It is gut wrenching. Because it speaks of a time when God is truly done with giving mercy to people who have rejected Him. And although God has done similar things in the past – it has never happened like this and only once on this scale. It is also terrifying because it remains in a context which emphasizes that many of the people who are being discussed here who have rejected God, are those who at one point believed in Him. But as terrifying as this message is – there is hope and comfort in holding fast to saving faith. Let's read once more. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Gracious, Merciful, and Holy Father, You have endured the wickedness of men for thousands of years. You are longsuffering, extending mercy to all and allowing men to profane Your name and reject Your Son while You continue to bless them and give them common grace. But one day You will remove Your Restrainer and allow the man of lawlessness to come forth. One day Your mercies will end. One day Your common grace to wicked men will cease. And one day You will judge the world. I pray that even now You would be merciful and gracious to those in this room. Speak now words of comfort to Your people through this text…but Gracious God, send Your Spirit to open the eyes of the blind here and speak words of terror to those who are perishing. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] ”It is the creed of every sound evangelical church that those who do go back to perdition were persons who never really believed in Jesus.” A.A. Bonar “None sink so far into hell as those that come nearest heaven because they fall from the greatest height.” William Gurnall [Slide 3] “To forsake Christ for the world is to leave a treasure for a trifle…eternity for a moment, reality for a shadow, all things for nothing.” William Jenkyn “To see a ship sink in the harbor of profession is more grievous than if it had perished in the open sea of profaneness.” William Secker [Slide 4] “The essence of apostasy is changing sides from that of the crucified to that of the crucifier.” John Stott “Scripture does not need to be denied for apostasy to begin: all that is needed is that scripture takes second place in our calculations.” Iain H. Murray Let these words prepare your heart for the preaching of God's Word today. I.) The Man of Lawlessness will be powered by Satan to deceive all the perishing, so we must not let ourselves be deceived. (9-10) a. [Slide 5] 9 - whose coming is in accord with the working of Satan, i. The LSB has put hash marks into the previous verse to set it off from what follows in verse 9. ii. This is incredibly helpful because for we western English readers, this would be quite jarring, since we would assume the “coming” he is talking about now is still the coming of Christ. iii. What we don't see that would make this even more jarring, is that in the Greek the word for “coming” is… parousia. Advent. iv. However, Christ will not come in accord with the working of Satan. v. Paul is going back now to the topic of the man of lawlessness. And Paul intentionally points to the mockery of Satan here by using the same word he has used repeatedly to refer to the return of Christ. Only this time he refers to the coming of the man of lawlessness. vi. That the man of lawlessness comes in accord with the working of Satan, clarifies and affirms that the man of lawlessness is indeed a man. vii. Much like Judas Iscariot was a man who was possessed by Satan Himself, so also this man of lawlessness is a man that will come in accord with the working of Satan. viii. This is probably an idiomatic way to say that this man too will be possessed by Satan. ix. Now just like the scriptures always see Judas as culpable for his own actions… he was not a victim… so also this man of lawlessness is not a victim either. x. This man will do and say things that are so egregious and so infamous that he could not be a mere man. xi. And this man will go along with it, willingly obeying his father the devil. xii. Again, this points to the mockery of Satan. xiii. Jesus did and said things that indicated that He was no mere man too, all in willing obedience to His heavenly Father. But this Anti-Christ figure will have an advent that is similar but will do the opposite. xiv. But that isn't the end to the similarities. b. [Slide 6] with all power and signs and false wonders, i. Part of the working of Satan happening for this man is that he is coming with all Satan's power and influence. ii. He will be able to perform signs and wonders, all of which will be false. iii. How do we determine if a sign or wonder is false? iv. Scripture gives two criteria 1. [Slide 7] In Deuteronomy 18:20-22 Yahweh clearly says that if a prophesy does not come to pass, then they know that what the prophet said was not from Him and that prophet has spoken presumptuously and should be put to death. 2. [Slide 8-9] Let's go to Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and read this together. Because what if the signs and wonders do come true? What if they are effective? a. Notice what God says… b. If a prophet performs signs and wonders that come to pass but they advocate worshipping other gods, they should not listen to that prophet. Why? c. Because Yahweh sent (take note of that. Yahweh sent) that prophet to the people to test their love for Yahweh. d. Then God reinforms them of the command. They should walk after Yahweh, fear Him, obey His commands, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. e. But the prophet should be put to death for His attempt to mislead God's people. v. [Slide 11] The wonders and signs the man of lawlessness commits won't be false because they won't be powerful, effective, or come to pass. They will be false because they will be used to encourage people to worship him instead of Yahweh. Or to worship him as Yahweh or Jesus Himself. vi. We know how our Lord Jesus is coming next. He is coming on the clouds. He will gather us to Himself. That is how we will see Him next. In the air. vii. EVERY ESCHATALOGICAL FRAMEWORK AGREES! viii. Remember that my friends. Remember God's people. We will see Him next in the AIR. ix. No matter what signs or wonders a man does on earth… He isn't Christ if we don't meet Him in the air. He isn't Christ if we must go to Him. The Real Jesus will bring us to Himself. We will be CAUGHT UP. c. [Slide 12] 10 - and with all the deception of unrighteousness i. Another key factor that is hinted at in Deuteronomy 13 was that a person bringing signs and wonders that advocates for the breaking or distorting of God's laws – cannot be sent from God. ii. Jesus Himself said that a house divided against itself cannot stand. How can the real Jesus appear and lead people to conclude that living unrighteous lifestyles is… fine? iii. That disobeying the law of God… is fine? iv. Did Jesus do this at His first advent? v. He fulfilled the law, but He never rejected it or broke it. Nor did He ever advocate His followers do so. vi. As loving as He was to sinners and as much as He healed people what did He say? “Go and sin no more!” vii. He said, “Your righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees.” viii. He said, “You must be holy as my heavenly Father is holy.” ix. When Jesus walks this earth again… x. HE WILL NOT TREAT SIN WITH KID GLOVES. xi. In Isaiah 11, where Paul pulled the reference to Christ consuming the man of lawlessness with His breath, in that same context it says that in that day “they will do no evil nor act corruptly in all My holy mountain. “ xii. The man of lawlessness though, will be a man who advocates a reversal of God's laws. Perhaps emphasizing love and peace over righteousness and blamelessness. xiii. Indeed, his only law is that all must worship… him. xiv. But what Paul says next is absolutely essential for a proper understanding of this time. d. [Slide 13] for those who perish, i. Notice that the power, the lies, the signs, these are all aimed at a specific group. ii. The perishing. iii. The bible gives us warnings and we must absolutely heed them. But just because the warnings exist doesn't mean that there is a chance that God's promises won't be fulfilled. iv. God has promised that He will seal all His people until the day of redemption. v. Just because the bible gives warnings of falling away and believing a lie doesn't somehow make God's promises null and void. vi. Instead, we must look for a way to make both truths of scripture stand with all their strength without contradiction. vii. And the church has, for thousands of years, understood that it is by hearing the word of God that we receive faith. Not just faith to believe on Christ but faith to believe all that God has said. viii. God's word is effective to produce change in the hearts of God's people. His Word will not return void or empty. ix. Warning passages accomplish their purpose to cause true believers to be alert and vigilant. x. This is the means God uses to prevent them from falling away and succumbing to a lie so powerful that if it were possible the elect would be deceived. xi. Paul makes it clear, that the man of lawlessness will be able to deceive ONLY those who are perishing. Why? xii. Because true believers, believers that have genuine faith, will heed these warnings, continue to reject sin and pursue Righteousness, and continue to believe God. xiii. Paul writes this as a comfort to a church whom he is convinced is counted worthy of God's Kingdom, whom he is convinced received the gospel in power. He is not uncertain about their identity as children of God. Therefore, this comment is designed to give them comfort. The perishing are the ones who will be deceived. xiv. So, they must not let themselves be deceived. xv. But why are they perishing? e. [Slide 14] because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. i. The wording here is actually quite important. 1. The expression we might expect is that these people who are perishing would be those who did not believe the gospel. Or perhaps that they did not believe the truth. Or that they did not receive the truth. 2. But that isn't what saves a person and eliminates their possibility of being deceived by this Satanic Superman. 3. Christ Himself said that in the last day there would be many who said to Him, “Have we not prophesied in your name, and performed miracles and cast out demons in your name, but I will say to them depart from me lawbreakers, I never knew you.” 4. Paul says that people who did not receive THE LOVE of the truth are those who are perishing. 5. Only those who cherish the truth will be saved. 6. What does it mean to cherish the truth? We'll get to that, because a little later Paul is going to give us the opposite of this. Just hang tight for now. ii. So, the deception of the man of lawlessness will reach all the perishing because they didn't receive the love of the truth. What does that mean? iii. Right now, the gospel call goes out to all men. All men are given at least natural revelation that there is a Creator God who must be worshipped and obeyed. And all men are called to repent and believe the gospel. iv. But one day that general call will stop. v. At some point – when this man of lawlessness steps on the scene, the general call of the gospel to all men will no longer be available. vi. That isn't to say no more will come to saving faith in Christ at this time… vii. God may still effectually call people to Himself. viii. But those who are perishing, those whom God has not elected, will believe the lies of the man of lawlessness. f. [Slide 15] Summary of the Point: Paul has presented who the man of lawlessness is and the blasphemies he will commit. He has discussed when he will come and how he will end. Now, Paul reveals how he will deceive and who will believe him. The perishing, whether they have professed Christ or not, all those who have not received the love of the truth will believe the power, signs, and wonders of the man of lawlessness, and will be deceived into unrighteousness. God's general call to all men to repent and believe the gospel will ultimately go extinct as all the perishing are given over to the lies of this man. If we are truly elect of God, and we have received the love of the truth, we will not succumb to these lies. But how do we know we are elect and have received the love of the truth? We do not let ourselves be deceived. We hold fast to what we have been taught. We trust God no matter what our senses say. [Slide 16 (blank)] Transition: Perhaps you wrestled with that statement regarding the gospel call. Perhaps you were uncomfortable thinking that there will be a time when God is going to stop calling all men to believe the gospel and will only call those who are elect. Well, if you struggled with that. Buckle up. It is about to get very uncomfortable. Paul will now reveal how it will be so that all the perishing believe the lies of the man of lawlessness. II.) In order to judge them, God will actively reprobate the perishing, so we must not let ourselves be deceived. (11-12) a. [Slide 17] 11 - And for this reason, God sends upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, i. For this reason – meaning because the perishing have not received the love of the truth. ii. God is not forcing them to not receive the love of the truth – but as a response to them not receiving it… God will act. iii. Why do I say that the general call of the gospel will cease? iv. Because God will send a different message. He has already sent the gospel call to all men. v. But He has not sent out another message to all men yet. vi. All the lies and deceit and questioning of God's truth today is all generated by the lies of demons and by evil men. vii. But one day they will not be the only voices spreading misinformation. viii. One day, God Himself will send an influence that deceives the perishing. ix. Ok. Stop right there. We all know that God cannot sin. Specifically, we know that God cannot lie. So how can we interpret this differently so God isn't lying. x. Well does this text actually say that God will lie? xi. It doesn't. xii. It says that God will send a deluding influence. The Greek word for “influence” here suggests it is strong and inescapable. xiii. Notice that it does not say “allow” either. The Greek word here, translated “send” cannot mean that God simply is “allowing or permitting” this influence to occur. The Greek word means to cause to go somewhere. xiv. God will cause a deluding influence to go to the perishing. xv. God isn't lying, He is sending someone or something to lie to the perishing. xvi. Why? xvii. So that they will believe what is false. xviii. The general call of the gospel ceases because God sends something to make sure they believe something else. xix. Why would God do this? b. [Slide 18] 12 - in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness. i. God wants to make sure that every single person who is perishing, is justly judged. 1. This phrase here is the explanation of what it means to NOT receive the love of the truth. It means to not believe the truth but to take pleasure in unrighteousness. 2. These are not, however, two items. They are one. 3. The New Testament often defines genuine belief as belief unto obedience. To have saving faith is to love righteousness. So, if we see someone taking pleasure in unrighteousness, they cannot believe the truth, no matter what they say they believe. ii. But attentive bible students might wonder why God needs to send a deluding influence at all. iii. If God did nothing, wouldn't they still be judged? iv. [Slide 19] The answer is yes. 1. The doctrine of election is a doctrine of God's intervention. a. In order for anyone to be saved, God must intervene. b. No matter what kind of Christian you are, you must believe that God saves us and must intervene to do this. c. Otherwise, you are a Pelagian and a heretic. d. God's elect are those whom God has chosen, according to the counsel of His will and based on nothing of us, to intervene for and rescue from our sin. e. The others that God has not elected will not inherit salvation, but not because God has intervened to keep them from salvation. Rather they will not inherit salvation because God has chosen to NOT intervene for them. f. God judges them according to THEIR deeds which are evil. 2. In short, all men are deserving of judgment and wrath because of their sin. God intervenes for some by electing them to salvation. v. So, what is different here? vi. God is no longer passive. He intervenes… but in order to assure that the perishing are judged for their rejection of the gospel and their unrighteousness. vii. This is what we would call the doctrine of reprobation. God closes and seals the door actively rather than passively. The outcome is the same, but God's activity in the matter is markedly different and it signals an end to God's mercy and common grace toward the perishing. viii. And the really interesting thing is, although we've only seen God do this on this scale once in the global flood, it was not accompanied by God sending a lie. But we do have smaller cases of this happening. 1. [Slide 20] In I Kings 22, King Ahab had long heard the prophesies of Micaiah. God's prophet. Yet Ahab continued to refuse the counsel of the Lord. He continued to ignore and dismiss what God said. a. God determined that Ahab's time… was up. That it was time for him to be judged. b. To ensure that Ahab would earn His judgement to the fullest, God met in a heavenly council. He and angelic beings took council and God determined the course of action. c. He determined that a spirit must go and deceive Ahab. In that setting a spirit stepped forward and volunteered to be a lying spirit to the prophets of other gods and encourage them to tell King Ahab that he should attack a city because he would be victorious. A lie. d. Of course, God's prophet told Ahab that he would fail and even relayed the story of this heavenly council. e. But Ahab continued to choose to believe these false prophesies rather than believe God's prophet. f. Would Ahab had suddenly changed his mind and listened to Micaiah had God not done this? No. He wouldn't have. g. But that is not what the story is about. h. It isn't about Ahab's rejection of God… it is about God's rejection of Ahab. i. And that is what makes the story so harrowing. j. Ahab rejecting God, is just par for the course. k. But God rejecting a King of Israel to the point that He sends a lying spirit to convince Him to continue to DISOBEY Him? That is what is terrifying. 2. [Slide 21] In 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21 we see the same thing. a. We see God being fed up with Israel's disobedience under David's rule. b. The text of Samuel says that God incited David to take a census, and 1 Chronicles says that Satan enticed David to take a census. c. So, which is it? d. The devil is God's devil remember? e. God used Satan to accomplish His will. Which was to incite David to disobey so that God could judge Israel. f. Would they have earned His judgment without His intervention? g. YES!!! h. Again, this says more about God than about man. i. God's mercy does come to an end. At some point, God says, enough. ix. [Slide 22] And that is what is terrifying here friends. x. Wicked people loving their sin and rejecting God's truth? That has happened since Cain killed Abel. That isn't new or scary. xi. God sending a delusion to make sure ALL THE PERISHING reject Him? That is God rejecting, forever, those who are not His people. And that my friends… has never happened before. xii. There will be a day when God says… “I'm done with wicked mankind.” xiii. And it will coincide with a day when another says… “I'm God, I accept you as you are, come and worship me.” xiv. And everyone who hasn't received the love of the truth… will believe and worship that Satan empowered man. c. [Slide 23] Summary of the Point: For their comfort, Paul shows the Thessalonians that one day those who are persecuting them will be given over to the worship of the man of lawlessness. One day they will be judged. Paul's thought isn't quite complete. He will continue through the rest of the chapter to encourage them with positive news for them. But it is important that they know the end of the wicked. In order to judge them, God will give over those who did not receive the love of the truth to a reprobate mind so that He may judge them. They will believe and worship the beast and succumb to the pleasure of unrighteousness. So, what are the Thessalonians to do? Keep believing what they were taught. Hold fast and stand firm in the truth and do not let themselves be deceived. Why? Because with this man of lawlessness will come a great apostasy too. They must hear the warning of this passage and not let themselves be deceived, for only those who are truly elect will do so. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today that refines our beliefs and directs our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 24] In his correction of the lie that the Thessalonians have allowed themselves to believe, Paul has reminded them of all that he had taught them concerning the man of lawlessness. And in these concluding thoughts about him, Paul reveals his influence and who will be deceived by him. There is no doubt that Paul does this to draw a contrast between the Thessalonians and those who will be deceived. He will make that even more apparent with next week's text. But the fact remains, that when the man of lawlessness steps on the scene, he will be empowered by Satan to convince all those who did not receive the love of the truth, that he should be worshipped as Yahweh. God is not passive in this, but rather than intervening to prevent this, God's mercy has reached an end, and God will send along with him a deluding influence to convince all the perishing to believe his lies. God will give them over to reprobation so that He may judge them for their love of unrighteousness. Paul's opening application to the Thessalonians remains the application. Don't allow yourself to be deceived. First must come the apostasy and the man of lawlessness and the deception of the perishing. Then and only then will the Day of the Lord come and the Lord return to gather His people to Himself. Don't believe anything but what we have already taught you. Otherwise, they too will succumb to the lies of this man and the deluding influence of God. But what does this mean for us? How can we be sure that we don't let ourselves be deceived? 1.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the perishing are those who do not receive the love of the truth. a. Notice once again Paul's wording here. b. They do not receive the love of the truth. c. But wait a second, doesn't the bible simply talk about belief, faith being the way God unites us to Christ? d. It does. e. Isn't this a contradiction? f. Not at all. g. Just as we use the same word to talk about different aspects of the same thing, words like the cup which could mean 8 fluid ounces or just a drinking receptacle, so also the bible uses words differently depending on context. All doesn't always mean all. Call doesn't always mean the same thing. And as John the apostle demonstrates in his gospel, believe doesn't always mean the same thing. h. Here Paul is defining the kind of faith that saves. The kind of faith that unites us to Christ. It is not a faith that merely receives the facts. It is not a faith that merely respects the authority of the name of Jesus. i. The kind of faith that is saving… is a faith that receives the truth… and loves it. j. If salvation is a gift, we've all received gifts that we love. We have also all received gifts that we… do not love. k. We are warned in the gospels, that of the four soils of our hearts, three of them receive the gospel message. But only one produces fruit and is, therefore, useful to the farmer. l. The test of true and genuine saving faith is not in whether or not you believe in God or in Jesus… it is whether or not you love and cherish the truth of the gospel in your daily life. Is it precious to you to reflect on how you were once a sinner, doomed to hell, and Christ died to set you free? It is precious to you that Christ gave you His righteousness so that you could be declared righteous before God's judgment? Is it precious to you that the Lord sends His Spirit to all who are His and He enables us to live in obedience to Christ in an ever-growing way? Is it precious to you that Christ has united you to an assembly of people locally and universally who hold you accountable and encourage you? Is it precious to you to look hopefully toward Christ's coming as you live holy lives in preparation for His Kingdom? m. This is why when Paul later characterizes those who will be deceived, he says both that they did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness. n. In order to be saved by faith – it has to be a God-given kind of faith. What kind is that? One that propels you to seek God's Kingdom and His righteousness… first. o. Only those who love the truth… will deny the lie. 2.) [Slide 26] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the man of lawlessness will deceive the perishing. a. Everyone else. b. No matter what you say you believe. No matter how much time you've spent coming to church, reading your bible, or praying. c. Everyone who does not love the truth and take pleasure in righteousness. Everyone who does not seek God's Kingdom first and His righteousness. d. Everyone else… will worship the man of lawlessness as God and submit to His rule over their lives. e. Fearing that they will lose their jobs, their possessions, their land, their homes, their wealth, they will take his mark and worship him as God. f. And mark my words… a good percentage of them will be those who have claimed to believe on Jesus. Many of them will have said the sinner's prayer. Many of them will have gone to church and come from a Christian family. 3.) [Slide 27] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that in the last days God will give over the perishing to a deluding influence. a. See it doesn't all come down to this man of lawlessness' cunning or his power. b. Paul doesn't give him all that credit. And Paul doesn't want to mislead the Thessalonian church. c. This man of lawlessness will be a Satanic Super Man… but if God wished to oppose Him, this man would not deceive even one. d. The fact of the matter is that when this man steps on the scene, when the restrainer is removed, God will actively send an influence, probably Satan himself, to deceive every single person who has not received the love of the truth. e. He will do this not because they have not already earned their judgment. But because He is done with evil mankind. He is ready to remake the world. His Kingdom is coming in full. f. Why will this man be so successful? The short answer? Because God wants him to be. g. But… 4.) [Slide 28] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that the elect will succumb to the deluding influence. a. In spite of the strength of the lie, based on this text, based on what Paul will say next, and based on the other promises in scripture – we must not conclude that God will allow any of His elect to be deceived by this deluding influence. b. Jesus said that in those days, IF POSSIBLE, the elect might be deceived. Jesus' wording leaves no room for misinterpretation. It isn't possible. c. The question then that must be asked, is how does God preserve us? 5.) [Slide 29] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” The Perseverance of the saints is primarily about God preserving us. a. The statement, “Once saved always saved.” Is technically true but oftentimes it communicates something that the bible flatly rejects. Even in this text. b. Just because you have professed Christ doesn't mean that you are saved. And just because you are saved, doesn't mean that you don't need to persevere. c. This doctrine must be primarily about God. d. God gives to all His elect a faith that endures. So much so that if we see our faith fail, it is not because we have lost it or because we did not persevere. It is because we were not given saving faith. We were a soil that received the message of the gospel but it did not produce fruit. e. The apostle John says of people who walked away from the faith, “that left us because they were not of us.” Not, “they left us because they are no longer of us.” f. God is the primary agent in preserving His people and enabling them to persevere… g. But… that doesn't mean we are passive. 6.) [Slide 30] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must not let ourselves be deceived. a. We are not passive in our own perseverance. b. Instead, God's true children will take warning passages such as these and, with fear and trembling, they will cling all the tighter to the gospel of Christ and the pursuit of holiness and righteousness, without which none will see God. c. God's true children will see the coming of this man of lawlessness, his empowering by the Devil, and God's active role here, and they will run back to what the scriptures teach and reject the lies even when all their senses tell them it is truth. And even when it will cost them everything. d. We must hold fast and stand firm in what we believe. e. So when we combine the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints with our role in persevering we realize that though we are certainly not passive in persevering… we are also… Praise the Lord… NOT ALONE. 7.) [Slide 31] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that Jesus accepts us as we are. Believing this is a symptom of not receiving the love of the truth. a. There is a teaching alive and well today that insists that Jesus accepts us as we are. b. Now what could be meant by that teaching is that there is no prerequisite to repenting of sin and trusting Christ. c. Meaning you don't have to be perfect in order to believe on Jesus. You don't have to have stopped sinning in order to become a Christ follower. You don't have to join a church, get a tattoo, be circumcised or any other prerequisite. d. If that is what is meant – then this is true. e. However, oftentimes this message ends up being – Jesus accepts you no matter what lifestyle you choose to keep living. Jesus will never ask you to be someone you aren't. Jesus just wants to love you for who you are. f. This… is a lie. g. Jesus died because of who you were. Jesus died because you fall short. You miss the mark. You are not good enough. That is why Jesus died. To pay for your shortcomings and to make you like Him. To change you. He died to make you a NEW CREATURE. Old has died… and new is taking its place. h. Jesus says in order to be His disciple you must crucify yourself… daily… and follow Him. i. He told the rich young ruler to sell everything he had and give it to the poor and follow Him. j. Christ's message is clear. k. Turn from your sin, follow Him and sin… no… more. l. There is no such thing as a Christian who loves his sin and Jesus too. m. There is no such thing as a Christian who dislikes God's law. n. There is no such thing as a Christian who loves this world. o. They simply… do not exist. p. They may call themselves Christians… but in the last day… they will be deceived, take the mark and worship the Anti-Christ, so that God may justly judge them. q. Jesus is so not satisfied with who you are, that He submitted to death to change you to be like Him. r. If you disagree – its time to really listen hard… 8.) [Slide 32] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” In the last days, many that profess Christ today will take the mark of the beast and worship him as God. a. The tension in the scripture is clear. b. Although God by grace alone unites His people to Christ's sacrifice through giving them faith in His Son, the kind of faith that God ALWAYS gives, is a faith that changes the person to whom it is given. c. When God gives faith, it is like when someone gets hit by a bus. d. Their life is going to be different from that day forward. It will change… because it must. e. The soil of the heart is prepared by the Lord to receive His truth and produce fruit. f. All other soils may look like they have received the truth… but things choke or scorch them to death. g. There will be many in that day who have prayed a prayer and accepted a cheap grace that forgives sin and asks nothing of them. A grace that has less to do with you being a citizen of God's royal family and more to do with keeping you from going to hell. h. But the same grace that keeps you from hell, makes you into a citizen of His family and conforms you to His standard. It's a package deal. You don't get one without the other. i. So how do you avoid being yet another dupe? How do you avoid standing at the judgment seat of Christ wondering why the books containing your works did not prove you were His? j. You must be born again. You must have your heart prepared by God to receive the love of the truth. k. How do you know God has done that for you? l. Well – is He stirring you now? Do you feel the Spirit of God pulling on you now? That is a pretty good sign that your heart is ready to receive the love of the truth. m. So, turn from sin. Turn from your pleasure in unrighteousness. Turn from worshipping and pursuing things on earth. Money, relationships, careers, possessions, lusts, passions… n. Turn from your desires, your pursuits, your will o. Lose your identity so that you can be absorbed into Christ's. p. Trust Him and love Him and what He has done for you. Love Him so much that He becomes your first priority. q. Submit to His rule over your life as your one and only King. r. Trust Him and love Him enough to leave all other things you trust and love behind. s. Then… and only then… will you start to see the Lord change you into His own possession. t. If that is you today… don't wait to tell someone. u. Don't walk out the door and think -I'll just tell them later. I'll just call them later. No. v. If you need to follow Christ. If you are done following you. Tell someone you know is a Christian here. We would like to rejoice with you and help you in the next steps. [Slide 33 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the church father Augustine of Hippo In a vast wilderness full of snares and dangers, look! At your enabling I have cut off many of them, thrusting them out of my heart. And yet so many of these things buzz on all sides about my daily life. Do I dare say that nothing of this sort catches my attention, or causes even the slightest interest? True, I do not spend time in the worst kinds of entertainment, I do not dabble in astrology or the occult. I detest all those sacrilegious mysteries. And I owe you my humble and singlehearted service, O Lord my God. Yet the enemy, with tricks and suggestions, looks for a way in. So I beg you, by our King, even if I am far away from consenting to the enemy, may it ever be farther and farther away. You enable me, and will enable me, to follow you willingly, doing what you want me to do. We ask this for ourselves in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: Now may He who raises the poor from the dust, The needy from the ash heap; And makes them sit with nobles And inherit a seat of honor. Bear you through troubled days, To you who trust in God's unchanging love. Until we meet again, Grace and Peace to you.
Be careful to not get caught up in following "man" over Christ Himself. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you along in life, as you follow in Christ's steps, to meet people He wants you to help bring closer to Him in their faith journey. It is all about Jesus! Not about man's rules and intelligence. Surrender your life unto Jesus, as your personal Saviour, to gain a true testimony to share with others of His real existence and sacrificial love that paid the price for your forgiveness, granting you the offer of accepting eternal life with Him, if you should so choose. Boast of His love for you and others, and rejoice!
Acts 4:29–30 (ESV) - “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” In this episode of Daily Devotions, Pastor David Sumrall reflects on one of the great prayers of the early church. Faced with opposition from religious leaders, government authorities, and the culture around them, the believers did not respond with fear or retreat. Instead, they recognized God's sovereignty and prayed for greater boldness to continue proclaiming Jesus. Pastor Sumrall explains that opposition has always been directed primarily against Christ Himself. While the world may tolerate religion or spirituality, it often resists the reality, authority, and power of Jesus. Yet the early church understood that difficult times were not a reason to back down but an opportunity to trust God more deeply and expect Him to move powerfully. Pastor Sumrall reminds us that when challenges arise, our response should be faith, courage, and prayer. Rather than withdrawing in fear, we can ask God to empower us to speak His Word boldly and to demonstrate His power through lives transformed by Jesus. ---- Don't forget to like, subscribe to Cathedral of Praise TV https://www.youtube.com/c/cathedralofpraiseTV/?sub_confirmation=1,and hit the bell icon
The foundation of our Christian life is Christ Himself and the Word of God. But now Paul says, “Let every man take heed how he builds on that foundation!” What a challenge to leaders and pastors - and today's influencers! V11, “There is no other foundation can be laid except Jesus Christ” - not some preacher, not Paul, not even David Hathaway! Come on! It has to be Christ who is the foundation on which our Christian lives are built! You've got then to be careful how and what you build on that foundation, v12. “If any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or stubble - every man's work shall be revealed - by fire on that Day!” Did you know that? It's not just the sinner who gets tried and then cast into the fire, but when Christ comes back, when you enter the Kingdom, what you have done will be tested by fire! Fire will test everyone of us! You, me, every Christian believer. V14ff, if your work, what you've built, survives, you will receive a reward! When I grew up, I was taught that there's a reward in the Kingdom for faithfulness! What we do down here is building a home for ourselves for the whole of eternity! Some build with hay or stubble - it won't last, it won't stand the fire! I don't want riches or fame down here. Jesus said, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” You can be the richest, most powerful man on earth - Putin or Donald Trump, whoever. But in eternity it's gone! I know what Putin built, it wasn't on Christ. For some, if our work is burned, v15, we will suffer loss, but we ourselves will be saved - if our foundation is Christ. What you do after salvation - is tested by fire. Everything you build for your own profit and gain will be burned up. V16, “Don't you know that you are the Temple, the House of God? … if any man defiles the Temple of God, God will destroy him, for God is Holy, and you are His Temple!!! Even leaders in the Church can find that their work is destroyed and they're only saved as out of the fire. Church, imagine your reaction if your house were burned down! But, v23, “You are Christ's and Christ is God's”! For more information on David Hathaway's Ministry https://www.eurovision.org.uk To watch the YouTube version https://youtu.be/uqO-6wGPl6E
Today, Paul commends the churches of Macedonia who have sacrificially given to support the work of ministry. Our ultimate example in sacrificial love and giving is Christ Himself, who became poor so that we might become rich. Paul also praises the work of Titus, whose life displays this kind of loving sacrifice as is evident in his devotion to the church. Having appealed to the church at Corinth to have their collection of funds ready to be collected and then distributed, Paul asks the church to be ready to give when they come. He wants to make sure that the transaction feels like the joy-filled, generous, gift-giving that it is, rather than some kind of extortion to be handed over begrudgingly. Like seeds, their giving may start small but in time it will produce something larger and more fruitful. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Here's a YouTube summary and description written from the perspective of ‘We' (Christadelphians), using British English spelling and the required elements.---**Video Title:** The Christadelphians: #13 A Priest Forever – Harry Tennant**Description:**In this **outstanding** and **thought-provoking** presentation, we explore a question that lies at the very heart of God's purpose: *Who will be the promised King?* If human sinfulness doomed Israel's kingdom, how can anything better emerge? The answer is **revealing** and breathtaking.Join us as we trace the golden thread of prophecy from Jacob's blessing over Judah to God's unbreakable covenant with David. We then examine Nebuchadnezzar's dream—a **wonderful**, divinely given panorama of world empires—and the mysterious stone that smashes them all. This stone, we learn, is none other than Christ Himself, the Priest-King forever.This **expositional** journey is packed with **insightful** connections between Genesis, Ezekiel, Daniel and the New Testament, demonstrating that God's Kingdom on earth with Christ as King is the Bible's clearest hope. If you long for a world of righteousness and peace, this video will inspire and strengthen your faith.**
Christian marriage is not primarily about finding the right person. It is about becoming the right person. In a culture that often treats relationships as a means of personal fulfillment, Scripture calls us to something deeper: a life of self-giving love modeled after Christ Himself. Philippians 2 reminds us that Jesus did not grasp for His own advantage but humbled Himself for the sake of others. That same posture becomes the foundation of every healthy marriage. This message explores the four relationship killers identified by Dr. John Gottman: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Each one erodes trust, intimacy, and connection when left unchecked. But God's design offers a better way. Instead of criticism, we speak with grace. Instead of contempt, we honor one another. Instead of defensiveness, we listen with humility. Instead of stonewalling, we remain present and engaged, even in difficult conversations. Healthy marriages are not built by perfect people. They are built by imperfect people who continually surrender to the transforming love of Christ. Because the strongest relationships are not formed when two people demand to be loved well, but when two people learn to love like Jesus.
Spiritual transformation begins when the presence of God confronts the false versions of ourselves that we have built. Saul was sincere, passionate, religious, and fully convinced he was serving God, yet he was fighting against the very thing God was doing. His encounter with Jesus exposed a painful reality: sincerity is not the same as truth. The Christians were not wrong. Saul was. The presence of God revealed that attacking the church was actually an attack on Christ Himself. Personal encounters with God are powerful, but Jesus does not form believers in isolation. Saul met Christ on the Damascus road, yet Jesus did not heal, restore, or disciple him alone. Instead, God sent Ananias, an ordinary Spirit-filled believer, to pray for him, restore his sight, and welcome him into the community of faith. The man who thought he saw more clearly than everyone else discovered that he was the one who could not see. Spiritual gifts are given so ordinary believers can carry the presence of God into the lives of other people. Ananias was not an apostle, celebrity, or public figure. He was simply available and obedient. His willingness to obey became the doorway to Saul’s healing and future ministry. As was said, “Your breakthrough may be waiting on someone else’s obedience.” God intentionally works through His people, and ministry does not belong only to the person holding the microphone. The Spirit-filled church is a community where every believer carries something God intends to use for the benefit of others. Spiritual gifts are not given for status or recognition but for service, encouragement, healing, and discipleship. The church becomes the dwelling place of God’s presence when ordinary people faithfully carry one another’s burdens and participate in the work God is doing in the lives of others The post A House of Transformation appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11; St. John 7:37-52; 8:12 Pentecost reveals the God who never ceases to act for our salvation, giving His people exactly what they need—from the Law at Sinai, to the Incarnation, Cross, and Resurrection, and finally the gift of the Holy Spirit. The kneeling prayers for the departed flow naturally from Christ's descent into Hades, for if Christ sought those held by death, His Incarnate Body, the Church, continues to seek them through prayer and love. We pray for the departed not because we possess a detailed map of the afterlife, but because Christians imitate Christ, whose love always seeks healing, relief, and salvation for all. Enjoy the show! --- Today we celebrate Holy Pentecost. And when we celebrate Pentecost, we are celebrating much more than a single event in Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago. We are celebrating the God who never ceases to act for our salvation. When Moses encountered God in the burning bush and asked His name, God answered: "I AM WHO I AM." This is not merely a statement about existence. It is a revelation of who God is. He is not distant. He is not passive. He is not absent. He is the living God who is always present and always acting. Throughout the history of salvation, whenever humanity has been in need, God has provided exactly what was needed for our healing and salvation. When the children of Israel were enslaved, He delivered them. When they wandered in the wilderness, He fed them. When they thirsted, He gave them water. When they were attacked, He defended them. When they were lost, He guided them. And when they needed protection from the worst effects of sin and chaos, He gave them the Law. The first Pentecost was the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. And we should remember who it was who appeared there. It was God who spoke to Moses, who appeared in fire and cloud, who gave the Law to Israel, was the pre-incarnate Word of God—the same Christ whom we know from the Gospel. St. Paul tells us that the Law was a guardian and tutor. It restrained evil. It taught obedience. It preserved Israel until the fullness of time should come. The Law was not the final gift. It was the gift God's people needed at that moment. But humanity's deepest problem could not be solved by commandments alone. We needed more than instruction. We needed healing. We needed forgiveness. We needed life. So the same Christ who gave the Law came among us in the flesh. He taught. He healed. He cast out demons. He suffered. He died. He descended into Hades. He rose again. At every stage He was giving humanity what humanity needed. And then, after His Resurrection, He ascended into heaven. At first glance, that seems strange. Would it not have been better if Christ had simply remained visibly among us? Yet He Himself tells the disciples: "It is to your advantage that I go away." Why? Because humanity now needed another gift. The Law had been given. The Incarnation had taken place. The Cross had been accomplished. Death had been trampled down. Now Christ would send the Holy Spirit. At Sinai, the Law was written on tablets of stone. At Pentecost, the Spirit is written upon human hearts. At Sinai, God formed a people. At Pentecost, He fills that people with His own life. At Sinai, God instructed His people from without. At Pentecost, He begins transforming them from within. The Holy Spirit is not an optional addition to the Christian life. He is the very life of the Church. He is the One who unites us to Christ, who makes us temples of God, who heals what is broken, who perfects what is lacking, and who leads us into all truth. Christ ascended so that He might send us exactly what we needed. As St. Nikolai Velimirović loved to remind us, there is no corner of creation into which Christ has not carried His saving love—not Sinai, not Bethlehem, not Golgotha, not the Upper Room, not even Hades itself. And today we celebrate yet another gift that flows from all of this. This afternoon we will kneel for the first time since Pascha. And in the kneeling prayers we pray not only for ourselves. We pray for the departed. To some Christians this seems strange. Why pray for the dead? What can our prayers accomplish? But the answer begins with Christ Himself. Because Christ did not merely die. He descended into Hades. He entered the realm of death itself. As we sing at Pascha: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life." The Harrowing of Hades was not a symbolic gesture. It was an act of divine love. The Lord entered the place of darkness to bring light. He entered the place of bondage to bring freedom. He entered the place of death to bring life. As St. John Chrysostom proclaims in his Paschal Homily: "Hell was embittered when it encountered Thee below." Death thought it had gained a victim. Instead, it encountered Life Himself. Hades thought it had secured its prisoners. Instead, it found its gates shattered and its captives being led forth into freedom. If Christ Himself went to those held by death, why would we not pray for them? If Christ sought those in Hades, why would His Incarnate Body—the Church—cease to seek them? The prayers for the departed are not an embarrassment or an afterthought. They are one of the most natural consequences of Pascha. They are a continuation of Christ's own work. The Scriptures show us that death does not sever the bonds of love within the Body of Christ. Our God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And those who belong to Him remain alive in Him. We do not claim to know every detail of how God's mercy operates beyond the grave. The Orthodox Church has never attempted to construct a detailed system like the doctrine of Purgatory. We know less than some would like. But we know enough. We know that Christ conquered death. We know that He descended into Hades. We know that love never fails. We know that the Church has always prayed for the departed. We know that the Church's liturgical life—from the ancient Liturgies to the kneeling prayers of Pentecost—bears witness to that practice. And we know that Christians are called to imitate Christ. Ultimately, that is the deepest reason we pray for the dead. Not because we possess a detailed map of the intermediate state. Not because we can explain every mechanism. But because this is what love does. Love intercedes. Love seeks healing. Love seeks relief. Love seeks salvation. Love refuses to abandon those who suffer. This is what Christ does. And therefore it is what Christians do. The same Lord who gave the Law at Sinai, who became incarnate, who died and rose again, who descended into Hades, and who poured out the Holy Spirit upon the Church, continues even now to seek the salvation of all. And He calls us to join Him in that work: to pray, to love, to intercede, to hope, and to trust that the God who has always given His people exactly what they needed continues to pour out His mercy upon the living and the departed alike.
The sacrifices of the Old Testament were types and shadows of a much greater sacrifice which was to come. The sacrifice of Christ Himself.
Kelly visits with His Hill alumnus Dale Epp, director of the Jump Start ministry based in New Zealand. Dale shares how he came to faith in Christ at a young age, but later drifted from the Lord during his early adult years. Through intervention of the Lord, Dale came to realize that Christ Himself was to be his life.Dale and Patti Epp. Jump Start https://jumpstart.nz https://torchbearers.org/team/epp/ https://thegc.org/us/projects/dale- and-patti-eppThe His Hill Podcastwww.instagram.com/thehishillpodcast/www.hishill.orgkelly@hishill.org
Pastor Michael Petillo's message “The Battle for the Throne” focused on the spiritual battle taking place in every believer's heart — a battle over who will reign on the throne of our lives. Using Isaiah 7, he unpacked how the attack against Jerusalem was ultimately a picture of Satan's attempt to remove Christ from His rightful place in us. Even though fear, temptation, anxiety, lust, hopelessness, and distraction constantly assault believers through modern culture and spiritual warfare, God's promise remains the same: the enemy cannot overthrow what Christ has established.The sermon emphasized that Satan's goal has always been to replace the rule of Jesus with another “king” — fear instead of peace, depression instead of joy, selfishness instead of surrender, hopelessness instead of faith. Pastor Michael explained that the “burned-out embers” in Isaiah represent defeated spiritual forces that appear intimidating but ultimately have no power to destroy God's purposes. Like King Ahaz, believers are often tempted to trust in human solutions, self-effort, or worldly systems instead of resting in God's promises and fighting the battle through faith.At the center of the message was the prophecy of Immanuel — “God with us.” Pastor Michael reminded the church that the victory over sin and spiritual oppression is not found in human strength, discipline, or religious performance, but in Christ Himself living within us through the Holy Spirit. Because Jesus came, lived perfectly, died for our sins, and established a New Covenant, believers now have a new nature empowered by God's Spirit. The Christian life is not about trying harder; it is about trusting deeper in the One who already won the battle.The message closed with encouragement for believers who feel weary in the fight. Pastor Michael stressed that sanctification is often a slow battle, but the very fact that a believer continues fighting against sin is evidence that God's life is active within them. He outlined three evidences of genuine faith: a growing desire for prayer and intimacy with God, obedience to the Spirit's prompting, and running toward God instead of hiding after failure. Ultimately, “The Battle for the Throne” was a call to reject fear and self-reliance, stand firm in faith, and trust that Christ in us is greater than every force trying to dethrone Him.
In this transformative teaching, Prophet Robin-Huws Barnes unpacks the powerful realities of Christ in me and I in Christ. Drawing from Scripture, he reveals that salvation is more than receiving Christ into our lives—it is also being brought into Christ Himself. This divine union changes our identity, our authority, our inheritance, and the way we approach every aspect of life. Through practical examples and biblical insight, believers are encouraged to live daily from the consciousness that Christ is their foundation, source, atmosphere, and reality. As we grow in the awareness of Christ within us and our position in Him, we begin to walk in victory, fruitfulness, wisdom, boldness, and supernatural possibilities.
In this powerful exploration of Numbers chapter 4, we discover a profound truth that challenges our modern assumptions about significance and worth. The sons of Merari were assigned what might seem like the most mundane task imaginable: carrying tent pegs, frames, and bases for the tabernacle. Yet this passage reveals something revolutionary about God's economy—nothing He assigns is beneath us when it comes from His hand. The message weaves together the Old Testament priesthood with Ephesians 4, showing how we are all called as a kingdom of priests, each with unique gifts distributed by Christ Himself. The tent pegs that held God's dwelling place were just as essential as the Ark of the Covenant itself. Without them, the entire structure would collapse. This reminds us that in God's grand design, every role matters, every calling is sacred, and faithfulness in the ordinary is where extraordinary transformation begins. We learn that tomorrow's dreams are shaped by today's obedience, and that the strength to carry our load comes not from our own effort but from surrendering to the grace Christ supplies. When we stop trying to validate our worth through our work and instead receive whatever God gives us as a gift to steward, we find true freedom.Connect with First Baptist Starkville: https://bit.ly/3M4mHnkSubscribe to see our latest sermons: https://bit.ly/3DxRyjHSupport this ministry and our work in Starkville, MS: https://bit.ly/44muvW0
For centuries, Christians have wrestled with one of the most important questions in theology: when Jesus says, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him,” what exactly does He mean? Is Christ describing an irresistible act of divine selection given only to a predetermined few, or is He revealing the gracious provision of God through the very person and work of Christ Himself?As we look at the Bread of Life discourse in John 6, is there an emphasis on an unconditional decree, or does the instruction reveal an all-sufficient Christ who satisfies the deepest hunger of mankind? Whether you are firmly committed to Calvinism, deeply opposed to it, or simply trying to understand the text more clearly, today's episode aims to challenge assumptions, sharpen biblical thinking, and ultimately point listeners back to the beauty and sufficiency of Christ.For this conversation, we are joined by Leighton Flowers, professor of theology at Trinity Seminary and host of the Soteriology 101 podcast. Leighton has recently written a book called Drawn by Jesus, a direct engagement with the Calvinistic interpretation of John 6 and a response to the arguments popularized by James White.For more information, follow the link to read the notes for Episode 271.Purchase Dr. Flowers' book Drawn by JesusVisit Dr. Flowers site at https://soteriology101.com/Visit https://www.lfbi.org/learnmore
In this homily on Christ's prayer "that they may be one," Father Anthony reflects on humanity's calling to communion and the tragic ease with which sin turns even good things into instruments of division. Drawing on the example of Arius and the divisions of the modern world, he argues that the deepest fractures in society begin not in institutions but in the human heart. The healing of the world therefore begins not with self-righteous outrage or victory over enemies, but with repentance, humility, holiness, and the difficult work of learning to love one another in Christ. Enjoy the show! --- Homily - Becoming One in Christ Sunday after Ascension John 17:1-13 Today we hear our Lord pray for His people: that they may be one. Not merely friendly, not merely cooperative, but one. And not just one in purpose or organization. He says: "that they may be one, as We are one." This is an astonishing thing. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons, yet perfectly united in love, perfectly united in will, perfectly united in life. And this is what mankind was created for. We were not made for isolation. We were not made for hatred. We were not made for endless suspicion and division. We were made for communion. The Apostle Paul gives us another image for this mystery. He says that we are one body, with Christ Himself as the head. This is what salvation is: not merely individual forgiveness, but the healing and reunification of humanity in Christ. The Church exists so that the scattered may be gathered together. So that enemies may become brothers. So that strangers may become family. So that what sin shattered may be made whole again. But if we are honest, we know that we are not doing a very good job of this. We live in a world increasingly defined by division. And the frightening thing is how naturally division now comes to us. Even the tools that were meant to unite us become instruments of separation. Not long ago, new technologies promised to reconnect people. Families separated by distance could remain close. Old friends could reconnect. Communities could stay in touch. And for a moment, it seemed wonderful. But how quickly did sin find a way to use those same tools for anger, condemnation, mockery, tribalism, and hatred? Love creates communion. Pride creates factions. And pride is endlessly creative. We divide ourselves by politics, by class, by race, by ideology, by education, by culture, by nation, and even by theology. We define ourselves not by what we love together, but by whom we oppose. And once division takes hold, it begins to feel righteous. We become certain that we are the ones who see clearly, and everyone else is blind. This is not a new temptation. The early Church struggled with it as well. In the fourth century, a priest named Arius became convinced that he understood the mystery of Christ better than the Church herself. He read the Scriptures, formed his conclusions, and became absolutely certain that he was right. When the bishops gathered together at Nicaea and proclaimed the faith handed down through the apostles—that Christ is eternally begotten of the Father, true God of true God, of one essence with the Father—Arius refused to repent. Now it is easy for us to hear this story and imagine ourselves standing heroically with the saints. We imagine ourselves as Athanasius defending the truth. Or perhaps as Saint Nicholas rebuking heresy. But if I am honest, that is usually not who I am in the story. I am the man who justifies himself. I am the man who explains why his anger is righteous, why his condemnation is necessary, why his enemies deserve contempt, why his divisions are justified. I am the man who says: "I know how the world works. I know who is wrong. I know who is to blame." And this is where the healing must begin. Because the greatest divisions in the world do not begin in legislatures, or courts, or media, or institutions. They begin in the human heart. Sin always begins there. And sin does not remain private. We often imagine that our bitterness, our contempt, our pride, our hatred remain safely hidden within us. But they do not. Sin has consequences. Sin shapes perception. Sin distorts judgment. Sin affects families, friendships, communities, and nations. Love creates communion. Pride creates factions. And if pride rules the heart, even good things become corrupted. Policies cannot save us. Technology cannot save us. Political victories cannot save us. Because sin will always find a way to weaponize them. A divided heart creates division wherever it goes. This does not mean that justice does not matter. It does not mean that laws do not matter. It does not mean that evil should be ignored. But it does mean that the healing of the world begins somewhere much closer than we often imagine. It begins with repentance. Not the repentance of our enemies. Our own. The saints understood this. Saint Seraphim famously said: "Acquire the Spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved." Notice where he begins. Not with controlling the world. Not with defeating enemies. Not with forcing outcomes. But with repentance. With purification of the heart. With peace in Christ. This is incredibly liberating. Because when we look at the divisions of the world, it is easy to become overwhelmed. It is easy to think: "This can never be healed." But Christ has already shown us how healing begins. I repent of my sins. I learn humility. I learn patience. I learn how to forgive. I learn how to see my brother not as an enemy, but as someone for whom Christ died. And then grace begins to spread outward. Christ heals my heart. Then my family. Then my friendships. Then my parish. And through the lives of repentant people, the world itself begins to change. This is how the saints transformed civilizations. Not primarily through power. Not through outrage. Not through self-righteousness. But through holiness. The Lord did not command us to win every argument. He commanded us to love one another. And this love is not sentimental weakness. It is crucifixion. It is humility. It is patience. It is refusing to hate. It is the hard and holy work of becoming one in Christ. My brothers and sisters, the world is hungry for this kind of witness. Not more noise. Not more fury. Not more factions. The world is hungry for peace. For holiness. For communion. For Christ. So let us begin where the saints always begin: with repentance. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." And through that prayer, may Christ heal our hearts, our homes, our parish, and through them, the world. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Who is really “left behind” in Matthew 24? Did Jesus teach that believers disappear while unbelievers remain—or have many Christians misunderstood the passage entirely? In this episode of Down to Earth Theology, Matt Plett continues through the Olivet Discourse by examining Matthew 24:37–44 and Jesus’ comparison to the days of Noah. Looking carefully at the context, Matt challenges popular end-times assumptions and asks a crucial question: in Noah’s flood, who was taken away—and who remained? This study explores: Matthew 24 and the “one taken, one left” passages The days of Noah and biblical judgment patterns The meaning of “left behind” in context Rapture theology and common assumptions The destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 How biblical typology shapes eschatology Far from speculation, this passage is a warning from Christ Himself: stay awake, remain faithful, and understand the times rightly. If you enjoy biblical theology, eschatology, and careful Bible study, subscribe to Eschatology Matters for more teaching series on Matthew 24, Revelation, Daniel, and the Olivet Discourse.
Who is really “left behind” in Matthew 24? Did Jesus teach that believers disappear while unbelievers remain—or have many Christians misunderstood the passage entirely?In this episode of Down to Earth Theology, Matt Plett continues through the Olivet Discourse by examining Matthew 24:37–44 and Jesus' comparison to the days of Noah. Looking carefully at the context, Matt challenges popular end-times assumptions and asks a crucial question: in Noah's flood, who was taken away—and who remained?This study explores:Matthew 24 and the “one taken, one left” passagesThe days of Noah and biblical judgment patternsThe meaning of “left behind” in contextRapture theology and common assumptionsThe destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70How biblical typology shapes eschatologyFar from speculation, this passage is a warning from Christ Himself: stay awake, remain faithful, and understand the times rightly.If you enjoy biblical theology, eschatology, and careful Bible study, subscribe to Eschatology Matters for more teaching series on Matthew 24, Revelation, Daniel, and the Olivet Discourse.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere
Who is really “left behind” in Matthew 24? Did Jesus teach that believers disappear while unbelievers remain—or have many Christians misunderstood the passage entirely? In this episode of Down to Earth Theology, Matt Plett continues through the Olivet Discourse by examining Matthew 24:37–44 and Jesus’ comparison to the days of Noah. Looking carefully at the context, Matt challenges popular end-times assumptions and asks a crucial question: in Noah’s flood, who was taken away—and who remained? This study explores: Matthew 24 and the “one taken, one left” passages The days of Noah and biblical judgment patterns The meaning of “left behind” in context Rapture theology and common assumptions The destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 How biblical typology shapes eschatology Far from speculation, this passage is a warning from Christ Himself: stay awake, remain faithful, and understand the times rightly. If you enjoy biblical theology, eschatology, and careful Bible study, subscribe to Eschatology Matters for more teaching series on Matthew 24, Revelation, Daniel, and the Olivet Discourse.
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Original Post Date: May 23, 2023 === Gospel John 17:1-11a Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. "I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.” Reflection There are not many passages in Scripture that are a conversation between Jesus and God. But this one is so important. He's giving us a clear indication of what His ministry was about. It was about putting people, not in touch with information, but the presence of God. He longed for them to enter into a similar relationship that He had with God, and that was one of intimacy where everything that Jesus has was from God. And everything that Jesus gives is from God. They are one. And in a way, it's really hard for us to understand that we have that inheritance, God can dwell in our humanity, as imperfect as it is, and manifest Himself. That's the message of Jesus. We are to live as He lived, to minister as He ministered. And we have confidence because Christ Himself says to us, I'm praying for you. I am praying that you will allow the divinity in you to do the work you are meant to accomplish. Closing Prayer Father, keep us from reducing the beauty and the fullness of your message to something that involves earning our salvation by doing what we're supposed to do because we're told to. Open us to this amazing mystery that you're calling us to carry your presence, not just information about you, but your very presence into the lives of those who are ready, open, receptive. It's a work that we have total confidence in because it is, you. You've empowered us to do it. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Praying in the Spirit of Christ Today's homily reflects on Jesus' promise . . . . . . in the Gospel of John that “whatever you ask in my name” will be granted. The homily explains that praying “in Jesus' name” is not a magical formula or a phrase added to the end of prayer, but rather a way of living and praying in deep union with Christ and according to His Spirit. True Christian prayer requires surrendering one's own will and conforming oneself to the self-giving, obedient, and loving Spirit of Jesus. The homily emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit, especially in the days between Ascension and Pentecost, as the source of authentic Christian life and prayer. It also highlights the communal dimension of prayer within the Church, especially in the Eucharist, where Christ Himself prays with and through His people. Ultimately, the homily teaches that authentic prayer leads not merely to receiving what one wants, but to experiencing the joy of salvation, communion with the Father, and participation in the very life of Christ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ in Gethsemane: German Painter: Heinrich Hoffman: 1886
There are moments, I think, when nearly every Christian has envied the Twelve Apostles. We imagine that faith would be simpler if only Christ stood visibly before us as He once stood beside St. Peter and St. Andrew by the sea or walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We think to ourselves: “Surely I should be a braver Christian if I could hear His voice with my own ears. Surely sorrow would lose some of its sting if I could look upon His face and say plainly, ‘Lord, help me.'”And so the Ascension, the great mystery which the Church celebrates this Sunday, can, at first glance, appear a rather melancholy feast. For it speaks of departure. Christ is taken from sight. The disciples remain below, gazing upward like helpless children watching the sun disappear over the horizon. Yet that is only how it appears from the earth. We are creatures of space and time, and therefore we naturally suppose that if Christ were standing three feet away from us, then He would be more present than He is now. But the story of the Ascension tells us precisely the opposite.For while Christ remained on earth in the flesh, His bodily presence was necessarily limited. He could be in Galilee or Jerusalem, but not both at once. But by ascending to the Father in Heaven, He did not abandon the world any more than the sun abandons the earth when it sets in the evening twilight. Rather, He ceased to be present merely as one man among others and became present in a deeper way to all who belong to Him.This is why Pope Leo the Great could say in the 5th century that “what was visible in our Redeemer has passed into the sacraments.” The visible Christ has not vanished; He has, in a sense, hidden Himself. Hidden—not absent. The same Lord who once healed with His hands now heals through water, bread, wine, absolution, and the quiet workings of grace within His Church.Indeed, the Ascension was not Christ withdrawing from human life but drawing humanity upward into the life of God. The Son returned to the Father carrying our nature with Him. Human flesh, the very thing so often wounded, tempted, and humiliated, now sits enthroned in Heaven. One might almost say that the Ascension is Heaven's declaration that humanity has not been discarded after all. Man is not merely a beastly brute, bred for earthly banality, but destined for the heavenly beatific vision of eternal blissful bewilderment. This is why the sacraments matter so profoundly. In the Eucharist, Christ does not merely remind us of Himself; He gives Himself. In Baptism, we do not simply enact a symbol; we are united with His death and resurrection. In Confession, it is not only a man who speaks forgiveness, but Christ Himself who restores the wounded soul. The modern man often says, “If only I could see, then I would believe.” But Christianity turns the sentence upside down. We learn, gradually and painfully, that sight is not the highest form of knowing. Love itself teaches us this. The deepest realities are often those we cannot hold in our hands. And so the Ascension calls us away from the childish notion that God is absent unless He is visible. Christ is not less near because He cannot now be touched. He is nearer than ever—nearer than our own thoughts, nearer than breath itself. The disciples stood looking into Heaven because they thought the story was ending. In truth, it was only then beginning. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give
In the final week of Philippians — A Manna Study, Pastor Jake closed the series by highlighting Paul's powerful call to live with joy in all things. Even in hardship, Paul reminds us that our joy isn't rooted in circumstances but in Christ Himself. This message invites us to anchor our hearts in Jesus, trust His faithfulness, and choose joy no matter what we face.Our mission is to glorify God by equipping His people to change their world and by planting churches with the same world-changing vision.Website: https://mannastafford.church/Find us on: Facebook: / mannastafford Instagram: / manna.stafford TikTok: / manna.stafford
It doesn't always take a grand gesture to change the trajectory of a relationship — sometimes it takes a pineapple upside-down cake. The simple act of one neighbor walking across a yard with a foil-wrapped bundle of kindness became the beginning of a friendship that lasted years, built on books and dogs and the kind of easy warmth that only grows when someone takes the first step toward another person. Hospitality, at its heart, is that first step — and most of us hesitate to take it. The hesitation is understandable. Reaching out to a stranger costs something: time, money, vulnerability, the risk of being misunderstood or rejected. But Hebrews 13:2 offers a perspective that reframes the risk entirely — when we welcome others, we may be welcoming more than we realize. Abraham welcomed strangers and found himself in the presence of the Lord. Jesus told His disciples that whatever they did for the least of these, they did for Him. Every act of genuine hospitality — every open door, every warm greeting, every invitation extended to someone lonely or new — is an act done unto Christ Himself. We are not simply being neighborly. We are reflecting the heart of a Savior who welcomed us in our brokenness and bids us to do the same for others. If there is someone the Lord has placed on your heart to reach out to, today is the day to stop shrinking back and take the step. Today's Bible Verse "Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it." — Hebrews 13:2, CSB Ponder Today Hospitality does not have to be elaborate to be meaningful — a simple, genuine act of welcome can become the beginning of a friendship with a lifetime's worth of effects. The hesitation to show hospitality is real and understandable — it costs time, money, and emotional risk — but Scripture calls us to extend welcome not as a checklist obligation, but as a reflection of Christ's heart. When we welcome others, we may be welcoming more than we realize — Abraham and Lot entertained angels without knowing it, and Jesus Himself said that what we do for the least of these, we do for Him. Every act of hospitality is an eternal act — the impact of welcoming a stranger, befriending the lonely, or warmly greeting a neighbor extends far beyond the moment and touches eternity. Jesus is the ultimate model of hospitality — while we were still sinners, He welcomed us in our brokenness, which means every door we open to others is a reflection of the door He opened to us first. Today's Prayer Lord, there is no one as hospitable as You. While we were still sinners, You died for us — welcoming us in our brokenness and saving us by Your grace. Help us to extend that same welcome to others, knowing that when we invite the stranger and befriend the lonely, we are serving You, Jesus. Give us the courage to reach out when we are afraid of the risk or believe the cost is too high. We do not want to shrink back from loving others in a way that magnifies Your love. Work through us, O Lord, and make us people of welcome. In Your name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
May 17 2026 Sunday Who Jesus Made You To Be / Week 26 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word. That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5 Healing… Matthew 18:19 Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34 God is no respecter of persons "For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you." 2 Corinthians 13:4 KJV "Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God's power." 2 Corinthians 13:4 NLT "For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He goes on living by the power of God. And though we too are weak in Him [as He was humanly weak], yet in dealing with you [we shall show ourselves] alive and strong in [fellowship with] Him by the power of God." 2 Corinthians 13:4 AMPC "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 KJV "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 NLT "I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20 AMPC "even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" Ephesians 2:5 KJV "that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)" Ephesians 2:5 NLT "Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation)." Ephesians 2:5 AMPC "buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:12-15 KJV "For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross." Colossians 2:12-15 NLT "[Thus you were circumcised when] you were buried with Him in [your] baptism, in which you were also raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God [as displayed] when He raised Him up from the dead. And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions, Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross. [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]." Colossians 2:12-15 AMPC "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances," Colossians 2:20 KJV "You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as," Colossians 2:20 NLT "If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things and have escaped from the world's crude and elemental notions and teachings of externalism, why do you live as if you still belong to the world? [Why do you submit to rules and regulations?–such as]" Colossians 2:20 AMPC Romans 10:9-10 Salvation… Romans 10:17 Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16 God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2 Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1 No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19 God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20 Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17 We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21 We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8 We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 … Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured
Church membership has been declining, especially over the past 20 years. What has led to this downturn? Church growth expert Thom Ranier and Chris Brooks discuss the silent killers of churches which are rooted in our commitment to Christ Himself. Does your church need help? Don't miss this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks. Featured resource:Where Have All the Church Members Gone? by Thom S. Rainer May thank you gift:Raising Daughters: A Christian Mom's Guide for the Lifelong Journey by September McCarthy Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.
Coming from Neuland, Paraguay during Nancy's first time hosting a Cross Encounter in the Chaco Region, this episode reflects on the richness of true Christian community and what it means to live as “debtors to all people.” Drawing from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together, Nancy unpacks the difference between soulish, man-made fellowship and the divine reality of community born out of Christ Himself. She reminds listeners that true brotherhood is not built on personality, preference, or emotional need, but solely on what Jesus Christ has done in and through His people. This episode is a call to reject counterfeit community, receive deeply of the Father's love, and allow His life to produce genuine connection, humility, and spiritual richness among His people. Thanks for Listening! Nancy McCready Ministries is committed to building cultures of personal and corporate discipleship so that believers can walk in maturity and their destiny with the Father. We hope this conversation today has helped you along your journey. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, so we would like to invite you to join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries LINKS Want to host or attend Cross Encounter? Click here: nancymccready.com/crossencounter/ Shop to Support NMM: nancymccready.com/sho
Do Catholics interpret John 6 consistently, or are Jesus' words about eating His flesh just symbolic like calling Himself the “gate” or the “vine”? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to some of the strongest Protestant objections to the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist. The discussion examines whether John 6 should be interpreted metaphorically, how the surrounding context affects Jesus' teaching, and what Christ meant when He said “the flesh is of no avail.” The episode also explores why many disciples walked away from Jesus in John 6 and whether their reaction supports or undermines the Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence. A deep and biblical defense of the Eucharist rooted in Scripture, theology, and the words of Christ Himself. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:23 – Catholics aren't consistent in their interpretation of John 6. They interpret Jesus' words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood literally in John 6, but they don't do that when it comes to his words about being the “gate” in John 10:9 or the “vine” in John 15. 15:52 – Catholics ignore the preceding context in verse 35 where 3. Jesus uses the metaphors of eating and drinking for coming to and believing in him. If Jesus used those images as metaphors there, then he must have used them as metaphors when he speaks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood. 30:05 – Catholics ignore verse 27 where Jesus moves away from a physical mentality and takes things in a spiritual direction. Here's what he says, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” This distinction between spiritual and physical food serves as the basis for interpreting Jesus's words about eating his flesh figuratively rather than literally. 35:50 – Catholics argue that Jesus never clarified his audience's literal thoughts. But that's not true. He does it in John 6:63, where he says, “It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” 50:20 – Catholics argue that because Jesus let his disciples leave based on their literal interpretation of his command to eat his flesh and drink his blood that meant Jesus meant the words literally. But the disciples didn't leave because of Jesus' teaching. Rather, they left because of Jesus' teaching in verse 65 that no one comes to him unless the Father draw him.
In this episode of the North Raleigh UMC Behind the Scenes Podcast, Pastor Laura Johnson joins Kevin Van Hall to unpack one of Jesus' most recognizable parables: the Good Samaritan. As the church concludes the sermon series I Love You, But… with the message No Ifs, Ands, or Buts, the conversation explores what it truly means to love without conditions or boundaries.Laura and Kevin dive into the deep historical tension between Jews and Samaritans, helping listeners understand why Jesus' choice to make the Samaritan the hero of the story was so shocking. Together they discuss the priest, the Levite, and the wounded man on the road to Jericho, examining how fear, excuses, and self-preservation can keep people from showing compassion.The episode highlights Jesus' challenge to redefine “neighbor” not as a category of people we choose to love, but as a way we live toward others. Laura reflects on how the Samaritan mirrors the compassion of Christ Himself — offering mercy, healing, generosity, and care with no strings attached.The conversation also connects the parable to Ascension Sunday and the church's call to continue Christ's work in the world until He comes again. Listeners are invited to consider how faith becomes real through action, mercy, and love that moves beyond words.Plus, hear details about upcoming Pentecost celebrations, wearing red for worship, possible birthday cake for the church, and the children's musical Storms coming this Sunday evening.I Love You, But...No Ifs Ands Or ButsWhen Jesus was pressed to define who is and isn't worthy of being loved like a neighbor, he was clear in his response: the love of God that shines through us is to be unlimited in its reach. We are to love our neighbors, no ifs, ands, or buts. Join us this Sunday as we revisit the story of the Good Samaritan and consider Christ's call to expand our understanding of "neighbor" to include all.
There is a fierce honesty in the fathers that modern Christians often find difficult to endure. They do not allow us the comfort of remaining spectators to the Fall. We prefer to think of Adam's transgression as history, tragedy, doctrine, or inherited condition. But the fathers insist upon something far more painful: Adam's sin is repeated in us daily. Not first through sensuality. Not first through disobedience. But through judgment. Abba Mark says something astonishing: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is our constant distinction between “good” brethren and “bad” brethren. The Fall occurs whenever we separate ourselves inwardly from another human being through contempt, condemnation, suspicion, derision, or hidden hatred. We imagine ourselves discerning spiritually, morally, psychologically, or ecclesially, while in reality we are tasting again the forbidden fruit. This is why the fathers fear judgment more than humiliation. The modern mind often reduces sin to the violation of rules. But the fathers understand sin as the darkening of vision. The moment we begin to look upon another person without mercy, without reverence, without grief for our own condition, our sight becomes corrupted. We no longer behold the image of God. We behold instead the projection of our own passions. And this is why Abba Mark says: “In the eyes of one whose heart is possessed by the passions, no man is sanctified.” The impure heart cannot see purely. A man filled with anger sees enemies everywhere. A vain man sees inferiors. A lustful man sees objects. A fearful man sees threats. A proud man sees fools. The world slowly takes on the shape of our inner disorder. How terrifying this is for our age. We live in a culture built almost entirely upon commentary, denunciation, suspicion, exposure, ridicule, factionalism, and perpetual judgment. Men and women sit before glowing screens daily eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, deciding endlessly who is worthy and who is contemptible. Entire identities are now constructed around outrage. Even religious discourse often becomes little more than sanctified accusation. One no longer needs to enter a battlefield to lose one's soul. One need only remain online. The fathers would tremble at the atmosphere we inhabit. Not because they were naïve about evil, but because they understood something we do not: judgment wounds first the one who judges. The punishment is already contained within the act itself. The moment brotherly love dies, spiritual perception begins to die with it. Abba Mark says that once the mind tastes this fruit, it falls into the very sins it condemned. This is one of the great spiritual laws confirmed by centuries of ascetical experience. The one who delights in exposing others becomes inwardly exposed himself. The one obsessed with impurity becomes inwardly contaminated by the images he condemns. The one who cannot forgive slowly becomes incapable of receiving mercy. And yet the fathers do not say these things to crush us. They speak this way because they have seen Christ. This is what modern readers often miss. The fierce severity of the desert fathers is born from the overwhelming revelation of divine mercy. They have seen the humility of God in Christ. They have seen the Innocent One forgive His murderers, descend into our corruption, bear our nakedness, and unite Himself even to those who abandoned Him. Therefore every movement of contempt within themselves becomes unbearable to them. Their tears are not moralism. They are astonishment before mercy. The fathers know that no man truly sees his own sins and continues comfortably condemning others. When Isaiah saw the glory of God, he did not cry: “Those people are unclean.” He cried: “I am a man of unclean lips.” This is why humility and compassion always deepen together. The modern world confuses humility with low self-esteem or emotional softness. But the fathers understand humility as truthfulness before God. The humble man no longer needs enemies in order to preserve himself psychologically. He no longer builds identity through comparison. He no longer secures righteousness through accusation. He knows too much about the abyss within his own heart. And strangely, this knowledge makes him gentler. Not permissive. Not morally indifferent. But merciful. The fathers never deny evil. They simply refuse to stand outside the human condition while speaking about it. This is especially important today because modern Christians are tempted toward two opposite distortions. One side abandons discernment entirely in the name of compassion. The other weaponizes discernment in the service of hidden hatred. The fathers accept neither path. They see clearly. Fiercely clearly. Yet they weep over what they see. The true ascetic is not shocked by human weakness because he has descended into his own heart and found there every seed of corruption. He knows that apart from grace he is capable of every sin. Therefore he approaches others not from superiority but from shared poverty. This is why the fathers continually command: “Busy yourself with your own faults.” Not because the sins of others are unreal. But because self-knowledge is salvific while judgment is intoxicating. And this teaching becomes even more radical in the light of Christ's revelation that the true battlefield lies within the hidden man of the heart. The spiritual law judges not only external acts but secret thoughts, inward movements, concealed fantasies, silent condemnations, and hidden resentments. A man may appear peaceful outwardly while inwardly conducting trials against the entire world. Modern life makes this almost constant. We judge politically. Ecclesially. Morally. Psychologically. Liturgically. Socially. Intellectually. And often we do so while imagining ourselves defenders of truth. But the fathers ask a far more frightening question: “What has happened to your heart while you were defending truth?” Abba Mark says there is only one true goal: to rejoice when wronged because we are thereby given opportunity to forgive. This sounds almost impossible to modern ears because our entire culture is organized around self-protection, self-assertion, self-expression, and vindication. Yet the fathers understand that every injury endured without hatred enlarges the heart's capacity for God. This does not mean enabling abuse or denying justice. The fathers are not preaching psychological passivity. Rather, they are revealing that the deepest freedom is freedom from hatred. And this freedom is impossible without grace. That is why Abba Mark says that Christ Himself fights within us after Baptism. The battle is interior. The warfare is largely invisible. Pride, vainglory, pleasure, resentment, self-justification, condemnation, fantasy, and rage move continually through the thoughts. No merely human technique can heal this fragmentation. Only Christ hidden within the heart can do battle there. The fathers therefore call us not to moral performance but to radical cooperation with grace: through prayer, through repentance, through patience, through forgiveness, through refusal of judgment, through bearing humiliation, through hidden struggle, through learning slowly to love. And perhaps nowhere is this teaching more needed than now, in an age where almost every system around us profits from outrage, comparison, suspicion, and exposure. The fathers remind us that the soul does not become luminous through winning arguments or exposing others. It becomes luminous through mercy. For in the end, purity of heart is nothing other than learning to see others as Christ sees them: not sentimentally, not blindly, but through the terrible and beautiful light of compassion. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:03:31 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 13 Hypothesis II number 3 00:03:46 Bob Čihák, AZ: Vol. 3, p. 13, #3 00:08:55 Lorraine: Here is a link to the book you mentioned last week, Father 00:09:04 Lorraine: https://archive.org/details/orthodoxpsychoth0000vlac 00:13:29 Bob Čihák, AZ: Vol. 3, p. 13, #3 00:24:30 Julie: He said to them: Acts 10:28 “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.'" 00:31:50 Joan Chakonas: Interesting in Sundays homily the pastor said that God speaks to us through people around us. He told us to do as asked by our spouses etc. My husband is outside the faith and it had really never occurred to me that God might be speaking to me through my faithless spouse- believe it or not I am that thick. Anyway tying this back to todays hypotheses- our judgment is blocking our reception of God- when we are not even considering this possibility. Sorry if I sound dense. These readings are amazing to me. 00:34:36 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Interesting in Sunda..." with
As we open Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus it becomes immediately clear that Paul is overflowing with joy in Christ. The source and origin of this joy is Christ Himself, whom Paul notes as the one who is responsible for our salvation. Take note of how often Paul uses the phrase “In Him” or “In Christ”. He goes on to make clear that it is not our works that bring such blessing and righteousness, but free grace through faith. Having received this gift, Paul then encourages the church to live worthy of God's calling. Though we may often fail, we should make it our aim to grow into maturity, submitting to the order of King Jesus. Ephesians 1 – 1:14 . Ephesians 2 – 4:46 . Ephesians 3 – 8:17 . Ephesians 4 – 12:05 . Ephesians 5 – 16:40 . Ephesians 6 – 21:05 . Proverbs 26:1-12 – 24:52 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Packinghouse's Sunday morning worship service from May 10, 2026. Acts 7 closes with the powerful account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose bold defense before the Sanhedrin exposed how easily people can turn religion, traditions, and even sacred places into boxes that try to contain God . As Stephen walks through Israel's history, he shows that God has always moved beyond human control and that the tabernacle, sacrifices, and temple all pointed forward to Jesus Christ—the true sacrifice who brings sinful people into God's presence by grace. Even as the religious leaders respond with rage and stone him to death, Stephen reflects the heart of Jesus by forgiving his enemies and entrusting himself fully to God. Woven through the message is a moving Mother's Day reflection, comparing the self-sacrificial love of mothers to the life of Stephen and ultimately to Christ Himself, reminding us that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in lives poured out for others. - Greg Opean - Sunday, May 10, 2026
Packinghouse's Sunday morning worship service from May 10, 2026. Acts 7 closes with the powerful account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose bold defense before the Sanhedrin exposed how easily people can turn religion, traditions, and even sacred places into boxes that try to contain God . As Stephen walks through Israel's history, he shows that God has always moved beyond human control and that the tabernacle, sacrifices, and temple all pointed forward to Jesus Christ—the true sacrifice who brings sinful people into God's presence by grace. Even as the religious leaders respond with rage and stone him to death, Stephen reflects the heart of Jesus by forgiving his enemies and entrusting himself fully to God. Woven through the message is a moving Mother's Day reflection, comparing the self-sacrificial love of mothers to the life of Stephen and ultimately to Christ Himself, reminding us that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in lives poured out for others. - Greg Opean - Sunday, May 10, 2026
McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, continues our sermon series exploring the Holy Spirit, this week examining the many roles that it plays in our lives and our faith journey. We are reminded how the Holy Spirit is with us to help encourage and remind us to choose a path which adheres to the morals we aspire for. Additionally, Andrew lays out how, through the Trinity, we are blessed to carry the essence of God & Christ Himself within us because the Holy Spirit is one-in-the-same and lives in us as a comforter and the promise of salvation.
In this episode of Beers & Bible, we continue through Romans 9 and wrestle with one of the weightiest sections in Paul's letter: God's wrath, God's mercy, and the righteousness that comes by faith.Paul reminds us that God is perfectly just in making His wrath known against sin. He does not punish the innocent or act unjustly. The Judge of all the earth always does what is right. But Romans 9 does not leave us only with wrath—it also lifts our eyes to the riches of God's glory made known in vessels of mercy. Election is not a cold doctrine to be debated in the abstract; it is a doctrine of grace that should lead us to worship.We also talk about Paul's use of Hosea and Isaiah, where those once called “not My people” are now called “My people.” The Gentiles are brought in by mercy, not merit. That warning also reaches the visible church: outward membership, baptism, or religious identity cannot save. What matters is not our righteousness, but Christ's righteousness received by faith.And, of course, we review two featured beers:Anthony: Pickleback by Fairhope BrewingMichael: Black Brevarian by Sprecher BrewingRomans 9 closes by bringing us to the stumbling stone: Christ Himself. Some stumble over grace because they want to stand on their own righteousness. But whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.
We hold in our hands the powerful, preserved Word of God—the unchanging truth that has guided believers through every generation. This episode reflects on how the founders of this nation sought to establish a people and a government shaped by faith, trusting in the authority of God's Word as they formed We the People and the Constitution.The same Scriptures read by early Americans continue to speak with power today. Despite opposition, deception, and shifting beliefs, the triumphant King still moves through His Word, carrying the message of truth far beyond borders and generations. No force of this world can stop the advance of the Gospel or silence the authority of God's preserved Word.For the child of God, the fires and trials of this life are temporary. Our hope rests in the promise of resurrection power, where death is swallowed up in victory. As believers, we are assured—by His Word—of ultimate triumph, grounded not in this world, but in Christ Himself.The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/
Welcome to Day 2856 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – When Death Becomes Policy: How Christians Must Respond to a Dehumanizing System. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2856 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2856 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website theologyinfive.com. Today's lesson is titled: When Death Becomes Policy: How Christians Must Respond to a Dehumanizing System. The biblical view of human life begins with the most foundational truth in Scripture: “God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1 verse twenty-seven). Unlike the surrounding cultures of the ancient Near East, where only kings reflected divinity, Israel declared that every human being bore the image of Yahweh. This principle shaped the covenant people's moral and legal systems. The Law commanded care for the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. It forbade the sacrifice of children. Justice was not a privilege for the strong. It was a duty toward the weak. The prophets reinforced this ethic repeatedly. Isaiah, Amos, Jeremiah, and Micah rebuked rulers not merely for idol worship, but for oppressing the poor, neglecting the sick, and perverting justice. Human life was sacred not because of economic output, but because it belonged to the Creator. The first segment is: Jesus and the Early Church Jesus expanded and embodied this ethic perfectly. He healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and affirmed the dignity of the forgotten. He did not divide people by status or function. He saw them as lost sheep, image-bearers in need of restoration. This was not sentiment. It was theology in action. The early Church followed His example with startling results. In a Roman culture where the disabled were abandoned, the elderly discarded, and infants exposed to die, Christians responded with radical mercy. They rescued infants from trash heaps. They nursed the sick during plagues, often at the cost of their own lives. And most notably, they created something the world had never seen before: the hospital. The first true hospital was founded in the late fourth century by St. Basil the Great in Caesarea, Cappadocia. The Basilias was a large complex that included housing for the poor, medical treatment for the sick, and care for lepers. It was not a tool of state power or military strategy, but a direct expression of Christian love for those society rejected. Basil believed that if Christ healed the broken, then His followers must do the same. Other Christians followed his lead. St. Fabiola in Rome founded one of the first hospitals in the West. Monasteries across Europe established infirmaries, not only for monks, but for pilgrims, travelers, beggars, and the dying. The very word hospital comes from hospitalis, Latin for “guest,” reflecting the belief that in caring for the sick, Christians were receiving Christ Himself. This was revolutionary. The Greco-Roman world had temples for the healthy and private physicians for the elite, but no institutions devoted to caring for the poor and dying until Christians built them. Their actions were not driven by utility. They were driven by conviction: life matters because it is made by God, seen by Christ, and destined for eternity. That is the root. That is the legacy. And when modern systems again begin to measure lives by what they cost instead of what they are, Christians must not be silent. They must remember who they are. The second segment is: Hospice Is Not the Enemy It is important to be clear: this is not an argument against hospice or genuine palliative care. Hospice reflects the biblical ethic of compassion. It affirms that life has value even in suffering, and that dignity is preserved not by hastening death, but by honoring a person's final days with comfort and presence. The danger arises when that sacred view of life is replaced by a cold calculation. Instead of seeing the end of life as a transition, society begins to treat it as a solution to systemic and financial problems. When the vulnerable are seen as obstacles, death becomes a policy tool, and compassion is used to justify elimination. The third segment is: A Troubling Shift in Canada Nowhere is this more visible than in Canada. What began as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) for those suffering from unbearable physical pain has quickly expanded into something far broader. In 2016, just over 1,000 Canadians ended their lives through MAiD. By 2022, that number had surged to over 13,000. It is now reportedly the sixth leading cause of death in the country. Even more troubling is who is now eligible. Increasingly, MAiD is offered not to those with terminal illness, but to those who are poor, mentally ill, or socially isolated. Some have requested euthanasia because they cannot afford housing or support services. Others have been told that medical treatment is not available, but MAiD is. Doctors have reported being pressured to bring up euthanasia as an option, even in cases where it would never have been considered before. And some policy experts have openly acknowledged that the healthcare system is overloaded and needs a centralized solution. Quietly, and without ever officially declaring it, death is being presented as that solution. The fourth segment is: Death as an Economic Decision One of the most disturbing elements of Canada's MAiD system is how these deaths are recorded. In several provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario, official guidance instructs physicians to list the person's underlying illness or condition as the cause of death, even when the immediate act involved a medically administered lethal substance. This is not a clerical oversight. In British Columbia, the College of Physicians and Surgeons directs providers to list MAiD in Part I(a) of the Medical Certificate of Death, but the manner of death is still to be recorded as “natural.” The underlying illness remains the official cause. In Ontario, physicians providing MAiD are required to notify the Office of the Chief Coroner, and the death certificate process generally follows similar lines, emphasizing the condition rather than the procedure. At the federal level, Health Canada's monitoring and reporting system collects MAiD data separately, but the death certificates provided to families and registered in provincial statistics are shaped by these regional protocols. In public datasets and vital statistics, a MAiD death may appear indistinguishable from a natural death. The effect is not only statistical. It reframes euthanasia as a quiet extension of medical care, rather than a deliberate, policy-driven act of ending life. This framing can soften moral and public resistance, making it easier to expand eligibility without backlash. The fifth segment is: When Consent Looks Like Coercion While MAiD is legally defined as voluntary, the real-world conditions under which many of these decisions are made raise serious ethical concerns. Patients have increasingly reported seeking MAiD due to poverty, homelessness, mental illness, or chronic but non-terminal suffering. When essential care is delayed or denied, and when death is positioned as the one guaranteed option, consent begins to look less like a choice and more like surrender. In 2022, a Canadian Forces veteran suffering from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury approached Veterans Affairs for help. Instead of receiving mental health support, he was offered MAiD. A woman named Denise, suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities, chose MAiD because she could not find safe housing. She was not terminally ill, but her pleas for accommodation went unanswered. A man with a degenerative brain condition applied for MAiD after struggling to get the in-home care he needed. His doctor admitted that with proper support, he would not have sought death. A 51-year-old woman with long COVID applied due to unrelenting pain and fatigue. She said she would have preferred to live, but her condition had become intolerable without treatment options. Roger Foley, a man with a neurological condition, recorded hospital staff suggesting assisted death would cost less than long-term care. A woman with scoliosis and fibromyalgia applied after she could no longer afford her medications. Poverty, not disease, drove her request. A homeless man in Ontario with schizophrenia requested MAiD, saying he could not bear another...
Maranatha: Our Lord is Coming! The Rapture of the Church In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3) The scene is etched forever in the sacred record of Scripture. It is the night of betrayal. The Passover supper has been eaten. The traitor has gone out into the darkness. The eleven remaining disciples sit in stunned silence as the weight of impending loss presses upon their souls. Their Master has spoken plainly of His departure. He has washed their feet. He has given them the new commandment of love. And now, with the shadow of Gethsemane already falling across His face, the Lord Jesus Christ turns to address the deepest fear in their hearts. He does not offer vague religious platitudes. He does not speak in the language of uncertainty. Instead, He utters words that carry the full force of divine certainty, words that have echoed down through two thousand years of church history as the unbreakable promise of His personal return. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. These verses stand as the cornerstone of the doctrine of the Rapture of the church, the blessed hope that has sustained persecuted saints, comforted grieving families, and ignited holy urgency in every generation of believers. Yet the full power of this promise is often missed in English translation. The blazing heart of the passage lies in the Greek construction of the words “I will come again,” and it is there that the exposition must linger with scholarly precision and devotional weight. The verb translated “I will come again” is the present indicative active of the Greek word erchomai—literally, “I am coming.” It is not the simple future tense that one might expect for a distant event. It is the present tense employed in a manner called the futuristic present tense. This is no grammatical accident. It is a deliberate choice by the Holy Spirit through the pen of the apostle John. In classical and Koine Greek, the present tense can be used to describe a future action when that action is viewed by the speaker as so certain, so inevitable, and so imminent that it is as good as already unfolding before the eyes. The futuristic present tense does not weaken the promise; it intensifies it. It lifts the event out of the realm of mere prediction and plants it squarely in the realm of divine declaration. Jesus does not say, “I might come someday if conditions allow.” He declares with the full authority of the Son of God, “I am coming.” The present tense shouts certainty. It breathes imminence. It carries the weight of a future so fixed in the eternal counsels of the Godhead that the Speaker can speak of it as already in motion. This futuristic present is not unique to this verse, but its placement here is profound. The same construction appears elsewhere in the Gospel of John when Jesus describes events that are absolutely assured in the divine plan. The grammar itself becomes a theological hammer, driving home the truth that the return of Christ for His own is not a distant possibility but a present reality in the mind of the Savior. He is even now, from the vantage point of eternity, in the act of coming. The promise is so certain that the tense of the verb collapses the future into the present. This is the grammatical foundation upon which the entire doctrine of the Rapture rests. The Rapture is not an afterthought in the plan of God. It is the next great event on the divine calendar for the church of Jesus Christ, an event so fixed and so near that the Lord Himself can announce it in the present tense: “I am coming.” The Rapture of the church is the personal, visible, and audible return of the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds to receive unto Himself every believer, both living and dead, and to take them to the place He has prepared in the Father's house. It is distinct from the Second Coming, which will occur at the end of the Tribulation when Christ returns to earth in power and great glory to judge the nations and establish His millennial kingdom. The Rapture is the moment when the Bridegroom comes for His bride before the wrath of the Lamb is poured out upon a Christ-rejecting world. It is sudden. It is secret to the world but glorious to the saints. It is the fulfillment of the promise given in the Upper Room, and it stands as the great hope of every blood-bought child of God. No passage of Scripture unfolds this event with greater clarity and comfort than the words of the apostle Paul in First Thessalonians chapter four, verses thirteen through eighteen. These verses were written by divine revelation to correct the ignorance of the Thessalonian believers concerning those who had died in Christ. The apostle writes: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Consider the weight of each phrase. The apostle begins by lifting the veil of ignorance. Death is not the end for the believer; it is merely sleep for the body while the spirit is present with the Lord. The sorrow of the Thessalonian Christians is real, but it is not hopeless sorrow. It is sorrow anchored in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because He died and rose, those who sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. The dead in Christ are not left behind. They will not miss the Rapture. Their spirits, already in the presence of the Lord, will be reunited with their resurrected bodies at this moment. Then comes the heart of the revelation: “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord.” This is not human speculation. This is not apostolic opinion. This is direct revelation from the ascended Christ Himself. The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven. Notice the personal emphasis. It is not an angel. It is not a representative. The Lord Himself— the same Jesus who walked the shores of Galilee, who hung upon the cross, who burst from the tomb, who ascended from the Mount of Olives—He Himself shall descend. And He shall descend with a shout. The Greek word for “shout” is keleusma, a military command, a royal summons, a cry of authority that will pierce the heavens and shake the graves. Accompanying that shout will be the voice of the archangel and the trump of God. The trumpet does not signal judgment here; it signals assembly. It is the signal for the final gathering of the redeemed. The sequence is precise and powerful. The dead in Christ shall rise first. Their bodies, sown in corruption, will be raised in incorruption. The graves will surrender their prey. Then—and only then—we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them. The word “caught up” is the Greek harpazo, a word that means to seize, to snatch away by force, to carry off suddenly. It is the same word used in Acts 8:39 when the Spirit caught away Philip, and in Revelation 12:5 when the man child is caught up to God. It pictures a violent, irresistible removal from this earth. No believer will be left behind. No one who has trusted Christ will miss this moment. Living and resurrected saints will be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. The meeting place is not on the earth. It is in the air, in the clouds, the very atmosphere where the Lord will receive His own unto Himself exactly as He promised in John 14:3. And then the final, glorious declaration: “and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Not for a thousand years. Not for a million years. Forever. The Rapture is not a temporary event. It is the beginning of an eternal union. The bride will be taken to the place prepared in the Father's house, and there she will remain with her Bridegroom throughout the ages of ages. This is the comfort with which the apostle commands believers to comfort one another. It is not a doctrine for debate. It is a doctrine for consolation in the face of death and for courage in the face of life. The same apostle who received this revelation also unfolds the mystery of the bodily change that will occur at the Rapture. In First Corinthians chapter fifteen, verses fifty-one and fifty-two, he writes: Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. This is the mystery that was hidden in ages past but is now revealed. Not every believer will die. There will be a generation of Christians alive at the moment of the Rapture. Those believers will not sleep; they will be changed. The change will be instantaneous—“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” The Greek word for “moment” is atomos, from which we derive the English word “atom.” It means an indivisible unit of time, the smallest possible fragment of a second. Faster than the eye can blink, faster than the mind can comprehend, the transformation will occur. The corruptible will put on incorruption. The mortal will put on immortality. The bodies that have groaned under the weight of sin and sickness will be glorified, conformed to the image of the risen Christ. The trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised, and the living will be changed. This is the power of the Rapture. It is not a gradual process. It is a sudden, sovereign act of God that will leave the world stunned and the saints transported. The early church lived in the constant expectation of this event. They faced persecution, imprisonment, and death with the cry of “Maranatha” upon their lips. That single Aramaic word, preserved for us in First Corinthians chapter sixteen, verse twenty-two, carries the heartbeat of New Testament Christianity: If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. “Maranatha” is not a curse. It is a prayer. It is a declaration. It means “Our Lord, come!” or more literally, “The Lord is coming!” The persecuted believers of the first century did not merely believe in the return of Christ as a distant doctrine. They cried out for it as the solution to every trial. They lived every day with the expectation that before the sun set, the trumpet might sound and the Lord might appear. That same expectant cry has been the distinguishing mark of every faithful generation since. The futuristic present of John 14:3 fueled their hope. Jesus is not merely going to come. He is coming. The present tense makes the future certain and the certain future near. Additional passages of Scripture reinforce this truth with unyielding clarity. The apostle Paul describes the Rapture as the believer's “blessed hope” in Titus chapter two, verse thirteen: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. It is not the appearing of wrath. It is the appearing of the great God and our Savior. It is blessed because it delivers the church from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world. It is glorious because it reveals Christ in His full majesty to those who love Him. The apostle also writes in Philippians chapter three, verses twenty and twenty-one: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. The word “conversation” means citizenship. The believer's true home is in heaven, and from that heavenly realm the Savior is expected at any moment. The transformation described here is the same as that in First Corinthians fifteen. The vile body—literally the body of humiliation—will be fashioned like unto His glorious body. The power that will accomplish this is the same power that will one day subdue all things under His feet. Nothing is too hard for the One who spoke the universe into existence. The doctrine of the Rapture is further confirmed in the closing words of the New Testament. In Revelation chapter twenty-two, verse twenty, the ascended Lord Himself declares: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. And the response of the apostle is immediate and fervent: Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Once again the language of certainty and imminence rings out. “Surely I come quickly.” The same Lord who used the futuristic present in the Upper Room now seals the entire canon of Scripture with the promise of His soon return. This constellation of biblical texts forms an unbreakable chain of truth. The futuristic present of John 14:3 is the grammatical foundation. The detailed revelation of First Thessalonians four is the doctrinal exposition. The mystery of First Corinthians fifteen is the physiological description. The cry of Maranatha is the devotional response. The blessed hope of Titus two is the purifying motivation. The citizenship of Philippians three is the practical orientation. And the final prayer of Revelation twenty-two is the expectant climax. Taken together, these passages challenge every believer to live in the white-hot expectancy of the Lord's return. The Rapture is not a doctrine to be debated in academic halls while life drifts on in complacency. It is a command to holiness. The apostle John makes this explicit in First John chapter three, verses two and three: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. The hope of seeing Christ and being made like Him is not an abstract idea. It is a sanctifying force. The one who truly believes that Jesus may come at any moment will not toy with sin. He will not waste his days on the trivial and the temporal. He will purify his life with the same purity that characterizes the Lord Himself. Expectancy produces urgency. It produces separation from the world. It produces devotion to the Word. It produces zeal for the gospel. It produces love for the brethren. It produces a life lived with eyes fixed on the eastern sky. The early church understood this. They did not build elaborate systems of prophecy to delay the return of Christ. They did not resign themselves to the idea that the Rapture was for some future generation. They lived as though today could be the day. That same spirit must characterize every generation of believers until the trumpet sounds. The futuristic present tense in John 14:3 is not a curious footnote for Greek students. It is a divine declaration that resounds through the corridors of time: “I am coming.” The Lord is coming. Maranatha. The Bridegroom is on the way. The Rapture will be a moment of indescribable glory. In one atom of time the graves of the righteous dead will burst open. Bodies long decayed will be reconstituted in splendor. The living saints will feel the sudden surge of immortal power coursing through their veins. Then, together, they will be caught up. The clouds will become their chariot. The air will become the meeting place. The Lord Himself will receive them. No more sorrow. No more pain. No more death. Only the eternal embrace of the One who loved them and gave Himself for them. The place prepared in the Father's house will at last be occupied by the redeemed of all ages. The marriage supper of the Lamb will begin. The church will be presented faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. Until that day, the Scriptures call every follower of Christ to live in the light of this imminence. The doctrine of the Rapture is not an escape clause for the lazy. It is a summons to vigilance. It is a call to watchfulness. It is a mandate to occupy until He comes. The believer who has fixed his hope on the appearing of Christ will order his life accordingly. He will speak the truth in love. He will labor while it is day. He will warn the wicked. He will strengthen the weak. He will lift up the hands that hang down. He will keep his garments unspotted from the world. He will cry out with the saints of old, “Maranatha—Our Lord, come!” The futuristic present tense of John 14:3 still echoes across the centuries. Jesus is not planning to come. He is coming. The grammar itself testifies to the certainty. The supporting texts confirm the details. The early church embodied the expectancy. And the Holy Spirit today stirs the hearts of all who will listen with the same urgent cry: the Lord is coming. Maranatha. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The promise stands. The place is prepared. The trumpet is ready. The Bridegroom is at the door. Let this truth sink deep into the soul. Let it shape every decision. Let it fuel every act of obedience. Let it purify every motive. The Lord Himself shall descend. The dead in Christ shall rise. The living shall be changed. The redeemed shall be caught up. And so shall we ever be with the Lord. This is the Rapture. This is the blessed hope. This is the promise of John 14:1-3, sealed by the futuristic present tense and proclaimed by the infallible Word of God. Maranatha. Our Lord is coming. Amen.
The Bread That Comes Looking for You Today's Homily reflects on the Gospel discourse of Jesus as the “Bread of Life” . . . . . . alongside the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in the Acts of the Apostles. The central theme is that the true fulfillment of every human longing is found not in places, accomplishments, or temporary satisfactions, but in the person of Jesus Christ, who actively comes seeking humanity. Pilgrimages and Their Implications for Us The Homily begins by exploring the meaning of pilgrimages. While many people focus on arriving at a holy place, the Homily emphasizes that the journey home is often where grace fully unfolds. The Ethiopian official traveled to Jerusalem seeking God, yet he truly encountered God not in the temple itself, but on the road home through the ministry of Philip the Deacon. Still praying, reading Scripture, and remaining spiritually attentive, the Ethiopian becomes open to receiving the fullness of revelation in Jesus Christ. Satisfying Humanity's . . . The Homily highlights how persecution unintentionally spread Christianity beyond Jerusalem. Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian demonstrates that the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, carries the Gospel outward into the world. Through Philip's explanation of Scripture, the Ethiopian realizes that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of every prophecy and every longing of the human heart. Without delay, he asks for baptism, recognizing that what he had traveled so far to seek was now present before him. The Homily then connects this story to Jesus' teaching in the Gospel: “I am the living bread come down from heaven.” Christ is presented not merely as a teacher or source of doctrine, but as the only true nourishment capable of satisfying humanity's deepest spiritual hunger. Echoing Saint Augustine, the homily reflects on the restlessness of the human heart apart from God. Earthly pursuits cannot ultimately satisfy the longing for meaning, peace, and eternal life. . . . Deepest Spiritual Hunger A particularly moving insight of the Homily is that Jesus does not simply wait to be found; He actively seeks humanity first. Just as Christ came to the Ethiopian through Philip, Jesus continues to come to His people through the Church and especially through the Eucharist. The faithful may come seeking Christ at Mass, but Christ Himself also comes seeking them. Finally, the Homily reflects on the Eucharistic words “eat of it” and “drink from it,” emphasizing the continual nature of Christian life. The Eucharist is not a one-time experience but an ongoing source of divine nourishment. We are called to return again and again to Christ, the Bread of Life, who alone satisfies the deepest hunger of the soul. Listen to this Meditation Media. The Bread That Comes Looking for You -------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Jesus at the Supper of Emmaus: Danish Painter: Carl Bloch: (Lived: 1834-1890 )
Romans 14 calls believers to a deeper kind of unity, one not built on uniformity of practice but on shared surrender to Christ as Lord. In a community shaped by differing convictions, Paul redirects attention away from judgment and toward love, urging each person to be fully convinced before God while refusing to impose those convictions on others. Freedom in Christ is reframed not as personal license, but as a responsibility to build others up, even at cost to oneself. The kingdom of God is not defined by external behaviors, but by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, shifting the focus from surface-level disagreements to Spirit-formed character. True maturity is revealed not in being right, but in bearing with others, limiting one's freedom for their good, and trusting God as the final judge. In this way, the life of faith becomes a lived expression of humility, unity, and sacrificial love, reflecting the heart of Christ Himself.
Today we are looking at Philippians 2:1-2a and we are talkingabout the right motive for spiritual unity. Let us read these verses. “Thereforeif there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if anyfellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by beinglike-minded…” TheApostle Paul here gives us four “if” statements. In theoriginal language, they carry the idea of certainty. They could just as wellhave been translated “since”: since there is consolation inChrist, since there is comfort of love, since there is fellowship of theSpirit, and since there are affection and mercy. As you read these statements,Paul is not questioning these realities by saying “if.” He is actually buildingon them. He is essentially saying this: “Since these things are true in yourlife, live like it.” Wheredid your consolation come from? In Christ. Where did your comfort of love comefrom? From Christ. In the context of the church and the fellowship ofbelievers, we know that this consolation in Christ is that encouragement ofcoming alongside. It is not just the sense that the Holy Spirit and Christ havecome alongside me, but that others in Christ have come alongside me—fellowbelievers praying, encouraging, and helping. That encouragement comes throughChrist in others. It is the same root word used for the Holy Spirit as ourComforter. Christ Himself strengthens and encourages us. He does it throughHimself, of course, and through the Holy Spirit, but He also does it throughothers. Second,that comfort of love is that deep, soothing assurance of God's love that ispoured into our hearts. That brings to mind Romans chapter 5:3-5. Paul says, “Andnot only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulationproduces perseverance.” Remember, in previous verses he is talking aboutthe gift of suffering and suffering in Christ—suffering for Christ. He goes onto say, “and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does notdisappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by theHoly Spirit who has been given to us.” There is that comfort of love thatcomes through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Fellowshipof the Spirit is the shared life we have in the Holy Spirit. Every believer isconnected not just to God, but to each other. It is mystical in a sense. Youmay meet someone and feel as though you have known that person all your life.You love that person. Where did that come from? The Holy Spirit. He connects usas we are in Christ. Fourth, this affection and mercy is the tender compassionthat flows from the heart of God. It is also that affection and mercy that comefrom fellow believers because of Christ and the unity we share with them. Paulis essentially asking: Has Christ, and have others, encouraged you? Has Christ,and have others, comforted you? Do you share in the Holy Spirit with others?Have you received God's mercy? The answer is: “yes, of course!” So then, whatdoes this produce? It produces unity in the body of Christ. Thatis why Paul adds, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded.” Paul alreadyhad joy in Christ and joy in his sufferings, despite his circumstances. But itadded to his joy to know that the believers were getting along with one anotherand were unified in Christ. Unity brings joy. We see it in our families, in ourchurch, and even in our country. It brings joy to spiritual leaders, it bringsjoy to the church, and most importantly, it brings joy to the heart of JesusChrist. Disunity,on the other hand, is more serious than we often think. It is not just apersonality clash. In a sense, it is ingratitude—it is receiving all that Godhas given us yet refusing to reflect His heart toward others. My friend, let usremember today the overwhelming grace that God has given us, as we love oneanother and maintain the right motive for spiritual unity.
It has never been easier to consume someone else's faith. With a podcast in our ears, a devotional feed on our phones, and a favorite teacher's voice filling our commute, we can absorb an enormous amount of Christian content without ever spending quiet, personal time with God ourselves. And slowly, almost imperceptibly, our spiritual lives begin to look less like deep-rooted plants and more like transplanted flowers — imported from someone else's garden, struggling to survive in soil that was never their own. Paul saw this same tendency in the church at Corinth. Believers were forming camps around their favorite teachers — Paul, Apollos, Cephas — as though the worker was responsible for the growth. Paul was quick to correct them: the teachers were only servants. God was the One making things grow. And the only foundation that could ever truly hold was Jesus Christ Himself. That warning speaks directly into our age of faith influencers, online pastors, and Christian celebrities. Their insights can be genuinely helpful — but they cannot replace what only a personal relationship with Jesus can give. Second-hand faith will only take us so far. If we want to thrive rather than wither, we need roots that go all the way down into Christ Himself — the One who died to give us life, and in whom alone we are invited to truly boast. Interested in creating something new with us!? Take Our Newsletter Survey! Bible Verse "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." — 1 Corinthians 3:11, NIV Ponder Today Consuming Christian content is not the same as communing with Christ — no teacher, pastor, or influencer, however gifted, can substitute for a personal and growing relationship with Jesus. Paul's warning to the Corinthians applies directly to us today — when we align ourselves too closely with a human worker, we risk placing our trust in the servant rather than the One who causes all growth. Second-hand faith — borrowed from the experiences and practices of those we admire — will eventually begin to wither, because it was never rooted in our own encounter with the living God. Teachers, authors, and pastors can be genuinely helpful tools in our growth, but they are only ever planting seeds or watering — God alone is the One who makes things grow. Jesus Christ is the only foundation that can hold — His death and resurrection are not just the starting point of our faith, they are the center around which everything else must be built. Today's Prayer Lord, I confess that I sometimes spend more time listening to what others say about You than I do communing with You personally. As helpful as many teachers and pastors are, their words are not what bring true growth — only You deserve that glory. When I am tempted to build my faith around a favorite voice rather than around You, redirect my heart. Remind me that You are the reason I am saved, the foundation that cannot be moved, and the only One in whom I should boast. Deepen my roots in You, Lord, so that my faith is my own — grown in the soil of a real and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Jesus didn't just promise a better life—He promised to build an unstoppable people. In Matthew 16:18, we discover that the church is not a place, but a powerful movement built on Christ Himself, advancing against the power of death. And here's the twist: the abundant life Jesus promises is experienced most fully when we join Him in that mission.
The false teachers of Peter's day had a simple argument: things have always continued as they are, so there is no reason to expect a cataclysmic divine judgment in the future. Pastor Jim Osman works through 2 Peter 3:5-6 to show how Peter dismantles that argument—not by predicting the future, but by pointing to the past.Peter's first move is to expose the nature of the false teachers' error. They are not simply uninformed. They willfully overlook what they already know. God displayed His power in creation, speaking the heavens and earth into existence by His Word alone. That same Word sustains all things in being—which means the stability of creation is not evidence that God cannot intervene, but that He has chosen not to yet.Osman draws four lessons from the creation account: God created by divine fiat, God is entirely separate from and not subject to His creation, creation exists only by His will, and Christ Himself holds all things together by the word of His power. Remove His sustaining will and everything ceases to exist.The flood then becomes the decisive counterexample. Peter points to a worldwide, catastrophic judgment that already happened—one that used the very same water present at creation. If God judged the ancient world by water, the present world is reserved for fire. The evidence of that past judgment is visible everywhere, Osman argues, for those willing to see it.For believers, there is refuge from the coming wrath—in Christ alone, who bore it fully. ★ Support this podcast ★
Step onto the road to Emmaus and discover your own story unfolding. In this powerful homily, we walk alongside the two disciples who encounter the risen Jesus without recognizing Him. As He opens the Scriptures, revealing how every promise, every prophecy, and every suffering pointed to the Messiah, something begins to stir: *“Were not our hearts burning within us?”* But this is not just their story, it is yours. What does it mean that Jesus says it was *necessary* for Him to suffer? And what if that same word, "necessary," applies to the crosses in your own life? In this episode, we explore the hidden meaning behind suffering, the mysterious way God writes straight with crooked lines, and how, one day, Christ Himself will walk with you and reveal how every trial, every sorrow, and every unanswered question was part of a greater plan of love. Drawing connections to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and Mary's courageous “yes” at the Annunciation, this homily invites you into the deepest prayer of the Christian life: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” If you've ever struggled to understand your suffering… If you've ever wondered where God is in the midst of your trials… If your heart longs to burn again with faith, hope, and love… This episode is for you. Come walk the road. He is closer than you think. All of Father Luke's Masses are live-streamed at Our Lady's Blue Army Facebook and Youtube, and homilies posted at Daily Homilies from the Blue Army Shrine.
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