Podcast appearances and mentions of christ jesus romans

Speaker: Sam Foster,Date:  14/6/2025,Title: There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,Bible Passage: Romans 8:1-4,Series: Romans | Right with God,https://richmondanglican.com.au/

The Great White Throne Judgment: The Final, Dreadful, and Eternal Reckoning of the Wicked Dead   In the majestic and awe-inspiring closing visions of the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John, carried along by the powerful inspiration of the Holy Spirit, beholds a series of breathtaking scenes that unveil the final consummation of all things and the eternal destiny of every soul. Following the glorious thousand-year reign of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the earth, after the last desperate and futile rebellion of Satan, and after the complete and utter defeat of Gog and Magog with fire from heaven, the divine spotlight turns with solemn intensity upon the most terrifying and irreversible event in all of human history: the Great White Throne Judgment. This is the ultimate, final, and most dreadful courtroom of the entire universe, where every single soul that has ever died in unbelief, impenitence, and open rebellion against the living God will be supernaturally raised from the dead, solemnly examined with perfect scrutiny, and eternally sentenced according to the flawless, unerring, and infinitely holy justice of Almighty God. Revelation 20:11-15 stands as one of the most sobering, heart-shaking, conscience-piercing, and fear-inducing passages in all of Holy Scripture, a passage that should cause every reader to tremble and every unrepentant sinner to flee without delay to the mercy of the cross. The full text of this profoundly solemn and eternally weighty passage, as given in the inspired and infallible Word of God, reads as follows in its complete and unbroken form: “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” This tightly woven, divinely inspired passage forms a self-contained and climactic unit that brings the entire millennial section of the Book of Revelation to its dreadful, everlasting, and irreversible close. It follows immediately after the final casting of Satan, the devil, into the lake of fire where he will be tormented day and night forever and ever. It stands just before the glorious and radiant unveiling of the new heavens and the new earth in which righteousness dwells. The context is saturated with absolute finality, divine justice, and the irreversible nature of eternity. The redeemed saints of all ages have already participated joyfully in the blessed first resurrection and have reigned triumphantly with Christ for a full thousand years. Those who now appear trembling before the throne are precisely “the rest of the dead” who “lived not again until the thousand years were finished” (Revelation 20:5). The old creation, stained and cursed by sin, is even now dissolving before our eyes, and every unsaved soul must now give a full, terrifying, and inescapable account before the burning, all-seeing holiness of Almighty God. Let us now carefully, reverently, and thoroughly exposit this passage verse by verse, drawing out its rich and multifaceted meaning through the original Greek language where it adds vivid force and eternal impact, through the surrounding biblical context, and through the weighty, soul-stirring eternal truths it so powerfully proclaims to every generation. The Scene (Revelation 20:11) “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” The apostle John begins this vision with the majestic and familiar apocalyptic declaration “And I saw” (Kai eidon), words that immediately signal the introduction of a fresh, breathtaking, overwhelming, and panoramic heavenly vision that seizes both the apostle's enraptured gaze and our own hearts with a profound sense of holy dread and reverent awe. What suddenly bursts upon his enraptured sight is nothing less than the supreme, final, and most glorious tribunal of the entire created universe: “a great white throne” (thronon megan leukon). This throne is described as megan—vast beyond all human imagination or comprehension, majestic in unrivaled dignity and splendor, and clothed with overwhelming, absolute, and unchallenged sovereign authority. It towers infinitely and eternally above every earthly court of law, every royal palace, and every seat of human government or power that has ever existed. It is leukon—brilliantly, purely, dazzlingly, and radiantly white—symbolizing in the most vivid way possible the spotless, unapproachable, and infinite holiness together with the flawless, unblemished, and perfect righteousness of God Himself.  No shadow of injustice, no whisper of partiality or favoritism, no trace of corruption or bribery can ever approach, touch, or stain its gloriously radiant surface. It glows and pulses with the blazing, consuming purity of the One who is eternally “light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Seated in awesome, majestic, and terrifying splendor upon this throne is “him that sat on it” (ton kathemenon ep' autou). Though not explicitly named in this particular verse, the consistent, harmonious voice of all Holy Scripture clearly identifies this enthroned and sovereign Judge as the Lord Jesus Christ Himself—the very One to whom the Father has committed all judgment without exception (John 5:22, 27).  It is the same pierced and crucified Savior who once hung in agony upon the cross as the meek and lowly Lamb of God, now appearing in indescribable glory and power as the exalted Lion of the tribe of Judah and the righteous, eternal Judge of all the earth (Acts 17:31). From His glorious and unveiled face—“from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away” (ephugen ho ouranos kai he ge apo tou prosopou autou)—the entire created cosmos recoils in utter panic-stricken terror and helpless flight. The powerful Greek verb ephugen paints a vivid, dramatic picture of frantic, desperate, and uncontrollable flight, as though the whole vast universe is fleeing away like a terrified servant before the blazing anger and consuming holiness of its rightful Master. The material heavens and earth, which have groaned and travailed together in pain for long ages under the heavy curse and bondage of sin (Romans 8:22), simply cannot endure or withstand the unveiled, searing, and infinite holiness of the incarnate Son of God. “And there was found no place for them” (kai topos ouch heurethe autois). No towering mountain can hide the guilty. No vast ocean can swallow them up or conceal their shame. No dark cavern, no remote corner of the universe, and no hiding place anywhere offers the slightest refuge or shelter. The old creation completely and obediently dissolves in trembling submission to make way for the new heavens and the new earth, soon to be revealed in all their pristine and eternal glory. Behold this scene in all its terrifying majesty and cosmic grandeur: the Judge's holy countenance shines with such consuming, blinding splendor that the very stars vanish from the sky, the mountains melt like wax before the fire, and the fabric of the universe itself flees away in helpless panic. There is absolutely no escape, no delay, and no hiding place anywhere for the guilty. This is the awe-inspiring, universe-shaking, cosmic backdrop against which the final judgment of all the wicked dead will now unfold in solemn and eternal detail. The Subjects (Revelation 20:12) “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” With the majestic, terrifying, and holy scene now vividly established, the apostle John solemnly describes the vast multitude of those who must appear before this awesome throne: “the dead, small and great” (tous nekrous tous megalous kai tous mikrous). This innumerable host includes every single human being who has ever lived and died without Christ—from the mightiest emperors, renowned philosophers, and world conquerors of history to the poorest peasants, nameless slaves, and long-forgotten souls in obscure corners of the earth. The term nekrous powerfully and solemnly underscores their former dreadful and hopeless condition: they were spiritually dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1), and physically dead and decaying in the grave. Now they are resurrected—not unto glorious and eternal life, but solely and exclusively to stand condemned and trembling before the righteous Judge. They “stand before God” (hestanda enopion tou theou) in solemn, trembling, and inescapable accountability. They do not sit as honored guests or relaxed observers; they stand as helpless, guilty defendants before the bar of infinite holiness and perfect justice. All earthly distinctions, privileges, and ranks vanish instantly: kings and beggars, the rich and the poor, the famous and the obscure—all stand equally naked, exposed, and without a single defense. Then the books are dramatically and solemnly opened: “the books were opened” (kai biblia eneochthesan). These are the perfect, unerring, and exhaustive records of God's infinite omniscience—containing every single thought, every idle word, every secret deed, every hidden motive, every act of open rebellion, and every neglected opportunity for repentance. Nothing is lost in the mists of time, forgotten, exaggerated, or diminished by even the slightest degree. “And another book was opened, which is the book of life” (kai allo biblion eneochthe, ho estin tes zoes). This is the precious, blood-bought Lamb's Book of Life, the eternal and unchangeable roll call of all who have been redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb (Revelation 13:8; 21:27). The dead “were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (ek ton gegrammenon en tois bibliois kata ta erga auton). For the unredeemed, their own accumulated works rise up as silent but utterly damning witnesses against them, proving beyond any shadow of doubt the universal guilt declared throughout Scripture: “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). The Significance (Revelation 20:13-14) “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” The resurrection is total, universal, complete, and absolutely inescapable. “The sea gave up the dead which were in it” (kai edoken he thalassa tous nekrous tous en aute)—even those whose bodies were lost in the darkest ocean depths, shipwrecked, or dissolved into nothingness over centuries are raised whole, intact, and fully conscious. “Death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them” (kai ho thanatos kai ho hades edokan tous nekrous tous en autois). Death releases the bodies it has claimed; Hades surrenders the disembodied spirits it has held in waiting. Every single prisoner is freed without exception for this final, terrifying accounting. “They were judged every man according to their works” (ekrithesan hekastos kata ta erga auton)—a perfectly personal, individual, thorough, and unanswerably just judgment. Then comes the climactic declaration of finality and eternal victory: “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (kai ho thanatos kai ho hades eblethesan eis ten limnen tou pyros. Houtos ho thanatos ho deuteros estin). Here we must clearly, carefully, and biblically distinguish the First Resurrection from the Second Death if we are to grasp the full weight and significance of this moment. The First Resurrection, described in detail earlier in this same chapter, is the glorious and blessed rising of all the righteous saints of every age: “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6). These blessed and holy ones rise to glorious life, priestly service, and triumphant reigning with Christ, enjoying complete and eternal immunity from all judgment and condemnation. The Second Death, however, is the lake of fire itself—the final, conscious, unending, and irreversible torment and eternal separation from the presence of God for all who die without Christ. It is not annihilation, cessation of existence, or temporary punishment. Scripture repeatedly describes those confined there as being “tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10; see also Revelation 14:11 and Mark 9:44-48). The first death is physical, temporary, and universal; the second death is spiritual, eternal, conscious, and reserved only for the impenitent. Those who share by faith in the First Resurrection escape the Second Death forever because the Lord Jesus Christ has already borne their full judgment and condemnation in His own body on the tree. Those who reject Him will experience both deaths in their fullest, most horrifying measure. How infinitely, eternally, and gloriously better it is to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ—the Bema Seat described in 2 Corinthians 5:10—than to stand condemned before this Great White Throne of terrifying justice!  At the Bema Seat, believers, already washed in the atoning blood and forever accepted in the Beloved, have their works examined only for the purpose of rewards and commendation, never for condemnation or loss of salvation. Christ has fully and completely borne our judgment at Calvary: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). We may lose certain rewards through unfaithfulness, yet we ourselves are saved “so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15). At the Great White Throne there is no Advocate, no covering blood of the Lamb, and no possibility of mercy—only the damning books of works and the horrifying, eternal absence of one's name from the Book of Life.   The Sentence (Revelation 20:15) “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” The sentence falls with devastating, irreversible, and terrifying finality and simplicity: “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (ei tis ouch heurethe en te biblo tes zoes gegrammenos eblethe eis ten limnen tou pyros). No appeal is possible. No second chance is granted. No mitigation or end is ever offered. The lake of fire—originally prepared for the devil and his fallen angels (Matthew 25:41)—becomes the everlasting, conscious abode of every soul whose name is missing from the Lamb's Book of Life.      All human works, however outwardly impressive or religious in human eyes, prove utterly powerless to save or deliver on that day. Conclusion and Appeal Dear friend, the blazing, inescapable reality of the Great White Throne Judgment should cause every heart to tremble with godly fear, every conscience to awaken, and every soul still outside of Christ to flee without a moment's delay to the only place of safety—the cross of Calvary.    To every sinner still living in unbelief and rebellion: Come now! Do not delay another heartbeat or take another breath without settling this eternal matter. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). Repent of your sins with genuine sorrow and place your full, trusting faith in the finished work of the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. His precious, sin-cleansing blood can write your name in the Lamb's Book of Life this very moment, delivering you forever from this throne of terror and granting you a joyful place in the blessed first resurrection and the eternal joys of the redeemed. To every true believer already resting in Christ: Live with holy urgency, eternity burning brightly in your soul, and a passionate desire to please your Lord. Be ready to meet your Savior at any instant, whether by death or by His glorious return.        Serve Him with wholehearted devotion, faithfulness, and love so that when you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ you may hear His glorious “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) and receive a full and abundant reward. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42). May the solemn, weighty, and eternal truths of this passage stir us all to fervent prayer, pure and separated living, compassionate love for the lost, and bold, urgent gospel witness until Jesus returns in power and great glory.  To the Lamb upon the throne, our blessed Savior and coming Judge, be all honor, praise, dominion, and glory forever and ever. Amen.

*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. Summary This conversation centers on the believer's journey out of the limitations of the past and into the present reality of life in the Spirit. While past experiences serve as important “benchmarks” that reveal God's faithfulness and establish spiritual foundations, they are not meant to hold us back or define our present walk. Instead, they become reference points that strengthen faith as we continue moving forward. The speakers emphasize that true life is found in the Spirit, not in the soul, flesh, or past experiences. Believers are called to live in the “now” reality of God's kingdom, where everything He has done remains alive and accessible. This journey is described as a return to our origin in God—an awakening to our eternal identity in Christ. Ultimately, the message reveals that we are being drawn upward into deeper realms of the Spirit, not by striving, but by aligning with God and allowing Him to lead. It is a continual progression toward our true home in Him, where we fully realize who we are and where we came from. Show Notes Main Theme: Living in the present reality of the Spirit while moving forward from past experiences into deeper realms of God. A Greater Heritage in GodOur inheritance in the kingdom far surpasses anything the world offers.Living in past failures or experiences limits present spiritual life. The Role of Benchmarks Past experiences serve as spiritual foundations, not destinations.They testify to God's faithfulness and guide future growth.Like climbing anchors, they prevent falling too far back. Moving Forward, Not Backward Spiritual growth creates points of no return.True progress means continuing onward, not revisiting old mindsets. Living in the Spirit vs. the Flesh Identity is rooted in the Spirit, not emotions, memories, or past pain.Focus determines whether the past has power over us. God's Faithfulness Revealed in the Past Looking back properly brings humility and gratitude.It reveals God's guidance and intentional work in our lives. A Journey of Impartation Each step forward brings new revelation and transformation.Believers are continually being drawn into deeper spiritual realms. Entering a New Realm A shift from time-based living to “now” reality in the Spirit.God's works are not past—they are alive and present. Return to Origin in God Believers come from God and are returning to Him.Identity is discovered through revelation of Jesus Christ. Eternal Identity in Christ We are not merely created beings but originate from God in Christ.Our journey is a return to our eternal home. Being Led by the Spirit Spiritual growth is not self-driven but Spirit-led.Alignment with God opens the next level of experience. Quotes “Do you want to live in what was, or in the light God has brought you into?”“Benchmarks are not places to stay—they are foundations to stand on.”“If you fall, you only fall back to the last place you knew God was real.”“We are not living in the realm of the earth—we are living in the realm of the Spirit.”“Everything God has ever done is still alive right now.”“We're not timeline people waiting for something—this is now.”“We came out of God, and we are returning to Him.”“Our identity is revealed as we see Christ.”“We are not doing this—He is calling us up, and we are aligning with Him.” Scriptural References Psalm 126 (1)“We were like those who dream.”Hebrews 7 (3)Melchizedek: “without father, without mother… having neither beginning of days nor end of life”2 Corinthians 5 (17)“Old things have passed away… all things have become new”John 16 (28)“I came forth from the Father… and go to the Father”Ephesians 1 (3)“Blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places”Ephesians 2 (6)“Seated us together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus”Romans 8 (14)“As many as are led by the Spirit… these are sons of God”Jeremiah 1 (5)implied concept) – Known before formationEcclesiastes 3 (11)Eternity placed in the heart Takeaway The past is not your dwelling place—it is your witness. God uses it to establish truth in you, but your life is meant to be lived in the present reality of the Spirit. As you move forward, aligning with Him, He leads you into deeper realms of understanding, identity, and union with Himself. You are not becoming something new—you are awakening to where you came from and returning to who you've always been in Him.

Welcome to Day 2846 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – The Covenant and the Messiah: How Israel and the Nations Find Salvation in Yahweh. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2846 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2846 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:  The Covenant and the Messiah: How Israel and the Nations Find Salvation in Yahweh. The God who spoke to Abraham is the same God who walked among men as Jesus of Nazareth. There has never been a shift in divine identity. From Genesis to Revelation, Yahweh is the name revealed to Israel, and Jesus is shown to be Yahweh incarnate. This continuity is critical. If Jesus is not Yahweh in the flesh, then His claims have no weight, and the cross is powerless. But if He is, then the covenants He made before His incarnation still hold, and the standard for faithfulness has not changed. The first segment is: The Abrahamic Covenant Still Stands God's promise to Abraham was everlasting. That covenant included a land, a people, and a mission to bless the nations. It was not conditioned on perfect obedience but on God's own faithfulness. While Israel at times fell under judgment due to breaking the later Mosaic covenant, the Abrahamic covenant was never revoked. Paul reaffirms this in Romans and Galatians, explaining that the promise to Abraham came first and was fulfilled in Christ, who is both the seed of Abraham and the true Israelite. That means Israel still has a place in God's plan, not by ethnicity alone, but through covenant loyalty to Yahweh, now fully revealed in Christ. The Sinai covenant, given after Israel's redemption from Egypt, was never a means of salvation. Yahweh had already saved His people. The Law was given to shape them into a holy nation, to guard them from corruption, and to point forward to the Messiah. Paul makes clear that the Law, which came centuries after Abraham, did not annul the promise. Salvation was always grounded in believing loyalty to Yahweh, not in legal observance, but the Law served as a guardian until Christ came. The second segment is: Jesus Is Yahweh in the Flesh Jesus was not a new deity or a created being sent by another god. He was and is the visible image of the invisible God. When He spoke, He used phrases that only Yahweh had used. When He forgave sins, calmed seas, and raised the dead, He did so with divine authority. His role was not to replace the God of the Old Testament, but to make Him known fully. This is what Israel had been waiting for, even if many could not recognize it at the time. The third segment is: Covenant Loyalty Before Full Revelation Before Christ came in the flesh, salvation was still possible. Those who followed Yahweh in faithful loyalty, trusting in His mercy and living in obedience to what had been revealed, were counted as righteous. This is why Abraham, Moses, and David are not outside of salvation even though they lived before the Incarnation. They were not saved by their works, but by their loyalty to the God who would ultimately fulfill the covenant through the Messiah. The fourth segment is: God's Justice Toward the Unevangelized Gentile The Bible acknowledges the reality that not every Gentile hears the good news in their lifetime. Yet it also shows that Yahweh is perfectly just in dealing with them. His judgment is not limited to external circumstances, but penetrates the heart and its inclinations. Jesus said that if His miracles had been performed in Tyre, Sidon, or even Sodom, those cities would have repented. This shows that God knows not only what people actually did but what they would have done under different circumstances. Likewise, when David asked God about Saul's pursuit at Keilah, God revealed what would happen if David stayed, even though David's choice altered the outcome. These passages reveal that Yahweh's knowledge includes both actual history and potential history. Gentiles who never heard the name of Christ are not outside this justice. Paul explained that their consciences bear witness to the law written on their hearts, and that God will judge the secrets of all through Christ Jesus (Romans 2:14–16). This means Yahweh knows the full posture of a person's heart toward Him, even in the absence of explicit revelation. God does not strip anyone of free will. But He knows perfectly how each person leans, what possibilities they considered, and what their response would have been if given more light. No one who would have been loyal is condemned unfairly. Whether through providence, as with Cornelius who was sent Peter, or through His perfect judgment at the end of the age, Yahweh ensures His justice is true. These examples also remind us that Tyre, Sidon, and even Sodom were not completely ignorant of Yahweh. Through Israel's presence in the land, trade, conflict, and even alliances, His name was known. The difference was that they never experienced Yahweh physically walking among them, healing the sick and proclaiming the kingdom. Jesus's comparison drives home the weight of rejecting greater revelation: the outsiders with limited knowledge would have repented if given more, while those with full access to God's presence in Christ still turned away. The fifth segment is: Jews and Gentiles Are Both Accountable Once the Messiah came, the truth was revealed to all, Jew and Gentile alike. This did not erase Israel's story or uniqueness, but it clarified the path of salvation. The same Jesus who fulfilled the Law and the Prophets also opened the door for Gentiles to be grafted in. However, that same door still swings on the hinge of loyalty to Yahweh, who is now revealed as Jesus. Salvation was never about merely belonging to a group. Many Israelites perished in the wilderness despite being covenant members by birth, because their hearts were not loyal. The prophets consistently warned that outward signs like circumcision meant nothing without inner faithfulness. In the same way, Gentiles cannot assume that church membership or moral standing alone secures salvation. What God has always required is believing loyalty, faith expressed in trust, obedience, and allegiance to Him. For Israelites, covenant loyalty to Yahweh has always been the basis of salvation. Now that Yahweh has revealed Himself in the person of Jesus, rejecting Christ is no different from rejecting Yahweh. Yet the prophets also foresaw a day when Israel would recognize Him at last. Zechariah declared that they will look on the one they pierced and mourn for Him, and Revelation affirms that this moment will come on the day of the Lord. This shows that God has not abandoned His people. Many who do not yet see clearly will one day weep in repentance when their Messiah is revealed. The sixth segment is: There Are Not Two Paths, But One Fulfillment This is not about supersessionism, which teaches that the Church replaced Israel. It is also not pluralism, which claims that all faiths lead to God. Nor is it Marcionism, which pits the God of the Old Testament against the God of the New. Instead, it is a biblical unity that affirms Jesus as the fulfillment of what God always promised. Salvation has always come through faithful trust in Yahweh. Now that He has come in the flesh, that faith must include recognition of Jesus as Lord. The seventh segment is: The Danger of Getting This Wrong To deny that Jesus is Yahweh is to reject the gospel. To claim that Jews can be saved apart from Christ is to invent a second way of salvation. To pretend that the Church has replaced Israel is to ignore the promises of God. Each of these errors leads to a distortion of the gospel, whether it's by undermining the covenants, corrupting the character of God, or redefining salvation. The goal is not to create separate categories of who is in and who is out, but to proclaim the one true God, revealed in Christ, to all people. The eighth segment is: A Difficult and Divisive Topic The relationship between Israel, the Church, and salvation is one of the most debated subjects in Christian theology. Over the centuries, believers have held different perspectives, with some stressing replacement, others continuity, and still others proposing parallel covenants. At times these debates have been clouded by political concerns or even...

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"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1 (NIV)A visual learner? Watch the stream back now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 23 2025 Sunday Who Jesus Made You To Be / Week 01 / 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 "being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" Romans 3:24 KJV "Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." Romans 3:24 NLT "[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus," Romans 3:24 AMPC "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1 KJV "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 NLT "THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. [John 3:18.]" Romans 8:1 AMPC "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:18 KJV "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:2 KJV "And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." Romans 8:2 NLT "For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death." Romans 8:2 AMPC "so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." Romans 12:5 KJV "so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." Romans 12:5 NLT "So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]." Romans 12:5 AMPC "unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:" 1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV "I am writing to God's church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours." 1 Corinthians 1:2 NLT "To the church (assembly) of God which is in Corinth, to those consecrated and purified and made holy in Christ Jesus, [who are] selected and called to be saints (God's people), together with all those who in any place call upon and give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:" 1 Corinthians 1:2 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

The Shield of Faith Series: Suited Up - The Armor of God (Week 5 of 7) Scripture: Ephesians 6:16 Summary When Paul describes the armor of God, he says "above all, taking the shield of faith." That phrase alone tells us how critical this piece of armor is—it's our primary defense in spiritual warfare. In Roman warfare, soldiers carried large rectangular shields (scutum)—about 4 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide, made of wood covered with leather. This shield protected the soldier's entire body and could interlock with other shields to form a defensive wall. Most critically, when soaked in water, it could extinguish flaming arrows that enemies would shoot to create panic and break battle lines. That's the picture Paul gives us. The enemy shoots fiery darts—attacks designed to ignite fear, doubt, and destruction. But the shield of faith, when properly used, extinguishes every single one. Key Points: 1. Faith Is Active Trust in God's Character and Promises Faith is not positive thinking, "believing hard enough," or blind optimism. Biblical faith is active trust in God's character and promises based on what He has revealed in His Word. Hebrews 11:1 defines it: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith has substance and evidence—it's not vague spirituality but confident trust in a God who has proven Himself faithful. The key distinction: Positive thinking says: "Everything will work out fine" (based on nothing) Biblical faith says: "God works all things together for good for those who love Him" (based on Romans 8:28) Faith is only as strong as its object. You can have great faith in a weak foundation and still fall. Or you can have small faith in a strong foundation and stand firm. It's not the size of your faith that matters—it's the size of your God. Jesus said even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Why? Because even tiny faith in an infinite God is powerful. What does faith trust? God's Character - Who He is: faithful, good, sovereign, loving, just, wise, powerful God's Promises - What He has said in Scripture God's Word - The foundation for knowing both His character and promises When attacks come, you don't lift the shield by "believing harder." You lift it by actively trusting what you know to be true about God. 2. The Enemy's Fiery Darts Are Designed to Destroy Your Faith In ancient warfare, fiery darts were devastating weapons. Archers would wrap arrow tips in cloth, soak them in pitch or oil, light them on fire, and shoot them at enemy forces. These arrows weren't just designed to injure—they were designed to ignite, spread panic, and create chaos. That's exactly how Satan's attacks work. He shoots multiple fiery darts designed to ignite fear, doubt, and spiritual destruction. What are these fiery darts? Specific examples: Doubt - "Did God really say that? Can you trust His promises? Where is He now?" Temptation - "You can't resist this. You've failed before. Just give in." Accusation - "You're not really saved. Look at your sin. God couldn't accept you." Discouragement - "Nothing's working. God doesn't hear your prayers. Give up." Fear - "You're going to lose everything. This situation is hopeless." Comparison - "Everyone else has it better. God must not care about you." Bitterness - "You have every right to be angry. They don't deserve forgiveness." Notice the pattern: Every fiery dart is designed to make you question God's character or doubt His promises. Satan's goal isn't just to make you sin—it's to destroy your faith. If he can get you to stop trusting God, everything else crumbles. Here's what makes these darts "fiery"—they don't just hit you; they ignite ongoing damage. One moment of doubt can spiral into days of spiritual paralysis. One temptation can become a consuming pattern. One accusation can create crushing guilt that destroys your effectiveness. But the good news: The shield of faith doesn't just deflect these darts—it extinguishes them. How faith extinguishes specific darts: When doubt comes: "I will trust in the Lord with all my heart" (Proverbs 3:5-6) When temptation attacks: "God is faithful and will provide a way of escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13) When accusation hits: "There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1) When discouragement weighs you down: "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31) You extinguish the fiery dart by lifting the shield—actively trusting a specific truth about God. 3. You Must Actively Lift the Shield to Extinguish the Darts Many Christians have the shield but don't lift it. Paul says "taking the shield of faith"—that's active. You must pick it up, position it, and use it. Faith isn't passive. It's not "Well, I believe God exists, so I'm covered." It's active trust that responds to specific attacks with specific truths about God. What actively lifting the shield looks like: Step 1: RECOGNIZE THE ATTACK You can't defend against an attack you don't see coming. When thoughts of doubt, temptation, accusation, or fear hit—recognize them as spiritual attacks, not just random thoughts. James 4:7 says, "Resist the devil and he will flee." You can't resist what you don't recognize. Step 2: RESPOND WITH TRUTH This is where you lift the shield. Immediately respond with specific biblical truth about God. Don't argue with the dart or trust your feelings. Lift the shield—speak God's truth. Jesus modeled this in Matthew 4: "It is written..." Three attacks, three responses from Scripture. Step 3: REPEAT AS NECESSARY The enemy doesn't shoot just once. He keeps firing. So you keep lifting the shield. Every time an attack comes, respond with faith—active trust in God's character and promises. Sometimes you'll lift the shield multiple times in one day. That's not weak faith—that's what warfare looks like. Practical example: You're struggling with financial fear. The enemy shoots: "You're going to lose everything. God isn't going to provide." Lift the shield: "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19). I choose to trust His faithfulness over my fear. The dart comes again: "But look at your bank account." Lift the shield again: "God has never failed me. He fed Israel in the wilderness. He will provide for me. I trust His character, not my circumstances." As you repeatedly lift the shield of faith, the fiery dart is extinguished. The fear loses its power. Not because you "believed harder," but because you actively trusted specific truths about God. The Bottom Line: The shield of faith is your primary defense because it protects against the enemy's primary attack—destroying your trust in God. Faith is active trust in God's character and promises. The enemy shoots fiery darts designed to ignite doubt and fear. You must lift the shield actively by recognizing attacks, responding with truth, and repeating as necessary. Above all, take the shield of faith—it will extinguish every fiery dart the enemy shoots at you. Next in Series: Week 6 - "The Helmet of Salvation" (Ephesians 6:17a) How salvation protects your mind and thoughts.

On this Reformation Sunday, we take a look at the context of God's Word to find out some of the issues that led to the Reformation happening over 500 years ago.  Much of that has to do with context, and how one reads the Word of God.  As Martin Luther read through the book of Romans he found the truth of God's Word: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24).  We are justified not by our own works, rather we are justified by the words of Christ.

This teaching was taken from James 2:17-18 and teaches you about doing works of faith that represent Jesus to Glorify God in everything you do. If you have any questions, or you would like to share how our teachings have affected your life, visit us at rejoicingheart.net God bless you! Rob and Donna Rejoice In You From the Integrity Music Release One, featuring Planetshakers Ministries Int'l ©2009 Planetshakers Publishing (APRA) (admin. By Music Services, www.musicservices.org) All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. James 2:17-18 (KJV) 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Matthew 5:16 (KJV) 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. John 14:12 (KJV) 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. Matthew 11:5 (KJV) 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. Colossians 3:23 (KJV) 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 1 Timothy 5:18 (KJV) 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Philippians 2:4-5 (KJV) 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Romans 12:1 (KJV) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Colossians 3:17 (KJV) 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

As Christ-followers, the Bible says we should put no confidence in the flesh. It's pretty undependable. But you can and should be totally God-confident. Confident that you have become a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ and confident that God has good plans for you—good works for you to do which he determined before you were born. There's nothing to be gained by being constrained and handcuffed by a lack of confidence. James put it this way: But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do (James 1:6 – 8). James says if you're blown and tossed—like happens with lack of confidence—you are unstable in all your ways. You need confidence to be what God created you to be and do the good works he put you here to do. And the confidence you need is not self-confidence, but rather it is God-confidence. What is hindering you from this God-confident life? Many times, it is the constant thought you simply are not good enough. Thoughts like: you've sinned too much; your past is too bad; you can never be worthy. You know where that comes from, don't you? Satan will tell you lies about yourself, like thinking you're not good enough. But remember this wonderful truth. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Whether condemnation is coming at you from others or yourself, you are believing a lie because God never deals with us through condemnation—making us feel unworthy and without hope. The Holy Spirit who indwells every believer will convict you of sin for the purpose of helping you repent and get rid of the drag on your spiritual life. But God never deals with you through condemnation; that's what the enemy tries to do. When the enemy is successful at destroying your God-confidence by his sneaky and sinister words of condemnation, he is keeping you from the joy of the Lord, which is your strength, and from the abundant life Jesus died to give you. You're missing all the good stuff! But there's hope in Jesus!

Everything in our lives rises and falls on our capacity to know that God is good, and that we can learn to receive His love, more and more! There is no limit to the amount of His love that you can receive! On this Father's Day, Maria brings a key message about learning to receive the Father's love.However, receiving love can feel very complicated, especially God's love, as it is unconditional and requires nothing in return. Maria shares two key weapons in not being deterred from your deeper journey with the Father- our righteousness in Him and our sonship with Him.  We are qualified to receive all the benefits of His glorious love when we activate these keys.Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8). It's all yours, and He wants to teach you again and again how to be great at receiving it! Letting the deep love of the Father in, will displace three core lies that the devil works with: I am unworthy, I am not loved, and I am not enough! The perfect love of God is designed to displace each of these lies over and over - not just once! Friends, there is more! Not only do you get the benefits of love, but you also get five keys of life: identity, purpose, passion, security and singular vision! This is gold, and it's all for free as you press into the glorious love of the Father! His Hesed love is for us and will carry us to deeper love!

Every dynasty insists on its permanence. Every people clings to the hollow echo of its own voice. Every generation invents its own despair and dares to call it light. Yet Scripture unmasks the fragility of these human building projects.The voices of despair rise in the camp, soothing themselves with stories of morality, while kings and judges build false legacies and nations carve idols in the light of their own eyes. Again and again, the words of God cut across this chorus, splitting the false consolation of narrative with the constellation of Abrahamic function: exposing human futility with divine riddle, and announcing what no human voice can summon: the surplus of grace and light. Or perhaps, when hope is gone and the fall seems final, it descends for you not as light but as despair.Can you even tell the difference? Are you still confused about the Shepherd's identity? Yes, you are. Because you are a Westerner. And now even the East has turned West. All of you are talking about yourselves.Catch up quickly, ḥabībī. God is written. God does not forget. God does not turn. And God, as the Apostle said, is not mocked.This week, I discuss Luke 8:41.Ἰάϊρος (Iairos) ‎/י־א־ר (yod-alef-resh, “light”)‎י־א־ש (yod-alef-shin, “despair”) /‎ي־ء־س (yāʾ-hamza-sīn)The functions י־א־ר (yod-alef-resh, “shine”, “light”) and י־א־ש (yod-alef-shin, “despair”) share the same first two letters (י + א). Only the last letter is different: resh (ר) for shine, shin (ש) for despair. In Semitic languages, this kind of overlap often forms a word-family or cluster where similar-looking roots embody opposite meanings. The placement and structure leave the door open to hear and see them as two edges of the same blade—one edge to shine, the other to despair. The Arabic cognate يَئِسَ (yaʾisa, “to despair”) expands this constellation of function, confirming the polarity as it treads across the breadth of Semitic tradition. (HALOT, pp. 381-382)The Double-Edged Sword of Semitic Function: Despair and Light1. The Voice of the People: DespairLuke 8:49 “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any longer.”The crowd speaks. The household voices despair.This is not faith, not trust, not light, not life. It is the voice of the human being declaring finality. It is the voice of war in the camp, of the cruelty of throwing children away.The Hebrew/Arabic root י־א־ש / ي-ء-س (to despair) captures this perfectly. Across Semitic tradition, despair is the word of man: resignation, futility, darkness.“None despairs تَيْأَسُوا (tayʾasu) of the mercy of God except the disbelieving people.” (Qurʾan, Surah Yūsuf سورة يوسف “Joseph” 12:87)Again, despair is attributed to the people.Human communities, when confronted with death, loss, or trial, give voice to hopelessness.2. The Voice of God: Light and HopeLuke 8:50 “Do not fear; only trust, and she will be saved.”This is not the voice of the people. It is the word of the Lord, cutting through human despair.The name Jairus (יָאִיר, yaʾir “he will shine”) itself belongs not to human commentary but to God's proclamation. The child will live; light will shine.“Until, when the messengers despaired ٱسْتَيْـَٔسَ (istaʾyasa) and thought that they were denied, our help came to them, and whoever we willed was saved. But our might cannot be repelled from the guilty people.” (Qurʾan, Surah Yūsuf سورة يوسف “Joseph” 12:110)The human limit is despair. God's instruction interrupts where human beings fail. His mercy and help arrive at the point where human voices collapse.In both the Gospel and the Qur'an, the sword of Pauline Grace hangs above the scene. On one edge is the people's despair: sharp, cutting, self-inflicted, and final. On the other edge is God's light: sharper still, decisive, and life-giving. Scripture allows no compromise between the two. One voice must be silenced: the word of the people falls, and the word of God stands, forever.‎πίπτω (pipto) / נ־פ־ל (nun-fe-lamed) / ن־ف־ل (nūn-fāʾ-lām)The root carries the function “to fall, fall down, be slain, collapse, fail; to fall in battle, collapse in death, or prostrate,” and in its semantics it denotes a sense of finality, the collapse of life or order.According to Lane's Lexicon, the root ن-ف-ل (nūn–fāʾ–lām) indicates “he gave without obligation, akin to Pauline grace as a free gift” (نَفَلَ nafala), “that which falls to a man's lot without his seeking it” (نَفْل nafl), or “booty, spoil, bounty” (أَنْفَال anfāl), while Tāj al-ʿArūs describes it as “that which falls (يَقَعُ yaqaʿu) to someone's portion.” This resonates with Paul's use of χάρις (charis, grace), where salvation is not earned but freely given: “For by grace [χάριτί (chariti)] you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Likewise, Paul stresses that justification comes “being justified as a gift [δωρεάν (dorean)] by his grace [τῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι (te autou chariti)] through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).“She has fallen [נָפְלָה (nafelah)], she will not rise again, the virgin Israel. She lies neglected on her land; There is no one to raise her up.” (Amos 5:2)“They fell [ἔπεσαν (epesan)] on their faces before the throne.” (Revelation 7:11)In the Qur'an, Paul's teaching is carried forward from Luke, and the function of the fall is inverted: human failure becomes a gift, a “surplus”, not the false surplus of the billionaire abundance mafia, but what God allots beyond human expectation. Where Hebrew נ־פ־ל (nun-fe-lamed) and Greek πίπτω (pipto) establish the fall as collapse, ruin, and death, Arabic ن-ف-ل (nūn-fāʾ-lām) reshapes the same constellation into grace: what falls to one's portion without effort, the unearned bounty. Thus, the Jairus mashal, where the daughter falls into death yet rises as a surplus of life, finds its perpetuation in the term's Qur'anic itinerary: the fall itself becomes the site of God's grace.Luke 8:49-50: “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” But He answered, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be saved.”Romans 3:24: “Being made righteous as a gift [δωρεάν (dorean)] by his grace [χάριτι (chariti)] through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”Qurʾan, Surat al-Anfāl سورة الأنفال “The Spoils of War” 8:1: “They ask you about the spoils [ٱلۡأَنفَالِ (al-anfāl)]. Say, ‘The spoils belong to God and the Apostle.'”Judges were intended to function as earthen vessels: temporary saviors raised up by God to deliver Israel, re-establish order under the Torah, and cultivate dependence on him and him alone. Instead, like all dynastic bureaucrats, they mistook the spoils of God's victory as their own possession, converting deliverance into personal legacy. Jair's brief rule in Judges...

The Law of Death vs The Word of Life ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | August 31, 2025 Esther Series, Part 8: Esther 8 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY What happens when victory feels incomplete and the threat still remains? Through Esther chapter 8, Michael Shockley explores how God's salvation works when evil laws can't simply be erased. Starting with a creative poetic recap of chapters 1-7, discover why Haman's death didn't solve everything - his genocidal decree was still legally binding in the Persian Empire. Watch as Mordecai rises from death row to Prime Minister, and learn how the king's solution - a counter-decree allowing Jews to defend themselves - points to a much greater story. From irrevocable Persian laws to God's perfect justice, explore how the Law of Death (God's righteous standards we can't meet) is overcome by the Word of Life (Jesus taking our place). Through humor, biblical insight, and practical application, understand the difference between justice, mercy, and grace, and why authentic faith matters more than religious identity. Core Message: The Law of Death is real, but The Word of Life is greater. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED Creative Story Recap - Poetic summary of Esther chapters 1-7 in rhyming verses - Queen Vashti's refusal and removal from the throne - Esther's rise through the beauty contest and divine positioning - Haman's genocidal plot and Mordecai's refusal to bow - The fasting, banquets, sleepless night, and ultimate justice - Setting up chapter 8 as the resolution to lingering problems The Incomplete Victory - Why Haman's death didn't solve everything immediately - The genocidal decree still legally binding throughout the empire - Esther's continued pleading with tears for her people's safety - The irreversible nature of Persian law - no decree could be repealed - How apparent victories can still leave underlying threats Mordecai's Incredible Reversal - From death row to Prime Minister in a single day - Receiving Haman's signet ring and estate as rewards - The waterboy-to-coach comparison for this promotion - Being dressed in royal robes and crowned by the king - The people of Shushan rejoicing over righteous leadership The Counter-Decree Strategy - King Ahasuerus explaining the legal limitations of Persian law - The solution: writing a new law to oppose the first one - Empowering Jews to band together and defend themselves - Allowing them to do to attackers what was planned against them - The king's revenge plot vs. God's heart for breaking cycles The Spreading Good News - Mordecai's first act: sending couriers to all 127 provinces - The message traveling from India to Ethiopia across the empire - Jewish families celebrating and coming together in unity - The birth of what would become the ongoing holiday of Purim - How good news transforms fear into celebration The Phenomenon of Conversion - Many people throughout the empire "becoming Jews" - Genuine spiritual conversion vs. political convenience - How demonstrated divine power attracts people to God's team - The advantage of being identified with those who have God's favor - Modern parallels of cultural Christianity without authentic faith The Danger of Identity-Only Faith - People claiming Christianity for social or political advantage - The difference between Christian identity and Christian reality - Family pressure vs. personal conviction in spiritual decisions - The importance of authentic, personal spiritual journeys - Warning against going through religious motions without heart change The Gospel Parallel - How Esther's story reflects the greater story of salvation - All people under condemnation from God's righteous law - The impossibility of meeting God's standard of perfect obedience - God's law revealing unrighteousness rather than righteousness - The need for a solution that upholds justice while providing mercy The Higher Law of Grace - God's inability to simply revoke or lower His standards - Jesus as the "counter-decree" who fulfills rather than cancels the law - The Cross as God's answer to the problem of justice and mercy - Christ taking the place of the unjust while upholding righteousness - Romans 8:1: "No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "The Law of Death is real, but The Word of Life is greater." "It's not coincidence, it's providence." "If somebody predicts His Death and Resurrection and pulls it off exactly how He Said, I want to be with that Guy!" "We are super excited to help you on your journey to Jesus and with Jesus, but it has got to be YOUR journey." "God's Law does not reveal us to be righteous, but unrighteous. All of us." "God issued a second Decree. This one is GRACE through Jesus." "Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we do not deserve." "Justice writes the speeding ticket. Mercy tears it up. Grace fills your tank and sends you on your way." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 8:1-6 - Key Supporting Verse: "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1) - Old Testament Law Context: "There is none righteous, no not one" (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:10) - Theme: Divine solution to irrevocable condemnation through a higher law - Historical Context: Persian legal system and the irreversible nature of royal decrees - Gospel Connection: How the Cross fulfills rather than cancels God's justice ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're Dealing with Lingering Consequences: - Remember that God's solutions often work differently than human fixes - Trust that apparent victories may still require ongoing faith and action - Know that God can turn death sentences into promotion opportunities - Understand that His deliverance often empowers us rather than removing all challenges If You're Questioning Your Faith's Authenticity: - Examine whether your Christianity is identity-based or heart-based - Make sure your spiritual journey is genuinely yours, not just family expectation - Seek God personally rather than going through religious motions - Remember that authentic faith matters more than religious performance If You Feel Condemned by God's Standards: - Recognize that God's law reveals our need rather than our righteousness - Understand that perfection, not comparison to others, is God's standard - Know that the law's purpose is to point us to our need for a Savior - Trust that Jesus fulfilled the requirements we could never meet If You're Struggling with Justice and Mercy: - Justice: getting what we deserve (condemnation for sin) - Mercy: not getting what we deserve (being spared from hell)   - Grace: getting what we don't deserve (adoption, eternal life, joy in Christ) - See how all three work together perfectly at the Cross If You Haven't Put Your Faith in Jesus: - Consider what you're waiting for when the solution is available - Remember that salvation comes by grace through faith, not performance - Know that you don't have to understand every detail to experience transformation - Trust that the same God who orchestrated Esther's deliverance offers yours ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you feel like you're under an irrevocable sentence - condemned by past mistakes, current struggles, or the weight of not measuring up to God's perfect standards. Maybe you've tried to be good enough but realize you fall short of perfection. Maybe you've been going through the motions of faith without the heart reality. This much is true: the Law of Death is real - we all fall short of God's righteousness and deserve condemnation. But the Word of Life is greater. Jesus didn't come to lower God's standards or pretend our sin doesn't matter. He came to fulfill those standards perfectly and take our condemnation upon Himself. At the Cross, justice fell on Jesus who took our place. Through faith in Him, we receive mercy (escape from condemnation) and grace (adoption into God's family). The counter-decree has been written in His blood. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Is your faith identity-only or heart-reality? Have you trusted in Jesus' counter-decree of grace, or are you still trying to escape condemnation through your own efforts? The Law of Death is real, but The Word of Life is greater - and that Word is available to you today.

When we feel downhearted and utterly defeated—remember, God isn't bestowing that feeling! Satan lays guilt on us, but God says “There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Look up from your earthly struggles! Don't define yourself by what you see—define yourself by Whose you are. There's nothing that the devil can hold against you that beats the power of Jesus.

What Do I Do If I Have Committed Sexual Sin?Anchored in the Word with Dave JenkinsIn this episode, Dave Jenkins addresses what the Bible says about sexual sin, the call to repentance, the assurance of God's forgiveness, and practical steps to walk in holiness. A biblically grounded message of hope and restoration for anyone struggling with this issue.For biblical guidance on repentance, see Repentance.You can also explore more episodes from Anchored in the Word.Listen to the AudioWatch the VideoUnderstanding Sexual Sin in the BibleFirst, we need to recognize that sexual sin is a serious issue in Scripture. From the very beginning of God's creation, sexuality has been designed to be a gift, meant to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. The Bible is clear that anything outside of this—whether it's adultery, fornication, pornography, or lust—is sin.1 Corinthians 6:18-20 — "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians is clear: sexual sin is different because it involves our own bodies. When we sin sexually, we are sinning against the very body that is meant to glorify God. We're also reminded in this passage that our bodies belong to God. The idea of ‘my body, my choice' is utterly contradicted by the truth that we have been bought with a price—the precious blood of Jesus Christ.The Call to RepentanceSo, what do you do if you've committed sexual sin? The first and most important step is repentance. Repentance is not just feeling bad about what you've done, but turning away from sin and turning back to God.1 John 1:9 — "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."God is faithful and just to forgive when we come to Him with a repentant heart. The first step in restoration is to acknowledge your sin before God. There is no sin too great that it cannot be forgiven by the blood of Christ. When you confess your sin, you are agreeing with God about what you've done and expressing your desire to turn away from it.Repentance also involves a change of heart—a desire to forsake sin and pursue holiness. True repentance is not just about asking for forgiveness but about actively seeking to turn from the sin and live in obedience to God. In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus warns that if something causes us to stumble, we should take radical steps to remove it from our lives.Matthew 5:29-30 — "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away."This is a strong and radical teaching from Jesus. He's calling us to take drastic measures in removing the sin that entangles us. If your sin is tied to something in your life, whether it's a relationship, a habit, or even access to certain media, you need to be willing to make changes. Repentance means doing whatever it takes to flee from temptation and sin.The Assurance of Forgiveness and God's GraceNow, after we've repented, it's crucial to know that forgiveness is certain. If you've truly confessed and turned from your sin, God promises to forgive you.Psalm 103:12 — "As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."God's forgiveness is complete. When He forgives us, He removes our sins completely, never to be held against us again. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). So, if you've repented, you can rest in the assurance that God has forgiven you. Don't allow the enemy to bring condemnation into your heart.

Shame. Guilt. Condemnation.In this powerful message, we dive deep into the freedom Christ purchased for us on the cross. You'll learn what it means to be truly set free from the law of sin and death—and how to cut off toxic guilt that keeps you bound spiritually, emotionally, and physically.Scripture reminds us: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).When Jesus took on our sin, He declared the final verdict: NOT GUILTY!

Sunday, May 18, 2025

This weekend we continue in our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus in the Season of Easter. One of the hymns we will be singing this weekend is a German hymn from the 1700's written by Christian Gellert.  This hymn weaves in many New Testament Bible passages and does a beautiful job of showing us what the resurrection of Jesus actually means for us. Each verse begins with the emphatic declaration: "Jesus Lives!" and ends with the statement: "This shall be my confidence!" What does the resurrection of Jesus mean? "Death no longer can appal [horrify] me" (verse 1). Because Jesus lives, we will live also. It means "I shall go where He is gone" (v.2). Jesus has finished His work and ascended into heaven. And He will return and bring us there as well. It also means "For me He died" (verse 3) so I will live for Jesus, just as the Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:15: “and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." It means "God will be a sure Defense" (verse 4), and "neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:39). Finally, it means "Now is death but the gate of life immortal" (verse 5). Jesus has defeated death and now it is simply the door which leads us to the presence of our Savior in eternity. Yes, "Jesus lives! This shall be my confidence!" The resurrection of Jesus is not myth. It is not just some historical event. It has significant meaning for us today, and for eternity.    Join us as celebrate the rich meaning of Christ's resurrection from the dead and as join our hearts and lips to give Him praise and glory for that victory over death! 

Micah Klutinoty in Week 1 of the Set Free series

“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” . . . “I am making everything new!” — Revelation 21:4-5 Jesus has removed the barrier to reconciliation with God, so we can enjoy fellowship with God and abundant life in his kingdom even now. And yet there's much more to come! When a believer in Christ dies, we grieve their loss. But we know they are in the Lord's presence in a greater way than we experience now. So while death brings sadness, it has become, through Christ, a bridge into God's presence. And there's still more! When Jesus comes again, all believers—those who have died and those who are still alive—will be transformed physically and spiritually, with glorious, imperishable bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-55). God will bring his “New Jerusalem” to a renewed earth, where he will live with his people forever. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, because the Lord will make everything new. What about Judgment Day? Yes, it's coming (Revelation 20:11-15), but “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). So it's crucially important that we surrender ourselves to Christ and accept his free gift of salvation. Then we can serve him with our whole lives, urging everyone to turn to God in repentance and faith so that they too may have eternal life. In the Lord we can live in hope and anticipation and without fear. Lord Jesus, transform us so that we may live fully for you, sharing your love and good news everywhere. Amen.

February 23 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 03 / 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 ”being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:“ Romans 3:24 KJV ”Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.“ Romans 3:24 NLT ”[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,“ Romans 3:24 AMPC ”There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.“ Romans 8:1 KJV ”So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.“ Romans 8:1 NLT ”THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. [John 3:18.]“ Romans 8:1 AMPC ”For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.“ Romans 8:2 KJV ”And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freedoms you from the power of sin that leads to death.“ Romans 8:2 NLT ”For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.“ Romans 8:2 AMPC ”so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.“ Romans 12:5 KJV ”so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.“ Romans 12:5 NLTv ”So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].“ Romans 12:5 AMPC ”unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV ”I am writing to God's church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 NLT ”To the church (assembly) of God which is in Corinth, to those consecrated and purified and made holy in Christ Jesus, [who are] selected and called to be saints (God's people), together with all those who in any place call upon and give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 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

A verse by verse study through the book of Romans with Pastor Kevin Edwards of Calvary Chapel Clayton, NC. https://www.calvaryclayton.com

There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Thank you, Jesus!

Presented by Lisa Bishop Are you self-righteous? What an opening question, isn't it? I would venture to say there are times in our lives when we have been self-righteous, and self-righteous behavior can jeopardize relationships and destroy community. As followers of Jesus, you and I are called to be a community that loves one another. But how do we do that well? We're looking at what the Bible says about our dispositions, mindsets, and attitudes and how we are to behave in a way that fosters unity. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24). All have sinned and fallen short. That includes you and me. This biblical truth should keep us humble. But when we focus on the shortcomings of others and forget to look in the mirror, self-righteousness can rear its ugly head and wreak havoc on community. Self-righteousness often sneaks into our lives when we start comparing ourselves and our actions to others instead of measuring ourselves against God's perfect standard. We can fall into the self-righteousness trap when we are critical and judgmental of others and become overly confident in ourselves and our own moral superiority. We might think, “I'm more faithful than that person,” or “At least I don't act that way or struggle with that sin.” Jesus gave us a powerful warning about self-righteousness in Luke 18, when he told this parable. Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 18:10-14). The irony of self-righteousness is it not only blinds us to our sin, but it also prevents us from loving others as Jesus commands. When you and I remember that we fall short of God's perfect standard, we will be less inclined to point the finger when people around us do too. How might you be acting in hyper-critical, superior, or fault-finding ways toward others? Rather than being self-righteous, let's remember we all fall short and live in light of the righteousness that is ours because of our faith in Christ. When we live this way, we display unity and draw others to Jesus.

The same portion of sacred Scripture that says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23–24) and “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1), also says, “we will all stand before the judgment seat of God … each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10, 12). In the context of denouncing the judgment of one another in matters of conscience and of extolling Christ as the one Lord of life and liberty, Paul now points to the reality that the justified will stand before the Judge. How shall the justified think of appearing before the judgment seat of God and giving an account of himself? This sermon seeks to explain this non-trivial doctrine, a teaching that is thoroughly Christ-centered.

Send us a textMay God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus - Romans 15:5 NLT.  What the Body of Christ is doing... Does it honor Jesus?  If it doesn't, then why are we doing it?  Let's hear from you via email at Rlwmsmedia@gmail.com or visit our website at www.hisredeeminglove.com3 Ways to Support the Ministry:- GIVE ONLINE AT HISREDEEMINGLOVE.COM- GIVE VIA THE RLWM APP AT 'CHURCH BY MINISTRY ONE' IN THE     GOOGLE/APPLE STORE- TEXT ‘GIVE' TO (336) 360-0443

A verse by verse study through the book of Romans with Pastor Kevin Edwards of Calvary Chapel Clayton, NC. https://www.calvaryclayton.com

“The Lord make his face shine on you. . . .” — Numbers 6:25 I always marvel at this passage. The Israelites were not a shining example of faithfulness while they wandered in the desert. They grumbled and complained, threatened to go back to Egypt, and even made idols to worship in place of God (Exodus 16-17; 32-33). Yet God instructed Aaron—whose hands had made those idols—to bless the Israelites. Even more, God said that this would “put [his] name on the Israelites”—in other words, God wanted to be so closely identified with the Israelites that they would be part of his family! Notice too that the middle of this blessing asks God to “make his face shine” on his people. It's fitting to compare this image to a parent beaming with pride over their child or to a spouse absolutely glowing with joy at the sight of their partner. This blessing is beyond what Israel could have hoped for: having God turn toward them with overflowing delight at being associated with them! Many centuries later, God became even more associated with us in his Son, Jesus Christ. Even more than we could have hoped, God became one with us in life and in death. Through Jesus, we experience God's face shining on us with delight. And as Paul later wrote, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). We marvel at your decision to associate with us, O God! How great is your love that you delight in us and have chosen to become one with us in Christ! Amen.

October 31, 2024Today's Reading: John 8:31-36Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Matthew 20:17-34The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:35-36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Today, we give thanks to God for the Lutheran Reformation, for like an angel flying in midheaven (Revelation 14:6), God used Luther and the Lutheran Reformation to restore the promise of His gospel to a fallen and broken world.Fallen and broken, everyone is a slave to sin. Jesus says so. “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” If you have committed sin today, and you certainly have, then you are a slave to sin. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (I John 1:8). Truth is, you and I will be slaves to sin all the way to the final breath we take in this life.But, as also taught by Luther and the Lutheran Reformation, it is also every bit as true you and I are free now. Jesus says so. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Not kind of free. “Free indeed.” “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Truth is, all the way to the final breath we take in this life, you and I are no longer owned or defined by our sins anymore. Jesus has set us free from that.“But I still sin!” Yes, you do. But Jesus still remains in the house forever, so forever, you still remain free. That is the promise of Jesus' death for you on the cross. It's the freedom God washes you with in your Baptism every day, speaks to you in His Word every day, and delivers to you at the Altar with Jesus' Body and Blood.Your sins do not own you. Your sins do not define you. Your sins will never tell God who or whose you are. You are His now. And you are declared by God Himself to be free, eternally holy, and righteous in His judgment. Abide in His Word, freed one! From cover to cover, Jesus is the truth that sets you free. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Rev. Bradley Drew, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Metairie, LA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House. 

Morning Meditation for Men: Show Notes Episode Title: "Give Yourself Permission to Start Again" Episode Number: S6-E7 Date: June 27, 2024 Host: Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts Episode Summary: In today's episode, Pastor S. Geoffrey Mont discusses the importance of giving yourself permission to start again, regardless of past failures or setbacks. He shares a personal story about his struggles with weight loss and how he overcame the shame associated with it. Drawing from his own experiences and scriptural references, Pastor Monts encourages listeners to embrace the journey of starting anew with the support of the Holy Spirit. Key Takeaways: Transparency and Honesty: It's important to be transparent about your struggles and to confront them honestly. Overcoming Shame: Shame should not hold you back. Romans 10:11 reminds us that "everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame." The Battle Within: Recognize the internal struggle between good intentions and sinful desires (Romans 7:21-25). No Condemnation: There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Allow yourself to start over without feeling condemned. Holy Spirit's Guidance: The Holy Spirit, or Parakletos, is our guide and helper in overcoming personal challenges and achieving success. Biblical Scriptures Referenced: Romans 10:11 Romans 7:21-25 Romans 8:1 2 Corinthians 7:10 (Message Bible) Summarized Thought for the Episode: "Give yourself permission to start again, knowing that in Christ, there is no condemnation. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can overcome shame and past failures to achieve new beginnings." Event: 2024 Marriage After the Wedding Retreat Date: November 8-11, 2024 Location: Orlando, Florida Details: Are you and your spouse looking to deepen your connection and strengthen your relationship? Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Marriage After the Wedding Retreat. This event is designed for couples to build lasting bonds, grow in faith, and invest in their marriage. Enjoy heartfelt fellowship, inspiring discussions, and a focus on God's word. Contact Information: Phone: 804-938-1919 Email: coretta.monts@gmail.com Note: Spaces are limited and filling up fast. Secure your spot today to ensure you don't miss out on this enriching experience. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovelaughlegacy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovelaughlegacy/support

Mr. Roy Kim fills our pulpit as Pastor Paul Lindemulder enjoys a week off.

This powerful message reveals the profound truth of our identity in Christ. Drawing from Romans 6, Duane highlights that through Jesus' death on the cross, our old sinful nature in Adam has been crucified, and we are now dead to sin. Just as Christ was resurrected, we have been raised to walk in newness of life, freed from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:4-7).We are no longer slaves to sin because the one who has died has been freed from sin (Romans 6:7). Our old self has been put to death, and we have been made alive in Christ, becoming a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are now the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), and our lives are hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3).The message encourages believers to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). We are urged to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-2). Duane encourages us that our identity is no longer defined by our past sins or struggles but by our union with Christ, in whom we are righteous and truly holy.

This powerful message reveals the profound truth of our identity in Christ. Drawing from Romans 6, Duane highlights that through Jesus' death on the cross, our old sinful nature in Adam has been crucified, and we are now dead to sin. Just as Christ was resurrected, we have been raised to walk in newness of life, freed from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:4-7).We are no longer slaves to sin because the one who has died has been freed from sin (Romans 6:7). Our old self has been put to death, and we have been made alive in Christ, becoming a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are now the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), and our lives are hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3).The message encourages believers to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). We are urged to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-2). Duane encourages us that our identity is no longer defined by our past sins or struggles but by our union with Christ, in whom we are righteous and truly holy.

Adolf Hitler believed big lies were more powerful than small ones, and tragically, he tested his theory successfully. Early in his political career, he claimed he was content to support others’ aspirations. When he came to power, he said his party didn’t intend to persecute anyone. Later, he used the media to portray himself as a father figure and moral leader. Satan uses lies to gain power in our lives. Whenever possible, he provokes fear, anger, and despair because he’s “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Satan can’t tell the truth because, as Jesus said, he doesn’t have any truth inside of him. Here are a few of the enemy’s lies. First, our prayers don’t matter. They do. The Bible says “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Second, when we’re in trouble, the enemy whispers that there’s no way out. But we know that anything is possible with God and we can “overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Third, the devil tells us that God doesn’t love us. That’s wrong. Nothing can separate us from God’s love through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). God’s truth is more powerful than lies. With His help, we can reject what’s false and find strength in the truth.

May 05 2024 Sunday Week 01 / Your Place In Him / 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… The Biggest Desire In The World Today Is The Desire For Freedom ”being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:“ Romans 3:24 KJV ”Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.“ Romans 3:24 NLT ”[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, Romans 3:24 AMPC ”There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.“ Romans 8:1 KJV ”So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.“ Romans 8:1 NLT ”THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. [John 3:18.]“ Romans 8:1 AMPC ”For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.“ Romans 8:2 KJV ”And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.“ Romans 8:2 NLT ”For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.“ Romans 8:2 AMPC ”so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.“ Romans 12:5 KJV ”so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.“ Romans 12:5 NLT ”So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].“ Romans 12:5 AMPC ”unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV ”I am writing to God's church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 NLT ”To the church (assembly) of God which is in Corinth, to those consecrated and purified and made holy in Christ Jesus, [who are] selected and called to be saints (God's people), together with all those who in any place call upon and give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 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

Romans 8 is one of the most beloved and theologically rich chapters in the entire Bible, offering profound insights into the Christian life, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of God's love and salvation in Christ Jesus. It forms a critical part of Paul's letter to the Romans, where he outlines the principles of the gospel and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles. Here's a breakdown of some of the key themes and passages from Romans 8: ### 1. No Condemnation in Christ Jesus - **Romans 8:1**: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This verse opens the chapter with a powerful declaration of the believer's freedom from condemnation due to sin, thanks to their union with Christ. ### 2. The Law of the Spirit of Life - **Romans 8:2**: "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." Paul contrasts the life-giving spirit of Christ with the death-dealing sin and the Law, emphasizing the believer's liberation through the Spirit. ### 3. Life in the Spirit - **Verses 3-17**: This section elaborates on the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to live according to God's will, contrasting the flesh's weakness with the Spirit's power. It includes the famous verses about the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God (verses 16-17). ### 4. Suffering and Future Glory - **Verses 18-25**: Paul discusses the present sufferings of believers in the context of the future glory that will be revealed to them. He talks about the whole creation groaning and waiting eagerly for the redemption of God's children. ### 5. The Work of the Spirit in Prayer - **Verses 26-27**: The Spirit helps believers in their weakness, especially in prayer, interceding for them according to the will of God. ### 6. God's Sovereign Purpose - **Verses 28-30**: Contains the famous verse, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This passage speaks to God's sovereign plan, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification of believers. ### 7. More Than Conquerors - **Verses 31-39**: Concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's love, asserting that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ. It speaks to God's unchanging purpose and the assurance of victory over all forms of adversity and opposition. Romans 8 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian theology, especially regarding the Holy Spirit's role, salvation, and the assurance and hope believers have in Christ. It encourages Christians to live by the Spirit, reassures them of their place as God's children, and comforts them with the promise of future glory despite present sufferings.

Many evangelicals are taught to share the gospel according to “The Romans Road,” which charts a path through the book to explain the path to salvation. But English theologian and prolific author N.T. Wright says that while anything that highlights how God's love reaches out to humanity is good news, the book of Romans itself paints a far more beautiful picture of salvation than The Romans Road can encapsulate. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Wright and Moore discuss Wright's new book on Romans 8, Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul's Greatest Letter. Their conversation includes the storyline of Scripture, what it means that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8), and what keeps people from realizing that God is love. They talk about atonement theories, fear of judgment, and embracing the fact that Christians do not need to fear, for God is with them (Psalm 23). Moore and Wright consider the meaning of covenant faithfulness, covenant justice, and the groaning of creation. They discuss the ecological impact of eschatology, how Romans can be a comfort to the hurting, and the meaning of the term “predestination.” Their conversation covers prayer, women in ministry, and how Wright knows for sure that Christianity is true. Tune in for an episode that is both theologically rich and characterized by humility, kindness, and joy. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul's Greatest Letter by N.T. Wright In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty Endpoint and Other Poems by John Updike Romans Disarmed: Resisting Empire, Demanding Justice by Sylvia C. Keesmaat and Brian J. Walsh Conformed to the Image of His Son: Reconsidering Paul's Theology of Glory in Romans by Haley Goranson Jacob After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters by N.T. Wright The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis   Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper  Host: Russell Moore  Producer: Ashley Hales  Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens  Audio engineering by Dan Phelps  Video producer: Abby Egan  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So at the start this morning I'm going to ask you a question and I want you to take a few seconds and really think about it. Use your imagination and try to picture this. Here's the question: What is the “good life”?I want to propose to you that whether you've thought about it in detail or not, you have a vision of the good life and it is the most dominant and consistent force for why you do what you do.The “good life” for each of us is how we envision the ideal picture of human flourishing. It's what we think when we imagine life lived well. The good life is an image, a picture, that's held out in front of us as a goal, and believe it or not, everything we love and every action we take is directed toward achieving that goal, because there is where we can be happy. The good life is what we spend our entire lives pursuing.And Psalm 73 is actually all about that pursuit, and I think there are some lessons here for us.I think the pursuit of the good life in Psalm 73 teaches us something for our own pursuit, and what I'd like to do this morning is show you three major lessons here that are absolutely necessary. If the pursuit of the good life is like a journey, these are three lessons/milestones that must be part of that journey — and I mean this: we will never experience the good life without these three things.You can decide later if you agree with that but I'm preaching under that conviction, and I need God's help. So let's pray again and get started:Father in heaven, please do now what only you can. Work in our hearts by the power of your Holy Spirit to make them open and receptive to you. Break the enchantment of our idols. Silence the distractions of our anxieties. Defeat the schemes of our enemy. We are a people in need of change, and in this moment, by your grace, we surrender to your will. We pray: do whatever you want, for your glory. In Jesus's name, amen. So, here we go: in Psalm 73, in pursuit of the good life, we learn we must …1) Recognize our broken perspective (verses 1–15).Look at verse 1. Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,my steps had nearly slipped. Remember “The prayers of David are ended,” we saw that last week. This is “A Psalm of Asaph” — and nobody really cares who he is. We can read about Asaph in Kings and Chronicles; he was a Levite, a worship leader, and there are 12 psalms connected to him — but nobody names their kid “Asaph.” By all accounts Asaph is a stand-in for the average Israelite. I'm just gonna call him “the psalmist.” He's meant to be the everyman — and a lot of us can get where he's coming from here, because here's his situation: he knows the truth about God but he doesn't think it applies to him. He says “God is good.” He knows that. God is good to Israel. God is good to the pure in heart. All that is true. But it's not for him, verse 2. He sees himself as an unfortunate exception. He's an outlier. He's able to think and say right things about God — he goes to church — but he feels like he's on the outside looking in … and sometimes we can feel that way. Sometimes it can feel like everybody else is okay but me. Because we're too complicated. We're always kind of on the brink of losing it. Almost stumbled. Nearly slipped. We understand what he's saying in verse 2. But he explains in verse 3 that the reason for his struggle was because he was “envious of the arrogant.” He saw the prosperity of the wicked and he wished he had what they did. And although he's speaking in past tense about a way he used to be, after verse 3 it's like he gets swept back up in that whirlwind of complaint. He goes on to describe the wicked in verses 4–12, and what he says is not necessarily untrue, but it is embellished. He's emotional here. This is what it feels like.He says the wicked have no pangs until death. Really? They have no trouble at all?Their car never breaks down. Their kids never get hurt. Their team never loses. Their grass is always green and lush and awesome. They don't have any of the problems we normal folks do, and they're wicked. Everything goes right for them, and they hurt people! And worst of all is that they shake their fist at God! They strut around like God does not exist. Verse 12 concludes: “Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.” Things just get better and better for the wicked, but things get worse and worse for the righteous — and the psalmist says it's not fair. At His LowestAnd in verse 13 we can track with the spiral that's happening here. The psalmist says he has lived righteously — he's kept his heart clean, he's washed his hands, he's done what God wanted — but he says, it's been all in vain. And this is, I think, his lowest moment. We hear his despair. He says it's all pointless. The wicked flourish and the righteous suffer and everything is stupid. This is rock-bottom, but in verse 15 he comes to, and he speaks again as if he's looking back at the past, and he says: “If I had said, ‘I will speak thus,' I would have betrayed the generation of your children.” In other words, in verse 15 the psalmist has found enough footing to look back at his time of struggle, realize he was off, and he's glad he didn't express it to everybody. In verse 15 he's saying: If I had tweeted the stuff that went through my mind in the midst of my struggle I would have messed up a lot of people.He was on the edge of deconstructing and he says: it's a good thing he didn't start a blog about it. Because he would have led others astray. Which means this: he now is admitting that he was not thinking straight. He recognizes that he had a broken perspective.And this is absolutely necessary in our pursuit of the good life. It's part of honest self-understanding. Sometimes we get it wrong. Sometimes our frame of reality is skewed. Second Best PlaceAnd get this: if the best place is to not be there — if the best place is to not have a broken perspective, then the second best place is to have a broken perspective and know it. The worst place is to have a broken perspective and be oblivious to it. The worst place is to say in verse 13 that everything is pointless and to not know you're wrong. So in verse 15 the psalmist is at the second best place, and here's the thing: when it comes to our growth in self-understanding — when it comes to learning more about how we're shaped to see reality and how we engage relationships — the more we get honest about ourselves, we cannot be afraid of second best place. Because when we're honest about ourselves, we're going to find areas of brokenness in our stories at a pace that change cannot match. We have to be okay with that. We have to be okay that “he's still working on me.” We still have room to grow and it won't happen overnight. There are times when our perspective is broken, and in pursuit of the good life, the first thing we need to do is to recognize that.Here's the second lesson: in pursuit of the good life, we must:2) Remember that God is real (verses 16–24).Verse 16, “But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task.” Recognizing your broken perspective is a lot to take in. And the hardest part is knowing that you're not completely off — you're wrong about some things but not everything. The wicked do prosper and the righteous do suffer — that's an observation, and it's one that God's people have been able to make over centuries, and we could come up with examples today. But if we were to be more precise we'd say: some of the wicked prosper for now, and some of the righteous suffer for now, and there is more to the story. And to say that there's more to the story is to say there is another perspective, and that perspective, the one we need, is God's perspective. And that's what happens in verse 17. This whole thing is a mess. It's overwhelming and confusing and frustrating, and the psalmist is tired of it, verse 17, until I went to the sanctuary of God …The sanctuary of God is the place of God's presence. In the Old Testament, remember God was the Holy One of Israel who dwelled in their midst, in the heart of the temple, in his sanctuary, and to be in God's sanctuary was to be close to God. So the psalmist, who is a guy like us, when he went close to God that's when he remembered that God is real. If distance leads to distortion, closeness leads to clarity. To be close to God, to remember God's realness, then, moves us beyond shallow acknowledgement and empty words, but this is where we begin to see everything in light of him. Everything in reality, our every way of thinking and seeing and moving, everything now has God always at the center. When we remember that God is real, we remember that he sees it all and we want to know: What does he think? What has he said?Look: I don't want to ever think about a single thing until I remember that God is real. Which is why, for me, the first thing I do in the morning is hurry to his Word. I don't need to know the headlines. I don't need to check my calendar. I don't need to peek at my email. I wake up everyday as a broken man prone to broken perspective and I need to hear from God. I need to remember that God is real — so I wanna get in on his praise and open my heart to his will and draw near to his presence and walk in the joy of his salvation.And when we're close to him, when we remember him, that's when we see rightly to repent sincerely and repent sincerely to see rightly. That's what's going on in verses 18–21. Getting Honest with GodWhen the psalmist remembered God is when he discerned the end of the wicked. He got the fuller story. Truly God will judge the wicked — he won't let them stand, he'll make them fall to ruin, he'll destroy them and sweep them away, and then their present prosperity will seem like a faint dream. Look at verse 21. This is where he looks back on his broken perspective, and he repents. He's been honest with himself and now he gets honest with God. Verse 21: “When my soul was embitteredwhen I was pricked in heart,22 I was brutish and ignorant;I was like a beast toward you…” Y'all ever been honest with God like that? God, I was an idiot. God, I was wrong, and I was stubborn about it. My heart was so closed off to you that I was like a beast. I was acting like an animal.I can assure you: you will never be able to get honest with God like this unless you know that he loves you. When God comes to us and asks us, like he asked Adam, “Where are you?” — which, by the way, God does that. If we're attentive to God's presence, if we're aware of his realness, everyday he asks us, “Where are you?” And when he wants to know where we are, we don't have to hide. We don't have to hide from God because our guilt and our shame has been overcome. That's the difference Jesus makes. Jesus took our fear and guilt and shame upon himself, and when he died on the cross in our place, he put to death everything that keeps us from God. Everything about our lives that would make us want to hide from God, Jesus took that. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). God is now our Father, and he loves us. We can be honest with him. And that's when we break through to hope. The End of the StoryYeah, I was wrong. I've been a mess. But verse 23: “Nevertheless, I am continually with you;you hold my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel,and afterward you will receive me to glory.” Held. Guided. Received. There's a contrast here to the wicked described in the previous verses. Everybody look at verse 17. See that last word there, “end.” Well in the Hebrew that word “end” in verse 17 and the word “afterward” in verse 24 sound the same. So the psalmist is saying: in the end, the wicked are destroyed, but in the end, I am received to glory. This is the right perspective. And he doesn't just see the fuller story, he sees the end of the story. In the book The Pilgrim's Progress (which a few of us have been reading this summer) there's this scene when Christian is at this place called the Palace Beautiful and he talking with some other pilgrims about how he became Christian. He tells them about how he was converted and became a new person, and they ask him if he ever has to deal with his old way of seeing. Are there times when he still has to bear with his broken perspective? And he says, All the time. And they say, Well, are there any moments when “those things are vanquished which at other times are your Perplexity?” — How do you overcome the broken perspective so engrained in your mind in order for you to see rightly?And Christian says, The times are more seldom than I'd like, “but they are to me Golden Hours.” And one way he says he gets there, to those Golden Hours, to that right perspective, is “when my thoughts wax warm about whither I am going, that will do it.”In other words, Christian sees rightly when he thinks about the end of the story. Hey, don't forget where we're going. In Psalm 73, like Christian, the psalmist knows where all this is headed: I am held by God; I am guided by God; I will be received by God. I know the end of the story!And we remember the end of the story because we see rightly, because we've been honest with God, because we remember that God is real.That's our second lesson here in pursuit of the good life. Here's the third lesson. We learn we must:3) Reorder our heart's affections (verses 25–28).The psalmist is now faced with ultimate reality, and in verses 25–28, he sees things as clearly as they could be seen this side of heaven. Derek Kidner, one of my favorite commentators on the Psalms, says that this passage is “unsurpassed, brief as it is, in the record of man's response to God.” The psalmist is here in a “Golden Hour” and the affections of his heart are put in order. Another word for our affections is our loves. Love is the action of the heart. We love from our hearts, and the ancients of church history would tell us that our fundamental problem as sinners is that our hearts are flawed — we have what's called “disordered affections” — which means we tend to love the wrong things in the wrong way. In other words, we love lesser things more than God.But that's not what's going on here. What we see happening in verse 25 is what Saint Augustine in the fourth century called a well-ordered heart — it's “to love the right thing, to the right degree, in the right way, and with the right kind of love.”The psalmist says to God, Whom have I in heaven but you? There is nothing on earth I desire besides you.This is a man whose searching has stopped. He has found his ultimate goal — what Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century describes as “that goal we pursue that so fulfills our desire as to leave nothing else to be desired.” No more idols — they will not do. All the substitutes are seen for the sham they are. Give me God, he says. Give me God. I want him. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also, the body they may kill, give me God. Give me God, says the worthy disciple, not because he loves father or mother or son or daughter less, but because he loves God more. More than his comfort, more than his career, more than his capabilities — he loves God more, with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might … which he knows is feeble.God, whom have I in heaven but you? … And one of the kids got poop everywhere, and another kid found a dead mouse outside and brought it in the kitchen, and the basement is leaking again, and I didn't sleep well last night — can God be this for us in real life? Yes. And he must be, because real life is all we have here. That's the honesty of verse 26.My flesh and my heart may fail — and it will: I'm a broken man, I get it wrong sometimes, I will probably die one day — but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. God is my everything, truly.What do I have that I did not receive from him, including my very life? If then I received even my very life from him how could I not love him more than life itself? For what is life without him? What good would life be apart from his presence?For behold, verse 27, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.Hell is that, Moses knew, which is why he said, God, if you don't go with us, don't let us go. True life is to be with God, and everlasting life is to be with God forever. Many people spend everything they've got running from him, in search of the good life. All those things about the wicked that I envied, none of those things really matter. That's not what I want. But for me it is good to be near God. Or another way to say it, verse 28, “But for me the nearness of God is my good…”The nearness of God is the good life. And God is not merely one piece of the puzzle; it's not a bunch of stuff which also includes God; Jesus is not the chaplain of the American Dream. God is the Ultimate Good and to have him leaves nothing else to be desired, but now all other things are subordinate to him and desired for his sake. Augustine put it like this: “He loves God too little, who loves anything together with God, which he loves not for God's sake.”See, this is a reordering of our heart's affections.God is first and highest, and everything else is directed toward him. The good life is to have God, and to have all other things Godward.That is the true ideal picture of human flourishing. That is the goal. And that's actually what you're looking for. That's what we really want.And I'm not telling you this as a law for you to attain. Reordering your heart's affections does not mean “try harder, do better, improve your life” — No — it means come rest. Rest. Find in God your refuge, the end of your searching. The nearness of God is our good.And so in the pursuit of him, we recognize our broken perspective, we remember that God is real, and we reorder the affections of our heart to put him first … and we hope for the day when our experience of his presence is uninterrupted and unending. Not just a Golden Hour, but a Golden Eternity.And that's what brings us to this Table.The TableThis is a table of fellowship. We come here to remember that Jesus died for us, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, to be with God forever. There is a bigger feast that awaits us, and this little meal points us there. If ever we should lose our way, if ever we might deny his grace, this table reminds us of the price he paid for us to be with God. This table reminds us where we're going. So if you trust in Jesus this morning, if the nearness of God is your good, come eat and drink with us. If you don't yet trust in Jesus, you must be exhausted. Trust him today.

Phillipians 2:5:  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:  Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind Having a strong mindset is important for several reasons: 1. Resilience: A strong mindset helps individuals bounce back from setbacks, challenges, and failures. It allows them to persevere and keep going despite obstacles, enabling them to overcome difficulties and achieve their goals. 2. Mental well-being: A strong mindset promotes positive mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and negative thinking. It helps individuals develop a more optimistic and hopeful outlook, leading to greater happiness and overall well-being. 3. Goal attainment: A strong mindset is essential for achieving success and reaching one's goals. It provides individuals with the determination, focus, and discipline needed to stay committed, work hard, and make necessary sacrifices to achieve their desired outcomes. 4. Confidence and self-belief: Having a strong mindset boosts self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-belief. It helps individuals trust their abilities, embrace challenges, and take risks, leading to increased personal growth and success. 5. Adaptability: A strong mindset enables individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new opportunities. It helps them remain open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn, allowing them to navigate uncertainty and thrive in different situations. 6. Leadership and influence: A strong mindset is crucial for effective leadership. It helps leaders inspire and motivate others, make tough decisions, and handle challenging situations with composure and clarity. 7. Emotional intelligence: A strong mindset enhances emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to better understand and manage their own emotions and those of others. It helps build better relationships, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively. Overall, having a strong mindset is important as it contributes to personal growth, resilience, success, and overall well-being in various aspects of life. If you are going through anything in life and need help in your career, relationships, faith, or fitness please contact me at my website at:  www.johngrdina.com You can follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgrdina04/or  If you feel compelled to donate land for my future ministry, please email me at grdinajohn@gmail.com - - - GEAR THAT I USE FOR RUNNING: SHOES: NorthFace https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/mens/mens-footwear/mens-trail-run-c213281/mens-vectiv-infinite-2-shoes-pNF0A7W5M?color=FM9 Saucony Guide https://www.saucony.com/en/guide-15/ UNDERWEAR: Xoskin https://www.xoskin.us/  20% Discount- Code: truesupporter  WATCH: Coros Pace 2 Watch https://coros.com/pace2 HEADLAMP: Fenix https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-hl18r-t-rechargeable-headlamp SOCKS: Xoskin https://www.xoskin.us/ and Bombas (running) https://bombas.com/collections/mens-performance-socks ANTI-CHAFING: Salty Britches https://getsaltybritches.com/

How much time do you spend thanking Jesus for what He did for us?

We move from Romans 7 to Romans 8.

Crawling into bed, I snuggled under the blankets as clouds filled my mind. "Another day I've messed up," I thought, tears filling my eyes. "When will I ever get it right?" Despair filled my mind, making sleep impossible. I wanted to pray, but I was too scared to do it. Why would God want to listen to me after I had failed Him for the umpteenth time? I could just picture Him shaking His head with a groan as I stumbled forward to ask for forgiveness... again..I pulled my knees into my chest, and pulled the covers around tighter. Then, a voice spoke right to my heart... “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” It was a ray of sunshine from heaven. I had heard the verse (Romans 8:1) before, but never needed to hear those words as much as I did then..God doesn't expect perfection from His children—and He does not condemn us. He knows that all humans sin, failing to love Him and one another (Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 3:23-24). Our sin grieves Him because He loves us and sin hurts us, but He also understands the struggle we go through. More than that, He gives us victory in our struggle—because His own Son, Jesus, lived through the same struggles we now experience, and He defeated every temptation. Once we've put our trust in Jesus, we have His Spirit in us, giving us that same power to resist sin..And even when we fail, not only does God understand, but He has already forgiven us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. “Therefore, there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, emphasis added). As we come to Him, repenting from our sins and seeking His help, He gladly gives it to us out of love. We don't have to be afraid of punishment because Jesus took our punishment upon Himself when He went to the cross... and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). So, through each struggle, temptation, sin, and failure, He is still there, ready to help you through and ready to give you victory. • Lily Walsh.• Do you ever feel like you've failed too many times to receive God's grace? How does today's Bible passage speak into this? .• How can knowing that God gives us victory through Christ give us hope, especially when we fail? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:14-16; and 1 John 4:18.) .Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NIV)

The streamed service is available directly on Youtube here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQV9aKl-Mec Follow the order of worship below along with streamed service above. Feel free to view the order online or download it here. Streaming Service Changes: Beginning on February 12, the live-streamed service will only be available until 12:30pm CST. If you're traveling or homebound and miss that window, you can email streaming@covenantchicago.org to get a link to the service. Epiphany_020523

Justin Perdue

Our love for the Lord is a response to His love for us. Like 1 John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us." And our obedience to the Lord should flow out of our love for Him.In this episode we talk about the Lord's love for us as seen through some of the things that the Lord did for us through the Gospel. As we come to know and believe these things more and more, our hearts will swell with reciprocal love for God.Other episodes referenced in this one:Episode 7: Meditating on the Scriptures, part 1Episode 14: Our funeral leads to our freedomEpisode 24: The GospelHere is the list that I read and some corresponding Scriptures:Because of what Jesus has done:All of our sins and shortcomings are completely and totally covered and forgiven (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 2:13-14).We have been redeemed (our debt was fully paid, the wrath of God has been fully satisfied and no longer rests on us, Jesus was the propitiation—He died in our place) (Romans 3:23-26; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14; Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19).We have been adopted as sons and daughters of God (Ephesians 1:4c-5; Romans 8:15).We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).We are holy and blameless before God (Ephesians 1:4a-b).In Christ we have been justified (made righteous, made right, approved of and accepted by God) (Romans 3:23-26; Romans 8:33-34; 2 Corinthians 5:21).We don't have to be perfect. We put no confidence in the flesh. We are freed from looking for a righteousness of our own that would come by trying to keep the law (Philippians 3:8-9; Romans 6:14).We have peace with God (Romans 5:1).We live in the grace of God (Romans 5:2).Who we are is not who we were. We've been made new. We died with Christ and were raised with Him (Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:11-12).There is no condemnation for us in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).We have the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11).We are heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17).All things work together for our good (Romans 8:28-29).We are more than conquerors through Him (Romans 8:37).Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).We are seated in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-7).We have direct access to God through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:11-12; Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:19-22).Additional Scriptures used:John 14:15Matthew 5:21-221 Samuel 16:7James 2:17, 26Galatians 5:22-23Matthew 22:37-40John 19:30Matthew 16:13-17Hebrews 12:3-13John 3:16Romans 6:1-2John 1:12-13Romans 10:13John 17:3**CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS**John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." When quoting it, I said "shall" instead of "should".Feel free to email any questions or comments you have to ijustwanttotalkabout@gmail.com. Please note that while it may take a little while to receive a response, your email is very important, and it is not being ignored.Support the showIf you feel so led, you can support the podcast by clicking HERE or by clicking the "Support the show" button above. I Just Want to Talk about the Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means that any donations made are tax-deductible. Thank you so much for giving as the Lord leads!Take care!

Class reunions are interesting. It gives you a chance to see people you haven't seen for years and they haven't seen you. And you go hoping you'll recognize them. More than that, you go hoping they'll recognize you after all these years. And usually they'll say something like, "Hey, I remember you with hair. Didn't you used to have teeth?" It's interesting these class reunions. The conversations can be pretty superficial because honestly you don't have much in common any more. Right? But once in a while you stop impressing each other enough to get into something important. That actually happened to a doctor friend of mine at his 45th high school reunion. My doctor friend, a committed follower of Jesus, and he was catching up with a highly successful orthodontist, who is an atheist by his own description. But this atheist orthodontist said to my doctor friend, "So, would you talk to me about what you believe?" My friend was pretty surprised to hear that from this particular fellow. This man gave his reason for asking. He just said, "Frankly, I'm nervous about eternity." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Nervous About Eternity." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from Hebrews 9:27. It actually gives us a glimpse of the beginning of eternity for all of us. "Man is destined to die once," it says "and after that to face judgment." Well this man said, "That's what I was afraid of." See, the Bible confirms we have an undeniable, uncancelable, unpostponable appointment with God for judgment. This orthodontist was refreshingly honest. He said, "I'm nervous about eternity." Most of us know that feeling. Sometimes that nervous about eternity feeling hits when a friend dies or a coworker or a family member and for a little while we think about eternity. I've seen teenagers ask me at a funeral, "What if that was me?" Or sometimes we'll think about eternity when we've had a close call or in those quiet moments when thoughts that we usually try to bury come to center stage. Actually, it's a pretty good idea to be nervous about eternity, because it's going to last a lot longer than these 70 years, or whatever, that we think about all the time. People everywhere seem to just know in their soul that there's something between them and God; something's wrong. We know there's this moral reckoning, this moral bill to be paid for the sin of our life. The judgment is coming and the Bible says when we feel that way we're right. Wouldn't it be great to know there was nothing to fear; that your eternity is secure? This may be the best news you've ever heard. Romans 5:8 - "God demonstrated His love for us in this: While we were still sinners..." Okay the wall between God and us right there because we've run our life. It goes on to say, "Christ died for us." The Bible says, "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Wow! See, sin is what will keep you out of heaven, and Jesus paid for that sin when He died on the cross. If you put your trust in Him and His death for you, you can trade your death penalty for eternal life. John 5:24 says it so beautifully, "When you come to Christ you have crossed over from death to life." Wow! The old Plains Indians used to set prairie fires to burn their fields between their village and the approaching fire. They said, "The fire cannot go where the fire has already been." Why don't you go to the place where the fire of God's judgment for your sin fell on God's Son - the cross. You can claim His forgiveness there. That's what my friend asked, "If you died tonight, and God asked you 'why should I let you into My heaven?', what would you tell Him?" Well, that's a good question. You could say, "Lord..." Here's the only right answer: "I trusted in the work that Your only Son did on the cross for me." Have you ever done that? Has there ever been a day when you made personal what Jesus died on the cross for to forgive your sin? You say, "Well, I'm not sure." Make sure. The stakes are so high to not be sure you're ready for eternity. If you'll go to our website, listen, right there I've briefly explained to you how to begin this relationship. You could do it today. It's ANewStory.com. That's the site. Once you've been to the cross, and you've taken what Jesus did there for you, you don't ever have to be nervous about eternity again.

Some years ago I saw that movie "Twister." It was hair-raising! Even for a guy with not much hair to raise. But I kept telling myself, "It's just a story. It's just special effects." Well, some time ago, what happened to the Weather Channel's Mike Bettes while chasing the storm in El Reno, Oklahoma, it was not some computer-generated fantasy. No! The tornado they were chasing took an unexpected turn. It picked up their vehicle and threw it like 200 yards. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Thinking About When You're Gone." The vehicle was flattened. Thankfully, Mike and his crew weren't; some scratches, a couple of broken bones - but amazingly alive. And now they were thinking about some things that are pretty easy to forget, which doesn't surprise me. I know the times that I've been hit hard and thrown around. They've been my wake-up calls: The medical crisis, the betrayal, the accident, the funeral. And in those terrifying moments inside a tornado - airborne - Mike Bettes said, "My life flashed before me; the faces of people." When we're thinking clearly - like when we could lose it all - we know what our life really is. It's the people. Unfortunately, they often get crowded out while we're consumed with our projects, our possessions, our pleasure, chasing our goal; forgetting the people. I was especially touched by one thing that storm-tossed storm chaser said about his near-death experience. He said, "I just saw my wife's face." Isn't that the face that we should always see in all our big choices? The people we love? Unobscured by all the other people that we need to help or want or want to impress. Like your husband or your wife, that's the only one you promised to love, charish, protect, listen to "till death do us part." So, he or she shouldn't have to wait in line while you take time for everybody else. After his unnerving brush with death, Mike Bettes said he's rethinking his tornado strategy. He said they got too close to the danger. That's been tragically underscored by later news that three of those who died that day were storm chasers. When a storm is shaking our world, it's time to rethink if we're pushing the limits and wandering into some danger zone. Like that "innocent" flirtation at work that can blow up a family. The growing debt that's got us precariously balanced on the edge of a financial cliff. Or that web of deceit that one day is going to entrap the deceiver. "Tornado" moments are times to reassess, to ask questions you'd never otherwise ask about the relationships you're neglecting, about the risks you're taking, the priorities you're living by, the future you're facing. One storm-chasing survivor said, "It makes you think about your mortality." That's a good thing to think about. The things that will matter after you're gone should matter while you're here. So you live for things that will outlast you. Our word for today from the Word of God is in James 4:14. It says, "your life...is a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Which tells me I should be looking past my short little journey here to what's beyond my last heartbeat - eternity, which we need to be ready for; which we're not. God's told us what's on the other side. The Bible says, "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). For everything we've ever done that was wrong in God's eyes. Which leaves me no hope of heaven, except one. If I know that somehow I won't face God's judgment. And, thank God, I know my sin has been erased by a sinless God because His Son, Jesus, took my judgment when He died on the cross. In the Bible's words, "We have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ" (Romans 5:9 - NLT). My life here is a mist, but not my life after that. The Bible says, "There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1 - NLT). You know what? I do. There is no greater peace than knowing you are ready for eternity whenever it comes. Don't you want to be sure about heaven? Don't you want to be ready for eternity and know you are? I invite you to join me, then, at ANewStory.com (our website). Find out how to be sure you belong to Jesus, and how to be sure of your eternal destination.

Do you beat yourself up when you mess up? The Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). If you blew it, you need to repent, shake it off, and get yourself back with the Lord. Do not let the weight of sin separate you from God's presence. Stay connected and committed.