Podcast appearances and mentions of christ john

     Sometime in eternity past, God the Father sent God the Son into the world to fulfill a divine mission. God's Word tells us, “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). This was the great mission: to bring salvation to everyone. This act of God was done in love, as it is written, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). The Son agreed with the Father, saying, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38), and “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). When God the Son came into the world and took upon Himself humanity, He executed His mission flawlessly.      The divine mission began in time and space nearly two thousand years ago when God the Son took upon Himself humanity. The writer to the Hebrews cites the words of God the Son as He was about to enter the world, saying, “Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says [to God the Father], ‘Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, but a body You have prepared for Me'” (Heb 10:5). The third Person of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit, facilitated the mission by bringing about the hypostatic union within the womb of the virgin Mary (Isa 7:14; Luke 1:30-35; Gal 4:4). The angel Gabriel told Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). At the moment of conception in the womb of the virgin Mary, undiminished deity was combined forever with perfect humanity. Eventually, Jesus was born, and God “became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The apostle Paul tells us, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Col 2:9).      God's Word informs us that Jesus was a Jew, born a son of Abraham, in the line of David (Matt 1:1), the promised Messiah (Matt 1:17). Jesus grew in wisdom (Luke 2:40, 52) and lived a perfectly righteous life before God and man. The record of Scripture is that Jesus “knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21), was “without sin” (Heb 4:15), “committed no sin” (1 Pet 2:22), and “in Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). In His humanity, Jesus walked in perfect conformity to God the Father's holy character and divine revelation. This is important, for Jesus' sinless life qualified Him to go to the cross and pay the ransom price for our sins (Mark 10:45).      When the divinely appointed time came for Jesus to go to the cross (John 12:23; 13:1), He went willingly (Isa 53:10; John 10:18). Just hours before the crucifixion, Jesus said to His Father, “I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). Then He went to the cross and “offered Himself without blemish to God” (Heb 9:14), giving “His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus paid our sin debt by means of His “precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Pet 1:19). While on the cross, “Christ died for our sins” (1 Cor 15:3), and He died in our place, “the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18; cf. Rom 5:8).      Jesus' death on the cross was a one-time event, as He “offered one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Heb 10:12). After Jesus paid for all our sins, “He said, ‘It is finished!' And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (John 19:30). Jesus' death on the cross satisfied every righteous demand of God the Father concerning the payment for our sins (Rom 3:25), for “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). Jesus paid the price for all our sins. There's nothing more to pay. After Jesus died, He was placed in a grave and was resurrected to life on the third day (Acts 2:23-24; 4:10; 10:40; 1 Cor 15:3-4), never to die again (Rom 6:9). Because Christ died for everyone (John 3:16; Heb 2:9; 1 John 2:2), everyone is savable. The Bible tells us that God has brought “salvation to all men” (Tit 2:11), that He “desires all men to be saved” (1 Tim 2:4), and is “not wishing for any to perish” (2 Pet 3:9).      Once we understand who Jesus is, as God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14), and what He has accomplished for us on the cross—having died for our sins, was buried, and raised again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4)—we can then exercise our faith by trusting in Him as our Savior (John 3:16; 20:31). This is the Jesus of Scripture and history, and not a fake Jesus like those taught by Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, or one we create in our imagination. To receive salvation, the unbeliever is told to “believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31a). Jesus is the object of our faith. To believe in Christ as our Savior means we trust Him to accomplish for us what we cannot accomplish ourselves: eternal salvation from the lake of fire.      Faith in Christ is the only condition for salvation. Faith does not save; Christ saves. Faith is merely the instrument by which we receive the free gift of God, which is eternal life. Though the gift was very expensive for the Lord, it is offered totally free to us, for “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). And it is “by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). Only the empty hand of faith accepts the gift. It offers nothing but is open to receive that which is offered by another. God's gift is available to everyone, for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “he who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47). No payment is required from us to receive it (Rom 4:4-5), and no precondition of good works is necessary before, during, or after salvation.      The only sin that keeps a person out of heaven is the sin of unbelief, the individual choice NOT to trust in Jesus as one's Savior. The one who rejects Jesus as Savior is judged by God on the sole ground that “he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). These are the ones who “are always resisting the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51; cf. John 16:8), who “do not believe” in Jesus as their Savior (John 16:9), and “are unwilling to come” to Him so that they “may have life” (John 5:40). Those who willingly reject Christ as Savior will, after death, experience eternal separation and punishment away from God for all eternity, for “if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:15). This need not happen. Hell is avoidable for the one who trusts in Christ as Savior, for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Salvation is a free gift from God (Rom 3:24; 6:23), offered by grace alone (Eph 2:8-9), through faith alone (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16; 3:26; 2 Tim 3:15), in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), totally apart from human works (Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5). For lost sinners, the matter is simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).      Once we have trusted in Christ for salvation, we receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43; Eph 1:7), the gift of righteousness (Rom 5:17; Phil 3:9), eternal life (John 3:16; 10:28), and many other blessings (Eph 1:3). And having entered into a relationship with God through Christ (John 1:12; Gal 3:26), we are then called to a life of holiness and righteousness (1 Pet 1:15-16), as we learn His Word (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18), walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38), and advance to spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1). This new walk with God will honor Him and edify others (Eph 4:1-2; 5:1-2).      Our forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and many wonderful blessings from God are all made possible because God the Son came down to us and accomplished what we cannot: our salvation. For this, we praise God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit for their work of salvation, for “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). Amen. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div., B.Sc.

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Philippians 3.1-11. What do you think when you look back on your family tree, your upbringing and your achievements in life? And in what ways has becoming a Christian made a difference? As we move into chapter 3 of Philippians, we read about one man who had absolutely everything going for him, until his Christian conversion, which tipped his world upside down. And all that has massive implications for us too. 22 June 2025.

Send us a textIn 1 Timothy 1:3-4, the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to "...admonish and charge certain individuals not to teach any different doctrine,  4 Nor to give importance to or occupy themselves with legends (fables, myths) and endless genealogies, which foster and promote useless speculations and questionings." In Titus we see we are to "avoid stupid and foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and wrangling about the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile." This is further proof that the Christian should never attempt to search their ancestry line in attempt to find the root cause of their problem. Doing so is an act of blindness to the truth, and further pointless entrapment by the devil.   Instead the believer should already understand that their old self died and was buried with Christ, and themselves now a new creation, a new species which never existed before, has been made alive in Christ. No generational curses exist in the newly created believer. Stay abiding in Christ (John 15); do not bring back your old self from the dead. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2) so you now think like Jesus and your new Heavenly Father, instead of like Satan, your former father (John 8:44). We also learn in Exodus that even in the Old Testament, the Lord NEVER visited the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who LOVED Him and kept His commandments. This program covers the following Scriptures from the Amplified Classic version (AMPC): 1 Timothy 1:1-4, Titus 3:8-9, John 8:31-36, Exodus 20:3-6.Support the show

A @Christadelphians Video: The Reel Review: The Gospel of Peace – 6 Videos by Dr. Jason Hensley | Revealing Biblical Insights ### **Video Description:**

Sermon for Midweek of Trinity Wednesday, 18 June A+D 2025 Rev. Matthew D. Ruesch

The Parable of the Wedding Feast and the Authority of Christ | John Kirkpatrick | 06.15.25 by Capshaw Baptist

     Christians are instructed, “do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness” (Rom 6:12-13a), “flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor 6:18), “he who steals must steal no longer” (Eph 4:28), “let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth” (Eph 4:29), “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph 4:30), “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Th 5:19), put aside “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth” (Col 3:8), “abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (1 Pet 2:11), “make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler” (1 Pet 4:15), “do not love the world nor the things in the world” (1 John 2:15), and “little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). These commands would be pointless if it were not possible for Christians to commit all these sins. It is never the will of God that we sin (1 John 2:1), but if we sin, and “there is no man who does not sin” (1 Ki 8:46), it is God's will that we confess our sins (1 John 1:9), accept responsibility for our actions, and get back to learning God's Word (2 Tim 2:15; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18), living by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38), and pursuing holiness (1 Pet 1:15-16), and righteousness (1 Tim 6:11; 2 Tim 2:22). Consequences for Sin      It is difficult for some to understand, but when Christians sin, we are not in danger of condemnation (Rom 8:1; 35-39), we do not forfeit the free gift of eternal life (John 10:28; Rom 3:24; 6:23), and we do not cease to possess the righteousness of God that was given to us at the moment of faith in Christ (Rom 5:17; Phil 3:9). When Christians sin, we are walking in darkness and have broken fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-6), and stifle the work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (Eph 4:30; 1 Th 5:19). If we continue in sin, or leave our sin unconfessed, we are in real danger of divine discipline from God (Psa 32:3-5; Heb 12:6; 1 John 5:16-17; cf. Dan 4:37). Even though David was forgiven for his sin with Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:13), he still faced earthly consequences that impacted him and his family (2 Sam 12:10-14). Serious sin, and ongoing sin, can eventuate in divine discipline to the point of physical death (1 John 5:16; cf., Lev 10:1-2; Acts 5:3-5; 1 Cor 11:30), as well as the loss of eternal rewards (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 John 1:8). These are serious punishments by the Lord which impact a  believer in time and eternity; however, the sinning saint is not in danger of losing salvation.[1] The Way of Righteousness      As Christians, God calls us to “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Tim 2:22; cf. 1 Tim 6:11), to “present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Rom 6:13b), and to “present your members as slaves to righteousness” (Rom 6:19a). Addressing the Christians at Ephesus, Paul wrote, “you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light, for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Eph 5:8-10). Peter also wrote, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Pet 2:24a). Righteous living—that's what God desires from us. He wants our thoughts, words, and actions to align with His righteous character and written Word as it applies to us as Christians. But this requires positive volition and a commitment to the Lord (Rom 12:1-2), to learn His Word (2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Peter 2:2) and live His Word by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38).      As Christians, God has done everything for us to live spiritually successful lives (i.e., giving a new nature, the Holy Spirit, and divine revelation). But God does not force us to live spiritually, as we must choose to live out the new life. And, like Solomon, we are always in danger of being corrupted by others (1 Cor 15:33), by Satan's world-system (1 John 2:15-16), and our fleshly natures within (Rom 13:14; Col 3:9; Gal 5:16-17; 1 John 1:8). To be faithful to the Lord to the end of our days (as God directs), one needs thinking that is properly calibrated according to Scripture (Rom 12:1-2). God has already blessed us with everything we need to live spiritually (Eph 1:3), but it's up to us to lay hold of what He's provided and to advance to spiritual maturity.      The successful Christian life starts with positive volition. Jesus said, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself” (John 7:17). The word “willing” translates the Greek verb thelō (θέλω), which means “to desire to have or experience something.”[2] To be “willing” to know and do God's will is the starting place for our advance to spiritual maturity. Our next step is to dig into God's Word and learn it. Jeremiah expressed positive volition when he said, “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart” (Jer 15:16a). A psalmist wrote, “How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psa 119:103), and “The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces” (Psa 119:72). Peter wrote, “like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet 2:2). Learning God's Word serves as the basis for right living (Rom 12:1-2). But once we learn it, we must walk in it, which means applying it to our life, and this by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38; 11:6). Ezra is a good example of a believer who learned and lived God's Word, as it is written, “Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). This is the proper order. When a Christian has a right will (orthothely), and operates with right thinking (orthodoxy), it establishes the basis for right behavior (orthopraxy). Positive volition, divine viewpoint thinking, and the walk of faith is what the Lord wants.      As God's people, let us constantly learn His Word (Psa 1:2-3; Ezra 7:10; 2 Tim 2:15; 1 Pet 2:2), recalibrate our thinking to align with Scripture (Rom 12:1-2), discipline our minds (2 Cor 10:5), live by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38; 11:6), confess our sins as needed (1 John 1:9), be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18), walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16), submit ourselves to the Lord (Jam 4:7), do good (Gal 6:10), serve others (Phil 2:3-4), rejoice always (1 Th 5:16), pray without ceasing (1 Th 5:17), be thankful in everything (1 Th 5:18), maintain fellowship with other Christians (Heb 10:25), share our wealth to promote Christian ministry (1 Tim 6:17-19), and advance to spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1). If we do this, we'll glorify the Lord, bless others, and live righteously as God's expects. Conclusion      In conclusion, we must be clear: eternal life is secured by grace through faith in Christ, not by perseverance in works or moral consistency. Though a true believer may tragically fall into grievous sin—like Solomon, David, or the Corinthian Christians—their eternal security remains anchored in the unchanging promises of God and the finished work of Christ (John 10:28; Rom 8:1). What is at stake is fellowship with God in time, our witness before others, spiritual fruitfulness, eternal rewards, and divine discipline that can range from loving correction to severe consequences (1 Cor 3:15; 11:30-32; Heb 12:6). We do not minimize the seriousness of sin, but neither should we confuse it with a loss of salvation. Instead of living in fear of condemnation, we should be motivated by love, gratitude, and reverence to walk in obedience and grow in grace (2 Pet 3:18). Let us pursue righteousness—not to keep what was never ours to earn—but to honor the One who saved us, and to reflect His character in this fallen world. Steven R. Cook, D.Min, M.Div., B.Sc.     [1] Even when the prodigal son lived in the world (Luke 15:11-13), and though he lived like an unbeliever, he never ceased to be a son (Luke 15:14-16), and when he came to his senses and returned home (Luke 15:17-19), his father recognized him as his son and welcomed him back (Luke 15:20-24). A child of God is always a child of God, even if we fall into worldly living. [2] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 287.

From Death to Life: Your New Identity in Christ In this moving and powerful message, Evan Wilkerson opens up about his personal journey through addiction, shame, and hopelessness—and the overwhelming mercy and love of God that brought him back to life. Preaching from Ephesians 2, Evan reminds us that we were once dead in sin, but God, rich in mercy, raised us up and seated us in heavenly places with Christ. You are no longer defined by your past. You are now a beloved child of God, fully forgiven and deeply loved.

In John 7 and 8, Jesus makes many straightforward statements about who He is, though many of the Jews were taken aback by His claims. Join us as we examine our own beliefs about Jesus as we continue our series, "Behold the Lamb of God." with guest speaker, Cameron Jones.

As He concludes His public ministry, Jesus declares that the time has come for Him to be glorified. Some see Jesus as a threat to their personal glory. Others project their own expectations of glory onto Jesus. However, the way in which Jesus is glorified subverts all expectations. Jesus is glorified through His sacrificial death on the cross which secures the path for salvation. We share in the glory of Christ by rightly recognizing His glory in faith and walking as His disciples.

As He concludes His public ministry, Jesus declares that the time has come for Him to be glorified. Some see Jesus as a threat to their personal glory. Others project their own expectations of glory onto Jesus. However, the way in which Jesus is glorified subverts all expectations. Jesus is glorified through His sacrificial death on the cross which secures the path for salvation. We share in the glory of Christ by rightly recognizing His glory in faith and walking as His disciples.

Pentecost A Sermon by Brenard Rowe, Elder at Victory Church in Providence, RI.   Introduction and Opening Remarks Expression of gratitude for the opportunity to minister. Acknowledgement and prayer for the pastor's recovery. Personal anecdote about being asked to preach on short notice. Setting the Context: Pentecost Sunday Explanation that Pentecost is recognized as the birth of the church and a pivotal event in Christian doctrine. Emphasis on the empowerment of the disciples by the Holy Spirit and the ongoing relevance of Pentecost. The Role and Power of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit transforms believers from fearful followers to bold witnesses. The Holy Spirit provides strength, peace, wisdom, unity, and equips believers for service. Biblical Foundation Reference to Acts 2:1-4 describing the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Jesus' instructions to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 1:8). Importance of receiving the Holy Spirit before undertaking ministry. The Experience of the Early Church Disciples' state of confusion and despair after Jesus' death. Fulfillment of Jesus' promise through the coming of the Holy Spirit. The supernatural signs accompanying the Spirit's arrival (wind, tongues of fire, speaking in tongues). Speaking in Tongues Definition: A supernatural language for worship and communication with God. Old Testament examples of the Spirit coming upon individuals (e.g., Moses' elders, Gideon, Samson, Saul's messengers). New Testament affirmation of speaking in tongues as evidence of Holy Spirit baptism. Instances of Holy Spirit Baptism in the New Testament Jerusalem (Acts 2:4): Disciples receive the Holy Spirit. Samaria (Acts 8:14-17): Believers receive the Spirit through the apostles' laying on of hands. Saul/Paul (Acts 9:17): Receives the Spirit after Ananias lays hands on him. Cornelius' house (Acts 10:44-48): Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit while Peter preaches. Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6): Believers receive the Holy Spirit through Paul. Benefits of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit Power for ministry (Acts 1:8). Spiritual refreshing (Isaiah 28:11). Ability to witness and reveal Christ (John 16:13-14). Inner strength and comfort (John 15:26). Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Spiritual quickening (Romans 8:11). Who Can Be Filled with the Holy Spirit? Everyone: Rich, poor, young, old, sinners, saints, children, etc. Reference to Psalm 81:10 as encouragement to receive. Who Cannot Be Filled with the Holy Spirit? Those satisfied with mere salvation and unwilling to serve. Disobedient and unyielding Christians. Those who do not believe or are closed off to the Holy Spirit. Conditions for Receiving the Holy Spirit Repentance and baptism (Acts 2:28). Asking God with faith (Luke 11:13). Deep conviction, consecration, and willingness to live for God (John 7:37-39). The Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit in Believers Teaches and makes believers teachable. Enables true worship and confession. Guides prayer and leads by God's word. Conclusion The Holy Spirit is the comforter and helper sent by God. Encouragement to be open to the Holy Spirit's work and to fulfill commitments in service to God and the church.  

Pastor Adam Bueltel from Mission Road Bible Church reflects on an account from the Gospel of John that is about John the Baptist which more rightly magnifies the identity of Jesus, as he shares with us three commitments in the life of a believer that magnify the focus on Christ.

Most Christians never ask this question—and it could mean their soul.What if your life looked fruitful… but God saw it as worthless? Ezekiel 15 delivers a shocking warning: the vine exists for one purpose—fruit. If it doesn't bear any, it's fuel for the fire.God called Judah a choice vine—but their idolatry, injustice, and false hope made them useless. His judgment wasn't just punishment… it was a wake-up call. And today, many believers are living the same tragedy without realizing it.✅ Are you producing real fruit—or just living off old religion?

June 1, 2025 Pastor Doellinger - Unity in Christ - John 17:20-26 by Sermons of Pastor Paul Kaldahl

In John 15:1-8, Jesus delivers the seventh of the 'I am' statements recorded in John's gospel: "I am the vine, you are the branches."In this sermon we will explore the profound implications this metaphor has on how we are to rightly understand the Christian life. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot live the Christian life without full dependence on Christ. This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.

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Weekly Sunday sermons from Pastor Mike Powers and other members of our Pastoral Body. Richland Creek Community Church gathers to glorify God in worship, grow as disciples of Jesus, and go on mission with the gospel. For more, visit richlandcreek.com.Main Idea: Believe in the fullness of Christ and His Word.1. Look past the miracles to the miracle worker.2. Look past your pride to the true King.3. Look past your plans to the better plan.4. Look past your doubts and believe.

     The Bible recognizes Satan's world-system and warns us not to love it. John writes and tells the Christian, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 2:15-16). We live in a fallen world, and John's command is intended to warn us of real danger. First, John opens with the negative particle Μὴ Me, which is followed by the Geek verb ἀγαπάω agapao, which is in the imperative mood—the mood of command. The word ἀγαπάω agapao denotes desire or commitment to something or someone. Allen comments on love: "In its essence love is two things: a desire for something and a commitment to something … Whatever it is you desire and whatever you're committed to, that's where your time and resources will go. If you love football, that's where your time and resources will go. If you love hunting or fishing, that's where your time and resources will go. If you love your spouse, you desire to spend time with her and you are committed to her. Love is more than an emotional feeling. Love requires a commitment of time and resources."[1]      John then gives the object we are not to desire or be committed to, namely, the world (τὸν κόσμον). The Greek word κόσμος kosmos is used in Scripture to refer to: 1) the physical planet (Matt 13:35; Acts 17:24), 2) people who live in the world (John 3:16), and 3) the hostile system created and controlled by Satan that he uses to lure people away from God (1 John 2:15-16). It is this third meaning that John has in mind. Hence, the word κόσμος kosmos refers to “that which is hostile to God…lost in sin, wholly at odds with anything divine, ruined and depraved.”[2] Concerning, the word κόσμος kosmos, Allen writes: "Sometimes the word “world” is used to refer to the organized evil system with its principles and its practices, all under the authority of Satan, which includes all teachings, ideas, culture, attitudes, activities, etc., that are opposed to God. A fixation on the material over the spiritual, promotion of self over others, pleasure over principle—these are just a few descriptors of the world system John is talking about. The word “world” here means everything that opposes Christ and his work on earth. Jesus called Satan “the ruler of this world” (John 14:30; 16:11), and Paul called him “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). In Luke 16:8 Jesus referred to all unsaved people as “the sons of this world.”[3]      Satan's world-system consists of those philosophies and values that perpetually influence humanity to think and behave contrary to God and His Word. This operating apart from God is first and foremost a way of thinking that is antithetical to God, a way of thinking motivated by a desire to be free from God and the authority of Scripture, a freedom most will accept, even though it is accompanied by all sorts of inconsistencies and absurdities. Chafer writes: "The kosmos is a vast order or system that Satan has promoted which conforms to his ideals, aims, and methods. It is civilization now functioning apart from God-a civilization in which none of its promoters really expect God to share; who assign to God no consideration in respect to their projects, nor do they ascribe any causality to Him. This system embraces its godless governments, conflicts, armaments, jealousies; its education, culture, religions of morality, and pride. It is that sphere in which man lives. It is what he sees, what he employs. To the uncounted multitude it is all they ever know so long as they live on this earth. It is properly styled “The Satanic System” which phrase is in many instances a justified interpretation of the so-meaningful word, kosmos."[4] Lightner adds: "The world is the Christian's enemy because it represents an anti-God system, a philosophy that is diametrically opposed to the will and plan of God. It is a system headed by the devil and therefore at odds with God (2 Cor 4:4). Likewise, the world hates the believer who lives for Christ (John 17:14). The Lord never kept this a secret from his own. He told them often of the coming conflict with the world (e.g., John 15:18-20; 16:1-3; 32-33; cf. 2 Tim 3:1-12). It is in this wicked world we must rear our families and earn our livelihoods. We are in it, yet are not to be a part of it."[5]      Many people who live in Satan's world-system exclude God and Scripture from their daily conversations. Some actively exclude God from their daily lives because they feel He offers nothing of value to them, or they are afraid to mention Him for fear of persecution. Most exclude God passively, in that they just don't think about Him or His Word. This exclusion is true in news, politics, academic communities, work and home life. God is nowhere in their thoughts, and therefore, nowhere in their discussions (Psa 10:4; 14:1). These are the agnostics and atheists. But there are others in Satan's world-system who are very religious, and these are the worst kind of people, because they claim to represent God, when in fact they don't. In the Bible, there were many religious people who spoke in the name of the Lord (Jer 14:14; 23:16-32; Matt 7:15; Acts 13:6; Rev 2:20), claiming to represent Him, even performing miracles (Deut 13:1-4; Matt 24:24; 2 Th 2:8-9; Rev 13:13). The Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes where this way, and they said of themselves, “we have one Father: God” (John 8:41b). But Jesus saw them for what they really were and said, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father” (John 8:44a). The religious—like Satan—are blinded by their pride. Humility must come before they will accept God's gospel of grace, and it does no good to argue with them (2 Tim 2:24-26). These false representatives loved to talk about God, read their Bibles, pray, fast, give of their resources, and spent much of their time in fellowship with other religious persons. Theirs is a works-system of salvation, which feeds their pride; giving them a sense of control over their circumstances and others.[6] These false organizations and their teachers appear as godly and righteous, but Paul described them as “false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (2 Cor 11:13). Though very religious, these are in line with Satan, who operates on corrupt reasoning and is a deceiver. Paul goes on to say, “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds” (2 Cor 11:14-15).      The contrast between the growing Christian and the worldly person is stark, as their thoughts and words take them in completely different directions. The growing believer thinks about God and His Word all the time, as “his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa 1:2). The word law translates the Hebrew word תּוֹרָה torah, which means law, direction, or instruction. Navigating the highways of this world can be tricky, and the believer needs the direction or instruction God's Word provides. It is our divine roadmap for staying on God's path and getting to the destination He intends.      At the core of Satan's world-system is a directive for mankind to function apart from God, and when obeyed, people produce all forms of evil, both moral and immoral. We should understand that Satan's system is a buffet that offers something for everyone who rejects God, whether that person is moral or immoral, religious or irreligious, educated or simple, rich or poor. Satan is careful to make sure there's even something for the Christian in his world-system, which is why the Bible repeatedly warns the believer not to love the world or the things in the world. We are to be set apart (Col 2:8; Jam 1:27; 4:4; 1 John 2:15-16). Lightner notes, “The world is the Christian's enemy because it represents an anti-God system, a philosophy that is diametrically opposed to the will and plan of God. It is a system headed by the devil and therefore at odds with God (2 Cor 4:4).…It is in this wicked world we must rear our families and earn our livelihoods. We are in it, yet are not to be a part of it.”[7] It is important to understand that we cannot change Satan or his evil program; however, we must be on guard, for it can and will change us if we're not careful to learn and live God's Word.      At the moment of salvation, God the Father “rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Col 1:13), and now “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil 3:20). This transference is permanent and cannot be undone. Once this happens, we are hated by those who remain in Satan's kingdom of darkness. For this reason, Jesus said to His disciples, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you” (John 15:18-19; cf. John 16:33; 1 John 3:13). Love and hate in this context should be understood as accept or reject, which can be mild or severe in expression. When praying to the Father, Jesus said, “they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14b), and went on to say, “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). It is not God's will that we be immediately removed from this world at the moment of salvation, but left here to serve as His representatives to the lost, that we “may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet 2:9). We are not to participate in worldly affairs that exclude God, but are to “walk as children of Light” (Eph 5:8), manifesting the fruit of the Light “in all goodness and righteousness and truth, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Eph 5:9-10), and we are told, “do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” (Eph 5:11).      The growing Christian faces real struggles as Satan's world system seeks to press him into its mold, demanding conformity, and persecuting him when he does not bend to its values. The world-system not only has human support, but is backed by demonic forces that operate in collaboration with Satan. Scripture tells us “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). The battlefront is more than what is seen with the human eye and is driven by unseen spiritual forces. As Christians living in the world, we are to be careful not to be taken “captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ” (Col 2:8). Realizing the battleground is the mind, we are to think biblically in everything, which is our only safeguard against the enemy (2 Cor 10:3-5).      As Christians we face situations every day in which we are pressured to compromise God's Word. We face difficulties at work, school, home, or other places, in which we are confronted by worldly-minded persons, both saved and unsaved, who demand and pressure us to abandon our biblical values. There is room for personal compromise where Scripture is silent on a matter; however, where Scripture speaks with absolute authority, there we must never compromise! Wiersbe correctly states, “The world, or world-system, puts pressure on each person to try to get him to conform (Rom 12:2). Jesus Christ was not ‘of this world' and neither are His people (John 8:23; 17:14). But the unsaved person, either consciously or unconsciously, is controlled by the values and attitudes of this world.”[8]      By promoting the gospel and biblical teaching, the church disrupts Satan's domain of darkness by calling out of it a people for God. By learning God's Word, Christians can identify worldly conversations and activities and either avoid them or seek to redirect them by interjecting biblical truth, which should never be done in hostility. When sharing God's Word with others it's proper to know that not everyone wants to hear God's truth, and even though we may not agree with them, their personal choices should be respected (Matt 10:14; Acts 13:50-51). We should never try to force the gospel or Bible teaching on anyone, but be willing to share when opportunity presents itself. At times this will bring peace, and other times cause disruption and may even offend. In this interaction, the growing Christian must be careful not to fall into the exclusion trap, in which the worldly person (whether saved or lost) controls the content of every conversation, demanding the Christian only talk about worldly issues, as Scripture threatens his pagan presuppositions. Having the biblical worldview, the Christian should insert himself into daily conversations with others, and in so doing, be a light in a dark place. He should always be respectful, conversational, and never have a fist-in-your-face attitude, as arrogance never helps advance biblical truth (2 Tim 2:24-26). The worldly-minded person may not want to hear what the Christian has to say, but he should never be under the false impression that he has the right to quiet the Christian and thereby exclude him from the conversation. Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] David L. Allen, 1–3 John: Fellowship in God's Family, ed. R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 96–97. [2] Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, p. 562. [3] David L. Allen, 1–3 John: Fellowship in God's Family, 96. [4] Lewis S. Chafer, “Angelology Part 4” Bibliotheca Sacra 99 (1942): 282-283. [5] Robert P. Lightner, Handbook of Evangelical Theology: A Historical, Biblical, and Contemporary Survey and Review (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1995), 206. [6] There are many church denominations today that call themselves “Christian”, but who come with a false gospel in which human works are added as a requirement for salvation (i.e., Catholics, Methodists, Church of Christ, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.). [7] Robert P. Lightner, Handbook of Evangelical Theology, p. 206. [8] Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, New Testament, Vol. 2, p. 18.

Just hearing about Christ isn't enough; we need to receive his Spirit, which allows us to continue Jesus' mission in this world.

Lee didn’t believe in God, and he didn’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus. But Lee was a journalist with an analytical mind. When his wife believed in Jesus, he decided to study her new faith for himself. After two years of research, he gave in—to God, to the resurrection, to faith in Christ. The change in him was noticeable. After a few months, his five-year-old daughter said to his wife, “Mommy, I want God to do for me what he’s done for Daddy.” And the daughter of Lee Strobel put her faith in Jesus too. Many people refuse to believe in the resurrection. But reputable eyewitnesses saw the risen Jesus. One of those eyewitnesses, the disciple Peter, told a large crowd that King David was certainly dead and buried (Acts 2:29). Then Peter pointed to a prophecy David had made. “[David] spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah,” he said (v. 31). Peter concluded, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (v. 32). The best evidence for the resurrection is the changed lives of the eyewitnesses, including Peter. At the crucifixion, the disciples had gone into hiding. Peter actually denied Christ (John 18:15-17; 25-27). Once they saw Jesus alive, everything changed. Filled with courage, they began to share the truth of the one great hope of the world—the risen Christ.

Pastor Dan Bodin  ~  Easter Sunday                                    Lenten Series: “The Body of Christ” (9 of 9)   Old Testament:  Job 19:23-27 Epistle:  1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Gospel:  John 20:1-18 The post April 20, 2025 ~ “The Risen Body of Christ” ~ John 20:1-18 appeared first on Beautiful Savior Fargo.

by Elder Tom Corley (preached on March 23, 2025) In this message by Elder Tom Corley, we learn some sweet truths about Christ’s love from Peter’s actions while Jesus was here on earth. Jesus was always with Peter, pulling him out of the waves and calming the storms that he faced, feeding him when he...

Heath Lambert examines the historical evidence for Jesus Christ's resurrection. Discover why even skeptics in the first century were convinced by overwhelming eyewitness testimony, and why the resurrection stands as the most well-documented miracle in history.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction and the essential question of Christianity0:52 Two possible responses to the resurrection claim2:07 Why skepticism is understandable but insufficient3:39 The skepticism of Thomas and his encounter with the risen Christ (John 20:25-28)5:52 Over 500 eyewitnesses to the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5-6)7:34 The apostles' willingness to die for their testimony9:03 The global impact of Christianity as evidence for the resurrectionKEY POINTS:- The resurrection either happened or didn't—there is no middle ground position- Even Jesus' closest followers were initially skeptical of resurrection claims- Thomas refused to believe without physical evidence but was convinced when he saw Jesus- Over 500 people witnessed the resurrected Jesus at one time—overwhelming eyewitness testimony- The apostles went to their deaths maintaining their testimony—no one recanted- No group of people would die for what they knew to be a lie- The global impact of Christianity is better explained by a true resurrection than by a hoax- Jesus' followers transformed from fearful skeptics to bold witnesses willing to die for their testimony- Christianity's world-changing influence began with real witnesses to a real eventSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:John 20:25-28 - Thomas's skepticism and subsequent belief after seeing the risen Jesus1 Corinthians 15:5-6 - Paul's account of Jesus appearing to more than 500 people at one timeEVENT INFORMATION:Join First Baptist Church Jacksonville for a special Good Friday concert celebrating the resurrection. https://fbcjax.com/easter-concert/

Topics: Universalism, Inclusionism, Choosing to Believe, The Role of Evangelism, Warnings About Hell, Misuse of 1 John 2:2, Reconciliation and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, Revelation 3:20 and Free Will, Salvation by Grace Through Faith – Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16 and Belief, The Ministry of Reconciliation, Romans 1 and God's Revelation Through Creation, The Danger of Out-of-Context Verses, Hebrews 3:15 and Hardened Hearts, Acts 26:17-18 and Evangelistic Calling, The Need for Personal Faith, John 14:9 and Jesus as God, God Is Love – 1 John 4:8, The Fate of Those Who Haven't Heard, God's Witness in Creation – Romans 1:20, Ecclesiastes 3:11 and Eternity in the Heart, The Law Versus Faith – Romans 10:4, Abraham's Credited Righteousness – Romans 4:3, Rahab's Faith – Hebrews 11:31, God's Forbearance – Romans 3:25, Jesus' Retroactive Blood, No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile – Romans 3:22, Destruction Versus Eternal Hell – Matthew 25:41, Seated in Heaven – Ephesians 2:6, Children and the Kingdom – Matthew 19:14, David and His Baby – 2 Samuel 12:23, The Identity of Christ – John 1:1 and Revelation 22:13, Believing by Witness of Creation, The Urgency of Sharing the GospelSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Audio Sermon for Sunday April 13, 2025

Dennis & Benedicta discuss what it means to abide in Christ and the two major benefits of doing so ((John 15:16).Send us a textTo find out more about Dennis & Benedicta Pollock please visit the Spirit of Grace website, where you can find other wonderful resources such as videos and articles. You will also find out how you can support the work of Spirit of Grace by becoming a Friend of Grace .Please send questions, comments, and feedback with us at grace@spiritofgrace.org.

Pastor Chris Waldvogel  ~  5th Midweek Lenten Service                                            Lenten Midweek Series: “The Body of Christ” (6 of 9)   Old Testament:  Genesis 2:4-8, 18-24 Epistle:  2 Corinthians 5:1-9 Gospel:  John 8:1-11 The post April 9, 2025 ~ “The Hands of Christ” ~ John 8:1-11 appeared first on Beautiful Savior Fargo.

Keith Knowlton, Mission to the World

Rebekah's Website (Host)Let's contemplate a question together... Why are you? What am I? Would you believe me if I told you that it's essential to have a good (right) answer to this question or it will negatively affect your whole life and every relationship in it? Yes, it's that important. Listen in today as I chat with one of my very closest friends about this question.... and boy, does it get good. Also, as promised, here are some names and identities that God gives His children in the Bible:Children of God – John 1:12, 1 John 3:1Beloved – Romans 1:7, Colossians 3:12Saints (Set Apart, Holy Ones) – 1 Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 1:1Chosen – 1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 1:4Royal Priesthood – 1 Peter 2:9Holy Nation – 1 Peter 2:9God's Special Possession – 1 Peter 2:9Ambassadors for Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:20The Light of the World – Matthew 5:14Salt of the Earth – Matthew 5:13New Creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17More Than Conquerors – Romans 8:37Heirs of God and Co-Heirs with Christ – Romans 8:17Temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:19Friends of God – John 15:15Branches of the Vine (Connected to Christ) – John 15:5Citizens of Heaven – Philippians 3:20Redeemed – Galatians 3:13, Titus 2:14Forgiven – Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:13-14Sealed with the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 1:13Workmanship (Masterpiece) of God – Ephesians 2:10Adopted into God's Family – Romans 8:15, Ephesians 1:5Victorious in Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:57Sheep of His Pasture – Psalm 100:3, John 10:11Justified by Faith – Romans 5:1Rescued from Darkness – Colossians 1:13Salt and Light – Matthew 5:13-14God's Inheritance – Ephesians 1:18Called and Sent by God – 2 Timothy 1:9Free in Christ – Galatians 5:1

Christ's body is the only physical means of satisfying our need for eternal life. Pastor Nate Harlan preaches. Listen above or download the audio file here. Photo by Em bé khóc nhè on Unsplash The post Abiding in Christ — John 6:55-59  first appeared on Trinity Reformed Church.

March 28, 2025

John the Baptist faithfully carries out his role and testifies that Jesus is the Christ. As the Christ, Jesus is the promised King who rescues God's people by laying down His own life and by pouring out the Holy Spirit. Witnesses of Christ are those who rightly see Jesus and then joyfully invite others to also see Jesus.

John the Baptist faithfully carries out his role and testifies that Jesus is the Christ. As the Christ, Jesus is the promised King who rescues God's people by laying down His own life and by pouring out the Holy Spirit. Witnesses of Christ are those who rightly see Jesus and then joyfully invite others to also see Jesus.

Why is Christianity based on the Death and Resurrection of Christ? Man cannot save himself. Everything of the Old Creation is only worthy of being consigned to judgment and death (Isaiah 53:6). Only then can God bring forth a new creation, a rebirth by resurrection (1Peter 1:3). In His death as the last Adam He took all the sin and curse of the original creation and brought it to judgment thru His death. Then as the 2nd Adam in His resurrection, He became the head of a new creation, the firstborn and first-fruits from the dead, the first of a new breed of redeemed humanity, recreated through their union with Christ (John 14:19, Romans 6:1-11, Colossians 2:12-13, 3:1,10-15, 2Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:1-10, 4:24).

John 3:22-30

That's a powerful perspective—Failure is Progress—especially when viewed through the lens of our Christian walk and God's will. In our journey of faith, failure isn't the opposite of progress; it's often a crucial part of it. The Bible is filled with stories of people who stumbled, failed, and yet grew closer to God through those very experiences. Think about Peter denying Jesus or Moses' reluctance—their failures didn't disqualify them; rather, they were stepping stones in God's plan for them.   1. Failure Reveals Our Dependence on God Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." When we fail, we realize we can't rely on our own strength—we need God. Failure humbles us and draws us closer to Him. 2. Failure Refines Our Character James 1:2-4 encourages us to consider trials as joy because they produce perseverance. Failure teaches us patience, endurance, and wisdom, molding us into who God wants us to be. 3. Failure Redirects Us to God's Will Sometimes, failure is God closing a door to guide us toward the right one. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding—our missteps can actually be divine redirections. 4. Failure Prepares Us for Greater Purpose Peter denied Jesus three times—a massive failure—but Jesus restored him, and Peter later led thousands to Christ (John 21:15-17, Acts 2). God often allows failure as preparation for something bigger. 5. Failure Strengthens Our Testimony When we fall and get back up with God's help, our story becomes a testimony to His grace. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for good for those who love Him. Even our mistakes can glorify Him. So if you're feeling like you've “stepped on your own toe” spiritually, remember—failure isn't the end. It's part of God shaping you, teaching you, and leading you into a deeper relationship with Him.

Date:Sunday, February 23, 2025Title:Can This Be the Christ?Scripture:John 7:1-5, 14-31Sermon by:Paul GoebelSermon Series:Behold the Lamb

In this episode of Pray the Word on John 21:19, David Platt encourages us to follow Jesus no matter the cost, knowing that Christ is our reward.This year, we have the opportunity to support 10,000 gospel leaders in hard-to-reach places who need training and resources to impact their communities with the life-altering message of the gospel.Through the end of the year, every gift received will be doubled, dollar for dollar.Join us to make Jesus known in all neighborhoods and nations.Double your impact. Give today. Visit radical.net/makejesusknown now!Explore more content from Radical.

In this episode of Pray the Word on John 20:31, David Platt asks God to use our lives to lead others to life in Jesus.This year, we have the opportunity to support 10,000 gospel leaders in hard-to-reach places who need training and resources to impact their communities with the life-altering message of the gospel.Through the end of the year, every gift received will be doubled, dollar for dollar.Join us to make Jesus known in all neighborhoods and nations.Double your impact. Give today. Visit radical.net/makejesusknown now!Explore more content from Radical.