Podcast appearances and mentions of christ revelation

The victory of Jesus Christ is inevitable, incontestable, and indestructible. Our victory with him is unquestionable.  

Christ's Kingdom message was so much more that a grace that saves you...it is a grace that sustains and empowers you to live for Him with every part of your life and in every part of culture...bringing His Kingship to all of Creation! Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Revelation 5:10)!

In this live broadcast from April 8th, Pastor John Alworth shifts the focus of recovery from mere abstinence to the necessity of a personal relationship with the Creator. Drawing a parallel to "Gallery Furniture's" famous slogan, Alworth emphasizes that God’s plan for healing is "free, free, free," provided one is willing to engage in a reciprocal bond of love. The episode outlines the dynamics of the man-God relationship through several key perspectives: God’s Initiating Love: Alworth explains that God’s love is "initiating" and "sacrificial." Using the imagery of the Garden of Eden, he notes that when humanity hid in sin, it was God who came looking for them, asking, "Where are you?" He highlights that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross occurred while we were still sinners, proving that God loves individuals into transformation rather than waiting for them to clean themselves up first. The Two-Way Street of Love: A healthy relationship cannot be one-sided. Alworth challenges listeners to move beyond "knocking" and actually open the door to Christ (Revelation 3:20). He defines loving God back through obedience—not as a rigid set of rules, but as a path to clearing the "chaos" of a sinful lifestyle—and through trusting His plan over personal preferences. The Biological Benefit of Worship: Alworth introduces the concept of neuroplasticity, specifically how worship affects the brain. He explains that acts of devotion and creative praise cause "dendrites" (the connectors between neurons) to flower and bloom. Remarkably, the area of the brain most improved by this spiritual practice is the center for empathy, which directly impacts the second greatest commandment: loving your neighbor. Recovery as Reconciliation: Whether recovering from addiction, pride, or a "divided society," the solution remains the same: reconciliation. Alworth reminds listeners that unforgiveness is a "ball and chain" that only weighs down the person holding the grudge. By forgiving oneself and others, the "bridge" broken in Eden is restored. The program concludes with an invitation to move past "religion" (a man-made construct) and embrace "relationship"—the intimacy of crying "Abba, Father" to a God who is ready to pick His children up every time they stumble. Key Scriptural References Romans 5:8Christ dying for us while we were yet sinners. John 5:6The fundamental question of recovery: "Do you want to be healed?" Revelation 3:20The invitation to open the door and "sup" (socialize) with God. 1 John 4:19We love because He first loved us. Psalm 139Being fearfully and wonderfully made with an individual purpose. Reflection Question Pastor Alworth mentioned that we often try to "clean ourselves up" before coming to God. Is there an area of your life you've been trying to "fix" on your own before inviting Him into the process?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exposition of Revelation 1:9-20

1. Confirmed in their conviction 2. Clothed by their conduct 3. Confessing the Christ Revelation 19:1–10 presents a vision of ultimate cosmic justice and joyful anticipation, where the heavenly host celebrates God's righteous judgment against the corrupting forces of evil, particularly symbolized by the 'great prostitute,' and the imminent marriage supper of the Lamb. The passage juxtaposes the solemn reality of divine retribution with the profound joy of the redeemed, emphasizing that true worship is not merely emotional but rooted in the recognition of God's sovereign justice and faithfulness. It calls believers to live in deliberate, joyful anticipation of Christ's return, embracing delayed gratification and self-denial in this life—like a bride preparing for her wedding—so as to be ready for the eternal feast. The text underscores that participation in this celebration is not automatic but requires a life of devotion, righteousness, and worship centered on Jesus, whose testimony is the very spirit of prophecy. Ultimately, the passage challenges the church to reject worldly distractions and counterfeit joys, instead orienting every aspect of life toward the blessed hope of being invited to the Lamb's wedding supper.

In this sermon, we continue our series through the book of Revelation, “The Wonderful World of the Apocalypse,” by slowing down in Revelation 10 to see what it means for the church to live as a prophetic people in a chaotic world.Drawing from Revelation 10:1–11, we explore:The meaning of “apokalupsis” (Revelation 1:1) as an unveiling of spiritual realityThe mighty angel with pillars of fire and echoes of God's presence in Exodus 13:21–22 and Exodus 14:19–24The opened scroll first seen in Revelation 5:1–7, now handed to John as a picture of the church's participation in God's redemptive planHow the judgments of Revelation 8–9 and the lack of repentance in Revelation 9:20–21 contrast with the repentance of the nations in Revelation 11:13The call to be “a kingdom and priests” (Revelation 1:5–6; 5:9–10) and a prophetic community, not spiritual hermits (Revelation 10:11)We consider how the wilderness is not proof of God's absence but the very place of His presence and formation (Deuteronomy 8:2–5; Hosea 2:14–15), and how the pillar of fire imagery reminds us that God is with His people in every age.Key themes include:Judgment plus the church's witness leading to repentance (Romans 2:4; Revelation 11:3–6, 11–13)The Spirit-empowered prophetic vocation of all believers (Numbers 11:29; Joel 2:28–29; Acts 2:16–21)The call to embody the gospel as a “well-lit sign” pointing to King Jesus and His kingdom (Matthew 5:14–16; 2 Corinthians 5:17–20)The sweetness and bitterness of God's word as John eats the scroll (Revelation 10:9–10; cf. Ezekiel 2:8–3:3; Jeremiah 15:16)The mystery of God brought to completion in Christ (Revelation 10:7; Ephesians 1:9–10; Colossians 1:26–27)We also look at how Paul and John refuse to let exile or imprisonment shrink their calling (Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:12–14; Revelation 1:9), and how faithfulness in ordinary obedience often precedes God's “suddenly” moments of breakthrough (Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 3:6–9).This message is a pastoral summons to come out of hiding—whether behind pain, failure, success, or comfort—and to “go again” in prophetic obedience to Jesus (Isaiah 6:8; Romans 12:1–2), trusting that God is with us in the wilderness and intends to use His church to bear witness to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings (Revelation 10:11; Revelation 7:9–10).

Being willing to die for something is admirable, but what is often more difficult is living for something—day-by-day, decision-by-decision. The church at Pergamum was willing to die for Christ, but was unwilling to live for him. Its holiness was hypocritical, and the lifestyles of its were licentious. Jesus called them to repentance, and promised to be their strength and their very great reward. We see four things in the text: 1. Hypocritical Holiness (v. 14) 2. Licentious Lifestyles (vv. 14–15) 3. Repentance and Reformation (v. 16) 4. A Promise of Purity (v. 17)

Despite flaws, the church at Pergamum received Christ's gracious commendation for their faithfulness, their faithfulness in a hostile environment, their tenacious testimony, and their enduring evangelism. Christ's letter to this church teaches us some important lessons. Though flawed and fragile, believers possess the Spirit of God. By his power, we can make a tangible difference for God's kingdom, inspiring others through faithfulness in trials, suffering, and everyday life.

Who Does Jesus Look Like? Meet the Risen and Glorified Christ (Revelation 1:9–20) - Dr. Bill Cook

Psalm 149:1-9, Nehemiah 9:38-11:21, Revelation 20:1-15. According to the New Testament, every Christian will be crowned and will reign even longer and there will be an even bigger cause for celebration and rejoicing than that of any earthly ruler You will reign *with Christ* (Revelation 20:4,6)

Psalm 149:4–5, Nehemiah 9:38,10:39, Revelation 2:1-12. According to the New Testament, every Christian will be crowned and will reign even longer and there will be an even bigger cause for celebration and rejoicing than that of any earthly ruler You will reign *with Christ* (Revelation 20:4,6)

Psalm 149:2-5, Nehemiah 9:38,10:39, Revelation 2:1-12. According to the New Testament, every Christian will be crowned and will reign even longer and there will be an even bigger cause for celebration and rejoicing than that of any earthly ruler You will reign *with Christ* (Revelation 20:4,6)

Listen to the last message in our series for Advent: Simply Christmas. 

1) Behold the glory of Christ- Revelation 1:13–162) Behold the Holiness of Christ - Revelation 1:17a 3) Behold the Comfort of Christ - Revelation 1:17b4) Behold the preeminence of Christ - Revelation 1:17-18

Chapter 3 completes Peter's 2nd letter. The first 13 verses tell of the coming day of judgment. Verses 1-5 speak of the wilful ignorance - i.e. by deliberate choice - of the coming judgments upon the wicked. The Apostle shows that despite warnings given to Noah and to those of his generation for 120 years (see also Hebrews 11verses7) those who had once been believers had chosen to abandon their faith. Though punishment seemed slow in coming it was certain. The slowness was to give time for people to repent and turn to God. Our God is not willing that any should perish (verses 8-9). Opportunity must be seized now as there will not always be opportunity. Like unsuspecting individuals those who are unready for the Lord's return will find themselves suddenly ensnared (like a thief in the night surprises those who are not prepared). Our Lord Jesus Christ describes this in Luke 21verses34-36. Paul likewise speaks of this time in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5verses1-9. The dissolution of the Mosaic order is described as the heavens and earth being dissolved. This is a common Biblical figure of speech (see Deuteronomy 32 verse 1 and Isaiah 1 verses 2 and 10). Seeing we are certain of the coming of the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 4 and 5 describe this time) Peter quotes from Isaiah 65verses17-25) that we must live righteously and in readiness for our Lord's return. So, the life and behaviour of the believer must be fashioned in conformity with our desire to be part of the kingdom of our Lord and Christ (Revelation 11verses1-9). Final words from Peter finish the letter in verses 14-18. The Apostle commends them to pay heed to the writings of Paul. The two great Apostles - Peter and Paul - stand shoulder to shoulder in their teachings and in their believing of and living the Truth. Peter's concluding words in verse 18 should be read aloud slowly and pondered.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Chapter 3 completes Peter's 2nd letter. The first 13 verses tell of the coming day of judgment. Verses 1-5 speak of the wilful ignorance - i.e. by deliberate choice - of the coming judgments upon the wicked. The Apostle shows that despite warnings given to Noah and to those of his generation for 120 years (see also Hebrews 11verses7) those who had once been believers had chosen to abandon their faith. Though punishment seemed slow in coming it was certain. The slowness was to give time for people to repent and turn to God. Our God is not willing that any should perish (verses 8-9). Opportunity must be seized now as there will not always be opportunity. Like unsuspecting individuals those who are unready for the Lord's return will find themselves suddenly ensnared (like a thief in the night surprises those who are not prepared). Our Lord Jesus Christ describes this in Luke 21verses34-36. Paul likewise speaks of this time in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5verses1-9. The dissolution of the Mosaic order is described as the heavens and earth being dissolved. This is a common Biblical figure of speech (see Deuteronomy 32 verse 1 and Isaiah 1 verses 2 and 10). Seeing we are certain of the coming of the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 4 and 5 describe this time) Peter quotes from Isaiah 65verses17-25) that we must live righteously and in readiness for our Lord's return. So, the life and behaviour of the believer must be fashioned in conformity with our desire to be part of the kingdom of our Lord and Christ (Revelation 11verses1-9). Final words from Peter finish the letter in verses 14-18. The Apostle commends them to pay heed to the writings of Paul. The two great Apostles - Peter and Paul - stand shoulder to shoulder in their teachings and in their believing of and living the Truth. Peter's concluding words in verse 18 should be read aloud slowly and pondered.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Job 18 deals with Bildad's 2nd round of arguments. Job says, "God punishes the wicked", and since you seem to be suffering punishment you, too, must be wicked. Job, Bildad says, "you keep looking for words to justify yourself. "Do you consider us to be merely stupid cattle? “Settle down, stay calm, and submit to your deserved discipline. No matter how much you protest and struggle you cannot escape the discipline of the Almighty. If you do not learn from your chastening you will disappear into obscurity with the rest of the wicked". Chapter 19 contains the most magnificent statement in the entire Old Testament of God's atonement, or the Almighty's plan to reconcile man to Himself. Job passionately replies, "I know that my Redeemer ("goel" near kinsman) lives". We learn much about the role of the "goel" in the book of Ruth. Both here, and in Ruth, we are taught of Christ's love and His desire to redeem us. Job laments the torments of his friends. The number 10 is used in the Bible, to represent a never-ending sequence (compare in Numbers Yahweh's protestations to Moses of Israel's never ceasing grumbling; also, Hebrews 3). "God", says Job, "seems to have counted me as His enemy. Why I know not. But, if only I had the opportunity I would put my case before Him. My loathsome condition has estranged me from all relatives and friends. Pity me that the Almighty's hand has been stretched out against me". From verses 23-27 we have Job's hope that a "goel" would mediate his case with God. The words have been magnificently captured in Handel's oratorio "Messiah". Our only hope lay in the Father's work of reconciliation, which was accomplished in His Son, who bore our human nature and although suffering its weaknesses and was sinless. And so, he is completely qualified as our Redeemer (Hebrews 2verses5-18). Christ Jesus will return and stand upon the earth to raise the dead in Christ to immortality. Though our bodies be destroyed in the grave ("Sheol"), yet our life will be revived when Christ Jesus comes (Colossians 3verses1-5). "In the meantime, let me be", pleads Job. Zephaniah prophesied during the reign in Judah of the wonderful king Josiah spanning the years (640 BC - 609 BC). This time was just prior to the four waves of Babylonian invasions under Nebuchadnezzar. Although Josiah was a great reformer many of the leaders remained entrenched in their wicked positions because of the longstanding evil reigns of the Kings who preceded the greatest of Judah's reformers. The name of the prophet (Zephaniah) means, "hidden of Yah" (Yah is the shortened poetic form of Yahweh) and his name encapsulates the theme of the book (see chapter 2verses3). Those righteous ones who had sought Yahweh would be hidden from His chastening Hand when the judgements came. Verse 5 tells us that the LORD would punish the remnant of the Baal worshippers - even though Josiah had purged Baal from Judah many still secretly cherished and practised that entrenched idolatry. The record in 2 Kings tells the same story. Verse 5 also speaks of the abominable worship that some still followed (see Ezekiel chapters 12 and 13 which describe the forms of worship which persisted at this time). Verse 8 singles out for punishment Josiah's sons - in particular Jeconiah called by Jeremiah, Coniah - by partly removing his association from the name of Yahweh (see Jeremiah 22verses11-30). Coniah knew not the first thing about being a faithful king (those attributes are enumerated in Deuteronomy 17; 2 Samuel 23; Psalm 72). And so, both Zephaniah and Jeremiah contrast Jeconiah with his father Josiah. Verse 9 speaks of an idolatrous practice going back to the sojourn of the ark of the covenant in Philistine territory at the time of Samuel's infancy (see 1 Samuel 5verses5). Verses 10-13 describe the people chosen for judgment and the reasons for this punishment. Verses 14-18 poetically metaphorically describe what "the day of Yahweh" would look like. Woe to those who mistakenly sought it believing that the judgments of the Almighty would fall on others and not on themselves. Chapter 3 completes Peter's 2nd letter. The first 13 verses tell of the coming day of judgment. Verses 1-5 speak of the wilful ignorance - i.e. by deliberate choice - of the coming judgments upon the wicked. The Apostle shows that despite warnings given to Noah and to those of his generation for 120 years (see also Hebrews 11verses7) those who had once been believers had chosen to abandon their faith. Though punishment seemed slow in coming it was certain. The slowness was to give time for people to repent and turn to God. Our God is not willing that any should perish (verses 8-9). Opportunity must be seized now as there will not always be opportunity. Like unsuspecting individuals those who are unready for the Lord's return will find themselves suddenly ensnared (like a thief in the night surprises those who are not prepared). Our Lord Jesus Christ describes this in Luke 21verses34-36. Paul likewise speaks of this time in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5verses1-9. The dissolution of the Mosaic order is described as the heavens and earth being dissolved. This is a common Biblical figure of speech (see Deuteronomy 32 verse 1 and Isaiah 1 verses 2 and 10). Seeing we are certain of the coming of the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 4 and 5 describe this time) Peter quotes from Isaiah 65verses17-25) that we must live righteously and in readiness for our Lord's return. So, the life and behaviour of the believer must be fashioned in conformity with our desire to be part of the kingdom of our Lord and Christ (Revelation 11verses1-9). Final words from Peter finish the letter in verses 14-18. The Apostle commends them to pay heed to the writings of Paul. The two great Apostles - Peter and Paul - stand shoulder to shoulder in their teachings and in their believing of and living the Truth. Peter's concluding words in verse 18 should be read aloud slowly and pondered. Thanks for joining us

The Present Christ (Revelation 1:9-20) - November 30, 2025 by OrlandoGrace

2025-11-23 - WEEP NOT, BEHOLD CHRIST! ⧸⧸ REVELATION 5 [Ej4TRR8p6C4] by Salvador Flores III

Send us a textWhen did Christ's reign begin—and what does it mean that Satan is “bound”? In Revelation 20, we see D-Day at the cross and V-Day at Christ's return. Pastor Timothy unpacks the millennium with humility and clarity, showing why believers are already seated with Christ, called to open our mouths, and advance the gospel as royal priests.Key themes: • Binding vs. defeat of Satan • The millennium and the church age • Seated with Christ (Eph. 2) • Gospel as announcement, not advice • Great White Throne & the Book of Life • Run to the cross; reign with ChristScriptures: Rev 20:1–15; Matt 12:28–29; Luke 10:17–20; Col 2:13–15; Eph 2:1–7; 2 Cor 4:3–6Connect: Vintage Church, Lodi, CA • Sundays 10am Subscribe for more messages in More Than Conquerors: A Revelation of the Resurrected King.Tags: Revelation 20, millennium views, amillennial, premillennial, postmillennial, inaugurated eschatology, spiritual warfare, seated with Christ, Book of Life

As I've shared this progression idea of, “Father in the home to elder in the city to ruler in the Kingdom,” I keep getting the same question. They say,“Tim, I get the ‘father in the home' part, but elders and ruling part doesn't make sense.”Yeah, I understand why. Most people think “elder” means church board member, and “Kingdom of God” means an eternal vacation in heaven. There's some truth to these perspectives, but neither are completely biblical.The Biblical Progression for MenWhile society may have lost this “noble task” of aspiring to be an overseer, Scripture hasn't. Its vision for men is this:* Fatherhood in the home is training for eldership in the city.* Eldership in the city is training for ruling cities in the Kingdom.The framework comes directly from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.When discussing the qualifications for an elder, in 1 Timothy 3:4 Paul says:“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity, keeping his children submissive. For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?” (ESV)The principle seems to be this: managing my home well qualifies me for broader leadership to help others manage their homes and affairs.It's the same principle we see in Proverbs 31:23, where the husband of the excellent wife has an outstanding reputation and sits as an elder at the city gates. The whole chapter describes her household management, and that qualifies him to sit among the leaders of the city. (Why our communities desperately need this elder role and the impact of its absence is a topic for a future post.)Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).But how does that connect to ruling in a Kingdom?Let me unpack these two ideas a bit more from a biblical perspective. I'm honestly still wrestling with how to articulate this well, so please help me here as this (hopefully) starts to click for you.First Objection: “Tim, isn't 1 Timothy 3:4 about church eldership, not the city?”Yes. Kinda.“…for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?”The confusion comes because we read “church” and think of our modern experience and understanding of “church.” This isn't just talking about the guy who passes offering plates on Sunday mornings. Church leadership is included here, but there's more to it than that.Every biblical example of eldership we have points to governing in a city, not just religious functions. When Scripture talks about elders, they're sitting at city gates (Proverbs 31, Ruth 4), making community decisions, settling disputes, serving people, and managing the common good of their city.The word “church” (ekklesia) in 1 Timothy 3 is the same word used throughout Scripture for assembly or gathering. It's a community of people, not just a Sunday service. I think we've domesticated this concept by limiting “elder” to church committees when the biblical vision is far broader: proven household stewardship qualifies men for civic influence and leadership in the community of faith.Think about Boaz. He goes to the city gate, gathers the elders, and facilitates a legal transaction for Ruth and Naomi. That's not church leadership—that's civic eldership. These guys are known, respected, and trusted with community decisions because they've proven faithful in stewarding their households and businesses well.This is why, in Titus 1:5, Paul says:“…I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…” (ESV)Paul directs Titus to appoint city elders for the sake of the body of believers (i.e. the church) there.This coincides with Paul's understanding of the church (body of believers) being city-wide communities, not the isolated church corner buildings we have today. Paul writes “to the church in Ephesus, Corinth, Colossi, Philippi, etc.” Jesus does the same thing in Revelation 1 when he writes to the church in Laodicea, Smyrna, Sardis, etc.So, yes, I think, “…how will he care for God's church,” is more accurately understood as, “…how will he care for God's people in that city?”Second Objection: “Ok, but how do you get to Kingdom rule?”Good question! And it's a result of the same issue as before: we read our preconceived ideas into the text. In this case, it's whatever one thinks of when they think of the Kingdom of God.Stay with me here. This is important.In Genesis 1:28, God creates mankind as His image-bearer and blesses them with a clear mandate:“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion...” (ESV)We were created to rule and reign with Him over His creation. This blessed authority was the original design.In some ways, The Fall broke our ruling, but redemption doesn't erase the original purpose — it restores it. Jesus didn't come to evacuate us from earth; He came to restore earth under God's rule with us as His image-bearing representatives.Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).This is where Luke 19 becomes critical. In the parable of the ten minas, the nobleman gives each servant one mina and says, “Engage in business until I come.” (More on this command to engage in business is coming in a future post, too.) When he returns, he evaluates their faithfulness with what they were given. The faithful steward who turned one mina into ten receives authority over ten cities. The one who turned one mina into five gets five cities.Notice what the reward is: authority over cities. Not harps in heaven. Not eternal singing. Not floating on clouds. Actual governing responsibility in God's Kingdom.The point?Fruitful management now qualifies you for greater management later.Jesus isn't just testing their financial skills, although that's probably part of it. He's showing that the way we handle what God has entrusted to us right now—our marriages, our children, our businesses, our communities—is preparation for ruling and reigning with Him in His Kingdom.Paul echoes this in 2 Timothy 2:12: “If we endure, we will also reign with him.” The writer of Hebrews says Jesus is bringing “many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). Revelation describes believers as those who will reign with Christ (Revelation 5:10; 20:6; 22:5).“…and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:10 (ESV)This isn't fringe theology. This is the biblical narrative arc:God created us to rule with Him, sin broke that, Christ redeems us and is preparing us now for our eternal role as co-rulers in His Kingdom.

When the world feels chaotic, Revelation 20 reminds us that Satan is restrained and Christ reigns. Pastor Mark Groen helps us see that the leash of the enemy is in the Lord's hand and that believers share in the King's ongoing reign. Listen and be encouraged to stand firm in faith, trusting the sovereign hand of God.

1. Satan will be restrained (v. 1-3).2. Jesus will reign on the earth (v. 4-6).3. Satan will be defeated once and for all (v. 7-10).

Scripture: Revelation 20:1-15Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast is in Revelation chapter 21. Dr. Mitchell will be taking us through various themes found in both chapter 21 and 22 together. But in this lesson, he takes us into chapter 21 beginning at verse 5. Here it speaks of God making all things new.In verse 7, Dr. Mitchell speak to the issue of who is the overcomer. The Lord speaks of overcomers earlier in this book. Are you an overcomer? Let's join Dr. Mitchell here in Revelation chapter 21 verse 5 to explain.

This week, is the first of a couple of month series through the seven churches in Revelation. These are sermons first preached at Freedom Baptist Church and I hope they will be a benefit to a broader audience as well. In Revelation 2-3, Jesus speaks to seven churches. He commends them for genuine faith, challenges them because of sin, and calls them to overcome by faith in Him. But before any of that, Jesus shows John a glorious vision of himself in Revelation 1.

Join Pastor Derek Neider in this inspiring episode of The Daily Devotional as he kicks off a powerful new series on the book of Romans. In today's devotional, Derek introduces us to one of the most theologically rich books of the Bible, unpacking the significance of the apostle Paul's words and the gospel's eternal message.In this first chapter, Derek dives deep into Paul's self-description as a servant of Christ and a chosen messenger of God's good news. Through thoughtful reflections, Derek encourages us to embrace our calling to serve Christ wholeheartedly and live out our faith with purpose and surrender.Tune in for insightful teachings, practical application, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live as servants of the gospel. This is just the beginning—there's so much more to come as we journey through Romans together!Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected!New to faith? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Pastor Derek Neider⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Derek on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the daily devotional⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore recent messages!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our website. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113.  Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.

The discussion explores understanding God's will, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of being yoked to Christ for spiritual growth. It emphasizes separating human and divine nature, the sanctification process, and overcoming fleshly desires. The group reflects on spiritual warfare, divine dependence, and the importance of fellowship, concluding with hopeful anticipation for a new gathering space.Understanding identity in Christ is crucial for spiritual growth and avoiding blameOlder believers should deepen dependence on Christ and the Holy SpiritSpiritual warfare affects those in high positions in Christ (Ephesians 6)Metaphor of not mixing oil with water stresses separation of human and divine natureGrace and humility needed to receive Christ's love and truth (1 Peter 3:18, John 1:14)Sanctification involves separating fleshly desires; trials refine believers (Romans 8:28)Being yoked to Christ contrasts with being yoked to the flesh, which leads to blame and spiritual failure (Genesis 3, Matthew 6, Revelation 3)God's love and teaching protect believers from negative influencesThe struggle between flesh and spirit requires Holy Spirit guidanceOvercoming distractions and fleshly desires is essential for intimacy with Christ (Revelation 2:17, John 16:1)Lukewarm Christianity described as trying to be yoked to two masters simultaneouslySpiritual maturity increases dependence on God and intimacy with Him (Hebrews 4:1-3)Fellowship nurtures growth; group anticipates a new meeting space fostering communityClosing prayers reflect gratitude for Christ's sacrifice and ongoing spiritual journeyKey Scriptures: Ephesians 6, Hebrews 4 1-3, 1 John 3 1-3, 1 Peter 3 18, John 1 14, Romans 8 28, Genesis 3, Matthew 6, Revelation 2 17, John 16 1, Revelation 3, John 17 11-22, Ephesians 4 4-6

Jesus, the King of Kings, is victorious over all forces of darkness. Revelation 17:14 declares the final triumph of those who stand with Him. Experience the promise of victory through faith!

Chapter 3 completes Peter's 2nd letter. The first 13 verses tell of the coming day of judgment. Verses 1-5 speak of the wilful ignorance – ie by deliberate choice – of the coming judgments upon the wicked. The Apostle shows that despite warnings given to Noah and to those of his generation for 120 years (see also Hebrews 11 verse 7) those who had once been believers had chosen to abandon their faith. Though punishment seemed slow in coming it was certain. The slowness was to give time for people to repent and turn to God. Our God is not willing that any should perish (verses 8-9). Opportunity must be seized now as there will not always be opportunity. Like unsuspecting individuals those who are unready for the Lord's return will find themselves suddenly ensnared (like a thief in the night surprises those who are not prepared). Our Lord Jesus Christ describes this in Luke 21verses 34-36. Paul likewise speaks of this time in1 Thessalonians 5 verses 1-9. The dissolution of the Mosaic order is described as the heavens and earth being dissolved. This is a common Biblical figure of speech (see Deuteronomy 32 verse 1 and Isaiah 1 verses 2 and 10). Seeing we are certain of the coming of the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 4 and 5 describe this time) Peter quotes from Isaiah 65verses 17-25) that we must live righteously and in readiness for our Lord's return. So the life and behaviour of the believer must be fashioned in conformity with our desire to be part of the kingdom of our Lord and Christ (Revelation 11:1-9). Final words from Peter finish the letter in verses 14-18. The Apostle commends them to pay heed to the writings of Paul. The two great Apostles – Peter and Paul – stand shoulder to shoulder in their teachings and in their believing of and living the Truth. Peter's concluding words in verse 18 should be read aloud slowly and pondered.

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, we're wrapping up our series, "How Stuff Works", with a topic that has many different opinions on it in today's culture: the Church. The Bible is clear on this, though, and today we'll see what is has to say!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How the Church WorksBig Idea: God designed his Church to involve his people in key purposes that bring about his plans in this world.No other organization on earth compares to the Church. It's not simply a building or a weekend service. It's the living body of Christ, chosen and designed by God to carry out his mission in the world. From the very beginning, Jesus made it clear that he would build his Church—and not even the powers of hell could stop it. (Matthew 16:18)Let's unpack how the Church works by looking at four core truths from Scripture.1. There Is One True ChurchWhen Jesus spoke of “my church” in Matthew 16:18, he wasn't referring to a specific building or religious organization. The Greek word for church is ekklesia, meaning “the called-out ones”—a gathering of people summoned for a purpose. The Church Jesus established is the community of all true believers in Jesus throughout history. This is sometimes called the “Universal Church.”It's important to understand that the Universal Church transcends denominations, traditions, and geographic locations. No single church or association can claim to be “the one true Church.” The true Church consists of everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.The Bible uses powerful imagery to help us understand the nature of the Church:The Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7) reflects the intimate and loving relationship between Jesus and his people.A Spiritual Family and Nation (Ephesians 2:19) shows how believers belong to one household, united under God's rule.A Temple and a House (Ephesians 2:20-21) describes how we are being built together as a dwelling place for God's Spirit.2. Jesus Is the Head of His ChurchColossians 1:18 makes it clear: Christ is the head of the Church, which is his body. This means Jesus himself is in charge. He leads through the truth of the Bible, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and through biblically qualified leaders like elders and pastors.Jesus guides the Church like a shepherd leads his flock. In 1 Peter 5:1-4, elders are instructed to care for God's people with humility and a servant's heart, always pointing back to the Chief Shepherd—Jesus.While the Universal Church is invisible and eternal, it takes visible form through local churches. These are the communities where believers gather for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission. Though no single local church represents the entirety of the Universal Church, each one is a part of the larger body of Christ, carrying...

What does it take to remain faithful when life feels overwhelming, when faith costs everything, and when compromise seems easier than conviction? In this powerful message from Revelation 1, we're given a vision of Jesus that changes everything—eyes like fire, a voice like rushing waters, and a face shining like the sun. He is not only the faithful witness and firstborn from the dead—He is the conquering Christ.Drawing from the vision given to the apostle John and a dramatic scene from Elisha's ministry in 2 Kings 6, this sermon calls us to open our eyes to the ultimate reality: Jesus reigns even when the world rages. Through suffering, persecution, or tribulation, we are reminded that we are more than conquerors—but only when we see the Conqueror for who He is.Whether you're in a season of fire or facing fears that feel insurmountable, this message is a call to courage, faith, and endurance. Look up. Do not fear. Christ has conquered.

Today,we're looking at Luke16:22-26, and we're talking about the subject of hell.Unless the rapture takes place first, everyoneon planet Earth will die. We will all face judgment and the Bible teaches wewill either go to a place of eternal torment, a literal hell, or to wonderfulplace of paradise called heaven. Jesus spoke about a literal hell on manyoccasions. Goddid not create hell for human beings. He created paradise, heaven for humanbeings. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14). Buthell was created for the devil and his angel, as Matthew 25:41 explains, whereJesus speaks to those on the left, saying, "Depart from me, you cursed,into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Thispassage in Luke 16, from the lips of Jesus refutes so-called "soulsleep," for both the rich man and Lazarus were conscious, one enjoyingcomfort and the other suffering torment. It is a solemn thing to ponder one'seternal destiny and realize the reality of divine punishment. Itappears from reading the context of the whole Scripture that there is a place,somewhere in the heart of the earth today, called Sheol or Hades, and it's theplace of the departed dead. In this passage of Scripture, and what I believefrom reading all of Scripture, in the Old Testament, before the resurrection ofChrist, everyone went to this place called Sheol, which had two compartments,as Jesus points out here, with a gulf fixed between them so you couldn't passfrom one to the other. One part was a place we call hell, a place of fire andtorment. The rich man died, and in this place of torment, he lifted up hiseyes, and he was in torment. Four times in this passage, the word"torment" is used. It's a place of flame, a place of pain, a place oftorment, and a place where you still have your feelings. Inthe Old Testament, everyone who died either died in faith, looking forward tothe death of Christ on the cross through the sacrifices, or they died and wentto the hell side. This was up to the cross and the resurrection of Christ. Webelieve that when Jesus died and was buried, during that time, He emptied theparadise side, bringing those souls to the third heaven. Paul talked abouthaving an experience where he was caught up to the third heaven (2 Corinthians12:2). He says in the epistles, "To be absent from the body is to bepresent with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Remember Stephen, when hewas being stoned to death, saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts7:55-56). Remember Jesus said, "You will be with me" (John 14:3). Iam convinced today that when believers die, they go to the third heaven (2Corinthians 12:2). Because, “to be absent from the body is to be presentwith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).  When lost people die, they still go to thisplace called Hades, the place called hell, where there is torment. I'mconvinced that, according to Scripture, one day hell will give up the dead thatare in it. There will be the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of themillennium, and the devil, his angels, and everyone who rejects Jesus Christ asSavior, will end up in what is called “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-15).That's where the false prophet and the beast were cast just before themillennial reign of Christ (Revelation 19:20). Myfriend, God didn't create hell for you and me. He created heaven for us.Eternity is in our hearts, and today we can, by faith, receive Jesus Christ andnever have to fear going to this place of torment because we have a placeprepared for us in heaven by the Lord Himself. We must make a choice. Goddoesn't send people to hell. They send themselves to hell when they rejectJesus Christ. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11).  Jesusloves us and died for us and Scripture tells us, "Today is the day ofsalvation; behold, now is the accepted time (2 Corinthians 6:1-2). Please trustHim today to be your Savior!

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Paul Axton Preaches: Romans 3:25 is a key verse in determining Christ's relationship to the Temple. Is he a sacrifice of atonement to be fit into the Temple and Law, or is he the (hilasterion) Mercy Seat providing access to revelation of righteousness which is salvation?   If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider donating to support our work. Become a Patron!

Hope this free Christian sleep meditation helps you get some rest, but more importantly, that it strengthens your faith and endurance in Christ.Tonight, we reflect on Revelation 2:24-29, where Jesus encourages those who remain faithful and resist the deep darkness around them. If you're struggling with spiritual exhaustion, anxiety, or feeling weighed down by the world, let this meditation remind you of God's promise to His faithful ones. May His Word bring you peace, renewal, and deep, restful sleep as you rest in His strength and victory.If you would like to donate to help me keep producing these episodes, you can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/truesleep. Monthly supporters receive a written devotion for the morning.

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Be an Image of Jesus (audio) David Eells 2/19/25 (Note: I have been concentrating my teachings for months in the area of sanctification, or Christ in you, to prepare you for your high calling of God. As the Lord has led, some are being prepared to be in the Man-child body, some in the Bride body, some in the virgin body, and some will just get their toe in the door. I want the best for you. Concentrate on your holiness and be ready to meet and recognize the Lord in the anointed Man-child as we head towards the wilderness.) Let's start with Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians in (1Co.15:1) Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received (So he's definitely talking to Christians here.), wherein also ye stand, (2) by which also ye are saved (The Greek word there is sózó and it is grammatically in the active voice; this should correctly read “being saved.”), if ye hold fast… Well, that's a condition: “ye are being saved, if.” You are being saved if, and only if, you hold fast the Word. That means all those churches out there preaching unconditional eternal security, or ultimate reconciliation, or any other such doctrine, have cut all the “ifs” out of their Bibles. That also means they've been lying to you. (1Co.15:1) Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, (2) by which also ye are being saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. Sadly, there are people who believe, and are Christians, but they don't “hold fast” to the Word and so they end up believing in vain. It's important what you believe about the Word. It's important that you believe only what “thus saith the Lord,” because these are the Words of eternal life (John 6:68). And there's only one “Seed” according to Galatians 3:16, which is Christ, the Word, the Seed of the Scriptures that can recreate in you the living, true Christ, which God considers to be your “fruit.” The Parable of the Sower explains how very important it is that we “hold fast” the original Word which the first disciples preached (1John 2:7,24,3:11; 2 John 1:6), otherwise, you're just wasting your time. Many people have “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4) because the men that are leading them don't hold fast to the Word. There's only one Word that will bring forth the fruit of Christ, and that is the Seed, which is Jesus Christ, the Sower. That's the Seed which brought forth, in one out of the four types of people, thirty-, sixty-, and a hundred-fold fruit of Jesus Christ. Now if we want to know what the “fruit” looks like, we look at Jesus. If we say that we abide in Him, we must walk as He walked (1 John 2:6) because He is our demonstration of what our Father wants. We can't look to our modern-day preachers; many of whom are all fallen-away from the Truth. So we are told in (Heb.10:23) let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised. We have to be those “that endureth to the end” to be saved according to Jesus in Matthew 10:22. Colossians somewhat repeats this in (Col.1:21) And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works (Obviously, again he's speaking to Christians.), (22) yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death… “Reconciled” is the word apokatallasso and it means “to exchange completely.” This exchange includes Jesus' righteousness for our sins, His blessing for our curse, His health for our sickness, His provision for our lack, etc., etc. Gal.3:13-14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. And Abraham was said to be blessed in all things. And we are responsible for making this exchange by our positive confessions of these blessings. We are also the ministers of this reconciliation to ourselves and others. For instance, our confession in (Gal.2:20) … it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me… brings this truth into the physical realm. We cause the reconciliation, the exchange, to come to pass and we do that by our faith and our confession, since we see in (Jas.2:17) … faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. When we have faith, we walk it and talk it out; in other words, our actions agree with our faith. That's what causes the reconciliation to continue. We understand that the exchange, of course, is the life of Christ for our life, because “fruit” is according to (Col.1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory. Fruit is the 30-, 60-, and 100-fold fruit of the Word sown in the heart, as the Parable of the Sower shows us, and by our faith we consider it done. Jesus said in (Mar.11:24) … All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them. Believing here is manifested in our words and feet. When we believe we have received something, we can confess it with confidence, and that agrees with (Col.1:22) yet now (That is the Greek word nuni and it means “at this instant; immediately.”) hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: (23) if so be that ye continue in the faith… Not just any faith will bring the reconciliation to pass, only lasting faith in the Gospel, faith in the true Word and the true Promises will cause us to bring forth fruit. Religions have fallen far short of this and that's the reason they're not producing people who walk in the steps of Jesus. They only produce people who are (2Ti.3:5) holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. From these also turn away. The apostle certainly knew what was going to happen, and so he said to turn away from them and hold fast to the Word. (Col.1:23) If so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel (“Hope” is the Greek word elpis meaning a “firm expectation or confidence in what is sure.”) which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister. We are not to be “moved away” from the original Good News because the salvation of our soul, the reconciliation, is not the beginning of our faith, it's a product of the end of our faith according to 1 Peter 1:9. (Gal.3:16) Now (This word “now” is not in the original text. It was added by the translators.) to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. So the promises were spoken to Abraham and his One Seed. The promises were not spoken to us outside of Christ; they were spoken to us as we abide in the One seed of Christ. (17) Now this I say: A covenant confirmed beforehand by God, the law, which came four hundred and thirty years after, doth not disannul (“Disannul” is how the KJV and the ASV translated the Greek word akuroó that actually means “I annul, make of no effect, cancel, invalidate.”), so as to make the promise of no effect. So, the promise to Abraham and to Jesus are still in effect. It's the Law that's not still in effect. (18) For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise: but God hath granted it to Abraham by promise. (19) What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions (You see, the main Covenant was the promise to Abraham. Then the Law was added afterward “because of transgressions.”), till the seed (Jesus) should come to whom the promise hath been made; [and it was] ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. According to this the Old Testament Law is over; it has vanished. It was meant as a temporary measure to help keep people from parábasis, from “transgressing, overstepping, deviating” beyond the boundaries set by God. The Law was in effect only until “the seed,” Who is Christ, “should come to whom the promise hath been made.” It's simply a type and a shadow, as the Bible clearly says, of the greater things which are to come and the greater Covenant, which took its place. (Heb.8:13) In that he saith, A new covenant he hath made the first old. But that which is becoming old and waxeth aged is nigh unto vanishing away. 2Co 3:14 but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ.  Well, if the promise was to Abraham and to Christ His Seed, how do we appropriate this blessing? We have to be “in Christ”. If you're not in Christ, you don't have the covenant blessing. Let's look some more at what it means to be “in Christ” so the promises can be ours. (1Jn.5:10) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in him… The word “witness” here is the same word as “testimony” in both the Hebrew and the Greek. In the Greek New Testament, “witness” is from the word marturia, meaning “witness, evidence, testimony, reputation.” In the Old Testament, the two tables of “testimony” is the same word as “witness” (Exo 31:18). Moses the man-child brought the two witnesses to the people of God in (Deu 9:11) and they broke them in (Exodus 32:19). Those tables of testimony were the written Word of God; His testimony. Jesus also brought us the two witnesses; His disciples who went out two by two. The Bible says in (Joh.7:38) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. (39) But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet [given]; because Jesus was not yet glorified. There's the “witness” or “testimony”: It's the Spirit of the Word that all believers should receive in (Rom.8:9 But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Meaning, if you do not have the born again Spirit of Christ you are not saved. But the Holy Spirit empowers you to walk in the Spirit. And notice, we must believe on Him “as the Scripture hath said,” not adding to, or taking away, from it. (1Jn.5:10) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in him: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he hath not believed in the witness that God hath borne concerning his Son. Notice that if the preachers are changing any part of the witness, the testimony, concerning the Son, concerning the Word of what He came to do, concerning His sacrifice, concerning the provision that He left us as heirs, if they're changing any of this, then they're making God a liar. And you can tell they're making God a liar because they're not turning-out people that look like Jesus Christ. And since they're not turning out people that look like Jesus Christ, they're not sowing the right seed. It's their seed, not God's Seed. God's Seed is His Witness, His Testimony that He bore concerning His Son (1 John 5:9). (1Jn.5:11) And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life (Yes, He did, but He adds a condition to that gift.), and this life is in his Son. He didn't put the gift of eternal life in your hand. Eternal life is in Christ; that's where He put the gift. (Gal.3:16) … To Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed … which is Christ. The promise was made to Christ, not to us. It is only to us if we abide in His Son. The Bible says, (1Co.15:22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Life comes from abiding in Jesus Christ. I've had people say to me, “God's given me eternal life, David, and He can't take it back. I have unconditional eternal security.” No, people who say that are deceived because God did not do that. He gave eternal life to Christ, so if you don't abide in Christ through repentance and faith, you don't have it. That's one reason why people fall away; they think all they need to do is shake a preacher's hand and “accept” Jesus, and they've received everything. No, you have to continue to abide in Christ. If you're in Christ, you will be doing what Christ does. We are called the “Body of Christ.” Who lives in the Body of Christ? He does! Now, it's a word of faith, I understand, but so many people who call themselves “Christian” don't abide in Christ. They don't abide in His Body, respecting His Word, doing His works, thinking His thoughts, doing His deeds, appropriating His blessings, and so on. “God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in His Son,” therefore, we have to abide in His Son to have it. (1Jn.5:12) He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life. And in (2Jn.1:9) Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not (“Abide” is the Greek word menó and it's also translated “remain, stay, wait, endure, continue, live.”) (2Jn.1:9) Whosoever goeth onward (I.e., continues to walk with the Lord) and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God… You can get saved and you can have a born-again spirit, but then you can walk on believing some other word than the teaching of Christ or His apostles, and then you don't have God. You've lost Him. Go back, get into the Word of God for yourself, and once again confirm what He says so you know what to believe. There are over 40,000 denominations today and they can't all be right. Only the Word of God is God. (Jn 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Again in (2Jn.1:9) Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching (We abide in the teaching so we can have God in us.), the same hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into [your] house, and give him no greeting: (11) for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works. You better pay attention to this if you don't want to put yourself under the same curse that those “evil works” have brought on them. So in Christ is the only place you can claim the gift of eternal life, because your eternal life IS Jesus Christ. It's His nature in you: That is eternal life. (1Jn.2:4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar… Only those who keep His Word know Him. Obviously this is a progression of receiving His life as we learn His Word but we must stay on the road. It's true that people make all kinds of excuses for not keeping His commandments, and the doctrine of “unconditional eternal security” is one of the main excuses. It teaches that you can't be lost, even though you don't keep His commandments, but if you were keeping His commandments, you would not be in a dead church that teaches lies in the first place. You wouldn't be in a dead church that doesn't have the power of God and isn't filled with the Holy Spirit and His gifts. (1Jn.2:4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; (5) but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him (Listen carefully.): (6) he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked. We have to believe exactly what God said, the Witness that God gave, concerning His Son. We don't have to believe anything else. Anybody who teaches anything else, we're not to receive from them. Now, didn't Jesus say the exact same thing here? (Joh.15:1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit (Notice that you can get in Him to begin with, but what He's watching for is to see if you're going to bear His fruit.) (2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh it away… We're watching this happen even now with the faction movement that's going on around the world. He is snatching rebellious people out of the body. It says in (Mat.13:41) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things (Not in the Greek) that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity. God turns them over to faction, they become offended over nothing and then, suddenly, they're gone. Then they are gathered “in bundles to burn them,” just like He said He'd do with the tares at the end of time in (Matthew 13:30). Then (Mat.13:43) … shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father… (Joh.15:2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away… And this is a “falling-away”. If you were in Him and then you're out of Him, that's a falling-away. The “fruit” that is ultimately left is the fruit of Christ. Remember, the fruit was the fruit of the Seed that Jesus, the Sower, sowed into hearts in Mathew 13, while the other three out of four fell away. The fruit is not you going out and saving another 30, 60, or 100 souls, as some teach. That's ridiculous, it's plain that the “fruit” is the fruit of the Seed that Jesus sowed, which is the Word of God in us. The most important thing you can do is put the Word of God in your heart. If you don't do that, you're going to fall away. You have to feed the spiritual man, Who is Jesus Christ in you. You have to feed Him, and He only lives and grows on the Word of God and the breath of the Holy Spirit. Again, (Joh.15:2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away… The Greek word kathairó translated there as “taketh it away” means “pruned (purged); eliminating what is fruitless by purifying.” Of course, pruning can be painful, but if you're sapping the strength that comes through the vine of Jesus Christ by getting into too many other things, it's like burying your talent in the earth (Matthew 25:25). If you're doing that, He's going to cut some things off from you. Some people have idols and those idols are sapping their strength. Notice that all through the Bible, God judged people's idols (Deu 31:16-17; Judges 10:6-7; 1 Kings 11:9-11; etc.) Be careful not to make an idol of your wife, your husband, your mom, your dad, any of your family, or your church, or your preacher, or your job, or even some hobby. Whatever it may be, don't put them before God and His Word. Anything that you make an idol can be cut off because it is sapping your strength that belongs only to the Son. (Joh.15:2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he pruneth it (Some versions say “taketh it away.”): and every branch that beareth fruit, he pruneth (This is also translated “cleanseth.”) it that it may bear more fruit. You don't want to lose a husband or wife because you've made a god out of them and they're ruling your life and your time. Of course, we have rules in the Scriptures. The head of the woman is the man and the head of the man is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:2-16). That's obeying Christ. That's abiding in Christ. But you don't want to make a god out of your spouse to the point where everything revolves around them. You have a relationship with the Lord, and the most important thing for you to do is to obey His Word or else you don't abide in Him, just as we saw. And you can obey His Word when you walk by faith and you have the good confession, which brings reconciliation. We are ministers of this reconciliation. (2Co.5:17) Wherefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. (18) But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; (19) to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (20) We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech [you] on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God. We make this exchange happen in ourselves as we “trust and obey for there is no other way”. First comes the born-again Spirit of Jesus Christ and then, as you obey that Spirit, the born again Soul (i.e., mind, will, emotions) of Jesus Christ, and if you've obeyed in your soul, you will have a new body. And when we preach the Gospel to other people, we make this exchange of our life for His, happen in them. They repent of the old man and the new man begins to come forth. So He prunes His people to help them bear more fruit. If you waste your time by not bearing fruit, you are thrown out, “spewed” out, rejected from the body of Christ (Revelation 3:16). You have fallen away. (Joh.15:3) Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you. The Word cleans you up. The Word transforms you by the “renewing of your mind.” (Rom.12:2) And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. What are you transformed into? Christ. The Word creates (Col.1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory. You're coming into His Image. He's recreating the body of Christ in the earth, and the true body of Christ does not look like many modern Christians today so that's not yet the body of Christ. In Hosea 5:7 they are called “strange children” because they do not look like the Father. (2Co.6:17) Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you. Back to (Joh.15:4) Abide in me (If you don't abide in Christ through faith in the promises, you're cast forth as a branch.), and I in you… How do you put Jesus in you? First, you accept that He took away your sins and nailed them to the cross. Then you accept by faith that Christ lives in you. 2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. Then you begin to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind with the Word.” You put Jesus in you through the Word because He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). He is the manna that came down out of heaven that gives life to the world (John 6:51). This Word is the Manna. Eat the Word. If you want to bear fruit quickly, eat more of the Word as you repent of your old life. There has to be a reconciliation, an exchange. You have to lose your life to gain your life, as Jesus said (Matthew 16:25). That's a most ignored condition. If you want more of Jesus' life, then there has to be less of your life because they occupy the same territory. (2Co.4:16) Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. (Joh.15:4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself… That just makes good sense. If it's not connected to the trunk or the vine, a branch is not going to receive the life-giving sap of Jesus to bear fruit; it's going to die. If you don't stay connected to the Lord because you're refusing to bear the fruit and act on the Word, well, you're broken off. You might be sitting on a pew, but it won't make any difference; you're still broken off. (Joh.15:4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. Do you want to bear even more fruit? Then put the Word of God in your heart and abide in Him by keeping His commandments. You can keep His commandments because God will give you grace for faith. Do you believe the reconciliation? It happened at the Cross. He gave all of His Son for all of our old life. (Rom.6:11) Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. This will empower you to forsake sin. (12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof. If you believe it's done, God will empower you to bear fruit, “for apart from me ye can do nothing.” If we don't abide in Him, we can do nothing. (Joh.15:6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch… So, even though he was in you to begin with, you may not have abided in Him and here you are cast forth as a branch. Some people say that if a person falls away, then he never was saved in the first place. We're seeing that's not true because this whole text is saying that's a lie. (Joh.15:6) If a man abide not (meaning does not continue to stay) in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you (There it is two more times again.), ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Do you know a lot of people who don't get any of their prayers answered? What's the problem? They are not abiding and eating the Word. In other words, if this happens, your will is changed to His will. Your will is in agreement with God and His Word. (Amo.3:3) Shall two walk together, except they have agreed? We read the Scriptures in order to come into agreement with Him, so that everything we ask is according to His Will and, therefore, we receive it. He wants us to bear fruit like this. “Ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” People who come into agreement with God are people with power! These are people whose prayer has power to deliver, to save, to provide. If you don't have enough power, maybe you should spend more time putting His Word in you, because faith comes through hearing and hearing by the Word (Rom.10:17). Spend more time putting the Word in you. There's an uncertainty when you don't know God's Will. It's hard to have faith if you don't know something is God's Will, but you'll become convinced what God's Will is by reading about Jesus and His disciples. You'll see it's obvious that God's Will is to save, to heal, to deliver, and to provide for His people. When you put the Word in you, according to the Parable of the Sower, you can bear the fruit of Jesus Christ, 30-, 60-, and 100-fold. He said, “Ask whatsoever you will” and “believe you have received” (Mark 11:24). What happens when you put the Word in your mind is that it changes your will. (Php.2:13) … it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. The Contemporary English Version says, “God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him.” That's how you get set free. (Joh.8:36) If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. He gives you His Will, and when you have His Will, you're free, because everything you want to do is what He wants to do, and He gets what He wants. So freedom comes from putting the Word in you, abiding in Him, and Him abiding in you. This really is Good News! (Joh.15:8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples… Notice that a “disciple,” a mathétés, is “a learner and a follower.” If you can't learn from Jesus and you can't follow Him and you're all caught-up in an idolatrous institution, with an idolatrous leader in the Nicolaitan error, who thinks he's the head of the church, then you're not going to bear fruit and you're not going to be a disciple. Preachers are not to make disciples of themselves; they're to make disciples of Jesus. They're to point you to the Word, to show you how you should be a disciple, a learner and a follower, of Jesus. Praise the Lord! Everything we need is in Christ. (Eph.1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ… Notice! Every spiritual blessing has already been given to us in Christ. A spiritual blessing can also be a physical blessing. It's a spiritual blessing: a blessing from the Spirit and in the Spirit. God wants you to have all of your needs met. (Php.4:19) And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. He wants your needs met: spiritual, physical, and emotional. And as you see, if you abide in Him and put the Word in your heart, you can ask whatever you want and it will be done because what you want is what He wants. Well, since every spiritual blessing is in the “heavenly [places],” where are the “heavenly [places]”? They are “in Christ.” Note again it says, “He hath (That's past tense.) blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places],” which is in Christ. When you abide in Christ, you have every spiritual blessing and you have your needs met. God has put all of your provision there. You must go there to get it, and ask in faith. The flesh wants to live and walk outside of Christ and think outside of Christ, and then men wonder why in the world God does not do for them these things that He says in His Word He will do. It's because these things are in the heavenly places. You can't “walk on the earth,” spiritually speaking, and “walk in heavenly places” at the same time. Either you're walking worldly and earthly, or you're walking heavenly. If you're in Christ, you're walking in heavenly places because He is the heavenly place. And when you abide in Him, you can have what you need, because that's where it's provided. It's not provided outside of Him. He hasn't given it to you. Remember, (Gal.3:16) Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. So those people who say that if God gives you a gift, He can't take it back, they don't understand that He doesn't have to take it back, because when you step out of Him, you lose it. Who moved? You're abiding in Him, first of all, through your faith in the reconciliation, and second of all, through your actions since faith without works is dead (James 2:17,20,26). If you walk by faith in Him, you have all these promises, because that's abiding in Him, too. Then you have all of these promises; they're yours. However, if you're in willful rebellion, know that the only promise you have is this: (Heb.10:26) For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. There's your promise. If you're walking outside of Him, the promise you have is that God's going to whip you. That's His promise. Again, in (Eph.1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ: (4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love. You see, you weren't an after-thought at all. He had you in Mind before Adam ever fell. Did He know Adam was going to fall? Yes, but He chose you in Him, meaning that He knew you needed a Savior, and He provided that Savior before Adam ever fell. Why did God go on with the process? He did that because fallen people who are saved have a great appreciation for God and they know what's wrong with walking according to the world. They've tried it, they failed, and they understand that God has provided better. God doesn't want ignorant people; He wants people who are trying, and let me tell you, the “fall” is a training (Genesis Chapter 3). Yes, He knew about the “fall.” We're not in plan B, we're still in plan A. God doesn't make plan B's. (Eph.1:4) Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be (He wants us to be something.) holy and without blemish before him in love. The reason we abide in Him is to have His holiness and to be without blemish, and if you put the Word in you, the Word will empower you to walk “holy and without blemish before him in love.” If you starve your spiritual man, you will spiritually die. He needs the Word of God to be fed. He's created out of the Word of God.

Remember that Jesus holds you. (v. 1) Return to your first love. (v. 2-6) Respond to the Gospel. (v. 7)

Psalm 149:1-9, Nehemiah 9:38-11:21, Revelation 20:1-15. According to the New Testament, every Christian will be crowned and will reign even longer and there will be an even bigger cause for celebration and rejoicing than that of any earthly ruler You will reign *with Christ* (Revelation 20:4,6)

Psalm 149:4–5, Nehemiah 9:38,10:39, Revelation 2:1-12. According to the New Testament, every Christian will be crowned and will reign even longer and there will be an even bigger cause for celebration and rejoicing than that of any earthly ruler You will reign *with Christ* (Revelation 20:4,6)

New podcast every Wednesday! We hope you enjoy this great podcast with Pastors Darrin and Laura Baldwin on the revelation of being In Christ! Instagram: instagram.com/melodychurch/ Facebook: facebook.com/melodychurchliveoak