POPULARITY
May 10, 2026: Will Cook
"Cockatrice Webs" is most appropriate in this hour not pertaining to those who left the Lighthouse Inc Church, but to the members who remain at the LHC. https://www.thegores.org/written-thoughts/aaron-s-side-of-the-story-more-missing-pieces What you are about to hear is the devastating truth from Aaron Betz and how indeed marriage was on the table from Barbara Lynch. It has been a long war between the so called "Naysayers" and the "True Elites" who remain at the Lighthouse Church Inc cult. After hearing the missing part (Aaron's story) where can the Lighthouse Inc Church go from here? Where will they stand? Will they bow out gracefully before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, or continue down the path of self destruction? In this final hour, All lies are being exposed. God knows who belongs to him and who does not. When God gives you a chance to repent, you should take it. It will do your soul good and mercy will follow you. Without repentance, comes destruction. Destruction has been knocking on the door of the Lighthouse Inc. Church for quite sometime. It is time to deal with the lies, manipulation and darkness that has entered the hearts of those who remain. Read the below prophetic word released from Barbara Lynch pertaining to those who came against the Lighthouse Church and hear the truth from Aaron's side of the story and you be the judge. God will not be mocked. Yet, everyday the members of the Lighthouse deceive the body of Christ. April 28, 2026 – Cockatrice Webs – Evangelist Pastor Barbara OH, WHAT TANGLED WEBS WE WEAVE, WHEN FIRST WE PRACTICE TO DECEIVE. My children do not be one of those who weave webs of lies that destroy others' lives. Your actions are those of greed and pride. You think I will allow this to continue! All things, and I mean all things, eventually come to the forefront and are exposed for exactly what they are, cockatrice webs. When you partake of the weaving of lies, you are turning yourself over to a reprobate mind. A mind that no longer houses Christ. Do you think that I will let this sin go unattended? The fires of judgment have already fallen upon your heads, and damnation is your lot. I gave you time to repent, but you continued weaving lies. NOW, judgment is at the door. 'Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive' means that when you lie or act dishonestly, you initiate problems and a domino effect of complications that eventually run out of control. Isaiah 11:8: "The infant will play by the cobra's den, and the toddler will reach into the viper's nest." In this passage, the Berean Standard Bible uses "cobra" and "viper" instead of "cockatrice," reflecting a more accurate translation of the Hebrew word "צִפְעֹנִי" (tsiphoni), which refers to a venomous serpent. The imagery here is part of a prophetic vision of peace and harmony in the Messianic age, where natural enemies coexist without harm. Isaiah 14:29: "Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken, for a viper will spring from the root of a snake, and its fruit will be a flying serpent." The Berean Standard Bible translates the Hebrew word as "viper" and "flying serpent," emphasizing the continuation of danger and threat despite apparent relief. The "flying serpent" is sometimes associated with the cockatrice in older translations. Isaiah 59:5: "They hatch viper's eggs and weave a spider's web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched." This verse uses the imagery of vipers to describe the wickedness and deceit of the people, with the cockatrice being a traditional interpretation of the deadly offspring. Jeremiah 8:17: "For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you, declares the LORD." The Berean Standard Bible uses "vipers" to convey the sense of unavoidable judgment and punishment, which older translations might have rendered as "cockatrice." Symbolism and Interpretation: In biblical literature, the cockatrice symbolizes evil, danger, and divine judgment. Its mythical nature underscores the severity of the threat it represents. The creature's lethal gaze or venom is often interpreted as a metaphor for sin and its destructive consequences. The use of serpentine imagery in these passages aligns with the broader biblical theme of the serpent as a symbol of Satan and sin, beginning with the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) https://www.thegores.org/written-thoughts/aaron-s-side-of-the-story-more-missing-pieces
Original Date: 04/26/2026Dr. John Cox
7 key takeaways from this study Passover is the start of a full redemption cycle, not a standalone event. The 10th–14th days of Israel’s first month (lamb selection to slaughter) begin a yearly cycle that runs through the biblical festivals, picturing God's work from deliverance out of Egypt to dwelling with His people in a renewed creation. The Passover lamb and the Atonement goats meet in Yeshua (Jesus). Exodus 12 allows for a Passover offering of lamb or goat. Leviticus 16 shows two goats (for the LORD and for removal/Azazel). John 1:29 pulls these threads together: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” — both blocking judgment and removing sin and guilt. The triumphal entry parallels Lamb Selection Day — and exposes shallow faith. Yeshua's entry into Jerusalem lines up with the 10th day lamb selection, as crowds cry “Hosanna” from Psalm 118. Like the shallow soil in the parable of the sower, that initial enthusiasm quickly withers under pressure—warning us against emotional, rootless faith. God's presence defines the true house of God, not the building itself. In Exodus 40 and 1Kings 8, the Tabernacle/Temple only fulfills its purpose when the glory of the LORD fills it. The value of this “house” is determined by Who dwells there, just as our lives only have their true purpose when filled with God's presence, not just ordered by His words. Yeshua is the rejected cornerstone — and the non‑negotiable standard. Psalm 118's “stone the builders rejected” shows that God's chosen foundation would be refused by human leadership. We are tempted to throw out the cornerstone when God's standard conflicts with our preferences, but Zion can only be built on the cornerstone God provides, not one we design. Deliverance from Egypt is both historical and personal. The exodus is a real event and also a pattern of every believer's journey: called out of a “house of bondage,” pursued by enemies, tested in wilderness trials. The question in hardship is: Will we go back to Egypt, or keep following the One who has the words of life? Freedom requires both cleansing and filling by the Spirit. Sweeping the “house” clean (Matthew 12) without God's Spirit leaves us vulnerable to even worse bondage. True Zion, according to Isaiah 32–33, is only realized “until the Spirit is poured out from on high,” producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) and a life of peace, righteousness, and stability. On the 10th day of Israel’s first month (March–April), every household brings in an unblemished year‑old male from the sheep or goats for פֶּסַח Pesach (Passover). They were to keep it under close observation until the 14th day, when the whole assembly of Israel kills it in the afternoon. (Exodus 12:3–6) The day is not random. The timing itself teaches. God ties this choice of the lamb to a pattern of appointed times that will run from the first month all the way to the seventh month. That pattern includes the offerings around Passover the wave sheaf (Leviticus 23:9–14), the countdown to שָׁבוּעוֹת Shavuot (“Weeks” or Pentecost), and then the seventh‑month moedim (“appointments”): יוֹם תְּרוּעָה Yom Teruah (“Day of Trumpet Blast,” aka Rosh HaShanah) יוֹם כִּפּוּר Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”) סֻכּוֹת Sukkot (“Tabernacles/Booths”) שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת Shemini Atzeret (“Eighth Day Assembly”) That whole sequence appears as one long, God‑designed story cycle. It begins with deliverance from the house of bondage and ends with the dwelling of God among His people in a renewed order, an echo of Eden and a pointer to the “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1). Passover and Atonement: Lambs and goats in one picture A key insight is that Exodus 12 allows the household to select either a lamb or a kid goat. Later, Leviticus 16 describes two goats for Yom Kippur. One is “for the LORD,” whose blood covers sins, transgressions, and iniquities. The other is for עֲזָאזֵל Azazel, often called the “scapegoat,” that bears the iniquities away into the wilderness, never to return. This dual picture — covering and removal — lines up with the testimony of יוֹחָנָן Yochanan (John the Baptist/Immerser): The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 NASB95 Here, יֵשׁוּעַ Yeshua (“salvation”) is not only the Passover lamb, whose blood protects from judgment (Exodus 12:13), but also the atonement offering that removes sin. He blocks the destroyer and also carries away the guilt and stain that keep people chained to their old life. First‑century practice Israel strongly favored lambs for Passover. Yet the Torah's openness to either lamb or kid lets the later two-goats imagery of Yom Kippur speak back into the Passover story. Together, they form a composite picture of “new covenant” atonement: covered, forgiven, removed and remembered no more (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12). The Triumphal Entry as lamb selection day The “Triumphal Entry” is recorded in John 12:12–19 and the Synoptic Gospels. On what many in the wider Body of Messiah would later call “Palm Sunday,” Yeshua enters Jerusalem as crowds wave palm branches and cry out prophetic words from Psalm 118: “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” John 12:13 NASB95; quoted from Psalm 118:25–26 That day according to the Gospels aligns with the 10th day of the first month,1 the same day lambs were chosen for Passover. The people were, in effect, publicly acknowledging Yeshua as the coming King and as the Lamb—though they do not yet grasp the full meaning. They shout הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא Hoshia na (“Save, please!”; transliterated in Greek as hosanna), a cry for rescue. Out of the ‘house of bondage’: Trials and deep roots This sounds like Yeshua’s parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1–23; Mark 4:1–20; Luke 8:4–15). The crowd acted like the parable’s shallow soil. The seed springs up quickly but has no depth. Under the heat of trial, it withers. Within days, the crowd disappears, and even Yeshua's closest followers scatter during His arrest and trial. That pattern is a warning. It is possible to welcome the Lamb enthusiastically on “selection day” and still fall away when the cost becomes clear. Thus, believers should seek deeper roots than that — a faith that will not run back to “Egypt” when the wilderness tests arrive. The Exodus is both a historical event and a metaphor of personal transformation. Israel leaves מִצְרַיִם Mitzrayim (Egypt) by God's mighty hand, but soon faces: A pursuing army at the sea (Exodus 14) Lack of water (Exodus 15–17) Hunger (Exodus 16) Ongoing threats and discouragement Again and again, the people want to go back (Exodus 14:11–12; Numbers 14:1–4). This is like our being tempted to return to old patterns and bondages when life gets hard. At one point the apostles say to Yeshua when crowds balked at His tough teaching, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:68 NASB95). That response becomes a model. The question is not whether trials will come, but whether the hearer will decide that there is no “home” in Egypt anymore. In some vineyards, particularly those growing grapes for fine wine, growers deliberately limit irrigation. They water, then stop, so the moisture sinks deeper into the soil profile. The vine's roots must chase that water downward. Over time, the plant develops a deep root system that can endure heat and drought. Likewise, apostle Ya’akov urges believers to “consider it all joy… when you encounter various trials” because those trials produce endurance and maturity (James 1:2–4 NASB95). On a spiritual plane, our shallow, constantly pampered roots will fail under pressure. Rooted faith grows through measured stress. The Tabernacle, Temple and the dwelling presence In Exodus 40, after Israel builds all the components of the מִשְׁכָּן Mishkan (“dwelling place,” “Tabernacle”) according to God's pattern, Moses sets them up, anoints them, and sanctifies them — sets them apart (קִדֵּשׁ kiddesh). Then something striking happens: Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Exodus 40:34–35 NASB95 The building finally fulfills its purpose when God's presence fills it. In that moment, even Moses cannot enter. The next book in the Torah, וַיִּקְרָא Vayikra (Leviticus), explains how priests and people may again approach the holy presence. The book's key Hebrew word is קָרַב karav (“to draw near”). From this comes קָרְבָּן korban (“offering,” literally “that which draws near”). We can see this patter: No one casually enters God's presence. Life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). The blood of the offering goes in ahead of the worshiper. Even priests need atonement offered for themselves. Later, Solomon's temple (1Kings 8:10–11) repeats the same pattern. When the ark is brought in and the priests come out, “the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand to minister … for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.” The house matters because of Who is in residence. Consider political embassies and consulates. The building is important, but the stakes change completely if the ambassador or consul-general is physically inside when it is attacked. Presence raises the significance. How much more the Tabernacle/Temple. Their furniture, drapery and stones are not magical. The real issue is the presence of the King. This principle also carries forward into the New Covenant — God’s dwelling among and within His people (Ephesians 2:19–22; 1Corinthians 3:16–17). The rejected Cornerstone and the Temple builders' mistake The stone which the builders rejectedHas become the chief corner stone.This is the LORD'S doing;It is marvelous in our eyes. Psalm 118:22–23 NASB95 In ancient building practice, the cornerstone often bore the mark or signature of the builder. It set the alignment of the entire structure. To reject it is to reject the builder's own standard for the house. Yeshua and the apostles apply this passage to Him (Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1Peter 2:7). The very One God sends as the foundation is refused by the leaders tasked with building God's house. Yet the psalm insists this rejection itself is “the LORD's doing” — part of His plan. Why would God allow the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in Eden (Genesis 2–3)? Why would He speak in parables in such a way that many will “keep on hearing, but will not understand … keep on seeing, but will not perceive” (Isaiah 6:9–10; Matthew 13:13–15; Mark 4:11–12)? People can be steeped in Scripture, archaeology and languages and still miss the meaning. The difference is not exposure to information, but receptive understanding and obedience. “Good soil” both hears and does the word (Matthew 7:24–27). “Bad soil” hears, analyzes and even teaches, but refuses to be tilled. Zion: More than a nickname for Jerusalem There’s a lot of talk these days about צִיּוֹן Tziyon (Zion). In the prophets, it is not merely a poetic name for Jerusalem. It is Jerusalem elevated, transformed into a higher reality — God's ideal vision for His city. “until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high;And the wilderness becomes a fertile field,And the fertile field is considered as a forest” Isaiah 32:15 NASB95 Then justice and righteousness fill the land, and the outcome is peace, quietness, and confident security (Isaiah 32:16–18). That picture matches the fruit of the Spirit described by Paul: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22–23 NASB95 So the key marker of true Zion is not simply Jewish sovereignty, walls or a physical temple. It is the outpoured Spirit of God and the resulting character transformation of the people. This leads naturally into a question raised about modern Zionism. Political Zionism, birthed in the 19th century by figures like Theodor Herzl, largely pursued a human, national project: a safe homeland for Jews. That movement had its own logic and necessity in history. But biblically, Zion in its fullest sense is a work of heaven, not only a work of human politics. Therefore, any Zionist vision — ancient or modern — that sidelines the Cornerstone and the outpoured Spirit risks building on a different foundation than the one God has chosen. Destruction, the Day of the LORD, and Jerusalem's Future Must Jerusalem must be destroyed again before the LORD returns, since Scripture speaks of the nations trampling the holy city (Luke 21:24; Revelation 11:2)? Prophetic passages like Zechariah 12–14 and parts of Revelation portray large‑scale conflict around Jerusalem. Forces gather against the city. The “day of the LORD” sometimes appears as a moment — like Messiah's feet standing on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4) — and sometimes as an extended season of judgment and restoration. There’s a possible dual pattern: destruction and rebuilding in history (586 B.C., A.D. 70, future conflicts) and a climactic end‑time scenario. It does not dogmatically settle every detail but underscores that the final Zion vision requires more than simply another rebuild of stone. It requires embracing the Cornerstone and receiving the Spirit poured from on high. Swept houses and the need for filling Yeshua in Matthew 12:43–45 (and Luke 11:24–26) describes an “unclean spirit” leaving, wandering through “waterless places,” then returning to find the “house” swept, put in order, but empty. The spirit then brings seven more wicked spirits, and the last state is worse than the first. This parable caps a chapter where Yeshua confronts leaders who see the power of God at work but call it demonic (Matthew 12:22–32). They “sweep” and “order” life by traditions, as based on the Bible as they may be, but they reject the very Spirit of God who empowers true change. So the problem is not only what leaves but Who enters. Passover imagery fits again. The Lamb's blood blocks the destroyer (Exodus 12:23). But if the “house” is never filled with God's own presence and Spirit, it remains vulnerable. This ties back to the twin aspects of Yeshua as the Lamb: He blocks the adversary's claim. He takes away sins and fills the life with His Spirit. Without that filling, believers can become more religious and more “ordered,” yet spiritually more enslaved. Law ‘fulfilled’? The study briefly touches on Matthew 5:17–19, where Yeshua says He came not to abolish the Torah or the Prophets but to “fulfill” them. The Greek verb is πληρόω plēroō (“to fill, to bring to fullness”). Some interpret “fulfill” to mean “render obsolete” when it concerns Torah. Yet same verb used elsewhere would make no sense that way. For example, when Yeshua tells Yochanan at His immersion that it is proper “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15), one would not say He came to end all righteousness. Thus, when the biblical text challenges prevailing assumptions — about Torah, feasts like Passover, or about Zion — Scripture calls the reader not to force a new meaning into the words (eisegesis) but to wrestle honestly with what God has said. From Passover night to Zion's future Lamb Selection Day leads to the moment when the lamb's blood marks the doorposts, and the Destroyer passes over/by (Exodus 12:7, 13, 23). That night of our freedom foreshadows: Yeshua as the Pesach Lamb, blocking wrath and delivering from the adversary's kingdom (1Corinthians 5:7; Colossians 1:13–14). Yeshua as the Lamb in Revelation who is worthy to open the scroll and its seals (Revelation 5:6–10). The journey from house of bondage to dwelling of God with mankind — what Sukkot pictures and Revelation 21–22 describes. “…Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” Revelation 5:9–10 NASB95 The One Who drops the hammer in judgment is the same One Who shed His blood to purchase people out of every nation. Therefore, when judgment falls — on Egypt, on rebellious systems, or in the final day — the goal is not senseless destruction. The goal is freedom from physical or spiritual Egypt, freedom from false foundations and a rebuilt house in which God truly dwells. In that light, Lamb Selection Day becomes more than an obscure date on the Hebrew calendar. It becomes an invitation to examine the Lamb, to recognize the Cornerstone, to leave the “house of bondage,” and to welcome the Spirit who alone can turn Jerusalem into Zion and a swept house into a “living temple” of God. 1 Yeshua came to Bethany “six days before the Passover” (John 12:1). Because “the Passover” basically starts on the 15th day of the first month, that puts His arrival on the ninth day. So “the next day” (John 12:12) would be the 10th day.The post Triumphal entry & Passover lamb selection day: Seeing Palm Sunday through a Hebrew lens (John 12; Exodus 40) appeared first on Hallel Fellowship.
Send a textWhen we hear the word justice, we often think in terms of punishment, fairness, or consequences. But what if the justice revealed in Jesus looks radically different?In this episode, Tim welcomes theologian and author Joash P. Thomas to explore how empire, colonization, and cultural proximity to power shape the way we read Scripture—and how Jesus invites us into a justice that restores rather than retaliates.Drawing from his book The Justice of Jesus, Joash challenges the “small gospel” that reduces salvation to souls going to heaven and calls the church back to a holistic vision of liberation and wholeness.In This Conversation:Defining “marginalized Christians”How empire influences theologyThe “colonizer's gospel” vs. the gospel of ChristWhy justice must be both physical and spiritualWhat church budgets reveal about our true theologyRestorative justice and the restoration of all thingsAccountability, reconciliation, and hopeWhy Jesus—not culture—must define justiceThis is a rich theological conversation that will stretch your thinking and deepen your love for Christ.What's Next:Join our upcoming LIVE “Ask Me Anything” Q&A episodeSeason 12: Echoes of Eden (Genesis 1–11) launches soonLike, Share, & Subscribe so you don't miss an episode.Joash P. Thomas LinksBook: https://a.co/d/0d8VotaChttps://www.instagram.com/joashpthomashttps://joashpthomas.substack.com/p/launching-masala-chai-theology
Send a textSupport the show
Theological Reflections The "Alpha and Omega," © 2026 ISBN 978-976-97826-0-0 PREFACEI, Dr. William Anderson Gittens, D.D., a qualified theologian with training, have decided to focus on the coherent theological arc that extends from creation to new creation in my study of the biblical story, particularly by looking at Genesis 1 and Revelation 1. My investigation is based on the knowledge that these two chapters are intricately linked in their depiction of God's work in the world, despite being separated by a great deal of time. I pay special attention to God as the "Alpha and Omega," a title that emphasizes the continuity and uninterrupted character of God's divine design from the start of creation to His final restoration (Revelation 22:13). Understanding how the Bible's narrative is a cohesive account of creation, fall, and salvation rather than just a collection of disparate events depends on this thematic thread.https://www.christourlife.online/salvation-historyUsing my research lens, I have highlighted the deep theological unity across the biblical text by capturing, framing, and revealing a number of striking differences between the accounts in Genesis and Revelation. For example, Revelation 1 describes a new creation, free of sin, confusion, and darkness, where the fullness of God's glory is shown, whereas Genesis 1 describes the creation of the world from a state of chaos, darkness, and nothingness (Genesis 1:1-5; Revelation 21:1-4). Additionally, in Genesis, the illumination of the world is initially provided by the sun and moon, whereas in Revelation, the divine presence of God Himself becomes the source of eternal light (Genesis 1:14-19; Revelation 21:23-24). Another notable parallel is the reappearance of the Tree of Life in Revelation, signalling the restoration of eternal access to God's presence, a concept first introduced in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9; Revelation 22:2). These theological connections demonstrate that the Bible, though written over millennia by various authors, narrates a coherent story of God's redemptive work, culminating in the fulfilment of the original creation through the restoration of what was lost.In the end, I argue that these contrasts not only reveal a continuity of God's plan throughout history but also emphasize His restorative work, offering hope for the ultimate redemption of the world. The Bible, in its entirety, tells a story of loss and restoration, of creation and recreation, all pointing toward the fulfilment of God's kingdom as seen in the new heaven and new earth. Thus, the theology presented in Genesis and Revelation together underscores a divine narrative that is both continuous and restorative, culminating in the redemption of creation itself.Support the showCultural Factors Influence Academic Achievements© 2024 ISBN978-976-97385-7-7 A_MEMOIR_OF_Dr_William_Anderson_Gittens_D_D_2024_ISBNISBN978_976_97385_0_8 Academic.edu. Chief of Audio Visual Aids Officer Mr. Michael Owen Chief of Audio Visual Aids Officer Mr. Selwyn Belle Commissioner of Police Mr. Orville Durant Dr. William Anderson Gittens, D.D En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifelong_learning Hackett Philip Media Resource Development Officer Holder, B,Anthony Episcopal Priest, https://brainly.com/question/36353773 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifelong_learning#cite_note-19 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifelong_learning#cite_note-:2-18 https://independent.academia.edu/WilliamGittens/Books https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=william+anderson+gittens+barbados&oq=william+anderson+gittens https://www.academia.edu/123754463/ https://www.buzzsprout.com/429292/episodes. https://www.youtube.com/@williamandersongittens1714. Mr.Greene, Rupert
From God's first promise in Eden (Genesis 3:15), to Isaiah's vision of a light shining in the darkness, to the angel's announcement to Mary, Scripture shows that Jesus is God's long-awaited answer to our deepest needs.In His birth, the true Light enters our world, and in His return He will make all things new.
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
October 16, 2025
Dr Thurman Hayes Jr. Preaching on Genesis 4:1-26 Sunday October 12, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Suffolk, VA.
Keywords: Genesis,Book of Genesis,Revival, Character Of God,Free Sermons, Video Sermons, Jesus Christ, What Is The Gospel, Sermon Index, What Is The Truth, kjv bible, Audio Bible, Bible, God, God's Love, Scriptures, Holy Bible, Prophets, Apostles, KJV, Jesus,Christ, audiobook, book, holy life, love, bible verses, king james bible audio, audio bible KJV, king james bible online audio, bible audio, online bible kjv, audio bible kjv, daily bible verse, bible verse of the day, KJV audio, Remastered, Best Version, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, The Chosen, Salvation, Saved, Christian, Suffering Servant, Arm of the Lord, Plants Roots, Despised Rejected, Sorrows, Peace War, Crucifixtion, The Cross, Violence, Judgement, Master Servant, Life Death, Old Testament, Exposed, Music, Education, Great Tribulation, Top Bible Verses, Bible Topic Prayer, Evangelicalism, bible study, Word of God, scripture, scriptures, Matthew Henry's biblical commentary, bible commentary, Matthew Henry commentary, God's Word, Matthew Henry, studying the Bible, understanding the Bible, God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Spiritual, Hope, Jesus Answers Prayer, Answers to Prayer, Prayer, Pray, God Answers Prayer⚠️ Support our ministry: https://ko-fi.com/jesusanswersprayers❓️ How does this chapter apply to you?
Sermon Overview: There is a war going on. There is a spiritual fight for souls that is being fought. As Christians, we are squarely in the middle, caught between heaven and hell here on earth. But that's why this festival of St. Michael and All Angels is so important. It reminds us that Satan and his minions have been conquered – not with gold or silver, or moneybags or knapsacks, not with guns or tanks or even flaming swords. "[The angels] overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." Satan has fallen. He has been struck down by a lamb on a stick – Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God on a cross. Dragons should easily defeat lambs, but not when the Lamb is the Son of God! The wounds of the Lamb mortally wounded the dragon. Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ (Revelation 12:10). Amen.He was a Christian apologist – a defender of the Christian faith through discourse and debate. He hadn't always been a strong proponent of Christ. But then he encountered a Christian who challenged his philosophies and encouraged him to the deeper calling of the higher religious authority of Jesus Christ. This became this young man's turning point.That interaction ignited a new passion within him. He dedicated his life to teaching and defending the Christian faith in the public square. He welcomed debates. He debated life issues and the sexual deviancy of the culture by always pointing to Jesus Christ – his morals, virtues, and salvation. For this debate, his voice was silenced. He met his death with a blow to the neck by his enemies.This was the life and death of Justin Martyr, an early Christian apologist, who was martyred for his faith by being beheaded in the second century AD.God's people have been murdered for their faith almost from the beginning. Abel was killed by his brother because of Cain's jealousy. The infant boys in Jerusalem were slaughtered by King Herod's soldiers because of their proximity to the Christ child. Stephen was stoned to death and became the first martyr of the Christian Church because he boldly and bluntly preached Jesus to Christ's enemies.It has been said that the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Christian Church. When Christians are persecuted, the Church propagates. When Christians suffer, the Church spreads. When Christians are imprisoned, the Church becomes impassioned. When Christians are martyred, the Church matures and multiplies. The blood of Christians is shed because we Christians are in a war.This is a war that has been raging since the beginning of time. It's a war that continues to this day. It's a war that will continue until Judgment Day. You feel the wounds. You bear the scars.The war began in heaven. St. John writes: "There was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down-- that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him" (Revelation 12:7-9).The Lord kicked Satan out of heaven. God called upon St. Michael and his fellow angels to be his enforcers. The devil became a trespasser on God's property, and the holy angels were the military force who made sure he left. Satan is pictured as a huge, red, seven-headed dragon, the ancient serpent from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). The dragon and his angelic allies did not want to go quietly. It became necessary to boot them out by force. So, there was war in heaven, a titanic struggle between the hosts of heaven and the hosts of hell. Jesus witnessed their ultimate demise with his crucifixion and resurrection, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18).The great news for us is that St. Michael and his angelic army are more powerful than Satan and his angelic allies. The bad news for us is that this spiritual war in the heavenly realms has been brought to earth. "He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. ...Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short" (Revelation 12:9, 12).There is an ongoing war in our society. It is a culture war for the hearts and minds – and souls – of our young people. We are in a war against those who want to destroy the Christian faith, those who are acting in allegiance with the Father of Lies.Satan is filled with furious rage against God. He knows he has a limited time before Judgment Day ends all his wicked activity forever. So, he is busy, attacking ferociously like a dragon. One goal of Satan is to silence Christians, Christian churches, and Christian pastors. How does he do this?You've probably been told that churches and pastors should not engage in discussing anything political. So, what does Satan do? Everything that used to be moral is now political. Everything that used to be spiritual is now social. Everything that used to be theological is now cultural. Transgenderism, gay marriage, abortion, justice, race, male and female relations, etc. Today, those are all political issues. But they are cultural issues, first. Before that, they are moral issues. And moral issues mean they are ultimately theological issues. Therefore, we need to speak to them to apply God's powerful and eternal Word to solving these issues.People – especially young people – are looking for answers. Specifically answers on social, cultural, and political issues. What happens if pastors and churches are not giving them the biblical answers to their cultural questions? They'll seek their answers elsewhere. From another church. From another pastor. From secular society – which is where Satan reigns as the Prince of this World.We – pastors, churches, people – need to be willing to discuss social, cultural, and even political issues. This is how we bring Jesus and his Word into the discussion. This is how we introduce and engage people with our Lord and Savior. We can tell them he is the One who lived perfectly in their place to exchange his righteousness for their unrighteous living with sexual sins, mistreatment of the opposite sex, having an abortion, and so on. We can tell them that Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is seated on his glorious throne ruling all things for the good of his people. He is in control amid injustice, racism, political upheaval, mass shootings, and assassinations. We preach that Christ is the glorious King of Kings who always defeats the lowly Prince of this World.Satan desires for Christians to be silent on cultural, moral, and political issues. Then the only ones talking are him and his minions. Christ desires for Christians to speak on cultural, moral, and political issues. Then we unleash the power of the Holy Spirit in the words that come from our mouths into the ears and hearts of those who are trapped by the lies of the Father of Lies.The so-called "Christian" culture of the past fifty years was a delusion of Satan to create a merely superficial, Sunday morning faith. That faith won't hold up in the Last Judgment, nor will it hold up in our modern culture. Christianity cannot be something we engage only on Sunday mornings. Our Christian faith must permeate everything we think, say, and do at home, work, school, athletic field, political rhetoric, etc. Christianity is not a club we belong to or a job we go to. Christ living in our hearts and reigning in our lives is our very core as Christians.Christians are often on the defensive in this cultural and spiritual war. Look at who we are going against! A dragon! A demonic horde! Enemies who want us canceled, imprisoned, and killed. Of course, we're afraid and on the defensive!Yet, what does Jesus promise? He says that the gates of hell cannot stand against his Church (Matthew 16:18). This is a clear statement of fact, a declaration of spiritual reality. It is a call for Christians to be confident in the clear Word of God, and to apply this Word in our lives even as we declare its truth to a culture that purposely ignores it. We often see that those who hate Christ are more outspoken than those who love Christ. We have fought this spiritual war poorly. We've been lackadaisical, indifferent, apathetic – even pathetic – in this war. We've laid down our weapons, silenced our mouths, and shut our Bibles.Fellow soldiers of the cross, we need to go on the offensive again. Not with the physical weapons of modern warfare, but with the ancient and time-tested weapons of the gospel. St. Paul gives us our marching orders: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the Devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to take a stand on the evil day and, after you have done everything, to stand. Stand, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness fastened in place, and with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace tied to your feet like sandals. At all times hold up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. Also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:10-17).Christians are called to speak up in the public square and on social media platforms about good and godly things. We received this directive from St. Paul: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if anything is excellent, and if anything is praiseworthy, think about these things. The things that you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: Keep doing these things" (Philippians 4:8,9). We think about these things to protect them – and speak about these things to project them.The Devil is the Ruler of this World (John 12:31). But we must go on the offensive to break Satan's stranglehold on our culture. Jesus wants to use his Word to bring freedom for those enslaved in sin, and hope for those deluded by temptation. It is not our goal to change the culture, but to preach Jesus Christ and him crucified into the culture.The devil hates order. That's why Satan attacks marriage, family, and life. He fosters confusion. That's why he makes people imagine there are dozens of genders. He loves chaos. That's why he creates violence in our cities. He champions death. That's why his sacrament is the murder of the unborn. The devil's goal is to hate, kill, and destroy.Speaking the truth in love is a form of spiritual warfare. All lies come from the Father of Lies. All truth comes from Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Preaching truth isn't about siding with a political party. It's about proclaiming God's design, God's justice, and God's grace into every area of life. When we do this boldly, but with love, the gospel shines brighter. We remind people that Christ is not only Savior of their souls, but also the Lord over all creation. Satan wants silence, but Jesus commands proclamation. That means speaking truth, with grace, into every sphere – personal, cultural, and yes, even political, so that hearts are transformed and God is glorified.We have been equipped and sent by the Lord. We don't rejoice that we can trample on snakes or scorpions. We rejoice that Christ has already won the eternal victory. He saw Satan fall like lightening from the sky. He has granted us his victory by writing our names in the Book of Life through our Baptism and conversion.Now, as his baptized and equipped soldiers, we don't wait. We don't sit still. We don't remain silent. We fight. Not with fists, but on our knees. We pray for Jesus' kingdom to come and Satan's kingdom to be defeated. We pray for God's will to be done and Satan's will to be broken. We pray for God to deliver us from the Evil One. Demonic shrieks, screams, and shouts cannot drown out our prayers. "The Lord is far away from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous" (Proverbs 15:29).God has promised that St. Michael and his angelic army are fighting for us in the spiritual realms. All the plans of the Evil One will ultimately fail. We may be canceled, but more importantly, Christ has canceled our sins. We may be imprisoned, but more importantly, we have found freedom in Christ's forgiveness. We may be martyred, but more importantly, we will have gained our ultimate victory of being with Christ Jesus. The Word of Christ still drives out demons, and his Church will prevail against the gates of hell. The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Christian Church. Amen.They conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). Amen.View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.casperwels.com/sermons/heavens-war-brought-to-earth/
View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.lordoflords.org/sermons/heavens-war-brought-to-earth/Sermon Overview: There is a war going on. There is a spiritual fight for souls that is being fought. As Christians, we are squarely in the middle, caught between heaven and hell here on earth. But that's why this festival of St. Michael and All Angels is so important. It reminds us that Satan and his minions have been conquered – not with gold or silver, or moneybags or knapsacks, not with guns or tanks or even flaming swords. "[The angels] overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." Satan has fallen. He has been struck down by a lamb on a stick – Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God on a cross. Dragons should easily defeat lambs, but not when the Lamb is the Son of God! The wounds of the Lamb mortally wounded the dragon. Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ (Revelation 12:10). Amen.He was a Christian apologist – a defender of the Christian faith through discourse and debate. He hadn't always been a strong proponent of Christ. But then he encountered a Christian who challenged his philosophies and encouraged him to the deeper calling of the higher religious authority of Jesus Christ. This became this young man's turning point.That interaction ignited a new passion within him. He dedicated his life to teaching and defending the Christian faith in the public square. He welcomed debates. He debated life issues and the sexual deviancy of the culture by always pointing to Jesus Christ – his morals, virtues, and salvation. For this debate, his voice was silenced. He met his death with a blow to the neck by his enemies.This was the life and death of Justin Martyr, an early Christian apologist, who was martyred for his faith by being beheaded in the second century AD.God's people have been murdered for their faith almost from the beginning. Abel was killed by his brother because of Cain's jealousy. The infant boys in Jerusalem were slaughtered by King Herod's soldiers because of their proximity to the Christ child. Stephen was stoned to death and became the first martyr of the Christian Church because he boldly and bluntly preached Jesus to Christ's enemies.It has been said that the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Christian Church. When Christians are persecuted, the Church propagates. When Christians suffer, the Church spreads. When Christians are imprisoned, the Church becomes impassioned. When Christians are martyred, the Church matures and multiplies. The blood of Christians is shed because we Christians are in a war.This is a war that has been raging since the beginning of time. It's a war that continues to this day. It's a war that will continue until Judgment Day. You feel the wounds. You bear the scars.The war began in heaven. St. John writes: "There was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down-- that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him" (Revelation 12:7-9).The Lord kicked Satan out of heaven. God called upon St. Michael and his fellow angels to be his enforcers. The devil became a trespasser on God's property, and the holy angels were the military force who made sure he left. Satan is pictured as a huge, red, seven-headed dragon, the ancient serpent from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). The dragon and his angelic allies did not want to go quietly. It became necessary to boot them out by force. So, there was war in heaven, a titanic struggle between the hosts of heaven and the hosts of hell. Jesus witnessed their ultimate demise with his crucifixion and resurrection, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18).The great news for us is that St. Michael and his angelic army are more powerful than Satan and his angelic allies. The bad news for us is that this spiritual war in the heavenly realms has been brought to earth. "He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. ...Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short" (Revelation 12:9, 12).There is an ongoing war in our society. It is a culture war for the hearts and minds – and souls – of our young people. We are in a war against those who want to destroy the Christian faith, those who are acting in allegiance with the Father of Lies.Satan is filled with furious rage against God. He knows he has a limited time before Judgment Day ends all his wicked activity forever. So, he is busy, attacking ferociously like a dragon. One goal of Satan is to silence Christians, Christian churches, and Christian pastors. How does he do this?You've probably been told that churches and pastors should not engage in discussing anything political. So, what does Satan do? Everything that used to be moral is now political. Everything that used to be spiritual is now social. Everything that used to be theological is now cultural. Transgenderism, gay marriage, abortion, justice, race, male and female relations, etc. Today, those are all political issues. But they are cultural issues, first. Before that, they are moral issues. And moral issues mean they are ultimately theological issues. Therefore, we need to speak to them to apply God's powerful and eternal Word to solving these issues.People – especially young people – are looking for answers. Specifically answers on social, cultural, and political issues. What happens if pastors and churches are not giving them the biblical answers to their cultural questions? They'll seek their answers elsewhere. From another church. From another pastor. From secular society – which is where Satan reigns as the Prince of this World.We – pastors, churches, people – need to be willing to discuss social, cultural, and even political issues. This is how we bring Jesus and his Word into the discussion. This is how we introduce and engage people with our Lord and Savior. We can tell them he is the One who lived perfectly in their place to exchange his righteousness for their unrighteous living with sexual sins, mistreatment of the opposite sex, having an abortion, and so on. We can tell them that Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is seated on his glorious throne ruling all things for the good of his people. He is in control amid injustice, racism, political upheaval, mass shootings, and assassinations. We preach that Christ is the glorious King of Kings who always defeats the lowly Prince of this World.Satan desires for Christians to be silent on cultural, moral, and political issues. Then the only ones talking are him and his minions. Christ desires for Christians to speak on cultural, moral, and political issues. Then we unleash the power of the Holy Spirit in the words that come from our mouths into the ears and hearts of those who are trapped by the lies of the Father of Lies.The so-called "Christian" culture of the past fifty years was a delusion of Satan to create a merely superficial, Sunday morning faith. That faith won't hold up in the Last Judgment, nor will it hold up in our modern culture. Christianity cannot be something we engage only on Sunday mornings. Our Christian faith must permeate everything we think, say, and do at home, work, school, athletic field, political rhetoric, etc. Christianity is not a club we belong to or a job we go to. Christ living in our hearts and reigning in our lives is our very core as Christians.Christians are often on the defensive in this cultural and spiritual war. Look at who we are going against! A dragon! A demonic horde! Enemies who want us canceled, imprisoned, and killed. Of course, we're afraid and on the defensive!Yet, what does Jesus promise? He says that the gates of hell cannot stand against his Church (Matthew 16:18). This is a clear statement of fact, a declaration of spiritual reality. It is a call for Christians to be confident in the clear Word of God, and to apply this Word in our lives even as we declare its truth to a culture that purposely ignores it. We often see that those who hate Christ are more outspoken than those who love Christ. We have fought this spiritual war poorly. We've been lackadaisical, indifferent, apathetic – even pathetic – in this war. We've laid down our weapons, silenced our mouths, and shut our Bibles.Fellow soldiers of the cross, we need to go on the offensive again. Not with the physical weapons of modern warfare, but with the ancient and time-tested weapons of the gospel. St. Paul gives us our marching orders: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the Devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to take a stand on the evil day and, after you have done everything, to stand. Stand, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness fastened in place, and with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace tied to your feet like sandals. At all times hold up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. Also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:10-17).Christians are called to speak up in the public square and on social media platforms about good and godly things. We received this directive from St. Paul: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if anything is excellent, and if anything is praiseworthy, think about these things. The things that you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: Keep doing these things" (Philippians 4:8,9). We think about these things to protect them – and speak about these things to project them.The Devil is the Ruler of this World (John 12:31). But we must go on the offensive to break Satan's stranglehold on our culture. Jesus wants to use his Word to bring freedom for those enslaved in sin, and hope for those deluded by temptation. It is not our goal to change the culture, but to preach Jesus Christ and him crucified into the culture.The devil hates order. That's why Satan attacks marriage, family, and life. He fosters confusion. That's why he makes people imagine there are dozens of genders. He loves chaos. That's why he creates violence in our cities. He champions death. That's why his sacrament is the murder of the unborn. The devil's goal is to hate, kill, and destroy.Speaking the truth in love is a form of spiritual warfare. All lies come from the Father of Lies. All truth comes from Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Preaching truth isn't about siding with a political party. It's about proclaiming God's design, God's justice, and God's grace into every area of life. When we do this boldly, but with love, the gospel shines brighter. We remind people that Christ is not only Savior of their souls, but also the Lord over all creation. Satan wants silence, but Jesus commands proclamation. That means speaking truth, with grace, into every sphere – personal, cultural, and yes, even political, so that hearts are transformed and God is glorified.We have been equipped and sent by the Lord. We don't rejoice that we can trample on snakes or scorpions. We rejoice that Christ has already won the eternal victory. He saw Satan fall like lightening from the sky. He has granted us his victory by writing our names in the Book of Life through our Baptism and conversion.Now, as his baptized and equipped soldiers, we don't wait. We don't sit still. We don't remain silent. We fight. Not with fists, but on our knees. We pray for Jesus' kingdom to come and Satan's kingdom to be defeated. We pray for God's will to be done and Satan's will to be broken. We pray for God to deliver us from the Evil One. Demonic shrieks, screams, and shouts cannot drown out our prayers. "The Lord is far away from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous" (Proverbs 15:29).God has promised that St. Michael and his angelic army are fighting for us in the spiritual realms. All the plans of the Evil One will ultimately fail. We may be canceled, but more importantly, Christ has canceled our sins. We may be imprisoned, but more importantly, we have found freedom in Christ's forgiveness. We may be martyred, but more importantly, we will have gained our ultimate victory of being with Christ Jesus. The Word of Christ still drives out demons, and his Church will prevail against the gates of hell. The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Christian Church. Amen.They conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). Amen.
In this episode, 'the River of Life,' Derek explores the profound biblical revelation that believers are the eternal Temple of God, designed to be filled with His presence and glory. Redeemed man in Christ is designed to be the eternal Temple of the Living God, indwelt by Him and shining forth His glory. Thus, redeemed man is the ultimate, eternal Temple of God (1Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20, 12:12, 2Cor 6:16, Ephesians 2:21-22, Rev 21:22-26). TEMPLES are designed to be dwelling places of God, and He introduced TEMPLES to reveal His ULTIMATE PURPOSE for mankind. He created MAN to be His TEMPLE, and now His plan is to redeem us, so that we might be the DWELLING PLACE of God, that God would dwell with us and IN US forever! This is God's ultimate purpose for man - that God might dwell in us and be glorified through us. All Temples of God are a blueprint of His ultimate Temple (Man), and so they describe our nature, design, purpose and operation - how God made us to function. The first clear design feature of God's Temples is that they are all tripartite in structure. That is, they are comprised of 3 distinct parts, with 3 different levels of holiness, sometimes represented by different heights: (1) The HOLY of HOLIES, where God is enthroned, (2) the HOLY PLACE, and (3) the OUTER COURT. Likewise man is (1) SPIRIT, (2) SOUL & (3) BODY (1Thessalonians 5:23). The greatest Presence of God is in the Holy of Holies, where He is enthroned as King, and His Presence (Glory) radiates like light shining forth from the Holiest Place. One picture of this FLOW of LIFE is that His SPIRIT of GRACE flows down like RIVERS from the highest place (the Holy of Holies or Throne Room) to water the lower places. We see this RIVER of LIFE in the Heavenly Temple (Rev 22:1-2), in Eden (Genesis 2:10) and in the Millennial Temple (Joel 3:18, Zechariah 14:8-9, Ezekiel 47). Jesus was a fully functioning Temple of God, who came to make us into Temples of God, with the Holy Spirit dwelling in our born again spirit (John 14:16-17, Romans 5:5, John 4:10,14), and flowing out through our heart as rivers of living water (John 7:37-39). So, now in Christ, God, the Holy Spirit lives within our reborn spirit (where Christ is enthroned), from where He wants to flow down as rivers of life to fill our souls with His light and life, and then flow out through our bodies to the world, as we obey Him, by speaking His words and doing His works. We are Temples of the Living God, who wants to fill and empower us and be glorified through us. As we let His River of life and grace flow down from our high place (our spirit) through our soul, as we submit to Him and obey Him, the trees in the garden of our soul (our thoughts and emotions) will continually flourish and grow and be fruitful to the glory of God.
In this episode, 'the River of Life,' Derek explores the profound biblical revelation that believers are the eternal Temple of God, designed to be filled with His presence and glory. Redeemed man in Christ is designed to be the eternal Temple of the Living God, indwelt by Him and shining forth His glory. Thus, redeemed man is the ultimate, eternal Temple of God (1Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20, 12:12, 2Cor 6:16, Ephesians 2:21-22, Rev 21:22-26). TEMPLES are designed to be dwelling places of God, and He introduced TEMPLES to reveal His ULTIMATE PURPOSE for mankind. He created MAN to be His TEMPLE, and now His plan is to redeem us, so that we might be the DWELLING PLACE of God, that God would dwell with us and IN US forever! This is God's ultimate purpose for man - that God might dwell in us and be glorified through us. All Temples of God are a blueprint of His ultimate Temple (Man), and so they describe our nature, design, purpose and operation - how God made us to function. The first clear design feature of God's Temples is that they are all tripartite in structure. That is, they are comprised of 3 distinct parts, with 3 different levels of holiness, sometimes represented by different heights: (1) The HOLY of HOLIES, where God is enthroned, (2) the HOLY PLACE, and (3) the OUTER COURT. Likewise man is (1) SPIRIT, (2) SOUL & (3) BODY (1Thessalonians 5:23). The greatest Presence of God is in the Holy of Holies, where He is enthroned as King, and His Presence (Glory) radiates like light shining forth from the Holiest Place. One picture of this FLOW of LIFE is that His SPIRIT of GRACE flows down like RIVERS from the highest place (the Holy of Holies or Throne Room) to water the lower places. We see this RIVER of LIFE in the Heavenly Temple (Rev 22:1-2), in Eden (Genesis 2:10) and in the Millennial Temple (Joel 3:18, Zechariah 14:8-9, Ezekiel 47). Jesus was a fully functioning Temple of God, who came to make us into Temples of God, with the Holy Spirit dwelling in our born again spirit (John 14:16-17, Romans 5:5, John 4:10,14), and flowing out through our heart as rivers of living water (John 7:37-39). So, now in Christ, God, the Holy Spirit lives within our reborn spirit (where Christ is enthroned), from where He wants to flow down as rivers of life to fill our souls with His light and life, and then flow out through our bodies to the world, as we obey Him, by speaking His words and doing His works. We are Temples of the Living God, who wants to fill and empower us and be glorified through us. As we let His River of life and grace flow down from our high place (our spirit) through our soul, as we submit to Him and obey Him, the trees in the garden of our soul (our thoughts and emotions) will continually flourish and grow and be fruitful to the glory of God.
In this message, Pastor David Bendett unpacks the biblical truth behind *toil*—the exhausting labor and striving that came as a result of the curse in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:17-19). Through Scripture, we discover that Jesus Christ has redeemed us from this curse (Galatians 3:13), granting us freedom from fear, stress, worry, and endless striving. Instead, God calls us into a life of peace, rest, and joy as we walk with Him and allow His Spirit to lead us. From the blessings of Psalm 128 to the invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, this sermon reminds us that we no longer labor alone—we are co-laborers with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9). It's time to stop spinning in weariness and start living in Kingdom rest.
In this sermon, Pastor Christopher talks about the creation of woman and clarifies the whole truth about it. He gives us four things we hold onto as believers, and four steps God takes in order to create her. He breaks down Adam's reaction to seeing someone from his own flesh, and the first poetry we see in the book of Genesis. What does it mean for man to be a spiritual head? What ideal do we try to create? What is the Bible's outlook on marriage? Listen to learn more! Thanks for listening.LAKEVIEW MISSIONARY CHURCH810 S. Evergreen Dr.Moses Lake, WA 98837509-765-5270www.LakeviewMissionaryChurch.comPastor Christopher sends a weekly update to our church every Wednesday with an encouraging article, prayer requests, and announcements. Subscribe here, http://eepurl.com/hC7SHDScripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.
Eden is not just someplace else we wish we could be in. Eden is here for you to enter into and be with Him.Genesis 2:7-17; Psalm 33:1-11; Romans 6:19-23; Mark 8:1-97th Seventh Sunday after Trinity
What if heaven isn't just a place far away, but a promise breaking into your life today? In this inspiring message, we trace God's redemptive plan from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-17) to the New Jerusalem, revealing how Jesus has defeated our last enemy—death—and is making all things new. Discover how heaven is more than golden streets; it's a return to our true home, a reunion with God, and the restoration of all that was broken. Just like keeping your fork because dessert is coming, we're called to live with expectant hope—because the best is truly yet to come. Let this message shift your focus from temporary troubles to eternal truths.
Edenic Covenant G'day and welcome to Partake! We are now on day 2 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days, from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! Genesis 1v27-31 So God created human beings in his own image.In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground." Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground-everything that has life." And that is what happened. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day. Genesis 2v15-17. The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, "You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden- except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die." Irenaeus, one of the Church Fathers, said this about humanity being made in the image of God: "The image was the human's natural resemblance to God, the power of reason and will. The likeness was a divine gift added to basic human nature. This likeness consisted of the moral qualities of God, whereas the image involved the natural attributes of God." Origen, another of the Church Fathers, goes further and commenting on Genesis 1v26-27, says "In v26, while the word ‘image' is repeated in v27, the word ‘likeness' is not. This indicates that in his first creation man received the dignity of the image of God, but fulfilment of the likeness is reserved for the final consummation, that is, the he himself should obtain it by his own effort, through the imitation of God. The possibility of perfection given to him at the beginning by the dignity of the image, and then in the end, through the fulfilment of his works, should bring to perfect consummation the likeness of God." God spoke with His creation and gave what is the first covenant between God and humanity. Humanity is commanded in this Edenic Covenant to: Populate the earth (Genesis 1v28) Subjugate the earth (Genesis 1v28) Exercise dominion over animals (Genesis 1v28) Tend and enjoy the garden of Eden (Genesis 1v29; 2v15) Refrain from eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2v16-17). So in essence, humanity, being the pinnacle of God's creation, was to populate the planet, enjoy all of creation and to exercise concern and care over it: the environment, animals, plants etc. One thing they were not to do was to eat "the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Yet some time after they did do just that! When they ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the Edenic Covenant was terminated, because they had broken their side of the Covenant. The consequence of this resulted in their spiritual and physical deaths. This failure, required God to make a new covenant with Adam and we will look at that next time! Right mouse click or tap here to download as a MP3 audio file
Leviticus "Longing for Eden: Genesis, the narrative context" Part 1 Rob Webster 62925 by Evangelical Fellowship Church
One of life's most challenging truths is unfairness. You've heard someone say, “It's not fair!” in response to a disappointment. Maybe you've said it yourself. This frustration is natural because fairness aligns with how we think things should work. However, the reality is that life hasn't been fair since Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8-14). Adam's fall unleashed sin and death into a world God originally designed to be perfect (Genesis 2:7-9). Ever since unfairness has been woven into the fabric of life (Romans 5:12). Read, Watch, Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/day-2-teen-devotion-life-fair/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.
DIVINE SUPPLY God's Supply System God has a supply system that provides for His people (Psalm 104:1-28, Genesis 1:29-30, Exodus 16:11). God's Roles As a Father: God provides for His children. As a King: God rules and provides for His kingdom. As a Creator: God provides for His creation. As a Deity: God is the ultimate provider. Examples of God's Supply Adam: God provided for Adam in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:29-30). The Israelites: God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:11, Nehemiah 9:20, Psalm 78:29). His Prophets: God provided for His prophets, such as Elijah (1 Kings 17:1, 2 Kings 4:42).
Brian Watson preached this sermon on April 13, 2025.
Numerous spiritual traditions speak about the miraculous power of Kundalini, the transformative energy and intelligence of the Divine Mother. However, much propaganda abounds regarding its requirements, effects, manifestation, and evolution within the individual. What people don't realize is that the widespread psychological imbalances, confusion, and dangers attributed to Kundalini is actually its opposite: Kundabuffer, symbolized by the tempting serpent of Eden (Genesis 3:1), the fiery serpents that afflicted the Israelites in their desert sojourn (Numbers 21:6), and the inverted tail that characterizes demons (Revelations 12:4). Kundalini is different: the brazen serpent of Moses that redeems and heals (Numbers 21:8-9); the prudence, serpentine wisdom, and dove-like harmlessness that guides authentic initiates (Matthew 10:16); the sacred power that uplifts the Son of Man (John 3:14) and the Pentecostal tongues of fire or Holy Spirit that descends upon the inspired apostles (Acts 2:3). The way to know and experience the difference depends on a person's ethics, purity, and cooperation within a perfect matrimony, not expensive workshops, fees, or blessings from a “guru.” By fulfilling spiritual laws through the qualifications of the heart, it becomes possible to work with the real power of divinity, the sexual force that allows one to be truly born again (John 3:5).
Join us as we Fast Monday through Friday this week - March 17th through March 21st. We come together every night at 9pm CST for a Quick Fire Word! Let us JOURNEY TOGETHER Moment by moment and Measure for measure plus Some! Tonight's Manna - Another Place in Him! Fasting and Prayer take us into new realms, dimensions, and heights naturally and spiritually. We take the time to walk through the Word at some significant places and how we are having some of those same experiences. Bethlehem: The birthplace of Jesus Garden of Eden: Genesis 2 Formation to Transformation Mount Sinai: The mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, Galilee: The region where Jesus grew up and began his ministry, Capernaum: A town on the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was Jesus' second home and the location of many of his miracles and teachings. And More - What Place Are You at In HIM? I am at another place in Him!! We do not own the rights to any music, used for worship only
The line between what you can do and what you should do only gets larger when you remain un-submitted to God and his ways. Choice created the atmosphere where two kingdoms can live simultaneously. Find out more as Pastor Jay continues in Part 2 in the sermon series "The Five: Genesis" talking about The Fall of Man.
The Fall of Eden - Genesis 3:1-24A.D. January 19th, 2025SUBSCRIBE to WarCry Media on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChErMPtXrii04uoumBVLasQ/featured?sub_confirmation=1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warcrymediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/warcrymedia/?hl=enGab: https://gab.com/WarCryMedia___________________________________________Find us online and contact us at:Redeemer Community Church - https://www.redeemerlv.comWarCry Media - https://www.warcrymedia.com
It's the first episode of the new year, and Jay and George are back in Genesis! Today, the guys are discussing Adam and the Garden of Eden. Tune in as they look at this unique man and unique place and maybe learn something you never knew before. Conformed to Christ aims to engage the mind, affect the heart, and call people to follow Christ. Additionally, our aim is to introduce and explain passages of Scripture and difficult theological doctrines in a down-to-earth and easy-to-grasp manner. Theology and the Bible should impact your life, and our goal is that we might play a small part in seeing that happen. Conformed to Christ is a ministry of Christ's Fellowship Church. https://cfclawton.org/ ***Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and Amazon Music Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCgQBeT-Mj1CmngPdhZyWybQ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conformed-to-christ/id1503247486 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NvbmZvcm1lZHRvY2hyaXN0L2ZlZWQueG1s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YruCZu4hla6Ll3rBu7UPY Podbean: https://conformedtochrist.podbean.com
On November 22, 1963, US president John F. Kennedy, philosopher and writer Aldous Huxley, and Christian apologist C. S. Lewis all died. Three well-known men with radically different worldviews. Huxley, agnostic, still dabbled in Eastern mysticism. Kennedy held to a humanistic philosophy. And Lewis was a former atheist who became an outspoken believer in Jesus. Death is no respecter of persons as all three of these well-known men faced their appointment with death on the same day. The Bible says that death entered the human experience when Adam and Eve disobeyed in the garden on Eden (Genesis 3)—a sad reality that has marked human history. Death is the great equalizer or, as one person put it, the appointment that no one can avoid. This is the point of Hebrews 9:27, where we read, “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Where do we find hope about our own appointment with death and what follows? In Jesus. Romans 6:23 captures this truth perfectly, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” How did this gift of God become available? Jesus, the Son of God, died to destroy death and rose from the grave to offer us life forever (2 Timothy 1:10).
En un futuro no muy lejano gobernado por las corporaciones, una joven cyborg llamada Leah se somete a un tratamiento experimental para encontrar una cura para su terrible enfermedad. Desbloquea el potencial de tu mente y elimina la corrupción nacida de los implantes que están destruyendo tus neuronas. Copia cedida por Aeternum Game Studio Reseñas disponibles: https://uncafeconnintendo.wordpress.com/resenas/ Visita nuestra TIENDA ONLINE en cafeconnintendo.redbubble.com APÓYANOS por lo que cuesta un café en https://uncafeconnintendo.wordpress.com/apoyanos/ Para estar informado del programa síguenos en nuestra cuenta de Twitter @cafeconnintendo Únete también a nuestra comunidad en Telegram https://t.me/uncafeconnintendo
What Happens When A Society Rejects God?Grace Christian Fellowship Mikey Brannon October 13, 2024 [Gen 4:16 ESV] 16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. • Went away from the presence of the Lord.o 4:6-7 Cain is filled with rage against his brother, but is gracious to him and gives him an opportunity to repent.o How sin is conceived (like a baby) in Gen 4:6-7, James 1:14-15o God uses vivid language to describe his sin (4:7) “crouching desire”. (ref. 1 Peter 5:8)o Cain's biggest issue Cain conceived the sin of murder in his heart His desire for sin was greater than his desire for God While cain was religious, fundamentally he was a non-believer!• Knows God personally• Talks with God• Still does not trust God's words Cain is the first cursed person. (4:11-12) The result of the curse is that Cain is forced to become a wanderer, a nomad, a homeless vagabond. Notice Cain willingly gives up religion and relationship with God, in order to rid himself of the precepts that come along with it. This is the choice of the sinner.o “East of Eden” – Genesis language shows that as one moves Eastward they are moving further from the presence of God.o “Land of Nod” Nod means wanderer, exile, or fugitive. [Gen 4:17 ESV] 17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. • Even this vile sinner found a wife to marry. Cain obviously married one of his sisters. Together they have a son named Enoch.• “Built a City” - It is not what we expect the vagabond to do, establish a city. It is as if he says, I'll show you God, I'll settle my on place and I don't need you to help. But even the name of the city suggest it is futile.• The Hebrew verb tense suggests that Cain didn't just build a city, but that he was continually building a city. Essentially we can picture Cain endlessly working to buid this city, but never finishing it, until he eventually turns it over to his son to whom it is named Enoch.• This city that Cain would build would be common a city of apostasy and of the inhabatens present and future would be rejecters of God, and they will eventually be drowned.[Gen 4:18 ESV] 18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. • Our sin doesn't just affect us but it affects others around us, and even future generations.• In Chapter 5 and 6 we get 2 genealogies here in our text we have a genealogy of Cain, and in the next chapter we have the genealogy of Seth. More on that later.• This geneology traces Cain to one of his descendants Lamech. Lamech is the arch type evil representative of what has come from Cain's apostasy.• Enoch means “dedicated”. Cain running from the curse God has placed on him attempts to build a city and he names his Son and his city “dedicated”. He dedicates his son to his city. As if his son may finally be able to stop running and wandering.• Talk about how sinners try to find comfort somewhere other than God.• Enoch is cains big dillusion.• Our kids are not fooled by our dillusions are they, its very interesting what Enoch names his son, Irad, which can be loosely translated city dweller• Then you have Mejujael and Methusahael, which scholars say means something like, God Blots out and violence to God• Do you see the direction from cain to -> city dweller-> outright violence to God this is trendline of the society.[Gen 4:19 ESV] 19 And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. • The apostate generation culminates with a picture of a man named Lamech (conquerer).• Instantly we encounter an issue with Lamech. He has 2 wives.• We know that God has already established marriage as a union between 1 man and 1 woman. Any other version of this union is a sinful corruption. (Gen. 2:24)• Some people encounter polygamy in the OT and they say see the Bible is wrong it condones things like that. Or that the Bible is inconsistent on its view on marriage. Not true.• Whenever polygamy is shown in the OT it always results in hurt and devastation. (Abraham)• As we can see here in our example text the Bible doesn't come out and make a moral statement about polygamy here. Because it doesn't need to. That is the entire point of this geneology. [Gen 4:20 ESV] 20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. • The “bal” brothers: Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal• Stem bal means to produce• Society was a great at producing things• We have world leading agriculture, invention of music, of musical instruments, iron working, bronze instruments of all kinds• Jabal was a shepherd who likely tended sheep. People in the city need someone else to produce meat and garments, so what we see here is the first glimmering of the agricultural industry.• Discussion about how long they lived in this society Adam lived 930 years. In fact did you ever realize Adam almost lived long enough to see the birth of Noah. Cain lived 730 years.[Gen 4:21 ESV] 21 His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. • Jubal, invented music, and the first instruments. Can you imagine what an accomplishment, Chris Karpus level stuff here. They had likely had figured out things like scales, and chords, and how to construct various instruments to create harmonies.• Now many of us in this room are musicians. How many of you feel like you have enough time to practice your instrument? How many of you feel like you have mastered it and there is nothing else to learn? Imagine if you had 700 years to work on it. Do you think you would be pretty good?[Gen 4:22 ESV] 22 Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. • Tubal-cain in a similar way had perfected the art of metal working. He is the father of blacksmithing and was the master of the craft. In a similar way having so much time on the earth to master the craft.• These 3 sons were epic leaders of a godless city.• Application: I wonder what outsiders would have said about the city of Nod as they passed by. Great city! Technological leaders, Innovative, Wealthy, luxurious? Does this sound like a cursed city to you?• A society without God is striving to find satisfaction in something else, but they will ever find is emptiness.• This is a society who works and works for the one thing they will never have, rest. Sabbath. Because they have rejected the ultimate rest. (Matthew 12:8)[Gen 4:23 ESV] 23 Lamech said to his wives: "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. • Lamech becomes the poster boy for how far from God this society has come. • Brags to his wives about his murderous rampageo Notice how he speaks to his wives. How far has this Godless society gotten from what Adam first spoke, “bone of my bone flesh of my flesh”o Murder of mano Murder of a childo In both instances Lamech brags about his brutality o What we can observe here in this society that is far from God there is no longer an appreciation for human life.o Why is murder such a heinous crime in the first place?o Gen. 1:27, Gen.9:6o So what we see in a society that is far from God, there is a loss of appreciation for human lifeo Another way to say this is that the value you we place on one another comes from the value that we place in God.o Another way to say this is, Love God, Love People[Gen 4:24 ESV] 24 If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold." • The reference here is back to verse 4:15.• Remember God had promised Cain protection of his life. Word got around.• In hindsight now that we have studied this passage I think God allowed Cain to live just so that the fullness of his wickedness would play out. It would have been to easy for him to die. So Cain spends hundreds of years trying to outrun the curse, only to die in his futile attempts. It is a much more worthy punishment.• Lamech makes a mockery of God's curse. He is vile, and wicked, he even brags about his wickedness. This city is lost indeed.• What a terrible story if it ended here![Gen 4:25 ESV] 25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, "God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him." • Able the presumed line of redemption is dead. Cain is unfit and cursed. The last time things looked this dark were after the fall.• We think back to the promise (Gen. 3:14). And in God's graciousness we find hope. This verse gives us hope.• Adam and Eve have another son who can help fulfill the promise of Genesis 3:14, Seth.• Seth is not the one to crush the head of the serpant, but we will find out in the next chapter exactly where is line will lead, ultimately to Christ, the ultimate head crusher. Luke 3:38[Gen 4:26 ESV] 26 To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD. • Even in the early days apparently outside of the line of Cain people had begun to stray from God• Enosh marks a period of revival where people began to again call upon the name of the Lord.
¡Hola, cafeteros! Los compañeros Guille y Dani repasan las novedades del mes de octubre, nos traen las primeras impresiones de Eden Genesis y nos dejan sus recomendaciones indies de terror. Sección de juegos digitales: - Kill Knight (03-10), - Nekograms (03-10), - Necro Story (07-10), - Bloodless (10-10), - Europa (11-10), - Drova - Forsaken Kin (15-10), - Neva (15-10), - Blazing Strike (17-10), - RetroRealms Arcade (18-10), - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed (18-10), - Potionomics: Masterwork Edition (22-10), - Date Everything! (24-10), - Blasphemous II: Mea Culpa (31-10), Sección de juegos físicos: - Garden Witch Life (04-10), - Pepper Grinder (04-10), - A tiny Sticker Tale: Magic Book Edition (10-10), - Darkest Dungeon II (22-10), - Cat Quest: The Fur-tastic Trilogy (24-10), - Fabledom (25-10), Sección de noticias: - Tesura traerá Slay the Princess en formato físico ¡Estas son nuestras "halloweenescas" recomendaciones! - Para los amantes del terror puro, Amnesia: Collection y Outlast: Bundle of Terror - Si buscas algo más personal, The Suicide of Rachel Foster - Dos clásicos en 2D: Limbo e Inside - Con sorpresa: Inscryption y Doki Doki Literature Club - Novedoso: Dredge - Gore: Carrion - Indie puro: Ib ¿Vas a comprar en Wakkap? Usa el código UNCAFECONINTENDO y ahórrate un 5% en tu próxima compra (máximo 3€ de descuento) Visita nuestra TIENDA ONLINE en cafeconnintendo.redbubble.com APÓYANOS por lo que cuesta un café en https://uncafeconnintendo.wordpress.com/apoyanos/ Para estar informado del programa síguenos en nuestra cuenta de Twitter @cafeconnintendo Únete también a nuestra comunidad en Telegram https://t.me/uncafeconnintendo
Finding Hope: Stillness #RTTBROS #Nightlight The Sacred Art of Being Still "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10 (KJV) In our fast-paced world, filled with constant noise and distraction, God extends a profound invitation: to be still and know Him. This stillness is not mere inactivity, but a deliberate posture of heart and mind that allows us to experience God's presence in each moment. Let's explore how we can cultivate this sacred stillness in our daily lives. Reflection The practice of being still before God is a powerful antidote to the anxiety and restlessness that often plague our souls. We are often "crucified between two thieves" - the guilt and regrets of the past, and the fears and worries about the future. Yet God calls us to a different way of living - fully present in each moment, aware of His constant presence. The Psalmist declares, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24, KJV). This verse isn't just about occasional celebration, but a daily practice of recognizing God's handiwork in every moment. When we cultivate this awareness, we begin to see each day, each hour, as crowned with God's presence. God desires to walk with us, much like He did with Adam in the cool of the day in Eden (Genesis 3:8). He wants to teach us to experience fully each blessing and gift He sends our way. From the grandeur of a sunset over the ocean to the quiet beauty of a star-strewn night sky, from the majesty of mountains to the delicate intricacy of a flower - all of creation calls us to pause, to observe, and to stand in awe of our Creator. This practice of stillness and presence is not just about appreciating nature. It's about cultivating a constant awareness of God's presence in every aspect of our lives. It's about learning to lean on Him in quiet trust, moment by moment, regardless of our circumstances. Application 1. Practice Daily Stillness*: Set aside time each day for silent reflection and prayer. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the duration. 2. Mindful Observation: Take a "wonder walk" each day. Observe nature closely, looking for signs of God's creativity and care. 3. Present Moment Awareness: When you find your mind drifting to past regrets or future worries, gently bring your focus back to the present moment. Remind yourself of God's presence right here, right now. 4. Gratitude Pauses: Several times throughout the day, pause to thank God for something in your immediate environment or experience. 5. Scripture Meditation: Choose a short verse (like Psalm 46:10) to meditate on throughout the day. Let it remind you to be still and aware of God's presence. Prayer Heavenly Father, in the busyness and noise of our lives, teach us the sacred art of being still. Help us to quiet our hearts and minds, that we might sense Your presence in each moment. Free us from the tyranny of past regrets and future anxieties, and grant us the grace to live fully in the present, where You dwell. Open our eyes to see the daily gifts of Your creation, and open our hearts to receive Your constant love. May our lives be a testimony to Your presence, as we learn to be still and know that You are God. In Jesus' name, Amen. Dig Deeper 1. Read Exodus 14:13-14. How does Moses' instruction to the Israelites relate to the concept of being still and trusting God? 2. Reflect on 1 Kings 19:11-13. What does Elijah's experience teach us about how God often speaks to us? 3. Consider Matthew 6:25-34. How does Jesus' teaching about worry relate to the practice of being present in each moment? 4. Think of a time when you felt especially aware of God's presence. What were the circumstances? How can you cultivate more of those moments in your daily life? 5. In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "be still"? How might you invite God's presence into those areas?
Message from Dave Hatcher on July 28, 2024
Message from Dave Hatcher on July 28, 2024
Series: Genesis Sermon: Life Outside of Eden - Genesis 4:1-17 Genesis 4 reveals the stark contrast between righteous and sinful behavior outside Eden. This juxtaposition of Abel's accepted offering with Cain's rejected one, followed by Cain's murder of Abel, highlights the deep-seated human struggle with sin and the importance of the heart's condition in worship. Cain's anger at God's rejection of his offering underscores his lack of humility and self-examination. Despite Cain's grievous sin, God's response illustrates His merciful nature by sparing Cain's life and offering protection, despite the absence of Cain's repentance. This message urges us to live humbly, stay vigilant against sin's encroachment, and continually seek God's mercy. Ultimately, it points to the gospel's good news, where God's mercy is fully realized through Jesus Christ's sacrificial atonement, offering redemption to all who trust in Him.
Theme: Even when His chosen people experience hardship in exile, the LORD is fulfilling His promise to redeem them from their woes and make of them a mighty nation.
Theme: Even when His chosen people experience hardship in exile, the LORD is fulfilling His promise to redeem them from their woes and make of them a mighty nation.
The Easter Side Of Eden: Genesis 3:21-24 w/ Darren Tyler
Have you ever pondered the weight of a choice? Join us as we discuss the beginnings of human relationships, contemplating the significance of companionship and God's response to Adam's isolation. We navigate through these themes, bringing to light the delicate balance of freedom to choose and the responsibilities that come with it. The story of the creation of woman isn't just about filling a void; it's a testament to the intricate designs of partnership and the fulfillment found in unity. Tune in for a profound exploration of divine intention, the human condition, and the stark truth that amidst perfection, loneliness was the very first thing God stated was 'not good' that called for a remedy, setting the stage for the intertwining of lives from the dawn of time.Support the show
Pastor Kelly set out to preach on Genesis 1-3 and came across the research of the Tru316 Foundation. He used The Book of Eden - Genesis 2-3 for part of his research. The result was a balanced and powerful sermon! See the volumes in The Eden Book Series and more at Tru316.com/trubooks The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series. https://amzn.to/48RJqdl Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner
Did you ever wonder why Satan is never mentioned in the Garden of Eden? Prepare to have your mind blown as we dive into the untold complexities of Genesis 2:1-18. This episode uncovers surprising interpretations, challenges common myths, and may forever change the way you look at the creation story. Don't miss out; it's time to rethink what you thought you knew about Adam, Eve, and the Garden. ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, Zoom calls with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices