Podcasts about Emmaus

Todaywe're looking at Luke 24:25-35. Luke is the only gospel that tells us the storyabout these two men on the road to Emmaus. While they're walking, they'reconfused, troubled, sad, discouraged, and disappointed. Jesus did not fulfillthe expectations they had about setting up the kingdom and running out theRomans authorities. They had heard that Jesus had resurrected, but they did notbelieve. My friends, when we don't believe in the resurrection like we should,even as believers, we're going to be disappointed, discouraged, and sad. Sowhat is the answer to that?  Wefind it here in this passage. Jesus talked to them about the Scriptures, Moses,the prophets, and all the things in them concerning Himself. Then He acted asif He would go further when they got to the village of Emmaus. But theyconstrained Him and said, "No, it's getting evening. Stay with us."So He did, and what happened next, Luke say it best: “As He sat at the tablewith them, He took bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. Thentheir eyes were opened, and they knew Him, and He vanished from their sight.They said to one another, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talkedwith us on the road and while He opened the scriptures to us?" So theyrose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven and thosewho were with them gathered together, saying, "The Lord is risen indeedand has appeared to Simon." They told about the things that had happenedon the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.” Whata powerful message for you and me today. It was as they heard the scriptures,as Jesus talked and conversed with them and fellowshipped with them, theirhearts began to burn. Even though they didn't see Him exactly as He really is,the Son of God, the risen Savior, their hearts still burned from the Scriptures.Then as they sat at bread with Him and He broke it, their eyes were opened.  Myfriend, the answer to sad, discouraged, disappointed hearts is when you spendtime with Jesus. Spend time with Jesus in His Word, meditate upon Him, thinkabout Him, and listen to Him. Your heart will begin to burn, and that's when Heopens your eyes, makes Himself known to you in the scripture, and you have thatreal fellowship with the Lord. This is what we need, “Just a closer walkwith Jesus”, as the old hymn says. Spend that time with Him.  That'swhat you and I should desire more than anything else as we open up the Scripturein the morning, not just to read our devotional Scriptures, but to spend timewith Jesus in His Word. As they ran back the eight miles to Jerusalem to theUpper Room so excited that they couldn't wait to tell the other disciples whatthey had experienced. I'll guarantee you if every church member spent time withJesus during the week in the word of God, when they came together on Sundaymorning, they would not have a dead service.  Whenthey got back to the service, the other eleven and many of the other followersof Jesus were all excited about what had happened. They exclaimed that Simonhad also seen Jesus. They were all saying, "Jesus indeed is risen. He hasappeared." What a great service they had back then, rejoicing in the risenSavior. Would to God that would happen in all our churches each Sunday. I havea feeling that he crowds would come like they did on the day of Pentecost.  Haveyour experienced a “burning heart” recently? When was the last time that theHoly Spirit opened your eyes to see Jesus in the Word?  Godbless!

What's next when your picture of God doesn't match your experience? In the midst of processing their own disappointment and confusion two travelers encountered Jesus on the Road to Emmaus. Their story reminds us that our journey of faith isn't about having it all figured out; it's about walking with Jesus until our eyes are opened to something deeper, fuller, and more alive.

It's hard to fathom how Jesus's followers felt immediately after his death. When He secretly appeared to His saddened followers on the road to Emmaus, they said, we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel (Lk 24:21). When Jesus died, their hopes died with him. But at the empty tomb, hope was found again! The empty tomb remains the Christian's symbol of hope. Whenever we are tempted to see Christ's promises as empty, all we need to do is look to the empty tomb. “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said” (Matt. 28:6). Take Home Message: Because the tomb is empty, I have hope. I have hope because I remember the promises of Christ (1-10). Jesus promised that… He will not reject you.He will make Himself known to you.He will answer you. I have hope because I encountered the risen Christ (11-16). I have hope because I announce the ascended Christ (17-18). We announce the ascended Christ to the… Discouraged: “I'll never be good enough.”Distrusting: “No one's good enough.”Depressed: “Why even try?” Message: The Resurrection Scripture: John 20:1-18 Simple. Authentic. Jesus. Prairiebible.org

When the womencame to the tomb, they were perplexed because the stone was rolled away, butthere was no body. And the answer was that they needed to remember God's Word.Today, are you perplexed about the problems of life, the problems in yourfamily, and all the different difficulties or challenges that you're goingthrough? You're perplexed as to what is going to happen? What is going on? Oh,my friend, remember the promises of Jesus. He had promised His followers thatHe will rise again. “He indeed is risen as He said”.  NextLuke tells us of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and as they'rewalking, they're talking and questioning. In verse 15 says; “So it was whilethey conversed and reasoned that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.But their eyes were restrained so that they did not know who He was”. Hewas like a stranger. He begins walking with them and asked, "What are youtalking about”? “What things happened in Jerusalem?" Of course Heknew, but He wanted to hear them say it, and listen to them. They began to tellHim how disappointed they were because they thought that Jesus, the Messiah,would bring about His kingdom. How He had healed people and had done greatmiracles. And they were so disappointed and now they're discouraged because itdidn't turn out as they expected. And it says, their hearts were sad.  FinallyJesus speaks in verses 25-26. Canyou imagine this Bible conference? Oh, don't you wish you could have beenthere? Imagine the greatest Teacher explaining the greatest themes from thegreatest Book and bringing the greatest blessings to men's lives that openedtheir eyes to see Him and hearts opened up to receive the Word and lips openedto go back and tell others what Jesus had said to them. Wouldn't you have lovedthat?  Yearsago, as I was reading Morning and Evening devotional by Charles Haddon Spurgeonevery day, I came across the following devotional on January 18 in the eveningsection. And I thought I would share it today as we close our chat. Spurgeon wrote: "Thetwo disciples on the road to Emmaus had a most profitable journey. Theircompanion and teacher was the best of tutors; the interpreter one of athousand, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The LordJesus condescended to become a preacher of the gospel, and He was not ashamedto exercise His calling before an audience of two persons, neither does He nowrefuse to become the teacher of even one. Let us court the company of soexcellent an Instructor, for till He is made unto us wisdom we shall never bewise unto salvation. Thisunrivalled tutor used as His class-book the best of books. Although able toreveal fresh truth, He preferred to expound the old. He knew by His omnisciencewhat was the most instructive way of teaching, and by turning at once to Mosesand the prophets, He showed us that the surest road to wisdom is notspeculation, reasoning, or reading human books, but meditation upon the Word ofGod. The readiest way to be spiritually rich in heavenly knowledge is to dig inthis mine of diamonds, to gather pearls from this heavenly sea. When JesusHimself sought to enrich others, He wrought in the quarry of Holy Scripture. Thefavoured pair were led to consider the best of subjects, for Jesus spake ofJesus, and expounded the things concerning Himself. Here the diamond cut thediamond, and what could be more admirable? The Master of the House unlocked Hisown doors, conducted the guests to His table, and placed His own dainties uponit. He who hid the treasure in the field Himself guided the searchers to it.Our Lord would naturally discourse upon the sweetest of topics, and He couldfind none sweeter than His own person and work: with an eye to these we shouldalways search the Word. O for grace to study the Bible with Jesus as both ourteacher and our lesson!” God bless!

This Sunday at Emmaus we're diving into the book of Joshua, and yes—it's got giants, battles, and a whole lot of hard questions. But it's also a story about what happens when we dare to trust God in the face of fear.If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or afraid to take the next step—this one's for you.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

A review of a Steven Furtick sermon from Elevation Church, compliments of Pirate Christian Radio - Why Elevation: Emmaus.

MToJ - The Emmaus Incident  KINGDOME ETHICS PODCAST Hosts: David P. Gushee Jeremy Hall Music from taketones: Sunsets

"...21 But we were hoping that it was He whowas going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third daysince these things happened. ..." Luke24 is one of the most exciting chapters in the Bible as it describes theresurrection of Jesus Christ. When you have a perplexed heart like the womendid at the cross because they found no body, the tomb was opened and Jesusrevealed Himself to Mary Magdalene, I am reminded that Jesus knows our name andreveals Himself to perplexed hearts. And oh, what a difference it makes. Todaywe're looking at verses 13 through 35, where we find two disciples on the roadto Emmaus. They had disappointed, discouraged hearts, and were sad until Jesusopened their eyes. Emmauswas a small village eight miles northwest of Jerusalem. The two men walkingfrom Jerusalem to Emmaus were disappointed and discouraged disciples who had noreason to be discouraged. They had heard the reports of the women that the tombwas empty and that Jesus was alive, but they did not believe them. They hadhoped that Jesus would redeem Israel (Luke 24:21), but their hopes had beenshattered. We get the impression that these men were discouraged anddisappointed because God did not do what they wanted Him to do. They saw theglory of the kingdom, but they failed to understand the suffering. Jesusgraciously walked with them and listened to their "animated heatedconversation" (Luke 24:17, Wuest). No doubt they were quoting various OldTestament prophecies and trying to remember what Jesus had taught, but theywere unable to put it all together and come up with an explanation that madesense. Was He a failure or a success? Why did He have to die? Was there afuture for the nation? Thereis a touch of humor in Luke 24:19 when Jesus asked, "What things?"He had been at the heart of all that had happened in Jerusalem, and now Hewas asking them to tell Him what occurred! How patient our Lord is with us asHe listens to us tell Him what He already knows (Romans 8:34). But we may come"boldly" ("with freedom of speech") to His throne and pourout our hearts to Him, and He will help us (Ps. 62:8; Heb. 4:16). Thelonger Cleopas talked, the more he indicted himself and his friend for theirunbelief. What more evidence could they want? Witnesses (including Apostles)had seen the tomb empty. Angels had announced that Jesus was alive. Witnesseshad seen Him alive and heard Him speak. The proof was there! "Faithcomes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Thisexplains why Jesus opened the Word to these two men as the three of them walkedto Emmaus. Their real problem was not in their heads but in their hearts (seeLuke 24:25 and 32, and note v. 38). They could have discussed the subject fordays and never arrived at a satisfactory answer. What they needed was a freshunderstanding of the Word of God, and Jesus gave that understanding to them. Heopened the Scriptures and then opened their eyes, and they realized that Jesuswas not only alive but right there with them! Whatwas their basic problem? They did not believe all that the prophets had writtenabout the Messiah. That was the problem with most of the Jews in that day: theysaw Messiah as a conquering Redeemer, but they did not see Him as a SufferingServant. As they read the Old Testament, they saw the glory but not thesuffering, the crown but not the cross. The teachers in that day were notunlike some of the "success preachers" today, blind to the totalmessage of the Bible. Maythe Lord help us to get into the Word and give Jesus and the Holy Spirit timeto open our eyes to the Truth! Remember Jesus parting words to His disciples: “…andlo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Godbless!

     Those who are positive to God desire to know Him, His Word, and to pursue His will.[1] Jesus said to fellow Jews, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself” (John 7:17). Jesus explained that knowing God's Word is predicated on a desire to do (ποιέω poieo) His will. But some hearts are negative to God. And when the heart is negative, no amount of divine revelation will prove persuasive. For example, Noah preached to his generation for one hundred and twenty years, but they refused to listen (Gen 6:3; 2 Pet 2:5). Jeremiah spoke to the leaders of Israel, saying, “these twenty-three years the word of the LORD has come to me, and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened” (Jer 25:3). Preachers are responsible for the accurate output of the message, not the outcome of response. Jesus spoke to the hard-hearted Pharisees and said, “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word” (John 8:43). Jesus then gave the answer, saying, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father” (John 8:44). They could not hear His words because they were unsaved and negative to God. These were men who “loved the darkness rather than the Light” (John 3:19). Paul described them as ones “who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom 1:18). Paul also spoke about the unsaved person, saying, “But an unbeliever does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised” (1 Cor 2:14).      Of the one with positive volition it is said, “his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa 1:2). The benefit of such a lifelong meditation is that “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Psa 1:3). The godly person is positive to the Lord and welcomes His Word. David said, “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart” (Psa 40:8). The word delight (חָפֵץ chaphets) means, “to take pleasure in, desire…to delight in…to be willing…to feel inclined.”[2] This speaks of positive volition. God's will (רָצוֹן ratson) refers to what pleases Him. And the word Law (תּוֹרָה torah) means teaching, direction, or instruction. Jeremiah said, “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts” (Jer 15:16). To eat God's Word is a picture of positive volition, as Jeremiah welcomed the divine revelation into himself. Once received, it delighted (שִׂמְחָה simchah – delight, joy, gladness, mirth) his heart (לֵבָב lebab – inner person, mind, will). When the human heart is receptive to God's Word, it transforms that person from the inside out, and this is both cognitive and experiential. David and Jeremiah wanted to know and walk with God, and His divine revelation, properly understood and applied, was the means to know and do it.      God will open His Word to the believer who dedicates his/her life to Him. Paul wrote, “I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:1-2). A surrendered life to God makes the Christian sensitive to the illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit, who aids the believer to know God's will. Concerning this passage, Arnold Fruchtenbaum states: "It is hard to understand what the will of God is without this act of dedication because the believer does not have the Spirit's illumination, which is needed to determine God's will from His Word. Dedication brings knowledge of the will of God. Having the knowledge, the logical outworking of the dedicated life is that the believer now does the will of God."[3]      God's Word is powerful and accomplishes what He desires (Isa 55:10-11; Heb 4:12), and it lights a fire in the heart of those who welcome it. For example, Jesus, after his resurrection, walked for several miles with two disciples and gave them a Bible lesson which lasted for several hours as they traveled “to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:13). Luke records what Jesus taught them, saying, “beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). After His Bible lesson, the two disciples said, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). The heart that is positive to God receives His Word and is excited by what is learned.  Theological Categories of God's Will      The will of God can be divided between His secret will and revealed will. Moses wrote, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (Deut 29:29). What God has revealed in Scripture is what He deems important for us to know. But there are secret things that belong to the Lord, and on these matters, He remains silent. To spend our days pursuing what God has sovereignly chosen to keep hidden will only lead to unending frustration. If we have prayed and studied God's Word thoroughly yet received no clear answer, it may be because God does not want us to know—or not to know at this time. Though we may seek to discern God's will through daily experiences, such providential insight must always remain subordinate to His written revelation. Though we don't know many particulars about what God is doing, we know He is in control and directing history to the return of Christ and the eternal state, and we are part of that grand plan. Concerning God's revealed will, Scripture presents several classifications. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] For the Christian, this does not mean our sin nature is removed, nor that we are free from the sinful pressures of living in a fallen world. Paul said, “I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members” (Rom 7:21-23). This struggle with sin continues until we leave this world and enter into heaven. Until then, it is God's will that we remain in this world (John 17:15) as His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). [2] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament, 340. [3] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Faith Alone: The Condition of Our Salvation: An Exposition of the Book of Galatians and Other Relevant Topics, ed. Christiane Jurik, Second Edition. (San Antonio, TX: Ariel Ministries, 2016), 120.

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. . . . Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. — Luke 24:33-35 The news about Jesus was too important for the disciples in Emmaus to keep to themselves! Isn't it interesting that these disciples “returned at once to Jerusalem” to tell the others about their meeting with Jesus? A little while earlier, they had urged Jesus to stay with them because it would soon be dark—and generally too dangerous to travel. But now they rushed back to Jerusalem, seemingly without a care for their own safety. These disciples could not contain their excitement to tell the good news about Jesus. They were no longer victims of a terrible loss; they were disciples on a mission. They realized that their calling was to confirm the teaching of the Scriptures about Jesus and to bear witness about the resurrected Jesus to others who were feeling lost and defeated. They brought to the other disciples the same encouragement, comfort, and grace that they had received. When we think of ourselves as part of Jesus' sheepfold, it can be easy to think that we have been invited to be passive followers. What we see in the Emmaus disciples' response is that we too are invited to partner with Jesus. We are called to tell the world that God loves everyone so much that he continues to seek all who are lost so that they can come home where they belong. Who in your midst needs to hear this good news? Lord, give us courage and energy to share your good news with all who need to hear it. Amen.

Jesus the Risen King The story so far! Jesus Christ has died as a common criminal and been buried in a garden tomb guarded by Roman soldiers. His followers, his disciples have abandoned him, no doubt in fear for their own lives. They had given up everything to be with this Jesus, following him in his 3 years of ministry. What would they do now? Go back to the lives they had before they followed this man, Jesus Christ. He was just another false messiah and there had been plenty of them. Or was he? Each of the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark Luke and John, tell us that Jesus was crucified, died and was buried in a tomb. What do these four Gospels say about what happened next? Firstly, what did Jesus predict about what would happen, as he often talked about his death! An example of this can be seen from reading Mark 8v31 Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. So Jesus predicted he would rise physically from the dead! WOW! Let us firstly look at the sequence of events over the period of time after Jesus death. The tomb is empty The two Marys watch the burial (Matthew27v61, Mark 15v47, Luke23v54-55) and Roman soldiers are placed to guard the tomb in order to keep it safe: (Matthew 27v62-66). Then the two Marys arrive at dawn to prepare spices for the body of Jesus before resting (Matthew 28v1, Mark 16v1-4, Luke 23v56-24v3, John 20v1). An angel rolls the stone away a great distance from the tomb! (Matthew 28v2-4) and then angels appear to the women (Matthew 28v5-7, Mark 16v5-7, Luke 24v4-8)! The women dart back to tell disciples: (Matthew 28v8, Mark 16v8, Luke 24v9-11, John 20v2) and that gives Peter and John the impetus to go and investigate the empty tomb for themselves (Luke 24v12, John 20v3-9)! They find it empty and go home (Luke 24v12, John 20v10)! Mary Magdalene weeps by the tomb: (John 20v11) and then is met by two angels: (John 20v12-13) And where is the body of Jesus? Was it stolen? Unlikely under a Roman guard! Was it 3 days? Yes! But not a literal 3 x 24hours! There was the rest of the Friday (1 day), all of Saturday (2 days) and part of the Sunday (3 days). Let's look now at his appearances! Jesus' appearances First of all Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16v9, John 20v14-17) and then to the other women (Matthew 28v9-10! Then the women report to the disciples in haste (Mark 16v10-11, John 20v18)! The Roman guards testify to the Jewish priests about what they knew (Matthew 28v11-15)! Then as two people are walking along the road to Emmaus, Jesus greets and talks to them (Mark 16v12-13, Luke 24v13-32)! Then Jesus appears to Peter (1 Corinthians 15v5). The 2 men who met Jesus on the Emmaus Road report back to the disciples in Jerusalem (Luke 24v33-35)! Finally, Jesus appears to his disciples, but Thomas isn't there (Luke 24v36-43, John 20v19-24)! When the disciples meet up with Thomas they tell him that they have met with the risen Jesus but Thomas doubts it unless he sees with his own eyes (John 20v25)! Jesus then appears to the Disciples again and this time Thomas is there (Mark 16v14, John 20v26-29). Jesus goes on to appear to seven people (John 21v1-14), then 500 people (1 Corinthians 15v6). Then finally, Jesus appears to James: (1 Corinthians 15v7). So, not only from the Gospels as you may have observed, but also one from the letter to the Corinthians. That was a letter written by Paul, but we come to him later in the series! Evidences for the resurrection Oh that's all very well, but what further evidences do we have for this resurrection of Jesus Christ? These facts remain for the resurrection: The changed attitude of the disciples after seeing the risen Jesus - from defeated, cowardly people to being victorious and, brave. Nobody who could have produced the dead body of Jesus, did so. Their silence is as significant as the words of the eyewitnesses. The multiple appearances of Jesus to various numbers of individuals and groups of people, all at various times of the day and in differing circumstances. The survival, growth and impact of the early church. If there was no bodily resurrection of Jesus' would people really have risked persecution and death for knowing a lie? Maybe a few would but not masses of people! It was a physical resurrection and not merely a spiritual one as some suggest! Jesus was touched physically, involved in conversation and even ate food! The greatest evidence though for the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very existence of the church itself and its being embedded in history. If the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ wasn't the catalyst for the start of the church, what was it and would it have lasted 2000 years so far? Dealing with Doubters How do we deal with those who doubt Jesus bodily resurrection and rising from the dead. Let's say Jesus didn't rise from the dead. Surely the authorities, either Roman or Jewish, would have produced his dead body in order to quench the new movement! But they didn't. The Romans wouldn't have wanted any more trouble from the Jewish people and the Jewish hierarchy would have wanted to squash the very notion that Jesus was the Messiah who had bodily risen from the dead. Would the disciples have really risked death for telling and maintaining a lie about the risen Jesus? They were beaten, confused and defeated men until they saw that Jesus truly did rise physically from the dead. After seeing Him, they were transformed and victorious people. Somebody stole the body. Hardly likely, and if that did occur, for what reason? How would they have got past the Roman Guard and moved the stone a great distance from the tomb? The tomb was sealed to prevent tampering as well. An impossibility! Some say that Jesus didn't die but merely fainted and recovered consciousness in the tomb. Even the sceptics disagree with this theory, one of whom said "It is impossible that a being who had stolen half-dead out of the sepulchre, who crept about weak and ill, wanting medical treatment, who required bandaging, strengthening and indulgence, and who still at last yielded to His sufferings, could have given to the disciples the impression that he was a Conqueror over death and the grave, the Prince of Life." Or I suppose they all went to the wrong tomb. Whilst one person may have gone to a wrong tomb, not everyone would have done. And again the authorities, Roman or Jewish, would have shown the body in order to dispel the rumours! So Jesus really did rise from the dead, in a bodily resurrection! So what? Significance of the Resurrection The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ provided the central theme for the sermons and teaching in the early church (Acts 1v22; Acts 4v33, Acts 17v18). But what significance is there in Jesus' resurrection? The resurrection proved and vindicated all Jesus' teaching and claims as the suffering Servant and attested to his being fully God and the last Judge of all mankind (Isaiah 53v10-12; Acts 2v36; Acts 3v13-15; Romans 1v4). The resurrection declared God's approval of Jesus' obedient service and the fulfilment of all the Old Testament promises that we looked at! This results in forgiveness of sins and salvation being only found in and through Jesus Christ, which was the prime motive for evangelism in the early church (Acts 2v32, Romans 4v24-25) It is vindication that Jesus is greater than Abraham or Moses! The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is proof evident of the I AM claims: He is truly the bread of life, the light of the world, the gate and the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the only way, the only truth and the only life! Jesus' resurrection is a sign of the bodily resurrection for all believers in him, giving a new attitude to death and transforming hopes to all those who partake of his offer (1 Corinthians 15v12-58, Romans 8v10, 2 Corinthians 4v14; 1 Peter 1v3 & 21)! More about this to come! As the resurrected King, Jesus now intercedes for us and has perfected the redemption of all those who choose to follow him (Romans 5v10; Hebrews 6v20, 1 Peter 1v21). More about this too later! Jesus has died and risen physically again! But what next? Is that all? Oh no! There is more yet to come in our story tomorrow! Thank you. Right mouse click or tap here to download as a MP3 audio file

Emmaus-Unterkunft - für Wohnungslose auf der Durchreise by Bistum Hildesheim

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. — Luke 24:27 The two disciples from Emmaus needed to be reminded that they belonged to Jesus. They were like lost and confused sheep that couldn't articulate what they were feeling. They also needed to hear the Lord's story again in all of its beautiful simplicity and complexity. Like a good teacher, Jesus retaught his students so that they would be well prepared to tell his good-news story to others. While Jesus' closest disciples hid from the authorities who had arrested and sentenced him, these two sheep had fled for the distant safety of their home in Emmaus. Thinking that Jesus was a stranger, they shared about their trauma and disappointment with their shepherd, and he helped them make sense of recent events by rooting his death and resurrection in all the Scriptures had said about him. Jesus gave them the Word to feast on, despite their doubts and fears and the threats of their enemies. The disciples' encounter with the living Word and what the Scriptures said about him changed their lives forever. We are reminded that we too need to know God's big story so that we can make sense of how God keeps working in his world today. It can be easy to be overwhelmed by surprising, chaotic events and forget God's promises, invitations, and commands to us today. How have you responded to the Lord's invitation to feast on his Word today? Lord, thank you for your Word, and help us to feast on it daily. Amen.

Jonty and Rev Ness are joined by Rev Jon Humphries to unpack the story of the road to Emmaus in Luke chapter 24. Contact us: filthyhopepod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them. . . . — Luke 24:15 One of the more poignant places where Jesus shows up as the good shepherd is when he goes after two despondent, lost sheep on the road to Emmaus. Jesus meets these two followers in their grief and invites them to tell their story, processing their disappointment. Jesus' very presence with them reminds them that they still belong to him and are part of his sheepfold, in spite of their doubts and confusion. He literally walks with them in the valley of the shadow of his own death. The good shepherd is a pursuer. These sheep are on their own, vulnerable, lost, and in need of their shepherd's care. They are not abandoned to their misconceptions of current events. Jesus seeks them out and tends to them as only he can. This story serves as a comforting reminder to any of us who may be facing doubts or disappointment with God. Maybe we have had to adjust our understanding of how God is working in our lives, or maybe we feel unworthy of the shepherd's care because we have wandered away. This picture of Jesus underscores his love for us and our worth to him as his beloved sheep. In what ways does this story bring you comfort today? When we feel lost and alone, Lord, open our eyes to your very real presence in our lives. Give us glimpses of your presence and work all around us. Amen.

From the innocence of children asking for a conversation to encountering Christ on the road to Emmaus, the act of listening opens the heart to profound truths. In this final episode of the season, the Sisters share practical tips on how to listen to others in a way that makes them feel seen, understood, and loved. This season of Let Love is produced in collaboration with Ascension. If you'd like to receive our weekly show notes, as well as occasional updates from the Sisters of Life, text LETLOVE (one word) to 33777 to be added to our email list.

In this message, Pastor Lucas reminds us that Jesus doesn't just go where the crowds are—He seeks out the one. While our minds often focus on what feels strategic or significant, Jesus shows us that His ways are higher, and His love is deeply personal. Through the story of the road to Emmaus, we see a beautiful picture of how Jesus walks with us—even when we don't recognize Him. He comes close, reveals Himself in His timing, and invites us into a life aligned with His will and character. No matter where you are on the journey, take heart—He walks with us. Speaker: Lucas Prado Publication: July 20, 2025

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

This Sunday, we continued our Kindling series with a message called “Oxygen for the Flame.” Just as a flame needs air to burn, our hearts need space to encounter Jesus. We looked at the story of the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-35) and how Jesus rekindles wonder, faith, and devotion when we slow down and make room for Him.Sent ChurchWeAreSent.church

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to another episode of the Daily Radio Bible with your host, Hunter. Today, on this 15th day of July and day 196 in our journey through the Scriptures, we'll be delving into Isaiah chapters 22–24 and Hebrews chapter 12. Hunter guides us through powerful passages of prophetic warning and hope, exploring themes of God's judgment, His restorative discipline, and the unshakable kingdom we receive through Christ. We'll reflect on the fire of God's love that doesn't destroy, but rather renews and restores us from the inside out—a transformative presence that brings hope and healing. The episode wraps with heartfelt prayers, encouragement to walk in peace and mercy, and a reminder that you—yes, you—are deeply loved by God. So grab your Bible, settle in, and let's journey together in the pages of God's Word. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Our God is a consuming fire. That's what we read in Hebrews today, and it's a truth that can make us pause. What does it mean that God is a consuming fire? Are we to be afraid? Are we to draw back? In the scriptures today, we see that this fire is not one that destroys from the outside, not a fire of judgment that leaves us condemned and hopeless. Instead, it's a fire that works on the inside—a fire that renews, restores, and heals. It forges and makes new. Just think of those two men on the road to Emmaus—when the resurrected Christ walked with them and explained the scriptures, their hearts “burned within them.” It wasn't destruction they felt, but the fire of hope being restored, the fire of God's love revealing Himself. And that is what this consuming fire is about. It's love that loves unto purity, a love that cannot leave us as we are but burns away all that is not love, all that keeps us from knowing Him. It cauterizes, it heals, it cleanses, and it draws us closer to Him. Jesus, our champion, endured the fire of judgment for us, so that we might experience the restoring fire of His presence right now, right in the very core of who we are. So as we come to God's word—each day, in every moment—may we be open to that inner fire, that gentle but powerful work of God, guiding us, correcting us, making us like Him. May we have hearts that burn with His presence, with His correction, with His love. Let's invite Him to burn away everything that isn't His love, to make us new from the inside out. That's my prayer—for myself, for my family, and for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Almighty and ever loving God, you have brought us to the light of a new morning. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may walk this day in peace. Guard our steps from temptation. Shield us from the weight of fear and shame, and lead us deeper into the joy of your presence through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O Christ, light of the nations, shine in every place where shadows dwell. Call the scattered home, heal the wounds of division and gather all people into the communion of your grace. May the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen. And now, Lord, make my hands ready for mercy. Make my eyes quick to see the hurting, my ears open to the cry of the lonely, and my feet swift to bring good news. Let me seek to bless, not to be noticed, to serve, not to be praised, to forgive, not to hold back. For in your way is life, in your mercy is healing, and in your love is the peace this world cannot give. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

In this series we investigate, detail and harmonize the chronology of the Passion Week of Christ from Jesus' Triumphal Entry, to His crucifixion to the Road to Emmaus, using 10 Key Evidence Pieces in a jury trial format. In Part 10 we look at Mathematical & Astronomical Calculations of Year, Month & Day.

Buckle up for a summer series through four powerful stories in Scripture! From compassion on the Road to Jericho, to resilience on the Road to Calvary, discovery on the Road to Emmaus, and transformation on the Road to Damascus, these journeys remind us what it means to follow Jesus. Each week, we'll journey through core elements of discipleship: spending time with Jesus, learning from Him, and becoming more like Him.For the first week of our series, we'll dive into a story that shows that knowing the right thing and doing the right thing are two different things. The story of the ambushed traveler rescued by a good Samaritan on the Road to Jericho reminds us that love is inconvenient, and offers a great road map for how the way of Jesus is radically counter-cultural. 

A Sunday morning sermon by Kathleen Hudson. It is not an altogether uncommon experience in our home for someone to shout out to another person asking where something is. The irony of this is that, often, the person seeking what they cannot find is positioned directly in front of the “missing” item. The one called walks in and quickly grabs the item and hands it to them. Now, say it with me if you can hear it reverberate in your own head:  “How did I miss that?”    That's where we find ourselves this week in the walk to Emmaus with Cleopas and his companion, asking ourselves how did they miss that it was Jesus walking with them? Certainly, you or I would have immediately recognized our Lord and Savior. There is no doubt that we would have been overwhelmed by God's presence and stopped everything we were doing. Right?    Hindsight is 20/20, the saying goes, but often in the midst of grief and the feeling of being lost in an unexpected overturn of how we expected life to be, we see very dimly. We cling to what is familiar and let go of the hope Jesus provides in his resurrection. We retreat to our protective shells and pull the stone back over the covering of our tombs.    This week I invite you to look for Jesus in your ordinary. The greatest reality is that Jesus has never left us, and even when we walk down dusty roads after great loss, our Messiah lives.

A Sunday morning sermon by Pastor Brett Deal. Elise and I just got back from our own Emmaus road. We set out walking from our Jerusalem, like Cleopas and his companion into the unknown. And walk we did! Over the last two weeks we averaged six miles a day. Our peripatetic journey took us across the British isles. We worshiped in Westminster and Glasgow, the castle heights of Edinburgh and the cliffs of Howth. But of all the amazing places we visited, there was one spot I was particularly excited to visit in the small village of Kirkwall. And we reached it right on time.  Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus took His disciples to a hillside near Bethany and, raising His hands, blessed them as He ascended to the Father. They watched, worshiping and amazed, as He was lifted beyond the clouds. On May 29th, Ascension Day, Elise and I arrived on Orkney Island, where in 1137, Viking Christians began building a church known as the Light of the North. It is the oldest cathedral in all of Scotland. For 900 years, followers of Jesus have gathered in this beautiful church and celebrated the ascension of our Lord. But what do we do once Jesus, who walked with us on the road, has ascended into the heavens? What are we to do now? Like the disciples before us, we return to Jerusalem with great joy, blessing God and expectantly awaiting the promise of the Father (Luke 24.52-53; Acts 1.4). As we gather this Sunday in anticipation of Pentecost, let's prepare our hearts for a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit among us!

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Tonight on Cryptique, Ryan and J discuss the case of Adam Sheafe, the man who murdered and crucified Pastor Bill Schonemann.  He had plans to murder 14 Christian clergy members across 10 states, but why?  This is a breaking story and we provide up to date details of the ongoing investigation. Links Crossing Realms Paracon https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crossing-realms-conference-tickets Ghost Hunting Events at Pythian Castle, Emmaus asylum, Arcadia Academy, and MO State Pen www.hauntedsoulz.com www.cryptiquepod.com TikTok @cryptique_podcast YouTube @cryptiquepodcast X @podcastevil IG cryptiquepodcast Let us know about your worst nightmares at cryptiquepodcast@gmail.com For a small one-time donation, you can buy us a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/cryptiquepi Cryptique is a podcast and YouTube channel that covers A.I., aliens, alternative dimensions, alternative history, astrology, bigfoot, black eyed kids, conspiracies and conspiracy theories, consciousness, cryptids, cults, extraterrestrials, fays, feral kids, flat earth, folklore, forbidden knowledge, ghosts, giants, ghouls, goblins, government cover ups, haunted items, hauntings, hat man, hidden archeology, hidden realms, indigenous cultures, lake monsters, men in black, mystic powers, near death experiences, nightmares, numerology, occult, paranormal, politics, psychic abilities, psy ops, psychedelic research and experience, reincarnation, religion, remote viewing, Sasquatch, shadow people, spirits, Tartaria, tarot, the afterlife, time travel, true crime, true stories behind horror movies, UFOS, ultraterrestrials, urban legends, weather control, yokai, Yowie.

Joe Iarocci, Interim Executive Director, and David-Lee Mattison, Chief Program Officer of Emmaus House will explain how Emmaus House benefits the community of Peoplestown and discuss the importance of the Freedom School summer program and its long-term impacts on students' literacy levels.Please join us for the outreach education series, “The Summer of Hope.”  We'll be hearing from representatives of our many Cathedral outreach initiatives about what is bringing them encouragement in these challenging times and about how we, too, can be agents of love, justice, and peace. 

Two disciples walking to Emmaus couldn't recognize Jesus walking right beside them. Why? And how can we avoid the same spiritual blindness?

Luke 24:13-32 June 29, 2025 AM.Jesus erased despair by explaining about Himself in the Scriptures.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Welcome to season eleven Aramaic Word of the day: Noura — Fire. As a Middle Eastern guide shaped by the ancient stones of Jerusalem, I often stand by a campfire in the Judean hills and watch the flames dance alive, unpredictable, and warm. That fire, in Aramaic, is Noura. But it is not just physical heat or chemical reaction. No In our world the Semitic world Noura is presence. It is life, purification, judgment, revelation, and divine encounter. Noura as Manifestation In the Bible, Noura is how God appears not in abstraction, but in relational intensity. Think of Exodus 3: “The bush was burning with fire but it was not consumed.” Noura is theophany - God made visible. But Western thinking? It reduces fire to a thing. An element. A force to be studied, measured, and controlled. Fire in science labs. Heat on thermostats. A survival tool. In our world, fire is not tamed it is encountered. Noura as Purification In Semitic thought, Noura purifies. Daniel's friends in the furnace (Daniel 3) weren't burned they were cleansed. Fire revealed their faith and the presence of the divine Fourth Man walking with them. Fire is not punishment; it is refinement. Western theology often frames fire as hellfire, destruction, and fear. “You will burn if you fail.” But the Aramaic heart sees Noura as the flame that refines gold, not the one that destroys straw. Fire tests. It does not torment. It reveals. Noura and Light The root of Noura is also tied to light. The fire of God gives vision. In Psalm 119, the word is a lamp to my feet that's Noura guiding the soul through darkness. In Western thought, light is often symbolic of knowledge illumination of the mind. Think Enlightenment, progress, reason. But in our Semitic walk, light is relational clarity, not just cognitive. It's how you see God, not just how you learn facts. In Aramaic, to have Noura is not to know more it's to walk closely. Noura in the Heart When the disciples walked with Yeshua on the road to Emmaus, they said: “Did not our hearts burn within us?” (Luke 24:32). That is Noura not intellectual persuasion but heart ignition. A Middle Eastern man does not say, “I agree with your argument.” He says, “My heart burns.” That's how we know truth—by inner fire. In contrast, Western thought often seeks truth through cold logic and philosophical systems. But our ancestors knew: if the truth does not burn, it is not yet alive. My brother, my sister have you experienced Noura? Not just the warmth of emotion, but the fire that reveals, refines, and invites you closer? Ask yourself: Is the Word just ink on a page, or is it fire in your bones? Is your theology cold, or does it set hearts ablaze? My hope is this:That you no longer fear fire, but welcome it.That the presence of Noura in your life would not consume you,but illuminate the face of the One who walks beside you in the furnace. Please always remember that the fire of God is not against you. It is for you. Come closer to the fire in your heart.  For more in depth studies check our website: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com 

Luke 24:28-32 and Genesis 14:1-8 These stories both have surprise guests who make an appearance. Luckily, both the people walking to Emmaus and Abraham were all ready for just such an event. Are we?

Every story has a beginning. But some of the earliest stories we tell about ourselves aren't fairy tales—they're cautionary tales. This Sunday at Emmaus, we're looking at how envy, violence, and revenge became part of the human story… and how Jesus offers us a better one.-If you've ever struggled to forgive—or wondered if the world could be different—this is for you. Because the story you live in shapes the person you become.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: http://www.lvbaptist.org/tv-programs/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Daily Dose of Hope June 25, 2025   Scripture – Matthew 17   Prayer:  Almighty God, As we move into our Wednesday, we pray that today will be a day that we see glimpses of your glory.  We need you, we yearn for you.  Lord, help us set aside our distractions and settle our scattered thoughts so we can focus on you and you alone.  In the next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers... In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Just a reminder, it's Wednesday so that means it's Recharge night!  Come join us, if you are local, at 6:30pm in the Garage, which is on the New Hope campus, on the Moon Ave. side.  We will have worship, fellowship, prayer, and small community.  It is a wonderful time and I hope to see you there.   Today, we are diving into Matthew 17.  Scripture says that Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the top of this mountain, most likely Mt. Hermon because it was close to Caesarea Phillipi, where they just were. Matthew writes that Jesus was transfigured before him. His clothes became a dazzling white, and his face was a bright as the sun.   Now, put yourself in the position of these three men. They had only know the flesh and blood Jesus. We know Jesus as risen Lord and Savior. I think we would expect him to wear dazzling white robes and be all shiny and glorious. But they didn't. Right before their very eyes, they get a glimpse of Jesus' glory that was unexpected and they had never seen before. Jesus was radiating the very presence of God and they got to see it. And then the Scripture continues–Moses and Elijah appeared before them and they were talking to Jesus. We don't quite know why Moses and Elijah appear on the mountain with Jesus except that they were two Old Testament figures that anticipated the coming of Jesus, the final prophet to come and deliver God's people once and for all. Their work, their ministries, are basically fulfilled by the person of Jesus. They are servants of God but they weren't God. Jesus, on the other hand, is God and the disciples get a glimpse of that right here.   Peter struggles to simply rest in the presence of God's glory. He doesn't know what to do so he says, “let's set up three shelters–one for you, Jesus, and one for Moses and Elijah.” Now, Peter is referring to the festival of booths or tabernacles which faithful Jews participating in every year. They make structures in their yards as a sign of when God will tabernacle with his people. So, this might seem like a weird thing for Peter to say to us but it wasn't too off the wall. He is like, “umm...I think God is tabernacling with us and we need to make the shelters.” He is kind of panicky. It seemed like a good thought at the time. What Peter doesn't quite understand yet is that before his eyes God's dwelling with humanity is present, for Jesus is the new tabernacle of God dwelling with humanity. The shelters aren't needed. God is present with his people through Jesus Christ.   That's all pretty amazing but the mountaintop experience isn't done yet. There is a cloud that appears and covers them–remember the presence and glory of God appeared in a cloud in the tabernacle and throughout the Old Testament. And here is the presence of God appearing before them and the voice of God says “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Jesus is clearly set apart from Moses and Elijah, only he is God's Son, the one to be listened to. The one who reflects God's glory and presence.   There is something about mountain-top transfigurative experiences – times in which we get a glimpse of the glory and presence of God in our lives. I'm hoping you have each had some kind of mountaintop experience in your walk with Jesus, times in which the veil was removed, you've gotten a taste of the presence of God. These are times in which we are confronted with God's power and it can't help but change us. You realize that Jesus wasn't just a good, wise man who walked the earth 2000 years ago but rather was God himself, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.   Now, we have to decide, what are we going to do with this? Have you had a mountaintop experience? They can happen in a lot of different ways, in many different kinds of places. A miracle, a conference, the Walk to Emmaus, a trip to Israel, in the midst of a tragedy or an epiphany, a literal trek up a mountain. An encounter with the living God can happen in a myriad of different ways but it is always life-changing.   I was reflecting on the importance of mountain-top experiences. They sustain us when we come down from the mountain. We can't stay on the mountaintop. Real life happens on the bottom of the mountain. What happens when Jesus and the disciples come to the bottom of the mountain? Well, some good stuff–teaching, healings, miracles, but also bad stuff–rejection, betrayal, crucifixion. It's our time on the mountains with Jesus that sustain us for the inevitable hard times to come.  These experiences also help us put things in perspective...God is God and we are not---but we are loved by God, we are his children, and we belong to God. Revelations like this change us, they transform our hearts.   After the transfiguration, we see Jesus get right back to the work of ministry.  He heals a demon-possessed boy that the disciples could not heal.  Jesus appears to easily rebuke the demon and it comes out of the child.  When they ask Jesus why they could not do the miracle, as they had done miracles before under Jesus' authority, he tells them it was due to their lack of faith.  If only they had faith like a tiny mustard seed, then nothing would be impossible.  What?  This doesn't make sense.  Let's dig deeper.  During that time, it wasn't unusual for Jews to use certain rituals or tactics to try to cast out demons.  Could it be that the disciples were trying to cast out the demon in their own authority (or through their own power) rather than by the authority given to them by Jesus.  Afterall, just a little faith in Jesus can yield big results.  But faith is a unique thing, unlike anything else.  It isn't a substance, in the more you have the more power you have, nor is it a kind of magic to be manipulated, but confidence that we can do what God calls us to do. Jesus is not saying if you had more faith, you could pray and impossible things would happen (you get suddenly rich, someone is miraculously healed, etc.)  That's kind of absurd.  Jesus spoke in hyperbole.  But he is making a point. The disciples were given authority over demons, but they failed because they were trying to manipulate God like an ancient magician. Having shown his power to his closest disciples on the mountain, Jesus demonstrated his authority once again over demons. He continues to teach his disciples so that they fully understand who he is, and that leads to the second of three predictions of his coming death and resurrection. Finally, let's move to the temple tax discussion because its an interesting one. The tax collectors asked Peter if Jesus is going to pay the temple tax. The temple tax was an annual tax collected from Jewish men over age twenty used for the temple up-keep, festivals, and so forth.  It was based on regulations in Exodus 30. Keep in mind that the Jews recognized the temple as the biblical earthly representation of God dwelling with humanity.  As a Jew in that time period, Jesus would have paid the temple tax. We would have expected nothing less from Jesus, in his humanity.  But Jesus was also divine.  He was actually the Temple now, the place where God dwelt.  And that is why he asked Peter, From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?  And Peter answered “from others.” As the Son of God (the second person of the Trinity), Jesus didn't actually need to pay the temple tax.  He was the Temple.  But he did it anyway, in the most interesting way! Blessings, Pastor Vicki        

Big News: The Granger Smith Podcast is Going ON TOUR! We’re kicking off this week’s episode with a huge announcement—the Granger Smith Podcast is hitting the road for a multi-city LIVE podcast tour! Granger and the team break down all the details about this brand-new adventure, why the podcast is moving to its own dedicated YouTube channel, and what you can expect from the upcoming tour (spoiler: lots of Q&A, special guests, and meet & greets in cities across the country). Don’t miss out—subscribe now to the new Granger Smith Podcast YouTube channel to stay up to date with all the latest episodes and announcements! The conversation then dives deep into one of the most important questions in the Christian faith: What is a Christian, really? Granger shares a behind-the-scenes look at a recent exchange he had with a fellow podcaster wrestling with that very question, and the whole crew gets honest about what it truly means to be “born again.” You’ll hear thoughtful discussion about the nature of faith, the biblical message of grace, and why it’s not about what we do, but about what Jesus has already done for us. Plus, the guys tackle a listener question about dating and marriage when you come from different faith backgrounds—offering practical wisdom from Scripture and personal experience. Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or you’re brand new to the show, this episode has encouragement, real talk, and some exciting news you don’t want to miss. Don’t forget: – Listen to Granger's message at Emmaus from last week HERE: – Subscribe to the new Granger Smith Podcast channel on YouTube: – Follow the podcast on our new Instagram Account: – Watch for LIVE podcast tour dates coming soon! – Send in your questions to podcast@grangersmith.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.