Podcasts about EPH

Msgr. Roger J. Landry Convent of the Missionaries of Charity, Bronx, NY Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year A March 15, 2026 1 Sam 16:1.6-7.10-13, Ps 23, Eph 5:8-14, Jn 9:1-41   To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/3.15.26_Homily_1.mp3   The following text guided the homily:  The third to fifth […] The post Seeing All Things in the Light of Jesus, Fourth Sunday of Lent (A), March 15, 2026 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

     The spiritual life cannot be fully understood or lived until the believer grasps the distinction between positional truth and experiential truth. Learning God's Word is always the starting point for the Christian way of life (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Tim 3:16–17). Until the believer orients to what God has already accomplished at initial salvation, he cannot discern what God now expects in fellowship (Rom 6:3–11). Confusion or neglect of Scripture inevitably drives the Christian into legalism, emotionalism, ritualism, activism, or frustration (Col 2:8, 20–23; Gal 3:1–3). Bible doctrine learned and applied provides the foundation for executing the spiritual life (Rom 12:2; Jam 1:22). God's riches for the believer include both positional and experiential blessings, and the former establishes the ground on which the latter are enjoyed (Eph 1:3; Col 2:6–7). Full study notes here: https://thinkingonscripture.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/10-The-Believers-Riches-in-Christ.pdf  Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

Msgr. Roger J. Landry Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, West Islip, New York Vigil of the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year A March 14, 2026 1 Sam 16:1.6-7.10-13, Ps 23, Eph 5:8-14, Jn 9:1-41   To listen to an audio recording of this homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/3.14.16_Vigil_Homily_1.mp3   The following text guided the homily:  […] The post Healed to See in the Light of Jesus, Vigil of the Fourth Sunday of Lent (A), March 14, 2026 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

I'm a presuppositional apologist. I was asked "What is your view of the inspiration, authority, inerrancy, and sufficiency of Scripture?" Here's my answer. Along the way I'll share with you why atheists need the Bible to be true, but of course they don't want to admit that.Watch my whole Apologetics Answers playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfSpUNYR5qo6sv8Pk8x0tmaq8lLQHHlTm&si=FlnSB-pBhZ6SSaJE==============================♱ SUBSTACK: Read weekly articles to help you learn and grow: https://thethinkinstitute.substack.com/♱ CHURCH TRAINING: Bring an IMPACTFUL weekend training event to your church or ministry ➡️ https://thethink.institute/forchurches♱ SOCIETY: Christian men get equipped for their Christian life, in community. Try out the Hammer & Anvil Society now. Go to https://thethink.institute/society.The easiest method for teaching your kids the faith we can help you learn (catechism): https://thethink.institute/catakids Men: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/societyMy name is Joel Settecase. I'm the president of The Think Institute, NFP. How I got here: 2009: Left the business world.2010: Became a Bible teacher at a Christian school in Chicago. Realized I needed more education.2011: Enrolled at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). 2013: I joined a suburban church as pastor-in-training.2013–2016: Served as a youth pastor, discipling middle and high school students.2014: Wife diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. God taught us faith.2014–2015: Discovered Calvinism, New Covenant Theology, and Presuppositional Apologetics.2015: Our thirdborn diagnosed with leukemia. God tested and trained us in real time.2016: Joined Chicago multi-site church as Associate Pastor overseeing men's, students, and family ministry and evangelism—later becoming interim lead campus pastor.2016 Wrote Catakids! catechism to teach my young kiddos the faith.2017: Graduated cum laude from TEDS. Capstone papers on apologetics of Jonathan Edwards and John Frame.2018: Joined Cru Church Movements as missionaries.2019: Thirdborn got heart failure. God built our ministry from Lurie Children's Hospital.2020: Started homeschooling. Son received heart transplant. 2020: Launched the Hammer & Anvil Society during Covid.2021: Started teaching at homeschool co-ops.2022: Launched The Think Institute as a nonprofit.2023: Wrote The Bible Based Worldview. 2023: Re-launched the Hammer & Anvil Society as a nationwide men's fellowship. 2024: Joined Village Bible Church, teaching apologetics and worldview classes, family camps, men's retreats, student electives, and Sunday sermons.2025: Launched on Substack. YouTube channel hit 1M views. We now reach 75K+ people monthly and distribute hundreds of educational resources each year. To every Christian man trying to live a Christian life: God will give you what you need for your journey (Eph. 2:10). I am living proof of that. And now my job is to help you build a worldview legacy, where you, your kids, and your wife will be able to confidently answer the world's questions with confidence, and see Jesus change lives as you share your faith.===========================================================The Think Institute relies on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

The great illusion of our age is that the world must be divisible into clans and races and nations who inevitably hate each other.  The histories of some countries—and entire political careers—have been built on this dangerous idea.  Left versus right; rich opposed to poor; theists against atheists; the educated despising the illiterate. Trillions of dollars, euros, yen and rubles have been invested to sustain this pernicious illusion, for much money can be made by channeling hatred and distrust.  So it is that grace, which teaches us that “God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom 5:5)—grace will always seem so strange and otherworldly to people who believe that they have been fated to hate those different from themselves. The gospel declares of Jesus, “For He is our peace; in His flesh He has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us” (Eph 2:14). Grace is the promise that we can learn to love without divisions, without malice, without hate. And when it comes to you, you'll stay in grace. -Bill Knott

Minikatechese zu den Lesungen zum 4. Sonntag der Fastenzeit 2026:1Sam 16,1b.6-7.10-13a / Eph 5,8-14 / Joh 9,1-41 von Dr. Nina Heereman

Science needs Jesus. Let's talk about why that is. It's time to learn apologetics.Watch my whole Apologetics Answers playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfSpUNYR5qo6sv8Pk8x0tmaq8lLQHHlTm&si=FlnSB-pBhZ6SSaJE==============================♱ SUBSTACK: Read weekly articles to help you learn and grow: https://thethinkinstitute.substack.com/♱ CHURCH TRAINING: Bring an IMPACTFUL weekend training event to your church or ministry ➡️ https://thethink.institute/forchurches♱ SOCIETY: Christian men get equipped for their Christian life, in community. Try out the Hammer & Anvil Society now. Go to https://thethink.institute/society.The easiest method for teaching your kids the faith we can help you learn (catechism): https://thethink.institute/catakids Men: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/societyMy name is Joel Settecase. I'm the president of The Think Institute, NFP. How I got here: 2009: Left the business world.2010: Became a Bible teacher at a Christian school in Chicago. Realized I needed more education.2011: Enrolled at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). 2013: I joined a suburban church as pastor-in-training.2013–2016: Served as a youth pastor, discipling middle and high school students.2014: Wife diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. God taught us faith.2014–2015: Discovered Calvinism, New Covenant Theology, and Presuppositional Apologetics.2015: Our thirdborn diagnosed with leukemia. God tested and trained us in real time.2016: Joined Chicago multi-site church as Associate Pastor overseeing men's, students, and family ministry and evangelism—later becoming interim lead campus pastor.2016 Wrote Catakids! catechism to teach my young kiddos the faith.2017: Graduated cum laude from TEDS. Capstone papers on apologetics of Jonathan Edwards and John Frame.2018: Joined Cru Church Movements as missionaries.2019: Thirdborn got heart failure. God built our ministry from Lurie Children's Hospital.2020: Started homeschooling. Son received heart transplant. 2020: Launched the Hammer & Anvil Society during Covid.2021: Started teaching at homeschool co-ops.2022: Launched The Think Institute as a nonprofit.2023: Wrote The Bible Based Worldview. 2023: Re-launched the Hammer & Anvil Society as a nationwide men's fellowship. 2024: Joined Village Bible Church, teaching apologetics and worldview classes, family camps, men's retreats, student electives, and Sunday sermons.2025: Launched on Substack. YouTube channel hit 1M views. We now reach 75K+ people monthly and distribute hundreds of educational resources each year. To every Christian man trying to live a Christian life: God will give you what you need for your journey (Eph. 2:10). I am living proof of that. And now my job is to help you build a worldview legacy, where you, your kids, and your wife will be able to confidently answer the world's questions with confidence, and see Jesus change lives as you share your faith.===========================================================The Think Institute relies on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

Walk in the consciousness that God lives in you. You are born from above, a new creation in Christ, and Heaven dwells within—your life carries Eden wherever you go. Believe in His name, become His child, and watch life overflow with God-life. (John 1:12-13; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 3:8)You are Born of God: Live Like It! | Prophet Ezekiah FrancisWatch in English https://youtube.com/live/iBX1an0lyccWatch in Tamil (தமிழ்) https://youtube.com/live/8YTFc7fXS0oWatch in Hindi (हिंदी) https://youtube.com/live/w911Cj3OAcAWatch in Telugu (తెలుగు) https://youtube.com/live/xmZOdoT40FAWatch in Malayalam (മലയാളം) https://youtube.com/live/14VdEMq53XcWatch in Kannada (ಕನ್ನಡ) https://youtube.com/live/r5YvIdToYdw

Whenever God sows a seed, He has a harvest in mind. No farmer, least of all God, plants a seed without expecting it to reproduce itself many times. So if we allow ourselves to become a seed in God's hand, we too can expect our lives to produce a harvest for God. In fact, the Bible tells us that when He is in control of this process, we will see results that are "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us..." (Eph 3:20). In other words, God loves to bring extraordinary results from meager human efforts, because, when such miracles occur, everyone's attention is diverted away from the work we've done, to the obvious miracle He's done. This proves to people that He exists and may actually draw them to believe in God and one day have the faith that brings eternal life. In this lesson we'll identify the "seed" Jacob planted when he took his family to Egypt; next we'll examine two of Jesus' parables about seeds, and then we'll consider four things God requires in order for us to become His "seeds" which produce a miracle harvest, and finally we'll see the size of Jacob's harvest. To receive a free copy of Dr. Steve Schell's newest book Study Verse by Verse: Revelation, email us at info@lifelessonspublishing.com and ask for your copy at no charge!  Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge.      

11:7 Can you discover the depths of God? These questions of Zophar expect a negative reply. The same Hebrew word is behind the word discover in both parts of the sentence.  The NASB preserves that idea by translating this with the same English word. It is often translated find and is used in Job 28:12 when the question where is wisdom found used.The word depths is from a Hebrew word (cheqer) used 12 times in the OT, 7 of those cases from the book of Job (5:9; 8:8; 9:10; 34:24; 36:26; 38:16). The word is particularly significant in Job 5:9 and 9:10 for both Eliphaz and Job acknowledged that God does things beyond searching out. Psalm 145:3 also uses the term. (I Cor. 2:10)Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? The word limits (taklith) describes the boundaries, the farthest reaches of something (Neh.3:21; Job 26:10; 28:3; Ps.139:22). We cannot search the heart of the highest men (Prov. 25:3), how much less can we search the heart of God? Human beings cannot reach the outer limits of the physical universe, who can reach the outer limits of God? God's presence dwarfs the physical world that He created (Isa. 40:12).  11:8 They are high as the heavens, what can you do? Isa. 7:11; 55:8-9; Ps.103:11. Job used this word for do (paal) in 7:20 asking what he had done to God to deserve his suffering. Bildad uses the same word to ask Job what he has done that leads him to think he understands God. Deeper than Sheol, what can you know? Lam. 2:13 The height of the heavens is contrasted with the depth of Sheol (Ps. 135:6; 139:8; Amos 9:2). In 10:13 Job used the same word know to affirm that he knew what was in God's heart.  11:9 Its measure is longer than the earth- Eph. 3:18. The earth and sea are mentioned together in Hag. 2:6.And broader than the seaThis section remind us of Psalms 103, 139; Isaiah 40:12-17, and even the LORD's speeches in Job 38-41. The friends say many things that are good and right, but they draw the wrong conclusions from those truths.“A human being has a difficult time comprehending God's ways, for he observes them only in part. He lacks the full picture that is necessary to understand how a particular occurrence fits within God's plan.”[1]How is Zophar using this statement on God limitless nature? He especially applies it to God's knowledge to separate the righteous from the wicked, the guilty from the innocent in vs. 10-11. Prov. 25:3; 30:4 Is Zophar implying that he has searched deeper and higher than Job has? Does he think that he had figured God out? How does he know that God has overlooked some of Job's sins? [1] Hartley, 197. 

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 10 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Living with Christ”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Col. 3:1-17 | Rom. 1:18 | Rom. 6:1-7 | Eph. 4:22-24 | Deut. 7:6-8 | 1 Sam. 16:23. Memory Text: "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection" (Colossians 3:14, NKJV). (March 7 - March 13)  Sunday (Shelley Quinn) - “Heavenly-Mindedness”Monday (John Dinzey) - “End Earthliness” Tuesday (Risë Rafferty) - “Renewed in Knowledge”Wednesday (Ryan Johnson) - “Character of the New Life”Thursday (James Rafferty) - “Living the New Life” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Matt. 13:44NLT 44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.Takeaway: The wise aren't just willing to sell everything for the treasures of God, but eager, honored, and Joyful to do so. Takeaway: Your Everything is Anything that will keep you from possessing the treasure!Mtt. 16:25 NIV25 For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.Mtt. 6:19-21NIV19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Takeaway: The everything He's after is the everything your heart loves more than Him!Takeaway: There is safety and security when our hearts are surrendered to the King!Matt. 13:45NKJV 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.Takeaway:Jesus is great a extracting treasure from our trouble and beauty from our pain.Takeaway: We can joyfully give up everything for Him because He first gave up everything for us!Eph. 5:11NIV Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them***These next ones are for Communion: Not sure if you put them on screen or they are for my reference only.1 Cor. 11:23-25NIV 23 The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

In Ephesians 6, Paul describes the armor of God and tells believers to take up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” When Jesus faces off with the devil in the wilderness, he uses Scripture as his main defense. Each temptation from the devil was met with a specific truth from God's Word. In the same way, we too are called to apply Scripture specifically to our lives in order to combat the deceptions, accusations, resistance, and temptations from the enemy. The more we saturate our minds with Scripture, the more the Holy Spirit brings specific verses, promises, or truths to our minds in the moments we need them most.

In Ephesians 6, Paul describes the armor of God and tells believers to take up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” When Jesus faces off with the devil in the wilderness, he uses Scripture as his main defense. Each temptation from the devil was met with a specific truth from God's Word. In the same way, we too are called to apply Scripture specifically to our lives in order to combat the deceptions, accusations, resistance, and temptations from the enemy. The more we saturate our minds with Scripture, the more the Holy Spirit brings specific verses, promises, or truths to our minds in the moments we need them most.

The way to walk, and live, in the Glory is to walk in the grace to obey; to hear and to heed. 2Chron 6:41 / Hag 2:9 / 2Cor 4:17-18 / Job 29 / Luke 9:29-34 / John 1:1 / 2Cor 3:18 / Ps 119:98 / Col 3:16 / James 1:21 / James 1:25 / 2Chron 5:11-14 / Ex 25:8-9 / Ex 25:40 / Ex 40:33-35 / Lev 9:6 / 2Chron 7:1 / 1John 1:1-3 / Eph 3:16 / 2Cor 9:8 / Phil 4:19

Cleansing and Rebuilding the Temple (1) (audio) David Eells, 3/8/26   Jerusalem & Temple Destroyed & Born Again B. A. - 06/04/2014 (David's notes in red) (Eze.13:14) So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be uncovered; and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am Jehovah. (15) Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered mortar; and I will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it; 16 to wit, the prophets of Israel that prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and that see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord Jehovah.  Just as people must die to self and be born again from above, so must Jerusalem and its temple. Why was rebellious Jerusalem, the capital of the Jews, torn down with its temple and its people crucified and killed in heaps? Their temple represented them and Jerusalem those who were to be the Bride. Josephus, the historian who wrote their history, said it was because of the way they treated Jesus and His disciples. It appears that Josephus believed that Jesus was the Messiah. This is a type that is coming to pass in our day in the so-called Church. For Paul said to the mostly Gentile Church that what happened to the Jews was a type for what will happen to the mostly Gentile Church at the ends of the ages. (1Co.10:11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example (Greek: “shadow” or “type”); and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. So what happened historically is a type for this day. Today, in the end of this age, the rebellious leadership of God's people, the false Man-child and Bride, represented by unregenerate Jerusalem, have crucified Jesus as He said, (Mat.25:40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, [even] these least, ye did it unto me. As the Dragon, Satan's body, including this false leadership, seeks to devour the Man-child and destroy the Bride for its own egotistical reasons. God has set them as a mark for the Beast to conquer. The Beast, which in Revelation 17 is inhabited by a body of spirits from the abyss, represents a body of people outside of Christ that will be used as a vessel of dishonor to destroy spiritually and, in some cases, physically these rebellious religious leaders and their people from the different sects of apostate Christianity. Some would say, “David, doesn't Jerusalem get destroyed after seven years, as a type of the 70 years?” Yes, but in a spiritual way, it is happening now as the leadership of apostate Christianity becomes more and more devoured by the mind and spirits of the Beast. As Jesus said of these evil leaders, (Mat.23:27) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (28) Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (29) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and garnish the tombs of the righteous, (30) and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we should not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. (31) Wherefore ye witness to yourselves, that ye are sons of them that slew the prophets.  (32) Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. (33) Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell? (34) Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: (35) that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth (this was also said of the Harlot in Revelation 17:24), from the blood of Abel the righteous unto the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the sanctuary and the altar. Clearly, the Harlot has been around since Cain killed Abel. (36) Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. As Jesus said of these hypocrites and their city and temple, (37) O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (38) Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. (39) For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord. (24:1) And Jesus went out from the temple and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. (2) But he answered and said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (Gal.4:22) For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman. (23) Howbeit the [son] by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the [son] by the freewoman [is born] through promise. (24) Which things contain an allegory: for these [women] are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar. (25) Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children. (26) But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother. (Rev.3:12) He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh (present tense) down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. (Jer.3:12) Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith Jehovah; I will not look in anger upon you; for I am merciful, saith Jehovah, I will not keep [anger] for ever. (13) Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Jehovah thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Jehovah. (14) Return, O backsliding children, saith Jehovah; for I am a husband unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: (15) and I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (16) And it shall come to pass, when ye are multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith Jehovah, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of Jehovah; neither shall it come to mind; neither shall they remember it; neither shall they miss it; neither shall it be made any more. (17) At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Jehovah; and all the nations (Gentiles) shall be gathered unto it, to the name of Jehovah, to Jerusalem (notice that this heavenly Jerusalem will be synonymous with the name, meaning “nature, character and authority” of the Lord): neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart. (18) In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the North (Beast captivity) to the land that I gave for an inheritance unto your fathers. (19) But I said, How I will put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of the nations! and I said, Ye shall call me My Father, and shall not turn away from following me. (20) Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah. (21) A voice is heard upon the bare heights, the weeping [and] the supplications of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten Jehovah their God. (22) Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we are come unto thee; for thou art Jehovah our God.  B.A.'s dream: I dreamed that I was in Jerusalem (Zion) and I was watching as Titus and his army (of the Roman Beast of that day) were tearing down the temple with battering rams and large ropes. I listened as Titus gave orders to his army: “Tear these walls down! I don't want one stone left standing upon another!” (Luk.19:41) And when he (Jesus) drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it, (42) saying, If thou hadst known in this day, even thou, the things which belong unto peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. (43) For the days shall come upon thee, when thine enemies shall cast up a bank about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, (44) and shall dash thee to the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.  Titus said, “This temple is a mockery and must be destroyed!” (Jer.6:15) Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah. (16) Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein. (Jer.14:15) Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land: By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. (Mic.1:6) Therefore I will make Samaria as a heap of the field, and as places for planting vineyards; and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will uncover the foundations thereof.  My thoughts: (Act.17:24) The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. (Jer.7:3) Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. (4) Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah (which had become corrupt), the temple of Jehovah, are these. (5) For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye thoroughly execute justice between a man and his neighbor; (6) if ye oppress not the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your own hurt: (7) then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, from of old even for evermore. (8) Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. (9) Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods that ye have not known, (10) and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered; that ye may do all these abominations? (The Temple of the Lord had become corrupt.)  (11) Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it, saith Jehovah. (12) But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I caused my name to dwell at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. (13) And now, because ye have done all these works, saith Jehovah, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not: (14) therefore will I do unto the house which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I did to Shiloh. (15) And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim. (16) Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear thee. (17) Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? B.A.: Titus had such a stern (determined) look on his face, like he was being driven to destroy this useless temple (made by man's hands, the hands or works of the flesh) and I found myself agreeing with him. I began shouting, “Yes, tear these walls down! This isn't the house of God! Jesus isn't in this place! This place is just a den of thieves! (Mat.21:12) And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of he money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; (13) and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers. (Is it not so today? Look how the leaders live after the lusts of their flesh. This did not Jesus and His disciples do.) Soon it was over and all those useless stones (apostates and their leaders who had been robbing God's people) were torn down, and they littered the ground. This reminded me of the “Third Vision” in The Shepherd of Hermas: “Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church, and the Various Classes of Reprobate Men”:  And then she again took hold of me by the hand, and raised me, and made me sit on the seat to the left; and lifting up a splendid rod, she said to me, “Do you see something great?” And I say, “Lady, I see nothing”. She said to me, “Lo! do you not see opposite to you a great tower, built upon the waters, of splendid square stones?” For the tower was built square by those six young men who had come with her. But myriads of men were carrying stones to it (We are the living stones of the true house of God.), some dragging them from the depths, others removing them from the land, and they handed them to these six young men. They were taking them and building; and those of the stones that were dragged out of the depths, they placed in the building just as they were: for they were polished and fitted exactly into the other stones, and became so united one with the another that the lines of juncture could not be perceived. And in this way, the building of the tower looked as if it were made out of one stone. (Representing those who have been baptized in the water of the Word unto death to self.) Those stones, however, which were taken from the earth suffered a different fate; for the young men rejected some of them, some they fitted into the building, and some they cut down, and cast far away from the tower. (reprobated) Many other stones, however, lay around the tower, and the young men did not use them in building; for some of them were rough, others had cracks in them, others had been made too short, and others were white and round (too much flesh or wealth), but did not fit into the building of the tower. Moreover, I saw other stones thrown far away from the tower, and falling into the public road; yet they did not remain on the road, but were rolled into a pathless place. And I saw others falling into the fire and burning, others falling close to the water, and yet not capable of being rolled into the water, though they wished to be rolled down and to enter the water. (Those needing God's will in them to love the Word) The old unregenerate temple must die and be born again. (Zec.6:12) and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah (Jesus in the Man-child ministry of Revelation 12 as spiritual sons of David); (13) even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. (14) And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of Jehovah. (15) And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of Jehovah; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. (Jesus is coming as the epiphany (or shining forth from) in His new leadership.) And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God. Our spiritual forefathers came to heavenly Jerusalem when they walked in the steps of Jesus in truth and righteousness, but the fleshly church was driven from the land by the beastly flesh shortly thereafter. The restoration is beginning again. (Heb.12:18) For ye are not come unto [a mount] that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, (19) and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; (20) for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; (21) and so fearful was the appearance, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: (22) but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels. B.A.: I was so happy, as I knew that this temple (apostate leadership) would no longer be able to inflict anymore pain on God's people. (Eze.14:4) Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Every man of the house of Israel that taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I Jehovah will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols; (5) that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. (6) Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Return ye, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. (7) For every one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that separateth himself from me, and taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet to inquire for himself of me; I Jehovah will answer him by myself:  (8) and I will set my face against that man, and will make him an astonishment, for a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah. (9) And if the prophet be deceived and speak a word, I, Jehovah, have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. (10) And they shall bear their iniquity: the iniquity of the prophet shall be even as the iniquity of him that seeketh unto him; (11) that the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither defile themselves any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord Jehovah. For the past several days, I've been hearing in the Spirit, “Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord”. (Jas.4:10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.    Temple of Crucified Saints  B. A. - 03/21/2014 (David's notes in red) I had a little dream this morning. I had a similar dream several years ago, but I was not with any group of people. When I first had this dream, I was confused because I did not have the understanding that I do now. It wasn't until a few years later that the Lord revealed the meaning to me, and now I had the dream again.  This time, I dreamed I was standing in the midst of a special group of people (Man-child/Bride corporate body) and we were all dressed like they were back in the days of our Lord, Jesus. (Job.29:14) I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: My justice was as a robe and a diadem. (Rom.13:14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Gal.5:16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Col.3:12) Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; (13) forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: (14) and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. I watched as people came up to our little group, one at a time. As each individual approached our group, they went up to the elder (Jesus) who was standing at the front of the group, and they showed the elder their hands and their feet. I watched as the elder took hold of their hands and looked for the “nail holes” in their hands, and then he looked down at their feet to see if they also had nail holes in their feet as well; there had to be a “total crucifixion” (of self), or they could not join our group. (Rom.5:6) For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly. (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. (Rom.14:7) For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. (1Co.6:17) But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (2Co.5:14) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died; (Gal.1:4) who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father: (5) to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. I watched as one person was turned away, and I prayed for him, as he was very sad because he had not been accepted. Suddenly, I heard the elder (Jesus) shout, “Saints, we are now ready (or qualified)! Let's go restore the temple of God! (Those crucified with Christ are ready to be the stones of the foundation of the temple of God. Cyrus, whom the Lord called His anointed shepherd or Messiah shepherd, as a type of Jesus in Isaiah 44:26 - 45:1, is prophesied to build Jerusalem, the Bride, and lay the foundation of the temple. Cyrus/Jesus set the first-fruits of Judah/Benjamin free from Babylonian captivity, as a type of crucifixion, to go and do this.)  B.A,:(Ezr.1:1) Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Jehovah stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, (2) Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. (3) Whosoever there is among you of all his people, his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of Jehovah, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem (the Bride). (4) And whosoever is left, in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, besides the freewill-offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem. (5) Then rose up the heads of fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up to build the house of Jehovah which is in Jerusalem. (6) And all they that were round about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered. (7) Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of Jehovah (The holy people of God), which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put in the house of his gods; (8) even those did Cyrus king of Persia (A type of Trump) bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. (These are the days of Cyrus(9) And this is the number of them: thirty platters of gold, a thousand platters of silver, nine and twenty knives, (10) thirty bowls of gold, silver bowls of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand. (11) All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar (The Man-child) bring up, when they of the captivity were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem. (Ezra means “help or court”, and I thought it was interesting that Ezra chapter 1 ends with verse 11, (1:11) or “111” and many of us are seeing 111 almost daily.) (111 is the Gematria for the birth of Jesus in the New Testament and type of the end-time Man-child body. For years, I would ask for a word for myself through random faith and often was given the same verse many times until I quit counting: (Ezr.6:5) And also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to its place; and thou shalt put them in the house of God. At other times, I received: (5:15) and he said unto him, Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in its place. These gold and silver vessels are the first-fruits people of God who build and are the foundation of the temple.) Another text we have received concerning this is in Haggai. In chapter 1, the people were exhorted to stop building their own houses and build God's house, and they obeyed, for which God rebuked the devourer and blessed them mightily in chapter 2. Also in chapter 2, He compared their coming out of captivity to build God's house, like when their fathers came out of Egypt to build the tabernacle in the wilderness. Of these two times, He spoke of a great shaking of Heaven and Earth, which is a type for us today who are about to build Father's temple made without hands. A great shaking is now coming.  (Hag.2:3) Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing? (4) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel (meaning “born from Babylon”; a type of the Man-child), saith Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest (a type of Jesus with the Man-child); and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts, (5) [according to] the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, and my Spirit abode among you: fear ye not. (6) For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;  (7) and I will shake all nations; and the precious things (Hebrew: “desire”; i.e., Jesus in the Man-child) of all nations (of God's people) shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts. We can see that the great shaking will begin with the laying of the foundation of God's temple with those who are crucified with Christ. (8) The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts. The silver and gold of God's people have become His at this time. Also, gold and silver were given to Israel as they were leaving Egypt, as it will be today, to build the temple of God, His people. (9) The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts. The first house was letter and physical; the last house is spirit, made without man's works. B.A.: Then, at the end of this dream, I saw the “Spirit” of Jesus. Three years ago, I had this very same vision. But I was a young believer at the time and I didn't have the revelation of what the vision was about until much later, as I grew in the Lord. Vision: I saw the Spirit of Jesus. He was very tall and light was illuminating out of His Spirit all around Him. I watched as little particles (which later were revealed to me to be DNA cells) were coming from every direction and attaching themselves to His Spirit. I got the revelation that as each one of us is crucified with Jesus Christ and dies to self, we are part of His body, and we go back to Him because we came from Him (Because our born-again man is created by His Word, which is His DNA.). Come, Lord Jesus, come! I asked the Father for a verse for the dream, and He gave me (Act.3:21) whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been from of old. (When we are restored, it is Jesus manifested in us in spirit and soul. He said, He was coming as the Latter Rain outpouring after two days or two thousand years on the morning of the third day. Hos 6:1  Come, and let us return unto Jehovah; for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2  After two days will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him. 3  And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth. Jesus the Man-child type was the first to receive the Former Rain and Jesus coming in the Man-child body is coming as the Latter Rain.)   Man-child Will Purify God's House C. P. 02/25/21 (David's notes in red) In this dream, I was in our house with my husband and David Eells (Representing the first fruits David Man-Child reformers) was there too. He had white hair down to his shoulders and looked more like Moses than himself. He was wearing an ancient sort of clothing. (David's hair represents the increasing glory – 30, 60 and 100 fold; (Mar.4:20) And those are they that were sown upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.) He covered his white hair with a little black/dark hat.) (Moses' face shown with the glory of God so bright that he had to veil that glory when He went before the people. But he took the veil off when he went before God in order to receive more of His glory.  The reason the David Man-child reformers look like Moses is this: (Act.3:22-23) Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you. (23) And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. You would probably say, but Jesus fulfilled that and I would say you're correct. But Jesus said He was coming a second time as a Man-child born to a woman and this is in Revelation 12. We read in (Joh.16:21-22) A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. (22) And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. Jesus first came in a body of the Son of David, and so He will be now in a corporate body of spiritual Davids, the man-child, by His Word and Spirit. History always repeats with larger groups of people. In a vision I have shared parts of, I saw the Man-child body of 144,000 at the throne of God to be anointed.) C.P.: David was walking through our house, making sure everything was white – furniture, walls, etc. He had a paintbrush in his hand. (This is pointing to another dual fulfilled prophecy with Jesus starring in this, too. (Mal.3:1-3) Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts. (2) But who can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: (3) and he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer unto Jehovah offerings in righteousness. Representing the white House of God with Jesus as the head.) C.P.: Some other people – perhaps younger women- were walking behind him, asking him, “Why are you doing this?” (The more immature women in Song of Solomon did not understand the Brides radical running after the Groom.) He replied, “It's got to get done”. I said to him, “David, everything is already white. We've already painted it. The exterior of the house is old, but it, too, is white”. David replied, “Yes, but we must get rid of the cracks”. (2Co.7:1) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. When the Man-child is anointed, Jesus will complete the work in us. Also, when David became king, he destroyed the Edomites who factioned or separated people against their own brethren. The factious represent the cracks that separate God's people.)  C.P.: David then went into the dining room and gave our already white dining table another coat of paint. He repainted our already white chairs white again and even painted the chrome-colored chair legs white. (The dining room is where the unleavened bread, the spiritual food of the Word, is served. (1Co.13:9-12) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; (10) but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. (12) For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.) C.P.: Then David looked at the only wooden unpainted piece of furniture – a side buffet table, and with his paintbrush, he painted it white. Someone asked him, “Why does this also need to be painted? It's never used”. He replied, “I can't wait for someone else to do it. I must do it now”. (Everything that displays the unleavened bread of the Word must be purified. The Man-child will be first in our day with the pure Word by Father's grace. Jesus said in (Joh.9:4-5) We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (5) When I am in the world, I am the light of the world.) C.P.: (Psa.51:7-13) Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (8) Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. (9) Hide thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities. (10) Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. (11) Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy Holy Spirit from me. (12) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit. (13) Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee. David was working the whole time feverishly, his body so energetic, his steps were energetic and fast paced, his hands were nimble and quick. But he was calm and spoke quietly. He was smiling and was at ease doing this job. (It is Jesus in the Man-child Who will do the Work. (Mat.12:18-21) Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, And he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles. (19) He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets. (20) A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory. (21) And in his name shall the Gentiles hope. (Mat.10:19-20) ...be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak. (20) For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.) C.P.: Then he said, “Come, we need to sit under the table and pray for protection”. So my husband, David, and I, and these other young women whom I did not know, sat under the table, as if we were preparing for an earthquake. (Great earthquakes, spiritual and physical, are coming and many will die. The Man-child Jesus was resurrected with a great earthquake. Being under the authority of the food of God's Word on the table will bring growth and protection. (Psa.27:5) For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion: In the covert of his tabernacle will he hide me; He will lift me up upon a rock. (Psa.91:1) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (2) I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust. (3) For he will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. … (7) A thousand shall fall at thy side, And ten thousand at thy right hand; But it shall not come nigh thee. … (10) There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent. … (14) Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. (15) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, And show him my salvation.) C.P.: My husband took his phone out and showed me how the screen was now completely white. (We are not to look upon evil, deception, or impurity for the eye is a gateway to the soul.) There was a simple definition in black newspaper font typed on the screen: Christian (n): They will be destroyed because they worshipped another Messiah (a False Jesus and Word). (The flesh wants only a flesh-pleasing Jesus, and religion is the same, but we are not to look on such deception, but only God's pure Word. There will be no protection for those who depart from the pure Word and its promises. (Isa.8:20) To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them. (Rev.22:18-20) I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: (19) and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. (20) He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.) C.P.: I woke up and received the following by faith at random, and my finger landed on “watch out” and “Life does not consist” in Luke 12:15 (NIV). Here is the ASV version: (Luk.12:15) And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (This is a very important warning for the true people of God at this point in time for great prosperity will come to test you. Please read this carefully: (1Ti.6:5-10) wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain: (7) for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; (8) but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. (9) But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.)  Filling in the cracks in this dream to perfect the house and purify it reminds us of this revelation of Hermas.    The Shepherd of Hermas: Vision of the Tower Chapters 5-7 “The building of the tower will be finished, and all will rejoice together around the tower, and they will glorify God, because the tower is finished.” I asked her, saying, “Lady, I should like to know what became of the stones, and what was meant by the various kinds of stones?” In reply she said to me, “Not because you are more deserving than all others that this revelation should be made to you … Tell them that all these things are true, and that none of them is beyond the truth. All of them are firm and sure, and established on a strong foundation.” “Hear now, with regard to the stones which are in the building. Those square white stones which fitted exactly into each other, are apostles, bishops, teachers, and deacons, who have lived in godly purity, and have acted as bishops and teachers and deacons chastely and reverently to the elect of God. Some of them have fallen asleep, and some still remain alive. And they have always agreed with each other, and been at peace among themselves, and listened to each other. On account of this, they join exactly into the building of the tower.” “But who are the stones that were dragged from the depths, and which were laid into the building and fitted in with the rest of the stones previously placed in the tower?” “They are those who suffered for the Lord's sake.” “But I wish to know, O Lady, who are the other stones which were carried from the land.” “Those,” she said, “which go into the building without being polished, are those whom God has approved of, for they walked in the straight ways of the Lord and practiced His commandments.” “But who are those who are in the act of being brought and placed in the building?” “They are those who are young in faith and are faithful. But they are admonished by the angels to do good, for no iniquity has been found in them.” “Who then are those whom they rejected and cast away?” “These are they who have sinned, and wish to repent. On this account they have not been thrown far from the tower, because they will yet be useful in the building, if they repent. Those then who are to repent, if they do repent, will be strong in faith, if they now repent while the tower is building. For if the building be finished, there will not be more room for anyone, but he will be rejected. This privilege, however, will belong only to him who has now been placed near the tower.” “As to those who were cut down and thrown far away from the tower, do you wish to know who they are? They are the sons of iniquity, and they believed in hypocrisy, and wickedness did not depart from them. For this reason they are not saved, since they cannot be used in the building on account of their iniquities. Wherefore they have been cut off and cast far away on account of the anger of the Lord, for they have roused Him to anger. But I shall explain to you the other stones which you saw lying in great numbers, and not going into the building. Those which are rough are those who have known the truth and not remained in it, nor have they been joined to the saints. On this account are they unfit for use.” “Who are those that have rents?” “These are they who are at discord in their hearts one with another, and are not at peace amongst themselves: they indeed keep peace before each other, but when they separate one from the other, their wicked thoughts remain in their hearts. These, then, are the rents which are in the stones. But those which are shortened are those who have indeed believed and have the larger share of righteousness; yet they have also a considerable share of iniquity, and therefore they are shortened and not whole.” “But who are these, Lady, that are white and round, and yet do not fit into the building of the tower?” She answered and said, “How long will you be foolish and stupid, and continue to put every kind of question and understand nothing? These are those who have faith indeed, but they have also the riches of this world. When, therefore, tribulation comes on account of their riches and business, they deny the Lord.” I answered and said to her, “When then, will they be useful for the building, Lady?” “When the riches that now seduce them have been circumscribed, then will they be of use to God. For as a round stone cannot become square unless portions be cut off and cast away, so also those who are rich in this world cannot be useful to the Lord unless their riches be cut down. Learn this first from your own case. When you were rich, you were useless; but now you are useful and fit for life. Be ye useful to God; for you also will be used as one of these stones.” “Now the other stones which you saw cast far away from the tower, and falling upon the public road and rolling from it into pathless places, are those who have indeed believed, but through doubt have abandoned the true road. Thinking, then, that they could find a better, they wander and become wretched, and enter upon pathless places. But those which fell into the fire and were burned are those who have departed for ever from the living God; nor does the thought of repentance ever come into their hearts, on account of their devotion to their lusts and to the crimes which they committed. Do you wish to know who are the others which fell near the waters, but could not be rolled into them? These are they who have heard the word and wish to be baptized in the name of the Lord; but when the chastity demanded by the truth comes into their recollection, they draw back and again walk after their own wicked desires.” She finished her exposition of the tower. But I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, “Is repentance possible for all those stones which have been cast away and did not fit into the building of the tower, and will they yet have a place in this tower?” “Repentance,” said she, “is yet possible, but in this tower they cannot find a suitable place.” (In other words, they will not be among the first-fruits but will have to be crucified of their sinful nature.) “But in another and much inferior place they will be laid, and that, too, only when they have been tortured and completed the days of their sins. And on this account will they be transferred, because they have partaken of the righteous Word. And then only will they be removed from their punishments when the thought of repenting of the evil deeds which they have done has come into their hearts. But if it does not come into their hearts, they will not be saved, on account of the hardness of their heart.”    House of Idle = Idols Sandy Shaw - 08/29/2011 (David's notes in red) Sandy Shaw called me on 3/14/21 and said the Lord told her that this dream is to be shared for the time we are in now. On 3/13/21, Sandy said, “I woke up at 3:33 am and was having trouble going back to sleep, so I started praying and was able to go back to sleep. I then dreamed I was sitting on a bench under the shade of a tree on a really sunny day.  I was looking across a field when, all of a sudden, I felt the presence of God behind and around me. I was terrified to turn around and look. He placed His hand on my right shoulder and said, “Sandra, remember your Idle/Idol dream? That's for now! Share it.” When I woke up, the clock said 5:55 am. (God will give grace to overcome) So here is the dream below that the Lord was saying is for NOW:  In a dream, I was standing in front of a house with Spanish-style stucco. (This represents the house of apostate Christianity. Jesus warned us that the house that was built on sand would not survive the storm of life, and the three little pigs warned us that houses of inferior material wouldn't stand up to the big bad wolf. He warned that the house built on obedience to the Word will stand. The stucco in this house is like untempered mortar. (Eze.13:8-11) Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because ye have spoken falsehood, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord Jehovah. (9) And my hand shall be against the prophets that see false visions, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the council of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord Jehovah. (10) Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there is no peace; and when one buildeth up a wall, behold, they daub it with untempered mortar: (11) say unto them that daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it. … (14) So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be uncovered; and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am Jehovah. (Eze.22:28) And her prophets have daubed for them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, when Jehovah hath not spoken.) There was a patio to get to the front door of this house. I saw people on the patio talking on cell phones and playing games on the Internet. Girls were talking to their boyfriends, making idle chit-chat, etc. I noticed a man standing next to me and I didn't know who he was until he spoke and asked, “How does this edify Me?” Realizing that it was Jesus talking, I said, “Lord, forgive us; we don't realize”. (The house or tabernacle being covered with Spanish-style stucco represents our old nature that is foreign to the Lord and the self-delusion that is contrary to righteousness in serving a false Jesus of our own making. (Eze.22:24-30) Son of man, say unto her, Thou art a land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation. (25) There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey: they have devoured souls; they take treasure and precious things; they have made her widows many in the midst thereof. (26) Her priests have done violence to my law, and have profaned my holy things: they have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they caused men to discern between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths (ceasing from our own works), and I am profaned among them. (27) Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain. (28) And her prophets have daubed for them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, when Jehovah hath not spoken. (29) The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery; yea, they have vexed the poor and needy, and have oppressed the sojourner wrongfully. (30) And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.) We walked across the patio and through the front door into the house. To the left was an area full of people watching TVs. All different types of TVs: old consoles, new flat screens, etc. -- all sizes. I saw old TV programs: Father Knows Best, The Patty Duke Show, The Andy Griffith Show, and an old game show. (Oh, how things have changed!)  I heard “Queen for a Day”. There were soap operas on. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” I said, “I'm sorry, Lord”. (Rev.18:2-8) ...Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird. (3) For by the wine of the wrath of her fornication all the nations are fallen; and the kings of the earth committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth waxed rich by the power of her wantonness. (4) And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come forth, my people, out of her, that ye have no fellowship with her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues: (5) for her sins have reached even unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. (6) Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her the double according to her works: in the cup which she mingled, mingle unto her double. (7) How much soever she glorified herself, and waxed wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall in no wise see mourning. (8) Therefore in one day shall her plagues come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judged her.) To the right side of the room was an area full of computers: new, old, big, small, fancy, iPads, etc. Children were doing homework on Facebook and MySpace — social chat sites. People were playing games and doing work. I got closer to their faces and saw their eyes were big and round like silver dollars, staring at the screen. A big clock is seen with its hands spinning quickly, as if to say, 24-7, this is going on. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” I said, “Lord, forgive me, for I myself am guilty of this”. (These things happening on the right represent God's people justifying themselves and compromising. Saying, “It's okay to spend extra time on these devices because they aren't TVs and we must do our work on them as well. So the line in our conscience gets blurred. This can also represent justification by our own works and essentially is like worshipping a false Jesus that allows compromise contrary to His Word. (2Co.1:2-4) For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. (3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. (4) For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different gospel, which ye did not accept, ye do well to bear with him.) Standing in the middle of that room, I looked up and saw there were different levels to the house where the activity got worse, physically and spiritually. I saw and heard people speaking filthily. I didn't see it, but knew that it was pornography, and scary movie sounds were also in the background. People were cursing and saying all kinds of bad things. People were laughing at it when it was not funny. The Lord asked, “How does that edify Me?” (The different levels of the tabernacle represent people's spirit, soul and body. If these activities are occurring in the spirit and soul, they bring a curse on the bodies of these people and death. Spiritual death is reprobation, and it becomes impossible for them to be renewed again unto repentance. Their consciences are seared. They have become reprobated.  (Heb.6:4-8) For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, (5) and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, (6) and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (7) For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: (8) but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned.)  We went into another room on the left, and I heard different conversations. One person was trying to tell another something, and he said, “I know”, not letting the other finish because he already knew. (Pro.18:13) He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.) In the same crowd, educated people were having conversations with others, but the educated person never heard anything anyone else said because they were puffed up and boasting that they had a degree in this or a doctorate in that. They knew it all and yet knew nothing. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” (1Ti.6:3-5) If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth… (2Ti.3:1-9) But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, (4) traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (5) holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. From these also turn away. (6) For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, (7) ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (8) And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth. Men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith. (9) But they shall proceed no further. For their folly shall be evident unto all men…)  To the right in that room were people bickering over trivial matters. One conversation that stands out is, “Who took my Kool-Aid?” I looked around and realized that all these people were carrying Bibles, and I realized they were all 'Christians'. The whole house was full of people professing to be Christians. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” I said, “Lord, forgive us”. (Many worldly people associate 'religious fanatics' and cult members with Jim Jones. And they say things to Christians like, “Don't drink the Kool-Aid!” In other words, don't fall for the deceptions and traps of religion. James Warren Jones (May 13, 1931 – November 18, 1978) was an American cult leader, preacher, and self-professed faith healer. He launched The Peoples Temple in Indiana during the 1950s. Jones and his inner circle orchestrated a mass murder-suicide of himself and his followers in his jungle commune at Jonestown, Guyana, on November 18, 1978. Jones ordered and likely coerced the mass suicide and mass murder of 918 commune members, 304 of them children, almost all by cyanide-poisoned Flavor Aid (or Kool-Aid). (1Pe.5:8) Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour;) We went into another room and stood in the doorway. Small children were running around the room, jumping on chairs, sofas, pulling down curtains, and being very mischievous. Their parents were in the middle of the room, oblivious to what the children were doing -- “running wild”. They were so self-absorbed in what they were doing and their own desires that they were blind to what their children were doing. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” I said, “Lord, I'm sorry”. (Many of God's people are not self-disciplined to stay in God's Word; therefore, the fruit that they bring forth is disorderly confusion and does not effectively edify the Body of Christ. (Isa.26:3) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…) We went into another room and saw people holding their Bibles. They tried to step forward, saying, “Yes, the Lord has told me to do this”. But before they stepped forward, they stepped right back and said, “No, no, He didn't tell me”. I saw people holding their Bibles open, saying, “The Lord has shown me this”, and then saying, “No, no, He didn't show me anything”. Then I saw people holding phones, saying, “The Lord told me to say this”, and then, “No, no, never mind; He didn't say anything”. They were never sure of anything they did and were procrastinating in the name of the Lord. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” (Jas.1:5-8) But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; (8) a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.) We then went through sliding glass doors and saw a man sitting in a chair covering his face with his hands. He was being attacked by Christians who were standing around him and yelling, “How do you know that you know the Lord?” “Why did He tell you that and not me?” “Why do you think you are so privileged that you know and hear the Lord?” “Do you think you are somebody?” “You don't know your Word”. “You don't know God”. “Who do you think you are?” “How do you know you are not hearing demons?” The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?”  (Gal.5:13-21) For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. (14) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. (16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. (18) But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, (21) envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.) I felt such conviction during this dream for not praying, fasting or reading my Word. (These are actions which would warn us away from dangers to come.) I have been guilty of letting my time be idle = idol. A few days later, on 9/04/11, (911) I received Ephesians 5 as a reminder. Briefly this chapter is about:   (Eph.5:1-2) Exhortation to brotherly love. (Eph.5:3-14) Cautions against several sins. (Eph.5:15-21) Directions to a contrary behavior, and to relative duties. (Eph.5:22-33) The duties of wives and husbands are enforced by the spiritual relation between Christ and the church.

     The spiritual life cannot be fully understood or lived until the believer grasps the distinction between positional truth and experiential truth. Learning God's Word is always the starting point for the Christian way of life (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Tim 3:16–17). Until the believer orients to what God has already accomplished at initial salvation, he cannot discern what God now expects in fellowship (Rom 6:3–11). Confusion or neglect of Scripture inevitably drives the Christian into legalism, emotionalism, ritualism, activism, or frustration (Col 2:8, 20–23; Gal 3:1–3). Bible doctrine learned and applied provides the foundation for executing the spiritual life (Rom 12:2; Jam 1:22). God's riches for the believer include both positional and experiential blessings, and the former establishes the ground on which the latter are enjoyed (Eph 1:3; Col 2:6–7). Full study notes here: https://thinkingonscripture.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/10-The-Believers-Riches-in-Christ.pdf  Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

This powerful exploration of Romans 10 confronts us with a beautiful paradox at the heart of the gospel: salvation is freely offered to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, yet God sovereignly knows who will respond. We're challenged to hold both truths simultaneously - divine election and human responsibility - like viewing a cone that appears as both a circle and a triangle depending on our perspective. The message emphasizes that we live in prophetically significant times, with ancient biblical prophecies about nations like Persia (modern-day Iran) unfolding before our eyes. This isn't cause for panic but for peace, because we've read the end of the book and know God remains in control. The call is urgent: we are the generation chosen to proclaim Christ in these last days. Every believer is commissioned as a preacher, sent into the mission field of daily life to share the hope within us with gentleness and respect. Our lives should radiate such peace amid chaos that others ask what makes us different. The question isn't whether God's promise is available - it's whether we'll answer the call to be those with beautiful feet who carry the good news to a world desperately needing to hear it.Sermon Notes – Romans 10:13–21  --------------------------------  DETAILED NOTES  --------------------------------  I. The Promise Is Persuasive (vv. 13, Joel 2:32)  - “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  - No boundaries: not race, class, morality, background, or performance.  - Tension:   - God elects, calls, saves (Rom 8:29–30).   - Yet the invitation is to “everyone.”  - Analogy: cone = circle from one angle, triangle from another; we lack the extra “dimension” to fully grasp how divine sovereignty and human responsibility fit together.  - In Joel 2:32 both sides appear:   - “Everyone who calls…shall be saved.”   - “…among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.”  II. The Power of Preaching (vv. 14–15; 1 Pet 3:15; 1 Cor 1:18–21)  - Paul's “how” chain (reversed):   5. Beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news.   4. They can't preach unless sent.   3. They can't hear without someone preaching.   2. They can't believe what they've never heard.   1. They can't call on whom they haven't believed.  - Foundational issue: Do we know the good news well enough to share it?  - Preaching isn't just for pastors; every believer is “sent” (Eph 4:12).  - Our lives and testimonies are part of the message; God uses “the folly” of weak people with a perfect gospel to save.  - In a world of noise, fear (wars, economy, confusion), believers' peace and confidence are a powerful witness.  III. The Problem of Unbelief (vv. 16–21)  1. Lack of Faith  - Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (v.17).  - Salvation is received only by faith in Christ's finished work (Rom 5:2; Eph 2:8; Heb 11).  - We are more “blessed” than those who saw Jesus physically but did not have to (John 20:29).  2. Willful Ignorance / Suppression (Ps 19; Rom 1)  - Creation universally proclaims God's glory; no one has a valid excuse.  - Evolution and materialism often used to dodge accountability to a Creator.  - If there is a Creator and an Author, then His standards are binding.  3. Pride (esp. Israel's example)  - Israel had maximum revelation yet often refused God.  - Called to be a light to the nations (Isa 49:6; Mic 4:1–2) but hoarded truth instead.  - Jonah: a prophet who would “rather die” than see Gentiles repent; a picture of nationalistic pride and spiritual hard-heartedness.  4. Love of Sin (John 3:16–21; Rom 1:32)  - People love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.  - Not only practice sin but approve of others who do.  - We resist God like a child shouting “no” to every loving boundary.  IV. Our Moment in History  - Rapid fulfillment of prophecy; increasing pressure and confusion.  - God is purifying a people who:   - Hold to His Word,   - Refuse to compromise,   - Stand with biblical clarity in a dark, chaotic age.  --------------------------------  PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS  --------------------------------  1. Clarify the Gospel  - Write out the gospel in a few sentences; practice explaining it simply.  2. Live as “Sent Ones”  - Ask daily: “Lord, who are you sending me to today?”  - Look for people who notice your peace, then share the reason for your hope (1 Pet 3:15).  3. Strengthen Your Faith  - Spend regular time in Scripture—especially Romans, John, and Psalms—to deepen confidence in Christ.  4. Confront Pride and Sin  - Ask the Spirit to reveal areas where you:   - Assume you “deserve” salvation, or   - Refuse to surrender favorite sins. Repent quickly.  5. Grow in Bold, Gentle Witness  - Pray for boldness + gentleness.  - Set a goal: share your testimony or the gospel with at least one person this week.  --------------------------------  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  --------------------------------  1. How do you personally hold together “everyone who calls” and God's sovereign election without dismissing either?  2. On a scale of 1–10, how prepared do you feel to explain the gospel? What would help you grow?  3. Where have you seen God use your story (testimony) to impact someone else?  4. Which obstacle to belief hits closest to home for you: lack of faith, pride, or love of sin? Why?  5. In what ways might we be acting like Jonah—resenting or avoiding certain people or groups God wants to reach?  6. What specific steps can your group take to live more as “sent ones” in your workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods?

Pastor Josh explains that ministry works by the power of prayer. We need to have boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. Eph. 6:18-20; Rom. 1:16

TLM sermon on Eph 5:1-9 and Luke 11:14-28.

Praying in The Spirit- Num 23:19; Jn 4:24; 1Cor 14:2, 14-15, Eph 6:18-19,Jam 5:13; Jud 1:20; Rom 8:26-28Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/what-jesus-says--4116133/support.

The Christian Life is Life in the Spirit | Life in the Spirit, pt. 2 In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we explore how the coming of the Spirit was promised in the prophets and is one of the key things that is new in the New Covenant. We also show how all-encompassing the Spirit's role is in our Christian life. Jesus promised the Spirit to us in his absence -Jn 14:16-17 The Holy Spirit revealed and inspired the Scripture--2 Pet 1:20-21; Eph 3:5-7 The Holy Spirit unifies the body--1 Cor 12:12-13 The Holy Spirit renews us--Titus 3:5 The Holy Spirit seals us as belonging to God--Eph. 1:13; 4:30 The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our resurrection--  Eph 1:14; Rom. 8:9-11 The Holy Spirit helps us resist sin--Rom. 8:13T The Holy Spirit empowers us for godliness and ministry – Eph. 3:16 The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of Chrislikeness in us – Gal. 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit testifies that we are children of God – Rom. 8:15-16; Gal. 4:6 The Holy Spirit helps us pray – Rom. 8:26-27; Eph. 6:18 The Holy Spirit helps us understand God's love – Rom. 5:5     Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener's Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Let's look at 13 quotes from the fathers of the Scientific Revolution and what they had to say about the relationship of their faith to their science. GRAB YOUR FREE PDF GUIDE TO THIS VIDEO HERE: https://thethink.institute/store/p/science-to-the-glory-of-god-13-quotes-from-the-christian-founders-of-modern-scienceWatch my whole Apologetics Answers playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfSpUNYR5qo6sv8Pk8x0tmaq8lLQHHlTm&si=FlnSB-pBhZ6SSaJE==============================♱ SUBSTACK: Read weekly articles to help you learn and grow: https://thethinkinstitute.substack.com/♱ CHURCH TRAINING: Bring an IMPACTFUL weekend training event to your church or ministry ➡️ https://thethink.institute/forchurches♱ SOCIETY: Christian men get equipped for their Christian life, in community. Try out the Hammer & Anvil Society now. Go to https://thethink.institute/society.The easiest method for teaching your kids the faith we can help you learn (catechism): https://thethink.institute/catakids Men: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/societyMy name is Joel Settecase. I'm the president of The Think Institute, NFP. How I got here: 2009: Left the business world.2010: Became a Bible teacher at a Christian school in Chicago. Realized I needed more education.2011: Enrolled at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). 2013: I joined a suburban church as pastor-in-training.2013–2016: Served as a youth pastor, discipling middle and high school students.2014: Wife diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. God taught us faith.2014–2015: Discovered Calvinism, New Covenant Theology, and Presuppositional Apologetics.2015: Our thirdborn diagnosed with leukemia. God tested and trained us in real time.2016: Joined Chicago multi-site church as Associate Pastor overseeing men's, students, and family ministry and evangelism—later becoming interim lead campus pastor.2016 Wrote Catakids! catechism to teach my young kiddos the faith.2017: Graduated cum laude from TEDS. Capstone papers on apologetics of Jonathan Edwards and John Frame.2018: Joined Cru Church Movements as missionaries.2019: Thirdborn got heart failure. God built our ministry from Lurie Children's Hospital.2020: Started homeschooling. Son received heart transplant. 2020: Launched the Hammer & Anvil Society during Covid.2021: Started teaching at homeschool co-ops.2022: Launched The Think Institute as a nonprofit.2023: Wrote The Bible Based Worldview. 2023: Re-launched the Hammer & Anvil Society as a nationwide men's fellowship. 2024: Joined Village Bible Church, teaching apologetics and worldview classes, family camps, men's retreats, student electives, and Sunday sermons.2025: Launched on Substack. YouTube channel hit 1M views. We now reach 75K+ people monthly and distribute hundreds of educational resources each year. To every Christian man trying to live a Christian life: God will give you what you need for your journey (Eph. 2:10). I am living proof of that. And now my job is to help you build a worldview legacy, where you, your kids, and your wife will be able to confidently answer the world's questions with confidence, and see Jesus change lives as you share your faith.===========================================================The Think Institute relies on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

The Bible teaches that God decreed the history of the world before it began (Is. 46:9-10), Eph. 1:11). This plan is for the good of those who love Him (Rom. 8:28), and it is demonstrating God's wisdom and power through the weak things of this world (1 Cor. 1-2).This is one of those stories that highlights the goodness of the sovereignty of God. Calvinists should be the happiest, bravest people in the world.The Text: “And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him. Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh…”King's Cross Church is a member congregation of the CREC in Moscow, ID. Visit our website at https://kingscrossmoscow.com.Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/kingscrossmoscow.

Send a textUnited in Love“My prayer is … that all of them may be one … so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one … so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23God approves of a Church that is United in Love.There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Prov 6:16-19• One enemyFor our struggle is not against flesh and blood, (I'm out) but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:12“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy …” John 10:10• One missionTherefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit … Matt 28:19• One strategyA new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you (same politics)love one another. John 13:34-35Discussion Questions:What does being “United in Love “ mean from the sermon this week?Why is it important at Relate? In your community?  In your home?What is one way you can walk out being United in Love this week? Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today's message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

In a world swirling with uncertainty and global chaos, Proverbs 21 arrives as a timely anchor for our souls. This passage reminds us of a fundamental truth that can transform our anxiety into peace: God rules over rulers. The opening verse declares that the king's heart is like a stream of water in the Lord's hand, turned wherever He wills. No political upheaval, no international crisis, no earthly authority operates outside God's sovereign control. While we may have vastly different opinions about current events, while confusion and frustration may tempt us to lose focus, we are called to remember that nothing catches God off guard. He has read the end of the book, and He wins. This doesn't mean we live with reckless abandonment or ignore the world around us, but it does mean we refuse to let global distractions pull us away from our mission of making disciples where we live, work, and play. The passage also confronts our tendency to justify our own actions, reminding us that while every way seems right in our own eyes, the Lord weighs the heart. We cannot fool God with partial obedience or self-serving rationalizations. As we face uncertain times ahead, this chapter calls us to trust in God's perfect justice, His unfailing mercy, and His absolute sovereignty over every nation, every leader, and every circumstance we encounter.Sermon Notes – Proverbs 21 & God's Sovereignty  --------------------------------  DETAILED NOTES  --------------------------------  I. God Rules Over Rulers (Prov. 21:1)  - “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”  - In a world full of information, conflict, and confusion, nothing is outside God's control.  - Definition of God's sovereignty:   God's absolute and kingly authority whereby he not only has the right to rule over all creation, but actively governs and accomplishes all things according to his wise and holy will, including the outworking of salvation history.  - God is sovereign over:   - Kings, presidents, and rulers   - Nations and wars   - History and salvation  - This sovereignty doesn't excuse reckless living but produces peace and confidence in God's plan.  - Revelation and Daniel affirm God's control and final victory (Dan. 2:21; 4:35).  - Satan's tactic: use global chaos to distract the church from its mission—making disciples where we live, work, and play.  II. God Weighs the Heart (Prov. 21:2)  - “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”  - We are skilled at self-justification; feelings and perceptions can lie.  - Outward obedience is not the same as inward submission.  - God is not impressed with appearances (1 Sam. 16:7).  - He searches the heart and tests the mind (Jer. 17:10).  - Many surrounding verses reinforce this:   - v.5: Haste leads to poverty.   - v.6: Ill-gotten gain is a deadly trap.   - v.8: The guilty way is crooked; the pure walk uprightly.   - v.9, 19: Wise living affects the peace of our homes.  III. Mercy, Justice, and Consequences (Prov. 21:10, 12, 18)  - v.10: “The soul of the wicked desires evil…” – sin is not neutral; it loves what harms.  - v.12: God observes the wicked and brings them down. Nothing escapes His notice.  - v.18: “The wicked is a ransom for the righteous…” – God will ultimately reverse wrongs and vindicate His people.  - Choices have consequences; justice is certain (Rom. 2:5–11).  - God shows no partiality; He will judge according to works.  IV. God's Sovereignty Rules (Prov. 21:30–31)  - v.30: “No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.”  - v.31: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”  - Human planning, power, and strategy are real—but not ultimate.  - Job 42:2; Isa. 14:27; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 11:33–36: God's purposes cannot be thwarted; His ways are beyond our comprehension, yet absolutely sure.  - This should give deep peace in uncertain, turbulent times.  --------------------------------  PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS  --------------------------------  1. **Respond to Global Events with Faith, Not Panic**    - Stay informed, but don't be consumed.    - Let God's sovereignty shape your news intake, social media habits, and conversations.  2. **Stay on Mission**    - Don't let world chaos distract you from making disciples.    - Ask: “How can I be faithful where I live, work, and play today?”  3. **Invite God to Weigh Your Heart**    - Pray Psalm 139:23–24 style prayers: “Search me, O God…”    - Ask where you might be justifying disobedience or compromise.  4. **Take Sin and Consequences Seriously**    - Teach and model that choices have real outcomes (for yourself, your family).    - Repent quickly; don't “store up wrath” (Rom. 2:5).  5. **Rest in God's Final Victory**    - When you feel fearful, meditate on Prov. 21:30–31 and Rom. 11:33–36.    - Anchor your hope in Christ's return and ultimate justice.  --------------------------------  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  --------------------------------  1. How does Proverbs 21:1 practically change the way you view elections, wars, and world leaders?  2. Where do you feel most tempted to let global events distract you from everyday discipleship?  3. Can you identify a time when you “felt right” but later realized you were just justifying yourself (Prov. 21:2)? What did God show you?  4. In what areas of life do you tend to forget that choices have consequences before God?  5. Which verse in Proverbs 21 (or in Romans 11:33–36) most encourages you right now, and why?

It's time to get introduced to one of the most powerful apologetics arguments against atheism: Alvin Plantinga's Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism. For further reading: What Is the “Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism?” by Joel Settecase https://settecase.wordpress.com/2018/06/27/what-is-the-evolutionary-argument-against-naturalism/==============================♱ SUBSTACK: Read weekly articles to help you learn and grow: https://thethinkinstitute.substack.com/♱ CHURCH TRAINING: Bring an IMPACTFUL weekend training event to your church or ministry ➡️ https://thethink.institute/forchurches♱ SOCIETY: Christian men get equipped for their Christian life, in community. Try out the Hammer & Anvil Society now. Go to https://thethink.institute/society.The easiest method for teaching your kids the faith we can help you learn (catechism): https://thethink.institute/catakids Men: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/societyMy name is Joel Settecase. I'm the president of The Think Institute, NFP. How I got here: 2009: Left the business world.2010: Became a Bible teacher at a Christian school in Chicago. Realized I needed more education.2011: Enrolled at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). 2013: I joined a suburban church as pastor-in-training.2013–2016: Served as a youth pastor, discipling middle and high school students.2014: Wife diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. God taught us faith.2014–2015: Discovered Calvinism, New Covenant Theology, and Presuppositional Apologetics.2015: Our thirdborn diagnosed with leukemia. God tested and trained us in real time.2016: Joined Chicago multi-site church as Associate Pastor overseeing men's, students, and family ministry and evangelism—later becoming interim lead campus pastor.2016 Wrote Catakids! catechism to teach my young kiddos the faith.2017: Graduated cum laude from TEDS. Capstone papers on apologetics of Jonathan Edwards and John Frame.2018: Joined Cru Church Movements as missionaries.2019: Thirdborn got heart failure. God built our ministry from Lurie Children's Hospital.2020: Started homeschooling. Son received heart transplant. 2020: Launched the Hammer & Anvil Society during Covid.2021: Started teaching at homeschool co-ops.2022: Launched The Think Institute as a nonprofit.2023: Wrote The Bible Based Worldview. 2023: Re-launched the Hammer & Anvil Society as a nationwide men's fellowship. 2024: Joined Village Bible Church, teaching apologetics and worldview classes, family camps, men's retreats, student electives, and Sunday sermons.2025: Launched on Substack. YouTube channel hit 1M views. We now reach 75K+ people monthly and distribute hundreds of educational resources each year. To every Christian man trying to live a Christian life: God will give you what you need for your journey (Eph. 2:10). I am living proof of that. And now my job is to help you build a worldview legacy, where you, your kids, and your wife will be able to confidently answer the world's questions with confidence, and see Jesus change lives as you share your faith.===========================================================The Think Institute relies on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

Send a textIn this episode, we take a step back from typical prophetic speculations and eschatological positions and ask a deeper question: Does a third temple fit the theology of the New Testament? Our journey begins by entering the first-century world of Jesus and His disciples, where the temple stood at the very center of Jewish life and covenant faithfulness. From there, we trace how the New Testament interprets the destruction of that temple—and what it means that Jesus called Himself greater than the temple (Matt 12:6), identified His body as the true temple (John 2:19–21), and redirected worship away from Jerusalem to “spirit and truth” (John 4:21–24).We reason from a Christ-centered hermeneutic: letting the New Testament govern how we read Old Testament temple prophecies. Along the way, we consider why early Christians never attempted to reconstruct a temple-centered faith, and why the apostles consistently anchor our hope in Christ's finished work and the new creation, not in a restored sacrificial system (Eph 1:21; Rev 11:15).If you've only ever heard the third temple discussed in terms of end-times timelines, this approach may challenge you to rethink the question from a covenantal and theological perspective.3D Temple Walkthrough Video Clips:Herod's Temple 3D - Ancient Jerusalem in UNREAL ENGINE 5© 2025 Scripture Central and Messages of Christ YouTube ChannelThe Biblical Roots MinistriesOur websiteOur YouTube ChannelProf. Solberg's BlogSupport our Ministry (Thank you!)

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!emersonk78@me.comExcel Still More Journal - AmazonNew GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional!Daily Bible Devotional Series - AmazonSponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.comTyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-848710 Proverbs Starter Chain on "WORDS":Proverbs 10:19; 12:18-19, 25; 13:3; 15:1,4; 16:24; 17:27-28; 18:21; 21:231) Words Dictate Outcomes: They Produce Life and Death(Prov. 18:21; 12:18; 11:9)2) Tone Carries Weight: Softness Settles / Harshness Ignites(Prov. 15:1; 16:24)3) Restraint is Spiritual Strength: Silence is often wisdom(Prov. 10:19; 13:3; 21:23)4) Timely Words are Priceless: Craftsmanship matters(Eph. 4:29; Prov. 18:4; 25:11)5) Your Words Reveal Your Heart: Words tell others who you are(Matt. 12:34-37; 15:18; Luke 6:45)

We know there are differences in the two religions, but what are the main differences? What are the similarities?In today's episode, Pastor Derek and Pastor Jackie talk through a listener question and look at a comparison of Judaism vs. Christianity and the similarities of the two religions, as well as the important differences. Our hope is that this episode can be helpful to your understanding of how these religions intersect and understand how to evangelize to those who follow Judaism as well!The 17:17 podcast is a ministry of Roseville Baptist Church (MN) that seeks to tackle cultural issues and societal questions from a biblical worldview so that listeners discover what the Bible has to say about the key issues they face on a daily basis. The 17:17 podcast seeks to teach the truth of God's Word in a way that is glorifying to God and easy to understand with the hope of furthering God's kingdom in Spirit and in Truth. Scriptures: Isa. 7:14; Mic. 5:2; Mark 14:61-62; Matt. 16:15-16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 3:15-16; Eph. 2:19-20; Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; Exo. 20:8-11; Gal. 5; Acts 15:19-22; Deut. 30:8-19; Eph. 2:8-9; Eph. 4:11-13.If you'd like access to our show notes, please visit www.rosevillebaptist.com/1717podcast to see them in Google Drive!Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review the podcast so that we can reach to larger audiences and share the truth of God's Word with them!Write in your own questions to be answered on the show at 1717pod@gmail.com.  God bless!

     The spiritual life cannot be fully understood or lived until the believer grasps the distinction between positional truth and experiential truth. Learning God's Word is always the starting point for the Christian way of life (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Tim 3:16–17). Until the believer orients to what God has already accomplished at initial salvation, he cannot discern what God now expects in fellowship (Rom 6:3–11). Confusion or neglect of Scripture inevitably drives the Christian into legalism, emotionalism, ritualism, activism, or frustration (Col 2:8, 20–23; Gal 3:1–3). Bible doctrine learned and applied provides the foundation for executing the spiritual life (Rom 12:2; Jam 1:22). God's riches for the believer include both positional and experiential blessings, and the former establishes the ground on which the latter are enjoyed (Eph 1:3; Col 2:6–7). Full study notes here: https://thinkingonscripture.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/10-The-Believers-Riches-in-Christ.pdf & https://thinkingonscripture.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Believer-in-Christ.pdf  Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

Pastor Josh talks about how we are all stronger when united, and the importance of unity with the armor of God. John 17:20-23, 13:34; Eph. 4:1-6; Phil. 2:2-5; Acts 2:44-47; Col. 3:12-13

Wives and Husbands Eph 5:22  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Eph 5:23  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Eph 5:24  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Eph 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Eph 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:28  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. Eph 5:29  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Eph 5:31  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. Eph 5:32  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Eph 5:33  Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

This quote from Kathryn Kuhlman echoes Eph 4:30, but what does it mean and why is it relevant to us today?

In Part 5 of his Ephesians series, Rabbi Schiller looks at Eph 1 and the Born Again power that the LORD give us through His Resurrection and Headship, which gives us the power not to sin.

On this episode of Mutuality Matters: Women and Words, Host Dr. Mimi Haddad interviewed Rev. Dr. Ingrid Faro. Ingrid described her challenging childhood and young married life as one of abuse, both psychologically and physically. Her early church experience was equally difficult, as women were to be seen but not heard. In her family of origins, she felt invisible and unimportant. She was terrified of her mother and had no real relationship with her dad. Ingrid was struggling to figure out who she is and even wondered if it was safe to think her thoughts. She also wanted out of the church because, as Ingrid describes, she so wanted God to be fair, but life didn't seem to be fair.   Ingrid shared how her first husband (a preacher and NT scholar) was unfaithful to her. He was also violent and broke her nose, landing her in the ER, where she told the attending doctors that she had an “accident,” but they were unconvinced. These and other experiences led to her struggle with the question of “theodicy,” whether God is just and good. Ingrid wondered if she could ever really trust God. This led to an exploration of God theologically. She became acquainted with and greatly admires the scholarship of the OT scholar Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel. A passion for the OT was part of her journey.  Her second husband nurtured honest, even blunt communication, or as Brené Brown says, “clarity is kindness.” As Ingrid studied Scripture, she encountered many bold women who henceforward served as her role models! In them she found a sense of release, or as she said, “I didn't know the weight that was on my shoulders until it was lifted off me.” Ingrid began to see God's clear anointing on women which began with the Apostle Paul. Ingrid began to sense a calling to an academic study of Scripture, which gave her pause. She was given opportunities to say what was on her heart but felt conflicted. Then she asked herself, “Can I stand before God and say, ‘I can't.'” She had to distinguish between a fear of people and a fear of God.  Yet the biblical “texts of terror” that appeared to silence women were very limited compared the many, many texts that welcomed their wisdom, voice and leadership. Consider Paul's texts that seem to silence women (1 Cor. 14:34–36, 1 Tim. 2:11–15, Eph. 5:22&FF) compared to the many women Paul celebrates as co-leaders with him in preaching the gospel and leading churches, like those cited in Romans 16. More recently, Ingrid has considered the challenge of abuse in the church one of the most pressing challenges the church must address. She sometimes feels that the church is one of the most abusive places women encounter. Yet this was certainly an issue noted in Genesis 2. Here Ingrid notes the challenge of Bible translation as too often Genesis 2:18 is translated “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” The Hebrew word for “helper,” is ezer, which means “a strong rescue,” as Dave Freedman notes. “Helper” fails to describe the true meaning of ezer.   Ingrid also points to the work of Katharine Bushnell who redeems Eve by observing that she was the first person to have faith and hope in God's promises. She also points to the following authors who have inspired her own scholarship and faith: Karen Swallow Prior, Carol L. Meyers, Edith Deen, Sandra Ritcher, Cynthia Long Westfall, and also biblical models like Abraham and Sarah.    For many years, Ingrid taught OT and has recently published the book, Redeeming Eden: How Women in the Bible Advance the Story of Salvation. Ingrid will lead a keynote and workshop at CBE's conference this summer in Chicago, where she will also receive CBE's Lifetime Achievement Award.  Guest Bio:  Bio: Revd. Dr. Ingrid Faro is an ordained minister and currently serves as interim president and professor of Old Testament at Northern Seminary in Chicago. She previously served as dean of academic affairs, dean of theology at the Scandinavian School of Theology, and director of master's programs at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she also taught Hebrew and Old Testament. She is an international speaker and the author of Redeeming Eden: How Women in the Bible Advance the Story of Salvation with Joyce Koo Dalrymple, Demystifying Evil, co-author of Honest Answers, Evil in Genesis, co-author of forthcoming As We Forgive: A Biblical Theology of Forgiveness, as well as articles, chapters, and reviews. Prior to her work in theological education, Ingrid was an entrepreneur and president of an insurance consulting group serving one-thousand agents in thirty-five states for twenty years. Ingrid has two children and four grandchildren.    Related Resources:  Healing from Hierarchy: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/mutuality-healing-from-hierarchy/  Silent No More: Exposing Abuse Among Evangelicals: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/silent-no-more-exposing-abuse-among-evangelicals/  Her Silence Screams: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/her-silence-screams/  When Religion Hurts: How Complementarian Churches Harm Women: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/when-religion-hurts-how-complementarian-churches-hurt/    0:00 Called to Seminary  01:25 Meet Ingrid Farrow  03:37 From Trauma to Theology  06:25 Studying Evil in Genesis  08:36 Why Theodicy Matters  10:31 Patriarchy and Abuse  16:56 Finding Freedom and Voice  19:31 Leading at Northern Seminary  23:17 What Did I Tell You  26:29 Women in Theology Today  28:21 Chicago Conference Invite  29:23 Reading the Clobber Passages  31:16 Scholars Correcting Exegesis  34:04 Trauma Abuse and the Church  35:37 Genesis Reframing Creation  40:03 Women as Full Image Bearers  42:47 Old Testament Women with Voice  46:29 Key Stories Sarah Hannah Ruth  51:20 Future of Women in Ministry  54:58 Global Impact and Closing Prayer 

Michael Penfold gives an outline of the main events that are ahead for the world in biblical prophecy, from the rapture to the eternal state. The chart accompanying this sermon is available below. Readings: Isa 9:6-7, Dan 9:24-27, Eph 3:3-6, 1 Thess 4:13-18, 2 Thess 2:1-12. (Recorded in Straffordville Gospel Hall, ON, Canada, on 8th Jan 2026) Click here for the chart in PDF Or see below for the chart in JPG: Complete series: Countercultural Christianity Courtship and Dating The The post What Is Ahead for Our World? | Michael Penfold first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

Is "interracial" marriage biblically acceptable? Let's look at the theology laid in the biblical worldview.Watch my whole Apologetics Answers playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfSpUNYR5qo6sv8Pk8x0tmaq8lLQHHlTm&si=FlnSB-pBhZ6SSaJE==============================⏰ Timestamps ⏰TBD♱ SUBSTACK: Read weekly articles to help you learn and grow: https://thethinkinstitute.substack.com/♱ CHURCH TRAINING: Bring an IMPACTFUL weekend training event to your church or ministry ➡️ https://thethink.institute/forchurches♱ SOCIETY: Christian men get equipped for their Christian life, in community. Try out the Hammer & Anvil Society now. Go to https://thethink.institute/society.The easiest method for teaching your kids the faith we can help you learn (catechism): https://thethink.institute/catakids Men: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/societyMy name is Joel Settecase. I'm the president of The Think Institute, NFP. How I got here: 2009: Left the business world.2010: Became a Bible teacher at a Christian school in Chicago. Realized I needed more education.2011: Enrolled at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). 2013: I joined a suburban church as pastor-in-training.2013–2016: Served as a youth pastor, discipling middle and high school students.2014: Wife diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. God taught us faith.2014–2015: Discovered Calvinism, New Covenant Theology, and Presuppositional Apologetics.2015: Our thirdborn diagnosed with leukemia. God tested and trained us in real time.2016: Joined Chicago multi-site church as Associate Pastor overseeing men's, students, and family ministry and evangelism—later becoming interim lead campus pastor.2016 Wrote Catakids! catechism to teach my young kiddos the faith.2017: Graduated cum laude from TEDS. Capstone papers on apologetics of Jonathan Edwards and John Frame.2018: Joined Cru Church Movements as missionaries.2019: Thirdborn got heart failure. God built our ministry from Lurie Children's Hospital.2020: Started homeschooling. Son received heart transplant. 2020: Launched the Hammer & Anvil Society during Covid.2021: Started teaching at homeschool co-ops.2022: Launched The Think Institute as a nonprofit.2023: Wrote The Bible Based Worldview. 2023: Re-launched the Hammer & Anvil Society as a nationwide men's fellowship. 2024: Joined Village Bible Church, teaching apologetics and worldview classes, family camps, men's retreats, student electives, and Sunday sermons.2025: Launched on Substack. YouTube channel hit 1M views. We now reach 75K+ people monthly and distribute hundreds of educational resources each year. To every Christian man trying to live a Christian life: God will give you what you need for your journey (Eph. 2:10). I am living proof of that. And now my job is to help you build a worldview legacy, where you, your kids, and your wife will be able to confidently answer the world's questions with confidence, and see Jesus change lives as you share your faith.===========================================================The Think Institute relies on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 9 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Reconciliation and Hope”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Col. 1:20-29 | Eph. 5:27 | Eph. 3:17 | Rom. 8:18 | Eph. 1:7-10 | Eph. 3:3-6 | Prov. 14:12. Memory Text: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). (February 21 - February 27)  Sunday (James Rafferty) - “Reconciled from Wicked Works”Monday (Ryan Johnson) - “If You Continue in the Faith” Tuesday (Shelley Quinn) - “God's Eternal Plan”Wednesday (John Dinzey) - “Mystery of God Revealed”Thursday (Jill Morikone) - “Power of the Gospel” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org  Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

After explaining how marriage in Western society has collapsed, Michael Penfold outlines what the Word of God has to say about it. Marriage's definition, design, devotion, duties, dangers, delight and destiny. Readings: Gen 2:18, 21-24, Gen 3:16, Heb 13:4, Eph 5:22-33. (Recorded in Straffordville Gospel Hall, ON, Canada, on 6th Jan 2026) Complete series: Countercultural Christianity Courtship and Dating The Principles and Purposes of Marriage Confidence in Parenting What is Ahead for Our World? The post The Principles and Purposes of Marriage | Michael Penfold first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

In this Bible-centered sermon from Ephesians 1, we explore the unshakable Christian hope found in the Trinity:Hope in the Father who chose usHope in the Son who saved usHope in the Holy Spirit who seals usIf you've ever wrestled with questions about predestination, salvation, eternal security, apostasy, or assurance of faith, this message will anchor your heart in Scripture.1. Hope in the Father Who Chose Us (Ephesians 1:4–5)Before the foundation of the world, God had a plan. Salvation was not an afterthought—it was foreknown, predetermined, and rooted in His grace.Chosen in Christ before creation (Eph. 1:4–5)Foreknown before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18–20)Delivered according to God's definite plan (Acts 2:23)Called by grace before the ages began (2 Timothy 1:9–10)God's heart is clear: He desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3–4). He is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).Salvation is offered to all. Christ died for all. Yet only those who respond to the Holy Spirit in faith receive adoption into God's family.This is not random. This is not accidental. This is the eternal love of a sovereign Father.

After this video, you won't let anyone tell you Christian theology or the biblical worldview is incompatible with science ever again. It's atheism that has the problem... and that problem is called INDUCTION. Watch and see why.Watch my whole Apologetics Answers playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfSpUNYR5qo6sv8Pk8x0tmaq8lLQHHlTm&si=FlnSB-pBhZ6SSaJE==============================♱ SUBSTACK: Read weekly articles to help you learn and grow: https://thethinkinstitute.substack.com/♱ CHURCH TRAINING: Bring an IMPACTFUL weekend training event to your church or ministry ➡️ https://thethink.institute/forchurches♱ SOCIETY: Christian men get equipped for their Christian life, in community. Try out the Hammer & Anvil Society now. Go to https://thethink.institute/society.The easiest method for teaching your kids the faith we can help you learn (catechism): https://thethink.institute/catakids Men: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/societyMy name is Joel Settecase. I'm the president of The Think Institute, NFP. To every Christian man trying to live a Christian life: God will give you what you need for your journey (Eph. 2:10). I am living proof of that. And now my job is to help you build a worldview legacy, where you, your kids, and your wife will be able to confidently answer the world's questions with confidence, and see Jesus change lives as you share your faith.===========================================================The Think Institute relies on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

Scripture Reading: Revelation 17 Revelation 17,18 describe, at length, the global kingdom of the antichrist during the coming time of tribulation. We have already seen, in chapter 13, that there will be both a political leader and religious leader in this vast kingdom … the beast, and the false prophet.  The political/religious structural system of the kingdom of the antichrist is called 'Babylon' in the book of Revelation. Revelation 17 describes the religious aspect of this global kingdom and chapter 18 describes the political aspect of it. The religious element of the antichrist kingdom is symbolically represented by a prostitute, riding on a scarlet beast.  In the Old Testament, idolatrous rebellion against God, was sometimes characterized as spiritual adultery or harlotry (cf. Nah 3:4; Ezek 16:35; 23:1-3). Undergirding the movement of events during the tribulation is the reality of God's sovereign design, ordering even the dark powers to fulfill his will.  "For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled (Rev 17:17).  How glorious is our God, who works all things after the council of his will!  (Eph 1:11).

Circumcision was “the single clearest distinguishing feature of the covenant people.” When the gospel reached the Gentiles, a controversy broke out among the Jews, with some declaring, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” (Acts 15:1). Paul dealt with the issue of circumcision throughout his entire ministry. He was an expert in the Scriptures and a former Pharisee, so he was uniquely positioned by the Holy Spirit to bring clarity to the true meaning of circumcision. As the Holy Spirit-inspired author of Romans, he stated: “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” (Rom. 2:28-29)Circumcision was a good thing, but it became a bad thing when the Jews sought to attach it to the finished work of Christ as necessary for salvation. As followers of Jesus, we must guard against creating any system that attaches human efforts to Christ's finished work. Even good things, like baptism and communion, have been attached by some to the finished work of Christ as necessary for salvation. We reject this view (Eph. 2:8-9), while seeking to uphold the crucial and essential nature of Biblically mandated Christian rituals. Jesus was circumcised and placed Himself under the Law. He perfectly kept the Law and thus redeemed those under the Law (Gal. 4:4-5). We are now in Christ! “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Gal. 5:6)Take-Home Message: Circumcision is a matter of the heart.Circumcision ExplainedCircumcision Illustrated (25-27)Circumcision Applied (28-29)We must emphasize coming to Jesus and following Jesus as the true evidence of a believer.We must guard against adding requirements to the gospel. We must strive for unity with Christians of different backgrounds.

Do you have the eyes of the Lord? - Are you seeing Him like He sees you? Dan 2:20-22 / John 4:34-38 / Rev 14:14-19 / Acts 26:15-18 / Eph 1:17-18

Ephesians 4:10-13 God speaks thru prophets and apostles. Jesus loves you so much that he gave the church gifts. “The One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.” – Ephesians 4:10-13  The Message by Eugene Peterson “And he (Jesus) himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ's fullness.” – Ephesians 4:11-13  CSB 1. Prophets God speaks. Prophecy – speak on behalf of God before others Prophet – one who speaks inspired utterances on behalf of God “The name ‘prophets' (in Eph. 4:11) is given to those who, having received the Spirit of God, spoke beforehand of Christ and his advent. These were the prophets who “were until Christ.” But after he arrived, was there no reason for any further prophecy? What prophets does Paul speak of here? It is obviously those who being full of the Spirit spoke of God after his coming, continuing to expound the divine teaching.” – Marius Victorinus 280-363 Old Testament prophets spoke the message God gave them, and many pointed to Jesus Christ. “Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” – Matthew 1:22  CSB Some New Testament prophets: John the Baptist, Anna in Luke 2:36, Agabus in Acts 11:29, 21:10,  Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen in Acts 13:1-2, Silas & Judas Barsabbas in Acts 15:32, 4 daughters of Phillip in Acts 21:8-9,  John in Revelation “the spirit of prophecy” – Revelation 19:10 “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – John Walvoord Training, Discernment, and Accountability:  “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate. But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged. And the prophets' spirits are subject to the prophets, 33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:29–33   CSB  “many false prophets will appear and fool many people,” – Matthew 24:11    Elijah school of the prophets in 1 Kings 19:18, training people in understanding the Scripture, discerning God's voice, and speaking it. In 2 Kings 2 we see groups of prophets interacting with Elijah and Elisha. Paul & Barnabas – described as “prophets and teachers” then commissioned, sent in apostolic ministry “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.” – Acts 13:1-3  CSB 2. Apostle – an envoy of Jesus, a representative messenger sent, a “special” messenger (having been commissioned by Jesus Christ for a particular task or role, invested with the authority to speak on his behalf)   …borrowing and changing a Greek term for, emissaries, one who is to carry a message and is commissioned to extend the kingdom (military or naval) a commander of a naval expedition (generally restricted to the immediate followers of Jesus Christ, but also extended, as in the case of Paul, to other early Christians active in proclaiming the message of the gospel) – Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament “Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.” – Romans 1:1  (possible reference to a Jewish embassy in Rome that required travel by sea) Denotes God-given spiritual authority, mission and message, to be recognized by others (including leaders) Influence in more than one local church Alignment > Heirarchy  God speaks. God had spoken. God is speaking. God will speak. “This is a house set up and ordered by Jesus.… He does not do this in a casual manner. It is with the utmost discrimination and discretion: One is assigned to the rank of an apostle, one to the place of a prophet, others to look after the flock of Christ and to work at the divine instruction of others for those saints who are prepared to learn.” – Didymus the Blind a Biblical scholar 313-398 What are prophets & apostles? Gifts from Jesus to his church. Representatives and messengers. They speak when God has given them something to say. The church leaders recognize it and the church receives it. Each of the 4 Gifts function when recognized and received. What are prophets & apostles NOT? Free to do what they want, however they want. Not dictators. Not celebrities. Not gurus. What is the purpose of our interactions with the 4 Gifts? Sent to equip the church for ministry. Sent to build up the church. Sent to help the church learn about Jesus and become more like Jesus. Sent to help the church grow stronger spiritually, able to refute wrong thinking. Equipping – making, preparing, training, perfecting, making fully qualified for service, (in classical language the word was used to describe setting a bone during surgery – The Great Physician is now making all the necessary adjustments so the church will not be “out of joint”) What should we do? 1.       Read Ephesians 3:14-21 and 4:1-16. 2.       Pray, asking God for guidance. 3.       Think about what we are reading. 4.       Write down elements of God's purpose for us. 5.       Write down ways in which we should interact with the 4 Gifts. Extra notes: “the spirit of prophecy” – Revelation 19:10 Worship God, because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” – Revelation 19:10  CSB The word “testimony,” or witness, references someone who has seen or experienced something to be the case. John and his brothers are therefore witnesses and the bearers of testimony to the plan and purpose of God for redemption in Jesus. Consequently, God is the only appropriate object of worship. This is explained by the somewhat enigmatic statement, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Here the word “prophecy” (proph?teia), which arises from a combination of “speak” (ph?mi) and “before” (pro), an important use of the word essentially meaning “speak for God before.” Before what? is an appropriate question. One sense of the preposition (pro) would be to speak about an event before it happens. Another sense would be to speak before listeners of the purpose and acts of God. Likely in this case both of these senses are paramount. In any event, the meaning is actually reasonably clear: The spirit of both the proclamation and the telling of the future is bound up in the testimony of Jesus. Jesus the Lamb—and not just a chronology of last things—is the theme of the Revelation. As Walvoord succinctly declares, “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – Patterson, P. (2012). Revelation (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.; Vol. 39, pp. 345–346). B&H. Evangelist – one who announces the Good News of Jesus (in particular a function rather than an office) …such as Philip in Acts 8:4, 12, 35, 40, 21:8 and Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5  1 Thessalonians 3:2  Philippians 2:22  and two women in Philippians 4:3  Titus in 2 Corinthians 8:18  Epaphras in Colossians 1:7  NT Evangelists – Paul/Phillip NT Church – 1 Tim 3:15, 5:1-2  1 Cor. 12:16-17 Note: not all evangelists were apostles, but all apostles were evangelists “Then he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'” – Jesus in Mark 16:15-16  CSB All disciples – “Make disciples,” – Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20  “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” – Romans 10:14-15  CSB Preachers: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors/Teachers will preach. Greek definition of the word “preach” ·       To publicly proclaim or announce news. ·       To proclaim as a herald.  Matthew 4:17; 10:7; 24:14; Acts 8:5; Acts 28:31  A person who had particular responsibilities. Someone sent to say something specific. ·       To announce good tidings or good news.  Luke 3:18; Luke 4:43; Luke 9:6; Acts 8:4; Rev 14:6  Euaggelizo – good news of the gospel ·       To teach or instruct.  Matthew 4:23; 13:36; John 6:59; I Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 2:12; Rom 2:20; Acts 13:1; Rom 12:7; 1 Cor 12:28; Mt 28:19;  Mk 16:15; Eph 4:1 ·       To cause people to learn.  Mt 11:29; 28:19; Acts 14:21  ·       To place beside, as in clear presentation.  Mt 13:24; Mk 8:6 ; Acts 16:34; 1 Cor 10:27; 2 Tim 4:3; Heb 5:12-14  Paratithemi – to place beside so you can pick up again ·       To interpret and make clear and simple.  Lk 24:27; 1 Cor 12;30; 14:5,13,27 ·       To bring out the hidden meanings.  Acts 11:4; 18:26; 28:23  Scripture has obvious and non-obvious meaning. Matthew 10:7              And as you go preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 24:14            And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, Colossians 1:28         Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:5         For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Timothy 2:15            Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Romans 10:14             How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

     The spiritual life cannot be fully understood or lived until the believer grasps the distinction between positional truth and experiential truth. Learning God's Word is always the starting point for the Christian way of life (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Tim 3:16–17). Until the believer orients to what God has already accomplished at initial salvation, he cannot discern what God now expects in fellowship (Rom 6:3–11). Confusion or neglect of Scripture inevitably drives the Christian into legalism, emotionalism, ritualism, activism, or frustration (Col 2:8, 20–23; Gal 3:1–3). Bible doctrine learned and applied provides the foundation for executing the spiritual life (Rom 12:2; Jam 1:22). God's riches for the believer include both positional and experiential blessings, and the former establishes the ground on which the latter are enjoyed (Eph 1:3; Col 2:6–7). Full study notes here: https://thinkingonscripture.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/10-The-Believers-Riches-in-Christ.pdf Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

Apologetics a little rusty? Tune into this video explaining why logic makes no sense without the one true God. Clarify your worldview, deepen your theology, and sharpen your ability to defend the faith.Watch my whole Apologetics Answers playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfSpUNYR5qo6sv8Pk8x0tmaq8lLQHHlTm&si=FlnSB-pBhZ6SSaJE==============================⏰ Timestamps ⏰TBD♱ SUBSTACK: Read weekly articles to help you learn and grow: https://thethinkinstitute.substack.com/♱ CHURCH TRAINING: Bring an IMPACTFUL weekend training event to your church or ministry ➡️ https://thethink.institute/forchurches♱ SOCIETY: Christian men get equipped for their Christian life, in community. Try out the Hammer & Anvil Society now. Go to https://thethink.institute/society.The easiest method for teaching your kids the faith we can help you learn (catechism): https://thethink.institute/catakids Men: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/societyMy name is Joel Settecase. I'm the president of The Think Institute, NFP. How I got here: 2009: Left the business world.2010: Became a Bible teacher at a Christian school in Chicago. Realized I needed more education.2011: Enrolled at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). 2013: I joined a suburban church as pastor-in-training.2013–2016: Served as a youth pastor, discipling middle and high school students.2014: Wife diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. God taught us faith.2014–2015: Discovered Calvinism, New Covenant Theology, and Presuppositional Apologetics.2015: Our thirdborn diagnosed with leukemia. God tested and trained us in real time.2016: Joined Chicago multi-site church as Associate Pastor overseeing men's, students, and family ministry and evangelism—later becoming interim lead campus pastor.2016 Wrote Catakids! catechism to teach my young kiddos the faith.2017: Graduated cum laude from TEDS. Capstone papers on apologetics of Jonathan Edwards and John Frame.2018: Joined Cru Church Movements as missionaries.2019: Thirdborn got heart failure. God built our ministry from Lurie Children's Hospital.2020: Started homeschooling. Son received heart transplant. 2020: Launched the Hammer & Anvil Society during Covid.2021: Started teaching at homeschool co-ops.2022: Launched The Think Institute as a nonprofit.2023: Wrote The Bible Based Worldview. 2023: Re-launched the Hammer & Anvil Society as a nationwide men's fellowship. 2024: Joined Village Bible Church, teaching apologetics and worldview classes, family camps, men's retreats, student electives, and Sunday sermons.2025: Launched on Substack. YouTube channel hit 1M views. We now reach 75K+ people monthly and distribute hundreds of educational resources each year. To every Christian man trying to live a Christian life: God will give you what you need for your journey (Eph. 2:10). I am living proof of that. And now my job is to help you build a worldview legacy, where you, your kids, and your wife will be able to confidently answer the world's questions with confidence, and see Jesus change lives as you share your faith.===========================================================The Think Institute relies on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

First we'll talk about why it is literally impossible for the Bible to contain actual contradictions. Then let's go to the Bible to address the following supposed contradictions in the Bible, cited by historian Marko Marina, Ph.D, at Bart Ehrman's website (https://www.bartehrman.com/contradictions-in-the-bible). 1. The Two Creation Accounts: Genesis 1:1–2:3 (cosmic, structured, 7-day creation sequence) vs. Genesis 2:4–25 (a more anthropocentric story)2. The Number of Animals on the Ark: Genesis 6:19–20 (two of every kind) vs. Genesis 7:2–3 (seven pairs of clean, two unclean)3. The Death of Saul: 1 Samuel 31:4 (fell on his sword) vs. 2 Samuel 1:10 (Amalekite killed him)4. God or Satan Inspired the Census: 2 Samuel 24:1 (God incited David) vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1 (Satan incited David)5. Jesus' Genealogy: Matthew 1:1–17 vs. Luke 3:23–38 – different names, different lineage paths6. The Voice at Jesus' Baptism: Matthew 3:17 (spoken to crowd) vs. Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22 (spoken to Jesus)7. How Many Rooster Crows? Mark 14:30 (before rooster crows twice) vs. Matthew 26:34, Luke 22:34, John 13:38 (before it crows once)8. Judas' Death: Matthew 27:5 (hanged himself) vs. Acts 1:18 (fell headlong and burst open)9. The Day Jesus Died: Synoptics: Passover day (Nisan 15) vs. John: day before Passover (Nisan 14)10. The Resurrection Visitors: Varies across Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20Sources:https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/does-last-supper-chronology-differhttps://biblehub.com/q/why_do_gospel_resurrection_details_differ.htmhttps://netbible.org/bible/Genesis+2https://biblehub.com/q/animals_on_noah's_ark.htmhttps://www.gotquestions.org/death-of-Saul.htmlhttps://defendinginerrancy.com/bible-solutions/1_Chronicles_21.1.phphttps://carm.org/if-jesus-is-god-in-flesh-why-did-he-not-inherit-original-sinhttps://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/how-to-resolve-alleged-gospel-contradictionshttps://www.biblicalauthorityministries.org/2025/05/cock-doodle-one-or-two.html==============================♱ SUBSTACK: Read weekly articles to help you learn and grow: https://thethinkinstitute.substack.com/♱ CHURCH TRAINING: Bring an IMPACTFUL weekend training event to your church or ministry ➡️ https://thethink.institute/forchurchesMen: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/societyMy name is Joel Settecase. I'm the president of The Think Institute, NFP. To every Christian man trying to live a Christian life: God will give you what you need for your journey (Eph. 2:10). I am living proof of that. And now my job is to help you build a worldview legacy, where you, your kids, and your wife will be able to confidently answer the world's questions with confidence, and see Jesus change lives as you share your faith.The world needs you. Get equipped. Welcome to The Think Institute.===========================================================Join the Hammer & Anvil SocioetyThe Think Institute relies on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Your financial contributions help equip Christian fathers and their families with the education, resources and community needed to stand firm on God's word in today's challenging climate. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 8 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Preeminence of Christ”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Gen. 1:26, 27; Col. 1:13–19; John 1:1–3; Eph. 1:22; 1 Cor. 12:12–27; 1 Cor. 4:9; Rom. 6:3, 4. Memory Text: “He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:15–17, NKJV). (February 14 - February 20)  Sunday – Shelley Quinn - Image of the Invisible GodMonday – Jill Morikone - Firstborn Over All CreationTuesday – Ryan Johnson - Head of the Body (the Church)Wednesday – James Rafferty - The “Beginning” (and Initiator)Thursday – John Dinzey  - To Reconcile All Things Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html