Podcasts about epistles

God Sees Jesus Followers as “In Christ”: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” MESSAGE SUMMARY: As Followers of Jesus, we are "In Christ" -- God looks at us and sees Jesus in us. Throughout the Epistles we find: "In Christ" or "In Him". In Galatians 3:14, Paul tells us that our faith in Jesus makes us “In Christ” and recipients of God's Covenant with Abraham: “so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.". Also, Paul goes even further, in Galatians 3:25-28, to tell us that, through our faith in Jesus, we no longer need any kind of intermediary because we are “In Christ” and we have a personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe: “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”. The benefit our position "In Christ", as Christians, is that when God looks at us, He sees Jesus, the Son; therefore, He then sees us as His sons and daughters.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Romans 3:21-26; Romans 6:5-11; Romans 6:22-23; Psalms 77a:1-10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus?” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB  

In this episode, Chris and Tracy welcome E. K. Strawser—pastor, physician, consultant, church planter, and author of You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone. Originally from South Korea, E. K. shares her journey through medical school, ministry, and church planting, reflecting on how her story and place have shaped her leadership. She challenges common assumptions about power, influence, and success, asking hard questions like: Are we drawing crowds or making disciples? Does the church exist just to survive? Grounded in Scripture, particularly Acts and the Epistles, E. K. calls leaders to embrace shared leadership and faithful community.https://www.iwacollaborative.com/ekstrawserhttps://www.iwacollaborative.com/books

~~~~~~~ No 18 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 4:7-11** But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore ......., as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. **Consider also 2 Corinthians 6:1** *These verses give us five pointers as to how we are to be good stewards of the grace of God:* *1/ By seeking fresh supplies of grace ourselves. Living soberly as saved by grace. Praying, watching. 2/ By paying attention to what reflects God's grace and mercy most . 3/ By using gifts God has given us in helping "one another". 4/ By paying attention to how we speak and minister the word. 5/ By using the grace given so that God in all things may be glorified.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the urgent call to faithful stewardship of God's grace, grounded in the imminent return of Christ and illustrated through the parables of the ten virgins and the talents. It emphasizes that true discipleship requires sober vigilance, continual prayer, and active engagement with the spiritual and practical needs of the church community. The preacher outlines five key principles: cultivating personal dependence on grace through prayer and discernment, prioritizing fervent love and hospitality within the body of believers, actively using God-given gifts to serve others, speaking and ministering the Word with divine authority and humility, and ensuring all efforts are directed to glorify God through Jesus Christ rather than self. The tone is both pastoral and convicting, urging believers to live as watchful, humble, and purposeful stewards, ready for Christ's return and committed to building up the Church through grace-enabled service.

Contend for the Faith Ken Wilson Contend for the FaithJude 1-3Message SlidesJude Chart - WilsonIntroduction to 2 Peter - Bible Speaks TodayIntroduction to Jude - Bible Speaks TodayIntroduction to Jude - SwindollInsights on Jude - J. Daryle CharlesSurvey & Theological Insights on Jude - Jim SamraIntroduction to Jude - Jim SamraJude & The Epistles of Jude - BIBDDo you contend for the faith? - Bill Mounce"ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι" Word Study - WilsonIntroduction: A Common Salvation and an Imminent ThreatSecurity(God has provided for our personal security through tough times.)• Humble: We are equal servants of Jesus Christ (1a).• Called: We are sovereignly called by God (1b).• Loved: We are continually loved by God (1c).• Kept: We are constantly kept for Christ (1d).Ministry(God has provided for our personal ministry in tough times.)• Mercy: We must remember the mercy of God (2a).• Peace: We must experience the peace of God (2b).• Love: We must demonstrate the love of God (2c).Challenge(God has provided a realistic perspective on tough times.)• Salvation: The fellowship of our salvation inspires us (3a).• Confrontation: The opposition of false teachers compels us (3b).• Foundation: The “once for all entrusted to the saints faith” unites us (3c).Christians are secure and equippedto stand for the truth in an intense strugglebecause of the resources given by God.The Importance of JudeJude sometimes gets lost, tucked away at the back of the New Testament, butthis short book contains a powerful and important message. Christians ofevery age have had to contend with the danger of ungodly unbelieversinfiltrating and affecting the Christian community. Jude mixes togetherreassuring theological affirmations of God's love and power with pointedlypoetic attacks on ungodliness and wise practical instructions regarding whatbelievers are to do when they find themselves in such situations. Jim SamraThe Purpose of JudeJude wants his readers to understand who his opponents are, the ecologicaljudgment toward which they are moving, and, by implication, what willhappen to Christians who fall prey to their deceptions. He also gives hisreaders a threefold strategy for coping with the false teachers in the present.• Build yourself up in the most holy faith (v.20a).• Pray in the Holy Spirit (v.20b)• Keep yourself in God's love (v. 21a) Jude builds the strategy on the hope that not only can his readers avoidfalling prey to the false teaching, but that they can rescue other—includingthe false teachers themselves—who are already in its grasp. Frank ThielmanUPG FOCUS: The Yao in Malawi The Yao are a large people group in southeastern Africa, primarily living in Malawi, where most are subsistence farmers and fishermen. Though they identify as Muslim, many blend Islamic practices with traditional spiritual beliefs, creating strong spiritual barriers to the gospel. Despite having Scripture and some outreach efforts, very few follow Christ and the community remains resistant. Pray for those barriers to be broken, for the Word of God to take root, and for a growing movement of believers among the Yao.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 05/24 29,133Giving For 05/31 19,095YTD Budget 1,661,538Giving 1,930,553 OVER/(UNDER) 269,015Fellowship 101We invite you to join us on Sunday, June 14, at 9:00 a.m. to learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to hear about our mission, values, and our ministries. If you're new to Fellowship, join us in the conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Fellowship Kids VBS VolunteersWe're gearing up for an exciting week at Rome VBS, June 22–26 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, and we'd love for you to be part of it! There are lots of ways to serve — whether you enjoy working directly with kids, helping behind the scenes, leading crafts or games, decorating, setting up, preparing materials, or simply jumping in wherever needed. It takes many hands to make VBS a success, and every role makes a difference. Come help us create a fun, welcoming, and unforgettable week for our kids! Contact Heather Fulmer, hfulmer@fellowshipconway.org or Ashley Overstreet, aoverstreet@fellowshipconway.org to volunteer!Men's fellowship Smoke OffNothing brings men together like BBQ! Join us for the Men's Ministry Smoke-Off on Saturday, June 20, from 5–8 PM at The Venue at Fellowship — great food, baggo, board games, and conversations that matter with men worth knowing. Want to compete? Sign up when you register. RSVP today. Register at fellowshipconway.org/men.. Automate the ImportantWe understand that the summer months can be a whirlwind of new schedules and travel. To ensure the continuous growth of Fellowship's ministry, we encourage you to simplify your giving process by automating it. It's a straightforward and hassle-free process. Just visit fellowshipconway.org/give, click “Ready to Give?” then “Recurring,” and fill out the necessary information. If you need any assistance, feel free to reach out to John in our office at 501-327-3444 between 8:30 and 4:30, Monday through Thursday.Father's Day Slide ShowWe will share a slide show of Fellowship fathers during both services on June 21. Please send one high-resolution photo (per family) to Lisa at lgerdes@fellowshipconway.org by June 15. The Arlington Mission Trip Has DepartedPlease be in prayer for the 55 youth and adults who traveled to Arlington, TX, this morning to lead backyard Bible studies and share the Gospel. Pray that God will use them powerfully as they minister throughout the week. They will return Friday evening with stories of God's work and hearts drawn even closer to Him.Do You Contend for the Faith - Bill Mounce

~~~~~~~ No 17 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 4:1-6** Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: ....... *The same mind as Christ;* *1/ Resigned to suffering. 2/ Regarding sin. 3/ As to the will of God. 4/ In readiness for the judgement.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon, drawn from 1 Peter 4:1–6, calls believers to adopt the mind of Christ through four transformative convictions: a willingness to embrace suffering as Christ did, a decisive break from the lusts of the past, a commitment to live according to God's will even amid earthly trials, and a readiness to judge rightly in light of divine justice. It emphasizes that true discipleship involves spiritual warfare, where the believer resists sin not by mere willpower but by aligning the heart with Christ's holy perspective, recognizing that suffering and sanctification are inseparable. Ultimately, the believer is called to spiritual discernment, to recognize the difference between those who serve God and those who do not, reflecting Christ's own mind in judgment and holiness, and thus strengthening the Church through faithful, Spirit-led discernment.

He is mentioned in the Epistles of St Paul (Romans 16:14). He served as a bishop in the first-century Church, and died a martyr. His book, The Shepherd, is one of the earliest Christian writings outside of the New Testament, and was held in such esteem by the early Church that it is sometimes found in ancient collections of the Holy Scriptures.   Hermas had been a wealthy man, but had fallen into poverty through his sins. A man, clad all in white and holding a staff, appeared to St Hermas and, telling him that he was an angel of repentance, gave St Hermas twelve commandments: To believe in God To live in simplicity and innocence To love truth and flee from falsehood To guard his thoughts in chastity To learn patience and magnanimity of soul To know that a good and an evil spirit attend every man To fear God, but not the devil To perform every good deed and to restrain himself from every evil one To pray to God in faith from the depths of his heart, so that his prayer might be heard To preserve himself from melancholy, the daughter of doubt, and from anger To try true and false prophecies To preserve himself from every evil desire.

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 2:30 PM Session In this fast-paced teaching session (a leadership/preacher track) Allen surveys 15 characters from Genesis that are referenced in the epistles of the New Testament, explaining how each person points to major theological themes and offering practical sermon ideas. The episode situates the study within a broader Bible overview (the 5.12 Old Testament / 4.1.21.1 New Testament schema) and emphasizes selecting 3–4 memorable lessons to personalize and preach. Key characters examined include Adam and Eve (human failure and divine redemption; the first and second Adam contrast in Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15); Cain and Abel (faithful worship vs. false religion; anger and violence); Enoch (walking with God and being taken by God; Hebrews 11, Jude); Noah (obedient faith, separation from the world, and baptism typology in 1 Peter 3); Lot (worldliness and maintaining faith amid compromise); Abraham and Sarah (justification by faith and works, patient trust); Isaac (substitutionary sacrifice type); Ishmael (bondage under law vs. freedom in Christ); Jacob and Esau (election, spiritual growth, profane living and misplaced priorities); Joseph (God's providence and forgiveness); and Melchizedek (a priestly type of Christ). The episode also unpacks recurring motifs and teaching tools: types and antitypes in the Old Testament, three levels of law, Satan's three temptation tactics (doubt God's Word, deny God's consequences, substitute worldly promises), practical sermon outlines, and multiple New Testament cross-references (Romans, Hebrews, Galatians, James, 1 Peter, Jude, Acts). The speaker provides concrete preaching points and pastoral applications—how to illustrate each character's lesson, sermon outline suggestions, and pastoral exhortations for personal growth and ministry. Listeners should expect a 40‑minute rapid tour designed to equip preachers and students with sermon ideas, textual hooks, and pastoral takeaways—encouraging them to focus on a few key figures for teaching, to apply typology responsibly, and to learn spiritual lessons ranging from repentance and obedience to providence and forgiveness. Duration 41:00

REVELATION Ep1 Full Disclosure Just as Genesis is the book of beginnings, Revelation is the book of consummation. In it, the divine program of redemption is brought to fruition, and the holy name of God is vindicated before all creation. Although there are numerous prophecies in the Gospels and Epistles, Revelation is the only New Testament book that focuses primarily on prophetic events. Its title The Apocalypse means “unveiling” or “disclosure” or “revelation.” It is also called The Revelation of Jesus Christ. This means both a revelation which came from Christ and a revelation which is about Christ—both are true. Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,  2. who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.  3. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. 4. John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, (theme of past present and future) and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,  5. and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,  6. and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 8. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (NB theme of past present and future) 9. I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.  10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,  11. saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”(turkey not Jerusalem) 12. Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13.  and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.  14. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;  15. His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;  16. He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.  17. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.  18. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.  And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.  19. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.  20. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. The Book of Revelation is the unveiling of who and what Jesus is to the church to the world and to eternity. Scholars have viewed these prophecies through four primary lenses. While each perspective seeks to honour the work of the Holy Spirit, I hold  the Futurist view in this study because it mentions things that have happened in history, inspires faith in the "here and now" of Christ's absolute authority over and through His Church and it looks forward to the future Second Coming with a living hope. 1. Preterist - depicting the current Roman struggle against the church and not future prophesy throughout the ages of the second coming of Christ. They say he came in 70 AD when Rome destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. But we see in Revelation 1:7 that John was prophesying the Day of The Lord - the Second Coming and judgement. 2. Historical - The struggle of the church against the world system through the ages. 3. Spiritual - depicting nothing literal or historical at all, but purely symbolical. 4. Futurist - depicting events that would surely take place in the church, the world and eternity, after the time of John, and beginning significantly with the opening of the first of the seven seals in chapters 5 and 6 (also see Ch.4 vs 1 – things to come)  Revelation 4:1… And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” This leads us to take note of the three divisions of time. Revelation 1.19 write the things that you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. 1. Things you have seen - chapter 1 2. Things which are - chapters 2 to 4 – the 7 churches. 3. Things with shall be - chapter 4 onwards. There are three persons involved in this revelation – Jesus – John – The messenger. I submit to you that the messenger, or angel that gave this prophecy to John is Enoch, and we will now look at some evidence.  1. Records in Genesis 5 and Hebrews 11 confirm that Enoch is physically in Heaven with God. This creates a theological necessity – Enoch has been given a Divine exemption and is released from the prison of his appointment with death.  Hebrews 9:27 it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. But he is not the only one! There will be a generation of people who will be caught up from the earth to meet Jesus in the air when he returns.   Psalm 102:18 This will be written for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created may praise the LORD…From heaven the LORD viewed the earth, to hear the groaning of the prisoner, To release those appointed to death, 2. The Bible link for Enoch  Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him - and Jude 14  Jude 14. Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all. This prophecy of the Second Coming is virtually identical to Revelation 1:7 3. When linked with the messenger's self-identification in Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.  And ch.22:9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, The evidence presents this historical figure as being uniquely commissioned to return and declare the unveiling to John. The Book of Revelation was written about 95-AD by the apostle John on the Isle of Patmos while he was in exile under the persecution of Domitian. The apostle Peter and Paul had been martyred just previously under the persecution of emperor Nero. This dating mainly comes from early church testimony, especially Irenaeus in the second century, who said the vision was seen “toward the end of Domitian's reign.” Irenaeus lived from 120 to 202 AD, and the future hope of the return of Christ became the dominant position in both Eastern and Western Christianity and still is. Added to this is the fact that the seven churches in Asia Minor that John writes to would logically have been more developed and established at that time. The book of sevens  Revelation 1:4 - John to the seven churches which are in Asia. Grace be to you, and peace, from him which is, which was, and which is to come - and from the seven spirits which are before his throne. (see also vs.20) Here there are mentioned seven spirits and seven churches, and of great significance later in the book are 1. The 7 seals 2. The 7 trumpets from seven agels 3. The 7 vials 1. The seven seals - the seven seals are seals of a book of events which are to happen worldwide (ch5.1) Which include the revelation of a conquering church, judgments upon the earth, and signs and wonders in the heavens. These events take place progressively and will be studied in detail later. The 7th seal actually contains another series of events called the seven trumpets.  2. The seven trumpets- The seven trumpets blown by seven angels are also a series of worldwide events that are judgments upon the earth, they are not final judgments but are meant to turn people to God. And the 7th trumpet contains in its blast, the seven vials.  NB The 5th angel releases locust/scorpion spirits which torment people for five months but those sealed with the Holy Spirit are protected – just as Noah and family were protected for 5 months in the ark. I met up with some close Christian friends from Inverell at a function this week and I shared that I'd be teaching the Book of revelation this coming Sunday, and they mentioned the passages about the scary demonic locusts that had a sting like scorpions (ch.9). They said that some people thought they were symbolic of fighter planes etc. But we agreed that they were definitely of a spiritual nature, set free by an angel for five months and not allowed to kill those with the seal of God – the Holy Spirit. And the next day, Thursday there was a report from the Whitehouse that the Senate had been asked to disclose information about aliens and UFO's… Three years ago the USA Senate were asked to disclose that information about aliens and UFO's, and the topic was quashed, because the number of reports and polarising opinions was causing too much chaos. The same thing happened in the early 70's in the midst of a move of the Holy Spirit. At that time there were reports from aeronautical scientists and the AirForce and the Military about Roswell and objects seen to be moving at incredible speed. Odd but human-like little aliens were reported to have even been captured or preserved or whatever. That report was shut down many months later under suspicious circumstances. So now the senate is about to do the disclosure of all the evidence of the various reports from over the years. And conveniently on Thursday there appeared ads of a new release of a movie called ‘Disclosure Day' directed by Stephen Spielberg about aliens and UFO's and cosmic chaos in the Heavens.  I don't know why the Government and the media and Hollywood or whoever else are hitting the global airwaves with this and trying to control some sort of cultural narrative but it will have a scary chaotic spiritual influence on our current society. It will be deceptive bur will contain enough true documentation to get people all over it with the usual opinions and political and tribal disputes If I am going to be asked questions I'd like to be as prepared as I can be because there will be distortions and confusion abounding.  Luke 21:11 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights (phobitron- frightening things that strike terror) and great signs from heaven. 3. The seven vials - the seven vials are seven final judgments which come up on the earth during the time of the great tribulation. The key verse- Revelation 1:7 - behold he comes with clouds. And every eye shall see him, and they also who pierced him. And all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen This is ‘The Day of The Lord' – which incorporates  1. The Resurrection of the dead (including they who pierced him, the Romans, the Jews, our sins),  2. The inauguration of Judgement,  3. The unveiling of Christ,  4. Books being opened and  5. Creation being brought into its final state before God (Romans 8:21)  All this will occur in stages as we see in the Book of Revelation, in a way beyond our imagination or earthly view, as if of some court case in a grand mammoth court. This book is an unveiling of the character and program of God and that is what we shall be seeking to understand through the Holy Spirit in our study of Revelation Paul OSullivan  pauloss @me.com

~~~~~~~ No 16 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 3:18-22** For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, ...... once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,..... The like figure whereunto even baptism ..... *1/ Christ - His suffering and death and resurrection - 1 Peter 3:18 2/ Noah - The gospel preached to those before Christ died and who did not profit from it - 1 Peter 3:19-20 3/ Baptism - The answer of a good conscience - 1 Peter 3:21* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the redemptive work of Christ, emphasizing His substitutionary death as the just suffering for the unjust to bring his people back to God, a sacrifice that was once for all and fully satisfied divine justice. Drawing from Genesis and 1 Peter, it highlights Noah as a prophetic figure whose faith and obedience in building the ark—despite ridicule—foreshadowed the gospel message of salvation through faith, with only eight souls saved by water as a type of baptism. The sermon then connects this to believer's baptism, not as a ritual cleansing of the flesh, but as a public, obedient response of a good conscience toward God, rooted in the resurrection of Christ and the believer's identification with His death and new life. Through the lens of Noah's faith, Christ's atonement, and the sacrament of baptism, the preacher calls the congregation to live in faithful obedience, recognizing that true salvation is a gift of grace, not of works, and that the ultimate hope is eternal fellowship with God, secured by Christ's victory over sin and death.

When your plans for active service are interrupted by conflict, is it a setback or a divine setup? Pastor David Antwi reveals how God orchestrated Paul's arrest to move him from missionary travel to the vital work of writing the Epistles that transformed the global church. Discover why God sometimes allows us to be 'locked up' to pour something eternal out of us.

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 8:00 AM Session In this episode Brother Dan continues the series examining the operative phrase "from the beginning" in the New Testament, focusing on 1 John 2:7–11 and its connection to Jesus' command to "love one another." He traces the phrase across the Gospels and Epistles, showing how the command appeared from the start of Jesus' ministry and is reinforced throughout John, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Corinthians, Colossians and more. The sermon outlines five vivid biblical descriptions of love—love as a badge, blockade, buffer, boundary, and bond—and explains what each image means for Christian life and witness. Brother Dan emphasizes that love should be visible to the world (John 13:34–35), fulfills the law (Romans 13:8–10), tempers conviction with affection (1 Corinthians 16:13–14), keeps us in bounds (Ephesians 5:1), and binds the church in harmony (Colossians 3). He also gives five practical directions for where our love should flow: toward those who mistreat or hate us (Luke 6), toward those who have sinned and now come home (2 Corinthians 2), toward those we have already forgiven (Ephesians/Titus), toward our families (Ephesians 5; Titus 2), and toward people who are different or marginalized (James 2). Each category is illustrated with memorable anecdotes and pastoral counsel. Along the way Brother Dan uses personal and cultural illustrations—from Texas and Tom Landry to a desert-island parable, a childhood football memory, a child with one hand at Bible class, and a cautionary reference to Madeleine Murray O'Hare's diary—to underscore how love must look and act in ordinary life. He warns against factionalism, gossip, backbiting, and punitive treatment of repentant brothers and sisters, urging the church to practice forgiveness, reaffirmation, and visible unity. Key takeaways include: Jesus' command to love was present from the beginning of His ministry; love should be both principled and practical; love protects and corrects without harming; forgiveness requires active comfort and restoration; and a loving church is the strongest testimony to the world. Listeners will leave with scriptural pointers and pastoral challenges to love one another more deeply and visibly. Duration 45:45

Season 2, Episode 110In this episode, Michael and Zach begin a biblical examination of spiritual warfare by asking a foundational question: what does the New Testament actually command Christians to do when facing spiritual opposition? While affirming the reality of demons, temptation, and spiritual conflict, the discussion focuses on the difference between descriptive passages—such as Jesus casting out demons in the Gospels—and the prescriptive instructions given to ordinary believers in the Epistles.The conversation centers heavily on passages like Ephesians 6, James 4, 1 Peter 5, and 2 Corinthians 10, exploring how Scripture consistently frames spiritual warfare around truth, holiness, faith, prayer, repentance, and Spirit-led obedience. Michael and Zach walk through the armor of God, the battle for the mind, resisting the devil through submission to God, and the ongoing conflict against the world, the flesh, and spiritual deception.The episode also addresses common modern misunderstandings surrounding spiritual warfare, including obsessive demon-focused practices, blaming personal sin entirely on Satan, and seeking extra-biblical techniques not commanded in Scripture. Rather than portraying spiritual warfare primarily as dramatic confrontation, the New Testament presents it as the ordinary but serious Christian battle to stand firm in Christ, put sin to death, cling to truth, and walk faithfully by the Spirit. The believer who daily resists temptation, renews his mind, and perseveres in obedience is engaging in genuine spiritual warfare.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/6yreFedqU7oMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

~~~~~~~ No 15 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 3:8-17** Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; ......... For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. *1/ Behaving as a Christian - 1 Peter 3:8-11 2/ Three things to keep in mind - 1 Peter 3:12,13,17 3/ Suffering for righteousness sake - 1 Peter 3:14-16* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon, drawn from 1 Peter 3:8–17, presents a compelling call to Christian living rooted in the transformative power of grace and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that true faith manifests in a willingness to be taught by the word and to walk in practical holiness—unity, compassion, brotherly love, mercy, courtesy, and the refusal to retaliate with evil, instead responding with blessing—reflecting the character of Christ and fulfilling the purpose of being called to inherit a blessing. Three key principles are highlighted: God's constant awareness of the righteous, the assurance that no true harm can come to the soul when walking in goodness, and the profound privilege of suffering for Christ, which is more honourable than suffering for sin. The passage concludes with a call to sanctify God in the heart, to be ready with a gentle and reverent defence of one's hope, and to live with a clear conscience, so that even in the face of false accusation, the world may be shamed by the integrity of a life transformed by Christ.

By Jorge de Campos - Because of what Paul described in previous chapters, he commands the ministry to preach the Word, be ready, convince, rebuke and exhort sound doctrine. The time will come that some will deviate from the truth.

This is a rerecording of our Sunday School class from May 17, 2026. A power surge at the church shut down our computer and cable and we lost the original recording. I took some time this afternoon and took advantage of some beautiful weather to work through Galatians 2 for those who are following along as we study the Epistles in Chronological order.

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By Jorge de Campos - Paul's warnings about the time of the end. What we must do instead. We have to persevere and continue in what we have been taught, The Scriptures are God breathed for us to grow so we may be mature and complete.

1 Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.Non turbetur cor vestrum. Creditis in Deum, et in me credite. 2 In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you.In domo Patris mei mansiones multae sunt; si quominus dixissem vobis : quia vado parare vobis locum. 3 And if I shall go, and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will take you to myself; that where I am, you also may be.Et si abiero, et praeparavero vobis locum, iterum venio, et accipiam vos ad meipsum : ut ubi sum ego, et vos sitis. 4 And whither I go you know, and the way you know.Et quo ego vado scitis, et viam scitis. 5 Thomas saith to him: Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?Dicit ei Thomas : Domine, nescimus quo vadis : et quomodo possumus viam scire? 6 Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.Dicit ei Jesus : Ego sum via, et veritas, et vita. Nemo venit ad Patrem, nisi per me. 7 If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him, and you have seen him.Si cognovissetis me, et Patrem meum utique cognovissetis : et amodo cognoscetis eum, et vidistis eum. 8 Philip saith to him: Lord, shew us the Father, and it is enough for us.Dicit ei Philippus : Domine, ostende nobis Patrem, et sufficit nobis. 9 Jesus saith to him: Have I been so long a time with you; and have you not known me? Philip, he that seeth me seeth the Father also. How sayest thou, shew us the Father?Dicit ei Jesus : Tanto tempore vobiscum sum, et non cognovistis me? Philippe, qui videt me, videt et Patrem. Quomodo tu dicis : Ostende nobis Patrem? 10 Do you not believe, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abideth in me, he doth the works.Non creditis quia ego in Patre, et Pater in me est? Verba quae ego loquor vobis, a meipso non loquor. Pater autem in me manens, ipse fecit opera. 11 Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?Non creditis quia ego in Patre, et Pater in me est? 12 Otherwise believe for the very works' sake. Amen, amen I say to you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, he also shall do; and greater than these shall he do.alioquin propter opera ipsa credite. Amen, amen dico vobis, qui credit in me, opera quae ego facio, et ipse faciet, et majora horum faciet. 13 Because I go to the Father: and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son.Quia ego ad Patrem vado: et quodcumque petieritis Patrem in nomine meo, hoc faciam : ut glorificetur Pater in Filio.St Philip, like Peter and Andrew, was of Bethsaida. He was crucified in Phrygia where he preached the Gospel A.D. 87.St James the Less, was of Cana and a kinsman of Our Lord. He wrote one of the Epistles of the New Testament. He was thrown from the terrace of the temple A.D. 93.

Sunday, 3 May 2026   And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. Matthew 19:15   “And having laid the hands on them, He went thence.” (CG)   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples they should not prohibit the little children from coming to Him because it is those like them to whom belong the kingdom of the heavens. Matthew next records, “And having laid the hands on them, He went thence.”   Mark, as before, gives a fuller rendering of the event, saying, “And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.” The fact that Jesus laid His hands on the children means that He blessed them. It wasn't just that He rubbed their heads and told them they were cute.   What Matthew says is fully sufficient to convey implicitly that which Mark makes explicit. The reason for the difference is that a Jewish audience would know very well what the laying on of hands signified, whereas a Gentile audience may need a fuller explanation.   In verse 19:13, it said the children were brought so that Jesus might put His hands on them and pray. Because of this, scholars struggle to connect those words with what Jesus does here. For example, Bengel says, “Our Lord is not said to have prayed, as He had been asked to do in Matthew 19:13, by those forsooth who were not fully aware of His oneness with the Father.”   Bengel is saying that Jesus didn't need to pray because He is One with the Father. That is faulty logic. Elsewhere, Jesus prays to the Father. The Pulpit Commentary follows suit with Bengel's logic, saying, “Doubtless there was meaning in this omission. In conferring blessing he was acting in his Divine nature, and had no need of prayer.”   That assumes too much. The people did not know Jesus was God incarnate. The disciples struggled with this until it became explicit after the resurrection. Rather, the act of blessing is to be taken as an act of prayer. This would be true with any person who blesses another. The very act of blessing in this context implies that the words are a petition to God for the blessing to be realized.   Life application: Of this verse, Charles Ellicott says –   “The words and the act have rightly been regarded, as in the Baptismal Office of the Church of England, as the true warrant for infant baptism. More than doubtful passages in the Acts and Epistles; more than the authority, real or supposed, of primitive antiquity; more than the legal fiction that they fulfil the condition of baptism by their sponsors—they justify the Church of Christ at large in commending infants, as such, to the blessing of their Father. The blessing and the prayer of Christ cannot be regarded as a mere sympathising compliance with the fond wishes of the parents, and if infants were capable of spiritual blessings then, why, it may well be asked, should they be thought incapable now?”   Ellicott and others see Jesus' act in these verses as justification for infant baptism. And yet, to him, the steady stream of baptisms which follow belief for every person in the book of Acts, along with the prescriptive words found in the epistles, are “doubtful” in justifying immersion after belief? How can that be?   Jesus explicitly said to make disciples and baptize them, implying belief followed by baptism. His words are after the resurrection and are to be taken as a prescriptive command.   Further, Jesus did not baptize the children in this passage. He took them in His arms, and He blessed them. Blessing is not baptism. At best, an infant can be prayed over and dedicated to God. This is appropriate, and it is an act for the parents to openly make a commitment to raise their children in a godly, Christian manner. There is nothing wrong and everything right about that.   But to somehow try to justify infant baptism, while also denying the need for believers' baptism based on the Bible, is an impossible task because such a doctrine cannot be inferred, much less be found in Scripture.   Just because tradition is introduced into a church or denomination, it cannot be held as acceptable, no matter how long it has been practiced, if it does not conform to what the Bible says. If you have never been scripturally baptized after putting your faith in Jesus, it is time to do so. The Lord commanded it, the book of Acts makes it a normative event, and the epistles confirm that it is the proper practice to follow for all who believe.   O God, thank You that Jesus died, was interred, and rose again! In honor of that wonderfully good news, help us to be obedient to follow Him in believers' baptism, just as He instructed us to do. Praises to You, O God, for what You have done in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.  

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Pope's Essay on Man, a masterpiece of concise summary in itself, can fairly be summed up as an optimistic enquiry into mankind's place in the vast Chain of Being.Each of the poem's four Epistles takes a different perspective, presenting Man in relation to the universe, as individual, in society and, finally, tracing his prospects for achieving the goal of happiness.In choosing stately rhyming couplets to explore his theme, Pope sometimes becomes obscure through compressing his language overmuch. By and large, the work is a triumphant exercise in philosophical poetry, communicating its broad and commonplace truths in superbly balanced phrases which remind us that Pope, alas, is one of the most quoted but least read writers in English:“Hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never is, but always To be Blest.”Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Pope's Essay on Man, a masterpiece of concise summary in itself, can fairly be summed up as an optimistic enquiry into mankind's place in the vast Chain of Being.Each of the poem's four Epistles takes a different perspective, presenting Man in relation to the universe, as individual, in society and, finally, tracing his prospects for achieving the goal of happiness.In choosing stately rhyming couplets to explore his theme, Pope sometimes becomes obscure through compressing his language overmuch. By and large, the work is a triumphant exercise in philosophical poetry, communicating its broad and commonplace truths in superbly balanced phrases which remind us that Pope, alas, is one of the most quoted but least read writers in English:“Hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never is, but always To be Blest.”Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

By Jorge de Campos - Ministers need to rightly divide the Word of truth. Shun false teachings because they spread like cancer. Correct in humility, hoping that God will grant them repentance.

By Jorge de Campos - God's teaching is to be faithfully conveyed. First from God to his apostles; then to those trained by the apostles; then to faithful men who will be able to teach others.They need to be faithful, to teach what they have been taught. They are not to insert their own ideas. Their teaching is to be

The New Testament Epistles guide believers through real-life faith by addressing real people in real situations. Reading them as letters rather than generic slogans helps Scripture bring clarity, correction, and encouragement without distortion.

What does it actually mean to study the Bible, not just read it, but truly dig into it? In this episode of Explore the Bible, Amir Tsarfati and Pastor Dr. Rick Yohn introduce a powerful approach to understanding the Epistles as a literary genre and apply it directly to 2 Peter.Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned student of the Word, this episode will give you fresh tools to open your Bible with confidence..Connect with us on social:Telegram: @beholdisraelchannelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amir.tsarfati/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beholdisrael/X: https://x.com/beholdisraelYouTube: https://youtube.com/@beholdisrael

As we close out our series in the Epistles of John, we are shown one of the final keys to experiencing a life of abundance. Throughout this series, we have seen that the true “good life” comes from loving and obeying Jesus. Looking at the story of Palm Sunday, we see how that obedience and love often looks like putting the needs of others above our own. May you be encouraged to examine where you are putting yourself before others and see how you can reorder your love to truly experience the abundant life. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: 3 John 1:9-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 29, 2026

As we close out our series in the Epistles of John, we are shown one of the final keys to experiencing a life of abundance. Throughout this series, we have seen that the true “good life” comes from loving and obeying Jesus. Looking at the story of Palm Sunday, we see how that obedience and love often looks like putting the needs of others above our own. May you be encouraged to examine where you are putting yourself before others and see how you can reorder your love to truly experience the abundant life. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: 3 John 1:9-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 29, 2026

As we close out our series in the Epistles of John, we are shown one of the final keys to experiencing a life of abundance. Throughout this series, we have seen that the true “good life” comes from loving and obeying Jesus. Looking at the story of Palm Sunday, we see how that obedience and love often looks like putting the needs of others above our own. May you be encouraged to examine where you are putting yourself before others and see how you can reorder your love to truly experience the abundant life. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: 3 John 1:9-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 29, 2026

By Jorge De Campos - After Nero burns Rome and accuses Christians to divert suspicion, a great persecution of Chrtians in Rome ensues. Paul ends up being imprisoned for a secod time and finally martyred. While in Rome, he now writes second Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to stir up God's Spirit of Power and continue

In this message, Minister Tom Hinders explores Acts and the Epistles, showing how the gospel moves beyond boundaries to form one new family in Christ.As the early church expands from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, we see a powerful shift: the message of Jesus is not just for one group of people—it's for everyone. Through Peter, Cornelius, Paul's missionary journeys, and even prison, God continues advancing His mission. What looks like setbacks become strategy, and what feels like division becomes an opportunity for unity.This message wrestles with a deeply personal and relevant question: How do people this different actually become one family?From Acts 10 to the letters of Paul, we discover that God is forming a new kind of community—one marked not by sameness, but by transformation. A family made up of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, united in Christ.

By Jorge De Campos - The greed of false teachers. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Guard what was committed to your trust.

By Jorge De Campos - Paul's instructions to Timothy on how to treat young and old, widows and elders.

By Jorge De Campos - Paul explains that at the time of the end, in which we now live, many will depart from the faith through false Satan influnced deceptions. We need to meditate and focus on Godliness, be an example and take heed of ourselves.

Can We Derive Doctrine from Bible Stories?Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. BernardNearly 60 percent of the Bible is written in narrative form. Instead of presenting theology in systematic outlines, Scripture often teaches through stories, especially in books such as Acts. But can doctrine be established from these narratives?In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses a foundational question of biblical interpretation: How do we distinguish between what is merely descriptive in Scripture and what is prescriptive for the church today?Referencing his book Understanding God's Word, Dr. Bernard challenges the common Western assumption that the propositional teaching of the Epistles carries more theological authority than the examples recorded in Acts. He explains why narrative passages are not secondary theology and why the practices of the early church matter for doctrine.With biblical clarity, Dr. Bernard explores how to properly interpret Scripture and why the example of the early church remains essential for believers today.This episode is a thoughtful and practical guide for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of hermeneutics, apostolic doctrine, and the authority of Scripture.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

What does it actually mean to study the Bible, not just read it, but truly dig into it? In this episode of Explore the Bible, Amir Tsarfati and Pastor Dr. Rick Yohn introduce a powerful approach to understanding the Epistles as a literary genre and apply it directly to 2 Peter, Chapter 1.Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned student of the Word, this episode will give you fresh tools to open your Bible with confidence.Connect with us on social:Telegram: @beholdisraelchannelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amir.tsarfati/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beholdisrael/X: https://x.com/beholdisraelYouTube: https://youtube.com/@beholdisrael